Choose Me

by Hart, Delmire

  “You are mine, Toru. Never forget that.”

  The omega fought the urge to roll his eyes, reminding himself that it seemed that Renato was just terrible with the whole ‘feelings’ concept. It would be funny if it wasn’t so exasperating.

  ***

  The wedding was a truly beautiful affair. Toru had never seen such an elaborate celebration before but then, this was for a king of a powerful nation. People were dressed in their best, everyone glittering in shimmering fabrics and adorned with precious metals and stones. Even the servants and slaves were done up. Toru himself had a new corset that was intricately patterned with lace, ribbons, and small sparking silver chains that had tiny sparkling jewels hanging off them. His skirt was made from beautiful shimmering blue fabric and he veritably dripped in silver chains adorned with more sparkling jewels.

  Kiyomi had painted black around his eyes again and when he glimpsed himself in a mirror, he looked almost otherworldly. His skin was as pale as snow, almost unearthly, and his eyes, hair, and tattoo all stood out, seeming to glow in the soft light. He looked as though it wouldn’t be such a fanciful idea that he could be a creature not of this earth.

  He had felt eyes on him as soon as they had left Renato’s chambers. The man himself had his implacable mask back in place, face smoothed back to calm indifference and posture oozing confidence. The alpha looked eye catching in his formalwear as well. As befitting his more military background, he wore a straight military style jacket with shiny buttons up the middle, stiff shoulders with a tassel adorning each side and cape thrown over one shoulder. Coupled with tightly fitted breeches and shiny black boots, he looked every inch the general he was said to be. Toru might have ogled the man just a little.

  They had been among the last guests to arrive at the wedding ceremony, along with the rest of Renato’s family. Toru had been given a few lingering glances by people who he figured must be William and Silia, the two siblings who had been with Renato that first day they had arrived when Kiyomi had whisked him off to see how her brother would react. They were both younger than Renato and older than Kiyomi but he hadn’t worked out the ordering yet.

  Kiyomi flanked Toru on one side with Renato on the other as they entered a beautiful outdoor area that had been set up for the wedding and he wondered if that was intentional. As much as Kiyomi poked at her older brother for a reaction, they did seem close. A sea of faces stared at them as they passed rows upon rows of chairs until they arrived at the front with a clear view to the altar.

  Toru settled on a cushion at his alpha’s feet and noted that he was the only slave brought by someone from the royal family. Many other nobles there had slaves and there had been a cushion positioned here that was clearly for Toru but it seemed as though the others preferred to come alone. Silia didn’t even have her husband with her.

  The ceremony began shortly afterward and Toru marvelled at the difference to his own customs. In Tyseal, marriages were common and would always take place in a chapel or shrine so that the vows could be heard and blessed by the gods. Here it was wherever you chose and the talk was more of contracts and household unions than boundless love.

  Still, it was a beautiful ceremony and the omegan bride was just as stunning as the scenery with her flowing white gown that only highlighted the stunning copper coloured hair that cascaded down her back in curls. Katsuo, Renato’s eldest brother and the king, looked much like his siblings, dark hair with golden eyes, but far more uptight and tense.

  As beautiful as the ceremony was, it was also rather boring. As it dragged on and on, Toru found himself leaning more against his alpha’s leg and dozing off. Clapping brought him back to wakefulness and he looked up to see the kiss take place between the bride and groom. He tried to rub the sleep from his eyes discreetly but a large yawn ruined any chance of that. A hand carded through his hair and he looked up into Renato’s amused golden eyes.

  “We’ll be heading to the feast shortly.”

  Toru perked right up at his quiet words and earned himself a slight smile. The hand continued to stroke through his hair and fingers scraped gently across his scalp. For all that it felt nice, the gesture irked Toru. He knew Renato needed to treat him like a pet today while they were out in public for his own protection, but he still didn’t like it. The omega buried his face in the alpha’s leg so that his face couldn’t be seen by others and glared up through his lashes at the man in irritation. Amusement flashed in golden eyes before being masked over once again.

  Thankfully it wasn’t long after that they were standing and moving into a different area. Of course, it was just as beautiful and decadent as before, a massive hall inside the castle proper that was lined with tables and chairs. Toru trailed after Renato as they walked through the hall just behind the newlyweds up onto a raised dais where an even more elegant table sat. The omega perked up when he spotted Luca standing behind one of the chairs looking very smartly dressed. The beta grinned in return before coughing and trying to hide his smile, no doubt trying to look professional.

  Toru was directed to sit on a pillow raised off the ground as others also took their seats around the table, the only one who didn’t was Renato who accepted a bottled of Disani from Luca and walked over to the king. He stood to the side of his eldest brother and showed him the bottle before pouring for both him and his new wife.

  “Relax, brother, and enjoy your evening. I have given a cask to your castellan, but I thought you might appreciate a bottle tonight.”

  Katsuo relaxed minutely and Toru wondered if he had feared an assassination attempt this evening. The Disani came up clear in the sparkling crystal glasses and everyone suddenly seemed a little less tense. It felt as though the entire royal family was on high alert for poison and the like. It wouldn’t help as far as food was concerned but at least it would give them some peace of mind as long as the alcohol didn’t change colour indicating that something else was in the glass.

  “Thank you, Renato.”

  The alpha nodded and moved to his own seat while toasts were made before the feast begun.

  The food was divine.

  Toru would have stuffed himself silly but for the restrictions of the corset once he ate too much. He didn’t even care that Renato hand fed him every piece, it was just that good. He had even been allowed a few sips of Kiyomi’s sweet dessert wine.

  Floating on good feelings from all the food and wine, he was not prepared for Berend’s party later that evening.

  The party was a select group of highly influential and powerful people within the Rokerean court and somehow Toru had taken that to mean that it would be a stately, upright affair.

  How very wrong he was.

  Large comfortable chairs dotted the room, all occupied by the invitees but every one of them had brought an entourage. Naked or nearly naked pleasure slaves and attendants waltzed around the room or sat docilely at their master’s feet. A couple performed various elegant sex acts in the corner for the perusal of attendees and there was even a pair of stunning beta women making out at their master’s feet for his pleasure. Each and every slave in the room seemed to have been picked for their elegance, beauty, or body.

  Toru’s eyes almost bugged out of his head and his cheeks stained red in a blush. He was the only dressed pleasure slave and he realised that the sight in front of him was originally his worst fear upon learning what he was being sold as. They all seemed well looked after and some even appeared eager to perform whatever their masters wanted but Toru shied away from such things. How conditioned were these people that they would react in such ways for the pleasure of another?

  Renato stopped Toru’s internal panic by pulling him onto his lap and slowly feeding him little pieces of mango while he talked with various people. It seemed that the alpha was set on not moving and other people instead had to come to him if they wanted to engage him in a conversation. Even though he was still being treated as a pet, Toru was at least being treated with affection rather than bored indifference. He couldn�
��t imagine how it would feel to be put on display like that, bearing your body for everyone to see and then being ignored by the one person you want acknowledgment from.

  He stared at the beautiful beta girls in fascination as their lithe bodies twisted together sensually. Toru squirmed in place, embarrassed that he was reacting to their erotic display. It wasn’t even meant for him!

  “Do you like watching them?” Renato’s deep voice spoke directly into his ear and Toru jolted. He flushed even more as he realised he had been caught staring. “I’m sure we would be allowed to borrow them to put on a show for you later, if you would like.”

  Toru turned to his alpha in mortification and shook his head but he was sure his flushed appearance gave him away. The omega would never admit to enjoying watching them, there was something erotic about watching from the outside, but it seemed like he wasn’t about to fool his alpha. A deep chuckled confirmed his thoughts.

  “A very cute little omega you have there, Renato.” An alpha woman across from them spoke.

  “He is. He was a gift from Litton for a favour and I have been quite enjoying training him.”

  Toru huffed slightly as they talked about him as though he wasn’t there. Determined to not get caught out gawking at anyone again, he buried his face in the older man’s chest and settled in. Maybe he could take a nap to while away the time. As shocking as the nudity had initially been, nothing else was really happening other than talking and the conversations went right over his head.

  Comfortable and safe in his alpha’s arms, he slipped off to sleep and didn’t even notice when his chest started to vibrate with a quiet purr. Nor did he notice when the conversation lulled as people stopped to hear the rare omegan purr while Renato smirked smugly in satisfaction.

  Chapter 14: I Made My Choice

  It was the day of the coronation. The wedding had taken place the day before and the newlywed omega bore her bonding mark proudly for the world to see. She wore another stunning gown for her coronation as queen and the entire court sat in attendance. The royal family still seemed a little on edge, but less so than yesterday. The throne room was done up in beautiful red and gold draped fabric, the royal colours apparently, and Renato was back in his military style outfit while Toru was adorned in yet another fanciful corset with matching skirt.

  He could feel the tenseness of his alpha; the entire line of succession was in one place and he was wary of something happening. Jamil had been organising extra guards who were outside of the capital’s influence, but the omega could see just how concerned both alphas were. Renato had muttered something about it being too easy with no attempts on anyone’s life so far, especially after they had had two assassins sent to Cosa recently.

  Nobles once again dressed to the nines packed the room. Many watched the royal family, some with open disdain or curiosity on their faces. It reminded him of Renato’s comment that all would not be as it seemed. Were the disdainful people only putting on a mask? Could a few of them even be unknown allies with the royal family? It all made his head hurt.

  Guards lined the walls behind them in brightly shining armour and it all felt a little surreal suddenly. Like Toru should not be standing in this hall surrounded by such opulence. Wasn’t he only a little country bumpkin omega? Yet he stood here beside Renato, his place set far above most others in the room. He wondered idly what his parents might think to see him set so high yet so low at the same time.

  The ornate golden crown was set amongst burnished copper locks of the woman named queen when the giant double doors flew open. Toru craned his head around and was surprised to see a familiar alpha stride confidently through the doors with another alpha behind him that shared a familial resemblance.

  “Such perfect timing, do you not think? I had to wait until the time was absolutely perfect. After all, I’ve waited many years for this day, what’s a few more minutes?”

  Berend’s voice boomed through the space as he came to a stop just inside the doors with a cocky grin on his face. He appeared dressed for battle with shining armour and a sword at his hip. It didn’t have the same ceremonial feel as the rest of guests. Toru frowned as he looked around. The nobles were oddly impassive, although some faces showed glee while others fear.

  “Berend,” Renato growled but it was the king who spoke.

  “What are you doing, Berend?”

  “Taking what’s mine.” He cocked his head to the side and grinned, wide and feral. “How rare for the entire line of succession to be in one place. I would suggest you not interfere if you value your lives.” The alpha spoke the last sentence to the nobles gathered who were muttering amongst themselves and they all stepped back to the edges of the room at once. Only the royal family were left standing in the middle of the room with what few personal guards they had brought with them. “I’ve spent a great deal of time and money planning for this and organising the palace guard to be under my command. Your pathetic number of guards will not protect you.”

  “Do you really think you’ll take us all down so easily, Berend?” Renato’s voice rang out in the silence and Toru noticed that his expression hadn’t changed at all but he was tense, clearly worried. He moved in front of Toru as though to protect him and that was all the confirmation the omega needed. He did not expect this to go well.

  “Easily? No, not at all. Many failed assassins can attest to that. After five years of planning, I’m not about to assume anything will be easy. Which is why I prepared a special ending, just for you.” He waved his hand lazily and an armoured guard hefting a large crossbow stepped forward. A huge bolt already sat locked in place, the crossbow already cranked and straining to release into its target. Toru’s blood ran cold at the sight. No.

  He couldn’t be doing what he thought. Surely not.

  “I’m not about to take any chances with you especially, Renato.”

  “No!”

  Toru jumped out from behind Renato to stand in front of the alpha with his arms outspread. There was no way he would let anything happen to Renato.

  Not now.

  Not after he had made his choice.

  And certainly not because a jumped-up alpha decided he wanted a better lot in life.

  “Oh? What do we have here?” Berend asked, voice thick with amusement. He turned to look at the alpha behind him. “I told you we needed to watch out for this one, uncle.” The other man grunted in reply.

  “Toru…” Renato’s voice whispered behind him.

  The omega turned his head to the side and whispered back, “I made my choice.”

  Renato didn’t reply but Toru felt his resolve firm even more at the spoken words. He had finally told him. Finally acknowledged his alpha’s claim out loud. It was freeing somehow. It made his body feel lighter and less tense than he had in days. The weight of his impending choice had been like a physical thing, he just hadn’t noticed until it was gone.

  “Now if you think your little pet elemental is going to save you, you have another think coming.” Gasps were audible around the room as eyes riveted on Toru. “They die just as easily as anyone else but just to make sure, I prepared a little something earlier.” Two more men carrying the heavy crossbows moved forward, spreading out beside the first one. “I’d like to see how you fare against armour piercing rounds. If you’re lucky, you might just get skewered together with the one arrow. Isn’t that romantic?” He threw his head back and laughed as though it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. He stopped laughing with a suddenness that was jarring. “Now, enough talk.”

  Berend gave a lazy flick of his wrist and all three crossbows raised, sights locked onto Toru and Renato. With all having been cranked earlier, it would only take a few seconds for them to release and hit them. Armour piercing bolts would tear through their flesh with sickening ease.

  Toru closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and it felt like time stood still.

  He couldn’t deny the fear thrumming through his veins, but he found it wasn’t for him or even for the th
ought of sparking his memories. No, he was scared of losing Renato. The thought was like a physical blow to his stomach.

  This wasn’t about him anymore.

  Renato was in danger. His mate. His alpha. The entire royal family was also in danger as were the other people gathered in the room. They were his mate’s family and by extension, his own. He would not let anything happen while he was still alive and breathing. Anyone with such lofty ambitions as to take out his mate would have to go through him first.

  He found he didn’t care about the fact that he was going to attack people. Not this time. Each of those guards raised their weapon against his alpha’s family intending to do harm.

  They had all made their choice, just as he had made his.

  They had betrayed their king, the royal family, and let themselves be bought. Or perhaps they sided with Berend for the prospect of more power, or maybe some were coerced. It didn’t matter. No one would threaten his mate or his mate’s family.

  He didn’t even need to visualise his power pool this time, he knew it overflowed with water and the ice that layered the top of the idyllic pool.

  Yharis, please give me strength.

  Toru’s eyes snapped open and he raised his arm, pushing out with his power just as the crossbows clunked as they released their arrows together. Dimly he registered his tattoo glowing on his chest and knew his eyes must glow now as well.

  Loud crashes rung throughout the hall as the arrows hit a wall of ice and bounced off in splinters. Shards of ice glittered as they chipped off the wall with the force of the blows. But the wall held strong and the beauty of the sparkling shards seemed to accentuate the stunned silence that surrounded them. Toru’s lip twitched up in a smile of grim satisfaction before he pulled on the ice in front of him, manipulating it into three spears and sending them flying forward with all the force he could muster.