The convoy of sleek black cars glided through the towering gates and entered the palace of Zayden in Xing City.
Caspian couldn't help but lean toward the window, his breath fogging the glass as he stared with wide, sparkling eyes.
_Wow... it's so huge._
The palace rose like a white jade mountain against the sky — marble pillars carved with golden phoenixes, sweeping roofs tiled in deep emerald green that glinted under the sun. Crystal-clear lakes dotted the courtyards, and ancient wisteria trees draped lavender cascades over arched stone bridges. It was nothing like the residence they lived in before. Caspian had spent his whole life in palaces, but he'd never seen one this vast, this beautiful.
The cars rolled to a smooth stop in the grand courtyard, right before the massive vermilion doors inlaid with gold.
Elaine stepped out first and opened the door for Zayden, while Darius opened the other side for Caspian. They both got out.
Caspian's steps beside Zayden.
Lining both sides of the palace entrance stood rows of staff in crisp uniforms. The moment Zayden passed them, they bowed in perfect unison, heads lowered.
"Welcome back, Boss."
Zayden gave the slightest nod.
Caspian felt a strange déjà vu prickle down his spine.
Zayden's hand settled lightly on his back, guiding him inside.
The bedroom Zayden led him to was more like a private hall — vast, with a domed ceiling painted with constellations, floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a huge balcony overlooking the entire Xing City. Silken curtains the color of moonlight drifted in the breeze. Six doors branched off from the room, and Caspian tried to count them, lips moving silently.
_...Six. There are six doors._
Zayden walked to the wardrobe and slid it open. Caspian's breath caught.
Rows of clothes with Zayden's clothes— all his size — hung neatly. Suits, soft knit sweaters, silk sleepwear. Everything he liked.
His stomach dropped.
_Did... did Zayden bring too many omegas here before?_ The thought turned wild, sharp. _Was there someone before me? A lover? Am I just... a replacement?_
That fear gripped him hardest of all.
_Thwack._
A light flick to his forehead yanked him out of his spiral. Caspian blinked up, dazed, to find Zayden staring at him, one brow raised suspiciously.
"What are you thinking about?" Zayden's voice was low. "I told them to put clothes of your size here."
Caspian jolted, flustered, and scrambled to cover up. "I—I know! Why are you telling me? It's not like I was suspicious about you bringing other omegas here or anything!"
Zayden leaned down, leveling with him eye to eye. His dark eyes glinted. "Well," he murmured, "I just smell jealousy from someone."
"I am _not_ jealous," Caspian protested, determined.
Zayden's lips curved. He ruffled Caspian's hair. "That's a good thing, then."
"Zayyyy..." Caspian whined, irritated, cheeks burning. But Zayden was already disappearing behind the washroom door, the sound of running water muffling his quiet laugh.
Left alone, Caspian slipped out of the room. He wandered down the grand staircase, deciding to walk straight and take two full rounds of the same building so he wouldn't get lost this time. By the end of the second round, his legs ached. He was too tired for a third.
He was halfway down the stairs to the lower building when he froze.
"Hey! Who are you?"
A sharp girl's voice. Caspian looked toward it and saw a young girl in her twenties glaring at him suspiciously from the doors of the palace. Something about her felt... familiar.
"I'm asking you," she said, stepping further into the palace, her eyes like daggers. "So who are you?"
Caspian's nerves spiked under her stare. _Do I know her?_
"Hey, are you deaf?" she raised her voice, impatient. Caspian opened his mouth —
A large, warm hand settled on his waist from behind. He glanced back. Zayden.
He'd changed into normal clothes — a simple black crewneck sweater that clung to his broad shoulders and charcoal slacks, casual but still exuding effortless power. Just _him._
"Mind your language, Elara," Zayden said, his tone cool. "He is my husband-to-be, caspian."
Elara gasped, her stern expression cracking. "Ohhh, I should've known. So _he's_ the beauty you were talking about, brother."
Caspian's head whipped toward her, startled. "Brother??"
_So that's why she felt familiar._ The pieces clicked. Her sharp eyes, the commanding tone — she had Zayden's features.
"Yeah, yeah," Elara beamed, taking a few excited steps toward him. Instinctively, Caspian grabbed Zayden's sleeve. She halted, noticing.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I thought you were one of those omegas who sneak into the palace because of brother's charm."
"I'm not like that," Caspian whispered.
"I know... I know! But ohhhhh, can I hug you?" Her eyes lit up. "You're so cute—"
"No," Zayden cut in before Caspian could answer, his arm tightening slightly around Caspian's waist.
"Come on, brother... just once?" Elara pouted.
Zayden didn't budge. "Enough. Let's go. Breakfast is getting cold."
Her pout deepened. "Brother, can't you favor your little sister just once?"
"Do you want me to drag you out of the palace the moment you entered, Elara?"
"Fine, fine! I won't ask again!" She switched topics fast, flouncing off to the dining table but not before shooting Zayden a look that clearly said _just you wait, brother._
Zayden just shook his head. He led Caspian to the dining table, pulled out a chair for him, and sat beside him. He served Caspian breakfast himself — warm congee, delicate crystal dumplings, fruit sliced into flowers. They ate in silence.
Elara couldn't help stealing glances at Caspian across the table, already scheming how to make this shy omega comfortable with her.
"Elara," Zayden called.
"Yes, brother?"
"Can you accompany Caspian this afternoon? I have a meeting."
She raised her brows, worry flickering in her eyes. Caspian kept his head down, Zayden already told him about meeting,so he just ate slowly while listening, too focused on not looking weak.
"I will be fine," Zayden reassured her.
Something clicked for Caspian. He looked up. "Are meetings dangerous?" he asked curiously.
"Of course not," Zayden patted him lightly on the back. "She is just too sensitive in these matters."
"Ohhh," Caspian eyed him. Then, softer: "...Then come back safely." He went back to eating.
"Hmm," Zayden hummed, a rare warmth in his voice.
"Okay! I have no problem. I'll accompany him!" Elara grinned widely at Caspian.
Zayden stared at her:
"If you agreed, then leave us alone. You already finished your breakfast."
Her grin faded instantly. She glared daggers at him. "You are as mean as ever, brother. I hate you." After dropping those lines, she got up and really disappeared into the palace.
Zayden just shook his head.Caspian looked at Zayden. "Is it about the marriage?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah. It's about that." Zayden set his chopsticks down. "After breakfast, get ready. We have to buy the wedding attire, and then we'll go from there to sign the papers and for the photoshoot."
Caspian nodded and started eating faster. No doubt about it — he was a slow eater, but today, he had a reason to hurry.
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