Eugene, standing in front of the mirror in his room, looked at his own image with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. It was an important night — the night he had waited for so long. The night he would finally be recognized as an adult in front of the whole society. But, in addition, there was a silent expectation that bubbled inside him, something much more personal and intense.
He was thinking of Cadec.
With a deep sigh, he fixed the brooch that attached his blue satin cape, gift of Cadec himself. The touch of sapphires and cold gold made Eugene's heart beat faster. He had invited Cadec to be his companion — a risky move, but that deep down he knew was necessary. That night would not only be about his adulthood, but also about the affirmation of his feelings.
"My Lord, His Highness has just arrived" Carsen's voice called him from the door, interrupting his thoughts.
"I'm ready."
When the door of his room opened, Cadec came in. His posture was impeccable, his attitude authoritarian and cold, but with an undeniable presence. He wore a black suit with silver details, which shone discreetly. When his eyes met, a small smile — almost imperceptible to those who did not pay attention — appeared on his lips.
Eugene felt his heart racing.
Cadec walked to Eugene, stopping in front of him for a short but respectful bow. Eugene imitated him, without leaving aside the touch of intimacy that only the two could share.
"My Lord Grimwood" Said Cadec in a low tone, his gaze fixed on Eugene "It's dizzying."
Eugene smiled, his cheeks blushed slightly, but he kept his composure.
"Your Highness" The omega replied, tilting his head slightly "Thank you for being my companion tonight."
"No need to thank me." Cadec reach his arm out to Eugene "We must go, your guests are waiting for you."
Of course, everyone was waiting to see the First Prince at his side. The rumor had already started circulating in high society since the invitation was made a few weeks ago. After all, political issues were on the rise since the Seventh Prince had been arrested. Those who watched with a closer eye already suspected the closeness between Eugene and Cadec, which would be sealed that night.
But everyone would think about politics, not romance.
Eugene knew this was what he wanted.
"Great" He murmured, walking through the hallways of the Grimwood Mansion next to Cadec.
As they descended, Eugene felt the weight of his own name. Grimwood. A family that inspired both respect and trembling. Being Magnus and Jesse's younger brothe came with its responsibilities and expectations, but Eugene had made a decision. He would fight for what he wanted, just as his brothers always did. And what he most wanted that night was Cadec.
"I announce the arrival of young Milord Eugene Grimwood, accompanied by His Imperial Highness, the First Prince Cadec Saint Richmond." Announced the servant full lungs.
The great hall of Grimwood Mansion was illuminated by a profusion of crystal lights, which shone brightly on the high ceiling and walls covered with silk tapestries. The floor was so polished that it reflected the figures of the nobles who had already begun to arrive, their elegant clothes contrasting with the shadows that danced on the walls, projected by the light of candles.
He pressed his fingers on Cadec's arm, feeling his perfume making his instinct sigh with pleasure. When they finally arrived in the hall, Eugene was greeted by a chorus of whispers and curious looks. All the nobles and important figures of the court were present, their clothes resplendent competing with the opulence of the decoration around. The hall was alive with the murmur and glitter of the jewels, but Eugene only had eyes for the partner by his side.
The air seemed tense, full of expectation. Magnus and Jesse were close, talking to some important members of the court, but Eugene noticed Jesse's sharp look sweeping the hall from time to time, as if he was looking for something or someone.
Eugene's stomach turned slightly.
"Everyone has arrived" Cadec whispered discreetly "Royalty, nobles, and knights are guarding this hall."
"Don't tell me you're suspecting that some attack is going to happen." questioned Eugene, clenching his fingers on Cadec's arm, making clear his concern.
Cadec touched his hand with the white glove, looking at him calmly trying to secure it.
"It's just the care of your brothers for you and Lucian." Cadec replied, his tone firm and controlled "Tonight is yours, my lord. We will not let anyone steal it from you."
Now, Eugene would have his first dream dance.
The music began, and Cadec guided Eugene skillfully, the two moving in perfect harmony through the hall. With every step, with every turn, Eugene felt the warmth of Cadec's presence, the comfort he brought, but also the weight of responsibility. That night was indeed a milestone in his life, and not just because of his age.
Little cared about the looks on them, Eugene left imprinted on his face how happy he was to dance with Cadec. The touch of the alpha on your waist, holding firmly and bringing it close, and your hands holding each other tenderly. They were so close that they could feel each other's breath, the warmth of their bodies.
Eugene did not look away from that deep ocean of Cadec. He stood there returning his gaze, holding his hand delicately as they swirled the hall with grace and tenderness. Absolutely no one could say that those two do not dance well, after all "well" was a weak word to accurately define the beauty they exhaled.
It was a show of grace and tenderness, elegance that only two members of the highest rank in society could have.
Just to take advantage of their proximity, Eugene released some of his pheromones. Cadec stiffened his touch, and his muscles became tense despite him continuing to lead the omega on the dance floor.
"Your smell... why are you releasing your pheromones, my lord?"
Eugene raised his rosy eyes to the alpha and smiled sweetly.
"Forgive me, I'm just happy to finally make a social debut. I must have done without realizing" Eugene lied, although his companion did not notice.
Cadec pulled Eugene against himself, looking at him intensely as bowed in his direction.
"Please don't do this to me, Eugene. I can't keep my hands off you if you keep covering me with your pheromones." Cadec whispered in his ear, the voice slightly hoarse, his dark blue eyes fixed on those of Eugene, without moving away for a second.
Eugene choked a moan when Cadec pulled him like that. The intensity of his gaze and the depth in his voice made him slightly anxious. Eugene had purposely used his pheromones, but he did not regret it. Not when the First Prince was so beautiful with his hair combed back, and with that suit shaping his muscles. Many ladies were eyeing Cadec, and it made him jealous.
"I know exactly what I am doing, Your Highness" Eugene admitted, his voice soft but full of intent. He lightly squeezed Cadec's hand, his pheromones flowing irresistibly.
Cadec closed his eyes for a brief moment, breathing deeply as if trying to regain control. But Eugene knew that, at that moment, he was winning.
The two whirled through the hall, but now everything seemed more intimate, as if the world around them disappeared. Eugene felt the warmth of Cadec's breath near his ear, and a wave of excitement ran through his body. His omega instincts were awake and alert. He knew what he wanted, and knew that Cadec was desperately trying to keep control.
"You're testing me, aren't you?" Cadec muttered, his voice low but laden with repressed desire.
"I would not dare to test you, Your Highness" Eugene replied with a sweet and innocent smile "Just forgive my greed, I am unable to stop desiring you."
The words were provocative, and Eugene saw their impact in Cadec's eyes. The alpha pulled him a little closer, their bodies almost glued together, and the dance became something more intimate, more carnal. The smell of Eugene's pheromones were getting stronger, filling the air around them and causing Cadec to lean a little more, almost inhaling the irresistible aroma.
"You have no idea what you're asking me for, Eugene" Cadec said, the voice so low that only the omega could hear.
The song ended, and the two stopped, still very close to each other. Eugene felt the warmth of Cadec's body and the intense gaze that watched him. They were surrounded by glances, but in that fraction of a second, there was only one for the other. The applause surrounded them, all the guests ecstatic with the elegance that they demonstrated to have, completely unrelated to what was really happening.
Eugene took a deep breath, feeling Cadec's pheromones also begin to mix with his own, the chemistry between them became almost palpable.
When the nobles began to approach Eugene to greet him, or start courting him, Cadec held the omega's hand and left it under his arm. A clear message that would continue to accompany him through the night.
"My Lord Grimwood! It's finally coming out socially!"
"I imagine you are anxious, I heard that you want to help your brother to take care of the territory. How kind of you."
"My Lord Grimwood, may I have the honor of your next dance?"
They were surrounded by nobles, who even breathed heavy of such euphoria. Eugene only smiled sweetly and replied politely to everyone. His graciousness was confused with permissiveness, causing the nobles to advance on him.
It was thanks to the hand on Eugene's shoulder that made the nobles hesitate. Cadec's cold, stoic look was enough.
From a distance, Magnus smiled pleased to see Cadec fulfilling the agreement to protect his little brother from the vultures. Lucian, by his side, raised his eyebrow as he recognized the possessive jealousy of an alpha.