Chapter Text
Lunch had been enlightening, Jieun’s words of encouragement and her promise for companionship echoing in his ears as he walked down the bustling halls. It was busier than it had been when he first left the room. Maids rushed by carrying different types of knickknacks in their hands as they passed, but each one stopped briefly to bow their heads in respect before continuing on their way. Guards progressed in the same manor, and butlers did as well.
Mark wondered what the fuss was about.
“It would seem they are preparing for a formal dinner tonight.” Mina spoke, her voice low as she noticed Marks curious gaze as he watched those moving around him.
“Formal dinner?”
“It is similar to a banquet for nobles. As the mate of the Price, this banquet would serve as your debut into high society should you wish to attend.”
They continued their stroll, Mark slowing down his strides as he listened to the words of his maid. He had heard about these banquets from a few of his regulars who were wealthier than most. Even Jonghoon had bragged, loudly, about being invited. No one believed him. Nobles were never human, and rich humans hardly compared to poor demons.
“Does that mean I don’t have to go?” He asked mindlessly as he surveyed the paintings lined on the wall. Jieun had told him to explore the palace in his free time, he had been exploring since the end of their lunch date.
“Not if you do not wish to attend.” Mina answered.
It was a strange feeling, the relief he felt at having a choice. He had assumed he would be forced to attend as Jinyoungs date, and he wasn’t mentally prepared to see his mate just yet. If possible, he would like a few more days before they were forced into a situation where they had to talk, or the awkwardness would suffocate them.
"What if Jinyoung wanted me to attend?"
"The Prince has already ordered for you to be taken care of whether you attend or not. However, he suspects you would have no interest in attending a dinner filled with demons."
Holding back a shiver at the mention of demons, he turned to look at Bambam who watched him with steady eyes. He hadn't expected for Jinyoung to anticipate his decision, but he appreciated it.
"I don't want to go."
A small smile lingered on Bambams lips, and he bowed his head in understanding. "Yes, my Lord."
Slightly smiling in return, Mark turned to continue on his way. He had wondered if he would run into Jinyoung on his journey around the palace but was a little sad that he didn- no, scratch that thought. He didn’t want to see Jinyoung, not yet. Regardless, he was surprised he didn’t run into his mate during his excursion.
There was a slight possibility that the demon was staying scarce and avoiding him since he was able to sense Marks presence, but that idea was invalid as Mark was able to feel Jinyoungs presence as well. It felt as though Jinyoung was nonexistent. Like he left the palace walls and was in another town entirely.
Turning a corner, Mark sighed. His thoughts lingered on Jinyoung ever so often and he found himself craving the others' company. He was still mad at his mate, nearly disgusted, but after his talk with the demoness, he was a little more understanding. He understood that it was just as hard for a demon to mate a human as it was for a human to mate a demon. Jinyoung just didn’t know how to handle it without being possessive.
“My lord.” A voice called, stopping Mark in his walk as Mina placed a hand on his arm in order to remind him of his title. It would take some use to getting called a title of nobility. “Your presence has been requested in the tearoom. His Majesty wishes to know his son in law better.”
Mark gulped, understanding that this was a request he could refuse. Glancing back at Bambam whose jaw clenched and shoulders tensed, he understood that his line of thought was correct. The King had requested him, he would have to accept.
“Okay.”
They followed behind the maid who walked at a steady pace. Mark wondered if Jinyoung was aware that he had been summoned. He idly wondered if Jinyoung even cared. Yes, they were mates, but their last meeting had been hectic with Mark ready to sever their ties.
Reaching a golden trimmed door, the maid knocked, waiting for the Kings order to enter, before allowing them entry. Mark stepped in first, his back tense as the King eyes his frame.
“Sit. Everyone else is dismissed.”
Mark's fist clenched as the doors were shut behind him. He stood alone, his heart pounding in his chest in fear as he sat at the table with the Demon King who eyed him as though he were a snack for the taking.
“I’m surprised you accepted the request since you are so obviously scared to be alone with me.” The king spoke, his amusement visible. He lifted his teacup, taking a sip and watching Mark over the rim. He held the cup in his hand as he brought it back down. “You may speak honestly. You are my son's mate, after all.”
“I didn’t know I had the option to deny your ‘request.’” Mark gulped, his fingers moving restlessly in his lap in discomfort.
“You didn’t.” The King laughed outright. He placed the cup onto the table and leaned on the hard surface. “Had you denied I would have had the guards drag you here, and if you would have struggled I would have had you locked in the dungeon where I keep those who displease me. Then I would have kept you there until I was completely satisfied.”
Feeling the blood drain from his body at the threat, he prayed for anyone to get him out of this room. He wanted for Jinyoung to enter this room and help him get away from the bloodthirsty king that was too interested in him to be normal.
“I’m glad I didn’t reject your request then.”
“A shame, really.” The King's eyes lowered, resting on his lips before raising once again. “There are a few shames when it comes to you. Luckily, I know how to fix one of them.”
Feeling breathing become harder, Mark really hoped the King maintained his distance. He was scared to stand against such an authoritative figure, but he would fight if he had to.
Reaching out, the King touched Mark's mate mark hidden beneath his collar. Hiding his shiver or discomfort, Mark froze as the King pulled away.
“If I break the bond, I can have you for myself.” His voice was clear, as was his intent. “And since you’ve thrown my son away, I’m sure you are more than willing to give yourself to me.”
“I didn’t throw your son away, your majesty.” Mark denied instantly, his mouth clamping shut instantly as the King narrowed his eyes in speculation. The intensity of his red eyes were overwhelming and Mark felt the need to feel the silence. “We are still very much mates, and we will remain mates until we agree to serve our ties.”
“Were you not ready to sever your ties the last time I saw you?”
“I was emotional and overwhelmed in this new environment.”
The King hummed. “It would seem you have adjusted better now that my miserable son has given you a longer leash and a title.”
Mark blinked as the air in the room shifted. The King no longer seemed intimidating, but simply curious about his son. Watching carefully as the demon relaxed in his chair, he somehow understood why Jinyoung had such a warped way of showing affection.
“It would seem my pathetic son finally caught wind that I have you in my clutches.” The King grinned, his sharp teeth on full display.
Looking to the door of the room, his mark ached as the door was pushed open. Maids scrambled as Jinyoung stepped through, his face downing in irritation as he leveled his father with a glare.
“It seems you don’t know how to keep your hand to yourself.” Jinyoung hissed, shaking, barely able to contain himself.
Marks heart fluttered as he watched his mate. It hadn’t been long since he last saw him but the sight of him made him feel complete. It was a disgruntled feeling, one he wished he didn’t feel, but it was also one he could never neglect. He would never admit it with what they were going through, but he missed his mate.
“If you were better with your mate then I wouldn’t have had the opportunity.” The King scolded, mocking as he spoke. “I was feeling to see how hard it would be to tear the skin off.”
Realizing hit Mark like a truck. The King had touched his mark with the intent of drawing Jinyoung into this room. Was this a set up? Had the King planned on getting them together again? What was going on? Had he truly misjudged the King? Had Jinyoung?
“He’s mine.” Jinyoung was firm in his answer, the possessiveness in his voice sending a tingle down Mark’s spine.
“Is he? Last time I saw him he was ready to server your ties.” The kings tone remained mocking as he leaned back in his chair. He looked amused with the situation, a look he tended to adopt when Jinyoung was involved.
The words jolted him. Jinyoung hesitated briefly, sending a quick glance to Mark.
“If you would excuse us, your Majesty.” Mark interjected, standing from his seat while the tension was lax. “It was lovely sharing tea with you, but I am going to leave with my mate.”
The King looked bored with the turn of events, but he waved them off, saying nothing as the left the room.
Mark didn’t know how ready he was for this conversation, but since the King decided to meddle, they may as well settle it.