Hobson’s Choice
Title: Hobson's Choice
Author: Anonymous until 1/30/14
For: yakiseop
Pairing: Baekhyun/Chen
Word Count: 7,330
Summary: Prince Baekhyun learns that being a prince does not always mean one is on the giving end of orders.
Warnings: scene involving strangulation (no character death)
Rating: PG
One
Breaking News: Proclamation MERLIN Officially In Effect
November 1, 2013
As of November 1, 2013 9:30am KST, Proclamation Magical ERadication LINe, better known as Proclamation MERLIN is in full effect. Proclamation MERLIN requires every citizen of South Korea to undergo a mandatory magical ability examination in order to identify individuals with magical abilities of constitutional origin who actively study or practice any of the following magical domains: abjuration, alchemy, transfiguration, summoning, divination, enchantment, illusion, necromancy, and healing. Once identified, these individuals are to restrict their usage of magic through the use of the MERLIN collar, a comfortable device that dampers magical ability, only allowing enough magic to sustain the necessary Life Force. It should be worn at all times. Failure to wear the MERLIN collar is punishable by death.
This proclamation is put into place in order to protect individuals of non-magical birth from sustaining any injuries, whether physical, mental, or emotional, from magical artifacts, spells, or potions. Specifically, Proclamation MERLIN was created as a direct response to the Line 5 Incident on August 14, 2013, in which 50 individuals of non-magical birth were killed as a result of a face-off between recently identified head summoner Black Hijack and head illusionist Red Houdini (real names unknown) that took place on Subway Line 5. The Line 5 Incident is just one of many examples of rogue magic affecting the lives of innocent citizens.
For more information on the Line 5 Incident, please refer to page 8.
For more information on the mandatory magical ability examinations, as well as individuals who qualify for exemption, please refer to Proclamation MERLIN’s official website: https://procmerlin.org.
This has been approved by His Majesty of South Korea.
÷
Baekhyun folds and unfolds his napkin, sets it down, and then folds it again into fourths. At the front of the palace banquet hall, the chancellor is making a speech, droning on and on about the benefits of Proclamation MERLIN. At the sides of the hall, the chefs are lined up, waiting for the speech to be over so dinner can be served. Baekhyun laments the fact that the food will probably be cold by the time the speech is over.
“Just think about how safe our children, our normal, non-magical children, will be now that the menace of rogue magic is not looming over their heads!”
Baekhyun thinks about making a paper crane out of his napkin.
From across the table, Joonmyun is shooting him a disapproving look. “Prince Baekhyun,” Joonmyun whispers. “I think it would be better if you paid attention to the speech.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes at his bodyguard, but sits back into his chair obediently, forcing himself to pay attention. Nothing being said tonight is news to him, and truth be told, he isn’t too adverse to the use of magic. Magic users are relatively rare, making up approximately three percent of the entire population. The majority of them go about their daily lives undetected, although the more powerful users channel their powers constructively. The wards of the country are maintained by abjuration users, and hospitals are saturated with healers, though Baekhyun has never heard a single complaint about them. (Imagine that). However, in the past few years, the number of accidents connected with magic has increased, starting with a large scale explosion-apparently linked with alchemy students-that demolished a large chunk of a developing neighborhood nearby.
“Furthermore, without magic, we can all be truly equal. Through our own hard work, through pure human innovation and the use of technology, we can lay down our magical crutches and begin to walk in earnest.”
The chancellor paces back and forth, face flushed with excitement.
“How will magic stand up to the test of human advancement? Will we need abjuration when our country will be fortified with the latest weapons designed by our brightest engineers? Will we need alchemists and healers when our best pharmacists are on the verge of creating miracle drugs to battle even the most deadly of cancers? Welcome to a new age of progress.”
There is a smattering of polite applause before the chancellor switches gears and launches into a passionate retelling of the Line 5 Incident. A PowerPoint featuring the grotesque carnage of the aftermath followed by the snarling face of Black Hijack fills the screen behind him. Baekhyun reckons it’s time for a break.
“Bathroom,” Baekhyun mouths to Joonmyun. “I need to go to the bathroom. Really badly.”
Joonmyun raises his eyebrows at Baekhyun’s untouched glass of water but decides not to question him. He stiffly escorts Baekhyun out of the hall, glaring at anyone shooting them disapproving glances at their interruption.
“You’re going to get me in trouble,” Joonmyun whines quietly when they’re out of earshot of the rest of the guests.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you,” Baekhyun grins, playfully bumping against Joonmyun as they head to the bathroom.
“That would be my job, prince,” Joonmyun throws a fake punch at his shoulder lightly in response. His fist does not make contact, but Baekhyun feigns injury anyway.
“Yeah,” Baekhyun says, pushing the door of the bathroom open. “Wait out here, will you? I won’t be long.”
Joonmyun nods and stands guard outside. Baekhyun locks the door and heads towards the sink to splash water onto his face. The cold water does the job of refreshing him, waking him up from the stupor of the evening. His eyes sting slightly and he grinds the base of his hands against his eyes. When he looks back up, there’s a man standing behind him, his tall frame reflected in the mirror.
“Oh! I didn’t see you there,” Baekhyun starts, spinning around. The man is dressed smartly in a suit, no doubt an esteemed guest at this evening’s celebration. “You know, you should really lock the door. Then I would have waited outside instead of barging in.”
“Prince Baekhyun,” The man holds up three fingers in the standard royal salute before inclining his head slightly, seemingly unperturbed by Baekhyun’s presence. Despite the man’s humbled position, Baekhyun can’t help be feel slightly intimidated. Around him is an almost palpable aura of authority and power. He leans in close enough that Baekhyun can smell a hint of expensive cologne. The man’s dark eyes flash with golden light and he whispers something incomprehensible into Baekhyun’s ear. He thinks he hears a “you must” before slumping to the ground unconscious.
÷
“Wake up. Prince Baekhyun, please wake up.”
Immediately, Baekhyun’s eyelids are forced open and his body is propelled upwards automatically as if dragged by invisible hands. The sudden movement disorients him, and he blinks groggily as he attempts to adjust to the light of his bedroom. So he made it back to his room, at least. At his side, Joonmyun shifts anxiously, face twisted with worry and hair slightly disheveled.
“You didn’t have to manhandle me like that,” Baekhyun grumbles, rubbing his eyes.
“I didn’t touch you, prince,” Joonmyun frowns. “You know I would never do that.”
Baekhyun reaches out to pat his bodyguard’s arm comfortingly. “It’s fine. I was probably startled awake. Your voice is very distinct.”
“I resent that,” Joonmyun says, but the corners of his mouth are curving upwards, as if he’s trying not to smile. Baekhyun smiles warmly back and Joonmyun breaks out into a real grin.
“So what happened?” Baekhyun asks.
“You were taking a long time in the bathroom, even for you,” Joonmyun starts and Baekhyun hits him playfully with a pillow.
“I thought maybe there was something wrong. I forced the door open and found you unconscious on the ground. Your pulse was fine, and I had the doctor come evaluate you. He thinks it’s just exhaustion,” Joonmyun says methodically, as if he had been practicing when Baekhyun was unconscious. Routine keeps him calm.
“There was a man,” Baekhyun says suddenly, as his memories become less hazy. “There was a man in the bathroom with golden eyes.”
Joonmyun reels back, smile gone from his face. “Are you sure? Nobody walked out of the bathroom.”
Chills run down Baekhyun’s spine and suddenly he feels like fainting again.
“I’ll have a word with the rest of security,” Joonmyun says slowly. “This isn’t good at all.”
“Joonmyun, I didn’t make him up-”
Joonmyun holds up his hand to signify the end of the conversation. “I believe you, prince. But we should discuss this later when I have had time to digest this information. The situation just got a lot more complicated.”
“Of course it has.”
“I have to report your status to His Majesty, who was very worried about your condition earlier,” Joonmyun gets up from his place beside Baekhyun’s bed. “And you missed dinner, so I will go ask one of the maids to get food for you. Stay put.”
“No,” Baekhyun protests lightly, throwing the thick blankets off his body. “No, I can get some food myself. It’s fine. I know all the cooks-”
Except it isn’t fine because he can’t move his legs. Baekhyun takes a few deep breaths and squeezes his eyes shut as he attempts to move his left leg. His right leg. Nothing. Panic courses through his body and Baekhyun thinks he can taste acid building up in his throat. “Joonmyun. Joonmyun, help. I can’t move.”
Joonmyun frowns. “You’re still weak-”
“No!” Baekhyun shouts, fear evident in his voice. “I can’t move my legs at all. I’m stuck.”
Joonmyun surveys Baekhyun slowly. A few minutes pass before realization flickers across his face.
“Prince Baekhyun, get out of bed.”
Immediately, Baekhyun feels his body moving on its own accord. He rolls out of his bed and lands on the ground. Hard.
“Clap your hands three times.”
Baekhyun’s hands obediently slam together three times.
“I think we have a problem.”
“I’ll say.”
÷
“Where are we going again?”
Baekhyun doesn’t really expect Joonmyun to respond; his bodyguard has been mostly silent for the duration of the car ride, hands firmly wrapped around the steering wheel. Leaving the palace is not forbidden, though Baekhyun is fairly certain that being out and about in the middle of the night with only his primary bodyguard for protection is less than ideal. Outside, the scenery is shifting from the urban bustle surrounding the palace into a more rural setting. The further they drive, the less and less cars they encounter and Baekhyun makes a weak joke about Joonmyun kidnapping him. Joonmyun doesn’t laugh.
Though it is fairly obvious the curse is one of obedience, they have yet to figure out the full extent of it. From what they’ve gathered, Baekhyun is strongly compelled to obey any direct order (“please” and “could you”’s count), and that obeying an order can be delayed at a strenuous physical cost, but the two of them have not tried any orders more serious than harmless body movements.
Baekhyun sighs and leans against the door of the car, allowing the soft hum of the car to lull him into a stupor. He’s not sure whether Joonmyun is taking him somewhere to hide or to break his curse, but there are two things he is definitely sure of. He knows that they will not be staying for long, if the lack of supplies is any indication, and he also knows that there’s a lot more to Joonmyun than meets the eye.
÷
“We’re here, Prince Baekhyun.”
“Here” happens to be a fairly unassuming country house, complete with a large porch and wide, wooden shutters. A lamp post winks cheerily at them as Joonmyun parks at the curb.
“We won’t be here long, prince,” Joonmyun promises, opening the door for Baekhyun. “You’ll be as good as new.”
“I don’t suppose you could tell me what’s going on now?” Baekhyun tries and Joonmyun just shakes his head, putting his hand on the small of Baekhyun’s back to guide him towards the front of the house.
“I think the person we’re seeing will give you all the explanations you need. He’s always been better at explaining these sorts of things.”
And before Baekhyun can question him further, Joonmyun raps his knuckles firmly against the door.
A few moments pass before a grumpy voice answers from behind the door. “Suho? What do you want?”
“Suho?” Baekhyun asks, turning to look at his bodyguard.
“Is... Houdini in?” Joonmyun asks, ignoring Baekhyun and balancing on the tips of his toes in a futile attempt to peek into the house through the eye hole.
“Houdini?! We’re here to see THE Red Houdini?” Baekhyun yelps. A brief image of the carnage left from the Line 5 incident comes to mind and it takes every ounce of self-control to stay put instead of running away screaming back to the palace. He glances suspiciously over at Joonmyun. If there was any other option at breaking his curse, Baekhyun really would have run by now.
“What’s the secret password?” The voice gets louder in an attempt to drown out Baekhyun. Baekhyun pouts, not used to being ignored.
“Don’t be a dick, Chen,” A second, deeper voice sounds from behind the door. There’s a bit of fumbling on the other end before the door swings open to reveal two casually dressed men. Nothing is immediately out of place, although the taller man’s hair is an unnaturally bright shade of red.
Baekhyun stares.
“Nice to see you, Houdini,” Joonmyun laughs and the taller of the two men breaks into a huge grin, pulling Joonmyun in for a firm hug.
“Nice to see you too, Suho,” The magician says animatedly. “I was wondering when you’d be taking up my offer for lunch. Well, it’s not technically lunch time, but hey, I think we’ve got some leftover dinner, right Chen-”
Baekhyun clears his throat loudly and immediately the three men start, as if just becoming aware of his presence.
“I’ve forgotten my manners,” Houdini grins widely, releasing Joonmyun from his grip. He turns to Baekhyun and takes his hand, bending down to kiss the tips of his fingers lightly. Waving his free hand, he produces a single rose out of thin air and hands the creation to Baekhyun with a cheeky wink. “Your majesty. It is truly an honor to have you here in my humble home. I have longed to see your face in person, and not just on our currency.”
“That’s so gross,” Chen complains, smacking his companion on the arm. Houdini just laughs loudly and releases Baekhyun’s hand, babbling animatedly about having the world’s most attractive money.
“Even if he is handsome and Suho brought him to us, is it wise to have the prince here? Don’t you know what law was just passed today?” Chen mutters.
“What did I say about magical and non-magical cooperation?” Houdini admonishes and Chen flushes.
“Please just introduce yourself properly and without the theatrics this time,” Chen says flatly to his companion.
“You never let me have any fun,” Houdini complains but complies when Chen shoots him a withering glare. “I’m Red Houdini, or just Houdini. Real name undisclosed for protective purposes.”
“And I’m Chen. Name also withheld for protective purposes,” Chen cuts in. “I’m an apprentice witch, training to become an illusionist under Houdini here.”
The rose in Baekhyun’s hand dissolves back to its original form. Baekhyun stares sadly at the piece of string.
÷
“I need to be filled in on a lot of stuff here,” Baekhyun demands as the group moves towards the living room. Joonmyun places a comforting hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder. Baekhyun shakes him off, though he feels slightly guilty at the hurt look on his bodyguard’s face.
“In good time, prince,” Houdini says, closing the door behind them.
The inside of the house is just as ordinary as the outside. Baekhyun isn’t sure what he was expecting from an illusionist’s home, but he thinks it would be reasonable to assume that there would at least be some indication that there was something magical at work here. Perhaps a magical artifact of some sort. Or a huge self-indulgent painting of Red Houdini hanging above an impressive magical fireplace. Out of desperation, Baekhyun deduces that everything is merely an illusion. A loud laugh from Chen after he attempts to karate chop a vase proves his theory false.
They reach the living room, which is just as commonplace. Commonplace but comfortable, Baekhyun decides, sitting gingerly in the rocking chair closest to the fireplace.
“Well,” Houdini plops down heavily onto he cream colored couch, eyes never leaving Baekhyun. “What seems to be the problem?”
“Do you want us to tell you or show you?” Joonmyun interjects before Baekhyun can even open his mouth.
Houdini sits up, excitement evident in his eyes. “Ooh, something to show me? Can’t wait.”
“If his majesty is going to burst into flames, I suggest we get the extinguishers ready,” Chen warns.
“Prince Baekhyun has not acquired pyrokinesis,” Joonmyun says a bit stiffly.
“Even if I did, couldn’t you just make the fire disappear?” Baekhyun asks, half-wishing the stranger had given him the ability to manipulate fire. The image of him shooting flames from his fingertips is becoming more attractive by the minute.
“We’re illusionists not element summoners,” Chen replies matter-of-factly, as if that should have been obvious. He turns his attention to the rocking chair Baekhyun is sitting in. Baekhyun notices Chen’s eyes glowing red for a split second before he feels an unpleasant jerk from under him. I’m falling, Baekhyun panics, flailing his arms around for some solid support.
“Chen,” Houdini warns, though his eyes are wide with amusement.
“Just a small demonstration,” Chen shrugs, moving Houdini’s legs to make room for himself on the couch. “We can alter your reality, but in the end, it really is just an illusion. Your chair has been there the whole time.”
His eyes glow red once more and Baekhyun finds himself in his very solid chair.
“Now that we’ve demonstrated what we can do,” Houdini clears his throat, obviously trying to keep a straight face. (It’s not working well, as the corners of his mouth continuously twitch upwards.) “Why don’t you show us what you can do?”
“I’m not showing you anything,” Baekhyun frowns, folding his arms across his chest.
“Oh, you don’t trust me,” Houdini raises his eyebrows and Baekhyun stares back, lips clamped tightly together. “Fair enough. You of all people should be aware of the Line 5 Incident.”
“You are responsible for the biggest magical tragedy possibly of all time. I should have you arrested-”
“Look,” Chen says loudly, cutting him off. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, your majesty, but it has to be pretty bad if Suho had to come to us for help. You see, your bodyguard there has renounced the name of magic and the art of illusion years ago. He wouldn’t come here for just anything. Now show us what’s wrong.”
Immediately, Baekhyun feels a strong pressure pressing against his skull, pain intensifying as the compulsion to obey increases. Breathing becomes more difficult the longer he delays, but there’s nothing to obey. “You,” He gasps, “You need to-”
“Your majesty, spin in a circle five times,” Joonmyun orders.
Relief comes immediately as Baekhyun spins five times. With each spin, the throbbing in his head and the invisible hands around his neck subside.
Houdini whistles low. “Yeah, that’s some curse you’ve got on you, prince.”
“You can fix it, can’t you?” Joonmyun asks a bit desperately.
“How many times have we told you? We’re illusionists!” Chen complains. “This is clearly more along what Golden Ghost does. You know. An actual enchanter.”
“You’ve done magic outside your specialty before!” Joonmyun turns to Houdini, who shrugs apologetically.
“You know that was a special case,” Houdini says with a tone of finality.
“Wait, Golden Ghost?” Baekhyun repeats the name slowly. “The man who I met in the bathroom had golden eyes. Do you think it could have been him?”
“It was the Ghost himself who enchanted you?” Houdini laughs. “He’s got guts, showing up at the banquet uninvited. I heard security was at an all-time high.”
“Not high enough, apparently,” Joonmyun mutters.
“You’re lucky the Ghost didn’t put you in an eternal sleep. Now that would be exceedingly difficult to reverse.”
“So there’s nothing that can be done?” Baekhyun asks faintly. “I’m going to be cursed with obedience forever?”
“Well, obedience enchantments are usually broken by the person who enchanted you in the first place,” Houdini furrows his brows. “There are also a few cases where the curse is broken through the will of the enchanted.”
Baekhyun squeezes his eyes shut and concentrates on breaking the curse.
I will not obey
I will not obey
I am my own person and I will not obey
He must look ridiculous from the way Chen is howling with laughter. Baekhyun flushes.
“Did the Ghost give you any directions? Any orders?” Houdini asks, nudging Chen with his foot to silence him.
Baekhyun thinks back to their encounter. His mind maps out the exact details of the bathroom, the golden eyes of the magician, the smell of cologne, the aura of power. However, he can’t actually remember the magician saying anything. “I...don’t think so?”
“Well if he did, I order you to disregard his command,” Houdini grins. “In addition, I’ll go talk to the Ghost for you.”
“The last time you guys met, half of his mansion and that precious marble sculpture of himself got demolished.”
“Shut up, Chen. I can try to get him to see reason. I’ve told him many times that messing with the royal family wouldn’t solve anything,” Houdini makes his way over to Baekhyun. He kneels before him, raising three fingers in the standard royal salute. It’s a strangely touching gesture.
“Prince Baekhyun,” Houdini says firmly. “As repentance for all the trouble I have caused the country, as well as my own personal belief that the division between people of magical and non-magical birth can be solved through peaceful cooperation, I will do everything in my power to reverse your curse.”
÷
“You still have explaining to do,” Baekhyun grabs onto Joonmyun’s arm before he can leave. The plan would be for Baekhyun to stay under the protection of Chen for the next few days while Houdini went to speak with the Ghost. In the meanwhile, Joonmyun would be returning immediately to the palace with another of Houdini’s apprentices transformed to take the appearance of the prince. It is not the best of plans, but they all agreed that time is of the essence.
“Prince,” Joonmyun sighs, running his hand distractedly through his hair. “Please believe me when I say that I only have you and your well-being in mind.”
“Is Joonmyun even your real name?” Baekhyun complains as Joonmyun reaches out to ruffle Baekhyun’s hair.
Joonmyun nods. “A magician giving out his or her real name is indicative of deep trust, as names hold controlling powers. I gave you mine when I came into service of the royal family as a testament of my unwavering loyalty.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes as Joonmyun starts tearing up. “Don’t be so dramatic. I trust you, alright? Have a safe ride back along with...” He shivers slightly as his doppelganger inclines his head slightly. It is like looking at a mirror, except the reflection has its own free will.
“Well if we’re all done with the heartfelt farewells,” Chen interrupts, appearing abruptly behind Baekhyun, “I will show his majesty to where he will be staying for the next few days.”
Joonmyun nods and makes his way out of the door, turning back exactly once to wave. Baekhyun swallows the lump that’s developing in his throat before turning to Chen. “So.”
“Hey,” Chen says. “It’ll be alright. I’m the best witch anyone can ask for. You’ll be safe.”
“I feel a lot better now,” Baekhyun rolls his eyes, but follows Chen obediently.
“Ooh, your majesty’s got jokes,” The apprentice laughs, leading Baekhyun up the staircase to the upper floor, which is just as cozy as the downstairs area. “I’m the most important apprentice, so my room is second biggest next to Houdini’s. You can take the extra room down the hall.”
Chen swings open the door of the last room and Baekhyun steps in carefully to a small room equipped with minimal furnishing: a small bed with white sheets and more pillows than necessary, a wooden writing desk, and a closet already filled with spare clothing.
“Don’t forget to get sleep. That’s an order,” Chen wiggles his eyebrows and Baekhyun picks up one of the fluffy pillows and throws it at Chen’s head.
“Good night!” Chen laughs, eyes glowing red and the pillow bursts in mid-air, sending fluffy feathers swirling around them.
(When Baekhyun goes to pick up the pillow later, he finds it intact.)
÷
The bright rays of the sun jots Baekhyun out of his slumber, and he begins to complain to Joonmyun about the cruelty of ripping the blinds open first thing in the morning. Then he remembers there is no Joonmyun and he contemplates just staying in bed all day. Hunger eventually gets the better of him, and Baekhyun sighs heavily before padding downstairs to the kitchen in hopes of getting some breakfast.
“Morning, prince,” Chen greets from his place at the stove. He continues to stir the pot which contains something sweet smelling. “I don’t usually make breakfast, but since his royal highness is with us, I thought I could make an exception.”
The way Chen says “royal highness” would probably cost him his life if he dared use that tone in the presence of the king, but Baekhyun finds it more amusing than anything.
“I’m honored,” Baekhyun salutes Chen with three fingers before taking a seat at the table. “Where are the other apprentices?”
“The apprentices have already eaten and are training elsewhere. I would be doing the same, but I’ve got babysitting duties for the rest of the week,” Chen slams a bowl in front of Baekhyun and sticks a spoon in his hand. “Eat up, majesty.”
Immediately, Baekhyun starts shoveling the food into his mouth as fast as possible and Chen winces. “You can eat as fast or as slow as you want. Sorry.”
“This is good,” Baekhyun says happily between bites, not even caring that he has food all over his face. He is more hungry than expected. “What is it? Something magical?”
“I call it,” Chen pours himself a bowl of food before taking the seat across from Baekhyun. “Oatmeal.”
Baekhyun sticks out his tongue and continues eating. “So what’s the plan for today?” He asks with his mouth full.
“You are going to be doing chores, of course,” Chen responds. “There are no exceptions, even for the prince.”
÷
“So,” Baekhyun grunts. “Chores, huh?” During the day, the lawn surrounding the country house seems less quaint and more annoying when he’s trying to mow it using a manual lawn mower. He is by no means delicate, but Baekhyun never had to concern himself with chores at the palace. With each push of the lawn mower, his appreciation for the palace’s staff increases.
“Um,” Chen looks up from behind his sunglasses to survey his progress. “Yeah. Good job.” He settles more comfortably in his lawn chair before reaching over to take a long drink of ice cold lemonade.
“You know,” Baekhyun calls, wiping sweat off of his face with his equally sweaty hand. “You could help me. The lawn could get mowed faster.”
“No I’m good right here,” Chen replies lazily. “You missed a spot. Go back and mow it.”
“This is an abuse of power,” Baekhyun calls, turning the lawn mower around before the headaches begin. “When I’m curse free I’m banishing you to the Antarctica for life.”
“You wouldn’t do that,” Chen replies with his mouth full of sandwich.
“Oh? And why is that?” Baekhyun mows the offending spot aggressively.
“Because you would miss me,” Chen cackles, almost choking on a bite of sandwich from his guffawing.
÷
“Building character,” Chen says as Baekhyun works on the dishes after lunch.
“I’m starting to think that these are actually your chores,” Baekhyun scrubs at a stubborn spot on the plate.
“No, I really had to dig deep to come up with something for you to do,” Chen insists, mouth curling into a cat-like grin, adding another plate to Baekhyun’s dirty dish pile. “Bet you were expecting to help me with potions and stuff, right?”
“Kind of?” Baekhyun shrugs, adding the newly cleaned plate to the clean pile.
“I think it would be best if I didn’t divulge the tricks of the trade,” Chen leans against the counters, casually observing Baekhyun’s progress.
“Don’t you get tired of babysitting me? We could take a small break,” Baekhyun teases, splashing water in Chen’s direction.
“Hey! Clean that up!” Chen yells, jumping back to avoid the brunt of the attack.
Baekhyun picks up a rag, grinning wickedly. “Well since you ordered me to.”
He tackles Chen to the ground and straddles his waist to keep him in place as he rubs the rag roughly against the witch’s face. Chen hits his arm in retaliation and twists his body viciously so that their positions are reversed.
“Chen,” Baekhyun grins up at Chen, peering through his lashes.
“Majesty,” Chen says a bit breathlessly. Baekhyun cannot tell if his face if red from embarrassment or from the excessive scrubbing. He kind of hopes it’s the former.
÷
“Now this is just getting ridiculous,” Baekhyun says. The two of them are in the study sorting books. Or, Baekhyun is sorting for the past two hours and Chen adds book after book to the pile. Baekhyun rubs his eyes, fatigue threatening to overcome him.
“I’ve been meaning to get these books sorted,” Chen says from his place at the study desk, lazily pointing to another shelf of books waiting to be organized. “Houdini can be a bit of a slob and it makes it hard for me to find the books I want. Now go grab a book from the tallest shelf and bring it to me.”
“Chen,” Baekhyun grits his teeth, face reddening as he struggles against the command. His heart rams erratically against his chest the longer he delays, but he thinks that maybe, just maybe this time...
However, after a few excruciating seconds (or maybe minutes?), he finally grabs a chair to reach the shelf, shoulders slumped in defeat.
Chen just stares at Baekhyun, face unreadable.
“Houdini said breaking the curse is possible through willing it so,” Chen says quietly, a hint of disappointment in his voice. “I heaped on all these chores on you hoping that you’d snap, to be honest. Now keep sorting, prince.”
÷
“Prince, do not forget what I have commanded you to do. You must obey.”
÷
Baekhyun wakes up in a cold sweat but cannot remember what he dreamed of last night.
÷
“You want to try something today?” Chen asks, slamming down a plate of pancakes in front of Baekhyun.
“Does it involve chores?” Baekhyun groans, serving himself a few pancakes.
“I want to push you off a cliff later.”
Baekhyun chokes on his orange juice.
“Or more precisely, I want to command you to throw yourself off of one.”
“Chen,” Baekhyun says slowly, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “Whatever I did to make you angry, I’m sure we can work it out-”
Chen shushes him impatiently. “No, you see, your majesty, I’ve been doing a bit of reading and I have concluded that maybe a life-or-death situation may cause enough stress to enable you break the curse yourself.”
“And if I don’t break the curse?” Baekhyun squeaks. Images of him crashing to his untimely death flash through his head, and his breakfast threatens to make an untimely reappearance.
“Then I’ll just command you to stop, of course. It’s a fool-proof plan.”
÷
“Your confidence in me is touching. Truly,” Baekhyun says waspishly as he stands a few feet away from the cliff while Chen stands even further back at a safe distance. Chen had led them to a deceptively beautiful meadow filled with small blue flowers Baekhyun can’t remember the name of. However, at the edge of the field is a cliff. (“There’s a reason this place is called ‘Fool’s Meadow’,” Chen had explained a bit too gleefully for Baekhyun’s taste). He cannot see the ledge now, and hopefully he won’t have to if he has his way.
“Can’t we just wait until Houdini comes back with the Ghost to break the curse?” Baekhyun tries one last time, though he knows any sort of compromise would be futile at this point. What’s worse, a traitorous part of him is actually looking forward to the danger, if it meant breaking the curse.
“With all due respect, your majesty, do you seriously think the Ghost is going to agree to break the curse? He’s practically begging for war,” Chen shakes his head. “Houdini has too much confidence in people. I don’t think he’ll be able to sweet talk his way out of this one.”
“Do you have confidence in him?” Baekhyun stalls.
“As his loyal apprentice, I will back him up even if he’s being stupid,” Chen says firmly. “Honestly, if it weren’t for him and his insistence on making peace with the royal family, I wouldn’t even be trying to help you. Now take two steps towards the edge, majesty.”
Baekhyun grinds his heels down in a desperate attempt to disobey the direct order. “But,” He gasps as his legs begin to burn from the disobedience. “But why would you trust him? He’s a huge part of why Proclamation MERLIN is in place.”
He takes one shaky step and the pain subsides marginally. It flares up again when Baekhyun once again refuses to move to take the second step.
“Oh believe me I was angry,” Chen shouts. “Take that step, majesty.”
Baekhyun moves one step forward and hates himself for enjoying the instant rush of relief that runs through his body. Dizzy, he looks up to find the cliff just a little bit closer.
“You see, Houdini was trying to get Hijack to join him in his effort to put together a peace talk. For reasons unknown, Hijack attacked him without warning. Take three steps, majesty.”
“Are they enemies?” Baekhyun pants, sweat beading at his temples. He kneels on the ground, as if that would assuage the pain.
“They’re lovers,” Chen replies.
“What?!” Baekhyun starts. Of all the explanations, this wasn’t the one he was expecting. His head spins and he starts to crawl towards the cliff, despite his attempts to grab onto the plush grass so tightly his knuckles are white from the force.
“I don’t know the details,” Chen shrugs. “But this issue has been putting a strain in their relationship for months. Crawl to the edge of the cliff, prince.”
“Chen, I can’t,” Tears begin to form as he inches his way to the edge, stomach dragging along the ground has he is physically propelled forwards. “There’s no use. Even if I disobey, the curse will take over. I don’t have control.”
“You can do it,” Chen insists. “Try harder.”
“I mustn’t obey,” Baekhyun chants the words like a prayer. His mouth is completely dry but he can’t be bothered to stop. “I mustn’t obey.”
The edge is now in view, the bottom of the cliff obscured by a thick layer of fog, and Baekhyun feels like fainting.
“I’m at the edge of the cliff. This isn’t funny anymore, Chen!” Baekhyun yells as he involuntarily shifts so part of his body hangs off the edge. “Chen!”
Immediately, Chen’s eyes glow red and the cliff disappears completely.
Baekhyun hits the solid ground and lets out a loud sob.
÷
“If you knew that the cliff was an illusion, it wouldn’t have caused you panic,” Chen says softly. After their failed attempt at breaking the curse, the two of them have been sitting out in the meadow with their backs towards each other. Baekhyun refuses to talk to Chen, and Chen respects his wish for silence for the most part, offering soft apologies every once in a while. Baekhyun viciously picks the petals off of some of the flowers to distract his hands.
“Wanna to see something cool?” Chen finally asks, tapping Baekhyun lightly.
“I don’t know if I’m up for any more surprises,” Baekhyun says tersely but turns around to face Chen.
“It’s a good thing, I promise,” Chen takes Baekhyun’s hands. They are surprisingly warm.
“Close your eyes,” Chen murmurs and Baekhyun’s eyes automatically flutter shut.
“If you’re going to scare me, I’m really going to banish you for eternity,” Baekhyun warns after a few moments of silence, squeezing Chen’s hands tightly.
“You can open your eyes now, majesty,” Chen says. Baekhyun can practically feel the eye-roll but he opens his eyes anyway to find himself completely surrounded by a multitude of softly glowing stars. Baekhyun laughs in delight as they swirl around him.
“It’s just an illusion,” Chen says sheepishly, though obviously pleased that Baekhyun is enjoying the display. “Remember? My powers only alter your perception of the things around you.”
“I must look really dumb right now then,” Baekhyun says absentmindedly, reaching out to touch a stray star. It’s unexpectedly cool against his fingertips. “Feels pretty real to me.”
Chen laughs and the illusion wavers for a moment. “Oh shit.”
He looks breathtaking with light from the stars illuminating his face and the gentle curve of his smile. Without much thought, Baekhyun reaches out and pulls Chen closer, fingertips brushing lightly against his neck.
“It’s beautiful,” Baekhyun rests his forehead against Chen’s.
Prince, do not forget what I have commanded you to do. Do it now.
Automatically, Baekhyun’s grip around Chen’s neck tightens.
“Majesty?” Chen gasps as Baekhyun’s slender fingers dig into his flesh, nails leaving angry marks in their wake. The illusion shatters completely, plunging the two of them into sudden darkness.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” Baekhyun cries as he tries in vain to let Chen go. “But I can’t stop!”
Imagine the shock that will ensue when the magical community learns that the crown prince has strangled Red Houdini’s best apprentice witch. Maybe, just maybe, a magical uprising will finally happen.
The pain of resistance has never been stronger, and Baekhyun screams in frustration as he tries to relieve the pressure he’s putting on Chen. The witch’s eyes are flashing red, but Baekhyun does not feel or see anything different. Is he dying? Baekhyun panics.
Fingers around the neck is like a collar sapping the magic out of you.
“I didn’t ask for this,” Baekhyun is sobbing now. “I don’t want to obey. I don’t have to obey.”
“Majesty,” Chen chokes out. His hands wraps around Baekhyun’s wrists in an attempt to pull him off. “I believe you can break the curse. If not for me, for your country.”
His headache increases the longer he delays the murder, fingers itching to finish the job. Chen’s breathing is harsh and uneven, and Baekhyun knows he doesn’t have much time left. Frustration, Baekhyun realizes, can’t break the curse, nor can fear, desperation, or anger. No matter how much of these things he holds in his heart, the outcome is always the same. Yet. Maybe it isn’t hate but something else. Maybe it’s less about him and more about his family, his country, and the lives of many innocent people that may be tainted forever should war erupt. And maybe it’s about the boy he has in his hands, eyes devoid of the happiness and mischief he has unknowingly grown fond of.
With all the strength he can muster, Baekhyun slowly slackens his grip around Chen’s throat.
“You’re going to be fine,” Baekhyun whispers. The pain is beyond belief at this point, but he knows he isn’t choking Chen as tightly as before. Baekhyun slumps to the ground exhausted.
“Just fine.”
÷
“Prince Baekhyun, wake up.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” Baekhyun groans, keeping his eyes purposefully shut. His bed back at the country house is comfortable and he doesn’t want to get up, curse be damned. Speaking of the curse, he’s expecting his eyes to be forced open, or for the pain to start when he isn’t obeying, but he feels nothing. Does this mean….
“Congratulations on breaking the curse yourself,” A second voice says, and this voice is painfully familiar.
“It’s you,” Baekhyun says, finally sitting up to address Houdini and the unfamiliar man beside him.
“It’s me,” Houdini grins. “I couldn’t locate the Ghost, but I found something even better.”
The man beside Houdini waves, face impassive. On closer inspection, Baekhyun thinks his features are familiar: small stature, wide eyes, full lips, and dressed entirely in black. The only difference is that his face isn’t twisted in murderous rage.
“Black Hijack.”
Hijack nods and salutes Baekhyun. “Your majesty.”
“You had some nerve coming back here without getting proper help,” A third voice sounds and Baekhyun’s heart swells.
“Chen, is that you?” Baekhyun asks and winces at the sound of his own voice. When did everything get so loud?
“Right here,” Chen says from the corner. When Baekhyun turns to look at him, the witch waves casually. Baekhyun smiles brightly, eyes crinkling in delight.
“I’m so glad you’re alright,” Baekhyun says, eyes flickering to Chen’s neck.
“It’ll take more than that to kill me,” Chen shrugs, moving to cover the dark bruises lining his neck.
“We’ll let you two talk,” Houdini says, slapping Hijack on the arm. “I’m sure Chen will be able fill you in.” He drags Hijack with him, arm slung around his waist. Hijack throws a fake punch at Houdini’s arm which ends up being a real punch on his back.
Chen slams the behind them and takes the seat closest to Baekhyun’s bed.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“…”
“…”
“So they made up, huh?” Baekhyun nods towards the door.
“The Ghost has been enchanting more people than just you, majesty,” Chen taps Baekhyun’s nose lightly. “He’s on the move, trying to get the most powerful magic users on his side. Not even Hijack was safe.”
“War is imminent,” Chen continues gravely. “And we may find ourselves on the opposite side of the war. But when times get especially difficult, I hope you will not forget me.”
“Can I have your name? Like, your real name?” Baekhyun blurts out.
“Hey now, were you listening to a word I said?! And don’t you know the importance of names in the magical community?” Chen raises his eyebrows but sighs when Baekhyun literally pouts.
“I saved your life!” Baekhyun protests. “Saving your life helped me overcome my curse!”
“Yeah well, you still tried to strangle me,” Chen counters but he leans in close to whisper in Baekhyun’s ear.
“Jongdae. My name is Jongdae.”
“Jongdae,” Baekhyun says, savoring his name on his tongue. “I will keep you in mind.”
Jongdae takes his hand and kisses his fingers softly. “And I you, my prince.”
One
Author: Anonymous until 1/30/14
For: yakiseop
Pairing: Baekhyun/Chen
Word Count: 7,330
Summary: Prince Baekhyun learns that being a prince does not always mean one is on the giving end of orders.
Warnings: scene involving strangulation (no character death)
Rating: PG
One
Breaking News: Proclamation MERLIN Officially In Effect
November 1, 2013
As of November 1, 2013 9:30am KST, Proclamation Magical ERadication LINe, better known as Proclamation MERLIN is in full effect. Proclamation MERLIN requires every citizen of South Korea to undergo a mandatory magical ability examination in order to identify individuals with magical abilities of constitutional origin who actively study or practice any of the following magical domains: abjuration, alchemy, transfiguration, summoning, divination, enchantment, illusion, necromancy, and healing. Once identified, these individuals are to restrict their usage of magic through the use of the MERLIN collar, a comfortable device that dampers magical ability, only allowing enough magic to sustain the necessary Life Force. It should be worn at all times. Failure to wear the MERLIN collar is punishable by death.
This proclamation is put into place in order to protect individuals of non-magical birth from sustaining any injuries, whether physical, mental, or emotional, from magical artifacts, spells, or potions. Specifically, Proclamation MERLIN was created as a direct response to the Line 5 Incident on August 14, 2013, in which 50 individuals of non-magical birth were killed as a result of a face-off between recently identified head summoner Black Hijack and head illusionist Red Houdini (real names unknown) that took place on Subway Line 5. The Line 5 Incident is just one of many examples of rogue magic affecting the lives of innocent citizens.
For more information on the Line 5 Incident, please refer to page 8.
For more information on the mandatory magical ability examinations, as well as individuals who qualify for exemption, please refer to Proclamation MERLIN’s official website: https://procmerlin.org.
This has been approved by His Majesty of South Korea.
÷
Baekhyun folds and unfolds his napkin, sets it down, and then folds it again into fourths. At the front of the palace banquet hall, the chancellor is making a speech, droning on and on about the benefits of Proclamation MERLIN. At the sides of the hall, the chefs are lined up, waiting for the speech to be over so dinner can be served. Baekhyun laments the fact that the food will probably be cold by the time the speech is over.
“Just think about how safe our children, our normal, non-magical children, will be now that the menace of rogue magic is not looming over their heads!”
Baekhyun thinks about making a paper crane out of his napkin.
From across the table, Joonmyun is shooting him a disapproving look. “Prince Baekhyun,” Joonmyun whispers. “I think it would be better if you paid attention to the speech.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes at his bodyguard, but sits back into his chair obediently, forcing himself to pay attention. Nothing being said tonight is news to him, and truth be told, he isn’t too adverse to the use of magic. Magic users are relatively rare, making up approximately three percent of the entire population. The majority of them go about their daily lives undetected, although the more powerful users channel their powers constructively. The wards of the country are maintained by abjuration users, and hospitals are saturated with healers, though Baekhyun has never heard a single complaint about them. (Imagine that). However, in the past few years, the number of accidents connected with magic has increased, starting with a large scale explosion-apparently linked with alchemy students-that demolished a large chunk of a developing neighborhood nearby.
“Furthermore, without magic, we can all be truly equal. Through our own hard work, through pure human innovation and the use of technology, we can lay down our magical crutches and begin to walk in earnest.”
The chancellor paces back and forth, face flushed with excitement.
“How will magic stand up to the test of human advancement? Will we need abjuration when our country will be fortified with the latest weapons designed by our brightest engineers? Will we need alchemists and healers when our best pharmacists are on the verge of creating miracle drugs to battle even the most deadly of cancers? Welcome to a new age of progress.”
There is a smattering of polite applause before the chancellor switches gears and launches into a passionate retelling of the Line 5 Incident. A PowerPoint featuring the grotesque carnage of the aftermath followed by the snarling face of Black Hijack fills the screen behind him. Baekhyun reckons it’s time for a break.
“Bathroom,” Baekhyun mouths to Joonmyun. “I need to go to the bathroom. Really badly.”
Joonmyun raises his eyebrows at Baekhyun’s untouched glass of water but decides not to question him. He stiffly escorts Baekhyun out of the hall, glaring at anyone shooting them disapproving glances at their interruption.
“You’re going to get me in trouble,” Joonmyun whines quietly when they’re out of earshot of the rest of the guests.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you,” Baekhyun grins, playfully bumping against Joonmyun as they head to the bathroom.
“That would be my job, prince,” Joonmyun throws a fake punch at his shoulder lightly in response. His fist does not make contact, but Baekhyun feigns injury anyway.
“Yeah,” Baekhyun says, pushing the door of the bathroom open. “Wait out here, will you? I won’t be long.”
Joonmyun nods and stands guard outside. Baekhyun locks the door and heads towards the sink to splash water onto his face. The cold water does the job of refreshing him, waking him up from the stupor of the evening. His eyes sting slightly and he grinds the base of his hands against his eyes. When he looks back up, there’s a man standing behind him, his tall frame reflected in the mirror.
“Oh! I didn’t see you there,” Baekhyun starts, spinning around. The man is dressed smartly in a suit, no doubt an esteemed guest at this evening’s celebration. “You know, you should really lock the door. Then I would have waited outside instead of barging in.”
“Prince Baekhyun,” The man holds up three fingers in the standard royal salute before inclining his head slightly, seemingly unperturbed by Baekhyun’s presence. Despite the man’s humbled position, Baekhyun can’t help be feel slightly intimidated. Around him is an almost palpable aura of authority and power. He leans in close enough that Baekhyun can smell a hint of expensive cologne. The man’s dark eyes flash with golden light and he whispers something incomprehensible into Baekhyun’s ear. He thinks he hears a “you must” before slumping to the ground unconscious.
÷
“Wake up. Prince Baekhyun, please wake up.”
Immediately, Baekhyun’s eyelids are forced open and his body is propelled upwards automatically as if dragged by invisible hands. The sudden movement disorients him, and he blinks groggily as he attempts to adjust to the light of his bedroom. So he made it back to his room, at least. At his side, Joonmyun shifts anxiously, face twisted with worry and hair slightly disheveled.
“You didn’t have to manhandle me like that,” Baekhyun grumbles, rubbing his eyes.
“I didn’t touch you, prince,” Joonmyun frowns. “You know I would never do that.”
Baekhyun reaches out to pat his bodyguard’s arm comfortingly. “It’s fine. I was probably startled awake. Your voice is very distinct.”
“I resent that,” Joonmyun says, but the corners of his mouth are curving upwards, as if he’s trying not to smile. Baekhyun smiles warmly back and Joonmyun breaks out into a real grin.
“So what happened?” Baekhyun asks.
“You were taking a long time in the bathroom, even for you,” Joonmyun starts and Baekhyun hits him playfully with a pillow.
“I thought maybe there was something wrong. I forced the door open and found you unconscious on the ground. Your pulse was fine, and I had the doctor come evaluate you. He thinks it’s just exhaustion,” Joonmyun says methodically, as if he had been practicing when Baekhyun was unconscious. Routine keeps him calm.
“There was a man,” Baekhyun says suddenly, as his memories become less hazy. “There was a man in the bathroom with golden eyes.”
Joonmyun reels back, smile gone from his face. “Are you sure? Nobody walked out of the bathroom.”
Chills run down Baekhyun’s spine and suddenly he feels like fainting again.
“I’ll have a word with the rest of security,” Joonmyun says slowly. “This isn’t good at all.”
“Joonmyun, I didn’t make him up-”
Joonmyun holds up his hand to signify the end of the conversation. “I believe you, prince. But we should discuss this later when I have had time to digest this information. The situation just got a lot more complicated.”
“Of course it has.”
“I have to report your status to His Majesty, who was very worried about your condition earlier,” Joonmyun gets up from his place beside Baekhyun’s bed. “And you missed dinner, so I will go ask one of the maids to get food for you. Stay put.”
“No,” Baekhyun protests lightly, throwing the thick blankets off his body. “No, I can get some food myself. It’s fine. I know all the cooks-”
Except it isn’t fine because he can’t move his legs. Baekhyun takes a few deep breaths and squeezes his eyes shut as he attempts to move his left leg. His right leg. Nothing. Panic courses through his body and Baekhyun thinks he can taste acid building up in his throat. “Joonmyun. Joonmyun, help. I can’t move.”
Joonmyun frowns. “You’re still weak-”
“No!” Baekhyun shouts, fear evident in his voice. “I can’t move my legs at all. I’m stuck.”
Joonmyun surveys Baekhyun slowly. A few minutes pass before realization flickers across his face.
“Prince Baekhyun, get out of bed.”
Immediately, Baekhyun feels his body moving on its own accord. He rolls out of his bed and lands on the ground. Hard.
“Clap your hands three times.”
Baekhyun’s hands obediently slam together three times.
“I think we have a problem.”
“I’ll say.”
÷
“Where are we going again?”
Baekhyun doesn’t really expect Joonmyun to respond; his bodyguard has been mostly silent for the duration of the car ride, hands firmly wrapped around the steering wheel. Leaving the palace is not forbidden, though Baekhyun is fairly certain that being out and about in the middle of the night with only his primary bodyguard for protection is less than ideal. Outside, the scenery is shifting from the urban bustle surrounding the palace into a more rural setting. The further they drive, the less and less cars they encounter and Baekhyun makes a weak joke about Joonmyun kidnapping him. Joonmyun doesn’t laugh.
Though it is fairly obvious the curse is one of obedience, they have yet to figure out the full extent of it. From what they’ve gathered, Baekhyun is strongly compelled to obey any direct order (“please” and “could you”’s count), and that obeying an order can be delayed at a strenuous physical cost, but the two of them have not tried any orders more serious than harmless body movements.
Baekhyun sighs and leans against the door of the car, allowing the soft hum of the car to lull him into a stupor. He’s not sure whether Joonmyun is taking him somewhere to hide or to break his curse, but there are two things he is definitely sure of. He knows that they will not be staying for long, if the lack of supplies is any indication, and he also knows that there’s a lot more to Joonmyun than meets the eye.
÷
“We’re here, Prince Baekhyun.”
“Here” happens to be a fairly unassuming country house, complete with a large porch and wide, wooden shutters. A lamp post winks cheerily at them as Joonmyun parks at the curb.
“We won’t be here long, prince,” Joonmyun promises, opening the door for Baekhyun. “You’ll be as good as new.”
“I don’t suppose you could tell me what’s going on now?” Baekhyun tries and Joonmyun just shakes his head, putting his hand on the small of Baekhyun’s back to guide him towards the front of the house.
“I think the person we’re seeing will give you all the explanations you need. He’s always been better at explaining these sorts of things.”
And before Baekhyun can question him further, Joonmyun raps his knuckles firmly against the door.
A few moments pass before a grumpy voice answers from behind the door. “Suho? What do you want?”
“Suho?” Baekhyun asks, turning to look at his bodyguard.
“Is... Houdini in?” Joonmyun asks, ignoring Baekhyun and balancing on the tips of his toes in a futile attempt to peek into the house through the eye hole.
“Houdini?! We’re here to see THE Red Houdini?” Baekhyun yelps. A brief image of the carnage left from the Line 5 incident comes to mind and it takes every ounce of self-control to stay put instead of running away screaming back to the palace. He glances suspiciously over at Joonmyun. If there was any other option at breaking his curse, Baekhyun really would have run by now.
“What’s the secret password?” The voice gets louder in an attempt to drown out Baekhyun. Baekhyun pouts, not used to being ignored.
“Don’t be a dick, Chen,” A second, deeper voice sounds from behind the door. There’s a bit of fumbling on the other end before the door swings open to reveal two casually dressed men. Nothing is immediately out of place, although the taller man’s hair is an unnaturally bright shade of red.
Baekhyun stares.
“Nice to see you, Houdini,” Joonmyun laughs and the taller of the two men breaks into a huge grin, pulling Joonmyun in for a firm hug.
“Nice to see you too, Suho,” The magician says animatedly. “I was wondering when you’d be taking up my offer for lunch. Well, it’s not technically lunch time, but hey, I think we’ve got some leftover dinner, right Chen-”
Baekhyun clears his throat loudly and immediately the three men start, as if just becoming aware of his presence.
“I’ve forgotten my manners,” Houdini grins widely, releasing Joonmyun from his grip. He turns to Baekhyun and takes his hand, bending down to kiss the tips of his fingers lightly. Waving his free hand, he produces a single rose out of thin air and hands the creation to Baekhyun with a cheeky wink. “Your majesty. It is truly an honor to have you here in my humble home. I have longed to see your face in person, and not just on our currency.”
“That’s so gross,” Chen complains, smacking his companion on the arm. Houdini just laughs loudly and releases Baekhyun’s hand, babbling animatedly about having the world’s most attractive money.
“Even if he is handsome and Suho brought him to us, is it wise to have the prince here? Don’t you know what law was just passed today?” Chen mutters.
“What did I say about magical and non-magical cooperation?” Houdini admonishes and Chen flushes.
“Please just introduce yourself properly and without the theatrics this time,” Chen says flatly to his companion.
“You never let me have any fun,” Houdini complains but complies when Chen shoots him a withering glare. “I’m Red Houdini, or just Houdini. Real name undisclosed for protective purposes.”
“And I’m Chen. Name also withheld for protective purposes,” Chen cuts in. “I’m an apprentice witch, training to become an illusionist under Houdini here.”
The rose in Baekhyun’s hand dissolves back to its original form. Baekhyun stares sadly at the piece of string.
÷
“I need to be filled in on a lot of stuff here,” Baekhyun demands as the group moves towards the living room. Joonmyun places a comforting hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder. Baekhyun shakes him off, though he feels slightly guilty at the hurt look on his bodyguard’s face.
“In good time, prince,” Houdini says, closing the door behind them.
The inside of the house is just as ordinary as the outside. Baekhyun isn’t sure what he was expecting from an illusionist’s home, but he thinks it would be reasonable to assume that there would at least be some indication that there was something magical at work here. Perhaps a magical artifact of some sort. Or a huge self-indulgent painting of Red Houdini hanging above an impressive magical fireplace. Out of desperation, Baekhyun deduces that everything is merely an illusion. A loud laugh from Chen after he attempts to karate chop a vase proves his theory false.
They reach the living room, which is just as commonplace. Commonplace but comfortable, Baekhyun decides, sitting gingerly in the rocking chair closest to the fireplace.
“Well,” Houdini plops down heavily onto he cream colored couch, eyes never leaving Baekhyun. “What seems to be the problem?”
“Do you want us to tell you or show you?” Joonmyun interjects before Baekhyun can even open his mouth.
Houdini sits up, excitement evident in his eyes. “Ooh, something to show me? Can’t wait.”
“If his majesty is going to burst into flames, I suggest we get the extinguishers ready,” Chen warns.
“Prince Baekhyun has not acquired pyrokinesis,” Joonmyun says a bit stiffly.
“Even if I did, couldn’t you just make the fire disappear?” Baekhyun asks, half-wishing the stranger had given him the ability to manipulate fire. The image of him shooting flames from his fingertips is becoming more attractive by the minute.
“We’re illusionists not element summoners,” Chen replies matter-of-factly, as if that should have been obvious. He turns his attention to the rocking chair Baekhyun is sitting in. Baekhyun notices Chen’s eyes glowing red for a split second before he feels an unpleasant jerk from under him. I’m falling, Baekhyun panics, flailing his arms around for some solid support.
“Chen,” Houdini warns, though his eyes are wide with amusement.
“Just a small demonstration,” Chen shrugs, moving Houdini’s legs to make room for himself on the couch. “We can alter your reality, but in the end, it really is just an illusion. Your chair has been there the whole time.”
His eyes glow red once more and Baekhyun finds himself in his very solid chair.
“Now that we’ve demonstrated what we can do,” Houdini clears his throat, obviously trying to keep a straight face. (It’s not working well, as the corners of his mouth continuously twitch upwards.) “Why don’t you show us what you can do?”
“I’m not showing you anything,” Baekhyun frowns, folding his arms across his chest.
“Oh, you don’t trust me,” Houdini raises his eyebrows and Baekhyun stares back, lips clamped tightly together. “Fair enough. You of all people should be aware of the Line 5 Incident.”
“You are responsible for the biggest magical tragedy possibly of all time. I should have you arrested-”
“Look,” Chen says loudly, cutting him off. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, your majesty, but it has to be pretty bad if Suho had to come to us for help. You see, your bodyguard there has renounced the name of magic and the art of illusion years ago. He wouldn’t come here for just anything. Now show us what’s wrong.”
Immediately, Baekhyun feels a strong pressure pressing against his skull, pain intensifying as the compulsion to obey increases. Breathing becomes more difficult the longer he delays, but there’s nothing to obey. “You,” He gasps, “You need to-”
“Your majesty, spin in a circle five times,” Joonmyun orders.
Relief comes immediately as Baekhyun spins five times. With each spin, the throbbing in his head and the invisible hands around his neck subside.
Houdini whistles low. “Yeah, that’s some curse you’ve got on you, prince.”
“You can fix it, can’t you?” Joonmyun asks a bit desperately.
“How many times have we told you? We’re illusionists!” Chen complains. “This is clearly more along what Golden Ghost does. You know. An actual enchanter.”
“You’ve done magic outside your specialty before!” Joonmyun turns to Houdini, who shrugs apologetically.
“You know that was a special case,” Houdini says with a tone of finality.
“Wait, Golden Ghost?” Baekhyun repeats the name slowly. “The man who I met in the bathroom had golden eyes. Do you think it could have been him?”
“It was the Ghost himself who enchanted you?” Houdini laughs. “He’s got guts, showing up at the banquet uninvited. I heard security was at an all-time high.”
“Not high enough, apparently,” Joonmyun mutters.
“You’re lucky the Ghost didn’t put you in an eternal sleep. Now that would be exceedingly difficult to reverse.”
“So there’s nothing that can be done?” Baekhyun asks faintly. “I’m going to be cursed with obedience forever?”
“Well, obedience enchantments are usually broken by the person who enchanted you in the first place,” Houdini furrows his brows. “There are also a few cases where the curse is broken through the will of the enchanted.”
Baekhyun squeezes his eyes shut and concentrates on breaking the curse.
I will not obey
I will not obey
I am my own person and I will not obey
He must look ridiculous from the way Chen is howling with laughter. Baekhyun flushes.
“Did the Ghost give you any directions? Any orders?” Houdini asks, nudging Chen with his foot to silence him.
Baekhyun thinks back to their encounter. His mind maps out the exact details of the bathroom, the golden eyes of the magician, the smell of cologne, the aura of power. However, he can’t actually remember the magician saying anything. “I...don’t think so?”
“Well if he did, I order you to disregard his command,” Houdini grins. “In addition, I’ll go talk to the Ghost for you.”
“The last time you guys met, half of his mansion and that precious marble sculpture of himself got demolished.”
“Shut up, Chen. I can try to get him to see reason. I’ve told him many times that messing with the royal family wouldn’t solve anything,” Houdini makes his way over to Baekhyun. He kneels before him, raising three fingers in the standard royal salute. It’s a strangely touching gesture.
“Prince Baekhyun,” Houdini says firmly. “As repentance for all the trouble I have caused the country, as well as my own personal belief that the division between people of magical and non-magical birth can be solved through peaceful cooperation, I will do everything in my power to reverse your curse.”
÷
“You still have explaining to do,” Baekhyun grabs onto Joonmyun’s arm before he can leave. The plan would be for Baekhyun to stay under the protection of Chen for the next few days while Houdini went to speak with the Ghost. In the meanwhile, Joonmyun would be returning immediately to the palace with another of Houdini’s apprentices transformed to take the appearance of the prince. It is not the best of plans, but they all agreed that time is of the essence.
“Prince,” Joonmyun sighs, running his hand distractedly through his hair. “Please believe me when I say that I only have you and your well-being in mind.”
“Is Joonmyun even your real name?” Baekhyun complains as Joonmyun reaches out to ruffle Baekhyun’s hair.
Joonmyun nods. “A magician giving out his or her real name is indicative of deep trust, as names hold controlling powers. I gave you mine when I came into service of the royal family as a testament of my unwavering loyalty.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes as Joonmyun starts tearing up. “Don’t be so dramatic. I trust you, alright? Have a safe ride back along with...” He shivers slightly as his doppelganger inclines his head slightly. It is like looking at a mirror, except the reflection has its own free will.
“Well if we’re all done with the heartfelt farewells,” Chen interrupts, appearing abruptly behind Baekhyun, “I will show his majesty to where he will be staying for the next few days.”
Joonmyun nods and makes his way out of the door, turning back exactly once to wave. Baekhyun swallows the lump that’s developing in his throat before turning to Chen. “So.”
“Hey,” Chen says. “It’ll be alright. I’m the best witch anyone can ask for. You’ll be safe.”
“I feel a lot better now,” Baekhyun rolls his eyes, but follows Chen obediently.
“Ooh, your majesty’s got jokes,” The apprentice laughs, leading Baekhyun up the staircase to the upper floor, which is just as cozy as the downstairs area. “I’m the most important apprentice, so my room is second biggest next to Houdini’s. You can take the extra room down the hall.”
Chen swings open the door of the last room and Baekhyun steps in carefully to a small room equipped with minimal furnishing: a small bed with white sheets and more pillows than necessary, a wooden writing desk, and a closet already filled with spare clothing.
“Don’t forget to get sleep. That’s an order,” Chen wiggles his eyebrows and Baekhyun picks up one of the fluffy pillows and throws it at Chen’s head.
“Good night!” Chen laughs, eyes glowing red and the pillow bursts in mid-air, sending fluffy feathers swirling around them.
(When Baekhyun goes to pick up the pillow later, he finds it intact.)
÷
The bright rays of the sun jots Baekhyun out of his slumber, and he begins to complain to Joonmyun about the cruelty of ripping the blinds open first thing in the morning. Then he remembers there is no Joonmyun and he contemplates just staying in bed all day. Hunger eventually gets the better of him, and Baekhyun sighs heavily before padding downstairs to the kitchen in hopes of getting some breakfast.
“Morning, prince,” Chen greets from his place at the stove. He continues to stir the pot which contains something sweet smelling. “I don’t usually make breakfast, but since his royal highness is with us, I thought I could make an exception.”
The way Chen says “royal highness” would probably cost him his life if he dared use that tone in the presence of the king, but Baekhyun finds it more amusing than anything.
“I’m honored,” Baekhyun salutes Chen with three fingers before taking a seat at the table. “Where are the other apprentices?”
“The apprentices have already eaten and are training elsewhere. I would be doing the same, but I’ve got babysitting duties for the rest of the week,” Chen slams a bowl in front of Baekhyun and sticks a spoon in his hand. “Eat up, majesty.”
Immediately, Baekhyun starts shoveling the food into his mouth as fast as possible and Chen winces. “You can eat as fast or as slow as you want. Sorry.”
“This is good,” Baekhyun says happily between bites, not even caring that he has food all over his face. He is more hungry than expected. “What is it? Something magical?”
“I call it,” Chen pours himself a bowl of food before taking the seat across from Baekhyun. “Oatmeal.”
Baekhyun sticks out his tongue and continues eating. “So what’s the plan for today?” He asks with his mouth full.
“You are going to be doing chores, of course,” Chen responds. “There are no exceptions, even for the prince.”
÷
“So,” Baekhyun grunts. “Chores, huh?” During the day, the lawn surrounding the country house seems less quaint and more annoying when he’s trying to mow it using a manual lawn mower. He is by no means delicate, but Baekhyun never had to concern himself with chores at the palace. With each push of the lawn mower, his appreciation for the palace’s staff increases.
“Um,” Chen looks up from behind his sunglasses to survey his progress. “Yeah. Good job.” He settles more comfortably in his lawn chair before reaching over to take a long drink of ice cold lemonade.
“You know,” Baekhyun calls, wiping sweat off of his face with his equally sweaty hand. “You could help me. The lawn could get mowed faster.”
“No I’m good right here,” Chen replies lazily. “You missed a spot. Go back and mow it.”
“This is an abuse of power,” Baekhyun calls, turning the lawn mower around before the headaches begin. “When I’m curse free I’m banishing you to the Antarctica for life.”
“You wouldn’t do that,” Chen replies with his mouth full of sandwich.
“Oh? And why is that?” Baekhyun mows the offending spot aggressively.
“Because you would miss me,” Chen cackles, almost choking on a bite of sandwich from his guffawing.
÷
“Building character,” Chen says as Baekhyun works on the dishes after lunch.
“I’m starting to think that these are actually your chores,” Baekhyun scrubs at a stubborn spot on the plate.
“No, I really had to dig deep to come up with something for you to do,” Chen insists, mouth curling into a cat-like grin, adding another plate to Baekhyun’s dirty dish pile. “Bet you were expecting to help me with potions and stuff, right?”
“Kind of?” Baekhyun shrugs, adding the newly cleaned plate to the clean pile.
“I think it would be best if I didn’t divulge the tricks of the trade,” Chen leans against the counters, casually observing Baekhyun’s progress.
“Don’t you get tired of babysitting me? We could take a small break,” Baekhyun teases, splashing water in Chen’s direction.
“Hey! Clean that up!” Chen yells, jumping back to avoid the brunt of the attack.
Baekhyun picks up a rag, grinning wickedly. “Well since you ordered me to.”
He tackles Chen to the ground and straddles his waist to keep him in place as he rubs the rag roughly against the witch’s face. Chen hits his arm in retaliation and twists his body viciously so that their positions are reversed.
“Chen,” Baekhyun grins up at Chen, peering through his lashes.
“Majesty,” Chen says a bit breathlessly. Baekhyun cannot tell if his face if red from embarrassment or from the excessive scrubbing. He kind of hopes it’s the former.
÷
“Now this is just getting ridiculous,” Baekhyun says. The two of them are in the study sorting books. Or, Baekhyun is sorting for the past two hours and Chen adds book after book to the pile. Baekhyun rubs his eyes, fatigue threatening to overcome him.
“I’ve been meaning to get these books sorted,” Chen says from his place at the study desk, lazily pointing to another shelf of books waiting to be organized. “Houdini can be a bit of a slob and it makes it hard for me to find the books I want. Now go grab a book from the tallest shelf and bring it to me.”
“Chen,” Baekhyun grits his teeth, face reddening as he struggles against the command. His heart rams erratically against his chest the longer he delays, but he thinks that maybe, just maybe this time...
However, after a few excruciating seconds (or maybe minutes?), he finally grabs a chair to reach the shelf, shoulders slumped in defeat.
Chen just stares at Baekhyun, face unreadable.
“Houdini said breaking the curse is possible through willing it so,” Chen says quietly, a hint of disappointment in his voice. “I heaped on all these chores on you hoping that you’d snap, to be honest. Now keep sorting, prince.”
÷
“Prince, do not forget what I have commanded you to do. You must obey.”
÷
Baekhyun wakes up in a cold sweat but cannot remember what he dreamed of last night.
÷
“You want to try something today?” Chen asks, slamming down a plate of pancakes in front of Baekhyun.
“Does it involve chores?” Baekhyun groans, serving himself a few pancakes.
“I want to push you off a cliff later.”
Baekhyun chokes on his orange juice.
“Or more precisely, I want to command you to throw yourself off of one.”
“Chen,” Baekhyun says slowly, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “Whatever I did to make you angry, I’m sure we can work it out-”
Chen shushes him impatiently. “No, you see, your majesty, I’ve been doing a bit of reading and I have concluded that maybe a life-or-death situation may cause enough stress to enable you break the curse yourself.”
“And if I don’t break the curse?” Baekhyun squeaks. Images of him crashing to his untimely death flash through his head, and his breakfast threatens to make an untimely reappearance.
“Then I’ll just command you to stop, of course. It’s a fool-proof plan.”
÷
“Your confidence in me is touching. Truly,” Baekhyun says waspishly as he stands a few feet away from the cliff while Chen stands even further back at a safe distance. Chen had led them to a deceptively beautiful meadow filled with small blue flowers Baekhyun can’t remember the name of. However, at the edge of the field is a cliff. (“There’s a reason this place is called ‘Fool’s Meadow’,” Chen had explained a bit too gleefully for Baekhyun’s taste). He cannot see the ledge now, and hopefully he won’t have to if he has his way.
“Can’t we just wait until Houdini comes back with the Ghost to break the curse?” Baekhyun tries one last time, though he knows any sort of compromise would be futile at this point. What’s worse, a traitorous part of him is actually looking forward to the danger, if it meant breaking the curse.
“With all due respect, your majesty, do you seriously think the Ghost is going to agree to break the curse? He’s practically begging for war,” Chen shakes his head. “Houdini has too much confidence in people. I don’t think he’ll be able to sweet talk his way out of this one.”
“Do you have confidence in him?” Baekhyun stalls.
“As his loyal apprentice, I will back him up even if he’s being stupid,” Chen says firmly. “Honestly, if it weren’t for him and his insistence on making peace with the royal family, I wouldn’t even be trying to help you. Now take two steps towards the edge, majesty.”
Baekhyun grinds his heels down in a desperate attempt to disobey the direct order. “But,” He gasps as his legs begin to burn from the disobedience. “But why would you trust him? He’s a huge part of why Proclamation MERLIN is in place.”
He takes one shaky step and the pain subsides marginally. It flares up again when Baekhyun once again refuses to move to take the second step.
“Oh believe me I was angry,” Chen shouts. “Take that step, majesty.”
Baekhyun moves one step forward and hates himself for enjoying the instant rush of relief that runs through his body. Dizzy, he looks up to find the cliff just a little bit closer.
“You see, Houdini was trying to get Hijack to join him in his effort to put together a peace talk. For reasons unknown, Hijack attacked him without warning. Take three steps, majesty.”
“Are they enemies?” Baekhyun pants, sweat beading at his temples. He kneels on the ground, as if that would assuage the pain.
“They’re lovers,” Chen replies.
“What?!” Baekhyun starts. Of all the explanations, this wasn’t the one he was expecting. His head spins and he starts to crawl towards the cliff, despite his attempts to grab onto the plush grass so tightly his knuckles are white from the force.
“I don’t know the details,” Chen shrugs. “But this issue has been putting a strain in their relationship for months. Crawl to the edge of the cliff, prince.”
“Chen, I can’t,” Tears begin to form as he inches his way to the edge, stomach dragging along the ground has he is physically propelled forwards. “There’s no use. Even if I disobey, the curse will take over. I don’t have control.”
“You can do it,” Chen insists. “Try harder.”
“I mustn’t obey,” Baekhyun chants the words like a prayer. His mouth is completely dry but he can’t be bothered to stop. “I mustn’t obey.”
The edge is now in view, the bottom of the cliff obscured by a thick layer of fog, and Baekhyun feels like fainting.
“I’m at the edge of the cliff. This isn’t funny anymore, Chen!” Baekhyun yells as he involuntarily shifts so part of his body hangs off the edge. “Chen!”
Immediately, Chen’s eyes glow red and the cliff disappears completely.
Baekhyun hits the solid ground and lets out a loud sob.
÷
“If you knew that the cliff was an illusion, it wouldn’t have caused you panic,” Chen says softly. After their failed attempt at breaking the curse, the two of them have been sitting out in the meadow with their backs towards each other. Baekhyun refuses to talk to Chen, and Chen respects his wish for silence for the most part, offering soft apologies every once in a while. Baekhyun viciously picks the petals off of some of the flowers to distract his hands.
“Wanna to see something cool?” Chen finally asks, tapping Baekhyun lightly.
“I don’t know if I’m up for any more surprises,” Baekhyun says tersely but turns around to face Chen.
“It’s a good thing, I promise,” Chen takes Baekhyun’s hands. They are surprisingly warm.
“Close your eyes,” Chen murmurs and Baekhyun’s eyes automatically flutter shut.
“If you’re going to scare me, I’m really going to banish you for eternity,” Baekhyun warns after a few moments of silence, squeezing Chen’s hands tightly.
“You can open your eyes now, majesty,” Chen says. Baekhyun can practically feel the eye-roll but he opens his eyes anyway to find himself completely surrounded by a multitude of softly glowing stars. Baekhyun laughs in delight as they swirl around him.
“It’s just an illusion,” Chen says sheepishly, though obviously pleased that Baekhyun is enjoying the display. “Remember? My powers only alter your perception of the things around you.”
“I must look really dumb right now then,” Baekhyun says absentmindedly, reaching out to touch a stray star. It’s unexpectedly cool against his fingertips. “Feels pretty real to me.”
Chen laughs and the illusion wavers for a moment. “Oh shit.”
He looks breathtaking with light from the stars illuminating his face and the gentle curve of his smile. Without much thought, Baekhyun reaches out and pulls Chen closer, fingertips brushing lightly against his neck.
“It’s beautiful,” Baekhyun rests his forehead against Chen’s.
Prince, do not forget what I have commanded you to do. Do it now.
Automatically, Baekhyun’s grip around Chen’s neck tightens.
“Majesty?” Chen gasps as Baekhyun’s slender fingers dig into his flesh, nails leaving angry marks in their wake. The illusion shatters completely, plunging the two of them into sudden darkness.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” Baekhyun cries as he tries in vain to let Chen go. “But I can’t stop!”
Imagine the shock that will ensue when the magical community learns that the crown prince has strangled Red Houdini’s best apprentice witch. Maybe, just maybe, a magical uprising will finally happen.
The pain of resistance has never been stronger, and Baekhyun screams in frustration as he tries to relieve the pressure he’s putting on Chen. The witch’s eyes are flashing red, but Baekhyun does not feel or see anything different. Is he dying? Baekhyun panics.
Fingers around the neck is like a collar sapping the magic out of you.
“I didn’t ask for this,” Baekhyun is sobbing now. “I don’t want to obey. I don’t have to obey.”
“Majesty,” Chen chokes out. His hands wraps around Baekhyun’s wrists in an attempt to pull him off. “I believe you can break the curse. If not for me, for your country.”
His headache increases the longer he delays the murder, fingers itching to finish the job. Chen’s breathing is harsh and uneven, and Baekhyun knows he doesn’t have much time left. Frustration, Baekhyun realizes, can’t break the curse, nor can fear, desperation, or anger. No matter how much of these things he holds in his heart, the outcome is always the same. Yet. Maybe it isn’t hate but something else. Maybe it’s less about him and more about his family, his country, and the lives of many innocent people that may be tainted forever should war erupt. And maybe it’s about the boy he has in his hands, eyes devoid of the happiness and mischief he has unknowingly grown fond of.
With all the strength he can muster, Baekhyun slowly slackens his grip around Chen’s throat.
“You’re going to be fine,” Baekhyun whispers. The pain is beyond belief at this point, but he knows he isn’t choking Chen as tightly as before. Baekhyun slumps to the ground exhausted.
“Just fine.”
÷
“Prince Baekhyun, wake up.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” Baekhyun groans, keeping his eyes purposefully shut. His bed back at the country house is comfortable and he doesn’t want to get up, curse be damned. Speaking of the curse, he’s expecting his eyes to be forced open, or for the pain to start when he isn’t obeying, but he feels nothing. Does this mean….
“Congratulations on breaking the curse yourself,” A second voice says, and this voice is painfully familiar.
“It’s you,” Baekhyun says, finally sitting up to address Houdini and the unfamiliar man beside him.
“It’s me,” Houdini grins. “I couldn’t locate the Ghost, but I found something even better.”
The man beside Houdini waves, face impassive. On closer inspection, Baekhyun thinks his features are familiar: small stature, wide eyes, full lips, and dressed entirely in black. The only difference is that his face isn’t twisted in murderous rage.
“Black Hijack.”
Hijack nods and salutes Baekhyun. “Your majesty.”
“You had some nerve coming back here without getting proper help,” A third voice sounds and Baekhyun’s heart swells.
“Chen, is that you?” Baekhyun asks and winces at the sound of his own voice. When did everything get so loud?
“Right here,” Chen says from the corner. When Baekhyun turns to look at him, the witch waves casually. Baekhyun smiles brightly, eyes crinkling in delight.
“I’m so glad you’re alright,” Baekhyun says, eyes flickering to Chen’s neck.
“It’ll take more than that to kill me,” Chen shrugs, moving to cover the dark bruises lining his neck.
“We’ll let you two talk,” Houdini says, slapping Hijack on the arm. “I’m sure Chen will be able fill you in.” He drags Hijack with him, arm slung around his waist. Hijack throws a fake punch at Houdini’s arm which ends up being a real punch on his back.
Chen slams the behind them and takes the seat closest to Baekhyun’s bed.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“…”
“…”
“So they made up, huh?” Baekhyun nods towards the door.
“The Ghost has been enchanting more people than just you, majesty,” Chen taps Baekhyun’s nose lightly. “He’s on the move, trying to get the most powerful magic users on his side. Not even Hijack was safe.”
“War is imminent,” Chen continues gravely. “And we may find ourselves on the opposite side of the war. But when times get especially difficult, I hope you will not forget me.”
“Can I have your name? Like, your real name?” Baekhyun blurts out.
“Hey now, were you listening to a word I said?! And don’t you know the importance of names in the magical community?” Chen raises his eyebrows but sighs when Baekhyun literally pouts.
“I saved your life!” Baekhyun protests. “Saving your life helped me overcome my curse!”
“Yeah well, you still tried to strangle me,” Chen counters but he leans in close to whisper in Baekhyun’s ear.
“Jongdae. My name is Jongdae.”
“Jongdae,” Baekhyun says, savoring his name on his tongue. “I will keep you in mind.”
Jongdae takes his hand and kisses his fingers softly. “And I you, my prince.”
One