His Majesty (Slide Away)

8.

John had soon led Paul into the drawing room, guiding him over to the seat beside the small round table in the corner of the room. The omega still looked nervous, his body tense as he stared down at the table. John could only frown in his direction, not sure how to help him relax.

He knew that if he was in Paul's shoes, he'd be just as mortified.

John decided on starting to explain what was to come next, hoping that being aware of some form of routine would bring Paul at least bring him some comfort, even if what was to come in the next few days wasn't going to be easy on him.

"I'm afraid that in the morning we must be out of bed at sunrise..." John spoke, nervously looking over at the just as nervous Paul from across the table. "I am sorry, Paul. I know it's been a long journey for you"

"It is no problem, John." Paul soon replied, but his tone didn't seem so convincing.

Before John could even think of another way to greatly apologise, the two froze at a small, timid noise. It sounded like scratching, and was coming from behind John.

"Ah." John hummed himself, standing up. Paul didn't say anything, just stared at him with an unsure expression. "Oh it's alright, honest." John smiled, fondly, upon catching his gaze, using his free hand to grip onto the golden door handle that led to his room. He hoped the introduction of Pyramus might help calm Paul down, though it was a long shot. "Question, do you like cats?"

The Omega's eyes shot wide open once more, the boy's rather timid and uncertain frown turning into a slightly excited smile. John smiled at that.

"Oh... Oh, yes. I adore cats." Paul chirped at the question, leaving John a little shocked at the outburst of sudden excitement. Nevertheless, the Prince let out a sweet chuckle, definitely relieved. But Paul must have noticed John's shock, the boy shrinking back into himself a little once again. "Sorry..."

"No, no... Please, do continue, Paul." John beamed, delighted when he saw the boy relax a little once more.

"I love cats, John. M-May I see it?"

"Of course, Paul..." John grinned, pushing the door open slowly.

Through the little gap, his darling pet came running out.

"Oh, hello, baby..." Paul cooed as the animal rushed straight over to the new and unfamiliar scent in the room.

"This is Pyramus, he is... Hmm... Eight years old, I believe." John grinned, "Aren't you, baby?"

The cat purred, lifting his body up so that his paws rested on Paul's grey trousers. The tabby began meowing at the omega, purring repeatedly. Paul certainly did not think this would be how his fist day turned out.

"He's such an attention seeker." John chuckled, stroking the cat sweetly over his head and down his back.

"Oh no, this is nothing..." Paul explained, feeling relaxed at the conversation of cats. "My brother and I, Michael, used to own a cat. Beryl was her name, and she used to purr every five minutes if we did not dote on her constantly." He chuckled, and John smiled up at him.

Paul wished they could have talked more about cats, the sleep must have brought something of confidence out in him, however a knock on the door of the drawing room cancelled his wish immediately, as well as his mood.

"Enter." John rose to his feet, and the cat immediately jumped down. The feeling of nerves returned to Paul's veins, and he dropped his head down once more.

"Sir." A man, who Paul had not yet met, bowed to John.

"Brian. What is it you desire?" John asked, his tone... Changing. It rather startled Paul.