The hall fell into a heavy silence after the dramatic declaration of Nael's choice. The nobles, the dignitaries, even some foreign princes—every eye was on the youngest prince of Elyndria. Yet before relief could settle, King Alaric's voice rang out, calm but firm.
"However," he said, "my court is not happy with this decision. To marry… Leonard Velcrest, my son? Some of you had expected another. Surely, Prince Nael would choose someone else."
For a heartbeat, the court expected a hesitation, a bow, a retreat. But Nael's eyes darkened—an almost stormy shade that made the little hearts of the older men falter.
He stepped forward, shoulders squared, gaze unflinching. His voice carried, clear and cold, yet tinged with the fire of defiance.
"Father," he began, voice steady, "I grew up with him. You not only taught him to fight, to protect, personally—but you nurtured him in every way that truly matters. You shaped him from youth, so that he could be my companion, my protector, my future spouse. So that I would never end up in bad hands—like what happened to my uncle, your younger brother, Prince Rein Valethorne."
A hush fell across the hall. Even the whispers of the courtiers died on their lips.
"Shall we play any more games, Father?" Nael continued, his tone sharp and precise. "I love him. I want to marry him. Isn't he already remarkable? Does he not have status and honor greater than most of those present here?"
Marnard Velcrest, standing silently at Nael's side, coughed softly—an acknowledgment of the prince's sharp tongue. His eyes flickered to Leo, who stood resolutely, unwavering, as if carved from steel.
King Alaric exhaled slowly, studying the two men before him. "You… really want this?"
"Yes," Nael said, firm as a decree.
"And you?" the king asked, turning to Leo.
"I do," Leo answered without hesitation, voice even, steady, and filled with that same unwavering loyalty that Nael had always known.
The court shifted uncomfortably. The older nobles—those who had hoped for political marriages to cement alliances, to place grandsons and sons beside the young omega prince—found themselves powerless. Their carefully laid schemes were undone in a single moment, their plans for influence crushed by the sheer audacity and honesty of the young prince.
Nael's gaze swept the hall, calm and unyielding, a quiet warning in its intensity: no games, no compromises. His choice had been made.
King Alaric's lips curved in a faint, approving smile. "Very well," he said. "The court is dismissed."
The nobles rose reluctantly, bowing, muttering their compliance. Servants began clearing the hall. Women and male omegas whispered to one another, excitement and awe mingling in their voices.
"A forbidden love… accepted in the royal court."
"Prince… and his loyal knight. What a story this will become."
Even as they departed, the court buzzed with quiet fascination, their shock giving way to admiration. Elyndria had just witnessed a prince claim his heart, unbowed by tradition, unafraid of whispers, and utterly defiant in love.
Nael looked at Leo, and for the first time that day, he allowed himself a small, triumphant smile.
The knight returned it, proud and unflinching. Together, they stepped forward, not just as prince and knight, but as equals, as partners, as the future.
A story that had seemed impossible, forbidden, and scandalous had become reality before the eyes of a kingdom.
As soon as the court cleared and the murmurs settled, Nael's brothers approached, their expressions a mix of awe and mischief.
"Wow, brother," Ravel said first, eyes gleaming. "That… that performance just now? Spectacular."
Marcus and Adrien flanked Leo, nodding and smirking. "We pity you, Leo," Marcus said with mock sympathy, "having to deal with this whirlwind every day."
Leo merely raised an eyebrow, arms folded, stoic as ever, while Nael's mischievous grin only widened.
Ravel leaned closer to Nael, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Do you really… fall in love with him?" he asked, curiosity and teasing in equal measure.
Before Nael could answer, the others crowded closer, peering at him expectantly. "Huhhhh…" Nael started, exasperated, hands raised in mock surrender.
At that moment, the doors opened again and Queen Marlia entered, her aura commanding yet warm. She walked straight to Leo and enveloped him in a firm hug.
"I truly feel gratitude towards you, Leo," she said, voice soft but resolute. "You saved him. But don't think for a moment that if you ever like someone else, I won't break this engagement immediately."
Nael's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a playful glare. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms almost clingily around Leo's arm. "I just got betrothed to him!" he exclaimed, voice teasing yet serious. "And we haven't even signed the engagement document yet—and you're already trying to break it off?"
Everyone in the room burst into laughter at the sight: the little omega clinging to his towering knight, glaring at his queen as if daring her to defy him.
Queen Marlia shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "You little brat," she said fondly, ruffling Nael's hair with a playful swat.
Leo glanced down at Nael, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips, finally breaking the usual stoic composure. Nael's brothers exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the chaos their youngest brother brought with him wherever he went.
The royal hall, moments ago a scene of tension and protocol, now reverberated with laughter and warmth—a perfect snapshot of the prince and his knight, their bond unshakable, and their family reluctantly enchanted by it.