Arabian Nights (Au!Fic) 5/8
Unfortunately, it takes a week for Ryeowook to manage a gap in his schedule large enough to even imagine sneaking out of the palace. He’s still knee deep in discussions of the Country’s fate, finally putting his foot down as rightful heir to the throne.
This of course has caused even more backlash from his ‘advisors’, the old men all spreading rumors of his youth and incompetence when they think he can’t hear, gossiping like old maids. He lets his frustrations seethe out to Jongwoon, the only other constantly in his presence.
Jongwoon seems to take his complaining in stride, laughing loudly at the mumbled slights to the slanted gazes of all that walk within the Palace walls.
Needless to say, Jongwoon’s release from prison has not been to the favor of many of those with high positions in the court and Ryeowook can say very frankly that he could really care less about their opinions. It’s no secret that most believe him to be harboring a treasonous murderer, but most are too aware of his position of power to even dare questioning his decisions.
Not that it stops those on the board of council from shooting criticism at ever move he makes, political or personal. The constant badgering of a wife and ‘more moldable heirs’ continues to grate on his nerves, until he nearly cries in joy at the opportunity of a morning off from them, even if it still pertains to business at large.
Still, he has to wonder if such a disguise is necessary.
“Jongwoon, I am not wearing that.” He looks at the garment, if you could even call it that, in disgust and has to wonder if Jongwoon really has gone off the deep end.
“Well excuse me Highness, but now is really not the best time to be recognized around town if you catch my drift. And certainly no one would expect you to be dressed as such.” Jongwoon smirks and Ryeowook is sure the man is gleaning some sick enjoyment from this as he watches Ryeowook pick up the loose pants and skimpy top.
“I’m almost afraid to ask why you even have this lying around. The things I do for this country.” The Prince utters as he slips the veil over his ears, thin material nearly catching on his heavy earrings. Jongwoon laughs as he watches the other struggle into the outfit.
“Just don’t go wandering into the red light district and you should be fine. The money people would pay to have time with a pretty face like yours.” Jongwoon runs a hand down Ryeowook’s face and the other smacks the offending hand away as he feels his kohl being smudged.
“And to think I’m paying you to protect this pretty face. Let’s just get this over with before they all find another reason to corner me.” Jongwoon just grins at him and Ryeowook finds it a little infuriating as he strides out the door, quickly making his way down the hallway on the hopes of not being noticed.
Things go quite well until they make it to the outer walls of the Palace, nearly to the path to the black market before noticing a guard turning the corner. Ryeowook groans, thinking sure to be recognized, lectured, and sent back to the confines of the audience chamber, essentially making the whole day a waste.
He’s about to give up and call out to the guard to avoid even more confusion when Jongwoon shoves him into the nearby alley and cages his head in with his forearms, looking every bit from the outside a couple speaking intimately. The guard hardly gives them a second glance, light blush tinting his features as he hurries by them.
Ryeowook snorts at the lax security, it’s no wonder so many people seem to waltz in and out of the palace as they please with the security doing so little to stop anything. His chuckles stop as he feels Jongwoon’s dark eyes upon him, arms still resting around his head in the alley. The Prince gives him a light shove on the chest.
“Whatever you’re thinking of, stop it. We have an appointment to get to, don’t we?” Ryeowook questions as Jongwoon shows no signs of moving.
“Not really, I was rather hoping that Zhou Mi would make an exception and just let us walk in.” There’s that infuriating smirk plastered on Jongwoon’s face again and Ryeowook feels the frustration rising in his chest again, he’s much too stressed to deal with being yanked around at this point.
“You had better be kidding me Jongwoon, because I swear-” and then there’s warm lips cutting him off, kissing him even as his mouth still forms words of argument, Jongwoon swallowing every one, pushing until his hands on other’s chest drop slowly to fist at Jongwoon’s shirt until he’s left feeling breathless to pant against the elder’s shoulder.
“Feeling better now? Can we continue our little venture without anymore yelling?” Jongwoon teases, fingers dancing on the hot skin of Ryeowook’s back.
“You are such an asshole sometimes.” Ryeowook ducks out of Jongwoon’s hold to continue down the alley, only letting the other step in front when he realizes he has no idea where he’s going. It earns a chuckle from Jongwoon and a light shade of red on Ryeowook’s cheeks.
They navigate a maze of alleys and suspicious stalls before coming to a hole in the wall covered by an elaborate looking tapestry. Ryeowook finds he has little time to admire the embroidery though, as he is pulled in by Jongwoon and greeted by the warm smell of vanilla incense.
“Kim Jongwoon, what are you doing here? I thought we were on terms of agreement last time we parted.” The cheery voice comes from a tall man leaning against the wall, thin pipe held by long fingers.
“Zhou Mi, so nice to see you again. And believe me; I’m not here by choice. I’m calling in the favor you owe me, on his behalf.” Ryeowook nearly snorts at the honey dripping off of Jongwoon’s voice and notices Zhou Mi’s gaze shift to him, and watches the lanky man’s smile grow wider.
“Well what have we here, the beautiful Princess of Seoul? My my, it does seem a lot has happened in the aftermath of the death of our dear king, though I didn’t foresee this style of dress becoming one of them.” Ryeowook crosses his arms loosely over his stomach, a weak attempt at hiding the exposed skin there.
Jongwoon lets a chuckle out though, and Ryeowook shoots a glare in his direction. “Well we didn’t exactly come for idle chatter Mi; as much as I know you enjoy it.” For the first time the man’s smile slips a bit, but it’s nearly a blink and then it’s gone, and has Ryeowook wondering if he merely imagined the downward tilt of lips.
“Would it be wrong of me to guess that you’re here for information about our deceased ruler’s demise?” Zhou Mi raises an eyebrow at the two of them as he wanders through another hole in the wall, voice echoing off of the tiles.
“It would be correct of you surprisingly. We have need of your skills with gossip unfortunately.” Jongwoon taps his fingers against his sides as he says it and Ryeowook gets the strange feeling of nervousness from the other man. He can hear Zhou Mi’s snort all the way from the back of the building though, as the tall man calls back to them.
“Collecting information is an art Jongwoon, I have no idea how many times I’ve told you this.” Zhou Mi re-enters with one folder and a small box in hand, setting it on a table in front of them. “And as a matter of fact, I may have heard some rumors on this matter, but you know the rules, pay up.”
“I’ve told you, I’m calling in my favor from the time-” Zhou Mi cuts him off with a hand waved in his direction, directing his gaze at Ryeowook.
“That may cover your price, but unless I’ve started to see things there are two of you here, and unless Princess has granted me a favor I’m unaware of, something is owed.” He looks at Ryeowook pointedly until the other sighs, taking off his earrings and putting them into Zhou Mi’s outstretched hand.
“That should be enough for your price then, they’ll sell for quite a bit at the market.” Ryeowook frowns at the lack of weight on his ears; those earrings really were quite expensive. Zhou Mi just grins, handing over the folder.
“That is everything I know on the matter you’re asking about. You know the rules Jongwoon, when you’re done, burn it.” Jongwoon nods at him, tucking the folder into his tunic before standing up.
“Wonderful to see you as always Zhou Mi, give Kyuhyun my regards.” Zhou Mi’s eyes narrow at him before smiling again. Ryeowook momentarily thinks that it’s really quite creepy how someone can paste on such a smile so quickly.
“I’ll make sure to do that. And it was a pleasure serving you Highness; I will enjoy your earrings.” There’s a cheeky smile sent in his direction, but Jongwoon pulls him out of the shop before he gets a chance to reply.
“You have very interesting friends Jongwoon.” Ryeowook states dryly, once again letting Jongwoon lead him through the maze of stalls, the other man’s hand tight around his own.
“I wouldn’t call them friends. More like acquaintances by unfortunate circumstances.” Jongwoon snorts as they make their way through the palace walls again, more wary of guards on the way back in.
Ryeowook is about to ask when they are interrupted by Sungmin, passing through the corridor.
They stare at each other for a few moments and Ryeowook can feel Sungmin’s gaze slowly examining his state of dress and watches the other’s brow crease.
“I’m not sure I even want to know. And I’m sure if I ask where you were you would lie to me anyway, but it was surely unsafe and put you in danger. But no, if I ask I’m sure you’ll tell me you were having sex in an alley or something.” Ryeowook stiffens as Sungmin continues ranting, oblivious to anyone’s reactions. “I don’t care if it’s too early for a drink. If you need me, and please don’t, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
Ryeowook stares after the retreating figure for a moment before Jongwoon bursts out laughing, muttering something about overworked and undersexed people being a bear. The Prince snorts and imagines the vein on Sungmin’s temple throbbing if he heard such words spoken.
“Now can we get back to my room to look over that folder before anyone else sees me in this ridiculous outfit?” Ryeowook pushes his bangs back behind his ears before continuing, glaring at the snickering man. “And you’re going to owe me a new pair of earrings if it’s a bunch of useless scribbles.”
“I assure you Highness, as flowery as he is Zhou Mi’s work is the best there is. He wouldn’t have given you anything if he didn’t think there was something worth the price given in exchange for it.” Jongwoon’s smile curves and he pats the inconsistency under his clothes, file of papers still there.
Ryeowook finds himself wary of clutching at such a small thread of hope, but lets himself fall into it anyway, closing the door behind him as Jongwoon lays the papers out on his bed.
Jongwoon grunts and Ryeowook sighs, looking over his shoulder as he changes back into his normal Princely garb, thread of hope rapidly turning into a sliver. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing really, he just still writes in that damn code of his. This is going to take a few hours at least.” Jongwoon sighs as Ryeowook goes about changing his clothes, eyes much more interested in the pale skin running around the room than deciphering the array of numbers on the page in front of him.
“Well while you’re doing that I’m going to take a nap. I plan on enjoying this time where no one’s hunting me down to the absolute fullest.” He is careful not to disturb the papers scattered about the bed as he curls into Jongwoon’s side, getting no more than a mumble in return, the other man engrossed in translating, pencil moving quickly on a new sheet of paper. “Wake me when you’re done.” And he lets himself fall into sleep, lulled by the scratch of pencil paper.
…
It’s four hours and three pages of translated conversation later when Jongwoon hears a knock on the door. He carefully removes Ryeowook’s head from his thigh and stumbles over to the door, grimacing when he sees the face behind it.
“Yes Highness, how may I help you?” Jongwoon sighs as Kibum tries to duck under his arm and make way into the room. Jongwoon feels a headache coming on at the second Prince’s dark glare.
“Where is my brother?” The man demands, fists clenched at his sides.
“Sleeping. Might I ask what you need of him?” Jongwoon moves his arm down from the door and Kibum immediately strides in, putting his hands on the soft comforter and shaking Ryeowook’s shoulder.
“Wook, wake up!” Ryeowook groans as he’s pulled out of sleep, rubbing his eyes before looking tiredly at his younger brother. Jongwoon just sighs and goes back to trying to work out the papers still scattered across the bed.
He pays little attention to the arguing siblings as he finishes his last sentence, going over the papers to make sense of them one last time. He does snort a bit at hearing the word marriage thrown around so much though, and finds himself reminded of his dislike for politics. How ironic that he would become involved with the soon to be King of the country.
“I hate to interrupt your riveting conversation Highnesses.” He drawls, putting the now readable papers back in order. “But I think the two of you may be in a bit of danger at the moment.”
...
Well here's the usual spiel, but as always thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it :) And Comments are absolute love :D
This of course has caused even more backlash from his ‘advisors’, the old men all spreading rumors of his youth and incompetence when they think he can’t hear, gossiping like old maids. He lets his frustrations seethe out to Jongwoon, the only other constantly in his presence.
Jongwoon seems to take his complaining in stride, laughing loudly at the mumbled slights to the slanted gazes of all that walk within the Palace walls.
Needless to say, Jongwoon’s release from prison has not been to the favor of many of those with high positions in the court and Ryeowook can say very frankly that he could really care less about their opinions. It’s no secret that most believe him to be harboring a treasonous murderer, but most are too aware of his position of power to even dare questioning his decisions.
Not that it stops those on the board of council from shooting criticism at ever move he makes, political or personal. The constant badgering of a wife and ‘more moldable heirs’ continues to grate on his nerves, until he nearly cries in joy at the opportunity of a morning off from them, even if it still pertains to business at large.
Still, he has to wonder if such a disguise is necessary.
“Jongwoon, I am not wearing that.” He looks at the garment, if you could even call it that, in disgust and has to wonder if Jongwoon really has gone off the deep end.
“Well excuse me Highness, but now is really not the best time to be recognized around town if you catch my drift. And certainly no one would expect you to be dressed as such.” Jongwoon smirks and Ryeowook is sure the man is gleaning some sick enjoyment from this as he watches Ryeowook pick up the loose pants and skimpy top.
“I’m almost afraid to ask why you even have this lying around. The things I do for this country.” The Prince utters as he slips the veil over his ears, thin material nearly catching on his heavy earrings. Jongwoon laughs as he watches the other struggle into the outfit.
“Just don’t go wandering into the red light district and you should be fine. The money people would pay to have time with a pretty face like yours.” Jongwoon runs a hand down Ryeowook’s face and the other smacks the offending hand away as he feels his kohl being smudged.
“And to think I’m paying you to protect this pretty face. Let’s just get this over with before they all find another reason to corner me.” Jongwoon just grins at him and Ryeowook finds it a little infuriating as he strides out the door, quickly making his way down the hallway on the hopes of not being noticed.
Things go quite well until they make it to the outer walls of the Palace, nearly to the path to the black market before noticing a guard turning the corner. Ryeowook groans, thinking sure to be recognized, lectured, and sent back to the confines of the audience chamber, essentially making the whole day a waste.
He’s about to give up and call out to the guard to avoid even more confusion when Jongwoon shoves him into the nearby alley and cages his head in with his forearms, looking every bit from the outside a couple speaking intimately. The guard hardly gives them a second glance, light blush tinting his features as he hurries by them.
Ryeowook snorts at the lax security, it’s no wonder so many people seem to waltz in and out of the palace as they please with the security doing so little to stop anything. His chuckles stop as he feels Jongwoon’s dark eyes upon him, arms still resting around his head in the alley. The Prince gives him a light shove on the chest.
“Whatever you’re thinking of, stop it. We have an appointment to get to, don’t we?” Ryeowook questions as Jongwoon shows no signs of moving.
“Not really, I was rather hoping that Zhou Mi would make an exception and just let us walk in.” There’s that infuriating smirk plastered on Jongwoon’s face again and Ryeowook feels the frustration rising in his chest again, he’s much too stressed to deal with being yanked around at this point.
“You had better be kidding me Jongwoon, because I swear-” and then there’s warm lips cutting him off, kissing him even as his mouth still forms words of argument, Jongwoon swallowing every one, pushing until his hands on other’s chest drop slowly to fist at Jongwoon’s shirt until he’s left feeling breathless to pant against the elder’s shoulder.
“Feeling better now? Can we continue our little venture without anymore yelling?” Jongwoon teases, fingers dancing on the hot skin of Ryeowook’s back.
“You are such an asshole sometimes.” Ryeowook ducks out of Jongwoon’s hold to continue down the alley, only letting the other step in front when he realizes he has no idea where he’s going. It earns a chuckle from Jongwoon and a light shade of red on Ryeowook’s cheeks.
They navigate a maze of alleys and suspicious stalls before coming to a hole in the wall covered by an elaborate looking tapestry. Ryeowook finds he has little time to admire the embroidery though, as he is pulled in by Jongwoon and greeted by the warm smell of vanilla incense.
“Kim Jongwoon, what are you doing here? I thought we were on terms of agreement last time we parted.” The cheery voice comes from a tall man leaning against the wall, thin pipe held by long fingers.
“Zhou Mi, so nice to see you again. And believe me; I’m not here by choice. I’m calling in the favor you owe me, on his behalf.” Ryeowook nearly snorts at the honey dripping off of Jongwoon’s voice and notices Zhou Mi’s gaze shift to him, and watches the lanky man’s smile grow wider.
“Well what have we here, the beautiful Princess of Seoul? My my, it does seem a lot has happened in the aftermath of the death of our dear king, though I didn’t foresee this style of dress becoming one of them.” Ryeowook crosses his arms loosely over his stomach, a weak attempt at hiding the exposed skin there.
Jongwoon lets a chuckle out though, and Ryeowook shoots a glare in his direction. “Well we didn’t exactly come for idle chatter Mi; as much as I know you enjoy it.” For the first time the man’s smile slips a bit, but it’s nearly a blink and then it’s gone, and has Ryeowook wondering if he merely imagined the downward tilt of lips.
“Would it be wrong of me to guess that you’re here for information about our deceased ruler’s demise?” Zhou Mi raises an eyebrow at the two of them as he wanders through another hole in the wall, voice echoing off of the tiles.
“It would be correct of you surprisingly. We have need of your skills with gossip unfortunately.” Jongwoon taps his fingers against his sides as he says it and Ryeowook gets the strange feeling of nervousness from the other man. He can hear Zhou Mi’s snort all the way from the back of the building though, as the tall man calls back to them.
“Collecting information is an art Jongwoon, I have no idea how many times I’ve told you this.” Zhou Mi re-enters with one folder and a small box in hand, setting it on a table in front of them. “And as a matter of fact, I may have heard some rumors on this matter, but you know the rules, pay up.”
“I’ve told you, I’m calling in my favor from the time-” Zhou Mi cuts him off with a hand waved in his direction, directing his gaze at Ryeowook.
“That may cover your price, but unless I’ve started to see things there are two of you here, and unless Princess has granted me a favor I’m unaware of, something is owed.” He looks at Ryeowook pointedly until the other sighs, taking off his earrings and putting them into Zhou Mi’s outstretched hand.
“That should be enough for your price then, they’ll sell for quite a bit at the market.” Ryeowook frowns at the lack of weight on his ears; those earrings really were quite expensive. Zhou Mi just grins, handing over the folder.
“That is everything I know on the matter you’re asking about. You know the rules Jongwoon, when you’re done, burn it.” Jongwoon nods at him, tucking the folder into his tunic before standing up.
“Wonderful to see you as always Zhou Mi, give Kyuhyun my regards.” Zhou Mi’s eyes narrow at him before smiling again. Ryeowook momentarily thinks that it’s really quite creepy how someone can paste on such a smile so quickly.
“I’ll make sure to do that. And it was a pleasure serving you Highness; I will enjoy your earrings.” There’s a cheeky smile sent in his direction, but Jongwoon pulls him out of the shop before he gets a chance to reply.
“You have very interesting friends Jongwoon.” Ryeowook states dryly, once again letting Jongwoon lead him through the maze of stalls, the other man’s hand tight around his own.
“I wouldn’t call them friends. More like acquaintances by unfortunate circumstances.” Jongwoon snorts as they make their way through the palace walls again, more wary of guards on the way back in.
Ryeowook is about to ask when they are interrupted by Sungmin, passing through the corridor.
They stare at each other for a few moments and Ryeowook can feel Sungmin’s gaze slowly examining his state of dress and watches the other’s brow crease.
“I’m not sure I even want to know. And I’m sure if I ask where you were you would lie to me anyway, but it was surely unsafe and put you in danger. But no, if I ask I’m sure you’ll tell me you were having sex in an alley or something.” Ryeowook stiffens as Sungmin continues ranting, oblivious to anyone’s reactions. “I don’t care if it’s too early for a drink. If you need me, and please don’t, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
Ryeowook stares after the retreating figure for a moment before Jongwoon bursts out laughing, muttering something about overworked and undersexed people being a bear. The Prince snorts and imagines the vein on Sungmin’s temple throbbing if he heard such words spoken.
“Now can we get back to my room to look over that folder before anyone else sees me in this ridiculous outfit?” Ryeowook pushes his bangs back behind his ears before continuing, glaring at the snickering man. “And you’re going to owe me a new pair of earrings if it’s a bunch of useless scribbles.”
“I assure you Highness, as flowery as he is Zhou Mi’s work is the best there is. He wouldn’t have given you anything if he didn’t think there was something worth the price given in exchange for it.” Jongwoon’s smile curves and he pats the inconsistency under his clothes, file of papers still there.
Ryeowook finds himself wary of clutching at such a small thread of hope, but lets himself fall into it anyway, closing the door behind him as Jongwoon lays the papers out on his bed.
Jongwoon grunts and Ryeowook sighs, looking over his shoulder as he changes back into his normal Princely garb, thread of hope rapidly turning into a sliver. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing really, he just still writes in that damn code of his. This is going to take a few hours at least.” Jongwoon sighs as Ryeowook goes about changing his clothes, eyes much more interested in the pale skin running around the room than deciphering the array of numbers on the page in front of him.
“Well while you’re doing that I’m going to take a nap. I plan on enjoying this time where no one’s hunting me down to the absolute fullest.” He is careful not to disturb the papers scattered about the bed as he curls into Jongwoon’s side, getting no more than a mumble in return, the other man engrossed in translating, pencil moving quickly on a new sheet of paper. “Wake me when you’re done.” And he lets himself fall into sleep, lulled by the scratch of pencil paper.
…
It’s four hours and three pages of translated conversation later when Jongwoon hears a knock on the door. He carefully removes Ryeowook’s head from his thigh and stumbles over to the door, grimacing when he sees the face behind it.
“Yes Highness, how may I help you?” Jongwoon sighs as Kibum tries to duck under his arm and make way into the room. Jongwoon feels a headache coming on at the second Prince’s dark glare.
“Where is my brother?” The man demands, fists clenched at his sides.
“Sleeping. Might I ask what you need of him?” Jongwoon moves his arm down from the door and Kibum immediately strides in, putting his hands on the soft comforter and shaking Ryeowook’s shoulder.
“Wook, wake up!” Ryeowook groans as he’s pulled out of sleep, rubbing his eyes before looking tiredly at his younger brother. Jongwoon just sighs and goes back to trying to work out the papers still scattered across the bed.
He pays little attention to the arguing siblings as he finishes his last sentence, going over the papers to make sense of them one last time. He does snort a bit at hearing the word marriage thrown around so much though, and finds himself reminded of his dislike for politics. How ironic that he would become involved with the soon to be King of the country.
“I hate to interrupt your riveting conversation Highnesses.” He drawls, putting the now readable papers back in order. “But I think the two of you may be in a bit of danger at the moment.”
...
Well here's the usual spiel, but as always thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it :) And Comments are absolute love :D