Archive of Our Own

It is around the age of twenty-five that an alpha prince is to choose their partner in a series of events called the Hunt. With an unusual name, the Hunt is based an old tradition where alphas of royalty would literally hunt down for their omega in a reserve of sorts. Only the finest and freshest of blood would be offered to a prince. That is a fact.

He didn’t understand why he was here.

Prince Kita Shinsuke—son of a royal family from the South—was sent to the Western kingdom of Itachiyama to participate in a Hunt.

Kita wouldn’t say he had a low sense of self-worth. In fact, he knew to carry himself high enough to show his strength, but not too high where one would take offense. As an omega, the idea of a royal like him was disgusting. Many people viewed omegas as the stereotypical presentation; smile sweetly, obey immediately, and submit instantly.

Again, he did not understand.

His parents had explained to him that it was about time Kita had joined a Hunt. An omega prince has many suitors, but to gain a strong alliance requires one to seek it. He understood that.

But to ask him to join it so late? It did not make sense to him.

What many suitors sought in an omega typically revolved around two things; once again, presentation, and the other would be age. Presentation, he would say, included not only attitude and manners, but also first gender and appearances. It is generally known that a Hunt is typically initiated to find a partner in order to have heirs. Age is a large factor in that.

The ideal omega was this; female, young, and a large status.

Out of the group, Kita was the oldest omega at twenty-six. Kita was also part of the smallest kingdom compared to the rest. To top it off, he was also part of the pinch of male omegas in the lineup.

Actually, perhaps there is one more thing to top it off.

The prince who the Hunt belonged to was none other than Prince Sakusa Kiyoomi.

The Sakusa family was the core of Itachiyama. They were the largest and most important family in the entire region. Dozens of omegas from all over the land were chosen to be part of the biggest Hunt in centuries.

Kita felt out of place. He felt like he didn’t belong among the others around him.

Within an enormous guest haul, all the omegas were being prepared for their first appearances in front of the alpha prince. Even in his room, he could hear the giddy laughter and excited chattered of those on either side of his quarters. Kita exhaled slowly, looking at himself in the mirror as his caretakers added finishing touches.

Behind him, his guards were watching him carefully. Kita glanced at the twins through the mirror, offering a reassuring smile to them.

“I’ll be alright,” he murmured softly.

The Miya twins were the most well able—if not the best—guards that the kingdom had. His mother had taken them in after an unfortunate accident that caused the loss of their parents. He had grown up with the two younger alphas. It made sense that they were uneasy about the situation Kita was placed in.

“We just don’t want you to feel pressured,” Osamu frowned.

Atsumu puffed out his chest, “Our prince deserves the best. If he can’t see that, then he’s the one who will be at a loss. Even if you don’t get picked, there are plenty of other alphas who would die at your feet.”

“While there are interested people, most are not what the kingdom needs,” Kita sighed, “I know this seems ambitious, but my parents do not think it is foolish. I suppose you could think of it as exposure.”

They both rolled their eyes. Atsumu huffed, “Exposure. You aren’t some prize or trophy, your highness.”

“You know that’s exactly what we are in this world, Atsumu.”

“It shouldn’t be like that though. You know it.”

Kita refocused on himself in the mirror, another sigh sitting heavy on his chest. The smallest hints of makeup were placed on his face to hide any imperfections. All he wore was a lip serum to gloss them, and faint red eyeliner to sharpen his eyes while also alude to the kitsune that represented their kingdom. To make him look pure, Kita donned white from his flowing sleeves and slacks, to the corset and cape he wore to being a regal sense to it all.

Kita swallowed thickly, slowly rising to his feet, “I believe it’s about time.”

The two guards stood up straighter, closely following as Kita went to the door. Osamu opened the door for him, Kita stepping out into the hall with Atsumu trailing behind. Osamu shortly followed, closing the door behind them and taking the empty place next to the prince.

The hallway was lined up with many omegas and their personnel whether it be servants or guards. Sweet scents shrouded the entire atmosphere, an almost sickly smell that would have any alpha falling to their knees if they were were not mated. However, it was required for any accompaniments to be bonded as a precaution for the omegas.

Kita felt his head throb as he looked around. From women to men, they were all wearing their finest garments and faces. The high of their cheeks were adorned with blushes, most likely caused by an aphrodisiac to bring appeal. Plastered smiles went around, most looking forward blankly to be a perfect and poised doll.

Somewhere, a clock struck.

It was time.

Like clockwork, all the omegas and their accompanying bodies turned to face the right end of the hall, their hands clasped in front of each other as they began to walk in a practiced manner.

It was like a dance. One foot in front of the other, they took ginger strides to the end of the hallway. Itachiyama guards stood next to double doors, pulling open the large wooden panes as the first pair approached. Music reached Kita’s ears as light spilled into the hall, Kita taking in a deep breath as he was getting closer to the doorway.

He extended his hand to Atsumu, the man carefully taking and raising it up.

Unofficially, the Hunt began here.

The moment a foot went through the threshold, Kita’s stride became bigger. Atsumu followed in tandem, his watchful eyes on Kita as the omega recited his practiced paces to the entire room. Any and all omegas were to present themselves in a Hunt with an introductory ceremony. This was it.

A dance.

Atsumu spun Kita around, handing him off to Osamu this time. In sync, the omegas gave a bow to their new exchange, continuing on with their steps as they descended into a spiral formation. Atsumu and Osamu circled him, and all the other accompaniments did the same with their representative.

In a sense, showing off their personnel was also a way to present loyalties. Most have opted for their maids and personal servants as to say, “I will be for you and only you” and “I am ready to give my all” to the watching prince.

Kita chose the twins because he wished to say, “I adore my land and those within it because they are my family” and “I have just as much strength as you”. Again, if Kita couldn’t play the proper strengths, then he should try to entice the possible suitor with something he did have.

Reliable support.

Another twirl, Kita was given back to Atsumu as Osamu settled on his opposite, the twins looking at their feet to make sure they were repeating the calculated moves. They had a loose lead, mostly letting Kita guide them throughout the middle until it was their turn to switch it around again.

Slowly but surely, they were making their way to the center. What awaited them there was the most important part of the introduction.

At the center was a large circular platform with three thrones, the small figures of the royal family becoming larger as Kita’s turn approached. The closer they got, the more they could hear.

“From the Kato family of the North, Princess Kato Reina!”

Someone on the steps of the platform was announcing the names who were in the Hunt, the other royals bowing down to the alpha whose Hunt it belonged to. The omega then returned to their dance, led away until they reached the door at the other end.

More names came and went, Kita exchanged from Atsumu to Osamu at least a couple more times until they reached the prince.

“From the Kita family of Southern Inari, Prince Kita Shinsuke!”

Kita lined himself directly with the middle throne, taking his cape in his free hand with the other resting in Atsumu’s palm. He did a curtsy, one leg slightly crossed as he lowered himself before the royal family. He steadily rose back, knowing that he had to keep his head down until he left the presence of the alpha prince.

Yet he lifted his gaze up by a fraction, catching a glimpse of the prince.

Dark eyes had only looked into him for a split second, yet it was enough to make his knees weak. He knew that the prince was handsome based on stories and portraits, but those did not justice to his in person appearance. Obsidian curls, delicate moles, pale skin—he was a gorgeous man with a strong presence.

His scent was strong too; forest oak and fresh snow. A cleaner scent compared to the heavy musk of most alphas.

Kita stepped away from the circle, once again repeating the dance to exit the ballroom. At least ten more names were announced before he made it to the other side, Osamu spinning him around one more time to make their exit.

Kita steadied himself, “And it’s over.”

“I feel like I’m gonna hurl,” Atsumu took a few more seconds to stabilize himself.

“Don’t be a baby,” Osamu shook his head, “You’ll be fine. Honestly don’t know how Sho can put up with a whiny alpha like you.”

“Likewise with Keiji, ‘Samu,” he gave a grin.

Kita held his hand up in between them, “Please don’t bicker here. At least not until we see what happens after this.”

The hall the entered looked like an exact replica of the other one, rooms lined up on both sides all the way down to the next corridor. The waiting omegas were lined up in front of a door as they filled the corridor, Kita taking the one next to the princess who was called before him. He gave a polite bow to her when he caught her glance, but she simply scoffed at him before returning to a sweet smile.

He had to squeeze the twins arms, knowing that they would’ve growled at the disrespect she’d given him.

Some time passed before the last royal came through the door, the entire hallway filled with omegas once again. They all stood there anxiously, waiting to see how the Hunt would function from here on out.

Another moment passed before the court member who announced their names emerged from the ballroom.

“May the following people please follow the head guard outdoors,” the court official said clearly, “Princess Rei Haruki, Prince Aoi Takashi, Princess Watanabe Hiroka…”

One by one, the called omegas and their accompaniments lined up behind the guard who stood next to the court official. Kita noticed a pattern, realizing that most of them had chosen to bring guards rather than servants or that they were out of the traditional standards appearance wise. A few were the ideal model, but most were considered unfit compared to the ones who stood at their doors.

“And finally, Prince Kita Shinsuke,” the announcer stopped, “Thank you for your time.”

Kita bowed his head down as acknowledgment, resisting the urge to sigh and slump his shoulders as he placed himself in the back of the line. From the corner of his eye, he could see the uncalled omegas proudly smiling and smirking at those who left the hall. Considering that they were staying in the building, it was likely that they had moved onto the next stage of the Hunt.

On his other side, he could see Osamu frowning softly. “Nevermind, your highness,” he murmured, “There will always be another.”

Quiet murmurs and gentle reassurance was going up and down the line, loyal guards and servants comforting their royals as much as they could without causing disturbances. The line was led outside, Kita completely ready to be guided to the carriages that would take them back home.

However, the guard didn’t go towards the gates.

They turned at another bend, leading the line away from the main building of the castle but to a different establishment. It appeared to be a guesthouse of sorts that would normally be used for guards. Not too far from the main castle grounds, but just enough to give some privacy to those living within it.

“Congratulations!” the head guard pronounced loudly, “You have all passed the first selection of Prince Kiyoomi’s Hunt. For the next month, you will be living here with your attendants in the guest hall until Prince Kiyoomi has made his final decision. A series of events will determine who is deemed worthy of being the young prince’s mate, therefore schedules will be created for the following weeks. For now, please rest from your long journeys to come here. Thank you.”

As if on cue, the doors of the guest hall swung open, a file of Itachiyama maids scurrying down the steps to stand on both sides of the chosen omegas. They all bowed down in sync, the head guard once again guiding them inside.

The interior was bigger than it seemed from the outside, a large common room being the first thing upon entering. At the center, a statue of a past Itachiyama ruler was there, spiraling staircases flanking the sides of the bronze figure. The head guard stopped once everyone was inside, giving a signal to the maids who were following from behind.

“This way, your highness,” one of them spoke to Kita and the twins, her hand held out to the left staircase.

The line was split, half of the royal omegas going to the right and the other to the left. They ascended up the stairs case, each disappearing down the halls on their side of the building. Ornately decorated, the guesthouse was gorgeous and clearly had been used for this occasion before. Flowers were up high at the tops of columns that supported the roof. Beautiful curtains with golden tassels were pulled back for the natural light to shine through. Even paintings with the most intricate of details were displayed, the home cared for greatly for when this occasion would arise. 

Kita was led down the long hall, the maid stopping at the very last room. He noticed that the bags he brought (in case he passed) were already outside the door, ready and waiting to be taken inside. She gave a small bow, holding her hand out to the door.

“These will be your quarters for your stay, Prince Shinsuke,” she said sweetly, “The one across is for your guards. During your time here, I will be your assigned servant. It’s a pleasure to have you, your highness.”

“And your name?” Kita asked.

To this she looked taken back, her eyes widening slightly before clearing her throat, “Kaede.”

“I look forward to your assistance. Thank you.”

Kita lowered his head slightly to her, the twins beside him offering a bow too. A blush bloomed on her cheeks, the girl throwing herself down in a full bow before scurrying away. Atsumu and Osamu picked up the bags, opening the door for Kita to step in first.

Kita bowed his head down slightly to her, the twins following in tandem to show their acknowledgment and respect. The girl, who seemed rather flustered by the whole thing, hurled herself down into a full ninety degree bow before running off with red cheeks. The twins picked up the bags, Atsumu opening the room for Kita to enter. 

Stunning.

The room was very large, decked out in silks and fine fabrics. The floor was marbled, but mostly covered by a plush carpet. There were two rooms within the space, one having the bathroom and another with the closet. Furniture such as a vanity, a desk and chair, a chaise, and a large king sized bed filled the room. All of it was covered with satin and furs. Even the curtains were of silk, covering a the double doors of a balcony as Kita had a room in the corner of the building. The view was of the back of the house, showing the gardens where the omegas would be able to spend some leisurely time.

Osamu closed the door, the twins dropping their formalities almost instantly.

Kita felt himself being picked up from the ground, loud laughter filling the room as he was spun around.

“You passed, you passed!” Atsumu celebrated for him, “I knew they couldn’t resist the charms of Inari!”

Osamu joined in, embracing Kita’s legs from the other side, “See? You had nothing to be nervous about! I’m sure the queen and king will be pleased as peaches to know you made it!”

“Serves those snarky, pompous pricks who gave you looks,” Atsumu set Kita back down on the ground, “Imagine the looks on their faces when they realize they’re getting sent home. Ha!”

Osamu and Atsumu kept cheering and congratulating Kita as if he had won the whole thing. Most events vary from Hunt to Hunt, so he had no idea what would be next in store for him.

However…

Kita huffed out an amused sound, “It’s only the first step, but… yes, I am glad I passed.”

The first and absolutely mandatory procedure during a Hunt is a medical check. Although the alpha prince wouldn’t be able to present himself due to formalities of keeping a “pure eye”, another royal would be taking the place to observe.

The queen to be exact.

All the omegas were brought into the first floor of the main building, scattered around in a parlor outside the infirmary hall. Many of the princesses and princes squeezed their hands nervously, while others chatted with one another as if it were any ordinary day.

“I bet many of these omegas have been through several Hunts,” Atsumu observed, “Do you think this is the worst part?”

“It could be humiliating,” Kita admitted, “In older times, omegas would be sent out to reserves with nothing on. They claimed it was to see if the body was fit to carry pups. Something similar could happen in there.”

Osamu clicked his tongue, “Surely they wouldn’t make you strip completely.”

“Prince Kita Shinsuke?”

Their conversation was cut abruptly by an omega nurse who came from the infirmary hall. She smiled tenderly, “Please follow me.”

Kita stood up from his seat, hands clasped in front of him as he walked towards the hall. He could feel the eyes of the other royals on him, their voices becoming quieter by a fraction.

He wondered what they were saying.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she held out a hand, “but I’m afraid your guards will have to stay out here.”

He didn’t even realize that the twins were following him until he turned around, both of them wide eyed.

“Most of our guests have brought beta guards or omega servants. Prince Shinsuke, your guards are the only alpha escorts within our first selection,” she frowned, “It’s only for the safety of the queen and the others there. I apologize.”

“What?” Atsumu almost snapped, “You do realize we both have our own mates, right? Doesn’t seem fair that everyone else gets their people except for our prince—“

“Stand down,” Kita murmured to him.

Immediately, Atsumu zipped his mouth shut.

The nurse gave a nervous smile, “Let’s keep moving then, shall we?”

Kita nodded, glancing behind him to give some sort of reassurance to the twins. They were hesitant to let him go on his own, but they eventually took a step back to let him go.

Kita followed behind the nurse, the clacking of her shoes echoing through the hall as they got deeper into the quiet parts. She turned at a bend, opening a door that stood alone on the right side.

“Your majesty, we have the next omega with us here,” she bowed her head down to the open threshold.

“Send her in.”

She nodded her head to Kita, holding her hand out to the room. Kita squeezed his hands together, stepping into the room with a lump in his throat.

The room seemed specialized for this. It was bigger than any other infirmary he had seen, much more finer as well. A bed was there as well as a rack for clothes. Small tables had medical devices out and small viles of sorts. The most out of place object there would be a makeshift throne, smaller than the regular one but decorated to let anyone know that it was a royal’s place to sit.

Before it, a floor cushion was there.

In it, the Queen of Itachiyama sat there. She was a beautiful woman, lovely curls cascading down her shoulders and pale skin making her seem like a porcelain doll. Her gaze was sharp, dark eyes scanning Kita up and down upon his entrance.

“Ah. A male omega,” she made a note, “You are beautiful than most.”

Kita smiled a little, “Thank you, your majesty.”

“Please, take a seat on the cushion.”

Kita stepped in front of it, smoothing his hands underneath his pants before sitting on his knees. He placed his hands one over the other in his lap, lowering his head down to not look the queen directly in the eye.

“Begin the procedure.”

Two nurses, who he had no idea where they came from, sat on either side of him as they placed a tray at their own sides. A hand came to his face, tilting it up to look towards the light.

Fingers glided down his throat, peeling back at his scent patches to reveal his glands. They gently pressed down at the sensitive skin, keeping his head up as they did so. His scent was drawn out of him, Kita biting back his tongue from a whimper.

“A lovely scent,” someone made a comment, “Yuzu and green tea. Citrusy, but a soothing smell. Much different from the sweet ones we’ve seen.”

“Something unique,” the queen hummed, “You have no idea how bored I am of vanilla.”

The fingers went back up to his jaw, coaxing him to open his mouth. Kita let his jaw fall open, a gloved hand from the other side coming in. He felt the latex covered fingers press down on his tongue, a light coming from a bottle hovering around his face.

“Strong teeth,” a comment was made, the fingers moving up to pull at his lips, “Fangs are nice and healthy too.”

The hand left his mouth, replaced with a flat glass of sorts. Kita was instructed to close his lips, the glass taken out of his mouth after a minute.

“Perfect temperature.”

Gloves snapped again, his eyes now being examined. They opened his eyes wider, the potion bottle held up to him again.

“Gorgeous eye color,” they continued, “A beautiful hazel, your majesty.”

“It would be great if a pup could inherit that trait. The more unique qualities the better.”

“Follow my finger.”

Left to right. Up and down. Corner to corner.

“Good,” something was place in his ear and then taken out, “Good. Please strip from the shoulders down.”

Kita tried to not show his hands shake as he unbuttoned his blouse, slipping his arms out of the sleeves and allowing the blouse to pool at his waist.

One pair of hands lifted his arms, the other feeling around his chest.

“No lumps,” one confirmed, “Lovely milky skin as well with no scars.”

“His arms are rather toned. Do you train, your highness?”

“Yes.”

The queen gave an amused huff, “It seems you know how to take care of your health.”

Something was placed on his chest, the nurses giving a hum of approval. They felt around his stomach and back, another sound of approval drawn out.

“He’s plush further down, but that is expected of an omega. Roll the bed over here. Please stand your highness, we have one more thing to check.”

Kita did what he was told, the nurse instructing him to do what he expected.

“Please strip from the waist down.”

It was hard to ignore that the queen was watching him lay himself bare for her. He furled his hands in front of him before working off the rest of his clothes, the nurses patting the bed for him.

“Presenting position.”

Kita hauled himself up and over the bed, sitting on all fours before lowering his upper body down. He put his knees further apart, his chest hitting the cool sheets and his arms folded in front of him. They did what they had to do, Kita resisting the urge to flinch or squirm away as they checked his lower region.

“Seems all healthy down here,” they noted, “Have you had sexual intercourse before?”

“No.”

“A pure body then. Everything is in order. You may get dressed.”

Thank god.

When Kita was finished dressing, he was stood in front of the queen to hear her thoughts on him.

“You are a beautiful omega,” the started, “Perfect in almost every shape and form. I am sure you will make a prince or princess happy someday.”

Someday?

“I say this because you are a male omega,” the emphasized, “Unfortunately, the male population of omegas are known to have a little more difficulty to conceive, and that is considering that males omegas are intersex. Not only that, but you are a peculiar one, aren’t you?”

Kita frowned, “I’m sorry?”

“You look up when you aren’t asked to. You speak when you aren’t asked to. You bring alpha guards along with you. Is there more to say?” she raised her hand up and down to him, “You may be considered an omega, but you do not act like one. It truly is a shame.”

She sighed, “If only you were a proper one, then you would’ve been perfect for Kiyoomi.”

In the end, her opinion didn’t matter. She was only there to report back the health statuses of the omegas to the prince.

Yet…

Kita was brought back to the parlor by the nurse who first took him. He gave her a nod of acknowledgment, Kita slowly walking back to where the twins were seated.

“How did it go?” Osamu asked, “Everything alright?”

He nodded.

“That’s good then. You should be able to pass onto the next event smoothly.”

He nodded.

“Prince… are you alright?” Atsumu carefully asked.

Kita paused, noticing how his vision was blurring and how the back of his throat was burning.

“I’m fine.”

That is what he told himself for the rest of the day, wondering whether the queen would try to influence the prince in his choices. By the time he retried for bed, Kita couldn’t find sleep. It was running away from him, consumed by his the queen’s brutal honesty and having him wonder if it would be true.

Someday. Not soon, but someday someone will want him. Did that make him a last choice?

Again, a part of Kita knew his worth. The part that was speaking, however, was his omega. It was the most vocal, practically crying that he wasn’t worthy when Kita himself was confident in what he could show.

Kita rose from the plush bed of the guest room. There was a garden outdoors. Perhaps sitting outside would help him.

He grabbed a cloak he brought and quietly left his room, careful to not make a sound as he went down the hallway. He descended down the spiral staircase, clutching onto the fabric of his cloak as he went towards the back of the building. Glass doors were the entrance to the outdoor gardens, Kita pushing it open as silently as he could.

He saw the garden on his first night since his balcony had a view of it. There was a square fountain at the center, benches surrounding the pretty thing for anyone to admire it. Trees of all kinds were scattered, and fragrant flowers decorated the paths in bountiful bushels.

Kita took in a deep breath of air, looking up at the night sky as he walked towards the fountain. Moments like these reminded him of his granny. He would walk with her throughout the gardens of their castle, always stopping by any unattended plants in order to give them the proper care they deserved.

He wished she was here. She was probably at the castle sleeping peacefully. She probably had him in her prayers before she went to bed.

Kita stopped in front of the fountain, letting out a big sigh as he sat himself at the edge of it. He peered at the edge of the fountain, staring back at his reflection that wavered with the trickling of the fountain falls.

Looking at himself is all it took for him to crumble.

Droplets fell down into the fountain, Kita’s lips wavering into a sob as he wiped away his tears. He looked away from the fountain, cradling his face in his hands as he cried to himself.

What he didn’t notice was that there were footsteps approaching. Footsteps that stopped near him that carried a presence. The slight smell of a forest and snow wafted his way, but Kita was so overwhelmed by his own distress that he didn’t realize who had sat next to him.

“Are you alright?” a smooth voice asked.

But Kita was startled, jumping at the sudden sound that broke through him. Perhaps the one next to him wasn’t balanced enough or maybe the edge of the fountain was a little slippery. Kita’s jolt had him whipping around and smacking the person at his side, the other person suddenly falling back into the fountain with a grand splash.

Kita gasped, jumping up to his feet to help the other, “I am so sorry! Are you—“

Oh no.

What stared back at him from the shallow fountain were inky black eyes, shock across them as they met with Kita’s gaze. His robes were drenched, clinging against shivering pale skin. Ebony curls were damp against his forehead, framing two moles that were above his eyebrow. A trickle of water slipped from his forehead to the bridge of his nose, the man’s nostrils flaring as he breathed heavily.

Prince Kiyoomi was here. Why was here on the middle of the night? No, just why ?

Oh god.

He pushed the prince into the fountain.

He pushed an alpha.

Fear shot up his spine because of his instincts, the omega part of him once again drowning out any sense that he had. He should’ve helped him to his feet and offered to give him his dry cloak. He then should’ve apologized for what he did. It would’ve been as simple as that.

Instead, Kita got up and ran back to the guesthouse, hiding within his cloak and absolute shame.

“Prince, you need to come out.”

“C’mon your highness, please talk to us.”

Kita peaked out from beneath his covers, his vision bleary as he glanced towards the door of his room. Osamu and Atsumu were knocking on his door, their worries muffled against the wooden surface.

It was the next morning. In a few minutes, he was certain that the staff would announce those who would be leaving the house. Prince Kiyoomi would have his input after reviewing the material.

What he did yesterday would most likely impact his standing.

He couldn’t avoid it.

Kita slipped away from the covers, sitting at the feet of the bed to pray for morning blessings like hos granny had taught him. He fell into his routine, washing up and grooming himself to a crisp. Kita knew his eyes were swollen from crying, but there wasn’t much he could do about it.

He pulled his cape around his shoulders, stepping out of the room with his head down. The twins backed away from the door, both relieved that he had came out, but worry was still within the movements. They stood at his side, but both of them were trying to get a glimpse of his face.

“Are you okay?” Osamu asked, “Did something happen?”

“It was yesterday dumbass,” Atsumu shot a look to his brother, “What did they do? Or did they say something mean to you?”

Kita shook his head, “They simply told the truth. There is nothing I can from here on out.”

Before either twin could open their mouth, the doors at the end of the hall opened. Rather than the court official, the head nurse and the queen were at the threshold. A clipboard was in the nurses hands, the queen standing proudly as she stretched her arms out.

“Thank you all for coming this far for Prince Kiyoomi’s hunt,” she spoke clearly, “After a careful deliberation, Prince Kiyoomi has made his choice of who shall proceed to the next round of the Hunt. To those who are called, please follow me to the main castle grounds for the following event. Princess Ei Reiko, Princess Tanaka Kuromi, Princess…”

Kita tuned out at some point, wondering what he should pack first. His clothes since they take up the most time. Then his toiletries since they were given as gifts from his parents. He would wear his comfortable pair of shoes to the carriage. What route would they take? Perhaps Atsumu would steer the horses since he knew the paths better than Osamu. Then again, Osamu had a little more energy at night than Atsumu. Would they camp for a while, or take an all night trip?

“And Prince Kita Shinsuke. Please come this way.”

“Prince, they called you.”

What?

Kita’s thoughts were derailed as he finally looked up, Osamu and Atsumu nodding to the doorways that the called omegas were passing through. He was called? Really? Even after what the queen said and what he did to the prince, he was called?

Why?

He forced himself to move forward, once again trailing behind the line as the queen led them to the castle. Rather than entering through the main gates, the queen took them to the back entrance. From there, they were led to a dining room of sorts. Soldiers who had just finished eating were trailing out to the other side, leaving behind something for them instead.

“This is our soldiers dining area. You are each assigned a segment of the room to clean to your ability,” the queen showed them the tables, “Everything is provided for you including protection, cleaning products, and access to water for the dishes. Prince Kiyoomi specifically requested this task with a time limit.”

Bewildered omegas looked around as they were brought to their assigned places, most expressing their disgust as they looked down at the sloppy tables. Soldiers were taught the same manners as any other person in the world, so Kita can only assume they were told to do this on purpose for Prince Kiyoomi’s event.

The queen clapped her hands together, “You have two hours. Begin!”

The queen turned on her heel and left the room, two Itachiyama guards closing the doors of the mess hall. Some omega princesses let out loud whines, stomping their feet down on the ground in protest.

“Now that’s cruel!” one cried out, “I’ve never had to clean something like this. Ugh, is this what the prince will make us do if we are chosen for life?”

“Well, they didn’t specify that we had to clean,” another said, “To our ability, right? Therefore…”

Some followed along with what she said, turning to their servants and commanding them to begin. Others hesitated as they pulled on their gloves, poking through the crate of cleaning supplies.

Kita snapped on the bright pink gloves and tied a cloth over his hair to protect it from dust. He tied an apron around him as well, rolling up his sleeves and adding one more cloth around his mouth to finish off.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to help?” Atsumu watched as Kita picked up two buckets, “We could always do something.”

“Nah, he’s got it,” Osamu waved Atsumu off, “Don’t you remember how his granny would take him to the temple to clean it up every weekend?”

“Top to bottom,” Kita confirmed, “This should be easier.”

Cleaning would also help him keep his mind from wandering back to what happened yesterday. Surely the prince didn’t keep him out of spite, right?

Well, he wouldn’t think of that now.

Kita started by collecting all the visible garbage off the four tables he was assigned. One was for compost on the other was for waste. He quickly cleared the tables of the obvious, picking out a bottle of some sort of cleaning solution to pour onto a cloth. He scrubbed down each table till he couldn’t see a stain, stacking dishes and silver aside for when he would have to wash them. Dirty towels were tossed into the empty part of the crate, Kita picking up a scraper to do the undersides of the tables. Gunk was wiped into the waste bucket, Kita wiping down the undersides as well for good measure.

“Onto the dishes,” Kita nodded at the squeaky clean tables, “Can you fill two basins with water, Atsumu? And Osamu can you see if you can find a smaller one for the dirty cloths to soak in?”

“Will do!”

Kita brought all the dishes onto one table, scraping away bits of food into the compost bucket. As he did so, Kita got a glimpse of the other royals work. Half has their servants working away while they stood on the side, while the other half gave their best shot at the job.

“Here you are,” the twins came back with the water bins.

“Thank you.”

After replacing his gloves, Kita washed the dishes stack by stack. He would let the plates soak for a bit before scrubbing away with a sponge, placing them in the second basin for a final rinse. Kita used one of the last clean clothes to dry them, stacking the clean dishes onto the table once again. He saved the utensils for last, carefully washing spoons, knives, and forks from any grit and grime.

Last, but not least, Kita wrung out the towels that he had dirtied and laid them over the crate to dry. They wouldn’t be done by the time the two hours were up, but at least they were clean for the maids to take to the laundry room.

“Time is up!” a guard yelled out, “Prince Kiyoomi will be coming in momentarily!”

The omegas who were seated jumped to their feet, fluffing up their dresses and pretending to hold something like a duster to make it seem they worked. The mess hall was certainly cleaner than before, although some tables were a little bit untidy compared to others. Everyone stood up taller, but they kept their gaze down rather than towards the door where he would come from.

The doors swung open, and just like that the atmosphere shifted.

Prince Kiyoomi’s shoes rang throughout the quiet hall, his steps slow and calculated as he walked further into the room. He stopped at some point, clearing his throat before speaking.

“You may look up.”

They all raised their heads at the same time, but none dared to look directly at the prince. He would be making his rounds. Anyone who wanted a glimpse would get their chance then. Right now, listening was their priority.

Kita watched from the corner of his eye, the prince having his hands clasped behind his cream blouse as he observed the tables. He could see the prince glancing towards the omegas as well, the alpha moving on after observing the area.

“May I ask a question?” he asked out loud before answering himself, “Why are some of you still clean?”

The prince looked around, “The area may be clean, but there is no evidence of your work on yourselves. Half of you haven’t even bothered to touch your gear.”

A scoff echoed, “By god, it’s on your servants. No wonder the job was done.”

The prince’s figure came to his side, fully stopping at Kita’s section. Kita watched as subtly as he could, seeing how the prince looked at the table from all ends. He even picked up the dishes, holding the plates and utensils up to light to see if there were any imperfections left behind.

“Now this,” he praised, “is the proper way. That is hard and honest work.”

Prince Kiyoomi passed by him again, Kita’s gaze following him as the man made his way to the center of the room.

“Those who used your servants to do the event, raise your hands.”

Half the hall did so.

“Perfect. You may all leave.”

Clamors rose up in the mess hall, omegas crying out about how unfair it was while others seemed angered by the choice. The alpha prince gave an amused look, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips with a sigh.

“I am judging the skills of you, not of your servants!” he said above the voices, the omegas immediately quieting down, “If you cannot put down your pride for a moment just to do a simple task, then that speaks levels on what kind of person you are. You may leave the grounds!”

With the clap of his hands, the omegas who raised their hands reluctantly left the mess hall. Only half remained now. The Hunt was only two days in, yet they went from at least one hundred omegas to at least thirty already.

“Everyone else made a good effort,” Prince Kiyoomi continued, “I can see that many have jumped out of their comfort zones in order to complete it. The rest of this week contains everyday tasks such as these, so do not fret if today wasn’t a strong day. You all have more time to prove yourselves.”

The prince had a few more words for them before they were dismissed. Many of the omegas left immediately, leaving behind their scattered items without cleaning after their cleaning. Kita stood back for a minute, corking up the products he used and fixing them within the crate.

“Do I have the honor of seeing the face of the omega who did the best?”

Kita looked up from the crate, the prince standing near his section. He pulled off the gloves on his hands, dropping them into the crate along with the apron.

“I’d rather you not,” Kita murmured.

“Hm? And why is that?” the prince asked.

“Hey, if he says he isn’t comfortable, then he isn’t comfortable,” Atsumu stepped in between them, a rumble sitting in his chest.

Prince Kiyoomi narrowed his eyes at Atsumu, “Ah. You must be Prince Kita Shinsuke. If I’m correct, only you have alpha guards.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Osamu stepped up too, “If you want to chat with him, then go through the normal procedures that any other Hunt would have and request a meeting.”

“You do realize you could be inhibiting his chances, right?” the prince challenged the twins.

“Stop.”

The three ceased their bickering. Kita carefully pulled off the cloths over his head and face, folding them neatly into the crate. He pulled his shoulders back to stand properly, stepping in front of Osamu and Atsumu to show himself.

Prince Kiyoomi’s eyes widened by a fraction, “It’s you. You were the one who was crying out in the garden last night.”

“Wait what?” Atsumu’s brow etched down.

The prince shot a look to the blond, “How couldn’t either of you take notice? His scent was so sour that I could smell it all the way from the main gardens. That is the only reason I went to the guesthouse last night… and then I got rewarded by being pushed into the fountain.

“You pushed him into the fountain?”

“If you want to talk, then do as the twins said,” Kita interrupted, “Arrange a one on one meeting because this is improper. Have a good day, your highness.”

Kita gave him a bow, quickly walking away before anything else could be said. Atsumu and Osamu hurried to follow, eventually catching up to his side as they exited the mess hall.

“I think you left us out of something important.”

“It’s a long story.”

The rest of the week was chock full of activities that were not common for royalty to attend to. Cleaning the bedrooms, polishing fine china, organizing the library shelves, gardening, and so many other activities were packed into their agendas.

The last day was considered the hardest.

Groans went around the stables, the nickering of horses accompanying their complaints. Kita was up on a stool, using a deshedding comb down the coat of the horse he was assigned to take care of.

“I still can’t believe the queen said that to you,” Atsumu shook his head, “She practically spat on your face with those comments.”

“But you passed this far,” Osamu pointed out, “That means that the prince has taken a liking to you and that is what matters.”

“Is it though? He seems kind of like a prick just like his mother.”

“Atsumu,” Kita shot him a look, “Lower your voice.”

“Am I wrong?” he whispered, “A distressed omega was in front of him and out of it he carries a grudge that his robes were dampened?”

“He has a right to be frustrated,” Kita disagreed, “I pushed him in and then ran away without saying a single thing. It must’ve been humiliating to be disrespected on his own turf.”

“But it was humiliating for you to be called an improper omega. Nothing is more insulting than that.”

“It is honestly a surprise I’m still here.”

It truly was.

Over the course of the last week, some omegas were removed from the selection for the smallest of errors. Kita would consider his act a grand mistake, so he really had no idea why the prince would keep him in the Hunt. At this point, he did believe that it was because of his grudge. Maybe the rounds would be getting harder and he wanted to wait for Kita to fail in order to send him off properly.

He didn’t know where this would go.

Kita continued to work on the horse which was a beautiful black mare with a white diamond on her forelock. She was rather gentle, as well as very cooperative. Kita switched between brushes, the last thing he did being her mane. He braided it intricately, putting up her mane with ties to keep them up in a knot like shape. That way, the mane would be out of her way for when she would be out on the field. He did the same with her tail, using ties to section off parts in a bubble like braid.

“There we are,” he patted down the mare, “All ready to be ridden.”

“The prince has arrived!”

Atsumu held his hand up to Kita, helping him down from the tall stool safely. Kita brushed away any dust from his clothes, clasping his hands behind his back as the prince made his rounds. Unlike past times where he’d be in his better robes and more styled look, the prince was wearing his riding gear instead. A long cream blouse clung to his skin, black slacks snug around him with knee high riding boots wrapping around his calves. There was a crop hanging from a wristlet on his wrist, the prince carefully observing the horses around him.

“There you are,” he held his hands out to Kita’s stable, “Hey pretty.”

Atsumu almost immediately snapped to his feet, “You little—“

“The horse, Atsumu. The horse,” Kita pushed Atsumu back against the wall.

“… Right.”

The prince went up to the mare, the horse immediately nuzzling her muzzle into the alpha’s arms. Prince Kiyoomi smiled fondly at the mare, rubbing up and down her forelock as she nudged further into him.

“If I did refer to you, would you be offended?” the prince asked suddenly.

“I’m sorry?”

He looked right at him, Kita lowering his head before the prince tutted. To his surprise, the prince was asking him to maintain eye contact—something that the queen disliked.

Black to hazel, the prince gave a soft smile, “If I called you pretty, would you be offended?”

“Should I be?”

“I’m saying it sincerely, but I’m sure it could be worded better.”

Kita gave a strained chuckle, “You confuse me. Are you not embarrassed by what I did to you?”

The prince gave a shrug, “If you want to know, then accept my meeting because this,” he gestured to the area, “is improper. Good work on her by the way. She’s my favorite.”

Prince Kiyoomi walked away, leaving Kita with words in his mouth and a horse nudging its muzzle against his head.

Osamu leaned to look out the stable, “Call me crazy, but I think he subtly meant to say that you’re his favorite too.”

“Weirdo,” Atsumu rolled his eyes, “did he get turned on by being shoved into cold water by an omega?”

“Now wait a minute, I’ve been scarred by you and Hinata’s—“

“You can’t speak when I’ve seen those monster like bite marks—“

Kita’s thoughts tuned out everything around him, his stare still fixed where the prince stood. He teased him. The prince teased him with his own words. Where did that attitude come from? He had only talked to the prince twice, yet he was already advancing with flirtatious comments. Was what Osamu said true then? Was he the favorite so far?

Was this real?

“Prince Kiyoomi requests your presence.”

Oh, it was real.

Kita looked up from his desk, his assigned servant waiting at the door patiently in a half bow. Kita sighed to himself, pushing away from the desk and getting up to his feet. He glanced at the vanity, his finger touching his cheeks gently to make sure he was at least some what presentable for the prince.

“Let’s go then,” Kita smiled at the maid, “And you do not need to be so formal with me. I’m alright without all the bowing.”

“Ah! Yes, yes whatever you’d like,” Kaede shot upright, “Shall we get going?”

When an alpha prince begins to gain interest in an omega before the end of the Hunt, they are allowed to request at least three meetings to the omega. Three meetings for one individual omega is the limit in order to create a sense of fairness to the other participants. These meetings allow the alpha prince to know more about the omega, whether that be on their personality or on their skills.

Kita’s meeting, as the prince mentioned, was to know exactly how the prince felt about the fountain incident.

Kaede led Kita all the way to the first floor of the guesthouse, shuffling towards the end of the home where there were garden rooms. They were rooms where one could enjoy the sights of the garden from the inside when the day was too harsh or solely for the comfort of themselves.

One door had some visitors. At least five were gathered there, hovering near the door to do some snooping.

“I heard he requested the presence of someone,” a princess whispered, “Who could it be?”

“Princess Ei?” one questioned, “She did good in all the past activities.”

“What about Princess Kiroko? She did so-so, but her family is powerful and she is beautiful.”

Kaede cleared her throat, “Excuse us please. This way, your highness.”

Kita tightly squeezed his hands as the princesses parted away from the door. Their eyes practically pierced through him, the royals not making an effort to hide their sneers and scoffs.

“Him?” another whispered, but they were still loud enough for him to hear, “Is the prince joking?”

“He did do well.”

“Yeah, but he is the poorest choice out of the entire Hunt! A male omega from a small kingdom, not to mention that he tugs alphas along with him. Do you think he’s a—you know…”

“A what?”

None of them realized that the door had opened till now, the strong and angry scent of the alpha prince shrouding them. The princesses froze in place, slowly turning to look at the prince.

His brow was furrowed down, a sour frown on his face. A curl fell over his piercing stare, the alpha standing taller over the princesses.

“Finish your sentence,” he commanded, “He’s a what?”

“Oh… we were just teasing around,” the princess made an excuse, “There’s nothing wrong with having alpha guards attached to the hips, right? Just a little extra protection, no?”

“Finish your sentence.”

The princess winced, “Must I?”

“Then you know you’ve said something wrong,” Prince Kiyoomi narrowed his eyes, “You know, jealousy is an ugly thing. Especially on someone who is supposed to be a kind, caring, and benevolent person. I do not wish to have that in my selection.”

Prince Kiyoomi waved them off with a hand, “All five of you may leave the castle grounds. You do not belong in my Hunt.”

“Now that’s not fair!”

The prince huffed, “You came to spy on a private meeting, yet you think I’m being unfair? You insult royalty, but you think the world is being cruel? Come down from your high horses, princesses. Get out of my sight.”

The princesses stood there for a second before puffing out their cheeks in angry pouts, picking up their dresses as they stormed away. Kita and Kaede watched the girl go back upstairs, hearing whispers of “I can’t believe it!” and “Uptight prick!” bouncing around the empty hall.

“I apologize,” the prince sympathetically spoke, “People can be so mean. Kaede, please inform the others about the status of those princesses.”

“Absolutely, your highness.”

Kaede scurried away, hurrying upstairs to pass on the news. That left Kita and the prince alone, Kita glancing towards the Itachiyama royal.

Prince Kiyoomi stepped to the side, “Please, indulge me in some late tea time.”

Kita bowed his head down, “It would be an honor.”

The inner garden rooms were filled with their own plant life, bushes of flowers lining a pathway to the seating areas. There were waterways that flowed in between the blooming bushes and separations of the times, Prince Kiyoomi carefully stepping on the stone tiles.

At the seating area, many plush lounge chairs were there with small tables, Prince Kiyoomi bringing him to the one that was closest to the window. Sun rays kissed the inside of the garden house, and Kita could see two royal guards standing outside the exit of the place.

A table with a tower of tea cakes waited for them, a fine china tea set accompanying the treats. Prince Kiyoomi pulled out a chair for Kita to sit in, the prince waiting for him to be seated before he took his place across from him.

The prince pushed the tower to the side for them to be able to see each other. The teapot was closest to Kita, so he decided to act before he was asked.

Kita carefully picked up the teapot, one hand on the handle and the other sitting at the top of the lid as he poured a cup for the prince. Steam came up from the dainty teacup, Kita moving slightly to pour tea into the next. He set the pot down carefully, pushing the sugar and cream to the prince’s side.

“You certainly do take the reins, don’t you?”

He acted without waiting. The words “improper” rang out through his head again.

“I’m sorry,” Kita apologized, “I didn’t even ask if you wanted any.”

“Who said it was wrong to do?” the prince raised a brow, “I quite appreciate someone who takes a step forward without needing to be told to every breathing second.”

“Ah… if you say so.”

The prince picked up his teacup, taking a sip from the hot liquid. He exhaled slowly, nodding at the taste of the tea.

“Your alpha guards are rather protective of you,” Prince Kiyoomi noted, “Is there a reason?”

“My family took the twins when they were very young,” Kita recounted, “The whole family was in an accident, but the twins survived it. They believe that they are indebted to our name for saving them. I care for them and they care for me because we are practically family.”

“Interesting,” he raised his eyebrows, “Most alphas, even with royalty, do not like to be commanded. They listen to you at the drop of a hat though. You have a strong presence for an omega.”

“Is that an issue?”

“Not at all. It’s actually intriguing,” the prince smiled slightly, “You intrigue me, Kita Shinsuke.”

Kita should be happy with that comment. His omega should purring and preening at the compliment from an alpha like him. Instead, his body went stiff and his heart stopped beating for a moment. His omega had already taken the jabs from the others and the queen, therefore his senses morphing around the negativity he had received. In what sense did the prince mean that?

“Did I say something wrong?” his smile fell away.

Kita’s hands reached up to his scent patches. Was his scent becoming too strong?

“Prince Shinsuke?” concern now hung over him.

“I’m sorry, I just—“ Kita fumbled with his words, “I just don’t understand. Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why me?”

His voice had never felt so small. Kita didn’t act like this—he had never ever felt like this before—but the nature of his second gender was outweighing every other sense he had in his system. He was making a hassle for the alpha before him. He should’ve stayed quiet, he should’ve smiled and agreed, why did he have to say something, why, why—

“Because I’m interested in you. Is there more I need to say?”

It wasn’t a syrupy sweet comfort compliment, but it was the truth. No lie was detected in the prince’s voice, his gaze still steady on Kita. One of his hands was near his neck, the alpha ready to release his pheromones in case if Kita would go further into sour emotions.

“If my mother said something to you during the health check,” the alpha worded himself carefully, “Disregard her. She thinks she should have a choice because she’s the one who encourage me to organized a Hunt. However, I am ultimately the only one who gets a say in who I am with. Therefore…”

The hint of a smile tugged at his lips again, “My opinion is the one that matters.”

“She called me improper, your highness. That is possibly the highest insult any omega could receive,” his voice wavered.

“But I think you are a very interesting one,” the prince reassured, “I think you are a beautiful omega with an even prettier personality. I can see it in the way you care for each task, for each person you are surrounded by. Do not let your confidence be shaken by those old standards.”

The prince pushed Kita’s teacup closer to him, “You want to know why I’m not angered by what you did at the fountain?”

He picked up the cup with a small shake, “Why?”

“I would do the same if I were you,” the prince admitted, “It’s strange for an alpha to approach a vulnerable omega in the dead of night. Not to mention that I startled you. In the end, I was the reason I got pushed in. You more than you could carry. I understand that.”

“I would still like to apologize for it though.”

“Then it is easily accepted. Now, I have a favor to ask of you.”

The sun grazed over the prince as he said the following sentence:

“Keep your head up high. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to meet with me like this again.”

Week two was everything related to ruling a kingdom. Politics, law, mannerisms, and so on. Many excelled here compared to last week.

Kita had made it to the final day of week two.

“Prince Kiyoomi, please begin.”

Sitting at the office of Prince Kiyoomi, Kita was getting ready to recite the code and law of Itachiyama by memory. Prince Kiyoomi looked up at Kita from his lashes, tilting his head up so that his gaze would now be down towards the paper.

“Code 324 of the Plaza.”

“Harassment towards a working omega or alpha within the Itachiyama plaza will result in a five year long ban at the plaza, as well as a year of community service. Failure to comply would earn the offender at least seven years in prison, and can go higher depending on the level of harassment.”

“Section C of the Itachiyama Family Act, Law 4.”

“Shall the courting alpha prince which initiates a Hunt do wrong to their chosen mate, the Itachiyama Royal Court has the opportunity to dismiss the alpha prince from obtaining the crown and throne due to the heinous act of disrespect and disregard for tradition, as well as humiliation for causing a rift between possible allies.”

“Code 129 of the Criminal Code.”

“If one prevents an Itachiyama guard from conducting their duties, whether it be through violence or public disruption, the offender may be fined at the minimum 300 silver shills or imprisoned for a year. The rate can increase depending on the type of disruption to type of active duty.”

The prince rattled off different sections and codes, Kita replying to them smoothly.

“One more,” the guard called out.

“Public Safety Code 10.”

“When entering an entertainment establishment dominated by omegas, specifically those selling alcohol and/or providing sexual services, unmarked alphas are to wear a muzzle and scent blockers in order to prevent biting or drowsing the omegas on site. They may only remove it if permitted sound consent from the omega.”

“Done. Good marks on all of them.”

Prince Kiyoomi nodded with a pleased smile, “Very well then. Let us go onto the next candidate then.”

Kita stood from the chair, bowing down the the Prince as a formality. As a habit, his eyes came up before he fully stood back. His gaze crossed with Prince Kiyoomi’s, Kita taking a step back from the pure fondness that he saw within the split second.

Fully standing up, Kita saw the prince cup his hand around his mouth, covering what he was mounting away from the guards.

“See you later.”

Later?

“Prince Kiyoomi requests your presence on the library.”

Ah. That’s what he meant.

Kita was pulled to the side by Kaede, once again notified that the prince had called for a meeting between them. Looks were received from the princesses who passed by, whispers going around once again.

“Do not mind them your highness!” the young woman encouraged him as they walked down the hall, “You can’t help it if he is fond of you. Anyone would be if it weren’t for the competitive spirit.”

“Your kind words mean a lot,” they stopped in front of the library, “Thank you.”

The girl blushed shyly, “Please, you are the one who is kind. If anyone deserves to be here, it’s you. The prince is inside waiting for you. I will be waiting out here.”

Kaede opened the door for Kita, giving a small bow to him as always since she couldn’t break the habit. Kita stepped into the massive library, looking up at books that towered from enormous shelves that covered the walls. A row of windows broke in between the shelves of the second floor, Kita noticing a familiar figure walking next to the wooden rail of the area.

“Hello again,” Prince Kiyoomi leaned against the railing, “You did well in the morning.”

“Thank you, your highness. Is there another reason you have summoned me?”

“I have some questions,” he pushed himself away from the railing, walking towards the staircase to descend to the first floor.

“Tell me about your land, prince,” Prince Kiyoomi stepped down the stairs slowly, “I need to know a bit more about the places our selection omegas come from. It is a priority to know more about the favored omegas, therefore you should speak to me about this. Lecture me, if you will.”

“Is there not an event for this?” Kita raised an eyebrow.

“There is,” the prince nodded, “but I’d like to get a head start with you.”

The prince stepped towards a table near the back shelves, waving Kita over, “Come here and educate me.”

Okay, this had to be an excuse of sorts.

A Hunt wouldn’t be done blindly. The alpha prince had to have some sort of knowledge of each land to some extent in order to confirm their identity. A kingdom told a whole story about a family. Therefore, history was a main factor in ensuring that the participants come from royalty and that they come from a decent standing. Small kingdoms were further looked into, especially during large Hunts, because there was less information on them. Not a grain of salt, but certainly not enormous books that covered rows of shelves. The prince had to have seen most of what Inari had to offer.

Did he just want to see him?

Kita sat himself down, reading the small stack of books that sat at the table. As he suspected, there were thin books about Inari. He supposed he could play along with the prince’s suggestion.

“Let’s see… we can start with this.”

Kita put the book in between them, pointing out to sections as he explained the history of their land. From the kitsune spirits that were legends in their land to the fine agriculture that came from them, Inari’s history was a beautiful one and peaceful for the most part. The prince was nodding along, asking some questions in between before allowing Kita to keep going.

“My granny did a lot to restore the temples and shrines for the kitsune spirits when Inari transitioned from traditional forms to modern forms,” he closed the books, “We have a mix of both now, so that’s how we’ve reached the point we are at now.”

“Hm… and what about you? What’s the history of Prince Kita Shinsuke?”

The prince’s black eyes had a slight sparkle to them, genuine interest shown towards him once again.

“I’m a year older than you. I enjoy nature and long walks in the gardens,” Kita leaned back into the chair, “I have two siblings. My older sister is next in line for the throne while my younger brother is leading our forces. Both of them are alphas, by the way.”

“Are you saying you couldn’t be a ruler or leader because you’re an omega?”

“Oh no, that’s not at all what I meant,” he waved his hand in dismissal, “I mean, look at you. If there is proof I can sway an alpha without being a traditional omega, then you are a prime example.”

If he hadn’t kept his eyes on the prince, he would miss that split second of awe that shone across the prince’s glimmering eyes. He would have also missed the shade of red that bloomed across the prince’s pale cheeks, the alpha immediately turning his head away.

“I suppose you are right.”

And he would’ve missed the way his own heart skipped a beat, wondering how far this truly could go.

Week three was specialties.

In other words, the remaining omegas would perform for the alpha prince in order to entice him. Since the last week, several had failed recalling the Itachiyama law and code. Only ten or so omegas were left within the guest house.

Including this week, there were three more weeks until Prince Kiyoomi would choose his mate.

Kita was sitting up in the Itachiyama training area bleachers, the wood creaking beneath him as he leaned forward to watch an omega princess dance before the throne booth. She had a ribbon in her hands, an intricate ballet like dress on her as she tip-toed across the makeshift platform elegantly. The other princesses had performed already, Kita being left last thing time around.

The ones before him had shown off skills such as singing, playing an instrument, and various different kinds of dancing. In prior days, Kita had stuck towards more standard skills for an omega to possess; calligraphy, painting, cooking—standard practices.

Today, he would be trying his hand at something omegas rarely ventured into. Although the prince had showed fondness towards him, Kita still had to play his strengths to create appeal towards the other court members. His strategy of being a reliable support seemed to be working.

This would be the final nail to seal the deal.

Kita stood up at the routine began to end, silently slipping away from the rest of the group to prepare for his turn. Descending down the stairs, there was a hallway that led out to the ground arena. Osamu and Atsumu waited for Kita near the mouth of the hall alongside Kaede, the three of them lowering their head to Kita in acknowledgement.

He wasn’t wear a fancy dress or tux like the rest. Instead, Kita was wearing a white blouse and vest with black pants that were a little looser than normal. Boots were on his feet, and on his waistband was a sword holster.

“Remember what I said,” Kita looked to the twins.

The twins were wearing almost the exact same as Kita, only that they wore no vest and were in maroon. They nodded, their hands resting in the handles of their swords that were attached to their hip.

Kaede bowed down to them once again, “Good luck, your highness.”

“Now presenting, Prince Kita Shinsuke of Inari!”

Kita kept a poised stance as he walked out to the field, the twins flanking his sides. He kept a smile on his face, facing forward until he could see the throne box from the corner of his eye. The three of them turned in sync, all giving a ninety-degree bow to the royals up on their seats.

Kita raised his head, watching how Prince Kiyoomi visibly perked up at his entrance.

The makeshift platform was removed for his part, Kita standing on the solid yet firm ground. He stayed in the center, the twins parting form his side. They walked in opposite directions, one twin standing at the far left while the other on the right.

Music began to play from a scroll he requested, the song tuning out from a music box that was brought out earlier for a performance. The twins started to circle around the arena, slowly walking slowly as the hand on the hilt of their swords began to move. The gleam of swords flashed beneath the spotlight of lanterns that was created for them, the twins dragging the tips of the metal blades behind them. A circle was engraved into the grainy ground, the two alpha guards stopping with the music.

Atsumu lunged towards him as the music jumped back to life.

In a flash, Kita unsheathed his sword and met with Atsumu’s clash, a loud sound ringing along with the height of the song. They formed a cross with the two blades, both keeping a firm grip as they circled around each other. Kita’s gaze was sharp, Atsumu’s eyes narrowing as they pushed away from each other.

This was a sword dance. Both elegance and power combined into one.

Kita twirled the sword effortlessly from hand to hand, leaning back completely as he spun the blade dangerously close to his face and chest, rising back up to face Atsumu who had switched his holding hand. They ran to each other, sliding their blade against one another with a screech that was drowned by the escalating song.

They took strides with each other, moving in a dance like manner as their parries became rhythmic. Kita drew closer, using his sword to twist Atsumu’s hilt away from his wrist. Now with two in his hand, Kita pointed the flat of the blade  underneath Atsumu’s chin, the other sword in his hand drawn out to his other side. Metal made contact with metal, Kita turning his head to the side as he was eye to eye with Osamu.

Another part of this showed trust.

Because he kept the smooth surface of the metal against Atsumu’s skin, close enough to feel the weight of Atsumu’s chin rest against the blade. Kita carefully removed it away from him, Atsumu staying down as Kita brought both swords to Osamu.

The music dipped, Osamu and Kita moving their head in the same direction before the music swelled up again, Kita forming his two swords in an ‘x’ formation against Osamu’s blade.

Kita pushed, Osamu stepping back as if Kita was the lead in a dance. Kita maneuvered Osamu around, his blades controlling where the alpha hit and blocked the metals, once again creating a song like sound. Kita went in for the ending, forcing Osamu to return where Atsumu was kneeling. He knocked the sword out of Osamu’s hands and into the air with a sharp move, Kita stabbing the two swords into ground to encase the twins.

He held his hand up, perfectly catching the blade by the hilt of the sword. Kita brought the sword down, his hand smoothing against the blade as he slowly brought it to eye level. Kita spun in place with the blade, stopping when he saw the throne box in his field of vision.

Kita sheathed the sword, giving a curtsy to the royals as the music ended. There was silence, no one knowing how to react to the unusual display they saw.

Clapping filled the arena.

Kita looked up to the thrones, Prince Kiyoomi clapping his hands together with a nod of approval. Beneath the lights, his small smile looked brighter, and his eyes were full of interest compared to the past dances.

It was that small gesture that unexpectedly made Kita’s heart swell with pride.

“Prince Kiyoomi requests your presence in the training arena.”

Like a habit, Kaede brought Kita to wherever Prince Kiyoomi was, smiling as she held her hands out to the entrance of the training facility. Kita returned the smile, entering the arena he was in just a few hours ago.

The prince was at the center of it, wearing a casual black blouse and matching pants with his riding boots. In his hands, a gleaming sword was being examined, Prince Kiyoomi turning around to meet him.

“I’ve never seen a sword dance,” he spoke to him like it was nature, “You certainly do elevate my expectations, your highness.”

Kita chuckled, “I am glad I could make an impression.”

“Your guards have so much trust in you too,” he walked towards a wall near the mouth of the weaponry hall, “Even with a blade to his throat, the blond one did not waver. Even as an alpha, they both fell to their knees for you.”

The prince dipped into the hall, emerging with another sword in his hand. He stepped to Kita, handing him the sword.

“I’d like for you to do the same,” the prince took a few steps back , “Make me fall to my knees, prince.”

Oh.

Well, he couldn’t deny a request, right?

Kita pushed up at the clutch of the sword, unsheathing it and leaving the cover to the side. He wordlessly held the sword in front of him, beckoning to the alpha to come towards him with the tilt of his head.

The prince didn’t hesitate.

He ran towards Kita, the omega acting quickly as he read the prince’s move. He held his sword up and diagonally, thwarting away Prince Kiyoomi’s hit. The Itachiyama prince recovered quickly, immediately going for another hit. It was no surprise that he was well trained, but it was a surprise that he was willing to spar with Kita in such a way.

It meant Prince Kiyoomi was confident that Kita could keep up.

They went around the arena in circles, clanging bouncing around the high ceiling of the arena with their own footsteps. Their swords met once again, Kita firmly keeping in place as he panted. They’ve been going at it for a while, but neither seemed to be wearing out yet.

“You know, you are quite clever too.”

Kita quirked an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

A smirk tugged the corner of the prince’s lips, “I do not know if it was unintentional or not, but dancing with your alpha guards only increased my desire and interest in you. You made me yearn to be in their place, Prince Shinsuke.”

So smug.

But Kita could use this.

Kita replicated the prince’s smirk, cocking his head to the side, “Then earn it, alpha . If you want me so, come and get me.”

The grip on the prince’s blade slacked, his black eyes widening and mouth falling open slightly with a gasp. Kita fully grinned, making his move to end it. He went low, sweeping the flustered prince off his feet. The alpha landed on his back with an “oof”, Kita bringing himself down to hold his blade over him. One hand was on the hilt of the sword, while the other rested against the prince’s chest. The prince raised his sword, barely stopping Kita from holding the metal blade against his throat.

Yet, Kita still won. He was over the prince, his legs encasing the alpha’s torso to keep him in place.

The prince’s shocked expression slowly melted into something else. With Kita being so close, he swore that he saw his pupils dilate, fondness oozing from his stare that lifted with a soft smile. Underneath his palm, Kita could feel the Itachiyama royal’s heartbeat, but to question whether it was from the fight or his emotions was no longer on the table.

The prince ran his tongue along his fangs, Kita getting a small peak at the sharp teeth.

“You sure do have me under a spell, omega.”

The prince was starving for more.

Week four was simply for observation.

Including this week, there were two more weeks until Prince Kiyoomi would chose his omega. Since the last week, five more omegas were removed from the selection. The ones who remained were considered the best of the bunch. They were the ones who met most of the criteria, as well as the ones who performed to the highest caliber of excellency for the royals.

Kita was in the final line up.

The omegas would just be living as they normally would within the guest house, the staff of the guesthouse reporting what the omegas did in their daily itinerary to come to a conclusion of their overall manners, skills, and personality traits.

Prince Kiyoomi had been meeting with the other omegas, but he wasn’t able to meet with Kita because he had used his three chances already.

Kita could admit that he perhaps missed the prince’s presence.

Although it took a bit for him to grow accustomed to it, Kita appreciated having the prince encourage and respect him. He enjoyed someone who listened. He appreciated his way with words. Most of all, he liked how forward he was with Kita.

It took a bit, but Kita found himself liking the prince too.

So seeing all the other omegas have their presence requested made Kita’s heart squeeze in his chest. He wished to see the prince one on one too. Kita had only seen him from afar, the two exchanging greetings whenever they passed by each other’s vicinity. He was almost always busy with some sort of task or with the other omegas.

It was rather late, Kita coming out of the bathroom from his shower. He pulled his robe close to his body, the silky pajamas not providing enough warmth on the particularly chilly room. There was nothing more that he wanted to do than sink into the furs and sleep as snugly.

Just as he was about to remove his robe, something hit the glass windows of the balcony doors. Kita glanced to the door, at first thinking that it must’ve been stray debris that was being pushed by the wind.

But then a pebble hit his window again. A third came up. Then a fourth.

Kita’s brow pinched in, Kita putting on his slippers again to walk out to the balcony. He pushed the two doors open, taking a few steps out to look over the stone railing.

A gasp left him, “Prince Kiyoomi?” he whisper shouted.

Down below, Prince Kiyoomi had another pebble in his hand, dropping it down onto the floor. He waved up at Kita, a smile on his face as he did so.

“Hello!” he whisper shouted back, “Can you come down?”

“It’s far past curfew!” Kita crossed his arms, “You know that very well.”

That didn’t seem to stop him. The prince huffed, “Then I’ll be coming up!”

The prince wasn’t supposed to enter the guesthouse on his own. By now, the night guards should be posted on the inside and main entrance. The only reason Kita was able to sneak away last time was because it wasn’t too late into the night. The guards weren’t up until everyone was sound asleep.

How on earth would he get up here?

“Oh my goodness!”

Prince Kiyoomi approached the wall, grabbing onto the thick vines and branches crawling up the walls. He swiftly hauled himself up, scaling the wall as if he had done it every single night. Since Kita’s balcony was on the second floor, the prince didn’t take too long to reach his room. He pulled himself up and over the stone railing, wobbly landing on his feet with a heavy sigh.

“There we go,” he dusted his clothes and hands, “Hello, Prince Shinsuke.”

“You did not just do that.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

There was a small pout on the prince’s face, “The unfair three meeting rule prevents me from seeing you this close. I had to take measures into my own hands. I apologize if it seems improper, but I am a desperate man,” he openly admitted.

Kita hid his laugh behind his hand, “Oh, what I would give to see people’s reactions to your lovesick self.”

“Hm?”

“Everyone said you were a serious, stoic, and cold alpha,” Kita leaned against the railing, “Yet I just watched you climb vines to reach me. That does not seem very cold or serious to me.”

“I would only do this for you,” the prince was honest, “I missed you dearly.”

Kita didn’t respond. The breath of a laugh was exhaled from his nose, Kita making small hum in return. Underneath the soft glow of the moon, the stars were high in the air and sparkling brilliantly. There were wisps of clouds swirling around, and somewhere out there a cricket chirped. Fireflies were down at the ground, blinking in between every breath they breathed as if they could sense the feelings around them.

“You smell sweet.”

Kita turned to look at Prince Kiyoomi, noticing how the alpha’s nostrils flared. The prince leaned closer to Kita, the scent of pine growing stronger to him as well. His scent patches. Kita didn’t wear them to sleep.

“That’s right,” Kita forgot, “You haven’t smelled any of the omegas since the introduction. Too many mixed scents would have your alpha brain all muddled.”

“I think it would only take one to capture me.”

The alpha’s throat bobbed up and down, his mouth watering just at Kita’s scent. Kita was now incredibly aware of how exposed and vulnerable he was, his arms tightening around the robe he clutched. However, a part of him didn’t want the prince to move away. A part of him—and not just the omega one—wanted the prince to draw closer. He wanted him to plant his lips on his scent glands, kissing and licking the column of his throat as if to unofficially claim him.

He was so close.

But instead, Kita pinched the prince’s nose in between his knuckles, a startled noise leaving him as he reeled away.

“You know what I’m going to say,” Kita shook his head, taking a step away from him.

“You know, most omegas would be dying to have an alpha prince climb up to their balcony and give them this luxury.”

“I doubt they would ever think you would do such a thing,” Kita put more distance between them, “Prince Kiyoomi, you still have two more weeks to make your decision. Do not be rash.”

The prince pondered for a moment, his curls swaying to the side with the tilt of his head. He tapped his finger against his chin, “So… two more weeks then.”

A twinkle in those dark eyes appeared.

“Then do not be surprised when you are the one I chose to have.”

Week five.

The selection would be made tonight.

The five omegas found themselves in the main castle grounds once again, revisiting the hallway where they started. There was less chatter, only soft murmurs coming through the thin walls as they were being prepared.

Kita exhaled slowly, the tightness of the corset not being the thing to suffocate him. This time around, he was donning the Inari colors. A tight maroon dress shirt was cinched by a black corset bust, black pants blending with the long black suit coat he wore. Furs tickled his neck, the servants around him making small adjustments before they would be called out.

“Nervous?” Osamu asked form the back of the room.

“A little.”

Atsumu waved a hand in dismissal, “You have this in the bag, your highness. He’s wrapped around your finger.”

Kita turned away from the full length mirror, facing the twins who stood by the door. He held his hands out towards them, the two looking at each other before approaching Kita. One took a hand each, Kita carefully squeezing their hands around his fingers.

“If I do get selected, then there is a chance I won’t have you as my guards anymore. So I would like to let you know something.”

He smiled up at them before bowing down, “It was an honor to have you by my side.”

“Get back up, yer gonna make us cry!”

“You can’t just pull something like that!”

The twins wrapped him up in a tight hug, Kita sighing softly as he rubbed their backs. They sniffled as they pulled away, their eyes watering while they tried to speak.

“We couldn’t ask for a better prince,” Osamu rubbed his eyes, a grin forming on his lips.

“Yeah!” Atsumu nodded wholeheartedly, “And we’ll be there for ya anytime. We’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

“I’ll hold you up to that,” Kita chuckled.

A knock came at their door. They gave each other a look of acknowledgment, Osamu and Atsumu taking their places to lead Kita outside.

It was time.

They stood in front of the door of the room, the other four princesses standing at their quarters in their finest pieces. At the mouth of the hall, a royal guard waited for them, beckoning to the omegas to come towards him. The omegas turned in sync, walking the dame practiced and poised manner they memorized like clockwork. Slowly, the remaining five formed a line in front of the entrance to the gala hall, waiting for the guard to open the door.

Music came from the room.

The doors were pushed open.

“Please welcome our final selection candidates for Prince Kiyoomi’s Hunt!”

Clapping rose in the brightly lit room as they were brought in, the royals of the remaining kingdoms joining them this time around. A large platform contained thrones for the kingdoms, queens and kings clapping loudly when they saw their representative. Each omega was called by name and kingdom, the omega going up to their throne to receive blessings from their parents before standing in front of the Itachiyama throne.

Kita couldn’t help but to smile fondly at the sight of his parents, stepping up the small steps of the platform to reach them. He took a knee in front of them, their hands extended out for him to kiss their rings.

His mother’s hand came around to caress Kita’s cheek, tears welling in her soft hazel eyes. She spoke softly, “Your granny asked to tell me how proud she is of you. Her blessings are with you too. No matter what happens, we are so proud of you, Shinsuke.”

“Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

Kita made his way back to his spot, standing at the left end of then lineup. He glanced to the Itachiyama thrones, Prince Kiyoomi wearing his best as well. A fine emerald silk shirt was on his body, flowing black pants moving as he uncrossed his legs. The black cape around his shoulders shifted as well, black fur at his collar grazing his cheek as he peered down at the omegas before him.

He gave a nod.

“The prince will now make his choice!” a court official announced.

Prince Kiyoomi rose to his feet, his hands clasped in front of him as he slowly descended down the steps. It was at a tantalizing pace, the click of his shoes against the platform having the omegas shift in place. Dark eyes glossed over the five, the prince making sure not to keep his stare on anyone a second too long. He was creating tension for the entire room, the atmosphere tightening as he finally stood on the same floor at them.

Prince Kiyoomi didn’t move a second.

And then he moved to the left, slowly walking down until he found himself in front of Kita. He lined himself directly with him, the prince lowering his head slightly to look down at Kita.

“Bare your throat for me, omega,” he spoke firmly yet softly, “For you are the one I desire to have in health, sickness, and death. May I have you for the rest of time. May we prosper until eternity claims our souls and takes us to sleep.”

He declared the last part loudly, “You, Prince Kita Shinsuke of Inari, are the one for me!”

Here, an omega can turn the alpha down if they dared.

But why would he do that?

Kita tilted his head to the side, exposing his throat for the alpha. The prince’s hands found their way to the column of his neck, peeling back the scent patches to gain access to his glands. The scent of yuzu and green tea was drawn out of him, a low rumble sitting in Prince Kiyoomi’s chest. Gently, he turned Kita’s head further to the side, licking a long and possessive stripe up his neck.

“It has be declared then!” the royal court official boomed, “Prince Kiyoomi had chosen his mate. Rejoice!”

Clapping and cheers sounded out through the gala hall, Kita’s heart threatening to burst in his chest. He did it. He won the biggest Hunt of the century. He was someone’s someone.

Prince Kiyoomi’s fangs dragged against Kita’s scent glands, the alpha using all his strength to not sink right into the supple flesh. Another rumble sent a thrill up Kita’s spine, his omega clearly pleased that he was the alpha’s choice.

“Tonight, the prince and his mate will seal their bond when the omega’s heat is triggered. After three day’s time, a public feast and wedding will be held to officially celebrate the union of these two royals. This is if and only if the mating process is a success. Preparations may begin, and we thank you all for joining the Itachiyama Hunt!”

The applause began to die out as the other candidates trickled out of the gala. The prince still his had nose buried into Kita’s neck, the rumbling in his chest becoming a pleasant sound. Was he crooning?

“Come along your highness,” gentle hands came to his side, “We must prepare you for your night.”

Kita tilted his head against the prince’s, “I have to go.”

“I don’t want you to,” the alpha murmured.

Kita pulled away from the prince much to the alpha’s dismay, a growl sitting in his throat as to command Kita not to do so. Yet, Kita ignored it, instead taking the prince’s face in his palms.

“You won’t keep me waiting, right?” Kita hummed.

The prince held his hands in his hands, tilting his head down to kiss at his wrists and nibble at skin. He planted one more soft peck to his inner palm, reluctantly letting go of the older omega.

“I’ve waited this long, but I cannot wait another second to make you mine, Shinsuke.”

He supposed this was the true hunting aspect of a Hunt.

Placed in one of the hundreds of quarters within the castle grounds, the alpha was meant to go find the omega in heat. It would showcase to the omega that they were committed to having the chosen as their one and only. It would also rile up the alpha, therefore creating the chances of his rut being triggered as well. If the alpha fails to find his chosen omega, then it would be a chance for both parties to reconsider the choice.

Kita had been taken to one royal suite within a tower, the servants preparing him for the prince. He was stripped of his garments, replaced in a sheer white robe that showed his pale skin underneath. The scent patches were fully removed too, his citrusy scent seeping into the air.

Finally, he was given the elixir to trigger his heat. It was a pinkish liquid, shimmery as it sloshed around the bottle that was tilted against his lips. A bittersweet taste came from it, Kita managing to swallow it down as he laid on the soft furs of the king sized bed.

“It won’t be long now,” one servant spoke, “Once the elixir takes effect, we will send the prince out to find you. May you enjoy your evening, your highness.”

They would leave, guards stationed around the tower area for the safety of the vulnerable couple. Kita rested back into the bed, glancing back to the window behind him. He wondered how long it would take for the elixir to kick in.

He wondered how long it would take for the prince to find him.

What seemed to be thirty minutes later, Kita began to feel strange.

His scent was stronger. He could smell himself everywhere, yuzu and green tea drowning him as his skin began to heat up. He was hot, scorching up and down the plane of his skin. A whimper was forced out of him, Kita tossing around the bed as he tried to make himself comfortable. His mind was muffled, senses hazy as a single thought crossed his mind.

“I need him.”

Sweat caused the sheer fabric to cling to his skin, Kita softly gasping as the mere graze of silk against skin. He turned over on his stomach, once again trying to arrange himself. However, a jolt was sent up his spine as he felt something new.

Slick.

Slick pooled between his legs, his exposed pussy wet as he dribbled onto the sheets. His omegan cock was hard as well, beads of precum collecting at the small head of it. He barely shifted against the mattress when the same pleasure shot up his veins, Kita digging his face into the plush pillows as he clawed at the fabrics and furs.

He needed him.

He needed an alpha. 

Kita’s hazy vision focused on the pillows before him, his hands grappling at one of them to place it underneath his hips. He needed some sort of relief, so something was better than nothing at this point. He couldn’t wait, he couldn’t wait, he needed to be satiated before he lost his mind in the cloud of pheromones.

He wanted to be at least a little coherent for when the prince came.

Tentatively, Kita rocked his hips against the pillow, his cocklet rubbing against the soft surface of the cushion. A soft whine escaped past his lips, Kita continuing to grind against the pillow. The fabric beneath him was beginning to dampen, his slick smearing against the white surface. Kita couldn’t care much at the moment,  breathy moans gasped out as his swollen clit also touched the surface. Kita pushed himself further into the mattress, elongating how he rolled his hips in order to grind his pussy and omegan cock against the pillow. 

More. 

More, he needed more. He needed something in him. He needed to be filled, he needed to feel something inside him.

A knot.

He needed a knot.

His actions froze at the sound of something. A creak. A hurried set of steps coming up, the creaking growing louder as it got closer to the room. Kita craned his head back, his hips stuttering, desperate to keep rubbing against something else for friction.

The door swung open, the heavy scent of alpha—his alpha—filling the air.

Prince Kiyoomi was breathing heavily, swallowing down gulps of air as his eyes immediately latched onto Kita’s figure. Forest oak and fresh snow, such a fresh scent, was threatening to consume Kita whole. The alpha’s hands shook as he took one step in, closing the door behind him quietly.

”Shinsuke,” the alpha whispered, “Finally.”

Kita’s omega let out a helpless whine, “Please,” it made him beg, “I need you. Need you, prince.”

”Kiyoomi,” he requested, already making work of taking off his clothes.

”Kiyoomi,” the name effortlessly tumbled off his tongue, “Please, please you said you wouldn’t keep me waiting,” he whimpered, dropping his head down on the pillows in front of him. 

Kita shifted upwards, raising his hips in the air as he dropped his chest completely on the mattress. His arms were wrapped around the pillow, Kita parted his knees further apart to offer himself. To present himself. His could feel the sensations in his body rise to a new high, his heat still not at its peak just yet.

The presence of an alpha helped nudge it along.

Clothes dropped to the floor, and Kita felt his heart jump as the bed dropped down with an added weight. He twitched with a small groan, fingers gingerly gliding across the thin robe he still wore. His hands reached around, carefully pulling off the sheer silk from his body and dropping it somewhere on the bed. Air hit his wetness and drawing another whimper from Kita.

The omega’s entire body melted as two fingers parted the puffy lips of his cunt, Kita slowly moving his hips up and down to grind against them. Another hand traced the covered skin down his spine, the scents around them gradually getting stronger.

”You have no idea how I’ve longed to have you like this,” Kiyoomi murmured softly, “How I dreamed to see you underneath my touch. You had me thinking about you and only you for a month, Shinsuke.”

He had much to say, but all his words were replaced with breathy moans and soft panting, his body desperate for the alpha behind him. The fingers slid back down, collecting dripping slick as he moved back up to his greedy cunt. Kita’s mouth dropped down, Kiyoomi’s fingers effortlessly sliding into his hole with a single press. 

“Beautiful, beautiful boy,” the alpha praised, “I’m here. I’m here for you and no one else.”

“More,” Kita pleaded, moving back onto the alpha’s fingers, “More, more, please Kiyoomi—hah!”

A throaty gasp was ripped out of him, one of Kiyoomi’s large hands wrapping around his cocklet as he added a third finger into him. In tandem, he stretched out his hole while fisting his omegan cock, syncing with a rhythm that had Kita in a mess. Long fingers hit deep within him, slick dripping out each time the alpha prince pulled away. He could feel more precum dribble out of his small head, a big pool of warmth growing in his stomach as the alpha sped up his movements. 

“Wait—wait—ah!” Kita was kept in place, “Kiyoomi, I want to come on your cock, please-“

”Shhh, shhh,” Kiyoomi hushed, “Don’t worry. You certainly will after this.”

Kita’s eyes blew open with a cry, his cunt squeezing around the slender fingers as he thrusted them in roughly two times, his orgasm drawn out with that by his surprise. A gush of warmth spilled onto the sheets, his cocklet also spurting small streaks of white against Kiyoom’s hand. Kita gasped for air, the haze lifting from his mind by a fraction.

He still needed more. He needed Kiyoomi’s knot, he needed alpha, alpha needed to breed him, please, please he needed to be filled—

As if he could read his mind, Kiyoomi guided the head of his cock to Kita’s cunt, pressing the tip against his entrance. Without a warning, Kita thrusted himself back into the alpha, taking his entire length in one swoop.

“Fuck—“ Kiyoomi breathily cursed, “You must’ve been so lonely for those fifteen minutes. Already so drenched, so needy for my cock.”

”F—fifteen?” Kita stuttered in between, “You found me that quickly?”

“As I’ve said, I couldn’t wait to have you.”

Hands gripped his hips, the alpha shallowly thrusting into his cunt to begin. He was long, stretching him out enough to make his eyes roll back and salivate with pleasure. His length dragged deliciously against Kita’s swollen walls, his mind chanting “more, more, more” over and over again. Around them, pheromones grew heavier, Kita’s body instinctively fucking back onto Kiyoomi out of pure need. When he pulled out, Kita pushed back. Knot, fill, breed, be claimed—his omega was wailing to be fulfilled.

Kiyoomi got the message, one hand leaving his hips to pin down his shoulder. With a low growl, the alpha began to fuck him in earnest, the obscene sound of skin against skin filling his ears. Kita whined with embarrassment, the amount of slick spilling out him sticking against their thighs every time they touched. Kiyoomi’s nails dug into his skin, Kita’s wanton moans drawing out as his length perfectly kissed the sweet spot within him.

”Perfect, perfect, just perfect,” the alpha hissed through a rumble, “You are everything I wanted and more.”

”Ah—ah, Kiyoomi—fuck—!”

The alpha’s arms wrapped around his waist and chest, pulling the omega to be flushed against his chest. The swell of the alpha’s chest was pressed against him, Kita glancing down to see his cock pump into his cunt so easily. Kita’s little cocklet bounced against his stomach, whimpers and whines forcing their way out of his throat as his entire body ached and burned for more.

”Look at you,” Kiyoomi pressed kisses on the side of his cheeks, “Taking me so well. I’m the only one who will see you and take you like this, yeah?”

”Yeah—yes—!” Kita threw his head back against his shoulder, his nose near the alpha’s scent glands.

”No one else can have you,” he snarled, the pheromones now reaching their peak, “Everyone who doubted you are fools, for you are the most beautiful and exquisite omega in the entire land. You’re mine, Shinsuke. My omega.”

A guttural moan erupted from his lips, Kita’s entire body shaking with small squirts of cum spilling from his cocklet. Fluids and slick squirted out as Kiyoomi kept thrusting in, splashes of his release spilling down his thighs and all over the covers of the bed. Kita’s gaze crawled up the throat of the alpha, Kita stretching a little higher to nip at his scent glands.

”I know, I know,” Kiyoomi murmured, “Here, I wanna see you.”

Kita’s body was lifted off Kiyoomi’s cock, Kita softly whining at the sudden emptiness. He was turned over to face Kiyoomi, his back hitting the furs and soft sheets gently.

Moonlight lit the prince’s face, a teasing smile on his lips as he looked down at Kita. Fingers slid down the soft skin of his inner thighs, fingertips collecting the copious amount of slick that was trickling down his legs. The alpha brought his fingers up to his mouth, the slick glistening before Kiyoomi cleaned it off with his tongue. Kita swallowed thickly, wondering how Kiyoomi’s lips would feel against his cunt, lapping away at the fluids as if it was his last meal or perhaps suckling away at his folds until Kita couldn’t take it any longer.

He could appreciate his full handsomeness as well, his body lean but toned. Porcelain like skin was littered with moles, the little dots like small constellations on the map of his body. Kita wanted to kiss them, he wanted to worship the alpha as much as the alpha wanted him, but his senses begged for an animalistic desire first rather than a slow night. 

“Kiyoomi,” Kita looked up at him with watery eyes, “Please, I can’t take it any longer. Put it in me, give me your knot, please?”

The prince licked the last of the release from his lips, his hand reaching down to his length. Kita looked in between them, a stuttering breath exhaled as the alpha’s length was dragged against his sore pussy. Kiyoomi sucked air in sharply through his teeth, a hand reaching to Kita’s face as the other rested on his hips.

”Shinsuke,” Kiyoomi’s voice was rougher, “Omega. Anything you ask will be yours.”

He leaned forward, mouth parted open as he took Kita into a kiss the same time he pushed back in. 

They were soft, but the kiss was far from gentle. He greedily ate every sound Kita made, his mouth hungrily nipping and licking at anything he could reach. Kita tugged on his lips with his teeth, almost biting down too hard as his thrusts began to grow erratic and rougher. The pine and snow scent had become so heavy—so intense—that Kita could barely think any longer. His limbs were struggling to keep hold onto the alpha prince, Kita’s body fully succumbing to the man. 

“Shinsuke,” Kiyoomi’s voice was gravely, almost as if he was struggling to keep control, “I’m—I—“

”Don’t hold back,” Kita whispered against his sweaty skin, “C’mon, Kiyoomi. Give me what we both want.”

He leaned closer to his ear, “Breed your omega, alpha.”

Kiyoomi lost it then and there.

He gripped Kita’s thighs, burying his nose right against Kita’s scent gland as he mercilessly fucked into Kita’s sopping cunt. He was sore, he was exhausted from his previous releases, but Kita couldn’t care at the moment. He still needed it, he still wanted it. The thought of being swollen with his alpha’s pups was more than enough to have Kita babbling and drooling, his blunt nails weakly digging into Kiyoomi’s shoulder blades.

”I promise,” Kiyoomi grunted against his neck, “I promise you won’t leave until I am certain you will have my pups—fuck. You’ll—you’ll look so ethereal carrying them, you’ll be such a good mama, yeah?”

”Yes, yes, yes!” Kita cried out, his body buzzing and toes curling, “I’ll be so good for you, alpha. So, so good! Please, I’m gonna—I’m gonna—!”

“Fuck—!”

Kita’s eyes shot wide open, feeling himself being stretched wider than ever. His mouth fell open, eyes rolling back as Kiyoomi’s knot grew with every pump in and out. The alpha’s groans were loud, his expression pinched as he buried himself up to the hilt into Kita, pulling out as far as he could before his knot finally popped into place. He screamed out loud at the wonderful sensation of warmth spilling into him, Kita’s heart threatening to burst with eagerness because he was finally given what it wanted so badly. 

At the same time, Kiyoomi’s jaw dropped to sink his fangs into Kita’s scent glands, a rush of heat coursing through his veins. Kita’s body trembled, soft hiccups and cries tumbling out of him as the alpha pulled him close to his body.

Kita swore he passed out for a minute, his vision finally readjusting after a moment. His cunt was throbbing against Kiyoomi’s knot, Kita gently rolling his hips against the connection to ride out the remains of his high.

Kiyoomi licked at the wound he made, tenderly kissing at the bite mark. His lips trailed up to Kita’s cheeks, pressing soft pecks against his skin that was sheen with sweat. The alpha fondly smiled at him, tilting his head towards the omega’s damp bangs.

”Hi, Shinsuke.”

He chuckled softly, “Hi, Kiyoomi.”

Carefully, Kiyoomi adjusted them so that they would be on their sides, Kita wincing at the pang of soreness in his thighs. Kiyoomi apologetically rubbed them, pulling himself closer to Kita once more.

Judging from how the scents still lingered and were continuing to be fueled, Kita could sense that his rut had been triggered. They were both satiated for the moment.

”I swear, I will properly do this after the wedding,” Kiyoomi fixed Kita’s bangs, “Love you as I hoped I would.”

”What do you mean?”

Kiyoomi’s eyes scanned Kita, his stare tender while doing so, “When I first saw you, I had a fleeting image of what life could be. You carried yourself elegantly, but also humbly compared to the other royals who tried too hard. I could already tell so much from just how you presented your arrival. To me, you were the perfect life personified, Shinsuke.”

Tears formed in his eyes again.

”When you looked up at me with those hazel eyes of yours—something the others didn’t dare to do—that is when my heart was claimed,” Kiyoomi whispered, “I don’t care for age or status, none of that mattered to me. All I knew was that I had to see you again. I wanted to know you, Shinsuke, and everything you showed me only made me fall deeper for you.”

Kiyoomi bared his throat for Kita, “I want to love you, Kita Shinsuke. Show me that you want the same.”

Kita looked to his unmarked scent gland. Sincerity was across his gesture, the alpha prince closing his eyes as he waited. He wanted Kita. He wanted him as more than an arrangement for heirs.

He wanted to be loved.

Kita opened his mouth, biting down on the supple scent gland, blood seeping onto his tongue. Kiyoomi softly crooned, Kita licking away the blood before rubbing his cheek against Kiyoomi’s to scent him. The alpha smiled happily, kissing where he could reach as they basked in each other’s warmth.

”I can love you,” Kita whispered to him underneath the moonlight, skin to skin comforting his exhausted body.

”I will love you,” Kita declared at the alter as he wore the same white attire he first arrived in, standing in front of thousands who came to watch their ceremony, “For the rest of our lives, I promise that no other person in this world will ever be enough for me other than you.”

Golden bands sat on their ring fingers, Kiyoomi pulling him in by the waist for a heartfelt kiss as the crowds below them cheered for the newlywed royals. Kiyoomi smiled against their kiss, pulling away slightly to rest his forehead against Kita’s. Kita sighed fondly, wrinkling his nose against Kiyoomi’s that barely touched him. They turned their heads to the side, cheek to cheek as they waved to those who celebrated. They then turned to the thrones, Kita waving at his parents who were teary eyed at seeing him in wedding garments. He smiled at the twins who were ugly crying, the two cheering louder than the others with wobbly grins.

Finally, Kita looked to his new husband, offering him the sweetest look he could. Now, he could never doubt himself and others couldn’t doubt him either. For everything he was—an omega from a small kingdom—Kita has a reason to stand taller and prouder than ever.

”I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”

Against all odds, he was the one who won.