Chapter Text
Jack remembered being trepid but somewhat excited before his presenting ceremony. He, as well as everyone else in the kingdom, was certain he was going to present as an Alpha. He was lean but strong from years of training and being a knight in his kingdom. He was an excellent horseman, and an excellent shot with a bow and arrow. He was the Head Knight within his kingdom not because he was a prince, but because he had the abilities.
He was dressed in a traditional presenting clothe by a few maids. They made intricate knots with the cloth to cover Jack’s privates but also to display the toned body underneath. Jack felt incredibly exposed, but he supposed that was the point. The fact that they had ceremonies around something so personal ensured that little was kept hidden.
The maids were soon followed by a few priests who drew runes on Jack’s arms, chest, and back with a sweet smelling red paint. Jack assumed was made with some type of fruit from the strong sweet smell. He had no idea what the symbols exactly meant, but he remembered his mother had once explained to him that they were supposed to symbolize the Priests’ prayers and good wishes as the young boy or girl entered breedable age. Jack didn’t ask – he was too intimidated, something he wouldn’t admit to if asked, of the priests.
He was then blindfolded and lead into the throne room by the priests. Jack knew from the presenting ceremonies that he had attended before that the room was filled with noblemen and women from the nearby kingdoms. They would be huddled together, watching aptly, and leaving Jack and the Priests only a few yards in front the throne, where his father would be perched, watching.
There was a sudden silence as Jack was lead in front of the throne. Someone pushed lightly on his shoulders, prompting Jack to kneel down. Jack suddenly became more nervous as the priests began a prayer. They intermittently placed their hands on Jack, making the connection between Jack and the gods closer.
What if I don’t present as an Alpha? Jack thought, his nerves kicking into a new gear. What if I’m an Omega? Jack thought with horror. Jack tried to shake the thought away, just in case the simple act of thinking of being Omega would make it happen. He suddenly wouldn’t mind even being a Beta, like his two older sisters, because at least life would continue on as normal. Sure, he wouldn’t be able to have any children, but it wasn’t that important for him to procreate. He was the third son. The first two were both Alphas, so one of them would take the crown. If he presented as an omega, he would be sold to whoever his father chose, and forced into a life bearing children. Jack would have shuddered at the thought, but he was being held by the shoulders by a priest, finishing his prayer. He knew he was being ridiculous – of course he wasn’t going to be an Omega. He was built like an Alpha, so of course he was going to present as an Alpha, just like his father and brothers.
Suddenly there was break in the prayer. Nobody made a noise and the priests lifted their hands off Jack. Jack shifted uneasily on his knees – he knew what was next. A draft that would force his body into presenting his second gender would be poured down his throat. A few moments later, he felt the lip of a cup touch his lips. Someone’s hand was placed on the back of his head for support. He tipped his head back, opening his mouth to drink the draft. It tasted nasty. Jack almost spit it back out but he knew he had to swallow it. He immediately felt his belly begin to warm up as the draft settled in his stomach. It became more and more intense as time went on. Jack couldn’t see it, but he knew that the runes drawn on him would be glowing since he would present any second now.
Everyone sat in silence, waiting for a noticeable change. After a couple minutes, Jack suddenly felt a sharp pain down in his private area. It felt as though someone was running a dagger across his undercarriage. If he hadn’t been kneeling, he would have collapsed from the pain. Jack could feel that his cloth and legs were suddenly wet. He heard stifled gasps fill the room. The room was instantly filled with a strong, sweet smell. Jack could also smell blood, confirming what had made his legs and cloth wet.
It hit Jack what this all meant moments before the room erupted into a flurry of noise. Jack hung his lead low, his chin against his chest. He was hit with disappointment and embarrassment. He couldn’t see his father, but he could feel his eyes boring holes in him. A priest cleared his throat, hoping to calm down the crowd. The ceremony was not yet technically finished.
“Sean McLoughlin, Prince of Seytec, has presented as an Omega.” The Head Priest announced to the crowd. It once again erupted in a large wall of noise. Jack couldn’t make out what they were saying, but he couldn’t hear them. His heart was pounding so loudly, it was all he could hear. His mind began to race. Something’s wrong. I can’t be an Omega. Strong hands grabbed Jack’s arms and lifted him off the ground. I’m not supposed to be an omega. I’m a knight. Jack was momentarily grateful for the arms, there was no way he was going to be to stand on his own. He was still in tremendous pain and bleeding fast. To Jack’s surprise, however, they began to drag Jack. He started to panic. He’d never been to a presenting ceremony where the person had presented as an Omega, so he didn’t know what they were going to him.
Jack thought back to the ceremonies he had seen before. The Alphas were praised – The father of the Alpha would treat the child to a week of festivities. At the festival, girls threw flower petals at the new Alpha. The men in attendance would throw coins. The Betas were not nearly as celebrated, but everyone still loved a reason to party. They would have a celebration lasting a few days. Traditionally, the attendants would throw rice grains. But what about the Omegas? Jack couldn’t remember anything about what happens when Omegas present. Especially men Omegas.
Jack eventually gathered that they were dragging Jack out of the throne room. Before they cleared the threshold, Jack could have sworn he heard cries from his mother. There was no mistaking how broken-hearted she sounded. I have to leave the Kingdom. I’m going to be sold. Like a goddamn cow. Jack’s knight instincts took hold his nerves. He forced himself to stop thinking these thoughts – it wasn’t going to help being anxious in battle. And this appeared to be a new type of battle Jack had never fought in before.
They dragged Jack down long corridors and down a few flights of stairs. Jack, who thought he knew the castle very well, couldn’t think where they were possibly taking him. Eventually, they ended up in a room and Jack was thrown onto a bed. It wasn’t nearly as comfortable as his bed in his bedroom. It’s not your bedroom anymore. Jack thought solemnly, when suddenly the strong hands returned; they pushed Jack’s chest so he would be laying down on the bed. They grabbed his arms and shackled them to the bed posts. His legs soon received the same treatment. Jack suddenly felt very exposed, his legs were forced apart by the shackles, and the cloth he was wearing did not provide much cover. Jack couldn’t help but think for a moment that this was ridiculously unnecessary. Did he really need to be shackled?
He began to worry what the strong hands were going to do next. He knew that Alphas often couldn’t control themselves while in the presence of a vulnerable Omega and Jack couldn’t miss the strong Alpha scent in the room. And it obviously wasn’t Jack’s. He hated this feeling of helplessness. He was a knight. A warrior. He fought the shackles, despite them digging into his wrists and ankles and not giving Jack any reason to believe they would give way. He still was blindfolded, so he couldn’t see who his opponent was. He was well accustomed to feeling afraid, after all those years in battle, but never before did he have so little control over the situation. At least when he was in danger in battle, he had weapons. He was able to fight back.
Jack didn’t have to worry for too much longer. He heard their footsteps walk away from the bed. It was shortly followed by the closing of a door. He became very grossly aware of how alone he was. He realized that he had stopped bleeding at some point, but he still felt very sore. Jack had no idea how long it was going to take to heal, but he hoped that would be a long time. He knew at least that his father couldn’t sell him until he was completely ready to be bred. Sold and bred. Like a fucking milk cow. Jack’s stomach felt queasy at the thought. Jack couldn’t understand it. He could just hope that his father might decide to not sell him, or at least sell him to a caring Alpha. Jack knew that his father wasn’t going to consider either, but he didn’t have much else to hope for. Jack had a fleeting thought of running away, but he knew he couldn’t. Even if he somehow got out of the shackles, he wouldn’t be able to run. Not with the tear across his undercarriage.
The door opened, breaking Jack’s thoughts. His body stiffened in fear of what the stranger might do to him.
“Sean! ” Jack heard his mother cry out moments later. He was filled with relief. He felt his mother run a hand over one of his arms. Jack felt slightly soothed at his mother’s touch. Jack could hear his father clear his throat behind her. “I’m sorry.” She said, her voice wavering and quiet.
“This is rather unfortunate, isn’t it?” Jack heard his father say. Jack could distinctly hear the shame in his father’s voice.
“Wh-what’s going to happen to me?” Jack asked, his voice not sounding like his own. His voice was small, fearful, and struggled to get out of his mouth. It was nothing like the strong, hearty voice he had before.
“Well, first, a physician is going to come and examine you. Then, since you haven’t been properly trained as an omega, you will be taught how an omega must act. Once word travels about my third son presenting as an Omega, Kings and Noblemen will come to select you.” The King explained, disdain dripping from each word. Jack tensed at his father’s words.
“Surely we could pick a nice Alpha for Sean. He doesn’t deserve an abusive Alpha.” The Queen said, with intense concern.
“You and I both know I must pick the Alpha with the best offer.” The King said, anger rising. “I must think of our Kingdom, not just some Omega”
“He’s not just some Omega! He’s one of our sons! He is your Head Knight! Surely he means more to you than some property.” Jack’s mother fought, her anger rising as well. Jack felt his heart swell slightly – At least someone still recognized Jack as who he was.
“Yes, but we all must make sacrifices for what is important. Sean is going to go to the highest bidder – that is the final decision.” Jack’s father said, his voice returning to the cold, steely voice that Jack had always called growing up “The King Voice”.
“Do I really need to stay shackled? And blindfolded?” Jack asked, fearing the answer. He began to move his head against the pillow, attempting to remove the cloth that had been wrapped around his face.
“Of course you do. It’s all a part of your training. You must stay blindfolded because the first person you see as an omega must be your mate. It ensures that the bond will hold.” The King said, his anger dying down. Jack wasn’t sure how to respond. There was nothing to say. He couldn’t fight hundreds of years of tradition. There was a long beat between the three.
“Sean, do not think I am happy about this. I do wish to lose my best knight. This is simply how these things happen.” Jack’s father said this, while running a rough hand over one of his shackled arms. Jack assumed this was supposed to be comforting. But Jack had learned early on in life that his father would be anything but comforting.
Jack heard heavy footsteps walking away from his bed, meaning his Father had said all that he wanted to. His mother said a few more soothing words to Jack, and left soon after. Jack however wasn’t listening. Sean is going to go to the highest bidder. Less than 2 hours ago, Jack was a praised knight. Now he was an auction piece. Jack felt as those he might actually be sick, so he tried to stop thinking about it. He had limited movement, and the vomit would have nowhere to go. Instead Jack opted to sleep. He was tired. He assumed it was from the blood loss. He’d had a few injuries worse than this before, and was used to the faint feeling of having lost a lot of blood.
He hadn’t slept for very long before he was gently woken up by a vaguely familiar voice. Jack soon recognized it as one of the royal physicians. A physician is going to come and examine you.
“Your highness, I must examine you.” The physician did not wait for a response from Jack, and began to remove the clothe. Jack couldn’t help but stiffen when he was completely naked. He knew it was for the best for his health, and there was nothing to fear. He could smell that the physician was an Omega. Jack was momentarily amazed at all the new smells that presenting had brought him. He relaxed, and allowed the physician to look him over, clean his parts, and dress it with a salve. The physician left with a promise to return later to put more salve on him, and to check his healing. A maid came in a short while later, and draped a few blankets over Jack without speaking a word. Jack heaved a huge sigh. This is was his new life. He fell back to sleep after a few hours of reminiscing the days when he was free. He tried to not think about how those days were only yesterday.
After about a week, the physician had determined Jack had healed well enough to be subjected to the first part of his ‘training’ to be an Omega. Jack found out this was in the form of a chastity belt. It was heavy, and tight, and from what Jack could tell had three separate locks. He had still not been dressed since the physician had removed his clothe, so he somewhat appreciated that the belt provided some cover for Jack. Jack had to hold back laughter when he realized what exactly it was when they placed the belt on him. As if Jack, shackled and blindfolded, was about to go off and have an affair. However, it soon registered that the chastity belt was not to stop Jack from being promiscuous too soon, but to protect him from those who wouldn’t be able to control themselves. He shivered at the thought, and began to appreciate it even more, thinking back to when he was first placed in this room and the strong Alpha arms that shackled him in.
Jack soon realized that the chastity belt was going to be the easiest part of his training. A few hours later, those who had placed the belt returned. And to Jack’s surprise, they removed the shackles. He felt so relived – the shackles had made his wrists and ankles sore. Strong arms lifted him out of the bed, careful to not move the blindfold. However, unlike before, they did not need to hold Jack’s weight, and Jack was able to walk (waddle is more accurate with the addition of the chastity belt).
Jack was lead into room that smelled strongly of fire. Jack couldn’t imagine where this was going. They didn’t hadn’t said anything to him, which seemed to be the new normal. Jack had gotten used to his questions being ignored, but that didn’t stop him from asking.
“What the hell is happening?!” Jack asked as the strong arms brought Jack closer to what Jack assumed was the fire. He could feel the heat licking his entire front side.
“Hold him tight – the first one is nearly ready” said a voice that Jack recognized as the royal blacksmith. Jack felt the hands on his arms tighten. Some new hands grabbed Jacks feet and held them firmly to the ground. Jack started to panic. Were they going to burn him? Jack couldn’t imagine how this tied into being an Omega.
“Alright.” The blacksmith said, but Jack didn’t even get a moment to think about what was next. Jack felt an incredibly white hot stabbing in the area right above where the chastity belt ended on his lower stomach. Jack couldn’t help but scream out in pain – he fought the hold that the men had on him but they didn’t budge. Within the intense pain, Jack realized what was happening. Branding. They are branding me. Jack cried out, beginning to see stars from the pain, but was soon relieved when the iron was gone. Jack felt someone run a finger over the spot, examining their work. Jack could feel tears welling up in his eyes from the pain. Jack anticipated the arms lifting him to leave, but when this didn’t happen, he was hit with the realization of what the blacksmith had said. The first one is nearly ready. There was more to come. Jack wasn’t certain he was going to make out of this alive. Well, he was probably going to live, but he definitely wasn’t going to finish this conscious.
Jack had no warning for the next one, besides the sudden tightening of the hands on his arms and legs. Jack couldn’t tell what was possibly being branded onto him, but he knew it probably wasn’t flattering. From what Jack could tell, each piece was about 2 inches wide and tall. This second was placed next to first one.
Unfortunately, Jack was conscious for the entire branding. Three more after the first two. Also unfortunately, it didn’t get any easier with each iron. Each was placed next to previous one. Later, when Jack’s head wasn’t muddy with pain, he would realize it was a word that was branded onto the front of him. Jack wouldn’t admit it, but he wanted to cry at his new predicament. Shackled, blindfolded, and now branded. This didn’t even included what was to come. Jack partly wished that someone would come for him already. But that was assuming that they weren’t a complete monster. Jack managed to fall asleep that night, but not before the pain from the branding died down enough.
Each day afterwards, Jack awoke to the sound of his door opening. His heart would sink, knowing he had another long day ahead of him. Each day, priests, maids, and others that Jack did not recognize would come and teach Jack how proper Omegas treated their Alphas. Depending on the lesson, Jack would be taken out his shackles, only to be shackled to a chair or a post. Jack soon got the gist of it – He was not to speak out of turn, speak against his Alpha, and do whatever his Alpha asked. Jack liked the maids the most – they taught Jack actual useful things. Cooking basics, how to care for a newborn, amongst other domestic topics. They also didn’t whip Jack when he got things wrong or forgot that he wasn’t to speak out of turn, like the others. Sometimes, even his mother or father would come and keep Jack company between lessons. Well, his father spent more of his time reinforcing to Jack that he must respect his Alpha than keeping Jack company, but at least it was a familiar voice for Jack. He was getting used to not having sight, but missed it desperately. Especially when his sisters visited him, bringing him flowers that they claimed were Jack’s favorite.
After a month of this, Jack was no longer the man he was before. Fear ate Jack at every moment. The small part that was Jack that was left knew it ridiculous to be so fearful. But anxiety grabbed at Jack every time he heard footsteps outside his door, every time there was a pregnant pause after he had answered something in his lessons, and every time someone touched Jack. If Jack from 2 months ago met this Jack, he would be ashamed.
However, Jack only had to suffer through the lessons for the one month, because the day that he feared came. He knew it, because when the maids came in his room that day, they did not pick back up on their previous topic. They instead gave Jack a sponge bath. None of them spoke a word to him. Jack supposed they pitied him. They then placed bracelet and anklets made of flowers on Jack. He also was treated to a necklace made of flowers, and a flower crown. Prettying me up. To be sold.
The maids left in silence, and Jack simply had to wait. No one else came in, and it ate Jack up. He just wanted to get it over with – the waiting was agonizing. But eventually, Jack heard the footsteps of at least three men outside his door. This is it. Jack thought as the door was opened, and the footsteps lead themselves into the room.
“Well, here he is. You can trust that he has been properly trained. He is a strong Omega – he was one of my best knights before he presented.” Jack’s father said, approaching his bed. Jack stiffened, feeling that all the attention was on him. He couldn’t see it, but he could the feel the scrutinizing stares from the other occupants in the room.
Jack heard footsteps of someone walking up close to the bed. They brushed their fingers over the spot where he had been branded. He heard them silently “Hmph” in response. Jack started to wonder if he possibly wasn’t good enough to be picked. What would happen then? What would happen if no one wants him? Would his father eventually give up on his lessons, and let him live in shame until he dies?
“He’s rather small, isn’t he?” the person above him said. He had a deep, rumbling voice, but it was young. Jack could smell his Alpha scent. This was most likely who he would be mated to. Jack noted the man had a different accent to his.
“Is he not to your liking?” The other occupant in the room spoke. His voice was similar to the Alpha above him – however it was deeper, and definitely belonged to an aged man. His father.
“I can’t see his face?” He inquired, and Jack felt his hands touch the blindfold.
“No, Mark, You have to wait until you’re about to bond with him, if you choose him.” His father replied, walking up to the bedside. Jack felt the hands leave the blindfold.
Mark. His name is Mark. And he is just as new to this as I am.
“He is smaller, but he very strong. He rides horses with ease. He can lift a man much bigger than him like he is nothing. He can provide very strong children.” Jack’s father said. They couldn’t hear it, but Jack could tell his father was nervous.
There was a long silence, as Mark and his father examined Jack. They must have offered a great price if his father was this desperate for them to agree it.
“Yeah, sure, he’ll do.” Mark said to his father eventually, and Jack felt his stomach drop. This was it.
“Excellent! I’ll get my scribe to write up the papers.” Jack’s father said, clear excitement in his voice. And with that, Jack’s new life as an omega began.