Conversation

Elliot needed his sister's advice, but she was always the fortunate one. The Alpha who had risen to the top was the very one she had favored from the start. His mother, on the other hand, had followed his grandmother's choice, if his memory served him right.

It was evident from his parents' marriage that love had not been the foundation of their union. But they weren't exactly miserable together. He assumed that his father and mother over the years had grown accustomed to each other's presence, perhaps finding comfort in the routine they had built, a quiet acceptance of what had been.

Elliot couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to live a life more like his mother's, yet every time he tried to picture himself in that same role, the thought of Vincent in that scenario made him cringe.

Seeing and chatting with his siblings brought him immense comfort, especially playing with Anne's daughter, Rosalia. He had always loved the idea of having children of his own, but now that he's bound to Vincent, the thought no longer feels possible. This realization deeply upset him.

Maybe he should give Vincent a chance. His siblings had openly accepted him, and Camden even had an enjoyable conversation with him. But Elliot had always been a firm believer in his mother's principles, and they weighed heavily on his mind. 

Once she accepts him, maybe, just maybe, it will be time to open up to him. After all, they're in this together. For now, he would give him a chance to talk.

His siblings didn't stay for dinner, and as he said his goodbyes, the weight of eventually having to confront Vincent grew heavier with each passing moment.

Elliot sighed and turned to Vincent, who was also exchanging farewells. "Meet me in my study afterward," he said.

He made his way to his study, finding solace in the familiar surroundings of books and his piano. Sitting before his easel, he gazed at the unfinished painting of their garden, a project left incomplete due to his busy schedule. With little time for his hobbies lately, he found himself spending his quiet moments reflecting on his future.

The door opened and Vincent announced his presence, "I'm here." 

Elliot turned to face him. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Vincent looked taken aback, clearly expecting Elliot to either start the conversation or throw insults his way. "Uh..." he trailed off, unsure of how to respond.

Elliot stood up and walked towards him. "You wanted to talk about my heat."

Vincent sighed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "I thought we'd never have a proper conversation," he said, closing the door and leaning back against it.

"Well, I'm ready to talk now," Elliot said, crossing his arms and exhaling sharply.

Vincent looked him in the eye with a serious expression. "I need to know what our arrangements will be once we start living together." With a steady but uncertain tone, he stated, "I'm worried about what I could do to you."

Elliot scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I'm not some delicate princess who needs protecting, Vincent. I'm a grown man."

Vincent's voice rose as he said, "Listen to me, just for a moment," then he made himself calm down. "I'm an Alpha, and you're an Omega. When your heat comes… I won't be able to control myself."

"It's your problem," Elliot shot back, irritated by Vincent's tone. But deep down, he knew they both needed to calm down if they were going to have any kind of conversation.

"Don't be selfish, Elliot," Vincent sighed, his voice heavy with defeat. "Can't you think about anyone but yourself, just for a second?"

At the remark, Elliot clenched his teeth and flashed his fangs, "oh, sorry for not accommodating you, Vincent," he shot back, his voice thick with sarcasm.

Vincent rolled his eyes and closed the distance between them, his presence looming as he towered over Elliot. He stared down at him, and suddenly, Elliot was overwhelmed by the scent of lemon and mint, blended with lavender and white musk. The scent was intoxicating, but Elliot could tell it was meant to assert Vincent's dominance. Unwilling to back down, he bared his teeth further and shoved Vincent away.

"Don't you dare," Elliot warned, his voice low and threatening.

"See how easy it is." Vincent said his tone matter of fact, as he slowly gathered himself.

As much as Elliot hated to admit it, Vincent was right. If the situation escalated any further, he knew he'd end up submitting. The thought made him shudder.

"I don't want to mate with you," Elliot said, his voice firm.

"Neither do I," Vincent replied, his tone matching the seriousness.

Elliot took a step back, maintaining a careful distance. "Well, at least we finally agree on something." 

"Let's discuss this more once we're living together," Vincent said, his tone final.

Elliot nodded, feeling a wave of resignation. He knew the conversation would just keep going in circles.

Then, a thought struck him. They had received a slew of invitations to soirées and balls. They'd have to attend them together, of course, to maintain their facade and spare the queen any embarrassment.

Elliot decided to bring it up. "What about the invitations we've gotten?"

Vincent raised an eyebrow. "What invitations?"

"A soirée hosted by the Naga family," Elliot replied. "And a ball hosted by the Songs." He added.

Vincent raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "Is it really that important?"

Elliot met his gaze, unflinching. "If we want to keep the queen happy, then yes."

Elliot had always relished attending balls, eagerly accepting every invitation that came his way. The glamour, the music, the chance to mingle with influential figures, it was all part of the world he thrived in. Just because Vincent had suddenly inserted himself into his life didn't mean Elliot was going to stop now. He understood the importance of these gatherings, of making connections, and of leaving his mark on high society. In order to secure his position and future within the kingdom's power structure, he needed to network with other noble families. He couldn't afford to let anyone or anything stand in his way.

"I suppose it's meant to show that the queen has truly resolved the issues between our families," Vincent mused, his tone thoughtful.

Elliot muttered, mostly to himself, "I know she's been struggling to rule the kingdom with the king sick and all. Other kingdoms have been criticizing her leadership."

"Remember, Elliot," Vincent said, pulling him out of his thoughts, "I think, our marriage is crucial to the queen and the Kingdom of Bestia." He continued, "My father's been busy. I assumed yours has been too, there's something going on."

Elliot nodded in agreement. It was true; ever since their marriage had been announced, his parents had been constantly occupied, shuttling back and forth to the castle at the queen's request. He had never paid much attention to it, assuming it was simply a result of their union with the Whitehalls.

He had never truly been interested in politics, nor did he have any desire to get involved in the complexities of governance. Elliot wasn't the type to seek power or lead; the idea of it felt too burdensome, too tangled in endless responsibilities. What he enjoyed, however, was the social aspect, the art of mingling with influential figures, making connections, and weaving his way through the glittering world of high society. The gatherings, the soirées, the chance to be seen among the kingdom's elite, these were the things that truly captivated him. He thrived in the spotlight of these events, but the heavy weight of political maneuvering and leadership? That was something he preferred to avoid. He was content to be a part of the world, not at its helm.

"I think the other kingdoms are scheming," Vincent continued, his focus shifting entirely. He had forgotten what they were originally discussing, now fully absorbed in the intricacies of politics.

Elliot had no idea what Vincent was talking about. He simply stared at him, dumbfounded, as Vincent continued, "The queen has been trying to keep the kingdom stable, in her own way." He gestured between the two of them. "We're just pawns, caught in the middle of her plans."

Vincent furrowed his brows, lost in deep thought, his mind clearly working through something. Elliot couldn't quite explain it, but there was something oddly attractive about Vincent in moments like this, when he was focused on something other than nagging Elliot, or when he simply kept quiet. His white hair fell in soft waves, partially obscuring his face, yet it framed his features perfectly. His piercing blue eyes remained fixed on the floor, seemingly distant, as if the world around him had faded into the background.

Elliot hummed softly, a quiet sound that seemed to echo in the stillness between them.

A knock echoed through the room, breaking the heavy silence between them. The door creaked open, and Alfred stepped inside, his voice announcing, "Dinner is ready."