Chapter 1
Harveste hummed happily to himself even as he struggled to draw water from the well.
Being a male Omega meant he was physically quite weak and it left him struggling to perform some of his tasks as a palace maid but he was happy for the work as it meant he could leave his horrible relatives.
His uncle was a large, violent man and his aunt suffered from horrible jealousy due to her plain, horse-like appearance. They were cruel people who had never shown him kindness or love, only cruelty and anger so he'd left as soon as he had the opportunity. And it had come from an advertisement from the imperial palace looking for new maids.
Despite it being a menial position requiring hard work, beauty was still a requirement due to royal visitors and the nobility residing there so one had to be quite pretty to qualify and Harveste, with his delicate, pretty face, and bright green eyes had applied immediately and been accepted.
He sighed in relief as he managed to finally bring up the full bucket of water, panting lightly as he carried it back to the stone steps leading from the courtyard to the palace he was currently scrubbing. His small hands trembled with exhaustion as he reached the top step but he refused to give up.
He needed this job and the money he earned from it, which was far more generous than any other job he'd seen advertised and he was allowed to live in the servants quarters along with receiving three full meals a day. It was almost perfect but he couldn't help but feel lonely.
There was no one in the palace who knew him, and though he didn't care nor was he arrogant about it he was by far the loveliest of all the maids working here, male or female, so everyone was quite cold to him and even played small pranks on him when they were annoyed or angry at him.
It hurt him greatly but he was strong and did his best to not let it get him down. He was very optimistic and a hard worker so he would continue on despite their cruelty.
"Ah Harveste. Hard at work I see."
Harveste glanced up to see the head maid, an older woman called Madame Levinia approaching him. She was an extremely strict woman and he felt himself trembling with nervousness as she approached.
"Ah yes, Madame. I have nearly finished scrubbing the stairs." He said with a smile.
Madame Levinia hummed before looking down at him in distaste, her cold gaze causing him to lower his head nervously.
"Well don't just stand there you silly Omega, get back to work!" She snapped.
"Yes Madame."
Harveste hurried back down the steps, careful of the wet surfaces. Madame Levinia was not a woman to be trifled with and it was best not to keep her waiting. As he resumed his scrubbing, his mind turned to what he'd overheard the other servants discussing.
It seemed the King, Alpha Tom Riddle, was looking to take a second wife as his first wife had finally birthed a healthy son who lived past his first month which meant that by law he was allowed to marry another. It was an open secret that the King despised the wife his parents had chosen for him while he was still the Crown Prince, Beta Bellatrix Riddle née Black, despite her near obsessive love for him.
Her family were rather important and had a good amount of money and influence and while she was extremely beautiful she was not to the Kings taste with her overly large breasts, tall height and aggressive personality. Many of the palace maids had heard them fighting about his desire to marry another.
Most would assume that being the first wife was an honor and put them in a higher standing but this was not actually the case. In fact, the second wife was the one who was more honored and given the most luxuries as they were the ones who were married for love as opposed to duty.
He sighed as he finished with the last of the steps and gathered his cleaning supplies. It was sad that the King was unhappy in his marriage and he did feel sorry for him and the Queen. But it didn't concern him so he shrugged it off and set his mind on completing his tasks. Not noticing the ruby eyes gazing down at him from a high window.
✤✤✤
"Tom! Are you even listening?"
Tom Riddle glanced away from the window, the one he had been watching his new maid through and looked at his wife. He sighed.
"What is it, Bellatrix?" He inquired blandly.
Bellatrix glared at him, arms crossing under her bosom and pushing her already ample chest upwards. Tom was not interested in the slightest. He didn't care for her appearance and while he could tolerate her company it did not mean he liked her.
He did not love her and despite all her attempts she could never change that. Her jealousy was her worst trait, especially now that he was looking to take a second wife, which was not only allowed by their law but also encouraged.
"I said that you should reconsider looking for a second wife! You know how I feel about this. It is not necessary." She hissed, glaring at him angrily.
Tom narrowed his eyes and glared right back.
"You are correct it is not necessary but I desire it and that is the end of it."
She sneered at him; her jealousy clear in her dark purple gaze.
"But why? What is wrong with me? Am I not enough for you?" She demanded.
"Not when I don't love you nor particularly attracted to you." He said coldly.
He had had enough. His patience was not endless and she was starting to test it. He could not wait to find someone who truly deserved his heart and devotion. He glanced out the window again, somewhat disappointed that the pretty little maid was no longer outside.
"Fine. I'll just have to change that."
"You can try."
Bellatrix stomped her foot angrily and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. He rolled his eyes and ignored her tantrum.
It had been a few days since he'd first seen the little Omega. He'd been on his way back from a meeting with his advisors and he'd seen the Omega struggling to carry a large basket of laundry. The little thing was tiny, even for an Omega, and it was quite the adorable sight to see him struggle.
He'd gotten a glimpse of his face, the long eyelashes, the cute button nose and the full pink lips. His features were soft and feminine, a true beauty amongst beauties. He was an exquisite creature and Tom was instantly enamored with him. He'd ordered the boy's details from his Head Maid, Madame Levinia.
He'd learned the pretty little Omega's name was Harveste Potter, an orphan from a remote northern village. He was sixteen summers old and had been orphaned as a babe and left in the care of his mother's family who had treated him horribly.
He'd escaped from his cruel relatives by applying for a job as a maid with a sidenote added to his file that he could also offer services as a wetnurse due to being a lactating Omega.
His beauty had instantly caught the eye of the entire staff and most had not been pleased by his arrival. The other Omegas especially hated him and were quite mean to him, often assigning him the hardest tasks or tripping him when they thought no one was looking.
They were jealous.
Tom smiled to himself.
Now he just had to figure out how to approach the boy without causing a fuss.
✤✤✤
The sun was starting to set when Harveste finally finished his chores for the day. He'd been assigned to laundry duty again which he didn't mind but the other Omegas being especially cruel today. They had deliberately tripped him, making him fall into the muddy ground and getting his uniform dirty and had laughed at him cruelly.
Harveste ignored them and kept working despite the tears gathering in the corners of his eyes, determined not to let their petty actions affect him. Once the day had ended, he made his way back to the servants' quarters, the cool wind blowing his hair gently. It was a quiet, peaceful evening and he was quite tired and wanted nothing more than to sleep.
He was almost back at the servants' quarters when a deep voice called out; "You there, maid."
Harveste blinked in confusion and turned before paling. There standing behind him was the King himself, his handsome features cold and unreadable.
He squeaked, quickly dropping into a deep curtsy and bowing his head.
"Lift your head."
He did so nervously.
"Do you know who I am, maid?"
"Y-You are the King, Your Majesty." He stuttered, trembling lightly.
"That is correct. Now, tell me your name."
"My name is Harveste, Your Majesty."
The King stared at him, his intense gaze causing him to tremble harder and he felt his cheeks heat. He'd never been looked at with such an intense, unblinking gaze and the King was truly handsome and his scent... it was absolutely mouthwatering.
He was suddenly aware of how filthy he was and his hair was a mess and he was sure his eyes were red from crying earlier after the other Omegas had been particularly mean.
"Why are you so dirty?"
Harveste blushed and lowered his gaze.
"I had an accident while doing laundry, Your Majesty." He whispered.
"Look at me when I am talking to you."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He slowly lifted his head. The King stared at him; face still unreadable.
"Do you enjoy working here, Harveste?"
Harveste blinked in confusion but answered truthfully.
"I do, Your Majesty."
"Why?"
He didn't know what to say. Why did he like it here? He was treated terribly by the others but the money was good and the food was delicious. And he was away from his family.
"Because... I am not with my relatives anymore. They were not good people and I was not happy. I am happier here and I am able to save money for the future."
The King seemed pleased by his answer.
"That is a good reason. I have need of your services."
Harveste blinked once, twice.
"M-My services, Your Majesty?"
"Yes. I have decided you shall be my sons new wetnurse, his previous wetnurse was unfortunately unable to provide enough milk and was dismissed."
"I... but Your Majesty I'm not worthy of such an honor." He said quietly, gaze fixed on the floor.
"I believe that is for me to decide, isn't it, Harveste?" He said mildly. "Aside from that you are the only lactating Omega in the castle currently and my son is hungry."
Harveste didn't know what to say. To think he would be given such an opportunity simply because he produced milk.
"You will be well paid, of course."
"I..."
"Come now, Harveste. Your King demands you accept."
Harveste swallowed hard before looking up at the King with wide eyes.
"I-If Your Majesty insists then I have no choice but to accept."
The King stared down at him, a smirk growing on his face.
"That's a good boy. Come along."
He walked past Harveste and made his way further into the castle. Harveste took a moment to collect himself before he followed after the King.
✤✤✤
The nursery was a rather large room with many toys and a large crib that currently contained a very unhappy sounding babe, his lusty cries echoing throughout the room. Harveste stared at the little boy in awe. The baby, Prince Thomas, was the most beautiful baby he had ever seen, with a small head of soft, black hair and pale skin. He was truly beautiful.
"This is my son, Thomas. You will be the one to feed him henceforth." The King informed him.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Harveste was ushered over to the crib where he was carefully handed the crying baby. He held the Prince gently, careful not to hold him too tight as the Prince settled down, his cries dying down and he opened his eyes, blinking at Harveste owlishly with the same ruby red eyes as the king.
"Hello, little one." He murmured, smiling softly.
The prince cooed and grabbed a handful of his hair that had slipped from the neat bun he placed it in. He giggled lightly and pulled the prince closer, cradling him against his chest as the Prince sniffed his chest and he flushed as glanced at the King who was watching him intently.
"I... would you like me to feed him now, Your Majesty?" He asked nervously.
"Go ahead."
His flush deepened as he carefully unlaced his dress and brought the baby close. The prince latched onto his nipple eagerly and suckled happily, greedily gulping down milk. He shifted slightly, settling into the cushioned rocking chair easily as he nursed the little Prince.
"You're quite skilled."
He blushed even darker, his gaze remaining fixed on the prince.
"I-I have had experience. When I presented and began lactating my uncle hired me out to new mothers who either didn't wish to breastfeed or could not, to provide for their babes. I had to feed three babies at once sometimes." He explained.
The King hummed in acknowledgement as he moved forward and reached out to stroke the babes cheek gently.
"You will be staying in the nursery from now on." He announced.
"W-what?" He gasped, looking up at the King in shock.
"I said that you will be living here, in the nursery. My son will need constant care and it will be much easier to care for him if you stay in the attached room."
"But-"
"And you will no longer have to do the usual chores of a maid. Your sole duty is now to care for my son."
"Your Majesty-"
"Quiet. That is my decision."
Harveste bit his lip and bowed his head. He had no choice but to obey his Kings wishes.
"Very Good." He murmured; ruby eyes boring into him.
Thomas had fallen asleep and was now contentedly suckling in his sleep, the sight causing Harveste's heart to melt. The King carefully took the prince from his arms and laid him down in his crib. Harveste quickly fixed his dress, blushing furiously and avoiding the Kings intense gaze.
"Harveste."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The King stared at him silently for a long moment before turning away and walking to the door.
"Feel free to use the bath and the clothes in the wardrobe. I'll have your new uniform sent for tomorrow."
"Y-yes, Your Majesty." He stuttered with a curtsy.
"Good night."
The King left, closing the door behind him and leaving him alone with the sleeping baby. He was confused, very confused, but he didn't have time to worry about it right now. He needed to get cleaned up.
He walked into the bathroom and undressed quickly, sighing in relief as he stepped into the warm bath, sinking down until his nose was barely above the water. He stayed there for a long while before he eventually washed and exited the bath, drying off and walking into the bedroom attached to the nursery.
His eyes widened.
There was a large, four poster bed with heavy velvet drapes dressed in soft looking sheets and blankets. There was thick rug in front of a large fireplace, a small writing desk and a wardrobe with a three-paneled mirror next to it. It was a truly lovely room and much more luxurious than any room he'd ever had the pleasure of being in. He walked over to the wardrobe and opened it, gasping softly.
Inside were several lovely dresses and nightgowns, all in the latest fashion and the softest, most luxurious fabrics he'd ever felt. He selected a plain white nightgown and put it on, marveling at how it looked on him and he twirled around in it. It was far too fancy for someone like him but he could pretend just for a little bit.
He quickly braided his long hair and brushed his teeth before crawling into bed, the sheets feeling so soft against his skin. He sighed happily as he snuggled underneath the thick duvet and closed his eyes.
Today had certainly been an interesting day and his life had taken an unexpected turn but he was not complaining. He was no longer a maid; his new job was caring for the most beautiful baby he'd ever seen and he got to wear beautiful clothes and sleep in the softest bed he'd ever felt.
It was almost perfect.
The only thing that could make it better was if the King was there beside him, holding him in his arms.
His eyes snapped open and he blushed deeply.
Where had that thought come from?! He didn't even know the King, aside from their short conversation in the courtyard, and to be having such thoughts was highly inappropriate! He was his King and he was nothing more than his servant, a commoner. It was a ridiculous thought.
Still, as he closed his eyes and drowsily settled deeper into the plush pillows, he couldn't help but imagine the Kings strong, muscular body wrapped around him, the rich smell of dark chocolate and vanilla overwhelming him as he held him close and pressed his lips against his skin and he sighed dreamily as he drifted off to sleep.