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Being special wasn’t a good thing, Arthur Pendragon had always known that since his childhood. His father, the king of Camelot had told him otherwise, servants had said otherwise, but Arthur knew better. If you were a prince, it meant that there was no way you could climb into trees. If you were a prince, there was no chance you could play with other kids. You have to be better than everyone, his father had warned him, you are special, not them. then why did Arthur always want to be them?
When Arthur presented as omega, everything became much more complicated if it was possible. Uther Pendragon didn’t like the fact that his son was an omega at first, but having an omega son also meant power over other kingdoms. His omega son could rule over other kingdoms with such an ease if he used his omega charms. That meant so much more pressure for Arthur. He sometimes hated being a prince, Arthur sighed.
“Is your heat near?”
His manservant Merlin asked curiously, his grumpiness must’ve attracted his attention. Arthur shook his head.
“I’m using the potion Gaius gave me, I don’t think I’ll have a heat soon.”
Merlin tsked, he always hated Arthur using this potion. He dressed Arthur’s shirt gently.
“You are using it too much, I don’t like that.”
“Oh, tell me Merlin, should I just lie and open my legs apart beneath some alpha instead?”
Arthur’s vulgar language would make other people uncomfortable, but Merlin was used to it. He just rolled his eyes. “You need to wash your mouth with a soap, it is dirty.”
If Merlin was someone else, Arthur would’ve sacked him just for saying that. But it was Merlin, his manservant who knew the prince better than anyone else.
“What about your rut, then?” Arthur lifted his eyebrows. “Do I ask you about your rut?”
It isn’t unknown fact that Merlin was an alpha among the knights. At least among the trustworthy ones, anyway. Uther and other people didn’t know that, though, Gods forbid. Merlin was just a beta to them. Alpha manservant for an omega prince would be such a scandal. But Arthur didn’t mind it; he knew that Merlin would die before harming the prince. He was honourable unlike other alphas. And Arthur wasn’t foolish anyway; he would never go into heat near Merlin. Gaius kept telling him that it was not in his control, but Arthur ignored the physician. He was already using the potion, he was safe.
“You can.” Merlin shrugged. Idiot, it was not easy riling him up. “Ruts are much less than heats, My last rut was four months ago.”
“With Gwaine, am I right?”
Merlin’s sheepish smile meant Arthur was right. Gwaine was alpha too, but it wasn’t unusual that alphas spent their ruts with each other when convenient. Arthur suspected if their relationship was much more than shared ruts, but it was not his business. Even if how much he wanted it to be his business. No, don’t go there, Arthur scolded himself, don’t you dare to think of that.
Arthur sat on his bed while Merlin was tidying the chambers.
“What is it like?” He asked. “Being in a rut, I mean.”
Merlin hesitated before speaking as if he had never thought of it. “Strange. You don’t think with your head, you feel much more aggressive. It feels blurry sometimes, you always want to touch. It is making you insane if you don’t have anyone to touch.”
Arthur hummed. “I can’t imagine you feral.”
Merlin chuckled. “I can control myself.”
What would heats feel like, Arthur wondered, would he feel feral too? He didn’t think so, his father always told him that Omegas were more fragile. Arthur never felt like he was fragile, though. “Do omegas feel like that, too?”
“Don’t you know that?” Merlin looked surprised. “In your heats, I mean. Don’t you remember them?”
Arthur shook his head. “I only had my first heat when I presented, and it was not like heat. Gaius said that it was just my omega showing up. Since then, I’m using potions.”
Merlin frowned. “It is not healthy.”
Arthur rolled his eyes and got up. There was a council meeting he had to attend. “I’m the prince, Merlin. I can’t go into heats freely when the castle is full of alphas, can I?”
He left Merlin grumbling in his chambers, alphas were really dumb.
It was so boring, Arthur huffed. He hated these meetings, old men discussing about how alphas were superior was not fun. Even if they are aware that Arthur was omega, they loved to let him know that alphas were much better. Arthur would prefer to train with knights now. Since he was presented as omega, his head knight title got stripped from him by Uther. Arthur was still bitter about it, he missed to fight so much.
“Arthur,” He straightened his back with Uther’s harsh voice. “Are you listening?”
“Of course, father.” He was indeed not. Uther glared at him but kept talking.
“We were talking about the Companionship Ball.”
Arthur’s heart got filled with dread. The Companionship Ball was not as sweet as it sounded. Every kingdom was doing that once a year. It was a hell for omegas who weren’t mated. Alphas could choose their omegas as if they were slaves, but omegas didn’t have a choice. Arthur never joined one, fortunately, but his father talking about it was not a good sign.
“This year, we will host it.”
“No.” Arthur blurted out without thinking, there was no way it could happen. If it happened there, that meant Arthur would have to get mated too. He was not ready at all, it was not fair.
“You don’t have a say in it, Arthur.” Uther sounded dangerous, but Arthur didn’t care.
“Everyone knows that this ball is absurd and cruel! Only alphas have advantage, it is terrible for omegas.”
“Council dismissed,” Uther announced. When all members left, they were alone. Arthur got up from his seat furiously.
“You told me I can choose my own mate!” He yelled. “You always told me I’m better than them, now why do you let alphas come here and choose me like a bride?!”
Uther snorted, it was such an unpleasant sound. “You are better than other omegas, not alphas. Don’t you get that, Arthur?” He shook his head disappointedly. “You are special only if you are a mated omega. You can’t rule the kingdom by yourself; you must be mated with a royal alpha. Think of Camelot’s future. You are in your twenties; you should’ve been mated already.”
“But,”
“You have two weeks till the ball. Your new clothes will be prepared, and you will be ready for your mate. Are you taking your potions?”
“Yes, but what-“
“Good. Drop it when Gaius says. When you have mate, you need to get your heats. I want a grandson.”
Arthur’s heart turned into ice. “You want an heir.” Arthur whispered. “An alpha heir. That’s why you are determined to mate me.”
Uther nodded, he didn’t even try to deny it. “Camelot needs her heir, Arthur. You won’t be much useful.”
It was disgusting. Arthur knew that his worth was nothing for his father, he was special only when it came to seduce alphas. But hearing it that abruptly hurt. If he was alpha, everything would’ve been fine. But now, he had to be a well-behaved omega to find a mate. He would’ve fought his father further, but he knew that it would be no use.
That was why he decided to watch the training of knights. The knights were in the mood; Arthur let out a smile watching them practice ambitiously. Being an alpha was a must if you wanted to be a knight, no omega or beta could dream to be a knight. That’s why Arthur despised being omega, he had always loved joining the knights before presenting. Now, he only had a right to watch, nothing more.
“Cheerful you look,” Merlin teased, he was brushing chain mails. He shrugged when he saw Arthur’s questioning look. “Gwen is in her heat, and someone had to clean them.”
Arthur hummed. “That explains why Lancelot isn’t in the training now.”
Merlin chuckled. “I don’t think they will leave the cottage for a few days.”
Arthur blushed furiously, he couldn’t contain himself. Shagging was a strange concept to him, Arthur squirmed. “How long does your rut last?”
Merlin shrugged, his cheeks were tingling with pink now. “Two to three days. But it depends, sometimes omegas’ heats are much longer. Not that I helped an omega with their heat, though.”
Right, Merlin preferred alphas. How would it be, Arthur wondered, who took the initiative when Merlin and Gwaine shared a rut? Did Merlin kiss Gwaine, was he on the top? Did his slender fingers wrap Gwaine’s neck? Did he bite Gwaine?
“Are you alright, Arthur, you look flushed.”
Of course he was, he shook his head furiously though. When Gwaine’s eyes met Arthur’s, he waved cheerfully. “Princess! Come and join us!”
Arthur chuckled and walked towards them. The knights looked happy to see him. Well, except two of them. Morris and Roy. They never liked Arthur, anyway, but they used to respect him. It changed when Arthur got presented as omega, though. Now, they didn’t even try to hide the fact that they despised Arthur. Arthur glared at them back.
“Fancy a fight, sire?” Said Percival, Arthur appreciated it. Percival was the biggest alpha of the knights, whom Arthur had hots for once. Not that Percival could ever know about it, though. Arthur grabbed the wooden sword Leon gave him. “Always.”
He could hear the snorts Morris and Roy let out, but when he saw Merlin glared at them, he smiled. Percival was a skilled knight, his strength as alpha was striking too. But Arthur was not a bad one, either, he always had been a good fighter. When he managed to drop Percival’s sword, Gwaine whistled.
“Princess is in his form as always.”
Arthur would beam at the praise if Morris didn’t speak in dismay. “You all are letting him win whenever you fight. Does little omega need praise that bad?”
Here it was, Arthur dropped the wooden sword. “You are just angry that a fragile omega is better than you.”
Merlin snorted as approval, and it made Morris more upset. “Maybe I’m angry that you just open your legs for all alphas and in return they let you be delusional.”
It was so inappropriate, Arthur didn’t expect that. he also didn’t expect that Merlin grabbed Morris’ collar furiously.
“He is your prince. apologize.”
Morris seemed overjoyed at Merlin’s outburst, he smirked.
“Why Merlin, do you fuck him too? You must have, otherwise you wouldn’t be loyal to an omega.”
Merlin’s fist clenched at Morris’ collar tighter, he was about to punch the knight. Arthur grabbed his arm quickly.
“Merlin, enough.”
“Listen to your pet omega, Merlin. If you are tame enough, he could give a taste of his cunt to you tonight.”
Roy’s vulgar sentences were too much for the others, when Gwaine punched him, Arthur was not surprised. How wouldn’t Gwaine be upset, the claims of Merlin being with Arthur must have been terrible for him. Arthur tried to stop them, but alphas’ prides were already broken, they were feral. That was why Arthur stepped aside and muttered ‘stupid alphas.’ Stupid, dumb alphas.
“Stupid, all of you are so stupid.”
Arthur hissed at them. they were in Arthur’s chambers, Leon, Percival, Gwaine and Merlin. Even Leon who was the most sensible of them decided to be an idiot and fought too. Now, Arthur and Merlin had to clean their wounds. Thankfully, Merlin was the sensible one, this time, he managed not to throw a punch. Arthur was angry at him too, though, if he just shut up nothing would’ve happened.
“What should we have done, princess?” Gwaine complained. “Should we have listened to their nonsense?”
“I get that you wanted to protect Merlin’s virtue, but-“
They all snorted, Merlin shook his head chuckling.
“Why should I protect Merlin’s virtue, he is not virtuous at all. Don’t be offended, Merlin.”
“Then, why?”
“Gods, Arthur,” Merlin huffed, he was wiping the blood on Leon’s face now. “Is it a strange concept that we hated them talking so vulgar about you?”
“They have the right to say that, you know. If you are alpha, you have a right over omegas too. I’m not upset about it.”
“You should be,” Leon spoke for the first time. He still looked angry; he was the one who attacked Morris first. “You are our prince, sire, omega or not. They can’t throw claims about you.”
“Would you do that, though?” Arthur sat on his bed. “Fuck me as they said? A lonely omega between all the alphas, it is striking curiosity, I admit.”
Gwaine choked. Percival was turning red, Leon’s eyes turned wide while Merlin looked as if he just saw a giant.
“It is a sensible question, is it not?”
Leon stood up quickly, if Arthur wasn’t curious, he would’ve laughed at his flushed face. “You are like my brother, sire. Younger brother. I would never think that of you.”
Arthur wouldn’t either, so he smiled at the head knight.
“I would have,” Percival’s unexpected answer turned all heads to him, but Percival threw his hands to the air. “What, should I pretend like he is not gorgeous at all? I really would but I already have an omega in my mind, and you are my prince, so,”
Gwaine coughed suspiciously as if saying ‘Elyan’. Percival glared at him.
Arthur looked expectantly at Gwaine and Merlin, but their answers were not as obvious as others.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Arthur.” Said Merlin. Gwaine didn’t answer, it wasn’t unexpected anyway, given that Merlin was his other half. Arthur huffed ignoring the ache in his heart.
“The only good alpha here is Percival, thank you Percy.”
The protests were hilarious.
Arthur let out a smile before getting serious. “Well,” he said. “You can find an omega if you want in Companionship Ball, seeing that we will host it this time.”
The reactions were expected, all the knights and Merlin frowned in disgust. They were thinking the same as Arthur, about how cruel the ball was. Kingdoms embraced it because it was a tradition, but it was terrible. If Arthur was an alpha, he could’ve abolished it when he became a king. But now, he had no choice. Omegas had no voice; they were born to keep their silence. Not that Arthur would agree but who was listening to him?
“Why?” Gwaine complained. “Why does Camelot have to host it? We don’t have so many omegas in Camelot.”
The kingdom which would host the ball was responsible with presenting its omegas to other alphas. Arthur grimaced but didn’t say the obvious answer. They would realize it by themselves, anyway.
“No,” Merlin whispered, of course he understood. “I won’t let it.”
“As if I have a choice, Merlin.”
“What are you talking about?” Merlin looked at Gwaine frowning.
“Uther will host it for Arthur.”
When the alphas paled, Arthur sighed. Gwaine looked furious. “He can’t! You are allowed to pick your own alpha, Arthur.” Sweet and oblivious Gwaine, Arthur shook his head.
“We are not in a fairy tale, Gwaine. I’m in age, I’m expected to mate an alpha and get pregnant. It is omega’s duty.”
“You don’t believe that.”
Of course, he didn’t. He didn’t have any other choice, though. He was not opposed to have a mate, or birthing children; however, he hated the idea of being under an alpha’s control. He huffed but didn’t give an answer, this time. What could he say, anyway?
“We will protect you.” Leon swore. “We won’t let any alphas you don’t want come near you, I promise.”
His protective and dump alphas, they all nodded stubbornly. Arthur had to remind them the terrible reality, though.
“Don’t meddle.” He warned them. “Don’t try to be overprotective over me in the ball, father would get mad. Don’t growl, don’t try to scent me when guests are here.”
Their objections were loud, but Arthur was adamant on not listening to them. He kicked them out of his chambers, alphas staying with him would cause great scandal in the castle anyway. Merlin and Gwaine were the angriest when they left the chambers, but Arthur tried not to take it personally. They cared just because Arthur was their prince, that was all. nothing more could happen.
A tiny betrayer hope still glimmered in his chest, though. Arthur felt merciful enough not to kill it just for the day.
Princes should have the right to hope from time to time, too.
Camelot was getting ready for the companionship ball. People were excited for the ball as if it was not humiliating for the omegas. Arthur could not understand it, there were even omegas who looked forward to the ball. He heard the maid servants talking about it excitedly. How could they want to attend this ball, it was disgusting, humiliating, inhumane. And Arthur hated himself when he started to imagine mating an alpha he found in the ball. Maybe it was because he stopped taking his potions, or he just craved for love. but he knew, alphas in the ball wouldn’t look for love. They would not cherish Arthur, would not touch Arthur tenderly.
Sometimes, Arthur imagined Merlin’s and Gwaine’s touches on him. It was not honourable, disgusting even. They were already together, they were happy. A needy prince would not be their choice, Arthur knew that. But he couldn’t stop himself. Merlin would caress his hair when he kissed Arthur on his lips. His other hand would be on his waist, steady and possessively. Gwaine would be different, though. His hands were bigger, rougher. He would make Arthur beg with his touches; his hands would grip Arthur’s waist to move him on his cock. ‘Come on princess,’ He would say. ‘Don’t make me do all the work.’
Arthur sat down quickly when Merlin entered with food. He hoped that he didn’t look so flushed. He was disgusting, he was thinking Merlin and his alpha in perverted ways when he was just trying to do his job. Thankfully, he was decent and Merlin didn’t notice his blushing face. Instead, he smelled the air.
“What’s that scent? It smells flowers and honey.”
Arthur frowned, his chambers didn’t smell like that. He sat on the chair to eat dinner and murmured.
“Probably because of all the flowers coming to the castle. I can’t believe father is so enthusiastic for this ball, you would think he will find an omega for himself.”
Merlin grimaced, but he was still trying to smell. Alphas and their sensitive noses, Arthur rolled his eyes. When Merlin got close to him, his eyes widened. Merlin was smelling his collar, Arthur could feel his nose touching his neck. His fist clenched on his thigh to stop himself from doing something embarrassing.
Like kissing him.
“That’s you.” Merlin whispered. “That floral and honey scent is you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’m serious.” When he stepped back, Arthur already missed his warmth near him. Pathetic, he was so pathetic. “Gaius’ potions are powerful; they conceal omegas’ scents too. When you stopped taking them, your scent came back too.”
“And of course my scent is flowers and honey,” Arthur grumbled. “It is so girly and so omega, father will love it.”
“It suits you.” Merlin shrugged. “I loved it.”
The butterflies on Arthur’s chest fluttered like idiots. “Is it dense?” He tried to act nonchalant, as if he didn’t care. “My scent.”
“Not dense. But it probably will when your heat comes through.”
Arthur’s butterflies dropped dead, he forgot the heat. He feared it, terrified even. He had never had a heat; the king had ordered him to drink potions since he presented. He witnessed heats of some omegas, he saw how alphas became insane with their scents. What if he couldn’t control it, what if someone-
Merlin’s hand caressed his hair slowly; Arthur lifted his head to meet Merlin’s eyes. His eyes, Gods, his eyes. He was looking at Arthur as if he was a rare flower he had to protect. Gently, lovingly. Arthur wanted to slap himself for having these delusional thoughts, though.
“It will be alright.” Of course, Merlin understood. “When your heat comes, neither me nor Gwaine won’t let any alpha touch you. You will be safe.”
Will you touch me though, Arthur wanted to ask. Will you make me feel safe? Will you give me what I want? Will you give me your love?
If he wasn’t coward, he would’ve asked all of them.
Maybe Merlin would give the answers he wanted, then.
But instead, Arthur smiled like a good prince and thanked. That’s what was expected of him, anyway.
Days passed and guests started to arrive; chaos and crowd was dominating the castle. Arthur could see alpha guests eyeing him, a twisted sense of hunger was visible in their eyes. Arthur was like a prize they wanted to win for them, not a person. His father had changed his whole wardrobe too; he had silk clothes and warm colours now. Hiding himself behind shabby clothes wasn’t even an option, Arthur hated it. He couldn’t even join the knights to spar with them for a few minutes now, Uther forbid it. Precious alphas would take offence in seeing an omega fighting and wouldn’t want to mate him. How scandalous.
Arthur had to find a way to practice, though. He didn’t trust any of these alphas, they could hurt him and nobody else would do anything to protect him. Of course, his alpha knights were protective; but they had no power over lords. Arthur had to take care of himself as always, but he needed someone to practice with. Gwaine was the great choice for it. He would not coddle him like Leon, or he would not laugh at him like other alphas. That was why he called for Gwaine to his chambers to talk. To beg if needed to.
“Food is much better these days, maybe we need to thank these pricks for coming to Camelot.”
Arthur rolled his eyes with amused huff, Gwaine was hungry as always. When Merlin was busy doing his chores outside, they were eating in his chambers. It was delicious, he agreed with Gwaine.
“Ready for the ball, princess?”
Arthur groaned, the ball was in two days. “They are all idiots, Gwaine. They act like they are valuable when they are just trash.”
Gwaine snorted. “They are royal ones, of course they are trash.”
“Even my clothes changed, look at my new clothes, they feel itchy. And father is still getting the tailor to make new clothes for the ball. It is irritating, I hate it.”
“Well,” Gwaine shrugged eating his food. “You look pretty in blues.”
Arthur blushed, it was probably just a jest to soothe him, but Arthur liked the idea of Gwaine finding him pretty. He knew that he was attractive as an omega, but that was just it. None of lovers, none of yearning looks, none of tender touches. Maybe that was why just a compliment from an alpha was enough to make him blush. Or it is because you are in love with him, traitor voice inside him whispered, you are hopeless for any attention from him.
“I need your help.” He lifted his head to meet Gwaine’s eyes. “I don’t feel safe between all these alphas, I need to defend myself if someone tries something.”
“It won’t come to that,” Gwaine lowered his voice dangerously. “I’ll protect you.”
“That’s not the point, Gwaine. I need to protect myself.” He finally said. “Practice with me. My fighting is not enough; you need to help me.”
Arthur expected Gwaine to smile, nod, tease gently. Not looking at him apologetically.
“Sorry princess, I can’t be a good help for that.”
“Why?” He insisted. “You will assist me, that’s it. I’ll pay you if that’s the issue.”
“The issue is not that.” Gwaine didn’t need to say more, Arthur understood what his problem was. Him being an omega. That was the issue. Arthur snorted angrily and folded his arms on his chest.
“You always told me that I’m a good fighter. You punched alphas who stated otherwise. What changed now?”
“It is biology, Arthur.” He answered back. “You are strong and good, but you can’t be as strong as alphas no matter how much you try. I can hurt you. Leave fighting to us.”
“Oh, then I should just let alphas bugger me and give them children, is that my job? I should just produce slick and be a good omega.”
“You know that’s not what I meant, don’t be crass.”
The food was forgotten on the table, Gwaine looked furious. Arthur had no intention to step back, though, he was furious too. All the alphas who were trying to make Arthur obey their own rules made him so angry. His father, alpha knights, alpha guests, even Gwaine. Especially Gwaine.
“Who is getting crass?”
A tiny smile Merlin had on his face faded when he entered the room. He could feel the tension in the air, Arthur knew that. His scent was probably getting sour, too. He talked before letting Gwaine speak first.
“I need Gwaine to practice with me. I need to fight, protect myself from other alphas. But he chooses being prick.”
Merlin would understand. He always did; he could defend Arthur even against his alpha. Merlin would always put Arthur first, he would always-
“I don’t think it is a good idea, either.” His hopes got shattered, but Merlin continued talking. his voice was irritatingly gentle. “We need to be careful, Arthur, you can’t pick fight with others. They are much powerful, even Gwaine who adores you can hurt you by mistake, what do you think they would do to you?”
Even to them, Arthur was just a fragile omega, that was obvious. He should’ve stopped talking, should’ve accepted his defeat but if he did, he wouldn’t be Arthur Pendragon. He clenched his fists and got up from the table, Gwaine did the same.
“I don’t think you understand what is happening here.” He lowered his voice in fear of being heard outside of the chambers. “I’m a prize. An omega prize who needs to be sold. I even stopped drinking my potions which my father forced me to drink till now, because I need to produce my slick and my scent should be noticed by other alphas. I’m already in fucking danger.” Arthur hissed in anger. “When my heat comes through, nobody can protect me except myself. You are dumb, stupid, ignorant alphas who can’t see the everyday dangers omegas got through, but I’m not. All I want is some practice and you choose to blame my biology and ignore my needs.”
“For fuck’s sake,”
“Stop.” Merlin was frowning, he looked as furious as Gwaine. “Do you think we will ignore you when your heat comes? Arthur, I would rip the skin of the alpha who dares to touch you with my own teeth.”
Arthur ignored the shuddering he felt inside and snorted. “So, you will manage to ignore the fact that I’m in heat. Are you that pure? You won’t wish to fuck me, make me cry with your knot. Am I supposed to believe that?”
“We won’t.”
It was such a blatant rejection that it hurt. Of course, Arthur would not want them to fuck him because of his heat, but the rejection was still there. You will not be our omega, they said even if they didn’t use these words, you are not that precious. Gwaine sighed, his anger seemed to leave him.
“Princess, we are already mated with each other, omegas’ heats don’t affect us easily.”
Arthur’s world stopped.
They were spending their ruts with each other already, he knew that. They were close, he knew that too, they were each other’s alphas. But mated, that was much more different. More committed, more serious, more in love.
“Right,” He whispered. “Right.”
He had to ask even if it hurt. “I didn’t see your marks.”
They showed the marks behind their collars. The sheepish smiles on their faces, obvious love in their eyes, how didn’t Arthur notice it before?
“That is why.” Merlin said softly. “That is why we can protect you without getting affected by your heat. I’m sorry for not telling you, it happened fast.”
“You don’t need to be scared of us, princess.” Gwaine smiled, his hand was gripping Merlin’s arm gently. Gently but possessively. A reminder for Arthur who was hopelessly in love with them. When jealousy tried to conquer him, he let it. He shouldn’t have, but jealousy was a cruel monster. Arthur didn’t have energy to fight it.
“How does it work?” Shut up Arthur, his inner voice was screaming at him, you have to shut your mouth, Arthur. “Don’t you need an omega in your life?”
It was a message for them to see. It was a cry for help for them to understand. See me, why don’t you see me as an omega? When their smiles slipped from their faces, Arthur felt relief. Finally, they felt the pain too.
“You are not as dense as your father, Arthur.” Merlin sounded so cold, it felt so cold. “You can’t say things like these; alpha mates exist too.”
“They exist,” Arthur said. “But they are rare. My father would never accept alpha mates.”
Gwaine’s face hardened. “Your father would never accept omega as his prince, but here we are.”
A cruel response, it itched Arthur’s soul even if he was right. The comfort radiating between them had already disappeared, alphas were stressed. Arthur could see Merlin clenching his fists. He was disappointed.
“That’s so you, Arthur.” He whispered. “When you feel trapped, you attack others. We want to protect you, but you choose hurting us.”
Because you aren’t seeing me, he didn’t say. I’m trying so hard for you to see me, why aren’t you? Instead, he attacked again. He was so good at it, anyway.
“You won’t be a real family.” His eyes were tearing up. He needed to stop. Shut up, Arthur, stop. “You won’t have kids. “
“Shut up, Arthur.”
“Arthur, what are you…”
“People will never think of you as a real family. Alpha mates are ridiculous in the eyes of public. It is not a sensible decision, it is- “
“Stop.”
Gwaine wasn’t the one who snapped, this time. It was Merlin. That was not his yell which shocked Arthur, though.
It was his golden eyes.
It was the sharp wind wandering through them.
Arthur stepped back in fear, Merlin had magic. Gods, he had magic.
“Don’t you dare, Arthur,” Merlin’s whisper felt much louder now, much rougher. “Don’t you dare mocking our love.”
The magic felt so cold, it didn’t stop wandering around. It hurt Arthur’s body, Arthur’s soul. He could feel it choking him. Arthur collapsed to the ground with a loud thump.
“Merlin, stop!”
When it stopped, Arthur didn’t feel warmer. He was still trembling. He didn’t dare to look Merlin in the eye. He didn’t dare to look Gwaine in the eye, either. He was ashamed.
Merlin was still heavy breathing; Arthur didn’t lift his head. His manservant had magic. His Merlin had magic.
“I, Arthur, I…” His voice was trembling. “I couldn’t control it.”
There was still uncomfortable silence. Arthur opened his mouth.
“I apologize.” He whispered. “I acted unhonourable. I shouldn’t have said anything, it was rude and cruel. But I,”
Finally, he lifted his head. He made them cry, Gods, he hurt their feelings. He at least owed them explanation, even at the expense of his pride.
“I was jealous, I’m jealous.” There he was, he said it. When their eyes widened, he continued talking. “I’m stupidly in love with you, all of you. That was why I couldn’t stop talking. But you are a real family, no matter what I said.”
It was obvious that they didn’t expect the confession, Merlin let out a gasp when Gwaine looked pale. He wanted to help him to get up, Arthur didn’t let him. The hurt in his eyes was real, but Arthur didn’t find any guilt inside him.
“My magic,” Merlin’s eyes were still full of tears. “My magic is just for you, Arthur. I swear. I didn’t mean to keep it from you.”
Arthur didn’t want to talk about it; he didn’t desire to talk about any of it. He was feeling so many things at the same time. Betrayal, mistrust, disappointment, guilt, shame.
“Leave.”
“Arthur,”
“Leave.” He repeated. “I’m sorry for what I said even if I’m not sorry for loving you. But I won’t forgive you for what you hid till now.” Magic, he couldn’t say it out loud, he couldn’t forgive Merlin for hiding his magic. Merlin opened his mouth to say something, anything, but when Arthur looked at somewhere else, he looked defeated and left. Gwaine was there a second longer, he looked devastated.
“We’ll still protect you even if you don’t want it, I swear.”
When the door was finally closed, Arthur sobbed. He let his sobs surround all the room.
As always, he ruined everything.
His father was right for being ashamed of his son.
He was doomed to destroy everything he loved.
The ball was tonight.
Arthur was not stubborn, anymore, he stopped resisting. He had been selfish before, only thinking of his happiness. He had to care for Camelot, now, he had to marry for his people. If his father died, an omega king would be useless. Even when Camelot accepted him, other kingdoms wouldn’t accept him as a king. He needed a mate. That was why he accepted dressing the clothes their tailor made without any objection. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. His chest was partly bare because of the black tunic he wore. It was covered with beautiful rhinestones. His pants were tight; Arthur knew that the purpose of it was to show his body to alphas. He was so uncomfortable. He grimaced at his face. His eyes were still red from crying all night, his cheeks looked swollen. He hoped that his father wouldn’t notice it.
“Is there anything else I can do, milord?”
He smiled at Gwen reluctantly. He wanted her to dress him tonight; there was no way he could let Merlin do that. “Not at all, Gwen. Will you join the ball, tonight?”
She nodded. “As a mated omega. The king gave all of us the permission to join. Lancelot will come, too.”
Of course, his father was determined to let all Camelot see the humiliation Arthur would go through, he sighed. Gwen let out a kind smile and brushed Arthur’s hair gently. Her hands were smoothly caressing his blonde hair.
“You will be alright, Arthur.” She spoke softly. “I’m sure you will find a good match for you.”
He grimaced. “Didn’t you see our guests, I wouldn’t touch them even with a tree branch.”
Gwen’s pity in her eyes hurt him, of course she pitied him. She was mated to the perfect alpha. Which Arthur could never get.
“Merlin and Gwaine look upset these days.”
Smooth topic change, Gwen. Arthur avoided her eyes.
“Let’s go.” He declared. “It is time to go to ball.”
Gwen’s hand on his arm stopped him. “Be careful, Arthur.” She spoke. “Your scent is heavier today.”
Arthur tried not to think of the implications behind it, instead, he nodded. He still was not ready, but he had to get through this nightmare.
Whispers arouse when he entered the ballroom. Their servants made an excellent job, everything looked glamorous. Omegas were sitting at the side of the room; their clothes were much more revealing than Arthur’s. At least, being a prince prevented looking like a common whore. At the other side of room there were mated couples and single alphas. When he saw Merlin and Gwaine in the seat of mated couples, he didn’t feel surprised. Except knights, most people knew Merlin as beta, so they were acceptable couple. Everyone knows they are mated now, the irritating voice inside him whispered again, you are forever doomed to be alone. When Arthur kept walking, he could feel the looks on him. Lustful, admiring looks. When he dared to look at Merlin, he only saw sadness in his eyes. It was much more unbearable than lust.
“My beautiful son!” Uther’s voice echoed in the big room when Arthur sat beside him. “He is looking for an alpha tonight. That is why we are hosting the companionship ball this year. Enjoy the beautiful omegas of Camelot, my dear guests. But don’t neglect the omega prince, either.”
Laughs were sickening, Arthur tried so hard not to grimace. Eyes were wandering over his body, his chest and there was nothing he could do to hide his body. His father whispered to him.
“Smile and dance with alphas. Don’t act rude to anyone.”
Or else, he didn’t say but Arthur heard the implication, he nodded. He had no intention to act crass, anyway. His father and mother had met in a companionship ball, maybe he had a chance too. Not that he would want an alpha like his father, though.
It was sickening, watching alphas gazing omegas with hunger. Omegas looked like they were out for sale, alphas were examining them like hunters watching for their preys. Some omegas were much younger than Arthur, he felt sick. Eleanor, daughter of the cook, she was here too. Arthur hadn’t even known that she was omega, he stood up when he saw an alpha walking towards her. There was no way he would let a terrible alpha come near her, she was only fifteen summers old. When his father growled at him to sit, he didn’t listen to him. He had promised not to create a chaos, and he was adamant on not breaking his promise. But he never promised about not protecting his people. He walked towards them with a seductive smile he tried to put on his face. When his eyes met Gwaine’s while walking, he could see what he wanted to say from his frowning face. Don’t do that, he was begging, I know what you are trying to do and I don’t like it at all. Arthur avoided looking at him.
“Sir Lucien,” He let out a forced smile. “You must’ve come this morning, welcome to Camelot.”
Lucien was not much older than him, he was even handsome, but he never had a good reputation among omegas. He would take pleasure in abusing them, using them; he was a monster. Arthur hadn’t thought that his father would invite him, too, but sadly it made sense. He was a prince of a big kingdom, of course his father wouldn’t break their alliance even if it meant harm to his people. However, Arthur was not like his father, he would never let him come near his omegas, his people. ‘Even if it means you need to sacrifice yourself to protect them?’ His inner voice hissed at him, but he already had made his mind up. Being a prince of Camelot had to mean something; he had to do something to keep his people safe. Lucien smirked at him, eyeing his body.
“I wouldn’t miss this, my prince. Seeing you, I’ve never been happier coming to a ball.”
Arthur smiled and brushed his hand on Lucien’s arm. “Then, I’m sure you will be much happier if you dance with me.”
The alpha probably hadn’t expected that invitation, his smile got sharp.
“It would be my honour.”
Arthur found an excuse to touch Eleanor’s shoulder and whispered for a second. “Leave and hide in kitchen. If someone sees and asks, tell them you are doing an errand for me.”
The relief and instant nod in her face made him smile for a bit, at least he could save the little omega. Lucien didn’t look like he minded that Eleanor left, he found a much better asset anyway. When he wrapped his hands around the prince’s waist, Arthur could see proud look on Uther’s face. How ironic, the man who never told Arthur that he was proud of him looked happy that his omega son was between a royal alpha’s arms. Arthur dared to look at Gwaine and Merlin’s faces for a moment. The fury in their faces was so visible, the hurt was there too. As if they had a right to feel that.
“I’ve never thought that the prince of Camelot would want to dance with me.”
His hand was gripping him so tightly, Arthur tried hard not to grimace.
“Well, times are changing.” He said. “I need to find a mate; don’t you agree alpha?”
The lust in his eyes was disgusting; he looked like he could knot Arthur right here. It was disturbing.
“Will you accept me as your alpha, then?”
“If you swear you will not touch other omegas of Camelot.”
If you don’t do that, Arthur reminded himself, he will find other omegas to take them home. Lucien was not an idiot man; he understood Arthur’s real intentions. There was a fleeting anger in his eyes for a second, but it went away quickly. The greed replacing anger on his face was much scarier.
“I should’ve known. The prideful omega prince I’ve known would never accept to be mated without any ulterior motive. Did you hear about the things I’ve done to other omegas, my prince?”
He didn’t expect an answer, he caressed Arthur’s hair and whispered.
“I broke their arms when they disobeyed. I made them cry in my bed. Their body scarred with my bites. They called for their mothers with agony. But they never forgot whom they belonged to. But they were never pretty as much as you, so imagine what I can do to you, my omega.” His fingers touched Arthur’s bare chest. ”I’ll breed you with babies. You will only be a breeding stock as you are meant to be.”
His veins froze with fear. Fear, Arthur was not used to feel that emotion. He was brave, much braver than even their knights. But now, the fear was conquering him. He stepped back without even noticing it, but Lucien didn’t have any intention to let him go. He tightened his hold on his waist. Help, he tried to look at Gwaine, he tried to show his fear to Merlin, save me. But Lucien gripped his chin with a force.
“Don’t look at anyone else when I’m talking to you.”
It was forbidden, using alpha voice on omegas was forbidden even in the companionship ball. He had to obey to the voice but begged inside to be noticed.
“You can’t do that.”
It was Gwaine who looked furious. “You can’t use your alpha voice. I’m sure your highness will not like that.”
“He will be my mate, my property. I can use whatever I want on him.”
“Don’t you dare,”
Voices were getting louder, even his father seemed to intrude into the conversation, but Arthur couldn’t see or hear anything. Something was happening to him, something vicious. It was hurting him; it was burning him. He managed to get rid of Lucien’s hold but didn’t have any energy to leave here. He whimpered and collapsed to the ground when he understood what was happening.
His heat came.
He was feeling someone was trying to touch him, grip him. Alphas were growling, their voices were itching Arthur’s ears. There was chaos going around him and he couldn’t even move. Someone help me, he prayed with his eyes closed, please help me. His body was on fire.
“Arthur. Look at me.”
That soothing voice, everyone else stopped talking in the room. When he lifted his tear strained face, he saw that everything stopped. Except Merlin. Except Gwaine. They were looking at him, on their knees.
“How,” He rasped out.
“Magic. We need to go to your chambers before restarting time.”
How much powerful Merlin was that he stopped the time? He let out whimper when another round of the heat hit him. It was unbearable, he was itching with want. He was itching for some relief and love. Gwaine whispered at him affectionately.
“Let me, princess. I swear you will be safe by my side. Merlin will come after taking care of here.”
When Gwaine lifted him as if he was a maiden, Arthur didn’t feel any shame. Instead, he gripped Gwaine’s neck with his arms tightly. When they entered his chambers, Arthur didn’t feel better. He was still writhing in pain. He wanted, Gods, he wanted so much. “Please,” He whimpered when Gwaine put him gently on his bed. “Please, Gwaine.”
“Gods, Princess. You always have the worst timing for everything.”
“Please,” He begged. “Can’t bear the fire. I can’t, Gwaine, I can’t.”
“I can’t, either, princess.”
The rejection, again. Of course, he had an alpha, that was why he wasn’t affected by his scent like others. The rejection hurt more, he let out a pained cry writhing on his bed. He heard Gwaine swearing and felt weight on his bed, but he was too much in pain to look at him. His strong arms wrapped him, leaning him towards his lap.
“You will be alright,” He murmured softly, caressing him with tender touches. “I’m with you, I won’t leave you alone again. I’m sorry Arthur, I’m so sorry.”
Arthur didn’t have any idea why he was apologizing, he couldn’t think of anything else but heat inside him. He needed to move, needed to do something. He would hump on Gwaine’s lap if the alpha didn’t reject him already. But his hips were itching to move, he whimpered again.
“Sssh, it will be alright.”
Stupid alpha, he wanted to sob with want, it won’t be alright without you. When the door of his chambers opened, Merlin entered with a rush.
“How is he?”
“Did you sort it out?”
“I did, they will not remember what happened in the last thirty minutes and won’t care about Arthur’s whereabouts.”
“I should have broken that bastard’s fingers; I should’ve killed him.”
“You don’t have to worry about him.” There was darkness in Merlin’s voice, some bad deed was done and he didn’t feel any guilt. “Now, answer me. How is he?”
“Can’t you break his heat or else? He is not alright; Merlin and I don’t want to do something we can’t undo when he is in haze.”
“I can’t magic it away, it can hurt Arthur. Gaius told me that, never alter an omega’s heat with magic.”
He sat on the bed, too, Arthur let out another whimper.
“Darling, Arthur?” Merlin’s slender fingers touched Arthur’s dampen forehead. “Are you aware where you are?”
“In my room.” He whispered in daze. “With two alphas who don’t want me.”
The silence was uncomfortable, short but disturbing.
“Oh, Arthur.” Gwaine shook his head sadly. “You don’t have any idea how much we want you. How much we desire you.”
“Then, touch me.” He begged. “Give me your cocks. Give me your knots.”
“We won’t.” Merlin shook his head. “Not when you are in heat. But we can relieve you a bit. Will you give permission for that, omega?”
Arthur nodded, but it was not enough for Merlin. He gently touched Arthur’s chin and met his eyes. “Give me your words, Arthur. Say, I do if you want it.”
“I do. I do, Merlin.”
Saying his name satisfied Merlin, he smiled. Gwaine didn’t let him go from his lap, instead, his hands tightened on his hips.
“I’ll give you my fingers, princess.” He talked softly as if he wasn’t talking about something so crass. “I’ll let you pleasure yourself on my fingers. Merlin will hold you, too. You will be ours. Will you accept it?”
Of course he would, how wouldn’t he? With his permission, Merlin undressed him. Their hungry gazes were not disturbing; they were turning him on. They wanted him, they desired him.
“Our beautiful princess,” Gwaine growled. “Do you know what your clothes did to us tonight? So revealing, seductive.”
He needed his fingers already, Arthur fidgeted uncomfortably. He was seeing better, now, his body wasn’t burning much but he was still so needy. Merlin’s breath hitched when he saw how much Arthur had slick.
“He is so wet, Gwaine.”
“His first heat, of course he is.”
When finally, he put his fingers in him, Arthur let out a cry. He felt so full, it was too much, too much. he moved himself on his fingers, it felt good. It felt so good, he rested his head on Gwaine’s neck.
“Our good boy,” Merlin’s voice was low, he was holding Arthur’s body to make him steady on Gwaine’s fingers. “Our oblivious, but good boy. You couldn’t even see how much we are in love with you.”
“Please,” He cried, he was feeling so full. Gwaine’s thick fingers were moving inside him, but not roughly or fast. He was steady, waiting for Arthur to satisfy himself.
“After your heat,” Gwaine was breathing heavily. “You won’t escape us, princess. You will take our knots and like it. Other alphas can’t touch you, even look at you. You are ours, only ours.”
It was too much; his eyes rolled in pleasure when Merlin flicked his nipple not slowly. He let out a cry when he came on Gwaine’s fingers.
“Rest, our love. You are safe with us.”
When he woke up on the morning, he was not alone. He was not much dazed anymore, but still tired, maybe it passed quickly because it was his first heat. He was quite happy feeling like himself again.
Gwaine’s arms were holding him, when Merlin was caressing his hair. Merlin was awake, smiled at him softly.
“Finally.”
Gwaine grumbled, not letting go of Arthur. “Can’t we sleep more?”
Arthur blushed furiously when he remembered what happened. Gods, what did he do?
“Did I force myself on you?”
Gwaine snorted when Merlin shook his head. “We should’ve asked you that, not you.”
“But I, I was weird. Perverted.”
“There is nothing perverted about you, princess.” Gwaine smiled at him. “You were in your heat, that was acceptable. And us tending you,” He hesitated and looked at Merlin.
Merlin’s face got serious.
“We are in love, Arthur. Me and Gwaine. He is my everything, my alpha.”
Arthur’s heart clenched with dread, he was about to get another rejection. How pathetic he was.
“But the reason we got mated was you. I knew your heat was near, I knew it would happen when the guests came and if we didn’t get mated now, we couldn’t have protected you like we did last night. We feared that we could have been defeated to your scent, otherwise. There was no way we could let you be unprotected among these alphas.”
Arthur’s mouth opened in shock; he didn’t expect it. How could he?
“But,”
“We are in love with each other,” Gwaine interrupted him not unkindly. “But we are in love with you too. Don’t mate with any other alphas, princess. We will do anything to prevent it if you want, I swear.”
“And I’m sorry,” His Merlin’s voice trembled. “I shouldn’t have hidden my magic from you, I shouldn’t have hidden my feelings from you, we both shouldn’t have. It was wrong of us, we should’ve,”
Arthur kissed him to shut him up. He felt sweet, his Merlin felt so sweet. His lips were calloused, not much soft, but still sweetest thing Arthur had ever tasted. When he let Merlin go, he kissed Gwaine too. He felt different, but never worse. His alphas, Arthur smiled, they were his alphas.
“I’m glad we didn’t kiss during my heat.” He said. “It feels much more intimate than what we did last night.”
Both of his alphas’ smiles felt genuine.
It was the best feeling ever.