_ _ _
“Lucian”
he called out softly, his voice a low, honeyed murmur that slid through the air like silk. That single word hung between us, heavy with history. My name on his lips felt like a weapon, sharp and deliberate, reminding me of every moment we had shared.
I stood frozen, unable to move or speak, my thoughts spinning out of control. How many nights had I heard him whisper my name like that? How many times had I fallen under his spell, blind to the poison laced beneath that voice?
He stepped closer, his movements as graceful and fluid as ever, closing the distance between us with a predator’s ease. My throat tightened as he drew nearer, his gaze never leaving mine, his smile deepening with each step.
“It’s been too long, hasn’t it?” K said, stopping just a few feet away, his eyes gleaming with something dark and familiar. “You look well, Lucian. Better than I expected.”
I clenched my fists at my sides, forcing myself to breathe. The sick feeling in my stomach grew stronger with every word he spoke. I wanted to lash out, to tell him to leave, to demand he explain why he was here. But I knew K. He thrived on confrontation, on stirring chaos and watching the pieces fall where they may.
“K,” I finally managed, my voice strained, “what are you doing here?”
He tilted his head, feigning innocence. “You didn’t think I’d miss the empire’s grand anniversary, did you? It wouldn’t feel right without me. And… I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see you again.”
His eyes flickered with amusement, as if he was savoring every second of my discomfort. It took everything in me to keep my composure, to not let him see how much his presence unnerved me.
“You shouldn’t be here,” I said, my voice firmer this time. “You know what this means. Aleron—”
“Aleron doesn’t have to know,” K interrupted smoothly, his smile never faltering. “He doesn’t need to be part of this, Lucian. This is between you and me. Isn’t that how it’s always been?”
I swallowed hard, my heart racing. His words were laced with that same old charm, that seductive pull I had once fallen for. But I wasn’t the same person I had been back then. I wasn’t going to let him drag me back into that darkness.
“You’re wrong,” I said, shaking my head. “Everything’s changed. I’ve changed.”
K’s smile faltered for a brief second, but it quickly returned, sharper than before. He stepped even closer, and I could feel the heat of his presence, the way it seemed to suffocate the air around us.
“People don’t change that easily, Lucian,” he whispered, his voice low and dangerous. “You might think you’ve moved on, but I know you. I know what you hide behind that perfect little façade. You can’t erase who we were.”
My chest tightened as his words cut deeper than I wanted to admit. There was a time when I had believed him, when I had thought that no one could know me better than K. But now, standing in the garden with the weight of my new life bearing down on me, I realized just how wrong he had been all along.
I took a step back, putting distance between us. “I’m not that person anymore,” I said, my voice steady
As K’s gaze lingered on me, that familiar tension coiling between us like an unspoken threat, I forced myself to break the moment. I turned on my heel, each step away from him feeling like an escape from a suffocating trap. The air was cooler the farther I moved from the garden, the scent of the roses no longer cloying my senses as they had when K was so close. My heart pounded in my chest, my skin tingling with unease.
I didn’t look back, though I could feel K’s eyes on me, watching me leave. His presence weighed heavily in the back of my mind, his words echoing like a curse I couldn’t shake. It took everything in me to keep moving, to put as much distance between myself and that part of my past as possible.
By the time I reached the quiet halls of the palace, the tension in my body was unbearable. My mind raced, still tangled in thoughts of K and the dangerous implications of his return. Why was he here now, of all times? And why did I feel like I was falling back into old patterns just by being near him?
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I approached my chambers. The last thing I needed was for Aleron to sense anything was wrong. I had to be calm, collected. But when I pushed open the door to our room, my heart dropped.
Aleron was already there.
He stood near the window, gazing out into the night, his arms crossed over his chest. He must have come back earlier than expected. My stomach churned with anxiety as I realized how suspicious my absence might have looked.
“Lucian,” Aleron said without turning to face me, his voice calm but laced with an edge I couldn’t ignore. “Where were you?”
I froze for a moment, my mind scrambling for an explanation. My heartbeat quickened, and I could feel the pressure mounting in the room. I wasn’t ready for this confrontation. Not now. Not after K.
“I… needed some air,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I closed the door behind me. “It was too stifling in here.”
Aleron finally turned, his eyes sharp as they searched mine. He was no fool; he could sense something was off. “Why didn’t you tell me? You’ve been acting strange lately. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel the tension in the air crackling between us. I swallowed hard, trying to push down the panic rising in my throat. I needed to deflect, to regain control of the situation before it spiraled.
“You don’t need to know everywhere I am, Aleron,” I snapped, harsher than I intended. “Just like I don’t question where you go every time you leave the room.”
The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Aleron’s expression hardened, and the hurt that flickered in his eyes twisted something inside me. I didn’t want to hurt him, I couldn’t bear the thought of it, but the weight of K’s presence had unsettled me so deeply that I lashed out without thinking.
“I didn’t mean—” I started, but Aleron cut me off, his tone cold.
“Do you really think that’s the same, Lucian? I’ve never given you a reason to doubt me.”
The accusation stung, and I struggled to keep my composure , but the truth was that he was right. Aleron had never betrayed my trust. It was my own insecurities and the shadows of my past that were clouding my judgment.
“Maybe I just need some space,” I said, crossing my arms defensively, trying to shield myself from the emotional vulnerability threatening to engulf me. “I’m not the same person I used to be. I’m still getting used to this life, to you.”
The tension in the room thickened, our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Aleron opened his mouth to respond, but I could see that he was weighing his words carefully, as if trying to avoid pushing me further. I felt a pang of guilt wash over me. I didn’t want to lash out at him, especially when he had been nothing but supportive.
In an attempt to break the heavy silence, I decided to shift the conversation. “I received an invitation today,” I said, forcing the words out, hoping to steer us away from the storm brewing between us.
Aleron tilted his head, curiosity replacing the tension in his gaze. “An invitation? From whom?”
“Lady Adeline Greystone,” I replied, trying to keep my voice light. “She’s hosting a tea party for young ladies and omegas at the East Pavilion Garden. It’s supposed to be an intimate gathering.”
Aleron’s expression softened, though a flicker of concern still lingered in his eyes. “That’s… surprising. I didn’t know you were interested in such social events.”
“Neither did I,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair. “But I thought it might be good for me to engage with the court, to familiarize myself with the social scene.”
Aleron regarded me for a moment, his demeanor shifting as he considered my words. “I want you to feel comfortable in your role, Lucian. But if you ever feel overwhelmed—”
“I won’t,” I interjected, cutting him off gently. “I can handle it. It’s just tea, after all.”
“Just tea,” he echoed, his tone lightening slightly. “You know how those gatherings can be, though. A lot of politics disguised as pleasantries.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle softly, appreciating Aleron’s attempt to ease the tension. “I know. But it will be good practice for me, I’ll be fine.”
Aleron’s eyes brightened at my invitation. “I would love to accompany you. It’s important to show solidarity, especially at events like these.”
As the tension began to dissipate, I felt the earlier unease ebb away, replaced by the comfort of Aleron’s presence. But the specter of K still loomed in the back of my mind, a dark cloud threatening to overshadow the fragile peace we had forged.
“You don’t have to Aleron, I know how demanding your post can be, I’ll be fine”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Aleron asked, his voice dropping to a more serious tone as he stepped closer. “I don’t want you to feel pressured, especially with everything that’s going on.”
I smiled, attempting to mask the turmoil within me. “I’ll be fine, Aleron. I promise.”
As he studied me, I could see the lingering doubt in his gaze. I wanted to tell him everything the letter, the invitation, my fears about K, but the words caught in my throat. So instead, I turned my focus back to the tea party, hoping that by immersing myself in the social whirl, I could keep the shadows of my past at bay.
_ _ _
The following afternoon, I found myself walking through the lush gardens of the East Pavilion, guided by a servant. The air was sweet with the scent of roses and lilies, and the distant chirping of birds filled the serene atmosphere. Yet despite the beauty around me, I couldn’t shake the anxiety twisting in my stomach.
I caught sight of the pavilion, a beautiful open structure surrounded by climbing vines and ornate columns. Inside, noblewomen and omegas were already gathered around a long table draped in fine lace, sipping from delicate porcelain cups. The soft hum of conversation blended with the gentle breeze, creating a peaceful scene. It would have been relaxing, if I didn’t feel so out of place.
As I approached, Lady Adeline stood to greet me, her dark hair and piercing eyes making her striking in the afternoon light. Her gown, a deep emerald green, shimmered as she moved, and her smile was warm, though clearly practiced.
“Your Highness, it is an absolute pleasure to have you here,” she said smoothly. “We were beginning to wonder if you would accept our humble invitation.”
I smiled in return, though it felt stiff, like it didn’t quite fit. “Thank you for the invitation, Lady Adeline. The garden is beautiful.”
“Isn’t it?” she replied, gesturing to the vibrant flowers surrounding us. “I thought it would be the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon. Please, come and join us.”
I took a seat at the table, feeling the eyes of the others on me. It wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling, but today it made my skin crawl. They were curious about me, I could tell, but they hid it behind polite smiles and graceful movements, careful not to seem too interested. Still, their interest was palpable, almost suffocating.
One of the omegas, her voice soft and melodic, broke the silence. “Your Highness, I’ve heard you have an eye for the finer arts. Do you often paint?”
I smiled again, this time a little more genuinely. “I do enjoy painting when I have the time. It helps me relax.”
Another noblewoman chimed in before I could say more. “How lovely. Perhaps we might see some of your work at one of the palace exhibitions one day?”
I chuckled lightly, shaking my head. “I’m afraid I’m not quite ready for that.”
The conversation flowed easily after that, though I couldn’t help but feel that every word I said was being carefully weighed. Lady Adeline, for her part, was gracious, guiding the conversation in a way that seemed harmless on the surface, but it always circled back to me; my personal life, my relationship with Aleron, my role as Prince Consort.
“I must say, Your Highness,” Lady Adeline began after a brief lull, “you’ve adjusted quite well to your role. It’s no small feat to step into such a position so seamlessly. The court is quite impressed.”
Her words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure how to respond. “It’s been… an adjustment, but I’m grateful for the support I’ve received.”
Her smile widened, though something about her gaze sharpened. “I’m sure you’ll continue to thrive. After all, the empire has its eyes on you.”
The comment was made with a smile, but it felt like a warning. I could feel the weight of her words settling on my chest, constricting my breath. I sipped my tea to calm myself, wondering just how much Lady Adeline knew and what her true intentions were.Â
The conversation droned on, but I could hardly focus. My mind kept wandering back to her last statement, wondering if she was subtly testing me or merely making small talk. Either way, I knew I’d have to tread carefully here, just like I always had to at court.
Being Prince Consort had its privileges, but it also came with expectations and watchful eyes everywhere I went. Even in the beauty of this garden, surrounded by blooming roses and calm conversation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being dissected, every word, every gesture, scrutinized for any sign of weakness.
The conversation had lulled into a comfortable hum, with the clinching of teacups and idle chatter filling the air. I had began to feel some semblance of ease, until I heard his name.
As the young omega gushed about Kastiel Draeven’s return, my heart skipped a beat, slamming hard against my ribcage. For a brief moment, I felt the world tilt around me, the delicate porcelain teacup nearly slipping from my hand as I fought to keep my composure. I took a slow, deliberate breath, praying no one noticed the way my fingers tensed against the handle.
“Oh my, yes! He just returned from his long journey to the south,” the young omega continued, her voice filled with an almost giddy excitement. “Every omega and woman in the empire has been raving about him. He’s so dreamy, isn’t he?”
A chorus of agreement followed, each woman exchanging knowing glances, their eyes lighting up at the mention of Kastiel. I could feel the blood drain from my face, but I forced a tight smile, pretending to listen with mild interest. Inside, my stomach twisted, nausea pooling in the pit of my belly.
“He’s always been so charming,” another omega added, leaning forward with a conspiratorial grin. “I heard he’s attending the Empire’s anniversary celebration. Can you imagine the attention he’ll get?”
“I doubt any of us will stand a chance,” a noblewoman sighed dramatically, fanning herself. “Kastiel Draeven is simply… untouchable. Every omega’s dream.”
Untouchable. The word echoed bitterly in my mind, stirring memories I’d tried to bury. Kastiel had always been more than just untouchable, he had been dangerous, intoxicating, pulling people into his orbit with that same charming smile. I, too, had once been swept away by it. By him. It was so easy to get lost in his allure, to believe in the fantasy he wove around you, until you realized too late how poisonous his affection could be.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my breathing steady as the conversation continued around me, oblivious to the turmoil churning inside.
“I heard he’s staying in the palace for the celebration,” someone else chimed in, and my heart froze. “Perhaps we’ll all have the chance to see him again soon.”
My throat constricted, and I fought the urge to stand up and walk away. Kastiel staying in the palace? That meant he would be even closer than I had anticipated. Closer to Aleron, closer to me. The very thought of him lingering in the same halls I now called home made my skin crawl.
Lady Adeline, ever perceptive, seemed to notice my discomfort. She turned her gaze toward me, her expression neutral but with a spark of curiosity behind her eyes. “Your Highness, have you met Lord Draeven before? I hear he’s quite the… captivating figure.”
The question hung in the air, its edges sharp, and for a brief moment, I felt exposed, as if every pair of eyes around the table was waiting for my reaction. I steadied myself, forcing a calm smile.
“We’ve crossed paths once or twice,” I said, my voice steady, though I felt like I was walking a tightrope. “He is… certainly a well-regarded figure in society.”
Understatement. He was much more than that, but I wasn’t about to open that door, not here, not now. I couldn’t let them see how much Kastiel still affected me. I couldn’t let them know that just hearing his name made my chest feel tight with memories I’d rather forget.
Lady Adeline’s gaze lingered a moment longer, as if assessing the truth behind my words, before she turned back to the group. “Indeed. Lord Draeven has always had a remarkable presence. It will be interesting to see how he integrates back into society after such a long absence.”
The others nodded in agreement, the conversation flowing once more into discussions of Kastiel’s allure, his rumored exploits in the south, and how every omega and woman in the empire would be vying for his attention during the upcoming celebration.
But I wasn’t listening anymore. My mind was elsewhere, caught in the storm that Kastiel’s return had stirred within me. The garden around me, once serene, now felt stifling. Every breath felt shallow, as if the weight of his shadow had already found me, even though he wasn’t physically here.
I wanted nothing more than to leave, to retreat back to the safety of my chambers where I could collect myself in peace. But I couldn’t. Not without arousing more suspicion. So I stayed, smiling politely, nodding when expected, all the while feeling the tension coil tighter and tighter in my chest.
Kastiel Draeven. The name that once made my heart race with excitement now filled me with dread. His return was not just a reminder of the past. it was a threat, one that I wasn’t sure how to face.
By the time the gathering came to an end, I felt utterly drained. As I settled into the plush seat of the carriage, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the cobblestones did little to soothe the turmoil in my mind. The tea party had been more than just a social call; it had been a subtle reminder of the scrutiny I was under, of the delicate balance I had to maintain in the court.
Every smile, every polite nod, had felt like a performance, and I was acutely aware of the eyes on me. The weight of their expectations pressing down like a leaden cloak. They had all wanted something, whether it was my approval, a whispered secret, or merely to gauge my reaction to the whispers of Kastiel Draeven’s return. It was exhausting.
More than that, it had been a stark reminder that no matter how much I tried to distance myself from the relentless politics of the palace, they would always find me. I couldn’t escape it; it was woven into the very fabric of my life here. I rubbed my temples, feeling a dull ache settle in as I sighed, trying to gather my thoughts.
And then there was Kastiel. Just the thought of his name sent a shiver down my spine. I could already feel the coming storm brewing on the horizon, one that would undoubtedly force me to confront everything I had tried to bury. Memories of our past danced mockingly at the edges of my mind, whispering of old wounds I had thought had healed. But they hadn’t. They lingered like a specter, always waiting for the right moment to resurface.
As the carriage rolled on, I watched the scenery blur past, the vibrant colors of the gardens and the gilded spires of the palace fading into a haze. I felt trapped in this gilded cage, caught between the role I had to play and the person I longed to be. I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing deeply, searching for some semblance of peace.
But the tighter I grasped for it, the more it slipped away. I knew I had to prepare myself for whatever lay ahead. I would need to navigate this new wave of attention, to manage my relationships carefully, especially with Aleron. The last thing I wanted was for him to sense the unease churning inside me.
With a heavy heart, I leaned back against the plush cushions of the carriage, staring at the dim light filtering through the windows. I couldn’t let them see me falter. I had to stand strong, even if it felt like the ground beneath me was shifting.
I was Lucian, Prince Consort, and I would face whatever storm was coming head-on.
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