help me / bakudeku omegaverse /

Part 26

The morning of the council hearing arrived draped in muted tension. Even the air seemed to hold its breath, heavy with anticipation.

Izuku stood before the mirror in Katsuki's chambers, dressed in ceremonial court attire. The deep green tunic lined with gold trim framed his figure with quiet elegance, and his hair—softly curled, with a small vine-shaped gold pin that Mitsuki insisted he wear—rested neatly at the base of his neck.

He looked composed. But beneath the polished exterior, his heart thudded unevenly.

Katsuki approached from behind, adjusting the clasp on Izuku's shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone," he murmured.

Izuku met his eyes in the mirror. Gentle. Unwavering. "I know," he said softly. "But today...I need to stand on my own. Not because I want to, but because I'm ready to."

Katsuki stared at him a long moment before nodding once. "Kick their asses."

Izuku huffed a nervous laugh. "I'll try not to start a war."

"No promises," Katsuki muttered.

Mitsuki stepped into the room then, arms crossed. "Stop flirting and walk. They're waiting."

The council chamber was amphitheater-like, rising rows of ornate seats circling the center. Sunlight filtered in through stained glass, casting fractured colors across stone floors.

Katsuki sat at his place—center-left, at the head tier. Mitsuki stood along the left archway, poised like a strategist overseeing the battlefield.

Izuku walked alone to the center of the room, each step calm and measured. Heads turned. Conversations stilled. A few nodded with respectful neutrality.

Others—mostly older men, alphas bred on tradition and power—watched with eyes sharp as steel.

Izuku bowed.

"Thank you for convening today," he began, voice steady. "I understand there are concerns about my suitability as consort and, eventually, as a royal spouse."

The chamber fell into a weighted silence as Izuku finished his statement, back straight and hands calmly folded before him on the polished table. There was a soft murmur among the council members—some with approving nods, others with tight lips and narrowed eyes.

The eldest of the council cleared his throat. "There are those among us who believe Omega Izuku has proven his capability during these past weeks," he began carefully. "His composure has improved, his etiquette refined, and his dedication to the Crown is undeniable. Some members have expressed admiration at how swiftly he has adapted. I will state plainly: not all are against you."

A noblewoman, Beta class, lifted her chin. "Indeed. I find his discipline commendable. He came into court untrained and yet carried himself adequately at the banquet without formal guidance. That displays not only adaptability but a willingness to hold himself accountable. Few could do so under such pressure."

Another councilor spoke softly, "And his interactions with the young staff members. They speak highly of his humility, his kindness. That matters in a ruler."

Support rippled through the room. Several nodded. Izuku allowed himself a small breath of relief.

Then the shift.

"But," a younger Alpha councilman interjected, voice sharp, "one does not become royally fit through kindness alone." He folded his arms. "There are... concerns. Mainly among those of us who have witnessed or heard of... previous conduct."

An older Alpha to his right leaned forward, eyes stern. "We've heard accounts that during his time in that establishment, he rarely resisted. That, on numerous occasions, he seemed willing—eager even—to comply with his clients' requests."