what the crown carries (1/2)
what the crown carries
kaisoo (jongin/kyungsoo).
pg-13.
au, romance, friendship, drama.
oneshot/~10,000w.
Kyungsoo is a cautious king whose crown is too heavy for his head - or heart - to bear. Jongin is a proud prince who stands tall but falls hard for the king.
a/n: inspired by this. written for kristy for exoforsichuan.
WHAT THE CROWN CARRIES
ix.
"I love you."
"I know."
i.
There's a buzz going around the kingdom. Rumor has it that a neighboring prince has challenged the king to his land and future bride. Word of said prince's good looks and luxurious lifestyle are all anyone talks about in between merchandise exchanges and friendly conversation.
If only the story was really that simple, then King Kyungsoo wouldn't have a headache this massive.
Truth be told, Kyungsoo wishes Jongin was coming to town to steal his land and whatever made-up bride his people created. That would make things so much simpler for Kyungsoo. No more stressing, no more royal meetings, no more servants following your every move. That would be the life.
But, of course, things are never as simple as they appear. There is a prince riding into the kingdom today, and as handsome as he is, he's no competition to King Kyungsoo. He's just another thorn in Kyungsoo's side, as if the king didn't already have enough to worry about.
"Are you excited your friend is coming to visit?" Kyungsoo's royal adviser and most trusted companion, Baekhyun, asks. While most, if not all, of Kyungsoo's old friends turned their backs on Kyungsoo as a friend to address him only as their king and nothing more, Baekhyun never changed. Kyungsoo's not sure if that's just because of Baekhyun's overwhelming pride though, not that he necessarily minds; he would love to have half of Baekhyun's self-assurance.
"I haven't seen him in over five years. I don't even know if I can call him a friend anymore," Kyungsoo replies, tone curt. He lies on his back on his bed, Baekhyun seated at his feet, legs sprawled over Kyungsoo's as they talk. If anyone walked in on them like this, they would throw a fit at how casual Baekhyun, son of a outcast noble, is around their king.
"Well, he obviously considers you his friend if he's willing to take the time to come and visit you. After all, the Kim's kingdom isn't exactly a day's ride away," Baekhyun replies, nudging Kyungsoo's leg with his foot. "Weren't you guys best friends when you were younger?"
Kyungsoo snorts, glancing over at Baekhyun, who returns the stare with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, when we were twelve maybe. But that was forever ago."
It's Baekhyun's turn to roll his eyes now. "You weren't that young, I remember." Baekhyun had moved into the castle at Kyungsoo's father's request after his father was outcast. He stayed with the servants and helped out, and Kyungsoo would sometimes play with him when they were younger and Jongin wasn't around. Kyungsoo almost forgot Baekhyun knew about Jongin.
"I was a teenager," Kyungsoo retorts, deadpan. "That's young enough. Any time before all of this" - Kyungsoo waves his arms around, gesturing to the king's bedroom - "was long ago."
Baekhyun sighs, leaning back. "I guess. But still, you deserve a break. Maybe Jongin will-"
"Jongin isn't a break; he's just another task I have to take care when he's here, which I hope will not be long," Kyungsoo interrupts abruptly.
Baekhyun purses his lips at being cut off. King or not, he hates it when Kyungsoo would dismiss others' ideas off-handedly. The Kyungsoo he knew as a boy growing up was patient and quiet, always open to listening to others. But Baekhyun watched as Kyungsoo grew up, the weight on his shoulders getting heavier and heavier as his patience grew thinner and thinner.
"I went into town recently and heard some rumors about Prince Jongin," Baekhyun says, hoping to lighten the mood. He notices as Kyungsoo's eyes shift towards him in interest, and he takes the silence as an invitation to elaborate. "Apparently he's a jerk."
Kyungsoo lets out a laugh through his nose. "It wouldn't surprise me if he was seen that way. His head has always been too big for his shoulders."
"But they say he's gotten pretty bad," Baekhyun continues. "I heard he once spit on a villager for accidentally getting dust on his shoes."
Kyungsoo's quiet for a moment, and Baekhyun wonders if he struck a nerve. But instead, Kyungsoo calmly replies, "No, that's not Jongin."
Baekhyun raises an eyebrow in surprise. He didn't expect Kyungsoo to defend Jongin, not after complaining about him.
"He may be arrogant, but he is not rude," Kyungsoo says, shaking his head. "Even if I haven't seen him for six years, I know Jongin, and he would never do anything like that."
It's quiet after that. Baekhyun wants to ask more about Prince Jongin, the boy he remembers leading his king all around the palace, fingers wrapped around a thin wrist and a playful grin permanently stuck on both of their faces. He wants to know more about the man the king once called his best friend. But for now, he knows Kyungsoo won't say any more, so this is enough.
After all, the prince rides in tomorrow morning.
-
Prince Jongin is everything Baekhyun expects: tall, handsome, with teasing eyes and a strong aura about him. He looks young with that smirk never leaving his lips, but the way he carries himself screams of one of a king-to-be.
When the prince arrives, the palace is bustling with servants everywhere and all of Kyungsoo's court together, ready to welcome the visitor. They don't know why he's visiting, only that Kyungsoo confirmed the stay himself. Only a few in the court are aware of the King's old relationship with the prince, but they dare not say anything.
The women all start flushing the moment the prince enters. Baekhyun rolls his eyes at those who even swoon, before turning to the King who's trying his best not to show any emotions. But Baekhyun knows, even if Kyungsoo will never admit it, that Kyungsoo is excited to see his old friend. After all, the two were once inseparable. A bond like that never breaks, not even after years of separation; it gets rusted and it weakens, but it does not break.
When Prince Jongin reaches the throne, he takes a moment and bows deeply. Baekhyun can tell Kyungsoo is doing his best not to roll his eyes at his friend's tactics.
"Your Highness," Jongin's voice floats through the air. While some see this as respect, Kyungsoo knows Jongin's mocking him.
"Prince Jongin," Kyungsoo replies nonetheless. After all, they have images to uphold.
"Well, aren't you going to come hug me like you always did when we were kids?" Jongin asks, eyebrow arched. Kyungsoo shoots him a glare as surprised and suspicious stares are sent their way from half of Kyungsoo's palace.
"I get it, I get it," Jongin says before Kyungsoo can reply. "Now that you're some big, hotshot king, you can't even spare a hug on an inferior prince. I just can't believe you'd leave your best friend hanging like that," Jongin sighs, looking away dramatically. The court stares on in confusion at the scene unraveling in front of them.
"Oh, shut up," Kyungsoo mumbles under his breath, which only Baekhyun seems to catch with a hidden grin. "Welcome to my kingdom, Prince Jongin," Kyungsoo replies instead, ignoring the pointed stare Jongin gives him. He shoots him a stare that says, Later, before dismissing the court.
Jongin stands by the throne, looking around as Kyungsoo finishes up finalizing his schedule for the day with one of the court membes. He gives Baekhyun the majority of the work today before he excuses himself to take care of the guest.
"Done acting all high and mighty?" Jongin asks as Kyungsoo walks towards him.
"You would know all about that, wouldn't you?" Kyungsoo replies, rolling his eyes. As if Jongin is one to talk, with the way he regards himself as number one in everything.
"Oh, you've gotten snarky," Jongin says, grinning now. "I like it. It makes you kind of hot, you know."
If Kyungsoo's affected by Jongin's flirting, he doesn't say anything. Jongin is almost offput for a moment, wondering where his old Kyungsoo, who blushed at the word 'panties,' went.
"I see you're still as troublesome as ever," Kyungsoo snaps, crossing his arms as Jongin snickers behind his hand.
"Me? Troublesome? Never," Jongin coos as innocently as he can, but Kyungsoo knows better. After all, he was there all those times Jongin would leave fake spiders in the princess' shoes and wait outside to hear their screams.
"Yeah, and that's why your parents sent you to me," Kyungsoo snorts. "To clean up your non-troublesome ways, huh?"
"They didn't send me," Jongin objects, crossing his arms now so his pose copied Kyungsoo's. "I asked to come here. The last time I saw you, you were hiding in the choir room and singing under your breath. Now you're a king with a fancy crown that barely fits your head and a kingdom in your hands. I had to see how you were faring."
"Thanks," Kyungsoo deadpans. It's nice to know his friend has such faith in him.
Jongin grins. "Aw, c'mon, Soo. Let's be real here - you were always so quiet and shy. I had to speak up for you when the nobles would ask us questions."
"I never asked you to-"
"But I did, didn't I? Because I was a great friend," Jongin says haughtily, and Kyungsoo just snorts.
"No, you just liked to hear yourself talk."
"I do have a strong voice, don't I?" Jongin grins at the disgusted look on Kyungsoo's face. His expression is still the same as it was when they were younger, when Jongin promised to marry Kyungsoo if no one else wanted to. Kyungsoo, flustered red, scrunched up his nose and pursed his lips in distaste at Jongin's offer. Kyungsoo was thirteen, and Jongin twelve.
"It's just as annoying as it was five years ago," Kyungsoo mutters, shaking his head.
"Hey, this is the voice that charms all the ladies," Jongin says. "Speaking of which, are there any nearby? If not, we should go find some, because it's been a while since I last had fun."
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes. "You can go find them yourselves. I have business to take care of. You may be a prince, but I am the king-"
"Ohh, there it is again. The high and mighty business," Jongin coos, grinning. "You've really improved. You actually sound serious."
"Because I am," Kyungsoo replies through gritted teeth. "Seriously, Jongin, I don't have time to play anymore. I have an entire kingdom to look after, and-"
"And it can wait a day for you to catch up with your best friend," Jongin interrupts. "I'm only going to be here for a week."
"A week too long," Kyungsoo mutters.
Jongin quirks an eyebrow in amusement. "You know you missed me," he teases, elbowing Kyungsoo, who doesn't react.
Kyungsoo just stares, unamused. "I barely even noticed you were gone."
Jongin laughs, slinging an arm over his friend's shoulder. "That's not true. I heard you wrote to me for half a year every week, asking me to come back. In fact, some of the letters arrived. I have one of them right here-" Kyungsoo throws his arm back and glares at Jongin.
"Stop that. That was years ago," Kyungsoo huffs, annoyed that Jongin had to bring that up. He doesn't want to remember himself then, weak and dependent on the younger. Part of him is glad Jongin had to leave, now that he thinks about it - it gave him the chance to grow up.
Unfortunately, Jongin didn't seem to receive the same opportunity.
Kyungsoo sighs, turning on his heels and walking away without another word.
"Wait, where are you going?" Jongin calls out after him.
Kyungsoo doesn't even glance back at him as he leaves. "I have a kingdom to run. Try not to get killed in it while I'm gone."
ii.
Kyungsoo rubs his temple, figure hunched over his desk as he re-reads the treaty agreements his generals wrote with the neighboring Choi Kingdom. "They're such a greedy kingdom," he mutters to himself as he reads the military requirements.
"But what choice do we have?" he sighs, falling back into his chair as he runs his hand through his hair, disgruntled.
There's a knock at the door, and Kyungsoo straightens in his seat before announcing, "Come in." He watches as the Duke, followed by their top generals and military scholars, file into the room, bowing before Kyungsoo. A year ago, Kyungsoo would have gotten flustered, but he barely even blinks now.
"Do you have news from the Choi Kingdom?" he asks, getting straight to business. If there's one thing Kyungsoo learned from his father, it was to never waste time. Get to the point or get out, he would always say.
"No, not yet, Your Majesty," the Duke replies solemnly. "But we've received word from one of our informants from Lee's Kingdom. It seems they're beginning to build armories across the kingdom."
Kyungsoo's face darkens. His Kingdom and the Lee's have been on rocky terms since the late King Do's term. Kyungsoo's naïve hopes of making amends with the kingdom were dashed within the first few months of his succession, when the kingdom announced plans to declare war on the Do Kingdom if they did not agree to give up their lands in the Northeast.
"Do you know how many?" Kyungsoo asks, eyes unwavering.
"Not yet, Your Majesty. We're working on finding out."
"When you find out, bring the news straight to me," Kyungsoo says strictly. "And General Park?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"I hope your soldiers are ready."
iii.
Kyungsoo finds Jongin strolling in the gardens before dinner. He's reluctant to approach the younger prince, but he knows he has to. It is the king's duty to watch over his guests, after all, no matter how unwelcome they are.
Though, truth be told, Jongin is not unwelcome; he simply has poor timing.
"Prince Jongin," Kyungsoo calls, tone formal.
Jongin turns around, eyebrow raised in surprise at Kyungsoo's entrance. "Are we back to speaking in formalities, King Kyungsoo?" he asks, lips curled upwards teasingly. He's dressed in white, and Kyungsoo tries not to think about how good he looks, set against the green garden with the sun shining on his dark hair.
"How would you like for us to speak, Prince Jongin?" Kyungsoo asks, not one to miss a beat with Jongin, even after years of separation.
"Preferably like the friends we are," Jongin laughs, sauntering over to Kyungsoo, who makes it a point not to stare. Jongin has definitely grown up in the past five years, his features sharper and eyes deeper. It's unnerving, but not unfamiliar.
"If you can still call us that," Kyungsoo retorts thoughtfully.
"What else would you call us?" Jongin asks innocently, stopping in front of Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo doesn't reply. Instead, he says, "It's almost time for dinner. The chef has prepared a special meal for your arrival, so be sure to arrive on time."
"Of course," Jongin answers, amused at the sudden return of Kyungsoo's serious aura. "Will you be there?" he asks expectantly.
"I have to," Kyungsoo practically snorts. "I'm the king. It would be rude of me to not show up."
"You're only going for manners, not for me?" Jongin asks, head tilted to the side curiously, and Kyungsoo just stares at him.
Jongin thinks he's about to change the subject again when, instead, Kyungsoo says, "Both." It's not much, but it's enough to pull Jongin's lips up into a smile as Kyungsoo formally excuses himself to get ready for dinner and leaves the garden.
"Much has changed, but one thing holds true," Jongin murmurs to himself as he presses his fingertips against a rose petal. "Kyungsoo is still Kyungsoo."
-
Dinner is nothing special. The food is fine, but the atmosphere is stiff with formalities and technical terms Jongin does not understand. Kyungsoo is busy with his advisors, so Jongin just passes the time by stuffing his mouth with food.
Once the plates are cleared, Kyungsoo asks Jongin if he would like a drink. Jongin, never one to turn down alcohol, agrees. While the wine is being prepared, the rest of Kyungsoo's advisors exit the room, leaving Kyungsoo and Jongin, and the occasional in-and-out servers, alone.
"Do you ever get tired of having people breathing down your neck?" Jongin asks, tilting his head to the side as he stares at Kyungsoo.
"They're my advisers," Kyungsoo replies curtly. "That's their job."
"And an envious job they have," Jongin murmurs, eyes locked with Kyungsoo's surprised ones. He seems like he's about to respond when the servers come back in with wine glasses and a bottle of wine.
Jongin watches as Kyungsoo takes a long sip of his wine. "I thought you said you didn't want to drink," he muses as he presses the glass to his own lips.
"That was before I became king," Kyungsoo replies dryly.
Jongin's lips quirk, but he doesn't smile.
"You could always just give me the crown," Jongin offers jokingly. "I'll help you run the kingdom."
Kyungsoo snorts. "Like the way you would 'help' me when we were kids, by sweeping the problem under the rug - literally?"
Jongin smiles cheekily. "It worked, didn't it?"
"Only until someone stepped on the rug to find broken glass under it," Kyungsoo deadpans, but there's a teasing tone to his words. He takes another sip of wine before saying, more seriously this time, "You don't want the crown, trust me. It's heavier than you think."
Jongin shrugs, leaning back. "I have a big head to hold it."
Kyungsoo actually laughs at that, and it's not the polite laugh Kyungsoo uses with his court or the empty one Kyungsoo tends to choke out. His eyes are sparkling, and Jongin wonders if this is how it feels to be breathless.There are speckles of gray in Kyungsoo's hair, but a rainbow in his eyes, and that's enough for now.
When Kyungsoo excuses himself to get ready for bed, Jongin bids him good night and sweet dreams as he watches Kyungsoo leave. He takes one last sip of his wine, missing when Kyungsoo glances back at him.
iv.
Kyungsoo lets out a breath of frustration as he goes over the military negotiations for the twelfth time that day. "If we build an armory here, it'd be cutting it close to the kingdom boundaries."
"Isn't that what we want, Your Majesty?" Taemin, one of Kyungsoo's newer advisors, asks, confused as he reads over the plans with Kyungsoo.
"No, I don't want to alarm the people just yet. We don't know if there's going to be a war yet for sure."
"Your Majesty, but I thought the Lees made their threat clear."
"Yes, but if we manage to secure the treaty with the Choi Kingdom, we may be able to evade this."
"Are the Chois really that strong?"
Kyungsoo frowns. Truth is, he doesn't know. While it's true that the Choi Kingdom has an expansive military that could readily hold off the Lee Kingdom, Kyungsoo is not sure how much the Choi's are willing to risk simply for a silver treaty with a small kingdom.
"Yes," Kyungsoo finally says, voice more sure than he is. He looks up from the plan and asks, "Where is Baekhyun?"
"I'm here, Your Majesty," said man says, knocking on the door before walking in. He relieves Taemin, who walks out hurriedly, before closing the door behind him. "You're still looking over this?" he asks as he stares down at the treaty.
"I'm still not sure how comfortable I am handing over half of our silver supply for protection," Kyungsoo replies. The worry in his voice may have slipped anyone else's ears, but Baekhyun's learned to recognized it loud and clear.
"It's worth the safety of our people," he says. "You know we could never taking on the Lee Kingdom by ourselves, not in this condition."
"We could always build a strong army."
"That would take months, if not years," Baekhyun reminds him of what he already knows. He looks up at the King, who stands, silent and calculating as he goes over countless plans in his head.
"With all due respect, King Kyungsoo, may I share something with you, as not only your advisor but as your friend?" Baekhun asks softly.
Kyungsoo looks up, surprised at Baekhyun's formal tone. He surveys the room, wondering if anyone else entered, as Baekhyun only uses formalities when in the company of others, but there's no one. He turns back to Baekhyun and finally answers, "Of course."
"Take a break, Kyungsoo," Baekhyun whispers, placing a hand over the treaty. He sees the protest already forming in Kyungsoo's eyes, and quickly continues, "I know this treaty is important to not only you, but our kingdom, but so is your health. I'm afraid you've spent too long stressing over this treaty. Your friend has come to visit, and you have barely spent any time with him. He'll only be here for a month. Don't you think you owe it to both him and yourself to make the most of the time?"
Kyungsoo frowns. "Jongin can wait; this treaty cannot. I thought you were smarter than this, Baekhyun," he says before looking back down at the treaty.
"I am," Baekhyun protests. "I'm smart enough to know that you need a break, or you'll crack."
"Nonsense," Kyungsoo snaps, getting irritated. How dare Baekhyun question his strength? Kyungsoo knows what he's doing, and he knows his limits. He can handle this. "If you're so insistent on messing around, why don't you just go and take a break yourself. Find Jongin and take him out to a tavern, and leave me to my work."
Baekhyun lets out a huff of air as he watches Kyungsoo fall back into his seat and take out his strategy plans again. "Perhaps I will," he says before bidding goodbye to Kyungsoo, who barely looks up to watch his friend elave.
-
Jongin is in the gardens again when Baekhyun finds him. He feels bad for the younger prince; he's been here four days already, yet he's only seen Kyungsoo twice. Baekhyun knows the prince has been asking about his king as well, from what the other court members have said.
"Your Highness," Baekhyun greets with a bow as he approaches Jongin.
Jongin nods his way. "You're Kyu- King Kyungsoo's adviser, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness, Byun Baekhyun at your service."
"Are you close to the king?" Jongin asks curiously as he eyes Baekhyun.
"I am his most trusted adviser, Your Highness," Baekhyun replies humbly, head still bowed.
"Well, if Kyungsoo can trust you, then I can too," Jongin states resolutely.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And please, drop the formalities," Jongin adds. "Is that how you address Kyungsoo?" Baekhyun looks up in surprise.
"No, but-"
"Address me as casually as you would Kyungsoo," Jongin says with a grin.
Baekhyun blinks, shocked. He didn't expect that. Even after Kyungsoo insisted that the rumors of Prince Jongin were fabricated, Baekhyun still had doubts in him, but after speaking to Jongin himself, maybe his doubts were wrong. Maybe Jongin isn't as proud as they say.
"Did Kyungsoo send you to get me?" he asks, shifting the subject. Baekhyun notices how everything seems to lead back to Kyungsoo with Jongin.
"No," Baekhyun admits with a slight bow of his head, missing the disappointment in Jongin's eyes.
"Oh. What are you doing here then?" Jongin inquires. His voice is more curious than accusing, and it reminds Baekhyun of a little boy.
"I'm here to keep you company," Baekhyun replies plainly, and Jongin raises an eyebrow at that.
"How? Are you going to go to take me to a bar? Or perhaps a hostel?" Baekhyun sputters at the blunt question, but regains his cool when he sees Jongin grinning from ear to ear. "Your reactions are just like Kyungsoo's," he comments, amused.
"I suppose that happens when you spend so much time with the king," Baekhyun sighs, running a hand through his hair.
It's quiet for a moment, before Jongin asks, "How long have you known Kyungsoo?"
"For almost six years now."
Jongin hums in thought. "That's almost as long as I've been away." Jongin speaks as if Kyungsoo's kingdom were his home, instead of Jongin's own kingdom.
Baekhyun nods. "I befriended him during his training. Back then, he knew I was to be his adviser, so it was inevitable." Baekhyun notices Jongin's silence, and hesitates before asking, "Are you... going to be king of your kingdom?"
Jongin blinks in surprise at that. "Oh, no," Jongin laughs, but it sounds bitter. Baekhyun would know - it's the same laugh as Kyungsoo's. "My parents would never allow that. They-they're ashamed of me." The way Jongin comes out and says it sounds as if he's not ashamed, but the way his eyes shift to the ground say otherwise.
"Is it because of your - forgive me for saying - scandalous lifestyle?" Baekhyun asks. He knows more about Jongin than he's revealed to Kyungsoo; rumors involving gambling and drinking problems made their ways to Baekhyun's ears. But in hopes of shielding Kyungsoo from the truth and their harm, he keeps those secrets to himself.
Jongin just laughs again, and it's an empty sound. "Yeah," is all he says.
They stand in silence for a while. Baekhyun takes a seat on one of the benches in the garden, while Jongin, to his surprise, opts for sitting on the grass. It doesn't seem like something the proud prince of the Kim kingdom would do.
"Jongin, if you don't mind me asking, what happened?" Baekhyun asks, and Jongin looks up, confused.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I actually knew you before you left," Baekhyun admits. "I know of yours and Kyungsoo's close friendship, and back then, I would have never guessed you'd turn out like this." Baekhyun knows he should be flustered with his honesty towards the prince he's only spoken to now, but speaking to Jongin feels just like speaking to Kyungsoo: natural.
Jongin lets out a long breath. "I was actually a pretty good guy when I was with Kyungsoo," he finally says, quiet as he plays with the grass at his feet. "I mean, I pulled him into pranks and made him do bad things, but I was good, you know? I wasn't the punk my parents and kingdom now look at me as."
"What happened?" Baekhyun asks again, but softer this time.
"I don't know," Jongin admits, frown gracing his features. "I just didn't have much to do without Kyungsoo around. The other palace kids already had friends, not that I wanted to hang out with them anyway. They were all so-so proper," Jongin says, shuddering. "They didn't want to get their knees scratched up like me and Kyungsoo would."
Jongin's silent for a moment before softly saying, "Now Kyungsoo's one of them," eyes losing their spark.
"Don't give up on him yet," Baekhyun says, frowning. "He's still the Kyungsoo you knew, I think. He just learned to bury that part deep, deep down when he became king." Baekhyun bites his lower lip, wondering if he should keep going. He knows Kyungsoo would hate him for sharing this with someone else, but then again, this someone else is Kim Jongin, Kyungsoo's once-upon-a-time closest friend.
"You know, you should have been there when he succeeded his father," Baekhyun murmurs. "He could've used the support."
"No," Jongin says, watching Kyungsoo's shadowy figure make its way across the court, followed by a group of assistants. "He doesn't need me anymore." Jongin sighs and lays back down in the grass.
Baekhyun watches as Kyungsoo re-enters another wing of the palace, door closing behind him. "He needs you more than you think," Baekhyun finally says, ignoring the surprised look on Jongin's face. And unfortunately more than you can help now.
v.
Baekhyun finds Kyungsoo in the king's bedroom later that night after his conversation with Jongin. He can tell the meeting with the general and advisers didn't go well by the way Kyungsoo is staring out the window, a blank look on his face acting as a barrier from his true feelings.
"Would you like me to run you a bath?" Baekhyun asks softly as he approaches Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo doesn't turn around. "Will a bath wash away all of these troubles?" Baekhyun doesn't have the chance to reply as Kyungsoo continues. "Or better yet, will the bath wash away the crown?" he asks, shaking his head.
Even if Kyungsoo isn't wearing his crown right now, Baekhyun can still see the weight it holds on Kyungsoo's shoulder, bringing him down.
"I'm afraid not," Baekhyun finally replies, placing a gentle hand on Kyungsoo's shoulder. "But it will help you relax."
Kyungsoo laughs, and it's that bitter sound Baekhyun is getting so tired of hearing. He shrugs off Baekhyun's hand and turns to look at his adviser. "How can I relax when my people are dangling at the edge of war?"
Baekhyun frowns, letting his arm drop to his side as he takes a seat next to Kyungsoo. He lets Kyungsoo continue.
"And the treaty... I don't even know if it's worth it anymore," Kyungsoo admits with a scowl. "With half the silver supply gone, we could go into debt," Kyungsoo laughs coldly. "Which is worse: a kingdom in poverty or a kingdom in bloodshed?"
It's quiet when neither of them have the answer. Baekhyun looks over at Kyungsoo, and there's something different this time. His face is blank, but his eyes are an open window. Baekhyun can see the cogs turning in his brain.
"The Chois have a daughter, you know," Kyungsoo suddenly says, very quiet.
Baekhyun does not react. "I know," is all he replies.
vi.
Kyungsoo runs into Jongin the next morning after breakfast. He's surprised to find the younger prince in the library of all places.
"I didn't know you could read," Kyungsoo says, startling the younger boy who is looking through the shelves.
Jongin turns around and his face lights up with a smile as soon as he sees the king. Kyungsoo tries not to think of what that means. "Your jokes have gotten better," Jongin replies as he walks over to Kyungsoo, two books in his hand. He sets them on the table in front of Kyungsoo and gestures for him to sit.
"What are you reading?" Kyungsoo asks, leaning over to grab the books. He's surprised to see they're both military strategy books. "What are you reading these for? Is your kingdom going to war some time soon?"
Jongin shakes his head. "No, I just like to read these in my free time. Military strategy was the only subject I could ever stay awake for during tutoring sessions."
Kyungsoo quirks a smile at that. He remembers when, as children, he would suddenly be disrupted during his tutoring session by a dancing Jongin, twirling his arms carelessly as he whisked Kyungsoo away from his books and startled tutor. His parents would always berate him, but that never stopped Jongin from doing it again and agan.
"What are you doing here?" Jongin asks, bringing Kyungsoo out of his thoughts.
"This is my castle," Kyungsoo replies wryly, leaning back in his chair once he realizes how close their faces are.
Jongin chuckles. "Yeah, but usually you're surrounded by your advisers 24/7 as you move from one room to another. I swear, I've only seen you alone a handful of times."
Kyungsoo shrugs. "I've been busy."
"Too busy for your best friend," Jongin sighs woefully, and Kyungsoo's almost offended that Jongin is trying to guilt trip him.
"I'm here now, aren't I?"
"Only by chance," Jongin points out. "Which brings me back to the question of 'what are you doing here?'" Kyungsoo raises an eyebrow for clarification, which Jongin provides. "You're the king. I'm sure you have no time for the leisure of reading."
"I don't," Kyungsoo admits. "But I had free time before my next meeting, so I decided to visit. I didn't know you would be here."
Jongin smiles. "Maybe it's fate."
Kyungsoo snorts. "And maybe I should leave now." He makes a show of getting up to leave, but Jongin grabs him by the wrist. The action is so urgent it catches Kyungsoo off-guard.
"Stay," Jongin says. It's just one word, but it has the power to move Kyungsoo as he sits back down, eyes never leaving Jongin, who just smiles softly.
"So what have you been up to?" Kyungsoo asks, clearing his throat and breaking eye contact to try to soften the tension.
"Just wreaking trouble wherever I go. You know, the usual," Jongin jokes, and Kyungsoo cracks a smile at that.
"Same old Jongin," he murmurs, but there's fondness in his voice.
"What about you?" Jongin asks, leaning in closer. "What has the king been up to?"
Kyungsoo frowns at the title, but answers anyway. "I've been running a kingdom."
"Is it everything you dreamed of?" Jongin asks, voice softer this time as he remembers a young Kyungsoo gushing over how he's going to be the best king ever and how everyone will love him. Jongin never doubted him either.
Kyungsoo is quiet, and Jongin nods, his silence all the answer he needs.
"Well, if you ever need a break," Jongin offers. "There's always a place for you at the Kim kingdom." He flahses Kyungsoo a toothy grin, but it's not reciprocated.
An uncomfortable silence grows over them. Kyungsoo looks deep in thought, and Jongin wants to pull him out or at least join him. He leans over and grabs Kyungsoo's hand, startling him back to earth, and smiles gently at him this time.
"I missed you," he finally says, and Kyungsoo can't do anything but stare. "You should really come visit. I'd like it a lot."
Suddenly the air is too thick for Kyungsoo to breathe, and he just nods numbly. Memories of a younger, teenager Jongin gathering up Kyungsoo in his arms and whispering, "I'll miss you so much," come rushing back after years of Kyungsoo trying to forget. Sometimes he's thankful that Jongin left, because Jongin has always been Kyungsoo's worst - and best - distraction.
"I have a meeting to go to," he announces suddenly, standing up abruptly and breaking contact. Jongin tries not to let his disappointment show at the lost of warmth.
Jongin doesn't move to make him stay. Instead, he just watches him go and wonders if this is how it felt when Kyungsoo had to watch Jongin leave.
vii.
"Excellent. I'll send word to the Choi Kingdom as soon as possible." The general rolls up the finished treaty and bows to the king before exiting.
Kyungsoo nods stoically from his seat. He watches, unblinking, as his court files out, all of them praising Kyungsoo's decision.
"A strong king does not make the right decisions. He makes the tough ones," Baekhyun says once it's just the two of them left.
Kyungsoo turns to look at him, face blank. "Are you saying I made the wrong decision?" Kyungsoo asks. He doesn't sound accusatory, though; his voice is just wary.
"No," Baekhyun replies quietly. "That was a quote your father used to say once he finished a deal."
Kyungsoo just stares.
Baekhyun clears his throat and continues, "When will you make the announcement?"
Kyungsoo doesn't say anything. "When should I?" he asks instead.
"When you're ready," Baekhyun replies as if it's an easy question. But nothing is easy these days for Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo laughs at that. "I'll never be ready," he admits, not even caring if he sounds weak because Baekhyun is his only audience and Baekhyun already seems to know everything about Kyungsoo, even things Kyungsoo has never admitted.
"Then postpone it," Baekhyun says, even though both he and Kyungsoo know that's impossible. The longer they push it off, the more chances the Chois have to go back on their agreement, and Kyungsoo just cannot risk that.
Kyungsoo takes in a deep breath. "An engagement is the only way," Kyungsoo finally says. "It's the only way to keep our kingdom's silver and to assure our safety."
Baekhyun nods, eyes level with Kyungsoo's unfocused ones. "I know, and I respect your decision."
"An engagement is the only way," Kyungsoo repeats, and Baekhyun wonders if he's doing it to reassure himself now. "An engagement is the only way."
viii.
Jongin doesn't know how to react when he sees Kyungsoo in front of his room one night. He hadn't seen the older the entire day after their chance meeting in the library, and from the looks of it, that didn't go well. Kyungsoo's eyes are blurry, and Jongin wonders what happened. Part of him wants to wrap the older up in his arm and press kisses to his forehead, but the rational part of him simply invites him in to talk instead.
"Are you okay?" Jongin asks softly after he's closed the door behind him. Kyungsoo is sitting on Jongin's bed, eyes still unfocused, and Jongin bites his lower lip worriedly. He's never seen Kyungsoo like this before.
Before Jongin even reaches Kyungsoo, however, the older says something that knocks the wind out of Jongin.
"Sleep with me."
Jongin thinks he must be dreaming now because there is no way Kyungsoo just said that. Not his Kyungsoo, the one who would smack Jongin in the arm if he ever even brought up something slightly sexual.
"W-What?" Jongin chokes, stumbling forward. If Kyungsoo is joking, there's no amusement in his eyes to show it.
"Sleep with me," Kyungsoo repeats, and Jongin tries to remember just how much alcohol he had during dinner.
"Are you okay?" Jongin asks instead, frowning as he presses a hand to Kyungsoo's forehead in concern. His eyes widen into saucers as Kyungsoo takes his hand and presses a kiss onto the back of his hand, before pulling him close so their faces were centimeters apart.
Jongin swears Kyungsoo's breath is more intoxicating than any alcohol could ever be.
"Make me forget," Kyungsoo whispers, and Jongin doesn't entirely understand what that means but he knows Kyungsoo isn't drunk - his breath smells like sweet mint, not bitter beer - and hopes Kyungsoo really means this.
Because the kisses don't feel fake, and neither do the heated touches and long moans. Jongin lets himself stop thinking as their bodies press closer and closer, their bare chests touching. All that matters right now are their hearts beating in sync as their breaths are lost to the night.
| part two
kaisoo (jongin/kyungsoo).
pg-13.
au, romance, friendship, drama.
oneshot/~10,000w.
Kyungsoo is a cautious king whose crown is too heavy for his head - or heart - to bear. Jongin is a proud prince who stands tall but falls hard for the king.
a/n: inspired by this. written for kristy for exoforsichuan.
WHAT THE CROWN CARRIES
ix.
"I love you."
"I know."
i.
There's a buzz going around the kingdom. Rumor has it that a neighboring prince has challenged the king to his land and future bride. Word of said prince's good looks and luxurious lifestyle are all anyone talks about in between merchandise exchanges and friendly conversation.
If only the story was really that simple, then King Kyungsoo wouldn't have a headache this massive.
Truth be told, Kyungsoo wishes Jongin was coming to town to steal his land and whatever made-up bride his people created. That would make things so much simpler for Kyungsoo. No more stressing, no more royal meetings, no more servants following your every move. That would be the life.
But, of course, things are never as simple as they appear. There is a prince riding into the kingdom today, and as handsome as he is, he's no competition to King Kyungsoo. He's just another thorn in Kyungsoo's side, as if the king didn't already have enough to worry about.
"Are you excited your friend is coming to visit?" Kyungsoo's royal adviser and most trusted companion, Baekhyun, asks. While most, if not all, of Kyungsoo's old friends turned their backs on Kyungsoo as a friend to address him only as their king and nothing more, Baekhyun never changed. Kyungsoo's not sure if that's just because of Baekhyun's overwhelming pride though, not that he necessarily minds; he would love to have half of Baekhyun's self-assurance.
"I haven't seen him in over five years. I don't even know if I can call him a friend anymore," Kyungsoo replies, tone curt. He lies on his back on his bed, Baekhyun seated at his feet, legs sprawled over Kyungsoo's as they talk. If anyone walked in on them like this, they would throw a fit at how casual Baekhyun, son of a outcast noble, is around their king.
"Well, he obviously considers you his friend if he's willing to take the time to come and visit you. After all, the Kim's kingdom isn't exactly a day's ride away," Baekhyun replies, nudging Kyungsoo's leg with his foot. "Weren't you guys best friends when you were younger?"
Kyungsoo snorts, glancing over at Baekhyun, who returns the stare with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, when we were twelve maybe. But that was forever ago."
It's Baekhyun's turn to roll his eyes now. "You weren't that young, I remember." Baekhyun had moved into the castle at Kyungsoo's father's request after his father was outcast. He stayed with the servants and helped out, and Kyungsoo would sometimes play with him when they were younger and Jongin wasn't around. Kyungsoo almost forgot Baekhyun knew about Jongin.
"I was a teenager," Kyungsoo retorts, deadpan. "That's young enough. Any time before all of this" - Kyungsoo waves his arms around, gesturing to the king's bedroom - "was long ago."
Baekhyun sighs, leaning back. "I guess. But still, you deserve a break. Maybe Jongin will-"
"Jongin isn't a break; he's just another task I have to take care when he's here, which I hope will not be long," Kyungsoo interrupts abruptly.
Baekhyun purses his lips at being cut off. King or not, he hates it when Kyungsoo would dismiss others' ideas off-handedly. The Kyungsoo he knew as a boy growing up was patient and quiet, always open to listening to others. But Baekhyun watched as Kyungsoo grew up, the weight on his shoulders getting heavier and heavier as his patience grew thinner and thinner.
"I went into town recently and heard some rumors about Prince Jongin," Baekhyun says, hoping to lighten the mood. He notices as Kyungsoo's eyes shift towards him in interest, and he takes the silence as an invitation to elaborate. "Apparently he's a jerk."
Kyungsoo lets out a laugh through his nose. "It wouldn't surprise me if he was seen that way. His head has always been too big for his shoulders."
"But they say he's gotten pretty bad," Baekhyun continues. "I heard he once spit on a villager for accidentally getting dust on his shoes."
Kyungsoo's quiet for a moment, and Baekhyun wonders if he struck a nerve. But instead, Kyungsoo calmly replies, "No, that's not Jongin."
Baekhyun raises an eyebrow in surprise. He didn't expect Kyungsoo to defend Jongin, not after complaining about him.
"He may be arrogant, but he is not rude," Kyungsoo says, shaking his head. "Even if I haven't seen him for six years, I know Jongin, and he would never do anything like that."
It's quiet after that. Baekhyun wants to ask more about Prince Jongin, the boy he remembers leading his king all around the palace, fingers wrapped around a thin wrist and a playful grin permanently stuck on both of their faces. He wants to know more about the man the king once called his best friend. But for now, he knows Kyungsoo won't say any more, so this is enough.
After all, the prince rides in tomorrow morning.
-
Prince Jongin is everything Baekhyun expects: tall, handsome, with teasing eyes and a strong aura about him. He looks young with that smirk never leaving his lips, but the way he carries himself screams of one of a king-to-be.
When the prince arrives, the palace is bustling with servants everywhere and all of Kyungsoo's court together, ready to welcome the visitor. They don't know why he's visiting, only that Kyungsoo confirmed the stay himself. Only a few in the court are aware of the King's old relationship with the prince, but they dare not say anything.
The women all start flushing the moment the prince enters. Baekhyun rolls his eyes at those who even swoon, before turning to the King who's trying his best not to show any emotions. But Baekhyun knows, even if Kyungsoo will never admit it, that Kyungsoo is excited to see his old friend. After all, the two were once inseparable. A bond like that never breaks, not even after years of separation; it gets rusted and it weakens, but it does not break.
When Prince Jongin reaches the throne, he takes a moment and bows deeply. Baekhyun can tell Kyungsoo is doing his best not to roll his eyes at his friend's tactics.
"Your Highness," Jongin's voice floats through the air. While some see this as respect, Kyungsoo knows Jongin's mocking him.
"Prince Jongin," Kyungsoo replies nonetheless. After all, they have images to uphold.
"Well, aren't you going to come hug me like you always did when we were kids?" Jongin asks, eyebrow arched. Kyungsoo shoots him a glare as surprised and suspicious stares are sent their way from half of Kyungsoo's palace.
"I get it, I get it," Jongin says before Kyungsoo can reply. "Now that you're some big, hotshot king, you can't even spare a hug on an inferior prince. I just can't believe you'd leave your best friend hanging like that," Jongin sighs, looking away dramatically. The court stares on in confusion at the scene unraveling in front of them.
"Oh, shut up," Kyungsoo mumbles under his breath, which only Baekhyun seems to catch with a hidden grin. "Welcome to my kingdom, Prince Jongin," Kyungsoo replies instead, ignoring the pointed stare Jongin gives him. He shoots him a stare that says, Later, before dismissing the court.
Jongin stands by the throne, looking around as Kyungsoo finishes up finalizing his schedule for the day with one of the court membes. He gives Baekhyun the majority of the work today before he excuses himself to take care of the guest.
"Done acting all high and mighty?" Jongin asks as Kyungsoo walks towards him.
"You would know all about that, wouldn't you?" Kyungsoo replies, rolling his eyes. As if Jongin is one to talk, with the way he regards himself as number one in everything.
"Oh, you've gotten snarky," Jongin says, grinning now. "I like it. It makes you kind of hot, you know."
If Kyungsoo's affected by Jongin's flirting, he doesn't say anything. Jongin is almost offput for a moment, wondering where his old Kyungsoo, who blushed at the word 'panties,' went.
"I see you're still as troublesome as ever," Kyungsoo snaps, crossing his arms as Jongin snickers behind his hand.
"Me? Troublesome? Never," Jongin coos as innocently as he can, but Kyungsoo knows better. After all, he was there all those times Jongin would leave fake spiders in the princess' shoes and wait outside to hear their screams.
"Yeah, and that's why your parents sent you to me," Kyungsoo snorts. "To clean up your non-troublesome ways, huh?"
"They didn't send me," Jongin objects, crossing his arms now so his pose copied Kyungsoo's. "I asked to come here. The last time I saw you, you were hiding in the choir room and singing under your breath. Now you're a king with a fancy crown that barely fits your head and a kingdom in your hands. I had to see how you were faring."
"Thanks," Kyungsoo deadpans. It's nice to know his friend has such faith in him.
Jongin grins. "Aw, c'mon, Soo. Let's be real here - you were always so quiet and shy. I had to speak up for you when the nobles would ask us questions."
"I never asked you to-"
"But I did, didn't I? Because I was a great friend," Jongin says haughtily, and Kyungsoo just snorts.
"No, you just liked to hear yourself talk."
"I do have a strong voice, don't I?" Jongin grins at the disgusted look on Kyungsoo's face. His expression is still the same as it was when they were younger, when Jongin promised to marry Kyungsoo if no one else wanted to. Kyungsoo, flustered red, scrunched up his nose and pursed his lips in distaste at Jongin's offer. Kyungsoo was thirteen, and Jongin twelve.
"It's just as annoying as it was five years ago," Kyungsoo mutters, shaking his head.
"Hey, this is the voice that charms all the ladies," Jongin says. "Speaking of which, are there any nearby? If not, we should go find some, because it's been a while since I last had fun."
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes. "You can go find them yourselves. I have business to take care of. You may be a prince, but I am the king-"
"Ohh, there it is again. The high and mighty business," Jongin coos, grinning. "You've really improved. You actually sound serious."
"Because I am," Kyungsoo replies through gritted teeth. "Seriously, Jongin, I don't have time to play anymore. I have an entire kingdom to look after, and-"
"And it can wait a day for you to catch up with your best friend," Jongin interrupts. "I'm only going to be here for a week."
"A week too long," Kyungsoo mutters.
Jongin quirks an eyebrow in amusement. "You know you missed me," he teases, elbowing Kyungsoo, who doesn't react.
Kyungsoo just stares, unamused. "I barely even noticed you were gone."
Jongin laughs, slinging an arm over his friend's shoulder. "That's not true. I heard you wrote to me for half a year every week, asking me to come back. In fact, some of the letters arrived. I have one of them right here-" Kyungsoo throws his arm back and glares at Jongin.
"Stop that. That was years ago," Kyungsoo huffs, annoyed that Jongin had to bring that up. He doesn't want to remember himself then, weak and dependent on the younger. Part of him is glad Jongin had to leave, now that he thinks about it - it gave him the chance to grow up.
Unfortunately, Jongin didn't seem to receive the same opportunity.
Kyungsoo sighs, turning on his heels and walking away without another word.
"Wait, where are you going?" Jongin calls out after him.
Kyungsoo doesn't even glance back at him as he leaves. "I have a kingdom to run. Try not to get killed in it while I'm gone."
ii.
Kyungsoo rubs his temple, figure hunched over his desk as he re-reads the treaty agreements his generals wrote with the neighboring Choi Kingdom. "They're such a greedy kingdom," he mutters to himself as he reads the military requirements.
"But what choice do we have?" he sighs, falling back into his chair as he runs his hand through his hair, disgruntled.
There's a knock at the door, and Kyungsoo straightens in his seat before announcing, "Come in." He watches as the Duke, followed by their top generals and military scholars, file into the room, bowing before Kyungsoo. A year ago, Kyungsoo would have gotten flustered, but he barely even blinks now.
"Do you have news from the Choi Kingdom?" he asks, getting straight to business. If there's one thing Kyungsoo learned from his father, it was to never waste time. Get to the point or get out, he would always say.
"No, not yet, Your Majesty," the Duke replies solemnly. "But we've received word from one of our informants from Lee's Kingdom. It seems they're beginning to build armories across the kingdom."
Kyungsoo's face darkens. His Kingdom and the Lee's have been on rocky terms since the late King Do's term. Kyungsoo's naïve hopes of making amends with the kingdom were dashed within the first few months of his succession, when the kingdom announced plans to declare war on the Do Kingdom if they did not agree to give up their lands in the Northeast.
"Do you know how many?" Kyungsoo asks, eyes unwavering.
"Not yet, Your Majesty. We're working on finding out."
"When you find out, bring the news straight to me," Kyungsoo says strictly. "And General Park?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"I hope your soldiers are ready."
iii.
Kyungsoo finds Jongin strolling in the gardens before dinner. He's reluctant to approach the younger prince, but he knows he has to. It is the king's duty to watch over his guests, after all, no matter how unwelcome they are.
Though, truth be told, Jongin is not unwelcome; he simply has poor timing.
"Prince Jongin," Kyungsoo calls, tone formal.
Jongin turns around, eyebrow raised in surprise at Kyungsoo's entrance. "Are we back to speaking in formalities, King Kyungsoo?" he asks, lips curled upwards teasingly. He's dressed in white, and Kyungsoo tries not to think about how good he looks, set against the green garden with the sun shining on his dark hair.
"How would you like for us to speak, Prince Jongin?" Kyungsoo asks, not one to miss a beat with Jongin, even after years of separation.
"Preferably like the friends we are," Jongin laughs, sauntering over to Kyungsoo, who makes it a point not to stare. Jongin has definitely grown up in the past five years, his features sharper and eyes deeper. It's unnerving, but not unfamiliar.
"If you can still call us that," Kyungsoo retorts thoughtfully.
"What else would you call us?" Jongin asks innocently, stopping in front of Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo doesn't reply. Instead, he says, "It's almost time for dinner. The chef has prepared a special meal for your arrival, so be sure to arrive on time."
"Of course," Jongin answers, amused at the sudden return of Kyungsoo's serious aura. "Will you be there?" he asks expectantly.
"I have to," Kyungsoo practically snorts. "I'm the king. It would be rude of me to not show up."
"You're only going for manners, not for me?" Jongin asks, head tilted to the side curiously, and Kyungsoo just stares at him.
Jongin thinks he's about to change the subject again when, instead, Kyungsoo says, "Both." It's not much, but it's enough to pull Jongin's lips up into a smile as Kyungsoo formally excuses himself to get ready for dinner and leaves the garden.
"Much has changed, but one thing holds true," Jongin murmurs to himself as he presses his fingertips against a rose petal. "Kyungsoo is still Kyungsoo."
-
Dinner is nothing special. The food is fine, but the atmosphere is stiff with formalities and technical terms Jongin does not understand. Kyungsoo is busy with his advisors, so Jongin just passes the time by stuffing his mouth with food.
Once the plates are cleared, Kyungsoo asks Jongin if he would like a drink. Jongin, never one to turn down alcohol, agrees. While the wine is being prepared, the rest of Kyungsoo's advisors exit the room, leaving Kyungsoo and Jongin, and the occasional in-and-out servers, alone.
"Do you ever get tired of having people breathing down your neck?" Jongin asks, tilting his head to the side as he stares at Kyungsoo.
"They're my advisers," Kyungsoo replies curtly. "That's their job."
"And an envious job they have," Jongin murmurs, eyes locked with Kyungsoo's surprised ones. He seems like he's about to respond when the servers come back in with wine glasses and a bottle of wine.
Jongin watches as Kyungsoo takes a long sip of his wine. "I thought you said you didn't want to drink," he muses as he presses the glass to his own lips.
"That was before I became king," Kyungsoo replies dryly.
Jongin's lips quirk, but he doesn't smile.
"You could always just give me the crown," Jongin offers jokingly. "I'll help you run the kingdom."
Kyungsoo snorts. "Like the way you would 'help' me when we were kids, by sweeping the problem under the rug - literally?"
Jongin smiles cheekily. "It worked, didn't it?"
"Only until someone stepped on the rug to find broken glass under it," Kyungsoo deadpans, but there's a teasing tone to his words. He takes another sip of wine before saying, more seriously this time, "You don't want the crown, trust me. It's heavier than you think."
Jongin shrugs, leaning back. "I have a big head to hold it."
Kyungsoo actually laughs at that, and it's not the polite laugh Kyungsoo uses with his court or the empty one Kyungsoo tends to choke out. His eyes are sparkling, and Jongin wonders if this is how it feels to be breathless.There are speckles of gray in Kyungsoo's hair, but a rainbow in his eyes, and that's enough for now.
When Kyungsoo excuses himself to get ready for bed, Jongin bids him good night and sweet dreams as he watches Kyungsoo leave. He takes one last sip of his wine, missing when Kyungsoo glances back at him.
iv.
Kyungsoo lets out a breath of frustration as he goes over the military negotiations for the twelfth time that day. "If we build an armory here, it'd be cutting it close to the kingdom boundaries."
"Isn't that what we want, Your Majesty?" Taemin, one of Kyungsoo's newer advisors, asks, confused as he reads over the plans with Kyungsoo.
"No, I don't want to alarm the people just yet. We don't know if there's going to be a war yet for sure."
"Your Majesty, but I thought the Lees made their threat clear."
"Yes, but if we manage to secure the treaty with the Choi Kingdom, we may be able to evade this."
"Are the Chois really that strong?"
Kyungsoo frowns. Truth is, he doesn't know. While it's true that the Choi Kingdom has an expansive military that could readily hold off the Lee Kingdom, Kyungsoo is not sure how much the Choi's are willing to risk simply for a silver treaty with a small kingdom.
"Yes," Kyungsoo finally says, voice more sure than he is. He looks up from the plan and asks, "Where is Baekhyun?"
"I'm here, Your Majesty," said man says, knocking on the door before walking in. He relieves Taemin, who walks out hurriedly, before closing the door behind him. "You're still looking over this?" he asks as he stares down at the treaty.
"I'm still not sure how comfortable I am handing over half of our silver supply for protection," Kyungsoo replies. The worry in his voice may have slipped anyone else's ears, but Baekhyun's learned to recognized it loud and clear.
"It's worth the safety of our people," he says. "You know we could never taking on the Lee Kingdom by ourselves, not in this condition."
"We could always build a strong army."
"That would take months, if not years," Baekhyun reminds him of what he already knows. He looks up at the King, who stands, silent and calculating as he goes over countless plans in his head.
"With all due respect, King Kyungsoo, may I share something with you, as not only your advisor but as your friend?" Baekhun asks softly.
Kyungsoo looks up, surprised at Baekhyun's formal tone. He surveys the room, wondering if anyone else entered, as Baekhyun only uses formalities when in the company of others, but there's no one. He turns back to Baekhyun and finally answers, "Of course."
"Take a break, Kyungsoo," Baekhyun whispers, placing a hand over the treaty. He sees the protest already forming in Kyungsoo's eyes, and quickly continues, "I know this treaty is important to not only you, but our kingdom, but so is your health. I'm afraid you've spent too long stressing over this treaty. Your friend has come to visit, and you have barely spent any time with him. He'll only be here for a month. Don't you think you owe it to both him and yourself to make the most of the time?"
Kyungsoo frowns. "Jongin can wait; this treaty cannot. I thought you were smarter than this, Baekhyun," he says before looking back down at the treaty.
"I am," Baekhyun protests. "I'm smart enough to know that you need a break, or you'll crack."
"Nonsense," Kyungsoo snaps, getting irritated. How dare Baekhyun question his strength? Kyungsoo knows what he's doing, and he knows his limits. He can handle this. "If you're so insistent on messing around, why don't you just go and take a break yourself. Find Jongin and take him out to a tavern, and leave me to my work."
Baekhyun lets out a huff of air as he watches Kyungsoo fall back into his seat and take out his strategy plans again. "Perhaps I will," he says before bidding goodbye to Kyungsoo, who barely looks up to watch his friend elave.
-
Jongin is in the gardens again when Baekhyun finds him. He feels bad for the younger prince; he's been here four days already, yet he's only seen Kyungsoo twice. Baekhyun knows the prince has been asking about his king as well, from what the other court members have said.
"Your Highness," Baekhyun greets with a bow as he approaches Jongin.
Jongin nods his way. "You're Kyu- King Kyungsoo's adviser, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness, Byun Baekhyun at your service."
"Are you close to the king?" Jongin asks curiously as he eyes Baekhyun.
"I am his most trusted adviser, Your Highness," Baekhyun replies humbly, head still bowed.
"Well, if Kyungsoo can trust you, then I can too," Jongin states resolutely.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And please, drop the formalities," Jongin adds. "Is that how you address Kyungsoo?" Baekhyun looks up in surprise.
"No, but-"
"Address me as casually as you would Kyungsoo," Jongin says with a grin.
Baekhyun blinks, shocked. He didn't expect that. Even after Kyungsoo insisted that the rumors of Prince Jongin were fabricated, Baekhyun still had doubts in him, but after speaking to Jongin himself, maybe his doubts were wrong. Maybe Jongin isn't as proud as they say.
"Did Kyungsoo send you to get me?" he asks, shifting the subject. Baekhyun notices how everything seems to lead back to Kyungsoo with Jongin.
"No," Baekhyun admits with a slight bow of his head, missing the disappointment in Jongin's eyes.
"Oh. What are you doing here then?" Jongin inquires. His voice is more curious than accusing, and it reminds Baekhyun of a little boy.
"I'm here to keep you company," Baekhyun replies plainly, and Jongin raises an eyebrow at that.
"How? Are you going to go to take me to a bar? Or perhaps a hostel?" Baekhyun sputters at the blunt question, but regains his cool when he sees Jongin grinning from ear to ear. "Your reactions are just like Kyungsoo's," he comments, amused.
"I suppose that happens when you spend so much time with the king," Baekhyun sighs, running a hand through his hair.
It's quiet for a moment, before Jongin asks, "How long have you known Kyungsoo?"
"For almost six years now."
Jongin hums in thought. "That's almost as long as I've been away." Jongin speaks as if Kyungsoo's kingdom were his home, instead of Jongin's own kingdom.
Baekhyun nods. "I befriended him during his training. Back then, he knew I was to be his adviser, so it was inevitable." Baekhyun notices Jongin's silence, and hesitates before asking, "Are you... going to be king of your kingdom?"
Jongin blinks in surprise at that. "Oh, no," Jongin laughs, but it sounds bitter. Baekhyun would know - it's the same laugh as Kyungsoo's. "My parents would never allow that. They-they're ashamed of me." The way Jongin comes out and says it sounds as if he's not ashamed, but the way his eyes shift to the ground say otherwise.
"Is it because of your - forgive me for saying - scandalous lifestyle?" Baekhyun asks. He knows more about Jongin than he's revealed to Kyungsoo; rumors involving gambling and drinking problems made their ways to Baekhyun's ears. But in hopes of shielding Kyungsoo from the truth and their harm, he keeps those secrets to himself.
Jongin just laughs again, and it's an empty sound. "Yeah," is all he says.
They stand in silence for a while. Baekhyun takes a seat on one of the benches in the garden, while Jongin, to his surprise, opts for sitting on the grass. It doesn't seem like something the proud prince of the Kim kingdom would do.
"Jongin, if you don't mind me asking, what happened?" Baekhyun asks, and Jongin looks up, confused.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I actually knew you before you left," Baekhyun admits. "I know of yours and Kyungsoo's close friendship, and back then, I would have never guessed you'd turn out like this." Baekhyun knows he should be flustered with his honesty towards the prince he's only spoken to now, but speaking to Jongin feels just like speaking to Kyungsoo: natural.
Jongin lets out a long breath. "I was actually a pretty good guy when I was with Kyungsoo," he finally says, quiet as he plays with the grass at his feet. "I mean, I pulled him into pranks and made him do bad things, but I was good, you know? I wasn't the punk my parents and kingdom now look at me as."
"What happened?" Baekhyun asks again, but softer this time.
"I don't know," Jongin admits, frown gracing his features. "I just didn't have much to do without Kyungsoo around. The other palace kids already had friends, not that I wanted to hang out with them anyway. They were all so-so proper," Jongin says, shuddering. "They didn't want to get their knees scratched up like me and Kyungsoo would."
Jongin's silent for a moment before softly saying, "Now Kyungsoo's one of them," eyes losing their spark.
"Don't give up on him yet," Baekhyun says, frowning. "He's still the Kyungsoo you knew, I think. He just learned to bury that part deep, deep down when he became king." Baekhyun bites his lower lip, wondering if he should keep going. He knows Kyungsoo would hate him for sharing this with someone else, but then again, this someone else is Kim Jongin, Kyungsoo's once-upon-a-time closest friend.
"You know, you should have been there when he succeeded his father," Baekhyun murmurs. "He could've used the support."
"No," Jongin says, watching Kyungsoo's shadowy figure make its way across the court, followed by a group of assistants. "He doesn't need me anymore." Jongin sighs and lays back down in the grass.
Baekhyun watches as Kyungsoo re-enters another wing of the palace, door closing behind him. "He needs you more than you think," Baekhyun finally says, ignoring the surprised look on Jongin's face. And unfortunately more than you can help now.
v.
Baekhyun finds Kyungsoo in the king's bedroom later that night after his conversation with Jongin. He can tell the meeting with the general and advisers didn't go well by the way Kyungsoo is staring out the window, a blank look on his face acting as a barrier from his true feelings.
"Would you like me to run you a bath?" Baekhyun asks softly as he approaches Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo doesn't turn around. "Will a bath wash away all of these troubles?" Baekhyun doesn't have the chance to reply as Kyungsoo continues. "Or better yet, will the bath wash away the crown?" he asks, shaking his head.
Even if Kyungsoo isn't wearing his crown right now, Baekhyun can still see the weight it holds on Kyungsoo's shoulder, bringing him down.
"I'm afraid not," Baekhyun finally replies, placing a gentle hand on Kyungsoo's shoulder. "But it will help you relax."
Kyungsoo laughs, and it's that bitter sound Baekhyun is getting so tired of hearing. He shrugs off Baekhyun's hand and turns to look at his adviser. "How can I relax when my people are dangling at the edge of war?"
Baekhyun frowns, letting his arm drop to his side as he takes a seat next to Kyungsoo. He lets Kyungsoo continue.
"And the treaty... I don't even know if it's worth it anymore," Kyungsoo admits with a scowl. "With half the silver supply gone, we could go into debt," Kyungsoo laughs coldly. "Which is worse: a kingdom in poverty or a kingdom in bloodshed?"
It's quiet when neither of them have the answer. Baekhyun looks over at Kyungsoo, and there's something different this time. His face is blank, but his eyes are an open window. Baekhyun can see the cogs turning in his brain.
"The Chois have a daughter, you know," Kyungsoo suddenly says, very quiet.
Baekhyun does not react. "I know," is all he replies.
vi.
Kyungsoo runs into Jongin the next morning after breakfast. He's surprised to find the younger prince in the library of all places.
"I didn't know you could read," Kyungsoo says, startling the younger boy who is looking through the shelves.
Jongin turns around and his face lights up with a smile as soon as he sees the king. Kyungsoo tries not to think of what that means. "Your jokes have gotten better," Jongin replies as he walks over to Kyungsoo, two books in his hand. He sets them on the table in front of Kyungsoo and gestures for him to sit.
"What are you reading?" Kyungsoo asks, leaning over to grab the books. He's surprised to see they're both military strategy books. "What are you reading these for? Is your kingdom going to war some time soon?"
Jongin shakes his head. "No, I just like to read these in my free time. Military strategy was the only subject I could ever stay awake for during tutoring sessions."
Kyungsoo quirks a smile at that. He remembers when, as children, he would suddenly be disrupted during his tutoring session by a dancing Jongin, twirling his arms carelessly as he whisked Kyungsoo away from his books and startled tutor. His parents would always berate him, but that never stopped Jongin from doing it again and agan.
"What are you doing here?" Jongin asks, bringing Kyungsoo out of his thoughts.
"This is my castle," Kyungsoo replies wryly, leaning back in his chair once he realizes how close their faces are.
Jongin chuckles. "Yeah, but usually you're surrounded by your advisers 24/7 as you move from one room to another. I swear, I've only seen you alone a handful of times."
Kyungsoo shrugs. "I've been busy."
"Too busy for your best friend," Jongin sighs woefully, and Kyungsoo's almost offended that Jongin is trying to guilt trip him.
"I'm here now, aren't I?"
"Only by chance," Jongin points out. "Which brings me back to the question of 'what are you doing here?'" Kyungsoo raises an eyebrow for clarification, which Jongin provides. "You're the king. I'm sure you have no time for the leisure of reading."
"I don't," Kyungsoo admits. "But I had free time before my next meeting, so I decided to visit. I didn't know you would be here."
Jongin smiles. "Maybe it's fate."
Kyungsoo snorts. "And maybe I should leave now." He makes a show of getting up to leave, but Jongin grabs him by the wrist. The action is so urgent it catches Kyungsoo off-guard.
"Stay," Jongin says. It's just one word, but it has the power to move Kyungsoo as he sits back down, eyes never leaving Jongin, who just smiles softly.
"So what have you been up to?" Kyungsoo asks, clearing his throat and breaking eye contact to try to soften the tension.
"Just wreaking trouble wherever I go. You know, the usual," Jongin jokes, and Kyungsoo cracks a smile at that.
"Same old Jongin," he murmurs, but there's fondness in his voice.
"What about you?" Jongin asks, leaning in closer. "What has the king been up to?"
Kyungsoo frowns at the title, but answers anyway. "I've been running a kingdom."
"Is it everything you dreamed of?" Jongin asks, voice softer this time as he remembers a young Kyungsoo gushing over how he's going to be the best king ever and how everyone will love him. Jongin never doubted him either.
Kyungsoo is quiet, and Jongin nods, his silence all the answer he needs.
"Well, if you ever need a break," Jongin offers. "There's always a place for you at the Kim kingdom." He flahses Kyungsoo a toothy grin, but it's not reciprocated.
An uncomfortable silence grows over them. Kyungsoo looks deep in thought, and Jongin wants to pull him out or at least join him. He leans over and grabs Kyungsoo's hand, startling him back to earth, and smiles gently at him this time.
"I missed you," he finally says, and Kyungsoo can't do anything but stare. "You should really come visit. I'd like it a lot."
Suddenly the air is too thick for Kyungsoo to breathe, and he just nods numbly. Memories of a younger, teenager Jongin gathering up Kyungsoo in his arms and whispering, "I'll miss you so much," come rushing back after years of Kyungsoo trying to forget. Sometimes he's thankful that Jongin left, because Jongin has always been Kyungsoo's worst - and best - distraction.
"I have a meeting to go to," he announces suddenly, standing up abruptly and breaking contact. Jongin tries not to let his disappointment show at the lost of warmth.
Jongin doesn't move to make him stay. Instead, he just watches him go and wonders if this is how it felt when Kyungsoo had to watch Jongin leave.
vii.
"Excellent. I'll send word to the Choi Kingdom as soon as possible." The general rolls up the finished treaty and bows to the king before exiting.
Kyungsoo nods stoically from his seat. He watches, unblinking, as his court files out, all of them praising Kyungsoo's decision.
"A strong king does not make the right decisions. He makes the tough ones," Baekhyun says once it's just the two of them left.
Kyungsoo turns to look at him, face blank. "Are you saying I made the wrong decision?" Kyungsoo asks. He doesn't sound accusatory, though; his voice is just wary.
"No," Baekhyun replies quietly. "That was a quote your father used to say once he finished a deal."
Kyungsoo just stares.
Baekhyun clears his throat and continues, "When will you make the announcement?"
Kyungsoo doesn't say anything. "When should I?" he asks instead.
"When you're ready," Baekhyun replies as if it's an easy question. But nothing is easy these days for Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo laughs at that. "I'll never be ready," he admits, not even caring if he sounds weak because Baekhyun is his only audience and Baekhyun already seems to know everything about Kyungsoo, even things Kyungsoo has never admitted.
"Then postpone it," Baekhyun says, even though both he and Kyungsoo know that's impossible. The longer they push it off, the more chances the Chois have to go back on their agreement, and Kyungsoo just cannot risk that.
Kyungsoo takes in a deep breath. "An engagement is the only way," Kyungsoo finally says. "It's the only way to keep our kingdom's silver and to assure our safety."
Baekhyun nods, eyes level with Kyungsoo's unfocused ones. "I know, and I respect your decision."
"An engagement is the only way," Kyungsoo repeats, and Baekhyun wonders if he's doing it to reassure himself now. "An engagement is the only way."
viii.
Jongin doesn't know how to react when he sees Kyungsoo in front of his room one night. He hadn't seen the older the entire day after their chance meeting in the library, and from the looks of it, that didn't go well. Kyungsoo's eyes are blurry, and Jongin wonders what happened. Part of him wants to wrap the older up in his arm and press kisses to his forehead, but the rational part of him simply invites him in to talk instead.
"Are you okay?" Jongin asks softly after he's closed the door behind him. Kyungsoo is sitting on Jongin's bed, eyes still unfocused, and Jongin bites his lower lip worriedly. He's never seen Kyungsoo like this before.
Before Jongin even reaches Kyungsoo, however, the older says something that knocks the wind out of Jongin.
"Sleep with me."
Jongin thinks he must be dreaming now because there is no way Kyungsoo just said that. Not his Kyungsoo, the one who would smack Jongin in the arm if he ever even brought up something slightly sexual.
"W-What?" Jongin chokes, stumbling forward. If Kyungsoo is joking, there's no amusement in his eyes to show it.
"Sleep with me," Kyungsoo repeats, and Jongin tries to remember just how much alcohol he had during dinner.
"Are you okay?" Jongin asks instead, frowning as he presses a hand to Kyungsoo's forehead in concern. His eyes widen into saucers as Kyungsoo takes his hand and presses a kiss onto the back of his hand, before pulling him close so their faces were centimeters apart.
Jongin swears Kyungsoo's breath is more intoxicating than any alcohol could ever be.
"Make me forget," Kyungsoo whispers, and Jongin doesn't entirely understand what that means but he knows Kyungsoo isn't drunk - his breath smells like sweet mint, not bitter beer - and hopes Kyungsoo really means this.
Because the kisses don't feel fake, and neither do the heated touches and long moans. Jongin lets himself stop thinking as their bodies press closer and closer, their bare chests touching. All that matters right now are their hearts beating in sync as their breaths are lost to the night.
| part two