The Fifth Prince (2/2)
Maybe it’s because of wishful thinking, but when Taehyun visits the tower the next day, he isn’t more surprised that Seungyoon is there, sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. He’s facing Taehyun’s spot, nose already buried in a book. Taehyun doesn’t think twice about sliding down to his own space, grabbing the book he’d been reading for the past two days which he conveniently placed at the bottom most shelf. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t look up, and simply fingers the dog-eared page to begin reading where he had left off yesterday.
Ten minutes go by and he still can’t get past that one paragraph which has something to do with the moon and ocean waves, reading the lines over and over because his brain doesn’t seem to be interpreting the words right. Or it could very well be because Seungyoon is only three feet away, and something about the proximity makes him skittish.
Against his better judgment, he lifts his head and finds Seungyoon already looking at him as if searching for something, as if he’d been watching Taehyun all this time.
“What?”
Seungyoon only gives him a small smile and a shake of the head before he dives back into his book. Heat climbs up Taehyun’s spine and he swallows a lungful of air. He doesn’t understand why his body is reacting like this to Seungyoon’s presence, not that he minds it, really, but even a prince needs to breathe.
“Have you had breakfast?” Seungyoon’s voice pierces through the quiet after what seems like a - half-hour, an hour? Taehyun isn’t sure, but when he looks up, Seungyoon’s eyes haven’t left the page he is perusing.
“Just warm milk.”
Seungyoon shuts his book and glances up. “I hear you have the realm’s sweetest berries. How about some Vatran breakfast?”
“I thought you said our food is tasteless?”
Seungyoon lifts a brow. “You didn’t actually believe that, did you?”
“I did,” Taehyun shrugs. “Unless you were lying?”
“For what it’s worth, I really just wanted to make Prince Jinwoo mad.”
Taehyun grins. “I despise liars but your cause was worthy. I’ll forgive you this one time.”
“That’s settled then. I won’t ever lie to you again,” Seungyoon pushes himself off the floor and puts back the book he’d been reading on the shelf above Taehyun - something Taehyun doesn’t realize because when he rises to his feet not long after, the top of his head hits Seungyoon in the forehead. They both let out a yelp that turns into mirth, filling the usually quiet library.
By the time they stop laughing, Taehyun is far too aware of how close they’re standing. He takes a step back on instinct, but that doesn’t stop Seungyoon from taking hold of his wrist.
“Come on. Feed me your highness,” Seungyoon smirks and pulls Taehyun to the door, completely unaware, and probably blasé, of the chaos in Taehyun’s chest.
*
Taehyun tries to keep the conversation light, but somehow ends up talking in length about how fireberries are grown and harvested in the farms south of the kingdom’s capital, Namazi, all while trying to distract himself from the way Seungyoon is eating said fireberries: tilting his head upward to bite off the amber orbs from the stems, humming in appreciation, licking his lower lip to savor the berry juice. At one point, some of it dribbles down his chin causing Taehyun to pause mid-story and fidget in his seat. He isn’t sure if all Vodans eat as sloppily as their prince, almost as uncertain he is of whether he’s actually enjoying watching Seungyoon eat their berries with gusto, or it’s driving him insane.
“Prince Mino of Dravos,” Seungyoon says, and Taehyun tries with effort to avert his eyes from Seungyoon’s mouth. “He is a friend?”
Taehyun hums, not quite sure of the answer or why Seungyoon is bringing Mino up all of a sudden. He takes some of what’s left of the fireberries in the bowl and eats some. “I practically grew up with him, with Jinwoo and Seunghoon as well. They’re definitely not strangers and I don’t think of them as enemies. Allies, I suppose, is more accurate? Friend is a term I wouldn’t personally use, but if I did, Mino would be the closest to it.”
“He’s quite funny,” Seungyoon smiles fondly. “Earlier, I ran into him in the foyer and he asked if I had any more of the candy I gave him last night. I think he was trying to be polite. Even I hate that stuff.”
“He eats everything,” Taehyun makes a face, his dislike for Mino suddenly spiking. “Why, do you want to invite him to eat with you, too?”
Seungyoon squints at Taehyun from behind his teacup. “Do you want to invite him?”
“I asked you first,” Taehyun counters.
There’s a long pause while Seungyoon seems to gather his thoughts, but eventually he puts his cup down and leans forward. “The truth is, I like it this way,” he gestures to himself and to Taehyun. “Just us.”
“Oh.”
“The reason I’m asking you is because you two seemed close,” Seungyoon glances down at his hands, looking uncharacteristically shy. “I thought maybe you’d prefer his company instead.”
Taehyun frowns, ready to tell Seungyoon how wrong he is, but then - oh.
Oh.
“Mino is more than happy frolicking around with Seulgi,” Taehyun tells him, hoping his eagerness isn’t too obvious in his voice. “Nonetheless, I’d much rather be in your company.”
“That’s good to know,” Seungyoon grins, lifting his cup to his lips, which distracts Taehyun yet again, but at least he isn’t eating those goddamned berries.
They spend the afternoon at the hidden part of the quad, behind a wall covered in winding vines with the two daggers Seungyoon claims he really set under his pillow the night prior. Taehyun had jokingly asked if Seungyoon could teach him a few things he learned as a warrior and Seungyoon had taken him seriously.
He teaches Taehyun all the basics, from the right grip, to the proper way it should be wielded.
“You’re a natural,” Seungyoon remarks after only a few minutes when Taehyun is already making fluid motions experimentally with the dagger in his hand.
“You’re a great teacher,” Taehyun compliments, aiming for a smile that immediately flashes on Seungyoon’s face. He thinks maybe Seungyoon is blushing just a little, or it could be the heat of the afternoon sun, but Taehyun decides it’s adorable regardless.
Seungyoon tells him it’s much too early for sparring, despite Taehyun’s protests, and after a few more moves Taehyun had easily perfected with his naturally lithe and coordinated muscles, they rest under a tree with their backs against the wide trunk, basking in the steady wind that refreshes their weary bodies.
In the silence, Taehyun takes a closer look at the dagger in his hand, tracing with his eyes the intricate design of the hilt. This is no ordinary blade, he thinks, as he runs his fingers over the deep blue crystals encrusted into the silver.
“It was my grandfather’s,” Seungyoon says. Taehyun hadn’t noticed that Seungyoon had been watching him. “Forged by a sea gypsy who created weapons for beauty, not for violence.”
Taehyun exhales, holding the weapon with reverence as if it were a piece of history in his hands. “It’s stunning.”
“Unfortunately, no weapon remains untainted in a war. That dagger may have preserved its beauty, but it has caused more violence than it was created for.”
Taehyun looks up at Seungyoon and tries to give him his most sympathetic look. He can’t begin to imagine the horrors Seungyoon had to face in this war, growing up with continued violence surrounding him, and having to face losing his kingdom even for the sake of peace.
“For what it’s worth, I think you’ve turned into a great man because of the war,” Taehyun tells him, hoping Seungyoon can take at least a little solace in his words.
“I hope I turned into a great man despite it,” Seungyoon answers with a faint smile before he closes his eyes and throws his head back to lean on the tree. Taehyun allows himself a few more seconds of gazing at Seungyoon’s face before he, too, closes his eyes, giving in to sleep.
*
The days are less dull even with the Victorem sessions progressing at a sluggish pace that only leaves everyone in the Court, especially the Vodans, aggravated. They are less dull because Seungyoon always finds Taehyun after they finish, preferring his company over his own advisers’ who only continue the longwinded discussions in their quarters.
“I need a breather,” Seungyoon would say, as if to ask what kind of adventure Taehyun has in store for him today. Taehyun favors the indoors, the company of his books is more than enough, but seeing Seungyoon expectant makes him wish that he’d explored outside the palace walls more.
He’d taken to asking Seulgi and the other servants regarding what they could do in the palace, but they had done almost everything that’s remotely fun. In a stroke of inspiration, Taehyun thinks of the fireberry farms, and how Seungyoon would perhaps love to visit. Taehyun had always been meaning to after a chat with Wendy, one of the kitchen maids who grew up there, he just never found anyone he’d be willing to visit with. It’s a three hour trip by carriage, but something tells Taehyun that Seungyoon wouldn’t be such a bad travelling companion.
Taehyun had even asked his Father the night before, feeding him the idea that it might be beneficial for them if they got into Voda’s good graces. He’d reluctantly given his permission, as long as Taehyun brings with him guards to ensure their safety.
It’s not the most ideal arrangement, but Taehyun knows to be thankful he can even go.
He spills the news to Seungyoon right after the seventh session, when he finds the prince particularly downcast. The Kings have suggested that Seungyoon join Taehyun, Mino, Jinwoo, and Seunghoon at their monthly outings, citing that the best way to reinforce Voda’s alliance with the four kingdoms and to assure the masses that the war is truly over is for the prince to join their group.
The possibility of seeing Seungyoon every month does make it more appealing to Taehyun, but he knows that Seungyoon would never choose this for himself, not when he made it clear he doesn’t want to be anyone’s puppet. Taehyun hates the situation, too, but he’d gotten used to it. Seungyoon is different; Taehyun doubts he would be the type to be caged down like this. But with his future kingship threatened, Seungyoon will have to find a compromise he can stomach.
“You look bored,” Taehyun sits next to him on the marble bench by the willow tree at the pavilion. Seungyoon had been shielding his face from the sun when he turns to him. Taehyun thinks he sees relief in Seungyoon’s eyes and at the way his shoulders relax as he sighs.
“It’s been a long morning,” Seungyoon says, exhaustion concealed in the smile he musters.
“Are you too tired for a trip?” Taehyun asks genuinely. Inasmuch as he’d been looking forward to this day, he’d hate to force Seungyoon to go if he isn’t up for it.
But the flicker of excitement that flashes in Seungyoon’s expression is undeniable and Taehyun smiles unconsciously. Oftentimes Seungyoon feels older than his age, wiser and definitely braver with his convictions. But there are times when he is carefree and wild, and he’s again just a twenty year old boy who is thrilled by the idea of freedom and the prospect of adventure.
Seungyoon doesn’t stop talking inside the carriage, his keenness for the outing evident, happily telling Taehyun nearly all the tales from his childhood. How he fell in love with the sea from a young age (like a true Vodan), and visited the beach every time he could. How he had cried so hard when his pet fish died after a week, and since then, believed that they were always meant for the ocean, to be free. He recounts how he had learned the art of sword fighting from his Father’s best friend, a valiant knight who had died in the war when Seungyoon was only fifteen. How it was then, when Seungyoon realized for the first time how much he loathed the war. But his Father had taught him that there are things worth fighting for, that there are principles larger than they are that need to be protected.
That royalty doesn’t only mean power and wealth; that they hold the crown because people have entrusted to them their lives and their loyalty.
It’s mid afternoon when they arrive at the farm and it’s not even a minute since they alighted the carriage and Seungyoon is already running towards the fireberry shrubs. Taehyun’s eyes grow wide in amazement and calls out to him about the farm not being technically the royal family’s so he can’t just do whatever he wants, but Seungyoon isn’t having it. Seungyoon’s two guards look to Taehyun for what to do, worry evident in their confused faces. Wendy, who’s giggling beside Taehyun at the sight of Seungyoon skipping through the fields assures everyone that it’s alright and very safe.
Taehyun doesn’t remember eating so much fireberries in his life. He’d had them so many times they’ve lost their allure to him a long time ago, but it’s different when they’re freshly plucked, more delicious than he remembers them to be because Seungyoon is all smiles and laughs as he hands Taehyun the best looking bunch as though it were a bouquet of flowers.
Taehyun really isn’t one for juvenile things like playing a game of who can stick the most number of fireberries in their mouth, and running around like a wild kids, but Taehyun does it all anyway, with a competitive spirit and earnest enjoyment. Maybe it’s because it’s nice to see Seungyoon’s eyes disappear in between fits of raucous laughter, to watch him have a second chance at childhood after the war had denied him of his first. His heart swells just a bit more for every second Seungyoon enjoys this freedom.
When their energy dies down, they stroll through the vast expanse of fields, breathing in the sweet scent of berries. Everything about the place is so beautiful and intoxicating. In the drawn out silence that reels him back to reality, Taehyun asks himself if it’s okay to be this happy despite the problems that hover over them like a dark cloud but are momentarily forgotten in the fields of amber and green.
“It really is gorgeous here,” Seungyoon says as they approach the last row of shrubs, the yellow and orange hues of the sunset a breathtaking backdrop to the sight of Seungyoon’s hair whipping in the wind.
“Gorgeous,” Taehyun agrees, fixing his eyes on Seungyoon’s face and catching the small smile peeking at the sides of the prince’s lips.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” Seungyoon speaks again. “I needed this.”
“Well, Vatra is famous for our warm and lavish treatment of guests.”
“That may be true but I think I’ll remember Vatra for something else.”
Something stirs in Taehyun’s gut at those words, combined with the gaze Seungyoon gives him. It doesn’t even startle him more than it ought to have when Seungyoon suddenly reaches for his hand and brings it to his lips. He places a gentle peck at the back of Taehyun’s palm that sends ripples through Taehyun’s skin, seeping deeper, where he knows it will linger.
Thankfully Seungyoon lets his hand go before the heat becomes too unbearable. Taehyun offers him a smile, knowing that it’s merely a custom the Vodans possess. Kissing the hand is not only a sign of reverence, but of gratitude.
They make their way to the cottage where their guards and Wendy await. Taehyun is surprised to find that Wendy had made sleeping arrangements for them.
“It’s almost dark outside, your highness,” Wendy tells him. “It’s far too dangerous to go back now, not with the odds of running into bandits on the journey home.” She explains to them how the number of attacks have increased in the past month, and it’s much safer for them to just stay the night and leave first thing in the morning.
Taehyun thinks it wise, but he looks at Seungyoon anyway for his agreement. Seungyoon nods. “We should send two of our riders back to the Palace, to inform the King that we’ll be delayed.”
They eat a simple yet hearty homemade meal prepared by Wendy’s parents who are very lovely, and kept them entertained with the legend of fireberries and how they were born from dragon fire. Taehyun remembers the story from his childhood, and watches with amusement how Seungyoon’s eyes light up with fascination at the mythical dragon of Mt. Piero that used to protect Vatra from its enemies.
The size of Taehyun’s room is no more than an eighth of his palace chambers, but he feels a thrill at spending the night somewhere that isn’t a castle or a mansion. It’s quaint, a single bed at the corner, a small table, and a chair. There’s a mirror mounted on the wall and Taehyun walks towards it. He sees himself in the reflection and a smile creeps on his face. He doesn’t remember looking this happy in a very long time.
He slips into the covers, tired from travelling and playing around the farm, thinks that it would be easier to sleep tonight. An hour of tossing and turning in bed proves otherwise, his thoughts occupied with a range of things. He wonders if Seungyoon would be sound asleep by now, or if like him, he’s wide awake. Maybe the unfamiliarity of his surroundings isn’t helping.
Taehyun supposes it’s deep into the night when he hears a click and he opens his eyes to the darkness. A shadow slips into the room, making all of the hair at the back of his neck stand as soon as he catches it at the corner of his eye. He promptly sits upright, wishing he’d been wiser to carry a dagger when he’s out of the palace walls like this.
“Who’s there?” He says, determined. His heart is beating too fast it might as well be drilling a hole right through his skin and out of his body.
“It’s me.”
His voice is soft in the quiet, calming down Taehyun’s heartbeats, followed by the sound a match being lit. The candlelight illuminates the room, casts shadows in Seungyoon’s face, and Taehyun is reminded of how Seungyoon looks best under the flicker of firelight, a poetic irony for the crown prince of the kingdom surrounded by water.
“What are you doing here?” Taehyun asks, throwing his legs over the bed. The heartbeats that have since slowed down are beating quicker again at the realization that Seungyoon is indeed standing right there, leaning against the wall as he looks at Taehyun fondly.
“I couldn’t sleep.” There’s a melancholy in his voice and in the outline of his features.
“Me neither.”
“They have a patio upstairs,” Seungyoon offers.
“Say no more,” Taehyun grins and follows Seungyoon out the room.
They quietly walk up the wooden staircase at the end of the corridor; Taehyun isn’t so used to narrow spaces, but it’s entirely different with Seungyoon there. The continued proximity is a welcome change, if not something that Taehyun prefers. Large spaces and gaps are daunting, and Taehyun often worries if he does enough to fill the ones in between him and Seungyoon.
But like this, it has become more comfortable. As if they were made to be this close.
They come to a door that Seungyoon doesn’t hesitate to push open, the creak pervading the silence. A gush of cold breeze hits Taehyun, a chill running through his flushed face all the way down to his spine. It’s colder than he had anticipated, regretting not bringing his cloak along with him.
They step out into the patio and Taehyun gasps involuntarily at the sight that greets him. The moon is a thin crescent, high up the dark sky lit by countless stars. But it’s the fireberries that seem to glow orange beneath that truly takes his breath away.
“Wow,” Taehyun’s jaw slacks, eyes sweeping through what look like small burning orbs dotting the dark plains. “I didn’t know they actually do that. I thought it was just a myth.”
“We learn something new every day,” Seungyoon grins at Taehyun, amusement in his eyes. “When we step out of the walls we build around us.”
Taehyun ponders Seungyoon’s statement and nods in understanding.
“If there’s one thing I’m grateful for about our loss in this war, it’s the tearing down of the wall that kept me from seeing all this beauty outside of the world I grew up in,” Seungyoon says fondly, leaning on the wooden rails. Taehyun keeps quiet, waits for Seungyoon to continue. But slowly, the smile on Seungyoon’s face fades, replaced by what looks to Taehyun like guilt.
“And it makes my heart ache, how I’m not more broken,” Seungyoon continues, his hands clenched into tight fists. “Sometimes I feel like I’m dishonoring the memory of my Father, betraying the trust of my people, all because I find Vatra and the many things in it so damn beautiful. And what’s worse is that I can’t even deny that a part of me is thankful we lost the war.”
“Hey,” Taehyun inches closer, brushing Seungyoon’s arm with his shoulder. “We are at peace. No more deaths, no more fighting. The end of this war means we can rebuild what was destroyed. You’ve given your people the opportunity to live long enough to experience the beauty you are experiencing now. You shouldn’t feel so guilty.”
“What if I lose my crown,” Seungyoon says, voice cracking as he faces Taehyun. His eyes are watery under the moonlight and breaks Taehyun’s heart into a thousand pieces. He wishes he can assure Seungyoon everything will be okay, that he’ll do everything in his power to make sure that never happens.
But Taehyun is powerless. Always have been. He hates being a prince more now than ever.
“I know how it is to feel helpless,” Taehyun says, sensing the tears prickle behind his eyes. He curls his fingers around Seungyoon’s hand, as if it’s the easiest gesture in the world. And maybe it is, when Seungyoon effortlessly fits his palm against Taehyun’s.
“I wish I can do more for you, Seungyoon,” Taehyun continues, his eyes trailing down from Seungyoon’s face to their entwined fingers. “But I am only a prince now. I may be a king one day, but that isn’t for a long time.” He lifts his chin again and finds Seungyoon looking at him, really looking at him, his penetrating eyes sweeping over Taehyun’s features, lingering over his mouth before he levels his eyes with Taehyun’s again. This time, Taehyun doesn’t squirm. He holds his ground and finds his words.
“Whatever happens from now on until I’m king, when time comes that I finally have power, I will do whatever it takes to put you in your rightful place.”
“Why?” Seungyoon’s eyebrows twitch, hinting at a frown. “Why would you do that?”
Taehyun is taken aback by the question, and the sudden intensity that overtakes Seungyoon’s eyes. Instinctively, he tries to withdraw his hand, but Seungyoon’s grip is firm.
“Because you deserve to be King,” Taehyun says, believing every word. “You’re one of the bravest, most honorable, most compassionate men I’ve ever met. Your people deserve someone like you to rule them.”
Seungyoon shakes his head, as if rejecting Taehyun’s answer. “Why?” He asks again, shifting closer.
“I gave you an answer.” Taehyun’s chest suddenly feels tight, making it hard to breathe despite the clear night air.
“It’s not the real one,” Seungyoon tells him, something akin to pleading in his eyes. “Let me ask you again. Why would you do that for me?”
The ball of fire that rests at the pit of Taehyun’s stomach slowly spreads throughout his veins, igniting his body until he no longer notices the cold. He could feel the pounding of his heart as the words are lodged in his throat, and he tries to keep it down because maybe this is wrong, but Seungyoon is squeezing his hand, and edging closer bit by bit.
“Because it’s you,” Taehyun finally squeaks, his voice timid. Hopeful. “Because I don’t want you to be sad. Because I know you want this. Because…” Taehyun swallows the traces of inhibition that remain in his tongue. “…I think I would do just about anything to make you happy.”
Seungyoon does not give him any time to regret his words, as the prince pitches forward while tugging Taehyun’s hand towards him. Their bodies collide with a soft thud, but their lips connect with a tenderness that makes Taehyun gasp, and melt, and possibly lose his mind. When Seungyoon reaches for his waist and settles his hands at the small of Taehyun’s back, Taehyun lets out an appreciative moan, all while he tries to keep himself stable at the way Seungyoon’s mouth is moving over his, coaxing Taehyun to let him in. He opens his lips fractionally and Seungyoon’s tongue darts in, traces curls in the concave of Taehyun’s mouth. He follows his lead and soon their tongues weave into each other like a passionate dance.
They don’t part for a long time and allow themselves to get lost in each other, that is, until the cold gets the better of them and they inevitably rush inside the cottage. They part outside Seungyoon’s door, but not without stealing another kiss in the shadows. Taehyun moves back to his room in light steps, Seungyoon’s touch still remaining in his skin.
Taehyun doesn’t sleep much either that night, but every second he’s awake is occupied with the thought of being in Seungyoon’s arms, and it had all been real. And so he welcomes another sleepless day with a smile on his face.
*
The sun is blazing as they approach the palace gates. Taehyun gets down the carriage first, uncoiling his hand that had been wrapped around Seungyoon’s for most of the trip back, anxious all of a sudden. Last night had been amazing, magical even, but being back in the palace meant going back to routine.
And it scares him. What if it was the fireberries or the moon or being in fields that falsely promise freedom that led to the kiss, and maybe there is no room for romance in the midst of political stalemate?
He does not glance back at Seungyoon, afraid of what he might or might not see in his eyes. He walks on with steady footsteps, but stops when he sees Mino emerging from inside the palace, a look of worry on his usually calm face.
“Where have you been?” He asks quite hurriedly, but just as Taehyun is about to answer, he realizes Mino isn’t directing the question at him, rather, looking over his shoulder. Mino walks past him and goes straight for Seungyoon.
Taehyun turns around in time to see Seungyoon curious.
“What’s going on?” Taehyun walks back and stops in between Seungyoon and Mino.
Mino gives Taehyun a distressed look and sighs. “It’s Lord Kang,” Mino says, turning to Seungyoon. “Your uncle. He arrived from Metali this morning for a private audience with the Kings.”
Seungyoon’s expression hardens, the calm in his still bleary eyes now gone, replaced by something Taehyun had not seen since they met at the tower for the first time. Except this one is much more severe as he begins to breathe hard, hands balled into fists and jaw clenched in anger.
On instinct, Taehyun puts a hand over his shoulder, but it slips when Seungyoon stomps away without so much as a second look at Taehyun. For a moment, he considers running after him, but he catches Mino’s eyes and they mirror what Taehyun knows to be true: this is Seungyoon’s battle. And all they can do is stand back.
*
“Ugh!” Taehyun shoots up from his seat, the unread book on his lap falling to the floor with a thud that has Jinwoo looking up from his cards and shooting a glare at him. They’re probably on their third game of Five Kingdoms, and Taehyun thinks they could at least fake a little empathy for the situation.
Taehyun has been waiting for hours, but there is no sign of Seungyoon yet or news of the Kings’ decision.
“Sit down, Taehyun,” Seunghoon mutters, only staring down at the lavish map of the realm that occupies the entire table, serving as their board game. He picks up the dice and throws, moving his diamond studded piece a little left of fictional Vatra. “Fretting won’t help speed the situation up.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” Taehyun spits walking over to the table and sitting on the unoccupied stool meant for him had he joined the game. “You probably want his uncle to be King.”
The anger that flashes in Seunghoon’s face is quite real, taking Taehyun by surprise. “I may not like the man but I know what it’s like to want to protect what is mine. Don’t be mistaken, I’m on Seungyoon’s side.”
“So am I,” Jinwoo pipes, moving his piece across the board. “If I had an uncle that so much as utters the word throne, I’d probably banish him already. Or have him killed, whichever way is easier.”
“Don’t worry,” Mino tells Taehyun with a pat to the back. “The Vodans will figure out a way.”
“Why do you care so much anyway,” Jinwoo asks, but his tone has no bite. Instead, he seems genuinely curious. “Seungyoon doesn’t even like us.”
Taehyun shares another look with Mino who fights a smile as he shrugs. He can’t even begin to explain to them why he cares, nor does he really want to. But he can’t lie either, not if he wants at least their understanding.
“He’s a friend,” Taehyun decides to say, making Seunghoon and Jinwoo forget the game and look up at him, stunned.
“Did I hear that right,” Seunghoon straightens up in his seat. “Did our cold maknae proclaim a prince his friend? And the prince of Voda at that?”
Jinwoo actually breaks into a real smile that looks on him best. “I thought you hated everyone with royal blood in their veins?”
“I don’t,” Taehyun shrinks in his stool, hiding the blush in his cheeks. He wishes they never find out what really is going on between him and Seungyoon or he’ll have to endure worse teasing than this.
“Well if he’s your friend then we should help,” Mino suggests standing up and using his arms to sweep the board game clean of knight pieces and ships and kings, leaving only the map of the Five Kingdoms. Seunghoon and Jinwoo both yell protests, which Mino ignores with a wave of his hand.
He stands over the map and begins putting five pieces: sapphire for Seungyoon, emerald for Jinwoo, ruby for Taehyun, yellow topaz for Mino, and diamond for Seunghoon, then looks up at them. “What can we do to persuade the Kings to seat Seungyoon as ruler?”
Seunghoon sighs, pointing to the Vodan Kingdom. “Seungyoon was a warrior, and you’ve seen how outspoken he is in the Court. If he was just a quiet prince who lived a solitary, privileged life throughout the war, the Victorem would easily let him keep his throne.”
“The problem is that he can’t be controlled,” Jinwoo adds, twirling the emerald piece in his hand. “Seungyoon doesn’t have an incentive to stay in the alliance. Voda isn’t like our kingdoms that have a lot of stake in each other’s businesses. This is why the Kings are afraid Seungyoon might start a war again if he changes his mind about where his loyalties lie.”
“It’s easier for them to manage Seungyoon’s uncle,” Mino agrees. “He’s a coward who will never stand against The Victorem. It’s simply the most convenient choice for King.”
Taehyun huffs, running a hand through his hair. “So you’re all telling me there’s no hope?”
“There is,” Seunghoon rounds the table and picks up another piece from the wooden box where all the game pieces are kept. “Seungyoon’s best shot is to create a binding connection with any of the four kingdoms.” He places the piece beside the sapphire and waves his hands as if to present his creation.
“What’s more binding than a marriage?”
Taehyun’s eyes grow wide as he looks down at the piece Seunghoon had set down beside Seungyoon’s. Yellow topaz. He turns to Mino whose face lights up with realization.
“Dana?” Mino shakes his head. “She will never agree to it! She’s had her eyes set on Jinwoo since she was five.”
“Both my sisters are married,” Seunghoon shrugs. “It can’t be a cousin. It has to be a direct descendant or it wouldn’t work.”
Jinwoo, Mino, and Seunghoon’s conversation drones on as they list all the possible matches, and there’s a hollow pang in Taehyun’s chest at the thought of Seungyoon marrying anyone, really. But Seunghoon is right. It’s the most effective solution. Unless -
“What if he marries me?” The words roll off his tongue before he could second-guess his suggestion. All three fall silent, gaping at Taehyun as if expecting that at any minute he would take it back.
“Are you mad?” Jinwoo breaks the silence, staring back at him. “You can’t marry Seungyoon. You’re the future King of Vatra.”
“Doesn’t that make it more convincing? All the more reason to believe Seungyoon will never betray The Victorem if it means betraying me. The marriage of two future Kings is the most binding union in the realm.”
“It would also mean the union of Vatra and Voda,” Seunghoon pipes, reaching for the ruby and the sapphire. “Fire and water don’t mix. Your Father would never allow it. Besides, the war began because Zemia wanted to take Voda.”
“We don’t have to unite kingdoms,” Taehyun leans forward, remembering one of the history books he’d read at the tower. He could already feel the exhilaration in his bones. “There was a time when Dravos and Metali were bound by the marriage of their two kings. King Yongguk and King Himchan.”
Seunghoon and Mino look at each other in bewilderment. “Does that mean we’re related?” Seunghoon makes a dramatic gasp.
“You’re not,” Taehyun waves him off. “Their siblings produced the next monarchs. You see, this is allowed by our laws, I don’t see why it couldn’t work this time.”
“It is legal. It’s even part of our history. All these, I understand,” Jinwoo says, but he still looks unimpressed. Seunghoon and Mino have the same expressions on their faces, and Taehyun doesn’t get why they can’t see the brilliance of his plan.
“But this is your future, Taehyun,” Jinwoo continues. For the first time in the many years he’s known him, Jinwoo sounds like the older, wiser prince that he should be. “Are you willing to go to these lengths just so Seungyoon can be king? Think about it. You won’t be able to produce heirs. We’re not even taking into account the political repercussions of this marriage.”
A fraught silence falls on the room and Taehyun wants so much to make them understand. That this is not a sacrifice. In fact, Taehyun knows that one day he will have to get married, and like most royal unions, it will be arranged to fit the political dynamics of their kingdom. He has long given up the idea of marrying for love - another one of those fairy tale lies, and one of the many things he loathes, but has learned to accept about being the crown prince.
But this is his one and only chance to use his position to make a change. He’s not entirely powerless if it means he can help Seungyoon ensure his throne, and in the process, marry someone he can see spending every day of his life with.
The words are at the tip of his tongue. I love him. The realization hits Taehyun like lightning, suddenly remembering the feel of Seungyoon’s lips on his, and how much he wants to kiss him again. I love Seungyoon.
“Seungyoon,” Mino’s voice snaps Taehyun out of his reverie and he turns to the door where Seungyoon has strolled in.
Taehyun immediately rounds the table to get to him, but the look in Seungyoon’s eyes makes him stop. Seungyoon looks worn out, like all life had been drained out of him. He doesn’t meet Taehyun’s gaze and instead walks toward the table where everyone is just gaping at him, waiting for him to say anything.
“I’m leaving,” Seungyoon says after a while, his eyes trained on the board game’s fictional Voda.
“What do you mean?” Jinwoo asks.
“I apologize for the inconvenience I have caused your highnesses,” Seungyoon’s voice is bleak as his fingers dance over the sapphire piece. “The Kings have decided that my uncle shall be the ruler of Voda. They’ve allowed me to go back home to tend to the Queen who misses me very much.”
Taehyun’s stomach drops, his whole world with it. He feels queasy and breathless, like he’d been punched in the gut.
“But it’s your birthright!” Mino’s voice is angry and Taehyun catches the way Mino looks at him with sorrow.
“There are things I cannot control.”
“We have a way,” Taehyun finds his voice and swiftly moves to stand beside Seungyoon. He expects Seungyoon to turn to him, but he’s unmoving, still fiddling with the sapphire piece. Taehyun ignores the twinge of panic at Seungyoon’s behavior and curls a hand around his arm. “I have a plan, Seungyoon. There’s a way we can change the Kings’-“
“Stop,” Seungyoon cuts him off sharply, tugging his arm from Taehyun’s hold. Taehyun huffs in shock, a pang shooting through his chest because this is not the Seungyoon he has come to know.
And Taehyun should have known there’s something worse to come, because nothing compares to the pain he feels when Seungyoon shifts to face him with dead eyes. “I’m not marrying you, Taehyun.”
The words are like daggers to his heart and Taehyun can only stagger back, holding on to the table to support his knees that have gone weak. He blinks back the tears that are threatening to spill out because he’s a goddamn prince and no one should ever make him feel worthless. But that’s all he thinks of himself as Seungyoon gives him a curt bow, moves to do the same to the other princes and walks out the door without another word, as if nothing he did in Vatra ever mattered, as if no one deserved an explanation.
As if he hadn’t just shattered anyone’s heart.
*
Taehyun wakes up the next day with news that the Vodan delegation has left the capital. He searches his immediate surroundings for a letter. For a sign. For anything that can prove he hadn’t dreamt it all, that Seungyoon was real.
But there’s nothing. Not even a single piece of physical remembrance to go with the hollowness in Taehyun’s chest.
*
The days go by at a painstaking and slow pace. The palace that had once been full of royals and court officials is quiet and empty, just as Taehyun had always liked it.
Time moves slow, but the world doesn’t stop turning. Taehyun continues his lessons with his personal tutor, who teaches him the philosophies of the first civilizations. He spends time with Seulgi and Wendy at the courtyard, exchanging stories about people in the palace and the latest tale Taehyun had read about. They talk about other things, the other princes, but they know not to broach the topic of a certain Vodan prince.
Taehyun doesn’t stop thinking about Seungyoon though. He tries, but it’s futile when he sees him in all corners of his own home. In hindsight, it wasn’t wise for him to create so many memories with Seungyoon there, now he can’t even look at fireberries without wanting to throw them away. It also doesn’t help that Mino keeps sending him messages about Seungyoon in Voda, based on the information he continues to get from General Choi’s squire.
From Mino’s letters, it seems the Vodans aren’t pleased with The Victorem’s decision, denouncing Seungyoon’s uncle as their King. Civil war now threatens Voda, which could spill into another war with the Victorem. Taehyun supposes it’s the reason why his Father has been agitated lately, but the man has never been one to share his woes with Taehyun.
Despite his efforts not to, he finds himself worrying about Seungyoon most of all, wondering how he is coping with all of these. Seungyoon had told him once that what he wants most is for his people to finally heal from the battle scars. If another war spills out, it would certainly break Seungyoon’s heart.
Not that he ever cared about breaking mine.
After the fifth letter, Taehyun decides to write back. He tells Mino that it would be better if he stops sending letters because Taehyun no longer intends to read them. The week after that, all letters from Mino are for Seulgi.
Time moves slow, but eventually two months pass. It’s early autumn when Taehyun is set to travel to Zemia. They had called off the get together for the princes the month prior because of the situation in Voda. So unlike most times, Taehyun looks forward to seeing the princes. Maybe a little part of him misses the idiots, although he would never admit it.
The Zemian castle is as beautiful as Taehyun remembers, covered in twisting vines and surrounded by flowers that fill the air with a sweet fragrance. He makes his way to where he knows Jinwoo, Mino, and Seunghoon would be, which is the royal gardens behind the palace. He spots them on their usual table underneath the tent that’s enclosed in more vines. They’re literally surrounded by flowers of every color and shape. It’s almost as if Zemia is immune to the fall season.
It’s Jinwoo who sees him first and gestures for him to come over.
Taehyun gives him an almost smile and takes his seat beside Seunghoon.
“We were just talking about you, my dear,” Jinwoo says, pushing a small bowl of flower candies towards him.
“All bad things, I’m sure,” he chirps his customary response, eyes lighting up immediately; if there’s one thing he misses the most in Zemia, it’s these delightful treats. He scoops a few and pops them into his mouth. When he looks up, he finds the three looking at him quite ruefully.
“What?” Taehyun gurgles, mouth still full.
“We hear you’ve been feeling sad,” Jinwoo says, concern painted on his face.
Taehyun instantly glares at Mino. “What has Seulgi been writing to you?”
Mino looks away, pretending to sip from his teacup. Taehyun rolls his eyes. “I’m feeling quite well, actually. I’m thinking of starting a small garden of my own. By the Waif pond since there’s a large patch of grass there that needs some color?”
“That’s… exciting,” Jinwoo exclaims with a fake smile and Taehyun doesn’t miss the obvious kick Jinwoo gives Seunghoon under the table.
“Good for you!” Seunghoon doesn’t even bother to pretend he isn’t being condescending.
“You know, for a moment there, I’ve forgotten how terrible these meetings were. Thanks for the reminder,” Taehyun scoffs, grabbing some more of the candy. “I’m fine.”
“So I take it you don’t mind that Seungyoon is coming?”
Taehyun nearly chokes on the devilish things and swallows them whole.“Excuse me?”
Seunghoon narrows his eyes at Mino. “You didn’t tell him?”
“He told me to stop sending letters,” Mino shrugs.
“I’m right here,” Taehyun exhales, a slow sense of panic creeping in. He hadn’t prepared for this at all and he isn’t sure what to feel first. All he knows is he should have seen it coming. Even if Seungyoon isn’t going to be king, he still is a prince of Voda. Why he’d simply assumed he was never going to see Seungyoon again, he has no idea.
He squares his shoulders and puts on his most nonchalant front. “I take it things aren’t going well in Voda?”
Jinwoo smirks, ignoring him and turning to Mino. “You’re cruel.”
This time, Mino puts his cup down with a loud clink. “He told me to stop sending letters!”
“I beg of you, someone tell me what is going on,” Taehyun is already massaging his temples. Perhaps it had been wrong to ask Mino to stop, but at the time he believed it was for the best.
“Perhaps I can do it?”
Taehyun freezes at the sound of the voice that does not belong to any of the princes on the table. He doesn’t turn around and just waits for… he doesn’t even know what he’s waiting for. But he’s unable to move. It’s a few seconds more before he senses a figure that falls beside his chair. When he looks up, he’s met by the eyes as clear as the Sapphire sea.
Seungyoon’s hair is longer than he remembered, falling at the tips of his eyelashes. It would have been better for Taehyun if Seungyoon looked like shit but he can’t deny Seungyoon looks good. Perhaps even more handsome than before. He isn’t as pale, like the sun had kissed his skin, and he’s visibly less gaunt. And most of all, there is no trace of war in his features. Just… he looks rested.
At that moment, Taehyun is overwhelmed by a profound sense of anger. Seungyoon had been well all this time, while Taehyun had spent his days in Vatra pretending to be okay while internally mourning the loss of what could be the beginnings of love - no, Taehyun definitely loved Seungyoon. And judging by how fast his heart is beating and the warmth that’s moving in currents under his skin, he still loves him.
Seungyoon obviously never felt the same because he looks amazing and content - something a person with a broken heart cannot fake.
“Then explain,” Taehyun replies wryly, not even bothering to mask his cutting tone. Seungyoon’s face falls by a fraction, but the Vodan prince maintains his light smile.
“Take a walk with me?”
The words open wounds that Taehyun had been trying very hard to mend. He clenches his jaw and he can feel his knuckles vibrating at the pressure he puts in his hands. Without bothering to reply to Seungyoon, Taehyun gets up from his seat and turns to the other three. “Excuse us.”
“My home is yours,” Jinwoo gestures around him and offers them a cloying smile.
Taehyun’s strides are long and determined, aware of Seungyoon’s footsteps that trail his. Taehyun leads him far from the garden, the sight of flowers not exactly fitting to his temper. Taehyun spots the Zemian well where they dig up the special water they use for the flowers and plants to make them bloom more vibrantly.
He hopes he wouldn’t be mad enough to push Seungyoon there.
Taehyun stops walking and buys a little time by looking down at the dark chasm before turning around. Seungyoon is standing a few feet away, lower lip caught in between his teeth, looking as if he’s trying to find the words to start with.
“You look great.”
“I told you I despise liars,” Taehyun deadpans. He knows how he looks and it’s far from great.
“And I promised I would never lie to you again. You always look great to me.”
Taehyun tries to ignore how his foolish heart skips a beat at the sincerity in Seungyoon’s eyes. But he should be stronger than this. “You, on the other hand, look fantastic,” Taehyun says, punctuating the words with all the sarcastic bite he can muster from his body. “You look happy.”
The last word misses the mark, and Taehyun hates to admit it but the fondness for Seungyoon is still there. And he feels it might never really go away no matter how much he tries.
“I’m miserable,” Seungyoon tells him, taking a step forward. Taehyun flinches at the movement and Seungyoon draws back just as quickly. “I’ve missed you.”
“Stop right there,” Taehyun closes his eyes and wills his hammering heart to calm down. He can’t possibly be this weak. He’s a prince for god’s sake, he should have more pride than this. Seungyoon had kissed him. He fucking kissed him and the next day acted as if he didn’t even care about it, as if it meant nothing at all. He doesn’t have the right to miss Taehyun.
“I was promised an explanation for your presence here, and what’s going on in your kingdom. I would be grateful if you stay on that matter.”
A flicker of hurt passes through Seungyoon’s eyes and Taehyun almost buckles, but he keeps a straight face, opting to look away for his own good. It would be easier when he isn’t looking at Seungyoon.
“The Victorem ordered that I join you four from now onwards,” Seungyoon explains. “To assure the people that Voda is loyal to this alliance. And will always be, for the years to come.”
Taehyun nods, kicking a pebble with the sole of his boot. When Seungyoon doesn’t say anything else, he looks up. “That’s all?”
“Taehyun.”
The pain in Seungyoon’s voice is no match for the dejected look he gives him and Taehyun knows he’s going to cave any minute now. It would do him good to just go. He moves to leave but before he can turn away, Seungyoon reaches for his hand.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I should not have left Vatra without saying goodbye or explaining things to you, but I was so confused. I just - I didn’t want you to carry the burden I should be carrying. Voda is my responsibility, Taehyun. What kind of King would I be if I let other people find the solutions for me?”
Taehyun manages to yank his hand from Seungyoon’s grip, fury bubbling at the base of his throat. “You might have forgotten what I said to you the night we were at the farm, Seungyoon, but I haven’t. I said I’d do anything for you.”
“And that’s why I can’t let you,” Seungyoon retorts, inching closer. Taehyun doesn’t know what to make of his response but he doesn’t recoil the second time Seungyoon takes his hand. His thumb rubs at the back of Taehyun’s palm tenderly, as if he just wants to touch Taehyun’s skin. “I can’t let you marry me because it’s the only way I can be King. I want you to marry me because you want to be with me,” Seungyoon pauses and Taehyun thinks he can’t breathe. “I want you to marry me because you love me as I love you.”
Taehyun’s throat dries up and he feels lightheaded, like he could faint at any second. Seungyoon had just told him that he loves him and the only thing Taehyun manages to say is a weak, “what?” while disbelief floods him.
“The Kings have rescinded their decision,” Seungyoon continues, hope coloring his cheeks. “The only way Voda can be at peace is if I am to be king.”
Taehyun’s initial shock gives way to pleasant surprise. “You’re the crown prince again? You’ll be king?”
“Yes,” Seungyoon smiles and it makes Taehyun’s stomach lurch. “When I turn twenty-five, I will take over the throne. For now, Lord Gaius will act as interim ruler.”
“That’s great news,” Taehyun returns his smile unconsciously, lost in the waves of emotions coursing through him. He feels like jumping and running around, but when he remembers Seungyoon’s confession, he is in danger of wheezing again.
“Do I not get an answer?” Seungyoon asks, taking a step closer again.
Taehyun thinks about and bites on his lip. “I forgive you.”
Seungyoon shakes his head, as if to say it’s not the answer he’s looking for. “The real one.”
Taehyun takes in all of Seungyoon’s features, from his piercing eyes to his tall nose, his sharp jawline and his soft lips. He hadn’t dreamt him after all. And It’s no use hiding the truth when his body reacts the way it does to Seungyoon. Besides, Taehyun had always wanted to say it out loud ever since he confirmed it to be true.
Taehyun takes a deep breath.
“I love you, too.”
Seungyoon’s lips twitch into a smile, and Taehyun thinks this is the perfect time for Seungyoon to sweep in and take his breath away with a kiss. But instead, Seungyoon busies himself with a scabbard hung on his belt. Taehyun watches with curiosity as Seungyoon takes something from inside and holds out an enclosed fist to Taehyun. When he opens it, resting on his palm are two identical silver rings, intricately designed to make small sapphires and rubies stand out. They’re absolutely beautiful.
“Who said fire and water don’t mix,” Seungyoon says with a smirk when the rings render Taehyun speechless. What Seungyoon says next, however, floors him. “Marry me, Taehyun.”
It’s as if the air had thinned around them and all Taehyun could hear in his head are those three words repeated over and over. He doesn’t remember saying yes, but he does give Seungyoon the realest answer he could. He closes the space between them and throws his arms around Seungyoon’s neck as he captures his prince’s lips, their mouths slotting together perfectly as if they’d been made to kiss each other senseless from the start.
Hiding behind a tree from a distance, two princes smile fondly, while one muffles a laugh.
*
“How does it feel to be King?” Taehyun murmurs in Seungyoon’s neck, deliberately blowing hot air where he knows his husband is most sensitive. He feels Seungyoon shudder against him and Taehyun smiles before peppering small kisses on the same spot.
“It feels so good,” Seungyoon moans, although Taehyun isn’t sure he’s still talking about the coronation from earlier.
“I’ve never made love to a King before,” Taehyun snuggles closer, pushing himself so he’s on top of Seungyoon. He could feel him hard against his leg, and Taehyun moves to create friction, eliciting another grunt from him.
“You’re drunk with power,” Seungyoon hisses, and Taehyun tries not to chuckle at the neediness in Seungyoon’s voice. He decides he likes the thought of a King being weak under his touch. Fingers tracing down Seungyoon’s taut skin, Taehyun kisses Seungyoon’s lips, taking pleasure in all the different noises Seungyoon makes against his mouth before he cupping him in his hands. Seungyoon arches his back and bucks his hips in need.
The sliver of light seeping through the window casts a glow on Seungyoon’s face and Taehyun feels the heat pooling in his belly at the sight of him open mouthed and panting. He brushes some of his hair from his eyes and drinks in all of his features before he straddles him in one swift move. Taehyun sinks down and throws his head back at the sensation of being filled to the brim. Seungyoon runs his hands up along Taehyun’s sides as he guides him down over and over, their bodies already slick with sweat despite the chilly night.
Taehyun mouths along the column of Seungyoon’s throat, unable to hold back from the pleasure that shoots through him repeatedly. Seungyoon’s fingertips dig into his skin in all the right ways and it doesn’t take long before they both explode, their ragged breaths filling the silence as Taehyun rests his head against Seungyoon’s chest.
“Do you think I’ll be a good king?” Seungyoon’s voice is tentative in the quiet.
“You’ll be a great king,” Taehyun replies without uncertainty. “Because you’re a great man first.”
“You make me great,” Seungyoon wraps his arms around Taehyun’s body, pulling him even closer. “And I know you’re going to make an excellent king someday.”
Taehyun pushes himself up to plant a kiss on Seungyoon’s lips. Sometimes it still feels like a dream, but Taehyun had never been more thankful than the day Seungyoon walked into his life.
There are drawbacks to being a prince, but being able to love Seungyoon is its greatest reward.
He settles back on Seungyoon’s chest as long fingers rake through his hair. Taehyun closes his eyes and smiles against his skin, finding peace in the sound of his king’s heartbeats.
***