I was at a loss of words when Augustus told me that. Unable to even think of a way to express what I was feeling. He waited for a minute in case I wanted to say something, but when I stayed silent, he continued with his story.

　　“The shaman who claimed I was a bad omen to my family warned my father that as long as I am in their life, I will only bring misery to them. My mother was quick to send the shaman away, but she had already gotten to my father’s mind and he, being the superstitious man he is, did not hesitate to order the guards to…” his words trailed off. “My mother had to beg him, compromising with him that sending me away would still mean I would be out of his life and that’s why I was raised inside this manor.”

　　“Augustus…”

　　“Truthfully, I am grateful to have Viggo and the rest. They have been with me since I was a child after all.” He confessed. “So, does this ease your endless wondering about why I do not really show any concern for my biological family?” he asked, turning to look at me. He then tensed up when he saw my face.

　　I did not know what he said that made my heart ache so much, but the tears were suddenly overflowing my eyes. He was shocked to say the least, watching me suddenly break down in tears.

　　“S-Sorry…I don’t know what’s gotten in with me.” I muttered, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. I quickly remembered that he did not want my pity, and yet here I was crying for him. to be thrown away by his own family, to be raised in this big manor all by himself. It must have been so lonely…so sad.

　　“Don’t cry. This is nothing to be sad about. I have a good childhood looking aside the constant hatred I got from my siblings and peers. Viggo and the others took care of me, and I had all the books to read. I suppose I could even say that I was happy.”

　　“Even still…” I sobbed, thinking back to all those times I was stuck in my room because of my illness. I was happy when mother or Aiden would visit but that was just a portion of my entire childhood spent trapped in my room. Even then I felt an overwhelming feeling of loneliness to the point where I was willing to sneak out of the castle walls.

　　Augustus can say that he was fine, that he was happy with whatever he had but imagining a young Augustus sitting in this large library all alone only made my heart ache even more. He then leaned closer to me, peering at my face suddenly. His image was blurry due to my tears, and I tried to back away because I did not want him to see me like that.

　　“You have a beautiful crying face.” he blurted, causing me to gawk at him. “Is that…strange to think?”

　　“I…” his scent was getting stronger, and I unconsciously leaned forward to inhale him even more. “Are you…wearing something? It smells really nice.” I said without thinking. Realisation kicked in and I was about to apologise for saying something strange, but Augustus merely pulled back and stood up.

　　His face was one of indifference, but the urgency of his movements could not be hidden. “Supper should be ready soon; you should go ahead.” He uttered quickly as he walked ahead towards the exit.

　　“W-Wait…where are you going?” I called out.

　　“Do not concern yourself about me, princess.” He said softly before disappearing behind the heavy doors. I sat there for a long moment, wondering if Augustus had fled from me because I had said something strange. I remained in the library for a bit longer, both to calm myself after crying and to remain in the spot where his scent still lingered. It gave me a sense of comfort and the more I started to wonder why, the less logical explanations I found. 

　　I then made my way to the dining hall, meeting up with Rodrick and Anne along the way. Anne complained about the weather and Rodrick teased her and told her she should have stayed back at the Southern Kingdom. They bickered as usual as we waited for Augustus to arrive but several moments passed and he was still absent. Viggo then entered the hall and told us that he would not be joining us for supper.

　　I could see the disappointment in Viggo’s face since the food the chef prepared was all Augustus’ favourite meals. I had a feeling that Augustus was avoiding me after what had happened in the library but was complimenting someone over their scent an offence? Why would he want to avoid me because of that? I tried to not think about it and enjoyed the food presented to us.

　　Even as I engaged in conversation with Rodrick and Anne, I knew that at the back of my mind, I was starting to worry about Augustus’ sudden shift in behaviour—something was not right.

　　*

　　After supper, we excused ourselves to return to our rooms. I had gotten changed into my nightwear but due to the horrendously cold weather, I had wrapped myself in a thick cloak. I sat on the bed with a book Augustus lent to me propped open on my lap. The howling winds outside kept taking my attention away from the story as I mindlessly stared out of the window.

　　I then heard a sound coming from the door. At first, I assumed it was just my mind playing tricks on me but then a loud knock caused me to flinch from shock. I went towards the door, slowly pulling it open to be greeted by the warm light coming from an oil lamp. I turned to the person holding the lamp.

　　“Viggo?”

　　“Princess… I apologise for bothering you at such a late hour, but it is Prince Augustus.” He said urgently.

　　“What’s wrong with him?”

　　“He… His rut has arrived, but he told me to keep it a secret from you. I know I should keep to his wishes, but he is suffering. As his wife, I believe that it is not right to keep anything from you.”

　　“His rut,” I repeated, as everything started to make sense. The scent that I was so drawn too was his alpha scent. I swallowed a strange lump that formed in my throat.

　　“I know this is not my position to say anything, but I hope you can help him ease his suffering, princess.”

　　“Could you take me to him?” I asked. Viggo did not waste any time as he immediately guided me to Augustus’ room.

　　After living with the alphas, I had never seen any of them during their rut. I wanted to believe that just as I monitored my cycle, they were doing the same and would be in their rooms during their ruts. It was not as though I see them every day in the palace so that would make sense. But I have heard reports about an alpha’s rut before and truthfully, every step I took towards Augustus, I could feel my heart pounding. I was not sure if it was due to anticipation or due to fear.

　　I could smell the scent getting stronger, intoxicating even. Viggo excused himself when he showed me the door to Augustus’ room and passed me the key. I stood outside for a moment, as the light for the lamp he held vanished, and I was surrounded by darkness. If I entered this room, I would be face to face with Augustus who would have his alpha in control of his body. The thought of that was truly frightening.

　　I mustered enough courage to unlock the door and push it open. I tried to control my breathing, but his scent was overwhelming me. It was not as though it was corrupting my mind like how an omega’s heat did to an alpha but the scent was too much for me that I was struggling to breathe in properly.

　　“Augustus?” I croaked.

　　He shot up into a seated position on the bed when he heard my voice. “Why…are you here?” he asked, voice strained. I walked towards him but he held out his hand to stop me from coming any closer. “Stay where you are!” he ordered, and I froze. This was the first time he had raised his voice at me.

　　“You are going through your rut, right? Let me help you…”

　　“Help? Why would you…want to do that?”

　　“Because we are—”

　　“Husband and wife?” he said before I could finish my sentence. I nodded. “Heh. You should leave while I’m still in control.”

　　“Why won’t you rely on me, Augustus?”

　　“I will hurt you…I am not myself when I am in my rut,” he spoke breathlessly, clearly struggling to form a proper sentence.

　　I went towards him, getting on the bed and taking hold of his outstretched hand. He was breathing harshly, slowly losing himself to his rut, to his desire to mate. I rested his open palm on my cheek and relaxed my head on his hand gently. “Everything is going to be alright.”