Criston had been the most petty alpha since the very day that Rhaenyra Targaryen told him she didn't want to be mates with him. That she had 'used' him for his body. He should have noticed sooner, honestly. Considering she didn't allow him to give her a claiming bite or properly knot her.

There were many things that Criston had thought of doing to get back at her. But this one was the worst of them. And the most ironic thing about it? Criston wasn't even thinking of getting back at her, this was just something he desired. It had been a long time since that day with Rhaenyra, years to be exact. And Rhaenyra was now a mother.

Amongst the Princess's many pups, there was a daughter, an omega, that stood out to him. Her scent, every time he smelled her, he was put into a rut. The air seemed to thicken with her essence, sweet and inviting like ripe summer fruit. And ninety-nine percent of the time, the omega wasn't even in heat. Just something about her appealed to Criston's alpha biology. He wanted her and he needed her.

The only issue? He was a Kingsguard and she was a Princess who lived on Dragonstone, so he rarely saw her. But it was his lucky day when her younger brother's legitimacy was called into question, requiring her and her family to return to the Red Keep to put an end to the claims. The stone walls seemed to echo with the weight of their arrival.

A fight broke out during supper between the alpha boys of each side of the family, the clatter of silverware and raised voices drowning out the music. This cut short Criston's viewing of her. But tonight, he was determined to gain her affections, his heart pounding in his ears as he chased her scent like a panting hound to catch her before she left.

Luck favored him when he found her alone in her temporary chambers. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across her features as Criston swallowed thickly, his chest heaving with exertion. Remembering their difference in status, he strained his posture and offered a stiff bow.