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Assistant: Title: A golden Cage
        Author: Misawa_KazuEijun undefined 
        Chapter: 1/3 
        Summary: Yet this man, his fiancé, was so strange to him....A shadow, without face or voice or smell.He was so unknown to Luffy that the latter felt no sense of belonging. Not even pity for his health condition.Which is why the young prince often referred to himself as a terrible person. For what could this young man do that Luffy had been born as something that no one could influence, except the gods themselves.It was they who gave him a secondary gender that he so hated, while his grandfather drew new confidence for his hard-pressed kingdom.  After all, it was so rare for a monarch to be given a male omega.
        Contents: Chapter 1: The greatest people are those who can give hope to others
    

    


  

  
  
    
    Refreshing yet pleasant was the rising wind as it blew across the open field.The little grass and grain that surrounded him swayed back and forth evenly in time to the warm air, until he too followed the movements and imitated them.Lightly he swayed his dainty body to the music of nature in whose midst he found himself.Bees, bumblebees, wasps and hornets buzzed in search of food. The stalk of a dark blue cornflower bent under the weight of a large bumblebee, flicking back quickly as the furry insect scuttled away.The loud beating of wings interrupted the peaceful silence for a brief moment as many small birds flew away from a tree. They chirped loudly, resembling more of a scolding as they simultaneously fluttered across the expanse of the meadow.On and on until they could no longer be seen or even heard. Only the rustling and murmuring of the leaves, which were disarranged by the wind, were to be heard as a quiet, melodic murmur. A cloud pushed itself before the sun and let him shudder a little.Even if only slightly. Was the air nevertheless all at once clearly cooler, than still few seconds ago.When the bright warmth and light-giving star had shone down on him and the patch of earth. "The coachmen and horses are getting restless my prince."In the end, it was the deep voice of his bodyguard that disturbed, if not ruined, the beautiful and peaceful moment.The one that brought him back to the reality he had wanted so much to escape from."We must continue so that we can reach the country seat in the north of the kingdom before nightfall," the taller one added. His right hand resting on his three swords as he did so.The young prince knew that the elder could draw them without hesitation and thus kill a man without any particular effort.A fact he did not like at all. Even though he knew that his knight would never raise it against those who were innocent. Not to mention that the swords were primarily for his protection.But even against bandits or criminals, he could feel nothing but resentment and dislike when they died without a fair trial and at the hands of the greater. One last time he took a deep breath of the clear and familiar air before slowly turning to his taciturn companion.He had always mocked his knight's military bearing. But he had already lost the fun and joy of joking this morning.A curt nod on his part was enough to elicit a brief polite bow from the bodyguard before he stepped aside to let his prince go first.Casting a last glance over his shoulder, he memorized the landscape one last time before straightening his shoulders and starting to move.The carriage was still in the same place where he had demanded that it stop. He noticed and heard the scuffing of the horses' dark hooves.Surely they would feel more comfortable when they finally got away from this piece of land, which was open and wide on all sides.And thus offered itself as a perfect target for attack. "How far is it to this country estate?" he inquired, stretching his nose into the once again rising wind, which gently and tenderly stroked through his dark hair."Three, maybe four hours my prince," sounded the answer just a few steps behind him. So did the soft clatter of swords."There you will spend the night, so that you may rest from your arduous journey."He pressed his lips together, only to swallow a mocking comment that was already on his tongue.Arduous his ass... Only a few steps away from the dark carriage, his bodyguard sped up his own and stepped past the young prince.With quick moves, the door was opened so that he could enter unimpeded and sit down again."My prince."Indicating a slight bow, the knight raised his left arm so that the younger man could lean on it if he saw fit or even wanted to.But nothing of the sort happened.Instead, he easily boarded the carriage and settled on the cushion-lined bench seat."How many times have I told you to call me Luffy, Zoro."The young knight didn't know if it was supposed to be a question or a statement, even a command.So he closed the door and lifted his face to look into that of the younger man, who pushed the cloak he had put on with reluctance off his shoulders."Every day," Zoro replied.A fine smile appeared on his lips as he recognized the slightly pouty expression that settled on the young man's face.Which is why he couldn't help but add a "My prince" after it. He took a step away from the carriage and signaled to the coachmen that they could finally move on, while he himself turned to his white horse and put his left foot in the stirrup.Elegantly, he pushed his other foot off the ground, swung his right leg over the horse's back, and settled down on the leathery saddle.Assertively, yet gently, he gave his horse the order to ride off as the carriage finally began to move.   Another silent sigh escaped Luffy's lips the longer the ride lasted. He had already stopped counting the many times such sounds - silent or not - had already escaped his throat.Especially since it wasn't in his nature to mope at all.Not when he was supposed to be using the day to have adventures.Whether in the nearby forest of the castle or in the castle itself, when he once again wanted to escape the servants and guards.How he had loved to play hide and seek with them. Even if he knew that the servants hated it to have to look for him constantly.However, this could also be due to the fact that he knew every millimeter and thus all corridors and rooms - even the secret ones - of the castle and never stayed in the same place.Of course, he also knew that they never all played with him voluntarily. Rather, they sought him out to remind him of his daily duties, which Luffy hated to perform.He loathed the math and language classes he was forced to take. He despised the science lessons he was forced to learn.Not to mention the history of each kingdom and its geography.Luffy didn't want to waste his days with such useless information when he would be married off anyway just because of his gender.Without any say in his future marriage. The young prince turned to the window again and looked out.Out into the freedom of nature that slowly passed him by.Luffy hadn't noticed that the sun was already setting, which is why the fields, as well as farmhouses, shone in a soft orange and reddish light.Everything suddenly seemed so majestic and beautiful that it forced the air out of Luffy's lungs.And this was not the first time he had seen such an image.Sometimes, when he had managed to sneak out of the castle, he had looked at the vast and endless fields from his favorite tree. As well as the people who worked hard on them, tilling the land with their wooden implements and oxen.Even young children and teenagers he had watched as they also pitched in and assisted their fathers in plowing and later harvesting. Luffy had always envied them.How he would have liked to help his father and work under the hot sun, before he fell into bed in the evening, exhausted and tired, but also happy about his day's work, and immediately fell asleep.But instead he had to live day in and day out in this much too large and cold castle.Hidden behind walls, so that no one would have even a chance to kidnap him.A thought that was not entirely absurd, which Luffy also knew.Still, he hated being locked up.Seeing only the same people every day, who were always anxious to say or do the right thing in his presence.All appropriate and worthy of a prince who had the great honor of one day being of service to the kingdom. God, how he hated such phrases! Especially since the adults had always treated him differently than his big brother.His brother Ace, who had been born under a particularly good star and who was predicted a great future. 
  He would in many years, as a young ruler unite two great empires and lead both into a bright and magnificent future.
 The servants had repeated the words of the prophecy over and over again, raving about what this wonderful future would look like.They had decorated it with the most different pictures, until in them an infinite measure of greed and demands broke out.They all wanted to drown in sheer wealth. Without the prospect of having to continue working for the royal house. They wanted to eat the most delicious food they had only ever heard of.To possess the most expensive cloths and robes to dress themselves in and show off to the others. And call the most beautiful jewelry from the most distant lands their own, with all kinds of jewels and diamonds.The rings and chains of pure gold to adorn their necks and fingers. They were things that Luffy could not understand. Which, however, had nothing to do with the fact that he had merely been an inexperienced and naive child.Sure, he also wanted to try the many different meals the servants spoke of. After all, he was constantly hungry and could eat tons of food at once. Not to mention that he loved tasting new dishes.But with all the other things, he knew full well that he didn't need them. Neither did he want jewelry, nor expensive robes. There was simply no reason for him to show off to another person how wealthy he was. And that he could buy anything he wanted, only to never use it in the end. Not when his heart beat solely for wanting to experience one adventure after another. How much he wanted to go out into the big, wide world to explore it. The young prince wanted to meet all kinds of people and make friends with them.He wanted to have a small group of friends by his side who would accompany and support him. With those he could have fun and celebrate. And yet he was doomed to have others make decisions about his life, about him and his body.That he was a prisoner of his fate, like the people of this land.In a kingdom that had once been so splendid and prosperous that the inhabitants could proudly stroll through the capital with their heads held high.There had been enough food for everyone. Whether for humans or animals.All of them were able to feed their families.The wealthy, like the farmers. Until the war started.Triggered by a famine in another kingdom on the continent, the latter attacked Goa and initially only robbed it of its grain.Whole settlements near the southern border were burned and looted in just one night. The men were murdered in the back, while the women and girls were either desecrated as trophies while still on the battlefield or captured and kidnapped as lifelong slaves.The former king of Goa had been warned by his advisors that there might be a warlike confrontation, but he had thrown all warnings to the wind until that dramatic night occurred.The people, who until then had believed themselves safe, could not understand these actions. Not to mention the fact that even after this cruel event, the king was still hesitant to react.It is true that he tried to stop the tension between his neighboring country through diplomacy.However, even he had to realize after some time that it was not possible to pacify a starving people with warm words when their empty stomachs were hurting and children were dying due to the shortage of food.And Goa at that time was a veritable goldmine of grain and cereals.Of well-fed animals and fresh fruits and vegetables.The envy and resentment of the other kingdom was too great, as was Goa's military inexperience.A country that had lived in peace with its neighbors for as long as it could remember. By the winter of the first year of the war, the Kingdom of Goa had lost almost a quarter of its population.Soldiers as well as common people.Many settlements had been destroyed by fires, after the people living there had been murdered in disturbing ways.Livestock had ended up in the stomachs of the foreign forces after being cooked over the fire of burning corpses.Humanity had been lost to the soldiers in the course of that one year.Even the victories counted for nothing anymore for such creatures. Not to mention that they lost the fun of raping women and children, which is why they looked for other and new methods to torture their victims.After all, it should increase their motivations for further victories and the associated land reclamation. Especially since it was no longer only about the granaries of Goa, whose resources slowly began to deplete.For while the unharvested fields in the south of the country were soaked in blood, in the western part of the country the summer had been hot and sunny.Merciless had been the sun as it sent its rays upon the earth, until the soil was parched and dusty, causing the plants to wither.Even the levels of the rivers became lower and lower until they too became small trickles, so that not even the cattle could take in enough water and died of miserable thirst.Their cadavers attracted flies and rats.And in the end, diseases as well.The misery spread just as fast as the war in the south and cost countless people their lives in addition. The peasants believed they saw a curse on the kingdom. Again and again they claimed that the gods no longer favored their land and king and had turned away.And while the elders prayed for the salvation of their chief and also for their own lives, the young of the population began to rebel.They did not want to go to war, nor did they want to see their families or animals die of hunger and thirst.But what were they to do with a soil as dry as the desert itself?How were they supposed to make money when there was nothing to sell?Not to mention the rent and taxes they had to pay annually to the king. To a king who was not able to take care of his people, let alone protect them. Luffy looked at the remains of the village, which slid past him.Half-destroyed houses rose up like memorials, bearing witness to the brutal attacks that had taken part in this place.It was as if he could still hear the clash of weapons, as well as the sounds of war that had rung out from the throats of men, while women pleaded for their lives and the lives of their children.Even the metallic smell of blood still seemed to hover in the air, hanging over the piece of land like a bell.Luffy shuddered at the thought that it had been his own countrymen who had attacked and destroyed this idyllically situated settlement, thus provoking a terrible civil war. Suddenly, the north began to rebel against the east and the east against the west.Families that until then had been scattered all over the country and connected with each other, fell out until they ended up fighting and eventually killing each other.Even the capital of Goa did not remain unaffected. Here, too, the commoners rose up against the nobles, who in turn opposed the king.They considered him too weak to bring peace to his own country and to lead it out of this terrible crisis.In their eyes, they saw themselves as more suitable for eliminating the chaos and leading the people into a glorious future.Without having to fear hunger or even further losses.Above all, they wanted to secure, if not expand, their own power and influence - which they feared losing in the event of a revolution by the common people. A fact that became their undoing in the end, when they disagreed among themselves as to who should ultimately be the leader and ascend to the throne.While the families of the high nobility were busy trying to attract the lower nobility to their respective sides through promises of a financial nature and possible family connections, the old king succumbed to a mysterious illness one night.Even today, various rumors and legends surround the rumor that he may have been poisoned by his servants. Or that the gods had punished him for his inaction and erased him from the earth.Others suspected his son, who had ascended the throne the same night and called to arms.However, Luffy really did not trust that he would kill his own father, only to take a place that he had not actually wanted.Especially not at a time which was marked by unrest and warlike actions throughout the land. "What nonsense," he heard himself mutter before he closed his eyes, shaking his head.The steady thudding of hooves on the dry ground acted like soothing music. It pushed the images out of his head, of which Luffy did not even know if they corresponded to the truth.They were based only on his own imagination, which had arisen from stories to which he had listened as a child.From a time, in which of him still no speech was and in which even his father still a small boy had been. They were experienced stories of his grandfather, the then newly crowned king of Goa.   "Welcome to the country estate of Dawn, Your Royal Majesty."With a deep bow, the highest-ranking servant greeted the young prince as he stepped from inside the carriage.FinallyHis right hand rested on Zoro's elbow, who had raised his arm as usual to assist Luffy.It was one of those rare moments when the young prince accepted this silent service."Your chambers are already prepared and waiting to be occupied by you," the old man informed further, slowly rising as did the rest of the servants, who had all lined up to pay the required respect to the prince."Thank you, but I'd rather have something to eat right now," Luffy replied, only to immediately hear a soft snort beside him.He simply ignored it, knowing that it could only be Zoro, who once again seemed amused by the fact that Luffy could just eat all the time.Even in his sleep."Of course, our cooks have already prepared a meal for you, Royal Highness," the servant replied, raising his arms to clap his hands elegantly.Immediately, two young maids stepped out of the perfect line and curtsied deeply to Luffy."You will be taken to your chambers immediately to freshen up and recover from the long day's journey," the butler continued, bowing once more to the young prince, who merely gave a curt nod.He didn't like that everyone was so formal and polite to him. That they all waited on him and showed him around as if he were incapable of living on his own.Let alone to find his way in the, yet quite small estate - at least what he, so far, got to see from the outside, didn't seem very spacious.Sure, his sense of direction was not very pronounced, and rather of poor nature. But the danger that he would get lost tonight was more than slight. "If you would follow us, Your Majesty," the young women chimed in unison, curtsying to him one more time.A gesture that Luffy actually did not like at all and only reluctantly let it pass over him.It felt so... wrong for him that they bowed before him to pay homage to him. He did not differ in his eyes nevertheless absolutely at all from the normal humans.He also consisted mainly of bones, flesh and blood.He had to eat something in order not to starve.He had to drink, in order not to die of thirst.He had to go to the toilet to relieve himself.He had to sleep to rest himself and his body.Only the fact that he had been born into a prestigious royal house made him special.To a person before whom - according to the court masters and elders - one had to kneel down and crouch. Luffy took his hand from his knight's arm and stepped toward the two servants. He swallowed an inappropriate comment and merely nodded as the two women rose to their full height and turned away from him to take him to his room.The gravel path beneath his shoes crunched pleasantly as he approached the main doorway, which stood wide open.It was the first time he would spend the night at this property.Not that he had been out of the Goan capital much at all.No matter how many times he had begged his grandfather to finally allow him to travel elsewhere, he had always refused.In the beginning, the reason given was that he was still too small, but this changed with every year that Luffy grew up.At one point it was alleged rebels who were causing trouble in the eastern part of the country. Another time it was a storm that threatened to sweep over the capital. His grandfather had been very creative in many ways to forbid him of all things that would have freed him from his boring everyday life.Even if only for a short time, that knew Luffy himself.And yet...He had always hated to be a prisoner of a castle in which he did not want to live. In which he could not really be free. Luffy lifted his head as he entered the foyer and was greeted by the warm and friendly looking light.The walls seemed endless, as did the dark wooden ceiling, in which he could see pretty carvings.Even the magnificent staircases, which led upwards in a semicircle on both sides, seemed almost perfect and inviting.Quite different from the much too large castle in which he had spent his life so far."Your chambers are in the east wing, Your Highness," one of the servants spoke, interrupting not only the silence but also Luffy's observations.He hadn't even caught how he had stopped in the middle of the hall and stretched his head toward the sky.But how could he not, when there was so much he wanted to look at?Especially since his time was limited and he didn't know when he would have the chance to come back here. It was a thought which came with a sinking feeling. Luffy swallowed and tightened his shoulders before he started moving again, following the two women.He didn't know what to say in response to the remark. Something that rarely happened to him. He was, after all, someone who liked to talk a lot.No matter whether it was in the eyes of others, nonsensical things or not. Luffy enjoyed it once to communicate with other people.Or even to laugh with them.Even if they were simple servants and guards.Being able to talk to them alone made his prison seem a little more bearable. And even that was to be taken away from him now. A silent sigh escaped his lips as he climbed the steps of the right, arched staircase.He could hear a few indistinct commands from the courtyard before the clatter of hooves could be heard. Probably someone would finally take care of the horses, as well as the coachmen and his bodyguard.After all, they also needed a meal and rest, they had - in contrast to Luffy - really done something.And yet they were more concerned about his physical, as well as mental well-being, than about the people who always had to serve him.How much he detested it....Exhaling deeply, he mounted the last step and hurriedly followed the young servants so that he could finally get out of the uncomfortable clothes.He hated the tight dark cloth pants that adorned his legs, as well as the white long-sleeved shirt that was decorated with the most beautiful embroidery.But even more he wanted to get rid of the d@mned cloak, which was elaborately decorated with the national emblem of the Kingdom of Goa, thus identifying him as a member of the royal house.The dark red of the fabric pleased Luffy very much, however, this was also the only thing about it. He didn't like the brown furry collar, nor the golden threads, which seemed so ostentatious to him.Apart from that, it restricted the movement of his arms.Not too much, but it was enough to make him feel uncomfortable. The dark carpet beneath his feet, muffled both his footsteps and those of the two women in front of him as they passed a series of windows - to his right - and pictures - to his left.Luffy glanced at the paintings now and then, only to find that most of the people depicted were unknown to him.They were certainly important figures who had some connection to this mansion and probably to his family. But if Luffy was honest, he didn't want to know anything about them.He didn't even want to ask what kind of people were depicted on each canvas.Solely because he didn't like them.Perhaps it was childish of him, but Luffy found their expressions, their emotionless eyes, and their bland faces so unpleasant that he inevitably wondered if he was seen that way by others as well.Because even though they all had dark eyes and hair, they were absolutely featureless.Not to mention that they just looked ridiculous in their clothes.The bright blue or the squeaky yellow....It looked so... so... strange.As if life depended solely on looking more colorful and luxurious than all the others before them. "If Your Majesty would please enter," the servants chorused again, snapping Luffy out of his thoughts. He hadn't even noticed that they had turned left, into another corridor, only to stop after a few steps in front of a magnificent-looking door.While his own steps had slowed down until his feet stopped altogether.Silently, he had stared at the last painting before the turnoff. Contemplating the serious expression on the face of the person depicted there, who was so familiar to him and yet seemed so strange at that moment.It was hard for him to tear his eyes away from the young man and follow the two women who were staring at the ground with their heads down, waiting in front of the already open door.Luffy left them and strode past them to enter the room in which he would spend the night. It was of a pleasant size and seemed cozy at first glance.The curtains were still open, so he could look into the darkness of the night and see scattered lights.Zoro had told him that the nearest town was only two hours away, so it could not be inhabited houses whose lights he dimly noticed.
  Rebels
It was the first thought that crossed Luffy's mind, without any fear.Why should he, when he knew Zoro was at his side, protecting him? Not to mention his own abilities to defend himself. "If Your Highness has another wish, you need only ring the bell," the left of the two women explained. She made Luffy turn to them again and look at them more closely. He saw the first signs of wrinkles on her face, which made him think that she was the older of the two."I just want to have something to eat. That's all I need," the young prince merely replied, shaking his head.Luffy undid the golden clasp that held the waist-high cloak in place and unfastened the heavy fabric.Relieved to have finally removed the garment from his shoulders, a groan almost escaped him. However, Luffy was able to restrain himself at the last moment as he tossed the red fabric onto the back of the chair nearest him."As Your Highness wishes"The servants curtsied deeply one last time, then backed out of the room and closed the door. Alone for the first time, Luffy pushed the pent-up air from his lungs and ran it through his dark hair.The crackling of the fireplace was the only thing that interrupted the silence in the room. Not that this was unpleasant to him, after he had already had a silence around him all day, which he did not like at all.He even detested it. But today, at this moment, Luffy didn't know what to hate more.The trip he should have been looking forward to and spent, with only his knight and bodyguard at his side.Or its actual purpose.When he would finally be forced to give up the very thing that was so important to him, almost sacred, and of which he had already been deprived his whole life: his freedom.Freedom about carrying his own decisions, as well as independence from another, strange person.Again he would have to subordinate himself to someone who could dispose of him and order him around.And whom he had to obey, whether he liked it or not. What hurt Luffy the most, however, was the loss of freedom over his own body.Not that he'd had much say in the matter until now, either.And yet...Luffy hated the thought of having to let someone completely unknown to him touch him and give himself to him. Shakily, Luffy ran another hand through his hair, while an unpleasant chill gripped his petite body.And that although it was actually pleasantly warm in the room.Not too hot, but not too cool either.It was just right to feel comfortable and fall into a pleasant sleep.Something that Luffy would need, because even if he didn't like to admit it, he felt very well exhausted.Not physically, but mentally.He didn't want to think anymore about all the things that would come his way starting tomorrow and that he couldn't escape from.No matter how many times he had tried. In the end, he would not be able to run away from his destined fate. A soft knock caused Luffy to snap out of his thoughts. He winced slightly, but immediately straightened his shoulders and raised his head."Come in."His voice rang out loudly as he took another step towards one of the comfortable looking armchairs and placed his left hand on the back.The soft fabric felt comfortable and inviting against his skin.Luffy knew immediately that as soon as the interfering person was gone, he would settle down on the seat and put his legs up.Maybe even close his eyes while doing so, so he could enjoy the moment."I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness," sounded indistinctly through the closed door, which was opened only seconds later.A young servant pushed a serving cart into the room before bowing respectfully to him.Luffy let it happen with a nod, while a hungry sigh escaped him at the same time.The smells alone made his stomach go crazy and made him rebel due to the emptiness."Leave it, I'll take the plates down myself," the young prince said, detaching himself from the pretty armchair and also walking towards the young woman, who bent even lower due to his words and steps.Luffy could see her red ears, which he did not understand, however. But he also did not have the attention to care.The smell of the prepared meals was just too tempting for that."Would Your Majesty like anything else?" she inquired quietly, but received only a shake of Luffy's head, as well as a short, negative reply. As quietly and quickly as she had entered, she disappeared through the door that had been left open and closed it.Leaving the young prince alone again so that he could devote himself to his meal in peace, which Luffy did immediately.With hungry eyes and a wide grin on his lips, he looked at the various dishes before he took a piece of the fried and rosemary-flavored potato between his thumb and forefinger and put it in his mouth.The simple spices immediately hit his palate and slowly spread.A sound of pleasure left his lips as he chewed and took a plate and sat down with it on one of the armchairs.The plate found its place in his lap and the tender meat found its way into his mouth.It tasted like deer.So tender, yet flavorful.Luffy had always loved to eat wild, even if he couldn't stand to watch the dead animals being brought in by the royal hunters.He himself had once participated in such an event. Whereby he was very surprised that his grandfather had allowed it at all.After all, he had been with other men and women at that moment and had enjoyed their lively attention he had received on his part.Even if he had not fully understood why he had been literally surrounded by them, so that he had not had a minute even to be able to be alone. But at that time, Luffy had not yet understood many things.The interest of other people of the high nobility, whether from his own or other kingdoms, in him. As well as the fact that he had already been promised to another person.Not even that he, his body should be something special, was to be understood for him. He really didn't find himself looking any different than his big brother.Surely, he had never experienced a real insistence of his body, as Ace did.Neither his legs were infested with dark hairs, nor had he grown pubic hair since the beginning of his puberty.But he had never thought of it as a bad thing.Not even that he was still of petite stature and towered over by some of his peers.Rather, he didn't care that he only measured 1.74m.Size, had never been important to Luffy. At least not when it came to the physical.Important for him had always been the inside, the character of a person. But how should he be able to assess this, if no one was really honest with him?If they all just pretended to be polite and devoted so that they could be near him and bask and feast on his attention? It had been Ace who had explained to him that he should never trust the especially friendly and accommodating people. That he should never be alone in a room with them and always had to make it known when and where he wanted to meet another person.Luffy had been only eight years old when he received these words of warning from his big brother. And being who he was, he had sulked and told Ace that he didn't want that.That he wanted to be free to decide what he did.Without a chaperone to forbid him from having any fun. Not to mention that it was nobody's business who he befriended, unless he himself wanted it that way.It had been his first, big rebellion for his independence and self-determination. Luffy was reluctant to think back to that day.Even now, his throat was tight, and he had to swallow hard to choke down the bacon-wrapped beans he had put in his mouth just moments before.That day, almost ten years ago, a truth had been revealed to him that had robbed him of his faith in those close to him.For while he had still stared at his big brother with folded arms and a defiant look, the latter had accused him in a loud voice that he was an egoist.That he wanted to let the people suffer on purpose and would enjoy this, just because he continued to run after an illusion of freedom and happiness, which did not exist for members of the royal house.That it was his duty to live as a future husband at the side of a grand duke to whom he had been promised before he was born.That in exchange for Luffy himself, essential food - which would come from the land of his future husband - could be distributed to his own impoverished and starving population.That Luffy was only in this world to be allowed to grace the right side of the Grand Duke, while at the same time having to secure his offspring. It was his own brother's words that horrified him. They were so painfully harsh, almost cold, that Luffy had simultaneously lost his breath.He had watched wide-eyed and open-mouthed as Ace had paced the great room while continuing to hurl biting, even caustic statements at him.Things he was still too young to understand. But things he instinctively knew were mean and hurtful. 
  "You think that just because your father is the king of Goa, you don't have to make sacrifices! But you're wrong! You're nothing but the son of a f@ck@ng wh@r@ Luffy! You're nothing but a puny omega, so stop thinking you're something better already!"
 All at once, the appetite he had felt just moments ago was gone.Luffy lifted the just half emptied plate from his lap and finally put it down on the small table between the armchairs.The fire, which had just seemed cozy, made him uncomfortable. It was as if it was sucking the oxygen in the room out of the air to feed on it. While Luffy himself thought he was asphyxiating and therefore gasped for air.Hastily, he rose and took long strides toward the ornate windows, tearing them open.The dark wood gave way with a protesting sound, probably due to the vehemence of his action, but he didn't care.The only thing that mattered was the cool evening air, which instantly flowed toward him and enveloped him.It made Luffy breathe deeply so that the vital oxygen could penetrate deep into his lungs.Over and over again.The young prince needed more of this until he would focus only on his breathing and silence the loud voice in his head. 
  "You are nothing but a puny Omega!!!"
 A loud clearing of the throat sounded and made the younger man flinch slightly.Hastily, he spun around to see who dared to disturb him now, of all times.At a moment when he could neither control nor suppress his agitated thoughts."You will hurt yourself if you try to climb out of the window in the dark, my prince," the intruder spoke, quietly closing the door behind him.Luffy, on the other hand, pushed the pent-up air out of his lungs that he didn't even know he had been holding."You scared me Zoro," he admitted honestly, taking a step away from the open window.Not willing to close it and surrender to the stuffiness of the room again."That was not my intention my prince. I merely wished to inform you that the horses and coachmen are taken care of," the knight replied, indicating a curt bow.Luffy, on the other hand, just nodded and headed back to the armchairs, not wanting to settle down another time though."I thank you, but you didn't have to come all the way here for this. I know I can count on you even as it is," Luffy replied, pushing away a piece of the rosemary on the edge of his plate with his index finger. It was something he had never done before, playing with food.Which was more because it always disappeared quickly into his mouth and stomach, though. Which, however, Luffy never felt ashamed or even bad about either.Sure, he knew it wasn't proper and that he didn't exactly have the best table manners. After all, he had been admonished often enough by his grandfather and the court scholars.But, since he almost always took his meals alone, Luffy had found no reason that he should behave himself at the table and eat in a mannerly fashion. "Will you tell me what bothers you my prince?"It was Zoro who broke the silence between them. Who eyed him warily and walked towards the serving cart to help himself to the grapes.Not that Luffy was annoyed by this. After all, it was a matter of course for him to share his food when he didn't want it anymore. When his hunger and appetite were satiated.Or, like at that moment, when a sinking feeling spread through his stomach until it seemed to slowly take over his entire body."It's nothing," Luffy muttered, shaking his head. He felt his hair sway gently and slightly as he did so.It wasn't that he didn't trust Zoro, or even that he didn't want to talk to him about his most intimate thoughts. No, he simply didn't want to bother the young knight with his problems.After all, even though they had both known each other since childhood and were also friends, Luffy knew that Zoro definitely had worries of his own that he needed to deal with."So why do you look like the world is ending right now?" the older man inquired, pacing slowly toward the prince. It was the first time in a long time that Zoro had spoken to him so familiarly, which was why his heart gave a slight jump.All of a sudden, it felt like it used to. Like when they had been children or teenagers and had sat next to each other on their tree.They had always had to sneak out, hoping not to get caught. Because while Luffy was forbidden to leave the castle alone and without supervision, Zoro was forbidden to get too close to the young prince.He should have concentrated much more on his training, in order to be able to do justice to his task, as a possible, future bodyguard. He had to become stronger than all the other candidates. More skillful in handling the sword, as well as outstanding as a rider. And yet, he had always found a way to steal away from training and spend time with Luffy.Even if it was not much, because they were constantly looking for the young prince, who also had to fulfill his neglected duties. "Sometimes I wish I were like those birds we saw at noon today," Luffy began as he stared into the dancing flames.They looked so seductive, even playful. As if they were dancing to the beat of some unknown music that was taboo to the younger man's ears."Then I could be as free as they are and overlook the whole world from above."A thin smile settled on Luffy's lips at the thought. If only briefly, as it disappeared only seconds later, giving way to a sigh.He knew he was only fooling himself. That he was indulging in an illusion that would never become reality."But they can also be captured and locked in cages," Zoro interjected, raising his right hand.As if it were a matter of course, his thumb and forefinger settled under the prince's chin, gently forcing him to look at the young knight."Especially when they are of exceptional beauty," he added, noting with pleasure the tender blush of Luffy.As did the gentle smile that once again graced the younger man's lips. Zoro knew that he was behaving anything but respectfully toward his prince. That he was perhaps even being presumptuous by touching him in such a way and being close.But he also knew that Luffy needed a confidant. Someone who was willing to take away at least some of his fears and worries.Someone he had known for a long time and who knew from his own experience how heavy a family burden could weigh on one's shoulders."As long as I am near you, I will protect you. I swore that two years ago, and I do so now," Zoro spoke, taking his hand from the younger man's chin to bow deeply to Luffy."No matter what happens my prince, I will forever defend you with my own life and stay close to you as a confidant."Easily these words flowed over his lips, coming straight from his heart.Yes, he would forfeit his own life for Luffy, just to know that he was safe. He was the epitome of joy and kindness.Always eager to help others without ever asking for anything in return. "I know Zoro," the young prince replied, raising his right hand to place it on his counterpart's shoulder in turn."I know," he repeated, though more quietly this time, tilting his head slightly to the side.The smile on Luffy's lips widened as the clamp grip around his core weakened.It did not disappear entirely, but Luffy had the impression that the trepidation and tightness he had felt until just now was slowly fading with each breath he took.Even the thundering sound of his pulse diminished and grew quieter until it resembled only a pleasant background noise. "You should rest soon my prince," Zoro spoke as he simultaneously rose to his full height.Thereby placing his eyes on the younger one in front of him, in order to be able to examine him once more in detail.Zoro wanted to make sure that Luffy wouldn't get lost in his thoughts again and possibly do something reckless and thoughtless.Such as fleeing from the chamber he had just moved into....However, the young knight noticed that the - until now - tense shoulders of the prince had sunk down a bit.Just as if a small part of the self-imposed burden and pressure had disappeared."The same goes for you, too," Luffy replied, still with a smile on his lips.It pleased him, after all, that his friend and bodyguard seemed to care about him so much.Even though deep down he knew it had to be just another one of Zoro's tasks.After all, the young prince's well-being was at stake here.A precious cargo that was not allowed to suffer physical or mental harm. A soft snort sounded, quelling the rising thoughts which were ready to manifest."I can only do that if you promise not to climb out of the window to explore the area, my prince," Zoro repeated, though Luffy couldn't help but notice the amused undertone in the demand.After all, he saw his knight's words as nothing more.Which Luffy understood in a way, since his safety was in Zoro's hands.And yet...How much he wanted to run outside over the meadows for a moment without worrying about his protection.Barefoot, so he could feel the grass and the earth on his bare skin, while the wind stroked through his hair and over his skin.Having a big smile on his lips, as well as a laugh that came deep from his chest, so that his voice would be heard far and long. God, how he longed for a realization of this dream and wish, which he had been hiding in the depths of himself since childhood.Which he cherished, hoping that someday that one, certain day would come.... "Go Zoro," Luffy commanded, no begged his knight and took a step backwards. Put a proper distance between them that way.Not because it bothered him to be so close to Zoro, they had once been much closer as children.No, rather, Luffy knew that he could only persuade his friend to leave if he eliminated his main concern: the still-open window through which damp and cold air was seeping into the room.He felt the gaze, the eyes of Zoro on his back as he approached the ornate windows with slow steps and raised his right hand to reach for the dark, smooth wood.A final icy breeze squeezed past between the frame and the window, making him shiver.The tiny hairs on his arms and neck stood up as goosebumps spread over his body. A reaction he couldn't explain, because if Luffy was honest, he wasn't cold.Much more, the cool air had been pleasant and soothing.But still... still a shiver had run through his veins, causing every fiber and cell of his body to tighten.Was it because he was again afraid of suffocating due to lack of oxygen?After all, it had been that awful feeling in his lungs and throat that had forced him to tear open the window to catch his breath. "I will send the servants to assist you in changing your clothes."Zoro's deep voice cut through the renewed fog which had begun to form in his mind due to memories.Memories of hurtful words and looks full of distaste.Luffy merely nodded and breathed deeply the still fresh air through his nose. His hands balled into fists so that he could feel his fingernails in his palms.With an effort, he straightened his shoulders and half turned to face his knight, who put his right foot backwards and used the momentum to spin around.Slow yet powerful were the elder's gait as he increased the distance between them and reached the door. For as long as Luffy could remember, Zoro was the only one besides his brother and grandfather who turned his back on him when he left the room.All the other servants and maids always kept their heads turned toward the floor as they scurried backward with typing steps, blindly grasping the door handles.Luffy had never understood what the point of it all was, but had also never felt the need to ask 'why'.But not because he didn't want to hear the answer, or because he was fundamentally uninterested. No, much more he had simply always known that the explanation would make no sense to him.Not to mention that he would consider it completely pointless, while still more questions would arise on his part.Questions that most court scholars would only reluctantly respond to with a sigh and a shake of the head. They did not like it, if the young prince visited them because of such trivialities and robbed them of their last nerve. That's why it was not uncommon for them to send him to one of the other teachers, just to be able to go back to their own work in peace.And even Ace, his brother had only rolled his eyes and admonished him not to pay attention to such meaningless things that were not important.After all, he was a prince and had to be treated with deference and respect for his royal blood, by those who were far below him in rank. "My prince."Once again Zoro had spoken up, interrupting the silence that had just begun between them.His right hand was on the ornate handle of the door, seemingly just waiting to finally apply pressure to push it down.But Zoro did not move.Instead, he looked again at his prince and contemplated his slender figure. He looked at the hands clenched into fists, the knuckles of which were slowly losing color.Even the until now still cheerful face had given way to an expression that Zoro had only seen a few times before.A touch of pain, which slowly began to mix with the emerging loneliness and emptiness, surrounded the young prince. It wrapped itself around the petite body like a cloak and embraced him, unwilling to let go of this precious being.For a moment Zoro even thought he heard a soft voice at Luffy's ear, whispering mocking, even malicious words to him. So hurtful that the younger man even buried his teeth in his lower lip. The iron clasp had returned, exerting such unpleasant pressure on his lungs and stomach that he felt sick to his stomach.The peaceful and pleasant atmosphere just a moment ago was giving way to a cold, icy horror every second that passed, and Luffy could no longer escape it. The long, sharp and icy claws had already reached for him and grabbed him firmly by the throat.They squeezed mercilessly, injecting a suffocating, numbing emptiness that danced joyously through his blood vessels until it seemed to slowly penetrate every cell of his body.Luffy wanted to gasp for air, for much-needed oxygen, but he could not stir. It was as if he was no longer his own master over his body, while various voices in his head screamed orders in confusion.So d@mn loud and hectic that a slight dull ache snaked its way to his temples. It was light and yet palpable.Deep and yet it was already seething under his skin, billowing as if waiting to strike out with a biting and agonizing sting. "Luffy"Heartfelt and gentle - it could almost be described as tender - this one word, his name, pierced the dense and dark veil. Destroyed it with a power the young prince had never experienced before.His heart, which had just been beating painfully in his chest, stumbled briefly before continuing to move at a faster, more excited tempo.The young prince had to blink several times to understand what had just happened to him. Why he had once again been thrust into the arms of these horrible feelings, when all he had remembered was an oddity of the servants....Luffy opened his mouth and took a deep breath. To which he noted, to his relief, how liberated his chest and throat felt.Even if his lungs burned and the impulse to cough grew within him.How long had he been holding his breath without realizing it?"Luffy," his knight's deep and soothing voice sounded again. It was like another liberating blow against the unwanted and undesirable feelings that had taken deep root in his body.Another deep breath and Luffy finally managed to lift his head, which he had unconsciously lowered.Dark eyes scrutinized him intently. The tension in his knight's muscles was noticeable, as was the silent question of whether he should stay.And Luffy was so grateful about it that he couldn't stop the tingling warmth as it gripped his body. It was as if it banished the icy cold from his fibers and muscles, from his cells and blood vessels, until nothing remained.Only the familiar feeling of comfort and protection."I promise," Zoro's voice rang out once more with an earnestness that Luffy could only believe. He knew they were not empty phrases, but earnest words that stirred in him an unshakable confidence.Confidence that Zoro would stand by his side, no matter how much his already limited and alienated life would become even more limited.How much more his already propped wings would be disfigured and broken. A smile, albeit small, crept onto his lips.There was nothing cheerful about it, but it was suffused with pure gratitude, at this friendship he was allowed to have with his knight.Bravely, he nodded - Luffy liked to trust Zoro, but not his own voice - before watching the door handle slowly move down.They still kept eye contact, and Luffy was thankful to Zoro for that. But as soon as the beautifully decorated wooden door was open, he finally turned away - after a seemingly endless moment - and left the young prince's chamber with slow steps. Luffy watched as the door closed, trapping him in this strange room.Alone with his thoughts and feelings, which, despite the absence of Zoro that had just occurred, threatened not to return.A shaky breath that resembled a small sigh crept across his dry lips and irritated his parched throat.Instinctively he cleared his throat, but this only intensified the unpleasant scratching, which is why he had to give in to the urge to cough this time.The burning of his throat intensified as he hurried to the serving trolley and reached for the silver pitcher.Small tears gathered in the corners of his eyes as he poured the red wine into his glass. Whereby due to the vibrations of his body, every now and then a drop would spill.Not that it bothered Luffy much.Neither in his current situation, nor when else. He actually did not like wine at all. Not even the sweet beer that Zoro had offered him from time to time in their youth, when they had sneaked into the kitchen at night when the personnel was asleep.Luffy had only ever wanted to feast on another delicious piece of meat, while Zoro had fallen for the seductive calls of alcohol.And yet he lifted the glass to his lips and took in the sour liquid with greedy gulps, hoping it would restore his throat's smoothness. He drained it in one gulp, his face contorting as soon as he removed the cup from his lips.A shiver came over him, given the less than exquisite taste that the... brew possessed.If Luffy didn't know any better, he would suspect that they were trying to poison him with this stuff. Which, in itself, probably wouldn't be such a bad thing. Another sigh escaped his lips, but without the discomfort in his throat.The soft crackling of the fire sounded, making Luffy look at it again. Satisfied, it licked at the logs, with Luffy noticing that he needed to add some as soon as possible, lest it run out in the near future.However, the thought vanished instantly when a loud knock was heard at the door. Luffy half turned to it again and cleared his throat."Come in," he called out as loudly as he could, finally putting down that d@mned glass. Under no circumstances would he want to take another sip of that awful wine that was heavy in his stomach.But that could also be due to the fact that he had hardly eaten anything and therefore the alcohol overcame him much faster.The door opened quietly and two young servants entered. They bowed deeply and mumbled an apology for keeping their lord waiting. But Luffy waved it aside with a simple gesture of his hand.As if he would even begin to blame them. Especially not when he had needed the time to at least regain his composure to some degree. Popping a grape into his mouth, Luffy turned his back on the food one more time and headed to the dressing area, where the two men were already waiting and laying out his nightclothes.   A soundless sigh escaped his lips as soon as his back touched the soft pillows. Luffy inhaled deeply before pushing the air out of his lungs and closing his eyes.It was, besides the crackling of the fireplace, the only sound that echoed off the walls and interrupted the silence that had reigned in the room since Zoro's leaving.He noticed that it was no longer as heavy and oppressive as it had been a short time ago, when he thought he might suffocate at any moment.A soft yawn left his open mouth, while he stretched his legs at the same time and put his head on another pillow, which lay a bit higher.On the one hand, Luffy felt the beginnings of tiredness rising in him, but on the other hand, his thoughts simply could not find rest.Over and over again they circled around the event, which would change his life forever in two days.A life that he had not even been able to choose and that he, even at this moment to a large extent abhorred. A life that had been irreversibly determined only because of a - in his opinion - ridiculous prophecy even before his birth. And in the eyes of his grandfather seemed a fate. Fate Alone, when Luffy even heard the word, the bitter taste of bile made its way down his throat, leaving a burning, even corrosive sensation in its wake.Unconsciously, his hands clenched into fists once again, pulling at the heavy fabric of the blanket that lay on his lap, protecting his bare legs from the chill of the room.Once again he inhaled deeply and exhaled audibly as his jaw tightened. Silently, he gritted his teeth and opened his eyes.The darkness was only interrupted by the soft glow of the fireplace across from him, which allowed Luffy to make out the outlines of both armchairs and the small side table that had been accurately set up.In the warm light of the fire, the dark red of the armrests looked much brighter, friendlier, and so inviting. It was as if it were calling Luffy with its siren-like singing to settle down again on the soft cushion.So close to the hot flames that they could embrace and caress him with their heat.And Luffy liked this thought. The idea of surrendering to such a heated lover.Someone who made his insides glow and tremble at the same time.Who stole his mind with his touch and whispered meaningful words into his ears in a low voice at the same time. Luffy swallowed in the face of these sensations, these quite... lewd thoughts. He felt his cheeks grow warm, while a pleasant tingling sensation built up inside him.It meandered and made its way through his veins and arteries at a slow pace, spreading through his body like a snake. Shakily, the young prince breathed through his mouth and tugged one more time at the textile he still held in his fists.He searched for support in it, hoping to be able to calm down again. He had felt something like this before. Albeit with an indescribable intensity and heat.His whole body had pulsated and been on fire.Everything in him had cried out, prayed and pleaded. Had longed for a cooling yet fiery touch.For soothing and on the other hand arousing words whispered against his fevered skin, while warm breath made the blazing flames inside him explode.Sweat had formed on his forehead, his chest and his belly.  His muscles had been tense and hard until the added burning had joined in perfectly with the sensation of burning up, harmonizing with the passionate hum of his body.His legs had trembled even though he was hot. It had been as uncontrollable as the voices in his head calling for release, growing louder and more desperate with each passing hour.The wetness and fluid that had slid along his pale thighs had only increased his inner restlessness and urge for something fulfilling.As had the desolation of this extreme emptiness within him. Luffy had not known what was happening to his body, to him. The thought that he was possibly seriously ill and he would burn alive had made him panic.Had made him scream until his voice was hoarse and only a croaking sound had escaped his throat.At the same time, he had tried to escape this heat that had such a tight grip on him and was driving him out of his mind.That frightened him and turned him on so much at the same time. Licking his lips, Luffy straightened up and closed his eyes. Raising his arms and propping his elbows on his knees before hiding his face in his hands.He felt his breathing quicken, due to the intensifying memories that were still so vividly anchored in his mind and threatening to overwhelm him.He could already feel those unpleasant harbingers in his stomach that were slowly beginning to form.Softly the wood crackled and cracked as it was licked with a fiery tongue.As hot hands and fingers caressed and teased it.Luffy couldn't help the imagery, which both stimulated his imagination and doubled, if not tripled, his heartbeat.It pounded so hard against his chest that Luffy thought it would jump out of it. At the same time, it fluttered in it as excitedly and lightly as if it were a hummingbird feeding on the nectar of a tasty plant.The heat in his cheeks increased, which is why Luffy was sure his skin was about to take on an unhealthy color. A blush just as deep and dark as the one that had marked his body at that time.... Just thinking back to those moments made Luffy tremble and gave his entire body a hot-cold shiver.The young prince could not remember everything. There were moments that were so blurry and dull that they seemed like images from a dream.Where he thought it was only imagination, suffered from feverish heat and sweat. Hearing his loud voice screaming for help, as well as other strange sounds that had sprung from deep within his chest as he had rolled back and forth in his damp sheets.But then again there were those lucid moments when he had felt an indescribable pain. It was as if someone was ripping his gut apart with their bare hands and trampling on his other insides at the same time.Luffy had tried to curl up to make himself as small as possible, but the excruciating pain had crept up his spine and wrapped itself unerringly around his throat. His neck had ached, as had his thighs. It was as if someone were slowly and gleefully stabbing a red-hot knife through his skin and twisting it with a sadistic glee in the resulting wound. God, how much the young prince had longed for death in this situation.He had only wanted that it would finally stop, that the agony would leave him and he would feel nothing but peace and quiet.But all his sobbing pleas and entreaties had gone unheard. No god had given him the redemption he had hoped for, probably because they had wanted to continue to feast on his torment and pain.A torture that only after seven days, exhausted and reeking of cold sweat, had let him fall from their clutches, straight into the waiting arms of unconsciousness.Oh how he had welcomed the leaden blackness when it had wrapped itself around him like a warm blanket. When she had gently, almost lovingly touched and massaged his tense and aching muscles.Always giving off an unknown and undefined buzzing sound, which Luffy still didn't know where it came from.Dark and muffled - as if his body was completely submerged in water or as if there were absorbent cotton in his ears - he could make out different voices talking to each other.He felt how his weakened body was moved without his intervention. How his skin was touched carefully and deliberately.Everything was so unreal and strange.And yet it had given him a sense of peace and tranquility. Slowly, the young prince lowered his hands and opened his eyes.The armchairs still looked as comfortable and inviting as they had just a few minutes ago, but Luffy noticed that they were losing their allure and appeal.Now they were just two possible seats for him to get comfortable on and look into the fire.Their siren-like singing had disappeared, leaving nothing but silence, which was interrupted only by the crackling of the fire.A soft sigh rolled over his lips, while he simultaneously ran through his hair. Stunned, how his imagination could have taken him by surprise, he shook his head. Licked his lips in disbelief and closed his eyes once more.He took a deep breath before deciding that it made no sense for him to sit under the covers any longer.Swiftly and in a rather inelegant movement, he removed the heavy textile and slid to the side of the bed, swinging his legs over the edge. His toes were the first to touch the carpet beneath him before his pads followed."Soft," the young prince murmured, still amazed at how delightfully comfortable the textile felt under his bare soles.Of course, he knew he should expect fine and well-made fabrics in these chambers - he was a royal prince, after all - and yet he was still unaccustomed to it.After all, his own bedchamber, which he had kept over the years in the capital's castle, had been merely of meager simplicity. Luffy had never cared for having to have the latest fabrics in his room, let alone elaborately decorated furniture that he wouldn't even know what to fill it with.His few formal robes had found ample space in a large closet, while the rest of his clothes were stored in a chest in front of his bed.He had owned an old desk on which books and notebooks were stacked, knowing full well that they were there only for ornament and would rarely be touched by him.At least, only when Luffy was forced by one of the elders to learn what he really detested. Not only because it was absolutely boring and he did not understand a word that had been written down. But also because he refused to read about adventures that he had not experienced himself.It made the longing for the vastness of freedom grow, as well as the envy for those who were allowed to travel around. Who experienced exciting times in order to be able to tell it later to the people who meant so much to them.He had always imagined how the man of the house would sit by the fireplace with a sparsely burning pipe. In the only armchair the family could afford, while the children sat at his feet on the worn carpet.Teenagers, children, as well as the smallest among them, who were already dressed in their night robes. They sat listening to their father's adventures while the fire crackled as soft background music.Their eyes were wide open, as were their mouths, as they listened to the exciting stories.Tales of vast and lush meadows. Of cold and clear water that constantly and steadily murmured its way through the uneven landscape.Of deer, which gracefully wandered through the density of the woods, in search of food.Perhaps also of a fox that landed in an elegant and great leap with its face on the ground, hoping to catch a mouse that it could bring as food to its young.And while he was telling all this and embellishing it with many pictures, his wife would be smiling in the background, cleaning up the dishes used by the miserable supper. She would wipe the table, covered with stains, with a rag before placing a worn basket of washed clothes on it and sitting down.Adding the sewing thread to plug the holes created by the children's carelessness. A lump formed in Luffy's throat when he thought he heard the laughter of the many children, as well as his father's admonishing words that it was now time to go to bed. At the same time, his eyes looked mildly at his offspring, who still seemed to have so many questions and did not seem tired at all.And yet they would follow the invitation, knowing that there would be a next evening when they could continue to listen to the adventurous stories. Taking a deep breath, the young prince rose from the edge of the bed and straightened up. As he did so, his nightgown, which had been tight around his thighs just a moment ago, slid down his back and covered his pale calves.His toes cracked softly as he started to move, walking again toward the fire that danced happily back and forth in the hearth.Resting his forearms on the back of the left armchair, he stared into the bright flames. Gazed at the pretty red rim, which grew brighter and brighter until nothing but a glistening core remained, licking sensuously over the dark logs.Warmth touched and caressed his face. Invisible fingertips roamed over his cheeks and neck. Slid almost tenderly over his lips, leaving a slight shiver that slid down Luffy's spine.His loins tightened a little, yet the expected heat was absent.Nothing reminded him of the lewd and unchaste thoughts he had had only a few minutes ago. The memory that still haunted him like a bad omen and only increased his hopelessness. Luffy swallowed at this new observation and pushed himself away from the comfortable chair with a silent clearing of his throat.He licked his lips and took one last look at the blazing flames before turning away.His footsteps were quiet as he walked to the door and reached for the handle, the metal feeling cool against his skin.Welcome and comforting.Slowly, he pushed it down until the door gave way and allowed itself to open.Darkness was the first thing his eyes caught sight of, while a barely perceptible breeze hit him, catching his bare ankles.Luffy wiggled his toes and took his hand off the latch. He blinked a little to let his irises adjust to the darkness before he could also make out the first outline of a commode.Surprised, he tilted his head to the right side and drew his eyebrows together, barely noticeably. He was a little surprised that he only now noticed the piece of furniture, although the lighting conditions were much worse than a few hours ago.When still the light of the lamps had illuminated the corridors. Curious for more, Luffy stepped out of his chamber into the dark hallway. He heard muffled laughter from somewhere besides his own breathing, before different voices conversing followed.Luffy was sure it was the servants, who were winding down their day in the servants' kitchen before they too would go to their beds to get sleep for the next day.The corners of his mouth lifted at the contented laughter and chatter, he just liked it when the people who served him were not completely silent and emotionless.If they didn't live only to perform their daily duties dully until someday their time of being earthly would come.Oh, how much he envied what they had.... His smile, which had been on his lips for only seconds, slowly faded. It left a bitter feeling, which was reinforced by the muffled voices of the servants.Briefly the thought arose in him to turn back. To go back to his chamber and close the door so tightly that none of these sounds could reach his ears.And yet Luffy's feet moved all by themselves and carried him on.Away from his room and the silence and loneliness that reigned within.His bare feet shuffled quietly over the runner, which, however, felt anything but soft. Rather, it was of a texture that Luffy could not help but find firm and uncomfortable.Luffy raised his right hand and stroked the wood of the commode as he passed. It was smooth and cool. Soft, bright light caught the young prince's attention, so that he lifted his gaze from the dark-looking sideboard.Through the large windows, along which he had walked only a few hours earlier, entering ever brighter moonlight. Immersed the hallway in a soothing and mild atmosphere, which attracted Luffy like a magnet.Without looking further at the furniture, he dropped his hand to his side and stepped out into the much larger hallway.Made his way to the tall windows without taking his eyes from the beautiful bright satellite for even a second. Luffy didn't know much about the stars in the sky. Only that there were many planets and one sun, which was the center and around which everything revolved.It had never been exciting enough for him to know what was out of the earth or what else was there. Was it still much too far away, in order to be ever reached by him.Even if it would certainly have been interesting adventures.And nevertheless he could not deny that he possessed a certain fascination for the moon. Often its luminous glow had accompanied him on lonely nights and given relief when he could not sleep.His little child eyes had gazed at the bright disk in the sky and noticed every dark spot. Luffy had always found it strange and yet funny.Once he had even told the moon with a giggle, only to receive no reply. The little prince had pulled his eyebrows down and demanded an answer from the satellite.But it had remained silent, while at the same time it had continued to send its almost comforting light toward Earth.Luffy had pouted. Had puffed out his cheeks and pushed his lower lip forward. His chin had found a place on his folded forearms, which in turn rested on the window ledge. The cold rock of the wall had crept deep into his bones then, and had only intensified the icy sensations within him. When Luffy thought about it now, he hadn't really been angry at the moon. Even if he had believed it at the time.It was more like... he had wanted so much to have a friend to talk to. Who he could be close to and play with. Who banished the feeling of isolation.Because even if he already knew Zoro at that time and had decided that they would be comrades, he knew that both his grandfather and the nobles and court scholars were against this connection.After all, in their opinion, Zoro was not worthy enough to befriend the prince of Goa. Not to mention his low rank, which the young Roronoa held due to his origin.Something that Luffy never wanted or even could understand.Especially not since Zoro himself had told him that he also belonged to a noble family.Luffy took a deep breath and watched a small cloud as it slowly began to move in front of the moon. The hallway that had just been brightly lit was once again plunged into darkness, causing Luffy to slip out of his memories.Whereby he still could not completely banish the question of 'why'. He closed his eyes and listened to the silence.Stretching his face towards the sky, he simply stood there and let his figure be illuminated by the soft moonlight.It was the first time in a long time that he felt something like peace again. As if only the celestial body was able to calm his tense nerves.His lips twisted into a smile before he slowly opened his eyes, breathing deeply in and out.Radiantly, the moon represented itself, showing itself at its best as it bathed the surroundings in a soft light.It was the most beautiful brightness next to the sun, whose warming rays he loved on his skin.So friendly, vibrant and at the same time so inviting and alluring. "Tomorrow I will see you in another land my friend," Luffy whispered, knowing full well that he would receive no reply.And yet, he hadn't been able to suppress the urge to speak those words. Whereby he had actually not even noticed that he had opened his mouth.Spontaneously this statement had come over his lips, as if he wanted to announce to the moon that he would not stay in Goa much longer.That it was now up to him to fulfill his role, for which he was born.He raised his right hand and placed it on the window glass. Stroked it lightly with his fingertips, as if trying to caress his old friend.A gesture as meaningless as the words he addressed to him. The young prince knew that they would never be heard. That they would never reach their destination and simply wander until they eventually fell silent.A final smile tugged at his lips before he lowered his arm. Luffy gave the beautiful apparition in the sky one last look before releasing a soundless sigh from the deepest of his lungs.He straightened his shoulders and turned away with an, almost decisive jerk. He knew that otherwise he would never be able to take his eyes off his silent companion of the night. So he looked at the continuing corridor, which ended only a few meters in front of him in another room.The wide door, decorated with carvings, looked inviting. Nevertheless, Luffy did not feel the slightest desire at the moment to want to see what was hidden behind the dark wood.Would it probably anyway only one of many sterile and impersonally furnished salons, which there were in this mansion.Although the view from the windows would certainly be beautiful in daylight.Out into the slowly looming mountains of the north, as well as the deep forests of Goa, which were full of danger.Inhabited by bandits, rebels and murderers.Zoro had told him about this place where the outlaws gathered. Safe from the royal knights and soldiers who fearfully avoided the depths of the groves. According to an old legend, a cruel-minded god ruled over this area.Full of wrath against all the creatures who detested and wanted to kill him because of his different shape and his inner self.Even his brothers and sisters, who had had the luck to be created as beautiful beings, had conspired against him.Had created in him a consuming hatred, a darkness that had disfigured his unpleasant appearance even more, until he had committed an unforgivable act and had been banished to the north of the country for it. Luffy had always wondered what act this god had done.Had he killed someone? Or turned them into an animal? Abused and tortured another human being?Had he used his power, which gods held, for an inappropriate act?But no matter how much he asked, he never received an answer.Neither the court scholars nor Ace nor Zoro could give him a satisfactory explanation. Although Zoro admitted that he was not particularly interested, he did not believe in the gods.A sacrilege, which he would never announce publicly, unless he and the young prince were alone and knew themselves safe.In these moments, Zoro performed nothing but blasphemy. A smile appeared on Luffy's lips as he thought of his friend's open and honest words. The calmness in his voice, while at the same time he had explained that there could be no such thing as gods.At least none that would be fair.And Luffy hadn't been able to help but agree. He had leaned against his childhood friend's left side, enjoying his physical warmth.It was the only time they had ever been this close. That he had sought the security of another person who was not part of his family.And it was... it had felt so good when Zoro had put his arm around Luffy's shoulders while he had watched the sunset at the same time.They didn't have to exchange any more words. Had just sat there in silence until it was time for them both to part. Luffy could still remember exactly how his grandfather had beaten him that night. The "fist of love" he had dubbed until then had given way to an open and hard hand as it had brutally touched his cheek.And even though the imprint of the hand had disappeared from his skin the next morning, his cheek had hurt, as had his tongue, on which he had bitten.The young prince had not understood what he should have done wrong. Sure, he had been with Zoro, even though he had been forbidden to do so.But his grandfather and everyone on his staff knew, they all knew, that they met over and over again when their time allowed.That they laughed together and were happy. That they talked about everything and nothing and shared their dreams with each other.Luffy, at least, had always enjoyed it because they were the only moments when he could be free. When he didn't have to think about his damn fate.And Zoro had never complained or even asked that they stop having their meetings. Taking his eyes off the door, the young prince let his gaze wander. Aware of the soft light of the beautiful full moon, which served as his only source of light.Not that it bothered Luffy in any way.It was, like a comforting embrace as memories haunted his mind and stirred unpleasant feelings within him. His lips opened a crack wide, allowing the tip of his tongue to glide over the sensitive and slightly brittle surface.He swallowed slightly before his teeth dug into his lower lip. Not hard enough to hurt the flesh, but it was still noticeable. Luffy exhaled audibly through his nose and took a step away from the large windows. Without even a thought, his feet, his legs moved as if by magic.His toes cracked softly, were the only sounds, in the mansion slowly coming to rest.Luffy raised his head and kept his eyes still on the one object that had captivated him earlier when he arrived. The large painting was of quiet beauty and elegance. The background was kept simple, as if the artist did not want to distract from the person who took up most of the canvas.However, this could also be due to the rather poor lighting conditions that prevailed at the moment, which is why Luffy did not want to form an exact judgment.The face of pretty appearance, with such dark eyes that they could be called black. And yet Luffy knew how beautifully brownish she could shimmer in the light of the sun.Such a warm dark brown, in which lay hidden a beautiful reddish glow....They had always been an eye-catcher and Luffy had envied his pretty eyes over and over again, as they were so much more expressive and... varied than his own.Black, wavy hair framed pleasantly soft yet distinct contours of cheeks and jawline.Gave the man a sublime, even majestic appearance, which could not even be broken by the freckles that dotted the caramel-colored skin. Luffy had always admired his brother.The way he dealt with his origins, with his predestined destiny and the many responsibilities he had been given over the years.Ace always had a kind word on his lips, as well as an always mannerly smile. It did not matter whether he spoke to the servants or the court elders.Even the nobles were treated with the same politeness, even if Luffy felt now and then that it seemed less authentic.Coolness and distance mixed not only in his eyes, but also in his smile. It almost seemed to the young prince as if his older brother was looking down on the nobles of the kingdom.As if they were not worthy to converse with him, let alone stay in the same room with him.But as quickly as these sensations had appeared in him, they had disappeared. As if they had been solely a figment of his young mind.For no sooner had Ace acknowledged and accepted the aristocrats' courteous and deferential bows with a nod than he seemed equally deferential and gallant to them.Luffy knew that the nobles loved his brother.To them, he was the quintessential dream of a future king who would lead the country back to its former glory and splendor. It almost seemed as if they were already idolizing him.As if they could not wait until the current king died so that the throne could be passed on to the crown prince. A small snort on his part sounded and snapped the young prince out of his thoughts.He closed his eyes and shook his head slightly.How much he despised the nobles. For their hypocrisy and their... their greed. Luffy knew they were hoping for more power and grants, which was why they were pandering to Ace.They showered him with gifts from faraway lands. With spices and noble cloths. With gold jewelry and exotic dishes.Each tried to outdo the other, believing that it would help the prestige of his family, his dynasty.After all, they didn't want to make their mistake of twenty years ago again...."Disgusting," Luffy breathed, opening his eyes to look again at his brother's face.The crown prince of Goa... Bitterness began to spread through him. The emotion was pumped from his heart into his arteries, penetrating to the smallest cells.And the longer he looked at the painting, the more the feeling intensified.Luffy had always admired his brother.And just as much, despised him.Despised for what he was. For what he stood for and what he would always have, unlike Luffy.His freedom, his pride, and his dignity.All that of which Luffy had already been robbed in the womb of his mother. Not even born yet, his inevitable fate was determined by his grandfather. Luffy was promised to the future grand duke of a small yet ambitious country, who was still a child himself.Ace had told him one rainy evening many years ago that his fiancé was a sickly boy of weak nature. Covered with white spots that spread over his skin, his body.His big brother was convinced that he would never reach the age of twenty.And Luffy, to his shame, had to admit that he hoped so too. A thought that had frightened him at first, but he didn't wish death on anyone.After all, life was something wonderful and God-given.But still, hope sprouted in him that he could thus escape a marriage he had never wanted. Even if it meant disappointing the kingdom and his grandfather.Yet this man, his fiancé, was so strange to him....A shadow, without face or voice or smell.He was so unknown to Luffy that the latter felt no sense of belonging. Not even pity for his health condition.Which is why the young prince often referred to himself as a terrible person. For what could this young man do that Luffy had been born as something that no one could influence, except the gods themselves.It was they who gave him a secondary gender that he so hated, while his grandfather drew new confidence for his hard-pressed kingdom.  After all, it was so rare for a monarch to be given a male omega. The pregnancy had been a sign of fate, an answer of the gods to the many prayers. All the years of supplication and devotion had become reality at that moment, when the prediction announced a royal offspring who, through a cleverly arranged marriage, would be able to be of use to his own people.Both militarily and economically.Words that made Luffy sick every time he had to listen to them. When his grandfather exhorted him to learn.When he told him to behave like a perfect omega. When he took away his freedom and locked him in his room to protect Luffy from himself. Whereas Luffy had not understood for so long what was so different about him than his brother, who was allowed to travel the kingdom and also attend so many receptions without being escorted by guards.Unlike Luffy, who was merely allowed to stand on the sidelines and watch his grandfather's guests enjoy themselves with dancing and eating.Just like Ace, who seemed comfortable among the many lordly ladies, flattering them with graceful words. And they loved him for it, if they didn't adore him even more for it.So different from Luffy, who only attracted the attention of particularly rich and greasy nobles.Their bellies were fat, their cheeks bloated.Their eyes like those of pigs, squeezed in between all that... blubber. Luffy couldn't feel the moist, partially reddened skin any other way.He remembered clearly how they had patterned him with greedy looks. Although only from a distance, since no one was allowed to approach him, unless he belonged to the family or was one of their servants.Nevertheless, Luffy had had the feeling of being unpleasantly touched by those eyes every time.It had created nausea in him, which the young prince had always been able to choke down only with a lot of effort and water.Especially because he knew that they stared at him only because of his body. That they were imagining things with and on him, where just the thought was so disgusting that Luffy wanted nothing more than to throw up. Unpleasant, unbearable shivers had invaded his body, while all the little hairs on it stood up.It was just unbearable and made the hatred for his own body only grow. The same was true for his grandfather and his brother, whom he actually loved so much, since they were his family.It tore him up inside that he had such paradoxical feelings towards them. And yet Luffy couldn't and wouldn't let it be taken away from him. He needed these feelings to even have someone to blame for his suffering. Who was responsible for all of it. Clenching his jaw tightly, Luffy jutted his chin up and took a deep breath. It took him some effort and strength to break away from the sight of his brother, who would forever adorn this wall, this mansion, as a painting. It was his right as crown prince of Goa.A right that should actually be his, Luffy, finally he was the 'true' heir to the throne. The blood of the kings of this country flowed in him...And yet, as an omega, he was not allowed to assert his claim. Only an Alpha, at most a Beta, had the authority to wear the crown on his head and to lead the people.After all, the Alphas had to go to a battlefield now and then or conduct possible negotiations with other kingdoms and duchies.Something that Omegas would not be made for, they had to protect their wombs in order to give birth to healthy successors for their alphas.Not to mention that there were still enough alphas who didn't care if an omega was bonded or not and would take offense at them because of it.Humiliating them even more and robbing them of the last vestige of their dignity and pride. But Luffy knew that he was not like that.He knew that he could stand up to these... these creatures. Even if it was a crime he would commit, the Alphas were still considered the crown of creation. Only and alone subordinate to the gods and descended from them.And he, his 'species' was nothing more than a lower being. It was simply important that they were fertile and devoted.That they served their alpha until they would no longer be needed.A fate that Luffy detested and feared more than anything else.For what would happen to him if he were unable to bear children for his future husband? If he could not carry on his bloodline?If he was only an unpleasant burden and waste in the eyes of the Grand Duke?What would happen to his people if he was unable to fulfill the terms of the contract?What would happen to himself? There were so many questions that Luffy didn't know the answer to and that remained unanswered. That made him afraid and at the same time so angry at the world and his grandfather.At his damned fiancé, who didn't even seem to be interested in him. Who had not visited him once to at least try to get to know him.Only every year a messenger came with another gift.A collar that covered most of his neck and the transition to his shoulders. Always made of the purest gold and finely handcrafted, studded with the most beautiful jewels, it was a feast for the eyes.  Especially since it contrasted beautifully with the cobalt blue ribbon at the back of his neck.It nestled just too perfectly against his neck and gently covered his glands. Concealing his own scent and suppressing any possible pheromones.And yet, Luffy didn't like the jewelry. After all, it symbolized that he was both an omega and that he was already promised to someone else.A man who, unexpectedly, had not died of any disease.... Giving himself one last push, Luffy interrupted his dastardly thought. He gave Ace one last, brief look before disengaging himself entirely.His feet began to move automatically, without a prompting from himself, carrying him back to his chamber of the night.The fire was still crackling happily in the fireplace, creating a pleasant warmth in the quarters. Even if it did not manage to pass through his refreshed body.Mechanically, he closed the ornate door before leaning against it and closing his eyes.His heart still beat loudly in his chest.  ***  The air was cool.Almost unpleasantly fresh on his skin, which is why Luffy wrapped his cloak more tightly around his upper body while he looked out the window of the carriage.For hours, he heard nothing but the monotonous rattling of the carriage wheels, as well as the clatter of the horse's hooves.Only the surroundings had changed since his departure from the manor house - besides the drop in temperature, of course.Grasslands, littered with ruins, had passed them by, as had a wide river, which had carried wonderful and clear water.Luffy had even been able to recognize a few fish, even if he did not know exactly what species they were.But they too had soon disappeared from his sight as soon as the path of the trail separated from the riverbank, which would inevitably take him out of the kingdom. The grasslands diminished until they eventually gave way to some fields.Curious, Luffy had gazed out of the carriage at the vegetables being grown, which were bursting with healthy green color, before glassy buildings began to rise up.Luffy could make out some people inside. How they walked, bent down or just stood. Holding tools in their hands to work on the plants there.The young prince had heard of such buildings before, where all kinds of plants were cultivated.However, he was not sure why they were not allowed to flourish in the open air. Why they were locked away and deprived of their great freedom. Suppressing a soft sigh, Luffy leaned his head against the back of the carriage. Thereby looking at the small town, which lay at the foot of a mountain.It was a sight that seemed so picturesque, especially with the pure white houses standing out so perfectly against the dark, vibrant green of the forest.It was something that Luffy had never seen in his entire life, and it made him curious. How he wished he could just travel to this pretty spot to examine the buildings more closely. After all, they were quite different - at least from what he could see from a distance - from the houses that had been built in Goa.And yet Luffy knew that he was forbidden to change direction and destination. Even if he was a prince. "Do you need a break, my prince?"Surprised, Luffy blinked once, maybe twice, as his knight's voice reached his ears. He hadn't even noticed how Zoro had ridden to the right side of the carriage to speak to him.Dark eyes examined him attentively, which is why a fine smile settled on Luffy's lips.Gently he turned his head in the direction of the elder until he caught sight of the sharp features.They were so handsome..."My prince?", Zoro spoke again when he got no answer. His eyes still rested on the younger man's petite figure, which slowly began to stir.A soft clearing of the throat sounded before Luffy's mouth opened."Are the horses tired, then?" the young prince inquired, only to immediately receive a negative reply from his knight."No, they'll make it a good bit before they can use some rest."Luffy nodded slightly, trusting his knight's words, before shaking his head a moment later, however.He didn't want to take any extra rest. Not in a climate that was clearly too cool for him for a May day.Even if he knew that he would have to get used to it now, as he would spend the - unwanted - rest of his life in this land."As you wish, my prince," Zoro replied, slowing the steps of his gray horse to let the carriage pass him by. Luffy, on the other hand, snorted softly and closed his eyes, smiling slightly."You should not always call me my prince," he muttered to himself, but Zoro would no longer be able to hear these words.Finally, he had taken his place behind the carriage again, to be able to have a better overview of the surroundings there.And this knowledge did Luffy good, the feeling to be protected, produced a pleasant warmth in him.   Luffy's eyes widened in silent surprise as he looked at the neat and uniform grass to his right and left. As he did so, he tossed his head back and forth, not knowing which side to focus on more.Even as the carriage followed the gravel path and drove around a large fountain, the young prince could not get enough of the lush greenery.Whereby the artfully made fountain was also a real feast for the eyes.Magnificent, detailed figures stood in the center of the structure. Surrounded by jumping out water, which fell in rushing splashing into the basin.The young prince could make out a half-naked young woman - carved in stone - who had her eyes downcast with a smile on her lips. In her hands she held a carafe from which the water also flowed.She was beautiful in the eyes of the younger man. Slowing down more and more, the carriage glided past the statue until it completed the semicircular arc and the horses came to a stop with a soft neigh."Your Royal Highness, welcome to the Grand Duke's country estate," a bright voice rang out, snapping Luffy out of his thoughts.The right door of the carriage was opened and a person, unknown to him, stepped into his field of vision before bowing.Luffy hesitated, even though he wanted nothing more than to finally get out of that damned vehicle, never to board it again.However... it just felt so unreal. Like a nightmare come true that he hoped he might wake up from in a few minutes.Lying in his bed, drenched in sweat, as he stared at the dark canopy of fabric spread over his bed. His wildly beating heart clearly audible in his ears, as well as the steady rush of his blood flowing through his veins and arteries. "My prince."The two words, as well as the deep voice of his friend and knight, snapped Luffy out of his thoughts and hope.He took another deep breath before jutting his chin up and moving.Luffy rose from the cushioned seat and grabbed the arm of Zoro presented to him, stepping unerringly up the small step of the carriage before his feet touched the gravel floor.He could feel the curious glances of the servants upon him, though the young prince ignored them as best he could.He rather concentrated on the young man in front of him, who - after his respectful bow - had straightened up to look at him with a friendly expression in his dark eyes."Welcome to the Grand Duke's country estate," he repeated, indicating another bow, which Luffy accepted with a brief nod."You are surely tired from your long journey and wish to rest and recuperate a bit," the other continued, as he also immediately took a step aside to give Luffy a glimpse of the open, magnificent door.Servants and maids bowed or curtsied. All just to pay their respects to him. Luffy's right hand tightened briefly and slightly around Zoro's forearm, but the young prince relaxed again immediately after, loosening their physical connection.Zoro's arm sank down, as did Luffy's."Why isn't the Grand Duke here?" the young prince heard himself ask before hastily closing his mouth, fervently praying that those words had not actually escaped his lips.However, he noticed the brief puzzlement on the face of his counterpart, who seemed to be anything but a servant.His robes already showed that he was clearly higher-ranking and actually had other tasks to perform."The Grand Duke apologizes very much. He really wanted to greet you, but he has to attend a meeting of the generals on short notice," the taller one replied, bowing deeply once more."He was deeply displeased that he could not receive you and has sent me, his knight Penguin, to welcome you properly to the Corazon estate," he continued, rising again to look at the young prince. At this he seemed so sincere that Luffy could not doubt his statement. He had confidence that he had not exactly been shamelessly lied to.And yet, he couldn't completely ignore the little inner voice that this was simply an excuse.After all, his fiancé hadn't been interested in him all his life, so why should he start now, one day before their wedding?!So Luffy only suppressed an inappropriate comment and merely nodded."If you and your knight will follow me, I will take you to your chambers so you can rest and freshen up," Penguin suggested, raising his left hand to indicate the inviting-looking portal once again.A friendly smile graced his lips and Luffy knew why this man, of all people, had greeted him.His manner of dealing with him was so courteous and polite. It seemed as if the Knight of the Grand Duke didn't care that Luffy was only an Omega.A prince to be sure, of prestigious royalty.But still undeniably an Omega, who had to serve the supreme creatures of the world. A soft clearing of Zoro's throat pulled him out of his emerging thoughts, so Luffy turned back to Penguin and nodded.Penguin returned the nod with a bow of his head, before turning away from the young prince and starting to move.Luffy did the same, knowing that Zoro would follow him at a moderate distance."We have prepared a chamber for you in the east wing," Penguin spoke as soon as he entered the entrance hall.Pleasant warmth and smells touched Luffy's senses and made him inhale more deeply.Bright and friendly were the colors that made the hall shine pleasantly. Large and small plants of various kinds adorned the corners and the small table, which was framed by a large olive-colored sofa and two matching armchairs.They contrasted nicely with the warm yellow of the walls, on which hung large as well as small paintings.Luffy could make out various landscapes, though he did not know where on this earth they were located."Her Highness, the deceased Grand Duchess drew them," said Penguin, who noticed the look on the young prince's face."It was she who furnished this country seat," continued the knight explanatorily, while his eyes also glided over the stylish furniture and the walls."The Grand Duke has forbidden even one piece to be changed, as he believes that only two people are allowed to decorate this house to their own liking."Luffy averted his eyes from the beautiful paintings and looked up at the tall knight.Curiosity spread through his dark irises, eager to know to whom his betrothed was willing to grant so much liberty."And who are these people?" the young prince asked, nervously clenching his right hand into a fist. He felt that he was, for some incomprehensible reason, sweating.Was it because he was afraid of the answer? A small, friendly smile settled on Penguin's lips as he turned to look at Luffy once more, however."Next to the deceased Grand Duchess, you are the one who gets to design this country estate." Luffy didn't know what to say, let alone think. The words struck him in a way that both delighted and frightened him.How could a man give him, someone he had never seen or met before, such free rein?Allow him to make their home, which Luffy had always believed would make him uncomfortable. Locked into the space and boundaries that surrounded this patch of earth.But those words... they shattered the image he had envisioned of his future husband and his future life, leaving him confused.While at the same time a tiny sprout of hope began to germinate in him.   With a small sigh on his lips, Luffy ran his hand through his still damp dark hair. Curious, he looked around his rooms, which he had moved into earlier in the evening.Penguin had led him and Zoro to his chamber, pointing out a few things that might enable the young prince to get his bearings more quickly, since this mansion would also be his home starting tomorrow.And Luffy had to admit that he was grateful to the elder for that. Even if he already knew that he would probably get lost several times.After all, this house, with its lands around it, was considerably larger than Dawn's country estate in Goa had been.Not to mention that it also seemed more magnificent. The ornate statues and paintings seemed of noble quality and of such beauty that Luffy could have gazed at them for hours without tiring of them.However, he could not and would not waste the other knight's time. As well as that of the servants, who were not only waiting to bathe and dress him, they were also waiting to serve him the warm dishes of the grand duke's cook. Dishes that Luffy had never even heard of, let alone tasted.And really, it was as if a culinary heaven had opened up that the young prince never wanted to leave again.Just the thought of the bacon-wrapped meatballs stuffed with cheese, the stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese and spinach, or the crispy garlic potatoes made his mouth water.Of course, the portions were far too small given his big appetite, but the smell and the taste....God, he had never enjoyed eating such small portions without having to gulp them down. Especially since he had sat alone at the large dining table, while a few servants had stood silently behind his chair. A satisfied sound escaped Luffy's lips as he stopped in front of an oil painting. It radiated such open heartedness and tranquility that it made him wonder.He liked the captured scene of the little girl with her arms wrapped around a large bouquet of flowers while her mouth twisted into a broad, hearty laugh.Her short, light-brown hair was tamed into two braids and her large, dark eyes seemed so alive, which was why Luffy wouldn't have even been surprised if she stepped out of the frame.Even her liberating laugh rang in his ears, making his own smile grow bigger. With a small chuckle, he slowly turned away and toward the dark door, which contrasted pleasantly with the bright red wallpaper.Everything in this chamber was so well matched in color that Luffy couldn't help wondering who the former Grand Duchess had been. After all, she seemed to have been a woman of taste who had been respected, if not liked, by everyone.Even the servants and maids he had asked about her spoke only well of her. Thereby with an expression of affection and kindness on their faces, that he became a little envious not to have been allowed to know her.For surely she could have made his future life much more pleasant.... It was a thought that settled deep into his chest and head as he reached for the handle and pushed it down.The dark, solid wood gave way and opened. A gush of cool air came to meet him and touched his bare ankles and feet, while at the same time the white, fragrant nightgown was pressed against his body.Luffy couldn't help but snort a little as he felt himself remembering last night. Of his little trip to the large hallway where his brother's painting hung and which he had wanted to look at once more.An action that he regretted, it had given him a restless and sleepless night, which is why he now felt the fatigue clearly in his bones.But it was mixed with the buzz of excitement, nervousness and fear. Feelings that flooded his blood and pumped through his heart into all the cells of his body.They made it impossible for him to settle down in the comfortable looking bed and just close his eyes. Luffy knew he would lie jittery in the pillows until it ended in a frustrating tossing and turning.So he might as well give in to the urge to move and curiosity by exploring the mansion a bit. The dark, polished wooden floor felt cool against his right foot, causing a slight shiver to his shoulder and back, but it disappeared immediately.A soft hum left his lips as his second foot followed and sank into the softness of the runner that lined the floor and covered him.He was surprised by the pleasant textile and in no way comparable to the carpet he had felt under his feet last night.An amazement slipped from the young prince's lips as he stroked his toes over the dark patterns on the light brown textile until he dug his big toe into the fine fabric.A giggle welled up in his throat as he felt a ticklish sensation. God, if Ace saw him like this, he would surely scold him for acting so childish. Only to curl his lips into an understanding, perhaps even affectionate smile in the same breath.Luffy knew that his brother could never be very angry with him, and if he was, not for very long.Only once had he spoken hurtful, harsh words to the younger man that Ace knew he could never take back.Words that affected their relationship with each other in ways Luffy couldn't explain.He didn't even want to think about it, and yet....Still, deep in his heart, he felt this distance that had been created. No matter how much he tried to cover it up, or how hard Ace tried to protect his little brother, his biting, demeaning statement had erected an irrevocable, unbreakable wall. The giggling faded into the vastness of the hallway. Swallowed by the bright walls, the stylish little tables and the many flowers that were supposed to make the mansion more friendly and lively.Silence fell upon him, crushing him in its own way and making him gasp for air. Hastily, as if the devil himself was after him, Luffy started moving. Striking out in any direction he hoped would take him far enough away from the tormenting memories.But it was as if they were following him.Ace's cold, sharp voice echoed in his head, further humiliating and taunting him as he pressed his lips together into a straight line.Luffy's hands had clenched into fists so hard he could feel his fingernails inside his palm.As well as the ever-growing lump in his throat that made him feel like he was choking. Luffy had already lost his bearings in the hallways. Almost running, until cold air caught his petite figure and made him shiver.Blinking, he stopped as his chest noticeably rose and fell. He hadn't even noticed how fast he had run across the softly lined floor.However, this was also secondary at that moment, as he was looking at the glass double door, which was wide open and letting in the cool night air.Another gust of wind, weak this time, caressed him and brought with it a soothing, refreshing scent.Whereby earthy aroma, mixed with an indefinable sweetness and something pleasantly tart.Luffy took a deep breath and felt some of his tension drain from his muscles and bones. His shoulders slumped as his eyes rested on the sparsely lit outdoor area.Soft rustling and splashing made its way, like a soothing mantra into his ears, penetrating his head and calming his overstressed nerves. Without his intervention, his legs started to move. Lifted themselves from the warm and soft carpet, only to step on rough, cold ground.Gently, the wind began to play with his dark strands and lay his nightgown against his body. Cool, fresh air filled his lungs, allowing the lump to disappear from his throat.He suddenly felt... so free.Calm and comfortable in a way he didn't understand.However, Luffy didn't care to think about it. Not now, when this soothing idyll had silenced the voice and brought him some peace.A slight smile settled on his lips as he strode further into this wonderful oasis, his bare feet making soft splashing sounds.Luffy was not bothered by the night chill or the little clothing he wore that was unworthy of a royal prince.At that moment, he felt like a simple man.Someone who had worries and fears. Who got angry and sulked. Who laughed and cried. The fingers of his right hand lifted and stretched as he spotted strange flowers on a shrub next to him.Their heart-shaped form, which ended in a straight and elongated structure, attracted his undivided attention, he could not help but find them beautiful.So perfect in her texture that it took his breath away.Even if he was a bit puzzled by their aroma. The metallic scent reminded him more of blood, not to mention the citrusy smell that recently made him think of marigolds. "What are you doing here my prince?"Deep and dark was the sound of the voice that reached his ears. Questioning and surprised the undertone that accompanied it.Luffy instantly stiffened and averted his gaze from the extraordinary flowers, before turning his head in the direction where he suspected the man who had spoken to him. And truly, it was a sight that almost left the young prince speechless.Tall and proportionally perfect, with long, slender legs and a defined chest - at least as far as Luffy could tell - the older man stood before him, eyeing him intently.Dark, short hair framed part of the sublime face. Kotlettes, which grew to his jaw, were elegantly trimmed, as was the dark chin beard, making his countenance look even prettier.If this description was also an absolute understatement, as Luffy had to acknowledge without envy.This man was the epitome of beauty and perfectionism. As if he had been created by the gods themselves.An Adonis par excellence...Not only his mouth was perfect, also his high cheekbones, as well as his straight nose, which seemed neither too small nor too big. However, all this was eclipsed by his eyes.Irides, in which liquid gold was kept, shone brightly and with a purity that Luffy's heart skipped a beat and he had to swallow dryly.He did not know what to say, had already forgotten the question that had been addressed to him, which, however, should not be a miracle because of the beautiful sight."Are you not well?" the other inquired again, addressing his deep and velvety voice to him once more. It gave Luffy a comforting shiver, which slid down his spine in waves, while a pleasant warmth began to spread through his belly."Uh... what?"The young prince cringed at the rasping, hotter sound that escaped his throat, deeply embarrassing him. He could feel his cheeks growing warm, which was why Luffy was sure he was blushing right now, though it was probably hard for his counterpart to tell due to the limited light."Are you unwell, was my question," the older man repeated, taking a step toward him.Luffy had to lift his head if he wanted to continue looking into the handsome face. Whereby a shiny sparkle drew his attention away from the stunning eyes.Golden, broad earrings adorned the stranger's right ear, triggering in Luffy an irrepressible desire to want to touch them.And Luffy couldn't even understand why.But the mere thought of sliding his fingers over the jewels or capturing them between his lips made his belly glow with heat. "I don't know," Luffy breathed thoughtlessly, breaking away from the rings to look once again into liquid gold.Beautiful..."Is that so?" the stranger asked, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly, just minimally, while a hint of amusement could be seen in his eyes.However, it wasn't Luffy who felt he was being laughed at. No rather it was... it was as if the taller one knew exactly what kind of effect he would have on him and his body.And by the gods, the young prince was visibly blown away."It still doesn't answer my first question to you. What are you doing here my prince?" the elder spoke calmly one more time, letting his bright eyes glide over Luffy's body. His right eyebrow rose in an elegant motion."Especially in that outfit. You'll catch cold," he added admonishingly in a low voice.His right arm lifted until his hand could reach to his left shoulder.Luffy, however, shook his head as his lips twisted into a wide smile. He couldn't explain it, but he was pleased to see the concern the other seemed to have.Something that he had usually just let pass with an annoying wave of his hand. However, it could also be due to the fact that the others had rather not worried about him per se, but only about his body, which seemed to be so vitally important. "I don't get sick that easily," Luffy replied explanatorily, glad that he had found his voice again.A soft, but still clearly audible snort sounded. It seemed that his counterpart was not very convinced by this statement. But this was really the least of Luffy's problems.If the taller one came closer and closer, Luffy neither dared to blink nor to breathe. Unconsciously, he held his breath and winced slightly as something warm settled on his shoulders. He felt the heat of the big hands through his thin nightgown and sucked deeply the cool air through his open mouth.As he did so, the cold made his upper incisors ache a little.A thought he quickly pushed aside, Luffy wanted to concentrate much more on the tall stranger who was so close to him.A closeness that felt fantastic, if not electrifying."That's why you still don't have to challenge it my prince," the older man commented as he withdrew his hands and let them take their place next to his thighs.The warmth, however, remained before a ticklish sensation made itself known on the back of Luffy's neck and on his left cheek.He raised his hand and grabbed at it, wanting to remove it. However, Luffy faltered when his fingers touched something soft. Curious, he lowered his gaze - though it was really hard to separate himself from the liquid gold of the eyes - and was surprised to find that a dark cloak enveloped his petite figure. The feathers of the collar nestled against his bare skin, as if they wanted to single-handedly protect him from the cold of the night, while at the same time caressing him.Joyful realization filled his heart and caused his lips to curl into a smile. Luffy wanted to close his eyes and lean into the coat. Just enjoy the feeling of warmth and lose himself in the scent, which began to penetrate his organism through his nose.Metallic smell of blood, mixed with citrusy aroma and herbs....Deeply he inhaled through his nose, burying it in the warm and soft fabric to inhale more of the aroma that made his stomach tingle.Luffy felt the first surges of excitement move through his system. His heart stopped for a second before it continued to beat faster, more excitedly in his chest. His blood was getting warmer, as was his stomach, which was already beginning to bubble.Even his throat seemed to be getting drier and drier, which Luffy didn't understand, as he felt that his glands in his mouth seemed to be producing more saliva. Light dizziness gripped him, while his knees became softer, even shakier. The smell of the stranger stimulated his brain to release more serotonin and dopamine.L@st and happiness began to mix into a delicious cocktail that Luffy already thought he was getting addicted to.
  Alpha
It was the only word that spread in his head like a prayer.This young man before him, was the most exquisite Alpha he had ever smelled. Never before had he perceived such a combination of aromas, which literally took his breath away, even his mind.Luffy tried to swallow and wet his parched throat with his saliva, while at the same time opening his eyes and raising his head.Golden eyes regarded him intently from top to bottom. Whereby Luffy thought he could detect a kind of hunger in them.A deep burning desire and l@st that seemed to flare up in a tiny moment, only to disappear right after. "I have to marry the Grand Duke tomorrow."Without thinking and without his knowledge, Luffy's mouth had taken on a life of its own. Words had escaped his throat and sounded so strange in his ears.Hoarse and rough. Resembling a strange whisper."You don't sound very happy about it," the elder replied just as quietly, as his right eyebrow raised once more.Only minimally, but Luffy perceived it with a distinctness that irritated him. Especially since he perceived a certain astonishment that had gripped the alpha. Had the taller one not even been aware that the young prince was already promised to Someone else?That he was to marry a person who had not even had the courtesy to visit him at least late in the evening, not to mention to have dinner with him?Did this beautiful stranger know the man he had to marry? To whom he would have to bear children until Luffy would be nothing but a burden to him? A sarcastic snort escaped Luffy as he took his gaze from his counterpart and instead looked again at the pretty shrub that had captivated him just a few minutes ago.The blossoms were still of an extraordinary and graceful shape, but since he had first noticed and looked at this alpha, the heart-shaped flowers seemed downright bland."Why should I be happy about having to marry a man I don't know?" asked Luffy, though without demanding an answer. After all, he already knew from his big brother that the Grand Duke had been of frail health and covered with white spots even as a child."It's not like I mean anything to him anyway. A simple marriage of convenience in which I must trade my body for food for my folk in exchange for the preservation of his bloodline. I myself have nothing to gain from it," the young prince continued to talk bitterly, raising his right arm.Carefully and slowly, he stroked the delicate petals with his index finger, while silence spread between them. The splashing of water entered his consciousness and made Luffy lower his hand again. How he would like to feel a sip of the cool wet in his throat right now.Just to be able to wash down all the anger and worry about his future."Do you really think you mean nothing to the Grand Duke?" the elder's dark voice rang out after he had smoothly turned to the side.A light breeze came up and moved the white shirt that had been carelessly stuffed into the waistband of the cloth trousers. Even the short dark strands of hair tilted gently in the breeze, as if giving themselves up to caresses."That he will only see the Omega in you instead of the person you really are?"Luffy opened his mouth, only to close it immediately before opening it again. He didn't know what to say in response, having been taken aback by the question posed to him alone.His right hand found its way to the hem of the warm cloak and firmly squeezed the soft fabric. Wrapped it closer to his petite body until no breeze could reach his body and make him shiver.Only his bare feet became colder and colder because of the stone. "If you're right, then why didn't he ever visit me? Why did he never want to see me?" inquired Luffy quietly, before becoming louder, even more accusatory, toward the end."Why did he never want to meet me or know who I actually am?"Disappointment and frustration coursed through his veins, displacing the blissful contentment he had enjoyed just seconds ago.His dark eyes stared down at the plants, knowing they could not help the dilemma he was stuck in, with no chance of escape. Footsteps sounded beside him. He heard them slowly moving away, which made Luffy avert his gaze and turn his head to the alpha.His broad back looked so tempting that Luffy wanted to touch it. Maybe even lean his forehead against it to inhale more of the delicious scent.And yet the young prince stayed where he was, just watching as the taller one put more distance between them.How he lifted his right hand to reach for a rose blossom. How easily he broke it from the stem and looked at it in the bright light of the moonlight, while Luffy's gaze was drawn to something else.Dark, large letters adorned each knuckle, creating a word that gave Luffy a queasy feeling.
  DEATH
 "Had you ever wanted to meet him?"The question surprised Luffy greatly, no one had ever wanted to know this from him before. Blinking, he detached his dark eyes from the grim tattoo and fixed his gaze on the older man's profile.The alpha, however, did not look at him. His irises still rested on the plucked rose petal, which he twirled back and forth between his thumb and forefinger as he seemed to wait for an answer.An answer that not even Luffy himself knew what exactly it would be. Because if he was honest, he had never given it much thought himself."I don't know. But I don't think I wanted to. I didn't want to meet the man who would see in me only an omega and take away my freedom," the young prince confessed quietly, shrugging his shoulders minimally."Just like everyone else has done so far." Once again, the seed of bitterness began to germinate within him as he thought of the opportunities he could have had, had he only been born an Alpha. "I don't," that deep and dark voice countered with a pleasant warm undertone. It brought a comfortable tremor to Luffy's body, while a smile settled on his lips that was so honest and open."I don't see in you only the omega, even if I must confess that it's hard for me because of your scent," the elder confessed, again reducing the distance between them."So believe me, if I told you that you would enchant your fiancé as well, you would be a beta or maybe even an alpha."Luffy lifted his gaze, which he had unconsciously cast down. He tilted his head back slightly, once again seeking out those beautiful golden irises that had captivated him when they first met."Would I?"Without thinking, the question had escaped him, but Luffy didn't care. The words he had heard from his counterpart had sent his heartbeat tumbling and another warming tingle in his belly.The desire to lean against that big, powerful body right now and be held by those strong arms gripped his body as well as his mind. Luffy felt that he had been completely taken in by this man."You would, my prince," the elder replied with a sincerity in his voice that Luffy couldn't help but believe.Swallowing visibly, the younger felt his cheeks flush as golden irises cast their enchanting spell on him. A light, yet cool breeze came up and caressed both their bodies. The dark cloak was caught, so that the night air could penetrate through his nightgown to his skin and touch it.Luffy shuddered briefly, but once again wrapped the garment closer around him, much as if he were trying to hide in it."You should go back inside," the young alpha was the first to interrupt the silence that had fallen between them. If Luffy had found it anything but uncomfortable.And yet he blinked in surprise when he heard the words.After all, the electrifying air that had arisen around them both disappeared with them.Or was it merely his imagination? Had only he felt this certain something that had built up?Had only in him the desire arisen to want to come closer to his counterpart? To touch him or to surrender to his touch? Taking a deep breath, Luffy licked his lips before quietly clearing his throat. The activities felt so foreign. Much like it wasn't even himself who was experiencing this."You should rest anyway. After all, you only get married once," the older man added, stepping even closer to him. He raised his left arm in silent invitation, but Luffy could only stare at it.The skin under the white shirt radiated a seductive heat that Luffy found hard to resist.Hesitantly, he raised his right hand before stopping and curling his fingers. He was inches from touching this man, this alpha, who got under his skin in a way Luffy didn't understand.That even confused him.He usually had no problems touching other people. At least as far as they didn't undress him with their eyes and abuse his body with their looks.But this stranger, whose name he did not know, but wanted to know at all costs, had awakened something in him that he could not put into words.So many feelings that he could not grasp as they coursed through his veins and invaded every cell of his body. Which evoked in him an insatiable longing, as well as a strange peace.An excitement coupled with a hunger and a greed for more, so that he had to swallow, even though his mouth, as well as his throat, were dry. Luffy opened his lips a split and lifted his gaze. Searched in the golden irises for a hidden meaning or a trap, which could be behind the inviting gesture.Without being able to find anything of the sort, however, he slowly stretched his fingers until they touched the elder's arm and burned with heat.  ***  His heart beat so loudly in his chest that he thought every servant in the room must hear it. It almost drowned out the soft rustling of the clothes he was being dressed in for the upcoming wedding.Colors that shone so brightly that he began to feel uncomfortable.He thought back to the many people who had been immortalized in these oil paintings and had looked just silly and horrible. Ancestors who had placed more value on their appearance than on the people they ruled over in their time.And now he would look just like them and be compared to them....A thought that made him nauseous.Just as it did the magnificent jewelry that was attached to his wrists and clinked at the slightest movement of him.Wide, as well as thin hoops.Gold, set with the purest and most beautiful gems.Heavy and unpleasant...Their weight made his throat tight, knowing the high value they possessed. How many of the common people would be able to live a good, if not wealthy, life on just one of these hoops alone?They could send their sons to a scholarly school instead of to the fields to cultivate or harvest. It would be possible for them to learn and perform respectable professions, to bring even more honor to their parents, to their family.Honor... To his ears, nothing more than an empty, despicable phrase.And yet, humanity believed in it.Even he had to honor his kingdom, his family and fulfill his duty.To make his destiny come true...And that at any damn cost.Luffy pressed his lips together as the bitter taste of defeat spread through his mouth and down his throat.He had dreaded this day, always hoping that the gods would be merciful to him. That they would let his fiancé die of his illness and give him his freedom. After all, it would not have been his fault if nothing had come of the marriage. Luffy knew that these were cruel thoughts and that he should be ashamed of them. But who would blame him?Who would punish him for something that was alone in his mind and that he would not dare speak out. Knowing that he would be despised for it.His grandfather would surely be more than enraged, while Ace would make him feel his deep disappointment.Something that would hit Luffy the hardest, loving his brother as much as he hated him. "My prince."It was his friend's deep voice that snapped him out of his musings. Luffy blinked several times until the voices in his head fell silent.Only the rush of his blood lingered in his ears, along with the rhythmic pounding of his pulse.His throat was so dry.Parched from the various emotions that gripped his body.Stiff as a stick, he stood staring into the body-high mirror where dark eyes scrutinized him.His red shirt had gold embroidery on the collar. Luffy couldn't make out what they represented, but really he didn't care.His dark, tight cloth pants that ended in high custom dark leather boots that showed off his hips as well as his legs.Which marked him as the one thing he loathed so much: an Omega. Luffy clenched his hands into fists and took a deep breath. Swallowing down the disgust he felt, he turned away from his own reflection.The wide hoop around his neck felt uncomfortable, but Luffy knew he wouldn't be wearing it much longer.Just this one more day it would cover part of his shoulders and neck until something else would be branded into every cell of his body forever.Marking him as a possession..."You look truly regal, my prince.", Zoro interrupted the silence that had arisen and took another step towards the younger man.At that, a fine smile on his lips as he noticed the tamed dark hair of Luffy. It was... a really unusual sight for him. It made the young prince seem much more grown up than he usually acted."Is that so?", Luffy only murmured, turning his head to the right, as once again one of the many servants approached him. Holding in her hands a waist-high black robe.The white fur collar looked so soft and cozy that it reminded Luffy of something. Of the large cloak that had clung so perfectly to his petite body last night. Of the metallic smell of blood mixed with the aroma of marigolds.To expressive and beautiful eyes that were full of liquid and pure gold. Of a voice so deep and dark that even the deepest cell of his body had vibrated with happiness and excitement.  Just the reverberation of that encounter created a longing in Luffy that it hurt. The sudden encounter with this alpha had triggered something in him that he could not grasp with words.That was not for him to comprehend.Only one thing the young prince was sure of, he wanted, no he had to meet this man again. He had to be sure that he had not imagined his existence.Even if he still owned his coat and was allowed to keep it.Even if at first he had been more than surprised that the tall, handsome alpha didn't want his garment back.
  "But won't the Grand Duke get angry if you give me your coat? You're an Alpha too, aren't you?"
Luffy had been so confused, having always been taught that other Alphas didn't appreciate it at all when their omega, their possession, had the scent of another potential suitor on it.But the elder had only lifted the corners of his mouth in amusement. Had shown him a slight smirk and tilted his head a little to the side.Amusement seemed to shine in his eyes as his right hand lifted, trapping Luffy's chin between his thumb and forefinger.
  "Believe me, he won't mind, my prince."
 The weight of the dark cloak pressed heavily on his shoulders. Brought him back to the here and now and created a burning blush on his cheeks.Luffy hadn't noticed that he had drifted off again, even almost lost himself in his thoughts.Lost in the imaginings of another man, another Alpha....He swallowed nervously and tore his gaze away from the golden embroidery, which stood out clearly against the black of the fabric.Luffy realized it was a crest.Probably that of Flevance, his soon-to-be new home. "You really look beautiful, Your Highness," a feminine voice rang out, prompting Luffy to turn to the young servants who had been serving him since early morning.Who had woken him up bright and early and bathed him, coiffed him and rubbed him with oils until his skin shone.Luffy had been uncomfortable with the way they had stared at every inch of his body with their eyes and touched their hands. How they had slowly slid their fingers over his most intimate parts to apply the fragrant oils there as well.It had been so unusual for the young prince, as he was not used to such treatment.Of course, he had also been washed and his body scrubbed with great care in his grandfather's castle. But there, only soft sponges had touched him so as not to disfigure his skin. "It is time my prince."How much he dreaded this sentence and at the same time disapprovingly rejected. Luffy knew that now - dressed in the most beautiful colors and robes of the kingdom of Goa - there was no turning back.His heart was beating up to his neck, as if it wanted to jump out and thus escape the whole thing.However, it was too late. Much too late...Luffy looked at the arm of his knight presented to him and swallowed.Would Zoro be able to stay by his side even after the marriage? Would he be allowed to keep at least his most loyal friend while he went to a prison that had been chosen for him?Could he even bear to live without Zoro's help and support? Knowing that his friend and knight would have to go back to an impoverished kingdom without being able to perform any meaningful task? Would he even be allowed to remain in the royal court, or would the nobles finally succeed in driving him away?Luffy's throat tightened as the lump in his throat grew.The thought of losing Zoro pained him. Made his right hand tremble as he raised his arm to place it on his bodyguard's forearm. "I promise you, my prince."Softly, almost like a breath, the words reached his ears. Were meant solely for him, to calm his wildly pounding heart, as well as his nerves, which were strained to breaking point.Luffy looked up, searched his friend's dark eyes, and gulped when he discovered nothing but deep honesty and trust.So open and confident that the lump in his throat only grew.Luffy wanted to believe him. By God, he wanted the statement to be true and for Zoro to stay by his side forever.But he was only an omega. He was nothing compared to the man he would marry in just a few minutes.And yet, paradoxically, he couldn't help but find a certain satisfaction in the promise.Knowing that his childhood friend would not leave him alone made him feel good and needed. Luffy took one last shaky breath before tightening his shoulders and straightening his back."Let's go," the young prince replied, not even close to suppressing the defiance in his voice.Was it, after all, his only way of expressing his displeasure. And he would not let himself be deprived of this means for anything in the world. Not after he was about to be subjected to such a cruel future."As you wish," Zoro replied, taking a step back. Let Luffy step to his side so they could leave the younger man's chamber together.The servants curtsied deeply, without another word to their future master. And honestly, Luffy was glad of it, he didn't want to deal with them now.Not at a time when his previous life would end."Has grandfather come?" inquired Luffy, knowing full well that the Goas king had other things to do than lead his grandson to his future husband.Especially not when it was merely an omega.After all, it was enough that he had bargained him away cheaply for food. "His Majesty sent word that he would not make it in time for the wedding. Negotiations with the Amazon Lily Kingdom seem to be difficult," Zoro replied, leading Luffy down the hall.He knew that this news would only make his prince angrier and more disappointed, but he had sworn never to lie to him.Let alone hide anything from him. Had the younger already suffered enough through secrecy at court."Negotiations," Luffy spat, tightening his grip on Zoro's forearm."It's more important to him than being at my... wedding."Luffy couldn't swallow the bitterness that was getting ready in his stomach and throat. Mixing with the boundless rage he'd held all his life.He pressed his lips together and breathed deeply through his nose as he stepped toward his own mental execution with each additional step he took."I hope it's worth the food he gets from the Grand Duke," he groaned in a hollow tone, releasing his hand from his knight. Golden borders decorated the rolled out light red carpet.Flowers decorated the large double door, in front of which two guards stood.Luffy could see red and yellow tulips, ranunculus and daffodils. And so many beautiful red roses. So perfect that the knowledge of their imminent death pained him.They reminded him of himself. Of his own end, which he would seal with the first step over the threshold.Like a sacrificial lamb, which entered the slaughter... The double door, decorated with ornate carvings, opened. Making soft sounds that made Luffy's breath tremble.His heart again beat hard and fast in his chest, stumbling once, maybe twice, to continue beating at a rapid pace.He grew hot and cold at the same time as he had an unobstructed view of the great hall, in which slowly the conversations became low murmurs until they ceased altogether.The young prince noticed the first glances resting on him. On his figure, his clothes and especially, on his face.For whatever reason, Luffy had never understood, he found himself, unlike his brother as never particularly pretty or attractive.Especially not after he had disfigured his face with a scar, hoping that he could free himself from the engagement that way.But all he had gotten was chastisement from his grandfather, as well as a two-week stay in the castle's deepest dungeon. Once again he straightened his shoulders, pushed through his back and took a deep breath.The hall was flooded with sunlight and shone. So wonderfully bright and beautiful.Very different from what he had always imagined. Nowhere could he see even a spark of darkness that would engulf him upon entry until there was nothing left of him.Luffy's heartbeat slowed, calmed, until he no longer thought it would leap from his chest.Nothing but expectant silence surrounded him, beckoning him inside to finally present himself to everyone in the room.And he followed.He strode toward the door, hearing the muffled sounds of his boots on the soft carpet.More flowers invaded his view. Garlands of ribbons and colorful blossoms decorated the room, making it look pretty and loving.It was as if people were rejoicing over the wedding that was to take place in this mansion. Even a few branches of the beautiful bush, which he had discovered only last night, had been brought here. They stood in front of the man to whom he had always been promised.His fiancé without a face.The Grand Duke of Flevance. His long legs were in dark pants that ended in leather boots, just like his, while a waist-high coat covered his shoulders and back.The dark red, with the royal coat of arms of Goa, looked wonderful. Adorned the man so strange to him and made Luffy's heart beat faster in a strange way.The various smells of omegas and alphas met his nose, mingled into an aroma that was almost unpleasant to him, which is why it cost him a lot of self-control not to hold his hand in front of his nose. Tirelessly he walked further along the corridor. Alone, he passed unfamiliar faces that shamelessly eyed him.They were probably curious to know who would marry a sick grand duke who had already been close to death as a child.He would not even be surprised if they hoped for a successful marriage to Luffy after the Grand Duke's death. Whether already bound or not.He would surely still do well as a concubine, perhaps even giving another heir, until he would be utterly consigned to insignificance and Flevance would be incorporated by another kingdom or principality.And all because, as Omega, he was forbidden to reign. Luffy's right hand twitched, wanting to clench his fist one more time because of the injustice, but he resisted the urge.The young prince only allowed himself to stare at the back of the head of his future alpha, whose dark hair was perfectly coiffed.He noticed a movement of the broad shoulders, as well as the hips. Something golden flashed in the incoming sunlight and even as the Grand Duke seemed to slowly turn around, Luffy faltered. Didn't even register that his steps were slowing until he stopped entirely in place. His legs so sluggish as to obey even one of his commands.Even if his life depended on it.He was, after all, far too trapped.Trapped by golden eyes in which he could see nothing but adoration.'
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