Chapter Text
Zi'Ang sat in his father's throne room, the rest of the royal council present along with his brothers and Xiao Shu Qian. He wasn't expecting to spend his early morning in meetings but the world had other plans.
After the events of last night, Zi'Ang expected to find the Omega this morning for breakfast. Zi'Ang almost wanted to tease him some more, his face unconsciously showing a smile at the thought. Zi'Ang had to compose himself, otherwise his arousal may become evident. He was sure that he wouldn't have been able to justify that if anyone smelled him.
Other than that, because of the meetings, Duan Zi'Ang wasn't even able to make it to Shuhe this morning.
Jibei received word from Emperor Xiao Shuyian, an urgent letter with Nan Hui's seal on the front. As soon as the letter arrived in Jibei, Emperor Duan Xiang called a meeting and everyone had to be present. Duan Zi'Ang did not miss the concerned look on Shu Qian's face when he noticed the seal. He guessed even the Alpha could show fear too.
Emperor Duan Xiang spoke about the contents in the letter, his anger evident. It seemed as if the Eastern Kingdom was already approaching Nan Hui's gate.
People assumed it would've been Jibei to be attacked first. Nevertheless, Duan Xiang did not hesitate when he ordered most of his men to head toward Nan Hui. Shu Qian would also be one to head back.
“You must rest but not waste time! The Eastern Kingdom must not break through Nan Hui's walls!” Duan Xiang’s voice ran loud in the room, and his upset features were clear. Even his scent became stronger. The same could be said for everyone else, especially Shu Qian who would make his way back to Nan Hui to protect his kingdom.
Xiao Shu Qian immediately stood up and Duan Xiang turned his head toward him. The Emperor could see that the Crown Prince of Nan Hui wanted to speak and with a simple nod, Shu Qian began.
“We know that everyone from Nan Hui will have to go home shortly but I believe Shuhe should stay for a while longer, just until Nan Hui is safe,” Shu Qian stood quiet for a bit so everyone could take in his words.
“When Nan Hui is safe from danger again, we will send for him. After the two kingdoms are able to successfully plan to defeat the Eastern and Western Kingdoms, we should wed both Shuhe and Duan Zi'Ang as soon as possible. People frown upon helping kingdoms where there are no ties.”
The royal council murmured amongst one another, in agreement with Shu Qian's words. He may be an outsider but their kingdoms were already planned to be joint. He can already be called family so his opinion mattered as well. The Emperor nodded his head.
“Agreed,” Duan Xiang said. “In addition to your statement about your brother, Xiao Shuhe will be safe with us until he can go home. I've sent some of my best soldiers but be rest assured that I kept some here to protect Jibei as well, just in case the other kingdoms may be plotting against us.
Shu Qian nodded, bringing his arms out in front of himself to bow to the Emperor of Jibei. Before he could even lower himself, however, Duan Xiang held his arms.
“No worries, Shu Qian,” Duan Xiang hummed. “You only need to go out there and help protect your people. War waits on no one.”
…and Duan Xiang was right.
Even after preparing to leave the next day, Duan Xiang received word that the Eastern Kingdom was sending more people to Nan Hui's walls. Therefore, no more time could be wasted.
Horses were gathered and maids prepared dry foods and ample amounts of water for the soldiers. Xiao Shu Qian and Duan Qi'Ang were on the front lines to head to Nan Hui, many men behind them to take part in this so-called war.
Many people were around to see them off. Duan Zi'Ang looked around to see his younger brother, Huaiyi speaking to his older brother. His eyes roamed to see families murmuring prayers to loved ones. He also saw Shuhe, the Omega in dire need of consoling as he watched his brother mount the horse.
Duan Zi'Ang gritted his teeth, his mind in a constant state of paranoia. He wasn't even sure if he could call it paranoia. Something was not sitting right with him about this war.
He quickly walked up to his brothers and at one point, his eyes were glancing at Shuhe, wanting to quickly go and comfort the Omega. As he watched Shu Qian hop off his horse for a moment to hug the younger, a soft smile settled on his face. He would be fine until he went to get Shuhe.
“Zi'Ang Ge,” Huaiyi broke him from his thoughts. Zi'Ang realised that he was close to his brothers at this time, the Alpha blinking his eyes a few times to focus.
“Wow, are you concerned about me or your dear Omega?” Qi'Ang teased. Zi'Ang blankly stared at his older brother who raised his hands in surrender.
“I'm joking,” he laughed softly. Huaiyi who was at their sides chuckled also. They were glad for the moment of laughter, even if it was all of a fleeting one.
“Qi'Ang Ge,” Zi'Ang started on a more serious note. His eyes were full of concern and as he looked around at all of his people, his heart was in pain. Zi'Ang did not like it.
“Qi'Ang Ge, please. You and everyone must stay safe,” He just needed reassurance. Something was telling him that this could be a trap for Jibei but he did not want to concern others with that thought. Zi'Ang would make sure to do his part at home while his brother was gone.
Qi'Ang sighed, the Alpha looking down for a split second before he raised his head. A soft smile then formed on his face.
“Huaiyi, Zi'Ang,” Qi'Ang began, the oldest resting a caring hand on both of his brothers’ shoulders. “We will be fine. Even if it takes six days or six months, Shu Qian and I will lead everyone back safely. Shuhe will be able to go home and we will do this the right way to get you both wedded. This alliance is an important step.”
Zi'Ang pressed his lips together. He had to trust his brother.
“Okay,” he softly answered, Huaiyi as well. Seeing the gentle smiles on both Zi'Ang's and Huaiyi’s faces, Qi'Ang was a bit more at peace. The smiles didn't exactly reach their eyes but the understanding was enough.
“Keep Jibei safe, Second brother, Third brother,” Qi'Ang spoke as he mounted his horse. The older looked down at his younger brothers for a few seconds and as they nodded and bowed, he smiled. He wasted no time as he pulled the horse reins.
Huaiyi and Zi'Ang watched as Qi'Ang moved closer to Shu Qian. The Crown Prince of Nan Hui had already mounted his horse, his brother having to be held by one of the maids. For a moment, it appeared as if Shu Qian was reluctant to leave.
“Duan Zi'Ang, take care of my brother,” Shu Qian spoke loudly and Zi'Ang heard the authority in his voice. He also heard the trust from Shu Qian.
Zi'Ang hummed, the Alpha nodding in understanding. He would do so.
With one more look in their direction, Shu Qian and Duan Qi'Ang moved along, the loud gallops of horses following behind them to disappear into the night. No one knows when next they would see them but everyone hoped for a safe return. Eyes remained on the soldiers until they could no longer see them.
“Ge!” Shuhe's voice rang loudly in the air that startled many around him. This was expected. The only person from Nan Hui that was with him was Huo Ying. Heaven forbid that Nan Hui did not survive this feat, they would be the last remaining people of his kingdom.
Huaiyi used his arm to nudge his second brother, breaking him out of whatever trance he was in. At this moment, the only person that could comfort Shuhe was him.
“Zi'Ang, go quickly. Xiao Shuhe needs you.”
It wasn't like he could not see that. It was just that he was worried about the entire situation. Nevertheless, Zi'Ang would put trust in his people as well as his brother and Shuhe's brother. He had to for Shuhe at least.
He turned toward Shuhe who Huo Ying was trying his best to console. Zi'Ang could not watch an, -no his Omega in pain any longer. He rushed toward the two and without having to say anything, Huo Ying made space for the Alpha.
Zi'Ang did not see Huo Ying as any threat, just a friend that was good to his Omega and that was fine with him. As soon as Huo Ying let go of Shuhe, Zi'Ang was already there. He held on tightly to his betrothed, pressing Shuhe's head to his neck as he released a comforting scent.
Shuhe held on just as tightly, sobbing into Zi'Ang’s neck. As he breathed in the scent of cocoa, his own distressed scent was becoming lesser and lesser until his sweet vanilla scent came through. Zi'Ang sighed in relief. He could only hope that it lasted.
—
It in fact, did not last.
No one liked to see their loved ones go to war. Some people handled it well as they were accustomed and others, not so much.
Zi'Ang saw that with Shuhe.
Sure, he would be safe in Jibei as promised by Duan Xiang but the Omega was still in distress. His entire family was in Nan Hui while everything was commencing. He had no way of knowing if they would be safe until someone came back with positive news.
…and they had no idea how long that would be.
Zi'Ang did his best to comfort him since Shuhe was more sensitive to these matters. It was not a happy feeling and Zi'Ang felt as if the feeling amplified because of how he felt for Shuhe. He could not deny it any longer. He felt something coursing through him as if he had to comfort Shuhe; make sure he was safe at all times.
He was not quite sure what it was.
Shuhe cried and Zi'Ang had never seen an Omega in such distress. His vanilla scent was strong and his emotions were more than clear. Zi'Ang, however, refused to let Shuhe go, adamant on being by his side even though Shuhe being in distress took a toll on his body as well.
Even on the next day.
A doctor was quickly sent as Zi'Ang still held Shuhe close to his side. His hands were in the Omega's long hair, fingers threading through the strands.
As Zi'Ang watched the doctor, a cloth covering his face so he wouldn't be affected by Shuhe's strong scent, he was not sure what he had in the kit he was holding but the Alpha did not trust it. Usually, when an Omega was in distress, people were quick to sedate them. Zi'Ang was not having it.
He gave the doctor a look and the Beta only bowed, quick to reassure the Second Prince. After all, he was within their boundaries and had a needle for the Omega. Anyone would watch in concern.
“Second Prince Zi'Ang,” the doctor paid his respects. Zi'Ang stared him down, an arm still around Shuhe's shoulder as the Omega sniffled in his arms. He just wanted to lead his mate away from the scene and to somewhere quiet.
Zi'Ang did not respond. He only waited on the doctor to continue. The doctor had to make sure he was speaking to Zi'Ang and not the animal within him. Rationality was needed.
“I am only here to make sure that Sixth Prince Shuhe does not drop,” Zi'Ang knew that a drop could be detrimental to an Omega's health. He would not allow that to happen. He just needed to get Shuhe to a safe point and it was not here, out in the open.
“I know,” he said calmly. Zi'Ang did not waste a second more as he led Shuhe away. He knew that he would not be able to take the Omega to his room. Besides, Zi'Ang believed it best to take him to his own room.
They eventually made it there and all of the guards that were present, Zi'Ang sent them away. Even Huo Ying, Zi'Ang wanted to go. At this point, Zi'Ang did not want anyone around his Omega when he was at his most vulnerable.
Zi'Ang did not look back when the doctor was calling out for him.
He along with Shuhe made it to Shuhe's room, two guards by the door. Zi'Ang knew what they were going to do even before he saw them raising their swords. It was not out of disrespect, but because of orders from the Emperor. He and Shuhe must not be left alone in any room.
“Second Prince Zi'Ang,” one of the guards began, his body in a stance that showed he was determined. “You can leave Nan Hui's Sixth Prince here. You, however, must leave.”
Zi'Ang knew they were only listening to his father's orders. Regardless of that matter, Duan Zi'Ang was not about to leave his upset Omega alone. Not for anyone to poke needles in him or not to leave him vulnerable around anyone. Zi'Ang trusted no one at this moment.
He stared the guards down, his disdain shining through. Although angry, Zi'Ang was gentle with Shuhe. Someone may call him mad but Zi'Ang could not care. With one swipe of his hand, he knocked the two men down on the floor. He did not kill them, of course, just stunned them.
Shuhe was too far gone in his mind to notice and Zi'Ang was thankful for that. He quickly walked into Shuhe's room, closing the doors and moving toward the bed. He laid Shuhe down on the soft and clean sheets.
Zi'Ang removed the Omega's shoes to make him more comfortable. He also removed Shuhe's jewelry, leaving the forehead chain on his head. So lost in his movements, Zi'Ang did not realise that Shuhe had stopped crying at this point in time.
Shuhe watched the Alpha carefully, his face full of tear stains and his mouth slightly ajar as Zi'Ang shuffled around him. He kept quiet on the bed, hands resting on his stomach and eyes never moving from Zi'Ang.
Zi'Ang had the option of resting Shuhe down and leaving. An Omega's scent was strong once he was in distress and could easily affect anyone. If Shuhe's scent was painful to Zi'Ang, he did not show it.
Shuhe pinned his lips together when he realised he was so lost in his thoughts.
“Zi'Ang,” Shuhe softly spoke and Zi'Ang raised his head almost immediately. He placed Shuhe's shoes on the floor, moving closer to the Omega.
“Shuhe? What is it? Are you okay?” The Alpha asked many questions at once. He brought a hand to the Omega's face, searching his eyes for any answer.
Shuhe smiled, face still shiny with tears as he nodded his head. “I'm okay now,” he murmured. He wasn't sure what he was feeling at that moment but the fluttering of his heart maybe gave him an idea.
Shuhe remained quiet and Zi'Ang did as well. They were so close that the cold of the night could not compare to the heat of their bodies. Breathing as one, they searched each other's faces for any sign at all.
Both Shuhe and Zi'Ang were not sure what exactly they were searching for but neither of them could deny what they felt. It was something simple but Duan Zi'Ang showed he cared in this minor moment.
Shuhe pinned his lips tightly, his hands folding in fists as his mind ran rampant with thoughts. He was someone who knew what he wanted as his brothers always told him. They never failed to remind him to be safe as he was someone who would love dearly.
“Zi'Ang,” Shuhe whispered this time and Zi'Ang did not say anything. Instead, he inched closer, a hand on Shuhe's hands that were still resting on his stomach.
“We're not supposed to be here together,” Which was true. Shuhe and Zi'Ang were to be married. Being in such close vicinity in private was against everything they knew. If Zi'Ang wanted to avoid punishment, he would have to leave now. There was still the matter of the guards outside.
Zi'Ang went to stand up. He did not want to leave Shuhe in such a vulnerable state but if Shuhe was uncomfortable with him in the room, he would leave without hesitation.
Instead, Shuhe moved his hands from underneath Zi'Ang's, placing them on top to keep the Alpha from moving. Zi'Ang stayed in his spot, concern and surprise both etched on his face.
He gazed at his and Shuhe's joined hands but did not make an attempt to move.
“But I do not want you to go."
Zi'Ang stayed still for a couple more seconds until the Alpha began to smile. He brought his face closer to Shuhe's, surprising himself more than the Omega at the action. Shuhe himself did not move away from the Alpha, liking the closeness between the two of them.
Shuhe was afraid. He may tease Zi'Ang at every chance he got but he was still a bit nervous to push further.
…but he knew what he wanted and that was Zi'Ang and Shuhe knew Zi'Ang wanted him too. If their affection was acted on and anything went wrong in their relationship, they both still had the option of leaving regardless of an alliance.
It could easily be broken as it was created and his family would do so without hesitation.
Shuhe mimicked Zi'Ang’s actions, moving closer to the Alpha as well. They could smell each other's scents being so close to one another and feel the heats of their breaths. Shuhe's eyes kept glancing between Zi'Ang's eyes and his lips.
Zi'Ang did the same.
Shuhe parted his lips, his tongue peeking out for a split second. He wanted to speak but his mouth was not cooperating to form words. So, Shuhe inched forward, letting Zi'Ang know with body language what he wanted.
Zi'Ang took that invitation without a second thought.
It first started with a peck, Alpha and Omega familiarising themselves with the new action. Their eyes closed almost automatically.
They stayed still, taking in the plushness of each other's lips. Shuhe then inched forward impossibly close, parting his lips to give Zi'Ang access, fingers slowly tracing his Alpha's back. The Omega hummed when Zi'Ang parted his lips as well.
When his betrothed moaned into his mouth, Shuhe mewled, raising his arms to hold onto Zi'Ang's neck. His cocoa scent became more prominent, Shuhe's vanilla scent coming out in response.
Shuhe tilted his head, furrowing his brows when Zi'Ang placed his hands on his body. That grip on his waist caused a flow of slick to leave him. Shuhe should’ve been embarrassed but the Omega only hummed into the kiss when Zi'Ang began sucking on his tongue, exploring new territory.
“Shuhe,” Zi'Ang sighed, fingers grazing Shuhe's neck to touch his swollen scent gland. Shuhe moaned softly, parting his lips a little wider to invite his Alpha in deeper. Shuhe even pulled on Zi'Ang's bottom lip with his teeth, a smirk forming on his face.
“You smell so sweet, Omega, “Zi'Ang continued, moving from Shuhe's lips to nibble on his scent gland. Their robes became a little ruffled as their hands roamed each other’s bodies. They were entering a dangerous zone.
Shuhe eventually pulled away to catch his breath, forcing Zi'Ang to do the same. They stared into each other's eyes, a small chuckle leaving Shuhe when he noticed his Alpha's swollen lips. Zi'Ang laughed softly as well.
They stayed in silence, bodies still close and arms still wrapped around each other. Shuhe gazed at Zi'Ang endearingly, his heart rate speeding up the longer he looked. He really did like Zi'Ang.
It was only when they both heard the sound of the guards waking up on the outside, that they broke out of their trance. Zi'Ang jumped. Shuhe did not see when Zi'Ang had knocked out the guards but he knew for a fact that his room was guarded, meaning there was only one logical explanation.
Shuhe had to hide his laughter when the Alpha who was all tough fifteen minutes ago was now acting skittish.
Zi'Ang wasted no time as he rushed out of the room but nothing could stop him from turning around to place a quick kiss on Shuhe's lips before he rushed out of the room.
Shuhe brought a finger to his lips, a soft smile forming.
Zi'Ang would definitely have to face his father's wrath later.