⊱ III ⊰

The first time he felt was a burning sensation in his lower body and on his neck. Agnes tried to open his eyes, but he felt so comfortable under this warmth. This comforting scent.

Scent.

Agnes jolted up from his sleeping position, wide his eyes in terror when he found the Emperor's only son laid down beside him. Naked. Agnes checked his body. It's covered with small bruises.

Cold sweat dripped from his shoulder as his heart beat faster than normal. His chest felt tight and all he could think is fear.

He remembered everything.

"No," Agnes buried his face with his hands. He bit his lip in anger.

He's angry at himself from losing control. Not just that, he just took the Crown Prince's virginity. He couldn't believe that his first sex will be with someone unexpected. This is an absolute disaster.

Agnes needed to apologize. But his mind is full of anxiety. Therefore he decided to escape the situation by teleporting back to his house.

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"The duke hasn't left his room since three days ago. I'm not sure why. No one is allowed to enter as well,"

The maid from Agnes's household informed Robyn who visited the property. He visited because there's no information from Agnes at all. The Emperor even asked why Agnes didn't answer his calls. While visiting the royal palace, Robyn met the Crown Prince who wanted Robyn to make sure Agnes is alright.

Robyn knocked on Agnes's bedroom door.

"Sir?"

No reply. Robyn knocked one more time. Still no reply.

"Sir, I'm sorry but I have to enter your room whether you like it or not,"

Robyn said hesitantly. He pushed the bedroom door. Fortunately it's not locked. He swung the door open slowly. Robyn flinched when he smell a faint scent of Agnes's pheromones. He must've been in heat. But it's not that strong.

"Sir, are you alright?" Robyn walked into the room and closing the door behind him.

Agnes's slender body was covered by his blanket. He just stared at the ceiling expressionlessly. Robyn's sharp eyes caught the faded bruise on Agnes's neck.

It's a mark.

Robyn blushed then looked away.

"I-I'm sorry sir, I-"

"Robyn," Agnes sighed. He weakly changed his position to sit. He stared into his hands, then finally meet Robyn's eyes. "I think I have to quit,"

"!" Never in Robyn's life that he would hear that from Agnes. Agnes Hamilton, the omega who worked years so that he could change his fate to work like other alphas.

"W-Why?" Robyn asked in concern. "Was there something wrong?"

"... Yes. I did something shameful. I was thinking to just, end my life..." Agnes sighed. Robyn blinked in surprise. He walked closer to Agnes worriedly.

"Sir please tell me what happened that could cause you this much shock?"

"It's- It's complicated. I can't tell anyone. Not even you," Agnes said. He ruffled his tousled blonde hair with his fingers. "I need to take care of it today,"

"... Sir, whatever it is. I'm always here to help you," Robyn frowned. Agnes smiled weakly to Robyn.

He's been avoiding this for too long. Agnes needed to sort this problem out with the Crown Prince directly.

This morning Agnes showered, he went out of his bedroom after staying in there for three whole days. Ate breakfast, ignoring the worried looks coming from his servants, and teleported to the castle.

He couldn't meet the Emperor in the eyes yet. He didn't know what to say. Agnes is scared. He's just an omega, after all. disguising as a strong and independent alpha. But he was wrong. He needed comfort from feeling very depressed and anxious. Agnes pats his chest to calm his beating heart down as he walking down the hallway to the Crown Prince's study room.

He gently knocked on the door.

"... It's Agnes, Your Majesty,"

Agnes said. His voice is still stern, but quieter than normal.

There's no response from the other end. Agnes gulped and waited patiently. He heard noises from inside the room, the door quickly swung open. Agnes wide his eyes in surprise when he saw Elios's ocean eyes.

"Agnes," Elios mumbled.

He looked around, then take a step back so that Agnes could come in. Agnes walked in gingerly. The study room is neat. Books and documents on his desk. Elios walked in front of Agnes. Looking at him from head to toe. He frowned sadly.

"You're so thin..."

Agnes's eyes shake after hearing Elios's gentle voice filled with genuine concern. Agnes cleared up his throat. His omega instincts are telling him to hug Elios. But no. He couldn't.

"Your Highness... I come here to apologize,"

"No please, you don't have to," Elios said. He looked away with a faint of blush under his eyes. "It's my fault as well..." he sighed.

"..." Agnes stayed quiet.

The air is heavy. Agnes couldn't think of anything anymore. He just wished he can turn back time with his magic. But sadly that kind of magic is impossible. Erasing the Crown Prince's memory is also a huge crime. He would rather get beheaded than doing such a thing.

"Prince Elios," Agnes started. "Please punish me,"

"!" Elios blinked. "W-What?"

"Please... I can't even get a blink of an eye because of the guilt. I can't eat, I can't think. Please Your Highness," Agnes bowed his body.

Elios looked at Agnes dumbfounded. He didn't know what to do. Elios cleared his throat.

"Agnes please lift your head up,"

Agnes slowly straightened his position, looking down to the floor. Elios stared at Agnes with his hands crossed.

"Hm... punishment," Elios mumbled.

Agnes waited for Elios's decision. A lot of scenarios appeared in his head. Beheading? No Elios is too soft for that. Some beatings? that could work. Agnes sighed and closed his eyes.

"Be my attendant,"

"Yes Your High- Huh?" Agnes's eyes glow and looked at Elios with disbelief. "A-Attendant?"

Elios smiled. "Yes,"

Become the Crown Prince and the Emperor's personal attendant are a huge honor. Is this even considered as punishment?