8

The next one month passed in a blur as everyone was busy in the palace.

They were preparing for the mating ceremony of their crown prince.

The academy exams of Cassius had been held and he had graduated from the academy.

He was one year older than Lucian and was much more mature emotionally but right now walking down the altar he did not know what he was feeling.

He had never been this nervous before but right now his hands were visiblly trembling, blood rushing to his face and his heart was hardly pounding in his chest.

I have seen him before too then why am I so nervous. What will he think of me? Am I looking good enough?

He was constantly thinking things like this. Even Lucian had his heart pounding loudly.

When he laid his eyes on Cassius his breath hitched, his heart skipped a few beats and blood came rushing to his cheeks.

He couldn't stop himself from grinning like a lovesick fool. His omega was so beautiful and breathtaking.

His omega. Yes his. He was going to be his in a few moments.

When Cassius reached the stage they both just looked at each other shyly and averted their gazes.

After taking in each other's appearances the ceremony began.

Vows were made by both the mates and they were given blessings by the high priest who was considered as a messenger of the moon goddess.

After the vows came the real mating ceremony.

Both the mates were called forward, Cassius in front of Lucian with his back to Lucian.

Cassius' neck was exposed and exactly at the auspicious hour Lucian marked him.

His fangs sank into Cassius' soft flesh. Lucian's pheromones injected into him.

After the pain Cassius became unconscious as a bright blue light enveloped them both which indicates that the bond was formed successfully.

Cassius was taken to Lucian's chamber with the help of Aurelia and some other omegas.

While Lucian started with the guests to bid them goodbye and accompany the other kingdoms royals to some drinks.

After a few hours Lucian was finally allowed to go to his chambers, to his Cassius.

Cassius was being taken care of by Aurelia. When he entered Cassius was already conscious.

When Aurelia saw him enter she teased him a bit and left the chambers to both the mates.

After she left the room was silent for some time. Before the silence could stretch anymore Lucian decided to speak.

"I..."

"I..."

They both spoke at the same time and then looked at each other and Cassius blushed furiously when he remembered what had happened a few hours ago.

Cassius took his collar down and when the high priest said Lucian stepped closer to him.

His most vulnerable part, his gland on the neck was exposed for his alpha to take, to mark him as his.

Lucian arms circled his waist and he felt his heart beating so loudly, he was afraid Lucian might hear it.

Lucian's breath tickled on his fair nape and he took a deep breath in anticipation.

He felt Lucian's breath hitching and Lucian greedily sucking his pheromones.

Lucian's fangs grazed his skin and he closed his eyes preparing for what was to come.

When Lucian's pheromones finally penetrated him, he was overwhelmed and almost cried out loud.

But he felt Lucian's arms circled around him protectively . Feeling safe he fell unconscious and Lucian caught him.

Now.

Lucian watched as his omega's face flushed pink just from one eye contact.

He could see his eyelids trembling and his beautiful red lips wobbling slightly clearly wanting to say something but hesitating.

Who said his omega was cold! He was absolutely adorable. So cute.

Lucian thought.

"Cute".

Without him knowing that he had actually said it out aloud.

Cassius glared at him when he heard him calling cute. Though his heart was racing and his thoughts were. He called me cute.

Oh god. I am cute.

When Lucian saw his glare he chuckled afterall his omega looked like an absolutely adorable kitten right now.

Cassius threw a pillow at him when he chuckled, which he easily dodged.

"Are you feeling better now?" After all the joking Lucian decided to be serious.

"Hmm".

"Should I help you with your mark wound?"

Cassius became flustered again at such a question though he agreed after a moment.

As soon as the permission was granted the alpha pulled the omega on his lap and sat down on the bed.

Cassius yelped at the sudden movement. But soon calmed down as Lucian released his pheromones.

A few moments later when the omega had called down, Lucian took out his tongue, imbued it with magic and licked the mark on Cassius' neck.

The wound healed in a few minutes and Cassius fell asleep in Lucian's arms.

Lucian happily carried him to the bed and they both slept peacefully.

**

The Dusk Clan territory.

Irina was working hard to calm down the rebellion rising in the territory. In this one month she had finally managed to finish off all the rebels and punish them severely.

Seeing such severe punishments being delivered people withdrew from the rebellion earlier.

She couldn't even attend Lucian's mating ceremony.

Though she had sent her congratulations along with some gifts, she was still not satisfied.

But since she was busy it could be accepted.

Anyways she would see her brother in a few days at the academy.

The academy entrance exams were in ten days and it took eight days to travel from where she was to the academy.

So she will be heading to the academy tomorrow itself.

Even if she was not excited for the academy, she was excited to hear about the ceremony from her siblings.

She had to sleep early, afterall she would be travelling tomorrow for more than a week.