“The southern lycanthropes are nothing but traitors, Your Grace. They’ll turn their backs on us the minute we let our guards down, I’m sure of it.”

It was one of those many evenings where Dominic had to fake civility and interest in political gossip. Gorgon, the Supreme Councilor of Agravaria was an aggravating chatterbox, and Dominic tried, really tried to avoid running into the old wolf in the crowded hall. Surveying the members of high society murmuring all around him, he squinted in pain, his forehead throbbing with a killer headache. Perhaps, it’d be best if he stepped outside for some fresh air.

Or not. He really needed to be here.

Taking a sip from his drink for the fifth time in two minutes, he grimaced as the chattering grew louder, making his skull boom. He couldn’t place a finger on what was going on with him this evening. Normally, he was often successful trying to enjoy social gatherings, but tonight, he was just not in the mood for wine. Or small talks. Or the blatant stares from both members of the other royal families and the few important citizens in attendance. He’d rather be locked up in his room attending to a files or trying to tone down the pounding in his head by lying down for some time.

He wished that Gorgon wasn’t so dense and could pick up hints that he wasn’t interested in whatever opinion the Councilor held about anything. “I have to say this, Your Grace, I admire how carefree you seem to be these days,” the old man droned, watching Dominic with hazel, hawk-eyes as he sipped from his glass. “The freedom that Prince Asher seem to have in flirting with another individual while you two are practically in the same room is something I need to learn because I’m sure that I won’t be as nonchalant about this as you are.”

Dominic scrunched his face in confusion. He wondered what the old hag was hinting at. “I don’t understand whatever it is that you just said, Sir Gorgon.”

Gorgon chuckled nervously, averting his eyes from Dominic’s burning gaze. “Pardon me, Your Majesty, but haven’t you noticed how Prince Asher has been flirting and touching Prince Enoch all evening? He even pretended to fall so Prince Enoch could catch him in his arms. Forgive me if I’m overstepping but I don’t think you know the implications of these things.”

Dominic dragged a palm down his face with a sigh, barely looking over to confirm what Gorgon just said. “You’re reading way too many meanings into simple matters. Prince Asher Von Heaven can talk and flirt with anyone he desires. It doesn’t imply that they have something going on. And last time I checked, it’s none of your business.”

“Of course, of course,” Gorgon flushed. “I was simply concerned, that’s all. I meant no offense, Your Grace. It’s just…” He tugged at his tight cravat. “Odd. You see, your reputation is as delicate as an eggshell and everyone in this room holds you in a very high esteem. Notwithstanding, it’s only natural and terrible that people will talk and gossip. Before coming over to speak with you I’d already picked up a statement or two from the womenfolk pointing out how flirtatious Prince Asher is being this evening, and since his mother isn’t calling him to order, I thought that maybe you should know and do what’s right.”

Dominic shut his eyes and inhaled in an attempt to control his anger that was sizzling just beneath the surface. This here was the reason why he hated attending socialite events where Asher was present. He'd never liked how much of a public affair their mate bond was. Everyone either living or dead in Jo knew how they couldn't stand each other, and Dominic had tried to be polite whenever their bond was being questioned in public and often times, his indifference served as a blanket to protect Asher.

But today, it was not so. His avoidance of Asher didn't go unnoticed by anyone observant enough, and it was only typical that Asher was at the center of attention.

Only typical.

He fluttered his eyes open and looked over, at the other end of the room where Asher sat, holding court with Seth's brother. A small crowd had gathered around him — blatant admirers — and Dominic tried not to scowl at how much of a rukus they were all making, feeding the Prince's ego.

But what made his anger blaze even more was the way Asher spoke to Enoch, his body angled towards the latter, eyes fixated on his face adoringly and their bodies slightly touching. Their lips were mere centimetres apart and Dominic didn't need a soothsayer to tell him what Enoch was thinking as he beamed down at Asher with dark, lustful eyes targeted mostly on the younger prince's lips. It had been like, what? Months since Dominic saw Enoch at social functions given what he'd done to Seth, but the Agravarian Prince knew how tempting stubbornness could be. Perhaps he needed to exile Enoch to a faraway place as well but that would be too... ridiculous. As long as Asher kept up his charade in the public eye, he was bound to attract admirers. Bold ones too.

And moreover, he wasn't Asher's caretaker. They didn't have any deeper connection apart from the weak, faulty bond so it wasn't Dominic's job to care about the little snot. They weren't even fully mated yet so there was no solid reason.

None he could think of.

But perhaps that was were the problem was. As a Grand King to-be, Asher's public flirtation was not just a disgrace to the royal family their royal families but also to Jo as a whole. It was already scandalous enough that the little snot made the Jo Times daily with his thoughtless actions and it was beginning to draw attention and distrust. If an old hag like Councillor Gorgon could notice, it meant that the Supreme Council was suspecting as well and it all reflected rather poorly on Dominic, painting him as an Alpha without control.

The Grand King position meant a lot more to him than Asher. He couldn't afford to lose it.

“I've heard all that you've said, Sir Gorgon,” he nodded slowly. “Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I promised Prince Asher a tour of the garden.”

Gorgon brightened. “Oh, bless your heart. Of course...a garden tour...” he trailed off, failing to hide his surprise. Dominic bowed curtly to him and strode towards Asher, willing himself not to engage the Prince in any confrontational conversation while still in front of his admirers.

The small crowd of admirers turned to stare at him as he approached, their eyes frightful and their lips moving to a stop. Dominic was thrilled at their surprise. Sometimes he loved the power he carried along with him a little too much and it felt good exuding it when due.

So they still remembered that Asher was fated to be with him. How intriguing.

As for the socialite Prince and object of their affections, either Asher was oblivious to his presence and genuinely carried away by his discussion with Enoch, or he was aware but choosed not to acknowledge Dominic. Whichever way Dominic looked at it, both options were infuriating.

“Your Highness,” they all said, bowing curtly. Dominic schooled his face into a tight smile when Asher finally turned to look at him.

About damn time.

Perhaps it was the way he lifted his chin up, refusing to be intimidated or cowed. Or was it the way his tongue slipped out to wet his bottom lip as he looked Dominic over? For a still moment Dominic stood, rooted in shock at how ethereal and graceful Asher's poise was. He was really losing it here.

After a lifetime of silence, Asher eventually stood, his hand slipping away from Enoch's grasp as he bowed curtly. “Your Highness.”

Dominic shot Enoch a look of reproach, his lips curling into a tight line. He could feel the false energy of politeness radiating off Asher. The Prince was not happy to see him and his facial expression showed it when he straightened. “How may I help you?”

God, how aggravating those four words were to Dominic's ears.

Ignoring the stares and whispers of eager interest, Dominic held out his hand. “If my beloved mate wouldn't mind, I'd love to give him a tour round the grand Agravarian gardens. I'm sure you do remember telling me how much of a beauty they were?”

Of course, he'd never hold a discussion as irrelevant as that with Asher, but he didn't expect the snot to call him out on his startling lie. Especially not in front of an audience.

Asher pursed his lips, cocking his head to the side, confused. The first few buttons of his princely robes were loose, revealing his beautiful porcelain skin that had Enoch swallowing a more spittle than necessary, his hungry eyes doting on it. He was the reason why Dominic hated porcelain, due to how lovely the colour of his skin complimented his honey-brown eyes.

“A tour of the garden?” Asher said, puzzled. The way he acted felt like he'd never heard about the word ‘garden’ before, which was funny because Dominic had first seen him coming in from the garden with Enoch earlier that evening, his legion of admirers trailing behind them. “Sorry but it's past nine o'clock and it's dangerous to go out so late in the night.”

“Estel?” Dominic called and the omega guard came rushing over.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Put on the lights on the garden footpaths. The bright, romantic ones.”

The omega nodded and dashed off.

“Come on now, sweetheart,” Dominic cringed at how sickening he sounded as he held out a gloved hand. “It's such a pretty night to be wasted in here.”

Asher rolled his eyes as he stood, slipping his hand into his. “You can stop with the false charade now. Niceties doesn't suit you.”

“Neither does respect, Beloved,” Dominic hissed.

“You have my middle finger,” Asher breathed with a forced smile for the benefit of those watching them. “This may be your Kingdom and your home, but I'm sure the queen taught you how to treat guests. Most especially, your fated mate.”

“Taking advantage of the bond you so much want to get rid of now, are we?” The crowd parted and they passed through, gliding towards the entrance and into the outdoor corridors that led to the garden. Asher whipped his hand away once the chattering of conversation in the hall died down behind them.

“Don't get so cocky,” He said with a snort. “I was just doing it for show. It irks to even be standing close to you this very minute.”

“Likewise,” Dominic grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him outside. “I didn't want to do this either. But you've been soiling my name as a result of your thoughtless actions.”

Asher struggled, clawing at his hands. “Let go of me, you bastard! Is this how you treat your mate?”

Dominic stopped abruptly, turning to shove him away. Asher yelped as he fell to the ground, his butt hitting the concrete with a thud. “You are not my mate, you hear me? This should be the last time you say that when we're alone.”

“Tell that to the Council,” Asher snarked as he got up, dusting his butt. “I'm sure that they must be thrilled to learn that you've kept our faulty bond a secret all these while and treating me like a worthless shrimp. I can stand your insults, but I won't have you pushing me around.”

“You're so shameless,” Dominic seethed, coming at him again but Asher hopped out of reach, running in between two tall pine trees. “Making a spectacle of yourself in front everyone... flirting so freely.” he stopped moving now when he felt Asher's silent footsteps on the grasses recede. “Don't play games. Come out here this minute.”

“No,” Asher bit back, shuffling through the thick bushes. His heart raced as he waddled through the garden, farther away from Dominic.

“It's too dangerous for you to be in there. I won't hit you if you come out. I'm sorry and I just want to talk.”

“I don't believe you.” Asher said, his hands shaky as he surged deeper into the garden. He wasn't scared of the Alpha at all. Okay, maybe just a little, but that was to be expected after he'd been pushed like that. Dominic had always been indifferent, nonchalant, allowing nothing to get to him as he was in perfect control of his emotions. It was the first time Asher had witnessed him pissed to the point of being violent.

“Stupid man,” Asher cussed under his breath, pushing through till he stumbled into open ground. He couldn't see, nor hear anything and Dominic had stopped cooing at him to come out now. Panic lodged itself in his throat, stifling his words. He'd never been to this garden before.

“H-Hello?” he called, hand slapping about in the darkness as he tried to find his way. He couldn't hate Dominic enough for bringing him here. “Dominic? A-Are you there?”

He jumped when his hands collided with a brick wall, strong arms shooting out to steady him. “Calm down. It's me.”

Relief washed over him at the sound of Dominic's voice. Then without thinking, he raised his hand and smacked the Alpha by the side of the head. “Is this the tour you promised?”

Stifling a low growl, Dominic flipped him over his shoulder. “You ingrate,” Asher shouted, punching his back while he kicked about. “Put me down, right now!”

Dominic ignored him, his patience running thin. Asher was barely eighteen, so he didn't have his wolf, nor the ability of seeing crystal clear while in darkness. He knew that the Prince would soon give up running away because of it, which was why he didn't chase after him. Stepping out of the garden paths, he lowered the little snot to the ground, smirking as he looked him over — Asher looked hideous, prickles sticking to his hair, skin and clothes.

He stomped his feet angrily like a petulant child. “I've had enough. Enough!”

“The feeling is mutual, dear mate,” Dominic chuckled, caressing his cheeks softly. It was always a treat seeing Asher so enraged.

“Don't touch me,” Asher slapped his hand away, tugging at his rumpled clothes. He was on the verge of tears. “Oh God, I look terrible.”

Something clicked in Dominic's chest... something inexplicably dangerous and surprising. “Are you okay?” he said softly, trying to touch him once more. What the hell was happening? He shouldn't care.

Asher huffed, lifting his face to scowl at him. The problem was, it wasn't just one of his usual, passable scowls. He looked as though he wanted to snap Dominic in halves. “You're the most despicable thing to ever live! I don't want to talk or see you again. Just...leave me alone!”

Before he could react, the Prince turned away, hurrying down the corridor towards the Palace's main entrance. Dominic wanted to call out and tell him that it was not wise to leave for Melissa that night but he figured that he'd done more harm than good already. He scolded himself as he moved towards the hall once more.

“Ugh. I'm such a fool.”