Chapter Song: Breathe - Of Verona

"Someone who can go against the ideologies created to prevent Omegan empowerment. Your parents are the first big improvement that this country has seen of it, especially Queen Choi, and you need to build on it. But you cannot do it on your own. You would not understand what it is like for an everyday omega without being one."

넷

My dearest mother,

Words cannot describe the way it feels to miss you all so dearly. As the days go by, I continue to miss the warmth of your hugs more and more. I beg for time to speed, if only to see you all once again.

Do let Yeonjun, Changbin, and Felix know that I would be most gracious to give them a gift through myself, as I return.

The Capital is absolutely marvelous. The bustling town life is so different from our small little pack village, but I find myself becoming more fixated by it every time I leave the Palace. I have filled quite a few pages into my book of just the town life, and I am excited to show you.

I have met with Queen Hyejin, and she truly is the most kind person I have met thus far during my stay here. She is just as bright and happy as she made out in her letters. I promise I have been on my best behavior! Make sure to let father know of it. Prince San is far more kindhearted different from what I expected. He is a good Prince, I must admit.

Also, honey butter? Surely you must have better tastes than that!

I hope you all are doing well, and I simply cannot await to see your faces again!

With the most love,

Wooyoung.

He sighs, putting the quill down and leaning back in the chair while stretching, a groan escaping his lips as he feels stiff muscles loosen.

It had been a couple days since the letter incident, and the Engagement Ball for San's friend was approaching far more quickly than Wooyoung had expected. He still has no idea what he's going to do to get himself out of this situation. Queen Hyejin had already gifted him with a pair of bracelets she hoped he would wear, and Yeosang had already informed him that he would happily stop by to do his makeup for him.

Wooyoung's mother had already shoved dresses into his suitcases when he was too busy pouting and trying to convince his father to let him stay home. He had seen them when unpacking the first night he had arrived, and his mother had definitely gone all out. It seemed like subtlety was not a word that existed in the Jung Omegan dictionary.

San was the biggest problem now. It was his friend's engagement party, so of course he would be present. Avoiding him would be the biggest problem. Wooyoung already knows there's no way he can skip out on going. At the very least, he'd need to show his face around for an hour before running off to the safety of some abandoned room for the rest of the evening.

He would miss cake.

Life truly was unfair.

Well, technically he works in the kitchen now, maybe he could sneak a slice from Park Seonghwa when nobody is looking.

He gets up from the desk, rolling the scroll up and tying it up with a yellow ribbon, making a cute little bow. Soojin had already stopped by and they'd had breakfast, so Wooyoung instead walks over to the closet, opening the door and stepping inside before unbuttoning his night shirt and letting it slip down his shoulders, pooling around his feet.

He was planning to go out to town today, mostly to look for the popcorn shop his mother was talking about, so dressing warmly was practically a necessity. He grabs a white button up, throwing it on before pulling on a pair of loose light blue pants that cut off right above his ankles. He tucks the white shirt into his pants before grabbing a huge and thick black sweater with a yellow and white argyle pattern just across the chest. He pulls the thick white collar out before slipping into a pair of black socks to cover the skin missed from the pants, wiggling into a pair of black thick sole shoes that could withstand the winter snow.

He walks over to his dresser and brushes through his hair, pausing when he sees the hairpin San had got him. Carefully, he picks up the cool metal, holding it.

It's been a few days since he last saw the Alpha, so he's had a lot of time to think with a clear mind. There was no point in denying that San was affecting him. He doesn't know when things switched from vehemently hating being anywhere near the Prince, to subconsciously wanting to get as close as he possibly could without being too obvious. But the shift had occurred, and his biggest worry was that San had noticed.

His inner omega was absolutely smitten, that much was obvious from his unintentional purring (we do not speak of it). The only thing keeping him afloat mentally was Wooyoung's better judgement. But the process has already begun— San had gifted him with the pin, brought him food, and like the fool he was, Wooyoung had accepted. Who knows what other little things that Alpha had planned for him.

The horror he feels at the realization that he's being courted hits him so suddenly.

It was that realization which snapped him out of the stupid haze of Choi San. It's the first time someone's had the guts to properly court him without fearing his father or his mouth, which is why he's been so flustered and confused around San.

At most, Choi San was attracted to the chase. He liked the idea of Wooyoung being a mystery for him to chase, nothing more. There would be no other reason for why the alpha was so adamant to obtain him— no one really liked people like him. He had a terrible personality, no filter on his tongue, and was nowhere near an ideal omega— let alone for a prince.

Choi San didn't like him, but instead liked the idea of him.

For some reason, the thought puts Wooyoung in a bad mood, and he quietly sets the hairpin back down, feeling miserable.

For a second, he had genuinely fooled himself to think otherwise.

Swallowing down the lump in his throat, Wooyoung slips his satchel over his shoulder and clips his cape on, shoving his scroll into his bag.

He leaves the room, walking down the hallway and down the stairs towards the main hall.

He goes straight to the mailroom, smiling when he sees the old man at the desk again. "Good morning!"

The man looks up, offering a smile back. "Ah, Wooyoung. What can I help you with?"

Wooyoung opens his satchel, pulling out the scroll. "I have a letter to send to my mother."

The older beta nods. "Just in time. An owl arrived from your pack today. Some pack statistics from your father for King Choi."

Wooyoung brightens at that excitedly. "Sakura is here!?"

"Is that the Jung owl's name?"

Wooyoung nods eagerly.

"Why yes, then. It is being kept up at the astronomy tower. You can leave it here, I shall ensure it heads out with your letter."

Wooyoung holds the scroll for a moment. "Apologies... but may I send her off myself? It would be nice to see something from home after being away from it for so long."

The man hums. "Of course. I do not usually allow anyone to pass through the mailroom hall to the tower, but I understand that you may have trouble finding the astronomy tower. Just take the door to the left and go all the way down the hall until you reach a door. Up the steps and you will reach the top."

"Thank you!" He skips happily over to the door, pulling it open.

"Of course."

After letting it fall shut behind him, he makes his way down the empty hallway. There were no other doors except for the one all the way at the end, and Wooyoung pushes it open for light to shine through.

He peeks a look up, noticing the spiral staircase went a long way up. It was cold here, the open doorways leading to the outside front of the palace yard. There's a guard standing by who he bows to before making his way up.

He closes the middle button of his cape as the wind becomes stronger the higher up he goes. It was a peaceful journey to the top, the sounds of chirping birds echoing beautifully against the stone tower. He soon reaches the top and giggles at the sight of his father's stunning white owl perched on a rock stick poking out from the wall. There's quite a few other owls as well, but he focuses on the familiar one. "Sakura!"

She tilts her head at him, hoots of recognition escaping her as he approached. He stares at her fondly as he brushes a finger over her head and down her beak in a gentle pat. "How have you been, girl?"

She ruffles her feathers as Wooyoung pulls out his scroll. "Take this to mother for me, alright?"

Carefully he opens the top of the scroll pocket on her back, slipping it in before shutting it tightly and locking it in place. He holds his arm out for her. "Come on. Time for you to go home."

She crawls over and onto his arms, big yellow eyes staring at him as he approached the balcony. "Wow," he gasped, staring out in amazement.

This was definitely the tallest part of the entire palace, and the tallest part of the Capital as a whole. The view of the huge town stretched on for miles and miles before being cut off by a thick layer of forest that went on into the distance. A light layer of snow covered everything, and the sun shining down caused it to glitter beautifully.

Wooyoung looks at Sakura, giving her a final pet before raising his arm up and watching her kick off from him and flap her wings up into the sky. He watched her fly further and further away before she disappeared into the bright sky.

It was then that he pulled out his sketchbook and pencil case, sitting down on the stool provided and immediately beginning to draw.

-

San loosens his tie, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt and adjusting his jacket as he made his way over to the library. The morning had been tiring with all the planning that his mother and Seonghwa had dragged both him and Hongjoong into, on top of his already busy duties with his father had completely drained him.

He was lucky enough to escape from the deep clutches of the two omegas. Hongjoong wasn't nearly as lucky, being forced back by Seonghwa to decide on flower arrangements and desert options. It was nearing lunchtime and his stomach was growling.

After the craziness and running around he's done on top of his hunger, a headache is already growing into a hard pounding against his skull. His bad mood doesn't go unnoticed as people bow and quickly move out of his way once they see his exhausted and irritated expression.

He wanted his Lemon.

Even the simple thought of the omega dulls the ache in his head, and he grabs a buttercup flower in a nearby flower arrangement on the table, twirling it in his fingers aimlessly.

He's reminded of when he had walked into the library a few days ago. Nothing could ever prepare him for the attack of seeing the omega sleeping peacefully on the sofa by the fire, his eyes sparkling with shimmers and black liner with cheeks glowing, lips an absolutely irresistible pink. He remembers stumbling over his feet, scared that the noise had woken the boy up but he continued to sleep, blissfully unaware of what he was doing to San's sanity.

If the omega hadn't turned away from him, San would've defiled the purity of those tempting lips. It was as if his control was slipping more and more as the days went by, and the more he saw of the lemon scented boy. If he wasn't thinking about work, he was thinking about lemons and raspberries. It was a wonder how he was able to stop himself from pushing the smaller man down onto the sofa and doing as he desired when he'd heard the omega purring for him— a sound that now haunts his nights more often than would be appropriate.

San pushes the doors to the library open, looking around hopefully.

"Rats! I can barely move my fingers."

Immediately he walks down to the other end of the room, seeing the younger boy sitting on the carpet right in front of the fire. He's hugging his legs close to his chest, chin resting against his knees as he shivers. His shoes are sitting on the end of the carpet, and San has to suck in a breath when he notices how the sleeves to the tiny omega's sweaters go way past his fingers, hiding them from view.

He doesn't hesitate in approaching, falling onto his knees and slumping against the back of the omega who lets out a screech of fright. "Prince San!"

San simply buried his face into the younger's shoulder and breathing in his scent, wrapping his arms around the freezing boy and gently taking his covered hands into his own. "Hi Lemon."

Wooyoung's entire face is red, partly from the cold and partly by how close San is, his warmth wrapping around the omega tightly.

San's brows furrow. "Why are you so cold?"

Wooyoung stares into the fire in front of them, letting San gently push his sleeves up so that he can lace their fingers together. "I was outside for a bit longer than planned."

San shifts so that his legs are stretched out next to Wooyoung's hips, pulling him in closer as he runs his fingers against the smaller boy's. "Hm? Doing what?"

"Drawing." He murmurs, unable to stop himself from snuggling back into San's chest. San rests his chin on the colder omega's shoulder, furrowing his brows when he feels a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. "I did not know you draw."

"There is quite a bit you do not know about me." Wooyoung replies, leaning his head slightly against San's cheek softly.

San turns slightly to run his nose through the soft locks, the scent of lemons and raspberries instantly dissipating his headache. "True. But only because you never tell me anything. It has only been around two weeks, but I feel as though I have known you my whole life."

Wooyoung doesn't reply, only frowning.

San let's go of his hands as he pulls back a bit, Wooyoung's body already missing the alpha's warmth. "Come. It is nearly lunch time. What would you like today?" He asks with a cute smile as he picks the flower he had grabbed up from the floor. He gently tucks the front of Wooyoung's hair back behind his ear before carefully sliding the flower there as well.

Wooyoung turns a bright pink, peeking a look at him over his shoulder, the yellow flower bright in his dark hair. "Do you realize what you are doing?"

San raises an eyebrow. "What?"

"Courting." Wooyoung stammers. "The hairpin, bringing me food, making me wear your clothes, and now giving me flowers... you are practically courting me right now."

San leans in close, eyes shifting from playful to something more intense as he traces a finger along the omega's bottom lip. "And what if I am? Maybe I do want to court you."

Wooyoung scoffs, shaking his head as he turns away from the alpha. "You do not know what you want,"

"I want you."

Wooyoung huffs out a breath. "I am tired of playing these mind games."

San grips his chin, turning his face back to him while staring at him straight in the eyes with the most serious expression he's had. "There is nothing in this entire world that I desire to have but you. I have been honest with you. Always honest. The only person here playing mind games is you, Lemon. I can never tell what you are thinking. You are the one messing with my mind."

Wooyoung swallows, lowering his gaze and gently prying San's hands away from his face. "It is better this way."

"Why?" The alpha almost exasperates, frustrated with this push and pull that has been happening between them. Wooyoung doesn't answer, hugging his knees closer as he rests his head on them, turned away from the other man.

San sighs, looking away. He's already had a rough day, he doesn't need to make it worse by fighting with the omega. "Fine. We will not talk about it. Can we at least have lunch? We can order whatever you want."

Wooyoung suddenly turns to him, eyes wide. "Oh. I cannot have lunch with you today."

San's entire mood goes down the drain, and he glowers at the younger boy with an exhausted irritation. "Why not?"

Wooyoung tries to appease the upset alpha. "I was actually planning on going into town today. I should be leaving now if I want to get back before dusk."

San whines, gently bumping his head against Wooyoung's with a pout. "Why must you go into town today? Stay with me, you can go another time."

Wooyoung pushes his head away with a scowl. "I have business I need to attend to."

San falls onto his side on the carpet, playing with the collar on Wooyoung's shirt. It was as if he had turned into a spoiled puppy upset that his master was leaving for the day. "What business?"

Wooyoung paused, wondering if he should risk it. "I... heard of a popcorn shop."

San's entire face brightens. "Hajoon's popcorn shop? You wish to go there?"

Wooyoung nods meekly. "I was also planning on getting gifts for a few of my friends."

San grins. "How wonderful. The town is filled with amazing shops owned by amazing people. You will surely find the most amazing things."

Wooyoung pouts, thinking by now that San would jump at the opportunity to go out with him. "Yes... Well, I do not really have anyone to go with. I do not know the Capital that well."

San hesitates, biting his lip. It wasn't like he wasn't allowed to leave the palace. It's just that when he did it was always surrounded by ten guards and he would be forced back to the castle after an hour. He didn't want to make his Lemon uncomfortable... He could sneak them out. He'd already told his mother and father that he would not be doing any more tasks or duties for them for the rest of the day, needing some much needed rest.

If anything, he really should be sleeping. His body is absolutely exhausted, and his mind a thousand times more than that. But the omega is looking at him with eyes of expectation, and he could not possibly bring himself to deny the other of anything. "I could go with you, if you would like."

Wooyoung's hopeful expression breaks into one of absolute joy, eyes twinkling as he gives the alpha a huge smile. "Really!?"

San's heart stops at the sight, clenching a hand around the furs of the carpet to stop himself from shoving Wooyoung down onto the floor and kissing the sense out of him. "Y-Yes." He blinks wildly up at the smaller man.

Wooyoung immediately jumps up, grabbing San's hand, his fingers wrapping adorably around his thumb. "Let's go!"

San pulls him back down next to him, sitting Wooyoung down gently into his lap and wrapping his arms around the omega's waist. "Hold on, sweetheart. We cannot just go out like this. Let me set some ground rules."

Wooyoung crosses his arms, dropping his head onto San's shoulder but listens nonetheless. It takes San a second to recover from such a cute display.

"Alright. Firstly, I will not be able to simply walk out through the palace gates. Unless you want a group of guards to intrude on us—"

Wooyoung whined at the thought, shaking his head furiously and San chuckles, bringing the omega's hand up to press a chaste kiss against the palm, rubbing a soothing thumb over the skin. "Then we need to leave in secret."

"How could we possibly do that? There are guards all around the gates." Wooyoung asks and San hums. "Correct. I know a passage that is not known by the Royal guards. We will go through there and I will have a friend bring a horse to the exit."

"I won't tell anyone about it." Wooyoung whispers, as if he's afraid someone could be listening and San almost dies from how cute he is, instead nuzzling against the side of his head. "I know you won't, beautiful."

Wooyoung pushes away from San with a fake smile when the word escapes from him. "You are truly an amazing friend, My Prince."

San sucks in a breath, glaring at the omega. "Why yes. A wonderful friend."

"Yes. The best."

"Is that what we are? Friends?"

"Of course! What did you think?"

San leans dangerously close to him, staring at him with a heated gaze. "I think, Lemon, that it is not I, but you who does not know what it is they want."

Wooyoung's breath hitches, but San moves away just as quickly as he had approached, coming to a stand. He unbuttons his usual coat as he walks away from a flustered Wooyoung, shoving the jacket off his body before throwing it over the arm of the sofa.

"I will go inform a guard to get the horse ready and change into something far less conspicuous. Please wait here and get dressed back into your cape and shoes. I might be a moment."

Wooyoung responds with a small okay as he watches San slip out of the library.

-

Wooyoung is standing patiently by the fire, shoes tied on tightly and his cape clipped when San returns. This time he's thrown a black sweater overtop of his white button up, a thick black cape pulled on with the hood over his head as he approaches Wooyoung. He has his own satchel thrown on over his chest, shoes switched out to thick black riding boots.

"We're almost matching." Wooyoung blurts out, trying to distract himself from how good San looks in casual clothes. It was bad enough that the alpha looked stunning in his uniform, but seeing him in such a laid back getup was definitely a more flustered sight.

San gives him a grin, reaching around and pulling Wooyoung's hood up over his head. "Almost."

He gently grabs Wooyoung's fingers that peek out from the sleeve of his sweater, watching with a look of content as the younger wraps them around his thumb. "Come."

San guides them over to a table in a far corner that he pushes away, pulling the carpet back to reveal a stone trapdoor with a lock. "Wow." Wooyoung hops on his toes excitedly.

San let's go of his hand to pull out a key, unlocking the hatch and pushing the door open with some difficulty. Wooyoung helps him push it back to reveal a ladder leading far below into absolute darkness. Wooyoung stares at it hesitantly, backing up a bit. "Um... When was the last time you went down here?"

San glances at him with a smirk. "Why? You scared of the dark?"

Wooyoung scowls. "Of course not!"

San stands up, grabbing Wooyoung by the hips and pulling him flush against him as he looks down at the omega with a glint in his eyes. "It will be okay, Lemon. You can hug me as tightly as you wish— I sure won't mind."

Wooyoung's entire face turns a bright red as he pushes San away, stomping over to the dark opening. "T-That will not be necessary!"

San quickly pulls Wooyoung back. "Wait. Let me go down first just in case it is not safe."

Wooyoung quickly grabs San's arm with a panicked expression. "If it is not safe, why would you go in!? Let's just forget about this entire thing—"

San runs a gentle hand through his hair. "Relax. It will be fine. It will just put my mind at ease for me to go before you do down there."

He pulls away and Wooyoung watches him carefully. "Be careful." He watches as San grips the sides of the trapdoor, lowering himself to grab the first handle of the ladder as he begins his descent below. It only takes a moment before San is calling for him. "You can come down now, Lemon. Come slowly. It is rather dark down here."

Wooyoung sighs, carefully scooting over to the edge before setting his feet on the ladder and beginning his trip down as slowly as he can. He definitely takes longer than San does, but the prince makes no comment, waiting patiently for the younger.

The closer he gets, he notices that San has a lighter on, illuminating his face as Wooyoung pulls off the ladder when his feet hit stone floor. Wooyoung glances up at the opening at the top. "What if someone sees the opening?"

San grabs his hand, leading them down the dark narrow pathway. "No worries. The doors to the library are locked from the inside and I informed my cousin that I was leaving. He will probably cover it just in case."

They walk silently, the harsh winds of winter growing stronger as they approach another stone door with a lock.

"Stand back."

Wooyoung shuffles away as San unlocks the door once again, grunting as he shoves it open with his shoulders. A rain of snow sprinkles down when it finally bursts open, morning light shines in. Wooyoung helps San brush the snow off his cloak as they step outside into the snow.

They're in the middle of the woods, and Wooyoung suddenly understands why San had requested the horse. Sure enough, there's one tied to a nearby tree and Wooyoung approaches it with gentle petting over its head as San shoved the door shut once again.

He approached his horse with a fond smile. "Hello, girl. How have you been?"

The horse nudged against San's hand happily and Wooyoung watches with a smile. San turns to him, an excited gleam in his eyes. "Ready to go?"

Wooyoung nods and San grabs him by the waist, lifting him up with no difficulty onto the horse's back before hoisting himself up right behind him. "Usually the rider sits in front." The omega snorts.

San grins. "But that is no fun. This way I can see you and smell you. Then again, having you behind would not be the worst thing with your arms wrapped around me. Maybe we can do that on the way back."

Wooyoung's ears turn red. "By the Moon, you are insatiable."

San nuzzles his nose into the omega's hair that peeked out from the hood, breathing in deeply. "Only with you."

Wooyoung elbows him hard enough to where San moves his head to rest his chin on Wooyoung's shoulder instead, pulling the reins so that they were off.

The first few minutes of their ride goes by in peaceful silence, the sound of falling snow and chirping birds filling in. "I just noticed, but why the hell do you have no gloves on, Lemon?"

Wooyoung looks down at his cold hands. "They can get quite annoying for an artist. Too much smudging. And I find myself constantly pulling my book out to draw."

"Regardless, you should at least wear some when you go out. What if you get sick?" San growls lowly at him, audibly displeased.

"Oh well."

San sighs. "You will be the death of me."

Wooyoung stays silent for a moment. "Hey San?"

"Yes?"

Wooyoung looks at the branches covered in snow. "You are the crown prince."

"Really? I had not noticed."

Wooyoung slaps his hand with a pout. "You know what I meant. You are next in line for the throne."

San hums, disinterested in talking about himself. "Yes, I am."

"Have... What are you thinking about marriage?"

That causes San to grow tense against his back.

"I mean— this entire month was obviously made for you to choose a partner. It is not something you can take lightly— not a decision that you can simply make just based on your preference in an omega."

"You dare ask me of such a thing?" San asks him with a dull voice. "When you know exactly how I feel about you?"

Wooyoung shuts his eyes in irritation. "Please, stop it. In the end you will have to come to a decision on it. I just... I feel as though you are not serious about any of the contenders in front of you."

San glares heavily at the back of the omega's head. "Correct. I do not care for any of them."

"Listen to me, you fool! This is no joke. You need to choose someone who understands the way that the packs live."

San sucks in a breath, releasing it in a huff. "And what kind of omega do you believe I should look out for?"

Wooyoung contemplates for a moment. "Someone who can go against the ideologies created to prevent Omegan empowerment. Your parents are the first big improvement that this country has seen of it, especially Queen Choi, and you need to build on it. But you cannot do it on your own. You would not understand what it is like for an everyday omega without being one." He explains, hoping he can truly make the prince understand where he's coming from.

San is silent, listening intently.

"This country cannot be ruled by an Omega who chooses the easy way out. You need someone who can stand up against the court of advisors. Their beliefs against Omegas caring for themselves is damaging pack dynamics. Working for self income outside the alpha of the house was almost denied by them, had your father not stepped in."

San breathes in. "You know quite a lot about this."

Wooyoung glances nervously over his shoulder. "W-Why yes. I pay attention to my pack alpha."

San stays silent for a moment. There was only one way his Lemon would know all this information and specific debates happening at court, and that would be if he had personal ties to a head alpha. He had to be related to one. Perhaps he was a son of a head alpha? "What is your opinion on how to deal with the court of advisors, then?"

Wooyoung shakes his head. "You cannot deal with them. They have not listened for decades, nothing will make them listen now. What you need to do is convince the people that change needs to be made. They vote for the same advisors because things have been well in the kingdom for years now. But they do not realize that it is only going well because of your family, not the court of advisors. If anything, they are the ones almost leading the nation to damnation."

San considers this. "But how can you convince people of a change when the face of things are running so smoothly?"

Wooyoung turns his head to stare at him with determined eyes. "Your omega."

When San gives him a look of confusion, he explains. "Discriminated omegas would not listen to a pompous rich fool who understands nothing of the way they live. Take my word for it, San. They do not need beauty and luxury. They need someone who understands what it means to have the freedom to work and make money for themselves. Those are where you will get your votes from. And trust me, you will get far more of them than you could ever possibly imagine from those cavemen alphas running amuck in packs. You need an omega that can sway the hearts of people, not satisfy the wishes of discriminators."

San stares at the side of Wooyoung's determined face, starstruck. How can you tell me to find an omega like this, when you are sitting right here?

Wooyoung turns to him with big innocent eyes, blinking at him with a small smile. "Do you understand what I mean?"

By the Moon, San wants to slam him into a nearby tree and love him for the end of time.

"Lemon."

"Hm?"

San leans over and presses a hard kiss onto the omega's temple. Wooyoung froze, cheeks bursting red as he pulls away to stare incredulously at the alpha.

"I will stop at nothing until I make such an omega mine. That is my promise to you."

Wooyoung furrows his brows in confusion. "O-Okay. Good."

San nuzzles into his shoulder, hiding his wild grin.

What an adorable clueless little star.

It's only a few more moments before they hit the outskirts of the woods, the sound of the town coming to life. San pulls his hood further down his head to hide his face as they approach the familiar shop. He slides off, taking the reins and walking over to the side of the wooden building. He makes quick work in tying his horse securely to the wooden pole before going over and pulling Wooyoung up off the horse.

"By the Moon, you and my brother are exactly the same." Wooyoung huffed. "I know how to get on and off a horse. You do not have to carry me up and down each time."

A brother. San thinks. Which of the head alphas had sons with male omegas?

"Older?" He asks casually. Wooyoung hums absentmindedly, completely clueless to San's deducing. "Yeah. He is an alpha. Must be an alpha thing."

Older alpha son. Younger omegan son.

Who had children like that?

Before he can ponder on it further, Wooyoung is grabbing his hand, pulling him over to the front door. "Is this the popcorn shop!?"

San smiles as they stomp the snow out of their shoes at the entrance, pushing the door open.

The scent of popcorn hits them immediately, and the shop warms their cold skin from the fire burning against the far wall.

"Crown Prince! What a wonderful surprise!"

Wooyoung turns to see an old man walking around the front desk and bowing.

"Hajoon, sir! I do not know how many times I must tell you that bowing is not necessary."

The old man raises with a grin as San hugs him. "Nonsense. You are a prince after all— soon to be king, as I have heard from the gossips going around the town."

San shakes his head. "Not quite yet, but the process has started."

"You will be just as great as your father. My intuition says so."

The prince simply smiles kindly. "Thank you."

Hajoon's eyes shift from San to Wooyoung. "Who is this?"

San glances over to Wooyoung, suddenly at a loss of words.

Because he had no idea what the omega's name was.

"I am a friend!" Wooyoung quickly steps in, reaching a hand out. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Luckily the beta doesn't question it, although he does give Wooyoung a deep look, reaching out to shake Wooyoung's hand. "You as well, young man."

San swallows moving further into the shop, rounding one of the shelves in the far corner. "What flavor were you thinking of, Lemon?"

Wooyoung blinks. "Oh— Honey butter!"

Suddenly Hajoon's fingers snapped. "Aha! I knew you seemed familiar. You must be Jung Areum's son! The omega— Wooyoung! Correct?"

Wooyoung's face pales, glancing over with panic to where San was, but luckily the other man was too distracted in looking through the rows of bags to pay attention to their conversation.

"Your mother talks about you all the time!" He says brightly and Wooyoung immediately shushes him. "Wait, wait. Please— not so loudly."

The old man furrows his brows, glancing over to San before raising an eyebrow. "Does he not know?"

Wooyoung shakes his head, embarrassed. Curiosity fills the beta's eyes. "Questionable... But then again, a lot of what you Jungs do is a mystery to me."

Wooyoung laughs awkwardly. "Yes. We are... quite a unique family."

The old man snorts. "That sure is one way to put it."

San comes over with a huge bag of honey butter popcorn, looking at him. "Is this it?"

Wooyoung shakes his head. "No, that is a gift for my mother." He looks over to see Hajoon smiling at them both. "Um, what other flavors would you recommend?"

Hajoon walks over to the shelves and Wooyoung follows while San looks at the candies on display. "Are you more of a sweet or savory person?"

"He's sour!"

Wooyoung scowls, throwing an angry look over his shoulder. "You be quiet!"

San grins to himself quietly.

"I like sweet things more, but either one is fine." Wooyoung turns back to the chuckling old man.

"We have combinations if you would like those." He indicated to a shelf. Wooyoung glances at the large variety of different colors, scanning thoughtfully before his eyes land on a specific flavor.

Salted caramel popcorn dipped in chocolate.

Wooyoung glances over at San who is too busy playing with a kitten sitting on the counter.

He grabs a small bag of it. "This one."

Hajoon only gives him a knowing smile as they make their way back over to the counter. "You know... You and the prince fit quite well with one another."

Wooyoung falters in his step, watching as the beta continues on over to playfully swat San on the back. "Messin' around with my little baby again?"

San laughs, straightening up and glancing over at Wooyoung with an innocent smile. "Done?"

Wooyoung sighs with a heavy heart, nodding.

San looks over at Hajoon. "How much will it be today?"

"3 silver pieces, Crown prince."

San reaches into his bag, and that's when Wooyoung is snapped out of his stupor, grabbing San's arm. "I have money!"

San glances at him. "I will buy it for you."

"No you will not, Sir!" Wooyoung snaps. "I have money. There is no need."

San turns to him with a raised eyebrow. "Lemon, I brought you here today. I could not possibly let you pay."

Wooyoung scoffs, reaching into his satchel and pulling out his heavy coin bag. "Oh please. You are not my alpha, My Prince."

San's eyes flash red as he growls low in his throat, staring bitterly at the back of Wooyoung's head as the omega shoves himself in front. "Besides, I make far more than you think."

San stares in disbelief as Wooyoung opens his coin pouch to reveal a bag full of gold and silver pieces. "By the Moon, who the hell are you?"

Woooyoung throws a smug look at the dumbfounded alpha as he hands a bewildered Hajoon a gold piece. "T-This is far too much!" The old man stammers out but Wooyoung waves him off. "Of course not. Consider it a gift of appreciation from an old friend."

He winks and the old beta simply offers him a kind smile. "Thank you, young man."

As they walk out of the shop, Wooyoung can feel San's burning stare on the side of his face, turning towards the alpha. "Yes? Why are you staring at me?"

"Seriously, who are you?" San stammers. "I mean— how rich is your family? Your father gave you all this as pocket change!?"

Wooyoung's brows furrowed. "What makes you believe my father gave it to me? This is all money I made. It is mine."

San stares at him as if he's grown two heads. "How in the hell did you make all this money?"

Wooyoung scowls at San. "I am quite offended that you are so dumbfounded that I make my own income."

"I am not dumbfounded, I am amazed. Most alphas of this country cannot even make half of what you have in there for a year. You make quite a lot."

"My art is rather famous."

"Still seems a lot for a famous artist to make a year."

Wooyoung shrugged. "I guess? Most of it is just saved up over the years. It is not money I have made in a single year itself. I do not go out a lot, and rarely do I ever spend money. It has just been sitting in my drawers. I tried giving some to my father but he denied it, saying that it was mine and I could do with it as I pleased. Most of it went to shelters and orphanages in my pack. Now that I think about it, I wanted to stop by those here at the Capital too. Would we have time?"

San stares down at him with adoration, lacing their fingers together. "Yes. I have time for anything you want."

San guides them over to one of the orphanages and Wooyoung pulls him back. "Could you wait out here?"

San pouts. "Why?"

"Just wait for me."

San nuzzles against his cheek for a moment. "Fine."

Wooyoung pulls away from him and swiftly enters the doors of the building, San watches through the glass as the omega approaches the front counter, talking with the woman behind it who blinks at him in shock.

They continue to converse for some time, smiling and laughing before Wooyoung pulls out a separate pouch of coins and hands it to her. She accepts it graciously, giving him a tight hug. They pull back and she says something to which Wooyoung simply shakes his head, pointing over to where San was.

She glances at the alpha with amazement before turning back to the other omega, nodding. She says something else and that's when Wooyoung turns over to him, motioning with his hand for San to come in.

San pushes the doors open and walks over to the pair, fiddling with his fingers.

"Good afternoon." He says politely, standing close by Wooyoung who smiles up at him. "This is the head director of the orphanage, Minjung." She immediately bows to him. "Afternoon, crown prince. I must say, it is quite an honor to be graced by both your presences today!"

San grins. "Why yes, I must admit this is my first time actually seeing the orphanage in person. Apologies for never visiting sooner. I hope it does not offend you."

Minjung immediately shakes her head. "Of course not! We all know how busy it can get, especially the closer it gets to succession. Besides, both your families have done so much for this orphanage, we are nothing more but humbly grateful for all you have done."

San glances curiously at Wooyoung. "Both...?"

Wooyoung quickly changes the subject. "I was hoping to catch sight of the children! I guess they must be in class."

She smiles sympathetically. "Yes, they just finished lunch and went to their afternoon classes."

At the sound of lunch, Wooyoung's stomach audibly grumbled and he turned a bright pink as Minjung giggled. San grins, grabbing Wooyoung's waist lovingly. "I think it is time to get some lunch for you too. We will stop by again sometime."

"Of course! Stop by anytime, my prince! And it was lovely to finally meet you. Your father talks about you so dearly." She says this to Wooyoung who smiles adorably. "Thank you. It was nice to meet you as well."

With final partings, San and Wooyoung slipped out of the orphanage and back onto the busy street, their hands clenched tightly around one another.

So, Lemon's father was definitely a head alpha. There was no denying it anymore. By the looks of it, he was quite a respectable one too, loved by so many people. He had an older brother that was an alpha. He was a famous painter.

Who in the world—

"San, what should we eat?" Wooyoung whined, hugging his arm protectively as his stomach growls once again. San looks down at him with a fond smile, all thoughts jumping out of his head. "What would you like to eat?"

Wooyoung thinks for a moment, eyes sparking. "Meat?"

San laughs, bumping his head lovingly against the smaller man's. "There is a really good chicken skewer stand nearby. I can wait for it to cook while you look around to find gifts for your friends."

Wooyoung pulls away with a hum while San gives his hand a final squeeze before letting go. "Do not venture too far and get lost. I will come find you afterwards."

"Okay."

With that, Wooyoung carefully crosses through the busy street towards the right side where booths and shops were set up with items. The Capital was interesting in the way it was set up, with one side of the street having food stalls and the other side having shops set for buying items such as jewelry and clothes.

He looks around aimlessly, eyes catching on a stand of jewelry. He approaches, eyes scanning.

"Good afternoon, young omega! Looking for a gift during this holiday season?" The woman behind the stand smiles excitedly. Wooyoung offers her a small nod. "I was looking for a gift for a few people."

She leans forward. "Anything in particular?"

Wooyoung tilts his head. "I wanted to buy something for two of my omegan friends and one alpha. Oh, also something for my brother and father. My mother as well."

"All male?"

"A part from my mother, yes."

The woman bends down to pick up two stands of earrings and bracelets. "These earrings will shine beautifully on any omega, and these bracelets will suit the alphas. We have all different types of styles."

Wooyoung picks up two silver bands and two gold ones with a simple cross section design. with a wide smile. "I'll take these."

He glances over at the earrings, looking through them. He picks up a pair of pearl ones he thinks will suit Felix, and a studded diamond one that would look nice on Yeonjun, and some flower ones for his mother. He also catches sight of some pretty dangling earrings with clipped chains that he grabs for himself. "And these."

She takes them from him, starting to wrap them up while Wooyoung looks around at what else there was. His eyes zero in on a stand of pins. He gently runs his fingers over them. When the woman glances over at him she smiles. "Those are brooches. A lot of omegas buy them for guards in the Royal Palace. They look quite beautiful on uniform. Would you like to look through some options for your alpha?"

Wooyoung turns a bright pink. "W-Well I do not have an alpha—"

She completely ignored him, pulling out a tray from below filled with shiny suit brooches, setting it in front of him. "Nonsense! I can tell by your face that there is at least someone you are interested in. Take a look."

Wooyoung glances through the selection with embarrassment. "N-No, really, I—"

He stops.

He stares at a specific brooch of a cute white wolf, a gold chain attached to it that leads to a goofy looking pair of snow mountains. He immediately grabs it. "This."

The woman grins as she packs it up. After naming the price, Wooyoung pays and she hands him the bag, along with a sleek velvet box. When he gives her a questioning look, she only winks. "It has the brooch. Gift it to that alpha of yours. I am sure he will love it."

Turning red, Wooyoung squeaks out a thank you before rushing away, shoving the black box into his satchel.

He turns to look for San, but is stopped when a man with a funky looking mustache jumps in front of him. "Hi there!"

Wooyoung lets out a loud scream, stumbling back a few steps while holding a hand against his wildly beating chest. "For Moon's sake!"

The man grins. "Did I frighten you? Have no fear! I could not help but notice you standing there all by your lonesome."

Wooyoung eyes the strange man weirdly. "Um...."

The man wraps an arm around his shoulder, pulling out a card from the container he has wrapped around his neck. "You know what you look like? You look exactly like the type of omega who would be in need of Miss Maroonda's Omegan Necessities!"

Wooyoung takes the card from him, glancing it over. "Omegan necessities...?"

The alpha grins. "Why yes! We have everything from the new and improved scent blocking strips, heat pills—"

"Scent blocking strips?" Wooyoung asks curiously, and the man twirls a finger around his mustache. "Of course! You just peel the strip, slap it over your scent glands and boom! Your scent disappears! It lasts until the solution on the strip dries up!"

Wooyoung eyes him as he pockets the card in his satchel. "Great... Now if you will excuse me—"

The alpha pulls him even closer to whisper into his ear. "That is not all we have to offer. We also have a wide range of pretty little clothes and fun little toys from Europe for a great price that I am sure you will enj—"

Wooyoung is yanked back by the arm roughly, stumbling back into a warm chest as the strange alpha stumbles at the loss of his weight. The smell of coffee and burnt caramel hits his senses, and he looks up in alarm to see San fuming, eyes glaring hatefully at the alpha in front of them.

"What the hell were you saying?" San snarls, eyes flashing red as he takes a threatening step forward. The alpha raised his hands in defense. "Woah woah there buckaroo! I was just selling a product—"

"We do not want whatever the fuck you are selling. Scram before I teach you the proper ways to respect an omega's personal space."

Wooyoung blinks in bewilderment as the alpha laughs nervously. "R-Right! Of course! I was not aware he was taken—"

San growls, taking a few more steps but Wooyoung quickly hugs him and holds him back. "San! It is fine— we were just talking!"

The prince is not at all amused as the other alpha flees, grabbing Wooyoung's wrist and pulling him into an alleyway to press him against the wall of a shop. "Moon's sake, if you ever let another vile alpha put their hands on you like that again—"

Wooyoung is confused. "H-He was just pitching his products, why are you so upset—"

"Lemon, you are not from the Capital. Things are different here. You do not know what kinds of things he was trying to sell to you."

Wooyoung furrows his brows. "Like... clothes? And what are omegan toys? I have never heard of such a thing."

San's entire face burns a bright red, hiding it away in the younger's neck. "N-Nothing, oh Moon. My poor innocent little sweetheart. Do not fret on it. It is not something your innocence needs to know of."

The smell of chicken fills his nose and Wooyoung pouts. "Can we eat?"

"Let me scent your first. His scent is bothering me deeply. I want it gone."

Wooyoung sighs. "It is not that big of a deal—"

San growls. "It is. Please, Lemon. I was already in a bad mood earlier and this is making it worse."

Wooyoung feels guilt grow in him. Obviously San was tired, and Wooyoung had dragged him all the way out here when he could've been resting. It was unfair of him.

The omega let's out a soft sigh. "Alright."

Not even moments after he's said it, is San's cheek pressed right against his scent gland, rubbing his scent into the smaller man's.

Wooyoung's cheeks turn pink as he shuts his eyes, feeling how roughly San is rubbing around his neck to get the unknown scent off of him.

They stay like that for a long moment before San finally pulls away to take an airy Wooyoung by the hand and sit him down on the benches, opening the bag to reveal steaming chicken skewers. "Thank the moon that they are still hot."

They eat quietly, watching people stroll around the streets as the sun slowly begins to set.

"We should probably start heading out soon." San stands up with a stretch. "Did you find gifts?"

Wooyoung nods, standing up as well and grabbing San's hand. "Anything else you wanna look at while we're still out here?"

The omega whines tiredly, shaking his head. "Wanna go home."

San freezes when he hears Wooyoung say that, glancing over at the omega. The other man obviously hadn't realized what he'd said, pushing San forward gently. "Come on. Before it gets dark."

San smiles to himself as he pulls Wooyoung over to the popcorn shop. They wave goodbye to Hajoon before San pulls him up onto the horse again, hopping up in front of him.

Wooyoung immediately wraps his arms around the alpha's waist, resting his cheek tiredly on San's back, right in between his shoulders.

San smirks. "See. I said you would be hugging me on the way back."

"Be quiet." Wooyoung yawned.

"Do not fall asleep by accident, Lemon. I do not want you to slip off."

"I am just resting my eyes."

"Sure."

They make it back to the entrance in no time, tying San's horse back onto the same tree before reentering the passageway, locking the door tightly behind them.

San let's Wooyoung climb up first, close behind him as they enter the warmth of the library once again. The sun has completely set now, only the light of the burning fire illuminating the room. Wooyoung shoved his shoes off and falls dramatically onto the carpet, yawning as he soaked in the warmth of the flames to reheat his cold body while San locks the trapdoor and hides it under the carpet and table again.

Not a few moments later, San falls next to him, throwing an arm over his waist and hugging him close.

"This is inappropriate of you, My Prince." Wooyoung mumbled half heartedly.

"I do not care. You are warm." San mutters back, exhaustion in his voice. "I just want to sleep for a little bit. Lay with me?"

Wooyoung's ears burn bright. "W-What!?"

San pauses for a moment. "I did not mean it like that. Just stay here like this next to me and sleep."

Wooyoung huffs, but laces his hand with the one against his stomach as San's body drapes over his back. "Fine."

It's not even a minute later that San's relaxed breaths indicating he was asleep were heard. It was the sound of the alpha breathing and the crackling of the fire that makes Wooyoung's eyes fall closed, sleep washing over him.

-

The day of the dreaded engagement ball arrives and Wooyoung couldn't be anticipating it any less.

The day is completely hectic, to say the least. He spends most of it in the library, sketching one of his drawings onto a canvas and painting it. It takes up practically the whole day and before long, the sun sets.

San didn't visit the library at all that morning, probably too busy helping to finish getting things ready.

When he returns to his room covered in paint, Soojin almost kills him before shoving him into the tub and helping him wash the paint out from his hair, telling him to be quiet when he complains about the cold water.

She dries his hair with a towel, rolling the strands up into tight rollers by the time Yeosang comes knocking on the door.

The door opens to reveal the older omega in a stunning emerald green dress that cut off right above his ankles, the lace sleeves long. His blonde hair tied off in a low ponytail with a beautiful pearl clip with matching pearl earrings.

"By the Moon, you look beautiful, Yeosang!" Wooyoung gushed, his inner artist bursting with joy. "Oh, please let me at least draw you a sketch—" he reaches for his book, but Soojin slaps his hands away. "No more art! We do not have time to give you another bath!"

Yeosang laughs. "Maybe not now, Wooyoung. We are having a formal tea party this upcoming Monday, however. I would gladly let you draw me then."

"Another dress up party?" Wooyoung whines and Yeosang sets his bag down on Wooyoung's table. "Why yes. And you must be there. It was quite amusing last time you came to the parlor room."

Wooyoung grins at the memory as Yeosang pulls out his makeup. "Now. What dress were you thinking about?"

Wooyoung shrugs absentmindedly. "I have a couple in the closet. I have never worn them though, so I do not know how they fit."

Soojin rolls out the rack of his very few dresses, and Yeosang's eyes immediately draw towards the two purple ones with a smirk. "How do you feel about purple?"

Wooyoung blinks. "Purple? It is a pretty color. Would that look nice?"

Yeosang hums thoughtfully, staring intently at the one with a huge cut running down the front and up the leg, grabbing it off the rack. "Let's go with this one."

Soojin stares with amazement. "That is quite a stunning dress."

Wooyoung glances at it with visible hesitance. "That was a gift from the designer I was talking about the other day. It is quite... revealing."

"Try it on!" Soojin ushers him excitedly but Wooyoung runs his fingers over the material with nervousness. "I do not know..."

"Just try it on." Yeosang encourages, and Wooyoung sighs before walking into the walk-in closet. A few minutes later he peeks out with bright red cheeks. "This is a bit much, no?"

When he walks out, the two other Omegas drop their jaws. Wooyoung nervously pulls at the shoulder, but Yeosang ushers him back into the chair. "That is the one. We are not trying on any others."

Wooyoung sits down with a whine. "But it is too flashy!"

Yeosang squishes his cheek. "That is the point of balls. Plus I wanna see the shock on those awful omegas' faces when you come out looking as beautiful as you are. Besides, where else will you find the opportunity to wear such dresses again? Take the opportunity to promote your friend's brand."

Wooyoung nods. "Good point, not that she needs it. Ugh— fine. Only because of you."

Yeosang grins before getting to work in doing his makeup, similar to the way it was with the shimmering pink shadow across the top lid and bottom lash line before pulling out the eyeliner creating the cat like effect with his eyes again. He brightens the slight darkness under his eyes before running a heavy hand of blush over his cheeks and nose, applying a baby pink shade across the omega's lips before calling it a day.

By the time he's finished, Wooyoung's hair has dried and Soojin pulls the rollers out to reveal slightly wavy locks. She twists the front pieces away, pinning them back behind his ear while his shorter bangs escaped to frame his face.

Wooyoung pulls on the dangly earrings he got from the jewelry stand, deciding to forgo a necklace all together— not wanting to draw anymore attention to his bare chest than was necessary, instead opting for some shiny silver rings on his fingers.

Yeosang looks at the dresser, and catches sight of a hair pin sitting on the far end that looks way too familiar. A grin spreads across his face as he remembers it being the clip he had helped San in choosing. He immediately picks it up. "Put this on too."

Wooyoung's cheeks redden as he looks away from the hair pin, confirming Yeosang's assumptions. Gently sliding it in, he smiled. "Now you look perfect."

The younger omega offers a shy smile. "Thank you."

Yeosang straightens, heading for the door. "I should probably go see how Hongjoong's mate is doing. I am sure you will be able to find the ballroom just fine?"

Wooyoung nods, standing up as Yeosang opens the door. "I shall see you later in the evening then." With that, he leaves, shutting it behind him.

Soojin gives him a bright smile. "So, shoes?"

Wooyoung looks over at his closet with a grimace. "I am sure my mother packed heels, but absolutely not. There should be some flats in there."

Soojin looks through the shoe rack curiously, before pulling out a pair of white ballet shoes. "You do ballet?"

Wooyoung grins. "I used to. A few years back. I do not enjoy it much anymore. Too much stress on the muscles."

"These would look wonderful with the purple. Let's try these."

Wooyoung slips into them and Soojin helps him wrap the ribbon up his legs, tying them off with bows at the back of his legs right under his knee. "That looks stunning!"

Wooyoung flexes his feet. "As long as they are comfortable."

He clips his cape on, reaching for his satchel but Soojin slaps his hands away once again. "Absolutely not. You will ruin your entire look with that clunky brown bag."

A pout grows on his face. "But what if I—"

"No art."

"But—"

"Come along!" She grabs his arm, dragging him out the door.

They walk down the hallway and stairs to the main hall, the male omega's eyes on nervous alert for any sign of San. "Will you be attending the ball, Soojin?"

She hums. "Maybe later. Right now I need to stop by the kitchen to see if they need any help. Just go down this way. The guards will open the ballroom doors for you."

Wooyoung nods and she waves goodbye before disappearing behind a different door. He fiddles with his fingers nervously as he goes down the hallway, the sound of cheerful orchestra music flooding his ears, becoming louder the closer he got.

He was completely oblivious to the dumbstruck looks being sent his way by the guards on post, instead taking in the beautiful paintings on the wall as he walks. The slit running up his dress definitely made it easier to walk with, if only it didn't show the skin of his legs each time he took a step.

The guards at the front of the door were trying their hardest not to look at the beautiful omega as they reached for the doors. "Wait!" Wooyoung exclaims, looking around nervously. "Um... Has Prince San arrived yet?"

The guard on the left shakes his head. "No, sir. The Crown Prince just left to get dressed after helping Sir Hongjoong."

Wooyoung let out a sigh of relief. "Alright. May I go in?"

"Of course, sir." They both push the doors open and Wooyoung's senses are completely overwhelmed by the pleasing sound of elegant music and happy chatter that echoed throughout the humongous room. The room was lit beautifully with what could only be hundreds, if not, thousands of candles. Hanging from the ceiling was a stunning crystal chandelier.

He walks forward with slight hesitance, glancing over to the footman that stood on the balcony. "Name?" The beta asks, looking visibly bored.

Wooyoung blinked. "Jung Wooyoung."

Almost instantly, the footman's back straightens and his eyes widen as he nervously turns to face the crowd. "Son of Jung Jihoon and Jung Areum, Omega Jung Wooyoung!" He practically bellows.

"By the Moon— Why would you do that!?" Wooyoung panics, bending down and hiding behind the banister from the eyes that turn to peer up at him. The guards said San hadn't arrived yet, but there was no taking chances.

The footman stares down at him with bewilderment. "You do not come to these things often, I am guessing."

"Oh my— is the Prince here!?" Wooyoung hyperventilates.

The footman shakes his head. "The Crown Prince has yet to arrive."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Wooyoung slowly comes back to a stand, eyes filtering nervously over the crowd. All their eyes are turned to him and he definitely did not expect for it to be as horrifying of a feeling as it was to be watched like this as he makes his way down the step, fingers anxiously playing with the skirt of his dress.

It's only when he reaches the bottom that the whispers finally reach him.

"That is the infamous Wooyoung of the Jung Pack?"

"My, he is absolutely gorgeous, is he not?"

"Bless the moon he is unmated. I must snag a dance with him right away."

"Do not be fooled by the looks of a pretty face. That kitten has claws— and sharp ones. Nothing you would want to deal with."

"I saw his paintings once in Paris, can you believe such an omega to be so accomplished?"

"I heard he beat an alpha up for being too touchy after being denied."

"I wish I could do the same."

"I do not believe anyone outside his pack has seen him before. This is his first time at the Capital, let alone the Palace since he was a mere baby. What a hidden gem."

"He grew well. Look how beautiful he is. It is no wonder all the alphas of his pack want him, but are too afraid to do so. I cannot wait to see how he reacts to all these alphas who will attempt to go after him tonight."

"I heard the Queen and King desperately want a union between him and the Crown Prince. Could you imagine?"

"The Crown Prince would not stand his personality."

"I think they would go quite well together, actually. I hope to catch sight of them dancing tonight!"

"A horror to our society. He goes against all ideologies that this kingdom was founded on, and his father allows such disrespect. I mean, what omega makes more than both alphas of the house combined?"

That last one makes his teeth grind, but he pays no attention to the old man. He instead loses all nerves he had, raising his head high and squaring back his shoulders as he confidently walked forward. It wasn't his problem that they were jealous of his wealth and success.

When he reaches the bottom, another footman bows to him. "May I take your cape, sir?"

Wooyoung unclips it, handing it over to the man with a kind smile. "Yes, thank you graciously. How has your day been?"

The footman seems to be surprised by the question. "O-Oh, it has been good. Thank you, sir."

Wooyoung nods. "That is good! Sneak a break when you can. It is not like these snuffy people will notice anyway." He whispers the last part before turning away.

The footman snorts, an amused smile growing on his face. "I will definitely take that into consideration, kind sir."

Wooyoung looks back to the crowd, and most have gone back to dancing and chatting, but a lot of them still have an eye pointed towards him, looking away quickly when he meets their gaze confidently.

"Wooyoung!"

Yeosang grins as he comes over, wrapped around the arm of a familiar alpha. Wooyoung's face pales.

"This is my husband, Choi Jongho. He is Prince San's cousin."

"Nice to meet you," Wooyoung squeaked out, his anxiety jumping from a ten to a thousand. Luckily it seems like Jongho doesn't recognize him as he smiles. "You as well. Your brother and father talk about you constantly. It is rather nice to finally meet such a character!"

"All good words, I hope." Wooyoung laughs, relaxing as the three move further into the crowd.

"Of course. They would cut off their left arm before ever saying a single awful thing about you."

Yeosang turns to him with a big smile. "The King and Queen were waiting for you."

Wooyoung looks around anxiously to see the King and Queen sat at the throne in the far back of the ballroom. He has yet to meet King Choi Haneul, and by the looks of the way the man is staring him down, the King Alpha has been waiting too.

"I-I should go greet them." Wooyoung mumbles, offering the pair a bow before making his way over.

"Good luck!" Yeosang calls out to him in amusement as he goes.

As he approached, Queen Hyejin gives him a huge smile, her eyes twinkling. "Wooyoungie!"

He's not sure what the proper way of greeting a king would be. His father did not prepare him for this. Instead he chooses to bow low to the floor, his head lowered. "It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Majesty."

The king chuckles, coming up to a stand. "Rise, child. It is long overdue since I have seen you!"

The tension completely dissipates from his body when he straightens and the king pulls him into a loving hug. "My— look how much you have grown! I remember the first day Jihoon and Areum brought you for a visit after your birth, and you barely fit into the palm of my hands. You and Sannie were such tiny things."

Queen Hyejin also comes to a stand, pulling Wooyoung into a tight hug. "Do you remember how we put them in the same crib during dinner and Woooyoung would start to cry every time Kyungmin playfully took his stuffed carrot away?"

The King laughs. "And San would get so angry with him, yanking it out of his hands and putting it back in Wooyoung's arms."

Wooyoung turned red as a tomato. "T-That happened!?"

"Oh of course! You and San had such adorable memories as babies— you were both far too young to remember, but it was quite amusing for us adults to watch. San was always so protective over you." The Queen cooed at him.

Wooyoung let's out an embarrassed laugh. "My mother always said I was a loud child."

The Queen waves him off. "Everyone absolutely fell in love with you when you visited. We were all quite disheartened when you stopped coming after you turned one."

"The travel was too far as a baby." Wooyoung admits. "My mother said I would get sick quite often from it. By the time I became old enough, I got so busy with other things..."

King Choi hums. "Believe me, we know. You are one of the most famous omegas of our kingdom. Your artwork is absolutely stunning, I must say, Wooyoung. We all love them so much— especially San."

Wooyoung is curious. This is the second time someone has mentioned San being in love with his art. He wonders what pieces and what styles had caught the alpha's attention the most. He probably won't ever know, since he would never meet San as Jung Wooyoung.

Queen Hyejin looks him over. "By the Moon! I almost forgot to compliment your attire! You look absolutely mesmerizing, Wooyoung!"

Wooyoung smiles adorably at her. "Thank you. Yeosang and Soojin did most of the work."

"That purple suits you so well." She gushed, playing with the edge of his sleeves.

"San sure will love it." The King snickers, and Wooyoung's brows furrowed in confusion at the statement.

Before he can ask, the Queen is pulling him to the right. "You must meet Hongjoong and his mate."

Wooyoung turns away from King Choi and towards the table next to the throne, his mouth dropping when he meets eyes with familiar eyes that are equally as shocked.

"Patisserie Park Seonghwa!"

"Fake Busboy that was supposed to help me with the flour!"

The alpha sitting next to him furrows his brows in confusion. "Um... What?"

Seonghwa turns to the other man with an exasperated look. "This weirdo was laying on the floor in my kitchen one day after rolling out from under a trolley. He started blabbering about dishes and fraud and Moon knows what else! He is absolutely insane."

Queen Hyejin turns to Wooyoung with a raised eyebrow.

"Excuse me!" Wooyoung snapped, taking a threatening step forward. "I am not crazy. You were the strange one staring down at me and then asking me to do work even when you knew I was not really a busboy. Which, by the way, my labor comes at a price and you owe me an hour's worth of pay."

Seonghwa comes to a stand with an outraged expression. "What!? You did not even do what I asked! Why would I pay you!?"

"Effort! Do you know how long it took me trying to reach those damn jars!? Oh! And whoever designed that kitchen is an absolute fool! If you pay me triple, I shall properly install shelves for you at reasonable heights. My brother taught me wood craftsmanship, you can trust me!"

"I would live in a cave before I let you anywhere near my kitchen again."

Wooyoung scowls. "Fine. You still owe me 5 silver pieces. I will hold you to it. Now if you will excuse me, I need to meet Kim Hongjoong and his mate."

Seonghwa crosses his arms, staring Wooyoung down.

"Wooyoungie, this is Kim Hongjoong." The Queen stifles her laugh as the alpha besides the patisserie comes to a stand with an amused expression as he wraps his arms around the omega.

"Nice to finally meet you, Jung Wooyoung. This is my fiancée, Park Seonghwa."

Rats.

Wooyoung grabs one of the butterknives on the table, holding it over his forehead with an exasperated expression. "Just end me now."

Queen Hyejin pulls the knife out of his grip with a roll of her eyes, setting it down. "Moon, you are so dramatic."

"Jung Wooyoung."

Wooyoung turns curiously to see an old man staring at him as if he has just stolen his wallet, his house, his pants, and maybe even his dog.

"Well, it is about time that we can put a face on the Omegan Son of Jung Jihoon." The man says, looking a little too snarky for Wooyoung's liking.

Wooyoung looks him up and down with disinterest before putting a fake smile on his face. "Why, of course! Who might you be?" He asks innocently, and the old man seems taken aback by his question, a frown growing on his face. "I am the fourth Advisor Kim Beomseok, from the Court of Advisors. I was wondering if you would take a stroll with me to talk?"

Ah.

Finally he meets one of these old fucks.

Wooyoung grins, offering his arm. "Of course. Anything for such a respectable member of the court!"

Pleased, the old man locks arms with him and Wooyoung gives a final bow to the Queen before he's whisked off with the old man to walk around the back of the room.

"I was hoping your father would be coming for the events," the advisor begins.

No you were not.

"Yes, I was hoping for it as well, but he is far too caught up with his responsibilities back home. The pack always comes first. I came in his stead, and the Capital is truly marvelous. My sketchbook is already filled."

The old man frowns. "I truly do not understand how he can allow you to do such work. How old are you, again?"

As if you do not know.

"21, sir."

"Hm." The old man grunts disapprovingly. "It is well into the ripe age for an omega of your status to be wed. Have your parents discussed with any alphas in your pack?"

Wooyoung bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from spewing insults. "No, I do not find any of them suitable for me."

"Suitable?"

"I do not love any of them."

"Hm."

Well, that was definitely his sound of disapproval.

"You know," the old man scowls. "An omega such as yourself should only be taking art up as a hobby. Are you not afraid of how disgraced your father and brother look compared to your wealth? It is a bewilderment to me how King Choi allowed for omegas to work comfortably in the first place."

Wooyoung's jaw clenches. "Well, sir. My family alphas are very proud of me and what I have accomplished. There is no reason to be ashamed of such an accomplished son. And what is so wrong with pulling income into my home? Last I recall,"

They both stopped and Wooyoung turns to him with a cold expression. "You were the ones benefiting from the oversea taxes that came from my work in Italy and France. I wonder, what would happen to your extra pocket money if omegas like me were to quit work overseas all together? The tax damage in the country would already be a huge blow, but the overseas tax? I hope you have some back up plan for that."

There's a chilling silence between them, before Wooyoung breaks his serious expression into a fake bright smile, giggling. "Funny joke, right!? Not like that would ever happen, don't you agree?"

The advisor is completely at a loss of words, looking horrified. He obviously hadn't expected Wooyoung to know so much about the way the laws worked, and what was going on behind the scenes. Just by his face, the omega could tell that he's spooked him to his core.

"W-Why yes. N-Now, if you would e-excuse me."

He immediately flees, rushing away from a smirking Wooyoung who is unaware of the King's impressed eyes on him.

"Serves you right, you piece of danky doodle—"

"Now entering, his Royal Highness, Crown Prince Choi San."

Oh shit.

Wooyoung turns around with wide eyes to see San making his way down the steps, a happy smile on his face. He's dressed out of his usually uniform, instead opting for a black suit with a pretty blazer that has an intricate crystal pattern. Looking as handsome as he always has, the Prince hands the footman his cape before turning to the crowd.

The omega panics, ducking and running over to one of the snack tables on the far wall, hiding behind it as his heart beats wildly in his chest.

He was honestly preparing himself for this to happen and to leave as soon as San came, but now that it's actually happening, it's a lot more nerve racking than he thought. Peeking a look up, he sees San making polite greetings to the guest as he makes his way over to his parents.

Right next to the table Wooyoung was hiding at.

Oh Moon.

"Sannie!" Queen Hyejin wraps her arms around her son, pressing a loving kiss to the top of his head.

San grins, hugging his mother back. "You look beautiful, mother."

She pulls back to give him a smile. "Did you bring the rings?"

Wooyoung waits until San's back is turned to him before running over to a nearby pillar and hiding behind it. He glances around it to see San rubbing his forehead. "I must have left them in the pocket of my cape. Hold on."

Then San is walking back towards where he is and Wooyoung rushes around the pillar as San goes to the other side.

For a moment, San pauses in his step next to the pillar, the very faint smell of lemon entering his senses.

On the other side, Wooyoung's heart is practically bursting out of his chest when he hears San take in a deep breath, letting out a confused hum. He's a goner.

But he's quickly saved when the footman catches San's attention, and he's walking forward again.

Wooyoung let's out a gasp of air, holding a hand against his chest in relief as he peeks a look around the pillar.

The Prince talks with the footman for a moment before he's being guided towards the coat rack next to the stairs. This was fine. He just needed San to move away from the stairs and start walking to the other side before he could make his escape without being noticed.

But then Wooyoung's worst nightmare happens.

San had pulled the two ring boxes out from his cloak and was turning away when he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

He watched with horror as San reached up and wrapped his hand around Wooyoung's fluffy white cloak in disbelief. Immediately, the alpha's eyes flash to the crowd with shock, looking around wildly. Wooyoung quickly hides behind the pillar again, his heart dropping.

San knows he's here.

"What are you doing?"

Wooyoung yelps, looking up to see Yunho staring down at him with wide eyes.

He blinks. "Y-Yunho!"

Yunho looks down at his outfit with a smile. "Wow, you look amazing. That dress is super pretty."

Wooyoung glances down at his dress before looking over at Yunho. "Are you working?"

Yunho nods with a grin. "I was helping out with desserts since Seonghwa is obviously preoccupied. What the hell are you doing hiding back here, though?"

Wooyoung stares down at Yunho's uniform blankly for a moment before something clicks in his mind. "Yunho."

"Yes?"

"Give me your coat."

"What!? No!"

Wooyoung is almost at the verge of tears. "For the love of the Moon, Yunho— please! Are you wearing a shirt underneath? I need it. Please! It is a matter of life and death!"

"But... I— ugh," Yunho rubs his forehead tiredly. "Fine. You owe me big time, Jung."

And that's how Wooyoung finds himself drowning in a patisserie coat that is far too big for him, covering his face with a round silver tray as he sneaks around a desperate San who is scanning every face to find him, his cape clenched in the alpha's hand.

Wooyoung rushes up the stairs, keeping an eye out for San before handing the silver tray and coat over to the bewildered footman at the top. "Good day!"

He quickly pushes the doors open and slips past them, ignoring the stares he was getting from the guards as he rushes down the main hall. He makes a quick turn, reaching the familiar door of the library. This would be the perfect hiding spot until the ball is done.

The door opens and closes behind him as he enters. The dimly lit room only has light from the large fireplace illuminating the whole room. He carefully maneuvers his way over to the table closest to the fireplace, sitting down with a sigh, rubbing his forehead.

That was too close. He had only been at the ball for about an hour before San had appeared. Everything felt like all fun and games, but there was an unsettling feeling deep in him that him being discovered could lead to a whole load of problems.

The thing is, he never expected to get so close with San like this. They were never supposed to meet again after that first night, but then they kept bumping into one another— and no matter how vehemently he denies it, it is an honest fact that San has truly become quite a close friend of his. Probably the only real friend he's made here besides Yeosang and Mingi, but he rarely saw them as it is.

San was supposed to be arrogant and distasteful, but he was nothing of the sort. Instead he was sweet, and kind, and far more genuine that Wooyoung could have ever imagined. It makes him feel kind of bad for the preconceived notions he had of the Prince.

He still thinks San is a tease when it comes to flirting, and he probably only does it because of how hard Wooyoung denies him, but that doesn't make him a bad person. San is actually one of the very few respectable unmated alphas he's met.

Which just makes this whole situation worse, honestly. He doesn't like lying to his friends, and he would love to still be friends with San long after he's left the Palace and returned home. But there's no way Wooyoung can do that without telling San who he really is. And when he tells, two things will either happen. Either San will be incredibly upset and completely cut ties with him all together for orchestrating such a huge lie, or he will be incredibly happy and their parents would immediately see their bond and push for marriage.

Both of which, were terrible options.

Because sure, he had rights to deny Choi San's hand in marriage, but at what cost? He would be the talk of the kingdom for centuries to come, and the ones it would truly affect would be his family. His mother would be thrown jabs from jealous omegas who have nothing better to do with their lives, and his father and brother would be ridiculed every day for allowing Wooyoung to deny the Crown Prince.

And he doesn't think he can see the hurt in San's eyes if he has to deny him. Sure, he would probably get over it and they could continue on as friends after a while, but it all just wasn't worth the risk. Too many people's reputation sits on his head and he absolutely hates it. He doesn't want to be the reason that anyone from both families is made fun of for years to come. They were both far too good of people for that.

That's why it's better for him to maintain this secret, until it's time to go home.

He suddenly notices that his canvas is still leaning over one of the walls. Walking over, he bends down and rubs a thumb carefully over it with a hum. At least it's finally dried. Now he can put his initials on and layer a protective acrylic resin varnish over top for this one to be done.

"A Walk To The Bakery seems like a fitting title for you." Wooyoung mutters to himself with a small smile as he glances over the intricate painting of the town street filled with people.

"Lemon."

Wooyoung froze. He had not noticed San walk in at all.

San stood a few feet away from the boy crouched next to the painting, a smug smirk on his face and the white cape in his hand. "I knew it. I swore I could smell you in the ballroom for a moment but thought it might have been my imagination, until I saw your—"

He cuts himself off abruptly when Wooyoung suddenly comes to a stand, turning to face him with wide eyes as the cloak slips out of the alpha's frozen fingers and pools to the floor.

The omega is dressed in the most stunning purple gown, flowing around the slit that showed off smooth tanned legs and that tied tightly around a slim waist. Pretty flowers decorated the entire bodice while sheer puff sleeves ran down his arms and fanned out around his wrists. The white ribbon that wrapped around his smooth legs in crosses was almost like a gift waiting to be unraveled, coming apart by one simple tug.

The most sinfully aching part of the entire get up was that neckline that dipped almost completely down his chest, showing off smooth unmarked skin practically begging to be touched— and by the Moon, he wanted to touch. His eyelids sparkled and that eyeliner that shaped his eyes into those feline slits was driving him insane, the mole on his bottom lip barely peeking through soft pink. His hair was slightly curled, barely brushing over the tops of his reddened cheeks.

He could almost keep it together, until he saw his hair pin sitting in the younger's hair, right above his left ear.

"S-San!" Wooyoung stammers, staring at the dumbstruck man in front of him. "What are you doing here?"

"Shit." The alpha hissed in reply, catching Wooyoung off guard as his eyes drink in the sight of the smaller man. "Fuck— look at you."

Wooyoung blinked, his face turning red as he glanced down at himself. "Too much?" He asks meekly.

"You are aware purple is my favorite color, correct?"

Wooyoung scowls, thinking back to Yeosang and the King. "That explains a lot now."

San doesn't reply, still staring Wooyoung down as if he was the last bunny in the forest that caught the eyes of a hungry wolf. "San—"

"Just give me a second. If you open your mouth again in the next five seconds I will pin you against that table behind you and do things that even the Moon would be horrified to witness."

Wooyoung's mouth instantly shuts, ears burning almost as red as San's were.

San roughly pulls his tie off as he turns away from Wooyoung, his heart racing far too fast and his body far too warm. He unbuttons the first few buttons, also unbuttoning his coat before he feels like he can properly breathe again.

Wooyoung stays silent as he watches the alpha run a stressed hand through his hair, glancing over at him again.

San stares for a long moment before he squeezes his hands together tightly, trying to regain some form of control over his self restraint. "How have you been?" He forces out, trying to keep his eyes on Wooyoung's face.

Wooyoung blinks up at him meekly. "G-Good. How about you? You seemed quite busy with the preparations these past few days."

San swallows. "Yes, I wanted things to be perfect for Hongjoong and Seonghwa. They both deserve the best after all the hard work they have put in for the kingdom. Did you dance with anyone tonight?"

Wooyoung doesn't miss the icy edge to the question. "Ah— no. I am not very good at dancing in a duet."

The alpha's eyes trail appreciatively down his body, landing on those legs again. "Ballet?"

"I used to dance ballet for a while but I stopped a few years ago. Started getting a lot of muscle pain because of it. It was around the time I got a lot more interested in art anyway, so it was not a huge loss." Wooyoung explained, relaxing as the conversation got more comfortable.

For San, the answer only made things worse, because the implications behind the omega being a ballerino is painting very inappropriate thoughts in his mind.

"Oh. Well that is good at least." He answers instead, tearing his eyes away from Wooyoung's legs and back up to the omega's face. "Surely you cannot come to a ball without dancing." He holds a hand out with a small smile. "May I have the first one, Lemon?"

Wooyoung's cheeks burn red once again. "N-No really! I have never danced with an alpha before. I would be terrible—"

San shakes his head, grabbing the shorter man's hand and pulling him forward gently towards the open area in front of the fire place where the carpet wasn't laid. "Nonsense. I will teach you how. Did you know I grew up learning how to dance with partners specifically for these balls?"

Wooyoung stares at him for a moment. "You have quite a busy schedule. You are always so tired when I see you." He places his left hand on San's shoulder while the right laces around San's.

San brings a hand around Wooyoung's waist, swallowing down the possessive growl that threatens to leave his mouth, instead offering a weak smile. "Yes, but I never feel tired around you. It always makes my day when I am able to see you— if only for a moment."

Wooyoung groans. "Please— shush your inner poet for a moment."

San laughed quietly as he pulls Wooyoung in closer so that their chests are inches away.

"There is no music." Wooyoung comments, and San smiles sweetly at him. "With you, there is no need for music." Before the omega can complain again, San opens his mouth. "Besides. I can still hear the violin music faintly. Can you?"

Wooyoung listens, and over the crackling of the fire, there is a soft sound of the orchestra flooding through. "Oh. I can."

San hums, gently swaying them forward. "Dancing with a partner is very simple. You just follow my lead, alright? It is just a step. We go forward, and backwards, to the right or to the left," They began to go around the open floor of the library, movements fluid as Wooyoung grins. "It is far easier than I had imagined."

San's heart warms at the sight of the happy omega, his scent sweeting around them. "Quite. I believe the nerves of being in a room full of other people is partially to blame for the intimidation."

Wooyoung glances up at him with soft eyes. "I actually believe dancing here alone is far more frightening."

San stares back down at him, eyes heavy with emotion. "How so?"

There's a look of vulnerability in the younger man's eyes. "I never know what to expect from you. There is nowhere to hide here."

San swallowed, pulling his other hand out of Wooyoung's and resting them both around his waist. "Up."

Wooyoung's other hand immediately falls onto San's other shoulder as the alpha raises him up to a playful twirl, watching as the omega giggles with fond eyes before bringing him back down slowly.

Both their smiles slowly dropped, eyes staring far too deep into each other— as if hoping to catch even a glimpse of a mutual feeling. San keeps Wooyoung pressed flush against him, his hands tightening around the other's thin waist. Wooyoung can't bring himself to look away from San's heated gaze, the alpha's eyes filled with such heavy emotion. "Lemon," he whispers, his voice so weak. Wooyoung hums quietly, not looking away as San swallows.

"I think I am falling completely and hopelessly in love with you."

That hits Wooyoung harder than anything else the other man has said thus far. For a moment there is silence between them, the haze of each other's presence clouding both their judgment.

"Tell me you are lying." Wooyoung whispers, his eyes showing fear.

San only shakes his head gently, eyes never once leaving his. "I cannot."

His hand comes up to hold Wooyoung's cheek softly, a thumb running along his bottom lip harshly. "By Moon, I want to kiss you so badly."

Heat immediately pools in Wooyoung's belly and he can't control the way his body immediately heats up, a gush of slick leaving him.

San's nose twitched, his entire expression darkening as his eyes flash red in warning. "Lemon..."

Wooyoung doesn't know anything— he doesn't care. The heat spreading between them is suddenly too much and he presses himself closer nuzzling his cheek against the other's. The air grows thick with the alpha's pheromones and Wooyoung's eyes glow golden upon sensing how much the Prince wants him. A whine breaks from him as he bares his neck for the Alpha, a pleading haze in his eyes. "San."

San snaps.

Almost immediately the hands on his waist are shoving him back quickly until he's pressed against the cool stone wall, encased by two book shelves. San's body presses against his roughly, a leg pushing through between his and pressing right up against his heat causing him to let out a high pitched whine.

His mouth descends on an immediate attack, pressing against Wooyoung's bare collarbone with a deep growl. The omega is too far gone to care as the alpha began sucking at the skin harshly, nipping bites and pulling back only to go to the other collarbone and bite the same mark onto the soft skin.

San sucks marks all across his chest and neck, placing an incredibly hard one in the middle of his chest while Wooyoung pants above him with his arms wrapped around the alpha's neck, encouraging more of the ministrations. his entire body on fire.

San pulls back, admiring his work with dark red eyes gleaming of approval before he reaches up and yanks the shoulders of his dress down his arms, exposing even more skin. Wooyoung stares at him with hooded golden eyes gleaming with obvious desire, watching as San leans back down to bite hard into his shoulder, sucking warmth into the area.

The leg between his shifts up slightly and Wooyoung moans, grinding desperately down onto the hard muscle as San ruts up against his hip, achingly hard in his slacks. The room echoes with the sounds of loud moans and deep growls as San turns his attention to Wooyoung's exposed nipples, gently pulling the hard pebble into his mouth and biting down softly.

There are tears growing in Wooyoung's eyes as his body bursts with uncontrollable pleasure, one of San's hands clenching tightly around his bare thigh to leave a bruising hand print there while the other forces his hips to move harshly against his leg. His underwear is completely soaked with his slick that he wonders if it seeped into San's pants.

Suddenly San's lips go up and press an open mouthed kiss right against his scent gland, mixing their scents together completely before beginning to suck hard. It immediately ripples against Wooyoung and all he wants is to be claimed right there, crying out as his hips stutter.

He runs his hands up desperately through San's hair, gripping onto his head with both hands and yanking him up so their foreheads are pressed right against one another. Their harsh panting fills the space between them, bright gold clashing against dark red in a heated stare of hooded gazes. Wooyoung pulls San forward, about to press their lips together only to be stopped a brush away by the door to the library slamming open.

"San!? Are you in here!? Where the hell did you go, man! It is almost time for the ring ceremony!" Jongho's voice calls out.

Wooyoung's eyes widen, turning over to where the sound came from while San simply let out a furious snarl, his lips pressing against Wooyoung's jaw, tongue teasing the skin there.

"S-San stop." Wooyoung whispers in horror, eyes fading back from gold to brown.

San lets out a threatening growl at his words, hands tightening around his waist in a bruising grip as footsteps grew closer.

Wooyoung pushes San by the chest. "Get off me!"

Wooyoung's alarmed voice breaks San from his haze, and he pulls away quickly, red eyes blinking in confusion. "I—"

"San!" Jongho calls, more annoyed.

They both turn to the sound and San looks back at him with horror, his eyes fading back to brown as he immediately lets go and steps back. "I-I am so sorry. I-I do not know what—"

He takes in Wooyoung's flustered state, his face filled with embarrassment as he shyly pulls his dress back up around his shoulders.

"I do not know what came over me." San's voice cracks, as he stared in absolute terror. Wooyoung breathes heavily, grabbing San's hand tightly. "N-No— San! You did not do anything I did not want and was not asking for. Please— just deal with him first." Wooyoung whispers far too overwhelmed by everything. San didn't need to feel guilt over something that he practically caused.

Relief fills San's gaze at being reassured, nodding and giving Wooyoung a final glance before hesitantly making his way around the shelves, fixing his hair and clothes.

"San— by the Moon, there you are! What the hell are you doing here!? Hongjoong has been looking everywhere for you." Jongho snaps, his nose scrunching. "Hey, there is some really sweet smell coming from you—"

"Jongho. Tell them I will be there in a few minutes. I just had some business I needed to deal with first." San says, his voice audibly weak.

"No way— come on." The younger grabs his wrist, dragging the reluctant Prince away while San glances back towards where Wooyoung was with worry. "Wait— Jongho! I—"

The door shuts behind them before Wooyoung can hear the rest, and the omega slumps against the wall in disbelief, completely shocked by the events that just occurred.

He quickly runs over to his cloak, wrapping it tightly around him to mask the scent of arousal before dashing out of the library, heading straight up the stairs and down the hall until he's safe in his room.

Wooyoung looks into the mirror at his disheveled hair and slightly smudged eyes, a rush of heat pooling in him when he sees all the bruised marks of love bites scattered completely across his chest.

He slips out of his clothes and shoes, falling onto his bed as he makes quick work to shove three fingers straight inside, finishing in mere minutes as he presses fingers against the mark on his scent gland. The pleasure of it jolts straight down his spine, and he clenches around his curled fingers as he comes undone, the name of the Crown Prince leaving his lips in a broken sob.

There was no use. The curtains had dropped, and the act was over.

He was already completely and unfathomably gone.