Chapter Text
The townsfolk's people gather and crowd the streets; happy chatters and laughter celebrate a peace union between two very strong kingdoms that used to be on opposing sides. The Leclercs, formidable in strategies and archery with The Verstappens, known for their swordsmanship and armies. Unlikely kingdoms to come together but the days have been tougher for each nation alone and times of war are behind them, they need to work together against larger foes and it is just a big coincidence that they have one royal each who are still on negotiating terms for marriage.
In these days and age, there is no talk of love or passion; it is simply bargains and treaties to make their own kingdoms better. There are also no introductory letters or meet-ups, just corresponding messages to negotiate terms and whatnot. It is for the people, it is for better days ahead and it is what’s expected of those born with royal blood.
Charles Leclerc, an unmated Alpha wanted by so many other kingdoms for his skills and influence. He is a natural born leader, who has won many battles outside safe walls and also extended the flag to more areas. They have the bargaining power so expectations are high and while the Leclerc Kingdom is powerful in their strategies, they lack in real numbers… as much as Charles can conquer, it will be easier with ready-support.
So, it made sense that of all the letters, it is The Verstappen Kingdom that made the most sense. They occupy a large area with a bigger population but due to mismanagement from the current King, Jos Verstappen, they’ve always found themselves in a bit of an issue. Heavy with resources but no good way to actually use them. It might be a matter of time before an eyeing neighboring kingdom decides to wage war and even with armies… they could fall overnight.
Coincidentally, King Jos has a son. An Omega named Max Verstappen. Not much is known of the young man except that his swordsmanship is remarkable. Omegas there do the more simple work, they are not given the same opportunities which is unfortunately a norm for most of the world but they are rare like jewels and therefore great to use as leverage.
Even without the Omega, they would’ve joined together in union. They need each other, they are more powerful together and this will be a rise to a new era.
-O-O-O-
“What is he like?” Charles looks on ahead in the large mirror, he’s being prepared for the marriage which is happening too early for his liking. Clad in royal colors of white, red and gold, the young prince is nothing short of dazzling. The servants around him work on the finer details, ensuring his cape is in pristine condition and that the crown sits perfectly on top of his curly brown locks.
“I’ve only seen him once during my visit there… I am not sure what he’s like. We didn’t get to talk… King Jos is very adamant about rules and protocol and Max is just an Omega.” His eldest brother Lorenzo says and Charles feels his eye twitch at how nonchalant the judgement was. There is an apologetic look from the elder through the mirror reflection but Charles doesn’t pay it any mind, his shoulders feel heavy not just from the attire but from the burden he has to carry, along with the lies he will be telling this poor Omega.
Sensing his younger brother’s unhappiness, Lorenzo dismisses all the servants.
“Charles… This is better for both nations. It is not ideal but someone like Max is born for–”
“Born for what? Just because he’s an Omega?”
The other sighs loudly, “You know what I mean. Honestly, he could’ve been in worse places but at least when he marries over, he will be helping his nation and the quality of life here is better. King Jos is not kind to Omegas, he might see it as a second chance.”
“And what if this Omega dreams of a life I cannot give? Of Family? We are really ruining his life… for what? Political gain? I could’ve rallied more armies… I could’ve—”
“You know war hurts everyone… Even if we win, we still lose.”
Charles knows this. He knows it well but he still feels terrible that he has to lie to this person he has yet to meet. His brother walks over and places a firm hand on his shoulder “Charles, you are a good Alpha, if anyone knows how to take care of an Omega, it is you…” He says with a shrug and a smile.
Right. Of course. Because Charles Leclerc is not an Alpha. He is merely pretending to be one and for the sake of his nation, he will lie until his deathbed. If Max Verstappen dreams of an Alpha who can give him a family, Charles will fall short but he swears that he will do anything else to make it up to him— Omegas should never have to live like this and for both their sakes, he is sorry that it has to be this way.
-O-O-O-
“I am sure you are ready, Max… but I am afraid… I am not.” An elderly woman smiles tenderly to her son, cupping his cheek and feeling the warmth radiating from him.
“It is not a big deal… I’ll be back anyway.” Max returns a smile of his own as she reaches out to straighten the crown on his head.
“I certainly hope you will not be back often… you’ll be happier there.”
She says it casually but the young man frowns in disagreement. “This is all just some fancy show for Dad to buy more booze and get high. If it keeps us out of war, I’d say that’s a win but I’m not expecting anything else… Besides, I will be bored out of my mind… they will make me do Omega duties…” Max groans just thinking of it.
“...which you are incredibly good at…” She reminds him and he shoots her an accusing look, of course he’s good at it, he learned it from her.
“Yes, I can do everything except produce a child which I certainly hope this ‘Charles’ isn’t expecting one…if lineage is on his list of things to do before he dies, he’ll be disappointed.”
“Max…I am… really sorry–”
“Don’t, mum. Don’t. It is not your fault we’re in this fucked up situation. It could be worse… I thought Dad was going to sell me off to Toto Wolff, pretending to be an Omega there would’ve been way worse.”
Max tries to look at the positives even when there are little to none. In a matter of moments he will be married off to a foreign land where he will play pretend wife for all his days. He has already strategically thought of it; he will play the shy virgin Omega role for a year or two, hopefully fake his death somewhere and disappear into the woods back home where he’ll take his mother and sister away from this place. He just needs more funds and more… freedom to start it.
He knew this day would come and his mother was already very good at preparing him for this day. The moment he presented as an Alpha, she knew his fate; he would’ve been killed because his father wouldn’t want a fight to the throne, doesn’t want a successor because he wants to rule forever so she did what she should. With her knowledge of herbs and medicine, she concealed his true secondary gender and told him that the only way he’d survive is if he pretended to be an Omega.
Not the best solution but Max lives on and in his own kingdom he can do whatever the hell he likes. He still picked up the sword, he still goes out and about, but of course one day he would need to repay it all back. He would be used for political gain because he’s an Omega and that day has arrived—
Charles Leclerc. He’s heard of the Alpha, well known, very skilled and powerful. Doesn’t seem to be an arsehole luckily and the Leclerc Kingdom is quite peaceful so far so Max thinks he will survive. The main thing is the nations are safe and at peace, he can prolong his days to see brighter things ahead.
Everyone has a role to play, Max Verstappen’s role just happens to be an Omega.
“I’ve been lying to everyone.. What is one more?” Max says with a shrug, putting a strong front even when he knows if he’s caught, there will be dire consequences.
-O-O-O-
The selected venue happens at the border between two nations, beautifully decorated and wide enough for many people, including common folk to witness the union of two nations. Charles walks ahead clad in his royal colors of red, white and gold. Max in his own blue, black and silver. Their capes dragging off the ground, scent of flowers around them where they finally meet in the middle; cheers erupt but the two simply stare at each other.
‘Taller than I expected’ Charles notes because they are actually the same height.
‘He’s pretty.’ Max’s head states automatically.
“Max, it is a pleasure… I am Charles.”
“Alpha.” Max greets politely, a trained smile on his lips.
‘Oh, god.’ Charles clears his throat, hiding a grimace from hearing the other call him that, no matter how sweetly it sounds. “Just… Charles is fine, we are… going to be wedded in a few moments… you do not need to be so… formal with me.”
The blonde nods his head, obeying orders like the good Omega that he is.
Some priest officiates things religiously while the duo stand there to follow whatever instructions he gives out. There is no practice for this so they just do as they’re told. Everyone seems happy about it; their families, the crowd, the visitors from far away, everyone under the sun except the two people marrying.
“In sickness and in health…” Charles repeats the words the Priest says.
“To love and cherish…” Max does the same in a monotone.
The Alpha prince really looks at the blonde, noting his soft looking hair, his rather long lashes, intense blue eyes and prominent nose. Max would’ve been very loved by any real Alpha, Charles feels guilty that he has to string along a stranger for years of empty promises. He wonders what the other is thinking, if fear and regret is in there somewhere.
Max knows Charles is smart so he has to really play hard pretending; maybe it will be easier because the Alpha is quite an eye-candy and he seems pretty nice so far. Nothing abusive or mean or cruel so Max can definitely work with that. He wants a quiet life, his goals are elsewhere but because Charles seems nice, Max can foresee that he will feel rather terrible for all the lies that will go down. He wonders what the other is thinking, if he’s expecting Max to fulfil a missing piece of his life.
Somewhere the Priest finally ends his dramatic words, Charles takes a step forward, he is an Alpha afterall and he cups Max’s cheek to kiss him on the lips. The crowd roars with claps and cheers, shouting their congratulations for the newly wedded pair.
Oddly enough, even at this close, Charles cannot scent the Omega. He doesn’t ask because he’s very sure the Omega can’t scent him either. It is for the best, the lesser Max knows, better.
Max lets the Alpha kiss his lips. He stands there a bit motionless, like he’ll wait for Charles to make all the first move which luckily he does because he takes Max’s hand and squeezes it tightly. Is it nervousness? Fear? Unlike an Alpha to feel this way, shouldn’t he be proud or egoistic that he just bagged an Omega?
Maybe they’re just the same; two pawns in a large game beyond them. Max squeezes back, glancing at the Alpha; if he could relay his advance apologies he would, he never intended to live a life like this…
Someone in the crowd shouts “Have puppies soon!!!” as a usual thing to cheer for a married couple.
The duo side by side share one look; a strained smile from Charles, a tense smile from Max.
‘Absolutely not.’
They think in unison.
For Charles, an Omega and an Omega cannot produce an offspring.
For Max, two Alphas cannot carry a pup.
It is simply impossible… it can never happen.
Ever.