BEYOND THE PALACE WALLS

The morning sun, a blatant mockery of his inner turmoil, streamed through the gap in the heavy curtains. Kael forced himself out of bed, every muscle screaming in protest. He felt like he'd aged a decade overnight. The Prince's scent now felt like a brand, searing him with a rejection he didn't deserve, a bond that he was forced to bury deep down.

He plastered on his most convincing Beta mask, a practiced performance honed over years of careful observation. He meticulously applied scent dampeners, layering them until he was almost choking on the artificial, metallic fragrance. He had to be impenetrable, nonchalant. He had to project the image of a perfectly ordinary servant, unfazed by the Alpha Prince's existence.

He found Alaric already awake, pacing the length of his study. He was a magnificent specimen, even in rumpled sleepwear. The sight of him sent a jolt of longing through Kael that he ruthlessly suppressed.

"Your Highness," Kael said, his voice deliberately devoid of any inflection, "What are my orders for today?"

Alaric stopped pacing, his gaze sharp and assessing. There was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes, quickly masked by a chilling formality. "The usual. Prepare my schedule, ensure Princess Amora's visit proceeds smoothly, and… stay out of my way."

Kael inclined his head, refusing to let the Prince see how much those words stung. "As you wish, Your Highness." He turned to leave, his shoulders squared, his steps measured.

The air crackled with unspoken words, with the undeniable pull thrumming between them. He could practically feel Alaric's eyes on his back, but he didn't falter. He wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

The day stretched on, an agonizing parade of duties and forced interactions. He watched Alaric charm Princess Amora, his laughter echoing through the palace halls like nails scraping down a chalkboard. Each saccharine smile, each gentle touch felt like a personal betrayal.

That evening, as Kael was ensuring Alaric's dinner was prepared accordingly, a familiar voice boomed through the doorway. "Alaric! Where's my favorite new friend?"

Prince Aaron strode into the room, radiating an easy charm that contrasted sharply with Alaric's perpetual air of brooding intensity.

Alaric visibly stiffened. "Aaron. What brings you to Veridia so soon? I thought you were occupied with… matters of state."

Aaron waved a dismissive hand. "Duty can wait. I couldn't stay away. I simply had to see Kael again." He turned to Kael, his smile genuine and warm. "Kael, darling, are you ready for an adventure?"

Kael, caught off guard, could only stare. "An adventure, Your Highness?"

"Indeed," Aaron said, his eyes sparkling. "I felt awful when I learned that you've been stuck cooped up in this palace castle your whole life. Apparently, visiting my kingdom with Prince Alaric is your first time outside this palace. So I thought I'd show you a little bit of the real Veridia. What do you say?"

Alaric's jaw tightened. "Kael is occupied with his duties. Besides, he doesn't necessarily need to go outside the palace, why do you say it like it's a terrible thing he's never been out?"

Aaron chuckled, completely unfazed. "Busy with duty? Nonsense. Surely you can spare him for an afternoon, Alaric. It’s hardly a matter of national security." He turned his disarming smile back to Kael, "So, what do you say Kael?"

Kael hesitated. He glanced at Alaric, whose expression was thunderous. Saying yes would be an act of blatant defiance. But the thought of escaping the palace, of breathing fresh air and experiencing something other than stifling duty, was too tempting to resist. Besides, Prince Aaron called him his new friend. He made a friend for the first time in his life. He looked back at Prince Aaron. "I would like that very much, Your Highness."

Alaric's eyes flashed, but he remained silent. He couldn’t deny a request made by a visiting royal, especially his potential brother-in-law, without causing a diplomatic incident. "Very well," he said, his voice clipped. "But be back before sunset, Kael."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Aaron replied, linking his arm through Kael's. "Come on, my friend, let's go!"

As they walked away, Kael could feel Alaric's gaze burning into his back. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Once outside the palace walls, Kael's surprise grew. Instead of the expected horse-drawn carriage, a sleek, black vehicle was parked, gleaming under the afternoon sun. "What… what is this?" Kael stammered.

Aaron grinned. "A little something I picked up recently. It's called a 'helicopter'. Gets you from one kingdom to another in a few hours. But don’t worry, we won't be flying today. This," he patted the hood of the car, "is a slightly faster way to see your city."

Kael was bewildered. "But… How did you get here so quickly? And what is that?" He gestured to the unusual contraption. He'd only ever traveled by carriage or on foot.

Aaron laughed, a rich, carefree sound. "Let's just say I know a few shortcuts. As for that, it's called a car. I drove it here. Hop in, Kael, you're in for a treat."

The city was a whirlwind of colors and sounds, a far cry from the hushed, regulated atmosphere of the palace. Buildings scraped the sky, and crowds bustled through the streets. Music spilled from open doorways, and the air was thick with the aroma of unfamiliar foods.

Aaron, a natural behind the wheel, navigated the crowded streets with ease, pointing out landmarks and sharing anecdotes. He took Kael to bustling marketplaces overflowing with vibrant fabrics and exotic spices. Kael, overwhelmed by the sheer sensory overload, could only gape in amazement.

"Have you really never been outside the palace walls?" Aaron asked, his voice laced with surprise.

Kael shook his head, shame burning in his cheeks. "Not… not really. Aside from venturing into the forest."

Aaron’s brows furrowed. "That's absurd! Veridia is a big and beautiful kingdom. You've been deprived of the world, Kael. Well, not anymore."

He took Kael to a clothing boutique, filled with garments far removed from the simple tunics and trousers he was accustomed to wearing. Aaron insisted on Kael trying on different outfits, each one more extravagant than the last.

"Oh, that suits you perfectly!" Aaron would exclaim, clapping his hands together. "You look absolutely stunning!"

Kael, initially uncomfortable with the attention, found himself relaxing under Aaron's easy charm and genuine compliments. He started to enjoy the feel of the soft fabrics against his skin, the way the clothes accentuated his figure.

"Are you sure?" Kael would ask hesitantly, looking at the price tags, which were far beyond anything he could ever afford.

Aaron would simply wave his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about the cost, Kael. You clearly enjoy trying them on so go on. You deserve it."

By the time they returned to the palace, Kael was laden with shopping bags, his head spinning with new experiences. He felt a lightness he hadn't felt in years.

Alaric was waiting for them in the courtyard, his face an unreadable mask. He barely acknowledged Aaron, his gaze fixed on Kael.

"Thank you for showing Kael around, Prince Aaron," Alaric said, his voice tight. "I trust he wasn't too much trouble."

"Not at all," Aaron replied, clapping Alaric on the shoulder. "He's a delightful company. I'll see you at dinner, Alaric."

As Aaron walked away, Alaric turned to Kael, his eyes narrowed. "Where did you go?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Kael straightened his shoulders, the unexpected confidence from his day with Prince Aaron bubbling to the surface. "Prince Aaron showed me the city, Your Highness. It was… enlightening."

Alaric's nostrils flared. "And all those bags? Did you forget your place, Kael? You are a servant, not a spoiled noble."

Kael met his gaze, his voice laced with a sarcasm he hadn't dared to use before. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I forgot that Omegas aren't supposed to enjoy themselves. We are only meant to serve, right?"

The words hung in the air, a direct challenge to Alaric's authority. The Alpha Prince's face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury.

“That's not what I meant, Kael, don't play around with me. What did I tell you about cozying up with foreign royals?”

“I certainly didn't forget what you said about foreign royals, but he's my friend now, and he won't be so foreign soon enough, given that he's your soon to be brother in-law.” Alaric is indirectly ordering Kael to not get friendly with Prince Aaron and Kael is not so indirectly letting Alaric know that he doesn't plan on obeying his order.