The moment Eugene Grimwood stepped into the field of Count Vauhnir, he was buried by curious and noble glances thirsty for a good gossip. He was already accustomed given the nature of his brothers, especially that of Magnus. It was not the first time he saw the repertoire of his older brother's actions.
All the nobles knew that Magnus Grimwood was a man who did not give second chances to anyone who dared cross the line with the Grimwoods. And although he always committed certain criminal acts, Jesse came to his rescue with evidence that would prevent the Grand Duke from being thrown into prison.
This time was no different.
"I wonder what Count Moutuni may have done to anger His Grace."
"My husband said that His Majesty was displeased with his lack of participation in the political scene. The Grand Duke must have only followed orders from His Majesty."
"Young Grimwood, do you know anything?"
When the watchful eyes turned to Eugene, the young man only tilted his head and smiled sweetly.
"My brother is a very loyal man to the Emperor, surely he did it for a good reason to ensure that the high society does not get dirty, right?"
"Now, young Grimwood, what do you mean by dirty?"
"Just learned that Count Moutuni was not fulfilling his role of noble. How can we leave someone like this among us? We are the high... not?"
Playing with nobles' ego was easy when he needed to control a gossip. Eugene knew how to do it with mastery. The nobles who tried to extract information from him agreed with his words and began to curse the late Count, who could not even defend himself.
"Indeed, the Countess was someone worthy of the title and did very well in preventing that scumbag to stay ahead in business. My maid told me that the Count sold even the mansion to be able to continue in that place."
"Oh my! As expected, that antro is definitely a repgunante place..."
Little by little Eugene retracted his steps, sneaking out without being noticed. The nobles could gossip at will that he would have absolutely nothing to add. In the end they would support Magnus's decision to rid the great High Society of a man who only impoverishes the race with his sinful behavior.
Humans are human, always think big things about themselves.
When Eugene returned to the Grimwood tent, he sat down in a chair and was served tea while watching his brothers and their respective partners. They did not care about the whispered voices and glares that followed their every move. In fact, his brothers never bothered about it and always acted as they wanted with a certain caution and wisdom.
Eugene admired that in them.
Perhaps it was for this reason that attracted people like Victoria and Lucian?
Twisting his fingers in his pocket, Eugene felt the softness of the handkerchief that was folded waiting for the right time to be delivered. Swallowing dry, he checked the tent next to where the priest of the Temple continued to talk with members of royalty.
"Haa... I should take care of it as soon as possible. I don't think my heart will handle this nervousness."
It was the day Eugene waited anxiously. The impeccably embroidered scarf was between his fingers, which squeezed nervously without knowing exactly where to find the courage to deliver it to its owner. The rosy eyes did not come out of that tall and strong figure, making his heart foolishly accelerate once again.
Spending all those days just imagining his reaction while looking at his painting was completely different from seeing him in flesh and blood just a few steps away.
Needed to do it as soon as possible.
Soon they would announce the beginning of the hunt.
Moistening his lips, Eugene took a deep breath as he left the Grimwood tent and walked to the side, confidently approaching that group of people who were talking in the light tent. The First Princess was the first to notice his presence, appearing slightly surprised to see him there. They exchanged looks, his cheeks were slightly rosy when the princess smiled sweetly to him. Eugene almost stopped walking, but he forced his legs to work until he reached the talk wheel.
In front of that huge back, Eugene was enchanted. Accustomed to seeing him many steps ahead, almost unreachable, Eugene felt protected by that man. A somewhat strange thing to feel, isn't it? However, Eugene could not avoid the itching in the chest that always appeared when Eugene saw him.
"Excuse me, Your Highness... may I have a word with you for a moment?"
The shy voice of young Eugene interrupted the conversation. When Cadec turned to look at him, Eugene felt a great connection. He could barely blink, just finding his soul being drawn to it. Could linger in those clear eyes, could already imagine himself between the strong arms of the prince and feel his warmth and smell. The instinctive feeling shouted that it was his place in the world. That there he belonged.
"Sure. This way", he reached out to the boy.
With his arm outstretched, Eugene accompanied him to the back of the tent where they could have a more... private conversation. Only with this idea of the two alone, although just to talk, it was enough to leave him in the clouds. What could he do? It was the first time that Eugene called him to talk!
Above all, Cadec was beautiful in the riding suit. It was clear how strong and muscular his body was, typical of an alpha. Unlike the painting that Eugene always admired at the academy, the person next to him was a strong and charming adult man. The smell of his pheromone was intense and intoxicating, making him clench his fingers in the handkerchief.
Come on, Eugene!
"Are you all right, my lord?", Eugene heard him say it, waking from his thoughts. Eugene raised his rosy eyes and slightly tilted his head. "I mean what happened these days. It seems that Magnus dealt with the situation."
Eugene was surprised that the subject of the Earl being touched so suddenly. Nevertheless, it helped to reduce his anxiety a little.
"Ah... yes, I told him. While I was at the academy, I received several letters from him and it bothered me a lot."
"I wonder how stressed you got. You were right to tell your brother. Although his handling of the situation was not the best, at least it will bring you some peace."
"I was just afraid that the Count might withdraw his support in Your Highness, so I tried to resolve it on my own. But I failed miserably."
Ah... why did he have to say those words in such a sweet way? Eugene knew that he had no such intention with you, but his mind and heart insisted on deceiving himself. The boy even lowered his head slightly to cover up his hot cheeks.
Cadec touched Eugene's bent shoulder. A comforting and friendly touch just to lift your morale, but that also made the young omega's heart speed up.
"I'm grateful that you have good intentions in helping me, but in no way do I wish to see you go through sweats because of me."
Eugene took a deep breath and raised his rosy eyes to Cadec. Now was the time! He pressed the handkerchief between his fingers and handed it over to the First Prince.
"I promised that I would return your kindness at an early opportunity. Please accept this as a gift, Your Highness."
Cadec seemed slightly surprised with the stretched scarf. Eugene knew very well that giving a handkerchief to a single man contained great meanings behind it, and this made him slightly hesitant. Even more being delivered during the hunting festival, the largest event aimed at lovers.
A knight going into battle and taking an item from a person who was left behind was a way to remember such a person. Eugene wanted Cadec to remember him when he saw such a scarf.
It was an indirect confession.
"Did you embroider a scarf for me, my lord?"
"Just to wish you good luck in the hunt. Unfortunately it was the only thing I could think of as a way to thank for all the help you gave me, Your Highness."
Probably Cadec would think that Eugene was too innocent to give him the gift. It's okay that he was despised in such a way. Eugene did not expect that Cadec would give him any chance to live a romance, and if he accepted only for courtesy it was enough.
At least for now.
The prince took the handkerchief, subtly twisting his fingers to those of Eugene and causing him an electricity that ran through his body. It was a contrast that made the omega feel the heat of his skin and the drier touch of his skin. Somewhat expected of a man who spends his time wielding a sword.
Cadec saw the embroidery and a small smile sprang from his thin lips.
"Thank you for the gift and good hunting wishes, my lord."
Although they are only words said by formalities, they were not less precious in young Eugene's eyes. He smiled and blushed slightly, feeling the luckiest young man to be able to present the man he was in love with.
He would hardly know, nor would Cadec notice, that the true villain of the story watched them closely, realizing that they had found a great weakness to force the First Prince to surrender.