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No one dared to comment on the matter when it was announced that the duke's only son Kiyoomi was to be betrothed to the omega prince of Inarizaki.
Being chosen as the prince's mate was no small matter. Still, even Kiyoomi was hesitant to boast about his sudden betrothal.
Prince Atsumu is indeed well-mannered, charming, intelligent, and — dare Kiyoomi say — the most beautiful omega he has ever seen.
He was the object of desire and envy of all.
However, no suitor asked for his hand, at least not after he instituted his harem.
Prince Atsumu's infamous harem was a collection of men whose beauty and talents were outstanding. And they were the reason no other suitor dared compete for the prince's hand any longer, fearing they would not measure up to the prince's chosen ones.
Most importantly, no one wanted to become Prince Atsumu's mate only to live under the scrutiny of the public, to be compared to the prince's men for the rest of their lives.
When it was announced that Sakusa Kiyoomi was to be betrothed to Prince Atsumu of Inarizaki, no one dared comment on the matter, not even Kiyoomi himself. Still, he felt their pitiful eyes on him.
On their wedding day, Kiyoomi could only remember the look on his promised one's face.
For someone who shamelessly took in 4 men before marriage, Prince Atsumu smiled shyly at Kiyoomi, appearing almost nervous.
Kiyoomi felt the prince's hand tremble when they joined hands. The prince also blushed furiously when reciting his vows. It was the first time Kiyoomi had seen the confident and proper prince fumble over his words.
Kiyoomi hated to admit it, but he found the prince endearing.
'No,' Kiyoomi reminded himself sternly. He had no reason to show kindness to the prince, as he was the same person who put him in this position.
From the altar, Kiyoomi glanced down to see the prince's notorious harem, and he hardened his heart.
-
Kiyoomi did not sleep in the same room as his new mate on their wedding night, nor the night after, nor the following.
If Atsumu was displeased with the situation, he did not voice out. He waited patiently for Kiyoomi at the dining hall for every meal, smiled when he arrived, and they both ate in silence.
Mealtimes were probably the only time they met, and slowly, Kiyoomi began initiating conversations with his supposed mate, albeit reluctantly at first.
However, to his surprise, Prince Atsumu was kind and gentle. He was absolutely nothing like what the rumours said about him.
Prince Atsumu was not shameless; he didn't flaunt his concubines at every given opportunity, and he did not once compare Kiyoomi to them.
Instead, Kiyoomi found out that the prince was rather knowledgeable in many things. Conversation flowed easily between them, without a hint of discomfort or pretense.
And as the days passed, Kiyoomi slowly opened up to his mate. He knew that it was dangerous, especially with Atsumu's lovers still living in the palace. But how could Kiyoomi afford to have silence between them or feign ignorance when the omega prince would stare at him and listen attentively to every word he had to say.
Prince Atsumu made Kiyoomi feel like he was the only one who mattered. So, he pushed aside his worries and basked in the prince’s attention.
It started to mean something to Kiyoomi, and mealtimes became their special thing. Kiyoomi did not mind that the prince would spend every other hour of the day with his harem, because mealtimes were reserved for Kiyoomi, and Kiyoomi alone.
Kiyoomi began looking forward to mealtime each day.
One afternoon, Kiyoomi put on his best cloak and waited for his husband in the dining hall. The prince was running a little late, but Kiyoomi was secretly too excited to talk about the book he found in the library to feel upset about it.
It was when the head chef served Kiyoomi his own platter that the alpha knew that something was wrong.
Ojiro Aran, the prince's personal butler, entered the dining hall and bowed with a look of remorse. “Your Grace, on behalf of Prince Atsumu, I deeply apologise for his absence. Prince Atsumu cannot join you for lunch today, or dinner tonight as he will be dining with the concubines at the Garden of Lights. The prince sends you his apology and hopes that you will forgive him.”
“Ah, I see.”
Kiyoomi felt the words get caught in his throat. With a look of indifference, he waved the butler off. “All is well. Thank you for informing me. You may leave.”
Kiyoomi stared at the empty chair across the table and chuckled at his foolishness for ever thinking, hoping, that the prince would have room in his heart for one more.
When Kiyoomi ate lunch alone that day in the too-big dining hall, no one dared to comment on the matter, but he felt their pitiful eyes on him.
-
Kiyoomi didn't have the appetite to finish his meal that day. Once he called for the servant to take his plate away, he immediately fled from the dining hall to his sleeping quarters.
Kiyoomi knew better than to feel disappointed, but how could he not when Atsumu, no, the prince , acted like Kiyoomi was his beloved, the incomparable, the one above all else?
Kiyoomi hid in his quarters and tried his best to sleep off the unusual feeling pooling in his chest.
It was a mixture of anger, disappointment, sadness, and... Jealousy.
Jealousy because the omega was promised to him. Kiyoomi was the prince's husband, his alpha, and his mate.
Kiyoomi was the one who would sire the prince's pups in the future, and yet, Prince Atsumu tossed him aside to spend time with his side lovers.
' No ,' Kiyoomi reminded himself sternly. He was being irrational, acting upset all out of his alpha's ruined pride.
When they were wedded, Kiyoomi vowed to honour his husband for as long as they both shall live. If keeping his husband meant accepting the prince's harem that came along with, Kiyoomi must not resist the circumstances.
These conflicting feelings squirmed in his heart and chest and eventually lulled Kiyoomi to sleep. He shall face reality once more when he rises. For now, Kiyoomi submitted to slumber in this empty bed with his inner alpha yearning for the omega who belonged to him but wasn't his.
-
Hours deep in slumber, Kiyoomi was awakened by a howl of wind from outside the window.
It was already dark out, and the first thing that came to Kiyoomi's mind was that he had skipped dinner.
He sat up frantically, wondering if the prince was still waiting for him in the dining hall.
His thoughts came to a screeching halt when he remembered Ojiro-san's regretful expression as he explained to Kiyoomi that Prince Atsumu would be occupied with his concubines for the entire day, so he would be unable to attend dinner with Kiyoomi as well.
Kiyoomi ran a hand through his curls and chuckled bitterly. Never in a million dreams did he imagine himself waiting on an omega, but here he was, falling asleep to the thoughts of Atsumu and thinking of the man with golden locks as soon as he awakes.
Kiyoomi padded out of his sleeping chambers quietly, intending to get some light snacks from the royal kitchen.
He walked down the corridor and suddenly halted, his eyes wandering to the staircase that led to his and Prince Atsumu's joint chambers.
The couple was expected to spend their first night there together, and it would become their permanent sleeping chambers once the prince was pregnant with their first child.
He wondered if Atsumu had been here before, if he waited for Kiyoomi on their wedding night, if he felt the same disappointment when his mate didn't show up.
With a hundred thoughts swirling through his mind, Kiyoomi found himself walking toward the chambers.
He pushed the door open and was surprised to see the candles inside lit, like it was occupied, but there were no signs of residence there.
Kiyoomi wandered towards the king-sized bed and sat on the edge, peering at the beautiful furniture in the room and the intricate details on the walls and pillars.
It was the perfect honeymoon suite for newlyweds; shame, Kiyoomi wouldn't know how it feels to share this room with the person he wished would want him just as desperately in return.
Kiyoomi laid on the perfectly made bed with silk sheets and studied the paintings on the ceiling, imagining how things would be different if the prince never instituted his harem. Would Prince Atsumu still choose Kiyoomi? Would they have married out of love instead? Would they spend their first and every other night here together?
It all seemed too good to be true.
Kiyoomi continued marvelling at the room he was supposed to share with his mate, oblivious to the sound of footsteps behind the door.
The doors to the chambers were thrown open, and Kiyoomi jumped up, quickly sitting by the edge of the bed as he stared at the intruder.
"Your Highness." Kiyoomi stood up, bowing at his spouse.
"Your Grace," Atsumu said softly, returning the bow with a curtsy. "I heard you skipped dinner. Do you feel ill? Would you like it if I called the royal physician?" The prince asked nervously, pinching his hands as he stood by the door.
Prince Atsumu was dressed in a maroon robe with a ribbon on each sleeve. Underneath was his white nightgown with beautiful laces. Kiyoomi zeroed in on the omega's neck that was usually covered. It was the first time the alpha had ever seen the prince's neck; it was bare and empty. Omegas usually had their necks marked on the night of their wedding, so seeing the prince's unmarked neck felt wrong.
Kiyoomi felt a twinge of guilt, partially feeling responsible for not marking his omega. But at the same time, how could he, when the prince was not entirely his?
"Oh, no. I just slept through dinner; I am not unwell, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern," Kiyoomi replied.
"Please, just call me Atsumu. You are my mate, after all," Atsumu offered quietly, his head still dipped in a small bow.
Kiyoomi nodded, clearing his throat. He didn't know how to feel about this encounter. A part of him still felt estranged from earlier, but seeing the prince fold himself in, trying to make himself appear smaller, was oddly endearing.
Kiyoomi bit his lip. "I must... I should go. You must be tired after spending the day with your concubines, so I shall not bother you any longer and take my leave. Pardon me... Atsumu."
Kiyoomi tried to move past the prince and exit the room, but he felt a hand grab his.
"Wait, Your Grace... Kiyoomi."
Kiyoomi faltered in his steps.
Atsumu shifted his weight from one leg to another nervously, looking down at his feet.
"Can't you spare me just a second of your time?"
Kiyoomi swallowed. "It's late, Your Highness. If the servants saw us together alone in this room late at night..."
"And then what?" Atsumu exclaimed, tears starting to gather in his eyes. Kiyoomi froze in his tracks. "We are husband and wife! This is our room! We are supposed to stay here together after our wedding!"
The prince huffed unhappily, storming towards the bed.
"Your Highness-"
"I waited for you on the night of our wedding, and I waited for you every night after. I waited for you for every meal, every day, every evening; I waited and waited. And now that you're here, you just... You couldn't stand me!"
"That's not true!" Kiyoomi argued, raising his voice. At Atsumu's startled look, Kiyoomi composed himself, bowing slightly. "Pardon me, Your Highness. But what you said was not true. I... Have admired you since we were children, and I have never stopped admiring you."
Atsumu's voice, as cold as ice, pierced through the atmosphere. "Admiration is not what I expect of you. I want..."
The prince covered his face, sighing deeply as he sat on the edge of their supposed marriage bed.
Kiyoomi stood by the door, unsure of what to do or say. He knew what the prince wanted of him and was more than willing to comply. No, he already does, but he couldn't find his voice to speak for whatever reason.
The prince sighed once again, removing his hand from his delicate face. "Forget it, Your Grace. You should head back now."
Kiyoomi bowed, but he didn't leave.
"Are you... Staying here, Your Highness?"
Prince Atsumu placed his hands beneath his thighs and looked around the room.
"Yes. I moved in here after our wedding. I thought we were to share this chamber, but I was obviously mistaken," Atsumu said bitterly, eyes not quite reaching Kiyoomi's.
Kiyoomi didn't know the prince occupied this room after their wedding, nor did he know the beautiful blond had waited for him here every day since then. For some reason, his inner alpha was delighted to hear this. Kiyoomi reentered the chambers, closing the door behind him. Seeing the alpha approach him, Atsumu said, "It is a beautiful room, is it not?"
"Your Highness, we must talk."
"Atsumu," the omega corrected, giving Kiyoomi a pointed look.
Kiyoomi nodded. "Atsumu."
The two remained in the chambers in awkward silence, the prince still seated on the bed as Kiyoomi made the corner of the room his safe place.
The chamber was truly magnificent. Silk sheets draped across the bed, carvings with gold details on the walls and pillar, the ceiling painted by Inarizaki's best painter. Plants decorated the floor to top, and plush, purple rugs lined up perfectly on the marble ground.
The ambience was warm and inviting, and at this moment, Kiyoomi realized that this room could be his own as well, shared with his beloved.
Prince Atsumu patted the spot beside him, peering at the alpha through his golden lashes.
Kiyoomi staggered forward and sat on the soft bed, a safe distance between him and the prince.
"Shall I begin?" Atsumu questioned, and Kiyoomi nodded encouragingly. Atsumu fiddled with his fingers. "I heard nothing but great things about you, Sakusa Kiyoomi. The sole heir to the dukedom of Sakusa; you achieved many things at a very young age, and I was intrigued. We were never formally introduced, or even knew each other, but I was drawn to you from the start. And it is quite embarrassing to admit this. Still, Sakusa Kiyoomi-" Atsumu stared at the raven confidently "-I have taken a liking towards you. Not politically or platonically, but romantically. And when my brother, King Osamu, asked me to choose my groom, I could have chosen anyone, but I decided on you because I know you are the only match for me.
"You are intelligent, capable, smart, a skilled swordsman, and above all, a gentleman. You have honour and dignity, and I know you didn't turn down my proposal because you dared not defy my brother. Still, I was hoping you would learn to love me eventually, just like how you quickly learned many things growing up, but..."
Atsumu shrugged, playing with his fingers. "But I cannot force the matters of the heart."
Atsumu turned to Kiyoomi and said firmly, "So you must tell me now if you wish to leave. I will sign the divorce contract obediently, and we will separate quietly. The King will ensure your family name will not be tarnished, and you can find the love you deserve without being tied down to obligations."
Kiyoomi blinked. Well, that certainly caught him off guard. He furrowed his brows and said, "Your Highness, I don't understand."
Atsumu made a sound of distress. "Well, you are clearly unhappy with me, so now I am giving you a choice to walk away. Is this not what you wanted?"
"You have the wrong impression." Kiyoomi shook his head. "I never wanted to leave. The thought of getting out of this marriage with you never even crossed my mind. How could you assume that this is what I wanted?"
"Because you are unhappy! With me!" Atsumu yelled, his nose turning red as angry tears once again turned his eyes glassy. Kiyoomi flinched.
"I chose you as my groom, and it was supposed to be a privilege and honour, but the kingdom acts like I chose a sacrificial lamb instead, including you!"
Kiyoomi swallowed. Was this how the public perceived their marriage? Was this how Atsumu perceived Kiyoomi's reaction to their wedding?
Kiyoomi was a little bitter, sure, but it was mainly because of the idea of an arranged marriage. He didn't have the opportunity to get to know the prince better, nor did he have the chance to court the omega who would be his future mate.
He was also a little upset about being compared to the prince's concubines for the rest of his life. Still, on their wedding day, Kiyoomi had accepted his fate as it was.
Kiyoomi watched as tears rolled down the prince's face. Even with his face red from crying and cheeks wet, Atsumu's beauty still stole the breath from Kiyoomi's lungs.
He wanted to reach out and wipe his face, but the prince beat him to it. "So tell me, Kiyoomi, my alpha. Tell me, what should I do to make things right?"
Kiyoomi pressed his lips into a thin line. "I just... I don't understand. You said you could choose anyone to marry you, but why did you not choose one of your men? Why did you choose me when you could make one of your lovers your husband?"
"Because they're not my lovers," Atsumu answered firmly, irritation bleeding into his tone.
Kiyoomi furrowed his brows in confusion.
Sensing the need to provide an explanation, the prince cleared his throat and composed himself. "Allow me to explain."
"Please," Kiyoomi pleaded.
"So, um, as you know..." Atsumu started, toying with the sleeve of his maroon robe. "After my brother's coronation, I brought in four men as my concubines. However, I did not bring them in because we were in a relationship or anything of that sort," he said quickly, waving his hand.
Kiyoomi nodded, silently urging him to continue. Atsumu shrugged, pulling at the ribbon on his robe. "You see, Kiyoomi, I was the crown prince from the second I was born."
Now, that was something Kiyoomi didn't know. According to his father, when the royal twins were born, the former King and queen never disclosed which twin was their firstborn. Growing up, Kiyoomi heard many speculations about who the crown prince was. Still, the former monarch only crowned Osamu as the next King after the twins' presentation — prince Osamu an alpha, prince Atsumu an omega. Kiyoomi never thought much of it, but if he was in the royal twins' shoes, the truth must have haunted them every day.
Atsumu continued, "I was the firstborn, and that made me first in line to the throne. Our parents never shared this information for safety purposes. Still, for as long as I can remember, I was trained to succeed my father one day. Until I presented as an omega."
Atsumu's expression was neutral, but Kiyoomi didn't miss how the prince's lips quivered. Atsumu pursed his lips.
"Not my fondest memory, I would say; even a blind man would notice the different treatment." Atsumu let out a humourless chuckle. "I was stripped of my duties and sent to the Karasuno Empire for omega etiquette classes for five years. My brother was then thrusted into the limelight, and now he bears the weight of the crown, something I know that, even until now, is too heavy a burden for him to carry.
"Do not get me wrong — I love my brother dearly and I do not wish to challenge his authority as king, but he was not prepared for this. Osamu was always the more carefree one between us. He never showed up to economics classes, he does not tuck in his shirts or wear his ring, he still does not understand tea party etiquette, nor can he waltz. Most importantly, Osamu is my younger brother."
Atsumu gripped the ribbon on his robe tightly until his fists shook.
"He never wanted to be king," Atsumu whispered, barely audible. "He cried in my arms every night for a week after the day we presented because he couldn't bear the pressure as crown prince. The tutors forced him to pick up everything I learned in eighteen years in just a year, and they rebuked him when he burnt out. And the worst part was that I could not help him, Kiyoomi."
Atsumu shook his head sadly. "I couldn't make his torments go away even if I wanted to. I was locked up in Karasuno's All-Omega Boarding School, helpless and powerless. "And when I returned, it was already too late. Osamu was barely sleeping at night, barely eating. He had not spoken to anyone outside the palace for five years while I was gone. The night I returned, I held him in my arms, and that was the first night he properly slept in years. And that was the night I swore to help him rule our kingdom, no matter what it takes."
Kiyoomi was surprised at this revelation. He was suddenly aware of how blindingly obvious the royal family wanted the general public to perceive the royal twins — Osamu, the alpha, the one meant to lead and rule, and Atsumu, the omega who is fragile, delicate, and incapable of leading their kingdom.
However, when Kiyoomi looked closer, he noticed details even he had overlooked in the past.
Atsumu was observant, calculative, and very intelligent. With just a taste of the roasted duck they had for dinner a few nights back, he knew immediately it was a different chef who prepared their meal. From observing the gems embedded in their new cutlery, Atsumu knew they were manufactured in Shiratorizawa Nation.
Atsumu was also the one in charge of every event held in the palace, a duty usually carried out by the omegas in their respective families, but now Kiyoomi realized that Atsumu was not chosen just because he was an omega but because he might be the wisest with money management, dividing the palace funds equally for each celebration, organizing the most lavish of balls with the lowest of cost.
Things were starting to make sense, but there was one thing Kiyoomi did not understand.
"Thank you for trusting me with this," Kiyoomi said. "But what does this have to do with your harem?" he asked.
Atsumu wrinkled his nose, a bemused smile hanging on his lips.
"You honestly still have not made the connection?"
Kiyoomi tilted his head, eliciting a genuine chuckle from the prince.
"Well, as an omega prince, I have no rights to meddle in the administration and politics of our kingdom," he explained. "And as the only omega in the royal family, my job is to be a prime example to the others of how this kingdom perceives us — sit still, look pretty, and use your charm to gain multiple lovers."
Atsumu rolled his eyes.
"To strengthen my brother's position as king without interfering directly in the kingdom's affairs..." Atsumu trailed off.
"You brought in talented men in the form of your lovers," Kiyoomi finished the sentence, picking up what the prince had been hinting at last.
Atsumu nodded. "I apologize for not telling you earlier. I promise I was going to tell you soon. Still, you were finally opening up to me, and I did not want to overwhelm you," the blond admitted truthfully, hanging his head low.
Kiyoomi shifted closer to his mate, speaking softly, "My prince... Atsumu."
Atsumu looked up bashfully. Kiyoomi noted that tiny specks of tan freckles dusted the prince's cheeks to his slender cheekbones.
The alpha felt his face heat up even more. He cleared his throat, averting his gaze.
"You need not apologize. I wish to know now, once and for all, if there is anything else I must know about those men… And where do I stand amidst all this?" Kiyoomi added the last part in a smaller voice, a little embarrassed to say it aloud.
The prince's expression was unreadable, but he suddenly broke out in a coy smile. "If you must know, my brother is in love with the first man I brought into my harem."
Kiyoomi's brows shot up. The prince took it as a signal to continue.
"Suna Rintarou is our childhood friend. He is the son of our former governess, and he grew up with us. I took him in because he plays an important role for our kingdom — he is gifted with magic."
"Magic?"
"Yes, magic," Atsumu confirmed. "But you must bring this secret to your grave!" he added quickly.
"The last sorcerer in Inarizaki who practised magic died over a hundred years ago. If the people were to find out that Suna Rintarou has magic, they would hunt him down and enslave him, just as they did to the last sorcerer," Kiyoomi mumbled, and the prince nodded along.
"That is correct. To protect him and to prevent his power from being exploited, I had to keep Rintarou close to Osamu and me, and I had no choice but to do what I did."
They sat in brief silence. Everything was starting to make sense now. Kiyoomi felt ashamed for ever thinking the worst of this prince who cared profoundly and wholly for his kingdom and his brother. "And what about the other three concubines?" Kiyoomi questioned. "How did they end up here?"
Kiyoomi knew them briefly.
Oikawa Tooru was the second man brought into a harem, which caused quite the commotion, seeing that Tooru was a minor prince from Seijoh — Inarizaki's rival kingdom for the last five hundred years.
It was rumoured that the two princes were acquainted at Karasuno's All-Omega Boarding School, where they were romantically involved, ultimately resulting in the minor prince moving to Inarizaki as Atsumu's second concubine. Many opposed the minor prince from becoming Prince Atsumu's concubine, accusing the blond prince of fraternizing with the enemy kingdom.
However, King Osamu allowed Prince Atsumu to officially institute his harem and bring in a second concubine from Seijoh. The protests died down from then onwards.
About a year later, when Prince Atsumu brought in another concubine, he managed to stir up another scandal.
Iwaizumi Hajime was a high-ranking officer from the Kamomedai Empire, a prisoner of war turned concubine of the omega prince. After the third Great War between the Kamomedai Empire and the Inarizaki Kingdom more than sixty years ago, the two countries have had a strained relationship.
Tension at the borders finally broke. Kamomedai invaded Inarizaki again three years ago but was ultimately defeated by Inarizaki's troops led by General Kuroo Tetsurou.
The opponent's soldiers were taken captive, including Iwaizumi Hajime, a skilled swordsman renowned for his bravery and competency.
It then spread like wildfire that the alpha had caught Prince Atsumu's attention. A few days later, before he was to be beheaded, Iwaizumi Hajime was announced to be Prince Atsumu's third concubine.
"In short," Atsumu spoke up. "Tooru and I are secretly working on an alliance between Inarizaki and Seijoh; that is why I needed him here without people demanding his head. As for Hajime, I saw his potential and saved him from his demise in exchange for his service."
Kiyoomi made a face, about to ask what "service" the prince meant, when Atsumu gasped, cheeks tinted pink.
"It's not what you think it is!" The prince quickly exclaimed, sheepishly clamping a hand over his mouth. "I brought Hajime in to protect my brother, the king."
Atsumu leaned in closer and spoke in a hushed voice, "People outside the palace might not know this, but there have been assassination attempts on Osamu over the past few years. With Hajime safeguarding him, I feel relieved knowing my brother is under his watchful eye at every event. It helps me sleep better at night too."
"I see."
"Oh, and Tooru and Hajime have a thing going on," Atsumu added nonchalantly, his eyes crinkling mischievously.
Kiyoomi felt somewhat relieved when he heard this. Yet, one more man remained, and to be honest, Kiyoomi didn't dare put a finger on it.
Nevertheless, he gathered his confidence and asked, "What about the scholar?"
The omega's smile faltered, and Kiyoomi felt his heart drop slightly. The prince cleared his throat awkwardly, turning his face away. "I assume you must've heard about... Some things..."
"That he was your first lover growing up? Yes, I believe the entire kingdom knows." It came icier than Kiyoomi intended. When the prince cringed, Kiyoomi placed a hand gingerly on top of the omega's, an electrifying shiver running down his spine at the contact.
Prince Atsumu's eyes darted towards their hands on top of the bed, and Kiyoomi caressed it gently, his expression melting into a softer one.
"Forgive me; that came out harsher than intended," Kiyoomi said quickly, hanging his head in shame. "To be completely honest with you, my prince, I couldn't bear the thought of you with another... I am most deeply ashamed of my words and actions."
As Kiyoomi looked down, he felt Atsumu move their hands to his cheek. The omega prince gently ran his thumb across the alpha's skin and smiled.
"Kiyoomi, you have no idea how relieved I am to hear that. And that is nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, my inner omega is leaping for joy at your words."
Kiyoomi leaned into his touch, his eyes fluttering close. He heard the prince sighed.
"It is true that Shinsuke is my former lover. He was my first love, but we were so young, and he had to leave to further his studies," Atsumu said, his thumb gently caressing Kiyoomi's cheekbone. "Being apart from him was hard, and just like most stories about young love, ours lost its way too."
That was what Kiyoomi — and the entire kingdom — heard too. "First loves are not meant to last," they said. "The prince and the scholar had it coming."
Kiyoomi pushed his own thoughts aside.
He gently grabbed his mate's wrist and brought his hand down to his chest, just above his beating heart which was rapidly drumming at the contact.
Prince Atsumu's eyes widened before he looked away bashfully, his cheeks rosy.
The prince cleared his throat, still averting his eyes. "Shinsuke was not supposed to return, ever. He was a highly respected scholar at Johzenji Island, but... Something happened that forced him to return."
Seeing the prince's hesitation, Kiyoomi spoke up. "You do not have to tell me if it is not yours to tell."
Their hands slipped from Kiyoomi's chest and landed on his lap. Kiyoomi placed his hand on top of Prince Atsumu's, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
"I trust you," Atsumu affirmed. Sucking in a deep breath, he continued, "Shinsuke returned because a duchess from the Island wanted his hand in marriage."
Kiyoomi nodded slowly. "I see."
Atsumu shook his head. "The duchess was insufferable, Kiyoomi. She always had her way with things, and when she wanted Shinsuke, she stopped at nothing to make him hers. She did unspeakable things, going as far as..." the prince visibly shuddered, his voice coming out as a whisper. "Killing Shinsuke's family."
Kiyoomi felt his stomach drop, and before he knew it, he pulled the saddened prince into his arms.
Atsumu didn't seem to mind the sudden contact, resting his head on the alpha's shoulder, tensed muscles relaxing.
"He had no one left over there, and he was so scared, Kiyoomi. He returned to Inarizaki to seek protection from the only person he had left — me. And so, I protected him the only way I could — by bringing him into my harem."
Everything has finally come to light. Kiyoomi felt like he was holding someone entirely different from what he initially thought the prince to be.
Only one thought crossed his mind.
"Precious..." Kiyoomi mumbled.
"Hmm? What was that, dear?"
"You are precious, my prince," Kiyoomi repeated, louder.
Atsumu adjusted his position, and Kiyoomi could feel him smile, breathing against his neck.
"Thank you."
"Thank you for telling me," Kiyoomi whispered, hugging the omega tighter. The prince let out a satisfied hum.
When they pulled away, Kiyoomi pushed a strand of golden hair behind the prince's ear and held both his hands.
"My prince... Atsumu, I have not been a good alpha to you." Kiyoomi started, his voice firm and truthful. "When you chose to marry me and not one of your men, I felt humiliated. I did not understand then why you could not just marry one of them, and I did not try to understand.
"How I acted towards you was unfair and disrespectful, but you still endured it, just like how you silently endured the public's negative perception of you, and silently carried the weight of the throne. Whatever you went through and are still going through, you do not deserve it. You do not deserve a bad husband like me."
A tear rolled down the prince's tender cheek, and Kiyoomi wiped it away with his thumb.
"Oh, what are you doing?" Atsumu mumbled as Kiyoomi got up and knelt before him.
"My prince, my mate... My love. I deeply regret my actions that have hurt you. Whatever I do, I cannot take away the pain I've caused you, but I wish to no longer put you through torment of this kind. So, please…" Kiyoomi bowed with his head touching the ground. "Forgive this fool that was blinded by pride and ego. And I swear to you, my prince, from now onwards, I, Sakusa Kiyoomi, will devote myself entirely to you. To love you, to serve you, and to spend the rest of eternity with you, though I do not deserve to be even in the same room as you.
"I know that words do not amount to much, so let me show you through my actions that I will honour you for the rest of my life and live each day for you, with you, and by you. I wish to lighten your burden and be worthy of your love one day... As long as you will have me."
Forehead still resting on the ground, Kiyoomi heard the prince's wet laugh, a happy one that filled the entire room with warmth.
"Arise, Kiyoomi. The prince's royal consort should not be on his knees."
Kiyoomi lifted himself to look at the most beautiful omega under the heavens.
Gosh, he could not believe this omega chose to be his.
Kiyoomi smiled a sincere smile. "I would get on my knees only for you, your Highness."
The tips of Atsumu's ears turned red, but he still cracked a grin, opening up his arms.
Kiyoomi crashed into his embrace, falling onto the big bed behind them.
Atsumu giggled, kissing the alpha on the chin. "Mm, it feels good to be understood."
"I cannot imagine how you feel, keeping all this to yourself," Kiyoomi replied.
'It must have been heavy,' Kiyoomi thought, hugging the prince closer to his body.
But it didn't matter anymore because Kiyoomi was here to partake in his burden. Kiyoomi will take care of and keep him safe, and whatever people outside the palace walls say, it cannot get to him any longer.
After some time cuddling in the same position, Atsumu spoke, "I also forgive you."
Kiyoomi sighed into his husband's blond hair. "I am not sure if I deserve it. I want to make it up to you before you forgive me so easily."
Atsumu hummed, head against the alpha's chest. "You can start now by moving in here with me," he said shyly.
When Kiyoomi looked down, Prince Atsumu had his eyes closed, but he was smiling.
"I can do that," Kiyoomi replied. "I wish to know you more as well. I wish to grow with you, not only as a partner but also as a friend."
"Hmm, yes, I would love that..." Atsumu replied quietly.
In a moment, the prince had fallen asleep.
Kiyoomi stayed up that night, his inner alpha adamant about keeping guard as his mate slept soundly on his chest.
-
A year passed peacefully, and the kingdom of Inarizaki had never seen a more prosperous reign.
Crops were healthy and plentiful, the people had more than enough to eat and share, and the palace was livelier and lovelier than ever.
It was said that the royal consort had started to get along with his husband's harem and that he had even found favour in the King's eyes.
Rumour has it that the royal family's relationship had gotten so close that all seven of them shared their meals together. And if the royal consort and the prince were spotted spending time with the men of the harem around the palace, it was for the maids and palace guards to know.
Before they knew it, the kingdom was busy again, preparing for the celebration of the royal twins.
News spread like wildfire that the royal consort, Kiyoomi, was in charge of the banquet for the celebration. Two weeks before the festival, the alpha was seen walking around the banquet hall with the prince's men, ensuring everything was perfect.
In a blink of an eye, the long-awaited night finally came, and the entire kingdom was in attendance.
Alphas, betas and omegas from every rank of society stood at attention when the massive doors of the hall swung open.
"Announcing the arrival of King Osamu, Prince Atsumu, and his harem!"
All attendees bowed and curtsied as the royal 6 made their way through the room to their throne at the front.
King Osamu was dressed in a regal navy suit with a silver sash across his chest, his dark hair combed neatly to the side. He smiled and nodded at his people, delighted to see his brother-in-law's hard work come to fruition.
Prince Atsumu, on the other hand, donned a gorgeous crimson dress with a golden sash across his chest. His golden hair, which he grew over the past year, was braided and thrown over a shoulder. He sported a mating mark on his once bare neck, adorned with the kingdom's most eye-catching jewels from head to toe.
He had a sweet smile, waving at his people elegantly with one hand, resting his other hand on his slightly swollen stomach.
Four equally charming men trailed after the prince, each wearing identical emerald green, sky blue, cyan and royal purple suits. It was also glaringly apparent that the man behind the preparations of the birthday banquet was absent.
People didn't dare say it aloud but shared knowing glances, quietly conversing through their eyes.
The royal twins paid them no mind, stopping at the steps of their thrones to exchange birthday greetings.
The attendees clapped and cheered thunderously when the King and prince settled on their thrones.
It was time for their royal greetings.
One by one, the prince's men went up to the twins.
"Happy birthday, Your Highness. Many happy returns," Suna Rintarou said, kissing Prince Atsumu's knuckles.
"Thank you, Rintarou. You should get going now; you do not wish to keep him waiting, do you?" Atsumu said in a low voice, glancing at Osamu with a grin.
"Yes, you are right," the concubine answered, making his way to the King. "I should not keep my beloved king waiting, indeed."
He curtsied before the King, and Osamu's face instantly exploded into a fiery red.
"Happy birthday, Your Majesty. I wish you all the happiness in the world," Rintarou said, sneaking a quick wink to the King, who looked like he was about to melt on his throne.
"I, uh, thank you, Rintarou- uh, Suna... Rintarou. I am glad you could, uh, make it- no, be here today... Um, thank you, truly," Osamu stuttered horrendously as his brother watched on with amused eyes.
"I simply cannot kiss someone I do not love," the next concubine said, smirking at Atsumu, who shoved his hand into Prince Tooru's face.
"You know you love me."
The smirk melted into a look of fondness as Tooru grabbed Atsumu's hand gently. "I know I do."
Tooru knelt before the other prince and kissed his knuckles. "Happy birthday, Atsumu. Seijoh and Inarizaki are now free from rivalry because of you."
"I would not have done it without you, Tooru. Now that our duty is fulfilled, you know you can return home, right?" Atsumu asked in a whisper.
Prince Tooru smiled. "I am home, Atsumu."
Hajime cleared his throat, offering a hand to help Tooru up.
The minor prince grabbed it and pulled himself up, casting a look of adoration and love that Atsumu knew too well on the other concubine before making his way to Osamu.
Atsumu watched as Hajime's eyes lingered on Tooru before bowing at the prince.
"Happy birthday, Your Highness. I wish you a safe delivery and a long, happy life." He kissed Atsumu's knuckles briefly, nodding at the omega prince with reverence.
Atsumu nodded back.
Hajime had successfully tracked down Osamu's assassin, and Osamu was finally allowed outside palace walls again.
The King was beyond happy, always paying their local markets a visit, oftentimes seen accompanied by a certain sorcerer.
Everything was falling into place, and Atsumu was glad he took Hajime in.
"Prince Atsumu," Kita Shinsuke called.
He curtsied before the prince and kissed his knuckles. "Happy birthday, dear prince."
Atsumu couldn't contain the smile on his face. There was no denying that Shinsuke looked exceptionally handsome in purple, the deep shade of violet bringing out his golden eyes even more.
Atsumu once loved these golden eyes deeply, but he knew now that he preferred men with dark eyes better.
Nonetheless, Shinsuke was still incredible.
And Ojiro Aran is a lucky man.
"I truly owe you my life for all you have done for me, but I am certain you already know that, so I will not bore you any longer with the knowledge you already have," the scholar said softly.
"But I am genuinely grateful for you and am proud to be by your side, although the circumstances might differ now. Nevertheless, may all your dreams come true. You certainly deserve no less, dear Atsumu."
Shinsuke briefly rested his forehead against the prince's knuckles as a sign of utmost respect.
"Thank you, Shinsuke. And yes, my dreams are already coming true."
Atsumu rubbed his stomach gently and had never seen Shinsuke smile so brightly.
"I have matters regarding the fundings and economics of our kingdom that I must discuss with you tonight," Shinsuke informed as he stood up. "Will Kiyoomi be joining us?"
Just then, the doors of the banquet hall were thrown open again.
"Announcing the arrival of the prince's royal consort, Miya Kiyoomi!"
Atsumu grinned widely. "Yes, we will be there."
Kiyoomi was as beautiful as ever.
His usually untamed and unruly curls were gelled to the side tonight, and the royal consort was also sporting a fresh undercut.
He wore a crimson suit tailored to fit him like a glove, a golden sash identical to the prince's thrown across his broad chest proudly.
"Palace life must be treating him well," he heard them whisper amongst themselves. "He's practically glowing like an omega who has just been bonded."
'No, it was the people in the palace that have been treating me well,' Kiyoomi thought but made no effort to correct them. People can think about what they want because his life with his mate is not for show.
He trudged across the room to the throne. In his arms was a massive bouquet of marigolds embedded with diamonds.
He chose marigolds because they were golden like his mate's hair, but they also symbolized strength and power, just as Atsumu had demonstrated from the start, albeit in secret.
When Kiyoomi reached the steps to the throne, Atsumu was staring at him intently, his smile never leaving.
Kiyoomi smiled back.
"My prince," he said. "My mate, my love. Happiest of birthdays to you."
Kiyoomi presented the bouquet to Atsumu, who gladly accepted it.
"You are my source of strength and joy," Kiyoomi continued. "And I exist solely for you. I adore you just as the sun adores the moon's glimmer, and I need you just as the moon needs the sun to shine. You are everything good in life itself, and I wish to always bask in your light. So please, accept this gift from me, which I was supposed to give you on the night of our wedding, but failed to."
Kiyoomi had the entire kingdom holding their breath as he got on one knee and started undoing the buttons on his suit.
"Uh... Kiyoomi?" King Osamu called, but the raven ignored him.
After unbuttoning the top three buttons, Kiyoomi bared his neck to his mate, where his scent gland was.
"Will you mark me, and claim me as your own, Your Highness?"
It wasn't like it was unheard of for an alpha to be marked and claimed by their mate; it was certainly uncommon, and never was it ever practised by Inarizaki's royalty.
Marking an alpha meant total submission and obedience to their mate. It was against an alpha's nature to submit to their mate, let alone an omega mate.
Atsumu got up from his throne and made his way to Kiyoomi. He bent down and bit him on the neck, gently enough to not draw blood but hard enough to leave a mark.
It would have been an awkward moment if it wasn't for Atsumu's delighted purrs resounding against the banquet hall walls.
When he was done, Prince Atsumu pulled his mate up and kissed him in front of the crowd, where they applauded the couple.
"Once again, you have outdone yourself, Kiyoomi," Atsumu mumbled into the alpha's ear, his eyes watering from Kiyoomi's grand display of love.
"I am not quite done yet, my love," Kiyoomi whispered back, kissing the top of his head.
"Hey, hey! Be careful with them, now! Don't go breaking the prince's gift!" Barked General Kuroo, who entered the banquet hall with his men behind him. They pulled along two large objects the size of a small bed each, a silk cloth thrown over them.
"Kiyoomi, what is this?" Atsumu questioned, squeezing his mate's hand.
"My last gift for you, dear Prince." Kiyoomi gestured to the gift. "Go see what it is."
Prince Atsumu giggled and made his way down the steps. Everyone watched curiously as General Kuroo bowed. "Happy birthday, Your Highness. We hope you like it."
The knights pushed off the cloth, and Atsumu squealed in delight. "It is beautiful!"
The prince excitedly ran his hand over the surface of the wooden cradle, looking back at his husband. "I love it so much! But, Kiyoomi… Why are there two?"
Kiyoomi hugged his mate from the back and put a hand over his bump protectively. "Because Rintarou sensed that there were two in here."
"Just like Osamu and me?"
Kiyoomi kissed the back of the prince's ear. "Just like Osamu and you. Happy birthday, my queen."
When Kiyoomi bent down to kiss Atsumu's bare foot as a sign of complete devotion, no one dared to comment on the matter, but he felt their pitiful eyes on him.
People still thought that he was forced to love the prince, that he was an alpha chained down by a mere omega, stripped bare and humiliated. But what they thought mattered no more because they knew nothing about Kiyoomi or his husband.
And all these people think love is for show, but Kiyoomi would die for Atsumu in secret, because Atsumu was his, and he was Atsumu's, and there was nobody else.
From the steps of the throne, Kiyoomi glanced down to see the prince's notorious harem, and he couldn't feel more at peace in his heart.