Chapter Text
Derek never did like mornings. Even as a pup. There was something about how busy everything was. How everyone seemed to always be in a hurry to do everything all at once. Scurrying around like a chicken with its head cut off. He hated mornings. Namely, because of the busyness of it all. But, also, because it was another day he had to look in the mirror. Even at twenty-five, he had yet to full come to terms with what he saw.
It hadn’t always been bad. When he was a pup, everything seemed normal. He was a Hale. A member of the family that had ruled their country for generations. It was normal. It was good. Until it wasn’t. He started to notice things. Things made him different from others. Namely, how he was only every surrounded by other werewolves. None of the humans in the palace were allowed near him.
It hadn’t seemed strange to start. He was a werewolf. So, it made sense that he would be around other werewolves. Until he discovered why he was only ever around other werewolves. Why none of them cameras and press conferences he’d heard about ever seemed to involve him. Derek remembered it very clearly. The day he learned why he was different. It stung more than words could ever describe.
They didn’t know that much about it. The ‘condition’ that afflicted him. Only that eight others had suffered from the same before he was born. All males. All alphas. That was the only common denominator. Everyone born with this ‘condition’ was always a male, and, when they presented, turned out to be alphas. They had no other knowledge beyond that.
His mother made it clear that he not be treated any differently, but the fact of the matter was, Derek was treated differently on principal. Namely, and most importantly, he never made public appearances like the rest of his family. He was, as they called it, the hidden royal. The Hale family had ruled their country for generations now. Most of it was peaceful. Most of it. That had changed several years ago.
Every monarchy was subject to dissent and discord. That was true enough anywhere in the world. However, it nearly ended their line of rule. Nearly wiped their family from the face of creation. To make matters worse, it had been Derek’s fault. It had been his fault that everything had nearly gone up in smoke. Literally.
Kate Argent was the crown princess of their neighbors to the west. She was fierce. Outspoken. Beautiful. Derek didn’t stand a chance. The woman lavished him with more attention than he had ever had from anyone outside of his family. She way she spoke. How she touched him. Praised him. Despite who, or rather, what he was. The alpha was foolish enough to believe that it was love. That, as it turned out, was the furthest thing from the truth.
As it came to be discovered, the old ways of the Argents were very much alive. Kate had, rather gleefully, been sent to kill Derek, and start a war. She had been sent to kill the entire royal family. It had nearly worked. By some miracle, they had survived. They had won. They were alive. Alive, but broken. Kate and Gerard had been executed with a swift mercilessness. Derek still remembered the sound of the firing squad.
His father had taken stewardship over their neighbor. Christohpher Argent and his wife had been detained. Kept on house arrest. While the rest of the co-conspirators were being put on trial. Many of them dead. Many of them behind bars until the reaper came for them. Marcus Hale was a firm man, and believed in due process of the law. That being said, when the law was administered, there was no leniency.
Derek kept to himself. He still had his duties as the crown prince, of course. But, beyond that, he had no interest in the world. He was broken and hurt and angry. What he was caused enough suffering and torment in his life. Not just his appearance, but the...he didn’t like to think about it. How animal he felt most of the time. How the wolf always seemed to be right at the surface. That it wasn’t just his appearance that made people think him a beast. But that he often felt like one as well.
They were recovering well enough. Their losses had been, surprisingly, on the low side. The Argents had taken most of the damage. That worked in their favor. That being said, even though the losses were minimal, there were other things that had taken a far greater hit. Namely, the public’s opinion of the royal family. More importantly, how their family had been running the country.
Derek was a military officer. That was what he knew. Matter of public opinion did not, in any way concern him. Namely, because he never appeared publicly. So, that didn’t actually weigh on his mind all that much. Given that there was nothing that he could do about it. Well, there was nothing that he could do. However, there were plenty of things that his family could do.
When he receives the summons, it’s a surprise. His mother rarely, if ever, called for a private meeting. And, even when she did, it never involved Derek. This time it did. And, if the alpha was being honest with himself, he was worried. More so than he had been in a while. More so when the topic of conversation was brought up. Their neighbors to the south were an abundant, and affluent kingdom. As well as having the largest naval force on the continent. Their king was a good, open-minded man, and not opposed to a trading treaty. Or, with best possible circumstances an alliance. However, such things were done in a very traditional manner.
“No.” The alpha growled.
“Derek...” His mother started.
“No, you promised me. You promised me that I would never be made to marry. Especially like this.” The alpha growled.
“Son, we understand. But marrying the Argent girl is the best way to secure the country and get our own back on track. An alliance would be the best possible thing.” His father said firmly.
“So, not only will I be made to marry, I’ll be made to marry a woman who watched our family execute her aunt and grandfather. She’ll murder me in my sleep the first chance she gets.” Derek spat.
His entire body vibrated with anger. He was actually, truly shaking. It was bad enough that he was going to have to marry. Even worse to their enemy. Even worse still, to their enemy who would no doubt plot his demise. He did not see how, in any way, that this would be beneficial. To them, or to the Argents. He wasn’t going to do it.
“I am not a trading chip, nor a bargaining method. They hate us. They will always hate us.” Derek said.
“Derek, I’m asking this of you because...because if you don’t marry the Argent girl, I fear that our country will have a hard time recovering. Christopher is still married, and I doubt his wife would take kindly to one of your sister being his second.” His mother explained.
“No...Not them. Not any of us. There has to be another way.” Derek said resolutely.
He learned from a rather young age that royals, despite their power, wealth, and standing, had their own brand of misery. Namely, in times like these, the notions of love and romance and tenderness were thrown out of the window. He was the only son, the crown prince. His sister Laura was the firstborn and just as valuable. Cora was still valuable in her own right.
As a general, Derek stood even more so in that regard. He was trained in the art of war, tactics, and leadership from the time he could walk. That was the duty of the men in the Hale line. Despite his ‘condition’. He did not want to give himself to the Argents. Not only because the idea of marrying Allison Argent made his skin crawl, but because of his knowledge of their country’s military.
“I might have a suggestion.” Peter said breaking him out of his train of thought.
“And what might that be, brother?” His mother asked.
“Our neighbors to the south. As I recall, their king just remarried, and has a new stepson. As well as his own firstborn. Though I loathe the idea of that man being a part of our family, he is, most conveniently, perfectly available for engagement.” Peter explained.
“He is a monstrosity of a royal. Why the news is filled every other day with his exploits and foolery. To say nothing of his private life. He's the biggest whoremonger on the entire continent, and a deviant to boot. He's been up the skirts and trousers of everyone he can get his hands on.” Talia huffed.
Derek knew of their neighbors to the south. It was a part of their education. The southernmost kingdom on the continent, they were also the largest. As well as the most peaceful. They had not seen war in well over a century. No conflict of any kind. They also had the largest naval force. Which made sense. Given they had the most direct path to the sea. Their trade routes were the envy of the other kingdoms. Their king was a fair, just man who was well liked by his people. The problem, as it stood, was their crown prince.
Mieczysław Stilinski was, for lack of a better word, the most conspicuous royal that ever walked the earth. He was loud, unrestrained, and, more than once or twice, in and out of jail. Never for anything serious, but his behavior would give any respectable person a stroke. Derek dreaded the idea of Laura or Cora marrying him. As well as the fact that he, like his mother said, couldn’t keep it in his pants. Royals were expected to behave a certain way, and conduct themselves with dignity. Mieczysław did anything but.
“I have another scandalous suggestion. Why not have him marry Derek? That would give us access to a powerful country, and secure our hold on the Argents. We can have a private ceremony, and keep things, well, discreet.” His uncle suggested.
“Peter, that is, by far, the most foolish thing you have ever said. The law is clear....” His mother started to say.
“The law, dear sister, only says that a royal’s betrothed must be of high birth, and good standing. Very vague and open to interpretation. Easily overcome.” Peter retorted.
“There is also the matter that he is the king’s only child, and a man at that. Do you really think that he would forfeit the continuation of his bloodline for an alliance?” His mother asked.
“Ah, dear sister. The king has remarried, and joyous news to go with it. She is pregnant. Due just before the end of the year. His bloodline is well and secure. Besides, they are likely to have more.” Peter said with a shit eating grin.
Derek felt another icky feeling creep across his skin. Being made to marry against his wishes was terrible enough. Being made to marry someone who would have no respect for the marriage itself was somehow worse. Werewolves, particularly alphas, took mating and relationships seriously. He had no real desire to be betrothed to a man who treated people like objects of pleasure. Certainly not one who did so whilst in the union of marriage. That being said...
The idea of marrying the Argent girl reviled him to no possible end. The idea that he would be shackled to the family that tried to kill him, his pack, and overthrow their country into chaos. It made him physically ill to think about. As well as angry. However, he could manage someone whose only real fault was their carnal indiscretions. That, he thought, would be far, far more preferable. So, if it really came down it, he would marry Mieczysław.
“I’m not opposed. So long as the king is amicable, and the terms are favorable.” Derek said interrupting his uncle and mother.
Everyone's attention turned towards him. He could feel their eyes burning holes through him. His mother looked, well, horrified. She had promised him, after the reality of what he was had set it, that he would never be made to marry. Never be used in that way.
His father, his strong, stone-faced father, looked like his heart was breaking. In the worst possible way. Derek had never seen his father look like that. Like that world was falling down around all of them. Like they were mere seconds away from scattering in the wind. It was the worst possible thing.
Peter, as he expected, was rather overjoyed. His uncle was a good man, but a schemer he remained. He was born adjacent to power. Forever watching as his older sister took the lead and the helm. He was, unfortunately, of the old-fashioned mind. That men, above all else, should lead before women. But he was the second born, and a beta on top of that. Had he presented as alpha, things might have gone better for him. But he hadn't, and he was here. Plotting the future of their country. No doubt having his own ideas for how the marriage would benefit him.
“I can send notice to the king. Arrange a meeting for negotiations. It's likely to take several months. Like Peter said, we can keep things discreet.” His mother said softly, almost somberly.”
Derek, having nothing else to say, just nods his head. Excusing himself shortly after agreeing to the idea. It was horrible and awful and terrible. At the very least, he could count on a private ceremony. Given his ‘condition’, he had no desire for cameras in his face. Splattered all over the front page. Bulletins online, and in newspapers and trashy tabloid magazines. He wanted none of that. He hoped that he could avoid it. But that being said, he had started to resolve himself. For he might just have to endure it.
He makes his way back to his chambers. Emotionally drained from the conversation, and the possibility of his potential spouse. A great deal of thoughts and anxieties ran through his head. Trampling down on any kind of peace he may have had for the rest of the day. It was useless to try and get anything down. He couldn’t focus. Couldn’t keep himself from thinking the worst possible things. So, he does the actual worst possible thing and turned on the news. Whether by coincidence, or cruel fate, his potential husband’s face was right there on the screen.
“ In other news today, crown prince Mieczysław Stilinski was arrested yet again today. The young prince was caught red handed. Having defaced a former teacher’s car at the boarding school he had previously attended. He was photographed smiling as he was taken away in handcuffs. Very much proud of his handiwork. This marks the latest in a series of arrests involving the prince. Many of which have attracted attention to various causes and movements. The royal family did not respond for a comment on the prince’s behavior.”
The alpha watched as the anchorwoman went into the details of the prince’s previous arrests and exploits. He was in the middle of wondering if he should back out when the door to his chambers opened. Marcus Hale was rarely a man that anyone could call soft. But here, in private, with his only son, he was tender. He sits down on the bed. Making no comment. Simply letting Derek watch the screen. Wondering just what the hell he was getting himself into.
“That’s going to be my husband. That's going to be the man I'm with for the rest of my life.” Derek said somberly.
“I wanted to talk with you about that. More specifically, when you mate with him.” His father said.
The alpha was on his feet in an instant, ready and willing to flee as fast as he could. His father’s hand came down in his shoulder. Dragging him back down. Unable to move. Derek may have been stronger than the average alpha be leagues of measurement, but his father was just as big as he was. And, at times, just as mean.
“Derek...” His father started.
“I really don’t wanna talk about this.” Derek groaned.
“Well, we’re going to. You...are you. Your instincts, your drives are stronger than other wolves. You are stronger than other wolves. If you marry this man, if you consummate your marriage, you’ll need to temper the wolf. Less you hurt him. That would end badly for us all.”
Derek winced in embarrassment. Knowing full and well what his father was talking about. It had, on more than one occasion, been made apparent that Derek was far closer to his wolf than his family. Or his peers for that matter. It had been said that he was closer to a feral wolf than an actual person. That...that particular comment had stung worse than some of the others. Because, in the deepest, most cavernous, lonely parts of himself, he believed it. Which was somehow even worse.
So, he listens. He listens to his father detail what he felt when he was Derek’s age. What he felt when he was a young man, and all the world was at his fingertips. Where he lived as most men of that age did. As he pleased. The difference, as it always stood, was that Derek would have to show more restraint. Be more in control than he normally would. That was the main lesson. The other one, was how to show affections that humans would understand.
Wolves, especially wolves like Derek, did not interact with the world the way that humans did. The prince he was to marry was...loud. Abrasive. Tactless. And, in a certain light, just downright rude. Derek would have to learn to adapt to that, and, hopefully, the prince would learn to adapt to him. Hope. That was the word that bounced around and around in his head. Hope. That was all they had at this point. Hope. Derek wondered if it was going to last.