"Your Majesty, may I present to you Lord Samuel Campbell, of the Northern Campbell Estate." Gabriel made polite introductions, bowing in a proper manner as he excused himself away from the breakfast table. An extremely tall, broad shouldered alpha, not too younger than himself, bowed before Castiel, his long hair pulled back and tied in a fashionable way.
"It is a high honor to meet you, your Majesty." The alpha said, his hazel eyes taking in every line of Castiel's face, his look hard yet curious. "I do hope you'd forgive the intrusion, I did not mean to disturb Your breakfast, but Baron Bartholomew insisted…" Lord Samuel trailed off, glancing awkwardly at the table. Castiel was uncertain if he was eyeing the baron or Lady Rubette who was giving him her most flirtatious expression Castiel had ever seen.
"Nonsense. I am always delighted to see a new face. I do hope Your father is in good health, last I heard he was having some heartburn issues." Castiel said with a straight expression. He was taught about all of the estates and the small communities their country of Franks* overtook over the years, expanding almost as fast as the Roman Empire once did. He knew about lord Samuel Campbell, senior, about his runaway daughter and his stoic wife, but he did not know they had a son, and such a young one too.
"Ah, yes, he is doing quite well, stubborn as always. We keep hoping he would stop with his frequent hunting trips, but to no avail." Lord Samuel said with a huffed smile, shaking his head fondly. He was an odd one to pick out, to Castiel at least. His scent contained the fragrance of sawdust and resin, very harsh to the nose, yet calming and familiar.
Finally, they sat to eat, Lord Samuel politely smiling at all of Lady Rubette's flirtatious attempts, but nothing more. He did seem amused by Lady Megan's eye rolls and exchanged a few kind words with Lady Charlotte, mostly about plain topics such as the weather and the Campbell Estate. It seemed as though everyone was interested in young Lord Samuel, as if he were a new toy. The only one that seemed to dislike him was the Cardinal, but that might have been due to presence unabling Castiel to spend more "quality" time with the enslaved omega.
Castiel felt a pang of guilt for allowing his thoughts to drift away from Dean.
"I understand you are quite versed in Law and Statutes, Lord Samuel." Baron Bartholomew asked the young alpha, while Lady Rubette immediately evinced her awe with "Oh, you are a man of Law! Do you meet any criminals? Did you ever bound any of them?" The last question was delivered in a low seductive voice, as if Lady Rubette found bondage quite alluring. Lady Megan laughed at her.
"Pff… Miss Rubette should show some wits, it is the officers who catch the criminals and not lords! Really, have you half a brain?" She said and Lady Rubette gasped in shock at being addressed in such a manner. Castiel along with Lord Samuel and Lady Charlotte tried to contain their amused smiles while Baron Bartholomew was completely clueless of what was being said, too distracted by the pretty silverware. In the corner, Cardinal Zachariah was unusually silent, seemingly contemplative, borderline brooding.
"I was curious about our country's justice system, so I made some inquiries, and I was allowed to research it, to study it, even if I am no scholar. I have learnt a few things, but I am certainly no expert." Sam finally replied.
"Yes, one might study their whole life and never become proficient enough." Baron Bartholomew proclaimed and all eyes befall upon him, none ever before hearing any words of wisdom for him. The Baron continued, completely disinterested in everyone's reaction. "But I also hear you have been tinkering with the dark arts, magic and herbs." If his previous statement hadn't stupefied them all, this one would have. It was preposterous to even accuse a Lord of something like that, much less mention it so casually in a conversation. Yet, the Lord let out a small chuckle.
"I have heard those rumors as well, and truthfully, they always make me laugh. Those are misguided claims, thought not completely false. I have been researching properties of some herbs, but nothing magical, only natural. There are vast medical uses for almost every plant in existence, but also some… other uses too." He added with some amusement in his tone. Before anyone managed to ask what those might be, desserts were served, small apple filled pies and Castiel immediately focused on them, trying to come up with how and when to snatch a few and hide them in his coat to bring to Dean.
"M'Lord, you seem as though the treats have personally offended you. Why such a sad face?" Lady Megan brought Castiel out of his thoughts with a question directed at the tall alpha. Lord Samuel did seem a bit melancholic for a moment, before huffing a polite smile at Lady Megan.
"My apologies, I did not mean to spoil the good mood. It is just that… My brother loves these. It has been a while since I saw him, I do miss him." Samuel said with a hint of sadness in his voice, but then something flashed in his eyes, some sort of anger and he huffed, shaking his head. "Well. No point in dwelling on something that cannot be helped, yes?"
"Why is that so?" Lady Rubette asked then gave another dramatic gasp. "Oh, no… Is he… Did he die?"
"Oh, no, none of the sorts. He is an omega." It was all Samuel said, but really, it was self-explanatory. Despite the progression in the laws, omegas still mostly remained at home, under the watchful eye of their alpha parent until they were wed. But at least now, they could choose who they'd marry, unlike the old days when they were handed over from one alpha to another without so much being allowed to express their opinion.
"Ah, lucky thing. He doesn't even have to try and win someone over, omegas usually have so many suitors, he can just take his pick." Lady Rubette said dismissively, and Castiel could swear that Lord Samuel's eyes flashed red in anger before he reined it in, disguising his displeasure with laughter.
"Ah, yes, indeed. They do have it easier, don't they? And with these new equality laws, it won't be long before they are allowed to be in much higher positions than even us, alphas." Samuel said, then suddenly turned to Castiel with a question. "What do you think, your Majesty?"
Castiel felt as if he was being baited, there was no innocence in such a question. Everyone around the palace knew that the royal family was still inclined towards the old laws, treating omegas as much less, but nowadays, they all knew better than to voice it as such. They needed to seem progressive and supportive for the sake of the crown, even if they did not agree. Castiel, though? He never thought that it mattered if a person was an alpha, a beta or an omega. To him, their intentions were much more important than their designation.
Only it wasn't him Lord Samuel was asking, it was prince James. Balancing between his own beliefs, the words he was supposed to say as a crown prince and the overall arrogance of prince James, Castiel made a calculated reply. "As the future King, to me, it is of no matter what subgender someone is. They all serve the crown." He sounded perfectly dismissive, and it would be just so that prince James believed that everyone was beneath him, no matter their designation.
The reactions to his words were highly telling. The Cardinal had a smug smile, as if he was pleased by his answer. Lady Rubette nodded in agreement, while Lady Megan simply shrugged, indifferent, and the Baron probably hadn't even registered Castiel said a word. Lady Charlotte's eyes were wide, as if she was caught by surprise, but she quickly averted her gaze, trying to compose herself. Lord Samuel huffed.
He seemed to be doing that a lot, unable to contain his unimpressed feelings for Castiel, or rather Prince James. His words and actions, however, held a different weight, as if she was trying to gain the prince's favor. Perhaps even his trust? Whatever it was, Castiel knew he would have to keep an eye on him.
Once the breakfast was completed, and Castiel managed to smuggle two mini pies in his pocket, he deliberately ran into Lady Rubette, so that she would splash him with the glass of water she was holding (the opposite side of his attire than the pocket hiding the treats, of course). Lady Megan called her a klutz, but Castiel had a genuine smile when he said that it was of no importance and that he could simply go and change.
When Castiel entered his chambers, he found Dean sitting in his corner, leaning on the wall with his legs tucked under him, and his hands in his lap. "Hello, Dean."
"Hi." Dean replied, glancing at Castiel for a moment before directing his gaze downward again. Castiel paused by the small table, looking back at the omega, who looked a lot better than when he first saw him, but Castiel knew that deep inside, Dean was still hurt and insecure.
"Please don't avert your eyes." He said quietly and softly. He wished so hard he could reach out and touch him, lift his chin up and gaze into his beautiful eyes, but even more he wanted to show Dean that he needn't submit to Castiel in such a way.
Dean took a deep breath as if he was summoning all his bravery before looking back up at Castiel. Their eyes met and Castiel awarded him with a smile and a nod, pleased. Dean nodded in return. "I got something for you. I managed to slip after breakfast, I know you haven't eaten, so I brought you these." Castiel said, taking out two bundles wrapped in a napkin and settling them down on the table before moving to his dresser. He glanced back at Dean and seeing that the omega was reluctant to move, Castiel urged him on. "Go on, take it."
It wasn't enough that Dean knew Castiel wouldn't hurt him, that he wasn't prince James; Castiel still had to earn his trust.
Castiel paused, wishing to see Dean's reaction to the food. It wasn't much, but considering Dean's taste for sweet foods, Castiel hoped he would like it. Dean slowly approached the table and curiously reached to unwrap the napkins. Castiel paused, uncertain as Dean let out a small gasp and turned his big eyes filled with awe at Castiel, his lips shaking as they parted to speak. "These… I… Thank you."
"So you like them?" Castiel asked as Dean reached to take one mini pie in his hand, shyly licking his lips and staring down at it. Without looking up, he answered with an exhale.
"I love them… My mom… She used to make them." He said and took a bite, his eyes falling closed as he felt the very first taste of them. Castiel didn't know if they tasted the same as his mom made, or why there was so much sadness in Dean's voice; he wanted to reassure him that he would see her again, that Castiel would find a way to free him and bring him home, but held the words back. It didn't seem like the right moment, and there was also that odd sadness in Dean's voice that told Castiel that, maybe, his mom wasn't around anymore.
Dean lifted his grateful eyes and looked at Castiel with a smile, his expression morphing from thankful to surprised and embarrassed as Castiel removed his drenched dress shirt. "Alright, perhaps you can avert your eyes on occasion." Castiel said with a slight chuckle as he picked up a fresh one and put it on. Turning towards Dean again, he found the omega with the most adorable pink color to his high cheeks.
"You haven't slept?" Castiel asked, after wrenching his eyes away from a pretty sight, looking back at his still made bed.
"I…" Dean tried trailing off, biting his lower lip, looking highly uncertain.
"It is too soft for me, as I am not used to it. It is a shame not to allow yourself comfort, when it is there." Castiel tried.
"But what if someone comes in and sees that I'm not…" The omega trailed off again, glancing at his corner. Castiel put on a reassuring smile before he replied.
"Do not worry. The guard knows not to allow anyone inside, so it could only be me coming into the room." The omega still seemed hesitant, so Castiel offered more. "Please, Dean. There isn't much I can do for you right now, allow me the peace of mind to know you are at least rested and out of the cold floor."
"So it's not that you want your sheets to smell like me?" The words weren't even out of his mouth when Dean snapped both hands over it, his eyes wide and horrified, filled with panic. As much as Castiel wanted to tell him that he didn't mind the tease, he could barely hold a breath as laughter tore through his lungs. It took him a moment to get his bearings, but the omega seemed to relax regardless.
"I'm sorry." Dean said, his eyes still wide and fearful.
"Hey, no, none of that. It was funny, thank you for the laugh. And, honestly… I have smelled far worst things than the sweet cherry blossom in the late spring." Castiel tried, lowering his head and watching Dean from between his lashes, the angle concealing his barely contained smile.
Dean blinked in surprise at his words, maybe a bit hurt and appalled, mouthing the words "far worst things" before the realization struck him, making his slips curl into an O before widening into a gorgeous smile, one which Castiel was happy to return. But all the little teasing aside, Castiel really had to return to his royal duties before Gabriel or Balthazar came to drag him away.
"I must leave now, but I shall return after lunch to bring back more food, alright? I do hope you take my offer and rest properly." Castiel said, then bowed his head in farewell.
He spent the next few hours receiving lords and barons and other high patriots, hearing their complaints and promising to look into them, no matter how trivial or absurd they sounded. As if he had no better things to do then settle whether calling someone a bastard was an insult if they are indeed an illegitimate child, or if they should be rewarded for exposing a thief after stealing from them.
A man even asked for his daughter to be hanged for refusing to marry who he desired as her husband.
Those were very long few hours, but when Jack finally came to whisper in his ear that it was time, and Castiel announced that he the rest may come tomorrow, he did so with much relief. Why was it up to him to settle these irrelevant disputes? Surely they could appoint someone to do it for him? There were matters far more important than these to discuss and to dwell upon.
As they existed the reception hall, Castiel kept glancing at Jack. The young alpha always attended all of these types of meetings, eager to learn, so perhaps, it could be good to teach him? Some might look down upon it, seeing as Jack had no title, but Castiel knew him to be more honorable then most of these people. And titles could be acquired, for all sorts of things, like bravery, dedication to the country and the crown, honor and justice.
Speaking of acquired titles, as they passed the tall window on the West side of the palace, Castiel spotted Lady Charlotte and Lord Samuel out in the gardens. Frowning down upon the sight, as it was not considered proper for a Lady to be alone with an unmated alpha, even like this in the open, and especially as Castiel knew Lady Charlotte was an omega, he clenched his fists and tried to contain his worry. Surely Lord Samuel knew better then to attempt anything in Castiel's court?
By the time he reached the doors that lead out into the gardens, Lady Charlotte and Lord Samuel were entering, headed for the diner hall in time for lunch, both whispering and snickering about things Castiel could not hear.
"Ah, your Majesty." Lord Samuel said with a light bow and Lady Charlotte followed. "Glad to see you can join us for lunch as well. I was just conversing with Lady Charlotte, intrigued by some of her skills. Did you know she is familiar with fencing?"
"Oh, really?" Castiel said, genuinely surprised, thought he still eyed the lord carefully as they walked together towards the dining hall.
"I suspect she even knows a thing or two about sword fighting, not that she would admit to such a manly skill." The alpha whispered as if he was telling a secret, loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Lord Samuel!" Lady Charlotte berated him, then smacked him in the shoulder with the back of her hand. She seemed a bit embarrassed, but not too much. "I thought we were becoming friends! That was supposed to be a secret!"
"Oh, but I believe Prince James won't tell a soul, will you, your Majesty? I bet his Highness is excellent at keeping secrets." Lord Samuel said with an odd glint in his eyes, one that Castiel had no time to decipher.
"Then perhaps I should reveal a secret of yours, Lord Samuel?" Lady Charlotte said, crossing her arms and pouting adorably, but all Castiel could think about was the so-called secret as he watched Lord Samuel turn pale for a moment, eyes going wide before he scolded his features. He was not fast enough.
"Oh, do tell, Lady Charlotte." Castiel smiled, showing amusement at their little quarrel.
"Well, our distinguished Lord Samuel knows how to pick locks!" She said, jolting her head in a nod to make a point, and letting out a huff. The tall alpha started chuckling, while Castiel plastered on an amused smile.
"I assure you, your Majesty, I am not a thief. It was just something I learned as a child, a parlor trick, really. I have never stolen a thing in my life." Lord Samuel defended, and Castiel could tell he was truthful. Nevertheless, to ease the alpha more, and to contribute to the light conversion, Castiel decided to tease the tall alpha a bit, just as the meal was being served.
"Hm. I am willing to bet you did in fact steal something."
"I beg you pardon?" The alpha asked, surprised and confused.
"I am willing to bet, a fine gentleman such as yourself, must have stolen a few hearts." Castiel said with a laugh. Both Lady Charlotte and Lord Samuel started laughing, bursting into more giggles as Lady Rubette joined the table, grinning at the tall alpha.
"I wouldn't know about that," Lord Samuel said after the laughter toned down "but, if I have, there is only one I am hoping to get to keep." He reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a small picture of a lovely little girl with light blue eyes, curly blond hair and full lips stretched into a wide smile.
"Oh, she is adorable. What is her name?" Lady Charlotte asked, and Lord Samuel replied without taking his eyes of the picture, the look on his face one of a man deeply in love.
"Miss Jessica Moore. She comes from a simple house, but I do hope to be allowed to court her." He took a moment to look at the picture before putting it back in his inner pocket. A man who held so much love and respect for a young woman, cannot be a bad person deep down, Castiel knew.
And Lady Charlotte seemed to be getting well with him, a true friendship blooming there, so Castiel decided that perhaps, Lord Samuel was not so untrustworthy as he originally thought. So instead of further scrutinizing him, Castiel decided he might as well learn a thing or two from him.
"Now, Lord Samuel, about that skill of yours… Could you, by any chance, teach me how to pick a lock?"
Right after lunch, with Lady Charlotte's stolen hair pin in one pocket and some butter bread hidden under his dress coat, Castiel rushed to his chambers. He ran in so fast, he surprised Dean, who was curled up on the bed. He startled the poor omega so much, that he scrambled off the bed in a hurry, pulling all the sheets and pillows down as he landed in a heap on the floor.
"Oh… I… oh…" Dean tried, not even sure himself of what he wanted to say.
"Dean!" Castiel ignored his perturbation, choosing instead to immediately give him the good news. "I have learned how to pick a lock!"
Dean paused mid kneeling, either remembering he needn't do it anymore, or was caught surprised by Castiel's declaration. Perhaps even both. "Okay?" He offered, not sure what else to say.
"Well, I know it might not be much," Castiel said, coming closer to Dean, but still maintaining his distance so as not to scare him even more "but I thought you'd be more comfortable if I managed to get you out of those heavy chains." Dean blinked in confusion at his statement, slowly processing the information given. His hand automatically reached to trace over the heavy lock, as Dean contemplated something.
"Pick the lock? You mean you don't know where the key is?" He asked, his words giving Castiel pause.
"Of course I don't. If I did, I would have unlocked the chain immediately." Castiel said, and Dean's brows rose as he stared into the space before him, a whole swirl of emotions running through those emerald green eyes of his before settling down into a grateful look.
"May I?" Castiel reached, showing Dean his hands, one empty, the other containing a hair pin and the omega nodded with a small smile, raising his head and exposing his restraint neck. It has been a while since Castiel touched Dean and he had no idea he missed it so much until his fingers brushed against the skin of his neck, under the heavy metal collar. Castiel took a deep breath and refocused his efforts on the lock, slotting in the hair pin and attempting to twist it open. After a few failed tries and Castiel's rapidly growing frustration, Dean snapped his hand, catching him by the wrist and drawing his attention to the omega. Castiel took a deep breath, Dean's touch easing the raging beast inside of him.
"Slowly. Listen. Feel the lock, feel it click." Dean said, and Castiel was confused for a moment, how could he possibly know that? Still, Castiel only nodded and did as Dean said, approaching the task with a newfound calmness. He was beyond pleased when he succeeded. A wide smile spread upon his face as the collar opened and slipped, revealing the tall column of Dean's neck, fully exposed and completely captivating. Castiel's lips parted and he could feel his mouth begin to water but he blinked and snapped himself out of it. Dean remained in the same position, his neck bared to the alpha and Castiel slowly took a few steps back.
The moment stretched for a few more seconds before Dean lowered his head, blinking and breathing hard as if he just resurfaced, as if he was not in full control. Did his inner omega overpower him? That would mean that it wanted to submit to Castiel, to offer…
No, best not think about what that might have meant.
"You knew how to pick a lock this whole time?" Castiel said instead. Dean nodded, making the alpha frown. "Why haven't you said anything? I could have found a pin or a needle or something sooner and let you at least remove this heavy chain."
"I… I don't know." Dean said not meeting Castiel's gaze. Did he think Castiel wouldn't want to free him? Did he still have doubts about Castiel's intentions? Perhaps it didn't occur to him to ask? Even with the knowledge that Castiel would not harm him, not once did Dean ask for food or water or anything else, happy to get what was freely given. In fact, all he ever asked for was Castiel's real name.
"Dean… You can ask for anything, you know that? I might not be able to give you freedom just yet, I am working on that, but in the meantime, please… Tell me what you need and I will do my best to accommodate it, any way I can." Castiel said carefully, hoping that Dean would understand and trust him at least a little bit. Dean just nodded, not meeting Castiel's gaze, but it didn't seem like submission or even fear. It was almost as if Dean was ashamed of his actions, even if they were perfectly understandable.
A knock on the door put a stop to any further conversation as Balthazar announced that the king wished to see the prince. "Please, eat these. I know it isn't much, but I hope to get you some meat tonight." Castiel paused long enough to say the words, hoping that Dean would lift his gaze and he might get a glimpse of those vibrant green eyes, but to no avail.
Castiel did not like that he had to leave things as they were, but if he could just get through these changes the King wanted to impose upon him, he would organize things in his own way and work on setting Dean free. It would all be much easier if he could just get rid of the Cardinal, then he could simply lie to the King that the omega escaped.
These thoughts occupied his mind all through the one sided conversation he had with the King as the dying man unsuccessfully tried to place his views on the world in Castiel's mind, along with his ideas of how the kingdom should be run. He was a fool if he thought Castiel would follow in his footsteps, but the prince made no such comment, simply nodding along to his supposed father's words.
Throughout dinner, Castiel remained silent and contemplative, ignoring the courtesans as they conversed with Lord Samuel and Baron Bartholomew and not noticing the Cardinal's absence. Tired of all the thoughts that weighed him down and of having to hide what he was doing, he took a plate and loaded it with a few fried chicken legs and mashed potatoes, with some lettuce salad aside and headed towards his room. If anyone saw him, they could just think of the prince taking more food into his room as an act of a spoiled child and nothing more. It wasn't as if any of them were important.
"Good evening, your Majesty."
"Evening, Benjamin." Castiel said, and the guard only nodded, a small amused smile tugging the big man's lips. "Oh, no, wait. It's Elias, correct?" Castiel corrected, pausing to address the guard. The smile finally broke over his face as the guard allowed his amusement to seep out.
"Indeed, your Majesty." He said with a dose of gratitude he could not voice. He was probably mistaken for his brother loads of times, and it must have been nice for the prince to acknowledge his mistake and correct it.
"I am feeling a little tired, it was a long day." Castiel said in lieu of an apology, as the prince did not apologize, of course. "Everything alright here?" He added, meaning it as a polite way to ask the rhetorical question, not to actually inquire about the guard's duty.
"Yes, your Majesty. Everything is regular. Aside from you and the Cardinal, nobody has even been around." Elias said and Castiel stopped dead in his tracks, immediately paling.
"The… the Cardinal was here?"
"Yes, for the usual check up on your guest." Elias said carefully, probably sensing that there might have been an alteration as to who was allowed in the room, but he was not informed of such. Castiel felt his head spin. He told Benjamin to keep everyone away, but he hadn't told Elias, the whole twin thing confused him and made him forget that small little detail and now, the Cardinal managed to slip inside and Oh, Lord! What did he do to Dean?
With a shaky hand, Castiel reached for the knob, dreading what he might find on the other side.
*Country of Franks or Land of Franks represents another name for France, used in the 18th and 19th century. The title has a slightly mocking connotation.
The author runs and hides while the readers yell and throw heavy objects. Sorry, sorry, sorry!