* * *

The two men, nearly equal in height, glared at each other with murderous intent.

The sweet aroma that had filled the tent was now drowned out by the suffocating clash of their pheromones.

“Weren’t you the one who once said you’d never lay a hand on a drunk omega or caress their waist?”

“That’s…”

“So it’s unacceptable to touch a drunk omega, but it’s fine to do so with one intoxicated by pheromones? Explain yourself.”

“I already said—I’m serious about Remy.”

“No. If you were truly serious, you wouldn’t act like this. You know full well that Remy hasn’t even experienced his first heat yet.”

Ashton’s sharp words cut through the tension, and his gaze shifted to Remy, who was still struggling to catch his breath, completely overwhelmed by the pheromones.

“Remy, get up. Pull yourself together.”

Stepping closer, Ashton adjusted the disheveled gown clinging to Remy’s damp body.

The young man remained limp, his breathing ragged.

“Damn it…” Ashton cursed under his breath, anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Despite the fury boiling inside him, he forced himself to remain calm.

Making a scene would only lead to more damaging rumors about Remy.

He had to handle this delicately.

Scooping Remy into his arms, Ashton lifted him from the water.

The omega’s soaked body was heavy, water dripping from him as Ashton held him securely.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Haywards grabbed Ashton’s shoulder, spinning him around.

His usual composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen, and Ashton, equally furious, glared back at him.

“Let go, Your Highness.”

“Put Remy down. Now.”

“No. I’ll take him. I’ll personally ensure he gets back to his quarters and falls asleep safely.”

“If anyone’s taking him, it’s me. I’ll stay with him until he’s asleep.”

“No. I’m sorry, but I no longer trust you, Your Highness.”

Unable to hold back his anger, Haywards grabbed Ashton by the collar.

As Remy stirred weakly in Ashton’s arms, Haywards leaned in close, his voice dropping dangerously low.

“Didn’t you hear me? Put Remy down. Leave him here.”

Despite the overwhelming pressure of Haywards’ potent alpha pheromones, Ashton released his own in defiance, filling the space with a clashing intensity.

The escalating pheromones only worsened Remy’s condition, his body trembling in discomfort.

“Ugh… ah…”

For a moment, Ashton glanced down at Remy, his expression softening.

That slight distraction allowed Haywards to tighten his grip on Ashton’s collar.

“This is the last time I’ll say it. Put Remy down. If you value your life even a little, walk away now.”

Despite his royal status, Haywards knew he couldn’t simply kill a duke’s son without severe consequences.

Yet at that moment, his words carried an unshakable resolve—he was prepared to risk everything.

“Your Highness! Are you alright?”

The royal guards, belatedly realizing the commotion in the shared bath tent, rushed in.

Seeing Ashton locked in conflict with the third prince, they moved to restrain him.

As they bound Ashton’s arms, Remy slipped from his hold and fell into Haywards’ embrace.

Haywards cradled Remy as though holding the most precious thing in the world, while Ashton, restrained by the guards, glared silently at the prince.

“What should we do about the young duke, Your Highness?”

This was undeniably treason against the royal family.

To not only oppose the third prince but to glare as if to kill while releasing menacing pheromones—this was not something that could be brushed aside.

“Escort him back to his quarters.”

“But, Your Highness—”

“It was nothing significant. Let’s not make a fuss.”

Despite having just moments ago threatened to kill someone, Hayward surprisingly maintained his composure, exuding an air of magnanimity.

This was partly because he was satisfied with having Remy back in his grasp and partly because he had humiliated Ashton enough to make his point.

Additionally, he didn’t want the incident to become public knowledge.

Punishing Ashton would inevitably bring this situation to light, and that would only create more trouble for Remy than anyone else.

Ashton, too, quickly grasped Hayward’s intentions. He didn’t want Remy to be caught up in complications either, so he refrained from escalating the situation further.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll return on my own.”

Ashton shook off the guards gripping his arms and stepped back willingly.

Though his eyes lingered on Remy, who was cradled in Hayward’s arms, he clenched his fists and forced himself to retreat.

“Your Highness, what are your orders?”

“Let him go. He said he’ll go alone.”

At Hayward’s command, Ashton turned away.

Given how far things had already escalated, Hayward wouldn’t dare act recklessly with Remy now.

He knew that an Omega’s scent could linger on an Alpha for a day or two after intimacy, and Ashton’s unpredictable nature made Hayward cautious about provoking him further.

“Your Highness…”

“I’ll personally escort Viscount Wesley to his quarters. You bring a dry blanket.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Right away.”

At Hayward’s orders, the guards left the tent.

As he waited for the blankets, Hayward gazed down at Remy, whose face still looked strained and weary.

Hayward felt sympathy for Remy, but he did not regret his earlier actions.

No, if given the opportunity again, he would seize it without hesitation.

He wanted this Omega, no matter what.

“I always get what I want. Even if it’s an Omega with a high-and-mighty attitude.”

He pressed a cold kiss to Remy’s clammy forehead.

“So just accept it. Unless you’d rather see what I’m truly capable of.”

The guards returned with large blankets, wrapping the soaked Remy and the bare-chested prince in warm comfort.

---

The four-day hunting competition progressed smoothly, save for two injuries.

Remy, having twisted his ankle, was excluded from hunting starting the next day.

It marked the first time both Omegas participating in the competition had to withdraw.

However, even the Omegas were allowed to join the final day’s hunt, as their conditions had significantly improved.

“Still no sight of the so-called golden stag, huh?”

“Yeah, strange. By the second or third day, you’d usually expect it to show up.”

“Exactly. Something feels off this year.”

On the last day of the hunt, the legendary golden stag remained elusive.

While everyone knew it was a mythical creature, there was usually at least some prey worthy of the title.

This time, even that was missing.

The participants murmured among themselves, worried that no family would claim victory in this year’s competition.

“Come on, let’s get it together and find the golden stag! We can’t have a competition with no winner, especially when the third prince is here!”

Thanks to someone with impeccable social skills, morale soared once again.

Hayward, though outwardly indifferent, clearly appreciated the gesture.

He took the lead as the group regrouped and prepared to set out.

“Let’s move out.”

At Hayward’s command, the participants began to move.

“You’re sticking to the rear with Remy again?”

Rex shot a dissatisfied look at Ashton, with Allen by his side, his expression equally disapproving.

“Don’t worry about me. Just go ahead and keep an eye on Allen.”

“What’s with you lately, Ashton? Starting to feel a little left out here. You’ve been all about Remy recently.”

Allen’s complaint interrupted Ashton and Rex’s exchange.

Ashton soothed him with his usual gentle tone.

“You’ve got Rex, don’t you? Besides, you know Rex doesn’t like Remy. Someone’s got to look out for him.”

“Ugh. Seriously… you’re too nice for your own good.”

“Maybe. But Allen, don’t forget it was Remy who saved you.”

“Th-that’s true, but still…”

* * *