For Izuku's heat, a good portion of Shoto's wardrobe was donated. Shoto was almost tempted to move the Omega into his own room for the duration of his heat, but then thought better of it.

Before the Emperor had left, he relieved all restraints on the Omega. He still had to have at least a guard accompanying him, but he was allowed to do as he pleased.

Meaning escape.

Shoto worried on his lip, slouched over his father's desk. His eyes faced the parchment before him, but they were unfocused as his mind was elsewhere.

He didn't want Izuku to leave. He wanted to hold him close, never let him go. He wanted to show Izuku he could be the mate the Omega has always wanted- always dreamed.

However... He knew it must be Izuku's choice. He can't force Izuku to stay like the last Alpha had. Shoto might scare his love away if he tried.

No, he wanted Izuku to feel safe with him.

All he could hope is before they finally can get him away... The Omega will choose to stay instead.

~

"Is he still in heat?" Enji asked from across the dinner table.

Natsuo sighed, Fuyumi slowly setting her fork down.

"No, father. It ended last night," Shoto answered, picking at his plate.

"Did you spend any of it with him?" His voice became gruffer. Clearly, he was frustrated. Enji was far too eager for another heir to raise.

Shoto breathed deeply. "No. I was far too busy with your duties. There was much to attend to while you and Keigo were gone."

Enji hummed and leaned back. His shoulders relaxed. "I suppose that's true. There will be plenty of heats you won't be able to spend with him due to your royal duties as Emperor. Don't worry, the Omega will get used to spending a few lonely heats."

The Prince twitched slightly, then stood. "Excuse me. I am not very hungry tonight. I'll be in my quarters if you need me." He straightened his coat before walking out, Tenya just behind him.

~

"So, what's the plan?"

Izuku hummed, pooching his lips as he separated Shoto's things from his nest to be washed. "Well... We're thinking maybe we should plan for the escape to be while we're on a ride close by the forest," he muttered, tossing an article of clothing back into his nest.

Mezo nodded, standing by the door. "Will you do this immediately?"

"No," Izuku shook his head. "I don't think so. Shoto offered that, too, but I think it'll be suspicious."

The guard nodded again.

"I need to talk to Sho about it more."

Mezo watched as the Omega sniffed and sorted through his nest, amused by the Omegan behavior. "You seem to gave grown very fond of the Prince."

Izuku blushed, faltering slightly. He cleared his throat and sat back. "Well... He's very kind. Sho's a wonderful friend and I'm so grateful for him. I wish there was more I could do for him in return."

The guard smiled in just the slightest. "Well... I'd like to be kept updated so I know when and how to help..."

Izuku grinned over to him. "Of course! You're my friend, too, Shoji!"

~

Izuku swayed and hummed happily from the back of his horse.

"What's on your mind," Shoto asked softly, slowing his mount down into step with Izuku's.

"I'm just enjoying the fresh air," he sang, smiling to the Prince. "The land is beautiful as well. So many trees. How much does it snow here?"

Shoto smiled as well, looking ahead. "Quite a lot. I enjoy the snow. Reminds me of my mother."

Izuku purred in delight. "I wish I could stick around for the snow. It doesn't snow much in Dragona."

"I've heard. Though, the King doesn't seem like a person who particularly enjoys the winter months anyways," he mused, trying to not let Izuku's first sentence get to him.

The Omega huffed. "Yeah. He hates winter."

Shoto hummed, looking around. "So... Now that you have total freedom... When do you want to enact our plan..?" It hurt to ask, but he had to.

Izuku bit his lip and shifted in the saddle. He glanced to the side, then looked up to the Prince. "Not right away."

They both pulled their horses to a halt, guards right behind them.

The Omega breathed deeply. "I can... Stay a while longer. It'll be suspicuous if we do it too early... At least... A few rides away from the castle together before..."

Shoto turned a small smile to the greenette. "I'm glad I'm good enough company you aren't taking the very first opportunity to escape."

Izuku grinned back, eyes glimmering.

-----

784 words