The Rightful King

Allen | 047

            There were a lot of traditions that came with a mating ceremony. The actual proceeding would happen after nightfall, under the full moon, in the royal temple specifically meant for such occasions. It was the first time Robbie or Allen would be visiting it, neither of them being particularly religious. He'd seen the temple on television though, during King John's funeral.

The entire celebration would be eight days long. The first night would consist of the mating ceremony, and following would be one continuous party, nonstop feasts, dances, hunts, and other festivities. It would end under the Third Quarter, when he and Robbie would be crowned as Scott's consorts. Everything would settle by sunlight, and they would be left mated and rulers of Othebia.

The traditions began the morning of the mating ceremony. Allen woke up first, sandwiched between the Omegas. Robbie was faced away from him, back tucked against his side, curled up as he slept. Scott was turned toward Allen, head pillowed by his arm, one leg thrown over his hip. It was strange to wake up while Scott was still sleeping, soft snores escaping his parted lips as he dreamt. It was nearing eight, much later than the King usually rose. Allen slipped out of the nest as quietly as he could, though the Omegas barely stirred. Scott rolled over to fill his absence, curling his arms around the younger and burying his face into his nape. He allowed himself a couple of more seconds to watch them before he moved to their ensuite.

He began filling the tub with steaming water. It was a large tub, so it'd take a while, and turned to the additives that had been left out before. It was an assortment of herbs and flower petals. He started with dumping the bath salts first, mixing the water around to help them dissolve, then let it fill some more before adding the rest. He felt like he was making a giant cup of tea, especially when the room began smelling of the herbs. He turned the tap off when it was full, then when to join his lovers in the nest again.

Scott was awake when he returned.

He was still curled against Robbie, but he lifted his head as Allen crawled into the nest. Robbie was still snoring away, dead to the world. "Good morning." He whispered, accepting Allen's kiss to his cheek. "Is it bath time?"

"In a minute," He replied, moving to plant a kiss on Robbie's head, "You think he'll wake up anytime soon?"

"You'd think so, with how anxious he was last night. He drank nearly a whole kettle of that tea before he finally got to sleep last night. Are you nervous?"

"A little," Allen admitted, laying down beside Scott and wrapping his arm around both of his partners, "This will be our first public appearance as your mates. I want to leave a good impression."

"You will. Everything is planned out and we've done multiple rehearsals. And even if you trip on something and make a fool of yourself, you're still mine, and people will forget of it quickly."

"Thanks." Allen smiled, scenting his neck.

Waking Robbie up was relatively easy, all things considered. A few kisses and the promise of a warm bath had him up, sleepily stumbling to the bathroom and allowing Allen to undress him. The bath was a symbolic thing, the entire day was really, but the bath itself was meant to represent rebirth and purity for the Omegas. Allen figured it was some religious thing, some sort of nod to the Goddess that he didn't fully understand. Regardless he was in charge of it, taking time on each of his lovers, massaging shampoo into their hair and running bubbling soap over their bodies. Robbie's cheeks were flushed, though whether it was from the heat of the water or the way his hands glided over his skin Allen didn't know.

The rest of the day was spent similarly. Back in the day, when arranged matings were more commonplace, the day was meant for the mates to be, for everyone involved to get to know each other. Now it was mostly a day of rest, in preparation for the long night ahead of them. Scott in particular seemed to be antsy, unsure of what to do with the empty hours stretching before them. He entertained himself by trying to teach Robbie how to play chess, but the younger was bored almost immediately, and suggested they spend their time in the video game room.