In a quiet, private room, King Alaric and Duke Marnard Velcrest sat across from each other, the weight of years and unspoken history hanging between them.
"I troubled you this time," Alaric said, his tone slightly formal but tinged with guilt.
Marnard shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's nothing troublesome, Your Majesty."
Alaric's expression shifted to one of quiet grievance. "How many times have I sent you formal invitations these past years, and yet… you never came. Just show your face once or twice in few years so that I won't forget how you like. Always in hiding. And now… now, just because my youngest son asked for a favor, you came here without knowing everything? This isn't fair."
Marnard's smirk widened, knowing exactly the weight behind the king's words. "I understand, Your Majesty. But he was my student—and the one who saved my son back then. When he needed me most, it was necessary to come. And I've always exchanged letters with you."
Alaric exhaled, leaning back. "And you don't mind his… willfulness this time?"
Marnard's eyes softened. "He's entirely like you were at his age. Remember what you said when my son was just two years old? That if you ever had an omega child, you'd marry him off wisely. Well… it seems your son is following that wish perfectly."
At that moment, the door opened and Nael entered with the entire royal family in tow, his bright aura filling the room. He practically leapt forward and clung to Leo's arm.
"See, Leo?" he said, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "We've been betrothed from the very start. Fated, I tell you!"
Ravel muttered, trying to sound stern but failing to hide his amusement, "Don't show off your fiancé now, Nael."
King Alaric stood, attempting formality, though the pride in his eyes betrayed him. He turned to Leo, tone measured but warning: "Are you truly ready to take on this responsibility?"
Leo knelt on one knee once more, every bit the embodiment of dignity and loyalty. "Master," he said, his gaze unwavering on the king, "may I ask for your son's hand again? I promise to make him the happiest in my world."
Even they knew it was desperate plan made by nael to save himself from marrying someone ,they saw a determined look in Leo's eyes to protect nael from every danger and struggle.
A hush fell over the room. Even Marnard, seasoned and battle-hardened, felt a flicker of awe at the sheer honor and resolve in Leo's words. Silently, everyone in the room recognized just how extraordinary this knight truly was.
Alaric nodded, a small smile breaking his usual formality. "Then… let us proceed to the signing."
Marnard stepped forward, embracing Leo warmly. "How are you, son?"
"I'm fine, Father," Leo replied, a rare softness in his tone. "Is everyone healthy at the duchy?"
Marnard's heart tightened ever so slightly at the word "duchy" instead of "home," but he swallowed it quickly. "Everything is fine," he said, voice steady.
Nael darted forward, wrapping Marnard in a tight hug. "Thank you, Master, for coming here for me," he said teasingly, eyes sparkling. "Should I call you Father now too?"
Marnard felt heat rise to his cheeks. He stammered, utterly caught off guard, "I… uh… well…"
The entire room erupted in laughter. Even King Alaric and Queen Marlia shook their heads, smiling at the little omega's antics.
Nael, smug and utterly pleased with himself, tightened his hold on Leo's arm. "Fated. And everyone knows it now," he whispered with a triumphant grin.
Leo merely sighed, though the corner of his lips twitched in amusement, resigned to the chaos and joy that always seemed to follow Nael wherever he went.
The church was quiet, its tall windows letting in slivers of pale afternoon light. Only the royal family, Marnard, and the priest were present. The ceremonial documents lay on the table, waiting.
Nael stopped abruptly and gripped Leo's arm. His usual playful gaze was serious.
"This is your last chance, Leo," he whispered. "Do you want to back off now?"
Leo's eyes met his, firm and unwavering. "I've already come this far," he said simply.
Nael's lips curved into a small, victorious smile. "Good," he said, and together they stepped to the table.
The priest cleared his throat softly, waiting. Leo signed first, precise and steady, then Nael followed, a graceful flourish marking the final stroke.
For a heartbeat, silence held—the only sound the faint rustle of robes and the soft crackle of candlelight. Then, Nael let out a soft laugh, and the small group around them erupted into warm applause.
Marnard's eyes gleamed with pride. The queen and king exchanged satisfied smiles. The brothers looked on, a mixture of amusement and awe.
Nael tightened his hold on Leo's arm, leaning just slightly against him. "See? You didn't back off. I knew you wouldn't."
Leo's calm smile was all the answer he needed. In that quiet church, with only those who mattered most watching, their engagement was official—and the bond between prince and knight was sealed.