(Kael’s POV)Alaric’s chamber was dim, the windows slightly cracked to let in the summer night air. The scent of lavender oil and polished cedarwood filled the room, gentle and grounding. I stood in front of the mirror, drowsy, warm from the shower Alaric had practically dragged me into the moment we returned from Grandma’s chambers.“You’re hovering,” I muttered, watching his reflection over my shoulder.He was right behind me, close enough that I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest at my back. His hands were wrapped around my waist as he adjusted the soft squishy sleepwear he insisted I wear tonight. Something light blue, overly plush, too soft for anyone’s good. It made me feel like a walking marshmallow.“I’m not hovering. I’m ensuring my Omega’s comfort,” he said in that low Alpha voice of his—deep, teasing, and so serious at the same time it annoyed me.“Your Omega,” I echoed under my breath, just to feel how the words sat on my tongue. I wasn’t sure if I liked how
The palace was quiet when they returned, the moon casting a soft silver glow over the stones as their footsteps echoed in the grand corridor. Kael leaned slightly against Alaric, exhaustion dulling the edges of his usual composure. Aaron walked silently behind them, his hands tucked into his coat pockets, eyes lingering on Kael's back every few seconds like he was memorizing something precious.Alaric’s jaw was tense. He hadn’t spoken a word since Kael clutched his stomach during the ride back. The casual teasing, the shameless possessiveness—it had all faded into quiet protectiveness now.As soon as they stepped through the main hall, Alaric didn’t give anyone a chance to ask questions. He guided Kael toward Grandma’s chambers with single-minded focus, Aaron following close behind without being told.Inside the old healer’s sanctuary, the air was thick with calming herbs and soft candlelight. Grandma didn’t waste time. She ushered Kael to the padded seat near her workstation and gent
(Kael’s POV)I don’t think I’ve ever been this… watched.Not in the public sense—being stared at is just part of being a royal staff, unfortunately. I mean this kind of watch; Like I’m a ticking time bomb made of glass and moonlight. Like if I breathe too deep, both Alphas will drop to their knees and beg the goddess to grant them mercy.Alaric is the worst offender. Or… the most obvious one.After the whole "get out and let me dress him" order he flung at Aaron, I was too stunned to argue. Aaron didn’t, either. Just gave a low whistle and smirked his way out the door, probably plotting murder in his mind.And then it was just me and Alaric in my chambers again.He didn’t say much. Just stepped toward the wardrobe like he owned the place—which, in fairness, he kind of does by now—and pulled out a casual summer dress. Flowy. Soft. Very… pink. With little white bows on the sleeves.“Seriously?” I asked, brows raised.Alaric didn’t even blink. “You look soft in this.”“You want me soft?”
Night sloshed across the sky like some reckless artist had ditched their paintbrush for good—amber bleeding into violet, the last scraps of sun puddling through Kael’s tall window, gold dripping everywhere like honey.Alaric? Still practically glued to him. One hand latched onto Kael’s waist, the other tangled up in his hair, as if letting go might mean losing the last piece of a shattered thing. Like if he blinked, poof—gone.Kael was quiet now, but not the peaceful sort of quiet. More like the hush that hangs right before a storm, all tension and unsaid things. He was warm, limp, curled up against Alaric’s chest, not because he finally trusted him, but because fighting was just... too much. Walls down, not by choice, but by sheer exhaustion.And Alaric read the room. Didn’t say a word. Didn’t dare ask for more. Not tonight. Maybe in another life—or at least another evening.The knock at the door came sharp and sudden, breaking the fragile stillness.Kael tensed. Alaric didn’t releas
“I'm pregnant?”The quiet after the women left? It just sat heavy in the room, buzzing in Kael’s ears like a radio stuck between stations. Honestly, it felt like trying to pull in air through a wet blanket—thick, suffocating, and just plain wrong.He hadn’t moved from the bed, pillows stacked behind him like some pitiful barricade. Alaric was parked at the edge, which was classic of him—close enough you could reach out and grab his sleeve, but still with this weird, careful gap, like he was afraid of crowding Kael or maybe himself.Kael’s hands were shaking a bit, fingers twitching over the crumpled sheets. The whole room felt like it was holding its breath.“Pregnant…” he whispered. The word didn’t sound real.It echoed in his head, bouncing between disbelief and panic.His eyes flicked to Alaric.“Tell me they’re wrong,” he said, voice quiet. Fragile. “Tell me this is some… some sickness. Or something else. Because—” he shook his head “—I’m a male. I shouldn’t—this shouldn’t even be
Kael bent over the bench, arms taut, trying to lift it.Alaric’s brows knit. He could see the tremble in Kael’s fingers, the subtle shake in his knees. The thing was heavy—he knew that. Carved solid oak, barely meant to be moved.“Kael—” he started, stepping forward.Kael lifted it an inch, maybe two. A dry grunt tore from his throat. Then—he dropped it back down.He straightened—And swayed.His eyes lost focus. His pupils looked too wide, glassy. He blinked like the world was spinning too fast to keep up with.“Kael?” Alaric’s voice was sharp now, alarmed.Kael stumbled back one step.Then crumpled.Alaric moved before he thought, catching him just before he hit the ground fully. His heart thundered as he cradled Kael’s limp body.“Kael! Look at me—Kael, damn it—”Grandma rushed beside him, breath short from the pace. Alaric didn’t stop. He scooped Kael into his arms, holding him close against his chest, face pale and eyes fluttering shut.They rushed through the halls. People moved