Blood Ties (Chapter 1)
Title: Blood Ties
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU
Length: Chaptered
Summary: They were born to different worlds: one to rule, the other to serve. A twist of fate united them in a bond that was not only taboo, it was forbidden. With danger constantly nipping at their heels, they must fight not only for their own survival but that of the people that depend upon them. Will their love survive the coming battle? Will they?
A/N: Read the Prologue if you haven't already or if your memory needs refreshing.
He awoke to a light weight leaning against his hip, the soft brush of fingers on his forehead, warm breath tickling his ear as a low voice said:
“Wake up, my Prince.”
Jaejoong groaned, trying unsuccessfully to roll away from the presence beside him.
“Go away,” he muttered.
Soft chuckling greeted his ears just before a heavy hand landed on his stomach, pressing down as the body it was attached to propelled itself upwards.
“Ooff,” he winced, opening one eye to peer up at his “assailant”.
Yunho grinned over at him before turning back to the open wardrobe before which he stood.
“Getup, sleepyhead. You’re already late for breakfast. You’re lucky that your father was called away early this morning and hasn’t returned yet, otherwise he would be here instead of me and you know that he would be far less gentle than I.”
Jaejoong groaned again. He hated when Yunho was right. Unfortunately, that was more often than not. It was one of the reasons why he was so indispensible.
Selecting a formal shirt, jacket and matching trousers, Yunho turned to Jaejoong.
“Do you want a bath before you dress? I can have one prepared for you, if you’d like.”
Stifling a yawn, Jaejoong shook his head. “We came back late last night - well, this morning - and I had a long soak then so I’m still good.”
Nodding, Yunho walked over and handed Jaejoong the shirt when he stood.
Jaejoong dressed automatically, removing the loose pants that he’d slept in, uncaring of the fact that he was completely nude in front of Yunho. They’d seen each other naked many times over the years, often while out on missions and taking quick dips in whatever clean body of water they’d happened to come across. He might be a Prince but when he was out with his men, he was as much of a soldier as they were. He neither demanded nor expected special treatment.
“Am I fit to be presented to the court?” he asked sardonically, twirling for Yunho’s benefit.
Yunho rolled his eyes but grinned at his Prince’s theatrics. “You’ll do.”
Jaejoong bowed mockingly before straightening and turning to the full length mirror beside his wardrobe to peruse his reflection.
Sighing, he finger-combed his hair. “I’m getting shaggy,” he murmured. “Father hates it when I let it grow too long.”
“Shall I arrange a visit from the barber?”
Jaejoong shook his head. “I can probably wait a little longer. He hasn’t started giving me any funny looks just yet.”
Yunho nodded. “Okay. Let me know if you change your mind.”
“Well, let’s get this dog and pony show on the road,” Jaejoong muttered.
“Would you like your sword?”
Yunho reached for it where it was propped against the wall beside Jaejoong’s bed and as he did so, a pendant slipped out of the neck of his tunic where it had been tucked in.
Jaejoong sighed. “Doesn’t that bother you at all?” he asked softly, eyes glued to the gold crest hanging on a rich violet ribbon.
Yunho glanced up to see where Jaejoong’s gaze was directed, understanding immediately hitting him.
He smiled. “You already know the answer to that, Your Highness.”
Jaejoong groaned and rolled his eyes. “Just leave it,” he muttered.
Turning, he started towards the door and Yunho fell into step behind him.
As they made their way down the palace’s hallways, Jaejoong tried not to let the incessant flow of “Good morning, your highness,” get to him but failed, as he always did. It was something that had bothered him since childhood. He was the Prince of his people, had been raised with the knowledge that he was being groomed to ascend the throne, but he had never been okay with the adulation that came with his position, nor the class division that was an integral part of his society. He was constantly reminded of it, especially when he looked at Yunho.
When, they entered the banquet hall, they were greeted by the typical chatter of a large room of men, including more dutiful greetings directed towards him. He nodded and smiled conciliatorily as was expected of him and breathed a sigh a relief when he finally reached the royal table set atop a platform at the front of the hall. Yunho saw him to his seat before taking his own place at the head table of the high-ranking soldiers.
Brunch was a tedious affair, as were all of their meals in Jaejoong’s opinion. He was glad that his father wasn’t there if only because it meant that the meal would be shorter and he could leave as soon as he finished eating. Still, he was forced to take his time and socialize as custom dictated. More than once, he caught Yunho looking at him with amusement clearly written across his face. He rolled his eyes at his friend but couldn’t hold back the answering smile that tilted his lips. Yunho was the only thing that made these suffocating social mandates bearable.
When finally he’d had enough, he stood, bowed to the rest of the table and descended the platform, striding down the middle of the room looking every bit the Prince he’d been bred to be. He hated having to put on a show but it was necessary. If there was one thing that he’d learned from his father it was that appearances were everything. Once again, the only thing that made it bearable was knowing that Yunho was there.
“Where to, my Lord?” Yunho asked.
“Anywhere,” Jaejoong replied, not stopping or turning to look at him. “Just so long as it’s out of this place.”
They spent the day in the crofters’ village, located within the compound but just outside the palace gates.
Whenever he went out during the daytime, Jaejoong was forced to keep his identity a secret, covering his tell-tale hair and keeping his eyes averted. Other than his father and Yunho - he also suspected this his sister was aware - no one knew that he could bear the sunlight, that he hadn’t lost the ability after the change. Because of his low-born status, Yunho didn’t have the same problem. He could come and go as he pleased, though he never strayed far from Jaejoong’s side if he could avoid it.
Jaejoong liked being among the people, felt more at home in their quaint shops and dirty streets than he did in the enormous extravagance of the palace. It made him wonder sometimes if he was really fit to be King, to rule and lead his people. He was his father’s son but they were nothing alike. His father was a King to the very marrow of his bone while Jaejoong felt like an imposter most of the time, going through the motions but not truly possessing the virtues of a King. However, when he was among the crofters, talking to them, listening to their tales over a mug of ale, he felt at peace. Any one of them would give their lives to trade places with him yet on some days he wished he’d been born one of them.
Perhaps he needed to have his head examined.
“Refill boys?”
Jaejoong glanced over at the saucy voice and smiled.
“Yes, please Rosie.”
“No more for him, Rosie,” Yunho countered, moving Jaejoong’s mug out of his reach.
Rosie chuckled. “Is it an aye or a nay? Make up your mind, the other customers are starting to grumble.”
“I’ll…”
“He’s had enough,” Yunho said firmly, looking pointedly into Jaejoong’s eyes.
“Will you be having anything else then?” Rosie queried, her voice taking on a flirtatious tone as she trailed her hand suggestively up and down Yunho’s sleeve.
Jaejoong’s eyes widened but Yunho shook her off.
“That’ll be all,” he said stoically.
Chuckling, Rosie turned and started to walk away. “Suit yourself.”
Recovered now, Jaejoong turned to face Yunho. “You know, if you wanted a quick tumble, I would’ve waited for you.”
Yunho looked at him strangely for a moment before bursting into laughter.
“What?” Jaejoong asked, confused.
“Rosie’s my cousin,” Yunho replied between gulps of air.
Jaejoong’s eyes widened again. “What? But…she just…”
Yunho shook his head. “She only does that because she knows it horrifies me. She’s always been a mischievous wench.”
“Hmm… We’ve been coming here for years and you never said anything.” Jaejoong’s voice almost sounded accusing.
Yunho smiled sheepishly. “The Jungs are a…fertile lot. I have fifty first cousins and Lord knows how many second and third cousins. Of their siblings, Mom and Dad have the lowest number of offspring.”
“Hmm…Must be nice.”
Hearing the longing in his voice, Yunho smiled understandingly, patting his friend on the back.
“Speaking of Mom,” he continued, changing the subject. “How about we drop in and see her on our way back. I haven’t been home in a couple of weeks since we’ve been away on the raids.”
Jaejoong immediately perked up. “I’d like that. Do you think she’s made her famous beef stew? Mom makes the best stew.”
Yunho’s smile widened. It never failed to amaze and touch him, the way Jaejoong had embraced his family as his own, even going so far as to refer to Mrs. Jung as “Mom”. It had taken her a while to get used to it but after all these years, Yunho doubted she remembered a time when Jaejoong wasn’t one of her boys. He was the closest thing she had to a daughter as well, with his long platinum blond hair, striking green eyes, fair complexion and sensitive nature, because Yunho and his older brother Nikolai had taken after their father in the looks department, though many said he favored his mother, and they were typical rough-and-tumble boys when they were at home, bickering and play-fighting incessantly. Jaejoong was the one who would help his mother in the kitchen, happily so since he liked to cook and was no longer allowed to help out in the palace kitchen after he’d reached maturity. He even liked to clean. His mother had almost had a stroke the first time she’d come home to find the Prince of the people straightening up her house while Yunho sat idly watching him. She’d scolded him and begged Jaejoong’s forgiveness but Jaejoong had told her that it was his idea. She’d still been scandalized, though, so Jaejoong had stopped cleaning, for her sake, but whenever he’d visited, he would find some way to help his mother fix or neaten something up so now, years later, the two would regularly do chores together while Yunho caught up on sleep or talked to his father. He knew that, deep down, his mother still didn’t think it was proper - Jaejoong was their Prince, after all: the future King - but she probably sensed that he needed it so by allowing him to help, she was actually doing her duty as one of his people.
Coming back to the present, Yunho slid off his bar stool. “I guess we’ll see when we get there.”
It was about 8:00pm when they finally made their way to his house. They were almost on his doorstep when they heard a commotion coming from the direction of the compound’s gates.
“The King has returned,” he heard someone say.
“It looks like he’s not alone,” another person added.
Yunho and Jaejoong looked at each other, both knowing immediately what that meant.
Their outing had just come to an abrupt end.
Jaejoong tried not to sigh as Yunho hooked the buttons on his formal royal dinner jacket.
“Why did he have to bring them here?” he moaned. He’d been grumbling ever since they’d returned to the palace. “Couldn’t he just have said goodbye and gone on his way?”
“Laird Robertson personally saw your Father home as his way of saying thank you for his help. The King is only being courteous and showing his appreciation by throwing him this banquet. They’ll be gone tomorrow evening. Stop pouting!” Yunho snapped when Jaejoong’s bottom lip extended.
“I don’t mean to be difficult, I just…You know how much I hate these things,” Jaejoong explained.
Yunho nodded. “I know. But there’s nothing we can do about it so try to have fun, okay? Drink lots, it’ll make the time pass faster.”
“Oh, now you’re encouraging me to drink,” Jaejoong scoffed.
Yunho shrugged shamelessly. “You’re easier to handle when you’re inebriated.”
Jaejoong made a face at him but Yunho only grinned back. Jaejoong was a year older than he but at times like this he questioned who was really older than whom.
A knock on the door broke him out of his thoughts. Giving Jaejoong’s jacket one last pat, he strode towards the door and opened it, immediately falling into a deep bow when he saw who stood on the other side.
“Your Majesty,” he greeted.
Jaejoong bowed dutifully, lowering his eyes. “Father.”
King Gregori smiled slightly. “You look handsome,” he complimented, reaching out to comb the gold tassels on Jaejoong’s shoulder into place. “I don’t see you in these clothes often enough. Perhaps we need to invite guests more often.”
Jaejoong dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Finished with the pleasantries, King Gregori got down to business.
“I want you to escort Amélie to dinner tonight,” he stated flatly.
Jaejoong’s head immediately shot up. “Father…”
“How much longer are you going to prolong this, Jaejoong? I have tried to be understanding but she is your fiancée. You should have been married as soon as she reached maturity but you asked for time and I gave it. You were both young so I saw no harm in it. It’s been five years since, however, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep making excuses to her family. I may be King but even I have to upkeep my relations with the royal families and your hesitation to wed her makes it seem like you find her lacking. If you would at least spend some time with her then it wouldn’t look so bad but other than when it’s absolutely necessary, you act like she has the plague.”
Jaejoong bowed his head in shame. “Forgive me, Father.”
King Gregori paused for a moment before continuing. “You will escort Amélie tonight, you will ensure that she has a good time and you will try to act like you are as well. You have until the end of the year to prepare yourself for your wedding. If by then, you’re still unsure then the decision will be made for you. It has already been made.”
Jaejoong’s head dipped lower. “Yes, Father.”
King Gregori turned and headed back out through the open door. Yunho closed the door behind him and turned to his friend and Master.
He wanted to ask if Jaejoong was okay but he already knew the answer. It was written clearly on his face. He wanted to say something reassuring but nothing came to mind so he settled on saying nothing at all.
“You look beautiful,” Jaejoong said softly.
He took Amélie’s hand and brought it to his lips as he bowed slightly.
She curtsied in turn, roses blooming becomingly in her cheeks. She was a beautiful girl and her beauty shone brightly that night in the pale blue satin gown she wore, the colour complementing her lovely blue eyes.
They were in an ante room where the important guests, i.e. the members of the royal family and Laird Robertson’s party, had gathered for pre-dinner drinks and conversation.
Spotting the two, King Gregori led the Laird in their direction.
“Magnus, you remember my son Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong shook the older man’s beefy hand, bowing slightly. “Nice to see you again, Sir.”
“Such an unusual looking young man,” Laird Robertson commented. “No matter how many times I see him, I just can’t get over it,” he said with a smile.
Gregori laughed. “I’m quite used to hearing that. This lovely lady is his fiancée, Amélie,” Gregori introduced.
“Ahh, ‘tis a pleasure, my lady,” Laird Robertson said, bowing over her hand as Jaejoong had.
“My Lord,” Amelie replied, cheeks pinkening further.
“No offense to the young lady but I had hoped that if your son was unattached, he might find one of my own girls to his liking. I’ve a stable of daughters and no sons and it would be an honor to welcome him into my family, not to mention mutually beneficial to us both.”
Gregori laughed again. “Jaejoong has been betrothed to Amélie since he went through the change. Their marriage is only a technicality at this point since they’ve been bonded for almost half of their lives.”
“Still…’Tis a shame we hadn’t met earlier,” Laird Robertson lamented.
“Ah, well. What’s done is done.”
Gregori took the man’s arm and directed him towards a small group of royals.
After another ten minutes or so, dinner was announced and the guests made their way into the hall.
Jaejoong tucked Amélie’s arm into his elbow and led her through the huge double doors into the newly transformed banquet hall. It had been specially decorated for this occasion in the hours since the King’s return, a drastic change from the utilitarian state it was usually in for their daily use. If it had only been the royal family and the visiting Laird in attendance, the King would have used the formal dining room for the occasion but the Laird had insisted that King Gregori’s and his own soldiers be invited to the soiree since it was due to their endeavours that Laird Robertson’s lands had been defended from marauders and King Gregori’s raids had been successful.
For Jaejoong, the walk down the long aisle was painstakingly slow this time, partly due to his partner - she was a girl after all and could not be expected to hurry - and partly due to the occasion itself, which caused a small procession in front of him. He had to take his time, had to match his pace to hers as social convention dictated he should. He breathed a small sigh of relief when they finally made it to the front of the hall. He stopped by the head-guest table to pay his respects to Amélie’s father before guiding her up the steps to the platform where the immediate members of the royal family and Laird Robertson would be seated. His father and Laird Robertson were already at the center of the long table, in addition to his uncle, cousin, sister and brother-in-law as well as a handful of other close relatives. The two remaining spaces towards the end were his and Amélie’s. He pulled out Amélie’s chair and made sure that she was seated comfortably before slipping into his own seat.
Yunho, who had been silent since they’d left Jaejoong’s chambers, stood by his side, hands clasped in front of him. Because it was a formal meal, Yunho could not sit at the head table as he usually did since it was currently occupied by royals and important others and he rarely ever sat with the general population of soldiers for various reasons. There was nowhere else he would rather be than at Jaejoong’s side, however.
Gregori called for quiet, standing as he prepared to make a speech.
“I would like to welcome our treasured guest, Laird Robertson, who has been a great ally in our fight against the rebels. May our relationship continue to thrive for the betterment of both of our people.”
He continued speaking, doling out compliments and platitudes in a way that Jaejoong knew he would never be able to. His father was quite the linguist. It was yet another gift that he did not possess.
“Let us toast!”
At those words, gaily dressed waiters appeared with trays of wine for royals - the soldiers had already been served their ale - passing out glasses with swift precision. The King’s table was served by two waitresses, with the King and Laird Robertson being served first before the rest of the table. When the waiter, a young girl, started to hand Jaejoong his glass, he smiled his thanks and her hold on the glass slipped, upending the contents on his lap.
“I’m so sorry, my Lord,” she screeched, setting the tray she held on the table.
Yunho quickly grabbed a napkin and tried his best to soak up as much of the liquid as he could.
“I’m so sorry, my Lord,” the girl said again, on the verge of tears. “I deserve to be hanged.”
Jaejoong smiled at her reassuringly. “It’s okay. Just a little wine, no harm done.”
Seeing the commotion at the end of the table, Gregori chuckled and said, “What’s a party without a little excitement?”
His audience laughed dutifully and that was the end of it.
Drier now, Jaejoong accepted the glass of wine that Yunho handed him, after ensuring that Yunho had one as well, and joined everyone in a toast.
He was still smiling when he sipped the wine, thinking that he needed to check up on the poor girl to make sure that she was alright after the banquet ended. She must be feeling terrible. He wondered…
It hit him hard and fast.
One minute he was thinking about the poor waitress, the next he was gripping his throat. It felt like it was on fire. His stomach too. And his vision was beginning to blur.
He stumbled back and Yunho caught him.
“My Lord?” he questioned, instantly alarmed. “Jaejoong!” he shouted when Jaejoong’s knees gave out, forgetting that they had an audience.
Jaejoong knew that he’d been poisoned: he had no doubt. Why would anyone want to kill him? And who? He couldn’t think of anything, anyone. He couldn’t think…
The last thing he was aware of before the darkness enveloped him was Yunho frantically calling his name over and over and a maniacal yet familiar voice laughing in between a chilling chant:
“Die, my Prince. Die!”
Chapter 2
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU
Length: Chaptered
Summary: They were born to different worlds: one to rule, the other to serve. A twist of fate united them in a bond that was not only taboo, it was forbidden. With danger constantly nipping at their heels, they must fight not only for their own survival but that of the people that depend upon them. Will their love survive the coming battle? Will they?
A/N: Read the Prologue if you haven't already or if your memory needs refreshing.
He awoke to a light weight leaning against his hip, the soft brush of fingers on his forehead, warm breath tickling his ear as a low voice said:
“Wake up, my Prince.”
Jaejoong groaned, trying unsuccessfully to roll away from the presence beside him.
“Go away,” he muttered.
Soft chuckling greeted his ears just before a heavy hand landed on his stomach, pressing down as the body it was attached to propelled itself upwards.
“Ooff,” he winced, opening one eye to peer up at his “assailant”.
Yunho grinned over at him before turning back to the open wardrobe before which he stood.
“Getup, sleepyhead. You’re already late for breakfast. You’re lucky that your father was called away early this morning and hasn’t returned yet, otherwise he would be here instead of me and you know that he would be far less gentle than I.”
Jaejoong groaned again. He hated when Yunho was right. Unfortunately, that was more often than not. It was one of the reasons why he was so indispensible.
Selecting a formal shirt, jacket and matching trousers, Yunho turned to Jaejoong.
“Do you want a bath before you dress? I can have one prepared for you, if you’d like.”
Stifling a yawn, Jaejoong shook his head. “We came back late last night - well, this morning - and I had a long soak then so I’m still good.”
Nodding, Yunho walked over and handed Jaejoong the shirt when he stood.
Jaejoong dressed automatically, removing the loose pants that he’d slept in, uncaring of the fact that he was completely nude in front of Yunho. They’d seen each other naked many times over the years, often while out on missions and taking quick dips in whatever clean body of water they’d happened to come across. He might be a Prince but when he was out with his men, he was as much of a soldier as they were. He neither demanded nor expected special treatment.
“Am I fit to be presented to the court?” he asked sardonically, twirling for Yunho’s benefit.
Yunho rolled his eyes but grinned at his Prince’s theatrics. “You’ll do.”
Jaejoong bowed mockingly before straightening and turning to the full length mirror beside his wardrobe to peruse his reflection.
Sighing, he finger-combed his hair. “I’m getting shaggy,” he murmured. “Father hates it when I let it grow too long.”
“Shall I arrange a visit from the barber?”
Jaejoong shook his head. “I can probably wait a little longer. He hasn’t started giving me any funny looks just yet.”
Yunho nodded. “Okay. Let me know if you change your mind.”
“Well, let’s get this dog and pony show on the road,” Jaejoong muttered.
“Would you like your sword?”
Yunho reached for it where it was propped against the wall beside Jaejoong’s bed and as he did so, a pendant slipped out of the neck of his tunic where it had been tucked in.
Jaejoong sighed. “Doesn’t that bother you at all?” he asked softly, eyes glued to the gold crest hanging on a rich violet ribbon.
Yunho glanced up to see where Jaejoong’s gaze was directed, understanding immediately hitting him.
He smiled. “You already know the answer to that, Your Highness.”
Jaejoong groaned and rolled his eyes. “Just leave it,” he muttered.
Turning, he started towards the door and Yunho fell into step behind him.
As they made their way down the palace’s hallways, Jaejoong tried not to let the incessant flow of “Good morning, your highness,” get to him but failed, as he always did. It was something that had bothered him since childhood. He was the Prince of his people, had been raised with the knowledge that he was being groomed to ascend the throne, but he had never been okay with the adulation that came with his position, nor the class division that was an integral part of his society. He was constantly reminded of it, especially when he looked at Yunho.
When, they entered the banquet hall, they were greeted by the typical chatter of a large room of men, including more dutiful greetings directed towards him. He nodded and smiled conciliatorily as was expected of him and breathed a sigh a relief when he finally reached the royal table set atop a platform at the front of the hall. Yunho saw him to his seat before taking his own place at the head table of the high-ranking soldiers.
Brunch was a tedious affair, as were all of their meals in Jaejoong’s opinion. He was glad that his father wasn’t there if only because it meant that the meal would be shorter and he could leave as soon as he finished eating. Still, he was forced to take his time and socialize as custom dictated. More than once, he caught Yunho looking at him with amusement clearly written across his face. He rolled his eyes at his friend but couldn’t hold back the answering smile that tilted his lips. Yunho was the only thing that made these suffocating social mandates bearable.
When finally he’d had enough, he stood, bowed to the rest of the table and descended the platform, striding down the middle of the room looking every bit the Prince he’d been bred to be. He hated having to put on a show but it was necessary. If there was one thing that he’d learned from his father it was that appearances were everything. Once again, the only thing that made it bearable was knowing that Yunho was there.
“Where to, my Lord?” Yunho asked.
“Anywhere,” Jaejoong replied, not stopping or turning to look at him. “Just so long as it’s out of this place.”
They spent the day in the crofters’ village, located within the compound but just outside the palace gates.
Whenever he went out during the daytime, Jaejoong was forced to keep his identity a secret, covering his tell-tale hair and keeping his eyes averted. Other than his father and Yunho - he also suspected this his sister was aware - no one knew that he could bear the sunlight, that he hadn’t lost the ability after the change. Because of his low-born status, Yunho didn’t have the same problem. He could come and go as he pleased, though he never strayed far from Jaejoong’s side if he could avoid it.
Jaejoong liked being among the people, felt more at home in their quaint shops and dirty streets than he did in the enormous extravagance of the palace. It made him wonder sometimes if he was really fit to be King, to rule and lead his people. He was his father’s son but they were nothing alike. His father was a King to the very marrow of his bone while Jaejoong felt like an imposter most of the time, going through the motions but not truly possessing the virtues of a King. However, when he was among the crofters, talking to them, listening to their tales over a mug of ale, he felt at peace. Any one of them would give their lives to trade places with him yet on some days he wished he’d been born one of them.
Perhaps he needed to have his head examined.
“Refill boys?”
Jaejoong glanced over at the saucy voice and smiled.
“Yes, please Rosie.”
“No more for him, Rosie,” Yunho countered, moving Jaejoong’s mug out of his reach.
Rosie chuckled. “Is it an aye or a nay? Make up your mind, the other customers are starting to grumble.”
“I’ll…”
“He’s had enough,” Yunho said firmly, looking pointedly into Jaejoong’s eyes.
“Will you be having anything else then?” Rosie queried, her voice taking on a flirtatious tone as she trailed her hand suggestively up and down Yunho’s sleeve.
Jaejoong’s eyes widened but Yunho shook her off.
“That’ll be all,” he said stoically.
Chuckling, Rosie turned and started to walk away. “Suit yourself.”
Recovered now, Jaejoong turned to face Yunho. “You know, if you wanted a quick tumble, I would’ve waited for you.”
Yunho looked at him strangely for a moment before bursting into laughter.
“What?” Jaejoong asked, confused.
“Rosie’s my cousin,” Yunho replied between gulps of air.
Jaejoong’s eyes widened again. “What? But…she just…”
Yunho shook his head. “She only does that because she knows it horrifies me. She’s always been a mischievous wench.”
“Hmm… We’ve been coming here for years and you never said anything.” Jaejoong’s voice almost sounded accusing.
Yunho smiled sheepishly. “The Jungs are a…fertile lot. I have fifty first cousins and Lord knows how many second and third cousins. Of their siblings, Mom and Dad have the lowest number of offspring.”
“Hmm…Must be nice.”
Hearing the longing in his voice, Yunho smiled understandingly, patting his friend on the back.
“Speaking of Mom,” he continued, changing the subject. “How about we drop in and see her on our way back. I haven’t been home in a couple of weeks since we’ve been away on the raids.”
Jaejoong immediately perked up. “I’d like that. Do you think she’s made her famous beef stew? Mom makes the best stew.”
Yunho’s smile widened. It never failed to amaze and touch him, the way Jaejoong had embraced his family as his own, even going so far as to refer to Mrs. Jung as “Mom”. It had taken her a while to get used to it but after all these years, Yunho doubted she remembered a time when Jaejoong wasn’t one of her boys. He was the closest thing she had to a daughter as well, with his long platinum blond hair, striking green eyes, fair complexion and sensitive nature, because Yunho and his older brother Nikolai had taken after their father in the looks department, though many said he favored his mother, and they were typical rough-and-tumble boys when they were at home, bickering and play-fighting incessantly. Jaejoong was the one who would help his mother in the kitchen, happily so since he liked to cook and was no longer allowed to help out in the palace kitchen after he’d reached maturity. He even liked to clean. His mother had almost had a stroke the first time she’d come home to find the Prince of the people straightening up her house while Yunho sat idly watching him. She’d scolded him and begged Jaejoong’s forgiveness but Jaejoong had told her that it was his idea. She’d still been scandalized, though, so Jaejoong had stopped cleaning, for her sake, but whenever he’d visited, he would find some way to help his mother fix or neaten something up so now, years later, the two would regularly do chores together while Yunho caught up on sleep or talked to his father. He knew that, deep down, his mother still didn’t think it was proper - Jaejoong was their Prince, after all: the future King - but she probably sensed that he needed it so by allowing him to help, she was actually doing her duty as one of his people.
Coming back to the present, Yunho slid off his bar stool. “I guess we’ll see when we get there.”
It was about 8:00pm when they finally made their way to his house. They were almost on his doorstep when they heard a commotion coming from the direction of the compound’s gates.
“The King has returned,” he heard someone say.
“It looks like he’s not alone,” another person added.
Yunho and Jaejoong looked at each other, both knowing immediately what that meant.
Their outing had just come to an abrupt end.
Jaejoong tried not to sigh as Yunho hooked the buttons on his formal royal dinner jacket.
“Why did he have to bring them here?” he moaned. He’d been grumbling ever since they’d returned to the palace. “Couldn’t he just have said goodbye and gone on his way?”
“Laird Robertson personally saw your Father home as his way of saying thank you for his help. The King is only being courteous and showing his appreciation by throwing him this banquet. They’ll be gone tomorrow evening. Stop pouting!” Yunho snapped when Jaejoong’s bottom lip extended.
“I don’t mean to be difficult, I just…You know how much I hate these things,” Jaejoong explained.
Yunho nodded. “I know. But there’s nothing we can do about it so try to have fun, okay? Drink lots, it’ll make the time pass faster.”
“Oh, now you’re encouraging me to drink,” Jaejoong scoffed.
Yunho shrugged shamelessly. “You’re easier to handle when you’re inebriated.”
Jaejoong made a face at him but Yunho only grinned back. Jaejoong was a year older than he but at times like this he questioned who was really older than whom.
A knock on the door broke him out of his thoughts. Giving Jaejoong’s jacket one last pat, he strode towards the door and opened it, immediately falling into a deep bow when he saw who stood on the other side.
“Your Majesty,” he greeted.
Jaejoong bowed dutifully, lowering his eyes. “Father.”
King Gregori smiled slightly. “You look handsome,” he complimented, reaching out to comb the gold tassels on Jaejoong’s shoulder into place. “I don’t see you in these clothes often enough. Perhaps we need to invite guests more often.”
Jaejoong dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Finished with the pleasantries, King Gregori got down to business.
“I want you to escort Amélie to dinner tonight,” he stated flatly.
Jaejoong’s head immediately shot up. “Father…”
“How much longer are you going to prolong this, Jaejoong? I have tried to be understanding but she is your fiancée. You should have been married as soon as she reached maturity but you asked for time and I gave it. You were both young so I saw no harm in it. It’s been five years since, however, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep making excuses to her family. I may be King but even I have to upkeep my relations with the royal families and your hesitation to wed her makes it seem like you find her lacking. If you would at least spend some time with her then it wouldn’t look so bad but other than when it’s absolutely necessary, you act like she has the plague.”
Jaejoong bowed his head in shame. “Forgive me, Father.”
King Gregori paused for a moment before continuing. “You will escort Amélie tonight, you will ensure that she has a good time and you will try to act like you are as well. You have until the end of the year to prepare yourself for your wedding. If by then, you’re still unsure then the decision will be made for you. It has already been made.”
Jaejoong’s head dipped lower. “Yes, Father.”
King Gregori turned and headed back out through the open door. Yunho closed the door behind him and turned to his friend and Master.
He wanted to ask if Jaejoong was okay but he already knew the answer. It was written clearly on his face. He wanted to say something reassuring but nothing came to mind so he settled on saying nothing at all.
“You look beautiful,” Jaejoong said softly.
He took Amélie’s hand and brought it to his lips as he bowed slightly.
She curtsied in turn, roses blooming becomingly in her cheeks. She was a beautiful girl and her beauty shone brightly that night in the pale blue satin gown she wore, the colour complementing her lovely blue eyes.
They were in an ante room where the important guests, i.e. the members of the royal family and Laird Robertson’s party, had gathered for pre-dinner drinks and conversation.
Spotting the two, King Gregori led the Laird in their direction.
“Magnus, you remember my son Jaejoong.”
Jaejoong shook the older man’s beefy hand, bowing slightly. “Nice to see you again, Sir.”
“Such an unusual looking young man,” Laird Robertson commented. “No matter how many times I see him, I just can’t get over it,” he said with a smile.
Gregori laughed. “I’m quite used to hearing that. This lovely lady is his fiancée, Amélie,” Gregori introduced.
“Ahh, ‘tis a pleasure, my lady,” Laird Robertson said, bowing over her hand as Jaejoong had.
“My Lord,” Amelie replied, cheeks pinkening further.
“No offense to the young lady but I had hoped that if your son was unattached, he might find one of my own girls to his liking. I’ve a stable of daughters and no sons and it would be an honor to welcome him into my family, not to mention mutually beneficial to us both.”
Gregori laughed again. “Jaejoong has been betrothed to Amélie since he went through the change. Their marriage is only a technicality at this point since they’ve been bonded for almost half of their lives.”
“Still…’Tis a shame we hadn’t met earlier,” Laird Robertson lamented.
“Ah, well. What’s done is done.”
Gregori took the man’s arm and directed him towards a small group of royals.
After another ten minutes or so, dinner was announced and the guests made their way into the hall.
Jaejoong tucked Amélie’s arm into his elbow and led her through the huge double doors into the newly transformed banquet hall. It had been specially decorated for this occasion in the hours since the King’s return, a drastic change from the utilitarian state it was usually in for their daily use. If it had only been the royal family and the visiting Laird in attendance, the King would have used the formal dining room for the occasion but the Laird had insisted that King Gregori’s and his own soldiers be invited to the soiree since it was due to their endeavours that Laird Robertson’s lands had been defended from marauders and King Gregori’s raids had been successful.
For Jaejoong, the walk down the long aisle was painstakingly slow this time, partly due to his partner - she was a girl after all and could not be expected to hurry - and partly due to the occasion itself, which caused a small procession in front of him. He had to take his time, had to match his pace to hers as social convention dictated he should. He breathed a small sigh of relief when they finally made it to the front of the hall. He stopped by the head-guest table to pay his respects to Amélie’s father before guiding her up the steps to the platform where the immediate members of the royal family and Laird Robertson would be seated. His father and Laird Robertson were already at the center of the long table, in addition to his uncle, cousin, sister and brother-in-law as well as a handful of other close relatives. The two remaining spaces towards the end were his and Amélie’s. He pulled out Amélie’s chair and made sure that she was seated comfortably before slipping into his own seat.
Yunho, who had been silent since they’d left Jaejoong’s chambers, stood by his side, hands clasped in front of him. Because it was a formal meal, Yunho could not sit at the head table as he usually did since it was currently occupied by royals and important others and he rarely ever sat with the general population of soldiers for various reasons. There was nowhere else he would rather be than at Jaejoong’s side, however.
Gregori called for quiet, standing as he prepared to make a speech.
“I would like to welcome our treasured guest, Laird Robertson, who has been a great ally in our fight against the rebels. May our relationship continue to thrive for the betterment of both of our people.”
He continued speaking, doling out compliments and platitudes in a way that Jaejoong knew he would never be able to. His father was quite the linguist. It was yet another gift that he did not possess.
“Let us toast!”
At those words, gaily dressed waiters appeared with trays of wine for royals - the soldiers had already been served their ale - passing out glasses with swift precision. The King’s table was served by two waitresses, with the King and Laird Robertson being served first before the rest of the table. When the waiter, a young girl, started to hand Jaejoong his glass, he smiled his thanks and her hold on the glass slipped, upending the contents on his lap.
“I’m so sorry, my Lord,” she screeched, setting the tray she held on the table.
Yunho quickly grabbed a napkin and tried his best to soak up as much of the liquid as he could.
“I’m so sorry, my Lord,” the girl said again, on the verge of tears. “I deserve to be hanged.”
Jaejoong smiled at her reassuringly. “It’s okay. Just a little wine, no harm done.”
Seeing the commotion at the end of the table, Gregori chuckled and said, “What’s a party without a little excitement?”
His audience laughed dutifully and that was the end of it.
Drier now, Jaejoong accepted the glass of wine that Yunho handed him, after ensuring that Yunho had one as well, and joined everyone in a toast.
He was still smiling when he sipped the wine, thinking that he needed to check up on the poor girl to make sure that she was alright after the banquet ended. She must be feeling terrible. He wondered…
It hit him hard and fast.
One minute he was thinking about the poor waitress, the next he was gripping his throat. It felt like it was on fire. His stomach too. And his vision was beginning to blur.
He stumbled back and Yunho caught him.
“My Lord?” he questioned, instantly alarmed. “Jaejoong!” he shouted when Jaejoong’s knees gave out, forgetting that they had an audience.
Jaejoong knew that he’d been poisoned: he had no doubt. Why would anyone want to kill him? And who? He couldn’t think of anything, anyone. He couldn’t think…
The last thing he was aware of before the darkness enveloped him was Yunho frantically calling his name over and over and a maniacal yet familiar voice laughing in between a chilling chant:
“Die, my Prince. Die!”
Chapter 2