Author's note: Now, how about some of that background noise? Also, we have a warning for this chapter: Abuse. But don't worry, our guardian angel comes through every time.
It was with great difficulty that Castiel finally forced himself out of his room and down to the great dining hall, but not before making sure Dean knew the blanket he had once again covered him with, was to stay over his body. Once Michael left them, they spent the afternoon in complete silence, each in their own thoughts, though Castiel's, much like his eyes, frequently fell upon the omega in the corner. He knew he should be focusing on his next encounter with the courtiers and courtesans, the dinner was held in his honor, a celebration of his life after the vicious attack on his persona. What a mockery.
Benjamin followed close behind, as per his orders, and Castiel really didn't appreciate it, though there was something about the alpha that seemed… Different. In a good way. By now Castiel had learnt to judge people by their scent, his nose always seemed to pick up the right undertones most people couldn't detect. That was how he knew to trust Jack, and then Gabriel and Balthazar and even Michael, though that last one was a bit more complicated. The scent of his so-called father, King Charles and even the scent of Cardinal Zachariah had that faulty, rotten note to it, marking them as foul, untrustworthy and pitiful men.
The dinner hall felt suffocating. Castiel sorely wished his Musketeers were closer, standing by his side instead at the door, or preferably sharing this dinner with him. Instead he was forced to sit with Cardinal Zachariah, Baron Bartholomew, a visiting party from a nearby smaller kingdom, Lord Arthur and Sir Chase, and the Ladies of the Court - Megan, Rubette and Charlotte. At least Castiel's reserved attitude could be interpreted as boredom of a bratty prince. Still, he took his time observing the diner party as they chatted about insignificant things.
Cardinal Zachariah, an alpha only by some fluke of nature, was as arrogant and domineering as his status allowed him to be, but underneath it all, he was just a weak, pathetic human being who was trying to paint himself higher, bolder, wiser, superior than he would ever be. With a smirked huff, Castiel thought that if he were to just growl at him, the man would screech and cower like a weakling he truly was.
Baron Bartholomew was a strange beta, unfocused and slow. Except when someone attempted to make a joke, then he would laugh at it too hard, his smile spreading wide and somewhat disturbing to uphold. Still, his eyes would linger on Lady Charlotte in an obvious manner, the short redhead beta trying hard to hide herself from his hungry eyes.
Except she was not the beta she made herself be. Those clear, sweet undertones in her scent revealed an omega underneath, and Castiel could not comprehend how nobody noticed. They were all either entangled in their own thoughts, in their own scents, or knew, just did not care.
Lady Rubette and Lady Megan were both uptight beta women, strong and proud, and clearly hated each other. They would smile that polite smile when facing one another, and frown and roll their eyes when the other one wasn't looking. Still, both of them would relentlessly tease Lady Charlotte, who would duck her head down and try to avoid their eyes or their words. It was an interesting dynamic.
Still, Castiel wanted no part of it.
It was a well known fact that the Ladies of the Court, the Courtesans, were to serve the purpose of being the king's or the prince's lovers, maybe even a future queen if there were no other arranged marriages for the political benefit of the country, but Castiel wanted nothing to do with that. Sadly, he was well aware of the looks Lady Megan was giving him, that she and the prince did have some sort of an affair, and that it was far from finished.
Castiel tried to focus on something else rather than her licking her lips and pushing up her cleavage for the table to feast upon. Though it was amusing how Lady Rubette pouted, lacking the sizable bosoms to compete.
Lord Arthur and Sir Chase were, for the lack of a better word, boring. As any good representatives of another court, they spoke highly of their achievements, both in newly conquered territory, and in… what did they call it - technology? Whatever it was, Castiel knew it should be of interest to him, yet all he could think about was the omega in his room. The scent of these two betas irritated his inner alpha, who was under the impression that they were keeping him away from Dean and wanted to tear them apart. Castiel practiced restraint.
The deserts came after what seemed like hours, and he wanted to skip it, but as he looked up at Michael, the older alpha shook his head, eyes widening for only a moment, and indicating to the table. Castiel remembered, it would be extremely rude for the prince to decline deserts as it would mean that everyone else had to do it too. Annoying customs, really. So he had to remain seated for a while longer, suffering though and watching everyone eat the chocolate cake he, as prince James, was supposed to love.
Finally, the whole ordeal was done, but Castiel was of no luck. Cardinal Zachariah managed to slip away while Lord Arthur detained him, wishing to speak about possibilities of expanding their 'technological achievements' with the help of some donations, to benefit them all, of course. As if Castiel could make such a decision. He was but a prince, these things were to be decided by the king, not him. Though, he supposed, it shouldn't be long before his father passed away and he took the title.
He could protect Dean better then.
There was a commotion outside the diner hall and Castiel hurried to see what was happening, only to find poor Lady Charlotte on the floor with the sleeve of her dress torn, while Lady Rubette was snarling above her. "You do not belong here!" She yelled, gracing Lady Charlotte with a vicious look.
"What is the meaning of this?" Castiel questioned, his deep voice booming in the acoustic corridor. He came forth, offering Lady Charlotte a hand. Lady Megan stood to the side, watching, while Lady Rubette backed away, her face still carrying hints of rage, covered only by her fear towards the prince's sudden intervention.
Lady Charlotte was clearly shaken, Castiel could pick it up in her scent, though her face told a completely different story, she held her head proudly high and looked down upon Lady Rubette, even if they were of the same height.
"Just because your family insists on using their famous name and their blue blood, when they are anything but royal anymore, does not give you the right to drag my father's good name through the mud!" Lady Charlotte retorted and Lady Rubette was really close to charging her, falling into a cat-fight, but Castiel put a stop to it.
"Enough!" His voice thundered again, deep and strong enough to make an ant pause. "Ladies, you're dismissed. Lord Arthur, Sir Chase, I shall see you tomorrow, when we will return to our former conversation. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to escort Lady Charlotte back to her room." He said, and everyone nodded, falling in line. Lady Megan walked away with a smirk on her face, ushering Lady Rubette, who was clearly fuming, but still wise enough not to counter the prince.
"My Lady." Castiel said, offering his arm for her to take. Lady Charlotte dropped her gaze and blushed, like a true omega, and, of course, obliged, snaking her hand through the loop of Castiel's arm.
"Apologies, your Majesty. That was not very lady-like." She said and Castiel nodded, keeping his eyes before him.
"I agree. That certainly wasn't very lady-like of Miss Rubette, she should know better. After all, her family barely has enough to pay for her dresses, not to mention the mockery their name represents now. She should be trying to make new friends instead of enemies, but I suppose she is too simple for such wise thoughts." He replied and glanced her way, his lips just barely curling upward. That was one expression Lady Charlotte could not contain. Her face split into a huge smile, scolded almost immediately, but Castiel would not be fooled.
"Your family has earned it's right to be a part of this court, with your father's bravery and your mother's influence." Castiel continued. "If only there were more noble people such as them, this country would not be in the state it is now. Alas, one person can only do so much." He spoke as they walked towards the women's dormitories. Miss Ellen, the main housekeeper of the dormitories frowned upon seeing them, but naturally said nothing as Castiel handed Lady Charlotte into her care, bowing down slightly and giving her hand a brief kiss.
"You are safe here, Miss Charlotte. And please, do continue to demand the respect you have earned." He said, now with a small, but genuine smile. Her brows dipped in confusion for a moment as she looked back at him, but he paid no mind, turning and walking away towards his chambers.
Castiel had listened when the Musketeers spoke of the courtesans and their families, yet nothing that they shared could provide with the information Castiel needed the most. However, it took one little event to show him all he needed to know.
Lady Charlotte was a sweet, but stubborn girl, one that, if given a little power, would certainly wield it wisely. She was not born into the right, her family had to earn it, and she was there to honor that. On the other hand, Lady Rubette was born privileged, and on top of that, an only child, spoiled rotten. Castiel was certain she and his brother James would have been a perfect match. Or the worst one.
Now, Lady Megan was someone to be wary of. She seemed calculated and cold, the hardest one to form an opinion on. Castiel was yet to decide if she could be an enemy, and perhaps, only time would tell.
"Sire… We might want to hurry." Benjamin's whispered voice floated to him, as the guard remained by his side at all times, following him to the diner hall, then to the dormitories and now to his chambers. Castiel glanced his way only to find slight concern in his features as the guard looked somewhere up front. Curiously, Castiel followed his gaze and his face immediately turned serious as he saw his chamber door wide open. Quickening his step, but not daring to run, Castiel nonchalantly rushed towards his room. The sight that welcomed him was enraging, and as much as his inner alpha trashed to be released, Castiel froze.
Dean was on his hands and knees, his head hung low in shame, tears falling to the ground and his bare ass up in the air, presenting. Cardinal Zachariah stood behind and above him, two of his thick digits working the omega's rim, while the Cardinal hummed somewhat approvingly.
Before Castiel managed to utter one word, the Cardinal spoke. "U-huh, u-huh, very well. Very well, indeed. See, this is much easier now, when you obey. It is nothing but a small check up." He said, though it was anything but a simple examination. Castiel took in a deep breath, stepping inside the room.
"Ah, your Majesty!" Cardinal Zachariah greeted as if he hadn't been caught, and oh, dear Lord! This was a normal occurrence, wasn't it? "Our omega is still in perfect shape. And as I can see, the training has done him good." He said, finally extracting his fingers and circling towards Dean's head. Castiel remained frozen, his jaw clenched tight. He had to be careful, extremely careful, this, his reaction could be vital to their mission. And if the mission failed, so would Castiel in his attempt to protect Dean.
"Rise your head, omega." The Cardinal said and Dean let out a shuddering breath before complying. Castiel couldn't really see, but from the Cardinal's motions and the way his eyes bore down on Dean's face, it seemed as if the lesser alpha was running his fingers over Dean's lower lip. Zachariah's own parted, inhaling a breath and every muscle in Castiel's body tensed.
"He does clean up nicely, I am glad you had the washers scrub him down. I bet taking him is much more pleasurable now." Zachariah was taunting him, that had to be it. "And these soft lips of his, they are perfect for sucking down a cock." The Cardinal said, and slowly dragged his eyes up to meet Castiel's. "Would you mind if I gave it a try?"
Every fiber in Castiel's body wanted to scream, to go over there and tear that little man apart, limb from limb from dick, with his bare hands. But that look in the Cardinal's eyes, that glint and that barely visible smirk were enough to make him take a deep breath and let it go. If Zachariah was indeed asking for 'a try', then it is most likely he never was given the opportunity to plunge his disgusting member down the omega's throat, and Castiel could just easily refuse him now too. But he had to play this right, he had to put the man to his place, but still not push him too far. All things considered it seemed as though the Cardinal and his brother were conspiring together, and it would be vise to maintain it, if for nothing else, then to find out what they were planning.
"I do, actually." He said, moving to the study desk on the side of the room, seeming a little less interested and a little more annoyed.
"Oh?" The Cardinal asked, his hand still cupping Dean's chin.
"I don't really want your germs in my cockwarmer." Castiel said, picking up a quill and twirling it between his fingers, looking down at it for a moment. Then he raised his eyes to meet the Cardinal's, and tried to look tired of this conversation. "After all, the omega is mine, each of his holes is. And you know I do not like to share my toys."
Zachariah lifted his head a bit higher, squinted his eyes and let out a sound of understanding, a small little "A-huh." Castiel knew this wasn't about Dean at all, it was a test, because the Cardinal had some suspicions, but Castiel doubted it could even occur to him that a switch was made. He probably thought that the prince was trying to double-cross him or something.
"Do not worry, Cardinal. Our agreement still stands." Castiel offered, hoping he didn't just open a hole for himself to fall in. Fortunately, the Cardinal visibly relaxed and smiled, finally dropping his hand off Dean's face. Before Cardinal could say anything more, Castiel added "You must forgive me, ever since the attack I have been feeling… Odd. But nothing has changed." It was a good way to say 'scared' without actually saying it, as Prince James did not get scared.
"Of course. It is only natural, after all, to be feeling… Different.." Cardinal agreed, the notion obviously settling some of his worries. "We will proceed as we discussed." He said with a meaningful nod, and Castiel returned it, even if he had no idea what he was agreeing to. Whatever it was, it included Dean, and Castiel hated it. "I shall return once I gain what we require. In the meantime, you should continue your efforts. Not that it should be difficult, seeing as how entrancing his appearance is."
Castiel only nodded, too eager to see the Cardinal take his leave. His hand shook as reached to close the door, but the sight of the guard there gave him an idea.
"Benjamin." He called the guard forth and then spoke in a hushed tone. "You are to deny access to my chambers to everyone if I am not present, you understand?" The guard gave a curt nod. "That includes the maids too. No one steps inside that room without me saying so, understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Benjamin gave another nod then returned to his post. Castiel nodded as well, more to himself, satisfied that he could at least prevent any unwanted visits; then took a deep breath and let it out. HIs inner alpha still raged and he desperately tried to sooth it as he walked back into his room. Closing the door, he leaned against it and let his head fall against the heavy boards, his eyes that were darting the ceiling falling closed, allowing a tear to slip by.
Remembering himself, he brought his gaze back down on Dean, and barely contained his aching whine as the omega was still on all fours, presenting.
"Go to your nest." Castiel said with a shuddering breath, feeling too drained. So badly he wanted to reach out to the omega, to comfort him, to tell him that he would not allow anything to happen to him, but he knew he couldn't. All he could do was walk to his bed as the omega crawled to his corner, both of them lying down on the ground at the exact same time.
Castiel allowed his eyelids to drop closed again, struggling with his inner instincts, now that he knew at least a part of what of the devious plan. Dean was to be used. Dean was an omega who was trained into submission and was to be used for breeding. There was a reason he was chosen, male omega's breed the strongest alphas, always. And they are always fertile during their heats, not a chance that they would not conceive. So it was either that Dean still didn't have his heat or that Prince James was the one with a faulty reproductive system. Perhaps both.
Castiel did not want to imagine what would have happened if he hadn't taken James' place.
He took another deep breath, the air falling heavy inside his chest, making the ache pulse harder. Slowly, he opened his eyes, desperately needing to see the omega there, safe. For the first time, he found him looking back, those gorgeous green eyes slightly concealed in the darkness of the room, but clearly directed his way.
The blanket Castiel gave him rested over his fragile form, covering his whole body, but Castiel could see him peeking. Their eyes met and stayed locked for as long as Castiel could keep his open.
It was some unholy hours in the morning when Castiel sensed movement in the room, and cracked open one eye to see the omega moving towards the bed, to deposit the blanket back and probably to kneel into position. "Noo…" Castiel grumbled in his sleep. "Blanket is yours, you keep it." He slurred. "'nd go back to sleep, is too early…"
When he woke several hours later, it was to a soft knock to his door. "Your Majesty, the breakfast has arrived, and the washer is here as well." Benjamin's deep voice whispered through the door. First thing Castiel did was glance in that specific corner, a sigh of relief escaping hij to see the omega curled under the blanket.
"Yes, just a moment." He said back, slowly rising to his feet. His bones cracked as he did, the hard floor not doing his body any favors, but he was used to it. For a second he thought Dean was watching him, but when he glanced his way, the omega's eyes were lowered to the ground. Castiel lifted his sheet up on the bed and turned to open the door, only to once again get the feeling of being watched. But when he opened the door, nonchalantly turning back, the omega's eyes were lowered.
Miss Daphne was there again, and once more Castiel dismissed her, opting to clean himself. He had done it the day before too, but somehow this time, it was different. He could feel the omega's eyes on him, tracking his motions, but it did not seem… Sensual. There were some undertones of curiosity and confusion in Dean's scent, not that the omega knew Castiel could sense it. So he stripped, without shame, used the washcloth to thoroughly cleanse himself, then put fresh clothes on.
With one bucket of lukewarm water left, Castiel turned to face Dean, just barely catching his eyes. Trying to contain a smile, Castiel took some of his clothes he wore the day prior and laid them down on the ground. "Dean…" he called and the omega immediately rose, albeit on shaky legs. The poor man was still weak and probably hurting. Castiel motioned for the pile of clothes and told him to sit, then once again kneeled before him and took his time washing Dean thoroughly, leaving only his nether regions for the omega to clean himself.
And then… He fed him.
Midway through, Castiel came to the realization that he could just tell him to eat, because obviously, Dean was starting to relax around him a bit, but he worried that, despite the growing trust, the omega wouldn't eat enough, in fear of being punished for greed. So Castiel assured himself it was better if he fed him, making sure the omega truly took his fill.
With the cheeses and buttered bread gone, Castiel chose some peach pieces, cut in perfect little cubes, skinned and juicy. They tasted devine, and Dean ate them without complaint. Lastly, the desert remained, but Castiel had never been much for sweets. Perhaps Dean would appreciate it more?
Slowly, Castiel took the sugar-powdered, chocolate-filled croissant and moved it towards the omega's lips. He could see Dean's eyes shifting towards the offered food, could see the exact moment Dean realized what he was being offered and it delighted him so to hear the omega's sharp gasp and for those vibrant green eyes to snap up to meet his, filled with bewilderment and awe.
There must have been something about deserts in general, something refined, exquisite, that simply eluded Castiel.
"Go on, now." He said, gently nudging the omega's lips with the end of the pastry. Shakily, his lips parted, and Castiel guided the croissant inside, only an inch, pausing for the omega to take the bite. Dean must have forgotten himself, because his eyes were still wide and still very much trained on Castiel as he chewed,but the alpha didn't mind. It gave him a chance to gaze into those gorgeous emerald green as they perfectly mimicked the color of the cherry tree leaves, reminding him of all the hopes and dreams he once had of seeing the outside of his cell. If only he knew there could have been more than the blue skies and wide fields. If he only knew someone like Dean existed, he would have fought to escape. He would have fought hard.
Castiel kept his eyes locked with Dean's as he offered a bite after a bite until only the end of the pastry was left. He fed it to the omega and smiled down upon him, making the poor thing gasp, probably realizing he was staring this whole time. He choked, inhaling the small bite instead of air and started coughing badly. Castiel panicked, but reached to offer some water, bringing the jug to his mouth with one hand while settling the other on the omega's shoulder for support. Dean grabbed the jug and gulped down the water, pausing when he was done. Slowly lowering his hands, his eyes darted around, uncertain, before they finally took enough courage to lift to meet the alpha's face.
Castiel offered only concern and comfort, but it confused Dean enough to make his mouth fall open as it began to form words. Words, voice Castiel was so eager to hear.
Sadly, the omega must have thought better of it, his eyes once again dropping in submission, his features scolded to a blank expression as he straightened up. Castiel reluctantly retracted his hand that rested on Dean's shoulders.
It was perfect timing, or worst timing that Balthazar came knocking, with a plea for his Majesty to get ready as he had business to conduct. Castiel let out a heavy sigh, not bothering to hide his annoyance in front of the omega, and rose up. He paused for a moment, looking down at the omega that was, by his orders, sitting on the floor and not kneeling. As this was the time when prince James would say "Dismissed.", Castiel chose a different approach. He leaned down, took Dean's hand and led him to his nest, motioning for him to lay down. Once he did, Castiel covered him with a blanket and paused to look at him once more before he hesitantly turned and walked out of the room. He gave Benjamin one stern look, one that the guard returned with an understanding nod, and only then refocusing on Balthazar.
"Come, your Majesty. Thy father wishes to speak to you." Balthazar announced and Castiel once again sighed.
If it weren't for Dean, Castiel would gladly chose the dungeons over all this torture.