In spite of the flurry of emotions dancing in Aushen’s heart, he settled himself and hoped for the best. He hoped that his sister and Olef and all the others in the caravan were safe. He hoped that things would go well when he explained the situation to his father. He hoped that he could keep his cool around Valleus.

As Valleus descended slowly, Aushen took a deep breath, stilling his nerves. Then, he cast Valleus a grin. “That was incredible. How did you learn to do it so well, so quickly?”

Valleus responded in a roguish smile of his own. “Honestly, I’m not sure. Just like the fire thing… it kind of just came to me. As if I’ve suddenly remembered how to do something that I’ve always known how to do.”

Valleus folded in his wings as he walked alongside Aushen. They both looked rather worse for wear, but all things considered, they were practically unscathed in the context of being accosted by cultists, falling off a cliff, and spending all night in the bitter cold wilderness. 

As for Valleus’ dragon characteristics, he was able to withdraw or hide everything except his left hand, which was still undeniably scaled. Also, since he was shirtless, one could see two large scaled ovals on his back where his wings pulled in. Aushen had tried to offer him his cape several times, but Valleus insisted he keep it. He explained that now that he had dragon blood, he found himself running fairly hot, even in the chilly air. 

As they walked towards the castle, silence settled between them. Although what Valleus had done was undeniably the thing that had saved Aushen’s life, it was still against protocol, and could even be looked at as absence on duty. Valleus knew that Aushen would defend him no matter what, but he still felt a bit nervous about how the chief would respond. Further, he was worried about how the others would look at him now that he wasn’t fully human. He felt like a monster, and was terrified to think that those who had been practically his family for the past nine years would look at him and think the same. 

Aushen, for his part, was trying to figure out how to tell everyone he thought he was now an omega. His whole life, Aushen thought he was the only beta in a family of alphas. That had been hard enough, but at least his family was rich with history of great beta kings. However, not once in the entirety of Kumbra’s existence had there been an omega king. ‘Unless we count the Wizard-King’s husband; but he was technically King Consort, not the king himself.’

While his parents and siblings were incredibly supportive, Aushen knew that the noble families were all waiting for a chance to take a bigger slice of the pie for themselves. When word got out that he was an omega, how would they respond? Would he be forced to give up the throne? Just because he didn’t feel worthy, didn’t mean he was eager to give it up– especially if it was for a dumb reason like his secondary sex changing.

As one of the knights caught sight of the approaching pair and galloped over to greet them, the two let out matching, shaky sighs. No matter what happened from this day forth, they knew their lives would never be the same.

-

The Northern Castle was ablaze with activity. The young knight who’d found the pair, Marcus, had set Aushen on his horse and sprinted back to the castle on foot, shouting all the while, “They’re back! Prince Aushen and Sir Valleus have returned safely!” Valleus chuckled, leading the horse quietly into the castle gates while the world swirled around them. 

He had already caught a few whispers from people pointing out his left hand. Right as they had entered the gate, Aushen had removed his cape and draped it over Valleus’ shoulders, so luckily, there were no comments about his back.

Everyone, from the lowest servant to the Northern Duke himself, was abuzz with activity. Valleus knew as soon as Aushen was swept away, the chief knight would pounce. He relished the few extra steps in relative peace. 

Then, the crowd parted to reveal a weepy princess, who jumped up and clung to her brother, practically dragging him down off the horse. “Aushen, oh Aushen!” she wailed. “I thought you were dead!” Valleus quickly stepped around to assist Aushen off the horse. Odessa didn’t let go as Aushen dismounted. He smiled gently at his sister. 

“It’s okay, I’m here now,” he soothed. His uncle, Grand Duke of the North, stepped forward with tears in his eyes and embraced the young prince. 

Though the man was only his father’s half brother, their facial expressions were very similar, and Aushen found much of the anxiety he had tightly wound in his stomach loosened and vanished in his uncle’s tearful hug. 

“Let’s get you cleaned up, my boy,” the duke said softly. In spite of his quiet volume, much of the hubbub around them ceased as the servants went to their places at a few gentle words of their master. ‘What a well-respected man,’ Aushen mused to himself. He turned and waved to Valleus, who gave him a quick bow and salute in return, accompanied with a knowing smile. 

Aushen allowed himself to be led away by his uncle, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. He glanced back at Valleus, who was now firmly in the grasp of the chief knight. Aushen couldn't help but worry about how the situation would unfold. 

Once in his chambers, Aushen let out a long exhale, leaning against a nearby wall. The room was spacious and elegantly decorated, a stark contrast to the ruggedness of the wilderness they had just come from. A bath was already drawn, and he was grateful for the chance to clean up. He chuckled at the sheer amount of little cuts and bruises littering his body. ‘Olef would have a fit if he saw me like th–’

Aushen’s musings were cut short by an audible gasp. “Your Highness! What– I mean– how?” Olef, whose approach had been silent, was at his side in a moment, making quite the fuss. “Are you okay? What happened to you?” 

Aushen laughed softly, grateful for his attendant’s concern. “I’ll be fine, Olef,” he assured as the attendant helped him wash. 

“His Grace the Grand Duke requested your presence after you bathe, but I must insist that we get you seen by a doctor first.” 

Aushen nodded absently in agreement. Though Valleus’ poultice had kept his hand from getting infected, he did want the injury checked over.