Count Baragnon was a parliamentary man with good connections and everyone felt sorry for his tragic story of the kidnapping of his son as a child. The nobles knew of his tireless search for the lost son, which lasted for years without hesitation.
In fact, it was an exciting story that gained a new chapter.
The lost son was finally found and returned to his home.
That party was precisely to celebrate his return. The nobles were happy for the Count, but they were also curious to meet personally the great star of gossip. Besides that everything seemed to go well thanks to the help of a certain alpha knight who assisted in the search and was responsible for finding the lost boy.
"Sir Maverick! It's an honor to meet you personally."
The tall and corpulent man turned and made a respectful measure to the nobles who approached. His presence was intimidating, but he was still a very handsome alpha who drew attention wherever he went.
"Gentlemans..."
"What you did for Count Baragnon was very honorable. Few men would have the commitment that you demonstrated."
"I have done nothing but my duty as a knight."
"On the contrary, sir Maverick", the dark voice caught the attention of that group of noble knights. Magnus's crimson eyes gleamed greedily for the alpha. "Don't be so modest. Feel proud to be a part of tonight's show."
"Your Grace", Maverick bowed to the Grand Duke, who widened his smile in satisfaction.
"The Grand Duke is right, Sir Maverick. Be proud and allow yourself to brag a little more about your exploits. In addition to helping the Count, you fought bravely on the front lines of the war and His Majesty himself acknowledged your efforts."
"It is not just anyone who catches the eye of our Emperor."
"Therefore, I am grateful for the compliments and I am honored that His Majesty has me with good eyes."
Magnus seemed pleased with Maverick's impeccable manner. A great knight, great swordsman and an honorable alpha. Moreover, beautiful. Unlike other alphas you've met, Maverick was someone controlled who didn't let his instincts take him. Highlights the fact that most alphas are uncontrollable in front of an omega.
Was there anything to dislike in him?
"Announce the arrival of His Imperial Highnesses, the first princess, Raven Saint Richmond and the eighth prince, Lucian Saint Richmond."
All the attention went to the entrance of that hall. Magnus narrowed his eyes when he noticed the arrival of the eighth prince accompanied by his older sister. Those two together shone like two angels, to the point of being a blinding glow. Lucian had that enigmatic smile on his face in that obvious mask.
The walk of the two was elegant, who went directly to Count Baragnon to greet him and congratulate him for the return of the lost son.
"Your Highnesses, it is an honor that you have come!"
"How could we miss this happy moment, Count Baragnon?", smile Raven with humor. "My father regretted not being able to come in person, but know that he is happy for you."
"It's an honor, Your Highness."
"Oh, it's good to see you again, gentlemen."
The other nobles who were nearby, including Maverick and Magnus, made a formal bow to the brothers.
"Oh, let me introduce Sir Maverick. He was crucial in my son's search."
"I greet Your Imperial Highnesses, my name is Maverick. It's an honor to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. Your deeds have already spread throughout the capital. I am glad to know that we have such a reliable knight among our soldiers."
"You are flattering me, Your Highness."
Magnus narrowed his eyes before such praise coming from the princess amid her embarrassed smiles. However, the crimson eyes fell upon the silent figure of Lucian. The eighth prince kept an enigmatic smile, but there was something in his look that was cold as he faced Maverick.
What was that?
That is, the entire eighth prince was strange. The last time he saw him, a few years ago, Lucian looked like an aberration because of his slim and slender body, curving shoulders and the trembling of someone just looking at him. Now he looked stronger, a perfect upright posture and it was possible to see his beautiful face.
It was as if a miracle had fallen upon him.
"Oh, he's here!"
The Count's face lit up when a young man approached that small group. Maverick also seemed less petrified when the boy with crystal eyes approached. He had long hair that were slightly stuck, his innocent face was angelic.
He was indeed a very handsome boy to the Magnus' displeasure.
"This is my son, Stephen. Stephen, greet Your Imperial Highnesses."
Stephen made a cordial bow and smiled innocently to the brothers.
"I greet Your Imperial Highnesses, my name is Stephen Baragnon. It's an honor to meet you personally. And thank you for coming to this happy gathering."
"I imagine you are happy to finally be with your real family, Sir Stephen."
"I am very happy and grateful to Sir Maverick for all the help."
Just from receiving the look of Stephen, Maverick smiled and his cheeks took a rosy tone. Magnus rolled his eyes in disguise, having his attention refocused on the eighth prince who continued in silence looking coldly at those two.
Since when could the coward of the eighth prince make expressions like that?
And what was his problem with the two? Is he enchanted by the angelic face of Stephen Baragnon?
Lucian's clear eyes fell on Magnus, and to the Omega's surprise, the prince smiled innocently at him, seeming not at all surprised to have been caught staring at Stephen and Maverick so coldly.
It was amazing how something bothered him about the eighth prince.
"I am surprised to see His Highness attending more events recently."
Lucian tilted his head slightly, keeping the cordiality.
"I could not miss the chance to meet Count Baragnon's son. Certainly the history of the Baragnon family should be respected for never lose hope."
"You flatter us, Your Highness", the Earl smiled, leaving a caress on Stephen's shoulder as he looked at him with genuine happiness. "As a father, the last thing I want is to lose my precious children. I am glad that Stephen has grown well until he returns to where he really belongs."
"It's a beautiful happy ending."
"Soon Stephen will be part of this social circle", Raven commented. "I imagine that from tonight he receives a lot of attention, after all... is an omega."
"It would be better if Stephen avoided contact with so many alphas", Maverick said promptly, and although his face remained cold the irritation was clear in his tone of voice. "Until he settled, at least."
Magnus slightly squeezed his fingers into the cup he was holding. Something about the way Maverick protected Stephen bothered the Grand Duke.
"Wow", Lucian said, smothering his laughter, "I see you are good friends. How much consideration, I'm jealous."
"I'm just thinking of the best for him, Your Highness."
"Anyway, let's celebrate", Raven stepped in, looking at Maverick, "Do you mind dancing with me, sir? And do not worry about the young Baragnon, I am sure that my brother will be a great company with His Grace, is not it?"
Magnus narrowed his eyes slightly. The princess did not hide her interest in Maverick, and also did not hesitate to ask him to dance. With your gracious words she found a way to be alone with the alpha and still push Stephen into the arms of another alpha.
That was annoying.
"I don't know how to dance, Your Highness."
"Nonsense, there's nothing to be ashamed of. We're just having fun, right?"
"It's not good to refuse the request of a member of the imperial family", whispered the Grand Duke to Maverick against his will.
The alpha sighed loudly and, annoyed, took the hand of the princess.
"All right, it's just a dance."
As soon as Raven and Maverick left the circle to go dancing, Count Baragnon also withdrew to talk with other guests and let the "young" entertain themselves, remaining only two omegas and an alpha.
The three watched Maverick dance with Raven, but it was clear that the alpha was looking in Stephen's direction. Magnus was angry and looked at the omega too, who didn't seem bothered by it.
Why was Maverick so attached to this boy?
What was so special about him?
It was not the first time that Magnus saw Stephen, had already met with that boy on the return of the war, when Maverick saved him and took care of him with so much care. Saw those two become so close that they preferred to be alone to talk even after the soldiers encountered thieves on the way.
As he thought, Stephen was a hindrance.
A servant carrying a tray of drinks approached those three, Magnus received a discreet signal from him. Staring at the servant, he noticed his discreet gaze to the right and the Grand Duke immediately knew what it was.
"You must be thirsty, right?", Magnus smiled politely, taking two glasses and handing them to Lucian and Stephen, being careful that the right cup was handed to the other omega. "Drink something, please. This night seems warmer than usual."
"Oh, thank you, Your Grace!", said Stephen holding the cup for a moment before placing it on the table discreetly.
"Your welcome, Sir Stephen."
Lucian, on the other hand, accepted the cup silently and drank a sip before leaving the cup on the table next to Stephen's. Before the silence became uncomfortable, Stephen raised his crystal-clear eyes to the eighth prince and took courage to start a conversation.
"Your Highness, you does not like to dance?"
"Only when I'm strongly pressed", Lucian smiles politely.
"Many people praised your dance with the princess at the imperial banquet", Magnus said, swinging a glass of wine in hand. "Was it also heavily pressed on that occasion?"
"I'm just a obedient little brother."
Stephen uttered a low laugh and reached out for the glass of lemonade. Magnus smiled behind the glass, looking forward to the moment when Stephen would sip.
"Oh, it seems your collar is crooked, let me fix it for you.", Lucian said suddenly.
Stephen blushed slightly when Lucian's gloomy hand touched the collar of his white shirt. However, Magnus widened his eyes when he noticed the discreet act of the eighth prince in changing his glasses without Stephen noticing.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Lucian smiled and took the cup that was Stephen's and drank a big sip.
"Wait!"
Magnus warned too late.