No matter what you were told about the importance of birth and good manners to determine the value of a person in society, Castiel Novak knew this to be an absolute falsehood.

He shared a father with Michael Novak, had attended highly respectable convent schools in his youth and could express himself with utter politeness in no less than four languages.

Yet, from the moment said father passed away and left them in relative poverty, a month ago, the whole of society, including his half-brother and Adam, his betrothed, had only shewn contempt and mockery toward his immediate family.

His little brother Gabriel, a being almost entirely at the mercy of his emotions, was enraged by this and would complain and throw fits at the most inconvenient times such as today, when Michael's brother-in-law was to arrive at any moment, "in his barouche" as Adam had proudly proclaimed.

Castiel had tried reasoning with him, explained the dangers of such a display, when modesty and acceptance were much more advisable choices, but nothing had prevailed. He had to sit there in the over-heated living-room, fastened in his omega garments, listening to Gabriel being impertinent at Michael, while Adam smirked in the background.

Castiel's cheeks were blushing over and over but Gabriel didn't notice at all. Their mother, Jane, a woman who had the misfortune of only birthing male omegas, was quiet when she should have scolded. Such a lax upbringing had been a disservice to the three brothers, affecting not only Gabriel, but also little Samandriel, who was showing a tendency to speak his mind much too honestly.

Castiel felt he had grown up too quickly and was now in charge of finding a new roof for them on his own. Michael had hinted at helping them move out and provide them with a carriage ride to wherever they could disappear to. Apparently he didn't think they were owed any money from the inheritance.

So, here it was, without a dowry, Castiel had no value. No sensible alpha would marry him, and he was much too unostentatious to raise someone's interest otherwise. His mother had kindly said that Castiel's most beautiful traits were his eyes, but he surmised she was trying not to hurt his feelings.

"Our father passed away less than a month ago and you want to throw a ball? That is very insensitive of you, Michael!" Gabriel cried, just as a butler came in to announce Mr Winchester's arrival.

"Well, given the way you are raising your voice at me, I believe it wise that you do not participate in this ball, Gabriel. I don't know who decided that it was alright for you to be out at such a young age. Such a childish behavior should never be tolerated."

"So not only do you steal our home, you also..."

Cas stood up to intervene, mortified, when an alpha walked in. He looked very fashionable, but did not show arrogance on his features. His green eyes were soft and kind, reminding Castiel of a pastor he had known as a child. Adam witnessed his presence immediately and ran across the room with fervor.

"Dean, you are finally here! Have you brought your barouche?"

"Adam, I'm glad to see you, indeed. I did not, I rode Impala as I always do."

"Oh, what a pity, I wanted to show it to my neighbours. It will have to wait another time. What do you think of the house? Isn't it impressive?"

Dean deferred his answer to bow in front of Castiel's mother. He looked in her direction to say:

"It is a very fine residence. I passed several luxuriant fields on my way here. The harvest must be abundant."

"Who cares about harvests," Adam exclaimed in an impatient tone, " when there are gardens to admire. I will take you there immediately and show you the wonders of the place, as well as tell you the changes I intend to make."

Castiel started at this lack of consideration for his widowed mother's feelings and Dean must had noticed for he smiled and said:

"I'm afraid my riding here was draining. I must ask for a calmer activity."

Jane seized the occasion to regain her status as hostess and called the butler:

"Why, it is time for tea if I am not mistaken. Could you prepare some scones and sandwiches? Unless Mr Winchester disapprove of such food?"

"On the contrary, Mrs Novak, I am very found of sandwiches and cold meat. I prefer them to fruits, so whenever I'm given an apple, I keep it for my horse."

This statement was met with relieved laughs and even Gabriel smiled.

Castiel started to think that Dean Winchester seemed as different from Adam as Michael was from them. He also started noticing that Dean's alpha uniform was very fitting and that he should excuse himself at some point to go and change his undergarments.

He couldn't remember the last time his body had reacted in such a fashion and reflected on its uselessness. Dean Winchester may be a considerate gentleman but Castiel was still unmatable. He resigned himself to watching him interact with Gabe, the two of them arguing about what constituted a beautiful landscape while Michael interrupted them with definite and incorrect statements.

In the evening, Gabriel sat at the piano forte and played a melody that filled Castiel with melancholy. He didn't see Dean on the floor above, listening to Gabriel's instrument but looking at Castiel with a thoughtful air.