Chapter Text
Wind blew through the open window of the speeding car and ruffled Gilbert’s white hair. He hadn’t bothered to brush it before he left his house that morning and knew that he wouldn’t try to fix it when he arrived at his destination. The bright sun in the cloudless sky made the alpha scowl and press his foot harder on the gas pedal. He wanted the weather to reflect his mood, dark clouds, pouring rain, and booming thunder. Instead it was bright and cheerful outside and that alone was enough to make him want to drive off of a cliff and into the deep ocean and let it suck him down into it’s cold oblivion.
Gilbert turned off his loud metal music with a rough jab of his finger and, with a squeal of tires, turned into a parking lot on the right. Parking in the first available spot, he slammed his car door shut and went into the large grey brick building before him. It was a huge government building in the middle of the capital city, and he wanted to be anywhere but there.
Once inside he pressed his hand onto a panel by the entrance and it beeped, opening the thick sliding doors. Conversation hushed as he strode inside, smirk plastered to his face, head held high. People stared at him, whispered hushes of reverence or fear, Gilbert honestly didn’t give a shit which it was. Nobody stopped his progress into the building, nobody had the guts.
He stepped into the elevator, somebody who wasn’t looking was about to get on as well, though stopped when they looked up and met the pale alpha’s red eyes. The person, an omega, stumbled away from the door, stammering apologies.
Gilbert rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall as he began to ascend.
When the elevator arrived it was on the very top floor opening to a hallway covered in lush carpets and white walls with gilded gold molding. The door to his destination was open, which was expected, and he strode in, flopping down on a lounge chair in the darkest part of the huge office.
The man at the desk was older than him, also an alpha, long blond hair tied back behind his head, cold blue eyes staring over at Gilbert.
“It took you long enough to arrive son,” said Aldric, voice stiff and cold, hand resting atop a small stack of papers.
“Yeah, yeah,” grumbled Gilbert, putting up his feet on a well polished coffee table, ignoring the way his father’s look soured, “I came here on my own time.”
“It was important,” said Aldric once more, sitting even more straight in his seat if it were possible.
“When isn’t it?” asked Gilbert, reaching into his leather jacket for his package of smokes, he was just about to put one in his mouth when his father stormed over and ripped it from his hand.
“You know the rules of the building. No smoking within twenty feet of any part of it,” growled Aldric, tossing the unlit stick into his trash.
“Oh for fuck sakes,” muttered Gilbert, “I went through hell for this fucking country and I should be able to smoke anywhere I want inside of it.”
Gilbert couldn’t be certain, but it almost seemed as if just a bit of the coldness in his father’s eyes melted away with those words. However they were frosty once more was the man reached for one of the papers he’d been touching before.
“And you can, just not here,” said Aldric, “But right now we have more pressing matters.”
Aldric opened a manilla folder and a paper sat in front of him that Gilbert thought may have had a photo on it, he couldn’t be sure.
“As you know, we have reached an agreement with the Kingdom of Kaiseth. One part of the treaty that has been written up is to help prevent further wars.”
Gilbert didn’t know where the conversation was going but he had a bad feeling deep in his gut.
“So what does that have to do with me,” said Gilbert tapping his fingers on his knee.
“You see son part of the treaty between our countries involves arranged marriages,” Aldric told Gilbert his gaze not wavering for a moment.
All of the breath left Gilbert suddenly something thick in his throat. He wanted to scream because he knew where this was going but he knew he couldn't let out a sound. He refused.
All he could do was croak out, “What are you saying old man.”
Aldric stood, carrying with him a piece of paper. Gilbert sat up and swallowing grabbed the paper that was handed out to him. It was all he could do to not vomit as he stared into the face of the one who killed his mate.
“You're setting me up with an alpha?,” exclaimed Gilbert laughing and trying to play it cool even though he had to swallow bile before he spoke.
“Of course not,” scoffed Aldric, who by then had sat back down.
“But then what...” Gilbert trailed off as he got a good look at the paper.
No, whoever was on that paper was different at least in orientation. The person on the paper was an Omega. He couldn't believe what he was seeing and what was being expected of him.
“I won't do it,” said Gilbert plainly, “after all I've done for this country the king can't possibly expect me to serve again. Not like this at least.”
“That's exactly why I believe you were chosen to do this,” said Aldric picking up a pen and holding it in his hands as he spoke, “You are a war hero and you are my son.”
“Wait so you're saying you -”
“I had nothing to do with this boy. But nor can I stop it.”
Gilbert leapt to his feet and crunched the paper up in his hand throwing it across the room in a ball, “I won't do it! Simple as that.”
“Then you will be tried for treason and very likely killed,” said Aldric.
“So let them kill me I don't give a shit," said Gilbert with a scowl.
“Except that in that case our family will be disgraced. We will all be considered traitors, your brother and his mate, as well as myself.”
Gilbert slumped as he stood clenching his fists together and gritting his teeth. He knew he couldn't do that and his younger brother and a little mate Feliciano. His Omega brother-in-law was with child. He would be dooming his entire family to death or a life of running.
Shutting his eyes tightly, he ground out, “When?”
Aldric set down the pen and said, “This coming Friday.”
It was Monday.
He had less than a week until he was bound forever in a marriage that he didn’t want.
Gilbert stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him. He leaned against the wood and reached to his left hand, Gilbert spun the golden ring which rested on on his finger.
He whispered, “I’m sorry.”
#
With wide eyes, Matthew gazed out of the window of his father’s private jet. The vista before him made him speechless, not that he’d ever been one for many words. The tops of fluffy white clouds seemed to expand forever, looking for all the world like piles of snow. He wanted to reach out to touch them with his slender fingers. Dive into them and feel the moisture on his face as he flew.
It was the first time he’d ever been on a plane. And before, as his father and his chauffeur drove to the airport, it had been the first time he’d been away from his father’s estate. Even then, the windows had been shaded so deeply that Matthew hadn’t been able to see much.
“Matthew are you listening to me?” yelled his Father, Duke of Ashbridge, sitting across from him.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, I wasn’t,” whispered Matthew, gaze turned to his father.
“I was, once again, reminding you to not embarrass our family name,” said his father, nose turned up, glaring down at Matthew who had slumped in his seat, “We were chosen for a treaty marriage and you are not important to me. Your brother Alfred can have an important marriage, he is my heir. You know that he is better than you, correct?”
Lips thinned, Matthew took in a deep breath and let out a shaky, “I know. I’m just an omega.”
“And a useless one at that,” scoffed his father as he took a sip of his wine.
“Sorry,” said Matthew, as soft as he could, slumping in his seat further, wishing to be out of his Father’s sight.
Peeking back out of the window, Matthew once more tried to lose himself in thought. Most omegas would probably be horrified to find that they’d been forced into an arranged marriage. The practice had died off decades previous and omegas were allowed to chose their own mates. Matthew, however, was excited.
He wondered what his alpha would be like. Would he be strict and cruel like his father? Or would he be kind and gentle like his brother? They had been the only alphas he’d ever seen in real life. He’d seen pictures in books, having never been allowed to have the internet except for the few times he was able to watch over Alfred’s shoulder. He’d seen images of alphas.
Would his alpha be handsome? To be fair Matthew didn’t particularly care on that part. He just wanted his mate to be kind. Matthew would love him how he was.
That was all Matthew knew, that his alpha was male. He knew nothing else.
“Once again, you are ignoring me,” yelled his father, hand raised as if to strike Matthew, “If I didn’t want you to be in pristine condition before the wedding, I would beat you.”
Lifting his feet onto the seat and holding them against himself, Matthew nodded and whispered, “Yes sir. I’m sorry sir.”
“I’ll be glad to be rid you you,” said his father, standing, presumably to refill his wine glass, “Such a burden.”
Staring at the ground, Matthew didn’t cry. Not a single drop fell down his cheeks. He’d done all his crying at a young age. He wasn’t sure he had any tears left.
#
“I can’t believe that I’m not allowed to even see his face before the wedding,” grumbled Gilbert, swirling the frothy beer in the glass stein in his hand.
His friend Antonio blinked up from his Sangria, fruity pansy drink though Gilbert always claimed it was.
“I guess it’s different over there huh?” said Antonio, his words spoken with their usual cheerfulness.
“If by different you mean that they are Barbarians then yes, they are different,” said Francis, waving his hand back and forth and he held onto his red wine in the other, “My Arthur went over there and he was appalled at how omegas like himself were treated. It was if they couldn’t believe that an omega could be a diplomat.”
Slamming the glass onto the counter, Gilbert yelled, “They are all ass holes. I wish the war hadn’t ended in a stalemate. I wish we’d killed all of those backwards fuckers.”
Antonio looked away, never the one to care for conflict and preferring to ignore his friend’s ignorance. Francis, however, had no such qualms.
“Calm yourself,” said Francis, placing a hand on Gilbert’s shoulder as it shook, “That wouldn’t have been right and you know it. There are innocent people over there. Death is never the solution.”
Gilbert slumped back down into his seat and chugged the rest of his brew, gesturing for the bartender to bring him another.
“Tell them that,” said Gilbert, voice low.
When that look of pity flitted across Francis’ face, Gilbert sort of wanted to smack it off. He wouldn’t though. He’d never hit a friend in anger. He’d just had enough of that look. He’d been getting it for the past year and a half.
As usual, Francis didn’t broach the subject, instead he said, “So the wedding is tomorrow at two, yes?”
Gilbert nodded, grabbing the cold brew that was given to him like it was his lifeline.
“Can’t we go see strippers?” said Antonio, perked up at the idea he’d had, “It’s your stag after all.”
Gilbert snorted and tried to give his normal cackle, “And have Lovino kill you? If Francis came along then I’m sure Arthur will help Lovino bury your mangled body.”
“Best not to tempt fate,” said Francis and added, “Besides, I think they are following us to be sure.”
Francis pointed over to the corner of the bar that was most dimly lit, where two grumpy looking omegas sat. Both omegas did not look at each other and were focused on glaring at their alphas.
Perked up suddenly, Antonio gave a hearty wave over at Lovino who stared down at the table they sat at and frowned. Francis sent a grin Arthur’s way.
“It’s because they knew what we did last time,” Antonio said quietly at Francis, having turned to face his friend, “Because somebody can’t keep secrets.”
“Have you tried keeping secrets from Arthur,” complained Francis, gesturing upwards as if exasperated, “It’s nearly impossible.”
Antonio said, “I kept the strippers secret from Lovino last time.”
By that point, Lovino and Arthur had made it over, Lovino scoffed and said, “You told me about the strippers the second you came into the house, falling to your knees and begging forgiveness.”
Lovino looked rather smug, fist rested on a hip.
Gilbert chugged the rest of his drink, he took his wallet out and yelled, “Hey losers, I’m going back to my hotel for the night. Have some drinks on me.”
With those words spoken, he slammed some bills on the bar counter. His two friends and their partners looked at him, Gilbert abruptly turned before he could see any more pity on their faces.
He just wanted to go back to the room he was staying in and smoke cigarettes until he saw the sun rise on the day of his impending nuptials. The day he’d be shackled to the enemy for the rest of his life.
#
Matthew tied the golden sash belt over the free flowing white tunic, cinching it tight to his waist. His white pants were very loose and flowing, almost completely covering his golden jewelled slippers. He picked up a swath of white silk, covered in flecks of gold, trimmed in golden lace and wrapped it around the front of his neck so it hung down his back.
Stepping back from the mirror, he looked himself over. He gave a nervous smile to himself and looked around. He really wished that his father had of let Alfred join. He missed his brother terribly. The omega’s hands shook and his closed his eyes.
In mere minutes he’d be headed upstairs to be wed and he felt his stomach turn once. Matthew had been excited but the more he thought, he more nervous he become. He hadn’t slept at all the night before and had to use concealer to cover the dark circles under his eyes.
Slamming the door open, his father stomped inside and said, “Are you ready? Everybody is upstairs waiting for you.”
Matthew nodded and they ascended the curved stairs and to a set of wooden doors, which were then opened by two suit clad men. Upon glimpsing the inside of the inner chamber, music began to play, piano, and everybody stood and faced Matthew.
Everybody on Matthew’s side of the hall, he noticed, were all various diplomats, dukes, duchesses, even the prince and princess. Not a trace of his family, few and far between though they were. Gilbert’s side was full to the brim with people of all sorts, each one of them staring at Matthew as if he were a specimen.
Matthew took in a deep breath, focused on his steps and stared at the ground in front of him. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass everybody by tripping and falling to the ground.
At the front he stopped and then heard the minister speak, “Do you, His Grace Duke of Ashbridge, give your youngest son, Matthew, to General Gilbert Beilschmidt?”
Too nervous to look up, Matthew instead heard his father say, “Yes. I, Duke of Ashbridge, give my beloved son Matthew to General Gilbert Beilschmidt.”
Ever the loving father in public. Matthew internally cringed.
Matthew stepped forward, as he’d been instructed the day previous, and stood in front of his future mate, finally looking up. He had to swallow down his gasp.
His alpha was incredibly handsome. Slicked back white hair and stern red eyes. His pale skin was covered in battle scars. His alpha’s back was stock straight, hands behind his back. Every part of him looked like the warrior he’d just been announced as.
The minister continued to speak. Matthew could hardly pay attention as he stared, rapt, at the alpha in front of him. That was, until the speaking stopped and the alpha held out a hand. At first, Matthew was confused and blinked before the alpha grabbed one of Matthew’s hand. The calloused hand was clamped to his, those red eyes frosting over as they stared down at Matthew. Matthew had zoned out for so long he forgot that he needed to hold hands with him alpha at that part.
Matthew said his part when it was time, a simple, “I do.”
Gilbert’s own words were spat out, as the alpha was trying to keep them inside, “I…do.”
The hand tightened on Matthew’s own and he didn’t wince even though he wanted to. They exchanged rings, white golden bands with a line of yellow golden through the middle.
“You may now kiss your omega,” said the Minister, without much of any inflection to his voice.
Watching his alpha make the move, Matthew could have sworn he saw the man grimace. But then Matthew felt the chapped and cool lips on his own, gentle and chaste and he gave a shy press of his own lips in return.
A pink flush spread over Matthew’s cheeks. His first kiss!
As soon as they began to walk down the aisle, Gilbert dropped Matthew’s hand as if it were burning him, shoving them into the pockets of his black dress pants. Matthew simply kept up with him, trying to link his arm to his new mate’s. When guests had come to his father’s home to visit, Matthew had seen mated couples doing this as they walked. Omegas hanging off of the arm of an alpha. He assumed that was what was expected of him. His father had drilled lessons of his role as an omega into him for years and it seemed proper.
Once out into the lobby of the wedding hall and generally out of earshot of the guests who were still getting up to begin their congratulations, Gilbert leaned in and hissed, “Do not touch me.”
Then the alpha slipped his arm away and stood, arms crossed and not looking at Matthew. It made sense to Matthew, he knew he was worthless. Why would such a proud alpha want him to touch him?
#
Finally they were done this sham after Gilbert shook the last hand. Gilbert had been perfectly clear to his father that he would not attend the reception. Under no circumstances would his opinion on the matter change. He didn’t give a shit if a party was still held in their honour. And so Gilbert abruptly turned and walked out of the damned building, ignoring the small omega following him.
He wanted to get home and get drunker than he’d ever been before. Gilbert didn’t want to remember the last time he’d done this. The last time he’d been wed, to the love of his life. Seeing her beautifully strong beta body poured into the white gown she’d chosen. Watching her graceful and proud as she walked down the aisle.
Nothing like the timid bird he’d now be chained to.
He slammed the car door once he was inside and tugged off his bow-tie, throwing it to the seat behind him and tapping his finger impatiently on the wheel as he waited. The omega almost appeared hesitant to get inside but eventually did, sitting down without more than a tiny rustle of fabric and the click of a seatbelt as it locked into place. Not a sound came from the omega’s mouth, Gilbert could hardly hear the boy breath.
And that’s what the omega was- a boy. The paper he’d been given said he had just turned sixteen. Too young in Gilbert’s mind.
Peeling out of the parking lot, Gilbert turned on his radio, metal music blaring. He noticed the omega look out the car window and fold his hands onto his lap. He didn’t want to pay attention to what the omega was doing so he occupied the hand not on the steering wheel with lighting a smoke.
He wasn’t a complete ass hole so he rolled down a window.
On the hour ride back to his home, the two of them didn’t speak at all. That was fine by Gilbert. They didn’t even speak when he got to his home nestled amongst a forest and upon the edge of the sea. His home wasn’t grand, though he could afford something larger if he so chose. Instead it was two storeys tall and covered in stone with wooden accents.
Once inside of the house, which was too cold since Gilbert had forgotten to keep on the heat, Matthew stopped just inside the door and stood.
“Take off your damn shoes at least,” grumbled Gilbert, wondering if the omega was all there, since he hadn’t spoken a word, “And then I’ll show you to your room.”
Matthew did as he was told in a rush and was on Gilbert’s heels. The bedrooms were up the old wooden stairs which still squeaked if you stepped in the wrong spot.
“This one’s yours. Your stuff was delivered the other day and I had it placed in here,” said Gilbert.
Still nothing.
Gilbert ran a hand over his face and gave a heavy sigh, “Look, just stay out of my way, don’t touch my shit, and then you can do whatever you want.”
More silence.
Gilbert stormed away and went back downstairs and grabbed a case of beer from the fridge. He sat on the couch and looked down at his hand, fingering the new ring that adorned his finger. He wanted to go down to the sea outside and toss it in. Gilbert hated it because it meant he could no longer wear the one Erzsébet gave him.
He took it off and placed it onto the coffee table in front of him and then grabbed the first beer of what would be many.