A Patient Love 11
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.
Rightful Steps
Alfred was freed from his confinement a few weeks later, feeling recovered from his tiring labor. While he was gone, nothing had happened. Charles' Naturing was set for the week following Alfred's release, Arthur was still busy gathering more people for his cause to be king, and Franҫoise remained a mourning widow. The only real news worth mentioning to the new mother was that Amelia and Charles had become fast friends. They were put in the same nursery together, often times sharing the same toys and reading the same books together.
Alfred was strangely disturbed by this. If Charles did prove to be an Omega, then what did that mean of Amelia? Two young children getting along often meant they were of the same Nature, and sharing was a strong sign of being an Omega. Alfred smiled to himself, thinking that he shared too similar of thoughts with his mate these days.
The mere thought of Arthur had the Omega seeking out his mate. The prince was waiting with their daughter in Alfred's chambers. Alfred came in holding the swaddled new baby and quickly strode to Arthur and Amelia.
"My dear Omega," Arthur said happily as he embraced Alfred. He rest his head against his, eyes closed, and gave a swift kiss on his temple. "Nearly four months apart is far too long. I despise it."
"But I bring you babies." Alfred shifted the baby Rose in his arms.
"Yes, well I guess it is much like our duty to one another; a necessary evil." Arthur pulled away from Alfred enough to look down at his new child. "Another girl? She is quite beautiful."
"She has your eyes." Rose's eyes were closed as she was sleeping soundly, bundled up to prevent her spine or limbs from developing any malformations. "I named her Rose."
Arthur stared quietly at Rose for a moment, his eyes watching her as he slept. He studied her intensely as her mouth opened, her chest rising and falling, and her face twitching lightly from whatever dream she had fallen into. Then, he lifted his eyes to Alfred's. "You named her Rose…"
The softness in Arthur's voice made Alfred's heart ache. Arthur was never one to lament about his dead mate, but whenever she was brought up, there was an unspoken fondness in the man's eyes and in the way he carried himself. Alfred longed for the day when Arthur would look that way whenever his name was mentioned, or even whenever Arthur would say his name.
Amelia then tugged on Alfred's arm. "Can I see sister?"
"Oh yes, of course." Alfred sat on the edge of his chair. Amelia clamored up beside him and looked at her sister. She scrunched up her face, twisting her mouth and furrowing her brows.
"She's small."
Arthur chuckled. "She is merely an infant. You were once that small."
"I was?"
"Yes." Arthur bent down to caress Rose's cherub cheeks. "And this time…I will be here to care for my new baby."
Alfred smiled up at his mate. The Alpha returned it.
The days passed too quickly, and soon it was time for Charles' Naturing. The kingdom held its breath on the fated date, while Westminster went into a craze to prep for the event. Arthur was the last royal to be Natured nearly thirty years ago, and the revelation of the last born child in the Kirkland family to be an Alpha created quite a stir. A new royal child, and the last of the late King Scott, was heavily talked about news even on the mainland of Europe.
The French ambassador personally came to oversee the Naturing as Charles had a connection to the French throne. He was the cousin of the French king, King Francis IV. Franҫoise often talked about how Scott fancied the idea of his Alpha heir claiming rights to the French throne due to lingering thoughts in the kingdom from the 100 Years War and the connection with Franҫoise's blood line.
Westminster was decked in the royal colors with fresh perfumes littering the floor. It helped to disguise the disgusting smell from Charles as he hadn't bathed in quite some time. Nearing a child's Naturing meant no masking of their true scent. Charles was shown into a secured and blessed room in the palace where the high priest and several high members of the church would confirm on the child's Nature. These were Alphas who were sworn to truth of a person's Nature, although many still had doubts when it seemed almost too convenient a child turned out to be an Alpha.
"There were many such rumors when I was Natured," Arthur commented as he waited with Alfred in his privy chamber. He had sent everyone away, preferring to be with his mate while they waited. He paced every now and then or just sat next to Alfred with a shaky leg. "Back then, my father's brother was hoping to gain the crown should my brother die young, or that his Alpha daughter would become King after Scott died. But when I was Natured to an Alpha, many on my uncle's side cried that it was a false accusation. I had to be Natured twice just for good measure."
"Twice?" Alfred kept his hands busy, fiddling with knitting sticks without watching his lines. "Wow… When I was Natured, it was short and simple. I didn't bathe for a month, then I was taken to a church and the priest, ya know… stuck his nose in places only you've been to."
Arthur smirked, enjoying how Alfred blushed like a naïve child. He put his hand on Alfred's to stop him. "Ah, I haven't been to them in quite some time. I miss your scent."
"Your Highness…!" Alfred gasped. He put a hand to his mouth and grinned.
Then, the doors opened. Arthur had instructed the guards now to allow messengers in without a reason. Immediately, the prince was on his feet, Alfred beside him. Together, they both hoped that this would be the last time they have to refer to Arthur as Prince of England, but rather the Alpha King.
"Your Highness!" The messenger gave a short bow, to which Arthur nodded. "The child has been Natured!"
"Yes, I know that! Tell me, is he an Omega as we all knew he would be?!" Arthur took a step back at the messenger's hesitation; as if his body had been physically hit.
"N-no… sire. He is an Alpha, and now to be our future king."
Alfred looked horrified by the turn of events. Immediately his thoughts were on Amelia and what that meant for her future. However, Arthur sent the messenger away with a hard wave of his wrist. Then, he strode to the fireplace mantel. For a moment, he was quiet as he stared intensely into the hearth. Then, he flung his hands out to knock everything on the mantle aside onto the ground. The glittering cups and plates clattered loudly on the tile floor.
For Alfred, who had never seen this side of his mate, he was startled near to tears. But he was sixteen now. He had to be stronger than that. He stood with his fists balled at his sides until his knuckles were white. His lip began to bleed as he bit hard to prevent a scream of fear escape. Arthur was yelling and screaming in sheer anger.
"That witch!" Arthur shouted. He turned with fire in his eyes. Alfred flinched away. "She did this! I know she has twisted the outcome into her favor! There is no possible way that such a woman gave birth to an Alpha!"
"Arthur…," Alfred whispered. "He is your nephew and your brother's son…"
Arthur inhaled sharply, tensing until his back was erect. Alfred ducked his head. "Do not remind me of that!"
Alfred kept his head bent low as he heard Arthur storm from the room, leaving his mate in the loud silence of the empty room.The city of London, and indeed, all of England rejoiced at the news of their late king's son proving to be an Alpha. He was to be their new Alpha King, even if he was still underage and not able to rule until he was eighteen. The Kirkland line was still intact. Now, everyone was to wait for Arthur to become the regent, as many were certain the late king's brother had been named as such.
Alfred waited in the nursery with his two daughters for word from Arthur that he was to be regent. He counted on that one last string of fact. If Arthur could not be king, then he could certainly control the baby king before he was to truly take the throne. Even Franҫoise could not have managed to change what her mate wrote.
Shortly after Charles' Naturing, Arthur raced to the church to demand a re-Nature. Franҫoise was against it, claiming that it was legal, and that Arthur's accusations were ones against God. Nevertheless, he continued to cry foul on the Naturing. Alfred worried for his mate's image, but it seemed that no one spoke up against him aside from the dowager queen.
This time, a priest that Arthur had personally deemed acceptable had Natured Charles. The result was the same. There was no use denying the scent an Alpha gave off.
Alfred waited patiently while Arthur practically declared war on Franҫoise. She was withholding naming the regent, and many people in Parliament and in London grew anxious for what this could mean. Alfred liked Françoise, and he certainly cared deeply for Arthur. He hated to pick a side between the two, but if he had to, he would always stand by his mate. That was what good Omegas did.
While politics were beyond his grasp of understanding, he did know a few things after having been at Court for a few years now. He knew that a Queen would have to be relegated to a dowager queen upon their mate's death, and that if an Alpha prince or princess was too young to rule, then the King had to have named a Protector of the kingdom before their passing. It had to have been Arthur. Scott didn't trust anyone else.
"I don't trust Arthur," Françoise said suddenly. She had invited Alfred to knit with her and a few others ladies that she trusted of her privy court. They were expected not to repeat anything they said. Alfred, though, felt he was supposed to. "My late mate worked too hard to make this kingdom great. Arthur will come in and grab all of the lands for himself and for his favorites. He'll rule the kingdom with too biased of opinions."
Alfred kept his head bent low over his work, and yet he kept pricking his thumb with the needle on accident. "Arthur will do what's best for the kingdom. He loves England."
"I'm sure he does," Françoise replied offhandedly.
"And you do too," an Omega piped up from her work. Alfred glanced up, but didn't see who had said it.
"Of course. That is why I am hesitant to name anyone as Regent."
"Even if it is what King Scott, bless his soul, named the Alpha as such?" Alfred asked without raising his head.
"I must feel that I can trust them to not ruin what my dear late mate has done." Françoise bit off the end of her string.
Alfred prided himself on how loyal his mate was to him, so he was constantly honest and loyal to Arthur. No Omega at Court could boast about how often their mate laid with them in bed. Alfred was the only one at Court who was the first and only mate of his Alpha. So, of course he rushed to Arthur's side to repeat what Françoise had said, knowing full well that was what she wanted.
"And so that's why I came to you," Alfred finished. He was rocking Rose in his arms while Amelia played at his feet. Arthur was standing by a window, looking out silently. Alfred admired the way the light caught Arthur's golden locks, but it did little to soften his hardened jaw. "Did I…do the right thing…?"
Arthur turned slowly from the window with his body rigid. "Yes, you did."
Alfred stopped rocking to stare at Arthur. He tilted his head at the hardened expression on his mate's face. "Arthur? Are you all right?"
"It's nothing, my pet." Arthur strode towards the door, but paused just as he passed Amelia. "Amelia, come with me."
The little girl stopped playing with her toys and followed her father dutifully. Alfred watched with an eyebrow raised, but said nothing upon their departure. Rose had begun to cry.
It was only a few days later that Arthur approached Alfred in his chambers. He sent away all of the servants and closed the door behind them. Alfred stood in the middle of the room feeling nervous for some reason. He had never been with his mate before.
"Arthur, is something the matter?" Alfred asked tentatively.
"My dear Omega," Arthur started with a soothing tone. It did little to relieve Alfred. "I think it's best that you stay in your chambers."
"For the rest of the day?" Alfred asked.
Arthur shook his head. "No, until I say so. You are not allowed any visitors, even our own daughter, Amelia. I have already told her to be a good girl and leave mummy alone."
Alfred grew angry, and he rushed towards Arthur. "What? Why? Am I being punished? Have I done something wrong?"
Arthur smiled tenderly and put his hands on Alfred's shoulders. Alfred was shocked to realize his mate had to look up at him slightly. "No, my pet. This is for your own safety. Things are not well at Court."
"Then our daughters are in danger," Alfred said hastily.
"No, they are safe. I will make sure of that." Arthur steered Alfred to his bed. "You just rest. Your heat should come in a few months, and we don't want your body being too exhausted before it carries another Alpha baby."
"But…" Alfred was forced to sit. He looked up at Arthur sadly, gripping his bed sheets. "If it isn't safe here…then why are we staying? You have not been proclaimed Protector."
Arthur's smile hardened. "Not yet. And that is why I am keeping you safe. I don't want you hearing anything that might upset you or the children. You are all very fragile creatures. If you were to fall ill, think of the children. They are too young. And think of any future children. You are too precious to lose."
"Because I can carry babies or…?" Alfred trailed off, hoping for Arthur to reassure him that it was because his mate couldn't stand to lose his Omega. Arthur said nothing. He leaned up to kiss Alfred's forehead. "Yes, Arthur…"
"What a good Omega."
The days were long and boring. Alfred was confined to his room, unable to see anyone. Even his loyal servants had to be checked at the door by guards that Arthur had placed outside of Alfred's chambers. It boiled Alfred's blood. He wasn't being protected, he was being shelved to be kept ignorant. Alfred felt cheated by his own mate for not only having so little faith in him to understand things, but also to be pushed to the side because he was a "fragile" creature.
While locked up, Alfred thought a lot about his first days at Court and the moments he spent with Françoise. She often spoke about France and how different it was. Traveling sounded fantastic. The few times he had gotten to with Arthur had always been glorious. Looking at new scenery, smelling a new town, and meeting new people excited Alfred until he had to pace his room just to let his thoughts wander with him. Of course, he'd prefer if he were actually out there with his mate and his two daughters to explore and travel to new places. He even toyed with the idea that he'd ask Arthur that they leave London to go overseas even if it was a dangerous thing.
It was too tumultuous a time for Arthur to do anything that wasn't related to the crown. Charles was still a child, and he'd need guidance. Even if Arthur wasn't placed as Protector, he was the king's uncle. His word would mean something to the naive child, unless Franҫoise got her hands on him.
A knock startled Alfred out of his thoughts. He hadn't heard a noise for days.
"Who is it?" he asked. The guards should have stopped anyone that wasn't welcome.
"Alfred, it is me, your brother." Alfred moved quickly at hearing the familiar voice of his younger brother. He threw open the doors. A blond haired man with a face much like Alfred's own stood before him with a wide smile and bright purple eyes. "Brother!"
"Matthew!" Alfred hugged his Alpha brother tightly around the neck as he did when they were children. They laughed as Matthew staggered into the room trying to hold onto his brother. "It has been too long! What are you doing here at Court?!"
"I have been called here." Matthew put Alfred back down on the ground, patting his back. "Wow! It seems we share the same growth spurt."
Alfred noticed Matthew's expensive clothing. He wore cloths of white and fine red. He smelled of foreign leather. The last time he and his brother had been together, Matthew certainly was not this rich. He must have mated and come into a fortune with a great Omega. "Brother, are you mated?"
Matthew blushed, but smiled. "I have not. All of this comes from you!"
"M-me?" Alfred tilted his head. "How have I influenced your wealth?"
"I am the brother of the Omega to the Prince of England, soon to be Protector of all of England. It seems I have gained favor in the kingdom." Matthew straightened his collar with a confident smile on his face. Alfred's face lit up. "So, naturally, I wanted to see my brother. I haven't seen you in so long."
"Oh Mattie!" Alfred hugged his brother again, feeling tears tingling behind his eyes. "I've been locked up here for too long and haven't seen anyone I can confide in."
Matthew pulled Alfred away, holding him at arm's distance. He furrowed his brow and frowned. "What do you need to confide in someone about? Is something the matter?"
Just then, the doors opened. Arthur stood in the doorway with wide eyes. He looked from Matthew to Alfred, and then back to Matthew. The green in his eyes was nearly gone as he stared suspiciously at Matthew. Alfred had no idea his mate could even make such a face, or why he would at seeing Alfred and his beloved younger brother reuniting after years apart.
"Arthur!" Alfred exclaimed as he moved to him with arms outstretched. Arthur took him, kissing his head and pressing him close to his chest so Alfred was unable to speak. His mouth was crushed right in Arthur's pectoral over his heart. The Alpha's heart was racing.
"What are you doing in here?" Arthur hissed. Alfred flinched at such an accusatory tone of voice directed at his brother, of all people.
"Your Highness, I just arrived," replied Matthew smoothly. He looked at Arthur with cool eyes and a small smile on his face, as if he were harboring a secret. "I have not seen my brother in some time. I thought it would be acceptable to see a relative."
Arthur tightened his hold on Alfred. "I ordered no one to see my mate, but me."
Matthew shrugged and chuckled. "Blood is thicker than words." Alfred felt Arthur's hackles begin to rise like an angry cat, but then Matthew lifted his hands in surrender. "Fear not, he has not been harmed. We merely said our hellos before you interrupted us."
"I think there shall be plenty of these matters for another time. For now, I wish to see my mate in private."
Matthew breathed a short laugh before giving a bow. "Of course, Your Highness."
Alfred tried to turn to say something or even move to touch his brother again, but Matthew gave Alfred a wink, and then ducked out of the room. Arthur remained rigid, holding Alfred tight, until the door closed behind the other Alpha. Arthur released Alfred. He strode over towards Alfred's bed, staring at it with a glare that Alfred couldn't read.
Alfred asked quietly, "Have I done something wrong? He came in. I didn't know. We didn't do anything. He was telling the truth." When Arthur didn't reply, Alfred grew nervous. He fidgeted with his hands, feeling like a child that was about to be punished. An anger boiled in his stomach at this. "Arthur…? Why is it bad to see my brother?"
At length, Arthur turned to regard Alfred. He sighed, and his expression from earlier melted away. "It's not bad, per say. It's just dangerous."
"How?"
Arthur patted a spot on Alfred's bed, but the Omega didn't move. He remained where he was near the door. Arthur sighed and turned away again. "Alfred, we must watch who we befriend from now on. Franҫoise is playing dirty. She has enlisted your brother to her services in hopes of swaying you to her side as well. She is using your brother to gain your affections."
"But…" Alfred's mouth was dry. "The Queen and I are…already friends."
Arthur turned. Another strange and unreadable expression was on the man's usually kind face. Alfred bowed his head. "But are you loyal to her?"
"I…" Alfred nibbled on his lower lip. "Are you asking me if I am loyal to her over you?"
"Yes."
"Never." Alfred looked Arthur in the eyes with sincerity that hardened his own eyes, much like Arthur's. "I could never be disloyal to you."
Arthur smiled, and slowly, his normal expression returned. Alfred's eyes, however, remained the same.
"Good boy."
Alfred was soon released from his confinement, and able to rejoin the Court life. He sought out his two daughters immediately. Luckily, they had remained blissfully unaware in their nursery. Rose was growing just fine, and Amelia was excited for her upcoming Naturing.
"Father says I will be an Alpha," Amelia sang as she skipped around her nursery. Rose watched her with wide eyes, but remained silent. "I hope so. Then I shall be King."
Alfred grabbed for Amelia, pulling her to his side. "You must not speak like that. Charles is King now. There can only be one."
"But, father promised." Amelia began to cry. Alfred sighed, but said nothing else. He released his daughter, and she ran to her maid who scooped her up into her arms. Alfred could hear her muttering to her Omega maid, "he promised" even from across the room.
It was early in the afternoon one day when Alfred received a summons from Arthur to see him in his privy chamber. Alfred thought it strange that Arthur didn't just come to see him, but he dismissed it thinking his mate was just overwhelmed in work again. Quickly, Alfred made his way to Arthur in hopes that they could spend some quality time alone. His Alpha was less frequent in Alfred's life these days, and even less in little Rose's.
With Amelia's Naturing on the horizon, Arthur had thrown himself into her raising on the off-chance his presence could alter her Nature in case she actually wasn't an Alpha. At first, Alfred thought it cute, but now he saw it as annoying. His precious little daughter was acting out more towards him and other Omegas and becoming less gentle towards her sister. She was demanding, although that was to be expected from a three year old. However, her tantrums she would throw when she didn't get her way were worrisome. If she was an Alpha, she was going to be extremely proud and difficult later in life.
Alfred knocked on Arthur's door, waited a moment, and then entered. His mate sat on his plush couch with a stern expression on his face. Alfred took his time in closing the door. Arthur remained seated and silent all the while. The windows were open, encasing the room in a violent cold that rocked Alfred to his bones with a shiver. His Alpha hadn't even lit the fire in the hearth.
"A-Arthur?" Alfred stuttered through his shiver. "My prince, why haven't you started a fire?"
"We won't be here long," replied Arthur curtly. He crossed a leg over his knee and stretched his arms out across the back of the couch as if it were a throne. Alfred gulped, fearful of the news Arthur was about to give him. "I am to be named Protector of England."
Relief flooded Alfred's body, and he rushed forward to embrace Arthur. As he opened his mouth to speak, though, Arthur cut him off with a raised hand. The Omega stopped short, confused.
"And you are to be sent to our manor in Dorest," Arthur started. Alfred nearly fell to his knees. "It is for your protection."
Alfred could only whisper, "P-protec…tion…? Is someone trying to harm me?"
"I'm going to prevent that from happening." Arthur rose to his feet as Alfred sank to his knees. His head hung low. "As I am gaining high status in the kingdom, I worry about your safety. You are a very susceptible, young Omega. Someone could try to use you against me, or poison you to prevent any more Alpha children, or…"
"Wait." Alfred lifted his head to look up at Arthur. "Children…? But Charles is the king. What do our children have to do with the throne?"
Arthur remained silent. Alfred waited, unwilling to voice aloud his thoughts for fear they were true. But the hardness to Arthur's green eyes was proof enough of what his mate was plotting.
"No… Arthur."
Arthur turned away. "I have sworn my loyalty to my nephew. However, the children shall remain close to me. I will oversee their education and safety, while you shall remain down south and away from Court and anything that may influence you. I do not wish to see you harmed or troubled."
"But I'll be troubled being apart from you and the girls!" Alfred shot up, although his legs were shaky with adrenaline and anxiety. He forced himself to stand his ground. "Please, let me remain by your side, Arthur! I don't want to go away from you!"
Sighing, Arthur looked down. "I told you… I am doing this as your Alpha. It is my duty to protect you, so I will do so."
"But being away from you…"
"This is not open for discussion!" Arthur bellowed, rounding on Alfred. The Omega cowered at his Alpha, having never been yelled at by him before. "You are to go to Dorset and not receive any visitors or letters unless I approve of them! Is that understood?!"
Alfred could only nod meekly in reply. Again, Arthur turned away. He said nothing more. Alfred took that as his cue to leave, and he left without a word.
That night, Arthur did not come to him. Alfred woke in the morning to a lonely bed and a cold heart.
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.
Rightful Steps
Alfred was freed from his confinement a few weeks later, feeling recovered from his tiring labor. While he was gone, nothing had happened. Charles' Naturing was set for the week following Alfred's release, Arthur was still busy gathering more people for his cause to be king, and Franҫoise remained a mourning widow. The only real news worth mentioning to the new mother was that Amelia and Charles had become fast friends. They were put in the same nursery together, often times sharing the same toys and reading the same books together.
Alfred was strangely disturbed by this. If Charles did prove to be an Omega, then what did that mean of Amelia? Two young children getting along often meant they were of the same Nature, and sharing was a strong sign of being an Omega. Alfred smiled to himself, thinking that he shared too similar of thoughts with his mate these days.
The mere thought of Arthur had the Omega seeking out his mate. The prince was waiting with their daughter in Alfred's chambers. Alfred came in holding the swaddled new baby and quickly strode to Arthur and Amelia.
"My dear Omega," Arthur said happily as he embraced Alfred. He rest his head against his, eyes closed, and gave a swift kiss on his temple. "Nearly four months apart is far too long. I despise it."
"But I bring you babies." Alfred shifted the baby Rose in his arms.
"Yes, well I guess it is much like our duty to one another; a necessary evil." Arthur pulled away from Alfred enough to look down at his new child. "Another girl? She is quite beautiful."
"She has your eyes." Rose's eyes were closed as she was sleeping soundly, bundled up to prevent her spine or limbs from developing any malformations. "I named her Rose."
Arthur stared quietly at Rose for a moment, his eyes watching her as he slept. He studied her intensely as her mouth opened, her chest rising and falling, and her face twitching lightly from whatever dream she had fallen into. Then, he lifted his eyes to Alfred's. "You named her Rose…"
The softness in Arthur's voice made Alfred's heart ache. Arthur was never one to lament about his dead mate, but whenever she was brought up, there was an unspoken fondness in the man's eyes and in the way he carried himself. Alfred longed for the day when Arthur would look that way whenever his name was mentioned, or even whenever Arthur would say his name.
Amelia then tugged on Alfred's arm. "Can I see sister?"
"Oh yes, of course." Alfred sat on the edge of his chair. Amelia clamored up beside him and looked at her sister. She scrunched up her face, twisting her mouth and furrowing her brows.
"She's small."
Arthur chuckled. "She is merely an infant. You were once that small."
"I was?"
"Yes." Arthur bent down to caress Rose's cherub cheeks. "And this time…I will be here to care for my new baby."
Alfred smiled up at his mate. The Alpha returned it.
The days passed too quickly, and soon it was time for Charles' Naturing. The kingdom held its breath on the fated date, while Westminster went into a craze to prep for the event. Arthur was the last royal to be Natured nearly thirty years ago, and the revelation of the last born child in the Kirkland family to be an Alpha created quite a stir. A new royal child, and the last of the late King Scott, was heavily talked about news even on the mainland of Europe.
The French ambassador personally came to oversee the Naturing as Charles had a connection to the French throne. He was the cousin of the French king, King Francis IV. Franҫoise often talked about how Scott fancied the idea of his Alpha heir claiming rights to the French throne due to lingering thoughts in the kingdom from the 100 Years War and the connection with Franҫoise's blood line.
Westminster was decked in the royal colors with fresh perfumes littering the floor. It helped to disguise the disgusting smell from Charles as he hadn't bathed in quite some time. Nearing a child's Naturing meant no masking of their true scent. Charles was shown into a secured and blessed room in the palace where the high priest and several high members of the church would confirm on the child's Nature. These were Alphas who were sworn to truth of a person's Nature, although many still had doubts when it seemed almost too convenient a child turned out to be an Alpha.
"There were many such rumors when I was Natured," Arthur commented as he waited with Alfred in his privy chamber. He had sent everyone away, preferring to be with his mate while they waited. He paced every now and then or just sat next to Alfred with a shaky leg. "Back then, my father's brother was hoping to gain the crown should my brother die young, or that his Alpha daughter would become King after Scott died. But when I was Natured to an Alpha, many on my uncle's side cried that it was a false accusation. I had to be Natured twice just for good measure."
"Twice?" Alfred kept his hands busy, fiddling with knitting sticks without watching his lines. "Wow… When I was Natured, it was short and simple. I didn't bathe for a month, then I was taken to a church and the priest, ya know… stuck his nose in places only you've been to."
Arthur smirked, enjoying how Alfred blushed like a naïve child. He put his hand on Alfred's to stop him. "Ah, I haven't been to them in quite some time. I miss your scent."
"Your Highness…!" Alfred gasped. He put a hand to his mouth and grinned.
Then, the doors opened. Arthur had instructed the guards now to allow messengers in without a reason. Immediately, the prince was on his feet, Alfred beside him. Together, they both hoped that this would be the last time they have to refer to Arthur as Prince of England, but rather the Alpha King.
"Your Highness!" The messenger gave a short bow, to which Arthur nodded. "The child has been Natured!"
"Yes, I know that! Tell me, is he an Omega as we all knew he would be?!" Arthur took a step back at the messenger's hesitation; as if his body had been physically hit.
"N-no… sire. He is an Alpha, and now to be our future king."
Alfred looked horrified by the turn of events. Immediately his thoughts were on Amelia and what that meant for her future. However, Arthur sent the messenger away with a hard wave of his wrist. Then, he strode to the fireplace mantel. For a moment, he was quiet as he stared intensely into the hearth. Then, he flung his hands out to knock everything on the mantle aside onto the ground. The glittering cups and plates clattered loudly on the tile floor.
For Alfred, who had never seen this side of his mate, he was startled near to tears. But he was sixteen now. He had to be stronger than that. He stood with his fists balled at his sides until his knuckles were white. His lip began to bleed as he bit hard to prevent a scream of fear escape. Arthur was yelling and screaming in sheer anger.
"That witch!" Arthur shouted. He turned with fire in his eyes. Alfred flinched away. "She did this! I know she has twisted the outcome into her favor! There is no possible way that such a woman gave birth to an Alpha!"
"Arthur…," Alfred whispered. "He is your nephew and your brother's son…"
Arthur inhaled sharply, tensing until his back was erect. Alfred ducked his head. "Do not remind me of that!"
Alfred kept his head bent low as he heard Arthur storm from the room, leaving his mate in the loud silence of the empty room.The city of London, and indeed, all of England rejoiced at the news of their late king's son proving to be an Alpha. He was to be their new Alpha King, even if he was still underage and not able to rule until he was eighteen. The Kirkland line was still intact. Now, everyone was to wait for Arthur to become the regent, as many were certain the late king's brother had been named as such.
Alfred waited in the nursery with his two daughters for word from Arthur that he was to be regent. He counted on that one last string of fact. If Arthur could not be king, then he could certainly control the baby king before he was to truly take the throne. Even Franҫoise could not have managed to change what her mate wrote.
Shortly after Charles' Naturing, Arthur raced to the church to demand a re-Nature. Franҫoise was against it, claiming that it was legal, and that Arthur's accusations were ones against God. Nevertheless, he continued to cry foul on the Naturing. Alfred worried for his mate's image, but it seemed that no one spoke up against him aside from the dowager queen.
This time, a priest that Arthur had personally deemed acceptable had Natured Charles. The result was the same. There was no use denying the scent an Alpha gave off.
Alfred waited patiently while Arthur practically declared war on Franҫoise. She was withholding naming the regent, and many people in Parliament and in London grew anxious for what this could mean. Alfred liked Françoise, and he certainly cared deeply for Arthur. He hated to pick a side between the two, but if he had to, he would always stand by his mate. That was what good Omegas did.
While politics were beyond his grasp of understanding, he did know a few things after having been at Court for a few years now. He knew that a Queen would have to be relegated to a dowager queen upon their mate's death, and that if an Alpha prince or princess was too young to rule, then the King had to have named a Protector of the kingdom before their passing. It had to have been Arthur. Scott didn't trust anyone else.
"I don't trust Arthur," Françoise said suddenly. She had invited Alfred to knit with her and a few others ladies that she trusted of her privy court. They were expected not to repeat anything they said. Alfred, though, felt he was supposed to. "My late mate worked too hard to make this kingdom great. Arthur will come in and grab all of the lands for himself and for his favorites. He'll rule the kingdom with too biased of opinions."
Alfred kept his head bent low over his work, and yet he kept pricking his thumb with the needle on accident. "Arthur will do what's best for the kingdom. He loves England."
"I'm sure he does," Françoise replied offhandedly.
"And you do too," an Omega piped up from her work. Alfred glanced up, but didn't see who had said it.
"Of course. That is why I am hesitant to name anyone as Regent."
"Even if it is what King Scott, bless his soul, named the Alpha as such?" Alfred asked without raising his head.
"I must feel that I can trust them to not ruin what my dear late mate has done." Françoise bit off the end of her string.
Alfred prided himself on how loyal his mate was to him, so he was constantly honest and loyal to Arthur. No Omega at Court could boast about how often their mate laid with them in bed. Alfred was the only one at Court who was the first and only mate of his Alpha. So, of course he rushed to Arthur's side to repeat what Françoise had said, knowing full well that was what she wanted.
"And so that's why I came to you," Alfred finished. He was rocking Rose in his arms while Amelia played at his feet. Arthur was standing by a window, looking out silently. Alfred admired the way the light caught Arthur's golden locks, but it did little to soften his hardened jaw. "Did I…do the right thing…?"
Arthur turned slowly from the window with his body rigid. "Yes, you did."
Alfred stopped rocking to stare at Arthur. He tilted his head at the hardened expression on his mate's face. "Arthur? Are you all right?"
"It's nothing, my pet." Arthur strode towards the door, but paused just as he passed Amelia. "Amelia, come with me."
The little girl stopped playing with her toys and followed her father dutifully. Alfred watched with an eyebrow raised, but said nothing upon their departure. Rose had begun to cry.
It was only a few days later that Arthur approached Alfred in his chambers. He sent away all of the servants and closed the door behind them. Alfred stood in the middle of the room feeling nervous for some reason. He had never been with his mate before.
"Arthur, is something the matter?" Alfred asked tentatively.
"My dear Omega," Arthur started with a soothing tone. It did little to relieve Alfred. "I think it's best that you stay in your chambers."
"For the rest of the day?" Alfred asked.
Arthur shook his head. "No, until I say so. You are not allowed any visitors, even our own daughter, Amelia. I have already told her to be a good girl and leave mummy alone."
Alfred grew angry, and he rushed towards Arthur. "What? Why? Am I being punished? Have I done something wrong?"
Arthur smiled tenderly and put his hands on Alfred's shoulders. Alfred was shocked to realize his mate had to look up at him slightly. "No, my pet. This is for your own safety. Things are not well at Court."
"Then our daughters are in danger," Alfred said hastily.
"No, they are safe. I will make sure of that." Arthur steered Alfred to his bed. "You just rest. Your heat should come in a few months, and we don't want your body being too exhausted before it carries another Alpha baby."
"But…" Alfred was forced to sit. He looked up at Arthur sadly, gripping his bed sheets. "If it isn't safe here…then why are we staying? You have not been proclaimed Protector."
Arthur's smile hardened. "Not yet. And that is why I am keeping you safe. I don't want you hearing anything that might upset you or the children. You are all very fragile creatures. If you were to fall ill, think of the children. They are too young. And think of any future children. You are too precious to lose."
"Because I can carry babies or…?" Alfred trailed off, hoping for Arthur to reassure him that it was because his mate couldn't stand to lose his Omega. Arthur said nothing. He leaned up to kiss Alfred's forehead. "Yes, Arthur…"
"What a good Omega."
The days were long and boring. Alfred was confined to his room, unable to see anyone. Even his loyal servants had to be checked at the door by guards that Arthur had placed outside of Alfred's chambers. It boiled Alfred's blood. He wasn't being protected, he was being shelved to be kept ignorant. Alfred felt cheated by his own mate for not only having so little faith in him to understand things, but also to be pushed to the side because he was a "fragile" creature.
While locked up, Alfred thought a lot about his first days at Court and the moments he spent with Françoise. She often spoke about France and how different it was. Traveling sounded fantastic. The few times he had gotten to with Arthur had always been glorious. Looking at new scenery, smelling a new town, and meeting new people excited Alfred until he had to pace his room just to let his thoughts wander with him. Of course, he'd prefer if he were actually out there with his mate and his two daughters to explore and travel to new places. He even toyed with the idea that he'd ask Arthur that they leave London to go overseas even if it was a dangerous thing.
It was too tumultuous a time for Arthur to do anything that wasn't related to the crown. Charles was still a child, and he'd need guidance. Even if Arthur wasn't placed as Protector, he was the king's uncle. His word would mean something to the naive child, unless Franҫoise got her hands on him.
A knock startled Alfred out of his thoughts. He hadn't heard a noise for days.
"Who is it?" he asked. The guards should have stopped anyone that wasn't welcome.
"Alfred, it is me, your brother." Alfred moved quickly at hearing the familiar voice of his younger brother. He threw open the doors. A blond haired man with a face much like Alfred's own stood before him with a wide smile and bright purple eyes. "Brother!"
"Matthew!" Alfred hugged his Alpha brother tightly around the neck as he did when they were children. They laughed as Matthew staggered into the room trying to hold onto his brother. "It has been too long! What are you doing here at Court?!"
"I have been called here." Matthew put Alfred back down on the ground, patting his back. "Wow! It seems we share the same growth spurt."
Alfred noticed Matthew's expensive clothing. He wore cloths of white and fine red. He smelled of foreign leather. The last time he and his brother had been together, Matthew certainly was not this rich. He must have mated and come into a fortune with a great Omega. "Brother, are you mated?"
Matthew blushed, but smiled. "I have not. All of this comes from you!"
"M-me?" Alfred tilted his head. "How have I influenced your wealth?"
"I am the brother of the Omega to the Prince of England, soon to be Protector of all of England. It seems I have gained favor in the kingdom." Matthew straightened his collar with a confident smile on his face. Alfred's face lit up. "So, naturally, I wanted to see my brother. I haven't seen you in so long."
"Oh Mattie!" Alfred hugged his brother again, feeling tears tingling behind his eyes. "I've been locked up here for too long and haven't seen anyone I can confide in."
Matthew pulled Alfred away, holding him at arm's distance. He furrowed his brow and frowned. "What do you need to confide in someone about? Is something the matter?"
Just then, the doors opened. Arthur stood in the doorway with wide eyes. He looked from Matthew to Alfred, and then back to Matthew. The green in his eyes was nearly gone as he stared suspiciously at Matthew. Alfred had no idea his mate could even make such a face, or why he would at seeing Alfred and his beloved younger brother reuniting after years apart.
"Arthur!" Alfred exclaimed as he moved to him with arms outstretched. Arthur took him, kissing his head and pressing him close to his chest so Alfred was unable to speak. His mouth was crushed right in Arthur's pectoral over his heart. The Alpha's heart was racing.
"What are you doing in here?" Arthur hissed. Alfred flinched at such an accusatory tone of voice directed at his brother, of all people.
"Your Highness, I just arrived," replied Matthew smoothly. He looked at Arthur with cool eyes and a small smile on his face, as if he were harboring a secret. "I have not seen my brother in some time. I thought it would be acceptable to see a relative."
Arthur tightened his hold on Alfred. "I ordered no one to see my mate, but me."
Matthew shrugged and chuckled. "Blood is thicker than words." Alfred felt Arthur's hackles begin to rise like an angry cat, but then Matthew lifted his hands in surrender. "Fear not, he has not been harmed. We merely said our hellos before you interrupted us."
"I think there shall be plenty of these matters for another time. For now, I wish to see my mate in private."
Matthew breathed a short laugh before giving a bow. "Of course, Your Highness."
Alfred tried to turn to say something or even move to touch his brother again, but Matthew gave Alfred a wink, and then ducked out of the room. Arthur remained rigid, holding Alfred tight, until the door closed behind the other Alpha. Arthur released Alfred. He strode over towards Alfred's bed, staring at it with a glare that Alfred couldn't read.
Alfred asked quietly, "Have I done something wrong? He came in. I didn't know. We didn't do anything. He was telling the truth." When Arthur didn't reply, Alfred grew nervous. He fidgeted with his hands, feeling like a child that was about to be punished. An anger boiled in his stomach at this. "Arthur…? Why is it bad to see my brother?"
At length, Arthur turned to regard Alfred. He sighed, and his expression from earlier melted away. "It's not bad, per say. It's just dangerous."
"How?"
Arthur patted a spot on Alfred's bed, but the Omega didn't move. He remained where he was near the door. Arthur sighed and turned away again. "Alfred, we must watch who we befriend from now on. Franҫoise is playing dirty. She has enlisted your brother to her services in hopes of swaying you to her side as well. She is using your brother to gain your affections."
"But…" Alfred's mouth was dry. "The Queen and I are…already friends."
Arthur turned. Another strange and unreadable expression was on the man's usually kind face. Alfred bowed his head. "But are you loyal to her?"
"I…" Alfred nibbled on his lower lip. "Are you asking me if I am loyal to her over you?"
"Yes."
"Never." Alfred looked Arthur in the eyes with sincerity that hardened his own eyes, much like Arthur's. "I could never be disloyal to you."
Arthur smiled, and slowly, his normal expression returned. Alfred's eyes, however, remained the same.
"Good boy."
Alfred was soon released from his confinement, and able to rejoin the Court life. He sought out his two daughters immediately. Luckily, they had remained blissfully unaware in their nursery. Rose was growing just fine, and Amelia was excited for her upcoming Naturing.
"Father says I will be an Alpha," Amelia sang as she skipped around her nursery. Rose watched her with wide eyes, but remained silent. "I hope so. Then I shall be King."
Alfred grabbed for Amelia, pulling her to his side. "You must not speak like that. Charles is King now. There can only be one."
"But, father promised." Amelia began to cry. Alfred sighed, but said nothing else. He released his daughter, and she ran to her maid who scooped her up into her arms. Alfred could hear her muttering to her Omega maid, "he promised" even from across the room.
It was early in the afternoon one day when Alfred received a summons from Arthur to see him in his privy chamber. Alfred thought it strange that Arthur didn't just come to see him, but he dismissed it thinking his mate was just overwhelmed in work again. Quickly, Alfred made his way to Arthur in hopes that they could spend some quality time alone. His Alpha was less frequent in Alfred's life these days, and even less in little Rose's.
With Amelia's Naturing on the horizon, Arthur had thrown himself into her raising on the off-chance his presence could alter her Nature in case she actually wasn't an Alpha. At first, Alfred thought it cute, but now he saw it as annoying. His precious little daughter was acting out more towards him and other Omegas and becoming less gentle towards her sister. She was demanding, although that was to be expected from a three year old. However, her tantrums she would throw when she didn't get her way were worrisome. If she was an Alpha, she was going to be extremely proud and difficult later in life.
Alfred knocked on Arthur's door, waited a moment, and then entered. His mate sat on his plush couch with a stern expression on his face. Alfred took his time in closing the door. Arthur remained seated and silent all the while. The windows were open, encasing the room in a violent cold that rocked Alfred to his bones with a shiver. His Alpha hadn't even lit the fire in the hearth.
"A-Arthur?" Alfred stuttered through his shiver. "My prince, why haven't you started a fire?"
"We won't be here long," replied Arthur curtly. He crossed a leg over his knee and stretched his arms out across the back of the couch as if it were a throne. Alfred gulped, fearful of the news Arthur was about to give him. "I am to be named Protector of England."
Relief flooded Alfred's body, and he rushed forward to embrace Arthur. As he opened his mouth to speak, though, Arthur cut him off with a raised hand. The Omega stopped short, confused.
"And you are to be sent to our manor in Dorest," Arthur started. Alfred nearly fell to his knees. "It is for your protection."
Alfred could only whisper, "P-protec…tion…? Is someone trying to harm me?"
"I'm going to prevent that from happening." Arthur rose to his feet as Alfred sank to his knees. His head hung low. "As I am gaining high status in the kingdom, I worry about your safety. You are a very susceptible, young Omega. Someone could try to use you against me, or poison you to prevent any more Alpha children, or…"
"Wait." Alfred lifted his head to look up at Arthur. "Children…? But Charles is the king. What do our children have to do with the throne?"
Arthur remained silent. Alfred waited, unwilling to voice aloud his thoughts for fear they were true. But the hardness to Arthur's green eyes was proof enough of what his mate was plotting.
"No… Arthur."
Arthur turned away. "I have sworn my loyalty to my nephew. However, the children shall remain close to me. I will oversee their education and safety, while you shall remain down south and away from Court and anything that may influence you. I do not wish to see you harmed or troubled."
"But I'll be troubled being apart from you and the girls!" Alfred shot up, although his legs were shaky with adrenaline and anxiety. He forced himself to stand his ground. "Please, let me remain by your side, Arthur! I don't want to go away from you!"
Sighing, Arthur looked down. "I told you… I am doing this as your Alpha. It is my duty to protect you, so I will do so."
"But being away from you…"
"This is not open for discussion!" Arthur bellowed, rounding on Alfred. The Omega cowered at his Alpha, having never been yelled at by him before. "You are to go to Dorset and not receive any visitors or letters unless I approve of them! Is that understood?!"
Alfred could only nod meekly in reply. Again, Arthur turned away. He said nothing more. Alfred took that as his cue to leave, and he left without a word.
That night, Arthur did not come to him. Alfred woke in the morning to a lonely bed and a cold heart.