Chapter Text
“Jimin Park, you must hurry! We cannot allow the other candidates to get there before us! The queen must see you early,” the shrill voice rang of Viscountess Jisoo Park rang up from the stairs.
The young man sighed at his mother’s fussing as he looked at himself in the mirror. Today was the first day of the season and he was going to be presented to the queen along with all of the other eligible young ladies and omegas in London. At 18, he was in the prime of his desirability. He straightened his jacket, picking a piece of lint off of his shoulder as his valet stood from buckling his shoes. “She really knows how to take the excitement out of something, doesn’t she Tae?”
Taehyung chuckled and nodded, “Indeed she does, Master Jimin. Try not to think on it too much. Focus on all the balls you will be going to and all of the handsome alphas you’ll get to dance with.” The beta smiled at his friend in the mirror, “You are going to have suitors lining out the door.”
“Are you not ready yet?” The door burst open and a middle aged woman rushed in like a whirlwind. “We have to leave. Everything must be perfect. You must be perfect.” She straightened the collar on his shirt, looking him over. His all white attire set his station as an omega being presented to the queen, but the fine details told of the wealth his family had. As an only child of a viscount, he would inherit all of it. With this in mind, his mother trained him night and day on how to be a proper omega worthy of the position that came with his family name. She accepted no failure on his part, always expecting perfection.
Jimin’s one companion was his beta valet, Taehyung, who had been by his side since he was a child, his father being the butler of their household. The two were as close as brothers and confided
in each other for everything. When the Viscountess Park was overbearing or demanding, it was Taehyung who comforted and encouraged the young omega.
“Mother, I will be ready momentarily. Just a few last minute things. Where is Papa?” Jimin asked.
His mother sighed and gestured to the door, her lavender scent sour with stress and frustration, “He’s downstairs, already in the brandy. You let me worry about your father. You just worry about impressing the queen. One negative look, one dismissive noise, and you will be finished before the season is even started. I will not allow it. Do you understand me, Jimin?” She wagged her finger at him as she adjusted the feather in her hair. “Now hurry up and come down. We must leave.”
“Yes Mother.” Jimin sighed and let Taehyung add the final touches to his look, pinning a diamond brooch to his cravat.
After a few minutes, the valet deemed him ready. He held Jimin’s arms, giving off calming waves of his caramel scent, “Breathe, smile, and she will love you.”
“Who, the queen or my mother?” Jimin asked, rolling his eyes.
“Both, as well as everyone else. Now go before your mother pulls you out by your ear.” Tae smiled and gently pushed his friend to the door.
Downstairs, Jimin saw his mother pacing by the door, his father standing there, looking bored and already annoyed. They all got into their carriage and headed towards the palace. Jimin looked out the window as they sped through the streets, trying to calm his nerves. As they arrived, they saw a dozen other omegas and young ladies already there, all dressed in white.
Jimin felt a pinch on his thigh, his mother’s jaw clenched, “If we had left earlier, you would be presented sooner.” He ducked his head, knowing she didn’t want a response. It almost sickened him how she plastered a smile on her face as they strode up to the others, his mother greeting them sweetly. The young omega greeted them too, some of the others being people he knew and was friendly with.
As the morning progressed, Jimin watched as the first omegas walked through the double doors to the throne room with their mothers. They could just peek into the other room and see the queen at the other end, they old woman inspecting each omega with an indistinguishable gaze. Some she nodded to and some she looked away from with a bored sigh. The girls and omegas in the latter category often burst into tears, one even fainting.
Finally it was Jimin’s turn. He took a deep breath and stood by the doors, his mother behind him on his right side. The doors opened and he walked in, his head held high and a soft smile on his face. Once he got to the end, he dropped into a low bow, hearing the herald announce him. As he waited for permission to look up, he heard people gasping. Suddenly a gloved hand came into his downturned gaze, tipping his chin up. To his surprise, the queen stood there, a smile on her face.
“Lovely. A perfect omega. I believe we have the jewel of our season. I expect an exciting match from you, Jimin. Don’t disappoint me,” she winked at him before turning to sit back down.
The omega felt his heart beating out of his chest as he bowed again, “Thank you, Your Majesty.” He walked to the adjoining room with the others, sinking into a chair as his mother came over, smirking and gloating.
“Did you hear that? My son is the jewel of the season. The queen expects a very advantageous match.” She sat beside Jimin, patting his hand, “You did very well, Jimin. I always knew you would.”
Jimin took a deep breath, not really believing that that had just happened. He looked around, seeing some of the others crying, some looking jealous, and a couple coming over to congratulate him. He was excited, but his mother whispered in his ear.
“Control your emotions and your scent. The room reeks of vanilla.”
He nodded, reigning in his excitement. After the last omegas came through, they all were led down some stairs, positioned two steps apart as they went down. Across the room, the doors opened and the rest of the ton came in, applauding the omegas and ladies on display. Jimin couldn’t help but beam, already seeing several young men watching him.
That night, he regaled Taehyung with the tale of the day as he was dressing for bed. “I still can’t believe it Taetae! She didn’t show that kind of favor to anyone else. Mother was beside herself.”
“I bet you were excited too. Did any alpha catch your eye?” Taehyung asked as he folded Jimin’s clothes.
The omega blushed and sat on his bed, “Not particularly, but I did see a few watching me. It...it was nice, Tae. It was nice to know that they wanted me.” He flopped back, giggling happily, “How will I ever sleep tonight?”
“Well you better find a way. Your first ball is in two days and you don’t want to look haggard. I bet your card will be full before you even make it into the ballroom.” Tae pulled the covers back to let him slide under them.
Jimin sighed happily, “Do you really think so?”
“Of course I do. Every alpha in the room will want to have you on their arm. Get some sleep, Master Jimin. I will see you in the morning.” Tae blew out the candles before he walked out, leaving the omega to snuggle into his bed, drifting off to a happy sleep.
※
In the dark of the midnight, a cloaked figure rode into the grounds of a large home not far from from the Park residence. He hopped off of his horse and strode inside, handing his things to a servant who ran over. Up the stairs, a man in night clothes walked down with a candle, “Who goes there?”
“Is that how you welcome your brother-in-law?” the stranger asked, coming into the light.
“Yoongi?! Is that you?!”
“Yes, Jin, it’s me.” Yoongi smiled as his brother-in-law ran down and hugged him.
Seokjin held the alpha close breathing in his spicy, nutmeg scent, “Thank heavens that you’re back safely. When did your ship come in?”
“Only a few hours ago. I had supper by the docks.” The dark haired man yawned as they headed back up the stairs.
“So tell me all about your travels. Where did you go this time?” Seokjin asked.
“Jinnie, I will tell you in the morning but right now I am exhausted and about to fall asleep on my feet.” Yoongi chuckled as Jin nodded.
“Of course! Let’s get you to bed. I’ve kept your room the same, even after almost a year,” he swatted at Yoongi’s arm. “You told me you would only be gone for four months, not eleven.”
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t planned. Goodnight, Jinnie” Yoongi gave his brother-in-law another hug, letting himself bask in the familiar, comforting scent of the omega’s strawberry scent. He slipped into his old room, not even taking the time to undress, just kicking off his shoes before flopping on the bed, asleep before his head hit the pillow.