Fallen General's Omega (BL)
Chapter 139: What happened at the banquet

Chapter 139: What happened at the banquet

From the corner of his eye, Noelle watched as Victor and Oliver slipped out of the banquet hall. Honestly, Oliver shouldn’t even be here, not with the size of his stomach. Meanwhile, Noelle hadn’t even begun to show yet, but he’d already abandoned form-fitting clothing in favor of comfort—a soft, voluminous designer blouse with long sleeves and a pair of slacks. The outfit was understated but elegant, fitting for his reserved presence at the edge of the festivities.

He unconsciously reached for the star-shaped charm on his choker, fingers grazing it as if it might bring him closer to Thorne. He missed him terribly, the ache magnified by the flood of emotions that seemed to shift by the minute. One moment he wanted to cry; the next, he felt overwhelmed with joy. When Thorne finally returned, he mused with a wry smile, he’d make sure his husband suffered. He chuckled inwardly, imagining how he’d "punish" Thorne by demanding endless affection and little luxuries—things he would gladly indulge in without a moment’s hesitation.

Seeing a cluster of nobles approaching, Noelle made a swift decision to avoid conversation. He turned to Doris, his loyal attendant. "Let’s get some air," he murmured, and together they slipped out into the cool night.

As they stepped into the cool night air, Noelle felt a weight lift, breathing in the crispness that instantly soothed him. They moved further into the garden, passing under canopies of leaves that glistened in the moonlight. Ahead, the vast maze of tall, leafy walls stretched out, an elaborate construction that seemed to be a staple in noble households. Noelle couldn’t help but scoff slightly at the excessiveness of it all. Seraphina’s estate had a maze, too—one he had carefully avoided. These elaborate gardens were crafted for gatherings, gossip, and the endless tea parties he so skillfully dodged.

He would participate if Thorne ever asked it of him, of course, but his husband’s authority hardly depended on such connections.

But as he and Doris wandered deeper into the quiet refuge of the garden, a pair of golden eyes watched from afar. Hidden among the columns of the terrace, a certain royal stood, gaze fixed intently on Noelle’s graceful figure.

Noelle closed his eyes briefly, savoring the cool night air and the delicate fragrance of flowers drifting through the garden. But his peace was soon broken by a voice behind him.

"Having you here makes the garden even more beautiful," came the smooth yet slurred voice of the Crown Prince, his words tinged with the unmistakable scent of alcohol.

Noelle turned calmly, his expression neutral, before offering a respectful bow. "I greet your highness," he said evenly, catching Doris doing the same from the corner of his eye.

The prince swayed slightly, his gaze fixed on Noelle with a warmth that bordered on intensity. "No need for formalities," he murmured, stepping closer, eyes raking over Noelle as though assessing him.

The prince’s eyes gleamed with thinly veiled interest as he moved a step closer. "There was an article about you, you know," he said, his tone smooth, with an edge of something more.

"They say your beauty rivals even the finest paintings in the royal gallery. Seeing you here... well, I’d say that’s an understatement."

Noelle kept his expression calm, though his patience began to wear thin. "Your highness is too kind," he replied, voice steady and polite. "Though I assure you, I am quite ordinary compared to the grandeur of your court."

The prince chuckled, clearly amused by Noelle’s deflection. "Humble, too. But why such modesty?" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, "One like you, a beauty that brought the famed crimson general to his knees?"

Noelle held back a sigh, his fingers tightening briefly on his choker. "I am honored by your highness’s words," he replied with practiced calm, taking a step back.

The prince’s smile faltered momentarily, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "Ah, yes. But, surely, one as beautiful and intelligent as yourself is wasted out here in the shadows. A gem should be admired." His voice dropped, his gaze uncomfortably intense. "It wouldn’t be the first time someone enjoyed... more than one attachment."

Noelle’s jaw tensed, though he maintained his polite tone. "Your highness honors me with his attention. However, my loyalty is resolute. My husband, my mate is a man I deeply respect and love, and I find great joy in our life together. I wouldn’t wish for anything else."

The prince raised an eyebrow, a flicker of displeasure behind his smile. "How loyal of you," he said, a touch more sharply.

"Join me on a walk"

Noelle’s body tensed at the prince’s invitation, a simple request laced with a tone of command that left little room for refusal. He hesitated, glancing at Doris beside him, unsure of whether to accept. But with a respectful bow, Noelle finally nodded in agreement, following the prince as they turned toward the garden’s sprawling maze.

As they reached the entrance, the prince paused and looked pointedly at Doris, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "I should have clarified—a walk," he said, then added with an almost mocking sweetness, "Alone."

Doris, ever protective, clenched her fists, clearly ready to object. But a quick glance from Noelle stopped her. They were in the royal palace; defying the crown prince was not only unwise but potentially dangerous. Still, seeing the hesitation linger in their eyes, the prince added with a mocking tone, "Oh, come now. What could I possibly do to the Crimson General’s omega?"

His words dripped with a thin veneer of innocence, but Noelle could sense the subtle threat beneath. Reluctantly, he gave Doris a final reassuring nod before stepping forward, signaling her to stay behind. With an obedient bow, she stood back, watching as he entered the maze alongside the prince.

Once inside, the walls of greenery loomed around them, dense and shadowed, cutting them off from the distant sounds of the banquet. The prince walked slowly, hands clasped behind him, casting glances at Noelle with a sly smile that made the omega’s skin crawl. The silence stretched between them, thick with an unspoken tension, until the prince finally spoke, his voice smooth.