During the tea party of the Countess Sahara - In the shopping center of the noble neighborhood
The ornate carriage glided down the main street of the bustling shopping center, attracting prying eyes, especially when the coat of arms of the Grimwood family — the most powerful below the imperial family — was recognized. Murmurs began to spread as people tried to guess who was behind the closed curtains, until the rosy-eyed young man gracefully jumped out.
Eugene looked around, smiling sweetly to the nobles who stared at him. He waved in courtesy, getting timid laughs from the young singles who appreciated his beauty. Usually this attention bothered him, but that afternoon, the omega was in a good mood. The sun shone, despite the cold winter wind, and it brought a little cheer to his heart.
As he walked through the streets of the mall, Eugene had only one thing in mind: finding a gift. A gesture of gratitude to Cadec, the prince who had saved him once more. He knew that at least his gift would be well received.
Walking through the showcase in search of the ideal gift, Eugene saw a familiar figure near a forge. He stopped, gave a discreet signal to his guards, asking them to be cautious and keep their distance. When they agreed, Eugene looked back at the hooded figure.
"You may even try to hide, but I recognize you from afar", he muttered with a smile on his lips.
It was Cadec.
He would recognize those deep eyes anywhere. The First Prince of the Empire was concentrated, evaluating a blade. His lips moved in conversation with the blacksmith, but Eugene did not pay attention to the words. His heart accelerated passionately just to see him. Even without effort, Cadec was a magnetic vision, and Eugene could not help admiring the silent beauty of the alpha.
Their eyes met, and a slight blush took the cheeks of Eugene. He smiled shyly and waved. Cadec said something to the blacksmith, put his sword in the sheath and approached Eugene.
"My Lord Grimwood, I see you are strolling through the city."
"Yes", replied Eugene, with a lighter voice. "My brother is busy, and my brother-in-law went to accompany His Majesty to the Countess' party. Being alone at home bored me, so I decided to take the sun for a walk."
"I thought you would go back to the academy immediately after the festival."
"I intend to return next week", Eugene replied, smiling.
Cadec nodded, watching him with an intensity that always left Eugene speechless. The prince was dressed in simple, ordinary clothes that still highlighted his masculinity and grandeur. A shiver ran through Eugene's spine.
"I wanted to thank you again for your help during the festival", said Eugene, trying to hide his nervousness.
"I have not done anything that deserves such thanks", said Cadec, his voice grave and calm. "In fact, it is I who should thank. You volunteered to care for the wounded."
Eugene blushed deeply, raising his hands in humility.
"Please, Your Highness, no need to thank me. I just did what I thought was right."
"Allow me to repay, then. I insist."
The seriousness in Cadec's voice took him by surprise, but the idea of receiving something from him filled Eugene's heart with joy. That's how the two of them decided to walk through the mall together.
The market was bustling, with vendors advertising their products and the sound of carriages filling the air. But Eugene didn't care about any of that. His attention was totally turned to the prince at his side. His feelings for Cadec went beyond mere admiration. He knew that the prince was destined for another kind of life, but for a brief moment Eugene felt complete by his side.
"You're thoughtful", Cadec commented, pulling Eugene from his daydreams.
"Oh, sorry." Eugene laughed nervously. "I guess it's been a while since I've been to the market."
"I imagine, since you've spending most of your time at the academy. I heard that you has been an exemplary student", Cadec commented, casually.
Eugene's heart popped in his chest. Did the prince know about your efforts at the academy? He allowed himself to smile discreetly, blushing at the idea that Cadec looked proud.
"I just like to study. But thank you, Your Highness" said Eugene, still shy.
Cadec stopped, watching him deeply, and Eugene felt the floral pheromones begin to manifest, unable to control his reaction to the prince's intense gaze.
"Eugene..." began Cadec, hesitating. "There is something you need to know."
"What happened?" Eugene asked, feeling his heart tighten.
"About the scarf you gave me at the festival..."
Eugene became tense. He knew what the handkerchief meant: a confession. That gift was a symbol of his feelings for Cadec, but the prince had accepted it as a gesture of gratitude. Eugene expected no more.
"Didn't like the embroidery? It was the first time I tried something like this", Eugene smiled nervously.
"No, on the contrary. It is a wonderful gift", said Cadec, keeping his gaze fixed. "But I cannot ignore what it represents." His voice became softer, almost a whisper. "Tell me, my lord, did your gift contain any meaning beyond your gratitude?"
Eugene felt his heart racing even faster. Cadec's question was direct, something he never expected to hear. The prince was, in fact, questioning the true feelings behind the gesture. Feeling the heat rising from his face, Eugene tried to hold his composure, but his hands began to tremble slightly.
"I... I thought Your Highness would understand that only as a gesture of friendship" The omega looked away, opening a nervous smile "Did not want to cause misunderstanding..."
"Still I wonder if it was just that, my lord. A friendly gesture" said Cadec in his low voice as he approached the omega.
The omega held his breath. Each word of Caded made his chest tighten more. He could no longer hide behind excuses or shy smiles. He was there, facing a question that he had always been afraid to answer.
"Your Highness... I... don't know what to say."
With that whisper, Cadec intensified the look.
"Do not need to say anything you don't want. However, I admit wanting to know the truth."
The silence that followed seemed to last an eternity. Eugene bit his lip, trying to find the right words, but all that came to mind was the naked and raw truth: he had fallen in love with Cadec. The handkerchief was not just a thank you. It was a piece of his soul, a confession of everything he had kept in his heart.
When finally facing the prince in the eyes, Eugene chose to grab that chance. He did not want to be seen only as the brother of his best friend. Not just like Magnus' brother. Eugene wanted Cadec to really see him.
"I... didn't want you to notice, but... Yes, that gift was more than a gesture of gratitude. It was... a way to show what I feel. Even though I knew I shouldn't."
Cadec remained silent, the gaze fixed on Eugene's eyes, absorbing every word. For a moment, the surrounding air seemed to freeze, and Eugene felt the weight of what he had just confessed. He could not turn back now.
"I imagined it, but to hear it from you..." Cadec hesitated, as if carefully choosing his next words "This is not so easy, my lord."
Eugene was quiet, unable to answer. His emotions were running high, and he didn't know if he should feel relieved or more distressed by the situation. Cadec frowned, noticing Eugene's reaction. He was going to say something but was interrupted by a bang in the distance. Both turned, and chaos began.
Cries echoed as tents were destroyed. A group of armed men advanced through the market, their movements disordered and violent. Rebels. Eugene barely had time to react before Cadec grabbed him.
"Run!" ordered the prince, his voice full of authority.
But before he could move, one of the men, with a cruel look, went straight towards him. Their aim was clear: Eugene.
"They're after me."
Eugene noticed, already familiar with sudden attacks. Now that, young Eugene was the dear younger brother of the Grimwood. Many nobles jealous of the Grand Duke's power tried to attack Magnus through Eugene, all failing miserably, of course.
Despite the frequency of this, Eugene still allowed himself to be scared. Especially with the latest events involving such rebels.
"Stay behind me!" Cadec ordered, standing between Eugene and the attacker.
The rebels' blade found Cadec's sword, which blocked the blow with mastery, but more men approached. They were five in all, and surrounded the prince and the omega.
"Your Highness!" Eugene shouted, moving away.
"Stay behind me until I say so, and then run to call the guards" Cadec grunted, knocking down another attacker.
Eugene, desperate, threw a stone he found on the ground, hitting one of the men in the shoulder. Cadec took advantage of the distraction to bring him down, but the others continued advancing.
"Now!" cried the prince.
Eugene tried to run, but his leg was grabbed by one of the fallen rebels. He fell hard on the ground, uttering a cry of pain. Before the man could hurt him, Cadec drove him away with a blow.
"I said run!", Cadec exclaimed, pulling Eugene back to his feet.
Suddenly one of the rebels raised a firearm. Eugene froze, the sound of the shot echoing through the market. Cadec threw himself in front of Eugene, protecting him.
It was when Eugene's personal guard arrived, along with disguised imperial knights, containing the rebels and saving both.
Cadec helped Eugene stand up and quickly took off his cape, covering the omega and hiding his identity from prying eyes.
"Are you okay?" asked Cadec, his eyes worried.
"Yes, Your Highness... but why would they...?"
"This was not a coincedence" said Cadec, casting a cold look at the rebels. "Take them to the Imperial Palace and summon the Grand Duke. Say that it is of utmost urgency."