Author's note: Some additional plot weaseled it's way into this chapter and no matter what I tried, I just couldn't shake it off. That is the first part of the chapter. Then the second part just kept writing itself longer and… well… more than I intended. And THEN the wedding was supposed to take place, but Castiel's emotions overtook a bit and before I knew it, it was time to post. So I kind of rushed the wedding itself. But hey! At least they are married now. Also, I didn't get a chance to proof-read, so...

Ever since Castiel took over and became the king, the whole court and even the people that came to visit seemed a lot more relaxed and free to speak to him without fear of saying the wrong thing. But with Dean there, people also seemed happier, more cheerful and constantly smiling. All in all, the world was a better place with Dean in it.

He managed, with a little help from Gabriel and approval from Michael, elter everything, from the drapes and tapestries on the walls, the furniture in every common area to the types of food served, the composition of meals and the whole experience during a meal. And Castiel was fine with it, he never put much thought in any of that, but the more he observed Dean, the more he could see that the omega relished in keeping himself busy. Which was fine, but not really how Castiel imagined it. Still, he would not stand in Dean's way if all he wanted to do was attend to the household.

"The centerpiece is wonderful, Dean. The blue irises really compliment our count colors." Castiel complimented as he stood a few steps behind Dean, with his hands behind his back and his smile wide as he watched Dean fuss around the bouquet. The omega looked up as he finally noticed him and smiled so brightly, Castiel revelled in it as if it was the sun itself.

"Cas!" The omega exclaimed, completely ignoring the proper etiquette for addressing the king, but Castiel didn't mind. Everyone on the court already knew how close they were, and of the deep bond that was developing between them, so they paid it no mind, and Dean would always change his behavior whenever they had guests, not that Castiel would ever insist upon it. Especially when Dean would kiss him like that. It wasn't really an open mouth kiss, but his amazing lips still conveyed all the desire and affection Dean had for the alpha.

"You really like it?" The omega asked beaming up at Castiel, and the alpha could see a spec of insecurity in Dean's eyes. They cared about each other deeply, but Castiel could tell Dean was still looking for his place in Castiel's life. No matter what Dean wanted to do with the rest of his life Castiel would always support him and make sure he had every opportunity to shine, yet somehow, the alpha had a feeling playing housewife was never who Dean truly was.

"Of course I do, they are lovely. You have brightened this house and turned it from a plain structure to a home." Castiel complimented again, making Dean blush, but before he allowed him to argue that fact, Castiel spoke up again. "With you here, this will always be my home." Dean sucked in a breath at that proclamation and his blush deepened, but his eyes didn't shy away from Castiel's gaze, but shone with the smile that caressed the omega's lips.

"You're such a sweet talker." Dean teased.

"I thought omegas liked sweet?" Castiel teased back, trying a failing to look serious. Dean gave him an amused look and came closer, leaning in his space.

"True. But I personally like a bit of spice too. Especially if it comes in a form of a strong, musculine alpha…" The words were whispered in Castiel's ear not because Dean didn't want anyone to hear them, but because he knew well his hot breath would cause Castiel's body to shiver and for his arousal to spike. Lord, forgive him, it had been hard keeping his distance from the luscious omega and his sweet cherry scent. Even now as he had to put his hands on those hips to keep Dean away from leaving into him, Castiel battled himself, his inner alpha wishing to pull the omega closer instead.

"Dean…" He warned and if Dean hadn't taken a step back, Castiel was sure his will would have crumbled. The tiniest growl escaped him at the smug smile on the omegas face, but since Dean wouldn't relent, Castiel simply sighed and let it be. He had asked the omega to wait, and Dean was doing just that. Nobody said he could not tease, and as far as Castiel could see, the trait was a part of Dean's personality, and he couldn't deny the fact that he licked it. Made his boring existence so much more interesting.

"You really did an amazing job here, Dean. BHowever, I was hoping that, if you have some time to spare, you might wish to join me…" Before Castiel could fully explain, he could see Dean's eyes brighten up at the idea of them spending time together, since Castiel was mostly detained by the country's political and business affairs. Castiel was determined to change that, should Dean feel comfortable about it. "... In a meeting. Join me in a meeting."

It was an astonishing sight to witness, the way Dean's smile dropped, his face overtaken by surprise and confusion for only a moment before it became contemplative as he stared back at Castiel. Contemplative and curious, Dean blinked a few times, his tongue coming out to lick his dry lips before he spoke. "Me? You want me to join you in a meeting?"

"Yes. If you would like. Count Azazel is here, waiting to see what proposition I have for him." It was actually Dean's idea, to make it seem as though promising Lady Megan to someone else was actually a gift to Count Azazel, a form of gratitude towards his service. It was Castiel who complimented the idea with a few of his own, and together, they came up with one incredible ruse that would not only bring Lady Megan her heart's desires, but also make sure that Count Azazel's thirst for power was somewhat quenched. The whole 'Keep your friends close…' and so on.

"And you want me to attend the meeting?" There wasn't scepticism in Dean's voice, he sounded more pleasantly surprised and perhaps a little excited, and it was all Castiel needed to be certain that he made the correct decision.

"Yes. Soon, you will be my mate and I will be yours. Every decision that has to be made, every action that requires consideration will affect us both, and I see no reason why you should be excluded from the process." Castiel stated matter-of-factly,but could not hide the blush when Dean leaned in and gave him a small chaste kiss on the cheek. It was so much different then the passionate kiss Dean pulled him in moments before, laced with distinct emotions of pride and admiration.

"I think I just fell for you a little bit more." Dean said, his smile widening as Castiel's blush deepened. It was a fact, he loved Dean with all his might, and he had known it for a while, but to have Dean address the topic and saying that his feelings might be similar was beyond what the alpha could have imagined. "Come on, let go see that douchebag and put him in his place." Dean added, averting Castiel's focus on the task at hand.

Count Azazel was an average man, an average alpha, shorter than both Castiel and Dean; his dark hair was dusted with strains of silver, his blue eyes were bleak and cheerless. Next to him was his son, Sir Thomas, also an alpha, his features a bit more pronounced even if they mimicked his father's. They exchanged pleasantries, and when Castiel motioned for them to be seated, they barely contained their disgruntlement over Dean sitting with them as an equal.

The irrelevant discussions came first. Castiel and Azazel spoke of the prosperity of their community which was a small independent part of France, but a part nevertheless. Azazel portrayed their current situation as quite admirable and flawless, and Castiel had very little doubt that it was the truth. In reality, Azazel's land was one of those Castiel had plans to overtake and alter it's leadership. He knew it could not be done in one day, not without outright killing Azazel, but if he set things in motion, it would provide grounds for a great change. And provide Lady Megan some happiness along the way as well.

"Now, Count Azazel, there is one more subject I wished to discuss with you." Castiel started and he could see the older alpha's glint as if he was waiting for the real reason for his summoning. "As you know, shortly before my father's passing, we lost our proxy, my father's right hand, Cardinal Zachariah. Ever since then, I have been trying to find a worthy young man with a high status and a good education to become his replacement."

"And you believe you found someone worthy of such status?" Count Azazel asked carefully. This development accommodated his own aspirations for more power and leeway, but he could not show his eagerness.

"I believe Sir Thomas would be perfect for such a role." Castiel didn't see a reason not to be direct. "Now, I know he is your sole heir and it poses a problem for the future of your estate, but I believe I have a solution for that as well." The count nodded, appearing to be listening, but the look in his eyes gave him away. His son having an influential role in the court was beyond what he could have hoped for, so he would probably agree to anything.

"I wanted to send one of my trusted musketeers to assist you and afterwards play ambassador to your son's wishes for your estate, but I realize that might be too… Officious. Offensive even. And that is where my brilliant omega came with a perfect idea." Castiel glanced Dean's way and gave him a small smile. To an outsider it might seem like a devilish one, but both Castiel and Dean knew it held more pride and affection than anything else.

"Oh, he did?" Count Azazel asked, sounding displeased. And this was the part Castiel disliked, but knew it was necessary for the show they were putting on.

"They are quite cunning and smart, and they don't even realize it. Omegas, I mean. This little vixen of mine came up with a fantastic idea, one I believe you would appreciate. Considering that after our wedding, there would be no more need for the courtesans, and he really grew fond of your daughter, Lady Megan, he wished to help her find happiness in a good marriage. Once he overheard me speaking to my musketeers regarding this, he suggested we should marry Lady Megan to whomever I choose as the ambassador. That way, she could return to her home and assist my musketeer in his duties. She would be taken care of, of course, as I would bestow a title upon my chosen servant, for him to be able to advocate on your or your son's behalf."

Castiel could see the spark that suggestion created. Count Azazel thought that by sending his son to the court, he could have influence over the king's decisions through his son, while his daughter could control the king's emissary back at their estate. With a wide smile, the count agreed and they shook hands, agreeing to proceed with this plan right after the royal wedding. Count Azazel and sir Thomas left to make the necessary arrangements, after which Sir Thomas would return to fulfill his supposed duty. In reality, Castiel would have more control over Count Azazel's land, partly through his son who would be easily taught right from wrong; and partly through his daughter who would be a great ally.

"That was AWESOME!" Dean exclaimed with a grin when they were left alone in Castiel's study.

"We were quite successful." Castiel added with a small smile.

"Oh, I can't wait to see the look on Meg's face when I tell her." Dean sounded so giddy for a moment Castiel thought he would rush off to share the news immediately. "And Balth too, he will be speechless."

"Yes, he will. Balthazar had worked hard for this country and he deserves to be rewarded for it, both in his personal life and in his career." Castiel said and turned to walk back to his desk.

"Lord Balthazar of Roche does have a nice ring to it." Dean commented, and before Castiel could reach his destination, Dean set his hand on Castiel's shoulder, and spun him around, crashing their lips in a bruising kiss. Whether it was from the spin or from Dean's kiss, Castiel felt a bit dizzy, but in a good way, a strange thrill crashing through him at being manhandled.

"You were so hot back there." Dean murmured into the space between them as he broke the kiss, and any retort Csstiel could have come up with died on his lips as Dean started kissing under his ear and down his neck. The world began to spin in earnest and Castiel felt his breath hitch every time Dean would move to a new patch of skin.

"Dean…" He meant for it to sound like a warning, but it came out as a whine, because he wanted it, he did not wish for Dean to stop, not really. With the scent of sweet cherry filling his nostrils and the perfect touch on Dean's lips on his neck, Castiel was losing the battle with himself and his resolutions. With his fears.

Yes, Castiel feared. He feared he would lose control and hurt Dean, inevitably pushing him away and damning them both. But more so, he feared he would not suffice. That his past experience or, better yet, the lack thereof, would ruin the image Dean had built in his mind. Castiel had been with a few betas that were curious enough to help an imprisoned alpha in a rut, but those memories were bleak at best. He had never been with an omega and no matter how much he read about them, he still feared he would ruin it all.

"Dean…" there was a plea in his voice asking Dean to stop, because he could not stop him himself, too aroused and elevated by the way Dean's lips would brush across his skin, his hot tongue occasionally coming out for a taste, leaving a wet trail, and oh!, there was a hint of teeth right there…

"What? You said kissing was still on the table?"

It was. Yes, he agreed to that. Yes, yes it was. So why was Dean doing all the kissing?

Something inside of Castiel stirred and he allowed a small ounce of self-control to slip away, letting the alpha within dictate his actions. Placing his hands in Dean's hips, he slowly pushed the omega away whose disappointed whine turned into a delightful moan as Castiel nosed right under his ear, instantly finding that little spot that made Dean shiver. The alpha inhaled deeply and released a pleased hum that caused the omega's legs to tremble, nearly giving out from under him as Castiel planted a small kiss right at that same spot.

"C...ca…" words on Dean's lips were nothing but a whisper as Castiel started trailing his lips down the omega's neck, in an excruciatingly slow manner, but still mimicking all Dean's previous actions. He let out a small startled sound as the alpha's hands slowly rose up his hips and sneaked under his dress shirt, thumbs barely grazing the skin.

"May I?" Even Castiel himself was somewhat surprised how deep and hoarse his own voice sounded when he whispered the question, his lips against Dean's mating gland. Too late he realized that he should have asked the full question or at least not be so close to this specific area of Dean's neck, but all thoughts of his miscommunication flew out the window when he heard Dean's breathless reply.

"Fuck yes!"

Castiel's hands jerked, catching Dean's dress shirt and pulling it up, then slid over the omega's waist as Dean quickly discarded the clothing item. Suddenly, he had so much more skin to kiss, just as he hoped when he asked the question. Dean staggered backwards when Castiel lurched and began tracing sweet kisses across the omega's collarbone, so he ended up with his tush against the desk. "Oh, God…" Dean let it show just how affected he was, and Castiel revelled in all the sounds Dean produced.

His fingers danced across Dean's waist, circling behind to his lower back and massaging upward before sliding back down to the hips, while Castiel's lips left a wet trail across Dean's chest, from one shoulder to the other and back again, finally lowering further. Hands flew near his head, fingers combing through his hair as he reached the omega's nipples, wetting one with his lips and a hint of tongue before he let the hardened bud brush across his swollen lips. The moan Dean produced was absolutely sinful and Castiel hungered to hear more.

His hands slipped down to Dean's hips once again, lingering there longer as Castiel traced every abdominal muscle with his lips, letting his tongue dart out a few times just to taste and tease. His inner alpha almost begged him to at least amount his lips and suck a few times, but that wasn't what Castiel wanted. Only to kiss, not to mark.

His thumbs were the first to touch the piece of skin underneath Dean's breeches, just below the waistband. Castiel could feel Dean's breath hitch, but his hands were still in Castiel's hair and not stopping his hands from venturing further, unbuttoning his pants and letting his fingers play with the strings of his drawers while his lips continued their travel south until he had to crouch down to reach.

"What are you… Cas… Are you gonna… Oh, fuck…" Dean's voice was so hoarse from all the heavy breathing and he swallowed a few times trying to wet his dry throat as his wide eyes observed the kneeling alpha. Castiel paused and pulled away slightly to look up at the omega.

"You wish me to stop?"

"NO! God, no, please, don't stop. Please… Don't stop…" it was a mantra Dean would keep saying all through Castiel's ministrations whenever his hitching breath would allow him to. The alpha made quick work with Dean's undergarments, lowering them enough to get a chance to tentatively reach and take his erect member in his hand.

Having seen quite a few in a male prison, Castiel was proud to see that his omega was endowed a bit beyond what was average for beta men, and he wondered only for a moment if it had anything to do with Dean's designation or wasn't simply how Dean was. Dean litany of "don't stop, please, don't stop" quickly brought Castiel back from his unimportant thoughts and, in the spirit of their previous agreement, he continued kissing.

He started low, at the base, taking his time and inhaling the scent of sweet cherries with a hint of bourbon, an intoxicating combination. When his lips first made contact with the skin of Dean's member, it twitched and the omega let out a small whimper. Castiel let his lower lip drag up, from the base to the tip, picking up a bead of pre-ejeculate at the top, then licked it off. The omega whimpered louder, then muffled his scream with his hands when Castiel took his member in his mouth.

Despite never having done this before for someone, Castiel thought he was performing well, if the sounds Dean was releasing were any indication. Besides, he knew what he liked, so he simply applied the same - Dean was an omega, but he was still a male, and Castiel felt a bit more comfortable in that area.

As Castiel pushed forward and pulled back, his tongue rolling all over the hardened member, Dean moaned so sinfully and his scent thickened with the flavour of bourbon and a hint of apple cider, it was inebriating. His hands flew to Castiel's head, fingers combing through the hair again and tugging while he tried to speak, words cut off and broken with heavy breathing, but by the sound of it, he was nearing his climax. Castiel wouldn't be pulled away.

"Caa… Cas… You… I… ooooh… You gotta…" It was all Dean managed before his orgasm overtook him and he ejectulated in Castiel's mouth, shuddering all the way through it. Castiel had never tasted semen before, and he barely managed now before the scent of juicy cherries overwhelmed him. Dean was immensely happy. Sounding a little breathless, the omega smiled widely as he spoke.

"We gotta work on your definition of kissing."

To that, Castiel only chuckled.

A few days later, a messenger came announcing the arrival of the wedding party, and Castiel felt more and more stressed as the day progressed. Inside of him, fear grew, that king John would change his mind about the wedding and him and Dean mating, while there wasn't a shed of doubt that the peace treaty would hold. Castiel simply couldn't reconcile the leader in him with his romantic desires.

Also, there was one more person he needed to meet. Obtaining king John's and prince Samuel's approval was difficult, but manageable as Castiel only acted naturally and his protectiveness over Dean and his genuine care won them over. It seemed a lot more simpler, considering they were alphas, same as him, and with good instincts too.

But to impress an omega, and a mother on top of that, was a much greater task. Queen Mary was notorious for talking down stubborn alphas who thought they were better because of their designation and considering the whole prince James situation, Castiel feared she would not accept him.

An inexplicable ache grew in his chest as the memories of his nanna flooded his mind, the little he remembered. Anna was a feisty one who always spoke loudly and firmly, her omega scent covered up to mask her designation and present her as a beta, to keep him safe. He still remembered the soft look in her eyes that was only ever for him, the way she would cup his cheek and smile kindly. She was as close to a mother as he ever had and it saddened him deeply that she had to die because of that.

All too soon, the wedding party arrived. Dean smiled reassuringly as he stood next to Castiel, his brother, prince Samuel on his right. The omega's hand slipped in his and squeezed tight, grounding him. Castiel took a deep breath and let it out just as the grand door opened to allow guests to enter.

An entourage of guards entered first, led by an older beta who grunted every step of the way and Dean smiled so brightly at the sight of him that Castiel concluded the man must be a dear friend. Behind him were a few guards of mixed designation and gender, one of them even an omega woman with an eye patch. There was only one alpha in the crowd that acted like one, looking annoyed and disgusted by everything around him. He was tall with dark skin and even darker eyes and Castiel felt an odd sensation of dislike before he even knew the man.

As they entered, Dean whispered their introductions and Castiel learned that the old beta was Sir Robert, king John's advisor and head guard, that the omega woman was the infamous Miss Lily Sunder who slayed a gang of alphas that killed her husband and her daughter. Lastly, Dean pointed out Gordon, the guard who Castiel disliked, and by the sound of Dean's tone, so did he.

Next entered an alpha woman with dark hair who Dean introduced as their healer, Miss Pamela, and her protege, a scrawny male omega named Ashbourne, or ash for short.

Castiel was astounded when Dean introduced the tall, short haired beta woman as king John's army general Josephine of the Mills and her mate, officer Donatella, who was also a beta woman.

Then there was a lovely omega blond who smiled so brightly as her eyes met prince Samuel's that Castiel knew before Dean confirmed that they were in love. Prince Samuel blushed deeply as Dean introduced her as Lady Jessica of the Moors. She was accompanied by prince Adam, Dean's and Samuel's adopted beta brother. The poor boy was terrified of everything around him, and Dean only said that he had found him in the city one day and simply brought him home. A few more other patrons entered between, and Dean introduced each and every one, then directed them all to the grand dining hall.

Lastly, entered king John and queen Mary. As they walked closer, Castiel could feel his heart begin to pound faster in anticipation of queen Mary's judgement. Her eyes fell on prince Samuel first then on her eldest, Dean, emitting love and pride before they fell upon Castiel, her entire expression changing into something a lot more serious. King John greeted as she remained silent, observing him, and Castiel felt so small under her scrutiny.

"May I have a moment with his majesty?" She enquired just as they were all about to move to the dining hall. Dean smiled encouragingly at Castiel while the other simply agreed, walking away and leaving him alone with the mother of his mate.

The ache in Castiel's chest intensified and his eyes could only meet hers for a moment before dropping to the ground, suddenly filling with tears. Castiel didn't know why he was feeling like this, but he yearned for her approval so badly that it hurt. He gasped as he felt her hand on his face, cupping his cheek and lifting his head up and his lower lip shook as he tried to speak, but couldn't find the words. And then… She smiled and gave him that soft look filled with love and pride she gave both her sons and Castiel felt himself fall apart.

She reached and brought him into her embrace as the tears rolled, and he held in tight, too afraid to let her go. She caressed his head and soothed, whispering that everything would be alright now. Castiel never felt so embarrassed by his actions, nor more fulfilled and whole in his life. They parted and she gave him a moment to calm down before they joined the others in the festivities.

They had only three days left until the wedding, and despite the fact that there were a lot more preparations to complete, everyone talked, laughed and enjoyed a carefree night.

Castiel took a deep breath as he stood in front of the big decorative door of the grand ballroom. Looking back on the previous three days, he noted that they passed quicker than he thought, but he can't deny that he had fun. He let his advisors and friends take on the burden of the bureaucracy while he took the time to help with the wedding plans, and spend more time with his new family. John and Samuel were there most of the time, but in all honesty, Castiel loved to spend time with Dean and Mary, feeling more relaxed and happy than he ever did before.

He spoke to Mary frequently. She was the first one Dean opened up to when prince Samuel brought him back home, and he told her all about Castiel, the kind alpha that helped him and that would one day be the king of France. Yet it was her that pieced it all together and understood her son's attraction towards the alpha, the pull he felt. But she also understood him. She was the only one to note that Castiel spent a huge portion of his life in the darkness of a cell, with very little contact with the outside world. She was the one to point out that despite it all, Castiel strived to do good, he wasn't bitter and angry at the world that wronged him in so many ways. And, most importantly, she treated him like she was her own son, with love and kindness he had never felt before.

Finally, Dean joined him and smiled brightly and sheepishly at him at the same time. Together, they stood waiting to enter and walk down the aisle made especially for their wedding. The whole court looked amazing and Castiel was proud of the way Dean managed to wove their colors together - the blue and white with a hint of gold along with the green and brown with a hint of ruby red, by putting an emphasis on the green and the blue and just adding a bit of gold and ruby here and there. It was magnificent.

The grand doors swung open and together, they walked up to the altar with an equal step, glancing around the room to all the Lords, Barons, and other bourgeoisie that came to view and support the union. There were others, simple people who grew to love their king, cheering on in the courtyard and after the ceremony they were to go to the balcony and greet them. Castiel noted that the space reserved for Lord Samuel Campbell was not empty as he suspected it would be, yet there was no Lord Samuel there. Instead, there was a young man and a young woman there, watching their walk, as an elder woman seated beside them had her eyes trained on queen Mary for a long while, before looking back at prince Sam and finally Dean. If Castiel had to venture a guess, it would be that the elder woman was Lady Deanna of the Campbells, Lord Samuel's wife and companion. He was immensely glad she was able to attend, and perhaps, this would turn out to be an excellent opportunity for the Campbells and the Winchesters to settle their feud.

With his mind swirling with these thoughts, Castiel didn't realize they had reached the altar nor that the ceremony had started. When he first turned to look at his future mate, the sight took his breath away. They were both dressed in their countries colors, the finest suit assembled and Dean was absolutely stunning as the deep green of his shirt accentuated his eyes, the hints of ruby red making his lips seem so inviting, Castiel was completely mesmerized.

They exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish one another, protect with equal force and be together in life and in death, as nothing would be able to break them apart. When they kissed, the crowd cheered, and Castiel barely managed to break away from Dean. Congratulations flew and both of them were smiling widely at everyone, yet Castiel felt so dazed, as if this was all but a dream. As though he may wake up back in that small, filthy cell and realize it hadn't been real. It felt just too good to be true.

It all took one little mishap to make it more realistic, to assure Castiel this was all happening. The guard Dean disliked, and Castiel now understood why, stood down by the entry door and waited for them to come out to the balcony to greet the crowd. When they did, he announced them with a hint of something vile in his voice: "All hail king Castiel and queen Dean!"

The crowd remained silent while Dean shrunk into himself, eyes cast down.

"ALL HAIL KING DEAN!" Castiel shouted, furious at the guard and his disrespect for Dean's designation, but the crowds exploded in wild cheers, shouting their approval of Castiel's reaction, and showing their love for their king and his attitude towards equality. Dean smiled gratefully and squeezed Castiel's hand and the alpha knew right there and then - he would never allow anyone to disrespect his omega, not ever again.

"I love you, Dean."