Chapter Text
"A bath is prepared for you, Your Majesty," an attendant addressed Wooyoung. After the long journey from his homeland to this foreign kingdom that was now to be his new home, the prospect of a soothing bath sounded like a sensible idea.
"We need to prepare you for the King," now that was something Wooyoung struggled to comprehend. Married to the ruler of one of the mightiest kingdoms in their realm, a realm far larger and more powerful than Wooyoung's own, the young Omega found himself at a crossroads. Ever since presenting as an Omega, Wooyoung had been destined to wed the King, a union intended to forge alliances and enhance the prosperity of Wooyoung's homeland.
Since Wooyoung could barely comprehend the complexities of this world, he understood one thing with absolute certainty: he was destined to be mated to the powerful king. It was his fate, woven into the fabric of his existence. His entire life had been a preparation to become the perfect Omega for the royal alpha. Yet, as he now found himself in the lavish bathing chamber, surrounded by the fragrant petals of roses and the richness of milk, Wooyoung couldn't help but tremble slightly, fearful of what his new life might entail.
After the bath, Wooyoung was dressed in sheer silk robes of golden hue, complemented by exquisite gold jewelry. Wooyoung was well aware that the choice of his attire was a reflection of his alpha's fondness for the color gold. The whole palace walls were adorned with intricate golden tapestries, and the ceilings shimmered with golden accents. Even the furniture was embellished with gold leaf, casting a warm, luxurious glow throughout the palace.
Wooyoung had learned more about the kingdom he was married into than he knew about his own. Throughout his life, he had been meticulously instructed on every aspect of his alpha—his preferences, his dislikes, even the smallest details. Despite arriving alone in this new kingdom, Wooyoung already felt like a resident. He had not only memorized the entire palace but also the names and roles of his alpha's favorite attendants. However, despite knowing everything about his alpha down to the smallest detail, Wooyoung couldn't help but wonder if it would be enough to satisfy his alpha.
Wooyoung had heard numerous cruel tales about his alpha, known for being harsh and unforgiving. Wooyoung was determined not to make any mistakes that could provoke his alpha's wrath.
As the moon cast its silvery glow through the windows of their bedchamber, Wooyoung could see the entire kingdom illuminated in celebration. Every corner of the realm was glowing with festive lights—candles flickering in windows, beautiful ornaments reflecting the moon's shimmer. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of celebration, proclaiming the upcoming mating ceremony that awaited them.
Amidst the festive cheer, Wooyoung felt a surge of nerves. The weight of his responsibility to satisfy his alpha and secure the future of the kingdom weighed heavily on his shoulders. It was his duty to ensure the well-being of the realm and its people, starting with the fulfillment of his role as the alpha's mate and the bearer of an heir.
As Wooyoung gazed out at the kingdom bathed in moonlight, his reverie was interrupted by the soft shuffle of footsteps outside the chamber, accompanied by hushed murmurs of voices. The heavy door creaked open, revealing King San standing in the doorway, a regal figure in royal attire. Quickly adjusting his posture, Wooyoung sat upright on the bed, adorned in delicate robes of gold, awaiting his alpha's arrival in the bedchamber with a mixture of nerves and apprehension.
"Your Majesty," one of the attendants announced respectfully, bowing low as San entered the room. The attendants discreetly withdrew, leaving the newlyweds alone in the chamber.
Wooyoung lifted his head, meeting the gaze of his alpha. His heart started hammering in his chest, heat suddenly engulfing his whole body as if he were being consumed by his alpha's intense gaze.
Quickly shifting his gaze downwards, Wooyoung stood up to bow before the king in an act of deep respect. The king's scent was incredibly heavy and potent, surrounding Wooyoung in a musky and earthy aroma that stirred deep instincts within him.
"You must be tired. I suggest you change into your attire for bed and retire for the night. I will find accommodations elsewhere," said San.
Wooyoung was taken aback by San's unexpected suggestion and mustered the courage to seek clarification. "Your Majesty, did I hear you correctly?" Wooyoung asked, his voice tinged with confusion and concern. As the king's spouse, Wooyoung couldn't comprehend why San would not want the mating ceremony to proceed as expected.
"I believe I spoke quite clearly," San remarked with a hint of frustration. "I was promised a healthy and well-educated Omega, yet it appears you struggle to comprehend even the most basic information."
The sharpness of San's words pierced through Wooyoung's heart, leaving behind a lingering ache of hurt. Wooyoung slowly lifts his head, but his nerves surged as his gaze locked with the King's. The alpha's powerful aura seemed to command submission, a force that a mere Omega like Wooyoung could not easily resist. Despite his fear, Wooyoung knew he had to address the issue of the mating ceremony—it was not just about himself, but about the welfare of their entire realm.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty, but today is our mating ceremony," Wooyoung whispered softly, careful not to provoke the King. "If we don't proceed as planned, it could bring unwelcome attention and gossip throughout the Kingdom. The mating ceremony holds great significance for our people and the stability of our realm."
"Don't worry, your people will force me into this mating ceremony soon enough, just like they forced me to marry you,"San said, nonchalantly, shedding the heavy embroidered robes worn at their wedding.
Wooyoung's heart ached in his chest as San's casual words cut deep like a double-edged sword. He yearned to speak up, to tell San that he too had been forced into this marriage against his will. The desire to defend himself and convey the effort he was putting into their union weighed heavily on him. Yet, the weight of hierarchy and submission kept his words imprisoned.
Silent and struggling to contain his emotions, Wooyoung remained composed, his gaze downcast as he watched San remove the heavy wedding robes.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty," Wooyoung spoke softly, still gazing down, afraid to meet the King's eyes. "I don't want to question your decisions. I was just wondering what we are going to tell people when they ask why we didn't finish our mating ceremony."
San's response was callous and hurtful, causing Wooyoung's heart to sink further. "I'll just tell them that you were sick and not in a condition to mate," San remarked harshly. "I want you to go along with this charade for a few days. After that, I'll announce some work and claim to be too busy to mate. We will continue with this act and come up with as many excuses as needed. I want to buy as much time as I can to come to terms with mating someone I have no interest in."
San's words stung deeply, leaving Wooyoung feeling wounded and trapped by the alpha's indifference.
Wooyoung watched as San quickly changed into his ordinary clothes and prepared the divan for himself. Alarmed by the king's actions, Wooyoung stood up, realizing what San intended to do.
"Your Majesty, you can sleep in the bed and I can take the divan. You don't need to trouble yourself like this," Wooyoung urged, his voice tinged with concern.
San's response was sharp, cutting through Wooyoung's attempt to offer accommodation. "Sleeping like this won't trouble me at all, but it will definitely trouble you," San retorted. "Didn't you marry me to sleep in these luxurious beds, to wield the power as the spouse of the biggest kingdom in the realm? You don't have to pretend in front of me."
Wooyoung felt a mixture of emotions—bewilderment at San's perceptions and a sense of helplessness in the face of the king's blunt assessment.
Wooyoung replied softly, wanting to defend himself but also fearing to agitate his alpha further. "Your Majesty, you are mistaking me for someone I am not," Wooyoung said, his voice steady despite his apprehension.
San's response was sharp and authoritative, his alpha dominance asserting itself. "And you are also mistaking me for someone I am not, Omega," San retorted with a roar. "I don't allow anyone to speak before me without my permission, and here you are arguing with me. Do you think your status as the consort will protect you from the dungeons for defying the King?"
Wooyoung felt a shiver run down his spine at San's harsh words, his heart sinking with the realization of his vulnerability in the presence of the alpha king. Despite his inner turmoil, Wooyoung held his tongue, keenly aware of the consequences of challenging San's authority.
"You should retire to bed now and try to get some rest. Being the royal consort of this kingdom—and especially my mate—will not be an easy task," San remarked with a hint of severity in his tone.
Wooyoung slowly laid down on the lavish bed, his emotions swirling beneath a composed facade. He fought back tears, determined not to show weakness in front of San, whose words had deeply wounded Wooyoung's omega. Wooyoung's upbringing had prepared him to excel as an Omega in many ways, but it had not equipped him to handle the emotional turmoil he now faced.
As he lay there, a sense of profound disappointment washed over Wooyoung. It felt like he had failed in the very purpose he had been groomed for his entire life—to earn his alpha's affection and fulfill his role as a devoted spouse.
Tired from his long journey and emotionally exhausted from the interaction with his alpha, Wooyoung found himself drifting into a light slumber. The soft sound of crickets outside provided a comforting backdrop as he finally allowed his body to relax and his mind to drift.
Wooyoung was abruptly awoken from his slumber by the eerie sound of someone softly sniffling in the darkness. Groggy and disoriented, he slowly opened his eyes, straining to focus in the dimly lit room. Rising from the bed with caution, Wooyoung moved slowly, following the direction of the sniffles which grew louder as he took every step.
As he neared the balcony connected to the bedchamber, Wooyoung realized that the sound was coming from outside. The air felt heavy with an unexplained chill as Wooyoung stood before the balcony. Despite the darkness, he could discern the outline of a figure standing just beyond the glass doors. His heart quickened with a mix of curiosity and fear as he cautiously moved closer.
The sniffling continued, punctuated by the hushed sounds of sorrow. Wooyoung's breath caught in his throat as he drew nearer, the outline of the figure becoming clearer against the night sky. Just as he was about to call out, the figure turned slowly, revealing a shadowy face.
Before Wooyoung could make out any features, a sudden sense of dread gripped him as the figure dissolved into thin air, vanishing before his eyes. The shock of the phantom figure sent a chill down his spine, and he let out a startled scream that echoed through the silent chamber.