SHADOWS AND STOLEN MOMENTS

The morning light barely kissed the horizon when a gentle knock echoed through the small cottage. Kael’s mother, Elara, adjusted her worn shawl, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She rarely received visitors, let alone at this hour. Hesitantly, she opened the door.

Standing before her, radiating an effortless charm, was Prince Aaron. He offered a disarming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Good morning, Elara, if I may call you that? I'm Aaron, your son's friend. I trust I’m not intruding too much?”

Elara, usually guarded, found herself softening under his warmth. “Your Highness… I wasn’t expecting a visit. Is everything alright?” Of course Kael had told his mother about his first ever friend.

“Perfectly alright,” Aaron assured her. “I was hoping to steal a moment with Kael before he begins his duties. I trust he’s awake?”

Elara hesitated. Allowing a prince, especially one from a foreign land, into her son’s room felt… wrong. But Aaron’s genuine smile and Kael’s own growing attachment to the prince swayed her.

“He is. But… I haven’t had a chance to do my morning routine yet so it might be a mess. You know how men are.” She gestured vaguely.

Aaron chuckled, a light, pleasant sound. "I understand perfectly. May I?" He gestured towards the door.

With a sigh, Elara stepped aside. “He’s in the first room on the right. Please be gentle with him, Your Highness. He’s… sensitive.”

Aaron dipped his head in acknowledgement. “I wouldn’t dream of upsetting him, Elara. You have my word.” He stepped inside, the scent of herbs and home clinging to the air.

Kael was still asleep, curled beneath a thin blanket, his dark hair tousled against the pillow. Aaron paused in the doorway, taking a moment to simply observe him. The raw, untamed Omega scent hung in the air, a stark contrast to the bland, Beta façade Kael usually wore. It was intoxicating, a melody of cinnamon, honey, and wildflowers that resonated deep within Aaron’s soul.

He approached the bed cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to wake Kael gently, to reassure him with a soft touch and kind words. He knelt beside the bed and whispered, “Kael? My dearest Kael, wake up.”

Kael stirred, his eyes fluttering open, widening in surprise as he registered Aaron’s presence. A blush crept up his cheeks, and he instinctively tried to sit up, pulling the blanket higher.

“Your Highness! What are you doing here?” he stammered, his voice still thick with sleep.

Aaron reached out, gently stopping him. “Good morning to you too, sleepyhead. I couldn’t resist seeing my favorite Veridian so early in the morning.”

Kael frowned, confused. “But… how did you get in here?”

Aaron grinned. "I have my ways. And your dear and beautiful mother was kind enough. You shouldn’t hide this precious omega scent beneath layers of bland scent blocker, Kael. It’s a crime against nature." He leaned closer, his nose almost brushing against Kael’s scent gland, inhaling deeply. “Absolutely exquisite.”

Kael squirmed, unable to meet his gaze. “Don’t… don’t say things like that, Your Highness. It’s inappropriate.”

“Is it?” Aaron’s voice was playful. “Or is it simply the truth?” He sat on the edge of the bed, close enough that Kael could feel the warmth radiating from him. “Besides, I’m not a prince here, Kael. I’m just Aaron.”

Kael finally met his eyes, a flicker of something akin to hope sparking within him. Maybe, just maybe, Aaron saw him as something more than a servant, more than an abomination.

“I… I need to get ready,” Kael mumbled, trying to regain his composure.

Aaron chuckled, rising to his feet. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your duties. But hurry, Kael. I have plans for us today.” He winked and turned towards the door. “I’ll be outside, charming your mother.”

As Aaron left, Kael scrambled out of bed, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions swirling within him. Aaron’s casual acceptance was intoxicating, a stark contrast to Alaric’s cold rejection. But could he trust it? Was it simply a game to the foreign prince? Or was there something genuine behind his kind words and admiring gaze?

He splashed cold water on his face, trying to clear his head. He had a duty to fulfill, a façade to maintain. But as he glanced in the mirror, he couldn’t help but wonder if, for the first time in his life, he could dare to dream of a different future.

Outside, Aaron was already immersed in conversation with Elara, helping her water the small herb garden that lined the cottage. He listened intently as she spoke, asking questions about each plant with genuine interest.

"Your Highness," Elara said, carefully placing a watering can back on the ground. "You're very good to my son."

Aaron's eyes softened. "He's a treasure, Elara. Anyone would be lucky to have him as a friend."

He glanced towards the cottage. “He spends so much of his life hidden away, serving the Prince. It is not right. Today, I want him to experience Veridia more, to see its beauty, to feel its life. He deserves that much, at least.”

Elara smiled softly. “He does. He deserves the world. And I'm so glad you made having a friend possible for him. Thank you for making him know and experiencing the joy of friendship.”

A short while later, Kael emerged from the cottage, dressed in his usual servant’s attire, but with a newfound lightness in his step.

"I'm ready, Your High… Aaron," he said, a shy smile playing on his lips.

Aaron held out his arm, a gesture that surprised Kael. “Then let’s not waste any time. Veridia awaits.”

As they walked towards the palace gates, Kael couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced back, but all he saw were the familiar faces of the palace guards, their expressions impassive.

Inside the palace, Alaric sat at the breakfast table, his appetite nonexistent. He stared at the untouched plate of food, his mind a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. He should be focusing on the upcoming trade negotiations, on solidifying his position as heir to the throne. But all he could think about was Kael.

The scent of Kael.

The way his skin shimmered when Casian splashed him with hot water.

The way his eyes widened in shock and hurt when Alaric rejected him.

The memory of Aaron’s casual claim to Kael as his friend twisted in Alaric’s gut. Friend? Aaron barely knew him. And yet, he had the freedom to spend the entire day with him, to see him smile, to hear him laugh.

A servant cleared his throat, interrupting Alaric’s thoughts. “Prince Aaron requests your presence, Your Highness. He is waiting in the courtyard with Kael.”

Alaric’s jaw clenched. He forced himself to take a deep breath, to regain his composure. He couldn’t let his jealousy show, not in front of Aaron, not in front of the entire palace staff.

He rose from the table, his movements stiff and deliberate. “Very well. I shall see what they require.”

He entered the courtyard to find Aaron and Kael chatting animatedly, their heads bent together in conspiratorial whispers. Kael’s face was flushed, and his eyes sparkled with a joy that Alaric had never seen before.

"Alaric!" Aaron greeted him with a cheerful wave. "We were just discussing the best places to visit in Veridia. Kael tells me people have said the city market is a must-see."

Alaric forced a smile. “Indeed. It is a vibrant hub of commerce. Though, I’m sure Kael has more pressing duties to attend to.” He directed a pointed look at Kael.

Kael’s smile faltered. He lowered his gaze, his cheeks paling.

Aaron, however, seemed unfazed. "Nonsense. We have the entire day. Kael deserves a break from his royal duties. Don’t you agree, Alaric?" He clapped Alaric on the shoulder, a gesture that felt less friendly and more like a subtle assertion of dominance.

Alaric gritted his teeth. He couldn’t refuse without appearing petty and unreasonable. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to deprive Kael of such a… pleasant excursion.”

The words tasted like ash in his mouth.

As the day wore on, Alaric found himself increasingly agitated. Reports from his advisors were met with curt responses. Decisions were made with an uncharacteristic lack of focus. His mind was consumed by the image of Kael and Aaron exploring Veridia, their laughter echoing through the city streets, their bond strengthening with each shared experience.

In the evening, after Kael finished his duties and set to retire for the night, he was exhausted but satisfied. He was just heading to his mother's room when he felt a presence behind him. Before he could react, a hand clamped over his mouth, stifling his scream. Strong arms lifted him off the ground, and he was carried away into the darkness. Panic surged through him as his mind raced to make sense of what was happening. Was he being kidnapped? Was this some kind of twisted prank?

His heart pounded against his ribs as he struggled against his captor's grip. He kicked and thrashed, desperate to break free, but the arms holding him were too strong. He could only watch as the familiar corridors of the palace blurred past, his fear growing with each passing moment.

Finally, he was deposited unceremoniously on his feet. He staggered backwards, disoriented and breathless. The hand that had been covering his mouth dropped away, and he finally got a glimpse of his captor's face.

His eyes widened in disbelief.

It was Alaric.

Before Kael could voice a word, Alaric’s hand was over his mouth again, effectively pushing him backwards. His back slammed against the cold stone wall, the air escaping his lungs. Alaric loomed over him, his eyes dark and intense.

“Don’t make a sound,” he whispered, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down Kael’s spine.

Kael stared up at him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t understand what was happening. Why was Alaric doing this? Was he angry? Or something else entirely?

Alaric’s gaze locked onto Kael’s lips, his eyes burning with a raw hunger that sent a confusing mix of fear and excitement coursing through Kael’s veins. The prince pressed closer, his body heat radiating against Kael's.