Raphael woke up at seven the next morning and dread pooled in his stomach at the thought of what would occur that day.

Today's the day I'm maybe gonna be bonded to the gross King. The thought of being with him makes me wanna puke. I wish there was another solution to the financial problems. He reached for his phone on his nightstand that he'd left there when he'd gone to bed and checked his messages. Donnie and he always texted each other in the mornings before school and on weekends to make plans, but there was nothing from him, which sent home the message that he and Donnie were really done. Maybe I should call Donnie and beg him to change his mind and to be with me. I don't want us to be over.

Raphael was about to dial Donnie's number when there was a knock on his door and he heard his mom's voice.

"Raphael, it's time for breakfast and then we need to get you ready. We leave for the Palace at eight."
"The frigging ceremony's only this evening. What's the hurry?" Raphael asked.
"We would like to leave early to avoid the traffic and also, the Omegas are allowed to spend the day at the Palace and to use the facilities to preen themselves for the evening."
"Preening? I'm not a chick and I'm fine as I am! I'm not gonna…"
"Get your butt downstairs now!" Mei said in a tone that brooked no disobedience.
"Yes, Mom," Raphael muttered and climbed out of bed. "This day is gonna suck. Who am I kidding? My life is gonna suck and there's nothing I can do to change it."

Raphael threw on jeans and a T-shirt and went to the kitchen.

XXXX

Breakfast was a hurried affair. Then Raphael showered and donned the red silk kimono that Aito's sister had given him for Christmas the previous year. He loathed the outfit, which made him feel like a girl and the thought of spending all day glamming himself up for the creepy King was nauseating. He'd refuse and tell them he was fine as he was. He didn't need perfume, essential oils, makeup or any other shit. He was a boy. Damn it.

"You look fabulous, Raphael," Mei said. "The King will surely love you. Look at our boy, Aito. He's all grown up."
"Dashing," Aito said. "You're sure to capture the King's heart."

"Lucky me," Raphael muttered. "What's gonna happen to my studies?"
"You don't need that anymore once the King picks you," Aito said.
"So, all I'm gonna do is pop out babies and make the King happy? Doesn't sound like much of a life. I'm smart. I could be doing more with my life and making a difference in the world."
"I know, but we can't change the laws, Raphael. I'm afraid that's as good as you'll get. You'll adapt. Maybe if you're really good, the King will let you read his books, so your mind doesn't stagnate. Anyway, it's time to go."
"How are you okay with all of this? Don't you at least feel some shame that you're doing this?"
"Raphael, we need to go!"
"Answer me. How are you okay with the idea of that bastard knocking up your son and your son being relegated to a breeding machine?"

Mei winced at Raphael's words and said, "We try not to think…"
"Try not to think about it, huh?" Raphael said sarcastically. "Well, when you get your first paycheck, you think about what I went through for you to get it!"

"That's enough!" Aito said. "We need to go. Stop stalling, Raphael, and get in the damn car."
"Don't you care, Dad?" Raphael asked.
"I do, but there is no other solution to our troubles and I can't see another way for you to have a bright future."
"Bright future? Being the King's concubine and constantly having babies isn't a bright future! It's a nightmare. Have you heard the rumors about him abusing his wives and concubines?"
"You shouldn't listen to gossip. Get in the car!"

Raphael knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with his parents, so he stormed off to the car, climbed in and sulkily waited for his parents to join him.

They don't really care about me. All they want is money and if I give the King kids, they get more. I'm just a breeding vessel and all my dreams are ashes, especially if I'm chosen. My life is over and I'm only fifteen. I never had a chance to do what I wanted. How is that fair?

His parents soon joined him.

His father started the engine and began the short drive to the Palace.

XXXX

They reached the Palace gates ten minutes later and were stopped by security who queried their reasons for being there. After explaining that Raphael was going to participate in the Omega ceremony and after a quick search of their car for any narcotics or weapons, they were allowed to enter the grounds.

Aito parked a couple of minutes later and marveled at the Palace architecture. It was over two hundred years old and was modeled on Buckingham Palace, because the King's great x 3 grandmother had been in awe of it and wanted something similar. There were one hundred rooms and eighty bathrooms, which were beautifully decorated and luxurious. Only the best for the Royal Family.

"It's something, son, huh?" Aito said. "Quite a change from our place. Don't look glum, Raphael. You'll love it here. You'll have everything you want. You're lucky."

Raphael didn't bother to answer him and climbed out. He gazed at the building and frowned.

It looks magnificent and opulent, but it's also my prison. Goodbye, freedom. Hello, rules, babies and boredom.

"Shall we go in?" Mei asked when she saw a bunch of other people dressed similarly to Raphael. "I think they're also here for the ceremony. Let's follow them."

"Raphael, smile!" Aito ordered.
"Why?"
"Because I say so. Come along."

Raphael and his parents followed the others to a doorway where they were stopped by more security. After getting clearance, they all went inside.

XXXX

"Wow!" Mei said as she stared around her. "Look how stunning this place is, Raphael and this is only a small room designated to the public. I love it. The décor is French. Look at that chandelier and those incredible paintings. That tapestry over there is beautiful!"
"Yeah. Just incredible," Raphael said and rolled his eyes. He couldn't care less about the décor. As far as he was concerned, it was still a prison and nothing could make him change his mind.

He, his parents and others were ushered into a huge room and told to wait.

"What now?" Raphael asked.
"It's time for the preening to begin," a girl said. "You'll love it. It's so much fun. We get the ultimate beauty treatment, which includes bathing, makeup, massages, manicures and pedicures."
"I don't need that. I'm a boy! You've done this before?"
"Oh. You'll still have to have the treatment. It's mandatory. Yeah. This is my third attempt to be his concubine, but I can't next year, because I'll be twenty then and too old. The King likes them young and twenty is the cut off age. How old are you?"
"Fifteen. That's crazy. Twenty isn't old. Why do you do this?"
"Same reason as you, I guess. Got no prospects and if I'm not chosen now, well, my life is bleak unless I find another rich Alpha. You're young and a looker. The King will love you."
"Hmm. Are the rumors about him abusing his wives and concubines true?"

A servant appeared before the girl could comment and told Raphael's parents they could wait there while he and the other Omegas had their beauty treatment. Then the servant ushered the Omegas into the area where the treatment would commence.

XXXX
There was a gigantic tepid perfumed pool for them to wash in, which contained fish that would remove their dead skin cells.

Raphael had never been naked in front of anyone else before and he blushed as he discarded his kimono and then slipped into the water. The fish instantly began to nibble at his feet and he couldn't help chuckling. It was extremely ticklish.

He smelled the scented water as he washed himself all over and grimaced.

I smell like jasmine and girly shit. I hate it! What's next? Makeup? I refuse. There's no way they're gonna do that to me!

He was about to get out of the water when a servant appeared and said, "No. I haven't cleaned your shell."
"Fine," Raphael huffed and then stood quietly as the man scrubbed his shell with a brush and removed all the dirt. That soon done, it was polished with beeswax.
"Much better. Your shell was filthy and you stank before you bathed. That's unacceptable and you clearly have no pride! Now you smell like jasmine, the King's favorite scent. He'll be pleased and you stand a better chance…"
"I didn't stink. I smelled like a guy, which is what I am!" Raphael yelled as his temper ignited. "A masculine, Alpha…"
"Yawn. I'm not intimidated by your rage, Omega. Dress and go to that lady over there," the man said and pointed at a woman.
"That's not my name. It's Raphael!"
"I don't care what your name is and nor will I attempt to remember it. You're just another Omega to me. Go now. I have other Omegas to see to!"
Raphael glared at him. What a dick. He dressed and went to the designated lady.

"He told me to see you," Raphael said.
"Ah, yes," the woman said. "Take a seat. I'll do your fingernails and toenails."
"The hell you will! They're fine as they are!" Raphael bellowed.
"Sit down now!" she screamed in a tone so vicious that he flinched and then sat down.
"Good," she continued and then inspected his toenails. "They're disgusting. Look how long they are. When last did you have them trimmed?"
"I'm a guy and…"
"That's no excuse to let yourself look gross. Don't you have any pride? You could poke someone's eyes out with these. I'll be right back." She returned a few minutes later with a basin of warm and soapy water and put his feet into it. Then she inspected his nails. "You bite them. You'll have to stop that. The King likes his concubines to look immaculate and nail biting is a no."
"Whatever. What else does he like?"
"The list is long. You'll learn in time. I think we should paint your nails orange. It's the King's favorite color."
"No! Look, I've endured bathing, shell scrubbing and I smell like a girl. I'm gonna have my nails done. That's enough. Please stop," Raphael said and stared at her pleadingly.
"It's mandatory, Omega."
"Ugh. Then leave my face alone!"
"Oh, honey, orange lipstick will make your eyes pop out and go well with your skin color," she said and smiled meanly.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Raphael said irritably.
"Very much. Be a good dear while I trim your nails. Then I'll paint them orange."

The woman cleaned, filed down and trimmed Raphael's toenails and then painted two coats of orange nail polish onto them. That done, she turned her attention to his fingernails. She cleaned, filed down, trimmed them and then painted two coats of nail polish onto them. Then she turned her attention to his face. "It won't take long, honey," she said.

Raphael glared at his fingernails. Look at me. I'm dressed and beautified like a girl. It's degrading and emasculating and all to help my selfish parents. They could have called Mikey. Why put me through this? I don't deserve this and I certainly don't want it. It's hell and it's only gonna get worse.

Raphael had forced himself not to flinch when she'd applied the nail polish, but he battled when she told him to pucker up his lips and when she applied the lipstick. How he wished he could get out of there, but there was no going back now.

She applied pink blush to his cheeks and then said as she handed him a mirror, "That's it, honey. Take a look at your improved self. I think you look cute."
"I look repulsive," Raphael snapped as he took the mirror and then stared at himself in horror. "It makes me look like a clown. I hate it!"
"I've been doing this job for thirty years and all the male Omegas say the same thing before the ceremony, but their tune changes when they're picked. They're happy, because all their needs are met and they don't have to worry about money anymore. They do whatever is asked. You'll be the same way, love. You'll be happy to be his and you'll do as you're told, even if it's to wear dresses."
"I'll never be happy and I'll never love the King!"
"You're feisty and strong willed, little one. That'll change too. The King will make sure of it. I'm done. You can go wait in the room over there," she said and pointed to another room.
"What about my parents?"
"Little one, you'll see them after the ceremony if you're not chosen and you can go home. If you're chosen, you'll see them when the King says you can. That is all. Be off now."
"When the King says I can? What about when I want to?" Raphael demanded.
"As a concubine, you'll have no rights. You do as you're told and you're grateful for any attention the King gives you. Go now. You'll be called when the ceremony is about to begin."

Raphael digested the news as he walked to the designated room.

No rights. I'll be a prisoner and at his mercy. Mom and Dad, when you get your cash, think of what I'll be enduring. You could have asked Mikey for help. I don't think you wanted to, because I think you knew you'd get more cash from the King and it'd be for life, so you jumped at this. You don't care that I could be abused and that I can't pursue my dreams. All that matters is that you'll be paid. I should have refused and run away. I agreed, because I love you. You don't love me. No one does I'm all alone.

XXXX

Raphael waited in the room with the other Omegas until the clock struck six. They had been given sandwiches and water at three p.m. There were four hundred of them and each of them had a number pinned to their kimonos. Raphael was number twenty. The King would traditionally see all the Omegas, who would be paraded in front of him and he would speak to each of them for a few minutes, but he also didn't have to see all of them. He could select which one he wanted and that was the end of the event.

A servant appeared and told them the King was ready to see them. They were ushered out into the formal sitting room, where they anxiously awaited their turn.

XXXX

The King, who was sitting on his golden throne, studied the long line of Omegas and grinned. They all looked stunning and he knew he would have a hard time choosing.

Raphael saw the King and blanched.

He looked positively gruesome in his online photo. He's worse up close. Yuck. He must have at least six warts on his face and he's so fat. How can his wives and concubines stand him? I'm gonna puke.

It was soon Raphael's turn. His stomach churned when the King's eyes raked over his body approvingly. It made Raphael's skin crawl and he had to force himself not to throw up.

He's studying me as if I'm something he wants to eat. I feel violated and sick. I hope he doesn't...

"Name?" King Hoshi asked.
"Raphael."
"Age?"
"Fifteen."
"Ah. Perfect," Hoshi said and grinned. "I like them young and you're gorgeous. I take it you're a virgin. All the potential concubines are supposed to be."
"Yes."
"Not much of a talker, are you? That's okay. I have my wives for that. Your job is to please me in bed and to give me brats. Are you virile?"
Raphael bristled at his words, but forced himself not to react and said, "I am fertile, Your Majesty."
"That is good. You're young, so I'm sure you'll give me many babies. Any sexual experience at all?"
"No, Your Majesty."
"I shall teach you everything I know, pet. I want him. This ceremony is over. The rest of you can leave. Servants, remove them. Raphael will stay with me."
"W-what?" Raphael said in disbelief when he saw the servants remove the other Omegas from the room.
"I have chosen you. Come closer, Raphael, so I can see you better."
"B-but…"
"No buts. You're mine now. Do as you're told!"
Raphael obeyed him and said, "You chose me. Why?"
"I liked the look of you and I did not want to look at anyone else. You're stunning and I adore your eyes. They're like green gems. I can't wait to possess you body and soul," King Hoshi said as he cupped Raphael's cheek. "I will after the celebratory dinner and you'll soon be gravid. I may be old, but I'm still virile. Haha."
"What about my parents? Can I see them?" Raphael asked as he inwardly shuddered at the King's words. He was chosen and soon he would be the King's bedmate. There was no escaping it.
"No. We have lots of mating to do. You won't have time. You'll see them when I know you're gravid. Until then, you're completely mine!" Hoshi said as he slipped a hand down the back of Raphael's kimono and then squeezed his rump, which made him emit an unmanly squeak. He chuckled and added, "Wow. That's cute, Raphael. I love your little squawk and I can't wait to hear the noises I'll pull from you in bed. I hope you're a screamer. I love that. Let's go to dinner and I'll introduce you to my son. He's the only one joining us tonight."
"I'm…"
"Such a shy thing, aren't you? Good. I like them submissive and shy. It's easier to train them then," the King said as he took Raphael's hand and slipped a ruby ring onto his ring finger. "This ring symbolizes your union to me."
"Train?" Raphael asked in shock, wondering if he'd heard him right.
"That's right. Train you to be the perfect bedmate. You'll do everything I want without question, no matter how degrading or how perverted it is. I own you body and soul and there's nothing you can do about it. If you try, you'll never see your parents again and I could have them killed. Hmm. Come now. It won't be so bad if you listen, Raphael," King Hoshi said and led him to the formal dining room.

Raphael trembled at his words. Kill my parents? Train me? Sick! I've entered a living nightmare. Mom and Dad, I told you that the King is abusive, but you told me not to listen to rumors. Fuck. Being a concubine is one thing, but a beaten and submissive pet is another. I don't want this. I've never been petrified before. I am now. Please let a miracle happen and that vile man dies. I've heard that Prince Leonardo is terrible too, but if he inherits me when his dad dies, he wouldn't treat me so horribly, would he?

XXXX

Prince Leonardo was sitting at the table and engaged in a conversation with a travel agent on his phone. Hearing footsteps, he told them he'd call them back and ended the call. Glancing up, he saw who he guessed was his dad's new concubine and his dad. His breath caught in his throat when he studied Raphael and he thought she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

She's gorgeous and her eyes are mesmerizing. I could stare into them forever and never tire. Wow. Dad picked a real stunner, but she's wearing too much makeup. I don't like it. Poor thing looks miserable. I'll try to help her settle in and be a friend to her. If things were different, I'd have her in a heartbeat and give her all the love she deserves and more. I'm smitten with her at first sight. I've never felt that way about anyone, but I can't pursue her, because she's Dad's and off-limits. I also don't want a concubine and more wives. I have to ignore my feelings for her.

"This is Raphael, Leonardo," King Hoshi said. "My new concubine. Raphael, this is my son, Prince Leonardo."
"Oh," Leonardo said as he stood. "A boy. Sorry. I thought… It's lovely to meet you, Raphael."

"Likewise, Your Majesty," Raphael said, while inwardly seething that Leo had thought he was a chick.
"Please sit down," King Hoshi said and directed Raphael to a seat. He was about to sit down when his phone rang. Glancing at the number, he cursed. "I have an emergency I need to tend to. I'll fetch you when I'm done, pet and we can get better acquainted," King Hoshi said with a wink and left the room.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Raphael said, while inwardly trembling at his words. He knew the King meant they'd soon mate.

Leo smiled amiably and said, "How old are you, Raphael?"
"Fifteen."
"That's really young. Are you from around here?"
"Your dad likes them young," Raphael said flatly, which made Leo bristle. "Yeah."
"Um," Leo said, feeling uncomfortable and at a loss for words. He was glad when the servant appeared and brought the first course of parsnip soup. He smiled at the servant, thanked him and when he went away, said, "Raphael, I couldn't help noticing that you looked downcast and…"
"Would you wanna be an old king's concubine?" Raphael hissed and then clamped a hand over his mouth. He was talking to a prince and being totally disrespectful. Leonardo could be furious, tell his father and then Raphael would be severely punished.
Instead, Leo was amused and said, "You're open and not afraid to speak your mind. I like that, but my father doesn't. It would be wise to keep your opinions to yourself and to listen to him. He can be very strict."
Raphael removed his hand from his mouth. "Leo, I'm not a wallflower and I'm not a submissive girl. That isn't gonna happen. I'm a guy who has opinions and I'm not gonna be anyone's pet!" Raphael snapped as his eyes blazed.
Leo chuckled and then said, "You're feisty. I like that. Dad's met his match. Leo, huh? No one calls me that. I like it and I love your attitude. You're fascinating, Raphael. I take it your nickmame's Raph. Can I call you that? It's such a shame…"
"I guess. What?"
"Nothing. Please eat. Do you go to school?"
"I did, but that's done now, because all I'm gonna do is have babies and I don't need that."
"I can talk to my father and ask him to allow you to continue your studies."
"You'd do that?" Raphael asked in astonishment.
"Of course. There's more to life than just having children, Raph. You seem like a bright young guy and it would be a sin to let your mind stagnate."
"Thank you. You seem very open minded, Leo. I'm shocked. I heard rumors that you were like your dad."
"Ah. The good old rumor mill. I'm nothing like my father, Raph, and I'm sorry this life was chosen for you. I sense you're unhappy and I'll do my best to help you settle in. You can always talk to me."
Raphael ate all of his soup and then said, "Why can't I be yours? You sound kind and understanding and I'd be happier with you."
"Because you're Dad's and off-limits," Leo began. His phone rang. "I have to take this, Raph. I really enjoyed our conversation and you're a delight. We'll talk soon," Leo said and left the room.

Raphael sighed. The Prince seems like an okay guy and I like him. I wouldn't love him, because I'll only ever love Donnie. Only he has my heart, but I would be happier with Leo than with his awful dad and life would be more bearable. Can't the old man croak and that happen?

The servants brought the rest of the courses: roast beef, veggies and all the trimmings and then chocolate cake.

Leo and the King hadn't returned, so Raphael was all alone. He silently ate and thought about what would soon occur: mating and submission. Revulsion coursed through him and he had to force himself not to vomit.

The King appeared when Raphael had finished dessert and said, "Let's go to my chambers. Did you like dinner, Raphael?"
"I did. Thank you, Your Majesty," Raphael said as he stood up and went to him.
"Good. I'm in the mood for some fun," King Hoshi said and took Raphael's hand. "I have new toys that I think you'll like."
"Toys?" Raphael spluttered as he was led to the King's chambers.
"Sex toys. I told you I was going to educate you. Don't be scared. You'll love everything. I promise, my little virgin."

Raphael shuddered inwardly. He's gonna hurt me and I can't do nothing about it.

XXXX

Inside the King's bedroom, the Monarch suddenly launched himself at Raphael and pushed him back onto the king-size bed. Ignoring a terrified Raphael's squawks, he undressed him with one hand and pinned him down with the other.

Nude, vulnerable and knowing what was about to happen, Raphael whimpered. Tears rolled down his cheeks and dripped onto the bed.

"You're exquisite," King Hoshi said as he ogled Raphael and kneed his legs apart. The sight of his naked concubine made him drop down and his dick pressed up against Raphael's hole, which made Raphael tremble.
"Please be gentle," Raphael tearfully begged. "This is my first time."
"Gentle is for pansies," King Hoshi said and chuckled evilly. "I like it rough."

King Hoshi lined his dick up at Raphael's entrance and was about to thrust into him when he felt tight pressure across his chest, nauseous, dizzy and shortness of breath.

I'm having a heart attack. I have to get the doctor.

King Hoshi managed to sit up and said as he gasped for breath, "Call the doctor!" The agony in his chest intensified and as he clawed at his chest, his heart gave out and he fell forward onto Raphael. His eyes closed.

"What happened, Your Majesty?" Raphael said fearfully and when there was no reply, Raphael realized what had happened. "He had a stroke or a heart attack and is either dead or unconscious. I have to get help."

Raphael managed to move the obese King off himself and then got up and ran to the bedroom door. He opened it and then went in search of help.

XXXX

Raphael soon saw a servant, who was on her way to bed and said, "The King needs medical attention. Get the doctor!"
"What happened?"
"He was gasping for air and suddenly keeled over. I think he had a heart attack or a stroke and he isn't moving."
"I'll get the doctor. Go wait in the bedroom. The doctor will want to ask you questions."

Raphael nodded and returned to the bedroom.

XXXX

Raphael stared at the dead or unconscious King and said, "That was unexpected. Is he dead? What's gonna happen to me?"

A/N Is the King dead? What'll happen to Raphael?