“You forgot your dog outside,” I murmured to him.
Cecil gasped, dropping his fork. “I knew I forgot something…” He pouted with a sigh. “He likes these stupid healthy pancakes more than I do.”
A butler brought me a full plate. It had the usual slices of fresh peach, my favorite fruit, but also a large helping of eggs, sausage, and buttered bread. There was more food on it than usual, which I found odd.
“Has there been some mistake?” I asked the butler.
“No, Your Highness,” he said politely. “Your father the King insisted you begin building your appetite for when the God of Fertility blesses you.”
I blinked, startled, then dismissed him with a wave. I stared down at the plate. I wasn’t yet pregnant. I hadn’t even met a suitable alpha donor. So why was Father treating me like it had already happened?
“Are you gonna eat all that?” Elian asked, gesturing to my plate. Sometimes I wondered if he had stolen some of Cecil’s metabolism, though Elian was only average sized and a relatively fit young omega. Cecil was always thin, never having much of an appetite except for childish sweets.
When I didn’t respond to him, Cecil silently offered Elian the remnants of his plate. He took it happily.
Father usually discouraged such uncivilized antics, but I noticed he was busy listening to the servant’s report. I searched his stoic gaze and found nothing, and I couldn’t hear the servant’s voice.
“Is something the matter, Father?” I asked when he dismissed the servant.
“Not at all, my son.” He raised a hand. A butler immediately appeared to refill his porcelain cup with steaming hot liquid. It was the finest imported coffee in the land. After taking a drink, Father set his cup down. “In fact, I have excellent news.”
“Are we finally expanding our borders to claim the Albian Republic?” Elian asked.
I thought about kicking Elian under the table, but he was too far away. I fantasized about it instead.
“You know the rules, Elian,” Father said sternly. “No politics at breakfast.”
Elian slumped in his seat, disappointed.
“This news is closer to home. More personal,” Father went on, looking over us. Even though omegas were naturally beautiful, he was exceptionally handsome in his middle age. I hoped that I took after him when I reached forty-six, instead of his alpha donor; though admittedly, I didn’t know what that man looked like.
“What is it, Father?” Cecil asked.
Unable to resist Cecil’s curiosity, Father told us. “The latest collection of pedigreed alpha donors is finally ready.”
The words hit me like a frigid blast of wind. It took a monumental effort to keep the shock off my face.
Father went on, oblivious to my inner struggle. “I’ve arranged a viewing for Sebastian this weekend.” He smiled proudly at me. “I’m excited to see which one you choose. It’s always a grand moment to choose your donor.”
A cold feeling settled in my gut. Was that why Elian had been nagging me all morning? Had he found out about my own viewing before I did?
I refused to look at him. I didn’t need to see his face to know he was wearing a smug little grin.
Smiling politely, I faced Father. “Why the rush? Isn’t it a little early for me to carry an heir?”
“Not at all.” He didn’t even consider my words as he took another sip of his coffee. “I was your age now when I had you, Sebastian. You and I both know the God of Fertility won’t bless you forever. It’s better to bear fruit when you’re still ripe.”
Though I knew he wasn’t entirely wrong, I despised hearing my father talk to me in such a way, like I was some kind of stupid flowering plant. Of course, I couldn’t say that to his face.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Cecil watching me, his expression a mix of curious confusion and unease. No doubt he was wondering if this was going to be his fate in seven years. It was times like this that I wished I hadn’t been born first. But if that was the case, then I wouldn’t be first in line for the throne, either. It was a double-edged sword.
But I wouldn’t yield to the blade. I would be the one to wield it.
“I see,” I said to Father with a smile. “In that case, I’m looking forward to it.”
2
Sebastian
