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Chapter Text

Growing up, Donghyuck was always told "We must be willing to sacrifice anything for our kingdom." or "It is our duty to serve our country. We must do what we must." From a young age, Donghyuck was told about the duties of the royal family. They are a beacon of hope for their subjects. If hard times fell on the kingdom, it was up to the royal family to find a solution. The royals have to be willing to give their lives away in order to save their subjects. That is what makes a good monarchy and the difference between a happy kingdom and a village uprising.

It is not that Donghyuck doesn't like being a prince, not really. He even loves some aspects of being a royal. For starters, he has the role of making the first meal of the spring now that he has had his first heat, which is a huge honor that Donghyuck loves. While it is taxing, Donghyuck likes making his loved ones happy. He also is the member of the family to visit orphans every month to bring them food, clothes, and toys. Having the children look up to him makes him smile so hard his cheeks hurt by the end of those days.

As much as there are good things about being a prince, there are just as many bad things that come with them. Donghyuck understands the responsibilities that come with being a part of the royal family. He understands the need to sacrifice some of his personal life for the better of the kingdom. But there is a line there. He is willing to give away parts of his life; things like how little free time he gets or how he has to pretend to like all of the visiting noblemen in order not to start conflicts for his kingdom. Small things that are merely inconveniences. What he is not willing to give up is the decision to decide his own future. And Donghyuck does not think that is selfish. All he wants is that one thing, does that make him so terrible?

His parents never seem to get it though. They willingly give their lives to serve. They got married when his mom was only sixteen, only a year younger than Donghyuck himself. They hadn't even met prior to that; their wedding day was the first meeting. Donghyuck never understood how his parents were able to marry complete strangers. Sure, it worked out and they fell in love eventually, but that is a rarity. Donghyuck could not do that. He could not just sign his life away to some alpha that he knows nothing about. Just the thought of it makes Donghyuck sick.

If this makes Donghyuck seem selfish and spoiled, he really does not care.

The morning starts like any other. It is just a little after dawn, the sun starting to rise to brighten the day. Donghyuck always enjoys waking up to watch the sunrise, especially since it is summer. The late July heat can be annoying, but Donghyuck was born in the summer, he thrives in it. Early morning dew has settled outside, covering the garden in a soft twinkle. Donghyuck loves this view.

It's still quiet in the family wing of the palace, Donghyuck knows that he is usually the first one awake out of his brothers. Jaehyun should be waking up soon, even with his mate away for a few days, Jaehyun is still running on the schedule that Taeyong set. Taeyong has a schedule for everything and he does not like when time is wasted. It is funny to think of. Jaehyun used to be like Taeil and Doyoung, they all could sleep all day if they were allowed but Taeyong did not allow laziness.

After Donghyuck washed up and changed for the day, he went a few doors down to his alpha brother's room. Just like he had predicted, Jaehyun looks like he woke up a few minutes ago, hair wild and his bedding rumpled. Jaehyun was by a window doing some morning stretches. Donghyuck can already tell the lack of Taeyong's nagging has allowed for Jaehyun to have a messy room. Taeyong is going to have a heart attack.

"Good morning Jae Hyung." Donghyuck greets his brother.

Jaehyun finally notices his presence and smiles, "Oh, good morning Donghyuckie. What brings you here this lovely morning baby brother?"

Donghyuck flops himself down among the many pillows on his brother's bed and pouts. " I am not a baby anymore, Hyung, I am almost 18."

"Almost 18? You turned 17 only 2 months ago. I would hardly say that that is "almost" anything, Hyuck." Jaehyun laughs.

"Well, I am far from being a baby, so stop treating me like one." Jaehyun would take Donghyuck more seriously if he weren’t pouting like a small child.

"Hey, you still didn't tell me what you're doing here. You do remember that Taeyong isn't here, right?"

"Of course, how could I forget that my favorite hyung left me." Donghyuck loves Taeyong. With the two of them being the only Omegas in the family, they naturally gravitated to each other. It was nice having Taeyong to go to with certain problems only another Omega can relate to. "And I decided to stop by just to see you. Is that so hard to believe?

The dubious eyebrow raise that Jaehyun gives him is an answer in itself.

"So, breakfast will be ready shortly, want to walk down with me?" Donghyuck offers instead.

"Sure, Little Brother. Just allow me to wash up. Meet me outside in 5 minutes?"

"Sure, don’t be late." Donghyuck bounds out of the bedroom and makes his way back to his own. He can hear some movement down the hall which means that Taeil has just been woken up and will be out and about soon enough. Doyoung may still be dead to the world. He just arrived yesterday from a month-long trip, so Donghyuck will allow him some leniency. He is always so work oriented and selfless, Donghyuck worries about him sometimes.

Donghyuck makes quick work over rearranging his blanket and pillows and picks up some loose articles of clothing and a few books off the floor. He has an attendant for this but Donghyuck doesn't like others touching his personal things, so he does this himself. He still has his room deep cleaned once a week at his mother's insistence. When he deems his room adequate, he once again leaves and heads back down the hallway. Right as he approached Jaehyun's room, the alpha steps out looking refreshed and ready for the day.

"Perfect, let's head to the dining room and eat, I am starving." Donghyuck had recently went through a heat and that always left him feeling weak, he never liked eating while in heat. His heats always took a lot out of him. He had his first heat a month before his birthday and his body is still regulating itself. Some omegas have irregular heats for the first six months of their presentation and Donghyuck is unluckily one of those said omegas.

When the two brothers made it downstairs, their parents were already sitting at the table, nibbling on some fruit and bread. They look as perfect as expected of the King and Queen of Chalrete even in the early hours of the day. Donghyuck still cannot figure out what their secret is to being perfect all the time. It is quite scary.

"Good morning Father. Good morning Mother." Jaehyun and Donghyuck greet in unison.

"Good morning Jaehyun, Donghyuck. Are the others awake yet?" Their mother asks, giving both of her sons a small smile as they sit down.

"I heard Taeil moving around as I left my bedroom, so he might be joining us soon. I highly doubt that Doyoung-Hyung has moved an inch since he returned." Donghyuck informs his mother. He helps himself to the food that is spread on the table, quickly stealing an extra pastry when his mother glanced away. She was always nagging him about watching what he eats and staying thin but Donghyuck is feeling ravenous, so he risks the disparagement for some extra nourishment.

"Hmm, well a maid is going to wake them, we need to discuss something of the utmost importance."

Both princes shared a questioning stare. There is no telling what their parents needed to share. Were they going to war? Did one of their relatives die? They sit in a worried silence; they know better to ask questions without permission. A few minutes later, Taeil and Doyoung finally make their way into the room. Taeil looks a bit tired, but he looks substantially better than Doyoung, who has dark bags under his eyes and looks ready to fall asleep at any second.

"Mother, Father, what is so important that I had to wake before noon?" Doyoung grumbles grumpily.

"Have a seat, son." The King does not bother to explain himself yet.

When Taeil and Doyoung both get settled and look a little more awake, their mother clears her throat, and they all turn to her. "Your father and I have some wonderful news."

Donghyuck sighs. Whenever his parents say they have wonderful news, it always turns out to be a nightmare. Like that time their aunt came to stay with them for a few months when Donghyuck was twelve. Never again.

"Yesterday we had received a letter from the Kingdom of Purene, I am certain you all remember them. It seems that the King is terribly ill, and they want their son to take over the kingdom. The only problem is that the Crown Prince has to be married to take the throne."

"That is unfortunate, but what does that have to do with us, Mother?" Taeil asks the question they are all wondering.

"Well, they sent a proposal to us. It seems that they are interested in marrying Minhyung with our little Donghyuck!" Their mother exclaimed like it was the best news ever.

"What?!" Donghyuck exclaims in horror. He did not just hear that correctly.

"Yes, my dear! You will be married to a crown prince! Isn't that exciting?" His mother is beaming like this is the best news she's received in years. Probably since Jaehyun got married to Taeyong.

"What? No mother! How can I be married when I had just turned 17?" Has his mother finally succumbed to the pressures of being queen? She must be crazy.

"That's fine dear. Minhyung has just had is 19th birthday, so the age gap is not big." She is smiling like Donghyuck was really worried about the age gap, which appalls Donghyuck even more. "And he is such a gentleman, you will love him, my dear. He will be the perfect Alpha for you."

"But… I am not ready to be mated! I still need time! I had my first heat only a few months ago!"

"Nonsense! Donghyuck by the time the wedding comes around, you will be the finest bride."

And this is his worst nightmare coming to life. Donghyuck was always told that he might have to be mated to someone, even if he did not want that for himself. It is the downside of being the only omega offspring, everyone looks at him when it is time for an agreement to be made or a proposal coming. Donghyuck thought he was safe for at least another year; times have changed, and omegas have started mating at a later age. Most do not even get proposals until their 18th year. What did Donghyuck ever do to make the heavens hate him?

However, Donghyuck knows that his parents will not entertain any of his complaints. By telling him of the arrangement, Donghyuck knows that they have already accepted on his behalf and they will not change their minds.

"Will I be able to meet him before the wedding at least?" It is a small thing to ask, but Donghyuck knows of some of his acquaintances that got mated without even meeting each other prior to the ceremony.

"Hmm, perhaps, but do not hold your breath. Minhyung is taking charge of his kingdom and fulfilling his father's wishes before he passes. He may not have time to come see you." His parents deem the conversation over after that. Both of them excuse themselves from the table, leaving the four princes in a stiff silence.

Donghyuck is the first one to speak minutes later.

"What just happened?" Donghyuck says, disbelief in his voice and a bit shaken.

"Are you okay, Hyuckie?" Doyoung asks cautiously.

"I don't even know, Hyung. What is happening?"

"It's okay, Hyuck, it's not the end of the world." Jaehyun tries to comfort him.

"It is to me! How can I just get up and marry someone I don't even know?! How am I supposed to marry a complete stranger? How can they do this to me?!" Donghyuck felt like crying. "It's different from you, at least you already liked Taeyong! I don't even know what Minhyung looks like!"

"I’m sorry, Hyuck. I know that our situations are different. I just want you to know that this doesn't have to be the end of your life."

"It is going to be alright Donghyuck. I am sure our parents will never put you in a situation to be hurt. They must know that Minhyung is a good Alpha that will be able to care for you as a proper mate." Doyoung goes to hug the small omega but the younger pushes him away.

"But they didn't even ask me before they just gave me up! They were not thinking about me and my well-being. All they are thinking about is how this will benefit our kingdom! How can they be so selfish?!"

With that, Donghyuck runs away from his brother, and heads for his bedroom. He makes sure to slam the door as loudly as possible.

Chapter Text

Donghyuck is still in shock.

It has been over a week since his parents sprung an engagement on him and he still feels like he is living in a nightmare. His mother, however,  is already making plans. They have set the day of the ceremony to the beginning of winter, giving Donghyuck approximately four months before he has to leave everything he knows and go live in a brand-new kingdom, away from his parents, brothers, and any familiarity.

Donghyuck just wants to stop everything. It seems that ever since the engagement was announced, Donghyuck has not been able to be by himself. If it wasn't his mother, then it was one of his brothers, and if not them, a maid. Donghyuck always had something going on. He has been to three different fitting already, his mother has an elaborate plan to make him wear three different outfits for the day: one for the ceremony, one for the dancing, and one for the feast. All of the fabrics are handmade and a specialty that has to be shipped from Sanrya which will take at least three weeks to be prepared and shipped. Everything will be intricate and showy, as it is custom for an omega's family to provide the grandest sendoff possible and since this is the royal family, it has to be that much more special.

Donghyuck finally was able to escape to his room after an hour-long discussion of what color the tablecloths should be. Donghyuck wants to claw his own eyes out, all of this is so infuriating. Mating ceremonies are supposed to be a joyous time for both parties, but Donghyuck is anything but happy; and chances are Minhyung doesn't even know what is happening with the preparations. The only thing Donghyuck wants to do is meet his future mate but even that looks like it will not happen. His father at least did that for him, they had sent a letter off to Purene a week ago but so far there has not been any communication back. Donghyuck is trying to hold on to some hope but he isn't selfish. He knows that Minhyung's father is dying, but it would still be nice to see him before they mate.

The omega gets maybe a quarter hour of alone time before someone is knocking at his door once again.

"Your highness? The Queen has requested your presence in her quarters." Donghyuck recognizes the voice as belonging to Yerim, a servant girl that Donghyuck is quite fond of.

Donghyuck sighs. "I am on my way. Tell her I will be there shortly."

"My prince, she had said now."

His mother is a pain in the ass. "Fine."

When Donghyuck enters his mother's bedroom, he notices that she isn't alone, the family physician is also present, medical bag in hand.

"Hello Dr. Kim, what brings you here? Is my mother alright?" As much as Donghyuck despises his mother right now, he does not wish for her to fall ill. He is not cruel.

"Hello, Prince Donghyuck. I came here on request from your mother, but she is perfectly fine from what I know of."

Donghyuck turns his attention to the said woman. "Mother? Care to explain then?"

"My dear, Dr. Kim is here to give you an exam."

"An exam?" Donghyuck is not sick and his heats have not been too out of hand, so why does he need a physical so suddenly?

" Yes, my little omega. We need to make sure you are healthy enough to carry an heir for Minhyung. We would not want to give him a defective mate, now would we?"

Well, of course.

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"Donghyuck, darling, why are you not dressed? She's going to be here any minute!"

"Mother! She is not even coming until noon!"

"Yes, and we still have things to do. We need to make you look presentable." The Queen looks peeved at him, but Donghyuck just wants to get some more sleep, he went to bed late last night and is so tired from the constant back and forth he has been doing lately.

"Can't I have another five minutes?"

"No. Now get up this instant."

Donghyuck huffs, but gets up, nonetheless. Today is a day he has been dreading for a while. He has to meet his future mother-in-law today and Donghyuck feels so scared. He has never met the woman, but from all the books that he had read about evil mothers-in-law, he is anxious to finally meet her. And to add even more pressure, Minhyung's cousin will also be coming. The cousin is apparently another omega and he lives in the palace with them, so Donghyuck must impress him as much as he has to impress the queen.

Donghyuck is rushed into the bath house and is scrubbed until his skin starts to turn pink. The maids douse him in fragrant perfumes, and he is dressed in some of his finest clothes. The way that he was being prepared, one would think that his wedding was that very day.

The only saving grace is that Taeyong is finally back from visiting his sick cousin. The older omega was quite shocked to find out out what happened while he was away, the last thing he expected when he got back was Donghyuck being prepared to be claimed. But because he is Taeyong, he immediately got to work helping out. Having been through the experience of being mated and sent to live in a foreign kingdom himself, Donghyuck found that Taeyong was a comforting presence.

Taeyong is trying to get him dressed but Donghyuck is making that hard to do with how much he is squirming. "Donghyuckie, can you hold still for me, so I don't accidentally poke you?"

Taeyong is so polite even though Donghyuck is the one making this hard. "Sorry Hyung. This is just so uncomfortable."

"We'll be finished shortly, so bear with me for just a little bit longer."

By the time Donghyuck is all made up, it is nearly noon. The Queen (is it bad that he does not know what her name is) will be arriving any second now and Donghyuck is a nervous wreck.

"How did you do this, Hyung? I feel like I will vomit any second."

Taeyong offers a gentle smile and takes the younger omega's hand in his own. "Calm down, Hyuck. It's okay to be nervous but I am sure that it is uncalled for. I have met Queen Minyoung before, and she is quite pleasant. She might be intimidating at first, but I believe she will fall in love with you very quickly. You have a way with people, you'll charm her in no time at all."

"Yeah, but this isn't just anyone, this is my mother-in-law we're talking about."

"And she will love you," Taeyong drags him out of the room and they head to the front door. "Now, be polite, smile, and act like yourself."

Donghyuck does not even get the chance to whine about not wanting to do this because the grand doors are being opened and The Queen of Purene is being announced. Donghyuck cannot breathe. The Queen has an air of importance surrounding her that makes her seem untouchable. She is beautiful and still quite young looking. Donghyuck vaguely remembers reading that she had married Minhyung's father when he was already in his late 40s and she was in her mid-20s. That means that she is not even 50 yet.

Donghyuck takes a deep breath. This is it. He has only one chance to make a first impression and he knows that if he messes this up his parents will most likely kill him. Not wanting to face the wrath of the King and Queen of Chalrete, Donghyuck pastes his best smile on his face and steps forward.

"Good afternoon, milady. My family and I are honored to welcome you into our kingdom."

The Queen, Minyoung Donghyuck remembers Taeyong saying, is not subtle in the way she looks him up and down, but she still smiles at him graciously.

"Ah, you must be Donghyuck. It is a pleasure to finally meet the young omega promised to my son."

"No, the pleasure is all mine, my queen." Donghyuck says in his most omega-like voice.

"Such a pleasant boy. You can call me Minyoung. You and I will be seeing a lot more of each other. Oh! And I forgot, Na Jaemin? Will you come over here, dear?"

Donghyuck did not even notice this young omega that was standing behind Minyoung and he doesn't know how he could not. This boy is mesmerizing. He has big expressive eyes, the perfect complexion, and a slim figure. He smiles down at Donghyuck, being a few inches taller than him.

"Hi Donghyuck, my name is Jaemin!" He has the most perfect teeth and a wide smile. No, Donghyuck is not jealous at all. "I am Minhyung's cousin and I hope to become to friends with you! We are both omegas and the same age! Isn't that exciting?"

Donghyuck does like the idea of having another omega living with him, especially since he has to leave Taeyong. "That sounds wonderful, I hope we will become the closest of friends, Jaemin." Donghyuck is not even being sarcastic. He needs as many allies as possible in his future home.

"So," Minyoung interrupts before Jaemin can go on with his plans for Donghyuck and him, "Is there somewhere we can sit and talk?"

"Oh yes! The weather is so pleasant today so we will be having lunch out on the terrace. Please come with me. " Donghyuck says, leading the two royals with him through his palace.

The garden is beautiful at this time of year. The trees are full and green, the fishpond is sparkling from the shine of the summer sun and the impressive collection of flowers are in full bloom and fragrant as ever. Donghyuck used to love spending his days out here hiding in berry bushes or sitting under the shade of his favorite tree. As he got older, he did not have as much time to spend out here but whenever he had some time, he would grab one of his favorite novels and sit and absorb the sun. Donghyuck will miss this place.

"Wow, Donghyuck, you have a beautiful home." Jaemin comments, curious eyes taking in the sights.

"Thank you, Jaemin-ssi."

When the three of them get seated they are served some tea, salad and rolls. Donghyuck had practically begged his brothers to join him for lunch, and while Taeyong was almost convinced, his parents put their foots down. Donghyuck is going to have to make it through this whole luncheon without any help.

Minyoung takes a sip of her tea then speaks up, "I'm sorry that Minhyung could not make it here. I know that your mother mentioned that you want to meet him before the wedding, but he is just so overwhelmed at the moment. So Jaemin and I decided to come instead. I am sorry for just springing this on you, but I really want to talk to you Donghyuck."

"And I as well Lady Minyoung." Donghyuck doesn't have many questions for her, but it will be nice to get to know her more. And Jaemin too.

"Well now is the time. You can I ask me anything, because after today, we will not see each until the wedding. " And if that isn't pressuring.

Donghyuck decides to ask the foremost question that has been going through his head since he heard of the proposal, "My first question is why did Minhyung pick me of all people? Surely there are many omegas that are much better suited to marry the crown prince? I have not even met Prince Minhyung before, so how can he be interested in me?"

Minyoung probably expected that question because she answers only after a few seconds.

"Well, when I had asked Minhyung what he would like in a mate, he said someone close to his age. I immediately thought of you. I have not seen you since you were a young tot, but I remembered how beautiful you were. I thought you would be perfect for my son. Minhyung immediately agreed when I mentioned your name."

"So Minhyung...he knows about me?" Donghyuck is fairly sure he has never met Minhyung. He has barely ever left Chalrete and he has never even been close to Purene.

"A little. Of course, he hasn't seen how beautiful you have become over the years. He is excited to meet you. He wishes that he could have made the journey to come see you but just know that it is not because he does not care."

"That makes me a little more relaxed." Donghyuck doesn't think he could live with an alpha that is uninterested in him. If he is to be mated, he wants a mate that is at least willing to get to know him. "Okay, so the next question is kind of one for the future. "

"And what may that be?"

"When am I expected to have a child?" Donghyuck has been worrying over this for weeks now. Because he is still regulating his heat cycle, his body is out of sorts. Adding to the stress is what will happen after mating. An omega's hormonal balance can become unstable when they mate, and with Donghyuck's already irregular hormones, he is sure that a pregnancy will be too much for his body. The family physician had told him that it is possible for him to have a child, but it is not advised for at least a year. All his mother heard was that he could get pregnant now.

"As soon as possible."

"Really?"

"Minhyung is going to have to provide an heir. The sooner you give him one, the more stable his position is as king."

"But what if I can't get pregnant for a time? Will that be fine?"

Minyoung sighed. "Donghyuck, I would not want you to hurt yourself trying to get pregnant. While I would like a grandchild, I do not want your health to suffer for it. As long as you provide an heir within two years, I will allow it."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

The Queen smiles, "You are such a catch! I cannot let you go that easily. Now, allow me to ask some questions about you."

Donghyuck nodded. "Okay, go ahead."

"First off, are you a virgin?" As blunt as she was, Donghyuck expected this question. Apparently Jaemin, who has been sitting quietly to the side, was not expecting it and chokes on his salad. It's funny to Donghyuck but he does not want to risk insulting the other omega by laughing at him. Instead, Donghyuck answers the question.

"Yes." He squeaks awkwardly

Minyoung laughs. "Good. Next is what are your strong points? You have to be there at your alpha's side, and occasionally you have to do somethings as well."

"Well, I've been told I am very mature and bright for my age. I am also interested in politics and I love all my people. I go to the village every month to spend time with the orphans. And I am also in charge giving out food during the winter festival."

"Good! Those sound like the qualities of a future ruler! I must say Donghyuck, you are most impressive. Jaemin does some of his own things in our kingdom, I am sure he is willing to include you in those activities."

Jaemin perks up, "Of course! I would love some help!"

"Thank you, lady Minyoung, thank you Jaemin-ssi. I can't explain how grateful I am. "

Minyoung reaches over the table and squeezes Donghyuck's hand. "Oh no, Donghyuck, it is me who should be grateful. Thank you for agreeing to this marriage." 

Donghyuck is still against getting mated. But... if he was forced to choose a mate, maybe Minhyung isn't so bad. At least his family seem nice. Maybe Minhyung will be just as pleasant.

Chapter Text

Na Jaemin is an interesting person.

Donghyuck was not sure what he expected from him... but he certainly is not it.

Jaemin is exceedingly kind, so much so that it makes Donghyuck a little uncomfortable. He has never had someone be so touchy with him, his own brothers merely tolerate his affection, so let alone someone that he had just met. Jaemin does not seem to mind that however, he has been grabbing Donghyuck's hand and dragging him all around the palace, has taken to hugging Donghyuck at random times, has even kissed him on the cheek.

Donghyuck had looked at Minyoung questioningly after Jaemin had squished his cheeks, but the queen just chuckled.

"You must really have a way with people Donghyuck-ah, Jaemin usually is only like this with people he is close with."

Donghyuck is not sure what exactly he had done to impress Jaemin so quickly, but at least Jaemin doesn't hate him. He doesn't think he could live in a palace with people that want to get rid of him.

Shortly after they finished lunch, Minyoung had excused herself to go speak with Donghyuck's parents, leaving Donghyuck with Jaemin. The other omega looked excited to have a chance to talk with Donghyuck and had immediately urged Donghyuck to show him around his home.

They converse some, Jaemin asks Donghyuck about himself and in turn Donghyuck asks about him. Donghyuck learns that Jaemin came to live with Minhyung's family in Purene when he was 10, after his parents were killed during an uprising. While Jaemin is a prince, he is not in line for the throne, so he does not have as much pressure on him and royal duties. Jaemin is quite in love with serving the people of Purene, he says that he goes to town multiple times a week and helps any way he can. Donghyuck does his own work in his kingdom, but his parents only let him go out once a month. He isn't as free as Jaemin apparently.

Jaemin tells describes Purene to him, all the frosty winters and the cool summers. the beautiful camellias that will be in bloom soon, he even tells Donghyuck about the frozen lake that he and his cousins like to skate on.

Donghyuck also learns some things about Minhyung. Jaemin says that he is very bright and talented, he is an excellent swordsman, and he excels at horseback riding. Jaemin tells him some embarrassing stories of their childhood, such as the time Minghyung almost got hypothermia from being buried in the snow.

Donghyuck laughs along at all of the tales and anecdotes. It is nice to hear them, it makes him think of his future mate as a young man that is not too different from Donghyuck. All Donghyuck has heard about Minhyung are his many accomplishments, or his titles, or even about the many omegas that throw themselves at him at gatherings. Since Donghyuck won't be meeting him until the ceremony, the least he can do is question his siblings who have interacted with the Alpha prince before.

"You know, Donghyuckie," Jaemin says to him when they have been all over the palace and the sun is setting, "I think you will be good for Minghyung. He doesn't have much fun anymore and he is always stressed. I hope that you will be able to bring back the Minhyung that I grew up with."

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"Are you feeling okay? You look a little out of it."

Jeno and Minhyung are outside, enjoying the nice weather by going for a ride. Minhyung usually is the happiest when he is riding his beloved horse and is extremely competitive, but today Minhyung did not even crack a smile. He just seems lost in his own head, has been for days. Jeno takes his duties of being the prince's knight seriously, but he takes his role as Minhyung's best friend even more so.

Minhyung finally looks at Jeno and sighs. “I’m sorry I haven't been much fun recently; I'm just wondering what my mother is up to. I can't imagine what she must be saying to Donghyuck."

Jeno laughs. "Yeah, her highness can be a little intimidating."

"A little? She must be scaring him to death." Minhyung sighs.

"Our Queen is only mean when she has to be, I can't imagine her being rude to your future mate. All she wants is to make sure that Donghyuck-ssi is going to be a capable mate and future ruler."

"Yes, but I cannot help but worry. I wish that I could have gone as well."

"I have been wondering why you did not go with your mother." Jeno says with a raised eyebrow.

"I could not leave my father here by himself, he is getting worse every day and I need to be here for him. I trust my mother to know what she is doing. Besides, most of what they are doing is planning for our ceremony and I do not need to be there for that.""

"I'm just surprised that you voluntarily stayed behind. Does Donghyuck not interest you as much as before? I thought you were quite in love with him."

"No, he does, really. I just… I will leave the details to my mother." Minhyung tells his best friend.

"I heard that arranged marriages never work out. I hope you carefully think this through."

"Thanks. I know Donghyuck, and I feel like he is a really outstanding person."

Jeno hums in thought. "But you do not know do you?"

"No, but I will soon." Minghyung says, leaving Jeno standing in the horse stables.

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"Hyung, mother is coming back soon." Jisung, Minhyung's younger brother, says. He sits down on his older brother's bed, crossing his legs.

"I am quite aware of that Jisung." Minhyung does not even glance up from the papers spread across his desk to acknowledge his brother's presence.

"Sooo," Jisung drawls out," When do I get to meet my new family member? I want to make sure he is compatible with us. We do not need someone that cannot fit in here."

"I am sure Donghyuck will be able to fit in here, and we do not get to see him until the day of the wedding. I thought we talked about that already." Minhyung says, not interested in having this conversation with the younger brother again.

"I know, but I wanted to know if anything changed."

"In the last three hours you asked? That is not how it works Jisung-ah."

Jisung pouts. "Fine, I can see when I am not wanted. I am leaving."

"I am glad you are aware of that. Make sure you do not bother Father with your incessant talking."

This statement makes Jisung's pout turn into a scowl." You are so mean. I will make sure to tell Donghyuck hyung about that."

Jisung stomps out of the room, slamming the door behind.

Minhyung sighs when he hears the door close. He loves his brother, but sometimes the younger can be very irritating. The fourteen-year-old alpha pup is very mischievous and curious. It is cute sometimes, but most of the times Minhyung finds himself getting agitated by him.

Minhyung decides that he should get ready for dinner, knowing his mother will be back in time for it. She will most definitely want to tell Mark every single detail of her visit. Minhyung knows that she will not spare anything, picking apart every aspect of Donghyuck. Hopefully Jaemin was also able to get to know Donghyuck, Minhyung trusts his cousin to have been friendly with his betrothed.

When Minhyung finishes dressing, he still has a few moments to spare before dinner, so he heads toward his parent’s chambers.

The King is there as expected, looking over some papers. He must feel better today as he is able to sit up in his bed.

"Good evening, father." Minhyung greets.

"Oh, Minhyung-ah! What brings you here?"

"I just want to check on you. I was told that you did not finish your meal earlier today."

"Yes, I was not very hungry."

"Father, you know that it is important for you to eat your meals before you take your medicine. I hope you are not overexerting yourself." Minhyung says.

"You need not worry about me, my son. I am fine."

"I know and I apologize Father. I worry for you because your health is deteriorating, I just do not want anything to happen you."

The King sighs, "Minhyung, you must know that I am trying my hardest to be here for you and your brother. It is unfortunate, but I am prepared for what will inevitably come from this illness. All we can do now is enjoy our moments together. Now, your mother should be arriving now. How about we go meet her together?"

Minhyung ignores the lump in his throat at the mention of his father passing, but the man is right. He should enjoy the moments he has while he still can.

"Yes, let's go welcome Mother home."

----------

The Queen makes a grand entrance into the dining room. Her hair flowed perfectly behind her as she walked over to the table. Jaemin trails in behind her, not as grandly, but just as stunningly. Minhyung has no interest in Jaemin, but he can admit that he is exquisite.

"Good evening, everyone! Did you miss me?" Queen Minyoung is always bold in everything she does, even if it's greeting her family after a time apart.

"I missed you, other!" Jisung says, running to hug her. He always wants attention.

The Queen smiles at her youngest son. "I missed you too, my love. I hope you were a good little angel while I was gone."

"Yes mother, I am always a little angel."

"Yes, I know you are." The Queen kisses Jisung's cheek before turning to her older son. "How are you Minhyung dear?"

"As well as I can be right now." Minhyung replies.

"How wonderful. I have to say Minhyung, that Lee Donghyuck is quite the beauty, inside and out. He has this grace that he carries himself with, but also will not hesitate to speak out if he thinks something is wrong. I think he will be an excellent match for you."

"Well, I knew no one else would be compatible with me." Minhyung says.

Jaemin speaks up, "I think you will fall in love with him very quickly, Minhyung. Donghyuck is quite fun and very bright."

"Yes, you will love him. He also has more than three brothers, so his family is very fertile. That is the most important point."

"If you say so." Minhyung mumbles under his breath. He could like Donghyuck all he wants but if the omega could not give him children, his mother would be moving on to the next omega in line.

Later that night, Minhyung is lying in his spacious bed. He cannot help not to think about Donghyuck. The younger prince seemed too good to be true. His mother rarely praises people, so for her to have nothing but good things to say about the Omega is saying quite a lot. Minhyung can't help but think there is a catch.

What if the two are not as compatible as he thinks. What if Donghyuck hates him? That might be the case, seeing as how young he is. Donghyuck might be a little too immature for marriage, and Minhyung feels bad. He does not want to force Donghyuck into this. He cannot even begin to think how the younger must feel. He is being married off to someone he has never met and taken away from his family. That is not something that should be taken lightly.

Not to mention the boy is expected to have children. Minhyung knows how hard it is to carry children.

Minhyung wonders if Donghyuck will be able to deal with the pressure of being married to the Crown Prince. Donghyuck is supposed to be the kind face that everyone in the kingdom admires, what if Donghyuck does not please his people?

And that leads him to thinking if his people will like their new ruler. Minhyung would rather not have a rebellion for anything like that.

"Really Minhyung? Will you please stop torturing yourself and go to sleep?" Jeno says from the corner of the room, slightly irritated.

"Sorry, I was just thinking." Minhyung apologizes.

"Well stop thinking and go to sleep. Your poor brain needs some rest."

Minhyung chuckles. "Okay. Good night to you Sir Jeno."

"Oh please. Go to sleep before I smother you with your own pillows."