Chapter 2. Task

Sherlock ignored the drumming in his head but before long it grew too loud and started to sound like a pounding at the door. He huffed, smacking his dried lips. "Everyone OUT! IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIVES BY ORDER OF THE KING!"

"Oh FUCK OFF!" Sherlock growled, turning over into the warm body nearest him. Well, there were several warm bodies on the large bed. The smell of sex and drugs still hung heavy in the air.

The dazed Alphas, Omegas and Betas in the room started to scatter and scramble off the bed as more of the palace guards in heavy armor entered into the room and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air.

"Mycroft?" Sherlock snapped as a heavy blast of cold water was dumped over his pounding head.

"Now that I have your attention, Father wishes a word."

"Dammit, My. Did you really have to light the place on fire?" Sherrinford coughed, waving a hand in front of his face. "Oh, Locky, come on." Sherrinford pushed his red cape over his broad shoulders, his auburn hair remaining perfectly combed back and his black doublet sculpting the tall lean Alpha's naturally strong and muscular physique. His middle brother, also a gray-eyed Alpha, wearing the same clothing but preferring the gray velvet and red cape over black. His own Auburn curls disheveled from the many times fingers had combed through the thick strands out of sheer frustration.

Both brother's pulled their growling youngest sibling up from the stained silken red and black brothel sheets.

"Best to see this place burned and make a point."

"That being?" Sherrinford coughed pulling his youngest brother towards the door, a sex stained sheet covering his youngest brother's naked form.

"Now, the other brothels in this city will know not to entertain this wayward prince in any of their rooms or be burned to the ground in such a way without reprisals."

Once outside Sherrinford laughed and coughed, squinting into the bright midday sun. "You are always thinking ahead, brother. The gods would have favored our house had they made you instead of me the next in line to be king." Sherrinford waved a carriage forward.

He glanced at his younger brothers briefly. Mycroft was watching his bodyguard closely. The gray haired Alpha was ordering his men to escort the whores from the brothel. He had the owner in cuffs and on his knees watching his beloved house of ill repute burn before his eyes.

"When I am King my wife will provide all needed heirs." Sherrinford pulled open the dark carriage's heavy doors. "And you, my brothers, will be given the freedoms you deserve." Mycroft helped lift his groggy youngest brother into the carriage, his eyes met the knowing grin of his elder brother's and the Alpha couldn't help but blush.

"Now let's get this obstinate pup cleaned up and returned to the palace before father has returned from his trip." The eldest brother laughed, sniffing the air. "We may just need to soak the boy for an hour or so to get the stink of whore and whatever drug that still lingers in his system."

"More like a month." Mycroft sighed, climbing into the carriage behind his brothers. He shot another quick glance towards the head of their palace guards. Lestrade gave a short nod of acknowledgement, his eyes followed the carriage as it left the city. He handed the cuffed man over to one of his trusted men. "Free him after he is whipped for disobeying the Prince's order. "

Lestrade snapped for his horse to be brought to him and it was. The gray haired Alpha pushed his horse to follow close behind the Princes' dark carriage.

~0~

"I will have him brought before me!" The king growled "Where is my insolent-"

"Father! Please." Sherrinford opened his arms entering the throne room. The older Holmes brother bowed before his father and raised himself to embrace the King in his dark black fur vest, his cool gray eyes narrowing behind his elder son. "He is around. It's been a long winter! We've missed you here at the palace. How fares the Northern lands?"

"Cold and without interest. Yet, a politician I must be. And our friends in the North are still that. Friends. After that embarrassment your brother caused me at the banquet a few months back-"

"Ah, it was only a trick. A boys prank. You know Sherlock meant no harm or insult. You know how he is when he is bored. Besides, the Duke's cousin was a Beta and he presented himself to any Alpha with eyes. Sherlock just happened to be inebriated by the celebration-"

"He had an Orgy in my bloody war room! With two Alphas, that Beta and the Prince of the Easterner lands. A fucking Easterner! An embarrassment."

"No father." Sherrinford patted the graying King's shoulder, motioning for a servant to bring jug of wine, quickly placing a gold chalice in his father's many ringed hand. "The embarrassment would have been on us had Sherlock been the one taking the knot rather than giving."

His father smirked, his dark beard dripping with wine. "Indeed. You have a way of looking at things, my son. The many men at court would seek the counsel of such a man whose youngest son made bitches of theirs."

"That's the way to think of it father. Now, let us drink more before we think of such boring things. You have returned so now we drink!" Sherrinford maneuvered his father to sit on the gold throne.

The great hall was a bustle with servants rushing to set the long table. "You've returned early, father."

The King rubbed his temples. "Yes. well there is a matter I must attend. Where is your brother, Mycroft? There is something I must speak to him about."

"He should be joining us shortly." Sherrinford winced, inwardly guessing just what father was going to ask/order of his brother. Mycroft wouldn't give objection. He never did. The middle Alpha brother was always one to do as he was told.

"How fares Eira, your wife? Any sign of labor?" Sherrinford snapped back to the problem at hand. He needed to keep father calm. He had learned early on that when father was provoked the man had heavy fists and the eldest brother would not see his brothers fall victim to father's foul temper.

"Father, it is too early. She is near. The healer says she is close. She has been under the weather of late. Completely natural the healer tells us. "

"Birthing is hard on the mother. I know yours expired only after giving me three sons but the pups she lost between. Weak. However, I hoped yours would at least give you two before showing signs of expiration. No matter. When she passes we shall find you another conquest."

Sherrinford held back a feral growl, his body tensed and he clutched the chalice in his hand taking no drink. Mycroft, ever the diplomat, chose that time to enter into the throne room Sherlock trailing slowly behind him.

"Father. You honor us with such a quick return." Mycroft bowed, taking his place at the hastily set table. Sherlock, however, took his time mumbling something about the brightness of the room.

"Have Mrs. Hudson ready the hall and finest silver. You shall hunt with me today. Sherrinford, we need a great feast tonight. We will have that pompous Cousin of mine Moran and his idiot son coming here. It seems that they have grievances we must hear. I will need all of my sons there." The King filled his glass once more. "All of you!"

Sherlock was leaning back in his chair nodding off, his dark curls still wet from the forced dunking in bath water Mycroft had forced him into.

He wore a silk purple shirt untucked and his usual black leather leggings. "Piss off."

"What was that, boy?" The king was on his feet. Both Mycroft and Sherrinford jumped up to keep father from reaching across the long oak table and punching his youngest son.

"Father, he said he would be there. We all will." Mycroft snapped his fingers and servant carried over a filled jug of wine.

"Father, let us ready for the hunt!" Sherrinford glared at his younger brother, the stubborn little pup was leaning back in his chair rolling his eyes.

Sherrinford was glad to distract the king from his usual demands that would surely upset his middle brother. Father would insist that Mycroft find an Omega one that would ensure more pups with the Holmes name.

Sherrinford wanted to keep his brothers safe. Once he was King he would make Mycroft his advisor and allow him to mate and bond with whomever he pleased. As for Sherlock, the boy needed some direction and all he lived for was antagonizing the king.

As for father, Sherrinford had formed a plan for him and it would look like an accident. He would never let on. If he failed, he needed both his brothers to be safe from any persecution. And none would ever suspect foul play from him. After all he was father's favorite. .

Looking at the young Sherlock, he worried for the health of both his brothers physically and mentally. This hunting trip could prove profitable and then he and his wife would be free of father's constant tyranny and bouts of violence.

Sherrinford wanted his impending pup to know none of his father's violence or cruelty.

~0~

Sherlock glared openly at his father. The Alpha was boring and an idiot. It was insulting to think they came from the same genes. The man only thought of his knott and hunting. He knew nothing more than that. Negotiating was done more often than not with his fists watching Sherrinford try to keep the man complacent was disgusting. They were Alphas! Why did none openly challenge the cur?

Sherlock was happy to take pleasure when he wished it, to take drink when he thirsted, to dominate any hole, Alpha, Beta or Omega. He preferred the Alphas over the Omegas and even a Beta could satisfy his cruel thrust. Omegas were not a challenge. They cried and whined and rolled over. It was disgusting. He hated clingy things such as they. He needed no mate. As the youngest son he would never be forced to marry and bond. Responsibility was non-existent. Why must he wear so many clothes and be made to stand in this boorish man's presence? He had better things to do, a project he wished to work on.

He despised interruptions to his non-schedule. He needed a fix. Perhaps some snuff or liquid injection and some concoctions of both could keep father's visit tolerable.

After Father and Ford were gone from him he stood to take leave only to have Mycroft jerk him back by his collar. "You tempt his fists too much brother!" Mycroft hissed, squeezing the back of his younger brother's neck.

"I refuse to bow and cower like a submissive bitch. I will not lick his feet and feign interest in his boorish endeavours. He speaks politics. What does such a man know of them? We all know he wishes your presence for counsel. He's an idiot. He wants us there to flaunt his fortunes in having Alpha sons. As if that were some blessing. It's chance and chance alone. What will he do if Sherrinford has an Omega first born?"

"Don't!" Mycroft snapped shaking his brother. "Don't say that ever!"

Sherlock regretted his words, his sister- in law was a petite thing. She was an Omega princess from far lands and she was gifted to Sherrinford who, like a dutiful son, did not refuse the Omega. He could not find any objections to her. Father had slain her family and taken her as a prize for Ford.

Sherlock wondered how she could be so submissive to her fate but her quiet ways and fragile appearance made it difficult to feel anything but pity for her. However, she never spoke an ill word to the youngest prince. Instead, she had come this morning with a headache remedy, waddling into his bedchamber where he had wrapped himself with a silk white sheet and refused to dress. Declaring he would greet father wearing a sheet alone.

Both brothers had been so preoccupied with their argument that neither heard the light steps of Princess Eira. She had knocked timidly then entered, her swollen belly a burden on her small frame.

Her long blond hair was in loose braid falling over her swelling breasts. She wore a purple long sleeved gown spun of warm velvet and cottons, a shawl of light silk hung over her fragile shoulders.

Her scent was sweet like apples and roses. Both Male Alphas halted in their arguments, their kin scent mixing with her delicate scent of pregnancy and Omega. Sherlock, again, wondered why anyone would wish such a burden, a fragile thing that looked ready to break.

"My excuses mein bruders." Her accent was still strong and her choice of words always so foreign but neither could correct her. She nervously spoke then. "For you Shurlock. For head hurt." A servant entered behind her carrying tea. "My excuses. I mean for headache und stomach."

Her nervous smile brought both Alphas out of their daze. Mycroft nodded and Sherlock managed a "Thank you." He never understood why she would care for any of them. She should hate them for what their father had done to her family her lands.

He said nothing more to her as she hastily left with the aid of a handmaid. Sherlock sniffed cautiously at the tea. "She probably poisoned it." He grumbled.

"Oh, shut up. Drink it or not but do not let her see you tossing it. Sherrinford would be most unhappy if you upset his mate. Now get dressed! Father has arrived!"

Sherlock pulled out of his thoughts, wondering why he did as his brother instructed, discarded the tea without her notice.

~0~

"It seems the hunting party has been cut short!" Sherrinford growled as they were met in the great hall by a messenger of Lord Moran.

"What is this insult!" The King placed a hand over the heavy hilt of his sword. "Speak!" He growled at the young Beta holding out a parchment sealed with the wax of Moran.

The King snatched it from the useless thing and read it quickly. "Sherrinford, have my sons in the counsel room. Our guest will be here any minute. It seems he will not stay for any festivities. Fine with me. The less we endure the better."

Sherrinford nodded and hurried to find Mycroft and Sherlock. He disliked their territory being breached by lesser Alphas. And whispered to one of the hall servants to inform Eira's handmaiden that the Princess is to stay in her room.

~0~

"Cousin, you gave permission to my son to take his prize and-"

Moran was a tall blond man with his hair cut short to his scalp, an ugly scar marring his already harsh features. Cold blue eyes nervously swept the room. This put all Alphas on edge. Their cousins that kept to the border of their lands were known for their fearlessness and cruelty. To see Duke Moran nervous was never a good sign.

"And you let the little bitch slip out of your hands!" The King roared, causing those in the room including Sherlock to step back from the offending man. "I should kill your boy myself! And all those who failed!"

"Father, what's this about?" Sherrinford chanced the question.

"The Watson daughter took the prize that was to be gifted to Mycroft and damaged her as well as bonded. I was going to order the offending Alpha executed, however, it would cause the bonded Omega to expire. Which, normally, I would have no concern with. Except she is a twin and it would cause her twin to expire. Then, our cousin here, would be at a loss times two. Omegas. Such weak things. I have made arrangements for another to take Clara's place. Mycroft will take the twin, the male Omega James. And I would allow Moran's son to have Watson's tribute, his Omega son as well as a hefty fine. However, the boy has managed to escape."

"What matter is it then. Let the Morans deal with it and we wash our hands of it. The contract broken." Sherrinford growled. "As if we need their taint in our blood line!"

Moran growled angrily. "Still your tongue pup! Before I take it from you!"

"Silence!" The King roared. "I would agree with my eldest. However, the-"

"Watson? His children-their grandmother." Mycroft felt sick. "What have you done, father? You've killed us all." He whispered.

"What?" Sherlock was suddenly curious. Mycroft never looked ready to be sick unless he had too much to eat.

"It was supposed to look like he was willing. That way she would have no objections by her law or ours. The treaty would remain. And what could she do if the bond had already formed. She wouldn't dare break it. So war would not be a risk. Well, that was how it was supposed to play out. And then we would finally have her lands! But this! THIS FOOL's offspring!"

"Father?" Sherrinford frowned.

"The Queen of the South, the Belladonna! " Mycroft hissed.

Sherrinford felt sick, "She would dispatch us all! You fools!"

"Silence boy!" the King snapped. "I will not be spoken to thus! We will find the Omega and see that he bonded to Sebastian. This will be done!"

"If he reaches his lands, father, we will be at war. Our people slaughtered. She is feared so much so that our Allies will gladly give us over and take her banner!" Mycroft ran a hand over his face. He would have never agreed to such a plan it was too risky and dishonorable.

"This is why I will send my sons away to track the Omega or prepare for war!"

"He has a head start." Sherlock pointed out in a bored tone.

"Sebastian will find him. But help would be useful, perhaps your youngest son, the renown tracker can finally be of use." Their cousin glared at Sherlock.

"Go! Sherlock! And do not fail." The king growled.

"Sherlock, this isn't an easy task. You cannot fail. " Mycroft growled. "Leave now and I will be behind you."

Sherrinford predicted his youngest brother's protest. "Don't." He snarled. "Do this for me, for Mycroft. If you fail here. The Belladonna Queen will have us all seen dead. At her sword. At the swords of our many enemies. "

"Mycroft will stay I have business for him. I trust your brother and Lestrade can find one Omega." Mycroft wanted to protest but their father held his hand up and waved his youngest son away.

Sherlock read his brother's fear and any complaints or cynical remarks were lost.