The meeting took place in a quiet chamber, far from the noise of the court.
Only three men were present.
Duke Valerius sat at the head of the table, his expression composed but heavy with years of responsibility. Alaric stood beside the window, hands clasped behind his back. Caelum remained seated, posture relaxed, as if the fate of the kingdom was no longer something he carried on his shoulders.
You are both remarkable," he began. "In very different ways."
Alaric inclined his head politely.
"Alaric," the Duke continued, "you protect the kingdom with steel and discipline. You command loyalty on the battlefield, stabilize the borders, and inspire soldiers to stand even when death is certain."
Then his gaze shifted.
"Caelum," he said, "you protect the kingdom in quieter ways. You tend to the wounded, shelter refugees, reform systems from within. You see people where others see numbers."
Caelum did not turn around. "Flattery won't change anything."
He then gave a small, knowing smile. "No. It won't."
He folded his hands. "The council has already decided who will be crowned."
Silence followed.
After a long silence, Caelum finally spoke. "I have no interest in the succession anymore
Duke Valerius lifted his gaze. "Because you became an omega?"
"Yes," Caelum answered simply.
The Duke's eyes narrowed, sharp with insight. "But that is not the only reason, is it?"
Caelum did not deny it.
"You are not the king's real son," the Duke continued calmly.
Alaric did not react.
He already knew.
Caelum inclined his head. "No. I am not."
Duke Valerius can't help but sighed, rubbing his temple. "It is a shame. You had the potential to be a great ruler."
Caelum smiled faintly. "Potential alone does not make a king."
The Duke then turned to Alaric. "Prepare yourself. Your coronation will be held as soon as the mourning period allows."
Alaric nodded, solemn. "I will not fail."
Caelum rose to his feet. "If there is nothing else, I will excuse myself."
As he turned to leave, Alaric spoke.
"There is one more matter," he said to the noble. "I have a family—outside the capital."
Duke Valerius hummed thoughtfully. "Your omega?"
"Yes. And children."
"That will require discussion," the Duke replied evenly. "Whether your omega will be accepted as queen, or whether only the children will be acknowledged… we will deliberate."
Alaric bowed his head in gratitude.
Caelum did not wait to hear the rest.
This world was already slipping from his grasp—and he did not resist it.
---
Caelum packed lightly.
There was nothing he wished to bring from the palace.
Eiran stood nearby, hands folded neatly before him, expression respectful but resolute.
"If you will permit me, Your Highness," Eiran said quietly, "I would like to accompany you."
"You are not required to," Caelum replied. "Your service ends here."
Eiran lowered his head slightly. "I am aware. However… I wish to remain by your side."
Caelum studied him for a moment. "You have your own future to consider."
"I do," Eiran answered gently. "And I have considered it."
After a brief pause, Caelum sighed, not in irritation, but in quiet acceptance. "Very well."
They stepped into the corridor together.
Near the palace gates stood Darius, posture stiff, hands clasped at his sides. He straightened at once when he saw them.
"You are leaving now, Your Highness?" he asked.
Caelum tilted his head, a trace of his old playfulness surfacing. "Will you miss me?"
Darius's ears reddened. "I— I would hope to visit, if that would not trouble you."
"You would be welcome," Caelum replied warmly. "Anytime."
Eiran glanced at Darius and offered a courteous nod. "We should depart before sunrise."
Darius watched them go, standing a little straighter than before.
---
Before dawn, Caelum made one final stop.
The orphanage.
He stood in the shadows, watching quietly as a woman tended to freshly washed clothes, hanging them carefully despite the chill in the air.
His true father(mother).The Former lover of the queen consort.
The woman he met before when visiting the orphanage.
Just seeing her again —alive, breathing, content—made something settle inside his chest.
"I won't disturb her," Caelum whispered.
Eiran hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
They turned to leave.
"Your Highness?"
His body froze.
Slowly, he turned.
She stood there, eyes wide, breath trembling.
Without thinking, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
Then she gasped and pulled back. "I— I'm sorry, Your Highness—"
"It's okay," Caelum said softly. "I'm not royalty anymore."
Her eyes filled with tears. "You know?"
He nodded. "I always did."
She covered her mouth, shoulders shaking.
"Mom," he said.
She broke.
They embraced again, this time without restraint.
They talked quietly—of nothing and everything. Of leaving. Of safety. Of living well.
When the sky began to lighten, Caelum kissed her forehead.
"Live happily," he said.
She nodded through tears.
---
By morning, the capital awoke to devastating news.
Prince Caelum had taken his own life.
Grief spread swiftly.
Those he had aided mourned openly. Candles were lit in silent corners. Prayers were whispered.
But grief was soon overtaken by celebration.
For that same day—
King Alaric was crowned.
The bells rang.
A new era began.
And far from the capital, a former prince stepped into anonymity—alive, unbound, and finally at peace.