Chapter 10
Tony couldn't sleep the whole night. He watched Stephen breathing slowly, peacefully asleep. Stephen looked so calm and cute.
"Is watching someone sleep creepy?" Tony wondered.
But he couldn't help it. He wanted to hug him close to his heart and place a sweet kiss on his forehead. But he couldn't, which made his heart ache. Tony wished for the sun to rise faster. He couldn't keep looking at him this close and do nothing.
When the first ray of sunlight came, Tony gently woke Stephen.
Stephen squinted his eyes and looked at him, confused.
"Good morning! It's time. We need to go," Tony said.
Stephen nodded and sat up.
"Yeah, let's go," Stephen replied, standing up.
The duo walked to their horse and started riding.
The whole ride, Tony kept thinking about what Stephen had said—he would have chosen Tony if he had a choice. For the first time, Tony regretted being born a knight instead of a prince.
"Tony," Stephen called, nudging him.
"Sorry, what?" Tony asked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"You're zoned out today," Stephen observed.
"Nothing. What were you saying?" Tony asked.
"I was asking—who's in charge there?" Stephen repeated.
"You’ll see," Tony said.
"Why the secrecy? Do you think I’m a spy for Kaecilius?" Stephen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Are you?" Tony smirked.
"Yes, I am. This was all my and my future husband's plan to capture you all," Stephen teased with a smirk.
Tony abruptly stopped the horse.
"What did you call him?" Tony asked, his voice darkening.
"Huh? My future husband? What?" Stephen asked with a mischievous smile.
"Don’t call him that," Tony growled.
"What?" Stephen asked, surprised by the sudden change in Tony’s tone.
"I said, don’t call him your husband. He doesn’t deserve you," Tony said, his grip on Stephen’s waist tightening.
Stephen winced at the grip, his cheeks flushing, but Tony could see fear in his eyes.
"Uh… Sorry. I was thinking about something else," Tony said, retracting his hand.
Stephen turned away.
"Steph," Tony said, reaching out to touch his arm.
Stephen winced again.
"Steph, I’m sorry. I will never hurt you," Tony said softly.
"Let's go, please," Stephen replied, his voice laced with hurt.
Tony didn’t know what had come over him. He had hurt Stephen. He had ruined his trust.
The duo continued their journey in awkward silence.
After some time, they arrived.
"We’re here," Tony said, dismounting from the horse. He extended his hand to help Stephen down.
But Stephen didn’t take it. He dismounted on his own.
Tony knew he was still mad.
"Please come, Your Highness," Tony said.
Stephen followed Tony without a word.
From the outside, it was just a small cave, but upon entering, it was spacious and illuminated with lamps.
"Wow," Stephen murmured in awe.
He saw many sorcerers dressed in saffron and blue. But what shocked him the most was the person standing in front of him.
"The Ancient One?" Stephen asked, unsure if he was imagining it.
"Yes, Your Highness. Welcome to the Sanctum," the Ancient One greeted with a smile.
Stephen walked toward her and hugged her.
"I thought I lost you," Stephen said.
"We were undercover, waiting for the right moment to fight for you," the Ancient One said, hugging him back.
"Wong has been keeping me updated about you all this time," she added, cupping his face.
"Thank you, Mr. Stark, for keeping the prince safe," she said, looking at Tony.
"It’s my pleasure," Tony replied.
"Mordo, show the prince and Stark inside," the Ancient One instructed.
"Of course. Please come, my prince," Mordo said, bowing.
Stephen and Tony followed him.
"This is your room, my prince. We know it’s not much, but please bear with us," Mordo said.
"This is more than enough. Thank you for accommodating me," Stephen said.
"It’s my pleasure. Call me if you need anything. I’ll take my leave," Mordo said, bowing.
"Sir Stark, you’ll be guarding the prince, correct?" Mordo asked.
"Yes. You can go," Tony confirmed.
Mordo nodded and left.
"You can leave too, Stark. I’m fine," Stephen said, not looking at him.
"Stephen, can we talk?" Tony asked.
"No," Stephen replied.
"I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me—" Tony started.
"You’re all the same," Stephen cut him off.
"What do you mean?" Tony asked.
"You alphas. You think you can treat us however you want. Hurt us when you’re angry, when you don’t like what we say," Stephen said bitterly.
"Stephen, listen—" Tony said, stepping closer.
But Stephen backed away, wincing.
"You’re scared of me?" Tony asked softly.
"Yes, I am. I’m scared of all alphas. I thought I could trust you. I’ve endured enough. Please don’t punish me more," Stephen said, fear evident in his eyes.
"Steph, I…" Tony started.
But seeing Stephen so afraid of him broke his heart. What had he done? He didn’t want to push him further, so he left the room.
Stephen sat on the small bed on the ground, feeling broken. He had seen a friend (and perhaps more) in Tony. He thought he could trust him. But Tony was just like any other alpha. Stephen had only been joking about Kaecilius being his future husband, but even a simple joke had wounded an alpha’s pride enough to hurt him.
While Stephen rested in his room, the Ancient One entered.
"Ancient One," Stephen said.
"How are you, my boy?" she asked.
"I’m lost. I watched my parents and sister die in front of me. I couldn’t fight like you taught me. I’m useless, Ancient One. I’m just an omega. Kaecilius broke me," Stephen sobbed.
"Stephen, look at me. You were just a boy. You did all you could. Even we couldn’t defeat Kaecilius and save you. That wasn’t your fault. Stop saying you’re useless. Yes, you’re an omega—but a strong one. You endured his torture like a prince. You are not broken, Stephen. You are a king in the making. You will fight this war with us," the Ancient One said.
"But I can’t… I can’t practice magic with these broken hands," Stephen said.
"Stephen, it was never about your hands. You were born to be a sorcerer. We could feel the energy surging through the Sanctum the day you were born. The magic is still in you," the Ancient One assured him.
"But I tried. I can’t do it again," Stephen said.
"I’m here. I will help you regain your magic. After me, you will become the Sorcerer Supreme," she declared.
"I can?" Stephen asked hesitantly.
"Yes. And one day, you will rule Kamar-Taj alongside the love of your life," she said.
"Love of my life? That’s impossible. I don’t have anyone. And even if I did, I wouldn’t have a choice," Stephen said.
"I know you’ve already found them. And love will find you," she said.
"Are you talking about Prince Thor?" Stephen asked, confused.
"Am I?" the Ancient One smirked.
"…I don’t know," Stephen muttered.
"Don’t overthink it. It will happen. Starting tomorrow, you’ll begin practicing sorcery again," she said, leaving him to ponder.
Outside, Tony stood guard.
"Stark," the Ancient One called.
"Yes, Ancient One?" Tony responded.
"Never hurt Stephen. It is your duty to keep him happy—forever," she said.
"I never wanted to—" Tony began.
"You were born for him. As his forever companion. As his alpha," she said before walking away.
His alpha? Tony was stunned. But he didn’t fully understand what she meant.
Still, he stood guard, silently vowing never to hurt Stephen again—even with a glance.