Cal POV:I felt my eyes snap open. I looked to the human boy still asleep against me. I realized I had never asked him for his name. I could deal with that later when he woke up. I turned my head to the large clock mounted on the wall. It was already 9:00am. Damn, my father had spoken to me the day prior about wanting to speak to me before my encounter with the human. I slowly untwined myself from the humans, quickly walking into my walk-in closet, putting on a deep blue tunic with the royal crest, embroidered with golden silk.I walked out of the room, placing a weak but sure illusion on the human in case someone was to check on me, a bit flimsy the spell was, but it would have to do.I walked towards the throne room with a long hallway leading into the room. Large torches lit the wall, and a fluffy red carpet led to the throne."Ah, Cal. I have been expecting you." my father said condescendingly. "Yes, what was it you wanted to speak about?" I asked, curious what was so important since my father rarely interacted with me to begin with, either because he was busy or just hadn't wanted to deal with me."This is rather important my son." he said standing up off the throne, walking towards me. "You are 18 now, I think it's quite important you find a wife by now." he said calculatedly.I stuttered. I didn't expect him to bring this up now, though I had failed to tell him that... "Father, when the time comes, I will marry, but just not yet, I still... haven't found someone I had feelings for yet." I said even though that was quite a lie.My father seemed irritated with me. "This has been getting tiresome, it doesn't matter if you like anyone, we must bring wealth and fortune to our country! Our economy has been doing poorly, citizens have been stealing, crime rates have gone off the charts, this is very important, if you can't make a fucking decision then I will for you!" He snapped in rage.I stuttered; my mouth unable to form a sentence. He was right, things were doing very poorly, but I didn't believe in marrying for wealth. I supposed I might have to if things continued going this way though.My father growled lowly. "I will give you until the end of the month, court the wealthiest woman you can, don't make me have to punish you." he warned.My jaw was clenched shut, I was barely able to utter the words, "I understand."I stalked out of the room, still angry at my father. This wasn't fair, why couldn't I marry someone who I loved, instead of having to deal with these complicated endeavors.My eyes drifted up; I flinched for a moment. "Sorry Karev, I didn't see you." I bit out.Karev was one of the castle guards, who also happened to be one of my only friends around the castle since he was quite young to be a guard, only 23. He had midnight fur which seemed to absorb all light and bright fluorescent blue fur at the tips of his ears and most of his tail."I heard what happened there, with your father I mean, I'm so sorry he always treats you like that."I sighed. "Not much anyone can do about it." I rubbed at my face. "He doesn't understand, I don't want a wife, I never have, because..." I trailed off, not finishing my sentence."I can tell you prefer males." My ears immediately perked up, my eyes widening, how did he know that.he chuckled. "Don't you worry, I won't tell a soul, just be so careful, if your father discovers that, I don't even want to imagine how he'll punish you."I sighed, relieved. Here in Allivaria, having attractions to the same sex was strictly forbidden, to our species, the Kurjak, most believed it was a curse, that it was unnatural. He was right, I couldn't under any circumstances tell anyone. It was probably a shitty decision even telling Karev, though he was trustworthy, I could never be too careful.Karev sighed, "Well I must get back to the east wing of the castle, I shall see you later Cal." he said warmly. I gave him a forced smile; this was already a terrible start to the day. I needed a fucking break.