The tension in Cassian's safe house was a constant, suffocating presence. Arion was assigned a suite of rooms directly adjacent to the newly prepared nursery, a calculated move by Cassian to ensure Arion's obedience.
His boundaries were physical: a wall separated him from his son, and a host of armed guards separated him from the freedom he craved.
Arion understood his position with the grim clarity of a veteran soldier. He was a weapon, and his son was the safety mechanism. He had momentarily startled Cassian with his defiance regarding the uniform, but he knew that was only a small skirmish.
The real war was maintaining his boundaries and space within this gilded cage, particularly the boundaries that protected Aiden.
During his initial hours in the house, Arion was meticulous. He checked the nursery for listening devices, ensured the locks were sound, and established a silent, rigid protocol with the assigned nurse. an elderly beta woman chosen by Cassian for her loyalty and discretion. He made it clear, with cold, unwavering certainty, that no one, absolutely no one, was to touch Aiden without his express permission.
He was staking his territory, defining the lines of his servitude.
"Prince Cassian requires you to attend dinner this evening, Lord Arion," Varrus informed him, his expression unreadable.
"I will not leave Aiden until he is awake and fully recovered from the sedation," Arion stated simply, folding the new, dark training tunic he had agreed to wear. "Inform Prince Cassian that my duties to the mission begin tomorrow. Tonight, I am a father."
Varrus hesitated, a flicker of something that might have been respect crossing his face. "Understood, Lord Arion. I will relay the message."
Arion knew this defiance was risky, but it was essential. He needed to show Cassian that his value was tied to his consent, not his complete subjugation. He had to be careful. pushing too hard would bring the dagger back to Aiden's throat. but showing weakness was equally fatal.
****
While Arion was establishing his cold parameters, another player was making his move. Prince Lorcan, recovered from his terrifying ordeal and returned to his Southern delegation's lavish lodging, had been left with explicit instructions from Cassian not to mention Aiden.
But Lorcan, a naturally inquisitive and spoiled omega, was fascinated by the strange, brave boy who smelled like pine and danger.
Late that evening, Lorcan, having feigned illness to dismiss his own retinue, bribed a minor stable boy and found his way back to Cassian's safe house.
Slipping past the outer guards with surprising stealth a skill he likely honed sneaking out for clandestine visits he found his way to the private nursery suite.
Lorcan eased the nursery door open, his strawberry scent a faint, sweet whisper in the air. He found Aiden sleeping soundly in a magnificent four-poster crib, looking small and fragile beneath the silk covers.
Lorcan approached the crib, his usual arrogance replaced by a quiet curiosity. He gently touched Aiden's cheek. "You're the son of the Dragon-Slayer and the Serpent King," Lorcan murmured to the sleeping boy. "How terribly complicated. And you smell just like the mountains."
He looked around the elaborate room . a clear indicator of Cassian's wealth . then back at Aiden. Lorcan understood power, and he understood the immense, dangerous value Aiden represented. He didn't see an alpha rival; he saw a fellow pawn in the alpha's game, a potential ally.
"Don't worry, little shadow," Lorcan whispered, pulling his sweet-smelling silk cloak tighter. "I won't let your handsome, frightening father or your rude, intimidating uncle ruin your life. We omegas have to stick together, even if you are an alpha's son."
Lorcan stayed for only a few minutes, a silent, unauthorized visitor confirming the safety of his strange new companion. He left as silently as he came, having gathered the final piece of the puzzle: Aiden was safe, but completely within the control of Prince Cassian. Lorcan knew the game had changed, and he would have to play his part to protect the new secret he shared with the powerful Alpha Prince.
Arion spent the night in the room adjacent to the nursery, listening to every sound, every breath from his son. Im was trapped, yes, but i was no longer alone. I had a base, i had resources (however constrained), and i had my son. Kyon was still the target, but Cassian was the immediate, terrifying obstacle. I knew i had to play the game better than both of them to survive.