The palace was quiet that morning, as if it sensed the weight of what was coming. Elias hadn't slept. He sat on the edge of the bed, all dressed up and ready for court. His eyes were sunken and fixed on the door like he expected someone—or something-to walk through it.
The ring sat untouched on the nightstand. He hadn't made a decision… at least that was what he told himself. A knock came, and before he could answer, the door creaked open.
"His Highness requests your presence in the court," Blake reported.
Elias stood slowly, dusting the invisible dust off his collar. The white robe with the golden waist chain was a perfect match.
"Let me guess, to parade the seal and collar me like a royal pet," he hissed.
Blake's jaw tensed. "He is doing what he can."
"Yeah… says his loyal shepherd," Elias scoffed, but he followed.
The throne room was filled with hushed whispers and nervous glances. The nobles were already gathered. The court's crest hung above the podium. Beside the throne, Rowan sat, cold and unreadable. He didn't smile when Elias entered. He didn't even blink.
The air was thick, and every step Elias took felt like a lamb headed for the slaughterhouse. As he reached the throne, a steward stepped forward.
"The Crown Prince will now bestow his seal upon his consort, making him the first and official consort."
Elias turned, facing Rowan. His body stiffened, and his fingers clenched. No matter how decorated the title was, it made no difference. Rowan held out the ring—it was not as simple as the one they had exchanged on their wedding day. This was the family heirloom, a symbol of authority passed to every worthy consort. It once belonged to his mother, and he passed it to his man.
"Take it," he said.
Elias's heart thundered. The entire court was watching. He could feel their judgment without having to look into their eyes. Their stares burned with curiosity, and tongues begged for scandals. He reached out… then stopped.
"I want something in return." He raised his eyes, meeting those of Rowan.
Gasps rippled through the room, tongues wagged, and hands folded.
"If I wear your seal, then I demand full access to the records on Kael's case. Every secret you're hiding. I'm not a decoration. I'm a consort. I want to know what hell I am stepping into." Rowan stared at him. Tension thickened between them. His eyes carried no emotion, and his body betrayed no feelings.
"Done," he said.
The court was now in a state of shock. Queen Melissa sat, her fingers dug deep into her skin. Theron was no different. Elias nodded and took the ring, sliding it onto his finger. It was a perfect fit—but it burned.
The events that followed did not proceed as planned. Queen Melissa could not object, but she had expected one of the court officials to say something, argue, or raise an objection. Instead, they all sat quietly, smiling like it was perfect.
The meeting soon ended, and Elias couldn't be any happier. He watched the nobles bid their farewells. Queen Melissa sat quietly, waiting.
Once it was just the four of them, she stood.
"Theron, kindly escort your brother's consort back. I need to have a word with him."
Theron nodded without delay. Elias turned to Rowan, who smiled, and Kim followed. Watching their backs turn the corner, Queen Melissa pulled out a seat.
"What do you think you are doing? The life of our people depends on you, and all you can do is bend to the request of a consort?" She half-yelled.
Rowan stared at the woman before him, his eyes cold, but he smiled nonetheless.
"I know you are worried, Mother, but we will get to bearing an heir soon… Moreover, Elias is a beta. I doubt he is a ferre."
"Exactly my point. The one who bears the first son and heir to the throne should be your consort."
Rowan smiled.
"I know, Mother. But Elias is the one I want," he added.
The one I want, the words hit a nerve. But Queen Melissa remained composed, forcing a smile. Rowan turned to Blake, who stood in the distance. As he wheeled him out, the words of Queen Melissa echoed like a forgotten relic.
"Don't make the same mistakes your father did."
Rowan's hands tightened against his chair, but he didn't stop. "I will keep that in mind, Mother."
The word Mother tasted like ash on his tongue.
Elsewhere, beyond the throne room's heavy silence, Elias walked with Prince Theron in an uncomfortable silence… Elias walked a few miles, then halted.
"Thanks… Kim and I will continue from here." Elias turned and smiled. Theron's eyes carried disdain, and his lips curled upwards.
"You think you are special?" he scoffed bitterly. "You're a beta, and unless you are like his mother, you wouldn't bear an heir, and all your demands will soon stop. Discarded and alone… that's the hell you've walked into."
Elias's fingers tightened around his robe, but he looked up, unfazed. His eyes did not flicker, his smile never fading.
"Thanks for the advice, Your Highness."
Elias turned, and Kim hurried behind him. Theron watched them walk away, his hands clenched.
"Bitch," he cursed, then turned and left.
Elias rushed into their chambers, his heart pounding against his chest, threatening to break. Sonia stepped forward to help him undress. Elias reached out a hand in the air, stopping her. He recklessly pulled the robe pieces off his body, thrashing them around as he paced.
"What was that?" He scoffed, his eyes blazing with fury. "Wait, did he threaten me? ... I would become a deposed consort?" He laughed bitterly. From the door, Kim watched. Then Blake and Rowan joined.
Rowan stood up and took steady steps forward. He dared not anger Elias, who was already angry.
"All this for some ring… a position I did not want, and he dares threaten me?"
"This is too much."
"It's not just a ring," a stern voice joined his. Elias would recognize the voice even at his worst.
"Yeah, right. And thanks to you, I stand a chance of becoming a deposed consort," he laughed, but his voice dripped with sarcasm.
Rowan stepped forward, but Elias matched him, his eyes dark and his steps louder.
"So this was the plan… marry a beta you clearly know is not a ferre, then humiliate him?" It all sounded like a sick joke, and it was, unfortunately, Elias's life.
"You are Elias. Just like my mother."
Elias's anger only grew. "What are you? Goddess of fertility?"
Rowan opened his mouth, but his back was against the wall, and the man before him was only inches away. Elias leaned in, his hands firm against Rowan's chest, his lips dangerously close.
"Wake up… I am not your mother," he hissed.
But Rowan smirked, his eyes beaming with mischief, and with one swift move, he tilted Elias to the bed, their bodies hitting the bouncy mattress.
"Why don't we find out?" He leaned closer, their lips grazing the surface.
For a split second, Elias stopped fighting. His hands against the prince's chest halted, his breath hitched, and the room suddenly became too hot. His fingers squeezed a little, his lips parted, and his eyes stared at the dangerous temptation.
"You're mad," Elias pushed Rowan off him.
"So much for a second chance," Elias murmured as he walked into the bathroom.
Rowan's eyes flickered.
"What?"