Almost

My life felt like a tightly wound coil, threatening to spring apart at any moment. Alaric's apology had loosened the tension, but not entirely. It was like he'd unlocked a door, only to stand awkwardly in the doorway, unsure if he should enter. The way he treated me had changed drastically. Gone was the icy indifference, replaced by a… Well, I wasn't sure what to call it. A constant need to be near me, perhaps? Lingering glances, accidental brushes of hands, and a possessiveness that made my insides flutter. He had me sneaking around at night like a love-struck teenager, but we weren't teenagers, and there was nothing to be love-struck for. He still hadn't accepted the bond… Officially.

Today, the coil threatened to snap entirely. Alaric and Casian were inspecting the new training facility for the royal guards. And of course, I, Kael, the glorified tea-fetcher, had to accompany them.

The morning air was crisp as we rode in the carriage. I sat across from the princes, trying to appear invisible, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery. Alaric kept stealing glances at me, a small, almost shy smile playing on his lips. Casian, on the other hand, regarded me with open disdain, his eyes narrowed like a predator sizing up its prey. And if I must say, I don't get why we have to ride a carriage instead of a car. I mean, I get the royals have to appear traditional and all that but Alaric told me they could also go out in cars just like Aaron do, so I guess they just want people to bow as the carriage rolls by? Being a royal is surely exhausting. If I could drive and own a car, I wouldn't ride a carriage even in my dreams.

"Excited for the inspection, Kael?" Casian's voice dripped with mock politeness. "I'm sure you'll be very… helpful."

My jaw tightened. "I'm here to assist Prince Alaric, Your Highness."

"Of course, of course." Casian chuckled. "Though I'm not sure what assistance you can offer. Unless the royal guards need someone to polish their boots?"

Alaric's jaw tightened. "Kael is perfectly capable, Casian. He's more observant than you give him credit for." His voice was low, a warning rumble.

The air in the carriage thickened. I wanted to disappear. This was exactly the kind of attention I didn't need.

When we arrived at the training facility, the construction was bustling. Workers scurried around, hammering and sawing, the air filled with the smell of sawdust and sweat. Alaric, ever the meticulous leader, began his inspection immediately, questioning the foreman and checking the structural integrity of the building.

I trailed behind, notepad in hand, trying to look busy. Alaric kept glancing back at me, his eyes conveying a silent apology for Casian's earlier behavior.

As we walked through the training grounds, Alaric brushed his hand against mine, a fleeting, almost imperceptible touch that sent a jolt through my system. I risked a glance at him, and he offered me a small, reassuring smile.

Later, as Alaric was discussing the layout of the obstacle course with the foreman, Casian cornered me. Oh how much I'm starting to hate this guy. His behavior is so out of place for an elegant prince.

"So, Kael," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Enjoying your newfound position of favor?"

I swallowed, trying to appear unfazed. "I'm simply carrying out my duties, Your Highness."

"Duties that involve being constantly at Alaric's side, I see." He stepped closer, invading my personal space. "Don't think you've fooled anyone. We all know what you are, deep down."

My heart hammered against my ribs. Had he figured it out? Did he know I was an Omega?

“You're nothing but a peasant, hungry for more than you should have. You and your mother. And I'll take it upon myself to let you know that being favored by my brother wouldn't get you anywhere better than where you should be.” This proud idiot, I wish I could hit his head enough to knock sense into it, but I can't even touch him. Lucky stone head.

Before I could respond, Alaric's voice cut through the air. "Casian, a word?" He strode towards us, his expression unreadable.

Casian smirked at me before turning to his brother. "Of course, Alaric. What is it?"

Alaric placed a hand on my shoulder, a subtle gesture of possession. "I need Kael to take some notes on the adjustments to the sparring arena. Unless you have a problem with that?"

Casian's eyes narrowed. "No, no problem at all. Just making conversation." He shot me one last venomous look before turning and walking away.

Alaric turned to me, his hand still resting on my shoulder. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Yes, Your Highness. I'm fine," I said, though my heart was still racing.

"Don't let him get to you, Kael," he said softly, his thumb gently stroking my shoulder. "He's just trying to provoke me."

I met his gaze, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. It was just us, standing in the middle of the bustling training facility, connected by a silent understanding.

"Thank you, Your Highness," I whispered.

He dropped his hand from my shoulder, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Just Alaric, Kael. When we're alone. Please."

Later that afternoon, we took a break in the shade of a large oak tree. Alaric sat beside me, close enough that our shoulders were touching. He seemed restless, unable to sit still.

"Kael," he began, his voice hesitant. "About what happened with Aaron…"

"It's alright, Alaric, we're just friends and I told him about myself because he's my friend and I trust him." I interrupted, not wanting to go through another round of convincing him Aaron is just a friend. I mean, Aaron is a nice person, I don't know why Alaric doesn't seem to like him.

"No, it's not alright," he insisted. "I was… jealous."

My eyes widened. "Jealous?"

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground. "I didn't like seeing you with him. He… he sees you in a way that I haven't allowed myself to."

"And how is that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and regret. "He sees your worth, Kael. He sees… you."

I didn't know what to say. My heart was pounding in my chest, hope flickering within me like a fragile flame.

He reached out and took my hand, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I'm trying, Kael," he said, his voice raw with emotion. "I'm trying to be the man you deserve. And I really want to."

I squeezed his hand, unable to speak. The bond between us was undeniable, a magnetic pull that drew us together despite the obstacles in our path.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training grounds, we walked back towards the carriage. Alaric seemed to be deliberately slowing his pace, as if reluctant to end our time together.

We stopped near the edge of the forest, the air filled with the scent of pine and damp earth. Alaric turned to me, his eyes searching mine.

"Kael," he said softly, his voice barely audible. "Can I…?"

He didn't finish the sentence, but I knew what he was asking. He wanted to kiss me.

My heart leaped into my throat. I'd fantasized about this moment countless times, but I never thought it would actually happen.

I nodded, unable to speak, my gaze fixed on his lips.

He took a step closer, his hand gently cupping my cheek. His thumb traced the curve of my jaw, sending a shiver of anticipation through my body.

I closed my eyes, anticipation coursing through me. His breath ghosted across my face, warm and intoxicating. I could feel his body heat radiating towards me, drawing me closer.

Just as his lips were about to meet mine, a voice shattered the silence.

"Alaric! The carriage is ready."

Casian's voice.

We sprang apart as if we'd been burned, my face flushing with embarrassment. Alaric glared in his brother's direction, his expression murderous.

"We're coming, Casian," he snapped.

Casian smirked, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Don't take too long, brother. Wouldn't want to keep the King waiting."

He turned and walked away, leaving us standing in the twilight, the almost-kiss hanging in the air between us like a broken promise.

Alaric sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Kael," he said, his voice filled with frustration. "He always has to ruin everything."

I forced a smile, trying to hide my disappointment. "It's alright, Alaric. It wasn't meant to be."

But deep down, a part of me ached for what could have been. Our first kiss, stolen in the shadows, interrupted by the ever-present threat of Casian. It was a perfect metaphor for our relationship: forbidden, fraught with danger, and destined to be complicated.