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"α кιηg σηℓу вσωѕ ∂σωη тσ нιѕ qυєєη"

"Louis, darling, would you come downstairs for a moment, please?" his mother asks, hovering in the morsel of his doorway.

Drowsily comprehending her words, Louis feels his dead weight sink into the mattress. Now? He stirs sluggishly in the sea of his bedsheets, long limbs spreading and stretching out sore, weary muscles subconsciously. He mutters, spilling incoherent words into his fluffy pillow.

"Pardon?" comes his mother's nasal voice. It's not actually nasal, but it's the morning, and Louis' senses are still ripe.

Louis grumbles. You chose now to want my attention... He feels his tired mind reel with bitterness suddenly. "'M gon' ge' up...," he tells her, remiss.

"'Get up'?" his mother snips, an intolerace gaining in her tone. "You will get up, you mean. Non of this dopey talk." It's freaking six 'o' clock in the morning; what'd you expect? "I'll expect you downstairs, showered, dressed, and ready by six thirty."

SIX THIRTY?! Louis almost squawks. He does react though, nearly giving himself a headache in the process as he whips his head up, craning to gawk at the insanity that was his mother. She is unaffected; she actually might've just smirked in her pride. Louis clenches his teeth, teetering on the edge of derision.

"Downstairs. Six-thirty," she reminds him. "Be there." She glides on her heel as she turns, but then halts, sylphlike fingers lingering on the edge of the door. "You are a prince after all, so best start acting like one, Louis." Then she's gone with a clamp of the door.

Awakened now, Louis tears his pillow from underneath him and launches it, watching disappointedly as the bag of fluff pats against the door and simply flops onto the carpet with a soft thump. Unsatisfied, Louis launches his second pillow - the one he only uses when he's emotional, though he won't ever never admit this. He also won't ever admit that this royalty thing -him being the prince of the ever-so-famous royal Tomlinson family and everything- absolutely drives him mad.

~*~*~*~

'Course Louis showers and dresses his best; 'course he complies to his parents. That's all the prince ever does. He wakes up, endures the same gruelling routine, then endures the day and all its suffocating expecttions piled up for him to fulfill, then he rests - the only time of the day he looks forward to. Sleep was his heaven; waking up was his hell. Unfortunately, Louis' become so accustomed to it he often forgets how aggravated he is ninety-nine percent of the time. The red seemed to have faded while ago; now, his wonted mind has simply lost the urge to care anymore.

Louis staggers, tired, as he attempts at the buttons on his jacket. Stupid small things. After that, he looks up to his reflection in the mirror. His hair's a mess. By instinct, and abide his fiesty frustration, he fixes the soggy mat of umber-brown just enough so he doesn't look horrendous. Louis drops his hand, then sighs. Another day of my life... great. He tries his breathing, applying the classic technique that soothes his blistering anger. In... out. In... out. He tries not to think; it only makes it worse.

After a few minutes, Louis has drowned out the unwanted emotion - and by unwanted, he means his parents would probably lose the sanity they have left in them on him if he lashed out to them. Defiance of any kind is an offence to his royal, I-am-better-than-everyone-else parents, so Louis (as much as it ires him) tries to limit the flooding emotions that provokes this - AKA anger.

He sighs again, absorbing his reflected image again. It's fine. He turns to the clock nesting on his nightstand. It reads six twenty-seven. Shoot. Louis brushes aside his obscuring fringe as he ambles downstairs, feeling the dread boil under his skin.

~*~*~*~

"... not that it's important. I mean, these guys have been out at sea most of their lives. They're ought to be delusional- oh! Er, Louis!"

Louis blinks up at his father who has words struggling on his lips. In a thin flicker of chagrin, his father composes himself, recovering his authority by using his stance of confidence to distract from the unprofessional inattentiveness of his only son. As if he cares, Louis snarls, the feeling burning and writhing inside him.

Louis smiles tightly. His father mimes him then gestures to the long, mahogany dining table - the one that's always empty, even during supper (Louis always hibernated in his room). The only times when life accompanied the table was during meetings or serious times... Great.

Louis nods ceremoniously to the gesture and takes a seat at the table, keeping his posture (because he's a prince). He stares blankly at the surface of the polished wood as he observes from the corner of his eyes as his father seats himself in the 'boss chair'; it's the most privileged chair that is plonked at the end of the table - a seat designed only for the King. His mother sits across from Louis.

Suddenly, Louis feels nervous. His sisters are not here, so obviously whatever his parents have planned is meant solely for him. He feels his chest burn and his stomach tingles with restlessness.

"Louis," his father starts, rumbling in that almighty, gravelly, low King tone, "as you know, you're an Omega."

Don't remind me. The prince has always felt a rather inappropriate resent towards his Inner Wolf -the Omega- ever since his Presenting. He'd always been a recalcitrant child -unbending to the rules- so it only made sense he'd assumed he'd turn out as Alpha - the dominant Second Gender. Unfortunately, his biology disagreed, and the revelation of the identity of his Inner Wolf became the biggest bash to Louis' dignity.

So, yeah, he was greatly insulted to find out what destiny had sought out for him - to be a submissive, insignificant, puny Omega. Don't get him wrong - Louis respect Omegas... he was just bitter about the fact that he was one. He wasn't supposed to be; Louis was meant to be the dominant one - not the pliant one. It didn't feel right in his heart, so therefore he acted out, trying to prove the worth of his true Alpha title.

Louis grumbles darkly, "Yeah." He refuses to look at them still and continues to stare at the table with blank eyes.

His father continues. "And as a royal Omega, it is tradition that you are to be married off by your eighteenth birthday."

Louis grits his teeth.

"And it's come to our attention that your eighteenth birthday is in a week."

Louis' head snaps up. It is?! Geez, he'd been so preoccupied and distracted with the busy schedule that he'd completely forgot about his own freaking birthday!

Louis' hands slip subconsciously to grip the edge of the table. No, that can't be, but he knows he's only lying to himself; Louis knows his birthday is next week. Christmas is next week, and Christmas Eve is his birthday - it's obvious.

The prince doesn't realize his breath catching until his mother's voice tears into his consternation, trying to sooth him with reassuring, motherly-friendly words; that, or it was the painfully growing coiling in his lungs, cutting his airflow.

Somewhere, Louis hears his father's distant, impassive voice comment flatly in the background, "He's having a panic-attack."

No, this can't be happening - they're gonna marry me off! That's what this is all about! They wanna get rid of me! They want me to be a petty little Omega househusband! That's what they want, isn't it?!

Warm, comforting arms envelop him suddenly, though he refuses the care, thrashing against it. He's upset - why don't they see that? Can't they just leave him alone? They do it all the time; why is it that the only time Louis despises their attention is now when they give it to him?

Then he feels the presence of a hand clamp over his shoulder. The simple touch is familiar and paralyzes Louis. I know that... His body and mind are still blazing with the effects of anxiety, buzzing loudly in his blood, but there's an abrupt soothing sensation that materializes from the touch of the one warm hand on his shoulder, and he gyrates towards it, wanting more.

Louis' conscious mind does not register that his Omega mentality -his Inner Wolf- has started governing his thoughts, so he's unable to resist the desire of being close to the solacing warmth. In this state of mind, all he can process is the strong want to be near it - with it. His Inner Wolf had sensed the distress in Louis' current condition and has decided to take over, thus his true (and despised) instincts had overrided Louis' mind. This is what Louis hates most: the inability to resist submission - his Wolf. No matter how hard he fights against the "demon inside him" (as he calls it), his Wolf always ends in triumph while leaving Louis in his own miserable dust.

The warmth surrounds Louis, veiling him as he hugs it closer to him. More... His desire stews him his belly, hot and begging. Distantly, Louis hears a small "Take him upstairs, Zayn...", but doesn't quite comprehend it (nor care frankly); he just continues to burrow further in to the warmth, nuzzling and sighing contently as it pools over his face. He hums contently, soaking up the delicious heat.

Another voice comes, the voice he finds most interesting - the voice that makes him go boneless with dutiful desires. "C'mon, Lou, let's go upstairs."

Louis hums fondly. "M'kay...," he mumbles, inebriated with adoration. "

I got you, sweetheart." They're moving... like on clouds...

"Mmm... okay..." Louis rests his head, feeling like a happy kitten lying on his favourite soft blankie. The sudden strange urge to giggle dopily skips inside him, and he complies, releasing little flutters of befuddled laughter. Mmm... Louis drifts further, eventually into an idyllic sleep consisting of fluffy sheep, cute puppies, and carrots. Lots and lots of yummy carrots.

~*~*~*~

Waking up, Louis flitters his eyes open, his dark lashes brushing agast his sharp cheekbones. There's screen of wet in his vision. He blinks his eyes tightly, oozing out the hot tears, and repeats. Like the lens of a camera, his vision clears, focusing. He comprehends a few seconds later that he's... in his room...? Why's he in his room?... not that he minds.

A hum suddenly escapes him - a hum of bliss. Why bliss? An uneasy suspicious feeling churns in Louis. Why am I feeling so... dopey? He knows he woke up this morning, so it can't be that he's sleepy. Then, as Louis squirms, he registers that he's nestled in somebody's lap.

His comprehension snaps into horror immediately. His head whirls up, nearing knocking into a chin as he comes face-to-face with a familiar friend.

"Z-Zayn?" Louis chokes out, then in the alarm of his realization, his eyes widen owlishly and his limbs buck and flail in attempt to flee. "ZAYN!!" The name rips out between his peachy lips, wracked with appall. NonoNONO!! Louis continues to squirm aggressively, desperate in his futile attempt to escape the iron (yet warm and soothing) hold of his Alpha friend.

God, he can't stand this! The need to heal the wound of his embarrasment fuels his aggression and determination as he thrashes in the strong, strapping arms (and yes, Louis is very jealous of this - the one aspect he can never obtain in this useless body and yet everday he has to relive the sight of his friend living in Louis' dream body). Immediately, soft "shh"s and attempted soothing words are thrown at Louis. Well, actually, they more like glide to Louis and burst lightly on his cheeks like a blown cartoon heart. The way Zayn handles Louis is always very gentle (much to Louis' indignation) and benevolent.

As an Alpha, it's built into Zayn's DNA to want to adore and shower an Omega with love and affection (also much to Louis' indignation). Louis has wanted to -on more than one occassion- have a very clear and assertive talk with Zayn regarding this issue (issue for Louis, that is), but -to his despondancy- Louis knows it's not Zayn's fault. The worst thing for Louis is to drink in the sight of a pouting, upset Zayn, so he tries not to press anything on the topic.... too much.

Louis' eyes scorch with hot, incoming tears; he, however, denies them entry and continues to fight abide the heat of his chagrin. His Wolf wants him to whimper, but Louis denies that too. Not this time. Then there's the inevitable plea from his Wolf to submit. No! I don't want to! Not again! But, sadly, once again, Louis is at a dead case. By instinct -though still in his right mind- Louis is forced to cease his defiant efforts and submit. He hisses under his breath, detesting himself as he allows Zayn to curl his body against his lean, yet muscular torso.

That's when the water gates are opened.

Louis pours out onto Zayn's shirt. The shame is overwhelming. To makes matters worst, Louis feels so lithe against his friend. Zayn isn't the most beefy Alpha (he's just very tall compared to Louis, and is also much more muscular; he's very fit), but Louis' entire frame is still able to fit like a puzzle piece into his chest.

Zayn isn't even as dominant as Louis! Why did he get to be Alpha and not Louis?

Louis continues to bawl into the fabric of his friend's black T-shirt for god knows how many minutes. Louis cares, but he doesn't care at the same time about his ridiculous sobbing playing out live in front of Zayn. Thing is, Louis wants to hear more - he wants to be bathed in the plentiful praises... and he hates that.

"It's okay, Lou... it's okay, you're alright... Shh..." Zayn whispers in a train of soft, pacifying words, using the strong hand cradling Louis' back to rub slow, calming gyrates on the clothed torso.

Louis drowns into tranquility rather quickly after that. His breathing evens and his instincts evaporate, yet the urge to linger against Zayn is still sticky and present... and irksome. Louis feels pathetic -no doubt- so he decides to just sit on Zayn's lap, desperately trying to fight off the hot chagrin itching at his burning cheeks and face.

"You okay?" Zayn asks quietly, craning his head to view Louis. Such the concerned friend...

"Yeah," Louis grits out. He's miserable. Zayn must've identified that as Louis -within seconds- begins to feels Zayn's chest vibrate as a low, placating hum fills his ears. Oh, for the love of God... Louis scoffs under his breath. "A lullaby, Zayn?"

Zayn ignores him and continues to drone out an unrecognizable song to Louis, yet with the same calming effect as one Louis would know.

"Zayn, I'm not a pup," Louis growls.... or he tries to anyway. It doesn't work, and Louis is starting to feel his melatonin levels rise under the command of the melody. His lids turn heavy, but he fights with the little bit he still has in him. "No," he grumbles, trying to sound hostile, but it merely resembles one that a baby kitten would resonate.

Sleep claims Louis again, but just before he fades he hears Zayn whisper humourously: "Hush, Little Louis, don't say a word... Zaynie's gonna buy you a mockingbird.."

Tosser, Louis thinks just before slumping in unconsciousness.

~*~*~*~

"Never do that again," Louis snaps after he wakes up a second time. As if the first wasn't hard enough...

Zayn chuckles from behind him. "Nonsense. I find your baby side to be cuter than a box full of puppies." He creeps up next to Louis, perching by his side as he gazes down at the prince.

Louis grumbles darkly, tightening the folded arms across his chest in protest. So humiliating... "'M not cute," he tells his deluded friend.

Zayn simply hums out another amused chuckle. "Yes," he states, wrapping arm around his friend in an affectionate sort of way - no hint of romance (yeah, this was normal), "you are - very much."

Louis nearly whines as he wriggles out of Zayn's grip, which is somehow butterly and easy; however, as soon as Louis moves to stand from his bed, he feels powerful arms around him again, yanking him backwards into a bell flop on the expensive, super-comfortable bed. A startled yelp rips out as Louis is launched by the Alpha.

Then something happens that doesn't usually happen: Louis giggles - genuinely giggles.

It's a joyous, elated laugh from the prince that promises his true glee. People and Wolves often only come across this a few times in their life, even if their whole life has been spend being with or being around Louis. It's something few manage to inaugerate from Louis, so Zayn considers himself a proud Wolf when he is effortlessly able to make his friend happy for just a few seconds - or minutes (preferably minutes).

You see, or in case you haven't already figured out, Louis is a sad Wolf. Ever since Presenting, his life has spiraled into sand; a heap of dryness and very dull light. He hasn't been the same ever since Presenting, and everybody is aware of this and are dejected by it.

Zayn rolls, facing his front to Louis. Louis notices, feeling the cloak of Zayn's toasty body heat lick at him as the chortles continue to spill out the prince's mouth. Louis smiles -for once, happy, and heedless of the possible embarrassment of breaking his I'm-an-Alpha-and-not-an-Omega persona- and unconsciously preens as a kind knuckle begins to stroke the cheek that's not smushed into the duvet.

.... Maybe it was Zayn; maybe it was this -and only this- Alpha whom Louis felt a comfort in - a comfort where you feel at peace of being judged.

"Hi," Louis mumbles.

"Hey, Little Bear," Zayn replies, and Louis grins.

The nickname Zayn invented for Louis referred to both the prince's small height and nasty temper - like a bear. Louis doesn't mind the nickname too much; at least his defiant nature had been anknowledged by someone. Because Louis isn't Alpha, others often see his pertinacious attitude as "snotty" or "rude" - solely because he isn't Alpha.

"You okay now?" Zayn asks, his hovering knuckle leading south down Louis' neck, delicately caressing the artery.

Louis simply hums. Zayn is okay with the answer.

The Alpha sniggers. "Does that mean you're okay to go back downstairs?"

The atmosphere suddenly seems to change. Louis' eyes pop open and his bliss vanishes, replaced by the feeling of dread. Go back? He remembers - 'course he remembers. He remembers his parents heading down the path of "you're eighteen now and therefore we're going to wed you off". Though it's not exactly what they said, Louis knows that was basically what they were saying. The same thing happened to his friend, Eleanor, of a different kingdom who was also an Omega. Even though his parents are different, both families shared something in common: they valued tradition.

The panic sprinkles, bursting in sharp tingles in his bloodstream. Louis does not want to be married off. Not necessarily for the reason that he'll be initiating a family of his own, or that his husband might possibly be barbarous and vile, but because he'll be reminded of wo he is: an Omega.

Louis'd always felt sympathetic about Omegas that were not offered a choice, but he'd never considered the fact that this could happen to him. He viewed it as a cruel, selfish, sadistic act of the family's way of fashioning an alliance. If Louis had the choice, he'd marry an Omega. It sounds repulsive, yes, but it exists. Unfortunately, due to his royal status and hard, traditional family, that future hope is nothing but a black void of impossibility.

"Louis?"

The prince shuddered at the startle of his friend's intruding voice. He wants an answer. Louis nips his bottom lip, mind stewing with a gross concoction of thoughts. I don't know... I mean I don't want to... "I-I..." Louis smushes his face into the cushiony duvet, concealing his shame.

The knowing knuckle, however, continues to draw along Louis' planes, etching in persuasive comforting gestures.

"I, um... d-don't- I don't want t-to..."

"Lou, it's fine."

Louis ignores him. "No- I can't! It's.... th-they want to- want to marry me off!" The tortured words rush out in a frenzy.

Louis sniffs. Is he crying? No, he can't be; he'd know if he was, and if he was, he wouldn't've hoisted his head, revealing his pinkish-red, frustrated face like he does. He cogitates. He knows he despises this fate that's apparently in store for him, but he's fearful about the possible consequences of his defying statement that's tugging and urging on his lips. He goes with his heart.

"I don't want to get married."

He studies Zayn's reaction. The Alpha's expression is unchanged -unaffected- yet there's a slight alter that suggests Zayn's empathy with his friend.

Louis blinks at him. Zayn is unmarried (though he has a mate, Perrie), but his sister is. Louis remembers now: Zayn's sister had been struck in the same situation as Louis before. Yes, she has an Alpha husband now, but she was indignant about the idea at first. During that time -as Zayn had told Louis- he had talked in comisseration and spent long hours with his despondent sister, and based on what she might've apprised to her brother, Zayn must understand how Louis feels right now.

Zayn watches him as he discards his fist, tucking both unclenched hands under his chin as he weighs his head on them, worming closer to Louis. "I know, Little Bear." The words as like a quiet wisp that carries between them in the silent, tense room.

Louis purses his lips, lolling his eyes away from his friend, blinking wetly. He doesn't say anything.

"But you know," Zayn continues, sounding like a parent giving advice to his/her child, "this could turn out to be something good if you let it."

Louis snaps his head at him, his brows knitting together. "'Something good'?" he says, lathering Zayn's words with his venom. He plonks his face back into the duvet. "There's nothing good about being throw away and given to some stranger... not to mention that my parents will probably expect me to serve that stranger." His last sentence is dark and bitter.

"Now, Louis," Zayn begins, asserting yet kind, "you're parents aren't 'throwing you away'; they're giving you someone to fall in love with."

"By force," Louis corrects sharply.

Zayn sighs. "You're parents aren't throwing you away," he repeats. "You're looking at it wrong 'cause you're mad."

Louis fumes, but then realizes with distain that Zayn's only trying to help him - not provoke him.

The prince huffs and slumps into the spongy bed morosely. Unfortunately, Louis' still angry. "But I won't fall in love with this... this...!"

"Alpha?"

Louis growls. "Yeah. That."

A sudden dense silence solidifies in the air. "What's wrong with Alphas?" Zayn questions, offended now.

A mixture of irritation and guilt simmers in Louis. He hadn't fathomed the consequences of his impulsive statement, and is now rewarded with a miffed Zayn - what can he say for himself? He wringles his fingers together underneath him in the super tight space between his belly and the mattress. His nails scrap -dangerously tempting- against the skin of his hands/fingers; his Wolf is disappointed in him for upsetting the Alpha and is now imploring for a self-punishment. Louis resists, coming to his senses - finally.

"Nothing," Louis answers, "I just... I don't want to be with one." He's being honest.

Zayn seems to notice this as his eyebrows flitter upward inquisitively. Then, in a splash of comprehension, he sighs, and -to Louis' disappointment- no advising words leave Zayn's mouth. Obviously this is a situation that cannot be undone, so there's nothing much Zayn can do other than slap in the "deal with it" topic. Louis' thankful he doesn't.

"C'mon, Louis," Zayn ends up saying, "you'll be okay."

"Really?" Louis mutters, muffled by the duvet.

A pause. "Yeah. Of course. Don't be afraid of your future, Lou."

Future? Louis' mood dips into a slimy melancholy. This... mess is my future. His heart feels like it's been shredded, but Louis doesn't care. Don't really need it anymore anyway...

Louis isn't given a choice (not the first time...) as muscular arms curve underneath him, sliding across his tummy and lifting the the prince with ease. Ugh. Louis groans as he's brought into his friend's sturdy arms. His conscious mind glowers; his Wolf prances in the glee of being wrapped in Alpha care. Louis ignores both and just lays, slouching and curling slightly against Zayn's clothed chest as he's carried like a sleepy child downstairs to his doom. Let's get this over with. And even though he thought this, Louis was not going down without a fight.

~*~*~*~

Louis tries to convince himself that he's been in worser situations, but there's just one problem: it's just not the truth. This is the turning point of his life -his crisis- and to compare this to other hapless moments in his life is like... like throwing a rubber ball at a forbidding concrete wall; it has no effect.

"Son, are you going to be okay now?" his father asks, and if Louis had actually analyzed those words, he would've thought his father was genuinely concerned about him.

"Yes," Louis lies, almost sourly, yet he bites his defying tongue.

His father grunts in approval. "Good." He shifts back, roosting himself comfortably in his throne-like chair. "Now we can discuss important matters with you."

Yeah, because me having a panic attack is less important than marrying me off to some random Wolf. Louis surreptitiously sneers at his impudent father through the curtain of his drooping brown fringe. He hopes and dreads that his father sees his distain; hopes so that his father will know his son despises him, but dread because Louis knows his father wouldn't hesitate to compel Louis into submission with the malicious Alpha Voice. Louis knows this; it's happened once before... he'll never forget the demonic timbre in his father's voice - the one that gave him traumatizing nightmares for a whole week.

"Anyway, as you know, Louis," his father begins (again), "you're turning eighteen in a week." Don't remind me. "As you already know, once an Omega reaches this age of independence, they are required to spend the rest of their life with an Alp-"

"Required?" Louis blurts, disgusted.

The irk of having been cut off rudely by his Omega son inscribes on his father's face. "Yes, Louis, required. Do not interrupt me again."

Louis fidgets, uncomfortable as his Wolf wails. Shut up! He clenches his teeth to prevent any non-profanities from manumitting, even as much as he wants to explode on his father. He hates this already.

His father continues, his annoyance still lingering slightly. "As I was saying, an Omega of eighteen years of age must spend the rest of his/her life with an Alpha..."

Louis gnaws his teeth, vexed. He feels Zayn's rough palm press into his shoulder, silently telling Louis to "calm down". Louis ignores him; he's unruly livid.

"... have contacted the Styles family. For some reason they've chosen to reside in Ireland for the summer, perhaps to spend time with close friends or family for the summer... but anway, we've arranged for an alliance, and we've both agreed for a marriage between our children, and it's also been agreed that the marriage will take place in Ireland. I've been informed it's quite beautiful out there."

You can't just sell me off like this! Louis wants to scream so badly, but his Wolf shushes him; also, he prefers to keep his free will instead of having it torn away from him. Louis'd much rather willingly be silent than to forcefully be silent.

"We have met their Alpha son, Louis," his mother suddenly chirps. "He's a lovely boy - perfect for you! You will love him!"

"Why can't I choose this for myself?" Louis asks brusquely.

He watches as his parents' faces mortify and twist with puzzlement at their son's random question. Louis nearly hisses as the hand locked on his shoulder squeezes warningly, though Louis knows he's already stepped over the warning line.

His father turns his head back to Louis, though his expression is different than from Louis' mother's. His bushy eyebrows are digging into his skin, hatching some angry wrinkles on his forehead. He's unimpressed - very unimpressed. It's obvious he hadn't expected the particular question -hadn't anticipated for his son to divulge such a defiant question- due to the astonishment hiding in the creases.

"We have already chosen a lovely mate for you, Louis," his father tells him, his authority manifesting. "I don't see why you would want to choose for yourself."

"But it's my life!" Louis snaps mutinously, his legs tensing to stand, and he would've if it weren't for the forbidding hand of his friend imprisoning him down. Louis -regardless of his awareness of the consequences of his action- has decided for himself that he's adamant with this; he will not tolerate this - any of this. He doesn't care if his parents-

A descending fists thunders on the table, causing both Louis and his mother to leap in startle. Zayn, however, remains poised. Alphas are not skittish; they choose whether or not to resign to submission (which is not very often at all). Even though Louis' father is the royal King and an Alpha, biologically speaking, he still does not have power over other Alphas. 'Course, there's the role of respect, and Zayn does respect Louis' father, but he will not be swayed by peevish supremacy. As a servant, he will comply to the King in order to keep his job, but some cases are different than others. Louis' father is aware of this, and as a good King, he does not push his dominance on other Alpha; however, when it comes to Omegas and Betas -his underlings- he will not hesitate to sharpen his superiority.

Louis hates that. His father is one of the many reasons he wishes he was bestowed with the life of an Alpha instead of... this; forced to submit and be the bitch everyone thinks he is. Jesus Christ! - he can't even make his own choices without being yelled at or accused of being rude! What kind of sick life is this?

Ignoring his crying Wolf, Louis raises his chin defiantly, quivering helplessly in the process. He's struggling - struggling to not submit. He doesn't care if this will hurt him (because by flouting his Wolf's wishes, this shards the relationship and ultimately hurts Louis in the process; not just mentally, but physically, too); he's made it clear he doesn't want this, and he won't back down. It's his life.

Suddenly, just as his father arises exasperated from his chair, Louis is yanked from his spot and twirled roughly, clamping into his friends chest as Zayn's arms lace protectively around the prince. Louis, in his riled state, immediately tries to push away. I can handle this myself! I don't need protection! Then, he feels his Wolf cry and -instantaneously- he feels an imaginary knife chew into his shoulder.

Louis bites his lips to keep himself from yelping in pain, then, as his eyes float over Zayn's shoulder to his father, he suddenly huddles closer to the Alpha holding him, terrified by the one two feet away. A change in atmosphere for Louis is definitely evident.

"I set certain rules, Louis Tomlinson," his father seethes, voice itching with his Wolf's echo, "and I expect those rules to be obeyed."

Louis can't help but sink deeper into his Wolf's inviting embrace, unconscious of his defeat as he whines in distress silently into Zayn's shirt and he despairs under the wrath of his father's authority.

"You will not try to alter my decision," the royal Alpha states firmly, disregarding Zayn's presence as he speaks directly to his son. "We will not cease this tradition simply because one Omega was too selfish to do as he was told!"

"Troy," Louis hears his mother whisper to his father. She then murmurs something to the King that is incoherent to Louis, though he frankly doesn't care; he just continues to burrow himself into Zayn's -the Alpha's- chest.

His father's voice rumbles through the room again. "We won't be discussing this anymore, Louis," he says, steamed down slightly as he starts to follow his calm, professional tone. "You will be packed and ready by tomorrow morning to board the ship that will lead you to Ireland to meet and stay with your future husband."

"You can't be serious!" Zayn suddenly bellows, scandalized by the royal Alpha's decision.

Louis whimpers, nosing and shoving his heated face closer into Zayn's chest, woefully demanding comfort from the Alpha. In reaction, Zayn pets Louis' head, raking fingers through the tousled hair that's been soused with Louis' sweat (Omegas often sweat when they reject their Wolf; it's a sign of stress). He nearly missing the mousy "please don't intervene, Zayn" from his mother as Louis purrs low in his throat, loving the attention. Obviously he's going to regret this once he awakes from the Omega Space, as this temporary condition is called (this is what happened earlier too, yes).

"As I said," his father growls, "we will not be discussing this anymore." There's a dense, stressful pause before the King mutters out a "you are free to leave" dismiss and Zayn hauls his Omega friend into the bathroom and away from danger.

~*~*~*~

Louis bobs back into reality after a few minutes of Zayn' love and Alpha-y care in the bathroom. He wasn't pleased at all with himself and how he'd opened the gates to allow his Wolf in and capture his mind again. Again!

"That's two times in one day!" Louis had cried to Zayn, the belief of his worthlessness creeping up on him; however, Zayn had sensed this and had adorned his friend with promising care and consolation, thus aiding Louis' gloom and misery (he's good at that).

"I'll always look after you, Lou," Zayn whispered to Louis after the prince had been soothed and they were enfolding in a friendly embrace.

They spent the rest of the day together, pursuing and completing Louis' list of chores (Zayn found it strange that Louis was even given chores considering he was leaving his family tomorrow morning); however, in accordance to Louis' humiliation and chagrin from the day's events, he refused to allow Zayn to embrace him for comfort purposes during his slumber. Zayn understood, but still told Louis he was "just down the hall", and left.

Even though he tried so damn hard, Louis could not sleep that night. The prince shuffled and wormed in the blanket as discomforting thoughts raced and battled in his head. His alpha-y instincts (if that's what you wanna call it) battled with his Omega-y instincts (or basically it was him vs his Wolf), trying to claim victory over the implying submissiveness that raged like wildfires in his aching mind... but -like always- Louis lost and his Wolf ended the mental war in triumph.

Louis cried to sleep that night, wroth with himself for being born this way. His conscience tried to comfort him that this wasn't his fault, but Louis had already figured out where the fault was: this body; he'd been born into the wrong body.

~*~*~*~

The sound of running water hushes as Louis twists the tab and steps out of the shower into the steam of the room. He grabs and drapes a large purple towel snug around his shivering body. Even as the bathroom is misty with the heated excess from the sprinkling shower water, Louis is still affected by the chill of lingering air. He knows why, too: an Omega's body temperature is low - much more than both a Beta's or Alpha's. Sigh. Even human females aren't this fragile...

After drying off, Louis drones on the clothes that'd generously been laid out for him by a castle servant, but with a thick gloominess that's unavoidable. He's leaving. He's actually leaving, and to live with some stranger that -as far as Louis' concerned- will be just as grossly traditional as his parents. It makes sense; his parents would only ally with those who met the same bias as them, and that's their tradition. Never has Louis felt so isolated before in his life.

Exiting the bathroom, Louis ignores the colder crisp air that immediately nips at his skin as he packs his stuff. The resent of the situation is like hot coals weighing in his stomach as he complies to his parents' wishes. The thing is, he doesn't care about leaving (nothing better than to not be around Wolves who only believe in Second Gender norms), but that he's most likely being sent off to a place where the implacable beliefs are unchanged. Nothing's really going to change... but that it'll probably get worse. Yeah. Sadly, it most likely will. Here, Louis' will is only deterred by his Alpha father, but where he's heading now Louis will have someone who is expecting a feeble, dependant little mate to serve under his reign and... be coaxed into doing other things that Louis dares not to even deliberate.

... Unfortunately, Louis does (stupid impulse!), and he starts to sob in self-disgust and unfightable dread. He hates this - he hates this. And in case he hasn't already made this clear, he absoltely hates this!

A rapping on the door arouses the prince from his reverie. He panics and quickly smears his fists across his wet face, removing the evidence. "C-Come in!" he hiccups. Oh, great. Hiccups...

His bedroom door squeaks open and Zayn appears. Louis tries to smile, but the knowing concern is already etched on his friend's face before he emerges into the room. The fake smile melts away as the trepidation returns with a vengeance, and Zayn's arms wrap around Louis' frame before the smaller boy releases the first weep.

Louis weakly struggles in protest. "N-No, Zayn!... Y-you- you can't see me like this!"

"It's fine, Lou," Zayn simply replies. "Everyone cries. You have reason to."

That only provokes Louis' crying mess even further. They stay like that, glued to each other for nearly three minutes. Then, Louis detaches himself and tries to continue packing, but an arm barricades him from his suitcase.

"Let me," Zayn offers.

Louis shakes his head, but still allows his friend to assist him anyway. He's leaving Zayn. He wants to spend as much time with his best friend as he possibly can before he departs. He will only have limited time left with Zayn... that is unless...

"Will you come with me, Zayn?"

The lanky Alpha is startled by the question - only startled though. He halts, blinking at Louis, though does not show any evidence of his spurn to the idea. Maybe... just maybe-

"I don't know." Well, that's a letdown.

Louis frowns, despondent again. "Oh... okay."

"But I could ask the King for... permission." The last word is squeezed out in a hiss. Alphas don't appreciate the idea of having to obtain permission in order to do something. Apparently it's like a rotting feeling that directly targets their pride.

Louis perks up. "You will?!" He will?! And for the first time that morning, Louis actually feels a sense of glee wash over him. His friend could go with him; Zayn could be there with him!

But then Louis becomes conscious of his child-like gaiety. No. Stop acting like one, he reminds himself. Only Omegas have a habit for acting cherub and childish when they're happy; Betas and especially alphas are much more composed and cool. Once again, he ignores the pleading Wolf that's been betraying since day one of the Presenting and he hoists his chin (the gesture of an Alpha! his Wolf shrieks in horror) and persumes packing.

~*~*~*~

The good-byes are quick and empty.

The entire staff of the Tomlinson castle is consisted of the same traditional views as of his parents, and haven't treated Louis with the respect he yearns for simply because he was -and is- a "disobey" or "rude" Omega. So in return, Louis has built a rather scrutured indignation towards them and therefore could care less about their 'tears' for him leaving.

"Get me out of here. I think I'm gonna be sick," Louis mutters to Zayn.

The tanned Alpha blinks at his friend, surprised and a little addled by the statement, but brushes it off and follows Louis to the front door, heedlessly leaving a list of people whom Louis had not yet said good-bye to out of regards. Unfortunately, Louis' mother is unavoidable as she waits patiently for her son at the front door. When she registers him ambling towards her, she immediately erupts into tears. Louis is repulsed but forces a small smile anyway and allows his mother to hug him.

Louis loves his parents... but sometimes -most of the time- they can be insufferable.

"Oh, hon!" his mother weeps happily and proudly with a hint of saddness, "you're going to be such a beautiful and perfect husband." As if. "Your father and I are very proud of you!" As if I had a freaking choice.

She reels away from him to look him in the eyes, tear tracks sheen on her cheeks and her eyes pinkish-red. "We'll both come to your wedding in the next few months-" MONTHS!? "-and we'll come visit every so often after that to check in on your two."

Yeah, okay. Louis nods, face stony with his lips pressed in a thin line. His mother gives him once last embrace before smiling to him and stepping aside, allowing him to access his father.

Louis feels his insides turn cold as his father swathes his arms around Louis. Louis lightly hugs back, then he's released, and that's it. For once, Louis' actually thankful of something from his father: the fact that he doesn't push his fake love for his son.

Zayn abruptly clears his scratchy throat from behind Louis, drawing attention. "Sir Tomlinson," Zayn says, "I was wondering if I could accompany your son on his voyage to the castle." He swallows. "And also to, um, stay with him during his time in the kingdom."

Butterflies drone hastily in Louis' stomach. This is it. He's asked. He turns to his father, plastering a pleading look on his face. Only this one time, he growls toward his pleased Wolf.

His father curls his lips, comtemplating. "You are asking for my permission, servant?" he addresses Zayn.

"Yes, sir." Louis can almost hear the feistiness in Zayn's voice. His Wolf must be getting anxious.

"You are aware I cannot allow you as free pass into someone's else's kingdom, right?"

Zayn nods (practically bows) ceremoniously. "Yes, sir, I am."

Louis' father debates sourly. His roam assiduously around the room before he sighs and returns to Zayn, pargeting a smile. No freaking way. "Sure," he answers.

Louis can't contain his elation as he turns and practically leaps into Zayn's arms. Zayn snickers and squeezes back lightly (always cautious of his more fragile friend). The smirk on the Alpha's face shares both the joy of being granted this opportunity and making his sad friend smile twice in two days (that's big for Louis).

"Be conscious I am only able to guarentee your trip on the voyage," the King reminds the Alpha servant. "You will need to ask the King of Cheshire himself before you may enter the castle. If he concurs, you may stay, but if he refuses, we wil be expecting you back here."

Louis feels Zayn tense just before the Alpha replies with a respectful "yes, sir".

Louis unhooks himself from Zayn and forces a small smile to both his parents (if it weren't for both of you I wouldn't have to be doing this) and grips the handle of one of his many suitcases and lugs it through the kindly opened door from a servant. The rolling of wheels echos behind Louis as helpful servants assist in helping him with his hefty luggage.

The sun pours down on him as he wrestles to pull his suitcase, yanking on it fiercely as the frustrating weight of it hinders his task while he simultaneously tries to make it appear as if he's experiencing no troubles at all.

A blur appears to his right. Louis peers, watching jealously as Zayn tows two suitcases at the same time down the gravel path with ease. Louis feels a heavy drop in his mood when he realizes both the suitcases Zayn is contributing to are both twice the size of the one Louis is currently struggling with.

He forgot: Alphas are not only stronger than both Betas and Omegas, but also possess a supernatural strength. The extra pinch of magical hunkiness as been said by scientists who study their peculiar species that it's meant for the sole purpose of helping or protecting an Omega. It makes sense too because this special ability is apparently only enkindled during these times. However, instead of feeling flattered by this, Louis feels his heart being stabbed and wrenched with the pitiful detection of his dark envy.

~*~*~*~

Two hours later, Louis finds himself plopped on the ship designating for hell. He sighs into his pillow, spilling his worry and anxiety into the fluffed fabric. He'd been given a room to lounge in (well, obviously; he's bloody royalty after all) shortly after they'd boarded. He'd hoped to have helped with the luggage, but the crew was adamant that Louis rests in his room. "Please, sir, you are an Omega prince. Let us carry your luggage for you." Louis had appreciated the man's thoughtfulness, but he really did not have to include the "Omega" part in his sentence.

Unfortunately, now he was still bored, and sought out for something to heal the colourless feeling inside him. The food's bar seemed promising.

The room was mostly empty aside the few who cleaned and/or were on break and had helped themselves to the ostentatious array of food and beverages being offered. The room was equisite; a place meant for only the rich, and yet Louis is accustomed to it. The walls are a lovely baby blue -like the sea! (go figure)- with splashes of alabaster to represent the clouds and heaven above. The carpet is a smooth beige - like sand, but with a lighter hue. The tables are draped with pearly-white sheets and assisted by four chairs each, all of which are also white.

The room has a beach theme to it, and on occassions it would make the average person happy, but Louis doesn't seem to have that decency today... or ever again. So, the prince strolls over to the attractive long row of rich nourishment and pauses to debate his endless choices; however, when he reaches for one of the many already-served goblet glasses containing pink liquid, another (larger) hand forbids him.

"My prince, th-that is champagne." The new voice is concerned and direful.

Louis peers up, viewing the young blonde male. Beta - must be. "Okay." He attempts to snatch one again but the Beta is persistent.

"Sir! Forgive me for speaking freely, but you are underage," he tells Louis firmly, implying the law of youth and drinking. The same rules for humans apply for Wolves too.

Shit. Right. Louis combs a hand through his hair and turns to leave. But wait, the UK law for Wolves  states they may drink when or after the age of sixteen! Louis spins back to the anemic bartender and glowers a you're-wrong-and-I'm-right pride. "I am seventeen," Louis states, directly entailing that he is -as a matter of fact- of age.

To his worry though, the bartender is unfixed by the statement. In fact, he actually looks even more sympathetic than before, and maybe a little troubled. "Sir... but you are an Omega." Then, before Louis has a chance to sharply retort, the bartender adds, "Omegas must be eighteen to have their first drink."

Damn. Louis growls, not done yet.

"But I am turning eighteen in a week," he tells him, trying.

The bartender sighs, expressing his genuine compassion for Louis. "I am sorry, sir." And that's all he says.

Louis grunts. He can't seem to get anything he wants. He sighs grudgingly. Why does the world hate me?

"Don't get cross with Gavin. He's just doing his job."

Louis jerks to face the source of the new voice. Alpha. He blinks up at the colossal man, unsure (due to the absent crew outfit) whether he's part of the crew or... well, considering this voyage is private, this man would have to be a crew member..... where's his uniform though? Is he getting it washed? Is he on break? Either way, Louis hates how this male is currently intimidating him right now. He is of no means trying to, but the fact that he towering over and casts a light shadow over Louis and completely consumes his frame is wearing a despair in the prince.

Louis surreptitiously peers. Yup, beefy and dangerous. This is definitely a perfect example of the average hulky Alpha Wolf. Louis starts to feel the prickling sensation of his Wolf's dolor with the sense of imminent danger radiating from the huge Wolf in front of him. Louis may be dominant and stubborn, but he's not stupid (not entirely, anyway). He steps sideways, leaning away from the parlous one. Then his blood spikes as the Alpha actually steps closer to Louis.

"You are the prince of the Tomlinson family, yes?" he asks, his voice low and foul.

Louis swallows thickly. "Yes?" the answer scratches out, insinuating his dread.

Louis folds his arms across his chest as the beastly Wolf emerges into his space bubble - so close, Louis can hear the bear-like breathes and low growls reverberating in his chest. He can even smell his cologne -spicy, treacherous... nauseating- wisping off his skin, burning Louis' nose.

Immediately, Louis knows what has to be done: he needs to get away from this Wolf, and he needs to do it now.

When a rough, unwelcomed hand touches Louis' waist, he snaps, "don't touch me!" and reels away in disgust (and fear).

The repulsive creature grins (what does he think this is? A game?) and moves to advance Louis when the familiar nasily voice of the bartender intrudes (saves) him.

"M-Mr. Alpha, sir, yo-you are not allowed to p-pusue Lo- the prince!"

The Alpha wrenches his head to the Beta, hissing. "Stay out of this, Gavin."

"I can't- I c-can't!" the Beta presses, and Louis realizes just how hard this must be for him to defy an Alpha's order. "If- If you..." He inhales, trying to calm his shakiness. "If you touch him again, I- I'll have to consult the Captain."

A growl thunders throughout the room. Louis whines, unable to resist, but quickly attempts to compose himself and forces back his submission. His Wolf threatens him to yield, but Louis ignores the wailing and defies the authority ringing through the room, reflecting the presence of pure Alpha. It's harder than it looks. Thankfully, Louis has years of practise to back him up.

Unfortunately, as the Alpha senses the defiance of the lower Second Gender, he whips his head to face Louis and peels his lips back in a snarl, persuading Louis otherwise. Louis flinches, squeezing his eyes shut in effort, then -with as much pride and strength as he can muster- lifts his chin to the higher gender, disrespect on full blast.

The Alpha expresses his aversion for Louis' choice to stand up to him by gnashing his teeth, bristling his burly arms and arising even higher above Louis, demonstrating and pushing his Alpha-y authority on the little prince. Louis sees it coming. The temptation is too overwhelming and he can already feeling himself rapidly slipping deeper and deeper into the abyss of his Omega Space. Three times in two days! he nearly cries. The condition though is rather common to Louis as the unhealthy act of defying his Omega has become part of his daily routine, and the Omega Space is an instinctive way of preventing the string of him and his Omega's relationsip from tearing apart completely. Louis hates it. It just reminds him of who he really is.

"STOP."

Louis whimpers, now drowning in the Space. He doesn't seem to full comprehend the rescue of the new voice from behind him until the tone registers and he nearly cries as he realizes it's Zayn.

The Alpha in front of him growls possessively and Louis is suddenly being torn away and plastered to a huge chest with a grisly-large arm chaining around his back, prohibiting his escape. Louis gags, repulsed by the ghastly scent of this Alpha. This isn't right.

"Back off," the wrong Alpha warns. "He's mine."

"Quite contrary, mate," Zayn replies, teetering on the edge of bellicose. "He's going to be marrying the prince of the Royal Styles family, so unless you want to serve the punishments of stealing a King-to-be's husband, I suggest you let him go." However, there is no suggestion in Zayn's tone; he's demanding the other Alpha to release Louis.

Louis whimpers, calling for Zayn. The Alpha snarls, not about to go down in defeat but also not about to accept the punishments of tainting a prince that is already scheduled to be mated to someone else - a King-to-be, that is.

It is probably the harshest punishment in the Wolf world to be honest. If an Alpha, aware or not, robs an Omega's innocence or in any way touches the Omega invasively when the particular Omega is already destined to be a royal Alpha's mate, the punishments for this crime can be lethal, but usually it is preferred the Alpha (or Beta) survives so that they can feel the agony of the lashes, the burning scars, the chopped-off limbs, and the deadly singes of the heated irons every day for the rest of their life. So, in a way, it's not intended to necessarily be lethal - just incredibly torturous, and in times make you wish you were dead instead.

Abruptly, Louis is shoved roughly away from the repugnant Alpha and brought into the securing arms of a different Alpha. Zayn! Louis stuffs his face into the chest, deeply inhaling the safety and love that Zayn's scent offered. He misses the last words of the fierce quarreling between the two Alphas and just focuses on smothering himself in and soaking up as much of Zayn's solacing scent as possible. Louis doesn't realize he's being carried or ushered out of the room until he's finally calmed down and beginning to emerge out of his Space.

He blinks lazily as he raises his head from Zayn's shoulder, receiving a full view of the ship's deck. He surveys it, but then is untangled from his friend and placed on his staggering feet. Zayn balances him (thankfully) until Louis gets a grip on reality and stands upright on his own.

"Thank-you," he murmurs, still partially in Space. It hadn't been Louis whom had said that though - it was his Wolf.

Zayn smiles anyway. "Your welcome." He huffs, glaring out to sea. "That guy should be euthanized for his deliberate animal-like behaviour."

Louis gives a dopey smile. "Don't say horrible things like that." Then, before Zayn can reply, Louis adds, "you're starting to sound like him."

Zayn cogitates, then sighs, giving in. "Yeah. Guess you're right, Lou, even if you're currently light-headed from the Space."

"'M not," Louis argues, "'m almost out."

"That's good, Lou," Zayn snickers. "I'll be waiting for you here."

"Thanks, Zaynie."

It'd been all very mellow, just Louis resting dazedly against Zayn while listening to the waves splash down below. Zayn hums lowly and Louis can feel the pleasant vibrations against his head as he simultaneously concentrates on the soft thumping of Zayn's heart.

Then the ship shudders violently.

Shrieks wail from all corners of the ship as several crew members tumble and trip over tangled feet. Zayn instinctively holds Louis in a secured embrace as he desperately tries to maintain his stance, even gripping onto the ship's edge with the hand not occupying Louis' safety to make sure he doesn't topple over into the malevolent salt water.

"What's happening?" Louis squawks, breaking free of his Space. He looks at Zayn, searching. His friend's expression is twisted and dismayed, and his brownish-black eyes are wild and dilated. He doesn't know either, but whatever it is it must not be part of the schedule.

Louis watches past Zayn as the crew members gallop and panic. There's boisterous commotion swarming the deck and ship, and the scene almost reminds Louis of an army of mad, incessant bees whos' hive had just been attacked. What's going on? What're they so...

Then Louis sees it.

On the other side of the ship is another ship -a bigger ship- yet it's malevolent vibe suggests it's not a royal ship, nor a friend to this one.

"Louis, I need to you to go to your room and hide," Zayn tells him urgently. When Louis doesn't react, the dired Alpha grabs the prince's chin and lifts to face him and repeats the order to Louis.

Fazed, Louis repels the question and asks Zayn, "what's going on?!"

Zayn heaves a shaky breath. He's panicking too. "Louis, please, you have to listen to me. Just this once. Please."

Then Louis knows it's serious; Alphas don't beg unless it's urgently serious.

The prince nods and moves to steers to exit Zayn's hold when another blast sends the ships into dismay as it trembles unevenly and harshly.

"GO!!" Zayn roars, and Louis hastily scrambles in the direction of his room. The last thing he hears before he enters below the deck is the unfastened holler of a horrified crew member...

"PIRATES!!!"

~*~*~*~

Hyperventilation creeps up on Louis as he slams the door shut, locks every single bolt and wedges a chair underneath the knob, complicating anyone's entry. He grabs his hair and tugs. What to do, what to do! His panicked eyes smear over the room as his head whips in a dazed frenzy. Pirates! Bloody pirates are taking over our ship!!

Choosing the closet (because the bed is way too obvious), Louis hurriedly snatches a knife laying on his dresser (a servant had entered earlier and had generously sliced up an apple for Louis, but had forgotten her knife on the dresser in the process) and races into the dark closet area. He shuts the door, concealing himself from the outside completely. As he backs up and flattens himself against the cold wall, his fingers come in contact with thin fluff. He grips it -a blanket!- and then impulsively veils himself with it draped over him. It completely swallows him, and he hopes this might help hide him even more, even if the consequences are humiliating. Being embarrassed doesn't matter in a setting like this where your survival is on the line.

Louis listens as footfalls dance and slam harshly on the deck. The loud multiple thuds are assisted by the blood-curtling screams of innocent crew members as the unwelcomed crashing of new thuds of feet parade onto the ship. Pirates. As Louis listens to the commotion upstairs, he can't help but think: this is what a World War must sound like.

The screams are followed by gurgling, perhaps by crew members choking on their own blood. Louis bites his lip harshly, worried and guilt-stricken, but Zayn had used his Voice on him: Louis had no alternation. With a Beta, there comes a choice to obey the raspy constriction of an Alpha Voice, but with an Omega, there is no choice; an Omega -by nature- is forced to defer to the Alpha wishes. Alphas who use the Voice on Omegas for the purpose of sex are terminated immediately by the Wolf Council, so it's not entirely something to be fearful of... Well, unless you're Louis who absolutely detests submitting in any way, yet he's the one most influenced by the Voice.

Louis refuses to cry, even as his Wolf is distressed and yearning for the comfort of an Alpha. The saltiness of tears can be smelt by any Wolf, and that's not what Louis wants.

Louis heart skips in his chest as the sound of his bedroom door splintering from incessant hard pounds outside. They're coming. Oh God. Then, with one final strike, the door and chains snap. The squeaking of the door lingering on its hinges reachs Louis' ears just before the thumping of feet from hefty forms intrudes into the room. Oh, God...

Louis' bloods rushes hot and fast through his veins and his heart beats fiercely in his ribcage, following the rhythm of his adrenaline. He listens to the malicious intruders outside as they exchange words in their rough, scurvy accents.

"So, this where the prince sleeps?"

"I don't know, asshat. Why don't 'cha sniff the bed sheets?"

"Gladly." There's shuffling then a deep inhales and a lustful groan. "Mmm... yes, this is where the prince sleeps.... and he's Omega."

Louis shivers with disgust and resent.

"Move aside!" Shuffling, grunting, inhaling, humming approvingly. "For once, you're actually right. This is definitely the prince -I can smell the filthy royalty on him- and he's definitely an ass-leaker."

"You can't go wrong with that succulent scent."

There's a snicker and the room quiets dreadfully. Louis feels pain knot in his chest; he's undecided whether to feel apprehensive or exasperated by the abhorrence of these pirates. He hates they can determine his Second Gender just from a measly sniff where Louis previously had lain, and he just hates how they define him. He's an Alpha - not an Omega!

Stop lying to yourself, his Wolf hisses, and -for once- actually mad at Louis instead of easy and calm. It most likely has something to do with the agitation governing Louis' mind.

Then the prince feels his body writhe with fear as the pirates speak again.

"He's here... 'ya smell that?"

A loud, prolonged sniff, then a grunt. "Yeah. I do. 'Bloody all I can comprehend."

A pause. "You do know the Captain will rip off your testicles if he finds out you hid the Omega prince from him, right?"

"Yeah, yeah.... I know how much he likes his sweet, sweet Omegas."

"But this guy's a prince - a prince! We ought to make good money out of him."

"Right after everyone's had a turn with him, that is..."

They both snigger dirtily amonst themselves, and Louis is immensely repulsed. If he thought they were digusting before, he's unintentionally lied to himself.

Then suddenly their attention redirects and Louis can feel his heart in his throat.

"... We know you're here, little one." He's speaking to me... damn pirate.

"Mm... if you come out now we promise we won't be too rough..." The lie is filthy in his lechery voice.

There's a thud, then shuffling as he arises. "Not under the bed," the one pirate whispers. Knew it was too obvious, Louis mentally snickers.

The other pirate grumbles in annoyance. "Not there, 'ya dimwad!" Shuffling footsteps... approaching footsteps. "Here." The pirate's gruff voice is literally clearer and just outside the closet door. "Can't you smell it? It's like festering out from in here."

It's seems like Louis' life is coming to a close when the closet door creaks open, leaking the yellow light from the room through the thin fabric of the blanket. He squeezes his eyes shut, unwilling to behold the sight when the pirate removes -more like rips- the blanket off, exposing Louis. His blood runs cold.

"LUKE, COME OVER HERE! HE'S SEXY!"

The other pirate laughs huskily, elated as he trudges over. With vision cut and the only thing he sees is black, Louis relies on his hearing and shivers when other pirate comments in his strange British-coated accent, "he is" before shuffling down, whispering, "Hi, little one."

Louis doesn't answer.

".... You've scared him, Ashton," the same pirate who spoke to Louis says.

"Don't get 'yer panties in a knicker. I got this."

Suddenly, chilled fingers are feathering across his forehead, moving to push away his draped fringe when Louis yelps and yanks away, quivering. His Wolf is taking over again...

"Ash, are you sure this is how you're supposed to handle things with an Omega because he's kinda shaking a lot- "

"Shut up! I told you: I got this."

The unwanted fingers return to his head and Louis wails.

"Stop! Just- STOP!" A harsh shove and a collapsing thud. "I got this..... Hey, sweetie."

Louis gulps, shambling into the corner of the closet, away from the pirates. He coils into himself, hugging his knees to his chest and trembling th his tail tucked between his thighs (figure of speech).

".... I won't hurt you, darling, I promise." His voice isn't as nasty and clogged with concupiscence as the other's was, but he's still a pirate and therefore cannot be trusted. "Please, sweetie, can you open your eyes? We won't judge you. Promise." He's making a lot of promises...

Figuring there'll be no harm done, Louis reluctantly pries his eyes open. Light leaks in -it stings- and immediately the prince is bestowed with the sight of a face staring optimistically down at him... and the other leering from around the closet's edge.

Then he nearly gasps when he discovers both pirates are boys - no older than eighteen. Their skin is youthful and tanned (obviously from endless hours working out in the beating sun), and they both have baby faces, but something about them (perhaps it's their low hygiene or raggy clothes) promises that their scurvy soul-ruiners who roam the seven seas.

The first boy in front of Louis -tall, thin, dusty-blonde hair, bottom lip piercing, pale skin- grins passionately down at Louis. "Hello, little prince." He jerks his head to the other pirate. "Ashton, come see!"

Ashton?

The other pirate boy -short, sinewy, golden-brown hair, sharp jaw- slithers over and leers over Louis, tempted eyes lathering over his frame. "Little is right," he muses.

The two continue to ogle Louis (actually it's just Ashton) until the sound of the bedroom door squeaks, signaling another entry. "Luke, Ashton! We're blowing this royal piece of trash! Take all the values you can find and hurry your asses back on board!" The fading marching of boots identifies his departure.

Luke narrows at Ashton who appears to be in a trance as he basically undresses Louis with his eyes. "Ash, you search the room for values. I'll be taking the prince."

Ashton shoots his pirate mate a look of disincline. "You?! That's not- !"

"Ashton."

The sexually frustrated pirate huffs. "Fine." He ascends and goes to scour the room for any values.

Louis peeps when Luke grabs his elbow and hauls him up. The prince is quick to wrestle the pirate, but to no avail. "L-Let me go!"

"Hush, little prince," Luke simply says and begins to half-drag Louis out the room.

The pirate's haste is urgent as he tows Louis -fist tightly (yet gently) locked around the prince's elbow- up the stairs onto the deck. There, Louis ceases his struggles as he's met with the horrendous sight of Wolves he'd just seen this morning -blissful smiles on their faces- strewn across the wooden floor. Some of the pirates had begun stacking the bloody corpses into a pile near the mast as one in particular dusted black powder over the deceased bodies and floorboards. The smell of death serpants Louis' senses and he gags, choking back his breakfast.

Luke continues to tug him and, before Louis knows it, a cloth is being wrapped around his head, blackening his vision. His wrists are also bound by a thick, prickly rope. Louis feels the disgust in himself as he forces back the itch to struggle and freely allows Luke to hoist him into his arms and carry him somewhere. By the time Luke stops and plops Louis down on the hard, wooden ground, boisterous jeers float in the air as pirates return and an explosion booms close by. The pirates celebrate deridingly. Louis' mind fills with cloudy spots and dizzying ringing. Unable to take it anymore, the prince collapses.

~*~*~*~

Louis grunts as someone grips his hair imprudently and wrenches him up so he's on his knees. He's lightheaded from the haste of waking up, but he tries to ignore the throbbing and focus on more important matters - like staying alive.

His wrists are still bound and are already palpitating and raw underneath the harsh snare of the rope; albeit, he is thankful for being blinded because at least he doesn't have to see the ugly faces of his burglars. Pirates. Despicable.

The prince wrinkles his nose as the hot sun bites at his face. He can hear the footfalls of the pirates' boots on the floorboards and their distant chatter flutter in the air. He'd only concluded the worst: he's on a pirate ship. Definitely not part of the plan..... what will his parents think about this - if they find out?

Someone -another unfortunate hostage- shifts, nudging Louis in the shoulder. Louis wonders dreadfully what these pirates want with these particular hostages; he wonders why they were taken hostage. He really hopes it's not just because they look pretty....

Even though Louis had no particular bond with the crew, he'd hate for anyone to suffer from what these callous lowlifes had stored stored in that grubby mind of theirs. He remembers with gritted teeth the exact words from the two impostors who'd found him: "But this guy's a prince - a prince! We ought to make good money out of him." He feels his stomach roll when he remembers the insensitive reply that followed: "Right after everyone's had a turn with him, that is...".

It all feels so wrong, and Louis feels like he's trapped in a costume without a zipper and everyone believes the deceiving appearance of this costume is actually him. Well, he can assure you he's not; he can assure anyone he's not... this.

Louis doesn't realize he's been distracted by his reverie until he comprehends the unusual silence of the ship. Nobody is talking anymore, and Louis would be convinced he's gone deaf if it weren't for the crackling of the remorseless fire finishing off its desolation in the distance. Mourn immediately washes over Louis at the cruel reminder of the misfortune souls now lost to Davy Jones's locker, but his attention is quickly altered when low thuds emerge, breaking while simultaneously filling the silence.

The silence among the pirates (if they're still here; remember, Louis can't see anything right now) is uncomfortably dense; in fact, Louis'd much rather be listening to their annoying chirps than the slow, steady falls of boots easing on the floorboards of the deck that seem to be building a horrifying tension that kneads through Louis' blood. He gulps as the mysterious stranger beckons closer to the hostages and him, leisuring at his own pace - lethargic and predator-like. Who is this? Why's he/she automatically so important? But then Louis fits the pieces together. Sea, ship, pirates.... obviously there must be somebody in charge of these savages........ although, considering someone probably ordered these savages to rob and drown Louis' ship conjectures this leader is obviously no better than his crew.

But, wait, you don't refer to someone governing a ship as a "leader"; it's Captain. The Captain. The bloody Captain of this godforsaken ship of scallywags is approaching... not that Louis has respect for this Captain-of-the-savages guy.

There is a lot of scents mingling on this ship, but it seems the incoming scent suggestively emitting from the Captain (because he's literally just a few feet away from Louis) overlaps all of these other, less significant scents, making the pirate crew's scents seem thin and dull - weak. Compared to the Captain's dark, zesty scent that wafts thickly and dominantly through the salty air, theirs is nothing.

Alpha. Huh. Go figure.

Then, he stops. Not far from Louis, but also pretty damn close. The silence stretches for nearly ten seconds, pulsing thickly before the process begins again.

Thump. Thud. Thump. Thud. Louis repeats the rhythm of the boots in his head in hopes to distract himself from the imminent foreboding he'll face when the Captain reaches him.

Thump. Thud. Thump. Thud. Louis' eyes tighten behind the dark cloth. His hands wringle in the rope's tourniquet, testing for feeling. His fingertips tingle, cringing with low circulation. He tries to push the balls of his palm together, spreading the ropes just a tiny bits to allow some blood to flow, but freezes when the tempo of the boots ceases right in front of him.

Louis gulps, his nerves galloping.

The scent is so potent now that it's burning Louis' nose. The prince wrinkles his nose, breathing in through his mouth instead. Big mistake. Immediately, the spicy taste of the Captain's Alpha-y scent sticks to Louis' tongue. There's something so... discrete -and maybe even mesmerizing- in the Alpha's scent. There's definitely the evident odour of an Alpha (so evident it almost reeks), but there's also a pungent, anomalous odour that's intertwining, emphasizing distinctiveness.

... It reminds Louis of something dangerous.

It surprises Louis when the Captain nonchalantly continues on by without uttering a single word. Relief gushes inside Louis, but he's also puzzled; why did the Captain stop in front of him? Did he stop to watch a bird fly by or did the matter actually concern Louis?

When Louis assumes the Captain has reached the end of the hostage line, he hears a rumbling, "is this it?" Louis trembles instinctively at the pitch of the voice. Gravelly and sticky.... intimidating. The tone itself could probably make a grizzly bear despair. Louis automatically knows it's the Captain's voice, too. Thing is, the Captain's not even trying to sound Alpha-y and yet the harsh, unforgiving tone slides right out like thin gravy - like it's actually part of his ordinary voice.

Louis tries to keep his composure as the effects of the Captain's Alpha-y voice tingle sharply through his system, persuading submissiveness.

Another voice -Beta, must be- responds coolly: "Yes, sir."

There's a low hum as if pressing the one Wolf to add on. Louis inwardly shivers; tremours nearly break his spine in the process of his resisting.

The Beta continues. "We found these royal filths in the kitchen; figured they be of some use for us; could hopefully replace Liam who's always burnin' things."

"Hey!" came an offended protest. That must be Liam.

"Well, is' true!"

"Quiet," slithers in a calm, subduing hiss. It seems to reverberate in the air -so dominant- like the distant echo of a lion's roar.

A involuntary whine threatens in Louis' throat but he chokes it back as tremours continue to envelop his body.

After the area seems stilled and compliant, the Captain continues. "No Alphas, Niall?"

"No, s-sir." He's Beta; he must've been affected by the Alpha's dominance too. "We burned them all."

"Mm. I prefer not to have that filth in my crew anyway." He's referring to royals.

Louis had assumed pirates had a distaste in royals, but these ones have no remorse once-o-ever. Well, go figure;Royals are the ones who hunt pirates and kill them. Royals also forbid anyone having been or been associated with pirates from entering their land; that, or the royals just kill them on sight. Obviously there's been some resentful rivalry between these two for a long time.

"Where did you find the Omega?" the Captain asks, yet all Louis hears is Alpha.

Then the prince realizes... the Captain just referred to him. Louis' heart stutters in his chest.

"Erm, I don't know, sir," the Beta answers. "Ashton and Luke found 'im."

Immediately, Luke's voice chirps from somewhere. "Ashton and I found him in the closet of his quarters, sir."

"He's a prince, my Captain," Ashton's slimy, mischievous voice adds in. Thanks...

There's a pause before: "A prince?" There's an interested growl in the rocky timbre.

Irritation suddenly prickles at Louis' skin. You can stop talking about me like I'm not here listening to every word you say.

Thump, thud, thump, thud. The tempo of the Captain's boots repeat with a sprinkle of haste in the step; which, in this guy's case, would be the equivalent of an average person walking. Thump, thud... The rhythm stops when the boots are right in front of Louis. Louis shudders (his whole body won't stop quaking, which is really annoying) when rugged fingers dive into the feathers of his hair near his ear, linger for a fraction of a second before tearing off the blindfold.

Light sears into Louis' eyes, and he closes them instinctively, ducking his head. He waits, slowly letting his vulnerablle eyes adjust to the aggressive sun as conversation floats behind the Captain and one of his crew members (Louis doesn't care to listen). His vision is almost recovers when the familiar fingers return, belligerently grasping his right jaw and roughly lifts, forcing Louis to face him.

Then Louis sees him for the first time.

The Captain -as Louis soon discovers- is the epitome of something so beguiling. Louis' eyes trace over the warm features, noticing the sharp square of his jaw, the soft curve of dark, thin brows above mirrors to the soul, which hold irises of green lava. His hair is long, like a mane as it flows down the slope of his neck and tickles his shoulders. It doesn't look beastly though; if anything, it actually compliments his darkly alluring appearance.

A tricorn hat with a flame-like feather stuck in is planted atop his matted head; it is a sign to identify to others that he is the Captain (if it isn't already clear). He's also... young. Why's he so young? He must be twenty - at max.

He's.... not at all what Louis had anticipated. He's actually... pleasant-looking; attractive... well, if you were an Omega, anyway. Louis is not Omega, so therefore he is not attracted to this Alpha (or any Alpha as a matter of fact); however, like anyone else in this world, he is able to detect the rare, winsome appearance that would potentially bewitch any Omega with a simply whooshing flick of his fringe.

The Captain's finger discards from Louis' jaw and and Louis watches as the Captain (Jesus Christ he's tall!) arises and wheels over to a blond Beta (most likely the one he'd been asking questions) and whispers something incoherent to him. The Beta snickers when the Captain finishes and ambles to someone else. The blond gives Louis a I-know-something-and-you-don't glance just before commanding two other Betas and an Alpha to "take the little prince to the Captain's quarters."

Wait, WHAT?

In a second, Louis moves hastily to stand, forcing his rusty legs to cooperate. His abrupt action unintentionally demands the attention from several crew members, including the blond and two other Betas and one Alpha, and their reaction is instantaneous. Immediately, one of the Betas lunges towards Louis who (luckily) dances out of the way; however, the prince consequently tumbles into the large, bulky chest of an Alpha.

His head snaps up to see cheeky smirk and dark stubble and quickly attempts to break away, but the Alpha has already locked him in. Shit! "Not so fast, little one," the Alpha muses, unaffected by Louis' struggles.

A familiar, Irish-y voice emerges, glittering with amused humour. "Knock 'im out; he's too fiesty right now."

Suddenly, Louis is manumitted from the Alpha's hold. He stumbles forward, stirred and disconcerted. He twists his head to try and register something, but he barely comprehends the faces staring at him before something hard smites the back of his head. The pain is sharp and lasts for half a second, then disappears, replaced by Louis' unconsciousness.