A Patient Love 4/?
Title: A Patient Love
Pairing: UKUS
Rating: T
Warnings: Omegaverse, age-gap, Mpreg, and slight historical inaccuracies.
Summary: Prince Arthur has finally been granted a male Omega by his brother, the king. Alfred is soon to learn the treacherous ways of royalty and that adulthood in this world is not at all kind.
Step Back
The walls had ears. Servant's gossip trickled down to the village. The village was soon in the know of Prince Arthur's heated intimacy with his Omega. It wasn't completely out of the norm for new mates to become enchanted with each other, however, the sheer amount of sexual intercourse it was rumored the two had was surprising. Omegas whispered about it in their knitting circles or when walking in their gardens. They would giggle and image how scandalous it all sounded. Learned Alphas would scoff at the notion, thinking it was bordering on obscene. While an Alpha was free to bed any Omega aside from his own mate, but to do their own Omega excessively outside of heat was strange as many Alphas thought it prevented conception.
Prince Arthur and his Omega, Alfred, though, were none the wiser about the stories in town about them. They remained in bliss as every morning and evenings, and sometimes even afternoons, were spent in each others arms. However, there were a few times that a servant happened upon them in the library or out in the gardens. Both had been unable to resist each other, and soon Arthur had Alfred bent over a table or on his back. The Omega was never one to turn him away.
When the household had packed up and moved to Arthur's manor down south, Alfred was ecstatic. He had rarely left his home when he lived with his parents as his father worried an Alpha might try to steal him away. An unmated Omega of a noble family was always at a high risk of an Alpha whisking them away. And yet, in a matter of a few months, Alfred had changed houses and now was traveling for the very first time in his life.
He was given his own carriage due to him being unable to ride yet, and his attendants followed along. It was all a farce as everyone in attendance knew Alfred could have learned to ride a horse some time before. As long as the public thought it, that was all that mattered. As it was, Arthur offered to ride with his Omega at the start of the trek. He lied through his teeth as he explained he didn't want Alfred to be scared.
Arthur took to Alfred's carriage before they set off, comfortably settling against one side, while Alfred sat across from him with a small grin. When the door closed and the couple was enclosed in their own world, Arthur was quick to pull Alfred into his lap.
"My darling," he whispered as he pushed aside Alfred's shirt. "It seems I truly am unable to resist you… You are a drug, and I am weak to you…"
Alfred moaned softly in Arthur's ear. He smiled widely. "But it is I who is unable to turn away. You could want my body at all times of the day, and even if you ran me through until I was ragged, I still wouldn't turn you away."
Arthur could only hum his happiness at this before he bit down at Alfred's bared neck. He sucked, leaving quite a mark, and then pulled away with a satisfied laugh. Alfred was nearly nude in his lap. He stilled when Arthur's fingers pinched at his pert nipples.
"Darling," he whispered fondly. He could see the way Alfred's body reacted. He smiled. "Would you mind…sucking me today?"
"Never, my Alpha… my prince." Alfred slid down in-between Arthur's legs and pushed aside the prince's doublet, and then pulled down his stockings. "I will always do as you ask."
Arthur leaned his head back, fingers working into Alfred's hair, as he settled in for the long ride ahead of him.
As a child, Arthur had hated traveling. He would get sick if the weather changed too suddenly, and he found he could not sleep comfortably in strange beds. To make matters worse, his elder brother would often accompany him, only to tease and bully him until the entire trip became more of a hassle than a vacation. Sitting on a horse for hours, and then stopping at nobles' homes to be "entertained" by them until the wee hours of the morning, tired Arthur greatly. He did well to hide it, smiling when it was the appropriate time and thanking those that gave up their homes for a few days. But really, he was just bored.
Now, however, with Alfred there to pamper him and give him his young body with all the vigor of a teenager, Arthur knew he'd enjoy himself to the fullest.
The couple arrived just outside of London at Lord Northumberland's manor who had agreed to take the couple in for the weekend. There had been news of the weather worsening, so the entourage stopped to wait out the oncoming storm. Arthur, having just filled Alfred with his seed in the carriage, kept his Omega close to him as they toured the grounds with their host.
Upon seeing his room, though, the prince leaned over and whispered into Alfred's ear, "Wait until tonight when we can christen this bed as well."
Alfred giggled behind his hand, but earned a sharp glare from the nobleman. Alfred wasn't entirely out of politics, and he knew this man in particular was a part of the king's Privy Chamber. Anything that he thought looked bad could be reported to King Scott, giving off a horrible impression of Arthur and Alfred.
"Sire, if I may?" Lord Northumberland asked, nodding to Alfred. "I'd like a word with you alone?"
Arthur looked at Alfred. The Omega seemed sad to be parting from his Alpha, but the man pat his hand reassuringly. "Of course. Alfred, wait outside. We'll be just a moment."
Alfred nodded and then left the room. Arthur turned to the nobleman expectantly.
"Sire, I have heard some distressing matters of state," the man began. "Word has it that you and your Omega are quite close, yes?"
"Why is this a matter of state?" Arthur asked with a low voice.
"Because, sire, your brother is concerned. Have you not heard in our faith that a man who exerts himself in bodily pleasure may…shrivel and die an early death as God sees it bordering on sin?"
Arthur puffed up at this. He kept his tongue, though. If his brother had even heard of their intimacy and had this man asking about it, then it was possible others in the realm did too. "I suppose my brother forced you into taking us in on our way down south so that you may report to him?"
The Lord nodded. "But of course, it is a high honor to have the Heir or our kingdom stopping by."
"Of course." Arthur grit his teeth.
Alfred pounced on Arthur's arm with a wide smile when the two men emerged from the chamber. Arthur had to look away as the expression pained him knowing that he had to shrug the Omega off of him. Above all, an Alpha's reputation, honor, and social status were most important. As he was the next in line for the throne, if his brother suddenly died and Arthur was to take the crown, he had to be in good standing with not just his people, but his new government. If his men thought he was a whore of some sort to be sleeping so often with his Omega, even if they were properly mated, they wouldn't see him religiously fit to be king. They wouldn't listen to him.
"Alfred, I believe you should go rest," Arthur said curtly. "Go to your chambers."
"But I-"
"That is an order, Alfred." Arthur turned round on Alfred, looming over him slightly.
Alfred stepped back with his head bowed low, arms tight against his sides, and fists clenched tight. Internally, he had no idea what could have deeply upset his Alpha, but he knew now was not the appropriate time to ask about it. Northumberland was watching them with a critical eye. Alfred gave a quick bow to his Alpha and the man, and then left down the hallway.
"Odd. Your Omega walks beside you," Northumberland commented. Arthur flinched.
"Yes, well. He is young. Some things can be overlooked."
The man's eyes narrowed at the prince. "Yes. The Queen was quite young when she married our King, but he taught her very early on an Omega's place is always behind their Alpha."
Alfred was to walk behind Arthur the remainder of their stay with Lord Nothumberland. He found that the man had such an acute watch over Alfred that the Omega was quite terrified of the man. Sure, Alfred was still young for his age, but he was annoyed that because of this man, Arthur was relegated to practically ignoring his mate, both verbally and emotionally. When Alfred waited for his mate in an obvious place like the gardens or the library, the prince never showed.
"Don't worry, sir," Alfred's servant said sweetly as he tucked the boy into bed. "Prince Arthur is under a lot of stress. His brother, the king, is watching him closely. You know that the king is still without an Alpha child, so our prince is next in line should anything, God forbid, happen to our king. He must keep up his appearances. When we reach our destination, I'm certain he will return to you."
Alfred sighed, turning on his side and burrowing his face into the soft pillow. "All right… But… What have I done to deserve this sudden treatment?"
The servant paused. He looked to the window, and then around the chamber. Slowly, he got down to one knee and pretended to fluff the covers. "Sir… There have been many rumors of the abnormality of your relationship with His Highness."
Alfred sat up in bed. "What do you mean?"
The servant ducked his head. "Please, do not worry. Those close to you understand that it is merely a strong attraction, but a mortal person should not… partake in such pleasurable activities so often. It isn't good for the body, especially that of the Omega."
Alfred furrowed his brow. "I do not understand… Arthur is my mate and I his Omega. Are we not allowed to fornicate when we please?"
"Not as much," the servant hissed, wishing this conversation was over. "It's just…seen as unsightly. An Alpha of Prince Arthur's status should have more than one Omega. His attachment to you worries the king, especially as you have yet to conceive. If Prince Arthur only takes one Omega, then that Omega had best be pregnant all the time in order to fulfill their royal duty. Activities outside of heat with an Omega so repetitively could result in complications for conception, especially for a male Omega."
Alfred lay back down, staring at the ceiling. Even after Arthur had soothed his nerves about his first failed attempt at pregnancy, the rest of the kingdom seemed to not care. They wanted results, not caring for Alfred's emotions on the matter, and certainly not understanding his feelings for Arthur.
"Do you…think that perhaps the prince is…," Alfred trailed off, unable to really finish his sentence. What kind of answer would he want? Did he truly think that an Alpha of such high status and with so much riding on him was actually capable of deep affection, even love?
"Sir?" the servant asked, having stood back up now.
"No. It's nothing. Please leave. I want to sleep."
The servant bowed and left. Alfred thought that the absence of the man would bring about silence, but instead it only made his thoughts louder. He turned onto his stomach, groaning, and pulling the pillows over his head so that not even the moonlight could peak underneath. It got louder and louder, until he lost track of time and forgot to sleep. All he wanted was to go home.
Suddenly, it was daybreak. Alfred hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. He sat up, his hair tousled from the restless night.
When his servant came in to open his drapes, he was surprised to see his master already awake. The young boy was known to sleep past when he was told to be up, even when he slept with Arthur in his chambers. "Sir! Good morning! It's a pleasure to see you up so early."
"I never slept," Alfred admitted. The servant stopped, staring at Alfred, puzzled. "I had too much on my mind."
"Sir… I assure you, there is nothing to worry about."
It didn't ease any of Alfred's nerves. He was sent to breakfast after dressing. For the duration of his stay, Alfred was told to sit further down the table; further away from Arthur. The Alpha agreed to it and didn't seem to steal any glances or try to even seek out Alfred's attention the way he would when they'd be next to each other. Arthur would sometimes even slip a hand onto Alfred's thigh, giving him a good, firm squeeze. Knowing that Alfred would look at him, the Alpha would smile in the way that Alfred was intensely fond of.
However, when Alfred walked into the main hall that morning and took his new spot down the table, Arthur noticed. Alfred was slow to eat and even slower to make conversation with those that talked to him. Arthur noticed how Alfred's eyes were sunken in and how sluggish he was to do much of anything.
"Excuse me," Arthur said suddenly, interrupting Northumberland. He stood, making everyone else rise suddenly. "I must speak with my Omega in private."
There was a clatter of a fork hitting a plate as Alfred had dropped his silverware. He looked over in alarm, and then quickly looked back down to his lap. Then, he was slow to rise, not sure if he should be moving at all or what. It seemed whenever he thought of taking a step forward, he was told to jump back two steps. The entire situation he was suddenly thrust into was stressful and confusing for him, and it made his stomach tight.
"Alfred," Arthur said sternly. He headed out of the room. All eyes were on Alfred as the Omega hurried to follow behind his mate. Arthur was waiting just outside the hall. He grasped Alfred's chin in his hand and pulled him up to look him in the eyes. "Tell me, what is wrong."
"I… I…!" In his tired, emotional, and stressful state, Alfred was unable to hide the tears that welled up. He started to cry, unabashedly.
Arthur stepped back in shock. He'd never seen any of his previous Omegas cry before him before. His own Omega siblings would cry at times, but as an Alpha, Arthur was told to ignore them. He wasn't their Alpha. Now that he was responsible for Alfred, Arthur was at a loss to do. Should he comfort him? Should he continue to ask him questions? Should he ignore it as he did before?
"I have displeased you!" Alfred suddenly blurted out, startling Arthur once more. "I am sorry! You said that it was all right that I did not conceive my first heat, but your brother suspects us and now you feel you must be away from me and that is my fault!"
"What? Alfred, wait-!"
"It could not be you, my prince!" Alfred looked at Arthur with tears making the blue in his eyes stand out all the more. "An Omega's job is to constantly fulfill every wish his mate has of him."
Arthur frowned, but didn't object. He wasn't entirely sure how to respond.
Alfred's head fell again, hanging pitifully limp. "And I have let you down."
"No, no you most certainly have not." Arthur realized what he must do, and that was to make his dear Omega stop crying. He decided that he didn't like to see tears on Alfred's sweet, cherub face. He promised to never have it appear before him again. "Alfred, my dear, sweet boy, you have not failed me or displeased me in any way."
"But the king-"
"Is suspicious, yes." Arthur looked annoyed by this fact. "However, that is only because he worries. My brother is under great stress dealing with a war that I believe will happen sooner rather than later, his Queen still not giving birth to an Alpha heir, and religious reform happening in Europe that could spread here. He worries for you, as well."
"M-me?"
Arthur smiled gently, wiping at the tears on Alfred's face. Then, his hand stayed on his hot skin, rubbing comforting circles on the apples of his cheeks. "Yes. He knows I am quite fond of you. Should you be infertile, or not produce me an Alpha, then he will have no choice but demand you be removed from my presence. You are the Omega I have waited for, my jewel, my precious boy. If you were taken from me, my brother knows the horrific pain that would rack me from the separation. And, as I am second in line for the throne, I am expected to have an heir as well."
Alfred's tears had stopped by then. He focused on the feeling of Arthur touching him, finally, after days of missing him. "I…I didn't know…"
"I understand that." Arthur leaned down to kiss Alfred's forehead. "I am sorry to have worried you so. I should have explained myself better."
"I waited," Alfred mumbled. Arthur's breath caught. "I waited, thinking you'd come back to me…"
"Dear, it has only been a few days." Alfred looked away, ashamed for having said anything at all. Arthur made him turn back. "But I share the same pain."
Arthur wasted no more time in conversation before he enveloped Alfred in a tight embrace, his lips on his. The Omega clung to his mate. He wished they could leave now and be alone, go to their vacation and enjoy their day at the beach, away from prying eyes that had no right to interfere in their time together.
"I want to leave," Alfred whispered when Arthur's lips pulled away. Their still close proximity ghosted across Arthur's lips. He shivered at such an intimate feeling.
"Then we will, tomorrow." He kissed at Alfred's neck. "I will do anything to make my Omega happy."
Alfred smiled, closing his eyes, and reveling in the security of knowing all was well.Hoshiko2's notes: Apologies. I forgot to make mention of Mpreg in the warnings. I have placed it there now. Also, this story's theme song is "Echo" by Helen Jane Long. (Btw, I picked Northumberland because he was an important figure in Tudor history.)
Pairing: UKUS
Rating: T
Warnings: Omegaverse, age-gap, Mpreg, and slight historical inaccuracies.
Summary: Prince Arthur has finally been granted a male Omega by his brother, the king. Alfred is soon to learn the treacherous ways of royalty and that adulthood in this world is not at all kind.
Step Back
The walls had ears. Servant's gossip trickled down to the village. The village was soon in the know of Prince Arthur's heated intimacy with his Omega. It wasn't completely out of the norm for new mates to become enchanted with each other, however, the sheer amount of sexual intercourse it was rumored the two had was surprising. Omegas whispered about it in their knitting circles or when walking in their gardens. They would giggle and image how scandalous it all sounded. Learned Alphas would scoff at the notion, thinking it was bordering on obscene. While an Alpha was free to bed any Omega aside from his own mate, but to do their own Omega excessively outside of heat was strange as many Alphas thought it prevented conception.
Prince Arthur and his Omega, Alfred, though, were none the wiser about the stories in town about them. They remained in bliss as every morning and evenings, and sometimes even afternoons, were spent in each others arms. However, there were a few times that a servant happened upon them in the library or out in the gardens. Both had been unable to resist each other, and soon Arthur had Alfred bent over a table or on his back. The Omega was never one to turn him away.
When the household had packed up and moved to Arthur's manor down south, Alfred was ecstatic. He had rarely left his home when he lived with his parents as his father worried an Alpha might try to steal him away. An unmated Omega of a noble family was always at a high risk of an Alpha whisking them away. And yet, in a matter of a few months, Alfred had changed houses and now was traveling for the very first time in his life.
He was given his own carriage due to him being unable to ride yet, and his attendants followed along. It was all a farce as everyone in attendance knew Alfred could have learned to ride a horse some time before. As long as the public thought it, that was all that mattered. As it was, Arthur offered to ride with his Omega at the start of the trek. He lied through his teeth as he explained he didn't want Alfred to be scared.
Arthur took to Alfred's carriage before they set off, comfortably settling against one side, while Alfred sat across from him with a small grin. When the door closed and the couple was enclosed in their own world, Arthur was quick to pull Alfred into his lap.
"My darling," he whispered as he pushed aside Alfred's shirt. "It seems I truly am unable to resist you… You are a drug, and I am weak to you…"
Alfred moaned softly in Arthur's ear. He smiled widely. "But it is I who is unable to turn away. You could want my body at all times of the day, and even if you ran me through until I was ragged, I still wouldn't turn you away."
Arthur could only hum his happiness at this before he bit down at Alfred's bared neck. He sucked, leaving quite a mark, and then pulled away with a satisfied laugh. Alfred was nearly nude in his lap. He stilled when Arthur's fingers pinched at his pert nipples.
"Darling," he whispered fondly. He could see the way Alfred's body reacted. He smiled. "Would you mind…sucking me today?"
"Never, my Alpha… my prince." Alfred slid down in-between Arthur's legs and pushed aside the prince's doublet, and then pulled down his stockings. "I will always do as you ask."
Arthur leaned his head back, fingers working into Alfred's hair, as he settled in for the long ride ahead of him.
As a child, Arthur had hated traveling. He would get sick if the weather changed too suddenly, and he found he could not sleep comfortably in strange beds. To make matters worse, his elder brother would often accompany him, only to tease and bully him until the entire trip became more of a hassle than a vacation. Sitting on a horse for hours, and then stopping at nobles' homes to be "entertained" by them until the wee hours of the morning, tired Arthur greatly. He did well to hide it, smiling when it was the appropriate time and thanking those that gave up their homes for a few days. But really, he was just bored.
Now, however, with Alfred there to pamper him and give him his young body with all the vigor of a teenager, Arthur knew he'd enjoy himself to the fullest.
The couple arrived just outside of London at Lord Northumberland's manor who had agreed to take the couple in for the weekend. There had been news of the weather worsening, so the entourage stopped to wait out the oncoming storm. Arthur, having just filled Alfred with his seed in the carriage, kept his Omega close to him as they toured the grounds with their host.
Upon seeing his room, though, the prince leaned over and whispered into Alfred's ear, "Wait until tonight when we can christen this bed as well."
Alfred giggled behind his hand, but earned a sharp glare from the nobleman. Alfred wasn't entirely out of politics, and he knew this man in particular was a part of the king's Privy Chamber. Anything that he thought looked bad could be reported to King Scott, giving off a horrible impression of Arthur and Alfred.
"Sire, if I may?" Lord Northumberland asked, nodding to Alfred. "I'd like a word with you alone?"
Arthur looked at Alfred. The Omega seemed sad to be parting from his Alpha, but the man pat his hand reassuringly. "Of course. Alfred, wait outside. We'll be just a moment."
Alfred nodded and then left the room. Arthur turned to the nobleman expectantly.
"Sire, I have heard some distressing matters of state," the man began. "Word has it that you and your Omega are quite close, yes?"
"Why is this a matter of state?" Arthur asked with a low voice.
"Because, sire, your brother is concerned. Have you not heard in our faith that a man who exerts himself in bodily pleasure may…shrivel and die an early death as God sees it bordering on sin?"
Arthur puffed up at this. He kept his tongue, though. If his brother had even heard of their intimacy and had this man asking about it, then it was possible others in the realm did too. "I suppose my brother forced you into taking us in on our way down south so that you may report to him?"
The Lord nodded. "But of course, it is a high honor to have the Heir or our kingdom stopping by."
"Of course." Arthur grit his teeth.
Alfred pounced on Arthur's arm with a wide smile when the two men emerged from the chamber. Arthur had to look away as the expression pained him knowing that he had to shrug the Omega off of him. Above all, an Alpha's reputation, honor, and social status were most important. As he was the next in line for the throne, if his brother suddenly died and Arthur was to take the crown, he had to be in good standing with not just his people, but his new government. If his men thought he was a whore of some sort to be sleeping so often with his Omega, even if they were properly mated, they wouldn't see him religiously fit to be king. They wouldn't listen to him.
"Alfred, I believe you should go rest," Arthur said curtly. "Go to your chambers."
"But I-"
"That is an order, Alfred." Arthur turned round on Alfred, looming over him slightly.
Alfred stepped back with his head bowed low, arms tight against his sides, and fists clenched tight. Internally, he had no idea what could have deeply upset his Alpha, but he knew now was not the appropriate time to ask about it. Northumberland was watching them with a critical eye. Alfred gave a quick bow to his Alpha and the man, and then left down the hallway.
"Odd. Your Omega walks beside you," Northumberland commented. Arthur flinched.
"Yes, well. He is young. Some things can be overlooked."
The man's eyes narrowed at the prince. "Yes. The Queen was quite young when she married our King, but he taught her very early on an Omega's place is always behind their Alpha."
Alfred was to walk behind Arthur the remainder of their stay with Lord Nothumberland. He found that the man had such an acute watch over Alfred that the Omega was quite terrified of the man. Sure, Alfred was still young for his age, but he was annoyed that because of this man, Arthur was relegated to practically ignoring his mate, both verbally and emotionally. When Alfred waited for his mate in an obvious place like the gardens or the library, the prince never showed.
"Don't worry, sir," Alfred's servant said sweetly as he tucked the boy into bed. "Prince Arthur is under a lot of stress. His brother, the king, is watching him closely. You know that the king is still without an Alpha child, so our prince is next in line should anything, God forbid, happen to our king. He must keep up his appearances. When we reach our destination, I'm certain he will return to you."
Alfred sighed, turning on his side and burrowing his face into the soft pillow. "All right… But… What have I done to deserve this sudden treatment?"
The servant paused. He looked to the window, and then around the chamber. Slowly, he got down to one knee and pretended to fluff the covers. "Sir… There have been many rumors of the abnormality of your relationship with His Highness."
Alfred sat up in bed. "What do you mean?"
The servant ducked his head. "Please, do not worry. Those close to you understand that it is merely a strong attraction, but a mortal person should not… partake in such pleasurable activities so often. It isn't good for the body, especially that of the Omega."
Alfred furrowed his brow. "I do not understand… Arthur is my mate and I his Omega. Are we not allowed to fornicate when we please?"
"Not as much," the servant hissed, wishing this conversation was over. "It's just…seen as unsightly. An Alpha of Prince Arthur's status should have more than one Omega. His attachment to you worries the king, especially as you have yet to conceive. If Prince Arthur only takes one Omega, then that Omega had best be pregnant all the time in order to fulfill their royal duty. Activities outside of heat with an Omega so repetitively could result in complications for conception, especially for a male Omega."
Alfred lay back down, staring at the ceiling. Even after Arthur had soothed his nerves about his first failed attempt at pregnancy, the rest of the kingdom seemed to not care. They wanted results, not caring for Alfred's emotions on the matter, and certainly not understanding his feelings for Arthur.
"Do you…think that perhaps the prince is…," Alfred trailed off, unable to really finish his sentence. What kind of answer would he want? Did he truly think that an Alpha of such high status and with so much riding on him was actually capable of deep affection, even love?
"Sir?" the servant asked, having stood back up now.
"No. It's nothing. Please leave. I want to sleep."
The servant bowed and left. Alfred thought that the absence of the man would bring about silence, but instead it only made his thoughts louder. He turned onto his stomach, groaning, and pulling the pillows over his head so that not even the moonlight could peak underneath. It got louder and louder, until he lost track of time and forgot to sleep. All he wanted was to go home.
Suddenly, it was daybreak. Alfred hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. He sat up, his hair tousled from the restless night.
When his servant came in to open his drapes, he was surprised to see his master already awake. The young boy was known to sleep past when he was told to be up, even when he slept with Arthur in his chambers. "Sir! Good morning! It's a pleasure to see you up so early."
"I never slept," Alfred admitted. The servant stopped, staring at Alfred, puzzled. "I had too much on my mind."
"Sir… I assure you, there is nothing to worry about."
It didn't ease any of Alfred's nerves. He was sent to breakfast after dressing. For the duration of his stay, Alfred was told to sit further down the table; further away from Arthur. The Alpha agreed to it and didn't seem to steal any glances or try to even seek out Alfred's attention the way he would when they'd be next to each other. Arthur would sometimes even slip a hand onto Alfred's thigh, giving him a good, firm squeeze. Knowing that Alfred would look at him, the Alpha would smile in the way that Alfred was intensely fond of.
However, when Alfred walked into the main hall that morning and took his new spot down the table, Arthur noticed. Alfred was slow to eat and even slower to make conversation with those that talked to him. Arthur noticed how Alfred's eyes were sunken in and how sluggish he was to do much of anything.
"Excuse me," Arthur said suddenly, interrupting Northumberland. He stood, making everyone else rise suddenly. "I must speak with my Omega in private."
There was a clatter of a fork hitting a plate as Alfred had dropped his silverware. He looked over in alarm, and then quickly looked back down to his lap. Then, he was slow to rise, not sure if he should be moving at all or what. It seemed whenever he thought of taking a step forward, he was told to jump back two steps. The entire situation he was suddenly thrust into was stressful and confusing for him, and it made his stomach tight.
"Alfred," Arthur said sternly. He headed out of the room. All eyes were on Alfred as the Omega hurried to follow behind his mate. Arthur was waiting just outside the hall. He grasped Alfred's chin in his hand and pulled him up to look him in the eyes. "Tell me, what is wrong."
"I… I…!" In his tired, emotional, and stressful state, Alfred was unable to hide the tears that welled up. He started to cry, unabashedly.
Arthur stepped back in shock. He'd never seen any of his previous Omegas cry before him before. His own Omega siblings would cry at times, but as an Alpha, Arthur was told to ignore them. He wasn't their Alpha. Now that he was responsible for Alfred, Arthur was at a loss to do. Should he comfort him? Should he continue to ask him questions? Should he ignore it as he did before?
"I have displeased you!" Alfred suddenly blurted out, startling Arthur once more. "I am sorry! You said that it was all right that I did not conceive my first heat, but your brother suspects us and now you feel you must be away from me and that is my fault!"
"What? Alfred, wait-!"
"It could not be you, my prince!" Alfred looked at Arthur with tears making the blue in his eyes stand out all the more. "An Omega's job is to constantly fulfill every wish his mate has of him."
Arthur frowned, but didn't object. He wasn't entirely sure how to respond.
Alfred's head fell again, hanging pitifully limp. "And I have let you down."
"No, no you most certainly have not." Arthur realized what he must do, and that was to make his dear Omega stop crying. He decided that he didn't like to see tears on Alfred's sweet, cherub face. He promised to never have it appear before him again. "Alfred, my dear, sweet boy, you have not failed me or displeased me in any way."
"But the king-"
"Is suspicious, yes." Arthur looked annoyed by this fact. "However, that is only because he worries. My brother is under great stress dealing with a war that I believe will happen sooner rather than later, his Queen still not giving birth to an Alpha heir, and religious reform happening in Europe that could spread here. He worries for you, as well."
"M-me?"
Arthur smiled gently, wiping at the tears on Alfred's face. Then, his hand stayed on his hot skin, rubbing comforting circles on the apples of his cheeks. "Yes. He knows I am quite fond of you. Should you be infertile, or not produce me an Alpha, then he will have no choice but demand you be removed from my presence. You are the Omega I have waited for, my jewel, my precious boy. If you were taken from me, my brother knows the horrific pain that would rack me from the separation. And, as I am second in line for the throne, I am expected to have an heir as well."
Alfred's tears had stopped by then. He focused on the feeling of Arthur touching him, finally, after days of missing him. "I…I didn't know…"
"I understand that." Arthur leaned down to kiss Alfred's forehead. "I am sorry to have worried you so. I should have explained myself better."
"I waited," Alfred mumbled. Arthur's breath caught. "I waited, thinking you'd come back to me…"
"Dear, it has only been a few days." Alfred looked away, ashamed for having said anything at all. Arthur made him turn back. "But I share the same pain."
Arthur wasted no more time in conversation before he enveloped Alfred in a tight embrace, his lips on his. The Omega clung to his mate. He wished they could leave now and be alone, go to their vacation and enjoy their day at the beach, away from prying eyes that had no right to interfere in their time together.
"I want to leave," Alfred whispered when Arthur's lips pulled away. Their still close proximity ghosted across Arthur's lips. He shivered at such an intimate feeling.
"Then we will, tomorrow." He kissed at Alfred's neck. "I will do anything to make my Omega happy."
Alfred smiled, closing his eyes, and reveling in the security of knowing all was well.Hoshiko2's notes: Apologies. I forgot to make mention of Mpreg in the warnings. I have placed it there now. Also, this story's theme song is "Echo" by Helen Jane Long. (Btw, I picked Northumberland because he was an important figure in Tudor history.)