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“Go, and do not return until you have gained the northern lord’s support and his army.”
The command echoes in Giyuu’s mind as he feels the temperature shift. He’s riding his dragon north, away from the warm, southern temperature, and away from the safety that being in Sabito’s presence grants him.
His riding leathers do nothing to keep out the cold as he approaches the north, where the land turns white as far as the eye can see from the snowfall, despite it still being the summer months. One of the books he’d read before journeying here had stated that this temperature was considered warm compared to how much it dropped when winter set in. He can hardly imagine the winter in the north; surely, he would freeze.
Giyuu has been given a heavy task: to fly north, where Lord Shinazugawa of House Shinazugawa rules, and have him bend the knee and pledge his army in support of Sabito of House Tomioka, after his throne was usurped by Tengen of House Uzui.
Tengen, despite being a usurper, has quickly gained popularity throughout the realm. He is a powerful alpha, born and bred to lead, and blessed with divine charisma that many would kill for. If there was ever anyone to succeed Sabito, the true heir to the crown, many would’ve said Tengen was the person for the title since he is also of the blood of the dragon.
Because of Tengen’s popularity, having been known to win tourney after tourney after being knighted at a tender age due to his skills, he has managed to gain the support of almost half the realm after proclaiming himself the true heir and dethroning Sabito. They are enemies now, despite the rumors that they once shared a bed, claiming sweet words were whispered between them, where now angry shouts full of hatred have taken their place.
Once Tengen had managed to take the throne, Sabito was left with no other option but to flee the capital city, south to Dragonfire, his and Giyuu’s ancestral home, where their parents are buried.
There, Sabito has managed to put together a small council that believes him to be the true heir and has rallied their houses together around him in support. He is as equally charming as Tengen but lacks a large army—this is where Giyuu comes in.
Giyuu has been tasked with doing whatever is needed to gain Lord Shinazugawa’s support and his army, since gaining the alpha’s support could very well shift things in Sabito’s favor against Tengen. Giyuu is willing to do anything to help Sabito, his older brother and last remaining family member, regain the throne. He might not be a soldier on the battlefield with his dragon, Dead Calm, but he will fight in his own way and succeed.
Sanemi has been called the wolf of the north, but said to possess the soul of a dragon, and well, if there’s one thing Giyuu is good at is mounting and taming dragons. The northern alpha is nothing more than one more dragon for Giyuu to mount and tame.
They are running out of time. Tengen marches west to seek more support, alongside his massive dragon, Flash, so Sabito must hurry and create alliances with the largest house in the realm if he wishes to regain power and his birthright.
This war has been a rather tricky affair because there are dragons involved on all sides. Sabito, Tengen, and Giyuu are all dragon lords, all descendants of families that first tamed dragons, and now, they use their dragons to fight and create allies in these trying times against one another.
Sabito and his dragon, Water, are powerful and a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, but Tengen and Flash are equally as powerful. Tengen’s lover, Kyojuro, has a dragon of his own, gifted to him by the usurper, one of the oldest and largest, and they’ll need an army to be able to hold off Kyojuro’s dragon. Dead Calm cannot stand against any of them, even Flash, who is the youngest but has proven to match his rider in size and skill.
Before this war broke out, it was thought Sabito and Tengen would wed, despite both being alphas, and rule together. But something occurred when the last monarch, Sabito’s father, passed, and now, the fight for the throne has turned into a blood affair that Giyuu gets to watch play out from where he’s been residing on Dragonfire.
Giyuu wishes for nothing but peace, but that dream is far-fetched at the moment, given the state of things. He wants to fight on the frontlines for his brother, but Sabito will not allow it, claiming they cannot possibly risk losing Giyuu and his dragon so hastily in the war when it has only just begun.
“I bring word from King Sabito,” Giyuu announces once he lands, looking over at the startled northerners who watch him and his dragon with wide eyes and terrified expressions. Dead Calm huffs out fire and shakes his head, clearly exhausted from the long journey. “I must speak with Lord Shinazugawa as soon as possible; it is dire.”
Giyuu tries to keep his head held high and not let these northerners intimidate him as the cold whips around them. He thought he’d dressed appropriately for the cold, but finds his riding leathers to be ill-equipped to deal with the northern winds now that he has arrived.
One of the northerners looks at Giyuu as if he wants to eat him alive, where he stands, making the omega lean back against his dragon to show that he came here with a dragon, one he knows how to use to its full potential. He will not be intimidated; he is the prince of the realm, his brother’s heir until he has children in the future. One northern alpha will certainly not be his demise.
“I am Giyuu, Prince of Dragonfire, and I demand to speak with Lord Shinazugawa,” Giyuu tries again, putting as much emphasis into his words to get his message across. His long black hair whips around him, making it hard to see, along with the light snowfall. “The king sent word of my arrival to Lord Shinazugawa, so he will be expecting me. I won’t ask again.”
“What business would you have with our lord?” That same alpha asks Giyuu, narrowing his eyes at the omega. He reminds Giyuu of a snake. “He is a busy man and has little time to deal with spoiled princes.”
“Who are you?” Giyuu demands as he descends his dragon. “I wish to know.”
“Obanai,” Obanai introduces himself. “I am second in command in the north.”
“Very well, then you should know exactly where Lord Shinazugawa is,” Giyuu tries to keep his composure, keeping one hand on Dead Calm to give himself a sense of security. “Please inform him of my arrival.”
“There is nothing that could be quite so urgent,” Obanai says, not looking the least bit rushed to find Sanemi or afraid of Dead Calm’s massive form. “And what could you offer him in return for his time and whatever it is you will demand of him. Tengen has been pleading his own case to our lord for weeks now, so your arrival has been very much expected, my prince.”
Giyuu flusters, knowing he’s a bit out of his element here but determined to succeed. He needs Sanemi’s army. He cannot let Tengen swindle the alpha’s alliance before he has a chance to even try.
“Prince Giyuu, welcome to the north.”
Giyuu looks around Obanai to see a different man, another alpha, approach. He is dressed in embroidered, noble-like garments that are lined with fur, hair the same color as the snow, and covered in a few scars. This lets Giyuu know he has found the alpha he has been seeking— Lord Shinazugawa.
He hadn’t expected Lord Shinazugawa to be so handsome and alluring. People often proclaim the northern alphas to be barbaric and difficult to look at, but even Obanai is easy on the eyes. It is certainly an unexpected turn of events to find such gems in these hostile lands. He’ll have to write about this to his best friend once the war is over and there is peace. Mitsuri will surely want to know about these rugged northern alphas.
“Lord Sanemi of House Shinazugawa,” Giyuu greets him, bowing to show his respect and because he is pleased to hear Sanemi acknowledge him with his prince title.
Normally, Giyuu would not do such a thing, given his own title, but he needs this alpha to give him an army, a rather large one at that, so he is willing to do whatever it takes. He will get Sabito the army. “I am Prince Giyuu of Dragonfire, sent here on official royal business from the crown—King Sabito.”
Sanemi looks almost amused but nods as he listens, coming closer but pausing when Dead Calm wraps the end of his tail protectively around Giyuu’s waist. “I take it that you are here to petition for my army,” he goes ahead and states the obvious.
“Well, yes, my lord,” Giyuu hesitantly says, not having expected Sanemi to call him out so quickly. “My brother informed me that he’d sent word of my upcoming visit to you some time ago.”
“He had,” Sanemi admits with a lazy nod. “He hadn’t said the reason for your visit, though, just that it was urgent you speak with me.”
Giyuu tries to think quickly on his feet since Sanemi doesn’t really seem that enthusiastic about giving him the army, and the omega wants to settle this as quickly as possible. It’s far too cold in the north, and he hopes to return home as quickly as possible.
The winds keep whipping at Giyuu’s face as he tries to think, causing his hands to clench into fists when the cold becomes insufferable, but he tries to push the discomfort to the back of his head and focus. He does not want to show weakness in the face of Lord Shinazugawa.
Sanemi, however, seems to catch it as his eyes narrow and he motions for his servants to aid Giyuu and his dragon.
“Please, let us discuss this over a warm meal,” Sanemi offers. “It is nearly twilight, and the cold is quite intolerable at this time of day. I am sure you and your dragon are tired and hungry after such a long journey here. I shall have a room prepared for you and your dragon tended to while you are here.”
Giyuu hesitates to leave his dragon.
“I promise, my prince, you will be safe here. I give you my word,” Sanemi swears, making his guards all nod in agreement. There is nothing in his scent to indicate that he is lying, so Giyuu tries to trust the alpha. “I know you’ve come without protection other than your dragon, to show that you come in peace, and the kind gesture is not lost on me, even if my expression says otherwise.”
Giyuu hands over the reins to his dragon, rather hesitantly, but does it, wanting Sanemi to see him as diplomatic. He is here on official business from the crown after all, and the alpha’s equal. Besides, if anything were to happen to him, Sabito would come for him; he is sure of it.
“Come,” Sanemi offers Giyuu his arm to take. “The snow is difficult for foreigners to navigate; I wouldn’t want you to fall and hurt yourself.”
Giyuu frowns but knows his riding leathers are not equipped for this weather, much less his boots. He takes Sanemi’s arm and lets the alpha guide him through the large castle’s entrance.
It is a rather nice castle, the ancestral home of House Shinazugawa. There are multiple buildings that make it up, all surrounded by large walls. There are even gardens from the looks of it, but it is difficult to make out detail as night arrives.
“My brother sends his greetings. He apologizes for not being able to come himself. Things are quite difficult at the moment,” Giyuu expresses Sabito’s apologies. “He hopes to come and visit when things settle within the kingdom. He has mentioned to me that he has fond memories of spending time in the north when he was younger.”
“I hope to see him soon. It has been far too long since I last saw him,” Sanemi says, weaving through his castle while servants follow after them. “But tell me, was I right about the reason regarding your visit, my prince?”
Giyuu frowns but decides to be honest. There is no point in lying to Sanemi, not when he wants the alpha to bend the knee to Sabito. Sanemi already seems to be speaking of Sabito in high spirits, which is a good sign. “You were correct, my lord. I have come here to petition for your army and your support.”
“I’m sure my second in command has told you that Tengen has also been petitioning for my army as well?” Sanemi asks as they finally arrive at the large dining hall. “He is quite fucking persistent, that one, and offers many things in return for my support.”
“Obanai has,” Giyuu admits, feeling irritation flare inside him at how friendly Sanemi speaks of Tengen. He won’t let Tengen best him in this. He will succeed, no matter the cost. He promised his brother he would return with an army.
Giyuu gets seated beside Sanemi at the large table and nearly melts when a small child, just barely bigger than a baby, is brought out into the room by a nursemaid.
“This is my son, Genya,” Sanemi introduces the excited toddler as he takes him into his arms, grinning. He takes a moment to greet his son properly, making the boy squeal in delight at the affection. “He recently turned two.”
Giyuu has heard of Sanemi’s son, named after the lord’s fallen brother. He was sad to hear about how much tragedy Sanemi has experienced in the last few years, from losing his parents, his brother, and his mate.
He offers the little pup a smile and gently reaches out to take Genya’s hand. He finds Genya adorable, even more so when he notices that Sanemi and Genya have matching smiles. “He is precious, my lord.”
Giyuu tries to tread lightly, knowing that Sanemi’s mate and mother to Genya died in childbirth. Sabito has commented a few times that it was a difficult time for Sanemi and that he has only started to recover in the last few months. Giyuu can’t even begin to imagine having to raise a child on his own. It must be a difficult task to take on, especially when you are a lord.
Genya growls, all puppy and no bite, as he smiles at Giyuu. Truly a little alpha in every sense. He looks so much like Sanemi that it’s almost comical.
“Would you like to hold him?” Sanemi offers the feisty little alpha to Giyuu.
It feels like a test, almost. Giyuu isn’t sure what the correct answer is, but he sees Obanai eyeing him from across the table, encouraging him to take the child. It could be a sign of trust since Genya is Sanemi’s heir. Heirs mean everything to people in power.
Giyuu nods and takes the child into his arms, a rather large child despite his young age, and smiles when Genya tries to get a whiff of his scent, probably curious as to why the omega smells of fire and leather. He knows that if Genya smells hard enough, he’ll find Giyuu’s true scent buried underneath the fire and leather.
“I smell of dragon,” Giyuu informs Genya, smiling softly when Genya’s expression turns confused as his little mind tries to understand.
“Dragon?” Genya repeats the word, almost pouting as he speaks.
Giyuu nods and gestures toward some of the dragons embroidered onto his garments. “Dragon,” he confirms and points out to the little alpha. “Have you ever seen a dragon before?”
Genya thinks hard before shaking his head, sending his fringe into his eyes. “No.”
Sanemi watches with sharp eyes from where he sits, his own expression contemplating. It makes Giyuu feel nervous and tighten his hold on Genya, afraid of dropping him and upsetting Sanemi. He doesn’t want to ruin his visit by doing something foolish. Gods above, he would never forgive himself for failing Sabito.
“Do you like children?” Sanemi asks as he begins to eat, not taking his eyes off Giyuu and the child.
Giyuu offers Genya a closer look at his family crescent that he keeps on a thin gold necklace, managing to keep the little boy enthralled.
“I don’t mind them,” Giyuu admits, finding Sanemi’s son adorable. “Genya is adorable.”
“Me?” Genya asks.
“You,” Giyuu enthusiastically replies when Genya smiles, all dimples and little teeth.
Sanemi nods, satisfied with the answer, before shooting off another question at Giyuu. “What do you think of the north?” He asks. “I know you’ve only just arrived, but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts.”
Giyuu frowns as he tries to form an answer, making Genya’s little hands reach out to touch his face, as if sensing the omega’s mood is a miss. He smiles down at the pup, feeling his heart warm when Genya beams, clearly enjoying the omega’s presence.
“It is beautiful,” Giyuu admits, taking one of Genya’s little hands and offering it a kiss, making the little pup playfully growl again. “The weather is harsh, but I think that adds to the charm of the place. Truthfully, I only got to observe it from where I rode upon my dragon, but I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing it closer up before I departed south. I have heard many things about the north and the wall, so I will admit I am curious to see them for myself.”
Sanemi waves Genya’s nursemaid forward to take the child.
Genya seems reluctant to go and starts to whine as he clutches onto Giyuu’s garments.
“Stay,” Genya protests, hiding his face in Giyuu’s shoulder.
“Please, leave him. I don’t mind,” Giyuu tries to soothe the child, feeling his instincts start to grow defensive. “I can eat with him in my lap, it is no issue. I used to do it when my dragon was small all the time.”
Sanemi doesn’t look convinced, so Giyuu takes the initiative and sits Genya down in his lap, facing the table.
“I find pups to be like young dragons,” Giyuu explains as he brings some food to Genya’s mouth, finding the little alpha eager and excited to be fed by him. It’s probably a nice change in his routine. “Full of energy and always wanting to be close to you.”
Giyuu looks away from Genya toward the boy’s father, finding Sanemi watching them once again with a concentrated expression.
“He likes you,” Obanai points out, motioning toward Genya.
“I’m delighted to hear that because I like him too,” Giyuu answers, feeding Genya more food from his plates. “It’s been so long since I’ve been in the presence of a pup, much less one this cute.”
The little boy grabs food of his own with his hands and holds his arm up in an offer to Giyuu.
Giyuu pretends to eat it, making Genya giggle and take the food back for himself.
“I will gladly show you around tomorrow,” Sanemi promises, finally speaking. Honestly, Giyuu had forgotten the alpha was even there, too busy being enthralled by Genya.
“I would appreciate it, my lord,” Giyuu says, truly meaning it. He is curious to explore the north while he is here and hopefully be able to convince Sanemi to support Sabito’s cause.
“My prince, you want my army,” Sanemi brings them back to the topic at hand. “You want me to bend the knee for Sabito.”
“Yes,” Giyuu answers, trying to appear as serious and diplomatic as possible despite the squirming toddler on his lap. “Your army would provide great aid to my brother, alongside your support, my lord.”
“What are you willing to do to gain it?” Sanemi asks him, propping his elbows on the table to fold his hands together, dinner long forgotten. “I cannot simply hand over my army for nothing in return; you must know this.”
Obanai watches them like a hawk, eyes darting back and forth between them, pretending he isn’t listening.
Giyuu begins the rehearsed speech Sabito had given him beforehand. “King Sabito—”
“No,” Sanemi cuts him off, shaking his head. “What are you willing to do for my army and support, not your brother, just you?”
Giyuu blanks a little at the question. He is willing to do whatever it takes, but he himself only has little to offer. He is not the king, just merely a prince, somewhat of an heir placeholder. Everything Sanemi should want are things Sabito can provide, let it be money, land, or power, once he has regained the throne.
“Anything,” Giyuu finally responds, finding Sanemi’s aura to be quite intimidating.
He supposes that makes sense. He was warned that northern alphas were to be handled with extreme care and to tread lightly around them, lest he offend them.
“Very well,” Sanemi says, glancing between Giyuu and Genya. “You want my army and support to aid King Sabito’s fight for the throne against Tengen,” he states. “I want a mate, an omega, someone that can help bring up my child, grant me a few more in the years to come, and stand by my side as a partner.”
Giyuu nods, he’s not following but pretends he is. “King Sabito will do his best to provide you with a suitable mate of your choosing, my lord, I am sure of it.”
He supposes Sabito could find Sanemi a mate the alpha would approve of. There are countless omegas and betas of noble standing that would please the northern alpha from houses eager to gain Sabito’s favor. There are some people who take multiple mates, much like Tengen is currently doing, so Giyuu assumes Sabito could make that work if that’s what Sanemi wanted.
Mitsuri, an omega of House Kanroji, is quite sought after, but House Kanroji has yet to declare a side in this war. Giyuu is sure House Kanroji could be convinced if Sabito were to gain Sanemi’s support. Sanemi is a handsome alpha and seems polite enough. Giyuu is sure anyone would be pleased to have him as a mate, especially his best friend.
In Giyuu’s arms, Genya starts rattling off random words and phrases, entertaining himself while he eats and trying to pull Obanai into his conversation. Obanai indulges the child but keeps his attention focused on Giyuu and Sanemi.
“Of my choosing?” Sanemi asks, eyes ablaze now as he looks at Giyuu. “Are you sure about that?”
Giyuu finds himself feeling flustered at Sanemi’s stare. He pretends to busy himself with Genya to avoid Sanemi’s sharp eyes and save face. Thankfully, his scent is still heavily masked with the smell of dragon and leather to truly let his emotions be detected.
“Yes, of course,” Giyuu promises the alpha. “Is there anyone in particular you are seeking?” He asks. “Kanroji Mitsuri is quite sought after. I’m sure my brother could make arrangements for you to mate with her.”
Mitsuri is one of Giyuu’s closest friends. They were tutored together as pups, back when Mitsuri was brought to court at Dragonfire. Mitsuri is amazing, and Giyuu is sure that Sanemi could make his friend happy. He’s sure Mitsuri would adore Genya as well. The pup is quite easy to like.
Sanemi frowns at the mention of Mitsuri’s name, gaze shifting into a glare. “No, I do not want her.”
Giyuu feeds Genya another bite of food, trying to scour his brain for other possible choices for Sanemi. He cannot fail, not when he has barely arrived.
“Well, there’s also—”
“I want you,” Sanemi states, making Giyuu look up at him with a shocked expression. “If your brother wants my army and support, then I shall have you as my mate; that is my condition.”
“You want me…?” Giyuu repeats, trying to process what Sanemi has just said. “As your mate?”
He never thought that would be the compromise for Sanemi’s army. It is not that he does not find himself to be a desirable omega, but surely, there are better options. Of course, Giyuu is currently Sabito’s heir, but that will change once Sabito has children of his own.
To be chosen by someone as powerful and handsome as Sanemi, it makes Giyuu’s face flush a deep red.
It is said that every noble house in the kingdom was once a kingdom of its own, but once the dragon lords arrived, they united them into one kingdom by threat of fire and have ruled them ever since. The northern kingdom was one of the largest and most powerful before the conquest. They didn’t bend the knee to Giyuu’s ancestors right away, but eventually, lost the fight and joined the newly formed kingdom.
Looking at Sanemi now, Giyuu can see a king in the man, a powerful, strong-willed king that would rule efficiently. He is a beast of a man, feared and respected within the north, and by many of the noble houses in the realm.
“Unless you are already betrothed again?” Sanemi questions with a raised eyebrow. “If so, I did not mean to offend you nor your brother; news travels rather slow up north, you see, especially during the winter.”
Giyuu shakes his head. He’d been betrothed once before the war broke out. He and Murata, a noble beta, had been promised to each other when they were still young, as an attempt to unite their houses and help secure a strong ally for House Tomioka as things grew tense with the other dragon lords.
But once the war began, the engagement was called off by Tengen since Murata’s family had declared their support for the usurper. Giyuu was disappointed, he will admit, since Murata was a good man, kind, and attentive. He wonders often if Murata thinks of him and what they could’ve had together. He should probably let that thought rest, especially now that Sanemi has proposed marriage to him.
“It is the price for my army and support,” Sanemi states with a shrug. “If you want to secure the army for your king, you must accept my offer,” he says casually, as if he weren’t proposing marriage to the omega. “I realize the north is cold, and you are a prince born in the warm climate of Dragonfire, but you will not long for anything here, that I can promise you.”
Giyuu looks down at Genya’s little head, covered in thick, black hair. His inner omega has decided it likes this child, and he can see himself quickly growing attached to the little pup. Sanemi looks to be a good alpha; his instincts certainly wouldn’t protest to mating with him.
But this is a big decision. He isn’t sure what to do. He doesn’t think Sabito would oppose, given that his brother told him to do whatever was necessary for the army. Giyuu is also not naive to the fact that even before the war broke out, he has always been the spare to the heir.
“Can I give you my answer in the morning?” Giyuu asks, subconsciously tightening his hold on Genya when the nursemaid approaches them. “There is much I have to think about.”
Genya doesn’t seem to mind; if anything, he leans himself back against Giyuu as he finishes eating, now covered in food.
Sanemi nods. “Of course, take the entire day and give me your answer tomorrow at dinner when I show you the wall, where the border begins to this realm.” He looks down at his son and leans over, scenting and kissing the boy on the cheeks despite the food covering them. He seems to love his son very much. It’s awfully endearing to watch, Giyuu finds. “I do apologize, but it is time for my son to retire for the night. If his sleep schedule is cut short, I fear we will all hear of it in the morning.”
Giyuu nods and hands Genya off to the nursemaid with some reluctance. “Of course, my apologies.”
Sanemi waves him off after the nursemaid has taken the child and departed. “You do not need to apologize to me, my prince; you are a guest here. I promise you will see him in the morning when we break fast.” He motions toward the servants again. “Please refill his dinner.”
“There’s no need,” Giyuu attempts to protest. “There is still more than enough for me to eat.”
“My son might be small, but he certainly enjoys food,” Sanemi says, watching the servants rush to refill Giyuu’s meal. “I want you to enjoy your stay here and eat well, especially because you are not accustomed to the cold. It would do no one any good if you were to fall ill.”
Giyuu doesn’t object further and eats, fully aware of Sanemi’s gaze on him. He tries not to fluster under the alpha’s eyes but finds it a difficult task.
Obanai seems to be enjoying Giyuu’s suffering. He keeps watching Sanemi and Giyuu interact out of the corner of his eye. He seems to enjoy gossip far too much.
“If I may ask, Lord Shinazugawa,” Giyuu breaks the silence that’s fallen over the dinner table. He attempts to tread carefully since the last thing he wants to do is offend Sanemi in the alpha’s own home. “What is the real reason you have not given Tengen your army? I have heard rumors that he is quite fond of you and has been since you were both small. I am sure he would’ve accepted your marriage proposal, had you offered it to him.”
Sanemi doesn’t speak for a long moment; instead, takes a drink from his cup before turning to face Giyuu. “I suppose that is a fair question,” he confesses. “If you are to be my mate, assuming you accept my proposal, I would not dream of hiding anything from you,” he swears, making Giyuu’s blood rush in his ears. He finds that he likes that, a lot. “I considered proposing marriage to him, but he is bound to the capital city and his first mate already, at least while he sits on the throne, and I wouldn’t ever dream of leaving the north. This is my home, and where my son will be raised as the next lord. It was his mother’s request before she passed. So, all of that to say, Tengen and I are bound by duty to our own homes, so I did not pursue it.”
“What made you ask me?” Giyuu asks as he stares down at his meal. “Surely you are aware I cannot offer you anything more than my person. My brother is a different story, of course, but not me. I have a dragon to my name and not much more.”
He does not want there to be misunderstandings. The last thing he needs is for Sanemi to think the omega can give him something he does not have.
“My son likes you,” Sanemi simply states. “He does not share his affection freely despite not being that much older than a babe, so I value his opinion,” he explains before grinning, all sharp teeth. “Besides, I find you quite beautiful and charming, truly an omega worth fighting a war for. You are the blood of the dragon, and it shows in your character,” he goes on. “I hope I am not offending you, my prince, with my bold statements.”
“You are not offending me,” Giyuu reassures the lord, feeling his entire face heat up from Sanemi’s compliments. He looks up to meet the alpha’s eyes, trying to appear as unaffected by his words as possible.
“Your brother is very easy on the eyes,” Sanemi acknowledges, referencing Sabito. “It is often whispered by many in the realm that his younger omega brother is equally as lovely on the eyes, but I hadn’t had a chance to see for myself until today, so I cannot be blamed for proposing marriage at the sight of you.” He grins at Giyuu again, eager and teasing all in one. “Besides, as I said, my son is fond of you, and I value his opinion. I find you quite lovely.”
“All you ask is for marriage, and you will give my brother your army and support?” Giyuu asks as he takes a sip of his own drink, finding his mouth dry from every expression Sanemi sends his way. “You swear it, my lord?”
Giyuu needs to be absolutely sure.
“I swear it,” Sanemi promises, offering his cup.
Giyuu raises his own and touches them together, noticing Obanai out of the corner of his eye, still watching them. The alpha seems to be enjoying watching whatever is happening before him play out.
When dinner is concluded, Sanemi escorts Giyuu to the guest chambers.
He makes sure to point out where everything is located within the large castle. He seems to enjoy Giyuu’s reactions to everything, clearly proud of his home.
“It’s warm in the castle because it was built over natural hot springs,” Sanemi explains. “We have a section dedicated to bathing if you wish to do so while you’re here. The water always runs hot, and it’s very refreshing.”
Giyuu hums. “I would like that,” he admits, thinking back to his warm and cozy home on Dragonfire. “The ride here was longer than I’d anticipated and much colder. I knew the north was cold, of course, but I thought since it was still the summer months, perhaps it wouldn’t have been so bad.”
“I’ll have the hot springs prepared for you whenever you would like to take a bath in them,” Sanemi promises, stopping once he gets to a large door. “I can have the servants bring up water for you to bathe tonight in your room, if you wish. There will be staff on duty during your entire stay if you need anything, my prince, just step outside and call for one.”
Giyuu shakes his head, both at how Sanemi keeps addressing him and at the bath. He does not want to disturb servants who have probably already gone to bed. “Giyuu is fine, please, we are equals at the moment, my lord.”
“Well, Sanemi is fine as well,” Sanemi offers.
“Thank you, Sanemi, for your hospitality and letting me meet your son; he is precious,” Giyuu expresses his gratitude, bowing his head. “I will see you when we break fast in the morning.”
“Of course,” Sanemi says, reaching his hand out toward the omega. “May I?”
Giyuu swallows and nods, offering his hand that’s still covered in his riding leather glove. “Yes,” he whispers.
Sanemi takes Giyuu’s hand and gently skims his pointer finger along the edge of Giyuu’s riding glove until he touches skin. It’s a rather intimate gesture since Sanemi is gently touching the scent glands on Giyuu’s wrist. It’s to show that Sanemi sees Giyuu as a potential mate as he mixes their scents together.
They probably wouldn’t do this if they were back at Dragonfire or the capital city, but this is Sanemi’s domain, and whatever he says goes. Giyuu finds that he doesn’t mind that, not one bit.
“Please think about my offer,” Sanemi whispers back before retreating down the long hallway. “Goodnight, Giyuu.”
Giyuu stands there, feeling dazed, before entering the guest chambers.
There are no servants to help him get ready for bed, but he finds that he does not mind it. He enjoys having a moment of peace and silence to himself as he considers Sanemi’s proposal.
He does not know if being in the north could bring him happiness, but he supposes he could always visit the south from time to time, and hopefully, bring little Genya along. He’s positive Sabito would like the little pup, and he finds himself dreaming of showing Genya the ocean and all his favorite spots from when he was a child.
The north could be his home, his own domain to help rule alongside Sanemi. Of course, the omega loves his brother, truly, but this war and the throne have always been Sabito’s claims, never Giyuu’s. Here in the north, he could make a life for himself that’s just his. Perhaps Dead Calm could be happy here as well. He’d love to take little Genya into the sky with him eventually, perhaps the boy’s father as well.
In the middle of the night, when sleep is nowhere to be found, Giyuu gets out of bed, finding that the chambers stay heated, probably due to the hot springs underneath the castle. It’s a nice feeling.
He sits at the desk in the room and writes a letter to Sabito, stating that he has obtained the army, and that he will remain in the north to marry Sanemi, since those are the alpha’s conditions.
It feels surreal writing the letter. Never once did Giyuu think he would gain a mate here, much less become a stepparent to a child. He finds that he does not mind gaining a mate and a child, but he cannot be too hasty. He will wait and see how the following day goes before making his decision. He tries to draft a second letter, one where he tells his brother he has failed to obtain the army, but finds it impossible to write, unlike the first one.
Eventually, sleep begins to overpower him, so he tucks the first letter into the desk and finds his way back into bed.
He dreams of Sanemi and Genya that night, sleeping better than he has in months since the war began. The furs that line the bed are warm and thick, smelling of the castle. They would make for a good nest, that’s for certain.
In the morning, the servants run Giyuu a bath and bring him his luggage he’d left on his dragon’s saddle so that he can change into fresh garments. The hot water feels divine and helps ease the tension in his body.
He feels better, refreshed, and ready to face Sanemi as he heads toward the dining room to break fast. He isn’t wearing his riding leathers anymore; instead, dressed more formally. A part of him knows it is to try and impress Sanemi, a potential mate, but another part of him doesn’t want to admit that he is trying to do such a thing.
“Giyuu!” Genya greets Giyuu when the omega arrives, pointing excitedly at the omega from where his nursemaid holds him at the table.
Surely, Genya is old enough to sit on his own, but Giyuu concludes that there is no one here to make those kinds of decisions for the child. Giyuu could potentially be that person if he were to accept Sanemi’s offer of marriage.
“Hello, Genya, it’s lovely to see you again,” Giyuu smiles at the little pup. “Who taught you my name?”
“I did, I figured he might as well learn it,” Obanai says, making Sanemi shake his head, but he doesn’t reprimand his second in command. “His nursemaid says he hasn’t stopped talking about you since last night.”
Giyuu finds that amusing. He takes his seat next to Sanemi and greets the alpha properly, not hesitating to take the little pup when he reaches for the omega. It feels natural to do so.
“Well, it’s nice to see you as well,” Giyuu says as Genya beams at the sight of him. “Did you already eat?”
“He’s been waiting for you,” Sanemi admits, sounding rather fond. It appears that he’s been waiting for Giyuu as well. “He’s also planning on taking you out on a tour of the castle and grounds today after we finish eating, so make sure you eat well.”
“Oh, really?” Giyuu smiles at the toddler. “How charming,” he comments. “Perhaps eventually, Genya can meet Dead Calm, my dragon?” He offers. “Maybe his father would like to as well?”
Sanemi smirks and begins eating. “Perhaps, we shall see, depending on what happens later, a visit to where the dragon is being housed will be in order for my son.”
“Are they treating my dragon well?” Giyuu asks, frowning at the thought of his Dead Calm suffering while in the snowy land. It takes a lot to feed and accommodate a dragon, but surely, Sanemi would be accommodating, given his old friendship with Sabito.
“More than well,” Obanai reassures Giyuu, waving off the omega’s worry. “He’s been a glutton, according to the people assigned to attend to him, so please, don’t fret over him. He’s happily feasting on livestock whenever he pleases.”
“Dragon?” Genya asks, eyes wide and full of excitement. “Dragon!”
“Maybe,” Sanemi calms his son. “We shall see, Genya.”
“Dragon?” Genya whispers to Giyuu, pouting as he looks at the omega with pleading eyes.
“Hopefully later,” Giyuu promises, combing his fingers through Genya’s hair. His heart swells when Genya’s smile returns.
“Let’s eat,” Sanemi orders. “There is much to do today, much to see.”
“I hope I’m not throwing off your day with my unexpected visit,” Giyuu apologizes. “I know my brother was quite vague when he wrote to you about my visit.”
“Rest assured, it’s no issue,” Sanemi reassures him. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a guest, so I suppose I am in high spirits to show you around. I figured we could also visit the wall later in the day, after Genya is brought back to his nursemaid. Although it might require us to stay the night there, given how far it is located.”
“Oh,” Giyuu hums but nods in agreement to Sanemi’s plans. “I would’ve thought you constantly hosted many nobles,” he admits. “I’m honored, Sanemi.”
Obanai grins from his seat, probably at how casually Giyuu is addressing Sanemi. Giyuu wishes he could throw some bread across the table at the coy alpha. He reminds Giyuu of Mitsuri far too much.
“Very few nobles are willing to make the journey north and embrace the cold,” Sanemi admits, watching Giyuu feed Genya. “I have found that it takes rather specific people for the task, such as yourself.”
Giyuu nods, not wanting to fluster at the words and show Sanemi just how affected he is after a simple compliment. Instead, he focuses his attention on Sanemi’s son.
Once they finish eating, Sanemi ushers Giyuu toward one of the doors that lead outside, toward the Godswoods, located on the western side of the castle. It is a place of religious worship; one Giyuu has read about during his studies when he was younger. He knows they worship the old Gods in the north still and has always found it interesting, since many still participate in the old traditions of mating chases and bites, unlike the new followings of the new Gods.
“Here,” Sanemi says, placing a heavy cloak, lined with fur, over Giyuu’s shoulders and clasping it over his collarbones with a brooch in the shape of a wolf. It is evident from the smell of it that this cloak belongs to Sanemi. “It’ll keep you warm,” he promises, covering Giyuu’s head with the hood, pleasuring the omega’s instincts. “The cold spares no one here, even those with the blood of the dragon.”
Giyuu keeps Genya nested in his arms, smiling alongside the toddler when Genya gets covered in the fabric of the garment and shoves it out of his face.
The toddler is dressed for the cold weather, alongside his father; it’s only Giyuu that’s underdressed, well, better now, given the cloak Sanemi has given him. Genya wears a small cloak of his own, only adding to his charm, making Giyuu pinch his cute little face until the child starts to whine.
“Watch your step,” Sanemi warns, keeping a hand on Giyuu’s lower back. “It can be dangerous to walk on the slippery ground when you’re not used to snow.”
“Thank you,” Giyuu expresses, trying to keep his scent calm at having Sanemi’s hand on him. It feels nice, extremely nice, like it has always belonged there.
He’s often heard that northerners run hotter than normal people, and he’s finding that to be true, making him wonder what other whispers are true as well.
“If he gets too heavy, I can take him, or he can walk,” Sanemi offers, gesturing toward Genya, who immediately shakes his head at his father’s words. “He should walk; he’s getting far too big to be carried everywhere. I’m afraid everyone here spoils him far too much.”
“I don’t mind holding him,” Giyuu promises as he keeps Genya hoisted up on his hip, nosing at the little alpha’s face. “He’s so small, I’m afraid he’ll get lost in the piles of snow if I put him down.”
Sanemi smiles, seeming to enjoy Giyuu being protective of his son. “Very well then.”
The guards outside part to let them through, and suddenly, they’re outside where light snow is falling and the wind whips at their faces.
“What do you know of the old Gods?” Sanemi asks, leading Giyuu outside into the cold with the hand he has on the omega’s back.
Genya pretends to shiver and shoves his little face into Giyuu’s shoulder, nearly knocking his own little hood off his head.
“Cold!” Genya gasps.
Giyuu smiles and hugs Genya close, making the little alpha preen in content. Clearly, his plan was to get extra cuddles, and he has succeeded.
“Be nice to Giyuu,” Sanemi warns his son. “We want him to stay.”
Giyuu keeps Genya closer to him, wanting to keep the boy warm and to shield him from the chilly winds. He doesn’t mind indulging the child. He’s so adorable, how could Giyuu possibly deny him anything?
“I know a few things about the old Gods,” Giyuu answers Sanemi’s earlier question. “I know they are still heavily worshiped here and in some parts of the east where House Rengoku is located.” He looks over at Sanemi. “You’re a big believer in the old Gods.”
“I am,” Sanemi acknowledges, gesturing toward his son. “He is as well, or he will be as he gets older. I hope that doesn’t deter you from staying. I know you believe in the new Gods where you are from, but tradition is important to my house.”
“I do, but it wouldn’t be something that would deter me from staying. I find it interesting to learn about the old Gods, even if I do not believe in them,” Giyuu reassures the alpha, staring at the entrance to the Godswoods. “These woods are massive,” he comments. “Are they truly all kept in the castle’s walls?”
“They are,” Sanemi smiles, clearly proud of his home. “They span as far as the eye can see.”
“It feels…disrespectful for me to enter such a place,” Giyuu admits as Sanemi ushers them inside. “I don’t believe in them, surely, I shouldn’t be allowed here.”
“I say you’re allowed, so you’re allowed,” Sanemi reassures him. “The old Gods welcome everyone, especially a potential mate to the Lord of House Shinazugawa. You are more than worthy.”
Giyuu blushes and nods. “You seem rather sure I will stay.”
Sanemi offers him a sweet smile, a complete contrast to his rugged appearance. “I have a lot of faith, and well, I would be lying if I said I didn’t want you to stay,” he confesses, looking around at the trees for a moment. “I’ve grown fond of you since you arrived, and it has been a long time since I’ve felt anything like that.”
“Suppose I say yes tonight,” Giyuu says, letting Genya down once the child starts to squirm. He keeps a sharp eye on the boy to make sure he doesn’t wander too far, as does the boy’s father. “How soon would we be mated?”
“As soon as you wish it,” Sanemi answers. “Of course, we would be engaged to be wed from the moment the words left your mouth. My second in command would be the witness, and from there, we’d send word to your brother and anyone else of relevance.”
“You’re aware of what the consequences might be if Tengen finds out you are bending the knee to Sabito and giving him an army?” Giyuu asks, taking a leaf that Genya offers him.
“I am aware,” Sanemi confesses, taking a seat on a bench near the massive tree at the center of the Godswoods. He motions for Giyuu to join him as they watch Genya play in the area around them. “But rest assured, I think what I will gain out of swearing my loyalty and army is more than worth the repercussions.”
Giyuu sits with a bit of reluctance, both at being so close to Sanemi and because Genya gets too far for his liking. He only calms when he sees Obanai lingering nearby, keeping the boy from going too far.
He turns to face the alpha, knowing his face is probably flushed from Sanemi’s sweet words.
“Would I be able to come and go to Dragonfire as I please after we are mated?” Giyuu asks. “That is important to me.”
Sanemi frowns. “Well, I would worry about your safety, given the war…”
“Well, Sanemi, I have a dragon,” Giyuu helpfully reminds the alpha. “I am rarely without Dead Calm when I travel. I have learned from the mistakes of those who came before me, rest assured.”
“That is true, you are not as vulnerable as some would think,” Sanemi agrees, but his eyebrows remain furrowed. “But for my peace of mind, I would ask you to be careful if you’re choosing to go, or rather wait until the war has ended to travel.”
“Tree!” Genya shrieks, pointing toward one of the larger trees in the woods. “Look!”
Giyuu feigns shock as he looks toward where Genya points. “Wow,” he indulges the toddler.
Genya seems satisfied with that as he moves along with Obanai following behind him like a shadow.
“You truly swear your army, and your loyalty would be to my brother’s cause?” Giyuu asks, tone as serious as he can muster.
“I swear it,” Sanemi promises, voice low and without humor. “We northerners are known to uphold our oaths, believe me when I say I live up to the tradition,” he states. “As long as you follow through with your oath to wed me, that is all I ask in return.”
“A dragon does not go back on their oath either,” Giyuu confesses, meeting Sanemi’s gaze. “I will keep my word as well.”
Sanemi’s pretty lips form into a grin, sharp and excited. “So, I take it you’ve already decided then?”
Giyuu’s lips part, feeling as if he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t be doing. He doesn’t want to let the alpha best him, not when he can retaliate right back.
“So, what if I have?” Giyuu holds his ground, trying to save face. “Will you not have me?”
“Do not tempt the wolf,” Sanemi warns him, but his words hold no true malice, only taunt. “Because once you offer yourself to me, I will gladly take you and keep you in my den until the day of my death.”
Giyuu smiles, and his face flushes even further. “I can see myself living here,” he chooses to be honest. “I like your castle, and I like your son, quite a bit.”
“He is certainly fond of you,” Sanemi points out, reaching forward to tuck some of Giyuu’s hair behind the omega’s ear. “If I can be vulnerable for a moment, it was one of the things I feared, that a new mate wouldn’t be as accepting of my son. But you, you are kind to him, I like that about you, a lot.”
“Well, they would be foolish not to accept him,” Giyuu declares, looking out to find Genya riding atop Obanai’s shoulders in the distance. “Regardless, I won’t give anyone else the opportunity to think less of him. If we wed, he shall be my son, and I will make sure he does not forget his mother, who has long passed. It wouldn’t be right. Genya deserves to know that many people love him, even those who have departed this world.”
“That pleases me immensely,” Sanemi confesses, swallowing.
“Sabito has taught me that family is everything,” Giyuu goes on. “I would’ve been lost without him after our parents and sister passed.”
“I admire the bond you have with your brother,” Sanemi admits. “I hope we can give Genya siblings of his own eventually. I’ve always wished for him to have a large, loud family, just like the one I grew up in. One of my biggest fears is leaving him alone once I have departed this life.”
Giyuu blushes hard, and his scent goes sweet with arousal at the mere thought of having children with Sanemi.
Sanemi uses the moment of distraction to lean closer, his handsome smile still imprinted upon his handsome face. “I cannot believe that is what gets you so flustered, Giyuu, after all of the things I’ve said to you.”
“I am fine,” Giyuu insists before he doesn’t lean away, instead, enjoys seeing Sanemi from this close up.
It is not lost on him that this is the first time he’s getting alone time with Sanemi since he arrived. He finds that he quite likes having the alpha’s attention all to himself.
“For what it's worth, a cloak belonging to my house suits you very well,” Sanemi compliments Giyuu. “Perhaps being of dragon and wolf was always meant for you.”
“Perhaps,” Giyuu whispers. “Sanemi…I do not want to wait until dinner,” he reveals, feeling rather spontaneous. “I wish to give you my answer now.”
“So, tell me then,” Sanemi indulges him, keeping his sharp, dragon eyes on Giyuu’s face. “Will you have me?”
“I will have you,” Giyuu declares. “As long as you swear your army and loyalty to my brother and promise to treat me as your equal.”
“I swear it,” Sanemi promises. “Everything you want of mine is yours; you only need to ask for it.”
“Please show me the northern courting custom then,” Giyuu whispers, leaning closer. He feels bold suddenly, even if his face is flushed. “I hear that in the north, you love more passionately and you’re more open with affection.”
“I will show you everything you desire,” Sanemi growls, reaching over to brace a hand against Giyuu’s nape to bring their mouths together.
Giyuu gasps into the kiss. He places his hands on Sanemi’s biceps and digs his fingers into the man’s clothing, trying to hold on as they kiss.
The kiss is soft and slow, but there are clear traces of desire in it. Sanemi tastes of the sweet fruit they had earlier, making Giyuu moan at the taste. He never thought fruit could taste so good before, but now, he’s suddenly grown addicted to the taste.
His instincts come to life at the kiss, desperate for more, and he almost starts to slick. It is difficult not to be affected by an alpha such as this one, one strong, brave, handsome, compassionate, and a little mean.
Giyuu sighs into the kiss when he feels Sanemi’s other hand land on his waist, pulling him in closer. This all feels rather intimate now, making him feel like he’s in over his head. Sure, he has kissed a few people before, Murata included, but for many things, he’s still a bit inexperienced. Sanemi does not seem to mind and makes up for whatever skills Giyuu lacks as their mouths stay pressed against one another for what seems like a lifetime underneath the large tree.
“I will send word to my brother,” Giyuu quietly pants once they part, finding Sanemi’s lips bruised and full of color from the cold and from the kiss.
“As will I,” Sanemi says, leaning closer to press one last kiss to Giyuu’s lips. “I promise, you won’t regret this, I’ll make sure of it.”
Giyuu feels like he is soaring through the sky on dragon-back at Sanemi’s kisses and the sweet words. It’s more than he could’ve hoped for, so much more. Truly, no person has ever made him feel so lightheaded, desperate, and desired in his life.
“When shall we be wed?” Giyuu asks. “I fear my brother might not be able to make the journey, given the state of things, for the celebration.”
“It is the law of my house that when it comes to alliances, both sides must provide what they are offering before anything is done on our side,” Sanemi explains. “Your brother needs my army as soon as possible, I assume?”
Giyuu nods, licking at his lips. Sanemi watches the omega’s tongue swipe with sharp, concentrated eyes, almost forgetting to reply.
“Sanemi,” Giyuu gets the alpha’s attention.
“We shall wed in three days' time, according to my house’s customs, if you do not object. Later, once things are settled in the war, I propose we do it again with your own house’s customs so your brother can be in attendance,” Sanemi suggests, breaking his gaze away from Giyuu’s face. “Three days will give me time to call the banners, gather my army, and have them prepare to march south to meet your brother.”
“Three days?” Giyuu repeats, blinking in surprise.
“I would do it sooner, but I must meet with my council to discuss preparations for both the war and my marriage to you. Do not worry, though, they are all aware that the north owes a great duty to the kingdom and to its rightful heir,” Sanemi explains. “Or does three days seem too sudden?” He asks. “I don’t mean to frighten you; I just know your brother needs the support as soon as possible.”
Giyuu shakes his head. “No, it is fine, I came here to do whatever it took to gain my brother your army,” he admits. “Three days is nothing in return for a possible victory for him. Besides, I’ve not only gained your support and army for him, but I’ve gained a mate and a son, so much more than I could’ve ever expected. I will do whatever it takes for everything to work out.”
“It pleases me that you’re happy,” Sanemi confesses, standing up to offer Giyuu a hand. “Come, I wish to take you to see the wall after we’ve finished the tour of the castle.”
Giyuu stands, looking off into the distance to see Obanai retreating back to the castle with Genya asleep in his arms. He feels his instincts relax at seeing Genya being cared for by Obanai. He already feels so much for Sanemi’s son, letting him know he’s not making a mistake by accepting to wed Sanemi.
They spend the rest of the late morning touring the castle and its vast grounds, stopping only once to eat again and to pay Genya a visit in the nursery.
The castle is massive, filled with many people, and so many passages that Giyuu can see himself getting lost while he adjusts to life here. He can also see himself making a life here, however, and helping manage the castle.
The hot springs are his favorite place besides the nursery. He cannot wait to indulge and bathe in them later. Sanemi teases that it must be the dragon blood inside of Giyuu that makes the omega long for the hot water. Giyuu doesn’t hesitate to retaliate, whispering in Sanemi’s ear that it’s the prospect of the alpha joining him in the hot springs that makes his blood rush. That answer makes Sanemi growl, throw his arm around Giyuu’s waist, and pull him in for another kiss, this one much less sweet and soft than the last.
“The wall is a half-day ride away by horse,” Sanemi informs Giyuu as they head toward the stables after making sure they are prepared to spend the night at the wall. “We will return here tomorrow in the late morning, Gods willing.”
Giyuu stops and looks in the direction they’ve informed him his dragon is being kept in. “Let’s take my dragon, it’ll be faster than any horse, and… I wish for you to meet him.”
Sanemi turns from where he was walking in front of the omega. “Your dragon?” He asks. “I’ve met him once already when you first arrived. He’s a rather large beast, isn’t he?”
“You met him with a group of people,” Giyuu corrects. “Never on your own nor as my betrothed.” He catches up to Sanemi and takes the alpha’s hand, smiling softly when Sanemi interlaces their fingers together and pulls the omega closer to him. “Besides, it is important to me that he likes you. He’s like a son to me, my own Genya, if you will.”
“Very well,” Sanemi gives in, although his scent gives off the weakest scent of fear. “…We shall ride your dragon to the wall.”
“Lord Shinazugawa, are you perhaps afraid of my dragon?” Giyuu seizes the moment to taunt the man. “An alpha of your title and standing?”
“I fear no one,” Sanemi defends his honor with pale lips and a glare. “If you trust the beast, I shall find it within myself to trust him too.”
“Of course,” Giyuu says, not believing a word but pulling Sanemi toward his dragon regardless.
Dead Calm is pleased to see Giyuu when they arrive, screeching in delight and making the walls shake.
“We shall have a pit built for him,” Sanemi promises Giyuu. “Please consider it my wedding gift to you.”
Giyuu smiles, pleased by that, as he approaches his dragon.
“Have they been treating you well?” Giyuu speaks softly to the beast, rubbing at Dead Calm’s snout.
He turns to see Sanemi standing by the attendants assigned to Dead Calm, looking weary of coming closer. “Sanemi,” he says, holding out his free hand. “Come meet my dragon.”
Sanemi, with some reluctance, approaches slowly, reaching back to make sure his sword is still attached to him.
The notion of a sword standing a chance against Dead Calm makes Giyuu want to laugh, but he doesn’t; instead, he leans his head against Sanemi’s to show Dead Calm he trusts the alpha, so the dragon should as well.
Sanemi takes the opportunity to scent Giyuu and give his waist a squeeze before turning his attention back to the dragon.
“You were truly a child when you first mounted this beast?” Sanemi asks, hesitantly reaching a palm out to touch Dead Calm with Giyuu’s guidance.
“I was only six the first time,” Giyuu confirms. “Dead Calm was six as well, but dragons grow much faster and bigger than humans. He was good to me, though, since we’d grown up together. He trusted me and has kept trusting me ever since.”
“Insanity,” Sanemi says, running his palm along the dragon’s scales. “I cannot imagine doing such a thing at that young an age.”
“If we are to have children, they will be given a dragon egg of their own at birth,” Giyuu points out, beaming at the mere thought. “It is the tradition of my house, and well, every dragon lord.” He thinks back to Genya. “I wish to bring Genya riding with me eventually. I never wish for him to feel left out since he does not share the blood of the dragon and will not be able to have his own.”
“I know I’ve said this multiple times already, but it pleases me and my instincts that you already consider my pup your own. As for our future children having dragons— well, Genya will be my heir, so I suppose it evens out,” Sanemi says. “But you will have to give me more time before I allow my pup near this beast…”
“Of course,” Giyuu says, smiling at the alpha. “There is no rush, my dragon and I are not leaving anytime soon.”
Sanemi hums, pleased by that, before looking over at Giyuu. “I cannot imagine having such a beast at my command,” he confesses, offering Giyuu a soft smile. “You’re truly remarkable.”
“Thank you,” Giyuu shyly expresses his gratitude. “I fear you might not say that after we’ve departed, though, since I must warn you, your first flight on dragon-back is always memorable and sometimes not in the best ways.”
“How scary can it be…” Sanemi mumbles, trying to sound unaffected, but his scent gives him away. “I’ll be fine.”
As it turns out, Sanemi’s first flight on dragon-back is truly horrifying, just as Giyuu predicted it would be. He sits behind Giyuu and keeps his arms wrapped around the omega’s middle, head buried in the omega’s neck, and practically suffocating him as they soar through the sky.
They made sure, however, before departing, to have Obanai send off their letters to Sabito through a raven, announcing their betrothal and pledging Sanemi’s army and loyalty to the king.
Giyuu wonders what his brother’s reaction will be. He hopes his victory in the north will please Sabito. All Giyuu has ever wanted is to please his brother, considering how much Sabito has done for him throughout his life.
For now, he soars alongside Sanemi on dragon-back, smiling when the alpha props his chin on the omega’s shoulder and turns to kiss him and scent him on the cheek.
Eventually, they arrive at the wall, and Sanemi is the first to hop off the dragon on unsteady legs.
It is truly a sight. The wall is large, overlooking the northern border of the kingdom.
Giyuu stares in awe at the land on the other side of the wall. He’d never expected it to find it so enthralling. He wonders what lingers past the wall.
“Careful,” Sanemi says from where he stands behind Giyuu, keeping a hand on the omega’s waist, as if afraid he’ll fall. He seems enthralled with the omega’s waist. “Many have fallen, all it takes is one misstep, then not even your dragon will cross it to save you.”
“Truly?” Giyuu asks, leaning back against Sanemi.
“Truly,” Sanemi confirms. “They say no beast, despite its reputation, is willing to cross this wall.”
“What lies beyond the wall?” Giyuu frowns, making sure his hood covers his head as he thinks of what horrors could live there. “Do you know?”
It is awfully cold this far north, and the prospect of unknown enemies that not even a dragon could defeat makes Giyuu shiver.
“My ancestors claimed that nothing but death awaits those who cross the wall,” Sanemi confesses. “But I have never dared to test the theory, only have done my duty to uphold the wall,” he says. “Once, Kyojuro of House Rengoku came to visit, and he swore there was someone calling to him on the other side with a demonic presence. It left him feeling uneasy.”
Giyuu narrows his eyes at Sanemi’s words, wondering just what Kyojuro saw. The beta is not easily intimidated, so for him to have been cautious, it must’ve been something chilling.
“Will you be able to spare enough warriors for my brother’s army despite the wall’s protection?” Giyuu decides to change the subject, looking around at all the people Sanemi has assigned to patrol the wall. “I know you take the protection of the wall very seriously. I bet you make your ancestors very proud.”
“Do not fret about that,” Sanemi reassures him, pulling the omega away from the edge, scent turning just a bit nervous as if afraid Giyuu will fall if he does not act. “There are many warriors in the north, many houses that have pledged their allegiance to me. Once I call the banners, there will be more than enough warriors for your brother’s army. I promised you an army for your brother, and I plan to make good on my word.”
Giyuu nods, feeling satisfied and happy with the alpha’s answer. “It is said that my ancestors and those of House Uzui once stood here with the past rulers of the north, back when this was its own kingdom, and the dragon lords were seeking to conquer.”
“Now, here we stand,” Sanemi says, giving Giyuu’s waist an affectionate squeeze. “Except, I find this time more enjoyable, given that we’ll be wed soon. Plus, you did not threaten me to bend the knee with your dragon and the promise of fire, unlike the conquerors did to my ancestors,” he goes on, sounding amused.
“Well, I am offering myself in place of attacking you with my dragon,” Giyuu points out, letting Sanemi guide him toward their home for the night, away from the wall and the curious eyes of some of the warriors that linger. “Besides, you do not seem like a man who would bend the knee easily even by threat, just like your ancestors.”
“Of course not,” Sanemi states. “It is admirable to fight for your house, for your name, and for your family.” He looks back at Giyuu with a soft expression. “You shall be my family soon as well, so I will fight in your brother’s war if it means having you for myself and keeping you safe.”
“I cannot express enough of my gratitude, my lord,” Giyuu confesses, smiling when Sanemi glares at him. “Sanemi, I mean.”
“You shall be my mate soon, so no more of this formal nonsense,” Sanemi requests. “We shall be equals, I promised you that, didn’t I?”
“You did,” Giyuu acknowledges, looking around once they arrive at their destination after a few minutes of trekking through the heavy snow.
It is a small house, a cottage almost, and certainly no castle. It is warm, though, decorated, and certainly equipped for the Lord of House Shinazugawa. There are guards stationed outside the perimeter, all ready to defend their lord with their lives.
Despite the cozy cottage, Giyuu worries a little about his dragon. He hopes Dead Calm is doing well. They’d left the dragon to rest and eat in a large cave with many people to attend to him. The snow did not seem to bother him, which made Giyuu feel better about leaving him behind while they explored the wall. Still, it is much colder near the wall despite it being the summer months.
“I only employ a few servants this far north,” Sanemi explains once they’re inside, free of the heavy snowfall. “So, I hope you do not mind that. I know you come from a place full of servants that lurk in every corner.”
“I do not mind,” Giyuu reassures him, walking over to the fireplace for some warmth. “It’s nice, I think, just spending time the two of us. Sometimes peace and quiet are necessary.”
Sanemi hums in agreement from somewhere behind Giyuu. “I made sure your dragon was being cared for, so do not worry yourself about him. My warriors in the north are loyal; they will make sure no harm comes to your beast even if they are wary of him.”
Giyuu turns to smile at the alpha, beyond pleased. His scent sweetens as well, a further sign of how content he is.
Despite the cold, it has been a fun affair seeing the north, especially the wall, but Giyuu will not deny that the land here is extremely hostile and cold.
He takes off his gloves to find his fingers pink from the cold.
“How often do you come up to the wall?” Giyuu asks, holding his hands up to the fire in hopes of regaining feeling in them. “I cannot imagine how long the journey must take on horseback.”
“Once every two weeks,” Sanemi reveals, shedding some of his heavy garments now that they’re inside. “It is important to those who patrol here to see me here often, it reminds them that I appreciate their services and uphold my ancestors’ oath to protect the wall. Every lord of House Shinazugawa before me has done it, so I will continue to uphold the tradition, and hopefully one day soon, Genya will join me on my trips.”
Giyuu frowns at the thought of Genya being brought this far north. He finds that it worries him. He hopes Genya will not know the harsh weather of the north anytime soon, not until he is much older.
“What will happen if my brother summons you to Dragonfire for the war and keeps you there for longer than a month?” Giyuu asks, smiling when Sanemi comes up behind him and wraps his arms around him, warming the omega up even further. His worries about Genya being brought to the wall are forgotten for the time being.
“You shall be my mate by then,” Sanemi whispers as he buries his face in Giyuu’s hair, making the omega shiver. “You will hold power, and if you are willing, you can join Obanai when he comes to take my place if you do not wish to take on the responsibility. The soldiers here will think highly of you if you do. They’ll consider you a true member of House Shinazugawa, a true northerner.”
Giyuu stares into the fire as he contemplates Sanemi’s words. “Perhaps,” he answers. “I would like for your people to accept me here. I wish to be a good mate to their lord, after all, and help raise House Shinazugawa’s heir to lead gracefully one day. This is my home now.”
“Nothing would please me more,” Sanemi confesses. “I must warn you, though—there are only three rooms in this cottage.”
“Such a waste,” Giyuu whispers, feeling quite bold after such a successful day and wanting to tease the alpha a bit. “We only need one tonight.”
Giyuu has no doubt that this man is his future husband. His dragon trusts Sanemi, and he is certain Sabito will rejoice at the news. There is much to be gained from bringing House Tomioka and House Shinazugawa together, especially during times of war. Their future children will be born of the wolf and the dragon. Giyuu couldn’t have made a better choice for a mate. He is incredibly lucky; he knows this. There are few who get to choose who they mate with.
He cannot believe he arrived only a day ago, and now, he is the future husband of the Lord of House Shinazugawa, one of the most powerful houses of the realm. He’d never thought of marriage much before, not after his engagement to Murata was dissolved, but perhaps it was for the best, given that fate had other plans for him.
“Do not tempt the wolf,” Sanemi taunts back, tightening his hold on Giyuu’s waist. “Unless you are willing to face the consequences.”
“You are to be my husband in three days, are you not?” Giyuu teases in return, turning around in Sanemi’s hold to face him. “It was my understanding that northerners do not court like we do in the south,” he whispers as he wraps his arms around Sanemi’s neck. “Northerners are impatient things, or so I’ve heard.”
“You have heard right,” Sanemi confesses, running a hand up Giyuu’s back until it settles on the omega’s nape. He brings their foreheads together using the hold. “I suppose I should be a good husband and show you the proper northern courting customs. You will be one of us soon, after all.”
“Yes, please,” Giyuu pleads, finding Sanemi’s scent delightful and overwhelming this close to the source. “There is nothing I want more than that in this moment.”
There are traces of leather and fire from when they rode on dragon-back to arrive, and somehow, that makes possessiveness bleed into Giyuu like nothing else ever has. It seems to solidify things for him. This is his future mate, just his. The dragon blood in his veins burns at knowing this man is his.
The feeling is only heightened when Sanemi kisses him again, making Giyuu melt into it. He feels more confident this time around and doesn’t hesitate to show it, pressing further into Sanemi’s arms and deepening the kiss. His scent turns sweet, full of desperation and lust at the feel and taste of Sanemi’s mouth.
Courting traditions are certainly different in the north. While in the south, doing something like this would be frowned upon, in the north, it is considered normal and is expected. Giyuu finds that he likes that a lot, even more when Sanemi’s own scent turns heavy with lust of his own.
They make their way into one of the rooms, desperately tearing at their garments until nothing remains.
Giyuu lets himself be bold and pushes Sanemi onto the large bed. He climbs onto the alpha and straddles him, hoping the dim light in the room hides his flushed face. This man makes him feel manic and impatient, as if he is one seam away from coming apart.
“Down, alpha,” Giyuu whispers.
His mouth waters when Sanemi obeys him without hesitation as if the omega outranks him in every sense possible.
“Have me then, omega,” Sanemi offers himself, placing his hands on Giyuu’s naked waist. “I’m yours to do with as you please.”
“I shall have you,” Giyuu promises, placing his hands on Sanemi’s scarred chest, finding the area firm and warm, much to his delight.
He can feel himself beginning to drip slick onto Sanemi’s thighs. The scent of it growing quickly and spreading throughout the room, making Sanemi tighten his hold on Giyuu’s waist in response.
“I have heard that those of dragon blood taste sweet,” Sanemi confesses. “I would like to test that theory soon.”
Giyuu leans down, planting his hands on either side of Sanemi’s head. “Please.”
Sanemi uses the hold he has on the omega to start moving the omega on his lap, directly over his cock. It makes for a delicious slide, causing Giyuu’s slick to spread everywhere, all over Sanemi’s cock and thighs.
“As you wish,” Sanemi grins, reaching one hand down to the source of the slick before retracting it.
Giyuu watches as Sanemi brings two fingers up to his mouth, now covered in slick, and sucks on them, making the omega gasp at the sight.
“Sweet,” Sanemi comments, pressing a kiss to Giyuu’s lips to give him a taste.
Giyuu braces and finds that he enjoys it a lot, tasting himself on Sanemi’s mouth, and starts grinding against him in response.
He starts moving his hips eagerly, chasing the feeling and licking into Sanemi’s mouth. Moving against Sanemi like this almost reminds Giyuu of riding dragon-back. He supposes it isn’t much different, given that he’s currently about to mount the wolf of the north.
Giyuu moans and feels a smile spread across his face at his thoughts.
“What are you thinking about?” Sanemi asks as he pulls away and keeps grinding up against the omega. He runs his nose along Giyuu’s temple, breathing him in. “Tell me.”
“You,” Giyuu confesses, gasping when one of Sanemi’s hands reaches toward his entrance again and starts gently thrusting a finger into him.
“What a coincidence,” Sanemi says, sounding breathless as he speaks. “I’m thinking of you as well—well, truthfully, I’ve been thinking of you since you arrived the other day. I wasn’t expecting to be so enthralled with you, a dragon prince.”
Giyuu closes his eyes and tries to keep his breathing calm while Sanemi opens him, slowly adding fingers once the omega adjusts.
“I never thought I would find myself falling for someone again—after what has happened in my life,” Sanemi confesses. “I never thought I’d find happiness again, but here you are.”
Giyuu melts at the words.
“I wasn’t expecting to want to stay in the north,” Giyuu whispers, sharply inhaling when Sanemi licks at his scent glands with possessive, greedy licks. “Your marriage proposal took me by surprise, but I’m glad it happened.”
“What did you expect me to ask in return for my army and support?” Sanemi asks him, laughing softly as he keeps thrusting his fingers in and out of the omega. “Have you ever truly looked at your reflection? You are so beautiful.”
Giyuu drops his head into the crook of Sanemi’s neck and mouths at the alpha’s scent glands, eager for a taste of his own. His scent pulsates with happiness from Sanemi’s sweet words. “Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what you would ask for,” he admits. “All I knew was that I would be willing to do whatever it took to get my brother your support and his army—now I’ve gained him a brother-in-law and a nephew aside from what he’d asked for.”
Sanemi presses a sloppy kiss to Giyuu’s cheek. “Having you is worth pledging my support and my army to whatever cause is necessary,” he whispers, pulling his fingers out. “You are worth everything.”
Giyuu is about to protest at the empty feeling, finding that he does not like it, when Sanemi’s hand returns, except this time, he nudges at Giyuu’s entrance with the tip of his cock.
“You spoil me with your sweet words, husband,” Giyuu confesses, feeling Sanemi happily purr at the title. “I do not mind it.”
His lips part as Sanemi enters him, gently and slowly.
“I hope to spoil you with more than just words in the years to come,” Sanemi swears, growling once he’s fully inside Giyuu. “You are so beautiful, and I hope that I can make you happy here in the north.”
“I will hold you to that promise,” Giyuu whispers in an attempt to tease, but finds the breath knocked out of him when Sanemi braces his feet on the bed and fucks up into him. “I want to make you happy as well, as happy as possible.”
“Divine—you are divine, you feel so fucking divine,” Sanemi groans, wrapping his arm around Giyuu’s waist to bring him down closer as he thrusts into him again and again.
“I hope we stay this close for eternity,” Giyuu confesses, pushing back whenever Sanemi thrusts up into him, moaning at the sensation.
The feeling of being complete is overwhelming, making Giyuu’s head spin and his heart pound loudly in his chest, and his blood roar in his ears. He truly wishes they could stay this close for the rest of their lives, but he supposes that would make managing the north difficult.
He is being irrational, but is also in the midst of lust, ever so slowly beginning to feel the seeds of love being planted in his heart for the man beneath him. Love is still far, but Giyuu knows it will arrive soon and stay forever.
“Three days and you’re all mine,” Sanemi whispers. “I cannot wait,” he admits. “The ceremony will be beautiful, I swear it.”
“As long as you are there, it will be everything I have ever wanted,” Giyuu whispers back, gasping when Sanemi pulls out all the way and slams back in.
“You are not against being wed in front of the old Gods?” Sanemi asks, starting to thrust faster and deeper.
Giyuu moans, feeling Sanemi’s knot start to form and press against his entrance. He almost forgets to answer the alpha, too lost in everything that’s happening.
“I wish to make you happy,” Giyuu whispers once he’s regained himself. “Besides, you shall wed me on Dragonfire eventually, in front of my own Gods and ancestors.”
“I will do whatever it takes to please you,” Sanemi swears, fucking the knot into Giyuu with determined thrusts, making them both moan at the feeling of being connected as one. “Simply ask me, and it is yours, whatever you want, I swear it.”
“I want your heart,” Giyuu confesses, feeling himself tighten around Sanemi and milk him dry.
“It is yours then,” Sanemi promises, pressing a sweet kiss to Giyuu’s lips. “Take my loyalty, take my army, whatever you wish, it’s all for you, husband.”
Giyuu purrs with delight in the dark cottage, feeling happy and proud at having gained Sabito an army and House Shinazugawa’s support, gaining himself even more than he could have ever imagined in the process.
His heart belongs in the north, he knows that now.