“Well, yeah, that is how an omega… Back on topic!” Virion leaned forward, far more jovial than he should have been.
“Stamel has known since a few months after Mother passed. He came to meet you to see if there were any chances you two were compatible—which thank fuck you were not.” Seidrik huffed.
“Oh, so the fratricidal lump gets to know, but I don’t?” Virion tapped his foot.
“You were an easy distraction for Father.” Seidrik leaned back and took a heavy breath. “And once heknew you were omega, he barely listened to half of what I said. When they retested you after you manifested, I said six thalms higher and he only heardsixand went off. Most of our lives it’s been that way. I say one thing, Father hears another, and I don’t correct him. All I could think of was that he’d do worse to me.”
“Seidrik. You are an ass. I can’t count the number of times you’ve watched him emotionally abuse me while you smirked on the sidelines. And for reasons only the goddesses know why, I kept coming back to you looking for support. Even now, I’m doing your bloody paperwork.” Virion gestured at the log book and Seidrik winced, sinking lower in his seat.
“I know. I can’t apologize enough. Father acts chastened one moment and then angry the next. Back and forth. He bows to the goddess and once’s he’s had enough time to get brazen again, he’s back on his beta and alpha superiority drivel. I want to say you’d have done the same, but you’re too smart for that. In my shoes, you’d have probably protected me.”
“Maybe. But I’ve long ago given up on finding a family in Liaberos. Saria won’t even return my messages. I’d like to visit and see my niece.” Virion sighed heavily.
“She refused a telecon, so there’s no way but letters. She’s refused mine, too.” Seidrik stared at his desk as silence stretched and glanced up to see a fierce look on Virion’s face.
“They accepted it. One was sent to them, at any rate. Who told you they refused?” Virion frowned.
“Father.” Pieces clicked into place in Seidrik’s mind. “You don’t think he’s blocking our communications with her? Do you?”
“That’s precisely what I think.” Virion scoffed. “I’ll find a way. We’ll make sure she gets an invitation to your wedding.”
“Father says it’ll be a private affair.” Seidrik waved a hand dismissively.
“Did he, now?” Shrewd calculation glittered in his brother’s eyes. “Were I to inform other kingdoms via the telecon… He’d have to make an event of it.”
Seidrik choked. “You wouldn’t!”
“I would. Be thankful they’re not making you consummate before a witness.” Virion glanced Seidrik up and down. “Then again, you’re well consummated already. Tell me again how much of a whore I am?”
“Well, you didn’t have the privilege of kissing your mate and getting the spark when you were but a child.” Seidrik covered his face with his hand and huffed. “He came here looking for an omega to form attachments with and found one, I suppose.”
“Didn’t stop him from fucking around.” Virion snorted.
“Only one of them is his, the rest are illegitimate children he took in to save the omega as well as offer political benefits. But that stays between us.” Seidrik sipped his tea and groaned. “The goddess plans on splitting Liaberos.”
Virion raised a brow. “Liara and Beros once more?”
Seidrik nodded. “Your child will inherit Liara in time. Stamel and I will take over Beros as it once was. It’s been relegated as the slums for some time now, anyway. Everyone there is poor and taxed to death.”
Virion’s upper lip curled. “Father isn’t that great at sharing the goddess’ blessings. Years ago, I made a vague statement about sharing the wealth that vitalis generates with the citizens as a way to mitigate taxes and he sent me to my room without dinner.”
“Knowing the dinners he prefers, it was likely preferable.” Seidrik sighed. “And he only gets worse with the food. So bland.”
“I’ve noticed.” Virion sighed and glanced back to the paperwork, idly thumbing through entries. “You are my brother. I will continue to bless the font as the goddess asks. Until then, do your best to uplift our people. Okay?”
“I promise.” Seidrik wilted in his seat.
“Now, do you have anyone you can talk to about…” Virion made a gesture over his belly.
Seidrik shook his head.
“Alright. The Drashili healer travels with us. She’s blunt and heavy-handed. Walk with me to the thalmway. She stays in the royal cars while we visit.” Virion stood and stretched. “We’ll make an excuse that you’re going to escort me to see Nilla. Nemiah and I have a system, so he won’t ask questions. If anyone asks, I think one of my milk glands is infected and it hurts.”
“I don’t know if they’ll bel—” Seidrik recoiled as Virion pulled his tunic to the side to expose a rather swollen, red, and abused nipple.
“Goddesses!”
“Yeah… This is what you have to look forward to when they get a tooth. Now come, I want to see what sort of wings and horns you bear, beta brother of mine.” Virion glared and led the way.
