His first heat didn't come for another two years, which was completely unexpected. At that point his rebellion had almost stopped, and he had quite honestly turned into a fine gentleman. Particularly note the word 'almost'; he would still gladly do unthinkable acts if he could possibly think of a plan for them to work, such as running away with the mystery bachelor from his past. He had dreamed of it almost every night for the past two years, and it was only ever broken up by nightmares about whatever horror movie that he had managed to sneak up to his room on whichever given night. Even so, when the heat began to approach, he barely managed to hold his gentlemanly image. The urges to brush up against people or flirt were barely tolerable, but he managed to hold back the vast majority of them for a while. Until, of course, he began to let out that particular scent that revealed his need to marry quickly.
Which was particularly awkward considering that the first to notice was his maid. Unfortunately an alpha by some cruel force of nature and completely infatuated with the prince for a few moments until she finally came to her senses and went to inform the current Queen about the fast approaching heat. Although, it didn't help at all the the young omega was completely naked and sprawled on the bed with the sheets tangled around his ankles when she entered the room. At least, however, the scent wasn't half as bad as it would be when the full-blown heat hit him. If that had been the case, there would be a lot more than simple infatuation; he would most definitely get a lot of attention from her and every other alpha in that quarter of the castle, and would likely end up with them fighting for his attention. An equally unfortunate consequence of his inability to control his hormones.
The day after it was first noticed, he was escorted to the houses of every bachelor in his age range possible. Many of them had also flown in from their home lands to see and possibly woo him, and were staying at his castle. He went around each, one by one, having simple conversations with them, and ignoring their attempts to big themselves up. Some even tried to touch him in some way; it was obvious from their faces that the scent of his pre-heat was affecting each of them, but at times he had to be physically removed from their clutches by his servants. It was as if they were animals that lacked any sort of autonomy and didn't know how to treat a potential husband. And then there were the habits. Not a single one of them lacked the basic bad habits. A lot of them were immature and threw around their power and money, and quite honestly Arthur would rather be sleeping with his coffee maid than producing children for a gambler or someone who got kicks out of being violent. Though, it wasn't actually his choice, apart from the choice in which idiot he would be betrothed to. Obviously it was his choice as to the painful fate he would end up with.
By the end of the day most of them had gone to their rooms and Arthur was with the final alpha. He was a few centimetres taller with pale blonde hair that was parted off to one side with one strand sticking up. His clothes were rather basic, but clearly elegant. The fabrics were the finest silks hand stitched for the added effect, but were block colour, which was rather unusual for most eligible bachelors. The majority seemed to wear the most physically possible to make themselves look richer or better than all of the others. His eyes were a very attractive shade of blue, shielded by basic glasses. He swore he saw hints of different shade of blue in his eyes, but wasn't close enough to tell properly. The omega blinked a few times as he took in the image of the other male before leading him quietly towards one of his small meeting rooms to discuss. He was sure that he hadn't seen anything as pretty as the alpha before and could barely stop himself from glancing up too much. Not beautiful, though, just pretty. His nose and chin sort of put it off a little.
"So... Alfred, sire, do you drink, smoke, take drugs, gamble or hire prostitutes?"
"Not at all for any of them, spare the occasional half glass of wine at New Year."
"Are you affected by the pre-heat scent at all?"
"Definitely, it's gradually making me want to hold you tight and just take in the scents, but I promised that I wouldn't hurt you or try to touch you so I won't.
"Are you bigamist, an extremist theist or addicted to anything?"
"Not at all, Arthur. Don't worry; I'd do everything physically possible to be the best possible husband for you. I'll be faithful and loving, promise."
And with that, he reached a hand out and gently ran his fingertips over the omega's knuckles. Arthur jumped at the contact. Their eyes met again, and he felt a blush play on his cheeks. The hand wrapped around the smaller one and held it in a rather affectionate, sweet way. Honestly, Arthur would do anything to avoid falling in love with his future King until a few months after the marriage, but this one was making it difficult. Those blue eyes showed comfort and affection, and the urges to kiss him were unbelievable. It took a lot of effort for Arthur to hold himself back. Along with the mental images that he associated with his last kiss, when another man demanded a chaste kiss and ended up giving him a nosebleed from the force caused by his forehead smashing into Arthur's nose. That image would stay with him as long as he kissed anyone.
Arthur gave the slightest of smiles instead. His eyes flickered under his eyelashes as he tried to find the words to ask the other man that one question that secured it all. "Would you perhaps like to marry just before the heat comes?" The response was a simple nod, a little less enthusiastic than Arthur had expected, and the young omega quickly stood and found his way to the door. Most would be excited to marry a British omega, he figured, as they tended to be very fertile and produce attractive, strong young. Or at least that was what his mother said about it. "I shall see you tomorrow for the engagement, then."
"Wait, wait! Aren't I allowed some time to get to know the man that I'm pretty much betrothed to before I ask him for his hand?" He turned around on the spot and gazed into those blue eyes again.
"I suppose you may."
The shorter prince was rather impressed. Alfred had led him into the garden and towards his favourite rose bush right at the back. It was almost as if he knew, or at least had similar taste. That bush had been there since he was around six years old, though, so it wouldn't be surprising if the other bachelor had seen him by it at all of the formal events and balls, especially as he tended to go there to get away from the crowds and the people that he knew he would have to see again some day, but hoped that he could at least avoid them. They stood in silence for a few minutes, glancing around the regal features of the garden, before Arthur finally cleared his throat and spoke, his eyes locked on the small water fountain in front of him. "Will I just be something for you to impregnate when we live together in your land? Or a plaything for when you're bored or horny?" He felt the alpha's eyes on his cheek and winced at the horrid sensation of being watched.
"We've spoken for around a half hour and you're already asking about our future sex life?" Arthur scoffed.
"I can't believe that you're starting an argument over the fact that I don't want to be your toy," he muttered, "But I'm a man of my word and I'll ignore it." Alfred visibly rolled his eyes. The tension between them was ridiculous. It was like the tension between a married couple that were planning a divorce when both knew that it was over a stupid reason. Like the tension between exes that were still head over heels in love with each other. The tension between two lovers that hadn't seen each other in a long time, but neither wanting to make the call for blessing the bed. Neither could find any words to speak to each other for a long time, and the only gesture between them during that time was from the alpha, who apologetically wrapped his arms around his soon-to-be Queen's waist and gently nuzzled his cheek. Arthur sighed. This man was like a sucker and clearly couldn't stay mad at anyone for long.
"I know that came off as a little rude, but I want to make this work and you can't be negative about it. Later tonight we shall go back to my home land and tomorrow morning I shall propose to you with the most beautiful, unique ring I can find. On Friday we shall marry and as soon as your first heat comes, we'll try for our first child," he whispered into the omega's each, causing a shiver to run down his spine. Arthur nodded once and allowed Alfred to take his hand; it wasn't like he was trying to touch him inappropriately or anything. Not that he would put up much of a fight if he was touched; this one was definitely one of the more attractive princes, and he had already had one one-night stand. Why not another; this was his future husband. The other hand brushed a strand of hair out of his vision path then their lips were touched together in a sweet, chaste kiss.
The smaller prince felt his heart flutter wildly as their lips brushed, and he felt his head spin as he was led back to the old restored castle to pack his belongings up. Alfred naturally stayed by him as he did so. It was rather hard for the young omega to choose what to take with him, but he soon settled on a week's worth of clothing, a small pile of Latin and magic books, and his favourite green, winged stuffed bunny. Everything else would be provided for him, and he had known that from a young age; his husband's staff would cater for his every needs so he should be kind to them and not expect anything, but he should also remember that he wouldn't need to take a lot with him when he moves out as it would already be prepared for him.
The journey was long and rather uncomfortable. Yet, by the time they got there, both had been fed and Arthur was asleep with his head lightly rested on the other male's shoulder. His expression was unusually soft and showed the relief from the pains of daily life. It was much different to the usually slightly sour expression showing disgust at whatever was bothering him, matched with typical British grumpiness. His usually knotted brows were relaxed. His eyes weren't showing the usual piercing glare. His body language was no longer defensive. Alfred honestly found it... sweet. This one was bound to be a precious gem in his life.
He gently kissed his future Queen's temple, causing his eyes to snap open. "We're home, darlin'," he whispered quietly. Arthur glanced around, his eyes still showing a hint of sleep. He had no idea how long they had been travelling, nor did he have any idea as to what the time was. Unless he was allowed to call it "morning o'clock". It was a rather strange feeling, getting off the plane in America. He had never once been on a plane. He had never once wished to go to America. His hand held his future King's rather tightly as they made their way towards the large castle, and quickly found that he had once again been comforted by the other prince. He allowed the slightest of smiles to play on his lips in response.
The castle was definitely much larger than his own. It had a courtyard in the centre, sixty different rooms and even a specialised chamber for mating and birthing. Everything was much different, yet at the same time it felt homely. He couldn't believe it. He, Arthur James Kirkland, a British prince, moving to a sub section of America to be a queen there. Oh, how he loved the changes in time. The lack of parliament control and each of the sub sections in every nation having their own monarchy. They had their own land, their own control and rules. The power didn't faze him whatsoever, but the love of his new-found home did. He was finally one of them.