The royal carriage moved in near silence, its enchanted wheels gliding smoothly over the stone-paved roads as they traveled toward the king's palace. The sky was dark, moonlight spilling over the land like liquid silver, casting long shadows over the towering spires of Solvencia's grand castle.
Inside the carriage, the air was thick with tension.
Caelum sat beside his newly wedded husband, his hands folded neatly in his lap. His crimson wedding robes pooled around him, the delicate gold embroidery shimmering faintly in the dim lantern light. The veil remained in place, concealing his face entirely. He had spoken little during the journey, keeping his posture poised and elegant, as expected of an Omega prince.
But beneath the mask of calm, his heart pounded.
He was now the Queen Consort of Solvencia. The mate of the most powerful Alpha in the realm.
And yet…
Not once had the king looked at him.
Not once had he acknowledged his presence.
The silence between them was suffocating.
When the carriage finally arrived at the palace gates, servants rushed to welcome them. Caelum stepped out first, graceful and composed, despite the weight of his heavy ceremonial robes. The grand palace of Solvencia loomed before him, its towering walls and intricate designs exuding a cold, intimidating beauty.
But before he could take in the sight for too long, a deep voice shattered the moment.
"Take him to his chamber."
Caelum turned slightly, surprised.
The king had already turned away, his golden eyes cold, unreadable. He did not reach for Caelum. Did not guide him inside as a husband should. Instead, he issued the order as if speaking of a stranger, of someone who was merely an obligation.
The servants hesitated before bowing.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Caelum said nothing as they led him away.
But a small, bitter thought crossed his mind.
So this is how it begins…
---
Later That Night
Caelum sat on the edge of the massive bed, his fingers tracing the embroidery of his red robe absentmindedly. The room was luxurious, lined with intricate tapestries and glowing lanterns, but it felt empty. The ceremonial veil still rested over his face, hiding his features even in the privacy of the bridal chamber.
The sound of the door opening made him freeze.
Heavy footsteps approached, slow and deliberate. The presence of an Alpha filled the space, thick and suffocating, demanding attention even without words.
He did not need to turn to know who it was.
The king had finally come.
The air grew tense as the Alpha stood before him. Caelum remained still, waiting, expecting his husband to say something—to acknowledge him at last.
Then, at last, the king spoke.
His voice was quiet, but the words were sharp.
"Let's make this clear."
Caelum's fingers curled against the fabric of his robe.
"I married you because I had no choice," the king continued, his tone cold, distant. "But my heart belongs to someone else."
A pause.
A heartbeat of silence.
"Do not expect love from me, Caelum. You are my mate in name alone."
The words should have hurt.
No, they did hurt.
A sharp, invisible wound that cut through his chest, deeper than any blade ever could.
His hands trembled slightly, hidden beneath the flowing sleeves of his robe. He had known this marriage was not out of love—had prepared himself for it—but hearing those words from the king's own lips felt like a cruel confirmation of his worst fears.
Still, he forced himself to respond, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
The king did not wait for another word.
Without hesitation, he turned and strode toward the door.
Caelum's heart clenched as he watched him leave. He had thought, perhaps foolishly, that the king would stay at least for the night, that they would at least share a conversation, however brief.
But the door shut behind him without another glance.
And just like that… he was alone.
The silence of the chamber was deafening. The weight of his wedding robes felt unbearable now, suffocating him like an unwanted chain. His fingers lifted to the veil covering his face, but he hesitated.
What was the point?
Even if he removed it, no one was here to see him.
No one cared to.
His throat tightened, his vision blurring. But Caelum did not allow the tears to fall. He sat there, unmoving, his broken heart beating softly beneath layers of silk and gold.
This was his reality now.
A husband who did not want him.
A love that would never be his.
And a marriage that was nothing more than a beautiful, gilded cage.