Duke Canaels summoned his son a few days after they had seen the play, the tiredness visible on his handsome face. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, the Duke idly played with the temple tips of his reading glasses as he waited for his son to arrive.

The weather outside was nice, which the crown princess would declare as the perfect reading weather if she were home, yet the inside of the Duke’s office is heavy and cold like winter.

He wouldn’t be this greatly troubled if it wasn’t for his daughter berating him in a letter regarding the requirement he had imposed on the second prince, even if he did it to protect their family name; even the crown prince agreed to his decision so he’s not technically in the wrong here.

His problem with young ones stems from their passion, letting it blind them to the consequences, much like how he was on the fence regarding the secret wedding that Calisto insisted on. He didn’t want to hand over his daughter like that and was only appeased by Calisto with a promise of a proper public wedding when Siane turns twenty.

A knock on the door pulled him out of his reverie and he looked up, clearing his voice. “Come in.”

The door opened carefully and Mikael entered the familiar office. He was hit by the sense of a deja vu for a moment, remembering how he was summoned to this office years ago to talk about serious matters.

He stood in front of the desk, his hands clasped behind him primly.

“Is something the matter, Father?”

Duke Canaels only looked at him tiredly, not responding for a few moments. When he opened his mouth, it shocked Mikael that he wasn’t able to contain his expression.

“Three marriage proposals came for you. One from Marquis Rivera who has an Alpha daughter, Count Yllagan has an Alpha son and…” The Duke took a deep breath before sighing. “...and the Second prince Tanashiri.”

Mikael blinked several times, processing what his father had just mentioned.

The very same second prince he had been avoiding and not in contact with for a few years sent a marriage proposal out of the blue? Why?

“Marquis Rivera’s daughter is the best pick out of them but I want you to decide if you’re okay with it.”

“Am I really required to marry? I mean…I could adopt Siane’s second child as my heir. I’m pretty sure those two would have many kids, seeing how Calisto is impatient…”

Duke Canaels only grunted, displeased, and Mikael clamped his mouth shut.

It looks like the Duke is still not happy with the advance wedding and honeymoon that Calisto and Siane had done.

“Yes, you are required to marry. You need someone at your side, even if they’re going to be a trophy spouse.”

“You said Prince Tanashiri has sent a proposal, but he’s a Captain of a brigade. You wouldn’t have mentioned him if he’s affiliated, so why?”

“Are you really asking me the obvious? You always touch your earring when you’re being pensive. You two have been close friends–and I had hoped it would only stay that way–but I know my hopes would always be crushed when it comes to the royal siblings. You would have thrown that silly trinket if you’ve given up on your friendship with him after your supposed falling out.”

Mikael’s hand automatically went to his earring as if shielding it from his father’s sarcasm, trying and failing not to pout.

“It’s an early rare piece by Madame Del Mundo, why would I throw it out?” Mikael said indignantly. “Even Siane’s jealous that I got a pair after the prices skyrocketed and the Del Mundo name became well known.”

Duke Canaels doubted his son’s practical answer, as they could easily afford custom made ones from said jeweler but he let it slide as he didn’t want to prolong this discussion. He heaved a deep breath again and leaned forward, lifting his reading glasses to point at his son.

“The second prince gave an offer that I couldn’t ignore, and he seems serious enough to even consider doing it.”

“And that is…?”

“He will relinquish his title as second prince and would only be known as a Captain of the brigade. That way, you’re above him and he’s willing to marry into the family.”

Mikael mentally shook an imaginary version of Tan in his mind, wondering why he made such drastic moves out of the blue.

“I want you to take your time and give me your answer in a week.” The Duke said. “Of course, you are to write the formal rejection letters to the others once you have decided.”

•×•×•

“A letter from Mikael?” Tan said, a little surprised when he arrived at his office. Javi stood there, holding the letter tray where a thick looking envelope sits in the middle. “That’s surprising. I waited for a week and I thought I got rejected.”

Javi bit down on his lower lip, wanting to retort but he didn’t want to ruin his liege’s mood. 

How is he so sure it’s an acceptance of a marriage proposal and not a lengthy rejection letter?

For the past three years, the Second Prince went through another growth spurt thanks to his Alpha trait and is now probably a few centimeters taller than Mikael if they were to stand next to one another. His face became leaner and his body is slim yet well toned unlike his older brother who gained a few muscles for always lifting the crown princess whenever he had the chance.

In everyone’s eyes, Tan is the most well sought bachelor who could resist any Omegas. With the rumor mill that he had Javi help to spread regarding the play he saw before it became a sensation, Tan has secured his latch on his preferred Omega.

When he thought about it, the Duke’s requirement wasn’t so bad: he gets to marry Mikael and not be bothered by the internal affairs of either families, giving him the chance to keep focusing on his job.

Even if he’s forced to meddle in, he could use the Duke’s requirement to get out of it, unless Mikael asks him to meddle.

It’s a great way to escape his position as second prince, avoid Eufemia Ferrer forever and be able to focus on other matters to keep his prophetic dream from childhood from coming true.

He took the envelope, pressing a light kiss on its edge before opening it up to read its content. A big smile soon appeared on his lips and he tried hard not to jump in joy but Javi could tell he received good news.

“I can’t believe this…how…?” Javi said in disbelief. Tan handed him over his evidence.

“I knew Mikael won’t change that easily and he’d rather take on a contract marriage with me than with anyone else.” Tan slightly gloated as Javi read through the letter that was full of exasperation. “We may have not talked that much for the past years, but our friendship still stays the same.”

“It says here that ‘you’re driving me crazy with your stupid antics, Tanashiri, they’re so stupid but they work logically speaking’...is that how you two always talk?”

Tan chuckled as he sat down comfortably on his chair. “Of course, only in letters. We have to keep up with our public image. Javi, you should get yourself a new suit for my engagement party.”

“Would the royal family agree to this…? They’re going to lose a prince after all, and the Canaels will have almost absolute power in Court.”

“It’s not like I’m going to die.” Tan shrugged. “And I’m doing this for my brother’s sake. I have to remove myself from the direct lineup.”

“I still don’t understand why you would go to such lengths…”

“I guess it’s hard to understand from other people’s point of view but I’m not looking forward to a future where I lost my head.”

Javi visibly flinched at his words, looking over at him carefully. “L…lose your head?”

Tan smiled at him, motioning for him to return his letter, not offering any more words regarding that comment. He pulled out a pen and paper from his desk drawer, writing a short letter to his future fiance to meet up that day to discuss some things.

Little did he know, there was an uproar going on within the palace as the princes received marriage proposals from Eufemia Ferrer, seemingly not caring that one is already engaged for years and the other has flat out rejected her as a child and have continued to ignore or reject her in public over the years.

All she cares about in her letter is that she’s the perfect Omega for both princes, much like their mother.