From the Ashes

by Akikofuma

Summary:

“Look at me boy,” The king spoke fiercely, but not unkindly, leaning forward once more. “Speak freely, and the truth. It is a great crime to lie to a king. How much were you told before you agreed to this arrangement?”

Julian blinked, then blinked again.

“I was told I was to be wed, your grace,” He stammered, even as the world threatened to twist on its axis. “My lord father commanded it, and I obeyed.”

The king stared, as he had before, then sighed.

“Well, fuck.”

---

Another Arranged Married AU because I can't help myself.

Notes:

Big Shoutout to my friends Len and Swan, who worked hard to beta my horrific grammar and spelling <3 Much love

Chapter 1

Julian’s heart was racing.

The plush pillow he sat upon was soft. The fire crackled merrily beside him, shining its light upon him, and sharing its warmth that somehow didn’t reach the omega’s bones. He sat, with his back as straight as a rod, his hands folded in his lap, the picture of the perfect, elegant omega his father had tried so hard to mold him into.

A shiver ran along his spine, but it was not from being cold. Before him sat the most powerful man he’d ever met. The King of the Northern Realms.

A plague had swept the continent, a few years before he’d been born, and for half his childhood. Humanity had lost its superior numbers, but the shifters had gone completely untouched. Their numbers grew unperturbed with fewer humans hunting them. As the humans lost almost everything, their kind had thrived.

“You will be given the choice between my sons,” Vesemir said, as he’d requested Julian call him in private. A ludicrously casual approach, even in private, unimaginable back home. But he’d been well trained, and knew better than to question an alpha. His father had seen to that since he’d been very small.

“I have three, but the youngest has already wed,” The king’s golden eyes were molten ember in the firelight, his gaze piercing. It felt like it went right through him. “So that leaves my two oldest, Geralt, and Eskel.”

“Your grace,” Julian spoke up, once it became clear the king did not mean to continue speaking. “Forgive me, but do I understand your highness correctly. You wish for me to choose?”

“It is your marriage, too,” the man replied, eyebrows raising almost imperceptibly, but Julian saw it anyway. Reading his father’s faint facial expressions had been as necessary a skill to learn as walking. One twitch of the brow meant his patience was being tested. The downward curl of his mouth meant he would be punished. It was when his father’s upper lips twitched in the faintest hint of a snarl that Julian knew things were going to be truly awful.

He read facial cues like books now. He just needed to assign a meaning to each cue.

“You are most generous, your grace,” Julian replied, the polite smile feeling more and more like his face would get stuck that way. “I am sure both of your sons are strong, fierce alphas. I would be honored to bear either of them children. I hope to give them many strong alpha boys, as fierce as their fathers.”

As he spoke, bile threatened to rise in his throat. He didn’t want this.

He didn’t want this.

The king was silent, but his eyes stared straight into Julians, searching. He didn’t know what the alpha was looking to find, and what the consequences would be when he did. Was he looking for a weakness, or was he pleased by the perfect etiquette Julian had trained into him?

“Be that as it may,” he said, his words carefully chosen,. “I want you to have a say. It pleases me to do you this kindness.”

“Your grace honors me,” Julian said, then took a moment to think. It dn’t really matter which of them he wed. He’s not meant to do more than fill the old, cold keep with the patter of little feet. He doubted he would care much which unknown, unwanted alpha would mount him during his heats. “Perhaps one of your sons is without prior attachments?”

He didn’t want to come between lovers, all that would bring was bad blood between them. Exactly the opposite of what everyone hoped to achieve with this political wedding; a better relationship, between humans and shifters.

Before the plague, no human would have tolerated a shifter. They had been hunted, and killed, like beasts. It was whispered that long ago, there had been a plague, of a different kind. The shifters had been made by magic long lost to the world, sent out across the continent to fight.

It was so long ago, no one knew the truth of it. At least, no human knew.

“My sons are bonded,” Vesemir replied evenly, and Julian's face slackened for just a second, eyes wide. He brought them back under control a second later, feigning a look of confusion. Before he could ask, the king continued.

“They are my sons, but they share no blood between them, nor me. I took them in when they were young. They are as much mine as any other son to a father.”

The king's voice was smooth, gentle, but Julian could hear the underlying steel. They were his sons. Julian would be wise not to question that. They sat in silence then, and his heart nearly tore out of his chest. It was a lot to take in, a lot to understand and categorize. Was this relationship a secret, carefully hidden? But if so, then why would they tell him, a human broodmare? If it wasn’t a secret, then it must be a rather common practice, he’d wager. A strange thought, but Julian was nothing if not adaptable.

“I imagine..” the omega started, thoughtfully, “.. that such a long life, in each other's company, forms certain bonds.”

The tension broke. He thought he saw a softening in those eerie eyes, and Julian almost cried with relief. He’d gotten it right. He wouldn’t be punished.

“That it does,” Vesemir agreed, leaning back further into his chair. It seemed it had been a sort of test, and Julian had passed.

His relief was short-lived when he realized it's the exact situation he had been hoping to avoid. Coming between two human lovers was dangerous enough, but between two shifters? Julian had heard horrific stories, ever since he could remember. And weren’t they both alphas? He’d never get out of this alive, not if one of them, or both, took against him.

They couldn’t do this. Surely, they wouldn’t do this.

“But-” The word escaped him, and his blood ran cold. He’d spoken without being spoken to, questioning the king's will. There were few surer ways of being beaten, or worse.

“Forgive me, your grace,” he added hurriedly, praying to anyone that was listening that his fumble would indeed be forgiven. “I should not ask questions.”

“You can ask as many as you like, Julian,” the king answered, brows furrowing ever so slightly. “This is your home now, too. In a few months, you will be my son.”

It's the strangest thing Julian had ever heard in his life.

The king would be his father by law, yes, but that was a formality, a side effect of a political agreement. Not something to take literally, or seriously.

He couldn’t afford another stumble. He was certain he’d already been threading at the edge of the king's patience.

“You honor me, your grace,” he hurriedly replied, while his mind worked overtime. “But I would be loath to come between them, and question the bond they cherish. Surely, there is another..?”

The king frowned at that, and made no effort to hide it.

Julian thought he may pass out.

“I understand your concern,” The words were spoken lower than before, almost a rumble, unlike anything a human was capable of. “But either of my boys will be a good, dutiful husband to you. As I assured your father, when he requested you wed only a prince.”

His father.

His father had known.

He felt faint.

“Look at me boy,” The king spoke fiercely, but not unkindly, leaning forward once more. “Speak freely, and the truth. It is a great crime to lie to a king. How much were you told before you agreed to this arrangement?”

Julian blinked, then blinked again.

“I was told I was to be wed, your grace,” He stammered, even as the world threatened to twist on its axis. “My lord father commanded it, and I obeyed.”

The king stared, as he had before, then sighed.

“Well, fuck.”

Chapter 2

As Julian woke, it all felt like a dream. 

 

He was comfortable and warm, the blanket a heavy, reassuring weight against his body. If not for the unfamiliar scents all around him, he might have mistaken it for home. 

 

Despite the soft bed, and the hearth alight, he had gotten very little sleep. Last night's events still sat heavy in his mind, and by the time he’d been ushered into this room for rest, he’d only just managed to hold on to his training. 

 

The King, after apologising for his language, had called for his steward, and informed Julian that there had been a miscommunication. That he would need a night to call on his counsellors before any more planning took place. 

 

Julian had felt dread grab him like icey hands, taking hold of his entire chest and squeezing. What had he said that had displeased the alpha so, and how would he be paying for it? He half expected Vesemir to bring the whip out himself. 

 

“Your grace, if I have given any offence, I apologise-” 

 

He’d been cut off before even finishing his sentence.

 

“You’ve done nothing to offend me, boy. I simply want to clarify with your father, after speaking to my advisors.”

The old man had looked sincere, but Julian knew that didn’t necessarily make it the truth. Many, including himself, were quite capable of hiding any emotions, and thoughts, behind a mask of kindness. 

 

Vesemir was unlike any alpha he had ever met in his life. At home, nothing was said directly, the true meaning of their words wrapped in pretty phrases and carefully chosen. Flattery and fake humility ever present, all with an underlying tone of disdain, at least where he was concerned. 

 

As a first born omega, Julian was considered the family’s black sheep. A son, yes, but a weak one. Not fit to govern anything but a litter of pups, until he either became too old, or died in childbed. His father had always made sure Julian knew he wouldn’t be inheriting anything, that his half-brother was a far more competent leader, simply because he’d been born an alpha. 

 

And then, the King cursed . Cursed! In front of an omega! 

 

It wasn’t that he hadn’t heard cursing before, from the peasants, or the men working at his father’s keep. It was considered a weakness, a flaw of character, when an alpha cursed in polite company. A failure, on their end, to uphold their civilised, superior way of life. Savages cursed in front of omegas.

 

Even his lord father had only ever cursed once, in Julians entire life. The one time he had asked about his mother, when he was five years old. 

 

His father had grabbed him by the throat, shoved him against a wall, and squeezed . Squeezed so hard that darkness crept into the omegas view, shadows creeping steadily inwards, threatening to pull him under. 

 

“Don’t you ever fucking speak about her again,” his father had hissed. “She was better than you could ever hope to be, boy. I will not allow you to sully her memory by speaking of her, you who murdered her, do you understand me?” 

 

Julian had never asked about her again. 

 

Some nights, he wondered if his mother had ever gotten the chance to love him. If she would have loved him, had she lived. 

 

If his father was anything to go by, that seemed unlikely. 

 

Julian turned to his side, curling up beneath the blankets, a few deep breaths keeping the tears away. He might be called upon at any moment, to face the King, perhaps his father. He had no intention of making things worse by turning up with tear stained cheeks.

 

He had to get up, surely they would call on him soon. Julian dreaded finding out what had transpired while he’d been tucked into bed. 

 

The stone floor beneath his feet was cold, and he hurriedly stuck his feet into his slippers. 

 

The keep lay high in the blue mountains, and even now, though spring had crept in a few weeks ago, the air was crisp as he opened up the window. It made him shiver, but it also cooled his heated cheeks. Even though kinder weather was warming the lands further south, it failed to reach this far north. If this was spring, Julian wasn’t sure how he was meant to leave his bed in winter. 

 

Crossing over to his dresser, Julian ran his finger along each individual outfit he owned. The colours were soft, barely there, a cacophony of pale blues, greens and greys. All of the finest materials available after the plague, he couldn’t be seen poorly dressed, but all of them boring, unassuming. 

 

An omega is meant to be like a painting, his father always said, Beautiful, silent and in the background. 

 

Julian had wondered about that statement many times; he’d seen many pictures he found breathtaking, the few times he’d visited other estates. His father was always loath to bring him along, but not bringing his eldest son would have been considered quite rude. 

 

Not everyone seemed to despise their omega sons as much as his father did his own. 

 

Maybe , he thought, my new husband will allow me some colour. 

 

It was a desperate, and rather laughable, comfort. Julian was sure he’d have bigger problems once he was wed than not enjoying the palette of his wardrobe. 

 

He picked one at random, slipping into his clothes, spending a good twenty minutes before the glass to ensure it all sat perfectly, that every aspect of his doublet was tidy and just right. His father would likely speak to him eventually, at least before he departed. None of the men that had been brought along would remain. 

 

Julian would be all alone, then. He’d rather not invoke a last punishment from the Lord of Lettenhoven as a goodbye. 

 

As he stood at the open window, observing the land beneath, he couldn’t help but feel awed, even with fear still clawing at his chest. 

 

The keep stoop high on a mountain, with but a single path leading to its gates. The forests were thick, and rather eerie at night, as he’d found. A man who’s name he’d never been told had greeted his father at the very bottom, informing them he’d lead them safely to the top. 

 

Father had not been pleased. Not only had they not been greeted by the king and the princes personally, but the man then had the audacity to suggest they walk rather than ride. When Julian’s father had asked if it was truly necessary, the man had turned his golden eyes on him thoughtfully. 

 

“Only if you want to arrive unharmed.” 

 

His father had given a short nod, hiding his anger for later, no doubt. He’d never been one to have a tantrum, not in public; he’d hold his tongue until the right time, and then lash out with seemingly small, inconspicuous comments. 

 

Julian knew better. Those comments were seeds, seeds planted into peoples mind, and carefully tended, until it had grown to bear fruits. Somehow, his father knew how to manipulate everyone around them, including his new wife, and two sons. 

 

Whatever the man wanted, it would be his, even if it took a little time. 

 

They hadn’t made it up the mountain in a single day, and the man had been right about dismounting and walking. The branches seemed to hang lower here, the darkness near oppressive even during the day. He’d never been in a forest before, only ever wandered the gardens on their estate. He’d always enjoyed sitting on a bench, staring at the flowers for hours. They looked delicate, but they were strong, more resilient than people gave them credit for. Their roots sunk deep, and even if some blossoms wilted, the flower itself remained strong. At least until winter. 

 

As he stood, taking in the wild forests beneath him, a small part of him couldn’t help but fantasise about his father coming to his senses, and taking him back home. Apologise for all the times he had hurt him. He’d tell Julian he had been wrong, that he should have loved him, all this time. 

 

Tears began to obstruct his view, threatening to spill over. Stubbornly, Julian wiped them away. It wasn’t his father’s fault he’d killed his mother, nor that he was such a constant disappointment. Dreaming of a world where things were different wouldn’t do him any good.

 

He could do this. He would wed, as he’d been told, and he’d give birth to many strong pups. His father would be obliged to visit his first grandchild, and Julian was determined to carry an alpha boy, to help it along however he could. Perhaps then, his father would be proud of him.

 

A knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts, and with a heavy heart, Julian called out.

 

“Come in.”

Chapter 3

The door opened, and before him stood a man he had not yet met. 

 

Had Julian been any less trained, he’d have gasped. One half of the man’s face was rather handsome, though the gold of his eyes quickly gave him away as a shifter. He had thick, black hair, tied to a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His shirt was rough spun, a bright shade of red, and he towered over Julian. 

 

It would have been a nice face, he thought, if not for the horrific scars. 

 

Half of his face looked like it had been clawed open, ripped down to the bone by a huge beast. The scars turned that half of his mouth downwards in a permanent frown; his eyebrow only grew in patches, where there was unmarred skin left. The skin was a strange shade of pink that he’d never seen before. 

 

The alpha looked like he could snap his neck without much effort.

 

Julian stood frozen, unaware what to make of the situation. The man was a shifter, and judging by the scent, definitely an alpha. An alpha, alone, in an omegas chamber. 

 

He’d been warned of this so many times. 

 

Julian felt a familiar prickle in the tips of his fingers and toes, a prophet of fear so strong, he’d struggle to breathe. He’d had these- these times, when he was so scared, he could no longer control himself. His heart would race, his breathing too fast, too flat. His mind would twirl like he’d been spinning around on the spot for the last hour. At its worst, he was left in a useless pile of distress on the ground, sick to his stomach before he passed out. 

 

Stop it, he thought to himself, stop it, before it gets worse. Before you get punished. Stop.

 

“My lord,” Julian forced out, smiling. 

 

“Please, call me Eskel,” the man corrected kindly, making no move to pass over the threshold into the room. The name was enough to send another tremble of fear along his spine. 

 

“My prince, please forgive me, I didn’t know-” He was cut off once again, something that he was already used to from the alphas back home.

 

“No need to apologise,” the prince said, smiling with the intact part of his face. His eyes shone with a warmth Julian had rarely seen in an alpha's eyes, though it had never been directed at him before. Kindness, Julian thought, though he had no idea why the prince was wasting it on him. “We had not met before. How would you know?” 

 

“Thank you, my prince,” Julian carefully replied, fighting various battles at the same time. The prickling hadn’t extended yet, hadn’t reached out its talons and spread thorought him, and he fought to keep it so. Keeping up the smiling and elegant facade was even harder than usual, but he forced himself either way. “You are too kind.” 

 

“If it pleases you, my father has invited your Lord father and you to break fast with us this morning,” the prince said. Just as his father the night before, he wore a look of careful attention as he waited for a reaction. Julian had no doubt that he’d learned it from the man himself. “He would like to discuss a few minor matters, after.” 

 

“It would be an honour, my prince,” Julian immediately replied, eager to please the king and his sons. If he could at least manage not to anger them, perhaps his life here would be bearable. It was a lot of pressure, to learn the way of their people, but also each man's personal quirks and expressions, in such little time. It was a permanent weight on Julian’s mind, one he could never quite rid himself of, even in his sleep. 

 

Julian would manage. He’d show his father, and everyone else, that he could be what he’d been born to: quiet, graceful, eloquent. He’d smile and laugh and spread his legs whenever they required it of him, and give them strong alpha boys that would grow up to be robust , fierce men. 

 

Maybe then, his father would love him. 

 

“If you’d accompany me, then,” Eskel said, seemingly pleased. Julian felt a bit of the tension draining out of his shoulders. So far, so good. He could do it. He could get through the meal without embarrassing himself. 

 

The prince didn’t offer his arm, as would have been customary, but Julian didn’t mind. He feared him, even if he tried not to. Eskel was not only far taller than him, but much wider, too. His arms and legs were muscled, and he moved almost silently. From his size alone, that should have been impossible, but there it was. 

 

It must have been magic, the very magic that had changed them into what they were today, that allowed for such fluid movement. Julian might have been curious about it, had he not been trying to keep his heart where it belonged, inside his ribcage. 

 

“How have you been finding the north?” Eskel asked casually as they walked, arms crossed behind his back, only making his biceps look larger, more intimidating. 

 

“It’s beautiful, my prince,” Julian replied, glad he could be honest about this, at least. “There are no mountains like this back home, or forests as thick and wild as these. I’ve never seen anything like it.” 

 

“It can be quite the sight,” Eskel agreed, nodding his head slightly. “Were your chambers warm enough? Father had extra firewood brought up for you. Humans feel the cold far more than we do. He’d hate to think of you suffering under his roof.” 

 

“That is very thoughtful of his grace,” Julian had noticed an extra stack of firewood beside the hearth, and he’d been very grateful for it during the night. Even under the blanket and furs, he’d felt a chill when the fire burned low. “I was quite comfortable, thank you, my prince.” 

 

“Eskel,” the prince reminded him gently, his voice a warm rumble. Julian found he quite liked his voice. “There’s no need to be so formal, I assure you, you will offend no one.”

 

Julian glanced at Eskel, trying his hardest to discern if he was being genuine, or if this was some sort of test. 

 

“As honoured as I am, my prince, my father would be quite displeased if I forgot my manners the second day I arrived.” He put a jesting tone to the statement, a lighthearted little joke, that might get him out of the precarious situation he was in. “In front of royalty, no less.” 

 

He wanted to please Eskel, who might be his future husband, but angering his father…The thought made his stomach tie itself in knots. 

 

“Well, we wouldn’t want that,” Eskel replied easily, a smile still on his face, but Julian couldn’t help but feel that he hadn’t quite gotten it right. The prince looked the same, yet somehow, the mood had shifted. 

 

They walked in silence then, down a long corridor, through a wooden door, and down two sets of stairs until they reached a great hall. From there, Eskel led them through another door, along a corridor that split into two, one way leading to the right, the other continuing on straight. 

 

They turned to the right, and after another door, and three sets of stairs, and yet another corridor, they stood before a massive set of engraved wooden doors. 

 

The entrance to the king's personal rooms, if he had to make a guess. His heart was hammering against his chest so hard it hurt. 

 

Stay calm, he firmly reminded himself, stay calm, and you’ll get through this. 

 

Eskel knocked on the door so softly, Julian doubted anyone on the other side could hear it, yet only a second later, he heard the king's voice, calling them in.

 

Eskel pushed the doors open with surprising ease, for they were made of solid wood. Julian didn’t think he could have pushed them open far enough to wedge out between them if he tried, yet the alpha did it easily. 

 

Beyond the door was a sort of lounge area. There was a hearth, with two large armchairs stood beside each other, angled towards the fire. In one sat the king, and beside him stood a man, with his back towards Julian. He had hair white as snow, the type of colour he’d only ever seen on the elderly. This man, however, could not be that old yet. His back was straight, his legs and arms muscled, not quite as much as Eskel, but more than a human. He didn’t turn as they entered. 

 

In the other chair sat his father, his expression carefully blank, aside from a polite smile. Beside him stood the head of his guard, Markas. A man built like a bull, that had held a blade in his hand since the moment he could walk. 

 

“Father,” Eskel greeted, closing the doors behind them once they had entered. 

 

“Eskel,” The king answered, affection warming his voice. “Julian. It is wonderful to see you. I hope you found your chambers adequate?” 

 

Julians gaze snapped to his father, for just a split second. His father returned the gaze with a barely perceptible nod. 

 

“They were perfect, your grace,” Julian answered, his voice light and gentle. “I owe you my deepest gratitude for such fine accommodations.” 

 

The man beside Vesemir snorted. The king ignored it, but Julian found himself wanting to curl in at the reaction. Whoever this man was, likely another alpha by his build, wasn’t well pleased with his reply. All of a sudden, his throat felt tight, his mouth going dry.

 

“That is good to hear. I know the mountain cold can be difficult to handle, especially the first time one experiences it.” He continued. “I see you’ve already met Eskel.” 

 

“The prince galanty offered to escort me, your highness,” Julian replied without hesitation, finding himself blindly reverting to his lessons. He had no time to consider the information he’d just received. Eskel hadn’t been sent to collect him, yet the alpha had chosen to anyway.

 

Why? 

 

“Then it is high time you meet my other son,” Vesemir said as he rose from the chair. The man stood beside the king gave the smallest of twitches. He’d stood still as stone before, an unnatural stillness, like he’d truly been hammered out of marble. As the king continued to speak, he turned.

 

Julian held his breath, his heart skipping a beat. No, it couldn’t be. 

 

“This is Geralt.”

Notes:

My, things are moving along! Thank you for all the kudos and comments, they make my day <3

Chapter 4

The dining room was a large room, with a table so big, twenty people could be comfortably seated. It was made of a dark wood, the legs thicker than Julians thigh, with intricate patterns carefully carved into the surface.

 

The king sat at the head on the table, as was customary for his standing.

 

At his left sat Eskel, and at his right Geralt. 

 

Julian had been ushered into a chair beside Eskel, while his father was seated beside Geralt.  He wasn’t quite sure who looked more miserable about it, his father, or the prince. 

 

He thought that Geralt and Eskel were as different as the moon and sun. 

 

Where Eskels skin was tanned, Geralt’s was almost sickly pale. Eskel had thick, black hair, Geralt’s hair shone white, like starlight. There was warmth in Eskels eyes, and he smiled at Julian. There was nothing but ice in Geralt’s stare. Julian could feel himself wither whenever the alpha glanced at him, his expression as blank as his fathers.

 

He hadn’t even deemed Julian worth greeting, not with words anyway. When he’d been introduced, he’d given a short nod. Julian had replied as custom dictated, with a bow, and a quiet It’s a pleasure to meet you, my prince . 

 

They’d been led to the dining room shortly after, only causing his anxiety to worsen. 

 

Meal times had always been unpleasant, for as long as Julian could remember. As a young child, he’d been allowed to eat as much as he liked, but he’d always felt his fathers eyes on him, observing him. Judging him. Food had never tasted quite right to him since.

 

As he’d grown older, a new problem arose. Julian was an omega, but he’d been born with a more robust build than most of his kind. He’d started growing rapidly, his shoulders had widened, he built up muscle as easily as his half-brothers. 

 

His father and step mother had been disgusted. 

 

Omegas are delicate, graceful as a cat, and beautiful as a painting, Julian. Not port little pigs.

 

Put that down, boy. How will we ever find you a husband ? 

 

Don’t eat that, boy. Aren’t you fat enough?

 

His father had portioned his food since Julian had been ten years old. It had hurt, back then, being so hungry. Now, Julian barely even noticed it, and when the hunger cramps did become unbearable, he’d found that consuming some water could stave them off. 

 

Here, Julian wasn’t sitting beside his father, and the man had made no move to portion his food as he did at home. 

Julian glanced at his father, hoping to get some sort of support, to communicate he didn’t know what to do. He got nothing in return. His father was making polite conversation with the king, and couldn’t be bothered to reassure his son.

 

He’d waited for everyone to fill their plate, judging their portions to see how much might be appropriate for himself. He couldn’t afford offending the royal family any more than he already had. 

 

Julian had caused so much trouble already. The king had to call in his counsellors late at night because of something he said. 

 

Geralt already despised him, he’d made that very clear, had probably taken one look at Julian and seen the same thing his father saw. A sad excuse for an omega. 

 

“You’re not hungry?” 

 

The question caught Julian by surprise. No one spoke to him during mealtimes at home. They were much more interested in talking to each other than wasting time on him. 

 

“Oh, no, I am,” he hurriedly replied, forcing a smile onto his face as he turned to look at Eskel. “I’m a light eater in the morning, my prince. It seems it takes my body a bit longer to wake than my mind-” 

 

A soft sound from his father stopped Julian in his tracks. To anyone else, it would have sounded like a man simply clearing his throat. Julian knew better.

 

That’s inappropriate, boy. Can’t you just do what you’re told? 

 

“I’ll eat in just a moment,” he continued, trying very hard not to let on just how scared he was. His father was going to punish him, he was sure of it. If not for the polite company, he’d likely have him standing by the table, bent forward with his weight resting on his hands, his back or legs bare. It depended on which part of Julian was still healing from the last lashing. “Thank you for your worry, my prince.” 

 

Eskel looked at him for a second, as if he was trying to figure out a puzzle that’d been placed before him. Then, with another smile, he nodded and turned his attention back to the conversation. 

 

Julian managed a slice of bread (the smallest he could find), and a few grapes. His stomach was tight with fear over what was to come. The king hadn’t said anything about the events of last night, nor did he seem in a hurry to do so. They sat and ate for about an hour, before the topic was brought up. 

 

“Now, as your father informed me,” the king said, turning his attention to Julian. “There has been a bit of miscommunication. A difference of culture, if you will.” 

 

Julians gaze flicked to his father for a brief moment, then back to the king. He was clasping his hands together in his lap so hard it hurt. 

 

“But I believe we have come to an agreement that will satisfy everyone.” 

 

Julian shot another glance at his father, and the way the man was sitting, his expression carefully blank, told a different story. His father was not satisfied at all. 

 

“Your grace?” He asked, cursing himself for how weak his voice sounded.

 

“You will remain here, at the keep, with us. I am told it is customary for a courting period to take place in your culture, of about six months.” The king gave an encouraging smile. “I would like for that to happen here, and now, too. You will have six months to become acquainted with my sons, and then, when the harvest has been brought in, your father will return for the wedding ceremony.” 

 

Julian stared blankly for a moment, not knowing how to reply. The king’s expression told him he was offering a kindness, in his mind. Perhaps it was, but at the very moment, he felt little but fear. His father may have agreed to this, but that didn’t mean Julian wouldn’t be punished for what he had done. 

 

His father would have to return home, inform his stepmother that his omega son had not been wed, and he would have to make the trip up to the north once more in six months time. Julian could almost feel the whip biting into his skin already. 

 

“Thank you, your grace,” He finally managed to say, his smile feeling rather brittle. “You are too kind. It is wonderful to know the customs of my people are valued and respected here.” 

 

Another, barely there, snort from Geralt had the king turning his head. A low, quiet growl could be heard as two pairs of golden eyes met. Julian watched with a mixture of fear and morbid curiosity. He’d never seen two alphas engaging in their instincts like this. Growling was highly discouraged, no gentleman would succumb to such base communication. 

 

The air was tense, even Eskel standing at attention, until finally, the prince lowered his gaze. 

 

“Forgive my behaviour, father.” Geralt rumbled, his voice rough. 

 

“You are forgiven,” Vesemir replied quietly, turning his attention to Julian and his father once more. “My son means no offence, my lords. He’s had a long night, patrolling the wilderness around us. It can be quite tiring.” 

 

Julian watched as his father nodded, hiding what was likely a sneer behind his silver goblet. He’d always been appalled by such displays, even when Julian had been very young, and the years had not changed that. 

 

“Then, with the matter settled,” the king stood, and everyone followed suit. “Julian, why don’t you accompany me for a walk?” 

 

His fathers fingers twitched, indicating he was not happy with his son being called away immediately. He’d no doubt put aside some time to correct his behaviour before handling the preparations for the trip home. 

 

He’ll find time for it later , Julian thought bitterly. He always does.  

 

“I would enjoy that very much, your highness,” Julian answered with a much surer smile, relieved that, at least for the moment, he would go unscathed. It couldn’t last, it never did, but for now he was safe. 

Notes:

Thank you all, for the wonderful comments, and your support <3 You are all appreciated, and I am so grateful! Since I had a little extra time today, I figured I would throw out another chapter. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 5

Notes:

New Chapter already!! These are basically writing themself!

I do have to mention that I am not sure how long I can keep up this regular posting, but for the time being I will do my very best! <3

Thank you, everyone, for all the comments and kudos, and all the support <3

Julian had quite enjoyed the walk. 

 

The king was easy to converse with, though he’d remained on high alert the entire time despite it. Vesemir asked him about his home, about his favourite meals and past times.

 

How strange , Julian would think to himself later. It’s like he’s really planning to treat me as a son. 

 

It was too good to be true, all of it. Not once in his life had his father sent up more firewood during a cold night. He’d never been asked about his preferences in any matter. He was given orders, and he followed them. 

 

Their walk had taken them through so many corridors, Julian quickly became lost. The keep was massive, even larger from the inside than its walls suggested from outside. Vesemir showed him the most important areas, the ones Julian would be frequenting himself. 

 

The walls of the main hall were higher than any he’d seen before, even in the sept back home. The room itself was large, longer than it was wide, with sturdy wood tables set up within. At the far side of the room, the tables faced the hall. Clearly, this is where the king and his family sat. 

 

The other tables stood vertically to the kings, four lines that could likely seat 200 each. More, if they sat close together. Beside each table were benches, made from the same wood and looking quite heavy. 

 

Men were milling around, some sat at the tables to play gwent, others standing and making conversation. All of them were tall and muscled, but none of them had the white hair he’d seen on Geralt. An odd thing to notice, given his situation, and yet he did. 

 

As they walked along the hall to reach another wooden door, Julian felt the weight of curious, golden eyes on him. He was unsure how many were actually watching him, or if his nerves were getting the better of him, but by the time they entered the next corridor, he couldn’t help but feel relieved. 

 

They visited the kitchens, then the library (much to Julian's delight), but the king had saved the best for last. 

 

As they made their way down a seemingly endless amount of stairs, a massive set of wooden doors appeared before them. The king, as his son before him, seemed to exert no effort pushing them open.

 

Moist, hot air hit Julian square in the face, but before he could be confused, Vesemir beckoned him inside.

 

A hot spring. Kaer Morhen had a hot spring .

 

He nearly wept with joy at the sight. As an omega, it was forbidden from visiting a public bathhouse, and his father had never allowed him warm water. 

 

The servants have more important matters to tend to, boy. Now go wash yourself, before I get the cane.

 

It had taken a moment, and an enormous amount of bravery, but he’d asked the king if he would be allowed to use them. He hadn’t been prepared for the actual answer. 

 

“Use them as much as you like,” the king replied kindly. “If you’d prefer having your privacy, we can arrange to have time set aside during the day for your personal use.” 

 

Julian had never considered the possibility that he’d be allowed into the spring with alphas around. Thank Melitele that it wouldn’t be expected of him. 

 

He thanked the king profusely for his time, then returned to his chamber. It had been a lot to take in, and with such a light breakfast, he was feeling a little faint. A quick nap would revitalise him. 

 

As it turned out, Julian would never get that rest. 

 

“Julian” His father greeted coldly as the omega stepped into his chambers. 

 

“Father,” Julian replied, closing the door behind him, lowering his gaze to the floor. It was rude to make eye contact with an alpha, at least when one is an omega. 

 

“Have you chosen yet?” His father asked. 

 

“Father?” Julian replied, confused. 

 

“Which son you will marry, you fool,” his father hissed, moving towards him until only a scant few inches separated them. Julian tried very hard not to tremble. 

 

“I’m sorry, father, I- I wasn’t thinking,” He replied, quietly. “If there is one you prefer, tell me, father, and I will wed him.”

 

The small flicker of hope in his chest was extinguished. 

 

It had been too good to be true. The king had given him a choice. His father had never done him that kindness, nor would he now. 

 

At least, his fathers anger had been dampened by the omegas deference, giving over control. 

 

“Hm,” his father gave a considering hum. “Well, the ugly one would be easier to manipulate, if you were capable of such things. He seems the type of weak alpha that might grow soft towards an omega.” 

 

Julians lip trembled. Eskel had been so kind to him. Hearing his father speak about him in that manner hurt. 

 

“But we aren’t here to make you the future king's brother in law,” the man continued, “It will have to be the beast.” 

 

“The- The beast?” Julian stammered, daring a single, short glance at his father. 

 

“Well, they’re all beasts, of course,” his father said dismissively, “but the one that growled at breakfast, what was his name?” 

 

A test. His father was checking if Julian had been attentive.

 

“Geralt, I believe, father,” He quickly replied. 

 

“Yes, him. He’s the one that’s going to succeed the old man.” 

 

Julian figited. He didn’t know how his father had come to this conclusion. Had the king mentioned it to him? Vesemir didn’t seem the type to share such matters with a stranger. 

 

“But, how can you be sure-” Julian started, weakly.

 

“You truly are stupid, boy,” came the sharp, cutting reply, before he had even finished his question. A stinging pain joined in a second later, blossoming hot across his cheek. 

 

Don’t cry. He told himself, biting his lip. You’ll make it worse. Don’t cry.

 

“I’m sorry, father! Please forgive me,” He whispered, head hanging low, hands clasped before his stomach. “I am stupid, I do not mean to anger you-” 

 

“Yet you do it every minute of your life,” the man sneered. Julian waited silently, for another hit to land, but it never came. 

 

“ Think , boy. The old man was the only one to chastise him. The other sat there and said nothing. What does that tell you?” 

 

Julian stood, wracking his brain, trying to see what his father was getting at. He couldn’t. He stood there trembling, praying that he wouldn’t be hit again.

 

“They’re beasts, idiot boy. They have a hierarchy.” His father sounded disgusted, even more than usually. “If the only one to chastise him is the king, the pack leader, then that means the beast is of higher rank than the ugly one. That means he will be the next in line for the crown, and your children will come after him.” 

 

Julian remained silent. 

 

“And when the time comes, well,” he paused, giving Julian a critical look. “You’ll be informed when it becomes relevant. Weak as you are, you would give it all away, and ruin everything I’ve planned.” 

 

He wasn’t sure what his father was talking about, what plans he had made, but he knew from experience that it wouldn’t be good. If his father thought it important enough to keep it a secret.. Julian shivered with the implications.

 

Before he could think about it any more, his father grabbed him by the chin, holding so tight it hurt. Julians head was tilted upwards, so they could see each other. His fathers eyes were cold, as they always were, his gaze biting. 

 

“And you will be a good bitch,” he said, tightening his grip. “You’ll spread your legs for him whenever he requires, and breed.”

 

“Yes, father.” the omega replied weakly. His legs felt like they’d give out any second. He didn’t cry. 

 

“You will do what you are told,” his father continued, sounding calm, collected. Only Julian knew what really boiled beneath his skin. “And remember your loyalty is to your people, not the alpha attached to the knot you’ll no doubt drool over.” 

 

“Yes, father,” Julian replied, teary eyed and shaking. “You command, and I obey.” 

 

His father gave him another long, hard stare. His lips twitched with ill concealed disgust as he released him. Without another word, Julian was left alone in the room. 

 

Julian cried.

Chapter 6

Notes:

Ahhhh you guys are amazing <3 Thank you all for your support!!

Here's a little fluff <3 (But only a little!)

By the time he’d been summoned again, the sun was setting. 

 

Julian had spent the day in his chambers, alternating between sobbing into his pillow, and gasping for air. Images of what his father might have him do kept flashing in his mind, and he could barely keep from vomiting. 

 

He didn’t want any of this. 

 

He wanted to go home .

 

His cheeks were hot, his throat dry and aching, his eyes irritated and red. His chest ached and his head pounded. Overall, Julian felt quite miserable. 

 

When the worst of the crying had stopped, he’d managed to stumble his way to the water basin, drenching a cloth in the cold water to press against the cheek his father had struck. No doubt there would be bruises forming soon.

 

He’d foregone lunch, simply to avoid sitting at the same table as his father, with his judging eyes and barely concealed disgust for his own son. He wouldn’t have kept anything down anyway. 

 

He’d been laying in bed, pillow clutched to his chest, when a knock at his door broke the silence. Julian jolted upright, fearing his father had returned. If he had, he couldn’t be seen like this.

“A moment, please,” he called, rushing to the basin to clean his face and glance at the glass. Along his cheekbone, a purple red bruise had blossomed, and the white of his eyes had reddened from his crying. 

 

It had to be enough. If he left his father waiting, things would only be worse. 

 

“Come in!”

 

The door was pushed open, but instead of his father it was Geralt who stood before him. Like Eskel, he made no attempt to enter Julians chambers, simply remaining at the threshold. 

 

“My prince,” Julian bowed, forcing a smile onto his lips. 

 

“... my lord,” Geralt rumbled, though he didn’t seem pleased by it, eyes narrowed as he looked the omega over. “My father has invited you to eat with my brother and I.” 

 

“Your grace is too kind,” he replied dutifully, “I would be honoured to join you.” 

 

Geralt stepped to the side, indicating with a gesture for Julian to join him, and so, still rather rattled, he obeyed. He’d just about walked past the prince when suddenly, his arm was grasped by hands far larger than his own. 

 

Julian froze, blood running cold. His heart stumbled, skipping a few beats. He felt like he was going to pass out, right on the spot. Instead, it jumped back into action, beating so fast all he could hear was rushing of blood in his ears. 

 

Geralt released him as if he’d been struck. 

 

“I didn’t mean-” the prince muttered, brows furrowed as he took a step back. Julian could scarcely breathe. “You’re hurt.” 

 

Julan blinked. 

 

He’d expected anger, even rage; he’d expected the prince to strike him down and beat him for his undignified, primal reaction. To tell his father, that would no doubt join in. 

 

Instead, Geralt was.. Concerned? 

 

“I-” Julian started, trying to come up with the right words and failing. “I tripped and fell, in my chambers, my Prince. It’s nothing, it will heal in a few days.” 

 

There was a moment of tense silence, golden eyes examining him as they stood. It seemed the king had taught this to all his children, a look that could see through flesh and bone, straight into a man's soul. 

 

Julian didn’t dare to move, or speak again. It felt like an important moment, something passing between them, though he did not know what that something was . All he could do was allow it, and wait. Finally, the prince broke the silence. 

 

“Come with me,” he said, and led him down the hall. Julian expected to be brought to the king's chambers, or perhaps the main hall. It wasn’t until they climbed up stairs instead of descending them, that he realised his mistake. 

 

Geralt stopped at a simple wooden door, knocked, then waited. Julian waited, confused, for what was about to happen. 

 

A few minutes later, out stepped a woman, with red hair and kind eyes. 

 

“Geralt,” she greeted, before turning her attention to him. “And you must be Julian. My name is Triss. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

 

“My lady,” Julian greeted, feeling himself relax just a bit at her smile and, more importantly, her scent. Another omega. He wasn’t entirely on his own, then. “It is a true pleasure to make your acquaintance.” 

 

He thought he could see the prince roll his eyes, but he remained silent until they had exchanged pleasantries. 

 

“Triss, that salve you have, for bruises. Do you have any on hand?” Geralt asked then. 

 

“Of course. I never go without it, knowing you could call on me at any moment.” She replied, smirking. “Give me a moment, and I will bring you a tin of it.” 

 

Julian watched, unbelieving, as the woman turned and walked straight through what appeared to be - confusingly - a solid stone wall behind the wooden door. 

 

“How-?” he asked, before he could stop himself. 

 

“Magic,” Geralt replied casually, as if it wasn’t the most amazing thing Julian had ever witnessed. He had so many questions, now, buzzing in his mind, laying heavy on his tongue. None of them he spoke aloud. The prince hadn’t minded his earlier outburst, but that didn’t mean he would forgive a second. 

 

Before he had recovered from the shock of witnessing magic for the first time in his entire life, the woman was back, holding a tin. Instead of handing it to Geralt as he had expected, and much to Julian's surprise, it was held out to him.

 

“You can apply this in the mornings and evenings, in a thin layer,” she told him with a beautiful, reassuring smile. “It will help with the pain and healing.” 

 

Startled, and quite honestly overwhelmed, Julian gaped at her like an idiot.

 

“My Lady, my Prince, this - you are too kind, truly, and very generous,” he babbled, bowing deep before he continued. “I’m honoured you deem me worth your concern, but I - I fear I have no way to repay you.” 

 

His father had never given Julian coin, had never allowed him to spend any, either. He was given what the alpha deemed necessary, never more. A part of him did not want to believe that there was an ulterior motive behind this, not after they had all been nothing but kind, and yet… 

 

“Nonsense,” Triss said, once he stood upright once more. “You will be family, not long from now, and family doesn’t pay.” 

 

With a wink, she gently took hold of his trembling hand, placing the tin in his palm. 

 

“..Thank you, my Lady” Julian weakly replied, accepting that he had no way out of accepting the gift. “I am in your debt.” 

 

“Remember that when I’m helping you give birth,” Triss replied, a jesting lilt to her words. “You won’t be quite as fond of me then as you are now.” 

 

“We have to go, Triss,” the prince grumbled before Julian had even processed her words. “My father is waiting.” 

 

“Give Vesemir my love,” she replied, and before he knew what had happened, she was gone, and the door shut. 

 

Julian stood, rooted to the spot, with a tin of salve in his hand and his mind spinning. 

 

Geralt glanced at him, and though it was only for a split second, Julian thought the corners of the prince's mouth twitched upward, as if he wanted to smile. 

 

“You’ll get used to it.” he said, before slowly walking back towards the way they’d come. Julian followed, clutching the tin tight against his chest. 

 

—

The evening had been far more relaxed than Julian had first feared. 

 

They’d all gathered in the king's personal chambers, as they had before, but noticeably, his father was absent. 

 

“Your father is rather busy with preparing his departure, I believe,” the king had told him, despite Julian not having asked. He hadn’t wanted to offend the royal family by implying he didn’t feel safe around them. 

 

He wondered, in that moment, if they could read his mind. 

 

The table had been decked out with different types of food, many of which Julian hadn’t eaten in quite some time. Roasted duck, served with potatoes and gravy that smelled like heaven, stood beside a shepherd's pie, and a basket of still warm bread, sweetened with honey. 

 

Julian could feel his mouth watering at the sight, his stomach clenching painfully. 

 

How badly he’d wanted to taste, especially the honeyed bread. He wouldn’t let himself, of course not; his father would find out, and when he did, out came the cane.

 

He’d just collected his usual portion, a few dry potatoes and a bit of bread, when the king caught this attention.

 

“You’ll need to eat more than that, child,” the old king rumbled warmly. Julian wondered if that’s what it sounded like when a father spoke to their child, a child they loved. “You need your strength and health for winter.” 

 

“He’s right, Julian,” Eskel chimed in. They had both been rather concerned at the mark on his face, but once he’d assured them Geralt had already seen to it they had settled. Julian couldn’t remember that many people worrying about him at once before. 

 

You’d be hard pressed to find a single person who’s ever worried over you. 

 

It was a surreal experience, and if the kindness was genuine, as he hoped so much it was, he might have felt.. Not loved, but perhaps seen . 

 

His fathers voice rang clear in his head, reminding him that he wasn’t worth such care, that all of it was a lie. That they were lulling him in, until, like a mouse in a trap, he had nowhere to go, no escape. His laughter echoed in Julians mind as he dared to consider he might be more than a brood mare here. 

 

“I am touched by your concern, your grace, my prince,” Julian replied, smiling. “I will endeavour to heed your advice.” 

 

Beneath, he felt the stirrings of fear once more. If he ate too much, his father would be furious. If he didn’t eat enough to satisfy the king, he would have insulted the royal family. Julian didn’t want to think about what would happen, then. 

 

Tentatively, he reached for the duck, doing his best to keep his hand from shaking. He gripped tenderly at a leg, and tore it off with a bit of effort, placing it on his plate. 

 

“Gravy?” Eskel offered, and Julian almost said yes before biting his tongue. 

 

“Ah, not at the moment, my Prince, thank you.” 

 

“Enough with my Prince and my King ,” Geralt, who’d remained mostly silent, huffed. “You know our names. Use them.” 

 

“That’s not their custom, son, and you know that,” Vesemir scolded, though he didn’t seem overly put out. “He is being polite.” 

 

Julian watched in slight disbelief, and a lot of nerves, as the conversation unfolded before him. 

 

“Forgive Geralt for his bluntness,” Eskel said, smiling. “Human customs are difficult for him. If he had his way, we’d all just growl and grunt at each other.” 

 

The alpha’s eyes sparkled, lip turned upward into a grin. A joke, Julian realised with a start. 

 

“I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very good at growling, though I could attempt it.” he replied, unsure of how to react, and going with the first thing that popped into his mind, keeping his eyes firmly on Eskels. Somehow, he found comfort in them, a comfort he was desperate for. 

 

The king chuckled, Eskels grin widened, and Julian felt a funny, warm sensation in his chest. He hadn’t angered them, and dinner continued on without incident, conversation flowing comfortably between them.

 

That night, Julian, for the first time in years, slept through the night without a single bad dream.

Chapter 7

Notes:

Ahhhhh, thank you, everyone, for all the amazing comments, the kudos, and the kindness you've shown me <3 I cannot put into words how much it means to me <3

I hope you enjoy the next chapter!! <3 I know that they're short, but honestly, I do such much better with shorter chapters that I can regularly upload. So I hope it's bearable!

A few days later, in the early morning, Julian found himself in his best clothing, standing out in the keeps courtyard. The fine fabric offered little protection against the morning's cold temperatures, yet he hadn’t pulled on his cloak. It didn’t match the colours of his outfit.

 

His father was leaving, and Julian wanted to please him by looking nice. Maybe then, in the last moments they spent together for years to come, he’d show him a little affection.

 

Soon, he’d be all alone.

 

It’s not that the men he’d interacted with so far had been cruel to him, not the way his father had been all his life. They had treated him with more respect than anyone ever had back home. 

 

And yet he feared them.

 

What if they had only been kind to him for his father’s benefit? Did the treaty even stipulate that Julian was to be treated well? It was true that keeping him healthy was in the shifters best interest if he was to bear them children, but.. 

 

He shook where he stood, watching as his father gave last instructions to Markas, before turning to his son.

 

The king and princes stood behind them, and had already said their goodbyes. Perhaps they were trying to give them privacy, though Julian doubted that there was such a thing within these walls. 

 

They all seemed uniquely attuned to sound, like the many stories Julian had been told since he’d been a child. 

 

Their senses are much sharper than our own, a kitchen wench had once told him. Oh yes, little lord, they can smell a man miles against the wind. They can hear a single drop of dew fall from grass in the morn’. Their eyes can see in darkness, their eyes glowing in the moonlight. Better beware those golden eyes boy. They bring death. 

 

Julian had looked into those very eyes he’d been warned of many times, though never at night. He wondered if they did glow, like the eyes of cats. 

 

“Safe travels, father,” Julian said, head lowered, as his father faced him. 

 

Please don’t leave me.

 

“Son,” his father replied coolly. There was a pause, and then. “Make your father proud, boy. Send letters.” 

 

Do what you’re told, boy. Report to me, whenever you can. 

 

“I will, father,” he whispered, desperately keeping the tears at bay.

Don’t make me stay here. Take me home. 

 

“Good.”

 

With that, his father turned on his heels, mounting his horse. He turned his head back towards his son, just for a second. 

 

Julians heart nearly stopped. Perhaps his father had changed his mind, and - 

 

The Count of Lettenhoven gave the king a last nod, and then he rode. 

 

Julian stared after his father for what felt like hours; watched as he got further and further away, until he disappeared into the thick forest, all his men with him. Cool winds tore at him, passing through his chemise easily, and chilling him to the bone. 

 

Julian didn’t move. 

 

Suddenly a heavy, warm hand landed on his shoulder. 

 

Startled, he whirled around, having to tilt his head back to see the others' face. Eskel was smiling, as he often was, but underneath it, Julian noticed a sadness that hadn’t been there before. 

 

“We should go inside,” Eskel rumbled, his voice warm and soothing. “You’ll catch ill.” 

 

A sudden burst of laughter escaped him, a strangled, horrible sound he’d never heard himself make. It sounded pained, sharp, and somehow shattered. 

 

Tears came unbidden to his eyes, his vision swam. He felt small, alone, and utterly abandoned. 

 

“I’m sorry, my prince,” He stuttered, reaching up in shame to wipe a tear off his cheek that had somehow escaped. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to insult you, y-your home is lovely-”

 

“Hush,” Eskel hummed. “There is no need to apologise, nor hide your tears. You didn’t ask for this, Julian, to be brought here. Nor did you ask to be wed. Now, here you are, in this place that must be so strange to you, and your only family is gone. If I were in your place, I would be crying so much, I could water the entirety of my fathers greenhouse in one day.” 

 

Julian couldn’t help a small, pathetic chuckle. Somehow, the prince’s words were helping, smoothing the sharp edge of his pain. For a moment, he thought he’d been saved the embarrassment of actually crying, when, with the next breath, he sobbed. 

 

Like a dam breaking, Julian's restraint crumbled. He stood there, surrounded by shifters, the king only a few feet behind them, crying like a child. 

 

The voice in his head told him to stop, to control himself, to never show just how weak he truly was, and it only made him cry all the harder. 

 

Then, there was warmth. 

 

Julian froze, confused, blinking against his tears to figure out what was happening to him. He’d been so cold only a second before, so how-

 

“It’s alright,” Eskel rumbled, thick arms wrapped tightly around Julian, holding him gently against the shifter's large chest. “It’s alright. You can cry, omega. Just let it out.” 

 

Eskel was- hugging him. 

 

Before he could even contemplate the implications this had, how improper it was, and how dangerous, instinct took over. He launched himself at the prince, wrapping his arms around the mans chest, hiding his face against it, and let go. 

 

—

 

In the end, Julian had cried for so long, Eskel had picked him up and carried him inside. He was so much larger than Julian, so much stronger. He lifted him as if he weighed nothing at all, carrying him back into the keep and to his chamber. 

 

To his shame, when he thought the prince was simply dropping him off, Julian had clung to him all the harder. He didn’t think he could stand to be alone now, to cry himself to sleep again, as he had so many nights in his life. 

 

Eskel had gentled him with a soft rumble, and instead of leaving him, had taken a seat on the floor, right before the hearth. Julian was placed to sit sideways in his lap, legs pointing to one side, with his side resting against the others’ chest.

It felt good to be held, better than Julian had ever imagined, and the larger, warmer form against his own made him feel safe. As if nothing in the world could touch him, if only Eskel held him close.

He’d hate himself for this display tomorrow, for falling apart so completely before the very men he was meant to please. For taking up the princes’ time, to coddle and sooth him as if he was a toddler. 

 

But that was tomorrow. 

 

Today, Julian allowed himself to weep until he fell asleep. 

 

—

 

Eskel

 

He’d just tucked the boy in when a knock at the door, so soft no human could hear it, caught his attention. He didn’t need to open it to know who it was. With a last glance, Eskel made sure the omega was covered from neck to toe, the sides properly tucked in to prevent any warmth from escaping. 

 

He’d felt so small and cold in his arms. It made him sick. 

 

Before him, once he’d left Julians room, stood Geralt and Vesemir. They both looked equally concerned, though one had to know his mate quite well to differentiate between his many, subtle facial expressions. 

 

“He’s asleep?” his father asked, and Eskel gave a small nod. 

 

“Cried himself out,” he sighed, rubbing a hand along his face. It was always difficult for him, witnessing such misery, leaving him feeling rather drained. Geralt moved to his side, rubbing his nose against the scarred side of his face. Reassuring. 

 

Vesemir gave a soft hum. 

 

“With his father gone,” he started, after a moment of silence, “things will improve hopefully .” 

 

Eskel hoped so. Julian’s scent had always been soured by fear, to various levels, but they’d all noticed one thing. Whenever the boy's father was in the room, the intensity of it tripled. What had already been a timid omega turned into an obedient puppet. 

 

“Hopefully,” Eskel agreed, turning to steal a kiss from his mate.

Hopefully, things would get better. 

Chapter 8

Notes:

Ahhh chapter 8 is up <3

I wanted to take a moment to, once again, thank everyone for the continued support. I really can't put into words how much every kudo and comment means to me! <3

The next few days passed in a haze. 

 

As Julian had woken after his embarrassing display, he’d barely mustered enough courage to leave his room. Eskel had assured him not to fret, that no one was judging him. He wanted to believe that. 

 

Vesemir, as promised, had instituted a new rule for the baths; an hour a day, in the evening, the springs were reserved for Julian's private use. The announcement had been made at dinner, in the great hall, with all the shifters sitting together to share a meal. 

 

Julian had almost regretted accepting the offer of having the entire spring for himself; he’d half expected there to be shouts, or at least grumbles, of displeasure. After all, each of them had their own daily tasks and training, so having the time they could wash themselves cut down was certainly inconvenient.

 

He didn’t want to make himself a target for their ire right off the bat. He’d already made a fool of himself when his father left.

 

Instead, it had simply been accepted, without any complaints or even much acknowledgement. The shifters had continued their meal, as if it was completely normal to allow an omega such privileges. 

 

The first dip in the springs was divine, so comforting and relaxing that Julian had almost fallen asleep. Instead, he’d scrubbed himself thoroughly, between his toes and behind his ears, anywhere he could reach. His father had always said a clean omega was a pleasing omega, and after having been shown such kindness by the king, Julian so desperately wanted to please. 

 

Time passed, day after day, and the kindness never stopped. Vesemir and Eskel treated him as they had since the day he’d arrived, and Julian found himself sharing every meal with them, either in the main hall or the king's private rooms.

 

Geralt didn’t always join, and out of the three, he was the most surly. He didn’t speak much, but Julian saw a great potential for deep emotion in the man.

Eskel and Geralt usually kept their distance when Julian was around. He thought they were probably trying to be respectful, to not overwhelm him with all the strange new customs and people. Julian wasn’t sure how he felt about that. 

 

It was in those brief moments, when Eskel and Geralt looked at each other for longer than was strictly necessary, when Julian caught their hands brushing against each other, that he could see how deep their bond truly was. The love and devotion in their eyes was unmistakable. 

 

He didn’t know how he felt about that, either. 

 

It helped ease his anxiety about when he finally wed one of them, to know they were capable of such gentleness, such affection. Julian believed the tales about shifters circulating among the human population less and less. 

 

Yes, they growled and they purred, and yes, they lived their life far more instinctually than any human he’d ever met, but they were far from the monsters he’d been told to expect. He’d expected to be treated as a punching bag and brooding mare at worst, and politely neglected at best. 

 

Instead, he found surprising kindness, and a willingness to compromise in their daily routines for his comfort alone. 

 

He’d walked the Keep, or at least the common areas, when he’d gotten bored of his own chambers. He didn’t quite dare wandering to new corridors, but he found the library had a fascinating collection of books, and in the evening, the men would gather in the main hall, to drink and play cards. 

 

The large hearth was kept lit at all times, and he liked to sit and watch the men, warmed by the merry flames. 

 

And yet, despite all these good things, Julian couldn’t help but feel lonely. It was so clear to him that he did not belong here. Everything about him was wrong. He was too small, too formal, too soft. 

 

He wondered if they were kind to him because they saw how weak he was. 

 

More than that, he felt like an intruder. 

 

In six months time, he would have to choose a husband. Eskel or Geralt. His father had made his wishes clear. Julian knew better than to act against that. 

 

But Geralt didn’t want him, he’d made that very clear. Perhaps he wasn’t cruel now, but if Julian chose him, forced himself into the alphas life, into his bed, when Geralt already had a mate.. 

It would have been bad enough on its own, but adding to his misery was his fondness for Eskel. Sometimes, the prince would spend a few hours in the library with Julian, and they’d either read in silence, or Eskel would talk to him about the book he was currently reading.

 

The prince was kind, and intelligent, and he made conversation as easy as breathing. Had he really been given a choice , Julian imagined he’d be quite happy with Eskel. He might never love Julian, but they could be… friends. 

 

But he didn’t have a choice , even if the king had given him one, not really. 

 

He would betray Eskel, Geralt, and the King himself. An entire family that had treated it with nothing but kindness, and respect. 

 

Would lay with Geralt, and bear his pups. 

 

Eskel would hate him for it. He loved Geralt with every fibre of his being, gravitating towards the man unfailingly wherever they were. And Julian was going to take him away, would force Geralt to share his body with another. 

 

Geralt would hate him for choosing him. It was clear he was already opposed to the marriage, but seemed to tolerate it when Eskel fussed over Julian. He’d hate hurting the man he loved because some treaty with the humans demanded it of him. Maybe, he’d even hate the pups Julian bore him. 

 

The king would hate him for not choosing the obvious son, the easy option, that would make all their lives easier. 

 

Julian understood that. He hated himself too. 

 

–

 

One day, Julian was once more sitting in the library. 

 

The stone walls housed large windows, with little benches built beneath, perfect for sitting and watching the wilderness surrounding them, the mountain peaks all around. 

 

It was silent now. Everyone was in the main hall, eating dinner, enjoying themselves. 

 

Julian couldn’t stand it. 

 

He couldn’t stand the sounds of happiness all around him, but most of all the kindness of the royal family. Each time cut him, deep in his chest, left him bleeding and miserable. 

 

He hadn’t earned their kindness, nor their trust. His father would wait for the perfect time to pounce, and when he did, he’d take it all away. 

 

Tears came unbidden to his eyes, and for once, Julian didn’t bother hiding them. There was no one around to witness his weakness. For once, he just wanted to let it all out and cry. 

 

“Julian?” 

 

He jumped, whirling around to face Eskel. The man seemed to have a knack for finding Julian at his lowest moments. He cursed himself for not going back to his chambers, but the walls had felt oppressive, as if they’d been closing in on him. 

 

“My Prince,” Julian got to his feet and bowed, hoping, against his better judgement, that his tears had gone unnoticed. 

 

“We missed you at dinner,” the man replied, moving towards him. He sat on the bench Julian had just been using, patting the spot beside him. “Come, sit with me.” 

 

Julian sat, trying to wipe away the tears on his cheek as casually as possible. 

 

“What’s on your mind?” 

 

Julian swallowed hard. There was no way he could tell Eskel about his father. Even if the prince believed him, that Julian didn’t want to harm them, they’d never trust him again. He’d be exactly what they were likely warned about. What would they do to him then? 

 

If they contacted his father, so soon after he had left, he was sure to assume Julian had done or said something. He’d return to the keep, and he’d make sure Julian remembered his place. Smooth things over with the king, tell him that the omega was making things up to escape. The king might even let him return home, for a different, better omega to take his place. 

 

Going back home, he knew, would mean a slow, painful death. 

 

Julian couldn’t go back. Not now, not ever. 

 

But if the rumours were true, like the ones about the shifters' superior senses, then maybe the stories about their ability to detect lies were true as well.

“I-” he stammered, hands wringing in his lap. He couldn’t tell the truth, but he couldn’t lie either. He had to say something . “My Prince, I-”

 

His heart was jackhammering against his chest, his lungs suddenly unable to hold enough oxygen. His toes and fingers tingle, the sensation spreading further, further, further . 

 

“Julian.” 

 

The rumble, deep and soothing, caught his attention. His head snapped up, looking into golden pools. There was no malice in those eyes, not a bit of it. Just concern, and warmth. 

 

“Breathe,” the prince instructed gently, taking a deep breath himself before slowly exhaling. Julian found himself copying him, one deep breath at a time. 

 

Tension and fear receded. Julian felt the cold that had grasped him leak from his muscles and bones. 

 

“Good,” Eskel hummed, smiling at him, and that too, Julian copied. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d genuinely smiled. 

 

It felt so good to be praised for once, instead of scolded. To be treated with understanding, and care, rather than disdain and neglect. 

 

“Will you tell me, what’s making you so afraid?” Eskel asked quietly. “You don’t have to, I won’t force you to do anything, Julian. Not ever. But I’d like to help, if I can.” 

 

Eskel was wonderful. 

 

Here he was, mated to another, and he was tending to the omega that would soon lay with that very mate. 

 

Julian swallowed once more, and did the only thing he could. Tell a truth, just not the truth. What truly distressed him. 

 

“You and Geralt,” he started, trying to find the right words to express himself. “You love each other so much. Every glance between you makes it evident.”

 

“We have been together for a long time,” Eskel replied. “Been through a lot of things, the same things, as the other. It bonds you.”

“It does,” Julian replied, as if he was aware of this. In reality, he’d never really had a bond of any kind. Just himself. 

 

“Does that bother you?” Eskel asked, not unkindly. “That you’ll be wed to one of us?” 

 

“No,” he replied truthfully. “I think it's wonderful. When I see you two together, it's proof that.. Love is real. That it can be real. It's a beautiful thing to witness.” 

 

He was being too honest, Julian knew that. Eskel wore that same sad expression he had the morning his father left. He understood the implications. 

 

Julian never expected to find love like that. Hadn’t really believed in it before he’d come here. It hadn’t taken long until that changed, once he’d watched the two alphas together. 

 

“Then why are you sad?” 

 

Because I don’t deserve you. Because I’ll hurt you, all of you, betray you. Because I’m worthless, and insignificant. Because I do not deserve the warmth you give me, not a second of it. 

 

“It feels like I am intruding,” Julian confessed, his words barely above a whisper. “What you and Geralt have is sacred. It shouldn’t be sullied by me.” 

 

The prince gave a considering hum.

 

“I understand that in your culture, matings are absolute.” 

 

Julian nodded, confused by the statement. 

 

“Things are different here.” Eskel continued, holding the omegas gaze. “Some of us do commit to only each other, but it isn’t mandatory. There are many of us that have multiple mates. Some take a third into their relationship, and they all become mates.” 

 

The information reached Julians brain, but it didn’t truly hit. He didn’t understand how this could be possible. 

 

“But how-” he burst out, before he could stop himself. Julian hesitated, chewing his lip. “My apologies, my Prince, I just don’t quite understand.”

 

“We believe that a heart can hold love for more than one mate,” Eskel clarified. “If Geralt wanted to take another mate, then I would not be angry. Perhaps I’d even take a liking to them, too.” 

 

Julians hands trembled. A question burned on his tongue, but he didn’t know if it was wise to ask. Was he pushing if he did? Would Eskel be angry with him? 

 

… but Eskel had never been angry with him, even when Julian had very much deserved it. He wasn’t his father.

 

“Even an omega?” 

 

His words were faint, his voice trembling. Julian bowed his head, preparing himself for the likely rejection of the idea. When it came, he didn’t want to have to see it in those golden eyes. 

 

“Julian, would you look at me, please?” 

 

It was the first real request that had been made of him since he arrived. Julian couldn’t deny it, even if he’d wanted to. All he wanted now was to make Eskel happy. 

 

He forced his gaze upward to face Eskel.

 

“I don’t know how you were treated back home,” the prince started carefully, his tone cautious. “But here, omegas are equal to any other. Even alphas.” 

 

Julian almost laughed. Preposterous. How could an omega ever be equal to an alpha? Especially one as pitiful as him. But Eskel had never lied to him before, either. Conflicted, Julian remained silent. 

 

“When you wed one of us, you will not be intruding, Julian.” Eskel reassured him. “Things will be different, for all of us, but that doesn’t mean it has to be bad.”

 

“How can it not be?” Julian asked weakly. “Neither of you want me. I do not say that to- to appear pitiful or sway you, my prince, I just-”

 

He broke off, frustrated with his inability to properly phrase his concerns. 

 

“You don’t see how this is going to work,” Eskel supplied, ever helpful. Julian nodded. 

 

“I promise you, no matter what happens, you will be safe.” 

 

The words were spoken earnestly, fiercely. As if Eskel really cared about his well-being. Like he wanted Julian to be safe. 

 

Julian wished he could believe him. Sensing his doubts, Eskel continued.

 

“What we have, or you and Geralt, it may never be the love you hear about in songs. But that doesn’t mean there can’t be love at all.” The alpha smiled reassuringly. “Some loves grow slowly, but they are just as strong, sometimes even stronger, than the romantic stories.” 

 

Julian gave a small nod. He understood what Eskel was trying to do. Trying to cheer him up, trying to offer him hope. Julian knew that there wasn’t a person on this planet that could love him, not truly, in any way. 

 

Still, he appreciated the sentiment, and the kindness. He did admittedly feel a little better.

 

“Now,” Eskel stood, smiling once more, reaching his hand out to help Julian stand. “I believe there is food waiting for us in the hall. Would you accompany me?” 

 

Julian smiled, and accepted the alphas hand. It was large, and warm, and the contact sent a delightful little shiver along his spine. It was enough to distract him, if only for the moment, from the dreadful inevitability of his situation. 

 

Just for now, he’d forget.

Chapter 9

Notes:

Much thanks once again to my lovely betas, Len and Schwänle, who work hard to make this story what it is <3

And thank you too you guys, for all the support, kudos and comments <3

It had been a few days since Eskel had found him in the library. 

 

Julian found himself caught in a strange cycle of joy and melancholy. He felt good, when he was around the princes and the king, when he wandered the keep, daring to explore further with each day that passed. He ate more than he had at home in years, and slowly, he was putting on a bit of weight.

 

He’d felt horrible about it, and resolved to eat less and walk more, until the king had commented. 

 

“You’re looking better, son,” Vesemir had hummed, looking rather pleased. Julian was still trying to get used to the king referring to him as a son. “You’ll stand a chance against winter, now.” 

 

Eskel had agreed, and even Geralt had given a hum of agreement. They were all… pleased. They wanted him to become heavier, softer. Julian had to trust them. He’d never been in a place as cold as Kaer Morhen, even in spring. If the winter was truly as harrowing as he’d been told, then a little extra fat wouldn’t go amiss.

 

But only a little. 

 

The days passed, and Julian tried his best to keep the happy, polite facade. The last thing he wanted was to appear ungrateful after all the royal family had done for him. 

 

Aside from his tumultuous emotions, there was nothing out of the ordinary to report. He wrote to his father, as requested, but he chose his words carefully. Sooner or later, he would have to give his father real information, but for now, Julian could get away with pleasantries. 

 

His father didn’t think he’d gain the wolves' trust anytime soon, not with how inept Julian was. It only made sense he had nothing to report. It would be months, if not longer, before he got on Julian’s case.

 

Then, one night, the calm broke.

 

Julian had just been finishing up his dinner- a hearty stew and a single slice of bread- when the massive wooden doors across the room opened. 

 

Through them came two men, one with the same black hair as Eskel, and the eyes of a shifter. Beside him stood a slightly shorter man, with the same eyes as all the other shifters, yet somehow, he was different. His hair was black, but curled in a way Julian had only ever seen on visitors from the far south of the continent. His skin was tanned, even darker than Eskels. He moved like one of the cats Julian had loved watching back home, fluid and graceful.

 

The air in the hall changed, becoming tense. Where before, the men had been talking loudly, their laughs echoing. Now, there were rumbles, quiet murmurs, but nothing more. 

 

The king stood, a stern expression on his face. He didn’t look angry, not the way his father had, but Julian knew better than to dismiss the thin line of his lips. Not angry, perhaps, but disappointed. 

 

The men made their way past the tables and came to stand before the royal family. Julian glanced at Eskel, then at Geralt, looking for a clue of what was going on. Geralt didn’t notice, giving the men before them a hard look, but Eskel gave him a small smile. 

 

“Pa,” the black haired man said, bowing his head a little. 

 

“Son,” Vesemir replied evenly. “You’ve come home.” 

 

“Heard there was trouble with the humans,” Lambert, the king's youngest son, lifted his gaze to meet his fathers eye. “Figured you might need me back.” 

 

Julian bit his lip, averting his gaze. Trouble with the humans, indeed. 

 

“We’ll discuss this in my chambers,” The king said, rising from his seat, with Geralt quickly following suit. Julian shifted in his seat, uncomfortable. He could feel eyes on him, Lamberts, and the other man that hadn’t spoken yet. Examining him. With no knowledge on how they stood to human kind, Julian felt rather frightened. 

 

“Eskel,” Vesemir turned to his son, “Take Julian to his chambers, then join us.” 

 

Julian felt a wave of relief wash over him. He didn’t want to assume that Lambert was dangerous, but.. 

 

“Yes, father,” Eskel replied, turning to Julian with a smile. “Are you finished with your meal?” 

 

Not feeling particularly hungry anymore, he stood, and only a few moments later, they were on their way to his chambers. 

 

“Lambert isn’t dangerous,” Eskel hummed, once they were far enough away to avoid curious ears. “Not to you, anyway.” 

 

Julian felt his cheeks heat. Clearly, they had all picked up on his fear again. He’d been so good at hiding his feelings back home, but here, there was little he could hide. 

 

“I meant no offence, my prince,” Julian said, fidgeting with the hem of his doublet. 

 

“And you’ve given none,” Eskel replied good naturedly, “It's only natural to be apprehensive around a new person. Even more so when it’s a new alpha.” 

 

The shifter was always so kind. Julian was always a little awed by Eskel’s continued patience and warmth where he was concerned. It made sense to treat Geralt that way, as Eskels mate, but Julian? He was no one.

 

“Lambert is rough around the edges, I will admit,” Eskel continued as they walked. “It takes him a while to warm up to people. He’s sarcastic, and quick witted, and a bit ill-mannered. But he won’t hurt you, not ever. I promise.” 

 

A promise from Eskel meant a lot, now. Whenever the prince gave his word, he kept it, no matter how trivial. He’d promised Julian to meet in the library, and he’d always come. Some nights, Eskels would walk him back to his chambers, and press a kiss to his forehead to say goodnight. 

 

He didn’t think he’d ever get used to emotions shown so plainly. 

 

“The king said Lambert had wed another. Was the other man..?” 

 

“Aiden,” Eskel nodded. “When Lambert heard of the treaty, they ran. Waited for their cycles to line up, and mated. Neither of them are the type to share another in any serious way, so to wed and father pups.. It wasn’t an option for them.” 

 

Julian was both amazed and horrified. Even as an alpha, he’d never have had the courage to run away, to defy his father so openly. He could have run to the end of the continent, and his father would have found him, Julian was sure of it. 

 

It was this thought that had him stopping in his tracks, hands clasped before him, picking at his cuticles. A nervous habit he’d formed long ago that his father despised. He’d gotten quite a few punishments over it.

 

“Will he- the prince, I mean, will - Will he be punished?” His voice sounded small even to him, a little mouse accompanied by a massive wolf, deep in the pack's den. The thought made him sick to his stomach. The meal that had before sat comfortably in his stomach turned to rocks. 

 

Eskel stopped as well, turning to face Julian. He was giving him that look again, the one that meant he was searching Julian’s very soul, perhaps even reading his mind. It was difficult to tell just how much the wolves could gather from it.

 

“There will be consequences, I imagine,” Eskel replied carefully. “Why do you ask?” 

 

Julian bit his lip, averting his gaze. 

 

“Will it be public?” He asked, trying very hard not to sound too pathetic. “I- I don’t think I can-” 

 

“Public?” Eskel was frowning now, confused. “Why would it be public?”

 

Julian remained silent, turning his head to the side. He didn’t want to look at Eskel, not now. His confusion had made it clear that public punishments didn’t happen here, and later, when Julian was tucked safe and warm into bed, he’d be relieved about it.

 

For now, all he could do was try not to make things worse. He’d never meant to let on that his father had punished him often, and harshly. Julian had deserved it each time. Sometimes, his brothers had watched, and his stepmother. 

 

Other times, the ones that still made Julian cry at night, there would be other noblemen. His father would take off his breeches and his braes, have Julian bend over his desk, and..

 

“Julian.” Eskel stepped closer, lifting his hand. Out of instinct alone, in such a vulnerable state, Julian flinched. Eskel growled, suddenly, a harsh, angry sound. 

 

No . No no. It couldn’t be. Eskel was kind, he’d never hurt him, unless. 

 

Unless he deserved it. 

 

Julian fell to his knees, tears burning hot trails across his cheeks. 

 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, my Prince, I didn't mean to anger you.” His words came rushed, frantic, just as his breathing. The tingling in his toes and fingers spread like wildfire across his body. “Please forgive me, I won’t ask questions again, please-” 

 

“ Omega .” 

 

The deep rumble bounced off the stone walls, filled Julians ears, his mind. His head snapped up, instinctually searching for the origin of the now comforting sound. 

 

Geralt stood a few feet away, radiating a calm Julian found himself desperate for. 

 

“ Hush now,” the prince said, as he closed the distance between them. Julian didn’t dare look at Eskel, didn’t want to see the disappointment, or perhaps even anger, on his lovely features. 

 

“You didn’t anger anyone,” Geralt continued, kneeling down beside him, until they were eyelevel. “You’re safe.” 

 

Oh, how much Julian wanted to believe him. 

 

“Eskel didn’t mean to scare you, did you, Esk?” 

 

“Never,” Eskel vowed, now kneeling on the other side of him. He had wolves on either side, caging him in. “I’m sorry, Julian, for frightening you. It wasn’t my intention.” 

 

Julian mewled. A soft, primal sound he’d never made back home, never thought he could make, that came unbidden, and triggered an immediate reaction.

 

Eskel wrapped his arms around him, cradling him close. Geralt moved forward, until his chest touched Julians shoulder. Their scents calmed him, with each breath he took. He was surrounded by these large men, these alphas, that he’d feared so much. 

 

He wasn’t scared, now .

 

He felt safe.

 

—

 

Geralt 

 

Geralt watched as Eskel laid the boy into bed, gently tucking the blanket in around the small frame. 

 

He’d gained some weight, but not much. Even covered by expensive fabric, he could tell how thin Julian really was. It was still a shock to see it for himself. 

 

Julian had cried for hours, until he’d made himself sick, only causing him to cry harder. He’d warbled apologies in between sobs, had fought them to clean the mess himself. They’d only gotten him to calm with their combined rumbles soothing him on a deeper, more primal level. 

 

Between the two of them, they’d managed to get the omega out of his clothing, and into something clean. 

 

The very sight had almost made Geralt growl himself, an urge he bit back painfully. That very sound had caused all this; Eskel’s anger at what Julian seemed to have endured at home. 

 

Geralt could easily make out every rib beneath Julians skin. His hip bones protruded almost unnaturally, his arms and legs were far too thin. 

 

But worse, far worse, were the scars. Not thick and jagged like his own, or those on Eskel. They were fine, no wider than a sewing needle, but there were hundreds, along the boy's calves, the top of his back, across his shoulders. An intricate web of scars, crisscrossing the omega’s skin.

 

Over a decade worth of thin slashes. 

 

Geral felt sick.

 

Up until this moment, he’d remained fairly passive in this whole mess. Since the beginning, he’d assumed the human omega would wed Eskel, and that had suited him just fine. He wasn’t exactly happy with sharing his mate, at least not in the way he would now have to . Had Eskel simply fallen in love with another, it wouldn’t have bothered him at all. 

 

He had accepted the treaty regardless, for a single reason. 

 

They would be sent an omega, and Eskel would have what he had yearned for, for decades.

 

 A child. 

 

Though his mate did not speak about it openly, or give any real indication of his desire, Geralt knew him inside and out. He saw the way Eskel fawned over each newborn in the keep, how he crowded around the little ones just old enough to walk. Watched as Eskel read to the pups, sat in a half circle around him, fascinated by the tales he told. 

 

It was rare for shifters to breed successfully, and even rarer for them to come to term. Whatever magic had been imbued in them, it clearly impacted their fertility, alpha, beta and omega alike. 

 

But a human omega wouldn’t be cursed with that magic. It might still take quite some time for Julian to become pregnant, but one day, he would. Eskel would have his child. They would all raise the pup together, if it killed Geralt. 

 

Now, as he stood over the sleeping form of the omega, Geralt felt a surge of protectiveness. He’d feared the human they sent would be a soft, entitled, manipulative little thing, that expected to be catered to at all times, have their every wish fulfilled. That would look down on them, and their way of life. 

 

Julian spoke the way a nobleman would, tried to imitate the cool, smooth demeanour his kind so prided itself for, but the rest? No, this omega was far from what Geralt had feared. 

 

“What did they do to him?” Eskel asked, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb Julians slumber. “We already knew they starved and beat him, but this is…”

 

Eskel trailed off, seemingly lost for words. 

 

Geralt couldn’t help but agree. There weren’t words that seemed fitting to such abuse. 

 

“Pa will be wondering where we are.” He replied in lieu of a proper response. “Lambert’s going to be pissed.” 

 

“Lambert’s always pissed,” Eskel huffed, checking the omega over once more before deeming him properly tucked in. “He can wait.” 

Chapter 10

Notes:

Thank you, to everyone that left kudos, or commented, or just read this story! I really appreciate all of you <3

Julian wouldn’t remember much of what had happened that night. He woke in his bed, clean and warm, with a terrible headache and dry, red eyes. 

 

He recalled walking with Eskel, and talking about Lambert, the growling and the tears. Even Geralt joining him was still fresh in his memory, but what had happened after, he didn’t know. 

 

Nor did he know that Eskel and Geralt had seen him naked, or the long conversation that had followed between them and the king, once he had fallen asleep. Just that everyone was still kind to him, or even more so. 

 

Whenever Julian wasn’t with Eskel, when he was alone in the library, or sitting outside to enjoy some fresh air , Geralt would appear seemingly out of nowhere. Asking if he needed anything, or wrapping his cloak around Julian when he was cold, before disappearing almost as quickly as he had come. 

 

It was.. Nice. Julian still had trouble accepting the kindness offered to him, maybe he always would. But he couldn’t deny that having both Eskel and Geralt watching over him made him feel safe, good even. 

 

For as standoffish as Geralt had been in the beginning, and though Eskel was still the more open one in many regards, Julian was now starting to see Geralt's soft side. 

 

He had yet to meet Lambert, or Aiden, since the day they had arrived. He’d seen them around, of course, during meal times, but they had yet to exchange a word with each other. Julian was too scared to approach them on his own, and it didn’t seem like they had any interest in approaching him. 

 

Lambert, according to Eskel, had been punished quite differently than Julian himself. Instead of physical violence and disdain, he was given chores he hated. Working in the mine to collect coal, cleaning the springs, and helping in the kitchens. Unpleasant tasks no doubt, but far better than what Julian had feared would happen. 

 

Aside from that, Lambert had been accepted back into the family like nothing had happened. In the evenings, he would watch the man play gwent, and take everyone for all the coin they had. He brewed his own spirits, and made his own bombs, and overall seemed competent in many things. He was loud, and cut with words as easily as he did with a blade. When Lambert looked at him, quick, fleeting glances, Julian could see distrust and disapproval in his eyes. 

 

Aiden was the exact opposite. 

 

Julian would see the man far less frequently than his mate, but when he did, he observed a far quieter man. Aidens movement was near unnatural, and he seemed to move from place to place without a single sound, as if his feet never touched the ground. One time Julian had been in the library, when a creak from above caught his attention. As he looked up, there Aiden was, laying on top of a book shelf, eyes closed, one arm dangling off the side, soles placed firmly onto the wood. 

 

Sleeping, Julian thought, until Aidens eyes snapped open, eyeing him with a wary expression on his face. Julian nearly squeaked with surprise, and hurried out of the room before anything could go wrong. 

 

He assumed that, if he ever spoke to either of them, it wouldn’t be anytime soon. 

 

He’d been wrong.

 

Julian was sitting in the hot spring, bare as the day he’d been born, enjoying a hot soak when suddenly, the door opened. Immediately alarmed, he turned around to see who had come in; had it been Eskel, he would have been ashamed at his state of undress. 

 

It wasn’t Eskel. It was, to Julian's great surprise, Aiden. 

 

“Lamb told me there was a time for omegas to bathe,” the man said casually, pulling his shirt over his head and dropping it carelessly onto the ground. “Figured he was full of shit, but Geralt said it was true. Guess the old man likes you.” 

 

Julian, utterly confused, blinked. 

 

“What, cat get your tongue?” Aiden asked, grinning; though if he was being kind, or making fun of him, Julian wasn’t sure. “Or are you too good to bathe with my kind?” 

 

“N-No, of course not, my Lord.” Julian stammered. He felt vulnerable, exposed in a way that went beyond simply being naked. Was Aiden an omega? He couldn’t tell by his scent, but if he wasn’t… 

 

“You can cut that out right now,” the man huffed, pulling loose the string of his breeches, pulling them off and throwing it equally carelessly onto the ground as he had his pants. “I’m no lord, and I’m glad of that. My name’s Aiden. Use it.” 

 

“My- My apologies my L-” Julian caught himself just in time, keeping the title to himself. Simply calling the other by his name felt strange, disrespectful, but something told him that he’d be met with less patience by him than he had with Eskel. “I’m sorry.” 

 

The entire time Julian had kept his eyes firmly on the water, had covered his chest and groyne with his arms and hands. He didn’t want to see, and he didn’t want to be seen .  

 

When the water around him became disturbed, he dared a single, short glance. As he had thought, Aiden had chosen to sit rather close to him and was, in fact, an omega. Julian had never met an omega that acted like this before, not once. The world he now lived in became stranger and stranger. 

 

“Forget about it,” Aiden said, waving his hand dismissively, “Gods, you have to give it to the mutts, their hot springs are fantastic.” 

 

It took a moment until Julian realised he was talking about the men he now lived with. Wolf shifters, as he’d been told by Eskel on a rainy afternoon, came from the School of the Wolf. There had been many schools, a long time ago, but most had fallen to ruin. 

 

“You’re not..?” Julian asked, his curiosity outweighing his fear. Eskel had promised him he’d never be hurt here, by anyone. 

 

“What, a wolf?” Aiden snorted. “Do I look like a wolf to you?” 

 

“You- look like a man, to me,” he replied, without much thought. It was easier here, to just talk, without having to think about every word carefully. An entirely new experience for Julian, that he found he quite liked. 

 

Aiden gave him a blank stare for a few seconds, making him tense, before suddenly breaking out into laughter. The sound was full, warm, and rather comforting. 

 

“A man!” Aiden chuckled, leaning back against the springs edge, without any indication of modesty. “You’re funny. I’m a cat, not a wolf. You’ll be able to  tell because I don’t smell of wet dog when I get out of here.” 

 

Julian couldn’t say he’d ever noticed Eskel or Geralt smelling like a wet dog, even as moisture still clung to their hair, indicating they’d just come from the spring. He didn’t question it though; maybe his senses just weren’t as sensitive. 

 

He thought he’d read about a School of Cat, in one of the oldest books the library held. Eskel had pointed it out to him, and asked him to handle it with great care, and Julian had done exactly that. Treated the aged pages like the finest of silks, only touching when he absolutely had to. 

 

“You look like you’re thinking awful hard over there, my Lord ,” Aiden teased, quirking a brow. “Don’t have to cover yourself, you don’t have anything I haven’t seen.” 

 

“It’s improper,” Julian replied, trying his best not to feel too chastised. Aiden was straight forward, but he didn’t seem dangerous, and surely Eskel and Geralt wouldn’t allow him into the springs with Julian if he was. “You’re not my husband.” 

 

“You humans are strange beings. Like being naked is somehow offensive.” Aiden shrugged. “Not like we come into the world wearing clothes or nothing. What's wrong with a little skin?” 

 

Julian was about to reply when Aiden lifted his arm, as if to reach for something above him, only to lick along the inside of his arm. Repeatedly. Just like the cats at home, grooming themselves. 

 

He didn’t know what to do in the situation, what to say. Just watched and listened as Aiden.. Licked himself. 

 

“Lambert doesn’t like you, you know.” Aiden mentioned casually, switching to his other arm. “You should do something about that.” 

 

“I-” Julian stuttered, eyes wide with surprise. No one in his life had ever spoken to him like this. Even Eskel and Geralt adhered to the customs he’d been raised with, for the most part. Geralt had even stopped snorting when Julian referred to him by his title. “How would I even- How can I change that, if I don’t know why he doesn’t like me?” 

 

The prickling in his fingertips started once more. What did it mean if Lambert didn’t like him? What had he done to offend the youngest prince? Had it been something he’d said, or hadn’t said, something he’d done, or had failed to do? How was he going to fix something he had no idea he had broken- 

 

A sudden flick to his forehead disrupted his downward spiral.

 

“Quit that,” Aiden huffed, eyes narrowed. “That’s half the reason he doesn’t like you. You constantly stink of fear, everywhere you go. Makes you look weak.”

 

Julian stared, gaping at the man, bewildered. So many new experiences had him overwhelmed, flailing. 

 

“..I’m sorry.” It was all he could come up with. “I never meant to make him uncomfortable or anger him with my weakness.” 

 

Truth be told, Julian wanted nothing more than to leave; to retreat, and gather himself, to think about all the new information he’d been given in this conversation. He couldn’t just get up and walk away, but he’d take the next chance he got to politely excuse himself. 

 

At his words, Aiden gave an annoyed huff, halting in his cleaning. 

 

“Look, you’re a good kid from what I can tell, and Lamb’s a prickly asshole. It’s gonna take time for him to warm up to you, one way or another.” After a moment, and another evaluating look, the Cat continued. “But since I’d prefer not getting kicked out by the old wolf for him losing his temper at you, I’ll give you a hint.” 

 

Julian tilted his head, brows furrowed, waiting patiently for the advice Aiden was going to offer. 

 

“Lamb’s good at finding weakness, and hitting where it hurts. He thinks you either get stronger, or you buckle. He’s going to do the same to you.” 

 

Julian trembled. 

 

“But you’re not as weak as he, or you, think.” Aiden finished, turning his head back to groom his arm. “You got scars, just like us. You’re still here. That’s more than all the dead bastards can say, human or shifter alike. Makes you stronger than he thinks.” 

 

Surprised, Julian sat frozen, once again gaping in disbelief. 

 

Had- Had that been meant as a compliment? It didn’t quite sound like one but-

 

“Now get out of here. You’re stinkin’ up the place with your anxiety, and I’d like to clean myself without.” 

 

Bewildered, and wrapping himself in a towel as quickly as he could once he’d gotten out of the water, Julian fled.

Chapter 11

Summary:

And again, thank you to everyone who took the time to read my story, and leave kudos and kudos <3 I couldn't do it without you!

Notes:

And again, thank you to everyone who took the time to read my story, and leave kudos and kudos <3 I couldn't do it without you!

Ever since his conversation with Aiden, Julian had made a point to never be alone outside of his chambers or the hotspring.

Whether it was walking to meals, or sitting in the library, he strived to have Eskel or even Geralt by his side. If the princes were too busy, Julian would simply return to his chambers. 

Julian wasn’t sure if Aiden had been trying to help or frighten him, but their conversation had done little to soothe him. Lambert had already been an intimidating presence to him before, and now, with the confirmation that the prince disliked him, he’d only become more so. Every day, Julian feared the prince would pop up behind a corner he’d just turned, or ambush him from the darkness when entering a room. 

Aiden had told him in rather simple terms what would happen. Lambert would test him, and Julian, weak as he was, would fail. The cat’s words about being strong, simply because he’d survived, didn’t ring true to him. 

Julian wanted to avoid the humiliation at every cost, for as long as he possibly could. 

The king and his sons had been so kind to him, treating him with such gentleness. Julian found himself wanting to please them quite desperately. To see that big, warm smile on Eskels face, to hear the calming, reassuring rumble of Geralt. To see the spark of pride, no matter how undeserved, in Vesemir's eyes. 

He couldn’t avoid Lambert forever, not really. But he could push back their inevitable meeting as far as was within his power. 

—-

It had been a particularly cold day at the keep. 

A storm had been brewing for most of the morning and afternoon, and by the time dinner was served in the great hall, the rain was coming down in torrents, the wind beating against the stone walls. 

Everyone had retreated into the keep, save the few unlucky ones that were out on watch and patrol duty. The fires burnt just a little brighter on nights like these, when nature raged, and Julian was safe and warm inside. 
As every evening, the men had started playing cards and sitting together after their meal, and Julian watched from his seat at the fire. Eskel and Geralt had joined in the activities, and even Lambert and Aiden were sitting with their decks at the wooden table, waiting for their turn to challenge another. 

He would have been uncomfortable, maybe even left immediately, if not for the presence of Eskel and Geralt. The princes had become a source of comfort to him, a safe place he could always run to, and so, he remained. 

He wasn’t sure how long he’d sat there, having fallen asleep without noticing, until a warm hand to his shoulder startled him awake. 

“Think it's time to lay down, omega,” Geralt rumbled, the slightest quirk of lips hinting at a smile. 

Ever since his little breakdown about punishment, Geralt had taken to calling him omega, instead of his name. It wasn’t too out of left field, Julian supposed; Julian was a potential mate to Geralt, if only in writing and for breeding purposes. Perhaps a bit soon, considering they weren’t even engaged, but he didn’t protest. 

The way Geralt said the word, the tone and the softness of it as it fell from his lips, made Julian blush, wanting to squirm with pride. It seemed the white haired shifter had finally warmed up to him. 

“Ah, yes! Yes, of course.” Julian quickly stood, embarrassed, gaze flicking to the men currently watching Lambert and Eskel as they played for a rare card.Geralt was having a good time, and Lambert was distracted, surely he could make it to his chambers on his own..

“Would you like me to escort you?” The prince asked, seemingly reading Julians thoughts again. 

“What, he can’t find his own room by himself? He need you to hold his hand, too?” The snide remark came from Lambert, and Julian felt himself deflating. Whatever joy he had felt only moments before was quickly fading. 

“Shut up Lamb,” Eskel huffed, eyes narrowed. “Focus on the game, or I’ll be adding your cards to my deck.” 

Julian watched as Lambert glanced at Eskel, then Geralt, and finally, at Julian himself. He lowered his eyes, hoping that deferring to Lambert, to show he was submitting, would make the whole situation go away. He wanted nothing more than to lean against the warm form of Geralt beside him, maybe even hide behind the broader man. 
“Come,” Geralt rumbled, gently urging Julian towards the path to his chambers. “Ignore Lambert, he’s a sour bastard when he’s stuck inside.”

“Sour bastard yourself, asshole,” Lambert replied, but was given no further attention by Geralt. 

They walked, in comfortable silence, up the stairs and along the halls. Julian had quickly noticed that Geralt wasn’t one to talk much, more the type to act than use simple words. 

He walked closely beside Julian, just as a guard or a knight would when protecting their lord. As if he was ready to slot himself between any danger and Julian, and keep him safe from harm. The thought made Julians stomach flutter in a strange, but not unpleasant, way. 

As he opened the door to his chambers, Geralt asked if he needed more firewood, or furs, to keep warm. Another unnecessary, undeserved kindness that Geralt seemed to give so freely. Whatever had changed his mind on Julian, the omega was grateful for it. He’d have been deprived of the princes’ soft side entirely. 

Julian thought that would have been a great loss. 

Thanking the prince for his consideration, and assuring him he was plenty warm during the nights, Julian watched for just a second as Geralt turned and walked away. 

If he felt bereft, then surely it had to be out of missing the reassuring calm Geralt emitted wherever he went. Surely. 

That night, Julian dreamt of wolves, one black, one white, curled up around him during a storm. Their large bodies kept him safe, their large heads hovering above him kept him dry, and their fur and body heat had him feeling nice and warm. 

Julian slept as soundly as he did in his dreams.

—

Not all good things can last, and Julian seemed to have particular bad luck in that department. 

He hadn’t encountered Lambert again, though he had seen him around. The black haired man seemed to watch him whenever he could, and Julian began to wonder if perhaps, he was planning something. If so, then whatever it was likely wouldn’t be pleasant. 
One night, a fortnight after the storm, Julian was sitting outside in the courtyard. Dinner had already begun, but he’d found his appetite lacking. Instead, he had told Eskel he wanted a bit of fresh air, and though the prince had offered to come with him, Julian hadn’t wanted to disturb him during his meal. 

“I’ll be alright,” He’d said, “I’ll just be in the courtyard. If I need you, you won’t be far away.” 

Eskel hesitated, but then gave a short nod. 

“If you need me, I’ll be right here. Or I’ll join you, once I’ve eaten.” 

And so, Julian sat on the stone steps leading to the massive wooden doors he had entered for the first time not too long ago. The evening wasn’t nearly as warm as he was used to, but tonight, it didn’t bother him. Cool air caressed his face in a gentle breeze as the sun began its slow descent. 

“What are you doing here?” 

Julian startled, eyes wide as he turned his head towards the voice. 

Lambert.

“I’m admiring the sunset, my Lord,” Julian replied, doing his best to remain calm, to keep his tone even. Aiden had told him this would happen, Julian himself knew it couldn’t be avoided forever. Still, it felt too soon. 

“Not right now, you idiot,” Lambert huffed, arms crossed over his chest as he walked closer. “What are you doing in this keep?” 

“I was sent here to wed one of the princes, for the treaty.” 

Why was Lambert asking him this? He knew why Julian was here, he’d fled with his mate because of it. So why waste his time asking questions he already had the answers to? 

“Bullshit,” Lambert huffed, walking closer still, a mere step away from Julian now. “They sent you here with a plan, didn’t they? Hm? Maybe get you to fuck one of us, and kill us in our sleep?” 

Julians jaw dropped, the prickling in his toes warning him that he had to leave, and fast. If Lambert already thought so little of him, an outburst wouldn’t help. 

“I- No, my Lord, I would never-” He started, only to be rudely interrupted. 
“Save your pretty lies for someone who’ll believe them,” Lambert snarled, beginning to slowly circle Julian where he sat. Julian couldn’t remember ever getting to his feet so quickly, not even when his father had called for him. 

Instincts told him this was a predator circling its prey, looking for a weak spot. Aiden had warned him about this, too. 

“I’ve seen what humans do,” Lambert growled, “To us, to each other, to anything they can get their hands on. They destroy everything they touch.” 

Julian felt a sharp pain, somewhere deep in his chest. 

Everything you do, you do wrong.

Why can’t you just do what you’re told? 

You broke it, boy, can’t you do a single thing right? 

“I’m- I’d never hurt you, or the royal family, my Lord,” Julian tried again, his voice beginning to waver. “You’ve been kind to me, why would I-” 

“Because your father commands it.” 

The shifter's reply turned the blood in his veins cold, making his heart stutter. Father had alluded to some sort of plan, but would he really risk a war? 

You know he would. He’d do anything to get what he wants. 

“That’s what I thought.” Lambert grinned darkly, once more facing Julian, malice in his eyes. “Listen to me closely now. I can’t convince my father to send you away, and you’ve already wormed yourself into my brother's heart with this little act of yours. They’re all blind to it, but I’m not.” 

Julian swallowed, clasped his hands before him, picked at his skin as he tried to control his fear. He didn’t dare speak. 

“If I get even a whiff of some sort of betrayal, from you, your family, any fucking human in this place.” The man leaned closer, continued more softly. “Then I am going to kill you. I’m going to kill your mommy, and your daddy, and any of your siblings, and then your friends next. I promise you.” 

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, anything that would dissuade Lambert from thinking he was a danger. But how could he, when he didn’t really know if he was? No words came, but it didn’t matter. 
“The old man, Eskel and Geralt, they’re annoying, but they’re my pack. So if you ever get the idea, maybe after you’ve let them mount you a few times, that now would be the time to strike.. Remember my promise.” 

The doors opened, and there stood Aiden. 

“Come on Lamb,” The omega called, ignoring him entirely. “I’m starving.” 

“Coming, you prick.” Lambert grumbled, giving Julian one last wordless glance before walking off, as if nothing had happened. 

Chapter 12

Notes:

So, as I feared, I couldn't keep up with the multiple uploads a week x'D I am so sorry guys, but life is just too hectic to write every day now. I *will* be updating as much as I can, hopefully one chapter a week. I hope you guys won't be too upset!

Thank you again, to all of you that commented and left kudos. You guys keep me going, and I can't thank you enough!!

A bizarre thing had happened, after Lambert's departure. 

 

Julian had watched as the prince made his way into the hall, and by the time he’d disappeared through the doors, Julian felt rather.. Strange.

 

As if each step the man took had cut at a tie holding Julian to his body, one after the other, until none remained. He felt untethered and a little hazy. The world faded around him, the cool evening air, the sturdy stone walls of the keep, the sounds of horses and other animals making their bed for the night.

 

None of it felt real. 

 

Julian was numb, disattached from his emotions, his very body. Where there had been fear before, there was now a yawning emptiness. 

 

His legs moved without his permission, carrying him back into the hall. Eskel would worry if he didn’t have any food before bed. 

 

Julian went through the evening calmer than he had ever been before, but when he caught a glimpse of his reflection in a window, he didn’t seem to recognise himself. His face, his eyes, the shade of his hair, it was all him, and yet none of it was. 

 

It should have felt good, to not be so afraid. Somehow, it felt even worse. This nothingness, the absence of everything Julian knew, the good and the bad. Like he had somehow turned to stone, cold and hard. 

 

His meal and conversation with Eskel passed in a haze. Julian couldn’t tell if they sat for minutes or hours. Time seemed to have ceased to exist, all feeling like a shadow, a faded echo coming from all around him. 

 

The surreal experience, as it turned out, had saved him from breaking down in the courtyard. It wouldn’t carry him through the night.

 

As Julian lay in the big, comfortable bed, with a fire warming his chambers, the numbness faded away. He felt as if his soul was slipping back into his body, mending the broken connections, and anchoring him in the world. 

 

Now, there was space again for fears and doubts. 

 

Was he doing the right thing? Was he going to survive, even if he kept his fathers plans to himself? Could he go through with whatever his Lord father commanded him? 

 

And most importantly, what would happen to him if he did, or didn’t, obey? 

 

Julian felt a salty wetness streaking his cheeks once more. Gods, how many tears had he shed since he’d arrived, in his entire life? Had he ever been.. Happy? 

 

He couldn’t remember a time when he was. 

 

The night passed slowly, as Julian agonised and fret over Lambert's words, about the implications of his situation. Either way he turned it, his situation was far from a pleasant one. 

 

Sleep finally claimed him as the sun rose on the horizon, a single question stuck in his mind. 

 

What am I going to do? 

 

—--

 

The wolves, as Julian had taken to calling them in his mind, were worried about him.

 

He could see it in each glance of golden eyes, in each gentle touch against his shoulder, his arm. They couldn’t be blamed for their unease; Julian had taken a turn for the worse. 

 

Julian hadn’t slept for more than a few hours every night since his conversation with Lambert, agonising over what he should do. That in turn dampened his appetite, until it was non-existent with his exhaustion. Eskel and Geralt had taken to both breaking their fast with him, only to keep an eye on him, and offer him more food as often as they could without being demanding. 

 

Julian could do little else but eat as much as he could stomach, but these days, it seemed even the smallest meals sat heavy within him, quickly nauseating him. He spent more and more time in his chambers, curled under the fur, weak and tired. 

 

What am I going to do?

 

Black circles became a permanent feature on his face, and one day, Eskel had pulled him aside after a meal. The alpha had voiced their concerns, asked Julian if anything had happened. 

 

At that moment, Julian almost broke. 

 

He wanted to confess, to tell Eskel everything that weighed so heavy on his mind. 

 

His fathers plans, Lambert's words, anything he could to lighten the burden. To fall to his knees and beg forgiveness, for not telling the truth from the beginning. For fearing them the same way he feared his father. 

 

There were worlds between the wolves and his father in worth. 

 

And Julian had betrayed them. 

 

Instead, he’d uttered another half-truth. Told Eskel that his stomach hadn’t been feeling right, that he might have caught ill, as humans did sometimes. That in a few more days, it would right itself, with rest and small meals. 

 

The prince hadn’t seemed completely convinced, but for the moment, he’d accepted Julians explanation. Sweet as he was, he’d gone to Triss, the woman that had provided Julian with a salve for his bruise, for a tea to help settle his stomach.

 

“It’s safe for humans,” Eskel had said that evening, as they had supper, as he poured. “Triss said it soothes the stomach. Should help get you back on your feet in no time.” 

 

That night, Julian had cried even harder. 

 

He didn’t deserve Eskel, or Geralt. He didn’t deserve any of it, to be here. Had no right to accept their kindness, to pine for their touch and soft words. 

 

His father was going to kill them all, he was sure of it. The more he thought about what possible plans his father could have, the clearer that truth became. Before, shifters had been seen as vicious animals, and his father held that belief firmly. Couldn’t accept that, after the plague, the shifters now owned their own kingdom, had their own king, their own army.

The fact that they had any power, any rights to exist at all, was a personal insult to the Count. Like a lion, he would hunt his prey patiently, and when the time came to strike, he’d leave no one alive. 

 

Any way he looked at it, Julian himself would be killed, or worse. In a strange way, he can accept that. If it had only been his life lost, it wouldn’t have made a difference. Perhaps they would mourn him, for a bit, before going back to their lives. 

 

Julian could be replaced. 

 

What he could not stand, that made his chest ache and his stomach rebel, was the thought of the wolves dying. The royal family most, but not entirely. While he hadn’t formed any real bonds with anyone but them, any contact he’d had in the keep had been a polite, if not kind one. Julian didn’t count his conversation with Lambert; the man had been crude and hurtful, but he’d only been protecting his pack, and rightfully so. 

 

He’d seen how weak Julian really was right from the start. 

 

Visions of them, one at a time, laying in their own blood and guts, missing limbs, last, croaking breaths, haunted him day and night. Julian could be sitting in the library, reading a new book, only to turn his gaze away from the pages, and there a fake Eskel would kneel, blood dripping from his lips as he spoke.

 

How could you do this to us? 

 

Shocked, Julian dropped the book to the ground, and ran. 

 

—

 

Julian had made a decision. 

 

It had been weeks, weeks of going back and forth, of no sleep and little food, of crying himself raw whenever he was alone. It was the hardest choice he’d ever had to make, and the uncertainty tore into him like claws, tearing him apart slash by slash. 

 

Then, suddenly, it happened. 

 

One morning, he had woken up, had looked in the glass and had seen a ghost looking back at him. 

 

He’d never been much before, but whatever worth he had possessed, it was fading away. No omega this weak would breed successfully, and bring forth strong pups. The only value he had to the wolves, and it was fading, slipping from his hands. If things went on the way they did, he’d be dead come winter. 

 

He had to tell them, had to tell the king. 

 

He had to save them. 

 

With the decision came another wave of disconnect. It had happened a few more times, late at night, when his tears had run dry, and he became too tired to do anything but lay in his bed, yet still unable to sleep. 

 

Julian hated it with every fibre of his being. Each time it came and went, he felt even worse, fatigued and so, so cold. Death had to be better than this, and death was the punishment he expected for his betrayal. 

 

There was comfort in knowing he would be gone before his father could get hold of him. The wolves wouldn’t be cruel, he was sure of it. They’d take his head in one, well aimed strike. It would be over in the blink of an eye. 

 

He’d meant to ask the King for an audience that morning, during breakfast, but had found his seat empty. When he’d inquired about it, Geralt had told him his father was quite busy, and taking his meal in his chambers. 

 

“Would I be able to speak to him later today?” Julian asked, pushing the food on his plate around a bit to make it look like he had eaten. 

 

“If it's important, you can tell us,” Eskel said, tilting his head. “Even if it isn’t important, you can tell us.” 

 

“That’s very kind, my Prince,” Julian smiled, though he doubted it reached his eyes. “But I’d like to discuss this with your father first, if that’s alright.” 

 

Even this, they had accepted, though Julian had the sense that they were only worried furthered by his answer. 

 

“I’ll talk to father,” Geralt finally rumbled, “He’ll find time for you.” 

 

And so, Julian had returned to his chambers, and waited as patiently as he could. 

 

He felt ill with nerves, paced the length of his chambers, back and forth, back and forth, until his feet ached. He didn’t stop. 

 

Hours passed, Julian had added wood to the fire twice now, still pacing. He felt light headed, his heart hammering away inside of his chest as he walked. Sweat was beading on his forehead, on his temple, at the back of his neck. He was soaking through his clothing, but Julian couldn’t care less. 

 

He needed to get this over with, needed to tell the King what his father was up to so he could finally rest. Julian was desperate for a good night's sleep, and if that was to be a single night before his execution, then so be it. He couldn’t stand it anymore.

The knock at his door came in the afternoon, ripping Julian out of his thoughts and relentless pacing. He yanked the door open, hoping to see Eskel or Geralt, but instead, there was Aiden. 

 

“King wants to see you,” The omega huffed, looking less than pleased with being the one sent to summon him. “Come on then, I don’t have all day.”

 

Julian followed obediently, though he trembled with every step he took. His muscles screamed at him to stop, his head swam, but he continued on. Julian had forced himself through such circumstances before, and he would do so now. He had to. 

 

“Julian,” the King greeted him kindly as he stepped into his office, though his expression quickly became worried. Aiden had left Julian before he’d entered, he was alone with the king, and he was about to sign his own death warrant. “Are you alright?”

 

“Your Grace, I-” Julian stopped, swallowing harshly, forcing bile back into his stomach. “There is something I need to tell you.” 

 

“Oh?” Vesemir asked, rising from his seat, rounding the massive wooden desk to join Julian. “Whatever it is, you can tell me sitting down, child. You look like you’re going to pass out.” 

 

“I- You’re very kind, but I would prefer standing,” Julian answered, trying to ignore his body's protest, the black creeping into the edges of his view. “Your Grace, when my father sent me-” 

 

Julian stopped again. Blinked. Something was off, he felt strange- 

 

“Oh.” 

 

Julian was falling, falling for the longest time, until he was caught by strong arms, right before he hit the ground. 

 

“Julian?!” 

 

The voice seemed far away, but then the world turned, and with it his stomach. Julian turned his head to the side and gagged, dry heaved a few times before finally, a bit of bile came out.

“Geralt, get Triss, he’s burning up. Fuck, he’s like a furnace, we need to cool him down.” 

 

“‘M fine, ‘m sorry, I can clean it-” Julian mumbled, twisting weakly in the king's arms, trying to get on his own feet, but the strong arms around him held firm.

 

Eskels face appeared, only a few inches above him, talking to him, though he could not make out a single word. The Alphas soothing tone seeped into his bones, and the world suddenly didn’t seem so bad. 

 

The last thing he remembered were those beautiful, golden eyes of the man he had become so fond of. 

 

It was not a bad last sight.

Chapter 13

Notes:

New Week, New Chapter!! Thank you so much, all of you, for being so understanding, and of course all the kudos and lovely comments!! I couldn't do this without out <3

The world only existed in fuzzy forms, moving in slow motion above him. Julian didn’t know what exactly had happened, since he’d gone to see the king. All he knew was the aches in his muscles, the screeching pain in his lungs and back as he coughed until his throat felt raw. 

 

Every now and then, he’d catch a few words, floating around him.

 

“He’s still fevering-” 

 

“-turn him on his side-” 

 

“It’s alright omega-”

 

“-gonna take care of you-” 

 

Julian didn’t know who was talking, faces were too hard to make out, his eyelids too heavy to fight. He lay, miserable, unable to remember what had gotten him into this mess. It had been so important, he’d needed to tell.. To tell..

 

Julian slept. 

 

Eskel

 

“He’s restless,” Eskel watched the omega, wrapped in furs, tossing and turning. His forehead was slick with sweat, brown strands sticking to the flushed skin. It's a pitiful sight, one that he found hard to bear. He’d grown so very fond of Julian, more than even he himself had expected. 

 

He knew what Geralt had planned, of course he did. They knew each other better than anyone else on the entire continent, bonded so deeply their souls mirrored each other. 

 

Geralt had kept his distance in an effort to let Eskel become the favourite, becoming Julians first choice as a husband. Then, when the omega went into heat, it would be Eskel’s seed catching, his pup rounding the omegas stomach.

 

Eskel had been yearning for a pup for so long, he couldn’t remember a time he hadn’t. His mate was doing his best to see that wish, so deeply held, came true. 

 

Julian hadn’t been what either of them had expected. 

 

A pup, still slightly gangly with youth, and so, so scared. The scent of his fear during those first few days had been so strong, they couldn’t even pick up on his own scent, and it only got stronger when his father was around. 

 

He’d hated the Count the moment he’d set eyes on him, they all had. The man oozed deceit and smugness, the type of Alpha that demanded everything, asked for nothing, and had no kindness in him whatsoever. Julian’s reactions to his fathers presence, the few hints he’d gotten from the omega about his upbringing only strengthened his dislike. And then the scars.. 

 

“Medicine’s wearing off,” Geralt hummed, coming to kneel beside the bed. Eskel had insisted on laying beside the omega, where he could rumble soothingly into the omegas ear, and wipe the sweat off his brow with a wet cloth. “Triss is bringing the next dose soon.” 

 

Soon couldn’t be soon enough, Eskel thought. Julian had suffered so much already, all his life, and now this sickness. He wanted to take all that pain away, all the fear and suffering. Wanted to see those shy, uncertain smiles back on the omega’s face, the ones Eskel had come to recognise as real and sincere. Julian was so beautiful, always, but that smile.. 

 

“You’ve grown fond of him,” Geralt commented, reaching out to push a stray, slick lock of hair from Julians face. 

 

“As have you,” Eskel replied, glancing up at his mate. “More than either of us thought possible, I think.” 

“Hm.” 

 

A simple conversation on the outside, but a poignant one between them. 

 

You have feelings for him.

 

As do you. 

 

What does that mean for the future? For us? 

 

I don’t know. 

 

No words needed to be spoken out loud, Eskel and Geralt could speak completely in glances and scents. He looked at Julian, so pale, wracked by coughing fits that left him weak. All he wanted was to climb under the furs and blankets, to wrap himself around Julian, to comfort him in every way he knew how. 

 

But Julian hadn’t been well enough to speak since he’d collapsed, much less give his permission for such, to him, intimate touch. A laughable sentiment perhaps, considering what else the treaty demanded, what they would have to do eventually. 

 

Still, Eskel found himself unwilling to act on his desires. When he and Julian laid bare beside each other for the first time, it would be pleasurable, not.. This. 

 

The coughing started up again, rough, barking sounds that made Eskel sick to hear. Triss had told them he’d survive, that she’d make sure he did, and she’d never lied to them in the past. Julian would live, they just had to get him through the worst part of this sickness.

 

“Help me turn him,” Eskel instructed, gently moving Julian from laying on his back to his side, where Geralt held him. Eskel gave firm pats against the omegas back, helping to loosen the congestion in his lungs, to cough them up easier, but even so the omega struggled. 

 

“Looks so small,” Geralt muttered once the fit had passed, once Julian was once more on his back, slightly propped up by the pillows. He was shaking, whether from cold or from exhaustion was hard to tell. 

 

Eskel couldn’t help but agree. Julian looked far too small in the big bed, under the mountain of furs. He’d been far too thin when he’d arrived, and whatever progress they’d made in fattening him up since his fathers departure had quickly been lost over the last fortnight. He’d barely eaten, had barely slept. Something had happened, Eskel was sure of it, he just didn’t know what . 

 

A letter from his father, maybe? What had distressed Julian so that he had spiralled into this, and what had he wanted to tell their father, so desperately he’d ignored his own body screaming out at him? 

 

The door opened before Eskel could voice his thoughts, but it wasn’t the one they’d expected. Instead of Triss, it was their father that stepped into the room. Vesemir had visited multiple times a day, ever since Julian had been laid on his sick bed. 

 

“Pa,” Eskel rumbled, echoed by Geralt. 

 

“Boys,” Vesemir greeted, moving towards the bed, only to be halted by- 

 

“Don’t growl at me boy,” Vesemir huffed, glaring at Geralt. “You’re protective over him, as is your right, but you know better than that. I’m not here to hurt him.” 

 

Eskel, simultaneously amused and surprised, couldn’t help but chuckle. 

 

“Sorry, Pa,” Geralt rumbled, moving to join Vesemir, giving an apologetic lick to the elders chin, forced to bend down almost comically to reach. 

 

“You’re forgiven,” Vesemir answered, giving Geralt’s head a quick nuzzle before moving forward once more. “How is he?” 

 

“Hanging on,” Eskel replied, fussing over the furs, making sure they covered the omega properly after he’d been moved. “We need the next dose soon, have you seen-” 

 

The door opened once more, and in walked Triss, holding a cup of steaming tea. 

 

“I’m here, I’m here. No need to send out a search party.” With a few steps, she stood beside Vesemir. “He had some issues with the taste last time, so I added tea and honey.” 

 

“Thank you, Triss,” Eskel was truly grateful for the mage, and even more her knowledge on human bodies and illness. He accepted the cup, and with Geralt's help, Julian was propped up enough to slowly pour small sips into his mouth. 

 

“While you do that, we have something to discuss,” Vesemir said, interrupting the silence. “I think I’ve found out what scared him so much.” 

 

“What was it?” Geralt asked, not taking his gaze off the omega. 

 

“Lambert,” Vesemir said, tone flat. “He had a talk with the pup, and in his usual fashion, scared the shit out of him.” 

 

“He told you that?” Eskel asked as he waited for Julian to swallow. “What did he say to him?” 

 

“He was trying to protect us. He went about it wrong, I won’t deny that. But he meant well.” 

 

Eskel loved Lambert as he loved anyone in his pack, his little brother. At the moment, he wanted nothing more than to slap him on the back of his head. Geralt was tense beside him, lips twitching. They shared that sentiment. 

 

“Now don’t you boys get any ideas about running off and setting him straight, I’ve taken care of that. Once Julian is awake, Lambert will apologise, and it will never happen again.” Vesemir's gaze bore into them both, daring them to disobey him. Waiting to see if he needed to discipline another of his sons. 

 

A few tense moments passed, but then, Geralt relaxed, and with him, so did Eskel. 

 

“We’re needed here.” Geralt gruffed, laying the back of his hand against the omega’s forehead. “He’s still hot.” 

 

Eskel rumbled his agreement. They could talk to Lambert later. 

 

“Once he’s well, we’re going to have to talk to him. About his father, his past. There’ve been too many secrets, too much information we’re lacking. If only so he can get whatever is weighing him down off his shoulders.” 

 

Again, Eskel agreed. They needed to know exactly what Julian had been through, and what he’d been meaning to tell Vesemir. 

 

“When he’s well.”

Chapter 14

Notes:

And here is chapter 14!!

My poor betas didn't have time to go over this weeks chapter, so if you see any mistakes or weird phrasing, I apologise for that! I did my best to keep mistakes to the minimum. <3

ALSO!! I'd like to tell you guys that next week, there won't be a chapter, as I'm going to be away on holiday. But once I'm back, I will write the new chapter and update the story for you <3

Thank you so much for all your comments, kudos, and the insane amount of support. I couldn't do it without every single one of you!

The next time Julian woke, he felt.. Well, he felt sore, achy, and his throat was dry as a desert, but all in all, he hadn’t felt this good in gods know how long. 

 

He was warm and dry, instead of boiling hot and slick with his own sweat. He’d been vaguely aware of being wiped down and redressed, but he couldn’t recall how many times it had happened, and more embarrassingly, who had seen him bare. 

 

He ought to open his eyes, he thought, and see what was happening around him. He could hear steady breathing from both sides, and a warmth a blanket could not provide. 

The light stung his eyes, forcing him to blink again and again, until they’d finally adapted to the sunlight falling through the large windows. He turned his head, and beside him lay Eskel, sound asleep, dark circles under his eyes. 

 

Confused, Julian turned his head once more, only to find Geralt, sitting on a chair beside the bed, slumped over onto the mattress at his head, also asleep. 

 

Had they stayed with him the entire time? How many days had he been sick? 

 

Julian swallowed, trying to ease the ache in his throat, only to provoke a cough. In seconds, both Geralt and Eskel had sat up, still half asleep. 

 

“Julian?” Eskel muttered, and a moment later, the man's face appeared in Julians view. “You’re awake!” 

 

“‘Skel” Julian croaked, wanting to reach out, to curl against the alphas chest. He felt better, yes, but he certainly didn’t feel good , and wanted comfort. He almost did, until the memories came crashing back upon him.

 

He’d gone to the king to tell him of his fathers intentions. Soon, they would know, all of them, that Julian was a traitor. After sitting beside him, worrying over him, that deceit would hit even harder, he was sure of it. 

 

“Water, Geralt,” Eskel commanded, and Geralt quickly retrieved a cup, filling it with water from a carafe standing on a dresser. It was handed over to Eskel, and with the alphas help, Julian was sat upright. 

 

“Just a few small sips,” Eskel rumbled, pressing the glass to his lips. Grateful beyond belief, Julian took a small sip, and then another, eyes fluttering shut as the cool liquid alleviated some of his discomfort. 

 

He was laid back ever so gently, head pillowed against the softest of pillows Julian had ever seen. 

 

Now, he felt awful for entirely different reasons. 

 

“Thank you.” He forced the words out between his lips, though they dragged painfully against his throat. “T-The king. I. Need to talk to the king.”

 

“When you’re well,” Eskel tried to soothe him, placing a large hand against the omegas face. “You need to rest, Julian.” 

 

“I-its important.” Julian insisted, fighting the urge to turn his head and nuzzle the alphas palm. It felt so good to feel Eskel beside him, on the same bed, his palm against Julians cheek. He never wanted it to end. 

 

It had to end. The more he allowed now, the more they opened themselves to him, the worse things would be for Julian after his confession. 

 

“Please,” He begged, his voice small and weak. “ Please .”

 

“Omega..” Eskel started, brows furrowed with worry, flicking his gaze towards Geralt. “Whatever it is, it can wait-” 

 

Feeling incapable of speaking again, his throat already raw again, Julian shook his head. It couldn’t wait, not anymore, Julian wouldn’t .

 

If they gave him any more time, any more tenderness, he might lose his determination. Might decide to keep his mouth shut, and enjoy their company and affections for as long as he could. 

 

“I’ll get him, if you settle down.” Geralt huffed, clearly not happy with the way Julian was working himself up. The alphas hand landed on the other of his cheeks, turning to face Geralt. A calloused thumb brushed against Julians cheek bone, and he couldn’t help but gape like a fish. 

 

Julian couldn’t quite wrap his head around them both being here, about worrying so much, about caring enough to do that. Weren’t disgusted by his weakness, like the rest of his family, even going so far as to comfort him with their touch. 

 

When was the last time he’d felt a loving hand on him, before he’d come here? 

 

“Alright?” Geralt asked, waiting for Julian to agree to their deal. With a small nod, Julian did. “Good.” 

 

As Geralt pulled his hand back, he couldn’t help but whine. He wanted it back, he wanted to hold on to it, to lay between them both, warm and safe from anything that could ever try to touch him. 

 

“Hush, omega,” Eskel rumbled quietly. “He won’t be gone long.” 

 

It felt like hours passed, laying there, waiting for the king to arrive. Nerves hummed right beneath his skin, making him want to move, yet each motion was accompanied by an ache, or a sharp pain. He’d have ignored it, if not for Eskel, gentling him with soothing words and soft rumbles.

It wasn’t enough to take Julians fear, not quite, but it did help. He laid mostly still, watching the door to his chambers, waiting waiting waiting.

 

When the door finally opened, it startled him so bad he nearly choked on his own spit. 

 

“Easy there, boy,” Vesemir strode towards him, just as Eskel was rolling him onto his side with practised ease, gently patting against his back. A strange thing to do, but to Julian's surprise, it helped. “Take a deep breath.” 

 

“My- apologies, my King.” Julian wheezed, taking a few measured breaths to get air back into my lungs. 

 

“You have nothing to apologise for, Julian.” Vesemir hummed, settling onto the chair Geralt had sat before. “Now Geralt told me you had woken, and insisted on speaking to me right away. What is so important, child, that you cannot allow yourself even a few hours of rest before talking to me?” 

 

Julian wished desperately he didn’t have to tell them, especially not like this. Eskel at his back, having tended to him so generously. Geralt, who had sat beside and watched over him for possible weeks. Vesemir, who had offered him a choice, a real choice, and with that, the first bit of control he’d ever had in his life. 

 

Now, he lay in their home, looking up at their King, his future father in law, about to confess. 

 

“My father sent me here to deceive you,” He started, closing his eyes tight as he spoke. He didn’t want to see the expression on their faces. The anger, the disappointment. It would kill him to see, Julian was sure of it. “I- He didn’t tell me what he planned exactly, he said I was too s-stupid, that I’d ruin it, but he is making plans.” 

 

“Julian-” Vesemir started, but Julian couldn’t let him speak, or he may never get the words out. 

 

“Your Grace, my father might not seem dangerous, but you must believe me. When he wants something, he- there’s nothing he won’t do. He will wait, until an opportunity arises, and when it does.. I fear for your family, your Grace, and your people.” 

 

He was met with silence. 

 

Slowly, he opened his eyes, already feeling the tears building up, waiting to be shed. He looked up to the king, hoping to gauge his reaction though he feared what he would see. 

 

Vesemir wasn’t frowning, there was no anger in his eyes, or his body language. His expression was serious, but nothing more. 

 

“Why do you tell me this now, Julian?” He asked, far calmer than Julian had thought possible in such a situation. 

 

“Because I- I cannot wed your sons, not like this. Knowing that one day, my father could use me to-” Julian couldn’t even finish the sentence, partially from the pain it caused to speak, partially because he didn’t even want to imagine hurting this family, nor breathe life into the idea with words. “I couldn’t risk your safety, your Grace, nor that of your sons.”

 

Julian lowered his gaze, wiping weakly at his tears.

 

“I understand the graveness of this betrayal, your Grace, and the consequences. But I had to tell you now, even if I was executed tomorrow, before my father had more time to put in place his plan. Even with me gone, I beg that you do not underestimate him. He will find a way. Father always does .” 

 

Again, a moment of silence, but this time it was broken by the king.

 

“Look at me, Julian.” 

 

Julian obeyed, forcing his eyes upward, until they rested on the king's face. 

 

“Has your father mistreated you, Julian? I need you to be honest.” Julian blinked, confused, not knowing what to reply. Had his father mistreated him? He had disciplined him, certainly, but Julian had earned those punishments. 

 

“Let me ask a different question,” Vesemir hummed. “The scars of your back, your legs. They come from a whip, or a riding crop, do they not?” 

 

That, Julian could answer.

 

“Yes, your Grace.” 

 

“And he used them to punish you, I assume?” 

 

“Yes, your Grace.” 

 

“And he did this with all his children?” 

 

It was getting stranger and stranger, this situation Julian found himself in. Here he was, having admitted to a major crime, and instead of being dragged out of bed by his hair, the King was talking to him as if nothing had happened. 

 

“N-no, your Grace.” Julian said, “My siblings are all Alphas, and never gave him reason to discipline them.” 

 

“I see.” 

 

Julian lay, stiff as a board, waiting for what came next. He hadn’t dared look at Geralt or Eskel, nor would he. It was bad enough, facing the king. He couldn’t take their disappointment too. 

 

“I’m proud of you, son.” 

 

Julian snapped his head up so fast it hurt, eyes wide and unbelieving. Had he misheard? He had to, why would the King say this, after what he had done?

 

“Your Grace-” He started, but now it seemed his turn to be interrupted. 

 

“I. Am. Proud of you.” Vesemir repeated firmly. “You didn’t let your father manipulate you. You came to us, long before you had to. You could have waited until you had proof in hand, until your father was about to make his move, and live a few months longer, maybe even years, in peace. Your father would have been satisfied, and we would have been none the wiser until  we stood before the lion's den. Knowing full well what fate awaits a traitor.” 

 

Julian swallowed, but didn’t dare avert his gaze. Paralyzed, he couldn’t even tremble despite his fear. 

 

“You told us, Julian, because you are nothing like your father. Because you are a good man.” The King's features softened, and what should have been a relief only made Julian feel worse. He had betrayed them, after all they had done to him, and didn’t deserve this kindness. 

 

A good man. 

 

Has anyone ever called him good before? 

 

“You did not let us walk blindly into his trap, and in doing so, may have saved not only our lives, but the lives of everyone in this kingdom, shifter and human alike.” 

 

Julian shook his head, the first sob clawing itself out of his throat. 

 

“Please, your Grace, I- I’m a traitor, an ingrate, I shouldn’t be allowed to live-” 

 

“We knew all along, child.” 

 

Julian froze. It couldn’t be. His father had made no indication that he was dissatisfied with any of the proceedings, had never let his mask fall, so how..?

 

“When your father approached me with the treaty, I already had my suspicions.” Vesemir continued calmly. “He was insistent that his son marry into the royal family itself. No other would do, no matter how high their standing in our society.” 

 

“Then, when he brought you, I was sure of it. He had sent his own son, because he knew of his obedience. Obedience he had beaten into him, likely since he was very young. He told you it was discipline, that you deserved it, and therefore it was just. Now, I tell you that he is wrong. That no one deserves that kind of treatment, much less a child.” 

 

A sudden sadness lingered in the king's eyes as he spoke. 

 

“Most of all, it should not come from a parent. Someone meant to nurture you, and protect you from pain, not cause it.” 

 

Julian was left speechless, unsure what to say, or if he should even talk at all. 

 

“Your father sent you here believing that you would do as you were told, no matter the cost to yourself or others. Were you a lesser man, if you didn’t have a good, courageous heart, you would have allowed it.” 

 

The king stood, placing it gently on Julians head, like- 

 

Like a father would. 

 

“Rest easy now, my boy.” Vesemir rumbled, a smile on his lips. “You will not be punished, nor will any harm come to you. We thank you for your honesty, and bravery. I could not imagine a better fit for my boys, and our family.” 

 

He had to be dreaming. It couldn’t be true.

 

Julian remained silent as Vesemir walked away. He stayed silent as Eskel pulled him against his chest, the red of the alphas shirt darkening where it soaked up Julians tears. 

 

He couldn’t stop them, the salty droplets just kept coming, no matter what he did. 

 

Before he knew it, he felt another body beside him, this time at his back. He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was, the rumble that joined Eskels was far too familiar to mistake. 

 

Caged in between both alphas, men he cared about so much it hurt, Julian cried himself to sleep. 

Chapter 15

Notes:

And we're back after my holiday with a new chapter! Thank you everyone so much for all you lovely comments, I really couldn't do this without you!

Big shoutout to my friend Ranisa, who so kindly agreed to beta this chapter!

Life had become easier for Julian, more beautiful somehow, since his confession.

 

Where he’d expected to be thrown into a dingy cell deep in the dungeons of the keep, to be starved and beaten until his execution, instead, he’d been allowed to remain in his chambers to recover. 

 

The hate and distrust he had been so sure he’d earned never came. If anything, they had all become even more affectionate towards him. It was all very confusing, and though Julian didn’t want to believe it, a part of his mind whispered to him. 

 

It’s a trap. They’re going to hurt you, like father. 

 

Resolutely, Julian shoved those thoughts to the side. He wouldn’t believe it, none of it, until it was already happening, if it happened at all. 

 

Geralt wouldn’t hurt him. 

 

Eskel wouldn’t hurt him.

 

Vesemir wouldn’t hurt him.

 

..The jury was still out on Lambert, and if he was honest, Aiden too. But with his alphas by his side, and under the watchful eye of Vesemir, Julian knew he’d be safe. 

 

Mornings were his favourite time of the day now. 

 

While Eskel and Geralt weren’t always beside him when he fell asleep, Julian knew that when he woke, be it in the morning or the middle of the night when nightmares scared him awake, they would be there. 

 

Eskel at his left, Geralt at his right, between Julian and the door, keeping him warm and protected. Before, each morning had brought anxiety, uncertainty. Now, they brought nothing but comfort and relaxation. 

They had asked him, the day after his confession, if Julian was uncomfortable with sharing their bed. If he preferred to sleep on his own again, now that he wasn’t quite as sick as before. 

 

It didn’t even take a second to decide. 

 

Julian wanted them both here, beside him, every night and the delight on the alphas faces when he’d, though shyly, said as much had been a reward of its own. He’d still blush, and feel rather scandalous, whenever they crawled under the furs with him, but no amount of shame was enough to persuade Julian to take it back.

 

He’d be wed to one of them not so far in the future, after all, and Eskel and Geralt were mated. It only made sense they’d want to sleep together. 

 

Secretly, Julian was happiest when both alphas were with him. He was greedy, much to his chagrin, but there was no denying it. 

 

Maybe, when they were wed, he’d still be allowed to share their bed. 

 

His days were spent in bed, reading and napping to his heart's desire. Triss had been adamant that he remain in bed, aside from his daily baths, until he’d gotten over his cough completely. Julian didn’t think it was necessary, but both alphas were ever watchful. Even during the day, when they were tending to their responsibilities, ever so often either Eskel or Geralt would stop by, bring him books to keep him entertained, or deliver and share his meals. 

 

Even Vesemir found time every day for a visit, and though Julian had a feeling there would soon be more questions about his father, for now, the king seemed content with idle chit chat. 

 

It was another calm, pleasant evening. Julian was reading through a book filled with poems, written so long ago, the pages had become somewhat faded. Julians tummy was full, he was warm and comfortable, his mind absorbed in the pretty words, the emotions they evoked, when the door opened. 

 

“Eskel! Geralt!” Julian smiled so widely his cheeks hurt, the book immediately forgotten. He’d dropped the titles, though Eskel had to give him a little nudge, pointing out, though gently, that they were hardly necessary now. 

 

“Omega,” Came the reply from both alphas as they crossed the room, both sitting at the edge of his bed. 

 

“How are you feeling?” 

 

“I’m fine, Geralt, really,” Julian smiled, incredibly fond of the man. The alpha wasn’t quite as expressive as Eskel, at least not with facial expressions, but Julian was learning to read the alpha a little better every day. “Hardly coughed at all, I’m not sore. I feel good.” 

 

“That's wonderful,” Eskel was smiling, and gods above, it was sacreligious just to think it, but they were both so beautiful. The scars, the wrinkles around their eyes, it all just made them even more perfect. “There’s something we wanted to give you.” 

 

“Give me something?” Julian parroted, surprised. “Like a gift?” 

 

“Yes, something like that.” 

 

Intrigued, Julian glanced between them, eyes wide. He’d never gotten a gift before, even on his nameday. 

 

“You really don’t need to-” Julian started, only to be interrupted by Geralt. 

 

“We want to, omega.” The alpha rumbled. “But it's not a traditional gift, not in the way you’re thinking. Let us show you, and if you want, you can accept them.”

 

“We want to be clear that you do not have to.” Eskel added. “We won’t take offence. Or, if you wish to only accept one, and not the other, that is perfectly fine too.” 

 

Confused, Julian simply nodded, not knowing what else to do. 

 

“Alright.” The alphas exchanged a glance, then each pulled something from a small pouch, something that looked a lot like.. Julians heart stuttered. 

 

“Triss told us about these,” Eskel explained, as he held the item in his hand. “We don’t have this tradition here, but since we are supposed to be courting you, we wanted to do it right.” 

 

Julian stared, unbelieving, at the courting bracelets being offered to him. 

 

Eskels was golden, two delicate rings held together on one end by a milky white stone, framed by a golden circle. 

 

Geralts was the opposite, silver circles with a dark stone set into another circle, connecting the two bracelets. 

 

Speechless. Julian was absolutely speechless. Moments passed in absolute silence as he gawped, trying to wrap his mind around this. This had to be a mistake, maybe they hadn’t understood correctly, or maybe Triss hadn’t explained the custom right. 

 

“Eskel, Geralt, I-” Julian started, feeling rather overwhelmed and somehow saddened at the same time. Once he’d explain, they’d  take back their offerings, he was sure of it. 

 

“You don’t like them?” Geralt frowned. 

 

“No! No, they’re beautiful, truly, it’s just that- yes, they’re courting bracelets but-” 

 

How was he supposed to explain this?

 

“Did we do it wrong?” Eskel gently inquired. “Is there a ritual?”

 

“No, it’s- this is perfect.” Julian was becoming a little overwhelmed, his heart hammering in his chest. “It’s just- yes, these bracelets are courting gifts, but they are more than that. They mean that- it's hard to explain.”

 

“Take your time, omega,” Eskel soothed, placing his free hand gently on Julians knee. “We didn’t mean to upset you.” 

 

“We thought it would make you happy.” Geralt agreed. 

 

“You are!” Julian replied. “This is- you both are so incredibly kind and thoughtful. They’re beautiful, both of them. It's so thoughtful of you, to take the traditions I was raised with into account.” 

 

“Then what is it?” Geralt inquired, brows ever so slightly furrowed. Confusion, as Julian now recognised. 

 

“Courting gifts aren’t always given,” Julian burst out. “Only when the alpha considers the omega not only the most beautiful, the most worthy, but also..” 

 

He trailed off, averting his gaze. The next part was the most important, but also the one he was most unwilling to admit to. He wanted them, wanted to wear the bracelets for everyone to see, even if only a handful of shifters knew what they meant. 

 

He couldn’t lie to them. Never again.

 

“But also that they consider the omega to be their soulmate. Someone so perfectly suited to them, they- cannot be without them.”

 

Head lowered, Julian waited for the bracelets to disappear back into their respective pouches.  

 

“We understand that, omega. Triss was extremely detailed in her explanation.” 

 

Julians head shot up, once more gawking like a fish, taking them both in. They’d known? But then why..

 

“But. I’m not your chosen one, I- I mean you didn’t choose me, I was forced upon you, at least, one of you. I appreciate your kindness, of course, but this is-”

 

This isn’t the truth. 

 

“You think because of the marriage being arranged, we cannot mean what these bracelets would imply.” Eskel said, thoughtfully. “I understand now. You can only wear them if we mean it.” 

 

Relief and melancholy flooded the omega at the same time, one of the strangest combinations of emotions Julian had felt thus far. Eskel had taken his meaning, and though he was sad that the beautiful gifts were going to waste, maybe Julian could find a way to make up for the coin they spent. 

 

“We want you to wear the bracelets, Julian.” 

 

Eskel and Geralt were smiling again, though Geralt's smile was nowhere near as wide as his mates. The alpha showed emotions sparingly, but that did not mean he did not possess them. 

 

He was unsure what to do with that, what he was supposed to say. Did they want him to wear it regardless, or were they saying..?

 

“You, omega,” Geralt rumbled, taking hold of Julians wrist ever so gently. “May not have come into our life the way we thought you would.” 

 

“But we are both incredibly glad that you are.” Eskel continued, taking hold of the omega's other wrist delicately, as if he was handling a priceless object, or a rare, beautiful flower. Neither held him against his will, their hold on him light, so he could pull back whenever he wanted. “The circumstances aren’t the best, we will admit.” 

 

“However, that doesn’t mean that we do not care for you.” The bracelets slipped onto Julians wrist, shining where they reflected the fire's light as Geralt spoke. “In exactly the way these gifts imply.” 

 

Julian stared at the jewellery adorning his wrist, still not quite comprehending. Did they really- They couldn't mean what he thought they were saying. 

 

“We may not have chosen you at first, but believe us when I say this.” Eskel rumbled, leaning forward slowly to allow Julian a chance to pull back, before nuzzling his nose against the side of his head. “We would choose you, both of us, again and again. In this life, in the next, and however many come after that.” 

 

“You don’t belong with the humans,” Geralt confirmed quietly, lifting the omegas wrist bearing his bracelet, placing the softest of kisses against his palm. “You belong with us, in our home. It's your home now, too.” 

 

“We hope that you feel the same way about us,” Eskel hummed. “That, even once you’re wed, you’ll welcome us both into your heart. I assure you, you have a place in both of ours, and always will.” 

 

—----

 

Geralt

 

As Julian slept between them, both bracelets adorning his slim wrists, pride warmed his chest. The omega had taken quite some time to calm after the conversation, tears of overwhelmed joy still drying on his shirt. 

 

They’d made sure that Julian indeed wanted to wear both bracelets, that he was comfortable with them. Geralt was fairly certain those bracelets would not be surrendered to anyone, by the way the omega had traced them in turn with the tips of his fingers, marvelling at their beauty, eyes wide even as exhaustion started to overtake him. 

 

It would have been a perfect moment, if not for the knowledge that Julians enchantment with them wasn’t awe at the delicate jewellery alone. He’d mentioned, somewhere between sobs and unsteady giggles, that he’d never been thought worthy of a gift before. That he’d never expected to get courting bracelets, even if he’d stayed back home. 

 

Geralt's heart broke a little, but the rage he felt against Julian's father flared to life hotter than ever. How could that monster mistreat anyone, much less his own flesh and blood, so badly? 

 

They would be better fathers to any pups Julian bore them. No pup of theirs would grow up the way their mother had. 

 

He watched as Eskel, propped up on one arm beside Julian, ran his hand tenderly along the omegas side, a soothing touch whenever the omega stirred to calm him. There were few nights that didn’t come with nightmares for the omega, and that only infuriated Geralt further. 

If he ever got his hands on the Count.. 

 

“You should go,” Eskel rumbled, “Pa will want at least one of us there before he makes a decision. I want to stay here, in case he wakes.” 

 

Geralt hummed, unable to tear his eyes from the sleeping form between them, loath to leave his side in such a vulnerable state. Eskel was unfortunately right, as he always was. Vesemir had called for a meeting, not only with his sons, but also the commander of arms, horses, and ships, his master of spies, anyone that held an important position, all in the same room. 

 

“Do you think he’ll call a council?” Geralt hummed again, considering. 

 

“Perhaps. But just as we do, humans have spies everywhere. Might bring unwanted attention, the heads of all schools converging on the Kaer.” 

 

“If we keep what Julian told us to ourselves, the others may be in danger. Any attack the humans may start, it would catch them completely unaware.” 

 

Geralt grunted, acknowledging Eskels words. Not an easy situation they found themselves in, admittedly, but as he watched Julian, sleeping soundly, he could not find it in himself to regret a thing. 

 

“If it comes to war, we will fight.” He rumbled, slowly getting onto his feet. Even the minimal movement unsettled the omega, though Eskel quickly soothed him back to sleep with gentle touch and shushing. “He won’t ever go back there, Esk. If I have to rip the Count's throat out with my teeth, they can’t have him, ever.” 

 

“They won’t. We’ll make sure of it. Now go, or you’ll be late.” 

 

Geralt, reluctantly, went.

Chapter 16

Summary:

Shoutout to my lovely friend Ranisa for betaing!

And as always, thank you all so much for all your comments, kudos, and the amazing support you have all given me as I write this story <3

It had been another week after Julian had received his now most treasured possessions before he was allowed out of bed. Triss had been adamant, even after Julian had told her that he was feeling fine, good even. 

 

Lazing in bed all day had been a welcome respite, for a little bit, but Julian had found himself rather bored after a while, despite all the books and company he had. His legs itched to walk, to get a breath of fresh air while actually outside, instead of the open window. 

 

With summer nearing, the temperatures were becoming milder, and he longed to see what his new home looked like during the warmer months. What flowers would grow on a mountain so high up, what birds would he see? Frivolous thoughts that Julian could now allow himself. 

 

For his first dinner outside of his chambers, the king had invited him and all his sons to a private meal. Julian felt rather torn, admittedly, on meeting Lambert again. In a way, he understood where the alpha was coming from. He was fiercely loyal to his pack, to Eskel, Geralt and Vesemir, and Julian couldn’t truly hate a man so devoted to protecting the same people he loved, too. 

 

Still, he couldn’t help the unease, the first stretching of an emotion he hadn’t felt since his confession. Fear. 

 

It didn’t help that Aiden might be there too, a man Julian had no idea what to make of. One minute, he seemed helpful (if a little pushy) and the next, he was ignoring Julian as if he hadn’t existed. 

 

If that wasn’t enough, Julian felt a certain amount of guilt for being so skittish, for distrusting a man his alphas both loved so dearly. They had spoken out against Lambert's actions, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still their family. Would they be disappointed if he told them? 

 

It was hard to believe that, at this point; both men had been so accepting of his feelings, of him, that he couldn’t see them getting angry at him. Yet he couldn’t quite shake the thought, the anxiety, as time for dinner came. 

 

Both Geralt and Eskel had come to accompany him, much to Julian's delight. He would have been no less satisfied had only one of them come, but there was just something about the three of them, all together that made his heart flutter. 

 

Dinner had been a mostly pleasant affair, despite his worries. Lambert and Aiden had been seated as far from Julian as possible, and he himself was seated between the two men he so adored. With his alphas close, he didn’t need to worry. 

 

The meal was ending, and Julian was looking forward to curling up in bed with Geralt, as Eskel was on patrol tonight. He would be missed, Julian always missed them when they were gone, but they would see each other in the morning, and Geralt had proven to be just as wonderful a sleeping companion as Eskel. 

 

“Before you return to your chambers,” Vesemir spoke up, glancing at Lambert. “I believe my youngest owes you an apology, Julian.” 

 

Julian, caught off guard, fell still. Truly, he would have preferred no apology over having to face Lambert again, however foolish that was. They were going to live together, and though the keep was large, they were to be a family. Avoiding each other simply wasn’t an option. 

 

Lambert scared him, even knowing that he was protected, that no harm would come to him. He glanced at Eskel, then at Geralt, both wearing an encouraging smile on their lips. It seemed important to them, then, that they get along.

 

Reluctantly, he turned his attention to Lambert, who was looking plenty annoyed. Arms crossed over his chest, scowling, the alpha clearly wasn’t happy with what was being asked of him. 

 

This was important to his alphas. Lambert was their little brother, their pack. Julian didn’t have to like him, he just needed to make peace with him. Things may even get better, with time, he just needed to get past this. His mouth opened before he could stop it.

 

“I understand why you said what you said.” Julian said, his voice far steadier than he had hoped for, allowing him a little confidence. “If our places had been reversed, if a stranger had come into my home, to marry my brother.. Well, with the history between humans and shifters. I understand.” 

 

Lambert, to Julian's great pleasure, seemed stunned for a second. Even Vesemir was eying him with a raised eyebrow, surprised. 

 

“It doesn’t help that, you weren’t entirely wrong.” Julian continued, his confidence fading, but he had already started. He could finish. “My father did send me here with an ulterior motive, as you likely know by now. I just hope that, with time, you will see that I am not him, nor do I share his ambitions, whatever they may be.” 

 

Silence fell, moments passing, as no one said a word, until Lambert spoke up.

 

“Look, I’m not sorry for what I said.” Lambert huffed, “But I guess I could have been less of a dick about it. Didn’t need to scare you that much.”

 

Vesemir cleared his throat, eyes narrowed at Lambert.

 

“For fucks sake, fine. I’m sorry I frightened you.” A pause, and then he continued. “But this doesn’t mean I like you, or trust you any farther than I can throw you, we clear?” 

 

In a strange moment of bravery, Julian replied without thinking.

 

“I’m afraid the feeling is mutual, but as long as I don’t have to fear for my life anymore, I suppose that's good enough for now.” 

 

Shocked by his own words, Julian stared, wide eyed at Lambert. Oh, he’d screwed up, Lambert was going to jump right across the table and strangle him, what had he been thinking-

 

An outburst of laughter startled the rest of the table, even Vesemir himself, who’s attention snapped to its source. 

 

Aiden sat, laughing, elbowing Lambert in the side.  

 

“Looks like he’s losing the wallflower attitude, Lamb,” The omega snickered, “Better watch out, any more time with your brothers, and he’ll start snapping at your tail.” 

 

Julian didn’t know what exactly had happened, but the tension in the room faded away. Eskel and Geralt seemed pleased with him, and how the conversation had gone, both taking Julians hand in their own beneath the table, giving a reassuring squeeze. 

 

“We’re proud of you.” Eskel muttered into his ear as they parted ways for the night, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You were so strong, omega. Lambert isn’t an easy man to get along with, but you held your own.” 

 

Julian had practically vibrated with pleasure, chest puffing out just a little as he preened under the alphas sweet words. There was little else that made him as happy as his alphas being pleased with him.

 

A few hours later, Julian was curled against Geralt's side, resting his head on the alphas broad chest. His heart beat so much slower than Julians own, an oddity it seemed all shifters shared, but by now it was Julian's favourite lullaby. 

 

There was something on Julians mind, however, keeping him from his slumber. 

 

“Do you think he’ll ever like me?” He asked against the alphas naked chest. Julian had felt quite shy about this, too, at first. Naked flesh wasn’t to be displayed so openly under any circumstances back home, but again, things were completely different at the keep. 

 

Here, men and women didn’t bother with covering every inch of their body at all times; the shifters trained without their shirts, bathed with each other,even lay with each other whenever it suited them. 

 

Julian couldn’t help but marvel at the freedom he saw all around him. 

Eskel had offered that they remained completely clothed, but that would mean lying above the furs to avoid overheating, as both men ran hot. A perk most of the time, considering the relatively cool enviornment the lived in, but unfortunate when a human wanted to cuddle them, even in summer. 

 

Julian had considered it for a good while, before he had come to the conclusion that he would rather have them under the covers with him. If that meant becoming a little flustered, he would simply have to deal with it. 

 

They’d all decided that the undergarments would remain where they were, a conversation that had left his face red and hot, but also offered him comfort. They hadn’t talked about mating yet, or touched him in any suggestive way, or even shared a kiss. His alphas respected him, and his wishes, and Geralt very seriously told Julian that he could change his mind on the matter at any time. 

 

As it turned out, feeling his alphas skin against his was heavenly. They were warm, and firm, and smelled so wonderful that he wanted to keep his nose pushed against them at all times. Inhale them until he can't taste or smell anything else, and now that he knew what it felt like, he’d never give it up again. 

 

“Lambert?” Geralt asked, one arm slung around Julians shoulder to hold him close. “He will, with time. I know he’s a prick, but he wouldn’t hurt you, omega.” 

 

“I know, I just worry, I suppose.” Julian hummed in reply, trailing his thumb along the alphas chest, back and forth, just to feel it. “He’s your pack, your family. I don’t want him to hate me.” 

 

“No one could ever hate you,” Geralt rumbled, turning his head to press a gentle kiss to brown locks. “Even if they tried.” 

 

Julian stayed quiet for a moment, then, very quietly muttered.

 

“My father does.” He could feel Geralt's grip on him tightening, pulling him in just a little closer. 

 

“Your father is a monster,” Geralt growled, tension tightening his muscles, as if he was getting ready to charge towards Lettenhoven this very minute. “The way he treats you is horrific, and if I could pay him back the pain he caused you, I gladly  would.” 

 

Julian couldn’t help but smile. His alpha was brave and fierce, did everything he could to keep him safe. Most days, Julian couldn’t quite believe his luck. Yet however pleased he might be with the devotion he was being shown, he couldn’t help but fear for him, for Eskel, and all shifter kind. His father was dangerous, more dangerous than anyone here knew. 

 

“Thank you, alpha. You are too kind to me,” Julian hummed, choosing to avoid the topic for now. No good could come from talking about his father this close to sleep. “But I have to admit, I find myself reluctant to release you, even to defend my honour.” 

 

“Is that so?” Julian could hear the smile in Geralt’s voice, so well disguised, but no longer hidden, not to him. 

 

“It is,” Julian couldn’t quite believe how good he felt; he was almost giddy with it, the warmth between them, the intimacy, the feel of his alpha beneath him. He’d been brave before, and it had worked out in his favour, much to Julian's surprise. When had he last felt so playful? 

 

Confidence bolstered, Julian quickly crawled his way to sit astride Geralt's thighs, placing his hands against the alphas shoulders, grinning wide though his cheeks turned red at his own brazen behaviour. 

 

“And as you can see, you are quite thoroughly trapped. You have no other choice but to surrender and stay exactly where you are.” 

 

Geralt gave a small chuckle, hands coming to rest on Julians hips, holding him steady. 

 

“Trapped indeed,” He rumbled. Geralt's voice, deep as it now was, chased a shiver along his spine. Julian couldn’t quite pinpoint what he was feeling in these moments, only that he quite enjoyed it. “But there are far worse places to be held than this.” 

 

“You’re speaking from experience?” Julian asked playfully, though there was real curiosity in the question too. 

 

“Hmm,” Geralt replied, ever eloquent, but he didn’t elaborate, as he rarely did. It seemed that the alpha was happy to discuss Julians past, to listen to his stories of growing up, but when it came to his own he fell silent. 

 

“Please?” Julian asked, moving to lay on the large chest on his forearms, bringing their faces closer. “I’ve never been anywhere but home, and this keep. Won’t you tell me what it's like?” 

 

“What's it like?” Geralt inquired, head tilted ever so slightly to the side.

 

“The world!” Julian exclaimed excitedly, “I read that there are places on the continent where there’s nothing but sand, for miles and miles and it never rains. Nothing grows, except for the rare places where there's water.” 

 

“A desert,” Geralt replied, brows furrowing. “You’ve never been anywhere else? Just your fathers estate and then here?” 

 

“Wel, I suppose coming here, we crossed through a few places.” Julian replied thoughtfully. “But father never let me out of his sight, and he isn’t the type to walk around and just look at something. So I didn’t either.” 

 

That piece of information seemed to trouble Geralt, far more than Julian had expected. The alpha had made his distaste for his lord father quite clear, of course, but this wasn’t pure anger. There was a sadness in those beautiful eyes that Julian wanted to chase away.

 

“Don’t get me wrong, I would like to see a bit more of the world at some point,” He said, shrugging lightly. “But there’s no rush. I’m quite happy here, and who knows how soon we’ll have a pup or two to look after.” 

 

It had been an off hand comment, a statement, but his alpha made a strangled sort of sound. So odd was it to hear that Julian, out of reflex alone, scrambled to sit up, to put a bit of distance between himself and Geralt. 

 

Geralt wouldn’t hurt him, he wasn’t actually afraid; some habits just died slowly.

 

He’d just managed to get himself upright when something hard pressed against him, something hot , right between the cheeks of his..

 

“ Oh ,” Julian breathed out, eyes wide, as realisation hit him. Geralt was-  His- His- Suddenly, he was lifted, gently set down on the bed. His alpha was looking strained, yet apologetic.

 

“Forgive me, omega.” Geralt's voice hit a register Julian had never heard before, accompanied by a raspy quality. “I think it's best I sleep in my chambers tonight.” 

 

Julian, too overwhelmed with feelings he couldn’t name, simply nodded. He didn’t want Geralt to leave, wanted to reach out and pull him back into bed. Tell Geralt that it was alright, that it happened, especially between alpha and omega. 

 

He didn’t know much about sex, but he did know the purpose of an alpha cock. 

 

Had he done something wrong? Or, far worse, was he perhaps.. Not attractive enough? Julian knew he’d put on some weight, but they’d all been so pleased. Was he sacrificing his alphas affections for his own health?

 

Too many questions, all swirling in his mind, screaming out all at once.

 

Geralt, rattled for the first time in Julians presence, pressed a kiss to his forehead and whispered Good night .

Julian watched in silence as he disappeared through the wooden door, then glanced at the spot the alpha had now vacated, still warm to the touch. 

 

Curled up on that very spot, even with all the furs and blankets he had piled atop him, he felt cold.

Chapter 17

Notes:

Okay guys, I am so sorry I'm late, I've been feeling like shit recently so writers block is now a thing. :c Again, I am so, so sorry, but I hope the chapter makes up for it.

This one wasn't betad, because my lovely betas are all pretty busy, so please ignore any mistakes!

Thank you all so much for the kudos, the comments, and all the love and support!! I couldn't do it without you guys <3

Eskel found him in the early hours of the morning, still curled up on Geralt's usual spot, alone and wide awake. 

 

It hadn’t taken the alpha long to find out what had transpired the night before, not with Julian practically crawling into his lap, distressed and desperate to talk about it. 

 

Ever patient, Eskel listened to Julian relay the events, his fears and insecurities bursting out of the omega in uncontrollable bursts, all the while rubbing soothing circles into Julians back. 

 

“Oh darling,” Eskel had rumbled, nuzzling the omegas tear wet cheek, golden eyes full of fondness and understanding. “You did nothing wrong.”

 

“Then why did he leave?” Julian near mewled, feeling rather pathetic. Surely, if he had been good, Geralt wouldn’t have left him alone. 

 

“You flustered him, sweet thing,” Eskel replied gently. “Geralt, though he hides it well, is a.. Tactile creature. You’re desirable to us, omega, do not question that. In fact, I believe his reaction proves just how much.” 

 

Confused, Julian had made eye contact for the first time since Eskel had entered his chambers, brows furrowed. 

 

“I don’t understand.” He admitted, though it pained him to say the words out loud. He wanted to be perfect for his alphas, wanted to give them exactly what they needed, when they needed it. Wanted to return the kindness they had shown him, if only a fraction of it. 

“Do you ever think about sex, Julian?” 

 

The question caught him off guard. DId he ever think about sex? Had he ever, in his life? He’d thought about pups many times, of course, it was one of the few things he had to offer these wonderful men. A womb, his body a vehicle to give the shifters an alpha son to take over their kingdom. 

 

But the act of making them?

 

“No. I think about birthing you pups, but I don’t- I’ve never thought about that .” 

 

Silly, perhaps, that he couldn’t even say the word out loud. Everyone here was so much more open, much more willing to discuss the topic, or make jokes about it. Never in his life had Julian been around anyone speaking of intimacy as freely as they did. 

 

“Geralt does.” Eskel hummed, his eyes filled with affection and fondness. “I do, too.”

 

“With me?” Julian inquired, just to avoid any miscommunication. He wanted to make sure he got this right, that he wouldn’t mess up again as he had the night before. 

 

“Yes darling, with you,” Eskel confirmed. “Perhaps we should have discussed this sooner. I am sorry for the pain this has caused you, but I promise you, you did nothing wrong. Geralt was enjoying himself, probably a bit too much, and wanting to respect you, he likely thought it best to simply remove himself from the situation rather than risk hurting or upsetting you.”

 

“So, if he’d stayed, we would have..” It was silly, really, his inability to use a simple word, and yet he struggled. “We would have had- sex?” 

 

Even now, his cheeks were burning, likely turning that unappealing shade of red. His father had always said he wears his emotions on his sleeve, that he was too expressive, too easily read. He just couldn’t help it. His feelings sat right below his skin, so easy to show. 

 

“No, I don’t think so.” Eskel replied, and that snapped the omega out of his darker thoughts. If he was desirable to Geralt, and they didn’t care whether they were married, then…

 

“Why not?” The question slipped out before he could stop it, and Julian felt another wave of hot, prickling shame. He wasn’t supposed to ask these questions, to accept whatever his alphas told him and be content with it. 

 

Eskel and Geralt weren’t like that, though. They never had been. 

“Because he wouldn’t have been sure if you truly wanted it.” 

 

This answer only confuses Julian further, to the point he’s seeking Eskels gaze, holding it with his own, brows furrowed. 

 

“I don’t understand.” He admitted, after a moment of silence. “He’ll be my husband, my alpha, not too far in the future. It’s my duty to-”

 

“Ah, and therein lies the problem.” Eskel interrupted, though gently. “We don’t want you to lay with us because you feel it is your duty, or because you want to please us. I need you to hear this, Julian. You can always say No, to anything. If it makes you uncomfortable, or you just don’t want to do something, then you need to tell us.” 

 

Julian sat in silence for a while, then. Contemplating what Eskel had just told him, processing it slowly, carefully. He didn’t want to get this wrong again.

 

It made sense, in a very strange way, he supposed. He considered how he would feel if Geralt or Eskel came to share his bed not out of desire, but a sense of duty. Julian wouldn’t be overjoyed, that much he could say. There was just one, admittedly rather big, difference between him and his alphas.

 

“But I’m an omega. Giving you pups is what I’m supposed to do. And the treaty demands children.” 

 

“It does,” Eskel conceded, taking hold of Julians hand with his own, easily enveloping it in his palm. Sometimes, the omega couldn’t quite process how much larger Eskel was. “And if you decide that you do not desire us, then we will find a way to satisfy the treaty, without causing you distress, as much as we can. But Julian, and again, this is important: It doesn’t matter what second gender you have. No one should be forced to do anything just because their body is capable of it.” 

 

“I understand that, in this particular situation, that may seem like empty words. If we want to keep peace, you will have to whelp me, or Geralt, at least one pup. But we want to be respectful of you, and your wishes, as much as we can. Right now, I don’t think you know what those wishes are. It wouldn’t have been right to take advantage of that, omega, future husband or not.” 

 

It was a lot to take in, and harder still to process. Everything Eskel had told him went against what he’d been taught by his father, by any alpha back home. 

 

There, he was meant to be a vessel for pups, to be seen but not heard, to have no opinions and to never reject a husband's decisions or wishes.

Now, here, Eskel was telling him the exact opposite. That Julians wants and needs mattered, that he needed to give consent to anything that happened. That laying with each other wasn’t a duty, or a requirement. 

 

They couldn’t avoid having pups, that much the treaty dictated, but even then. His alpha was offering to find a different way. 

 

“How do I know if I want to?.” Julians cheeks were burning proper now, the shade of red likely similar to a tomato. “I just- I don’t think I’ve ever-”

 

“That’s alright.” Eskel soothed. “I suppose the best way to know is thinking about it. Do you want to be kissed? When you imagine us touching you, does it make you anxious, or want to pull away, just from the thought of it?” 

 

Julian stayed silent. Did he want to be kissed? He’d never really thought about it, he never dared to dream he’d find an alpha that actually liked him. Kisses were for people in love, not the likes of him. 

 

Then, he thought about Eskel, or Geralt, kissing him. The briefest touch of lips, innocent in a way.

 

“I don't know about touching in more.. Intimate places.” Julian mutters. “But kissing.. I think I’d want that. Or at least, I’d like to try it.” 

 

“Then you can, whenever you want.” Eskel encouraged him. “You can ask me, or Geralt. We’d both be happy to kiss you. As for the other things, maybe you should just take a little to think about them, see how you feel. We can take this slow, omega, there’s no rush.”

 

 Relief coursed through Julian. He would have lain with Geralt, with both of them, had they asked. Now, knowing that they’d spoken about it, he was glad his alpha had respected him in that way. He’d still have preferred if Geralt had returned once he calmed, but he does not blame him for needing distance. 

 

“Thank you, Eskel,” Julian said earnestly, offering a timid smile. “I truly could not ask for a better alpha than you and Geralt. I’m lucky to have you.”

 

“We’re lucky to have you too, Julian.” The alpha rumbled, gently moving Julian to lay on the bed, Eskel beside him. “Best get some sleep for now. Sunrise isn’t far off.”

Nodding, Julian curls up against Eskels chest, feeling comforted and warm. With one of Eskels arms wrapped around him, he felt like nothing could touch him, not even his father.

—

Geralt

 

Vesemir looked worried, though he did his best to hide it. Geralt could tell anyway, the tight set of his lips, the wrinkles around his eyes more severe than usual. He was thinking of something, and whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

 

“You’ve come to a decision then?” Geralt asked, though he very much did not want to know the answer.

 

“I have,” Vesemir replied gravely. “We need to inform the heads of the other schools. There is no way around it. We could send a messenger, but they may be intercepted, or conveniently lost. We need to see them in person, see their reactions. Not all will want to sit and observe for the time being. They will want immediate action.”

 

“But if the humans find out, there might be war regardless.” Lambert interjected, huffing. “So how are we going to make this happen without giving away the game?” 

 

“We will have a wedding soon.” Vesemir sighed. “A large one, to celebrate the treaty, and the peace that comes with it. We will invite them then, and as they are the closest thing we have to nobles, the humans will have no reason to suspect anything. Simply important people, at an important event.” 

 

“You mean to do this on our wedding day.” Geralt repeated, slowly. It was a good plan, but it didn’t sit quite right with him. Julian would already be more nervous by his blasted father being here, and now, there would be even more strangers, different shifters, with different ways of life. Bears, Griffins, Wolves, Cats, and unfortunately, Vipers. They were the smallest of the shifter factions, with only a handful remaining, but their leader was dangerous, far more dangerous than any of his brothers. 

 

Letho. 

 

“Julian will need to be present.” Vesemir continued. “He will need to tell them all what he told us.” 

 

“Convince them he’s not playing some other game, has ulterior motives?” Lambert hummed thoughtfully. “Smart. The kid doesn’t have a backbone, he’s so terrified, he’d never lie. Easier to make them see the truth.”

Geralt couldn’t believe his ears.

“You want to drag him in front of the council, on his wedding night, to speak to strangers.” He growled. “Do you have any idea how frightened he will be? He could barely tell us, and you want him to convince people like Letho?”

“I don’t like it any more than you do, Geralt.” Vesemir rubbed a hand over his face, for once looking his age. “I have no ill will towards the boy, and you know that. If I did, I wouldn’t have negotiated for a courting period. But you know how the others can be, especially the Vipers. Even the Cats might need more than our word, and Aiden is mated to Lambert. There is no other way.” 

 

Geralt stood from his chair with such force it nearly flipped over onto the ground. His hands had formed fists without his permission, teeth itching to be exposed, to snarl like a beast. He- No, they had promised Julian he would be safe, that he’d never have to do anything he didn’t want. 

 

Here they were, not long after the promise was made, plunging him back into danger, the same way his father so eagerly had. 

 

Without a word, and feeling sick to his stomach, Geralt left.

Chapter 18

Notes:

Oh my god. You guys. kasfs

First off, I want to thank all of you for encouraging me to take my time and get better, and how incredibly understanding you all are. I can't explain how much it means to me that everyone is so kind, and generous with that kindness, to some weirdo on the internet writing a half decent story. Without you, this story would never have gotten this far.

Secondly, I am so, so sorry that I haven't been able to reply to all the wonderful comments as I used to. As you guys know its been a bit of a rough time for me, and between everything going on and christmas coming up, I sadly just don't have the time or mojo to write thoughtful replies. Which is what your comments deserve! I hope that, in the future, I will be able to go back and catch up, but until then: Please know that each comment means the world to me, and I cannot express just how much I appreciate every single one.

Now, with that out of the way: Please enjoy chapter 18, which is once more not beta'd, because I wrote this when I should have been sleeping, and am going to throw it in before I have a chance to rethink and delete it xD <3

Chapter 18

 

Vesemir stood at the great wooden doors, watching over the keeps going ons. He didn’t have much time these days, with the wedding approaching. Festivities needed to be planned and prepared, and then there was the matter of the council of schools. 

 

So many important matters, crammed into a single day. So many ways it could all go wrong. 

 

His eye caught on the very boy their future might depend on, walking beside Eskel towards the gardens. That seemed to be the omegas' favourite spot these days, amongst the flowers and herbs they grew there. 

 

Vesemir frowned. 

 

He’d had a long conversation with his sons the night before; his boys insisted that they ask Julian to speak before the council, instead of waiting until moments before. That he would make the right decision, once the importance of it had been explained to him. 

 

The old wolf wanted to believe that. In his heart, he did. Julian was a good, kind boy. He’d made both Geralt and Eskel happier than he had seen in years. It had been no secret that Eskel yearned for a pup, had yearned for one for decades now. He’d always been the most nurturing of the three. 

 

When the possibility of a treaty had first been brought up, along with the requirement for marriage, he’d felt a small spark of hope that his sons wish may come true. Of course, he’d preferred if they had found an omega organically, someone they loved, rather than an arranged marriage. But perhaps, some good would come of all of this, beyond the fragile peace it promised. 

 

Then Julian had arrived, terrified and small looking, shrinking under the presence of anyone coming close to him. He’d watched the boy flinch when his father moved, how he’d tried to disappear, make himself invisible, whenever he wasn’t directly addressed. 

 

Vesemir had seen children like that before, human and shifter alike. 

 

Knew too well what it meant. He’d just had no idea how far the Count had taken the abuse. When he learned of it, he’d been horrified; though a small voice in the back of his mind sneered. 

 

You’ve done plenty of harm to pups yourself, old man. Don’t you remember how your kind came to be? What you had to do to make them  as they are now? 

 

He grit his teeth against the memories threatening to flood his mind. He didn’t have time to think about that, to hate himself for the past. 

 

It had all turned out for the best, fortunately. His boys had immediately been taken by the omega, and it seemed those feelings were, however tentatively, returned. As the pair walked across the courtyard, Vesemir couldn’t help but feel especially fond of him, which made making a decision on the matter all the harder.

 

Tell Julian, and hope that the omega would do the right thing, and risk him refusing; or swear his sons to secrecy, and perhaps lose the boy's trust. Eskel and Geralt would obey, if he commanded them. 

 

They’d hate him for it, if Julian did pull back, felt betrayed by the very men that had promised to treat him the way he deserved. What could have become a happy marriage ended before it even began. 

 

With a sigh of frustration, he turned, and made his way back towards his office. 

 

—-

 

Julian had thought a lot about the conversation he and Eskel had had, after the incident with Geralt. 

 

His alpha had been gentle and considerate as always, and Julian found he loved him all the more for it with each day that passed.

A revelation in its own right. He loved Eskel, and Geralt, more than he’d ever thought himself capable of. When he was with them, his heart fluttered and soared, his chest filled with a warmth he’d never felt before. When they were apart, even if only for a few hours, he missed them so much, it almost hurt. 

 

In the past, when he’d thought about the future, he’d imagined himself in some gaudy mansion, with a husband that only cared about the children Julian could bear him. He’d be seen, but never heard, and spread his legs whenever his alpha demanded. 

 

He’d lost count how many times the thought had brought him to tears. 

 

Now, when he closed his eyes, thought about what his life would be like in five years, or ten, a different picture painted itself in his mind. 

 

He saw Eskel and Geralt beside him, holding him between them, pressing kisses to his cheek, his forehead. Sometimes, Julian’s belly was swollen, round with the pup he carried. Sometimes, he was already cradling a babe, held against his chest to suckle as its fathers fawned over its little form. 

 

Saw himself surrounded by the patter of little feet, while the alphas chased after their pups, now old enough to cause a fair amount of havoc. They’d fall into bed after another exhausting day of being parents, but not once wishing their life to be any other way. 

 

And sometimes, though it was by far the least common of his daydreams, he thought about making the little ones. That one had only begun creeping into his mind since Geralt had near fled from him that night. 

 

Before, he’d never cared to think too hard about the process. He’d heard enough from his father about it, to know that it wasn’t going to be pleasant, at least not for him. 

 

Now, he had the choice to say no. 

 

He had a choice . 

 

The thought still boggled the mind, from time to time. 

 

Julian had to admit there wasn’t much he knew to expect, aside from the obvious. His alphas would have to mount and knot him during his heat, and with luck, their seed would catch. But the way Eskel had talked about it, it seemed there was more to it, that it could be pleasurable, for alpha and omega. He just didn’t quite know how that would work. 

 

Instead, as the alpha had suggested, Julian focused on something he could imagine. 

 

Kissing. 

 

Eskel had said they both wanted to kiss him, as husbands did. Not just a quick peck to his cheek, or his palm. A real kiss. 

 

Julian had felt rather flustered then, and for a few days after, whenever he recalled that particular part of their conversation. The more he thought about it, however, the more.. Well, the more he wanted to try it. 

 

What would his alphas lips feel like against his own? Would Geralt's beard tickle? Would it make Julian feel as warm and safe as the more platonic (thought still scandalous by human standards) kisses? 

 

Ever so often, as he considered it, Julian would touch his own lips, would brush his fingertips along the bows. Would they like kissing him?

 

With every day that passed, Julian became more and more sure of it. He would ask them to kiss him. He almost had, when he and Eskel had visited the gardens earlier that week, only to change his mind a moment later. He wanted both his alphas to be there, wanted to lay between them, to kiss one, then turn his head and kiss the other. 

 

He could wait until they were all together. 

 

–

 

Fortune had not been in his favour for a few more days.

Both alphas were kept late those nights, exhausted by the time they crawled into bed with Julian at various times of the evening, night and morning. He didn’t know what was keeping them so busy, but he was sure it was important. If they needed the omega to know, Julian was certain, they would tell him. 

 

And so, with growing excitement, alongside a considerable amount of anxiety, Julian waited until an opportunity presented himself. The last thing he wanted was to push the alphas into something they weren’t in the mood for. 

 

Then, one night, it happened. 

 

Eskel and Geralt crept into bed at an almost acceptable hour, curling around Julian to pepper his face with gentle kisses before they fell asleep. The omegas stomach did a strange little flip each time they indulged in this little ritual of theirs, but on this night, it felt- different. His skin tingled where their lips fell, his heart beating against his ribcage so hard, he feared it would break free of his chest. 

“Omega?” Geralt asked, nuzzling Julians cheek, picking up on his racing heart. “What is it?” 

 

Eskel inhaled behind him, no doubt trying to subtly scent the air for fear, though Julian had long become aware of this particular habit. It seemed he was always being sniffed by one of them when they were together like this. 

 

He loved it. 

 

“I’m alright, alpha.” Julian quietly replied, though he couldn’t help but squirm a little. He could feel his cheeks heating as they lay beside him, waiting for him to continue. Never laying a hand on him without his explicit consent. Gods, how had he gotten so lucky? 

 

He was going to do this, was going to ask them to kiss him. He wanted them to kiss him. If only saying the words wasn’t so hard. Gathering every bit of courage he had in him, he forced the words past his lips.

 

“Iwantyoutokissmeplease.” 

 

Julian couldn’t help but cringe at himself. Shame licked at his spine, for being so brazen, so demanding. But Eskel had said that it was alright, that he should ask for what he wanted. That they’d need him to ask out loud, so they could be sure they had his consent. 

 

Julian just had to hope that his alphas understood.

“Omega,” Geralt rumbled, eyes fond as he examined Julians face. “Are you sure? There’s no rush, if you aren’t ready.” 

 

 “Geralt is right, darling, you don’t have to feel pressured-” Eskel was saying, only to be interrupted.

 

“I don’t! I don’t feel pressured!” Julian quickly interjected. “I- I want to try it. Not because you want me to, I just- I thought about it, like you said, and I. I want to try kissing. Please?” 

 

After a moment of carefully examining the omega between them, finally, Geralt smiled. Julian released the breath he hadn’t even known he was holding, feeling himself relax.

“If you’re sure, we can try,” The alpha rumbled, leaning forward to rub the tip of his nose against Julians. “Which one of us would you like to kiss?” 

 

Oh. Julian hadn’t anticipated that question, he’d thought- but perhaps they just needed him to say what he wanted aloud, one more time, to confirm he was doing this out of his own free will. 

 

“Both of you,” Julian mumbled, suddenly feeling rather shy. “I’d like to kiss both of you. If I may.” 

 

“Our omegas wish is our command.” Eskel hummed, brushing his thumb along Julians cheek, a touch so tender it made him shiver. 

 

It was actually happening. He was going to be kissed for the first time in his life, by the men he loved, his beautiful wolves. His perfect alphas. 

 

The world slowed down around him. Eskel was leaning in, bringing their faces closer, yellow eyes darting between Julians own blues, his lips, and Geralt behind him. The air turned thick around them, filling with a scent Julian had never encountered before. 

 

Heavy and with a hint of spice, Julian found himself drawn to immediately, subconsciously leaning in, heart racing as he waited for their lips to meet-

 

The sounds of bells, frantically rung, broke the moment. 

 

Julian pulled back, startled, eyes wide. His alphas had immediately become alert, darting out of bed to grab their pants.

 

“What’s happening?” He asked, fear prickling in his toes. “Alpha?” 

“ Fire .”

Chapter 19

Notes:

Hi, Hello Guys!

I am so sorry the chapter took this long to get out, and in the interest of getting this to you guys sooner, I decided to forgo the beta's. I'm sure there are many typos and the likes, but I hope you can forgive me <3

Thank you so much, to everyone that has lets kudos and/or a comment, you guys make my day <3

Julian really had tried to listen to his alphas. 

 

As they’d rushed from the room, Geralt had told him to stay put. They would return to him once the danger was over, and until then, he was not to open his door to anyone but the royal family itself. 

 

So, the omega had curled up in bed, and watched the door. Waiting for Eskel, or Geralt to walk through, settle in beside him, and told him what had happened. 

Hours passed, and Julian soon found himself too nervous to remain in bed. He’d spent the next hour pacing the length of his room, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

 

Still, nothing. 

 

The distant yelling that had accompanied the fire had died down not long ago.

 

Surely, surely that meant it was safe?

 

Julian hesitated, glancing at the door once more before making up his mind. He couldn’t sit around anymore, waiting for his loves to return to him. He’d never forgive himself if they were injured, and he was safely tucked away in his chambers. 

 

He dressed as quickly as he could, forgoing his usual care or selecting his outfits. It was the middle of the night, and under these circumstances, it seemed unlikely he’d be scolded for his state of dress.

 

Fully clothed, Julian stood before the wooden door, placed his hand on the handle- and hesitated once more. 

 

His alphas had told him to stay .

 

He was about to defy them. 

 

Fear erupted in his chest, clawing its way to his stomach, his legs. He’d defied his father, and his alphas had been pleased with him. But would they feel the same way when it was their orders he was ignoring? Would they be angry? And if they were… 

 

Julian violently shook his head, as if he could fling the dark thoughts out of his mind. 

 

The king wasn’t his father. 

 

Eskel and Geralt weren’t his father. 

 

Gathering every bit of courage he could find within, Julian pushed open the door.

 

—

 

By the time Julian ,made it to the courtyard, he’d been passed by at least two dozen other shifters and humans, all of which ignored him completely. 

 

Some carried empty buckets, others were hauling wooden beams of various conditions with near preposterous ease. Julian could only dream of the strength it took to lift such weights. 

 

The activity seemed to be centred around the stables, and so he made his way there, hoping to find Eskel and Geralt unharmed. 

 

He hadn’t been prepared for what he was about to see. 

 

He’d gotten close enough to smell the burnt wood, the smoke the fire had caused, and finally, the stables came into view. Or, what had been the stables not long ago. 

 

The entire structure had evidently been damaged, various beams collapsed, the few still standing glimmering in the night sky with residual embers, still radiating warmth. 

 

Julian could hardly breathe as he took in the sight before him. 

 

What had happened? Had they been attacked? Had someone tried to take out their horses? But why? 

 

His mind swarming with questions, Julian moved with more urgency. If it had been a planned assault on the Kaer, they had another enemy to worry about besides his father. However tempting it was to blame the Count, this was not his way. He wouldn’t waste time and men burning down a single building, to kill a few horses. 

 

No, if this had been his fathers doing, the entire keep would have burned. . 

 

It frightened him, to think that there could be more people out there that wanted to harm them, and all he wanted was to find his alphas whole and unharmed. 

 

So distracted was he, that one second he was looking to the right, and the next he’d walked into something, something large, firm and surprisingly hairy- 

 

A squeak left Julian as he stumbled back, eyes wide as he took in what exactly he had just collided with.

 

He’d run face first into a wolf so large, it took the omegas breath away. Its head alone was the size of his entire upper body, claws as long as his forearm. Its massive paws would have made quick work of even the toughest bears with ease, and a human would likely not survive a single swipe. Its fur was thick, and white as snow, save for the ash that stuck to its legs and paws. 

 

Julian felt faint as he stared, mouth open, at the massive beast. Too shocked to be afraid, or run, or do anything but stand rooted to the spot and pray he wasn’t about to become a wolf's meal. 

A quiet whine echoed in the omegas ears, and after a frankly embarrassing amount of time, Julian realised its origin. The wolf was whining, lowering its head, ears flat against its head.

 

Golden eyes sought out Julians gaze, and there was something in them that Julian recognised, something he knew . 

 

Not something, he realised soon after. 

 

Someone.

 

“Geralt?” Julian whispered, half disbelieving. He knew his alphas were shifters, of course he did, but as it turned out, knowing and seeing were two quite different beasts. 

 

The shifter whined once more in response, lowering its head further, gently pressing its cold nose against Julians cheek. 

 

“It is you,” Julian breathed as the beast pulled back, eyeing him cautiously. What Geralt was waiting for, he didn’t know, all he knew was.. 

 

“Gods be good, you’re beautiful,” Julian couldn’t help but sound in awe with this revelation, admiring his alpha all too blatantly. 

 

Geralt gave a huff, amusement shining in his eyes, then gave a shake of his massive head. 

 

Not beautiful , he was trying to say. 

 

“Oh darling, I have seen many beautiful things,” Julian replied. “But you are one of the most beautiful I have laid my eyes on. Human or wolf.” 

 

Perhaps it was the late hour, or the exhaustion from his constant fretting. Perhaps he was simply becoming more comfortable expressing himself to his alphas. Whatever it was that made him so brave, Julian moved forward, gently brushing along Geralt's furred cheek. 

 

“Beautiful.” He repeated gently, then placed the sweetest of kisses against his muzzle. Geralt gave another huff, then gently nudged his omega back towards the keep, as if trying to say it wasn’t safe here. 

 

“I’ll go back in just a moment,” Julian promised, “I just wanted to make sure you and Eskel were unharmed.” 

 

“I see our fears were unfounded.” 

 

Julians attention was immediately pulled towards the voice, catching sight of the King moving towards them. 

 

“What fears, your Grace?” Julian asked, though he was loath to part physically from his alpha. One hand lingered on the alphas neck, a grounding presence that allowed the omega to relax. 

 

“That you would not be too pleased with their wolf form. Perhaps even reject them over it.” Vesemir replied evenly, motioning towards Geralt with a tired smile. 

 

“I- have to admit it's quite novel.” Julian conceded. “Magic and shifters, they were stories parents told their children. Something we had lost long ago, centuries before I was born.” 

 

He turned his gaze back towards Geralt.

 

“But whatever shape they take, they are still the men I love.” 

 

A pleased rumble came from Geralt's chest, his tail lazily swishing from side to side as he rubbed his head against the omegas side. 

 

“That is very good to hear.” The King rumbled, fondness in his voice and words. “As much as I would like to say he is free to go, for now, there is still work to be done. Geralt, they’ll need you to haul more of the debris.” 

 

Geralt huffed, but didn’t protest further. After a quick nuzzle against Julians shoulder, he trotted off, and soon, he was out of sight. 

 

“Your Grace, if I may. What happened?” Julian asked, though his eyes were still trained on the retreating wolf. He had so many questions about this other body his alphas could inhabit, but knew that now was not the time to ask them. 

 

Later, when his alphas had rested, and they had a quiet evening for themselves, he would learn more about them. 

 

“Stupid accident,” The King sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “A boy was running around the stables, and knocked over a candle into some hay. Lad couldn’t put it out, so he got scared and ran. Fires out now, though.” 

 

“Are the horses..?” 

 

“We managed to save most of them, but they’ll need to find shelter somewhere else until we’ve rebuilt.” 

 

Julian frowned. The King looked.. Tired. Drained, even. There were dark circles under his eyes that Julian hadn’t noticed there before. His skin looked paler, though the moon light could be playing a trick on the omegas eyes. 

 

“Your Grace, forgive me, but. Perhaps you should rest?” 

 

Vesemir glanced at him then, his attention having been focused on the work going on before them. 

 

“I’m touched by your concern, but I’m fine, son.” He replied after a few moments, his tone warm. “Few more hours, and the worst will be taken care of.” 

 

Julian frowned. 

 

“With all due respect, your Grace,” The omega tried again, “Surely Geralt or Eskel could take over for you.” 

 

“They have enough to do.”

 

“They are your sons, my king. If they knew you were tired, I have no doubt they would ask that you rest, too.” 

 

Vesemir gave a chuckle. 

 

“You speak true.” He admitted, glancing towards the ruined stable. “Perhaps it wouldn’t be the worst idea.” 

 

Julian, near stunned by the fact that someone had actually listened to him, much less a King , remained silent. 

 

“And since we are on the topic of what my sons would want,” The skin around the alpha's eyes crinkled as he smiled. “I’m quite certain they would want you to rest, safe in your chambers, as well.”

 

Julian felt a blush creep onto his cheeks. He’d been caught. 

 

“Then why don’t we both retire for the evening, your Grace?” Julian suggested sheepishly. “So they don’t have to worry.” 

 

“Very well.” Vesemir hummed, catching the attention of the next shifter that stopped by to pass along a message to his sons. “Tell them I will be retiring for the night, and will escort their omega back to his chambers.”

Chapter 20

Notes:

So, I know, it took me forever to get this down. I am really sorry! I wish I had more time to sit and write, because I really do have such a good time doing it.

Unfortunately, currently, thats just not in the cards. :c I hope the longer chapter makes up for it!

And again, THANK YOU to all of you wonderful people, supporting and encouraging me with comments, kudos, bookmarks, and all that good stuff. <3 You guys keep me writing!

Please forgive the typos, I didn't have a Beta that had time.

Much love!

Julian was feeling.. Well, quite a lot of things, if he was being honest. 

 

The wedding preparations were beginning to ramp up, with merchants coming from far and wide to peddle their wares, hoping for a heavy coin pouch by the end of the festivities. The rooms intended for guests were being thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the many guests that would be arriving in a bit over a fortnight. 

 

The keeps tailor had called in the help of others adept at sewing, and Julian had already been measured from head to toe, so he would look his very best on such an important day. 

 

The wedding itself seemed a bit much, though Julian could understand why it was such a grand event. It would signalise a beginning peace between the humans and shifters, hopefully for many decades, even centuries, to come. 

 

Nerves were beginning to build, knowing his father would be back in the keep again, far too soon for Julian's taste, an opinion shared rather openly by his future husbands. 

 

That in itself was a source of anxiety to the omega. How was he going to tell his father he intended to marry and mate both princes? The practice was unheard of back home, a scandal that wouldn’t be forgotten for many years. Would his Lord Father be angry? Or worse, would it play into whatever plan he was hatching? 

 

It was all terribly concerning, and Julian found little rest when he was on his own, be it in the baths (Aiden only joined him ever so often), or in this moment, alone in this too large bed, waiting for his alphas to arrive. 

 

Though, nerves and anxiety weren’t the only thing bothering him, if he was being completely honest. 

 

It had been many days since the fire in the stables, but with the old building now needing to be repaired, a new temporary home for the animals had hastily been put together. Eskel and Geralt spent most of their time in wolf form, assisting in any way they could, be it by bringing lumber or lifting heavy loads up towards shifters stood high above the ground, preparing the roof. 

 

In short, by the time they crawled into his bed, they were exhausted. Too exhausted to spend much time lavishing Julian with their affection, much less..

 

The omega bit his lip, thinking back to that night, how close they had gotten to his very first kiss. The scents of the night still lingered in his nose, stubbornly refusing to fade away, heart fluttering whenever either alpha leaned in for a good night kiss that never landed where Julian really wanted it. 

 

And oh, did he want them to kiss him, to hold him with their bare bodies, to nuzzle his neck and whisper sweet nothings into his ear. 

 

Stop it. He chided himself, stubbornly shoving aside the memories that had him so restless. Of course they don't want to kiss you when they’re working themselves to the bone each day. 

 

Julian was aware he was being selfish, asking for more when truly, he had everything he could ever ask for. A comfortable bed to share with wonderful men, a full belly whenever he wanted it, and a father that, while not his blood, seemed to love him just the same as he did his other sons. 

 

So why couldn’t he stop thinking about a stupid kiss? 

 

Soon they would be wed, and likely do far more than just kissing, and while that thought did still unsettle him a little, Julian was far more optimistic now. Neither Geralt nor Eskel would force him, and when he did consent, they would be gentle. 

 

Julian was sure of it. 

 

“Just have to be patient, Julian.” He mumbled to himself, pulling the edge of a fur blanket up to his ears. It wouldn’t be much longer, and he’d be their omega, and then..

 

“Patient for what, little one?” Geralt rumbled, surprising Julian not only with his presence, but by how close the alpha had gotten without making a sound. 

 

With a squeak, Julian sat upright, eyes wide as he took in the two men now stood beside the bed. 

 

“Oh, you !” He spluttered, pointing an accusing finger at Geralt's chest, even as his cheeks turned crimson. “One day you will scare me so, my heart will give out!” 

 

“We wouldn’t want that,” Eskel chuckled as he pulled off his shirt, exposing a well defined chest adorned with a spattering of black hair across it. Julian quickly averted his gaze, lest his entire head turn red as a beet. It was one thing to feel their skin under his palms when they slept, but an entirely different one to actually watch them undress. It made his stomach flip in an odd, but not unpleasant way, his lower abdomen tingle.. 

 

But the hour was late, and his wolves were tired. Julian would let them rest, would be a good omega and not complain over something so frivolous as wanting their attention. They had been so good to him since the moment he’d arrived, and all he wanted was to pay that kindness back, somehow. Beginning with not bothering his exhausted loves about a kiss.

 

“So?” Geralt asked, once they had undressed and slipped under the furs. “What are you waiting for, omega?” 

 

Drats. 

 

Julian had really hoped the men would be too fatigued to push the issue, but of course, neither of them seemed particularly interested in sleep now. There was something their omega desired, and as any good alpha, they wanted to provide. 

 

“It’s nothing,” Julian tried, waving his hand dismissively as he laid back down. “It can wait, alpha.” 

 

“Perhaps,” Eskel rumbled, laying beside Julian, nuzzling his shoulder tenderly. “But if there is something you wish for, and we can provide it now, why wait?” 

 

“You don’t even know what it is.” Julian was trying to avoid their gaze, but two sets of beautiful golden eyes were now roaming his face, taking him in. Trying to decipher what it could possibly be. 

 

“Doesn’t matter,” Geralt hummed, pressing a sweet, gentle kiss against Julians brow as he too settled beside him. “We’ll always want to provide for you, omega. You can ask anything of us, and if it is within our power, it is yours.” 

 

Julian hesitated. 

 

“Go on, little flower,” Geralt purred, gently encouraging him. “What’s on your mind?” 

 

“I-” Julian started, then stopped. How would he even ask for what he wanted without sounding like a spoiled brat? He didn’t want them to think him greedy, but..

 

“We never got the chance to kiss, alpha.” 

 

The words came tumbling from his lips before Julian could stop them, and once they were out, there was no taking them back. 

“I’m sorry!” He quickly added, eyes wide as he hid his face against Geralt's shoulder. “I know it's selfish, you have been working so hard, and all I can think about is a stupid kiss, when I should be letting you rest. I will, I promise, you don’t have to-”

 

“Julian.” Eskels tone was kind, patient, as it always was. “It’s alright, omega.” 

 

“We’re not angry at you, sweet thing,” Geralt chimed in, nudging his nose against the omegas hand. “There’s no need to hide. Will you look at us?” 

 

Slowly, Julian lowered his hands, sheepishly glancing at his alphas from beneath his lashes. He couldn’t face them, not head on, not with the nerves and guilt running rampant in his chest, doing strange things to his insides. 

 

“Thank you, omega.” Eskel smiled. “I know this must be difficult for you, to speak of such things, but I have to admit.. I’m rather pleased.” 

 

“Pleased?” The omega echoed, feeling rather ill footed. “Why?” 

 

“The thought of our omega, yearning for our kiss?” Geralt rumbled, brushing his lips against Julians cheek. “How could that ever be something bad?” 

 

“I think I speak for both of us,” Eskel added, “when I say we have also been thinking about it. Quite a lot, actually, at least in my case.” 

 

Julian gave a helpless, quiet mewl. 

 

Of course his alphas would be understanding, would be loving and sweet and oh so wonderful. Julian wondered every day what he had done to deserve such wonderful mates.

 

“You have?” He asked, even now finding it difficult to believe that they would want him, would desire him , when there were so many other omegas more beautiful, more intelligent, and infinitely better behaved than him. 

 

“We have,” Geralt confirmed, sensing Julians need for reassurance. “We want to kiss you, Julian. But after the last time, we weren’t sure..”

“We didn’t want to presume you would still want that.” Eskel explained when Geralt fell quiet. “The last thing we want is for you to feel pressured into intimacy. We thought it best to wait until you asked again, and perhaps that wasn’t right.” 

 

“Should have talked to you about it,” Geralt hummed, pressing his forehead against Julians temple. “In the future, I promise you, we will.” 

 

“It's hardly your fault, I could have said something sooner,” Julian mumbled, feeling rather shy about the entire thing. “I just wanted to let you rest.” 

 

“That was very kind and considerate of you.” Geralt lifted his head as he spoke, lips quirked into a smile, the gold of his eyes shining in the warm light of the fire. “But, if you are still willing, we could pick up where we left off the other night.” 

 

Julian turned to look at Eskel, to see his reaction, and when the omega saw nothing but an encouraging smile, he gave the slightest nod. 

 

“ Please .” 

 

The wolves shifted, Eskel pressed against one side of Julians body, Geralt against the other. Even through the fabric of his clothes, Julian felt a prickle of sensation wherever they touched, making him squirm. 

 

It was really happening. Julian was going to kiss the men he loved, be kissed by them, would finally know what it felt like to feel their lips against his own. His heart raced inside his chest, his eyes wide as he waited, looking from one man to the other. 

 

“Breathe,” Eskel hummed, placing a hand on the omegas chest, fingers spread wide. Reassuring. “You’re doing so well, darling. Relax for us. There’s nothing to fear.” 

 

“What if I do it wrong?” 

 

“There’s no wrong way to kiss, little flower,” Geralt said, cupping the omegas cheek with his hand, turning his head ever so slightly. “Let me show you.” 

 

A beat of silence, and then, Julian nodded once more. 

 

Slowly, so slowly, Geralt moved closer. The distance between their lips shrunk, and shrunk, and then he could feel the alphas warm breath against his lips, greedily inhaling the calming scent that had comforted him so many times before. 

 

And then..

 

The barest brush of lips had Julian quivering, but not with fear. Far from it, in fact. 

 

“ Oh .” 

 

It had felt- it- 

 

“Please,” he whined, turning his head to face Eskel, “Again?” 

Eskel did not make him wait, leaning forward to grant his wish with a little more pressure, only serving to make Julian feel even more, even better -

 

Before he could think about his actions, the omega had turned his head once more, seeking another kiss from Geralt. 

 

He wanted , wanted so much more, though he had no idea what more was. 

 

More of the feeling, more of their warmth against him, around him, just- more. 

 

“Tell us to stop, and we will,” Eskel rumbled against his ear, and only after Julian had given a hasty nod to signal he had understood did Geralt reward him with another kiss. 

 

For what felt like hours, Julian lay between them, taking turns kissing his alphas with more and more confidence. The first kiss had barely even been one, as he now realised, an innocent peck on the lips. 

 

The more time passed, the deeper their kisses grew, until his lips felt hot and tingly, his core alight with flames he’d never felt before. 

 

Julian thought he could die happily in this very moment, surrounded and loved by the men he wanted to share his life with, feeling their kisses as he slipped away. 

 

Suddenly, something warm and slick flicked against his lips, startling the omega. 

 

“Easy Geralt,” Eskel soothed, trailing his thumb over Julians chest, as if to calm a skittish animal as Geralt pulled back. “Easy now. He might not want to kiss that way-”

 

“I do!” Julian quickly cut in, his shame nowhere to be found. “I- I didn’t know that you could- not like that. But I want to try, please.” 

 

Geralt and Eskel exchanged looks, and in that moment, Julian realised that the scent he’d been missing was back. A spicy musk coming from both his alphas, mixing pleasantly with their combined scents, calling to every cell in his body. 

 

“If you’re sure,” Geralt rasped. 

 

Julian had never been surer of anything in his life. 

 

This type of kiss, entirely foreign to the omega, was even better somehow. He could feel his alphas pressing up against him, fingers twitching against his skin where they held him. Their scent grew deeper, heavier as their tongues slid together, making Julians toes curl. 

How had he never heard about this before? And more importantly, how would he ever stop, when all he wanted now was to spend eternity in this very moment? 

 

Without realising, his hands had found their way into Geralt's hair, the other wrapped around Eskels wrist on his chest, holding on tight as if he feared they’d get up and leave any moment. 

 

He couldn’t help it. 

 

He never wanted it to end. 

 

Julian had just turned his head back towards Geralt, expecting another kiss now that Eskel had had his turn. 

 

“Julian,” Geralt’s voice was rough, strained almost, and as the omega sought out his alphas gaze, the gold he had so adored was almost entirely swallowed by pupils blown wide. “ Omega .” 

 

Something inside Julian trembled, tightening and expanding at the same time, like nothing he had ever experienced, and oh, how many new things he had felt today, would always want to feel. He felt hot all over, skin prickling with need, something hot and pulsing bleeding from his stomach into lower parts of his body- 

 

A sharp inhale from Eskel pulled Julian from his thoughts, turning his attention to the alpha not currently an inch from his lips. 

 

“Enough,” Eskel muttered, though his expression was pained. “Enough Geralt, we need to stop-”

 

“No!” Julian whined, wiggling between them. “Please, I don’t need to stop, I like kissing, I promise-” 

 

“We know,” Geralt growled, voice low in a way Julian had only ever heard once before, that night when.. “Gods, omega, we know , we want-”

 

“We want you to be safe,” Eskel interjected, glaring at Geralt as he spoke. “To be ready for what may come after kissing.” 

 

This time, it was Geralt who whined, pulling away ever so slightly, much to Julian's distress. He knew they were just looking out for him, for his well being, but he was so hot , everything tingled , and he needed-

 

With a distressed mewl, Julian rolled onto his back, all conscious thought gone, driven by instinct alone. He didn’t want to stop, he didn’t want his alphas to leave him, he wanted- wanted- 

 

The pressure building in his belly suddenly snapped, pulling a gasp from the omegas lips, eyes going wide, as- 

 

A dampness spread between Julians legs, quickly growing heavier, fluid quickly saturating the fabric as if he’d just wet himself, yet entirely different at the same time- 

 

Geralt near howled as he put distance between them, Eskel frozen in place as he took in the omega, now presenting himself with wantonly spread legs. 

 

“I’m sorry,” Julian mewled, reaching out to his alphas, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I don’t know- I can’t-” 

 

“Hush, sweet omega,” Eskel breathed, features strained, yet remaining gentle as ever. “It’s alright, you’re alright. We’re all- excited.” 

 

As if to confirm the statement, Geralt gave a whine of his own, kneeling on the stone floor beside their nest, hands curled into fists at his sides. 

 

“We can stop, darling, we should stop-” Eskel reasoned, but the words alone had Julian squirming with distress. 

 

“Its so much, alpha,” He whimpered, “Its too much, what- how do I- please !”

 

Julian knew not how to make these feelings go away, or even if he wanted them to. All he knew was that he was burning up from the inside, desperate to feel his alphas beside him, to feel their touch. 

 

Geralt was on his feet not a moment later, pacing the length of the bed, huffing and panting. His alpha needed him, they both did, so why weren’t they with him? 

 

“Look at me, omega.”

 

Julian tore his gaze from Geralt, though reluctantly, instinct demanding he soothe the more distressed alpha, to turn over and present- 

 

“None of that,” Eskel ground out between clenched teeth. “Stay with me, Julian. I need you to listen.” 

 

“‘M listening,” The words were slurred, stumbled over in Julians excitement, trying his best to keep his attention where it was needed. “I am, I promise.” 

“We can help make it go away,” Eskel started, quickly continuing before Julian could start begging. “But it would involve touching you, Julian. Intimately.” 

 

When this had all started, Julian would have been worried.

 

Worried that he would do something wrong, that he wouldn’t please his alphas. That he was too skinny, or too fat, too flawed to entice them.

 

That he wouldn’t be able to enjoy it, despite their best efforts, and disappoint them. 

 

Or perhaps he’d be too needy, too demanding, and they would change their mind, deciding he was too much trouble after all. 

 

Now, all he could think of was how wonderful it felt, to have their hands on him, their scents so strong it imprinted itself in his mind and body. How much he wanted more.

 

“Please,” He begged, “Please, I want that, I want you.”

 

Both alphas made a pained sound at his words, and for just a second, Julian felt a pang of insecurity. Had he managed to mess this up after all? 

 

“Not yet,” Eskel’s gaze flicked towards Geralt, as if the words were meant mostly for the other alpha. “We won’t take you tonight, not the way you’re thinking. But we will take care of you, sweet omega, I promise.” 

 

Julian, flooded with relief, nodded eagerly. Even though he had no inkling as to what his alpha meant, he knew they would be true to their word. 

 

“Geralt, beside the bed, on your knees.” 

 

Geralt followed as he was directed, back on his knees beside Julian, gaze locking onto the omega. 

 

“Turn to your side omega, facing Geralt.” 

 

Eagerly, Julian complied. 

 

“Kiss him, darling. I’ll take care of the rest.” 

 

Again, Julian obeyed, leaning forward for a kiss, his alpha meeting him halfway. 

 

Eskel pressed up behind him, chest to the omegas back. It felt like heaven, having them so close, and if not for the insistent heat between his legs, he would be quite content. 

Luckily, Eskel didn’t make him wait for long. 

 

After a moment of remaining still, Eskel gently slid his leg forward, pressing against the back of Julians thighs until they parted, ever so slightly.

 

“Remember, if you want to stop, you have to tell us.” He rasped against the omegas neck. “Promise me, Julian, that you will.” 

 

Julian pulled himself away from Geralt long enough to reply. 

 

“I promise, alpha, I promise, please don’t make me wait-” 

 

“Hush, darling, I won’t.” 

 

Further and further the alphas leg slid, until Julian was near sat on the massive thigh, and at first, he didn’t understand. Making a questioning sound into Geralt's mouth, he was about to break free once more to ask, but then- 

 

Eskels hand had settled on his hip, and then, the alpha had him shifting, tilting his hips backward and- 

 

Julian moaned as he was given exactly what he’d needed. 

 

The pressure against his core had him trembling, hands flying out to grab hold of Geralt's hair, his shoulder, anything he could dig his fingertips into and hold tight. 

 

“That’s it,” Eskel breathed, keeping his thigh steady. “Go on, omega, take what you need.” 

 

“So beautiful,” Geralt panted, pupils blown so wide, only a sliver of gold was left around them. “That’s it, you’re perfect omega, sweet thing, sweet flower.” 

 

“Alpha!” Julian cried, tears gathering in the corner of his eyes, not from sadness of fear, but from overwhelming pleasure as he ground against the thick, heavy weight between his legs. “‘S good, ‘s so good, please please please-”

 

“Please what, darling?” Eskel purred, his voice hitting registers so low, it was nearly a growl. “What do you need?” 

 

“ Don’t stop !”

 

Julian couldn’t describe what he was feeling, no words adequate to express the magnitude of it all. 

 

The more he moved, the better he felt, the more his alphas spurred him on, with words, with kisses, with their very presence. He couldn’t have stopped if he wanted to, and gods above, he never wanted this to end. 

 

His legs shook with the intensity, slick dribbling from his core in such copious amounts, it was spreading to his thighs, onto Eskels skin, and it was all so lewd, so- so primal . 

 

So right .

 

“That’s it, good boy, look at you,” Geralt sounded awed, though Julian could not quite process the information. “So good for us, so gorgeous, can’t believe you’re ours.” 

 

Ours. 

 

Julian would be theirs. 

 

Theirs.

 

Something deep inside him snapped, pleasure suddenly building, building, building as he ground down with increasing desperation, reaching for something he couldn’t name until- 

 

As the omega ground down, Eskels hips rocked forward, just once, with barely any momentum. Something hard and hot pressed against Julians back, accompanied by a strangled moan against his ear, clearly being held back, and that was it.

 

Julian was done for.

 

With a howl he hadn’t known he was capable of, Julian unravelled. 

 

Ecstasy washed over him in heavy waves, pulling him under, flooding every cell in his body. Julian writhed, moaned, grabbed hold on Geralt and Eskel as he shook. 

 

He’d never felt like this before. 

 

He never wanted to go without. 

 

Wanted to do this every night . 

 

As the trembles wracking his body died down, Julian couldn’t help but think that this was exactly where he belonged.

—

Lambert

 

“Sounds like they finally fucked.” 

 

Lambert acknowledged his mates words with a grunt. He didn’t really give a shit who Geralt and Eskel stuck their dicks into, but this was different. This one was going to stick around. 

 

He’d have to keep an even closer eye on the human, now that he’d seduced his brothers. Few things in the world were more powerful than an omegas pull, especially if said omega was as wanton as Julian seemed to be. 

 

“Could fucking keep it down,” He huffed, finally, knowing Aiden liked when he used his words. “Some of us are trying to sleep.” 

 

“Oh let them have their fun,” Aiden purred, nipping at the alphas earlobe. “You know how good it feels to have a nice, wet cunt wrapped around you.” 

 

Well, he could hardly argue there. 

 

“You keep talking like that, and you’re going to be moaning along with him.” He threatened, only to watch Aidens grin widen. 

 

“Is that a promise?” 

 

Lambert had just opened his mouth to reply when the door to his room flung open. Bristling, he was just about to bite out a real threat at whomever had dared to burst in at this hour when he stopped. 

 

Triss stood in the doorway, skin pale, her hair, usually carefully arranged, a complete mess. 

 

“It's your father. He’s collapsed.”

Chapter 21

Notes:

Shame on my head, I know, I know. I'm so sorry this took so long. I'm trying my best, I swear!

Thank you for all the lovely comments, and the kudos and the overall love and support. <3 Even when I can't fathom ever writing again, reading those kind words motivate me to keep going. <3

Vesemir looked small, as he laid on the bed and slept. 

 

Eskel sat by his side, holding the king's hand, while Geralt paced the room. Lambert had taken a seat by the window, staring at nothing in particular. 

 

Julian might have taken it for disinterest, and resented the youngest wolf for such calloused behaviour. Instead, he had quickly seen the truth of the matter; Aiden was sat by his mates side, bodies pressed close together. Lambert was holding the Cats hand so tight, his knuckles were turning white. 

 

Lambert couldn’t stand to look at his father, usually so robust and lively, laying pale in a bed. Julian sympathised. He’d only known Vesemir for a handful of months, and the sight was hard to take. 

 

“He’s exhausted.” Triss finally broke the silence that laid heavy in the air. “Likely pushed himself too hard, the stubborn codger. Preparing the wedding, and handling the stable fire. He’s drained.” 

 

“Will he live?” Geralt's question brought a new sense of tension. They had more to consider than the personal loss. If the king died, there would need to be a new one, which required a coronation, and an accompanying feast. Not to mention the funeral..

 

“He will.” Triss sighed, brushing an errant strand of hair off Vesemir's face. Everyone in the room let out a sigh of relief.  

 

She’d spent the last few hours using her magic to examine and inspect the elder wolf for any signs of disease or injury, even poison. It wouldn’t have been the first attempt at his life, Julian learned that night. 

 

“ If he listens to me, and rests. He cannot push himself anymore, not like this.” Eskel gave a hum in reply, brushing his thumb across the king's wrist ever so gently. 

 

“We’ll keep him tied to the bed if we have to.” Lambert grunted, though he was still turned away from them. 

 

A moment of silence lay heavy in the air.

 

“Watch your mouth, pup, before I put you over my knee.” Vesemir rasped. “Ain’t no chains thick enough around here to hold me.” 

 

“Pa!” Eskel cried out, leaning forward to nuzzle at his fathers face the way a pup would its parent. Lambert was suddenly beside the bed as well, copying Eskels actions, a quiet whine slipping past his lips. 

 

Geralt remained the most composed, moving to stand beside Eskel, gently running a hand along Vesemirs hair.

 

“Gave us a scare, old man.” Geralt rumbled. 

 

“You scare too easily.” Vesemir huffed, though there was fondness in his tone. “I hope you’ve kept the keep standing while I rested.” 

 

“We have, and will continue to, while you rest more.” Eskel replied, giving his father a firm stare. “You are going to start listening to Triss, and stay right here, in this bed, until she releases you from it.”

 

Julian didn’t know if Vesemir was actually in agreement with this decision, or if the old wolf was simply too tired to fight them right that moment, but he didn’t protest. 

 

“Fine, fine. If it means you’ll all stop hovering around me.” Vesemir grunted, “You’d think I had hens for sons.instead of wolves  Get going boys, there’s plenty of work to be done.”

 

No one moved, not even Triss. They glanced at each other, filled with worry and apprehension. Julian could only guess at what caused the reluctance; perhaps Vesemir had been unwell before, and taken the chance to ‘escape’ his sick bed when given the chance. 

 

“I’ll stay,” Julian said, surprising even himself. “If he gets out of bed for anything but his ablutions, I’ll call for you.”

 

“I’m your king, boy,” Vesemir grumbled, though once more, his words held no real heat. 

 

“You are to be my father,” Julian replied calmly, reaching out to brush the tips of his fingers along the wolf's hand. “The only good, kind father I have ever had. I will allow no harm to come to you, not even at your own hands.” 

 

Four pairs of yellow eyes focused on him, he could feel their gaze, prickling on his skin. 

 

“Well, you heard him.” Vesemir grumped, turning his attention to the other three sons. “Off you go. I am being well guarded.” 

 

Eskel chuckled as he stood, leaning down to press a tender kiss to his fathers head.  Then, he turned to Julian, and repeated the action. 

 

“Thank you, omega” 

 

All eyes wandered to Lambert; the youngest son was still uniquely suspicious of Julian, and if he didn’t accept him as a guardian, however temporary, to his father.. 

 

Lambert stood abruptly, moving to Julian's side with fast, determined steps. Golden eyes bored into him, and his first instinct was to flinch away, make himself as small as he could. 

 

He did none of that. 

 

Julian remained where he was, expression passive, waiting for what came next. 

 

“If he gets up for anything but to piss or take a shit, you scream as loud as you can. One of us will hear you.” Lambert huffed, arms crossing over his chest. “Gods know you have lungs on you.” 

 

“ Lambert ,” Aiden mock-scolded his mate, “That wasn’t very nice.” 

 

The implication took a moment to process, but before he knew it, his face heating at a dizzying rate. They had- when he and his- they’d heard .

 

“Prick,” Geralt grunted, bending down to press a kiss to the omegas cheek. “Don’t let Lambert bother you. He likes to pretend he’s not the loudest of us.” 

 

Julian, for his part, would have very much liked to disappear into the ground there and then, despite the alphas' reassurance. He was still getting used to discussing these topics with the very men he would share his life with. 

 

Talking about it with his father-in-law in the room was a bit much.

 

“Wonderful, now that that’s settled.” Triss hummed, “I have a few things to attend to. I’ll let the kitchen know to bring meals to the King's room for the foreseeable future.” 

 

Vesemir looked for a moment as if he was about to protest, only to be silenced by the combined glare of his sons. With a defeated sigh, he waved his hand.

 

“Off with you lot, before I change my mind about all this.” 

 

A few moments and a kiss from Eskel later, Julian found himself alone with the king. Vesemir looked a bit cross, and a lot tired, and the omega couldn’t help but fuss, reaching over to tuck the fur higher on the alphas chest. 

 

The old wolf raised a brow at him.

 

“You have to stay warm,” Julian offered in reply, not deterred in the least as he tucked the edges in around Vesemir's legs. “Can’t have you catch a cold, so soon before the wedding.” 

 

In truth, Julian couldn’t care less about the wedding at the moment, far too worried about his father-in-law. But perhaps, if he reminded Vesemir of the upcoming ceremony that he needed to attend, he’d be more willing to remain in bed and rest. 

 

“Julian, sit with me. If you tuck me in any more, you’ll have me swaddled like a babe. Good practice for the future, perhaps, but not necessary at the moment.” 

 

Julian couldn’t help the soft sound of joy at the very idea. Soon, hopefully, he would have a babe to swaddle, to nurse at his chest and dote upon. 

 

The thought had frightened him not long ago, but now.. 

 

Now, all he could think about was whether they would have a boy or girl, if their hair would be the same gorgeous ebony black as Eskels, or the pale starlight color of Geralt. 

 

Shaking himself from his daydreaming with considerable effort, Julian did as he was told.

 

“You’ve changed, since you’ve come here.” Vesemir said with a fond smile. “When you came here, you reminded me of a particularly skittish pup. Geralt was much the same.” 

 

“Really?” The omega asked, surprised. He couldn’t imagine his strong, fierce alpha being afraid of anything. 

 

“Aye. He was a lot younger than you, of course. And its been a very long time since he came to the keep a scrawny little thing.. I still remember it as if it was yesterday.” Vesemir gave a wistful sigh. “Time flies, even for us, it seems.” 

 

“You’ve raised them well.” Vesemir smiled at that. 

 

“I’ve done my best. They all turned out far better than I could have hoped for.” 

 

Silence settled upon them for a while then, and for once, Julian didn’t feel nervous or concerned by it. The conversation had simply ebbed, and the omega felt no need to fill it. 

 

“Julian, I need to tell you something.” The king’s expression was serious. “But before I do, you have to make me a promise.” 

 

“A promise?” Julian repeated, confused. 

 

“Yes. I need you to promise that you won’t be cross with my sons. Don’t blame them for this, Julian. They were obeying my commands, and mine alone.” 

 

Fears icy claws tickled along the omegas spine, crept its way higher until it settled at the nape of his neck. Threatening to choke him. 

 

“Your commands?”

 

“There is something you should know, about the wedding.” Vesemir sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Damn it. They were right all along. I should have told you.”

 

Julians mouth went dry. His throat felt tight, an invisible hand settling at the side of his neck. Not squeezing, not yet, but still there .

 

“Told me what?” He asks, struggling to keep his tone even. 

 

“On the night of your wedding, before you and my boys.. Retire for the evening.” The words held an unspoken implication that Julian couldn’t even begin to consider. There were clearly more pressing matters at hand, and whatever joy he felt when thinking of his wedding night, it was nowhere to be found. 

 

“There will be a meeting, in secret, with the heads of the other schools. Once you informed us of your fathers intentions, I called upon them. The wedding is the perfect excuse to have all of us in one place, without raising any eyebrows.” 

 

A secret council, that wasn’t unexpected, Julian thought. It made sense, to share the knowledge, the potential threat, with the men they would be uniting with should war break out again. 

 

“A smart course of action,” Julian said, brows furrowed, confused. What did this have to do with him? Would he be left to entertain the guests on his own before returning to his- by then their - chambers? Not a thought he enjoyed, but surely, it didn’t warrant this level of discomfort from the old wolf. 

 

“My sons agree.What comes next, however.” The alpha paused, sighed. “Damn it. Damn it. I’m sorry for this, my boy. The only way the more disagreeable schools will believe how dangerous your father is, is by hearing it from you. By.. seeing, smelling your fear, your honesty. They need to see that you're not a double agent, that this isn’t some conspiracy to have you trick us . They have to hear it from you.” 

 

Julian blinked. Then blinked again. 

 

“You are saying that on the night of my wedding, before I even have a chance to bond with my husbands, I’ll be dragged in front of strangers to make my case.” Even to his own ears, Julian sounded hollow. “And if I cannot convince them, if I fail, then..”

 

War would rage again. Every living thing would suffer, save perhaps the monsters that feasted on the dead. 

 

And his alphas had known all along. 

Notes:

Jaskier will be refered to as Julian in this, until he chooses the name for himself. <3