“Are we being set up because you’re an Omega?” Tan asked.

“No, I don’t think so, Your Highness. It’s that…I was sickly until recently and didn’t have any friends…so maybe she’s hoping to make us two…to be friends…”

The two awkwardly looked at one another, knowing how weird their situation is: both were forcefully awakened by some unknown power and have come from influential families.

It looks like they were being targeted for unknown reasons.

Mikael’s existence isn’t fully known yet, unless they’ve mistook Mikael as Siane to hurt the crown prince or the Duke.

Tan scratched the back of his head, not sure of what to do next. He looked around the room for a moment then extended his hand towards Mikael.

“I know I’m coming off weird but since everyone thinks you’re a lady…it’s going to be discourteous of me not escorting you. Would you like to join me for a walk around the gardens for the meantime? It wouldn’t be too bad to get to know one another and be friends as inso wants…”

Mikael stared at the extended hand before sighing in defeat. “Yes, it’s weird, Your Highness, but I understand where you’re coming from.”

•×•×•

Servants had come running to take a peek at the young second prince once they heard that he’s escorting ‘the princess’s twin’ and have seen how tender he looked at her that it made them think it was love at first sight, though that’s an exaggeration.

The two only bonded over how much of a bully their older siblings are.

A little accident happened between the two of them: Mikael tripped over his dress, and Tan hurriedly grabbed and pulled him close, only for their lips to meet for a brief moment. Of course, the two were flustered and started an apology contest that ended up with them laughing at the ridiculousness of it.

That day ended with them not knowing that they made sensational news among the palace staff and the nobility who had seen them.

News soon reached Marquis Ferrer’s household, and the young lady Eufemia Ferrer was visibly upset, having thrown her stuff around in anger and ripping the dresses made for her to use for future meetings with the second prince.

Of course, this news reached Siane and Duke Canaels, and their reactions were different from one another.

Siane had begged Mikael to continue being Lady Mika for the time being, which Mikael strongly declined, while the Duke doesn’t like the idea of giving both of his children to the royal family.

One sunny morning, the Duke called for Mikael to his office. The twelve year old only stood before his desk nervously.

“Mikael, there’s a lot of things I want to discuss with you. Have a seat first.” 

Mikael sat down as instructed while the older Duke sighed, rubbing his eyes.

“First, are you getting along well with Prince Tanashiri?” He asked, looking over at Mikael.

“Yes, uncle. He’s surprisingly nice and easy to get along with.” Mikael replied honestly. “His letters are politely casual as well, one could mistake him not a prince but a friend of equal status.”

The Duke nodded approvingly. “That’s good to hear. There’s nothing wrong with befriending your sister’s in-law. Secondly, I’ve drafted a list of your tutors for your successor lessons. Once finalized, you’ll start your studies. You might not be able to see and have tea with Siane for a long while, so I suggest making the most of your free time with her now. She’ll get lonely without you around.”

Mikael only raised an eyebrow at him. “It isn’t because you don’t approve of how close the crown prince is to her?”

“It’s good that they have a strong relationship.” The Duke corrected him. “However, Siane needs to remember that she has a brother she can also count on in times of need.”

Mikael flinched guiltily at that.

Right, he has already been adopted yet he still calls him Uncle instead of Father. He has to work on that soon.

The Duke glossed over his flinch and instead leaned back on his chair with a heavy sigh.

“I know it's too early to discuss engagements with you but we have to protect our name. I can’t have you engaged to a random, powerless noble for show.”

“I won’t be showing my face to high society until I’m done with my lessons. We don’t have to worry about that, Uncle.”

“The years will pass by quickly, believe me.”

Mikael only shrugged. “I don’t see the reason to fuss over my engagement. Is there a shortage of young ladies or Alphas?”

“Yes, there’s not many young ladies out there in our kingdom.” The Duke replied tiredly. “And why would I partner you up with an Alpha when there are Betas out there too? Having one son-in-law as Alpha is enough.”

Mikael stifled a laugh, knowing how tiring it is to constantly remind the crown prince to behave as his obsession with Siane when she’s not even awakened yet as an Omega is too much. His expression turned serious for a moment.

“Uncle…may I ask what made you think Sisi would manifest as an Omega that you agreed to their engagement a year ago? Is it because of Aunt…?”

The Duke’s face stiffened upon the mention of his late wife and Mikael braced himself for a scolding.

No one’s been allowed to talk about the late Duchess in front of the Duke, as it still pains him to think he lost his Omega during childbirth.

However, the Duke didn’t lash out and instead took a deep, calming breath. “Yes, it’s because of her mother. Their family is known to produce Omegas for generations.”

Mikael nodded, not trusting himself to speak anymore.

“As for you, make sure you are only good friends with the second prince, understand? I’ve had enough of one obsessive prince.”

Mikael nodded again, keeping it to himself of seeing the flustered face of the second prince the last time they met.

He’s not sure what it meant, maybe because the prince still remembers the time he dressed up like a pretty lady, and he better tread around the second prince from now on.

•×•×•

Tan sat in front of the Duke Canaels one day, a little perturbed as to the sudden social visit.

He knew the Duke should be busy with his territory at this time, with the incursions from their northwestern neighbor of Cadriell, separated only by the large Agno river and Sierra Erdam.

House Canaels has always been the one in charge of fending them off and the previous Duke Canaels has led the conquest and had annexed the southern part of Cadriell into their territory.

So what’s a busy man like the Duke doing in the palace, meeting a ten year old as if he has strong political backing to be threatened with? He has such a serious expression on his face that Tan wondered if one of his letters with the earrings he bought might have been intercepted and misinterpreted for something else.

“Your Highness.” The Duke started, making the prince stiffen up. “While I appreciate your friendship with my son, I believe we should draw a line.”

Tan bit the inside of his cheek, his eyes darting around nervously.

His gift must have been intercepted!

It is weird for anyone watching them that a prince would give a set of earrings to another guy, but Mikael did say he wanted to wear earrings and Tan happens to have a pair at hand, slightly convinced that Mikael is the one from his dream.

“I…don’t understand, Your Grace. Why should we draw a line in friendship?”

The Duke pursed his lips. “I’ve heard the same thing from your brother and soon he sent a proposal that I can’t turn down.”

Tan cleared his throat, sheepishly looking at the Duke. “I am not my brother, Your Grace. Don’t worry.”

“I cannot help but worry, Your Highness. That’s why I’m here.” The Duke said, meeting his eyes. “I’ve come here to tell you my requirements if you intend to marry my son in the future.”

The prince faked coughing at that, his ears and neck turning red. “Marriage is still far from my mind, Your Grace!”

“It doesn’t matter. This requirement will not be lifted at all.”

Tan only looked at him incredulously but the Duke continued to ignore his expressions.

“Whoever marries my son will become a live-in in-law and will not have much influence in family decisions unless my son approves of it.”