The castle was full of guests as was the surrounding township. Only the highest born and the omegas were guaranteed accommodation within the castle. As a result King Balinor was sharing his son's room and Nimueh was with the Powys female omegas. There was a heavy presence of Beta guards near their chambers. The Powys alphas were not allowed near, due to the other omegas in the castle. All the unmated alphas were staying in the town outside the large castle.
There was to be two days of very carefully managed group meetings between the alphas and omegas before the ball. This was to allow any soul mates to identify each other. Those that were identified were noted so that all the other alphas knew who was not available to them. Not all pairs would be soul mates but it was hoped that due to the equal numbers most would find someone acceptable to them. Although a few always got to go home unmatched, to find their mates outside of the meeting. No one was forced to accept a mate. It was not considered a disgrace, far better to wait than accept a match both were not comfortable with. But even with a match nothing was set in stone until negotiations were complete. Such a rare thing as an omega wasn't given up without a great deal of thought.
Merlin did not make an appearance at these meetings. Balinor had asked Arthur to attend a very short private meeting where it was confirmed that both Arthur and Merlin recognised the other as their soul mate. Merlin was still traumatised by the previous events and the presence of so many omegas may make it worse. But they were not to meet again until the ball. The fact that the male omega was not available caused a great deal of upset among the alphas, many had hoped to get such a prize. But once it was known that a soul mate had been found for him the matter was accepted. But all the alphas hoped to meet such a rarity at the ball, and maybe just maybe have a chance to prove that they and not Arthur was the soul bond, an unlikely event but who knew .
The evening of the ball was soon upon them and the castle and area were a mass of activity as last minute preparations were made for the feast and ball. The servants were all working hard to make sure that their mistress's and masters were presented to their best. The fires were busy in every fire grate heating water for baths as the kitchen was too busy to have such an imposition at this time. Will had found the luggage left behind at the kidnapping and Merlin's clothes were ready for him. Will was determined that Merlin would turn all the heads that evening. It was a matter of pride to him. Merlin himself was still a bit tired from his ordeal, but Nimueh had healed his wounds and helped him to cope with the trauma he had been through. Merlin was far tougher than he appeared and the presence of his father had settled him. Merlin was happy that he would not disgrace his father with any undue signs of what happened. But he was getting nervous about meeting Arthur once more.
The previous meeting had been short, but enough for Merlin to realise that the blonde Prince was his other half. He had been surprised at the good looks of his soul mate. The man's looks was everything he had ever wanted and he felt unworthy of such a man. Will had told him off for having such thoughts. "You need to look at yourself Merlin, he is lucky to have you." The pair were always informal together when no one else was present. Merlin hated being kowtowed to, seeing Will as a friend more than a servant. "In fact I think he's a bit of a prat" Will continued.
"Will! He is a Prince, if you are to be allowed to continue in my service you must be careful. I don't know yet if I will be allowed to keep you. You know it's not normal. I think I will have enough of a fight to keep the blood guard" Merlin warned.
"No one will be able to tear any of us away" Will assured him.
"If King Uther decides I'm not sure what will happen Will" Merlin paused looking out of the window "I've heard he hates magic and restricts the magic of the omegas" Merlin was worried about the future, Why did his soul mate have to come from Camelot. "I hear he has killed many with magic as well as all the dragons"
"Your father will not allow you to be harmed in anyway Merlin, you know that" Will protested "Nor will I, I will kill him if he tries"
"Will stop it! You will do no such thing you would be killed and I couldn't bare that" Merlin looked at his friend in horror.
"Nah not me, no one would suspect a servant" Will grinned. Then seeing the prince's face he decided to try to reassure him "Look Merlin I'm sure that Prince Arthur will look after you, he came to your defence before. Now come on I need to get you ready"
Once all the guests and Alphas were in the great hall the omegas would be collected and taken down together where they would be announced individually before entering and mingling with the other guests. Then there would be a feast where they would sit with their families and any interested alphas would go and speak to them. The following day the omegas would get top spend time with their mates in the company of a chaperone before the evening when they would sit next to the alpha during the feast and if that went well on the next day and if all negotiations were complete they would accompany the alpha back to his home.
The great hall had been decorated with blossoms and greenery and had new rushes on the flour. King Baynard has spared no expense in his preparations. Each kingdom took it in turns to hold the Omega ball and made sure it reflected the Kings status. As normal there was no other entertainment, nothing should distract from the omegas. To ensure complete neutrality the order of presentation was selected at random. As it happened Merlin was to be last to enter. As such he had the longest time to wait. Several of the omegas had been particularly cutting in their comments to him and his self-esteem had suffered. Vivian Olaf was going to go in just before Merlin and was especially nasty. She was a beautiful blonde whose attitude did not match her looks she was very spoilt by her father.
Turning to the omega at her side Vivian sneered "I think it's such a shame that one of these poor alpha's has to put up with getting a man, I mean what a comedown, and such a gangly ugly one at that. No style what's so ever" The other omega looked at Merlin and sniggered.
Sophia Tir Mor was another vain and spoilt omega, as omegas were so rare it wasn't unusual for them to be lavished with everything by their fathers. The brunette Sophia looked Merlin up and down before replying "I would think the alpha who gets him will be low ranking, the only thing in his favour is his rarity, but then as you say who wants a man"
Merlin cringed despite what Will told him he knew he was to thin and gangly and his ears were too big for him ever to be considered good looking. In many ways he pitied Arthur and hoped the man didn't come to regret having him as a soul mate. After all the alpha was very good looking and should have had one of the many beauties that were here today. He had no idea what effect his looks had on the people he met. Today he was dressed in a blue doublet and hose that extenuated his eye colour and he looked every inch the prince he was. The doublet was highlighted with silver stitching. His looks by many were considered ethereal and very desirable. As an omega he didn't have the muscular build that even the beta men had, but that was to his advantage. At sixteen he had yet to full his frame having only recently had a growth spurt. Merlin hoped that as he was the last to enter he would be paid little attention. He wasn't counting on the fact that he hadn't been seen by anyone since his arrival and as a male omega he would be the centre of attention.
The two women went in before him and then it was his turn as he walked into the room his name was called out:
"Presenting Prince Merlin Emrys of The Kingdom of Powys" Merlin walked in as instructed and stood for a few moments waiting for his father to take his arm and escort him into the room.
As he entered there was a hush as everyone took their first look at the male omega. His appearance caused a stir as all the alphas looked at the young man before them. Many had hoped to attract his attention before but now they had seen him competition would be fierce. Even though it appeared he had already identified his soul mate there might be a change if negotiations failed for any reason. Merlin blushed at the looks he was getting. Merlin tried to keep as inconspicuous as he could half hiding behind the imposing figure of his father. The smell of so many alphas was making him quiver. Luckily as he had been the last to enter it wasn't before his father took him to their seat. As he was accompanied by his King he had been given a choice spot. There were four monarchs in attendance. Baynard as the host, King Olaf, King Balinor and Queen Annis. Each group was given its own table. Prince Arthur and his group were next to the group from Powys.
The entire Powys contingent was attracting attention, not only were they an unknown force but their use of magic and possession of dragons was causing quite a stir. Not every kingdom had the same views as Uther Pendragon but it was acknowledged that magic had been fading from most of the land. Add to that the omega Prince and two female omegas, and three very handsome and virile alphas it was a heady mix.
Arthur looked at Merlin as he walked into the room and was glad that they had already established that they were a true pair. He could see the effect Merlin was having on the other alphas. Leon looked at his Prince and grinned "Take care Sire or you will go blue" he whispered.
Arthur glared at his friend before realising he had been holding his breath. Elyan was staring at the Powys Prince "If you had not claimed him Sire I would wish to do so"
That earned him a glare from Arthur, His pupils were blown, a sure sign that the alpha was near his true mate. Once everyone was sat and King Baynard had finished addressing the attendees the sound of Arthurs chair moving back could be heard. He stood up and walked towards where Merlin was sitting. Merlin was sitting looking down in a typical omega pose, hardly surprising with the number of alphas present in the room.
"King Balinor" Arthur bowed in respect "Prince Merlin it is good to see you again, please accept this gift as a sign of my affection." Arthur placed a package in front of Merlin.
Merlin looked up through his eyelashes unaware of the effect he was having on Arthur "Thank you Sire" Merlin opened the package slowly and found inside a red dragon made from gold and garnets it was attached to a gold chain. Merlin held it up to catch the light.
"The emblem of the Pendragon's and apt I think for the son of a dragonlord" Arthur spoke once more.
"It is beautiful, thank you" Merlin said as he tried to put the chain around his neck. Arthur quickly walked round the table and took the chain from Merlin and carefully placed it round the other man's neck. As Arthur's hand gently touched Merlin both men gave a small gasp. Such was the effect they had on each other it was like a bolt going through them both. Arthur removed his hand and went back to his previous position in front of the table to see Balinor look at him in a calculating way.
"Staking your claim Pendragon" Balinor asked dryly, fully aware of the effect the two were having on each other.
Arthur found himself blushing, not something common in him. "A gift Sire as is customary"
"But an obvious one nether less, there are details yet to be discussed your fathers attitudes for one" King Balinor was not completely won over. "Even with a soul match I won't see my son in danger"
"Nor would I Sire you have my word" Arthur said sincerely.
"But what is your word worth?" Balinor gave a slight smile as Arthur moved away. He had no doubt that Merlin would not listen to him if he tried to stop this match but he still intended to take some precautions.
The other alphas were now beginning to move to seek out the omegas. Elyan went to Balinor's table after Arthur and presented a gift to Freya and asked that he be considered. Freya was surprised to be approached so soon. She was a shy girl but as she looked up she liked the look of the alpha in front of her and smiled the gladly accepted her gift and wore the necklace he had given her. She hoped to get to know then man more in the next few days. Elyan was told by Balinor that he could come to speak to him in the morning. If his son was to go to Camelot it would be good to have at least one cousin with him. They clearly weren't a soul matched pair but that was no barrier. The time had long since passed when all alpha omegas had such a partner. Balinor thought it might be good for Merlin to have his cousin close. They had always had a close friendship.
Sir Gwaine approached Lord Godwyn's table he had identified Eliana as his soul mate the day before. Once he had presented his gift he was given every encouragement by her father who considered the head of the blood guard for Prince Merlin a good match.
Sir Percival was waiting his turn and waited for Arthur to sit down as he wanted to approach one of the Camelot omegas, he had taken a fancy to Sefa and wanted to get to know her better. Arthur had been impressed with what he had seen of the big man so saw no reason to discourage the man. He also hoped that that way he might be able to keep Percival at Camelot. Sefa for her part seemed to like the Alpha. But there was several hopeful alphas seeking to have Sefa as a mate so Arthur would need to consider all options. It was his responsibility to ensure she was well matched. Lancelot was holding out for finding his soul mate and disappointed not to find her at the ball had decided to keep out of any negotiations this time.
Balinor's table was approached by several other alphas who each presented a gift to Merlin. Merlin accepted them as was expected to but worn none other than Arthur's. Each time Arthur spotted an Alpha approaching Balinor's table he would tense up. If a gift was presented to Merlin he would grid his teeth and glare at the giver, in as close to a challenge as he dare in such a meeting. Kara was also approached and given a gift but Balinor seemed less than enthusiastic by Sarrum's son Eric. Sarrum had a reputation even harsher than Uther's and he felt it was unlikely that he would let his niece bond with such a man. Luckily there were several other approaches during the evening.
Arthur was approached by two alphas for Forridel, the other omega that had accompanied him. Both alphas would be meeting with Arthur once he had had chance to speak her privately. Although as one was a soul mate he had a good idea who she would choose. The alpha was a knight at Queen Annis's court and someone with whom Arthur had fought alongside.
Once the alphas had had their chance to express an interest and the food had been eaten they group cleared the room as the tables were removed before the ball itself took place. With the chairs round the edge of the room the alphas and omegas were encouraged to dance with each other allowing them to become better acquainted before the negotiations commenced. Although there was very strict rules as to the amount of touching that could occur. Arthur did his best to monopolise Merlin but had to give the other alphas the chance to socialise. When his soul mate had dances with the other alphas Arthur butted in as soon as he could. Something Merlin appreciated. For one thing he didn't like dancing and for another he felt uncomfortable in the arms of strange alphas. It was clear to all who looked that Arthur and Merlin were destined to be together. It was only Arthur that Merlin appeared even half relaxed with and Balinor noted with some anger that the two had even exchanged a brief kiss during the evening. Something discouraged at that stage of the meeting. Balinor and his group were one of the first to leave the ball. Balinor was concerned not to pressurise his son after his ordeal.
