Chapter 12
Stephen was following the Ancient One. He could sense that she was worried about something.
"Stephen, I need to tell you something very important," the Ancient One said.
Stephen nodded.
"You know that you're in great danger. We're all here to fight for you, but it's time for you to lead the fight. You should be our king," she said.
"What do you mean?" Stephen asked.
"Stephen, you're not a fragile omega. You're the one all these people believe in. You should be a powerful sorcerer and a king. We don't have much time."
"How can I be that?" Stephen asked, clueless.
"First, you need to trust yourself. You should realize how great a sorcerer you are," the Ancient One said.
"I'm going to intensify your training," she added.
"Okay," Stephen said, still unsure.
"We don't have much time, Stephen. So be ready," the Ancient One said and walked away, leaving a confused Stephen.
Stephen returned to where Tony was lying.
Tony noticed the confused look on Stephen's face.
"What did the Ancient One say?" Tony asked.
"Huh? She wants me to be ready," Stephen said.
"I think you're already ready, Stephen. I saw that today," Tony said, smiling.
Stephen smiled at that.
"The Ancient One said the training is going to be harder from tomorrow," Stephen added.
"You'll do great," Tony assured him.
"I know," Stephen said with a proud smile.
Tony had an amused smile on his face. Stephen had always been confident and proud when they were kids, which made him more attractive. But after Kaecilius, he had changed, unsure of himself. Seeing him self-assured again made Tony’s heart flutter. His Stephen was back, in all his glory.
Tony kept looking at Stephen with a smile.
"What?" Stephen asked, frowning.
"Nothing. Go and sleep, Your Highness. From tomorrow, it's going to be long days," Tony teased.
"I'm not leaving you like this," Stephen said.
"I'm perfectly fine. This isn't that serious of an injury. You can go," Tony said.
"What if you need something? You can't use your right hand," Stephen reasoned.
"There are guards outside," Tony said.
"If you don't want my presence here, I’ll go," Stephen said, pouting and standing up to leave.
But Tony caught his wrist before he could go.
"You know I like your presence more than anything. But I don’t want to be a bother to you," Tony said.
"You're not bothering me. I want to be here," Stephen said.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Tony said, smiling.
This time, instead of sitting on the nearby chair, Stephen sat on Tony's bed beside him, leaning against him, which took Tony by surprise.
"Stephen?" Tony called.
"Yeah?"
"We can't sit like this. If someone sees us like this..." Tony started.
"What's wrong with us sitting like this?" Stephen asked.
"An omega can't be in an alpha's bed, especially an omega who is engaged. Also, you're a prince, and I'm just a knight. Seeing us together will cause a scanda—"
Tony's words were cut off when a pair of lips stopped him.
It was a short kiss, happening in a flash, but Tony felt as if electricity surged through him, awakening all his nerves.
Stephen pulled away, blushing.
"Tony, you said I deserve an alpha who doesn’t just see me as a weak omega, someone who respects me. And I don’t think I can find anyone better than you," Stephen said.
"Your Highness, I’m just a knight," Tony said.
"Yes, you are. You are my knight. And I’m asking my knight to protect me for the rest of my life," Stephen said, leaning closer.
"We can’t… I’m not allowed to," Tony said, fighting the urge to close the distance.
"You don’t want me?" Stephen asked, hurt by the rejection.
"I don't deserve you, Stephen. A prince deserves you, not a knight like me," Tony said.
"Stop saying that. What if I don’t want a prince or a king who just wants me for my country and position? What if I want a knight like you?" Stephen said.
"I’ve been burdened my whole life by my title as a prince. I don’t want that title to dictate what I can and cannot want in my life," Stephen said, tears slipping down his cheeks.
Tony wiped his tears with his uninjured hand and cupped his cheek.
"Steph, I don't know if this is the right move or what consequences this will bring. But right now, I don’t want to think about that," Tony said before leaning in to capture Stephen’s lips completely.
Tony could feel the softness of Stephen's lips, moving gently with his own. He wondered why he hadn't done this before. He had kissed many, mostly experienced omegas, but this awkward and inexperienced kiss sent sparks through his entire body—because he loved Stephen.
They pulled away, panting.
"Steph, I love you. Not just now. I've loved you for a long time," Tony confessed.
"Really?" Stephen asked with a smile.
"Yeah, since we were kids. But I was always reminded of my title and how unworthy I was of you."
"You’re the only one who deserves me," Stephen whispered before grabbing Tony's hair and kissing him again.
But Tony pulled back.
"Steph, no one can know about us until everything is settled," Tony said.
"Why?" Stephen asked.
"It might upset everyone, including my mother," Tony said.
"But… what about Prince Thor?" Stephen asked, frowning.
"We'll tell him gradually. Not now," Tony said.
"Okay," Stephen agreed.
"Now, you should go back to your chamber," Tony said.
Stephen nodded and leaned in to place a soft peck on Tony’s cheek.
"Good night," Stephen said before walking out.
Tony just smiled as he watched him go and lay back.
Stephen walked back to his chamber with a smile on his face. He didn't know if he could win the battle and rule his kingdom. But if he did, it would be with Tony by his side. That, he had decided.