Outside the capital of the Roveaven Empire there was a renowned academy, where several young high nobility devoted their days to acquire knowledge and pave the way for a successful future on the political scene. Many nobles sent their children to this academy just waiting for glory and good fruits. Even the princes and princesses of the Empire studied there, marking in the history of the academy their contributions and achievements that obtained in their passage.
Clearly young people who carry heavy surnames are the most popular, as many young people seek to create their political ties at the behest of their families. And of that generation, there was only one person who bore the surname of the sole Grand Duke of the Empire.
Eugene Grimwood.
Everyone knew the seventeen-year-old boy who was elected president of the student council and had a reputation for being very benevolent and lovely. The responsibility that Eugene demonstrated was impressive and expected of a Grimwood, yet there was something else about him that made him so popular: his rosy eyes. The beautiful rosy eyes that exude its "innocence" and its class: an omega.
Eugene was popular and well liked in the academy. Studious and fun, rarely seen angry with any of his colleagues. In fact, it is his fellow students who take care of the problems, as if they naturally wanted to preserve the innocence of the boy.
What they didn't know was that Eugene wasn't so innocent.
For the thousandth time he crossed the silent corridors of the academy, managing to walk in the dark. He had decorated all the way from so much that passed there, being able to walk with eyes closed without bumping into a single work of art or missing a door.
First Eugene would go up the stairs to the fourth floor, where were the teachers' room and the huge library. Then he would turn right in the middle of the corridor, where he could find a locked door. Eugene took an old key out of his pocket and used it to unlock the door, hearing its creak as it was opened revealing the silent and dark room.
The boy entered the room and closed the door behind him, taking exactly fifteen steps to the table where he would find a match and a lamp. He lit the wick and soon a dim lighting revealed the room cluttered with several boxes and cloths covering antiques.
Holding the lamp, Eugene went to the back of the room where, hidden behind the boxes, there was a screen covered by a dark cloth. He pulled the cloth revealing the painting depicting the First Prince, Cadec, in his sixteenth year wearing the uniform of the academy: a dark suit with white and gold embroidery.
A smile sprang from his lips as his fingers slid across the canvas. Eugene admired the painting as if he could actually see it in front of him.
"I received a letter from Jesse. He told me that you are going to help my brother with work... I'm glad they're not fighting again" Eugene whispered.
The delicate fingers slid through the paint, as if they could caress the prince's dark hair.
"Today I let my friends burn the letters that Mr Moutuni sent me. I didn't even bother to read, but I know you would prefer that I tell my brother about it. I promise I will... after he comes back."
Eugene looked around and sighed low. He crouched down and pulled a small box from behind a mountain of cloths and took the cover revealing the scarf to be embroidered. The boy sat on the floor and left the lamp nearby, taking the soft handkerchief to observe the work done so far.
"Haa... this is harder than I thought. My maid even tried to teach me, but it's complicated."
Well, what to expect, he wanted to embroider a wild animal like a panther, which was the symbol of the First Prince. But Eugene was inexperienced in art, his clumsy fingers caused him immense frustration. Even though his maid made the outline of the animal and let him finish, Eugene tried to make it perfect.
Because it was your only chance.
The hunting festival would take place in a week, it would be the only chance to see Cadec again naturally. Eugene could even visit him in his palace, but that would be too much pressure for his heart. Just thinking about those clear eyes watching him closely was enough to leave him without air.
His poor heart accelerated like a train to imagine it.
Eugene worked on the embroidery every night, sometimes looking at the portrait of the prince and smiling when noticing the difference in his countenance. I mean, Cadec was now a more mature man with a more stoic and rigid look, no longer a teenager like Eugene himself. Although he frown the same way he frowned when painting his portrait.
For Eugene, loving Cadec was like chasing his shadow. It was because he found out that Cadec was the chairman of the board that Eugene also ran. Eugene chose economics and politics because he knew that Cadec used to be first in the class. He simply chose to follow each of his steps, as it was the only way to be in the history of the First Prince.
"I know I could get close to you because of my brother, but I can't help feeling so ridiculous when I have the chance."
It was frustrating to feel nervous and end up missing the opportunity to talk with Cadec whenever he visits the Grimwood mansion because of Magnus. In the end, the only opportunity that fell on Eugene's lap were situations where he himself was in danger.
Eugene wanted to be a strong omega like his brother, who knows how to protect himself and others. The Omegas of Roveaven are born, strong and independent leaders who care for everyone as if it were their greatest nature. An alpha could even protect you, but because without an omega the whole family and business could collapse. This was the power and influence that an omega had on his shoulders when he was born. However, Eugene always ends up being saved by Cadec. It is as if he showed his most pathetic side to the prince.
Although that made him feel slightly grateful, for seeing those huge backs protecting him and valuing his safety was something that Eugene held on to as if it were his hope.
"I'm pathetic, aren't I?" He laughed at himself looking at the painting "I know I don't have a chance... I know that as a prince you must choose someone... better."
Leaning his head back, Eugene rested his fingers a little. Even if his arms hurt, his fingers were pinned and his frustration for not being able to stitch right left him on the verge of a crying crisis... he took a deep breath and stared at the painting.
It was not a gift for his brothers.
It was not a homework.
It was a gift for the man he fell in love with.
A gift of gratitude, but that would also carry a drop of his feelings that were devoted to him.
When it was dawn, Eugene locked the room and made his way back to his dorm. The same way as always, immersed in silence and the secret of the night. At least he was at peace, and could only feel the good things of being in love. Regardless of how long it lasted, how much he was allowed to feel and live that feeling. He enjoyed his moment.
But when he arrived in his dorm...
"Gene, a letter came for you" Warned your roommate.
"Oh, thank you."
The boy went to the table and took the letter, just seeing the name of that damn noble was enough to make him roll his eyes. He opened the letter and gave a chance to read the disastrous words that old widower would like to say to you. Eugene was prepared to burn her, but he saw those lines that made him even more angry.
"Considering the improper behavior of His Highness, I do not think he is worthy of my trust. However, the friendship of the Grimwoods with the First Prince has been the subject of discussion, which makes me question their position. If you accept my courtship, young Eugene, I may reconsider and give the prince a great patronage".
Eugene's fingers clenched around the paper.
Exactly what he thought. That man wouldn't give up on him, and would use Cadec to have it. Of course, Moutuni didn't know about Eugene's feelings, he was just using his loyalty as Magnus' younger brother to play politics. Everyone knew that Eugene would always think of the good of his brothers, acting like a good boy to avoid trouble. Even his brothers would think so. Of course Count Moutuni would think that this would be a good way to persuade him.
Considering how much he would not like to make Cadec lose supporters, Eugene was inclined to just ignore the letter. Only that Moutuni was getting impatient with the lack of answers, he would probably collect it later if they met somewhere.
Eugene didn't want this.
He should protect the person to whom his feelings have always been devoted.
He would do it using his greatest weapon. If the Count thinks he could make threats using his brother and Cadec, well, it would show him how to do it right. Eugene was not innocent, and he always knew it.
Sitting at the table, he took a piece of paper and his fountain pen. Taking a deep breath, Eugene began to write.
"My dear brother
How is your honeymoon? I hope you are treating His Highness well. Although it is the moment of greatest happiness for you, I must express my concern about a matter that I have been carrying with me for a long time. I tried to solve on my own, but failed miserably.
Please, I am attaching a letter and will explain the situation next..."
Eugene wrote a long letter to his brother. It was magical how at one point the words simply flowed through the pen and slid onto the paper. A weight was going away from his chest, even though he knew that a storm would come.
But that wouldn't be your problem, would it?