"I already said I'm not pregnant!"
"It's just an appointment with the doctor. Even if you are not, it would be good to do a check."
"Considering that both were careless, it would be better to take the doubt out. Hector, please call the imperial doctor."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Magnus wanted to jump out of the window as soon as possible.
Although he and Lucian were drugged and with their instincts to the skin, Magnus remembered perfectly that the eighth prince was not tied to him. Maybe because the amount of drug used was small enough to make them feel satisfied with just one fuck, or maybe it was because their bodies strongly resist the side effects... Whatever the reason, it was a fact that Magnus remembered perfectly that night and was sure that Lucian wasn't tied up.
Yet the eighth prince was stubborn and skillfully left the Emperor worried. Of course, the reputation of the Imperial Family would be at stake. Where have you seen the eighth prince, recognized for being the timid who hardly exists, suddenly managed to get pregnant the famous Grand Duke?
This would be news throughout the Empire and bring shame to all.
"Haa... whatever. If you are so bothered by this, I will make the appointment with the doctor. But do not say that I did not warn."
"Don't worry, it's just a consultation."
While waiting for the doctor to come, the Emperor talked with Magnus about the details of that appointment. As he was used to see when it came to work, the Emperor remained serious and unexpressive despite being very detailed about Magnus' entry into the imperial family.
There was so much, although many other Magnus already possessed for being a Grand Duke. For example, the fact that Lucian continues to have to exercise his duties as a prince. Magnus had no idea what Lucian was doing in his day-to-day life, much less what his responsibilities would be, but even if the eighth prince moves to Grimwood Mansion and fulfills his new duties as host of the Grimwoods, he still had to fulfill an imperial agenda.
Magnus felt a bit of pity for Lucian, but at the same time he imagined the alpha behind a table whining like a child with bad habits while piles of documents were piling up... It seemed like a sweet revenge, right?
Unconsciously, Magnus looked towards Lucian, who was sitting on the couch reading some book he took from the bookshelf in the Emperor's office. It was as if nothing affected him, as if that situation did not concern him.
'Damn, while I'm listening to your father's sermon, are you reading?... I'll bury you from work, wait for me,' thought Magnus.
The royal doctor finally arrived in the Emperor's office. The white-haired man evaluated Magnus, checking his pulse, checking his temperature, lightly touching his abdomen and doing too many visual checks and punctual questions. The examination itself did not take long.
"There is no sign of pregnancy, my lord. However, there are cases of omegas taking time to show symptoms. I recommend that you stay tuned for the next few days in case you feel unwell."
"Ha..."
"Thank you, doctor. I'm sorry that you came for such a brief consultation."
"Not at all, Your Highness. I will also pass through to His Majesty's quarters for the routine examination of the consort."
Magnus put on his coat again and did not notice the strange countenance he had on Lucian's face. The Emperor spoke briefly with the doctor before he left the office, and when Rehael turned to the two boys again, he was categorical:
"Considering that there are still chances of you being pregnant, it would be really better to move your marriage forward."
"Your Majesty..." Magnus started, but he let out a heavy sigh and just shook his head. "All right, you don't need to find reasons to anticipate the wedding. If you are in such a hurry, let us do so."
"I believe that the opening ball of the season should be the ideal moment to announce your engagement."
The season is... was known as the beginning of spring where the nobles held great dances, concerts and other social events so that singles could find a good match. For Magnus it was the season of hells, as the alphas did not waste time in trying to court him.
Although he could finally see himself free of that nuisance.
The Emperor soon dismissed the two mens, warning them that the other care with the preparation of the wedding would be told to them later. Lucian sighed heavily as he left the Emperor's office, and moved his neck slightly.
"God, he seems too excited."
"You are the first prince to marry, it is expected that the Emperor is anxious."
"I believe he is more thirsty to prevent you from escaping my hands, don't you?"
Magnus rolled his eyes, hating the fact that Lucian was right. However, Magnus was a man of integrity who would never shirk his responsibilities. Regardless of how it happened, nothing changed the fact that he slept with Lucian and "deflorated" him. Any man in his most perfect mind would know that the noble etiquette asks that the first time be within a marriage.
If the couple will have lovers during the marriage, or venture into the bohemian neighborhoods that were other five hundred.
"You also seem anxious not to miss your chance to marry me, Your Highness."
"Please call me Lucian. We're engaged now, right?"
There was that innocent smile. Magnus had thirty different kinds of chills when he saw that fake smile.
"All right, Lucian."
"Very well. Answering your question, yes I am looking forward to our wedding."
"And may I know why?"
"Only if you accept a walk with me", Lucian reached out to Magnus.
The omega narrowed its crimson eyes and finally sighed heavily before holding his arm and accompanying him through the extensive corridor of the Palace of the Sun. Away from the eyes of the servants and guards, Lucian continued the conversation in a calm tone, probably so that only the omega would hear him.
"I know you are thirsty for more influence in the underworld and I admire that."
"How do you know that?"
"Now, don't look at me with bad eyes, I'm a very observant prince, you know? You are not very active in social activities, and Jesse Grimwood fulfills such a duty. However, the noble men respect you and hold you in high esteem. Doesn't that mean you're doing business under the table?"
Magnus assessed the calm expression of Lucian. He said those words with such certainty that it became fascinating. How did he find out about your desire to be a lord of the underworld? When did he find this out, and all this time Magnus has been careful not to be seen by anyone?
That is, not that it was a secret kept to seven keys...
"By chance was Cadec who told you?"
"No, surprisingly I am not so close to my brothers."
"That seems like a nice lie, considering you have been following Princess Raven in the recent events."
The two passed through the glass doors and walked down the long corridor that overlooked the Emperor's garden. Finally reaching the five steps, they were able to follow the path of white pebbles into the garden while continuing to talk.
"Haha, it really seems quite contradictory, but it is true. Considering that we will become a great family, you will notice that my brothers will be... eager to approach me."
"And why is that?"
Lucian turned his blue eyes to Magnus and opened an enigmatic smile that caused a shiver in the Grand Duke.
"Because I am the perfect puppet for the ambitious."
"What... Why are you saying this?" Magnus would be surprised and frown at such words.
"Let's not play dumb, Magnus. You are only agreeing to marry me to maintain your noble honor and also to take advantage of my status as a prince. Although you support Cadec as heir to the throne, I am a... void. A void that does not attract attention and can be used as desired. Access areas and regions that belong to me and make them yours."
Magnus was each time surprised by Lucian's cunning. He had definitely read his mind. The muddy fingers clenched the prince's arm, and Magnus swallowed dry upon noticing that he was untied so easily.
Yes, Lucian probably held possessions and territories that Magnus could exploit because he was his husband. If he needed something in the underworld and could not find it on his own, he could use the name of Lucian.
He basically wanted to use the eighth prince as his mask to gain greater influence in the underworld.
"And you don't get angry at knowing that you're marrying me to be used?"
"I don't care about that. If it's not for you, I will be used by someone else or even my power-hungry brothers. Anyway, it is a risk to take and in my view, you are the one who will bring me greater security."
"Security? What? Are you saying that your brothers could hurt you?"
"Don't think that the Imperial Family is a family united by love. Everyone wears masks. The same game that nobles play at parties, using embellished words to deliver hidden messages, the hostility hidden behind a smile... this is a game that was the Imperial Family itself created and became master."
It was amazing how he could say that about his own blood. Magnus couldn't stop being surprised by Lucian's coldness. At that very moment it was as if he were playing the game, cursing his own family with an innocent smile and a calm expression as they walked through the beautiful and flowery garden of the Emperor.
But what really impressed Magnus was the fact that Lucian seemed used to that game.
"I do not intend to hurt you". Said the omega at last, squeezing Lucian's arm who looked slightly curious. "I will be your husband, I will respect you and make you my priority. Of course, I will be using you, but that does not mean that I will fail in my duties to fulfill my conjugal vows."
Lucian stared at him for a few seconds. The wind blew his face, swinging his long golden hair, and still was unable to make him blink in front of the surprise at hearing those words.
It was even a bit embarrassing to see him like that, however, Magnus saw the real smile in that mask for the first time.
The breeze from that fragrant garden made Magnus's heart feel comfortable seeing that sweet smile.