Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“At this rate, we’re going to be late.” An occupied raven spoke, sighing and lightly sweating out a thin scent of distress by the untimely seamstresses working as quickly as they could to piece together his lavish dress. His petite body was unable to move or protest, careful not to mess up a single stitch of needles going in and out of his laying dress. Draped in the finest silks that cascaded his figure to look like a freshly plucked rose with petals of pearly whites and soft creams striking against his dark onyx hair. 

“Maybe…” The head seamstress mumbled while circling around the other busy workers, hazel eyes trained behind thick glasses to check and make sure every maid was hard at work. Soft curls of spoiling strawberries filled the bedroom, not strong enough to cause alarm but potent enough to make the maid double in speed. 

Today was important. The crowned Princess of Sina was invited to attend a meeting between kingdoms. Rose and Maria were ruled by alphas and strongholds in their own right, whereas Sina was the only kingdom ruled by an omega. To be late would only soil the raven’s royal image more, sweating in an anxiety over the thought of being surrounded by so many intimidating alphas.

“Take a breath, your Highness. The carriage is ready to go as soon as we’re done.” The brunette seamstress spoke with a reassuring smile before the royal exhaled with flared nostrils,

“Of all times to be behind… They already all look down on me.” The princess shook his head, closing his eyes and focusing on clearing his convoluted mind while taking deep breaths. His scent slowly cleared, causing the maid’s tense shoulders to relax like an invisible wave of tension washing away into the sea. 

“Especially Rose. Of all the kingdoms, I was invited to meet at Rose? With their untrained alphas reeking of sweat and rut during all hours, how vile.” The raven gagged, fingers twitching to ball them into fists but choosing not to, to avoid messing up any work being done. 

“Hmm? Oh, right, Prince Zeke is their leader, right?” The brunette spoke while watching a maid finish piecing together fabrics and move on to another small spot. 

“Hanji, you don’t even know the half of it…” The princess grumbled, sighing with an exasperated exhale and inhaling with the idea of tranquility, desperately trying to fix his mood before publicly leaving Sina.  

Once the last stitch was made, the maids moved to give the princess space to step his bare feet off the platform and onto the pristine marble floors while Hanji moved to get closer to the raven with a jar of powder. 

Their voice was lowered, words lacking formalities that had to be spoken away from the other maids,

“I know, shortcake, I remember those stories from previous visits. It’s just a quick meeting between kingdoms, right? I’m sure you’ll be out of there before anything concerning happens!” Hanji smiled, getting no response back immediately. Their smile fell slowly as sharp silver eyes narrowed while the princess slowly walked towards his balcony. 

“I have a feeling this trip may be more than just a simple meeting,” Levi said without addressing what exactly he meant, quiet and firm, watching from his open view as guards loaded his readied carriage with luggage enough for a week or two. 

The warm spring air brushed softly into the room, effortlessly blowing his layered dress like a feather curling in the wind. Levi was both fragile and strong in his physique and confidence, with observant eyes always alert and searching for patterns in everyday conversations or actions to be adequately prepared for anything that may come. 

His inner circle was small, rightfully so given his second vulnerable sex, which was a title given to the royal since birth. It was a position of royalty, access to power, and wealth that could easily be taken advantage of by any alpha who thought themselves superior. Levi had moments of vulnerability, cycles to which he tried to hide from his kingdom, but an absent royal tells an obvious tale. 

Now, in the prime of his youth and fertility, he was aware that he would soon be wed to one of the neighboring kingdoms ruled by two different alphas with two different agendas. 

Both whose views on omega’s made the raven involuntarily sick, churning his insides with a vile disgust that he often found himself struggling to swallow down every other night. Even Hanji could smell the anxiety that sharply emitted from the smaller raven dressed and tailored for this momentous occasion. It didn’t help that they fell behind on schedule with the princess panting deeply in self-paced breathing exercises to help calm his nerves while Hanji swiftly moved to grab his lavish crown resting on a satin pillow.

“You’re okay, you’re fine, a few minutes won’t change anything. A flower never blooms in time, every time.” Hanji mumbled mindlessly, clearly more focused on finishing the princess's look, anchoring Levi’s small yet fragile crown into his neatly combed onyx locks. The words caught the royal off guard as he scoffed with a small smile,

“Hanji— what are you talking about flowers for?” Levi’s words made the head seamstress blink as if they were knocked out of a trance suddenly before the brunette cackled loudly,

“Hah! I don’t know! Wow—well, I mean, you are dressed like a white rose, so… close enough.” Hanji brimmed with a wholehearted smile that warmed Levi’s heart. Their personalities were always enough to help the royal forget his own stresses momentarily and feel safe within the beta’s presence. 

“We need to leave right now— is my gland covered?” Levi stepped off the small petastoll surrounded by mirrors, a maid helping the royal slip one foot at a time into the heeled shoes that made him magically grow a few feet. 

“You’re covered and blocked to me, just think happy thoughts and you’ll be home before you know it!” Hanji reassured for the umpteenth time, standing behind the raven as they stared into the mirror with a reaffirming squeeze of his arms. 

“I really should be going now. Is everything packed?” Levi slipped on his shoes before leaving his chamber with Hanji on his quickened heel. The head seamstress was not only skilled in their craft but also in their leadership, as they were responsible for guiding the many maids who worked within the Sina walls. 

“Of course, your Highness, your carriage is packed and properly prepared for your departure,” Hanji stated, returning to proper language in the presence of other staff as the two traveled throughout the lavish and familiar halls of the pristine palace. Marbled walls were decorated with the greatest of painted arts, long windows graced with clean and refined curtains, with maids who continued to work effortlessly to keep the royal’s home in the best shape. 

Levi had always taken pride in his home and his people. He ruled with respect and warmth, which validated his status among the common folk who often sought assistance from the Kingdom. While Sina was never as rich in goods as Maria, the raven’s kingdom flourished in the trades of talent that helped to fund the villages economically. The trade deals and benefits from Maria and Sina being connected were too stable and promising to pass off simply, and that was what Levi had been summoned to set off to accomplish. 

Rumors and speculation had existed about the future of the three long-standing Kingdoms within Eldia and their rulers. Levi, being the only omega in power compared to his two neighboring alpha rulers, created an opportunity for union. The speculation that a marriage should arise from the two benefiting Kingdoms was something both Levi dreaded and remained passively optimistic about. 

The royal took a deep breath before stepping into the carriage, passing an order off to Hanji to ensure everything stood intact while he was away. A beloved friend and loyal member of the royal family who knelt with a promise that Sina would never succumb to problems while the princess was away.

Levi slipped inside the plush and private source of transportation, protected by some armored alphas and a beta horse carrier, the journey to Rose had begun. He pulled the velvet curtains shut, uninterested in the same world outside and rather needing the darkness to help cope with his lingering dread. The raven couldn’t help the rouge hand that lingered up, touching his neck's soft, pale skin that had a sheen of powder covering the gland. Without the protection, no doubt the carriage would be smelling like soured strawberries and honey. 

Levi tried to imagine the idea of a union and the endless possibilities of what-ifs, ranging from positive to extremely negative. He couldn’t help the primal urge that radiated hot in his loins to the idea of being with a proper alpha; his omega yearned for the touch and cried with every heat that passed, full of longing for an alpha to properly satisfy his needs. The raven sighed, heavy and confused as his mind reeled to the idea of being under an alpha— an alpha he barely knew on an intimate level. 

It felt so superficial and fraudulent that Levi couldn’t help the small curse that slipped free as his inner omega couldn’t care less. It was the same dread that returned to remind him that no matter what his thoughts and opinions were on the matter, he had a role to play regardless, and none of it matters when he has a Kingdom to maintain. Peace and prosperity were always a top priority to the raven royal, and in order to keep such things, he had to willingly sacrifice his own personal desires and wishes. 

He could never live as a free and true omega. 

It was the price he paid as he was given the crown, his humanity stripped, and his second sex exposed to the game that had long existed between the Kingdoms since their creation. He was merely a chess piece, one of value that benefited those who sought to claim him and continue the lineage of royals. 

Maybe the union could be full of happiness and true love, and create a beautiful experience. Maybe he was overthinking and should trust his inner omega more that purred within him to think happy thoughts about the idea of never being lonely again. Maybe it would be nice to have another who understands the burden of ruling, and he could finally have a warm bed to return to every night. 

To truly be loved entirely is a feeling that the raven was simply unfamiliar with. 

“Watch over me.” The raven whispered softly to himself as a prayer to anyone listening; in particular, his deceased mother. The only one who ever truly loved the omega with a bond that never left him alone until the day she left his world forever. There is never a day when her name doesn’t cross his mind, and as Levi sat alone in the carriage, he couldn’t help but imagine his mother holding his hand and whispering soft words of encouragement and wisdom. 

She was always with him, but it was moments like this that he wished she were back to help him. What he would trade just for one more day with his mother. The reminder made him ache with a sudden nausea from withholding his emotions. He knew he couldn’t cry over this now, burdened with the responsibility to remain collected and confident at all times in public— he would have to wait until he was alone to allow himself to feel. 

Levi looked down, first at his hands, which moved to touch his stomach. His petite form fascinated him with the idea of carrying a pup, and he wondered how delighted his mother would’ve been to receive news that she would be a grandmother. What would his life become after that? Forever caring for a child under a pseudo title of royalty that never leaves the chambers. Forever overcast by the married alphas' authority and final say on all topics relating back to the decisions made for their Kingdoms. 

Suddenly, a headache could be felt trying to form from all of the emotions and imagery being created by the pondering omega. His scent gland would’ve alerted the guards of his immediate distress a long time ago, a sign that his cover was working correctly, and reassured the raven that he wouldn’t be walking into an alpha's den reeking of different scents. Especially in Rose, of all places, to deal with such a mishap.

A delicate hand moved the curtain to get a peek of the outside world, the sun bearing down on vast farmlands that seemed to last for miles. Their crops began to ripen as the spring air blessed the land with warmth and rejuvenating weather, perfect for the crops that would prosper and feed the people. 

It was a refreshing reminder to those who depended on the raven’s success. His mind refused to soil itself even further by just recalling the atmosphere of Rose. 

The omega clicked his tongue, closing the curtain and sighing deeply when his mind involuntarily promoted a memory of his last time visiting Rose and his conversation with their ruler: Zeke Jaeger. 

‘That piece of metal on top of your head doesn’t seem to validate anything as far as I’m aware. I know what you are at your core. Nothing more.’ 

Levi felt his gut clench and ache at the memory of the alpha ruler's cold and degrading words during his last visit. It reminded him of one of the many challenges he was about to face as the carriage continued to travel towards the unsettling Kingdom. 

It was hard. A burden no one else could ever hope to understand or comprehend. The fact that omegas have always been viewed with such low esteem and respect within the factions. The history of existence, from being merely treated like cattle to being bred and used like pretty toys for their chosen alphas. Happiness was never in the cards, and because of this, the raven was forced to operate like any other alpha would in the presence of different rulers, having to hide or cover his gland and pretend that all of the problems that existed of being an omega didn’t exist. He had to mask everything for every second of him being within the walls of Rose. It was as exhausting as it was mentally draining— but Levi was sure that was the point Zeke would always attempt to make. 

Weaken the omega in order to invalidate him further. 

Levi groaned, bouncing his leg and messing with his dress's soft and clean fabric as the carriage ride became bumpy. A clear indication that they would be arriving soon to the Kingdom of Rose based on their poor infrastructure and ground maintenance. With a hand moving the curtain to the sound of bells ringing in response to another royal entering the castle, Levi took another peek at the sore sight that was Rose.

The castle loomed like a forgotten relic against the melting sky, its crumbling stone walls mottled with black moss and ivy that slithered like veins across the surface. Jagged battlements, many partially collapsed, stood like broken teeth, silhouetted against the last light of day. The iron portcullis hung crooked in its frame, rusted solid, spikes choked by weeds and time. Cracks split the foundation, and the once-grand banners were nothing more than shredded cloth, flapping weakly in the wind. Windows gaped like empty eye sockets, their glass long shattered, and the towers leaned as if weary from centuries of neglect. 

It was as horrid on the outside as it was maintained on the inside, miserable and unwelcoming to any omega with a sense of taste or desire to clean. Of course, it was the only Kingdom within Eldia that only allowed alphas and betas to work within the depressing palace walls. Levi exhaled a sharp and low whistle, mentally preparing himself for the storm of evasive scents that would respond to his immediate sight. Like a bunch of unkept mutts drooling at a new treat, it was the same conundrum with every visit. 

When the carriage finally stopped and the door was opened for the raven to be escorted, Levi couldn’t help but feel a silent response of disgust at the sight and smell of the outside. Broken and uneven stone made it difficult for his heels to properly find solid placement while the foul stench of damp earth and decay lingered in the air. His painted eyes took in the sad sight of the surrounding moat, which had turned to a thick, stagnant sludge, full of unkept and unclean remnants of life. 

Poverty and decay. 

The people of Rose suffered. Zeke was a ruler who believed he was equal to that of a deity, a dictator who hoarded every precious item within his den of heartless and cruel alphas who enacted his every wish. Tyranny, cold and callous, just like the many eyes that scanned Levi as he walked through those palace doors. 

If it weren’t for the medication he had taken earlier, the raven would’ve fallen ill to the influx of untamed musk and stench filling the air within the alpha’s den. He could feel himself sweat, lightly and unseen, other than the slight scent of distress that remained hidden under the cream and powder blocking his glands. But his personal guard knew of the raven’s body language too easily, pulling the omega closer for protection while growling at any Rose guard that lingered too close to the escorted princess. 

“Thank you,” Levi whispered under his breath, his hands holding onto the armored knight's forearm for support while his heels clicked against the dark stone. His knight, Furlan, made a noise in response as he was unable to speak from his fangs being barred, growling continuously in a low melody that called for every alpha to back down or suffer for this insolence. It was a natural order of respect to give any omega ruler space to walk the halls of a visiting castle, but Zeke was verbal about how he didn’t care for such sensitive and pointless traditions. 

Zeke’s alphas loved to get a sight of an omega when they got the chance, lingering too close in hopes of getting a whiff of Levi’s natural fragrance. The raven shuddered as some senseless Rose guards would holler and cheer to the pretty omega lurking in their den. 

Furlan never held back, teeth snapping and voice booming as he commanded those who disrespectfully stepped too close to fall back into line. The omega felt violated, a ghost of a whine pitching only for his knight to hear as the many eyes and scents of lust filled the air. Even some alphas working during their rut were present and seemed to scare the shit out of Levi more than anyone else. 

‘Please just get me out of here…’ Levi’s inner omega cried, trembling and small within him while he continued to create a facade to show that he wasn’t scared. With stern eyes of mercury, the raven walked with his head held high, with only his guard understanding how truly frightened he was. 

Zeke was never one to greet his guests but rather to wait as they navigated his halls to locate his egregiously large throne room. Like a maze filled with bodies that suffocated any clean air, Levi wondered, disoriented and fighting to stay calm and steady in his steps. Every visit was never easy, no matter how many times he was exposed to this same mess. 

Furlan’s muffled scent was strong under his own cover, but because of their close proximity, the royal could smell his reassuring scent. Like foam filling inside Levi’s ear, the subtle scent of his childhood friend and personal protector was enough to cast out any other invasive scent from the hundreds of strangers. 

‘We’re nearly there.’ The Sina bodyguard's scent spoke, coaxing the omega to remain calm and in his arms as he filtered through the crowd with a small fleet of other Sina knights following behind to escort any luggage needed for Levi’s stay. 

The noise began to die down as the princess approached the grand doors to the throne room. Looming and ominous, Levi could already detect the two familiar scents of his neighboring rulers behind the door. 

“Stay close,” Levi commanded in a low voice, hands pressed against the wooden doors as his order was passed down to the three guards in charge of protecting their princess. With a few noises of agreement, the raven made his cue to open the doors into the throne room. 

The shrill and sharp creak of the rusty hinges gathered everyone's attention inside. Levi entered the room like a swan with a quiet grace and luminous presence. His dress, a white petal-laid masterpiece, shimmered with delicate movement, each layered petal catching the light like dew-kissed silk that had taken hours to perfect for this momentous meeting. The skirt bloomed outward in gentle tiers, giving the illusion that he was floating rather than walking, as if the ground itself dared not disrupt his effortless movement.

The bodice hugged his figure with regal precision, captivating and leaving nothing to the imagination as his collarbones were framed beautifully from the sweetheart neckline and graced with a necklace of glass, diamonds that glittered in the light of the room to display a prestigious wealth and taste that matched his lavish halo of a crown. His neck was exposed, a rare sight for an unmated omega not to wear some type of cover to the sacred gland, but Levi was never one who liked to wear such accessories that exposed his second sex so casually. He was medicated correctly and covered with the lavish creams and powers to mask his scent enough to be recognized as something more powerful than the average stereotype of his second sex. 

The omega was a sight for sore eyes, beloved and spoiled with talented seamstresses and maids who knew how to pull a look together better than the last. His beauty and presence instantly drew the other eyes upward as the divine flower walked with a soft, elegant, and effortless stride into the room.

The two blonde alpha rulers turned their heads, one with a veil of disgust and the other with a veil of interest. It was just as Levi had expected it, with Zeke sitting high and mighty on his throne like the ignorant alpha he was. Erwin modestly sat at the long table, which was decorated like some war room that lacked purpose, as his knight stood behind the royal.

“Finally! Always fashionably late.” Zeke yelled, ecstatic that they could finally begin dinner. His hands clapped with thunder that summoned every servant in the room to begin preparing the table, but Levi did not attempt to respond. Only watching as the other blonde alpha got up from his seat and made his way over to the raven,

“It’s been too long.” Maria’s ruler spoke, approaching the Sina ruler with a voice filled with honey and charm. He was by far the richest in the room and was known even more for his diplomacy. 

King Erwin, an alpha ruler of the Kingdom of Maria, devish in charm and was extremely knowledgeable in the arts. Beloved by his followers for the way he held himself within the courts. Crystal eyes full of ice that could easily make anyone in the room feel like he was watching you and only you. Meticulously methodical in how he ruled his lands, he had access to the wealthier trade routes that financially placed him at the top among the other two rulers. He always came with his bloodhound, Mike, a noble and quiet Maria knight who had an awful talent for maintaining eye contact while flaring his nostrils. 

“Has it?” Levi questioned, stepping away from his guard to bow with respect for the blonde who did the same in return. Dressed in his colors, Erwin looked sharp as he did mighty, reaching for Levi’s hand before bringing it up to his lips to place a soft kiss of admiration for the omega. The raven couldn’t help but look away with a sudden shyness the moment Erwin’s lips met his knuckles before a faint hint of his scent curled towards Levi. It was a bit too strong for his natural liking, but it was a better scent than Zeke’s, with warm hints of cedar on the fire burning low and steady with a soft touch of ginger in the mix. 

“Indeed, I’ve missed our talks,” Erwin responded with a low purr that quelled any doubt that lingered within Levi’s inner omega. Levi couldn’t help but faintly smile at the compliment, clear that Erwin valued the presence of the omega much more than the other alpha, who continued to leisurely order around his staff to make the table as full and lucrative as possible. It was all in an effort to add value to his palace, to show his guests how much he had to offer for a mere dinner and the spoils of his crippling Kingdom. 

“Well, we do have much to discuss,” Levi replied, cordial and curt with a nod of his head as his guards moved throughout the room to temporarily place his luggage against the wall. When a beta maid attempted to grab the omega’s personal belongings, Levi’s guards did not hesitate to snap with a low warning growl. The princess was never fond of or trusted Zeke, not even after hearing news of how his villages were actively losing omegas to either murder or fleeing. To top it off with how often Zeke made passive-aggressive remarks about Levi’s presence and the idea of an omega in power being a joke. 

No. 

Levi refused to let anyone under Zeke’s rule take care of his belongings. Sina’s most trusted would be responsible for making sure the luggage made it to his chambers safely without any problems or setups. 

“Of course, your Kingdom thrives just as your beauty.” Erwin smiled softly with words that made the omega shudder slightly in a confused manner full of mixed feelings. It was odd to listen to the alpha attempt to flirt, almost awkward to even listen to. Erwin’s scent wasn’t enough to make Levi’s omega crave more, and hearing such a random compliment in the middle of the worst atmosphere was enough for the raven to clear his throat suddenly. Offering a small excuse, the princess was escorted by his guard to his designated seat at the long table facing Erwin. 

“Now that everyone’s here, we can finally commence with dinner!” Zeke reaffirmed, sitting down on his throne as the candlelit dinner was served. With a snap of his fingers, the Rose ruler ushered his maids to cut up the meat and prepare the visiting royals' plates. Levi could only watch silently, his lip jutting up for a second in a disgusted manner at the poor appetite of nothing but meat of different types on the table. 

‘Such an alpha typical diet.’ His inner omega scoffed as the maid handed Levi a full plate of food. The raven almost snorted, refusing even to pick up the fork the second his eyes caught Zeke looking at his served plate a little longer than usual. 

“This won’t do,” Levi muttered to himself before sliding his chair out and standing up with a firmly raised voice, he commanded, 

“Bring me a prisoner!” 

Zeke choked before snorting into a full-blown laugh, finding the command silly before locking eyes with a deadpan princess and an indifferent alpha guest. Zeke froze, his face falling as the irritation set in over the order of extra work,

“Oh, you’re serious?” The Rose ruler spoke in disbelief before sighing and throwing up a lazy arm like he was over it when Levi didn’t falter on his command.

“Fine! Bring out a prisoner from the dungeon. Nothing like wasting food!” Zeke shouted, watching as a guard followed his order before escorting himself out with a hurry to retrieve the princess’s request. Levi hummed, pushing the plate away as he waited, leaving room for Zeke to question his intentions.

“So what’s this about? Another problem, I presume?” Zeke mocked, sitting on his throne with a fist holding his head up as he waited. Levi merely looked in his direction, narrowing his eyes before relaxing his composure so as not to come across as threatening, 

“I’m merely looking out for my safety, surely there’s nothing wrong with that?” Levi replied, leaving Zeke to roll his eyes and click his tongue. His scent radiated a powerful wave of disgruntlement that left both visitors shifting in their seats. Unlike Erwin’s scent, Zeke’s emitted a sharp and stale scent of lemon zest, mixed with an earthy sage. 

Levi had to keep his composure in the face of a challenging alpha. His guards were on high alert, and their hands were ready to move towards their weapons the second the Rose ruler tried anything. 

“Well, there is something wrong with you deciding to feed my prisoners with my best food for no apparent reason. Is it an omega’s nature to be so unnecessarily paranoid?” Zeke snapped, slamming his fist down against his throne and moving his hands around in an over-exaggerated display of outrage. Levi could feel his cheeks flare at the last comment, a jab straight into the raven royal whose second sex was mocked unjustly. Furrowing his brows and opening his mouth to respond, the Sina ruler was beaten by the Maria ruler, speaking up. 

“Is there a problem with your food supply that a small plate is considered waste?” Erwin quipped, smug as he directed a blow straight through the Rose ruler's pride while backing up the Sina ruler. The blonde merely took a sip from his wine after his comment, icy eyes looking sideways to see what Zeke would say, only to leave the hosting alpha stuttering. 

“No— No! That’s not what I meant!” Zeke attempted to clean up his act, lowering his spiked scent as Erwin merely watched calmly and calculatingly as the other alpha tripped over himself. 

“Your crime rates are surprisingly the highest among Eldia, especially towards omegas. I don’t see any problem with the princess needing his food inspected before eating it.” Erwin shrugged, further validating the omega ruler who watched in an irritated silence. His scent began to burn at a low simmer, something that Mike seemed to pick up on as he stared straight at the raven while flaring his nostrils.

The princess felt his hands curl into fists, nails biting the skin as his mouth opened to respond with some feisty words about how he didn’t need an alpha to explain his choices before the throne room doors were thrown open. The clattering of loose chains and shackles could be heard heavily crashing to the ground along with the shrill cry of a woman. 

Her scream was the first sound that startled the raven before her scent followed, a familiar and identifying smell that immediately made Levi’s blood run cold. 

“The hell?” Levi gasped, watching as the chained omega was pulled up by her hair by the escorting Rose knight whose face was covered by dark armor like some ominous executioner. A knight dressed in little armor, unlike the rest of the Rose guard, instead wearing an onyx hood and half-mask to conceal his face, leaving only his piercing eyes visible. The chest was armored with flexible leather reinforced by interwoven plates, designed to absorb impact without sacrificing movement. His uniform looked as if it were specifically for him, so he didn’t need to look like the rest. 

Levi’s omega recoiled to the dangerous and unknown presence of the uninvited alpha.

But the princess's instincts went into overdrive, ignoring the ugly and bolstering laugh that Zeke produced at the sight of Levi’s request being used against him. Levi charged straight into the guard holding the prisoner violently, screaming at him to stop with enough force to startle and throw the faceless guard off balance.

“There’s the prisoner you requested, your majesty!” Zeke hollered, signaling a toast with his full wine glass as he watched the altercation unfold. Maria’s ruler halted his guards, waiting for the right moment to make a move, as the Sina ruler successfully made the guard drop the shackled prisoner. 

Levi’s alphas watched with wide eyes and alert bodies, responding the second they saw the Rose guard growl out before grabbing the princess’s wrists. Furlan was the quickest to enact a direct blow, unsheathing his sword and shouting out a command for the rogue Rose guard to release their royal.  

The raven hissed, desperately trying to push himself away from the armored and nameless guard that merely maneuvered his fragile body away from the incoming blow while maintaining an iron grip. At the same time, his free hand drew his own blade. 

“No!” Levi cried, terrified at the sight of the two blades clashing with a plume of scent exploding in the room of hostile and carnal desire to fight and destroy. Furlan was a skilled fighter, his hands glued to the handle of his blade with a strength meant to overwhelm the threat. His fangs were bared, and his cover wore thin as his scent grew stronger. The other Sina knights attempted to stop any other Rose guards from interfering with this one-on-one. 

Zeke chuckled lowly, entertained and watching as his strongest knight not only equaled Furlan’s strength with one hand but could deflect the blow before dealing a blunt, responding kick that left the Sina guard to fall back.

“Stop!” Levi struggled, fighting and pulling away helplessly as he watched his beloved childhood friend fall to this unknown knight that seemed to have the strength of five feral alphas compacted in one body. The Rose knight’s scent would have stained the inside of Levi’s mind by now, but the raven found himself completely amiss; their proximity would’ve exposed any cover the alpha wore, but Levi could not detect a single whiff of the faceless guard’s scent. He couldn’t tell what the knight sensed or felt, practically soulless and evidently ruthless by his strength. Somehow, the lack of scent, name, and identity made the omega freeze in a new fear that he had never experienced– for a moment, he truly felt like he was in the clutches of an abnormal monster.

It was only when Mike made a noise about this alarming discovery, also unable to pick up a scent, that Erwin stood up to take action. Zeke only then suddenly called for his knight to release the omega princess. 

The Rose knight growled lowly, menacing and directed at Levi as a sinister threat before complying and releasing his unrelenting grip. Almost shoving the princess aside cruelly before the unknown knight made his way up to Zeke’s throne with a haste that left the distressed princess recovering from the entire situation. 

“Treacherous mutt!” Levi snapped with his chest heaving, venomous and angry like a red-hot poker on the tip of his arrow as he lined it up to fire straight into the back of the forceful alpha knight. Levi grasped his wrist, his soft skin burning from the grip that felt like talons were digging into his flesh. 

Furlan quickly jumped back up and assisted Levi in getting back onto his feet. With gentle hands, the omega held onto his knight before finding his confidence and backing away. 

“He should be the one shackled instead to test my food. Are you too poor to train any of your dogs to heel?” Levi sneered, eyes wide and shoulders drawn back as he challenged the hosting alpha. Insulting his pride and his value with a direct stab into Zeke’s crippling economy and its reflection on his own men’s lack of training and restraint.  

Erwin remained silent, watching Levi to see how his neighbor would respond to the accusations. His eyes alighted with the primal awe of watching the most powerful omega stand his ground and challenge another figure of authority like there was no risk. 

“You called us here for what? Call your guards to recklessly assault another royal? Do you need war to get your rocks off? How brainless could you be to enact war with the wasteland you’re ruling?” Levi hissed, his low tone growing louder and loud enough to make every guard in the room feel for where their sword was. The tension was beginning to stir thick, suffocating the room as many uncovered scents became sour with anxiety and a readiness to attack the second a command was given. 

Levi wasn’t new to these bureaucratic games. But he had had enough of Zeke’s power-hungry and wickedly sadistic behavior— every meeting before the raven held his tongue, he played the part of the silent and willing omega so long as he had a spot at the table to attend these meetings. But things were different now, and as Zeke’s hand shook with a deep-seated hatred for the one person calling him out, he looked over for help. 

The Rose ruler was disgusted when he noticed how intrigued the Maria ruler was by Sina’s disobedience. How of all times, that it was now that Erwin decided to remain silent and not talk down to the omega, only reaffirming Zeke’s vile hatred for their kind. 

So Zeke exhaled, low and long, with every effort to subdue his desire to call his guards to drag the pathetic raven away in chains. His gut churning in a dark ecstasy to the image of Levi screaming and hopelessly fighting as his men were ordered to do whatever they wanted to the worthless princess down in his miserable dungeons. 

But he had his own plans, his own game in motion, and every move had to be perfect in order to achieve his ultimate dream. A whining little omega fraud wouldn’t stand in his way. 

With a careless laugh, the Rose ruler stood, suddenly calm and collected as he merely replied, 

“Forgive me, my newest knight is still learning the ropes and has only dealt with the reality of war. I’m sure he’d love a taste of that bloodshed again, but there’s no need to get so emotional over a simple misunderstanding!” Zeke smiled, subjecting the raven to believing that he was doing too much after being grabbed and watching his own guard be assaulted. 

“If anything, this knight was just following your orders to grab a prisoner. You didn’t specify what type! And then you have the gall to shove my guard with a force that instantly triggered him to fight, only to cry about how treacherous he was? Your hormones must be messing with your ability to rationalize, so I don’t blame your anger.” Zeke concluded, shooting back those same red-hot arrows straight into Levi’s chest as it was his turn to watch the Sina ruler struggle to contain his emotions. 

Levi trembled, his scent howling in hatred and rotting under his thick cover that worked overtime to keep the omega from announcing to all that he was ready to raise hell. 

Breathe. He’s messing with you.

Let it go. Exhale. 

Breathe. 

“At this point, all of the food will be dead before we even touch it,” Erwin announced through the thick and pungent atmosphere, distracting Levi enough for the royal to glance back at the recoiled and petrified prisoner still sitting in shackles in this overwhelming meeting. The storm of scents and words made her weep, her eyes hollowed with fear and terror, and that was enough for Levi to remember what he was fighting for. Why he even decided to put up with this mess to begin with. 

While Zeke responded to Erwin’s comment, Levi grabbed his plate. Hands once unsteady with nails biting hard into his palms were now confident and firm. Like a ghost, Levi’s white dress swayed, brushing away the lingering calamity of pheromones in the still air as he held the plate, slowly walking over to the nameless prisoner. The princess was careful with every step he made, his scent radiated a warmth, hidden but working regardless, in an effort to subdue the terrified omega woman. She flinched as he approached, like an angel offering salvation; the princess kneeled, holding out the plate full of food, and with a whisper, he spoke.

“Eat this.” Levi gently displayed the plate full of cooked meat from different sources. Its juices leaked, fresh and fragrant, to the starving Rose prisoner. She looked first at the plate before flickering her gaze, full of uncertainty, at the royal who issued the command. 

It wasn’t uncommon for royals to demand that prisoners eat a portion of their meal in an effort to test whether poison was present. In Levi’s case, to be fed by the King of Rose, the man who led a kingdom hell bent on imprisoning and eliminating omegas. It was all speculation about the reasoning and cause behind these events, but Levi knew. Levi had always been warned of Zeke’s hatred, no matter how civil the blonde alpha feigned to be— he resented Levi's position as an omega. 

There was always the risk that Rose’s ruler would go to great lengths to eliminate Sina’s ruler. Levi was over-observant and concerned about everything he was involved in during every meeting within Rose. The food was never safe until someone else had a taste, and while none of Zeke’s prisoners ever died, it never stopped Levi from enacting the same test. 

The woman looked frightened for a moment while the chatter of the two alphas created a buzz of noise. Her eyes were of a bright blue, her scent heavy with decaying berries that smelled buried and saturated with the mess of musky scents. Levi felt his heart break, smelling how many alphas had their way with this omega before him, how she trembled, and how young she looked. She tried to speak, either unable to from the lack of knowledge or incapable due to abuse. Her form was covered in marks and bruising, her hands cut up and shaking as she reached up to accept the food, when Levi spoke almost as if of a promise, 

“You’ll be freed regardless of the outcome. I promise.” The raven purred, his saddened eyes watching a small light spark behind the omega's gaze before it immediately went out the second the sounds of heavy armor could be heard walking up behind Levi’s lowered form. The prisoner whimpered meekly in fear at the black knight’s returning presence, as if she had done something wrong, while Levi spoke calmly to keep her focused on him. 

Furlan stepped forward, maintaining distance away from the unnamed black knight Zeke valued and his princess. Levi clicked his tongue disapprovingly, looking to his side as he felt the dangerous set of eyes watching him feed the Rose prisoner. 

“Oh, he won’t do anything! He’s just curious!” Zeke hollered from his throne when Furlan released a warning growl to the knight towering over the princess with unknown intent and a complete lack of scent to smell his emotions. He was an anomaly, brooding and borderline feral if it wasn’t for the void of pheromones. 

The prisoner was quick, clearly fearful of any Rose guard as she grabbed a piece of meat without a second thought and shoved the protein into her mouth. She chewed messily as Levi rose to stand, nearly pressing his back against the tall Rose knight, listening to his ragged breathing behind the mask. 

‘Untrained mutt.’ Levi thought, sneering at how the alpha’s breathing was evident in how every Rose guard was completely untrained to restrain themselves around omegas. The raven was sure that if his scent covers were removed, he would have found himself having to fight off the guard from having his way. 

Collectively, the princess grabbed the plate from the prisoner who showed no evident signs of struggle or asphyxiation. Dusting off his dress, the raven announced, 

“I’d like to begin the discussion by claiming this prisoner as a Sina refugee.” Levi avoided the Rose knight and snapped his fingers, ordering his men to take the shackled omega away swiftly. Without any fight, the woman was lifted with a confused whine before being escorted out of the meeting room with Furlan as the only Sina guard. 

“I agree, I’m getting quite tired of these informal formalities.” Erwin sighed, slipping back into his chair before grabbing a cigar from his coat pocket. While his guard assisted in lighting it, Levi made another quick comment,

“And call your dog back.” Levi scoffed at Zeke, referring to the black knight as he found his seat across the Maria royal, who puffed away before blowing out a toxic cloud that made the raven blink away with disgust. It was all so exhausting, and if Levi had a fan, he would’ve opened it immediately to fan away the smell from that vile smoke that Erwin found so addicting. 

The princess wondered how his tongue tasted and if it was anything like that cigar he wanted to gag. 

“One less concern for me. Take the prisoner, I just hope my men won’t cause you too much trouble since you’ll be taking their toy.” Zeke shrugged as his knight returned next to his side, a comment concerning Levi’s suspicions, causing the raven to choke suddenly on his wine. 

Only Furlan was the one to respond, making sure his royal wasn’t choking to death while the Maria ruler puffed away and the Rose ruler sipped on his own glass with a smug smile. 

The discussion had begun, frivolous talks of land, trade, and finances among other lackluster topics that bored the raven to no end, as it just seemed like the two alphas were too busy trying to one-up the other in either knowledge regarding the conversation or status in the matter. Every now and then, when addressed, the raven would respectfully discuss his own Kingdom’s current conundrums and status. His words were humble and conclusive before one of the alphas would cut in with their own opinions on a solution. These answers began to make the omega anxious, especially when those icy blue eyes kept landing on him with a look of knowing. 

It was the dread he felt first. 

Ice that grounded his chair and bit at his toes within his golden shoes, creeping up his legs that bounced, trying to avoid clicking his heel against the wood. His inner omega called out to him, speculation and rumors swirling throughout the Kingdoms turning into reality the moment Erwin smiled with a warmth that was never seen, almost unbelievable. 

The speculation of an arranged marriage. A union completely set up and only for the benefit of their kingdoms— superficial.

Erwin stood, adjusting himself before beginning to pace the room with Levi looking on edge and Zeke looking bored. Their discussion had already lasted for hours, and so Zeke sat with a yawn stirring to life while Erwin spoke, 

“On the topic of growth and prosperity, I feel there is something that I need to make known within our alliance.” The Maria royal started, shooting glances at the anxious Sina royal, who fiddled with his dress and glanced around. Levi could’ve sworn that in this moment, Zeke’s guard had never stopped looking at him, like a predator honed in on its prey. The omega princess must’ve been eye candy to the new knight, who seemed to have it out for him.

“I’ve come to realize that as I get older, my Kingdom is still struggling with some of the same problems that they’ve had since the start of my rule. Yet when I hear about our collective struggles despite our differences in ruling, I’m drawn to the idea that maybe a union of some sort may fix the problems within my own Kingdom.” 

Zeke’s head began to perk up, suddenly intrigued by the conversation when the word union was addressed. His hazel eyes landed on the raven omega, who kept trying to remain calm at the table, acting like he was also following the Maria rulers' words. 

“I believe this could be the start of something beneficial to both of our Kingdoms, to which many royal aires could be properly raised within Eldia,” Erwin spoke, making his way to Levi before kneeling and taking the hand of the princess who shifted to face him. Zeke’s eyes began to widen as he watched the scene play out slowly. 

“Beloved and gracious Princess of Sina, would you bestow upon me the greatest honor of being your husband? For our Kingdom’s long reign and prosperity, will you have me as your King?” 

The room fell silent, with Zeke practically gawking in horror and confusion at the sudden proposal happening right in front of him. The massive diamond in the blonde’s hands and the shocked face of the omega were enough to solidify that this was actually happening. The Rose ruler stood, about to call out his disagreement in this union, before the princess whispered an “I do.” 

When that ring was slipped on Levi’s finger, followed by the kiss of his soon-to-be-king, the princess made every effort not to make a noise of disgust while the ice continued to spread everywhere instead of the warmth that he had heard about his mates experiencing. 

Erwin’s tongue did taste of tobacco. 

“Wait!” Zeke finally called out, speechless, waiting for Erwin to turn around and face him. But the alpha was too greedy, pressing the princess closer to him as his kisses became more heated. He trapped the omega against the chair, unable to allow Levi to push away while his tongue worked to coax the raven into a submission that allowed him to get more of a taste. 

Levi croaked out a muffled whine, grabbing at Erwin with one hand and using the other to press himself against the blonde's chest in vain. He felt for a moment he would be consumed, feeling the Maria ruler’s tongue inside his mouth as it invasively swirled and lapped at his own tongue. Their lips continued to kiss before reconnecting, stealing all the air away from Levi as he became overwhelmed and unable to get away. 

But he played the part. He had to avoid war and accept Erwin’s hand; there was no other way around this. 

But Levi’s inner omega called out in a voice of confusion, wondering why he was allowing someone who wasn’t his mate to do such things to him. 

The raven’s scent began to feel distressed the instant the air filled with Zeke’s boiling anger, unfiltered and unrelenting, as he was ignored by the new royal couple that left him completely out of their plans at his meeting. Erwin’s scent responded, soft and alluring to calm the omega before he broke the kiss that left both breathless and flushed. 

“Is there a problem?” Erwin coldly stated, standing to turn and face Zeke, who looked like he wanted to murder somebody. Zeke knew he had to watch his next words carefully, aware that his disapproval of the marriage and union of Maria and Sina could ultimately mean that he would find himself fighting both Kingdoms. That outcome was not feasible for Rose. 

Zeke’s temper simmered down, his scent fading slightly, and his face morphing back into a look of indifference. Biting back his own inner alpha with every ounce of strength not to call out the words that would incite war.

“How could I have not known such a marriage was arranged! We could've had a ball to celebrate!” Zeke waved his hands, disgusted by his own words of offering to host a grand ball to celebrate something he was left out of. But these were the bureaucratic games each house played, each moving their own pieces and devising their next moves. 

Levi stood, bowing himself slightly in respect to the others, that he suddenly needed to be excused for the night. His body felt off, a spike in hormones the moment Erwin’s lips left his. He was slightly disoriented before going to war within his inner omega— he was confused, unhappy, angry, and uncertain. He could feel his heart race and his body temperature rise just enough for a light sheen of sweat to dampen his skin. It wasn’t safe for him to be reacting as such so publicly, for his omega features to take hold in a room full of alphas. 

“I’ll see that you two can handle the rest for tonight, thank you for the dinner, your Grace.” Levi curtsied with Furlan, moving to his side immediately after his scent began to pick up. The raven’s gland covers were no good against the sweat that perfumed his scent from every pore, and his knight knew from a single whiff that Levi had to get away.

“I should visit you once before you rest?” Erwin called out a request for Levi, and once again blatantly ignored the hosting ruler. But the raven called back as he reached the doors, 

“Not tonight, my love. But perhaps later.” Levi offered, slipping in that special name to get the alpha off his tail. A promise that later they could celebrate their proposal. Levi took one look back at the two Kings left in the room and their knights before exiting the lavish meeting room with barely anything in his stomach. 

The princess should’ve sworn that a pressure was lifted from his shoulders the moment those doors slammed shut and those covered eyes of Zeke’s knight were finally off him. His wrist still throbbed at the memory. 

“Take me to my chambers,” Levi commanded in a low voice, aware of how late the palace halls were by how silent they were. He didn’t want to draw anymore attention, but he needed to rip off his dress and get into a bath. The princess held tightly onto Furlan’s upper arm as he escorted his royal down the dark and soulless halls, barely any light to see where they were going, but the raven knew that Furlan could navigate in these conditions the best with his extraordinary eyesight. 

Alphas chosen to be the personal guard of a royal are required to have a heightened sense of ability. This ability separates them from the rest of the guards and makes them the most valuable to their service. 

In Levi’s case, it was Furlan’s ability to see both further away and within the dark. 

In Erwin’s case, it was Mike’s ability to smell to degrees that no one else could pick up on. Upon taking his last glance in the room, Levi noticed by the way Mike’s nostrils were flared and his expression that he was aware of the omega’s struggling scent change. Not even the best cover could stop that alpha knight from being aware of every emotion and urge in the room. 

However, Levi wondered if Mike hated Erwin’s smoking just as much as he did. Thankful that he’ll be alone in his chambers tonight and not having to deal with that insufferable taste again for a while.  

⚔︎

Erwin had watched the princess swiftly leave, briefly glimpsing at his knight Mike with eyes that asked a question. The guard blinked, nodding once to confirm the dark curiosity that sparked before the Maria ruler’s eyes. 

He was successful, and needed to see how his beloved soon-to-be wife would feel in the morning to the response his drug did. A tasteless and odorless substance that had been shoved down Levi’s throat by Erwin’s tongue— a heat-inducing drug so strong it was only acquirable through the black market. 

And even as the princess was calm and collected in the seconds after, with every gland covered, it was still impossible to avoid Mike’s sharp sense of smell the moment the omega began to feel unwell. Within the next morning, the princess would be burning up insufferably with a mindless ache to be knotted by the first alpha he should make contact with. 

Which, of course, Erwin would make sure it was him making the omega purr and tremble from the inside out. The thought alone had his mind racing and his hands itching to go searching after the raven before the sound of Zeke’s voice interjected through his paradise. 

“So… any reason as to why I wasn’t in the loop?” The Rose royal asked, prodding for any answer or reasoning he could receive from the only man he half heartedly respected. 

“What do you mean?” Erwin bluntly replied, trying to hold back how mentally exasperated he was for dealing with the other alpha for this extended period. He could never respect a man who sat in a lavish and privileged position of power and failed to use that power to lead a kingdom properly. 

“Well… I had always thought that we worked out an agreement to absorb Sina once the princess had been dealt with equally.” Zeke admitted, blatantly proclaiming their private talks when the Sina royal wasn’t around of how they could play their cards in taking Sina from Levi. Both alphas had different methods of going about it because both knew that the omega could never stay on his throne for long— for it wasn’t a proper omega's place. 

So when Erwin announced his sudden proposal for a union, he essentially made it clear to Zeke that he was moving forward in his place to absorb Sina without him. 

“Hm, I don’t recall. I’ve always been preparing to wed the princess, so I’m unsure as to what you’re speculating.” Erwin shrugged, acting completely unaware and denying ever having such a conversation, while the Rose maids worked to clean the meeting room table. 

Before Zeke could react, the Maria ruler lifted a finger,

“In any case, our agreement suggests that there would only be two remaining Kingdoms: Rose and Maria. That will still remain.” Erwin promised, imagining that his wife would be too heavy and overworked with raising his heirs to be focused on ever ruling again. The blonde’s groin throbbed just at the delicious thought of the swollen mated omega keeping his bed warm after a long day of being King. 

Zeke merely rolled his eyes, looking up before pinching the bridge of his nose with a heavy exhale. 

“I suppose you’re right. This is the best resolution that I can agree with for now.” Zeke sighed, ultimately surrendering his fight against the alpha, who always seemed one step ahead of everyone in the room. 

“Well then, with that, I’ll bid you a goodnight.” Erwin curtly nodded, acknowledging the Rose ruler one last time before turning on his heel and heading towards the door with his knight in tow. Their faint exchanges were too quiet for Zeke to hear as he watched them exit the room. 

It was only then that the glass of wine being held by Zeke shattered with a vicious squeeze of his fist. The noise startled all of the staff cleaning, except for the nameless knight standing behind the blonde with eyes that only watched as his royal roared for everyone to leave the room. Shattered remnants of the glass chalice littered the floor as the wine stained Zeke’s hand like blood from a fresh kill. 

His scent bellowed in waves of every contained emotion exploding free violently, soured lemon squeezed against the leaves of burning sage that vowed to destroy everything. He had finally had enough of these frivolous charades.

“Eren.” The blonde ordered forth his knight, not looking back but hearing the movement of the guard swiftly appear in front of him before kneeling on one knee as a sign of open obedience. With a gloved hand, the knight removed his mask to look up with dark aqua eyes and a hardened face ready to take on any order his King demanded. 

Zeke was tired. He couldn’t stand the thought of being left out of such a planned occasion. To be placed at a lesser value than an omega– it was absurd enough for the royal to take another look at his own pieces in his game. He was tired of watching the others make their moves, and he knew that if he sat around long enough without reacting, it would only be a matter of time before his own reign would come to an end. So with his most powerful pawn, the Rose ruler issued a command that would shift all of the pieces in everyone’s game. 

“This is an order. Kill the Princess of Sina before he elopes with the King of Maria. I don’t care how you do it; just do not do it on my soil and do not allow it to be traced back to me. You’re free to do as you please so long as the Princess is slaughtered before their union can be finalized; do you understand?” Zeke ordered, his scent venomous and nearly toxic as he voiced his desire to send death directly to Levi’s doorstep. 

To kill that slimy omega that tricked Erwin into believing he was of any worth enough to marry and remain in the royal bloodline. No omega could ever be valuable enough to hold such an esteemed title and bear the jewels of those who ruled before. That whore , coming into his kingdom dressed in white and seducing the Maria ruler into desiring marriage. That witch who foiled his plan to be equals with Erwin, now finding himself at the lowest point of advantage thanks to that omega. 

“I understand, my Lord.” Eren lowered his head and placed a gloved and armored hand to his heart, accepting the order before looking up to find his royal smiling wickedly with intense hatred and happiness. 

“You will bring me his crown when it is done; only then will you be rewarded more handsomely than you could ever imagine.” Zeke reaffirmed with promises of riches and immunity, allowing his knight to kill as he pleased without the threat of punishment from any Kingdom in all of Eldia. 

“I won’t fail, my Lord,” Eren growled, bloodthirsty eyes hungry and thrumming to life with the carnal desire to exact his King’s righteously ordained rule. He knelt, buzzing at the idea that his kill was sleeping soundly within these walls— unknowing to the dangerous serpent soon to slither and bite the life from him. 

One last omega. The most powerful omega. 

Eren couldn’t wait to taste the crimson sin of the Sina Princess stained on his blade.

Chapter Text

The rumbling of rushing horses thundering against the rocky road made every moment impossibly unbearable for the raven omega fleeing Rose in the middle of the night. His body burned like he swallowed the sun, his temperature rising at an alarming rate so unbeknownst that it was his knight who made the ultimate call to flee. His princess wasn’t safe, and he could smell the beginning signs of an intense heat begin to crack through Levi’s covered glands. 

Furlan had long since been immune to Levi’s heat, as every knight in Sina went through rigorous training to remain calm and collected in the presence of fresh cycles— his training specifically dealt with the princess’s unique heat directly. He needed to prove to the crown that he was worthy by being able to resist giving in when his royal was at his most vulnerable. For it was moments like this, when Levi whined and squirmed inside his Rose chambers, clearly uncomfortable and in distress, when he called for his knight's help. 

“Furlan… we have to go. I-I don’t know what is wrong with me.” Levi shivered with a panic in his voice, suddenly freezing despite his skin being hot to the touch. The raven had removed his covers for the night, thinking it might’ve just been his body's response to being suppressed for a long period of time. But after an hour or two, nothing was making it better, and when Furlan noticed how Levi looked at him with blown eyes, colorless with lust, he knew it was time to go. 

For one reason or another, Levi’s cycle was incoming, and Rose was the worst place for it to happen. 

They couldn’t wait to make any cordial goodbyes in the morning. Furlan knew he couldn’t fight off the entire Rose guard force should every alpha in the vicinity get a whiff of that delicious scent of sugared strawberries and dripping honey. So in an emergency rush, the princess’s knight swept the raven up while calling for his other men to ready the prisoner and the carriage to leave immediately. 

That’s how Levi ended up inside the carriage, panting shallowly and finding himself trying to remain conscious, his mind wanting to shut off and go purely off instincts as he was dressed in his silk pajamas. A part of him was beyond relieved that he had an excuse to leave that miserable and desolate palace. He had had enough of the disrespect from Zeke and needed time away from Erwin to even wrap his mind around the proposal he just accepted. 

Another long groan escaped him, his nails digging into the velvet cushion as he couldn’t find a position comfortable to lie in. His body ached, not yet cramping but instead dully throbbing like some type of growth pain that he couldn’t stretch out. It was insanity, and he wanted to scream and cry from the slowly rising agony. 

An omegas heat was sacred. Valued and celebrated among mates but dangerous and weaponized for members of status, such as the Sina royal. Ever since he presented, the raven had been medicated on suppressants that went up in dosages every other year until he thought he’d never have another heat again. The natural turmoil had long been forgotten, his last heat hadn’t been since three years ago, and even then it was heavily medicated and treated immediately by his nurses. 

This was unlike anything he had ever felt. 

Like a seed buried deep in his belly, it grew in a magnitude that stretched through every vein. Poisonous and ravenous, its roots grew quickly, covered in small spikes that only annoyed and infuriated the omega as his scent raged in waves of distress. He was scared, missing the control he had over his body, and horrified by how he knew the only cure was unobtainable. 

How did this even happen?

How did this completely destroy the protection his medicine offered after going for so long without a single heat. It had felt like every cycle that he missed over the past three years was stopped up and finally exploding free inside him with the worst possible timing. 

It would only get worse. 

“Fuck!” Levi yelled, feeling hot tears well up in his eyes as his hands went up to his throat with nails that craved a need to scratch out the gland emitting how weak and inferior he was. Omega .

The carriage stopped abruptly before the door was thrown open to reveal a concerned Furlan checking on his princess after hearing his cry. Levi whimpered when he saw how worried his guard looked before emitting a weak croon for him to come inside. 

‘Please help me.’ The omega’s scent screamed, and when the alpha saw the self-inflicting claw marks upon Levi’s neck, he didn’t hesitate to take a deep, clean breath before getting inside the carriage. 

“It’s okay, I’m here.” Furlan hushed, repeating himself as Levi instantly clung to him with a broken sob, breaking free. The alpha held onto his trembling royal, grounding him with soothing words and soft touches that aimed to calm down the omega. While he was mostly immune, Furlan could still smell how potent and intoxicating Levi’s scent was, and he knew it would only become stronger the more his cycle peaked. 

“How did this happen? I was fine — I was fine hours ago!” Levi cried, hiding his face in the knight's chest as a depressing chorus of sobs racked his small frame. Furlan’s heart broke for his childhood friend, rubbing circles against his back and squeezing him with a reassuring protection that helped in weakening some of his noises. 

“We’ll get you home, and the nurses can help. You just need some rest. Shh… You’re safe right now, I’ve got you.” The guard whispered, repeating some of his phrases to remind the omega over and over that he was safe to be vulnerable. No one could judge him or hurt him so long as his guard was around, and for that, the raven was always thankful. 

Levi leaned in closer, his nose burying into the knight's neck before a low purr rumbled from the omega, and a small hand moved down to a place that made the alpha stiffen. 

“Can we do it — like before … just one more time…” Levi whispered, a quiet warbling within his throat as he nuzzled himself up against his guard. It was hard for the alpha knight in moments like this, who was given the sole responsibility of protecting and maintaining the raven royal, as it came with its own challenges. He had been thoroughly trained not to jump onto the princess at the first whiff he got, but when Levi would crawl onto him with words of desire coated in a heat fully drenching the alpha and hands that desperately pulled away at his armor— it was hard to resist the temptation of the needy omega. 

Especially when his princess was in such pain, and he offered a source of relief— a cure. 

Furlan groaned, grabbing at the raven’s curious hand with a hiss escaping his clenched teeth,

“No. No— Levi.” Furlan grabbed the princess, two firm hands placed on the royal's forearms as he pushed the omega away enough to look into his eyes. The guard was firm, obvious that he was slipping in his own temptation, but resilient as he spoke slightly above a sharp whisper when the omega whined at the denial,

“We said that last time, remember? Plus, you’re engaged and you should be needing him , not me.” Furlan reminded the Sina royal before pulling Levi back into a hug when he saw a fresh glaze of tears pool in the princess’s eyes. It was pain, pain that Levi wouldn’t be relieved of this heat for a while, and a pain when his guard mentioned the Maria royal. 

Levi’s omega whimpered brokenly, his physical symptoms worsening, and now his emotional state was crumbling as he clung to his knight. Furlan was right; their last time was truly supposed to be their last time. The knight had recently found his mate, whom he loved dearly, and he couldn’t live with himself if he continued to do what they were doing in secrecy. It was purely a job; when Levi went into his last heat three years ago, it was the last time they had ever eloped. Furlan had made a promise to the crown to protect and do everything in his power to keep the royal omega okay, so when Levi would come to him in pain and in need— he felt as if it were his responsibility to provide aid. 

It was purely professional and not romantic; both knew they weren’t each other's mate, but Furlan was always happy to help the royal in any way he could, especially when he could help subdue the raven’s heat until someone else came into the picture. Levi felt safe being truly vulnerable and intimate with Furlan, the only alpha who had truly gained the royals' trust. 

Levi hid his face in Furlan’s neck, breathing in his soothing scent with a deep sigh,

“I know… It just hurts… ” Levi whined as the pain made him squirm and croon in a sad melody that would’ve called for any capable alpha to help. There were never any secrets kept from Furlan’s mate, Isabel, one of the maid omegas who helped design the princess’s lavish dresses. She knew the struggles the royal had faced with being born an omega, how hard he tried to suppress his birthright, only to fall victim to his natural cycles before the medication. Isabel was the first to find him curled up inside his chambers after failing to show for supper, smelling his distressing scent mixed heavily with agonizing need; the omega maid was quick to step in and help the raven create a proper nest before soothing the princess. 

Isabel’s bond with Levi’s knight, Furlan, was stronger than anything the raven had the chance of witnessing. Resiliant and understanding when she found out what Furlan and Levi were doing together before she was mated. Any other omega would’ve seen the royal as an immediate threat, baring their teeth to the home wrecking raven, too lonely to find his own mate. But Isabel was an angel, content with Furlan sleeping with Levi if it meant protecting the raven and making sure he wasn’t in pain or looking for sex elsewhere, more dangerous. 

It was business as usual with Levi clinging to Furlan, a buried nose hiding within the crook of his neck while he spoke, partially muffled,

“What does it feel like to know… to have a mate?” The princess spoke while resting his head on the knight's shoulder with a lazy hand tracing circles on the cooling touch of his armor. His scent was the perfect distraction, his armor like a coolant against Levi’s heat, and his touch was reassuring and safe. 

The omega purred softly while Furlan held his royal close to rub his back, 

“It’s like… I’m not sure how to describe it. You just know when you meet them— it’s like an inner voice calls to you.” The guard explained, furrowing his brows and attempting to translate the once-in-a-lifetime experience of finding a mate. The invisible pull was a sensation that couldn’t be easily described, but one could only experience such a feeling when they were connecting with their fated mate. 

“You’ll know it when you feel it,” Furlan reassured before kissing the top of Levi’s head and squeezing him for a second. The raven rumbled a louder purr before quieting down while his mind wandered, catching his knight’s attention when the omega’s scent soured randomly. 

“What’s wrong?” The guard hummed, his own scent strengthening in response while Levi sighed. He was silent for a moment before blowing a raspberry and closing his eyes while speaking,

“I’ve come to accept that I’ll never find my mate.” Levi started, his scent souring exponentially when he verbally admitted the root of his sadness. He curled into Furlan, the closest he ever felt to bonding with an alpha and the closest he had to a mate. Furlan only listened, his frown growing the more Levi spoke during their midnight carriage ride, 

“He’s not my mate— Erwin. Most omegas would probably think I’m blessed to be where I am, but honestly… I wish…” Levi stopped himself, biting the inside of his cheek and inhaling deeply with a shaky exhale. He couldn’t finish his wish, but Furlan already knew what it was since the moment that crown was placed on Levi’s head:

He wished for normalcy. 

He longed to know what it felt like to experience regular heats, to nest and feel vulnerable properly, so his mate could soothe him. He desired to feel cherished unconditionally because the moment the raven omega sat on that throne, many sought after his wealth and luxury. But there was never a day that passed that Levi would’ve killed to have 24 hours of a normal life, no dresses, no medication, no meetings, no problems— only to cuddle with his beloved alpha under the stars peacefully. 

Levi crooned weakly again, his eyes landing on the diamond ring mocking his wishes as it sat on his finger. Its existence was just enough evidence to confirm that Levi would never have the opportunity to experience a true bond. His and Erwin’s bond was only for the betterment of his people, one of the many sacrifices he made for his Kingdom’s prosperity. 

“You never know. He could be your mate, but your omega must be too tense to acknowledge it. I’m sure everything will be fine and he’ll take good care of you— I’ll make sure of it.” Furlan stated with a clear indicator that he would always protect the raven, even if he had another alpha in the picture. 

“But you’d know. I promise — listen to your omega always .” Furlan reaffirmed, strong on his point, while rubbing Levi’s back, while the raven mewled softly in return. The princess rocked himself slowly on his knights thigh, loving the friction against his cunt while he became drunk off the alphas scent. 

“The only thing— my omega feels right now… is fear and heat .” Levi breathed, moaning softly as he used his knight’s thigh to rub himself against. His emotions kept fluctuating, from anger to sadness to arousal; his pheromones went haywire as the royal struggled to hold himself back from his mated guard. 

“Tell me about the fear.” Furlan lowly spoke, his mouth slightly watering and his leg bouncing to aid in Levi’s frustration as the raven arched with a breathless sigh. Levi’s scent blossomed, and his sounds grew as the petite princess bounced helplessly at his loss of restraint. He apologized while grinding with a whimper before Furlan shushed him. 

Levi quivered, nearing his edge and clutching to his guard's uniform tighter as his back arched and his shoes slipped off. He couldn’t speak, only mewling softly into the alpha's ear and rolling his hips seductively with only one end goal in mind as his panties became wet from the onslaught of slick that began to stain the knight's armor. 

“Furlan— Ah! Alpha…” Levi whined louder, his cries muffled against the raging wheels of the carriage bumping against the rough roads that added an extra bit of bounce to make the raven keen. Furlan held the raven's hips steady, squeezing him and biting back a rough groan as the omega went into overdrive on top of him. 

Levi grabbed harshly at Furlan’s hair, yanking him back while hissing out a sharp and fragile squeal as his orgasm began to quake inside of his desperate body. He ground down harder, curling his toes and throwing his head back while he sang out loud for the alpha. His scent was heavy, oozing out of the carriage, mingled with Furlan’s scent, for the other guards outside navigating to smell. Clear of what was going on inside, but always forbidden from intervening.

It was quick and divine, the raven shaking in Furlan’s hold as his hips jolted from the oversensitivity that left him breathless and faint. His panties were leaking out the creamy essence of pure, unadulterated heat that nearly had his guard teetering on the edge of his sanity. Even mated, an omega of royal blood has a heat that made any claimed alpha seek to get a taste. 

So as Levi could smell Furlan’s responsive aggression growing thicker in the air, he was quick to stop his hips before leaning down to nuzzle himself near the knight's gland in a soothing effort. 

‘Relax alpha… relax…’

The pair panted, Furlan looking away with a light blush to the tightness in his pants that he would have to deal with later, while Levi shifted to sit beside him rather than on top of him. 

“I’m sorry…” Levi whispered meekly, grabbing hold of his guard’s arm and apologetically nuzzling against his shoulder. He truly meant it because he knew how much Furlan loved his mate, and he hated having to make the alpha feel torn in loyalties. The guilt consistently racked his heart right after their small affairs, and the omega felt terrible for being unable to stick to the line that they both drew together. 

The ugly guilt crept within the omega's soul like some curse that he could never be sated. His hunger was endless, and his lust knew no bounds as his body had the power to make even the strongest alphas fall to their knees. All this power, but Levi still felt disgusted and depressed at the idea of using alphas to satisfy himself because he was unable to find his destined mate properly. 

Who would want to mate with someone like me?

Levi's thoughts droned louder while his mind raced with the image of the faceless Rose knight. The anomaly of an alpha whose grip was still stained on the raven’s wrists as if they shared the same curse. He wondered where such a savage like him could’ve come from and how he ended up in Rose. He wondered if he had a scent, if it was somehow stained on that prisoner, along with the other alphas responsible for such a crime. How did he cover his scent so well?

“It’s fine. But you didn’t answer me.” Furlan sighed, shifting his hips and covering his crotch respectfully in the royal's presence despite the act they had just committed together. The raven was snapped out of his thoughts for a moment before glancing up at his knight, only to glance back down and bite his bottom lip.

“Zeke’s knight. There’s something off about him, and it worries me. I mean— I couldn’t even smell him. There’s never been an alpha in Rose that I couldn’t smell.” 

Furlan nodded his head, his scent burning up with disgust over the mention of the knight who threw him down while manhandling his princess just hours earlier. A deadly and arrogant servant to the Rose royal who practically went undetected without a solid scent to identify who he was. 

“I hear people like that… are the same ones who are sent out to kill. I fear— I fear Zeke may use him against me.” Levi admitted, looking up to meet Furlan in his eyes to share an exchange of knowing before issuing his order of command. 

“I order you to stay by my side throughout my heat. I am never to be left alone in my chambers every night in case I have a visitor, do you understand?” Levi ordered, his silver eyes hardening into a steeled gunmetal of resolve that was met with an unwavering loyalty of obedience from his guard. 

“It shall be done as you order, your Highness.”

⚔︎

Levi had lost his sense of self within the hours that the carriage entered the grounds of Sina. The struggling omega clung to Furlan as he trembled and yowled in pain, the cramps had started up with a force that immediately crippled the raven. His body curled up against his knight, who did his best to make the princess feel safe while the carriage entered the castle grounds during the early hours of the morning.

The palace came immediately into view, the beautiful white castle appearing almost ethereal, bathed in the soft blush of the waking dawn sky. Soft sunlight breached the sky, exposing the silent, misty curls that gently floated around its high stone walls, giving it the illusion of power floating above the earth. The palace’s ivory towers catch the first light of morning, their gold-tipped spires glinting faintly like stars fading into daylight.

The white walls of the omega’s home reflect the rosy hues of the horizon—pinks, oranges, and pale blues blending together in a quiet symphony of color. Below, the gardens were still and hushed, pearls of dew clinging to every leaf and petal. Birds began to stir at the first light of morning, their songs delicate and tentative as the carriage rumbled past. The castle, serene and luminous, feels untouched by time—a sanctuary of beauty and welcoming hospitality, slowly awakening with the world to accept its ruling omega back home. 

Levi would only mumble pleas and cries, too weak to attempt to get what he wanted, as Furlan only held him close while his fingers rubbed against the princess’s sensitive neck gland gently. It was a tactic that he learned early on in his career, one that subdued omegas for a short period, his fingers stimulating the spot that begged for teeth to rip at it and mark it completely. 

It made the royal warble out noises of confused pleasure, his body responding with a feigned sense of satisfaction that elicited a gasp from the omega every time Furlan added more pressure to the gland. Levi would whine pleas for the alpha to bite him, mixed with the last drop of self-consciousness left to immediately plea: ‘don’t bite me.’

The heat would usually talk for Levi, but this time the omega could feel it shouting at him as it zapped away all of his strength and left him to struggle in its wake. So when the carriage came to a complete stop outside the palace, Furlan wasted no time scooping up the omega into his arms and tumbling out of the carriage. A plume of pheromones erupted with their exit, like smoke from a raging fire, and it suffocated the only guards, whose body language tensed. 

They were trained to withstand an omega’s heat, not to lose their control, and harm anyone. But an omega of royal blood had a heat on a different caliber than a regular omega, topped off with the gasoline of the drug slipped into his mouth the night prior— Levi’s heat raged uncontrollably and with a strength that made his men shake with a natural uncertainty. 

Every alpha in the room could hear their instincts calling on them to intervene, to take the omega away from its current alpha. To mate. 

Levi curled into his knight with a ricocheting whimper before hiding his face, his legs dangling and his thighs rubbing together as he squirmed from the ache. His pajamas did a good job of hiding all of the slick that was pouring out of him at a rate that made the raven conceal his face with shame. 

And as Furlan made haste down the row of welcoming guards into the grandiose front doors, he could see his men struggling, with some even slipping out a low growl before immediately excusing themselves. The knight knew he had to get Levi to his chambers immediately, barking out a command for every man to change their post to an outside position. 

No knight would be allowed to stand guard inside Sina for the time being.

Not until this heat passed.

“Oh my god! What happened?!” A cry came from the front, the familiar head seamstress running forward with a small fleet of nurses who all picked up on the dripping scent of Levi’s inferno heat. Hanji’s face looked devastated at the poor sight of the raven curled away, crying softly in Furlan’s arms as he trembled, burning up and soiling his pajamas full of fresh slick while his cramps doubled in frequency and pain. 

“Just take him. Take him!” Furlan barked the order twice, with the second command louder, as the nurses jumped to unfold a stretcher for the omega to lie on instantly. The princess made another sad noise as he was separated from the alpha before instantly curling up on the stretcher to hide his face and tuck into himself for safety. Hanji’s heart broke at the sight, placing a hand on his shoulder as the team of beta’s ran back up into the royal’s chambers. At the same time, Furlan went another way to clean up.

“You’re okay, I’m right here.” Hanji cooed when Levi warbled a weak cry about how much pain he was in. A whisper of a purr escaped the raven at the sound of his best friend's voice through the chaos as they climbed the stairs and rounded corners. 

“Need… I need…” Levi rambled, breathless and exasperated, as he was moved to his bed with the nurses working to cut off his pajamas. Hanji tried not to react to the pain of seeing such a beautiful fabrics being snipped off carelessly, but they understood that there was no time to take it off properly. The omega’s temperature was dangerously high, his rambles becoming incoherent and his body unable to keep still as the nurses slipped the remnants of Levi’s silk nightwear away. 

The princess was left naked, hissing and yowling out in hot pain as his cries echoed through the towering roofs of his chambers. Nurses who were quick to prick the omega with a syringe of suppressant and pain reliever, mixed into a concoction that was injected into Levi’s blood. Before the princess could cry out and thrash his arms, the needle was quickly taken out before another fleet of nurses rushed in with a bowl of hot water and towels. 

“Alpha… where’s— I need…” Levi sobbed, the medicine slowly working to dull the pain but unable to kill the overwhelming desire to be bred. His thighs rubbed together sloppily with the sounds of slick moving around before the nurses pulled his legs apart. 

“I’ve never seen such a heat like this before.” The head nurse, Petra, the only omega in the group spoke. Her extensive knowledge and experience throughout the Kingdoms spoke volumes. The blonde’s eyebrows were knit while she did her own work to understand and help the royal throughout his turmoil. 

“Me either, and he wasn’t supposed to be expecting his next cycle till next year,” Hanji responded, trying to help Petra’s investigation with anything they knew regarding Levi’s usual cycles. What Levi was going through reminded both concerned staff members of a first heat on steroids. 

“This was induced, no doubt about that. But the question is, how and with what?” Petra spoke out loud, mainly to herself, as her focus shifted to her own work in progress. As the other nurses worked to prepare the rags for a quick clean of the omega, she was occupied in her assessment of the royal. It was her job to be the sole medical staff member, diagnosing and finding a cure if needed. 

The warmth of the wet rags was first placed on Levi’s lower legs, their heat and texture making the omega instinctively hiss as the women worked to wash his legs. They slowly moved up with multiple hands working to scrub and clean the omega in an effort to wipe away any grime or dirt from his trip. 

Hanji sat on the bed next to Levi’s head, combing their fingers through his disheveled locks while they watched as the omega’s face contorted with all different types of emotions and pitiful sounds. 

“I’m so sorry, shortcake…” Hanji whispered, their eyes burning with tears as they struggled to watch their beloved friend cry out in an endless spiral of discomfort and pain. There was nothing anyone could do, not when every touch left the omega hissing and yelling out in pain. 

“The suppressants won’t last long in his condition. They will stabilize and dull the worst cramps, but they won’t fix or neutralize his heat. I fear…” Petra spoke before stopping herself, painted nails flashed as her small hand raised to cover her mouth for a second. 

With a sigh, the head nurse spoke lower with sadness clear in her golden eyes as she finished her statement, 

“I fear— only an alpha can help, and that might’ve been the point.” 

Hanji’s head snapped up with eyes widened and mouth slightly ajar in a pure look of horror and shock. They had heard rumors of such toxins. A tasteless and odorless substance that could only be found through deep, dark connections. Like a ghost that possessed an omega’s body, the drug was told to wreak havoc. Breaking an omega's mind and body into a heat only curable by an alpha, a perfect weapon that had been used within the ongoing problem of trafficking omegas to be used in breeding farms.  

Their glasses glowed within the morning sun's light, hiding Hanji’s expression as their jaw clenched and their hands flexed into fists before releasing. 

Someone did this intentionally to harm their princess. 

And now he laid in a grave of danger to those who may become aware of this news and decided to take advantage of the poor omega. 

“Yes… alpha… alpha!” Levi babbled with a pitching whine while the nurses continued to move up and clean the omega’s body off with the warm rags. It was a routine precaution; in many heats, it wasn’t uncommon for the omega to go days without bathing due to their inability to leave their nest. The nurses worked gently to ensure every inch of Levi’s body was wiped down with a clean, wet rag. 

“Not yet, shortcake, you’ll have to toughen this one out,” Hanji spoke with a sadness in their voice, a sentence that denied the omega's salvation and made the raven hiss out in an almost painful and feral response. His breaths, once labored, were now short and rapid as his heart rate spiked up, his body fighting back fully against the nurses who kept him down on the bed. 

“Try not to irritate him, only his instincts are conscious right now, and the pain is severely debilitating the Princess from acting out,” Petra spoke while filling another syringe full of a clear liquid. Before Hanji could question what it was, the nurse quickly announced the substance, 

“Something to help the Princess sleep, he’ll need lots of rest to overcome this alone.” 

Hanji watched the royal jerk away from the omega nurse before a squeak was heard as the needle poked into Levi’s arm. The princess whined in fear that morphed into a venomous hiss of betrayal before his efforts to fight back and escape became weaker with every minute that passed. 

“His Highness should rest and have Sir Church on standby; the medicine should give the Princess enough time to rest and regain some strength and consciousness,” Petra spoke in a calm and professional tone while putting her empty syringe away. Golden eyes watched as the omega royal’s fighting limbs began to slow. 

Crestfallen gazes of those around the princess watched Levi’s pupils expand, his dull fangs being covered by lips that stopped hissing. His soft and faint mewls echoed like a dying cry that caused Hanji to come closer to comfort the omega. Levi whimpered, his body trembling as the medicine worked to temper the drug-induced heat within Levi. His nimble body covered in a fresh coat of cold sweat, his breathing shallow, and his eyelids growing heavy as Hanji whispered,

“I’m right here, shortcake, just rest.” 

Petra signaled for most of the nurses to leave, their heels clicking away as they rushed out of the room to leave their royal alone in peace. With only three figures in the room, the princesses' chambers fell silent with only the faint cooing of a mourning dove perched outside his balcony. 

The seamstress and the nurse watched the princess fall asleep, his breathing steady and deep. His cramps were unable to wake him as he lay in peace, a once suffocating cloud of pheromones slowly dissolving and thinning out into a soft scent of freshly baked strawberry pastries drizzled with sweetened honey. Still evident of heat but much calmer than before, as Petra silently worked to clean the mess of slick coating Levi’s inner thighs and sheets. 

“Such an awful heat, his poor body will suffer without an alpha.” Petra mourned before catching a quick glimpse of the twinkling diamond on Levi’s left hand. An eyebrow shot up, followed by a silent gasp as she suddenly corrected herself,

“He’s engaged! Hanji— he has an alpha! We must call for him to come at once!” Petra exclaimed with a pitch not too loud to stir the sleeping raven. Her announcement immediately elicited a look of pure horror from Hanji, their eyes also landing on the rock, and they gasped out with a knowing sadness. 

They knew more than anyone that Levi feared both the neighboring alphas and had always dreaded being mated to one. A secret he shared with the seamstress in complete confidence, an admittance that he knew could never leave either of their lips, or else it could incite war. 

To have whichever ruling alpha come into the omega’s chambers during such a vulnerable and sacred time would be nothing short of egregious for the poor, helpless raven. The idea immediately made the brunette seamstress shake their head. 

“No. No! We mustn’t. He’s too vulnerable and wouldn’t agree to this idea if he could hear it. Petra—…” Hanji inhaled long before exhaling low, biting the inside of their cheeks before giving out an order on behalf of the sleeping royal,

“Under no circumstances should any alpha except Sir Church be within the Princesses' vicinity, that’s an order.” 

Petra looked confused, as if she had offended the beta with an idea that could help soothe the raven, only to instead be given an order to stand down on such notions. She meant no harm, of course, and as she looked away in a state of submission, she merely apologized lowly, deciding to stick with what she knew about medicine rather than understand the politics behind Hanji’s order. 

“Forgive me.” Petra bowed, collecting her equipment before excusing herself from Levi’s bedroom chambers. Her hurried footsteps scurried across the marble floors before she opened the bedroom doors, squeaking as she ran straight into the armored chest of Furlan, who had been waiting outside. Flustered, the omega nurse apologized again before squeezing past the alpha knight. 

“Come in,” Hanji spoke, brown eyes on the alpha who had dedicated his life to protecting the beloved omega princess. He bowed curtly, entering the room before shutting the door as his eyes fell onto the sight of the petite raven bundled up, sleeping in his makeshift nest at the center of the massive bed. 

“Hanji.” Furlan greeted, standing at a safe distance to avoid causing distress to the omega and his beta friend watching over his unconscious state. The raven’s scent was still so fresh in the air, sweet and mouth-watering to any untrained alpha who couldn’t resist the delectable smell of saccharine strawberries glazed in rich honey. Even with all of his training and restraint, he could feel his inner alpha rumble in a low growl to the true nature of just how weak Levi was in his current state. 

Hanji leaned down to kiss the raven’s dampened forehead, whispering a farewell before standing up to leave. Their footsteps were silent before they stopped next to the knight, glancing over with a stern and hardened look that radiated a firm power as they spoke, 

“Protect him with your life .” 

⚔︎

“I fear— that someone did this to me… that someone will come… that something will happen to me…” Levi panted, fighting the first signs of his forced heat. He could feel the decay of coherent thought begin to muddle, the dull ache of a slight cramp churning around inside him. A poison that couldn’t be stopped as it warmed his insides into a slow-burning flame that would soon consume his entire being. 

He was running out of time, and he was scared. 

Furlan remembered how Levi’s eyes looked at that moment. 

And as the sun rose over the horizon to bless the Rose palace with its light, filtering into the empty bedroom of the missing omega princess, both Kings suddenly sought to understand where the missing Sina royal was. 

In the midst of the chaos, a lone shadow had left Rose that same morning on horseback, heading straight to Sina. 

Unbeknownst to the hell and disarray his sudden leave caused, the missing princess laid curled up in his nest. It had been a few nights since his induced heat first plagued the royal. The sheets had to be changed every day due to the amount of slick he produced every time he awoke with his incidents, instantly preparing himself to greet an alpha. With nurses having to medicate the omega with dosages that would’ve cured and stopped any regular heat, but for Levi, it was like sprinkling a bucket of water onto a raging flame. It could only help for a moment in time, but it couldn’t stop the suffering entirely. 

Only an alpha could. 

And the only alpha in the raven’s room sat in a dark corner every night, patched and coated with the thickest scent block he could find in order to avoid arousing the omega into thinking there was an alpha ready to take him. Instead, he was tasked with the mission of protecting the vulnerable royal within the room, a poor victim of the debilitating drug whose perpetrator would surely arrive to take advantage of the situation. 

However, it was beginning to become impossible to stay awake after the fourth night passed, with the knight unable to sleep during the night and morning shifts. Since there was no other alpha trustworthy enough to take over, Furlan was never relieved from the endless watch post. He could feel his eyesight capabilities wane , his night vision becoming blurred as exhaustion started to shut down his body. It was impossible for any alpha to stay awake and sharply alert 24/7 without any sort of rest. 

It was the fifth night that broke the knight, finding his eyelids heavy like cinder blocks strapped to his ankles as he was thrown into the dark sea of sleep. He didn’t remember when he fell asleep, but his body needed it and kept him in a quiet lull as the shadows within the room grew darker. 

Levi was barely asleep; the medication he had been given to induce rest was beginning to wear off with every use, as the heat quickly fought back to burn away its potency. His eyes were closed, but his body was active, producing a river of slick that stuck between his legs that smelled of the sweetest honey, just begging to be licked up by any alpha. A ripe flower blossoming on full display in his safe serenity of Eden, the moonlight cascading over Levi’s serene figure as he panted heavily from the fever.

Levi’s safe haven was in danger, unguarded and open to uninvited guests who sought to defile the sacred garden within the royal’s chambers. A serpent slipping inside within the stark void of midnight’s gloom, the bedroom balcony doors opened silently to allow it entry with no one to protect the beautiful flower, helpless in the enticing vines that kept it trapped in the nest.  

His Garden of Eden was under siege as the viper crept inside, closer with fangs bared and eyes trained on the unconscious omega squirming ever so slightly. It was like Levi was trapped under ice, watching himself struggle in the bed as he remained asleep while his mind ran rampant. It was a shallow rest, helping only to keep the princess from being awake and in pain all night long. Toys of different materials sat on Levi’s bedside, evident of use that was utterly futile against the rage of his hormones. 

Levi continued to pant, his chest heaving and mouth open. The raven’s glands were swollen and oily, producing an intoxicating aroma meant to lure in any available suitor into his garden. His form was drenched in sweat against the silky sheets, which struggled to keep his rising temperature down. 

The princess whined in his sleep, uncomfortable and in pain as his body remained alert despite his eyes being closed. An ethereal royal, stalked and watched by the intruder whose nostrils flared open for one second too long. Immediately caught in a web whose owner lacked the strength to respond, only reeling in the intruder with every small noise he made. 

“Ahhph…aa” The omega mumbled in his sleep with a mind full of active thoughts of things he needed right now, dreaming of a faceless alpha on the other side of the ice. Levi suffocated, burning up under the ice yet freezing from the lack of touch. His inner omega watched, wide awake, with a string of purrs breathing to life at the sight of the massive shadow standing ominously within the chambers.

The raven stirred in anticipation while his guard rested in a corner, unbeknownst to the dangerous shadow that slipped inside the princess's room with senses on high alert. The intruder sniffed the air, inhaling a lung full of heat that he was unprepared for, yet also unable to pick up another smell of anyone else in the room. The silence was interrupted by the figure clicking his tongue, smirking at the easy sight of his target completely defenseless and alone in the bed. Their gloved hand grabbed the hilt of its blade, unsheathing it just enough for the moonlight to reflect off the sharpened iron that was partially drawn before the dark figure hesitated. 

The aroma of fresh, dripping heat began to affect the visitor's mind and senses the longer he was exposed.

The intruder stood, shifting his weight as his breathing became labored, the rubber of his gloves squeaking from how tightly he had balled his fists before relaxing and repeating the action. His mind raced, his alpha roared, and his mouth watered all within a few seconds apart. He couldn’t seem to snap himself out of the trance the sleeping omega was coaxing him into, making the unwelcome alpha begin to drool and instinctively growl low. 

The small omega laid unknowingly to the predator lurking at the end of his bed, eyes that dilated and muscles that flexed as all of his blood abandoned his brain and instead ran straight down south to the sight of such an easy piece of meat slicking all over himself. 

“Mmmhn…” Levi moaned softly, dreaming of how he was being watched by a faceless alpha who struggled to restrain himself in the face of the vulnerable omega. His cunt wept thicker tears, its wet squelch ringing loud in the alphas ears that instantly made his cock twitch violently. There was nothing that could have prepared the unwelcome alpha for the overwhelming sight and smell of the omega who shifted in his nest before opening his nimble legs. 

The intruder nearly doubled back down to the wave of rushing pheromones that grabbed him firmly before slapping him across the face with a lingering sting. His hands moved away from his sword's handle, reaching down as his instincts flared to life in a natural response to mate. A gloved hand found his crotch as he continued to pant heavily with small growls interwoven in his noises that seemed only to make the princess whine again. 

“Ahhphuh…” Levi mewled out, lips heavy and speech slurred as his legs moved and his back arched slightly. It overwhelmed the stalking alpha, his figure trembling as he struggled to breathe against the suffocating atmosphere that was thick like the hot honey that curled into the shadow’s nostrils. 

Whoever it was wasn’t trained to withstand an omega’s heat, let alone an induced heat. His body moved on its own and crept into the bed like a carnivore stalking low and targeting the sweet doe lying innocently with open legs and soft mewls echoing to only one responding alpha. 

The bed dipped with every movement, rocking the raven around as the intruder entered his sacred nest with fangs bared and his chest heaving. He was starved, famished, and in need of a taste from the royal omega whose scent grew stronger, filling the space with honey-dipped strawberries sprinkled with pure, unfiltered lust and submission. 

The intruder hissed out a low warning growl as he dipped his head right next to Levi’s ear. It was only his instincts responding; whatever goal he had come to accomplish was drowned out by the urge to make the princess cry out. 

Levi let out a gasping moan to the sensation of pressure being pushed up against his exposed cunt, slick staining the alphas pants as he pushed his protruding tent up against the sleeping raven while his lips met against the omega’s gland. 

“Mmmhm… Ahhlpha…” Levi whimpered in his sleep, his dream mirroring what was happening to him in real time, like a thin veil separating his reality from his dream. He arched against the touch, feeling large and gloved hands explore his body before pinning him down by the wrists that were pushed above his head. 

“Wake up, pretty omega.” The shadow rumbled, dangerously low, with dark eyes staring into the resting princess's face that contorted into a reaction of pleasure as the alpha moved his hips to grind. 

Levi stirred, his eyes moving behind his lids and his noises becoming more frequent as the alpha rubbed himself against the royal’s sopping cunt that cried for his covered cock. It was when the intruder flattened his tongue against the omega’s gland before dragging it up with a wicked sensation that finally awoke the raven with a fearful gasp. 

“W-What… Who—?!” Levi whispered before nearly yelling out the second question, before a gloved hand slapped down against the princess's mouth to silence him effectively. The omega panicked, eyes wide and legs kicking while he struggled to scream out for help, realizing how he was already pinned and in a compromising position. 

The intruder growled once more, menacing and vicious, which made the raven cry brokenly under his hand in fear of the words he said,

“Make another sound and I’ll slit your little throat, Princess.” 

Levi whimpered, trembling with eyes that were wide and bright with terror within the dark room as he tried in vain to identify who was on top of him. The voice was unfamiliar, and he couldn’t smell anything, remembering quickly that his guard should still be in the room, but too afraid to make another loud sound. 

The princess's scent shifted, still somewhat sweet but now evident of strawberries that felt out of season, lacking in juice and sweetness, yet bland against the light honey drizzle. His heat was still responsive, nonetheless; his inner omega preened and chanted in a tone that felt like the loudest he had ever heard his omega speak. 

‘Strong. Dominant Alpha. I’ll do as you say.’

Levi shook his head, difficult under the heavy hand that remained over his mouth before his body involuntarily arched from the alphas' untamed touch against his cunt. A weak moan muffled against the man’s hand as he heard a dark chuckle emit from the alpha,

“You like that? Yeah, you do, you’re soaking. ” He whispered with a deep groaning husk into the raven’s reddened ear. Smirking as he felt the royal fight back for a brief moment before the hollow pain of being empty boiled free a painful cramp. Levi could feel tears begin to form in his eyes, obscuring his vision, which left him closing his eyes and struggling to push away. 

He didn’t know who was on top of him; the intruder's face was covered in a mask, only showcasing his eyes, which could not be adequately seen due to the lack of light in the room. He also didn’t know where his guard was, a small piece of him was terrified if Furlan was dead in the room, and there was no one else coming to help save him. 

Levi shook his head with a croaking sob, trying to silence his omega, who was also both mortified and turned on by a dark and thrilling lust he had never experienced before. Almost as if his second sex were saying, ‘You can fight later, but there’s an alpha who wants you now.’ 

Submit. 

It’ll feel so good.

The princess found the last reserve of conscious strength, boosted by pure adrenaline, to bite the invader's hand before belting out a scream with hands that flew to locate his bedside dagger. The intruder hissed in response, fighting back to regain control by flipping the omega onto his stomach before pinning the raven against the mattress while smothering his small form under the monster’s large body. 

Levi whimpered, unable to breathe and resist, trembling with a mortal terror that he would die the moment the masked intruder breathed heavily into his ear with an ominous growl,

“Oh. That won’t help. You don’t have any guards stationed to come save their precious Princess.” 

The omega rasped out another cry, beginning to hyperventilate as he squirmed against the brute force crushing him from behind. His scent was fully spiked to an alarming degree, resembling rotting strawberries drizzled in soured honey —a pathetic attempt to mask his scent in hopes of pushing the alpha away. It had no effect; he felt his head becoming lighter and the pressure closing in on his lungs, until the raven lost all of his remaining fight. 

He closed his eyes, small tears running down his cheeks as Levi felt the prominent firmness of the other person's bulge pressed against his bare ass like some sick reminder that his struggle was getting the intruder off. Levi’s ears began to ring, his vision blurred, and his senses were overwhelmed and on overdrive as the alpha grumbled something incoherent into his ear before everything went black. 

The intruder lifted some of his weight, checking the raven’s pulse– weak. He grunted, finding himself unable to restrain his primal urges to pull away and finish the omega off. It was foreign, as the alpha had killed many omegas, whether they were in heat or not, all for his King’s satisfaction. He had never experienced himself hesitate for a moment, not since his first kill when he was a child, but as he stared down at the unconscious princess whom he was sent to snuff out, his inner alpha roared in conflict that he had never heard before. 

One second, the intruder reached for his blade, gritting his teeth and unsheathing his weapon under the silent moonlit bedroom, and in the next second, he was met with a blunt force against the side of his temple; instantly knocking him out beside the princess, whose lingering scent was the last thing he remembered.