Archive of Our Own ^beta

The red sleeve of the man’s robe flaps in the west breeze like a flag. The man stands there, unmoving, looking over the vast field of crops in front of him. The gleaming sun of the afternoon left a golden glow on the crops.

The white stallion beside the man neighs, indicating the arrival of someone else. The newcomer is a young man with honey-coloured skin and a handsome face. He bows, "Your Highness."

The man's hand reaches over to smooth out the hair on the bastion. The horse neighs again in comfort.

"The preparations have been done."

The man's moving hand stops. He turns around, giving the young man a glimpse of his face. The youth stares at the face in front of him, awestruck. The man has an extremely delicate face, carved from porcelain. The last hue of dusk casts a glow on the man's face, appearing as if the face had just descended from heaven. The man's eyes were a little droopy in the corner, making them resemble a little puppy's eyes. His lips are pink, exactly the shade of a magnolia flower. There is always a remnant of a smile on those lips. The man's hair is kept in a knot on top of his head, suitable for his status.

The west breeze could not resist the beautiful man and played with him a little, causing some stray hair to fall in front of his peach-blossom eyes.

The man rides his stallion, an equally majestic creature like him. He looks at the young man from up above the horse's back, with the autumn sun setting behind him.

"Jongin," He utters unhurriedly. "Burn the crops."

The man left on his horse, leaving a trail of dust behind him. Jongin stood there without his wits. There is a saying that "whoever catches a glimpse of Byun Baekhyun will not have a mind of their own". Byun Baekhyun's personal bodyguard, Kim Jongin, is a firsthand example of the saying.

The Northern Kingdom is a peninsula, surrounded by land on three sides and welcoming the Eastern Sea on the other. The landmasses around the Northern Kingdom belong to the Southern Kingdom. Between the borders of the Southern Kingdom and the Eastern Sea, there is a small town called Silim. As the town is neither protected by the border guards nor the seacoast, it often suffers from the disturbances of bandits. It started as a minor problem. As all minor problems are dealt with in small towns, the government officials did not pay attention to them and left the matter untouched. Despite being a small town, the town was quite prosperous. Their soil was rich, giving them an abundance of crops every season. Due to this, there are quite a few wealthy households in the area. Even the farmers and labourers lived a happy life, being able to afford food and send their children to school. This attracted the bandits even more. The small group of bandits grew in number. Over time, thugs and goons from around the area joined them. The small-scale stealing of crops turned into big-scale robberies. And from then on, the bandits ran rampant, without any fear of repercussions. Gradually, the bandits grew tired of their trips to the town just for some crops and money. They wanted to take the town as a whole. First, the townspeople tried to resist. But it only resulted in a bloodbath. The bandits slaughtered the men and took the women and children with them. The town collapsed. There was fire and blood everywhere. This continued for some years. Until the news reached the capital.

The news of a group of bandits does not warrant the presence of a Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince of the Northern Kingdom, Byun Baekhyun, has always been a whimsical man who loved to go out and play. He was famous for his beauty and infamous for his antics. The people loved him as the only son of their beloved king and queen. Albeit the man had a bit of a wine problem and was quite possibly the most infamous rake of the city, he was kind to his people. And that's all the common people cared about.

When the news of the bandits reached the capital, Baekhyun was trying to catch a sparrow with his bodyguard and childhood friend, Kim Jongin. A servant came to inform him about the dire situation. Baekhyun grumbled under his breath, his pink lips forming a pout. The servant was but a man, his heart melted in a puddle at the sight of the sulky Crown Prince. He kowtowed three times to the sky for blessing him to witness this moment in his lifetime.

Baekhyun went to the royal court, heard the situation attentively, and declared that he would personally pay a visit- all with a smile on his face. Baekhyun went to the town with his personal guards and a troop of soldiers. The townspeople cried tears of relief upon seeing that the Crown Prince himself had arrived to help them. The people laid out their grievances. Baekhyun ordered the people to be moved to neighbouring villages and towns. The cavalry took their place, disguising themselves as common people. They waited for days, but the bandits did not come. Baekhyun is not a patient man, he soon grew tired of waiting for such lowly beasts. He asked for a map of the area. There was a small mountain range beside the town. The bandits had positioned themselves deep in the caves. He heard the reports of the previous attack from the town's magistrate’s office and learned that there were numerous traps along with the mountain range. Baekhyun had to forsake the idea of attacking the bandit's hideout. He wanted to personally attack the bandits, but it seemed like the bandits did not want to face the Crown Prince yet.

It was harvest season in a month. From the previous attack records, the bandits always showed up after a harvest, indicating that they stored food that would last for only one single season. Baekhyun quickly ordered his men to burn the crops. He left the town and left the soldiers to man it.

Baekhyun finally reached the capital after three weeks. He pours himself a glass of wine after entering his chambers. Baekhyun is against the idea of taking luxury items with him while travelling. He thinks it slows the party down. He would much rather give up the pleasure of wine than get bored during long journeys. Baekhyun gets bored easily, with people, and places. He's always craving something new.

A palace eunuch stands outside the Crown Prince’s quarter. His breath is a little heavy from running from the Empress Dowager’s quarter to here. He prostates in front of the Crown Prince’s chamber with a sweaty forehead and a slightly heaving back.

Baekhyun takes a glance at the heaving back of the person prostrating in front of his door. He finishes his wine leisurely. He pours himself another glass and takes a small sip. “What is it?”

The eunuch has caught his breath during this time. He looks up and greets Baekhyun. “Your Highness”

Baekhyun's hair is put into a messy bun, or his neat bun has become messy from riding all night. His lips are tinted red from wine. The eunuch lowers his gaze. He is still at an age where worldly beauties create ripples in his heart.

“Her Majesty awaits the Crown Prince’s presence.”

Baekhyun stops swirling his cup of wine. His grandmother should not have known about his return.

Seeing Baekhyun in a stupor, the eunuch continues, “Her Majesty insists it’s important. Something about the Southern Empire.”

The eunuch leads Baekhyun to the royal court instead of Empress Dowager's quarter. The Empress Dowager is sitting on her throne, surrounded by royal ministers. Something about this disturbs Baekhyun. He just came back from solving one problem, and another one is probably at hand.

The court rises as Baekhyun enters the court and takes his seat. The prime minister speaks first, "Your Highness, I hope your trip to the East did not cause you any trouble."

Baekhyun gives him a beaming smile and says, "No trouble at all. I played all the time. Jongin is still there. He will take care of the rest."

"Kim Jongin from your personal guards?"

"Yes, is there any problem, Minister Doh?"

The chatter in the courts dies down. Prime Minister Doh knits his eyebrows, his face looking somewhat sombre.

"What were you discussing earlier? Please make it quick. I want to go out and play with Kyungsoo."

Empress Dowager grips her clothes. Her grandson has always been somewhat unconventional. The royal business always comes second to him.

Hearing his son's name from the Crown Prince's mouth, Minister Doh sat down with a complicated expression on his face. He looks at the Empress Dowager.

"The Southern Kingdom has declared war." Empress Dowager's words hit Baekhyun's ears like a thunderstorm.

"Why?"

"They are not satisfied with the borders. They are claiming east of the Han River."

"But the borders have been the same for the last 40 years. Why the sudden dispute?"

"We do not know," Empress Dowager hands over a letter to Baekhyun. "We just received this news from the border guards this morning. Around 300 soldiers have taken station near the border."

"I'll leave tonight," Baekhyun says, standing up from his chair. "I'll take 500 men and the cavalry with me."

The North and the South have quite a long history of bloodshed. Wars have scourged both of the kingdoms. The borders are riddled with the blood and flesh of common people and soldiers. The war brought famine and epidemics. Thousands of people had died.

Forty years ago, the Northern Kingdom proposed a treaty. Maybe the Southern Kingdom was waiting for the Northerners to take the first step, they accepted the treaty without any delay. The borders have been quiet since then. Both countries were too busy building themselves back up to think about borders and war.

That is, until now.

Baekhyun can see about 200 men camping on the other side of the border. He looks at his side in annoyance. He misses Jongin greatly. Jongin was his best surveyor.

The surveyor from the border guards comes back and prostrates in front of him.

"What is the news?" Baekhyun does not waste any more time.

"There are 300 infantrymen camping. No cavalries, Your Highness."

Jongin could have given him a count of the infantry with information on which commander was leading which infantry without Baekhyun needing to ask any further.

"Who is commanding them?"

The soldier falters. "Forgive this lowly one's incompetence, Your Highness."

Baekhyun looks away from the soldier in disinterest and flicks his hand. The soldier leaves quietly. Baekhyun looks at the map in front of him. Something does not feel right. War? Over a small matter of border distribution? Who is fighting this war? Or who wants this war?

The night falls outside the tents. The tiredness of continuous travel weighs him down. He yawns and lowers the lamp. His tired, worn-out body falls on the divan. The war can wait for now. He needs his sleep. He cannot fight with his current state of body anyway.

The morning light awakened both camps. The hustle and bustle of the soldiers wake Baekhyun up. He wraps an outer robe over his body and comes out of his tent. One of the Crown Prince's personal bodyguards comes up to greet him.

"What's the situation on the other hand?" Baekhyun's morning voice croaks a little.

The guard shivers at the baritone of Baekhyun's voice. "No movements, Your Highness."

"Have someone bring my breakfast to my tent. And prepare my steed. I will pay the other side a visit." Baekhyun turns to his tent.

The guard bows and starts whispering orders into the ears of this subordinate, "Prepare an infantry and His Highness's ride."

"No," Baekhyun halts. "No soldiers. Just my guards. Send a word to the other side of my visit."

There is nothing special about the other side's camp. The tents are littered around the riverbank like scattered leaves. The wind is a bit stronger here. Baekhyun gets off his black horse. A guard quickly holds an umbrella on top of Baekhyun's head, covering his face from the scorching summer heat. Only his pink lips and fair chin are left out for the onlookers to enjoy. Baekhyun walks toward the camp unhurriedly. His footsteps are light and graceful, as if he were floating on air. He looks around the camp from the corner of his eyes. He can make out the hawk-eyed gaze of the soldiers of the Northern Kingdom. The tales of the Northern Kingdom's Crown Prince's beauty have reached the Southern Kingdom too, it seems. Baekhyun's lips curl up a little. Maybe he can charm their leader out of the war if he tries.

One of the infantry leaders, or so Baekhyun assumes, welcomes Baekhyun to a tent. The youth is too young to be a leader, Baekhyun thinks. The naivety of his teenage years still has not left his fair face. The boy must have recently come of age. Baekhyun smiles at the boy as he takes a seat.

The boy bows respectfully, "This lowly one is at your service, Your Highness."

"At ease, soldier." Baekhyun's sweet voice penetrates the boy's ears. "I am not your prince. I do not require your service."

The youth looks at Baekhyun, seemingly dissatisfied with how his service was denied by the other kingdom's prince. Baekhyun stares at the boy amusedly, not only is he young, but he also seems inexperienced.

"Where is your commander, soldier? I wish to have a little chat with him before we start slaughtering each other."

The boy's eyes widen, but he quickly schools his expression. "His Highness is taking a bath. He has been informed about your arrival. He should be here shortly."

‘A prince then,’ Baekhyun ponders. ‘Maybe he will have to try a wee bit harder.’

"Or you could take me there, soldier. I despise being kept waiting."

The boy's face again shows signs of distress.

Baekhyun could not help but tease the boy further, "Take it as my command if you will."

The boy hmphs under his breath, his lips subtly morphing into a pout upon understanding that Baekhyun is poking fun at him. He bows and leads a bemused Baekhyun to the Southern Prince.

The Southern Prince is an extremely tall man, standing over six feet. The man is currently standing under a tree, his upper body naked and visible to anyone who wishes to steal a glance at the sculpted and toned abdominal muscles. His hair is untied and wet from the bath. Some unruly bangs fall onto his face, swaying gently in the riverside breeze just like Baekhyun's swaying heart. Some droplets of water fall onto the prince's six-pack and disappear into the fabric of his trousers, leaving a wet trail on his wheat-coloured skin for Baekhyun's eyes to follow.

Park Chanyeol, the prince in question, notices Sehun approaching with an unknown man walking behind him. He takes a robe from his attendant and makes himself somewhat presentable.

"What is the matter, Sehun?"

The youth, Oh Sehun, speaks, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince has come to meet you."

Sehun moves, giving Baekhyun a full view of Chanyeol. But Baekhyun does not see much. Or rather, he does not want to see much. He only sees Chanyeol's almond-shaped eyes. Eyes that are as steady as a mountain, as eternal as the moon. Behind the mountain, some childlike stubbornness peaks like some runaway clouds.

Baekhyun's heart crashes.

A good number of curious soldiers have gathered around the two princes, albeit maintaining their proper distance. Some yearn to see the renowned beauty of their enemy kingdom. Some are curious to see the first interaction between the princes. Although, most soldiers belong to the former category.

Chanyeol introduces himself to his guest with a courteous bow, "I am Park Chanyeol, Your Highness. The 10th Prince of the Southern Kingdom and the commander of this troop."

Baekhyun recites the name in his mind twice.

Park Chanyeol. Park Chanyeol.

"Park Chanyeol, will you do me the honour of being your husband?"

There are some audible gasps from the soldiers. Sehun almost dropped his sword. Baekhyun's personal guards' knees buckled.

"My apologies. I seem to hear His Highness wrongly.”

"You did not hear me wrong. I was indeed proposing marriage to you."

"If this is a new strategy of His Highness to win the war, I must say you are knocking at the wrong door."

"You misunderstood my intention, Prince. Believe me, I have more than enough resources to win this war. However, I intend to launch a different campaign, one that will help me win both your heart and hand in marriage."

"Be proper, Your Highness. You are the Crown Prince of the Northern Kingdom."

"And your future husband," Baekhyun grins.

"Preposterous. Sehun, bring me my sabre."

"I do not wish to fight, my prince. Especially not with my future consort," Baekhyun shows his hands. "Look, I didn't even bring a sword with me."

"I am knowledgeable about the Crown Prince's reputation. But I did not know the extent of it." Chanyeol gnashes his teeth in anger.

"Say whatever you want, my prince. But I am serious about my proposal. And I am not interested in fighting with someone whom I am going to vow to protect in a few days." Baekhyun winks. "I will be leaving with my troops. I believe you do not have any desire to fight either. Otherwise, you would not have waited so many days without attacking. Therefore, instead of getting charred under this hot ball of fire and wasting rations, I would rather enjoy the comfort of the palace. I will take my leave now, my prince. See you soon."

What a vile, vile man!

Chanyeol has never felt so humiliated in his entire life. That too, in front of his subordinates. Chanyeol's face is ashen from anger. He has heard about how beautiful the Crown Prince is. But now he is nothing more than an ugly insect that Chanyeol would very much like to squash under his shoes.

Chanyeol enters his tent with big steps with Sehun in tow. Sehun can see steam coming off Chanyeol's head. He has never seen the 10th prince so angry before, not even when he is fighting the enemies at the borders.

"I wish to have his head," Chanyeol spits. "We'll attack at dawn. Start preparations, Sehun."

"Your Highness," Sehun scrambles on his feet. "Please, don't be rash."

"We came here for war, Sehun."

"Why spill blood over such a small issue when the Crown Prince said he will not fight?" Sehun tries his best to pacify the angry prince.

"Small issue? You call this a small issue? He humiliated me in front of my soldiers. What dignity do I have left?"

“Calm your rage, Your Highness. If we start a war now, our soldiers will also be the victims of it.”

Any other day, Sehun will not have to say these words to Chanyeol. Nobody understands the implications of war better than Chanyeol. Chanyeol has lived at the borders since he was 16, fighting the Drifters. When Sehun’s father was the commander of the Black Cloud troop, Chanyeol fought alongside him vigorously. Chanyeol was there when Sehun’s father was killed at the border. It was only when the Drifters signed a peace treaty with the Southern Kingdom three years ago that Chanyeol could come back to the Capital and live with his family. Chanyeol knows the value of blood more than anyone.

Chanyeol finally composes himself after an hour or two. He calls Sehun and instructs him, “Keep watch on their camp. If we see no movement in a week, we will leave for home.”

Baekhyun, on the other hand, enters his tent with a big, triumphant smile on his face. He went to talk the other party out of war, but scored himself a consort. What a good omen! This marriage will definitely bring prosperity to both of their kingdoms.

His personal guards walk behind him, looking at each other, lost as to what the intention of their prince is this time. If only Captain Jongin were here.

Baekhyun sighs while pouring himself a glass of cold water. Baekhyun genuinely does not think Chanyeol will attack. If he wanted to attack, he would have already done that when the border was unguarded. It's best if they leave instead of waiting here for days.

Baekhyun makes his decision quickly. He orders the cavalry and 2/3 of the infantry to head back to the Northern Capital. The remaining infantry will patrol the borders with the border guards for now, in case anything happens. After settling everything, Baekhyun leaves last, with his personal bodyguards.

The horses strut alongside the river bank at a lazy pace with a troop of armoured soldiers on their backs. Some soldiers joke lightly among themselves, some are jesting with the infantrymen walking behind them. The joy of going back home is evident in their faces. A soldier starts singing a local folk song describing the joy of returning home to their lover. Soon, a group of men starts singing along. The rural maidens working on the other side of the river shyly giggle at the rowdy soldiers singing a love song. The brave one among the group picks a wildflower and throws it at the soldiers. The small yellow flower falls on the shoulder of a burly soldier, making the entire troop holler.

Oh Sehun looks at the soldiers jesting behind him, then looks at the 10th prince beside him with a complicated expression. The prince has not spoken about the Northern Crown Prince since the day of the incident. But Sehun can see his mood has been soured completely. He yells at the soldiers, “Tone it down, will you?”

The soldiers quieten down immediately, including the young girls at the riverside.

“Let them be, Sehun,” Chanyeol raises his voice. “They’re going home.”

The soldiers start hollering again. Sehun sighs. Hopefully, the prince’s mood will improve once he goes home as well.

But it does not.

Because the culprit who ruined Prince Chanyeol’s mood is standing right in front of the palace gate, smiling as if he owns the palace.

Chanyeol jumps off his horse at once. Days of fatigue from travelling are being replaced by fear. Chanyeol runs towards the enemy prince,  forgetting all courtesy. Sehun runs behind him in horror. Hundreds of scenarios pass through his mind, scenarios wherein the enemy kingdom attacked while he was at the border and took over the palace. Chanyeol thinks about his mother, his father, his siblings as he grabs the Northern Prince by the throat and slams him against a pillar.

“What are you doing here? Where are my parents?”

The Crown Prince’s head rings from the strong impact against the stone pillar. Chanyeol’s grip almost crushes his windpipe. He can see his vision getting blurry from the lack of oxygen. He blearily watches the youth from that day tries to get Chanyeol away from him. Seconds later, he hears the Second Prince of the Southern Kingdom saying something to the enraged 10th Prince. The iron grip on his throat loosens up, suddenly allowing air to enter his body. He starts coughing as soon as he is thrown on the ground by Chanyeol. His personal attendants and guards rush toward him.

The 10th prince in question heatedly asks his older brother question after question. “Hyung, why is he here? Where are mother and father?”

“Chanyeol, calm down. Everything is fine. Father is at the court. Your mother is waiting for you at her quarters.” Prince Junmyeon tries his best to satisfy his younger brother’s question.

“Then why is he here?”

“I came here to ask for your hands from your parents,” Baekhyun, who is barely standing on his feet with the help of his guards, croaks out.

The guards holding him fight the urge to drop the Crown Prince and slap their own foreheads. The Lord has given their Crown Prince the beauty of a thousand moons, but not an ounce of brain. Even a lunatic knows when to shut their mouth, but their prince does not.

Sehun holds Chanyeol back as tries to unsheath his sabre from his back, “If you ever dare to speak to me again, I swear to God I will bathe the entire palace with your blood, you degenerate bastard.”

Prince Junmyeon comes in the middle of them. "Chanyeol," he yells under his breath. “Is this how you speak to a royal guest? Sehun, take Chanyeol to his quarters.” He then approaches the wobbling Crown Prince of the Northern Kingdom, “Please accept my apologies, Your Highness. My younger brother does not know any better. Please allow me to call the royal physician for you.”

Baekhyun dismisses the prince, merely smiling, “It is nothing but a marital conflict. Do not dwell on it anymore. I will go and take some rest now.”

Prince Junmyeon watches the Crown Prince’s envoy take him back to the guest quarters. He has heard that the beautiful prince has some unconventional taste, but nobody had informed him that there was no screw inside his head either.

Baekhyun inspects himself in the mirror, hands roaming on his neck where previously the 10th Prince’s hands had been. Red bruises have already formed on his pale, white skin. The Crown Prince knits his brow in annoyance. He turns toward the royal physician and asks, “How long will it take for the bruises to fade? I look so unsightly with them.”

The royal physician, who was writing prescriptions, looks up from the papers and stares at the prince sitting beside him. Generally, when people visit physicians for treatment, they ask them how long it will take for them to recover. They certainly do not ask how long it will it take to regain their beauty.

“3-5 days, Your Highness.” The royal physician replies. “Do you feel any discomfort anywhere, Your Highness?”

“No,” Baekhyun smiles back. “I am fine. Just want these hideous bruises to be gone.”

Although Baekhyun smiles, everyone in the room can hear how distorted Baekhyun’s voice is.

The physician sighs. Baekhyun looks anything but hideous. Beautiful people have the uncanny ability to make anything related to them beautiful. It looks as if roses have descended onto Baekhyun’s skin. The royal physician has never seen a man as beautiful as Baekhyun. Such beauties should not be left in agony for too long.  

He quickly opens his medicine bag and takes out some herbs and tea leaves. He hands them over to the Crown Prince’s attendants, “Prepare tea with these and serve them to His Highness four times a day. It will soothe his throat.” He takes another two vials full of liquid, “And these are some pain relievers if His Highness needs them. Also, do not serve any solids tonight or tomorrow morning. If His Highness does not show symptoms of any pain, continue with the regular diet.”

“Abstaining from food is no issue. But can I still drink wine?"

The physician sighs again. “Yes, Your Highness. Drinking is fine.”

“Alright, then,” Baekhyun replies enthusiastically. “Thank you for your time, sir.”

The royal physician bows and heads out.

Baekhyun falls back onto his bed. His throat is still hurting a little. He coughs into his handkerchief to check for any blood. Seeing no traces of blood on the white piece of clothing, he puts it back next to his pillow. Baekhyun came to the Southern Kingdom two days ago. He sent the cavalry back to the Northern Capital and came here only with his guards. His intention was to have a talk about the borders first and then propose the marriage alliance between him and Chanyeol.

But things did not go entirely according to his plans. First, Baekhyun met with the Southern King and expressed his intention to have a discussion on the matter of the border. After some closed-door meetings with his ministers, the Southern King agreed to Baekhyun's proposal.

The meeting was attended by the Southern King, his prime minister, and his two eldest sons; the Crown Prince of the Southern Kingdom, and the Commander of the Imperial Army, Prince Junmyeon. From the Northern side, it was only Baekhyun.

"Your majesty, thank you for agreeing with my proposal," Baekhyun slightly bowed his head in front of the Southern King.

"I am not too fond of spilling blood either, Your Highness," The Southern King replied poignantly. The signs of aging are evident in his voice and face. "We have fought a war for almost nine years at our Eastern border. I do not want my soldiers to fight for another nine years."

"Your Majesty is wise and thoughtful," Baekhyun brought a map of the disputed region and spread it on the table. "These borders were decided by my grandfather and the previous Southern King. As I was not present during this period, I am not aware if the Southern Kingdom had any demands unfulfilled or if they were unsatisfied with the distribution of these borders. However, if Your Majesty informs me about his demands now, the Northern Kingdom will try its best to satisfy them as long as it does not put us at any disadvantage."

"But the Southern Kingdom is not unsatisfied with the border distribution, Your Highness." The Prime Minister of the Southern Kingdom said with knitted brows.

"Yes, yes," The Southern Crown Prince butted in. "There is no complaint from our side. Let us settle this matter then."

"Is that so?" Baekhyun frowned. "If that is the case, then I don't see any reason for trouble between the countries."

The Second Prince of the Southern Kingdom, Prince Junmyeon, who had been quietly listening to the discussion, spoke at last, "The Southern Kingdom is eternally grateful for the Northern Kingdom's consideration. However, Your Highness, I think we deserve an explanation behind the attacks launched by the Northern Army in our villages."

"I beg your pardon?" Junmyeon's words rang in Baekhyun's ears. "Northern Army attacked your villages?"

"Yes. Three of our villages were attacked and destroyed by the Northern Army."

"Pardon me, Your Highness. But I think you have made some mistakes. The Northern Army has been stationed far away from the borders for almost three years now. Only the border guard patrols the borders."

"We are certain, Your Highness," The Prime Minister answered. "We received a letter from one of our magistrate’s offices. There is no mistake."

"Brother," Prince Junmyeon called for the Southern Crown Prince. "Show His Highness the letter."

The Southern Crown Prince paled for the slightest moment. He schooled his expression quickly, but it did not escape Baekhyun's eyes.

"The letter is at my quarters. I will have someone bring it."

"There is no need," Baekhyun declined. "If His Highness is saying, then there must be some truth to it. Although, I would request His Majesty to look into this matter. I will also do the same. According to my knowledge, it is impossible for the Northern Army to attack the villages. If it was truly the Northern Army, then the Northern Kingdom will take full responsibility. However, if it is not, then I fear the fates of the two kingdoms are not looking too bright."

The next morning, Prince Junmyeon paid Baekhyun a visit.

"A eunuch from the Crown Prince's courtyard committed suicide last night," Junmyeon said, jumping straight into the discussion.

Baekhyun looked at him with curious eyes in return.

"The letter we received was not the original letter sent to us by the magistrate. It was forged by the eunuch. He left a letter confessing everything. His family was killed during the Great War by the Northern Army. When the Crown Prince's office received the letter from the magistrate, he saw it as an opportunity to exact his revenge. The original letter said the attacks could be done by some bandit groups. His forged letter said it was certainly done by Northern Army as testified by the local villagers and some border guards," Junmyeon paused. "This is all from elder brother's investigation report."

"How noble of His Highness to start an investigation before anyone," Baekhyun said lightly. "Was he also the one who suggested sending troops to the border?"

"Yes," Junmyeon nodded.

Baekhyun gives him a knowing smile.

"His Highness also has the same line of thought as me, I assume," Junmyeon's voice is all too knowing.

"Although, I cannot figure out the motive behind this," Baekhyun frowned.

"My eldest brother's maternal family is the most influential family in our country. However, Chanyeol is father's most favourite child."

The motive was to kill Chanyeol under the guise of war.

Baekhyun's beguiling smile did not leave his face instead his eyes became cold like a snake. "I see that some people are behind my future consort's life then," Baekhyun gritted out the words.

"Pardon, Your Highness?" Junmyeon asked bewildered. "Are you referring to Chanyeol by any chance?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I have proposed marriage to Prince Chanyeol. At the borders. And I came here to seek his parents' blessing."

It took a while for Junmyeon to register Baekhyun's words in his brain. As Chanyeol was his favourite child, Chanyeol was also Junmyeon's favourite brother. He quickly got defensive. "Are you opting out for a political marriage, Your Highness?"

"Byun Baekhyun has not become such a sellout yet," Baekhyun snorts.

"Then what is the reason?"

"I adore your little brother, Your Highness."

"You have met him once."

"And that was enough for me."

"Has Chanyeol agreed?"

"He wanted to have my head."

"I do not think that was unreasonable."

"You must be his favourite brother, then."  Baekhyun laughed.

"As a matter of fact, I am." Junmyeon declared proudly. "What are your intentions with him?"

Baekhyun did not speak for a while.

"I want to keep him safe. In fact, I can keep him safe," Baekhyun uttered slowly. "I might behave like a fool at times, but I am not a bad person."

"From the rumours, I have heard about His Highness, you always behave like a fool."

"Well, I will not deny that," Baekhyun grinned. "But Your Highness should know now that I do not lack brains."

Junmyeon pondered. It was true. The perception Junmyeon had of the Northern Crown Prince, had all changed in the last two days. Instead of the foolish, incompetent Crown Prince, he had expected when he first heard of his arrival, Junmyeon witnessed a bright, witty, capable young man who could very well be a great king someday.

Four days later, one of Baekhyun's informers sent him a letter. The person who had reported the attacks being done by the Northern Army cannot be found anywhere now. And the other villagers could not name their attackers. Baekhyun forwarded his findings to Prince Junmyeon.

Another three days later, Chanyeol returned. And now Baekhyun is lying on his bed with purple bruises populating his neck.

The 10th Prince's quarter was named South Breeze. Chanyeol lived in this quarter until he was 16. Then, he spent his days fighting the Drifters at the border. He returned here two years ago. His personal chamber still has the remnants of a teenager living there. Maybe to cherish the years he lost fighting for his country.

Chanyeol’s chamber is quite specious, fit for a prince. There is a big window facing south. There used to be a small camphor tree beside the window. Chanyeol remembers some bird nests on the tree. Chanyeol would come here every morning to feed the birds before he went to the border.

The camphor tree is still here. It has grown a lot bigger. However, the birds are not here anymore. They probably left once the young boy who used to feed them and talk to them, left. He still comes here every day to have his morning tea. It gives him a sense of familiarity.

Chanyeol looks away from the window and looks at his second brother, who is sitting in front of him, sipping slowly at his tea.

Among all his siblings, Chanyeol is the closest to his second brother, his Junmyeon hyung. Maybe it is because Junmyeon's mother and Chanyeol's mother have been best friends since childhood too. Junmyeon's mother is the Fourth Consort of the Southern King. And Chanyeol's mother is the Twelfth.

Junmyeon's mother, Lady Kim, comes from a long line of government officials and businessmen. The royal treasury often has to borrow financial aid from Junmyeon's maternal grandfather. Chanyeol's mother, Lady Lee, on the other hand, is the daughter of a common scholar. Chanyeol's maternal grandfather was the family teacher in Junmyeon's maternal household. As a result, Lady Lee, who was five years younger than Lady Kim, grew up playing alongside the children of the Kim household. Lady Kim used to especially pamper Lady Lee while growing up, like her own little sister.

Lady Kim entered the royal palace as His Majesty's consort at the age of 18. Lady Lee was still a child back then. She used to cry about her big sister every day. Lady Kim also could not live without Lady Lee. Therefore, Lady Kim arranged for Lady Lee to visit the palace often. Lady Lee was all too happy to visit her big sister at the palace. She was a lovely child and grew up to be an equally lovely young woman. Once she came of age, she caught the eye of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager fixed the alliance between the Southern King and Lady Lee. The Kim household and Lady Kim were also more than happy about this arrangement, as they thought another one of their own would be entering the palace. Since then, Lady Kim's courtyard and Lady Lee's courtyard have always been very cordial with each other. Junmyeon and Chanyeol grew up together, studied together, and played together. Even the servants of the households were close to each other.

"The royal physician said the Northern Crown Prince has sustained quite the injury on his neck," Junmyeon starts slowly while setting his teacup down.

Chanyeol chokes on his tea at the sudden mention of the Crown Prince.

"Why were you so angry, Chanyeol? It is not a crime to propose marriage to someone. Neither is it to propose marriage alliances between two countries."

"He humiliated me in front of my soldiers."

"He proposed to you, Chanyeol."

"Same thing."

"Are you apathetic towards the idea of marriage?"

"I'm not, hyung."

"Then why are you so against the Crown Prince's proposal? This marriage will benefit both kingdoms. And His Highness is not unpleasant to the eyes. On the contrary, he is a very beautiful young man. What is the issue here?"

"Hyung, are you unaware of his reputation? I heard he visits brothels every day."

"Chanyeol, our father has a harem of 40 people."

"I also heard he drinks heavily. Do you not see the amount of wine the maids have to bring to the guest's quarter every day?"

"Yet I have never seen him drunk or behave improperly."

"He is stupid, hyung. He behaves like a jester. I bet he does not even know how to run a court."

"Chanyeol, I have spoken with him regarding the situation at the border. And let me tell you that man is anything but stupid," Junmyeon pauses. “Chanyeol, do you know why you had to go to the borders?”

“Because the Northern armies attacked our people.”

"No, someone made it seem like the Northern armies attacked our people."

"Who?"

"Our eldest brother, the Crown Prince."

"Hyung, what are you saying?" Chanyeol’s eyes widen in disbelief.

"A eunuch from the Crown Prince's household fabricated the letter."

"Did you investigate?"

"We could not. The eunuch committed suicide. He left a letter. His parents lived in a small village near the border during the Great War. Everyone in his family was killed by the Northern army during a raid. And he wanted to take revenge for that."

"Then, maybe that's true."

"Chanyeol, do you know what your biggest weakness is? You love and trust your family too much. You went to the border because the Crown Prince, your eldest brother, suggested your name to father. You attacked Byun Baekhyun like a savage because you thought he had hurt your family. But Chanyeol, look around. Not everyone in your family loves you the way you do."

"Hyung, I don't understand."

"Chanyeol, where does a eunuch get such backing to do this? How can a eunuch arrange for people to burn down a village at the borders while staying inside the palace?"

"But why would the Crown Prince do this?"

"Chanyeol, he wants to make sure no one will pose a threat to him once he ascends to the throne. In a war, if someone were to stab you from behind, who would know if it was the enemy or someone from our own?"

A chill goes down Chanyeol's spine.

"Chanyeol, go to the Northern Kingdom with His Highness. You will be safe there."

"What if he takes me to his kingdom and then has me killed?"

"You really do not like him at all." Junmyeon laughs. "His Highness knows about everything. In fact, he is the one who first alerted father that there must be something more to what meets the eye. If His Highness had not visited us, we would never have known about our eldest brother's conspiracy. He is a good man, Chanyeol. He will not harm you. And I believe his intention to marry you is not for political reasons only."

"But what about you, Hyung? I cannot leave you here alone."

"Don't worry about me, Chanyeol. Eldest brother will not move against me now. He has to lay low for a few days to avoid any more suspicions. I do not know what his plans were. But I know one thing with certainty, the arrival of Byun Baekhyun ruined his chess pieces. He will need some time to rearrange his play. Father and I will be investigating him for proof during this time. And if anything happens to me, the Red Army will revolt. He will not have anything then."

"And mother? What about her?"

"I will arrange for her to move into my mother's courtyard until you are back. Do not fret."

"I still do not know if I should go to the Northern Kingdom."

"Chanyeol, I'm not forcing you. I wanted you to know what is happening inside the palace. For a minute, forget that the Crown Prince of the Southern Kingdom is your eldest brother and think. Everything will be clear to you. Then you decide what you want to do."

"What do you plan to do now, Hyung?"

"We need proof of his crimes. We will look for those for the moment. Father cannot punish him now for two reasons. First, he does not have any evidence against him. Second, his maternal household will not spare father if eldest brother is punished without any substantial proof. They will usurp the entire court if anyone even touches the Crown Prince's hair."

"I understand. I need some time to think, hyung. "

"Of course," Junmyeon smiles. "Then I will take your leave now. I have another appointment to attend."

"With the Chang'an businessman?" Chanyeol cocks one of his brows.

Junmyeon blushed furiously and left without saying anything.

Chanyeol smiles to himself. His second brother may be the brightest when it comes to politics, but when it comes to love, tsk tsk, a hopeless romantic.

The thought of love reminds Chanyeol of the neighbouring Crown Prince. He did indeed behave brutally with the prince. Chanyeol sighs and makes his way toward the kitchen. The maid leaves all their chores and stands in courtesy once Chanyeol enters the kitchen. He looks around the kitchen a bit. Not finding anything worthwhile, he turns to the maids. "Is there anything suitable for patients?"

The palace maids look at each other, not quite understanding what the Prince is asking for. Different patients need different care. Who knows what kind of patient their prince is visiting?

A somewhat bright young girl among the maids asks just that, "Your Highness, what kind of patient will you be visiting?"

"A kind that has hurt their throat."

The bright maid picks up immediately. Who does not know about the scuffle that happened between their prince and the guest Crown Prince yesterday?

The maid quickly replies, "Your Highness, there are some herbal tea leaves that help to soothe the throat and restore the voice."

"Pack some of them nicely and bring them to my quarter."

The maids quickly get to work. “Say, things are going really well between His Highness and the Crown Prince then?” One of the maids chirps while taking out the tea leaves from the pantry. The maids erupt into a fit of a giggle lightly shoving the previous maid, A maid chimes in, “Why would it not go well? Both of them are so handsome. Very well suited for each other.” Another maid hurriedly comes to sit behind them and whispers in a hushed tone, “Have you all seen the Northern Crown Prince? I caught a glimpse of him when I was passing by the guest quarter this morning. He is so beautiful even our top Kisaeng would not be able to compare with him. His skin is so fair and supple, and his lips are so pink. If our 10th Prince marries him, he will definitely be happy in life.”

“Were you passing by the guest quarters or loitering around to see the Crown Prince?” An older maid knocks on the younger one's head.

The former blushes furiously.

“Eyy, is being handsome everything? You need to find a man who will take care of you.” She continues. The young maid who previously spoke with Chanyeol finally jumps into the conversation, “What nonsense are you sprouting? Do you think the 10th prince is poor and weak like us who needs someone to take care of him? It is not like they have to find someone old and ugly to marry into a rich family. It is better if they find someone beautiful for them.” She finishes binding the gift basket with red silk. She fishes out another blue silk cloth and ties it over the red cloth. “And our 10th prince is not someone you can take lightly. He is also very handsome and has a good temperament. It is the Northern Crown Prince who will be lucky to marry our 10th prince.”

All the maids seem to agree with this statement and send the young maid away to bring the basket to their 10th Prince.

"Go find Sehun and tell him that I'm looking for him." Chanyeol orders the maid lightly upon receiving the basket.

"Your Highness, you were looking for me?" Sehun enters the Prince’s chamber shortly.

"Yes, take the basket from the table. We'll be visiting the Northern Crown Prince.”

Chanyeol's steps falter in front of the guest quarters. He hesitates before turning to Sehun, "Sehun, give me the box. I will go alone. Wait here."

Sehun nods and hands over the box to Chanyeol. He calls one of the maids to announce Chanyeol's arrival to the Crown Prince and waits outside the quarters.

Chanyeol walks inside the Crown Prince's chamber with heavy steps. The Crown Prince was sitting primly at the table. He stands up to welcome Chanyeol. Both princes sit facing each other. The palace maids bring in some pastries and tea for the princes.

Baekhyun breaks the silence first. "Would you like some wine, my prince?"

"No, thank you," Chanyeol refuses.

"My prince does not like to drink?"

"No, they remind me of my time at the border."

Baekhyun smiles understandingly and puts away the wine jar. He instead pours the tea maids have just brought.

Chanyeol watches Baekhyun intently. After the brewing rage subsided, Chanyeol could now finally truly see the beauty seated in front of him. Chanyeol is not apart from the materialistic world. He has heard his fair share of gossip about Baekhyun's beauty. Leave the maidens and noblemen from this land, even his comrades would give up an entire cave full of treasure to spend a night with Baekhyun.

Baekhyun's face was like melting gold that has been doused in the most intoxicating alcohol. His beauty had the purity of liquid gold and the allure of red wine. It could bring back lost sight. His smile could heal the wounds of thousands of soldiers. His eyes could cut through hundreds of fine silks like the sharpest dagger.

Baekhyun looks up with coal rimmed eyes once he is done. "My prince, I intended to visit you today. However, you already beat me to it."

"Junmyeon hyung said you sustained some injury."

"Oh, these?" Baekhyun points at the purple bruises on his neck. "They don't even hurt. You are worried for nothing, my prince."

"I am not worried," Chanyeol refutes. "I came here to apologise for yesterday."

"Why bother?" Baekhyun grins, flashing his pearly white teeth. "This is nothing but a small misunderstanding. You have nothing to apologise for."

"It was improper for me to behave in such a way," Chanyeol picks up the box he kept beside him and hands it over to Baekhyun. "There are some herbal tea leaves here. These will help you to recover soon."

Baekhyun takes the box from Chanyeol, his dainty fingers brushing Chanyeol's calloused one for the briefest moment.

The gift box is wrapped in red and blue, reassembling the yin and yang colours of marriage attires. Baekhyun smiles brightly. He asks Chanyeol out of curiosity, "My prince, did you pack the gift yourself?"

"No," Chanyeol denies while taking a sip from his tea. "One of the servant girls did."

Bless the servant girl and her entire family line!

Some moments pass. The princes drink their tea in silence. Once the tea is finished, Chanyeol starts preparing to leave. But Baekhyun stops him.

"Stay a few minutes more, my prince." Baekhyun proposes. "I wanted to ask you something."

Chanyeol sits down again and looks at the Crown Prince with knitted brows, "Yes?"

"When you first came to the Han river's border, what was the situation?"

Chanyeol feels relieved by the question for some reason. "According to what I have heard from the border guards, there was a small village near the borders. One night, there was a sudden attack on the village, the houses were burnt down by the attackers and some villagers were killed. One of the villagers ran to the nearest border guard station and told them the Northern Army had attacked them." Chanyeol pauses. "The border guards did not know what to do as they were aware of the treaty between the Kingdoms. So they informed the nearest magistrate's office. The magistrate sent a letter to the Royal Palace and then eldest brother and father decided to send a troop there."

"When you had reached the border, did you speak with the villagers?" Baekhyun asks further.

"No," Chanyeol shakes his head. "They were already moved to somewhere else lest a war really broke out."

"I heard the supposed letter from the magistrate's office said the Northern army was campaigning near the borders and burned several villages."

"Yes, but when I went there, I did not find anyone there. And since I had to keep watch, I personally could not visit those villages either as they were quite far from our camping location. Although I sent my subordinates and they confirmed the reports were true. They saw the burned houses and destroyed villages."

"Why did you wait for so long then?"

"From what I had heard from the borders, it seemed like the Northern army was planning to launch surprise attacks. So I waited for you to make the first move."

"And then we arrived a week later," Baekhyun says "My prince, did you not find anything suspicious about the ordeal?"

"I did," Chanyeol replies affirmatively. "But I had reports of villages being attacked. I simply could not leave the villagers alone without figuring out a solution first."

The stories Baekhyun heard about the saber wielding righteous 10th Prince of the Southern Kingdom is not false after all.

"You are a righteous person, my prince. It would be an honour for me to have you as my consort."

Chanyeol’s face ashens. He feared exactly this. This man is shameless. Even after all these, he still wants to talk about marriage.

Chanyeol averts his eyes from the Crown Prince without saying anything.

"Although your mother did say that you would be difficult," Baekhyun hums.

"You met my mother?" Chanyeol asks with incredulous eyes.

"Oh yes," Baekhyun beams. "I had to take your parents' permission regarding our marriage. Your parents have already agreed." Baekhyun sounds quite accomplished.

"How dare you speak to my parents about that?" Chanyeol's voice starts to rise.

"Should I have not? It is a custom to ask for parents' blessing before marriage in our kingdom. Is it not the same here?" Baekhyun asks dumbly. "Although I suppose we could get married without your parents' blessings. Say, my prince, would you like to elope with me?"

"Keep your dignities intact, Your Highness," Chanyeol's words thunder around the room. "Did your mother not teach you any manners?"

"My mother died when I was 6," Baekhyun answers with a childish smile.

Chanyeol bites his tongue. He hurriedly stands up, ashamed of his question and taken aback by Baekhyun's answer. He gets out of the Crown's Prince's quarter at record speed. Baekhyun follows behind like a lost pup. "Are you leaving already, my prince?"

"Yes," Chanyeol shouts. "Sehun, come. We're leaving."

Baekhyun keeps trailing behind the 10th Prince, "When will I see you again?"

"Never."

"But how can that be?"

Chanyeol chooses not to answer the lunatic's question anymore. He leaves the guest quarters premise with Sehun, leaving the Crown Prince standing near the quarter's gate, smiling wistfully at the disappearing back of the Southern 10th Prince.

After that day, Chanyeol tried to keep his distance from the Crown Prince. But it was just his rotten luck that he kept bumping into the Crown Prince everywhere he went. Tonight, Chanyeol is taking a stroll near his quarter after his dinner. And behold, the Crown Prince is sitting near the lake behind Chanyeol's quarter with a basketful of lotus seed in front of him. Chanyeol's personal attendants start whispering among themselves when they spot the beautiful prince sitting near the lake, glowing like an angel under the moonlight.

The Crown Prince also spots them. He approaches the 10th Prince grinning, "My prince, we're always bumping into each other these days."

'It's because all my luck has been eaten away that I keep meeting you.'

Chanyeol instead simply nods without answering him.

"I was picking some lotus seeds for you," Baekhyun shows the basket to Chanyeol. "Here, have some."

No sane person would be plucking lotus seed at this time, but the Crown Prince is anything but sane.

"I just had my dinner, Your Highness." Chanyeol refuses politely, mindful of the attendants behind him.

"Oh right. Then would one of the beautiful ladies be kind enough to deliver them to the 10th prince's quarter?" Baekhyun looks at Chanyeol's attendants.

How could anyone refuse such a beautiful face? One of the maids takes the basket from Baekhyun, blushing furiously. Seeing the red cheeks of the young maid, Baekhyun cracks a smile at her.

Chanyeol rolls his eyes at the scene in front of him. He coughs a little. The maid comes back to his senses and hurriedly leaves the place with the basket.

"I hope your stay here has been pleasant," Chanyeol speaks lightly.

"Mostly yes," Baekhyun answers. "But my bed gets very cold at night."

One of the servant girls behind Chanyeol chokes loudly on her laugh, producing a snort-like sound.

"It is summer," Chanyeol replies with a matter of fact tone.

Baekhyun points at the servants behind Chanyeol and says, "I think they understand my dilemma very well."

Chanyeol glares at servants, "I will tell them to bring ypu more blankets."

"That is so kind of you, my prince." Baekhyun replies cordially. He then looks at the servants with ice-cold eyes and says with a sweet mechanical voice, "Didn’t you hear your prince? Please bring some warm blankets to my quarter."

The maids wouldn’t be palace servants if they could not understand the implications of Baekhyun's words. They bow and leave the two princes alone quickly.

Chanyeol turns to leave too. But Baekhyun catches the sleeves of his robe, "Stay for a while, my prince."

Chanyeol does not know why but he stays. The two princes sit beside the lake. Baekhyun leans towards the lake and plucks the closest lotus flower.

"My prince, has anyone ever told you that you look like you could massacre two entire cities alone when you furrow your eyebrows?"

Chanyeol straightens his eyebrows upon the remark.

"And when you don't do that," Baekhyun hands over the lotus flower to Chanyeol. "You look more beautiful than these lotus flowers."

Chanyeol grips his robes. He was a soldier. He spent his spring years fighting and slaughtering enemies. His skin was made of copper and his bones were iron. Such words of tenderness were foreign to him.

Chanyeol sits there, flustered and confused.

"Do I bother you too much, my prince?" Baekhyun asks in a voice that is very unfamiliar to Chanyeol.

He does not answer. He keeps his eyes glued to the lotus flower placed in front of him.

"I can't help it," Baekhyun muses. "It is so easy to anger you. And you look so adorable when you are angry. Like a child who has been wronged by his peers."

The 10^th Prince bites his lips.

"Back in my kingdom, I visit brothels often," Baekhyun continues speaking.

Chanyeol honestly cannot remember if he has ever heard someone admit so shamelessly about them visiting brothels.

"You might be surprised to know, my prince, but brothels are the best place to collect intel," Baekhyun chuckles. "Men who think they are powerful love to run their mouths. Especially in front of their lovers. And sometimes they leave some important information that they do not even realise."

Chanyeol nods. He understands.

"Do not worry, my prince. I do not have an interest in anyone else but you. Not in the men and women in the brothels, nor in any of your servants."

Chanyeol is no fool. He knows why Baekhyun is telling him all this. It's because he thinks Chanyeol is jealous.

Chanyeol looked at the Crown Prince with murder in his eyes, "I do not care if you are interested in someone else. Do not delude yourself.”

"See? Angry just like a child," Baekhyun laughs. "But I care, my prince. I do not care what others think of me. But I cannot afford you thinking of me as a lecherous man. You might not like me. But I am sincere regarding my proposal. And I wish to stay sincere all my life."

"I rushed here from the borders so I could not bring any valuable gifts for you," Baekhyun says while unclasping a silver bracelet from his hand. "My mother gave me this bracelet when I was little. It has always been with me since then. Take this as my betrothal gift to you if you will."

Baekhyun takes one of Chanyeol's hands from his lap and puts the bracelet in Chanyeol's palm.

"I have one heart, my prince. I have given it to you. It's your property now. Take it, break it, throw it away- it's all yours now."

Chanyeol's face burns from something unknown to him. He cannot help asking, "Why me?"

"Why not you?" Baekhyun answers tenderly. "You are beautiful, you are strong, you are capable, you care about the common people. What more could I ask for in a consort?"

"Am I only a suitable consort for you?" Chanyeol's voice dwindles down.

"I suppose you are not," Baekhyun starts playing with Chanyeol's fingers and waits for Chanyeol to take away his hand. But the 10th Prince sits quietly beside him, prompting Baekhyun to continue. "The way I feel about you, I have never felt such for anyone else. If anyone were to ask me, what is the most important thing in my life right now, I would have said it is Park Chanyeol."

The icy fortress that was built around Chanyeol's heart begins to crumble.

"I will be leaving tomorrow, my prince."

"So soon?" Chanyeol is surprised by the revelation.

"Why? Will you miss me?" Baekhyun asks cheekily.

Chanyeol hmphs in return.

"I have been here for 10 days now, my prince," Baekhyun chirps. "I have to go back now. Grandmother will have my head otherwise."

"Is the Empress Dowager very strict with you?"

"Very," Baekhyun pouts. "Always scolding me for nothing. But don't worry, I will not let her scold you when you visit me."

Chanyeol smiles inwardly.

"You will visit me, my prince. Will you not?" Baekhyun asks with hope in his eyes.

Chanyeol does not answer. He picks the lotus flower from his lap and stands up. "It is late, Your Highness. You should go to bed."

Baekhyun stands up too. "I reckon I should. I have to head out in the morning."

"Good night, Your Highness."

"Good night, my prince."

The next morning, Chanyeol woke up before the sun. He did not sleep a wink last night. His conversation with the Crown Prince kept playing in his head, causing him to toss and turn all night. At dawn, he gave up the idea of sleeping and left his bed.

A maid knocks on his door, carrying a letter from the Crown Prince. Chanyeol reads the letter while the maid stands there in silence.

"My Prince

Ie you slept well last night unlike me. I could not close my eyes for the briefest moment. I kept thinking about you all night. However, I fear that I might have given off the illusion last night that you are not allowed to reject my proposal. My prince, please don't feel burdened by my proposal. If you want, you can reject my proposal. However, give me an answer. I am a person with a weak heart. Please do not give me hope if you do not mean it.

By the time you read this letter, I will be on my way to my Kingdom. If your answer is yes, we will meet each other soon. If your answer is no, then please accept the bracelet as my parting gift to a dear friend.

Yours

Baekhyun"

"Where is the Northern Crown Prince?" Chanyeol asks the maid in an urgent voice.

"The Crown Prince is at the palace gate; preparing to leave."

Chanyeol sprints. By the time Chanyeol reaches the palace gate, the Crown's Prince's carriage has started moving slowly. Chanyeol shouts on the top of his lungs, "Your Highness."

Baekhyun, who was looking out the Carriage window, spots Chanyeol running while shouting something. Baekhyun quickly stops the carriage and gets down.

Chanyeol is in front of Baekhyun in no time. The 10th Prince is gasping for breath. Baekhyun catches him as he stumbles on his steps.

"My prince," Baekhyun looks at him with unreadable eyes.

"I got your letter."

Baekhyun smiles, "You could have written to me. You did not have to run all the way to reject me."

"I'm not," Chanyeol speaks slowly. "I'm not here to reject you."

Chanyeol does not need to speak more. Baekhyun sees his bracelet adorning Chanyeol's wrist. He understands everything.

"Do not make me regret my decision today." Chanyeol finishes his sentence.

"Never," Baekhyun vows. "You will never regret your decision, my prince."

Baekhyun returns to the Northern Kingdom with the first monsoon rain. It has been a month and a half since Baekhyun first left for the borders. It was still summer back then, and the scorching heat of the sun still terrorised people. Now, the sky is covered with dark, gloomy clouds. The fresh cold rain has calmed everyone. Just like the Southern 10th Prince had calmed the Crown Prince's heart.

Baekhyun walks into the Empress Dowager's quarter after reaching the palace. He only wrote a letter informing his visit to the Southern Kingdom to his grandmother. His grandmother must truly be angry this time. However, he finds the place empty. One of the servant girls informs him that Empress Dowager is at the royal court. Baekhyun heads toward the royal court.

The first thing that greets Baekhyun upon entering the royal court is a slap on his cheek.

Empress Dowager is fuming in front of Baekhyun, "Why do you father and son have to trouble this old lady so much? Ever since your imperial grandfather died, I've been protecting this crown, kingdom, and this throne. Where did I lack? What did I do wrong that I have to witness this at this old age?" She turns her back to Baekhyun, "You never listened to me. Always running around to play, always trying to escape the royal palace. Why? Do you think this royalty is a joke? Do you think this kingdom is a play?"

Minister Doh, who has been quietly standing all the time, tries to calm Empress Dowager, "Your majesty, please quell your anger. Be mindful of your age and health."

"What health?" She continues raging, "My own grandchild does not care about health. Who cares if this old woman dies of anger? Otherwise, would I have to still take care of the throne at this age? I have been urging this child for his coronation ever since he turned 18. But has he ever paid any heed to me? I have told him countless times to take concubines. But no, he has to run to those brothels. And now, he has proposed marriage to a man. A man!" Empress Dowager sits on her chair, shaking from anger. "Why don't you understand, you silly child? Baekhyun, you need an heir. Your uncles are extending their claws, they'd jump at the throne any day. And you are giving them opportunities. I have been protecting this kingdom since the day I entered his palace at the age of 15. And I will not let anyone destroy what I have built because of your stupidity."

The room quietens down, only soft sobs coming from Empress Dowager penetrating the otherwise somber silence. Baekhyun drags his feet to his grandmother and kneels in front of her. He takes her tear-stained hands into his own and starts wiping the wet streaks with the sleeves of his robes.

"Mamma."

When Baekhyun was a toddler and first learned to speak, he could not utter big words like 'Grandmother'. He would call Empress Dowager 'Mamma' while rolling his little tongue and jutting out his lips. Later, it stuck with him. He called Empress Dowager 'Mamma' throughout his childhood and early teenage years. Once he started learning about royal politics and started attending royal courts, he changed it to "Grandmother" for courtesy.

It has been years since Empress Dowager last heard this word. She finally looks at the child sitting in front of her with her red-rimmed eyes.

"I am sorry," Baekhyun speaks sincerely. "All these years, I have troubled you a lot. But please listen to me this time."

Minister Doh also speaks, "Yes, your majesty. At least let's hear His Highness first."

"His name is Chanyeol. He is the 10th prince of the Southern Kingdom. He..." Baekhyun starts. "He is a wonderful man. He fought against the Drifters until the treaty between them. You will like him very much. He is everything you wanted me to be."

"It is not about whether I like him or not," Empress Dowager vents. "You need an heir to the throne, Baekhyun. Which he cannot give you. Your uncles already think you are incapable of running a kingdom. If you take a man as your consort, you will lose all your credibility as a king."

"Nothing of that sort will happen," Baekhyun's tone turns resolute. "Have some faith in me, mamma."

"How can I? When have you ever done anything to earn my faith?"

"I will. From now on, I will not worry you anymore. Please don't be mad. Mamma, I truly love him."

"Your majesty, please think about it." Minister Doh suggests. "If the marriage alliance goes through, the relationship between the two kingdoms will also improve. And His Highness can always take concubines later. If you turn your back on His Highness now, the throne will become more vulnerable."

Empress Dowager takes some time to ponder over everything. Minister Doh is saying Baekhyun can take concubines later, but she knows better than anyone that Baekhyun will never look at another if he marries this man. That child is as stubborn as a mule.

"I have invited him to our kingdom. Meet him once before you decide anything."

She watches her only grandchild sitting in front of her. This is the first time ever Baekhyun has wanted anything from her. How can she say no? However, if she says yes, the throne will be at risk.

"Alright," She finally speaks. "Let me meet him first. But I have one condition."

"Yes," Baekhyun says eagerly. "Anything you want, mamma."

"I am giving you what you want. Therefore, you have to give me what I want in return."

There is only one thing Empress Dowager wants; for Baekhyun to take his duties seriously. And Baekhyun is well aware of that.

"You have my words, mamma," Baekhyun replies.

A stubborn rain washes over the Northern Capital. The birds in the sky took shelter on tree branches and the humans sought comfort within the confines of their homes. The streets resemble a ghost city, void of any human or living creature. A lone carriage cuts through the wind and rain like an arrow. The carriage stops in front of an establishment. The establishment is called "Flower City". The environment of this establishment is completely different from the other parts of the capital. The building is decorated with beautiful lights and colours. Sounds of laughter can be heard from outside the building gates, indicating the fact that this establishment is filled with people.

Baekhyun gets down from the carriage, unfazed by the torrential rain. He walks inside, smiling and humming. The brothel is filled with patrons as always. A beautiful young girl is playing the zither in the middle of the room on a small stage. There are several table arrangements around the stage. Men and women are sitting at those tables, chatting and laughing.

"His Highness is here," One of the maidens notices Baekhyun entering and shouts.

Lady Shim, the madam of the establishment approaches the Crown Prince with a smile, "His Highness truly cares about us lowly peasants the most; coming to check on us in such a weather.

Baekhyun smiles even wider, "The ladies here are like delicate flowers. My heart is always worried that something will harm these beauties."

The maidens let out a chortle that could almost be mistaken as a commotion.

"Now, would someone be kind enough to dry my clothes? I am drenched."

Baekhyun is anything but drenched. But the girls here are used to his dramatic antics.

"Girls, take His Highness to his room," Lady Shim quickly instructs her girls to take care of the Crown Prince.

The establishment is three-storeyed. Baekhyun was taken to a room on the second floor. Baekhyun likes the view from this room. The window is overseeing a garden and a small pond of lilies. At night, the moon would shine onto the water, making it look like a gateway to heaven. Sometimes, Baekhyun would just come here alone and sit with a glass of wine. It gives off the illusion that he is in a faraway land, away from everything and everyone. If he could jump into the pond, he would find the land.

However, the window is closed today due to the rain and thunderstorm. Baekhyun takes off his blue coloured outer robe and headband. One of the girls brings him a towel to dry his face and hair.

"Your Highness, have some rice cakes," Another maiden brings a plate of rice cakes and places it in front of Baekhyun. "I made them today, especially for you."

"Thank you," Baekhyun's eyes crinkle with a smile, causing the girls to swoon. "Do you maybe have shaved ice too?"

"Yes, yes," A young girl scrambles on her feet. "I'll bring them at once."

Before she could run out to bring some shaved ice for the prince, an older  woman stops her. "Have you gone crazy? His Highness got drenched in such cold rain and you want to feed him shaved ice?"

The young girl was a little inexperienced when it came to things like this. She looks at the prince who is looking at her with eager eyes and a smiling face. "But His Highness wanted some." Her confused voice trailed.

"His Highness knows no better. But do you not have any brain?"

"Alright, alright" Baekhyun chirps in the conversation. "Don't scold her anymore, noona. I don't want shaved ice anymore. I'll eat the rice cakes only."

Baekhyun picks up a rice cake from the plate and sighs. "Last night, when I was sleeping I dreamed of having shaved ice. When I woke up, I asked the palace maids to bring me some shaved ice in the afternoon. Then I went to play with Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo caught some tadpoles and said we could raise them in my courtyard. But one of the tadpoles ran to Grandmother's courtyard and started croaking loudly." Baekhyun lets out another sigh, longer than the previous one. "Grandmother got so angry at me for nothing and told me I could not have shaved ice anymore."

The previous woman, who goes by the name Lady Red, smiles amusedly at the prince sitting in front of her. Everyone in the room is familiar with the prince's long tales of misery. It is always Jongin or Kyungsoo or some palace eunuch's fault, but Empress Dowager punishes him only.

"Since when do tadpoles run and croak?" Lady Red flicks Baekhyun's forehead. "You are already 24 but still cannot make up a decent story. Silly child."

"Your Highness, once the monsoon passes, we  will prepare shaved ice for you," A pale-looking girl intervenes. "Also Your Highness, you know that one-eyed Kim who sells ice at the flower market? His wife eloped with someone else last week."

Baekhyun's eyes widen from the scent of gossip. He leans in towards that girl and asks in a hushed tone. "Really? Eloped with someone else?"

"Mmhmm, one-eyed Kim has not opened his shop for three days now."

Baekhyun clicks his tongue, "What a misfortune."

A girl wearing a daisy flower tries to joke lightly, "Your Highness must be careful once he marries someone. Who knows your wife might leave you too."

Lady Red lightly smacks the girl on her head, "Our prince is the most beautiful in all three realms. Who dares to leave our prince?

"I cannot even marry the person I want yet," Baekhyun laments. "And you are already worrying about my wife leaving me."

"Ah, Your Highness," The first girl who gave Baekhyun rice cakes speaks again. "We heard some rumours at the market that you proposed to a Southern Prince for marriage. We dare not believe such rumours. But why would anyone spread such a rumour about His Highness?"

Baekhyun's face lights up at the mention of the Southern Prince. He grins, "You did not hear wrong."

"Haa?" Lady Red gapes. “Tell us what happened. How is the prince? Is he handsome?"

"Of course, he is handsome," Baekhyun puffs up his chest. "Do you think I will propose marriage to just anyone? Let me tell you how it happened."

The rain stopped at dawn. Empress Dowager is sitting on the front porch of her courtyard. A palace maid brings her tea and some pastries.

"Has the Crown Prince returned yet?" Empress Dowager asks while taking a pastry from the plate.

The maid bows even lower. "Not yet, your majesty."

It has not been a fortnight since Baekhyun had made his promise to Empress Dowager, but he has already run to lord knows where to play.

"Is Minister Doh's son with him?"

"No, the guards said he went alone."

Empress Dowager hums in acknowledgement. The maid bows and leaves.

Minister Doh's son, Doh Kyungsoo, is a year younger than Baekhyun. He was a quiet, responsible child during his early years. Empress Dowager had arranged for him and Baekhyun to study under the same teacher in hopes that it would make Baekhyun stay away from that rowdy Kim child and be more like Kyungsoo. But it turned out that it was Kyungsoo who became more like Baekhyun and Jongin. The other day, Minister Doh and Empress Dowager were discussing something while walking around the ponds near the Crown Prince's courtyard. And there was the trio, knee-deep in the water, face covered with mud; trying to catch some tadpoles because the Crown Prince wanted to have some pet frogs. Minister Doh looked at Empress Dowager with helpless eyes. Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince had ruined his golden child.

Something hits Baekhyun square in the face as soon as he enters his chamber. Baekhyun picks up the fallen object from the floor and discovers it to be one of his pillows.

"Are you aware that attacking the Crown Prince is a crime punishable by death?" Baekhyun directs his question toward the person sitting behind the table.

"Where were you? I have been waiting here since morning. Your grandmother called me twice to inquire about you."

The person was none other than Minister Doh's golden child, Doh Kyungsoo.

"Flower city," Baekhyun yawns and rubs his eyes. "Want to go out and catch sparrows?"

The two friends are sitting in a field near the royal palace waiting for a sparrow to take their bait. The Crown Prince is biting his nails in anticipation while his friend munches on a dried straw. Baekhyun is still wearing his blue robe from last night, with a flower-patterned blue headband on his forehead.

"Last time I could not play with you as I had to leave for the borders. I will catch two sparrows today," Baekhyun proposes brightly.

"Speak loud like that and we will not catch even one."

Baekhyun hmphs but he lowers his voice. "Have you been to the flower market recently?"

"Why do I need to visit the flower market? Do you take me for a whore like you?"

"There have been some rumours at the market."

"About what?"

"About my proposal to the 10th Prince. This is something only Grandmother and Minister Doh know in the Palace except us."

Kyungsoo quiets down for a moment. "Well, did you say anything about the rumour?"

"Yes. I confirmed it."

"I'll send someone to look around then. And the streets will hear a new rumour tomorrow. The Northern Crown Prince is marrying the Southern Prince to create an alliance between the countries, for the benefit of his people."

Baekhyun laughs. "You truly are the golden son of Minister Doh."

"Shhh quiet," Kyungsoo berates the laughing prince beside him. "When will Jongin return?"

"I don't know. Anything from your side?"

"No, no one from the capital is in touch with the bandits in any way."

"I should ask Jongin to return soon. I still need to investigate the border situation. My mind keeps telling me something is wrong."

"Your mind is always telling you all sorts of stuff." Kyungsoo snorts. "Do you think someone from our kingdom might be assisting the Southern Crown Prince?"

"Can't say," Baekhyun sighs. He is getting impatient waiting for a sparrow to land on their trap. "But the timing of the two situations does not feel quite right to me."

Just then, a little sparrow walks into the trap, lured by the seeds scattered on the ground. Baekhyun quickly pulls the rope in his hand, causing the basket to fall and entrapping the little sparrow from everywhere.

 

"And yesterday, I caught a sparrow with my friend Kyungsoo. It was so small, not an inch bigger than my thumb finger. I thought I would raise it and gift it to you as a pet. But Kyungsoo said it was a stupid idea to give sparrows as a pet. I would beg to differ. I think sparrows would be wonderful pets. However, I had to let it go since Kyungsoo kept scolding me. Kyungsoo is always scolding and hitting me even though I am the Crown Prince. Once you come here, we can bully him together."

If the letter did not have the Northern Crown Prince's seal on top of it, Chanyeol would have surely thought this was written to him by one of his younger siblings as a joke.

"I miss you ardently. I think of you when I'm at the court. I think of you when I am with Kyungsoo. Even when Grandmother is scolding me, I think of you. Someone gave me rice cakes to eat the other day, and I thought how wonderful it would have been if you were here with me. I am half agony, half hope. I cannot have peace without you.  Come soon, my prince. Or at least write to me if you will."

Ever my love yours

Baekhyun."

Chanyeol lies down on his bed with his arms covering his eyes. The letter hangs from his hand, close to his chest. A small smile creeps up to the corners of his lips. Despite himself, Chanyeol bursts into a peal of laughter.

Byun Baekhyun is a fool.

Chanyeol will be travelling to the Northern Kingdom next week. He has not informed Baekhyun about his trip. He wishes to return the surprise Baekhyun gave him last time.

Chanyeol sits up and keeps the letter in a safe place. Chanyeol does not love Baekhyun. Neither does he like him yet. He knows too little of that man to cultivate those emotions for him. However, he cannot deny that Byun Baekhyun is an interesting man. In his 25 years of life, Chanyeol has never met someone like him before.

A knock on the door brings Chanyeol's attention back to the present. Chanyeol shouts “come in'' and sits back on his bed.

Oh Sehun enters the room quietly and bows down to the prince.

"Any news, Sehun?"

"Yes," Sehun's expression turns quite complicated while answering the question. "His Highness often sneaks out at night to visit liquor shops and restaurants. And last week, he visited a brothel."

Chanyeol's face morphs into a stone-cold statue.  "What did he do at the brothel?"

"He ate some rice cakes."

The audacity this Byun Baekhyun has!

"Sehun," Chanyeol's voice is as cold as a snake. "Prepare the carriages. We will leave for the Northern Kingdom tomorrow morning."

Sehun walks alone on his way towards the stable, perplexed by the sudden turn of events. Truth be told, Sehun was hoping the entire trip would be called off after hearing the news of the Crown Prince visiting the brothel. Sehun does not have a very favourable impression of the Northern Crown Prince. Why does his prince need to marry such a man? The 10th Prince can definitely marry a better wife or husband. But why did the 10th Prince react in such a way after hearing the news? Is the 10th Prince perhaps jealous?

No, Chanyeol is not jealous. At least that's what he tells himself. He feels insulted. How dare Byun Baekhyun visit a brothel after proposing marriage to him? On top of that, he even had the audacity to think about Chanyeol while eating rice cakes at the brothel.

What a cunning man! He purposefully left out the part about who gave him the rice cakes.

Chanyeol will go to the Northern Kingdom tomorrow. And just when Byun Baekhyun thinks Chanyeol will accept his proposal, Chanyeol will reject him and leave. That will teach him. Chanyeol does not care if the Southern Crown Prince tries to harm him again, he will never stay with a dishonourable man like Byun Baekhyun.

Chanyeol reached the Northern Capital a week later. After reaching the capital, he forsakes the carriage and travelled with a horse to avoid any unnecessary attention. Chanyeol is currently roaming around the city alone while Sehun gets their permit to enter the Northern Royal Palace. Chanyeol comes across a bustling marketplace filled with people, not too far away from the royal palace itself. The sky is getting darker. The street vendors are trying to sell the last pieces of their items before closing their business for the day. There is a three-storeyed building beside the marketplace. The plaque in front of the establishment reads "Flower City." Chanyeol's mild gaze turns into an icy glare after understanding what kind of place this is. He quickly turns his horse to leave the place.

As soon as Chanyeol turns his horse, it was faced with another carriage coming from the other side of the road. Chanyeol's horse got startled by the sudden appearance of another ride and starts neighing and jumping sideways, sending Chanyeol flying back into the air.

Chanyeol closes his eyes and prepares himself for the strong impact. Falls like this are nothing to him. He has been injured in worse ways during his days at the borders.

However, instead of the hard concrete path, something soft welcomes him. Chanyeol opens his eyes, only to find the beautiful smiling face of Byun Baekhyun right in front of his eyes.

The roads were slippery and muddy from the recent monsoon rains. The princes fell into a puddle of mud. Baekhyun fell directly onto the road, dirtying his robes. Chanyeol's upper body fell on top of Baekhyun, lower body onto the road. A splash of mud made its way to Chanyeol's right cheek. Baekhyun wipes the mud with the sleeve of his royal Crown Prince robe and says in the softest voice, only for Chanyeol to hear, "My prince, what are you doing falling on the roads on your first day at my Kingdom?"

The Crown Prince's guards quickly come to help both the princes to get up on their feet. Baekhyun staggers a little getting up, legs and back numb from falling on the road with Chanyeol's weight on top of him. He approaches the other price, "Are you hurt anywhere, my prince?"

Chanyeol shakes his head negatively. After a brief pause, he returns the question to the Crown Prince. Baekhyun beams from the question, "I am fine. Now that you are here, I am fine."

Chanyeol averts his eyes from the Crown Prince. A small crowd has formed beside them, watching them with curious eyes. Chanyeol clams up from the nosy attention of the passerby. Baekhyun is quick to notice Chanyeol's discomfort. "My Prince, the carriage is ready. Let's go."

"I will ride my horse."

But the said horse is nowhere to be seen. It had run off somewhere. Chanyeol panics. His horse knows nothing about this place.

"Don't worry, my prince. I will send someone to find your horse. Let us move. It is already getting dark."

Truly, the sun has almost set. Chanyeol gets on the carriage with some hesitation. Baekhyun gets on after him.

"It will not take long to reach the palace," Baekhyun informs. "Were there any troubles while coming here?"

"No," Chanyeol answers. "How did you know I was here?"

"I saw Sehun talking with the palace guards. I asked him about you," Baekhyun giggles. "He insisted on not telling me anything. But I figured you would be nearby."

Baekhyun was returning from the afternoon court when he saw Sehun outside the palace gate. Afterwards, he came running outside. He did not even change his Royal Robes. He ran all the way from the palace to the market alone.

"You did not change your robes," Chanyeol observes the deep blue robe that has now been dirtied by mud and grimes.

"Yeah, I wanted to find you as quickly as possible." Baekhyun grins. "We're here, my prince. Welcome to the place where I grew up."

Sehun approaches the princes once they get down from the carriage. Sehun notices the sorry state the princes are in and gapes, "What happened, Your Highness. Are you alright?"

Chanyeol nods without saying anything.

Although Baekhyun went out running, he instructed his personal attendants to arrange a quarter for the Southern Prince and his envoy. The quarter that was prepared for Chanyeol is the Crown Prince's courtyard. The Crown Prince's courtyard constitutes six to seven different quarters. Most of them stay empty normally as the Crown Prince has yet to take any wife or concubines. Now that, the Crown Prince's betrothed has arrived, those quarters will finally be put to use.

Chanyeol enters his new chamber after taking a bath. A maid was waiting for him at the door. Chanyeol permits the maid to come in.

"The Crown Prince has sent these gifts for you, Your Highness."

"Put it on the table, please."

The maid puts the gift box on the table and leaves.

Chanyeol looks at the gift box intently. His mood has been complicated since coming here. The tiredness from travelling so much is also catching up to him. Chanyeol fights back a yawn and brings the box back to his bed. The box is wrapped in red and blue, mimicking how Chanyeol's first gift to Baekhyun was wrapped.

Chanyeol unwraps the box. A letter falls onto Chanyeol's lap.

"I saw you in the evening but I already miss you, my prince. However, I will not bother you tonight. You must have been tired from travelling for so long.  I have sent some relaxing candles and incense for you. Rest well tonight. I will see you tomorrow morning.

Love

Baekhyun."

The royal training ground is not far from the Crown Prince's courtyard. Back in the Southern Kingdom, Chanyeol's spent his mornings training with Sehun. Upon discovering the ground while taking a morning, stroll Chanyeol could not help but to join the training Imperial  Bodyguards for a quick match.

The Imperial Bodyguards recognise Chanyeol without any hitch. Although they appear somewhat sceptical considering Chanyeol was their guest and the Crown Prince's betrothed, Chanyeol quickly convinces them to spar with him.

The Imperial Bodyguards of the Northern Kingdom took pride in being the best fighters in the country. However, they are quickly proven wrong. All of the guards became victims of Chanyeol's skills and strength.

No matter how much skilled a soldier is, there is always a difference between a soldier who has been blood and one who has not.

"Wonderful," Baekhyun claps, entering the training ground as Chanyeol throws the last Imperial Guard onto the ground. "My prince is truly worthy of his reputation."

Chanyeol, still cross about the rice cake incident, ignores Baekhyun and turns to Sehun instead, "Sehun, did you learn anything today?" Sehun, who has been watching Chanyeol with great attention, nods vigorously.

Baekhyun looks around the ground with a lazy smirk, watching the defeated Imperial Guards scrambble on their feet to bow to the Crown Prince.

"I hope our Imperial Guards have also learnt something from the 10th Prince today," Baekhyun taunts. "Otherwise, my poor life will truly be in danger."

The Imperial Guards bow their head even lower in shame.

"If a prince does not have the ability to protect himself, what can the others do?" Chanyeol whispers under his breath from the sideline

"My prince is truly wise," Baekhyun smiles gently at the 10th Prince. "Mind teaching some moves then? So that this illiterate can wield a sword or two to protect himself?"

That is how Chanyeol finds himself sparring with the Crown Prince. The Imperial Guards gawk in awe as both the princes prepare to duel against each other. Some palace servants have also gathered around to watch the handsome princes.

Baekhyun holds a sword in his right hand with a light gentle grip as if gripping a flower stem. Chanyeol holds his sabre with both of his hands in an iron grip. The lazy smirk is still hanging on Baekhyun's lips as he keeps his eyes on the 10th Prince. Chanyeol, on the other hand, watches his betrothed with an unreadable expression, torn between if the should go all out or spare the Crown Prince considering the fact that he could snap the delicate prince like a twig if he wanted.

Baekhyun swings his sword first. The Imperial Guards cheer loudly, hopeful of victory against the formidable 10th Prince. Sehun feels wronged. Why is he the only one to cheer for his prince? He runs towards their quarters and brings their envoy to cheer for their prince as well.

Chanyeol's sabre moves. Baekhyun watches the sharp blade coming toward him and moves his head in the opposite direction. However, it is too late. The tip of Chanyeol's sabre almost touches the loose bangs hanging on Baekhyun's forehead. Just an inch closer and there would be a nasty gash on Baekhyun's perfect skin. Baekhyun laughs loudly.

The 10th Prince's fraction cheers this time, Sehun being the leader of their team.

Baekhyun's sword moves like a gazelle, cutting through the wind. Chanyeol's sabre moves like a wolf, attacking suddenly and ferociously. Both princes are at par with each other, much to Sehun's surprise. The young soldier thought the Northern Crown Prince would be a good for nothing, spending his time seeing to any man and woman he comes across and drinking his days away. However, as a soldier, Sehun watches in awe and slight envy as the Northern Crown Prince moves his sword as if that is an extended part of his lithe body.

Baekhyun's movements catch Chanyeol's eyes as well. Baekhyun is extremely agile on his feet. Chanyeol has to keep his eye on both Baekhyun's sword and his footwork. Surprising, Chanyeol is very much enjoying this duel with Baekhyun. It has been a long since he had such a worthy opponent.

Chanyeol watches Baekhyun flick his pale wrist. Baekhyun has a light build, however, his arms are exceptionally thin; just like a twig. Chanyeol could probably arrest both of Baekhyun's hands with one palm. His arms and hands are smooth like jade, devoid of any signs of hard work, unlike Chanyeol's scar-ridden calloused hands. Not to mention, Chanyeol's hands are probably double the size of Baekhyun's smaller ones. The stark contrast between both of their hands stirs something foreign inside Chanyeol.

He quickly shakes his head, keeping his mind from wandering too far away from the sparring match. But it is too late. The Crown Prince has already swung his sword into Chanyeol's face. Chanyeol tries to twist his body to move away from the incoming attack. Right then, Baekhyun moves his legs, striking the 10th Prince at his sheen, causing Chanyeol to lose his footing and fall. Baekhyun swiftly pins the fallen prince and points his sword against Chanyeol's throat.

"Your attention seems to be somewhere else, my prince," Baekhyun speaks right next to Chanyeol's ears in a low, sultry tone.

The same stirring feelings return to Chanyeol. He tries to reverse their position by flipping Baekhyun onto his back, but Baekhyun has already planted his knee between Chanyeol's legs. If Chanyeol wants to move now, his thighs will have to brush against Baekhyun's legs. Their position is already comprising enough, if something more happens, Chanyeol will surely die of embarrassment.

"It's over, my prince," Baekhyun removes his sword from Chanyeol's throat. "You have lost."

The Imperial Guards hollers in pride, inflicting unbearable pain upon the Southern fraction, especially upon their cheerleader, Oh Sehun.

Baekhyun extends a hand toward the Prince lying on the ground. Chanyeol accepts the hand after some contemplation.

"You have to give me a reward now," Baekhyun says while pulling Chanyeol up.

"We did not agree on that." Chanyeol frowns.

"But is it not natural to reward the winner?" Baekhyun pouts. "Come on, my prince. Give me a reward.

"Fine," Chanyeol agrees. "What do you want?"

"Have a meal with me." Baekhyun grins.

The meal with Baekhyun goes smoothly. The princes lightly chat among themselves; Chanyeol talks about sword techniques whilst Baekhyun informs Chanyeol which mango tree has the sweetest mango and which palace cat has how many kittens.

After the meal, the maids serve them plates full of rice cakes as desserts.

Chanyeol's mood sours again.

Baekhyun picks up his chopstick to transfer some rice cakes onto Chanyeol's bowl, "Remember in my letter I told you about rice cakes that I had? I had the maids prepare them today because I wanted to share them with you."

"You mean the rice cakes you had at the brothel."

Baekhyun's smile drops.

"You misunderstood me, my prince," Baekhyun tries to handle the situation as best as he can. "I have already told you why I visit brothels."

"I misunderstand nothing. If you want to visit brothels, feel free do to so. But do not implicate me in those."

Baekhyun should have known that jealousy is not Chanyeol's best virtue. He has angered the Prince again. In that case, if the Prince is angry already. what's the harm in angering him a little more?

"My prince, it seems like you have not learned to share before. Look at me, when I go to brothels, I am always in a dilemma because all the maidens there are beautiful as flowers. How can I choose one and hurt the others? So I share my visits with everyone there. You could learn a thing or two from me.

Nobody has ever said that Byun Baekhyun was a wise man.

"Then go share your rice cakes with those maidens," Chanyeol flicks his sleeves and hands up to leave.

"Ey ey, my prince," Baekhyun tries to call out and catch his arms. "Don't leave. I won't tease you anymore."

But it's just Chanyeol's luck that he has been falling everywhere ever since coming to this Kingdom.

Chanyeol again falls from the force of Baekhyun's sudden tug on his arms. Although the position is reversed now, Chanyeol is on top of Baekhyun this time. The position is, nonetheless, very compromising.

This is the closest Chanyeol has ever been to Baekhyun. He can smell the light pine tree scent of Baekhyun. He can see the black dot-like moles on Baekhyun's otherwise spotless face. He can map the slope of Baekhyun's perfect nose and how it ends right on top of his shapely curved cupid bow. He can feel the steady rise and fall of Baekhyun's chest against his own where his own heart has been beating loudly like a drum.

"My prince," Baekhyun whispers tenderly, "If anyone sees us like this, they will think you harbour improper thoughts about me."

Chanyeol is neither a boy who got his first sensation of youth nor is he a shy maiden who can be teased endlessly. He has had enough of Baekhyun's shameless teasing.

"Can I not?" Chanyeol whispers back in his deep baritone. "You are my betrothed after all. It is not a crime for me to harbour these thoughts about you."

Baekhyun, entranced by the sudden change in Chanyeol, wraps his arms around the Prince's waist, "And what are those thoughts that you have about me, my prince?"

"Why should I tell?"

"Then, want to know the thoughts I have about you?"

Chanyeol nods, bewitched by the beauty lying beneath him.

"I think about kissing you," Baekhyun's voice is as low and heavy as it can be. "I think about touching you. I think about us making love."

Chanyeol's breeches stir. And Baekhyun can feel it too. He hooks one of his legs around Chanyeol's and starts bucking his hips up.

"Have you thought about these too, my prince?" Baekhyun asks while gyrating his hips against Chanyeol's.

Chanyeol bites his lips in reply. He closes his eyes from the newfound pleasure created by the sudden friction. It is not too much, the layers of articles of clothing on their body are a huge obstruction to the activity. However, for Chanyeol, who has been abstaining from bodily pleasure for quite a long time, this is more than enough to send shockwaves around his body. Chanyeol cums in no time, dirtying his pants and inner robes.

Baekhyun rolls them around and helps Chanyeol to sit up.

"Do you want to take a bath?"

Chanyeol nods, still unable to control his laboured breathing.

"I'll have someone bring you fresh clothes," Baekhyun heads out in search of a maid. By the time Baekhyun returns after instructing the maids to prepare a bath and bring Chanyeol fresh clothes, Chanyeol has composed himself already.

"The bath will be ready soon."

Chanyeol nods.

"Wait," Chanyeol suddenly remembers something. "What about you? You didn’t..." Chanyeol does not finish his sentence, still too shy to mention their previous activity loudly.

Baekhyun takes one of Chanyeol's hands and kisses his palm, "It’s fine, my prince."

After taking his bath and freshening up, Chanyeol returns to his quarter.

"Your Highness," Sehun calls as Chanyeol enters his chamber. "What took you so long?"

Chanyeol hums, "We had a meal together."

What kind of meal takes two hours to finish?

"Your Highness, tell me honestly, did the Northern Crown Prince cheat? How else would that good for nothing win against you?" Sehun is still very much devastated by the loss sustained by their Prince today.

"Sehun," Chanyeol rebukes. "Is that how you speak about your elders? Go practice the moves you learned today."

Sehun is confused. Just a few days ago, Sehun and Chanyeol were on the same side. What happened so suddenly that His Highness is now suddenly smiling and humming after meeting the Crown Prince?

There is a little garden behind Chanyeol's new quarter. It is rather quiet compared to the other parts of the Crown Prince's household. The flowers are mostly wildflowers that grew on their own. Every morning Sehun comes here to pick flowers to decorate Chanyeol's bedroom.

Sehun roams around the little garden, thinking of a flower arrangement for today's decoration. Chanyeol does not really pay attention to such small details, but it keeps Sehun busy. Since coming here, Sehun rarely has had anything to do. Back in their kingdom, Sehun would run errands for Chanyeol all day and train with Chanyeol every morning. Now, the Crown Prince is always trailing behind Chanyeol and hogging all his attention. Chanyeol barely has the time to spend with Sehun.

Sehun's forehead wrinkles thinking about the Crown Prince. It seems that Baekhyun is sincere about his proposal to Chanyeol. He is also very kind to the palace servants and Chanyeol's envoy. However, Sehun still thinks the man is rather whimsical. According to Sehun, the Crown Prince's friend Do Kyungsoo is better than him. If only the 10th Prince could marry someone like him.

While Sehun is absentmindedly thinking about his 10th Prince's marriage prospects, someone approaches him. The newcomer walks without making a sound, not giving Sehun a chance to become aware of the incoming attack. With a swift move, the newcomer pins Sehun on the ground, completely immobilising him.

Sehun screams from the sudden attack. He tries to fight back, but the man's hold on him strong as an iron. Sehun tries to crane his neck to take a look at the man pinning him down, but the said man has gripped his neck, keeping his head in place.

Sehun's face burns from anger and shame. Who would treat him like this in the Crown Prince's courtyard?

"Who are you?" Sehun spits. "Release me now."

"Who are you?" The man replied with a deep venomous voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to pick flowers. Unhand me now." Sehun turns more demanding.

"A lowly thief like you has the nerve to command the Kim Jongin?" Jongin's grip on Sehun's nape becomes more vicious.

"Who the fuck said I am a thief?" Sehun starts sprouting profanities from frustration. "And how the fuck I am supposed to know who you are? Release me now, you filthy beast.",

The yelling and shouting keep getting louder, garnering the entire courtyard's attention. The two princes also hear the voice of their respective subordinates and come to the sight of the commotion.

"Jongin?" The Crown Prince yells.

"Sehun?" The 10th Prince yells.

The subordinates look at their princes. Jongin quickly stands up, picking up Sehun by his collar like a burlap sack. Sehun's state is truly miserable, his clothes are dirtied with grass and soil. Half of his face is red from being pressed down against the ground.

"Your Highness," Jongin speaks first. "This little thief was stealing flowers from our garden. And when I apprehended him, he started ordering me around like I am his personal servant. I have been gone for some months, and everyone already seemed to forget who I am."

"How many times have I told you I am not a thief? Are you dumb?" Sehun's voice raises a few octaves after seeing his Prince.

"See the audacity of this thief, Your Highness."

"Jongin," Baekhyun can barely keep in his laugh. "Release him. He is not a thief."

"But Your Highness..."

"He is my personal attendant." Chanyeol finally speaks up, thoroughly in disbelief at the scene playing in front of him. "He was picking flowers for me."

Jongin looks at the unknown man standing beside Baekhyun. Suddenly, Jongin remembers Baekhyun's last letter to him. The Crown Prince's betrothed, the Southern 10th Prince, has taken residence in the Crown Prince's courtyard. The realisation comes quickly to Jongin. He unhands the 'thief' even faster than that.

Finally free, Sehun runs to Chanyeol. "Is everyone in the Crown Prince's courtyard crazy?"

"Enough, Sehun," Chanyeol stops him from complaining. "Why didn’t you tell him who you are?"

Sehun face turns grey. He was so angered that he had forgotten to give Jongin his name.

Chanyeol and Sehun quickly left after that. Once they left, Baekhyun bursts out laughing. Kyungsoo, who was watching everything from distance, walks toward Jongin and smacks his head. "Instead of all the brawn, I wish God gave you some brain as well."

Later, the trio of friends can be found at a pond near the royal library.

"The bandits are still hiding in the mountain range. They might come out soon. Their supplies should not last any longer than this." Jongin informs while picking out a water chestnut from the pond.

"Jongin, have you thought about the possibility that someone might be providing them with supplies behind our back?" Baekhyun peels a chestnut and bites into it.

"Nobody from the capital, I am sure about that much," Kyungsoo says. "Anyone from outside the capital, I can't say anything about that."

"Do you have records of the passing vehicles and pedestrians near Sillim village?" Baekhyun says while getting out of the pond with a basket full of water chestnuts. The chestnut earlier tasted good. The 10th Prince will like them.

The other two follow the Crown Prince.

"The city guards have records," Jongin starts separating the bigger chestnuts into a different basket. "I will have someone bring them the records to you."

"Why are to separating those?" Kyungsoo asks curiously.

Jongin cracks a smile. "I will bring them to the pretty 'thief' I had apprehended earlier. Let's see if flower thieves also like water chestnuts."

That afternoon, the Southern 10th Prince and the Southern 10th Prince's personal attendant both received baskets full of water chestnuts.

The next morning, Chanyeol is walking near the royal garden. The Crown Prince is attending the morning court. The Crown Prince's courtyard is always somewhat lively and noisy, except for when Baekhyun is attending his royal duties. As a prince who was far in the line of succession, Chanyeol never had the pressure to do all these after returning from the border. Baekhyun had offered to take Chanyeol to the royal court with him, but Chanyeol respectfully declined. The thought of listening to another Kingdom's internal affairs feels somewhat intrusive to him.

Instead, Chanyeol spends his morning mostly here, in the royal garden. When Chanyeol first discovered this place, he was very surprised to see some flowers growing here that were only native to their Kingdom. Chanyeol does not know how they grew here, but he was extremely pleased to finally have something from home. Since then, Chanyeol comes here whenever he has some free time on his hand. When Chanyeol first left his home at the age of 16, he did not miss home too much. The war did not allow him to miss his home. He had gotten used to living in tents and limited rations. However, when he came back after 7 years, his disposition changed a lot. He started appreciating every little thing about his home. Now, he gets homesick very easily. Staying in the Crown Prince's courtyard has been nothing but comfortable. The Crown Prince himself is always keeping him company. Still, home is home.

Chanyeol sits on the swing. This swing was another element that drew Chanyeol to this place. The swing is decorated with flower branches and leaves from head to toe. He can hear birds chirping from nearby trees. Chanyeol closes his eyes for a brief moment, enjoying the mellow morning sunlight hitting his face.

"You like this place?"

Chanyeol jumps from Baekhyun's voice. He twists his head to see the man whose voice just interrupted his reverie. Baekhyun walks towards Chanyeol at an unhurried pace, suitable for a royal prince.

Chanyeol hums. "The flowers are nice." They remind me of home.

"I saw these flowers in your palace when I visited." Baekhyun sits on the ground, by Chanyeol's feet and starts playing with the grasses. The swing has even space to accommodate both of the princes, but Baekhyun maintains the distance between them. "My father had actually brought these flowers from your Kingdom. For my mother."

Chanyeol's eyes widen in surprise. He looks at Baekhyun, eyes full of curiosity and wonder.

"My mother had always been a frail woman. Her constitution was very weak. She would often be bedridden. However, my father loved her unconditionally. My grandmother urged my father to take concubines because she feared that my mother would not be able to produce an heir for my father. But my father refused. He was really devoted to my mother." Baekhyun smiles. "Then my mother gave birth to me. Her body weakened even more. The royal physician advised her to stay in the sun to restore her body. Every morning my mother would come here and sit for an hour. My father would also accompany her. My father decorated the whole place according to my mother's liking. My mother liked these flowers very much. My father especially ordered them to be brought here from your Kingdom. I would also join them when I grew up. We would sit on the swing together. I would be on my mother's lap, and my father would sit next to us. My father would keep teasing my mother for every little thing and my mother would rebuke my father with a smile in her voice. It was very nice. My mother liked making flower wraths. She'd always make flower wraiths and braid them on my father's hair. One day, I asked my mother to teach me how to make flower wraths. Mother said she'd teach me the next day." Baekhyun pauses slightly.

"The next day, I was very excited. I woke up earlier than the birds, got dressed, and came here running. But my mother did not come. neither did my father. I was hungry and irritated. I wanted to run to my mother's courtyard. But my attendants did not let me. They said my father told me to wait here. So I waited and waited. I waited until the sun was right on top of my head. Finally, my grandmother came to pick me up. She took my hands and took me to my mother's courtyard. There were a lot of people there. As if the whole palace had gathered there. But I did not see my mother. Not until I had entered the inner chambers. My mother was lying on her bed, pale and lifeless, but beautiful as ever. My father sitting by her feet, quietly. I walked over to them and called out to my father. My father looked at me. His eyes were red from crying and wide from horror. I realised he had forgotten about me. My mother passed away and nobody had informed me until it was midday." Baekhyun raises his head and looks at Chanyeol with a smile. "I never learnt how to make a flower wrath."

Chanyeol's heart squeezed. He remembers the time he had brought Baekhyun's mother into their arguments. He remembers hearing his older brothers talk about how the Northern King had abdicated his throne suddenly and started living in seclusion. It was when Chanyeol first started learning how to ride horses. Baekhyun must have been a child when his father left.

Chanyeol went to war during his teenage years. But he had a happy childhood. His parents raised him on their palms. Even though his father has 15 children, he always made time to visit Chanyeol. His father taught him how to ride horses, and how to shoot arrows. His mother taught him his first words, first numbers, and first alphabets. When Chanyeol was sick, his mother would stay all night beside him. When Chanyeol fell from the jujube tree and injured his leg, his father carried him on his back everywhere. When his older siblings bullied Chanyeol, his Junmyeon hyung scared away everyone and gave him candies.

Who was with Baekhyun when he was sick? Who carried Baekhyun when he was injured? Who protected him when someone tried to harm him?

Chanyeol tries to quickly blink away the tears forming in his eyes. Chanyeol looks at the man sitting on the ground. He is still running his mouth about something that happened in the morning court.

"I could teach you," The 10th Prince says gently, "To make flower wraiths."

"Could you?" Baekhyun is surprised at first but smiles quickly. "That's so generous of you."

Chanyeol nods and gets down to sit beside Baekhyun on the ground. He plucks some small wildflowers and starts teaching the Crown Prince. Soon, the Crown Prince learns how to make flower wraiths and makes one himself. He proudly shows the little creation to his betrothed.

"May I?" Baekhyun asks. Chanyeol nods. And with that, Baekhyun braids his first flower wrath on Chanyeol's hair. Just like he had bestowed his first love to the price as well.

However, teaching the Crown Prince how to make flower wraiths proves to be a bad idea. Now the Crown Prince just keeps making and making small flower wraiths whenever he can get his hand on some flowers. Every time Chanyeol visits him, he always comes back with a head full of flower wraiths.

It is not just the 10th Prince who is at the receiving end, it seems like the Prince's subordinate also gets some gifts from the Crown Prince. Sehun has been sporting little flower wraiths on his head for the last 2/3 days. Although his ones are somewhat crooked and unpleasant looking compared to Chanyeol's ones.

One afternoon, Chanyeol just asks Sehun about the flower wraiths, "The Crown Prince has quite the talent in making flower wraiths."

Sehun is confused. "The Crown Prince?"

"Yes. Did he not give you those flower wraiths himself?"

"No," Sehun is extremely confused. "Why would the Crown Prince suddenly give me flower wraiths?"

"Then who gave you those on your head?" Chanyeol is also very confused.

Sehun's fair complexion reddens. His hand subconsciously reaches behind his ear, where one of the flower wraiths has been braided into.

"It’s from the Crown Prince's bodyguard," Sehun mumbles, almost inaudibly.

"Who?"

"The Crown Prince's bodyguard, Kim Jongin," Sehun recites hurriedly and runs away.

Sehun sits in front of the 10th Prince's quarter, waiting for the Prince to return.

"What are you doing here?"

Sehun looks up and sees Jongin standing.

"I'm waiting for His Highness to return."

"Where is His Highness? Why are you all alone here at night?"

"His Highness went to visit the Crown Prince."

Jongin smirks. "Go inside, then. His Highness will not return tonight."

Sehun suspected as much. He stands up grumbling under his breath, "Why does His Highness need to spend his nights there? Do we not have beds? What do they even do all night?"

Jongin laughs and moves closer to Sehun, "Want to know what they do all night? I could teach you."

Sehun has always been curious about new things. He nods.

"Come with me then," Jongin whispers in Sehun's ear. "I'll teach you everything."

Chanyeol gasps upon being released from the Crown Prince's lips. His head swirls from being kissed too long. With hazy eyes, hooks at the Crown Prince who is looking at him with his infamous peach blossom eyes. A lazy smile hangs on their lips, making Chanyeol's heart skip a bit or two.

Apart from training with Sehun in the morning, Chanyeol has been spending most of his days in the Crown Prince's quarter now. Chanyeol came here to teach Baekhyun a lesson, but all of it left his head when Baekhyun pressed him on the ground near the lotus pond and kissed his lips until they were red and swollen.

It is embarrassing to think how quickly Baekhyun has managed to wrap Chanyeol around his dainty little fingers. Chanyeol remembers one letter Baekhyun wrote to him where he said he thinks of Chanyeol all the time. Now the same has happened with Chanyeol. No matter where he is, or what's he doing, he is always thinking about the Northern Crown Prince. Sometimes, he even mistakes Sehun for the Crown Prince. Chanyeol would hear footsteps near him and think the Crown Prince has come to visit him.  When it turns out to be Sehun or someone else, his face would visibly dim. The nights he slept in his quarters, away from the Crown Prince, there would be a strange ache in his chest. It would only go away when he sees the Crown Prince the next day. When he told the Royal Physician about his illness, he smiled strangely and left without giving him any medicine.

Chanyeol's train of thought stops when Baekhyun kisses him again- this time slow and steady. They kiss a few more times before Chanyeol decides it's time to leave.

"Sleep here tonight," Baekhyun wraps his hands around Chanyeol and embraces him from behind.

"Sehun must be waiting for me."

"I have told Jongin to inform him."

"I don't want to be an inconvenience."

Baekhyun turns Chanyeol around and faces him, "You are never an inconvenience. Besides, I hear you suffer from some strange illness when I am not with you."

Chanyeol's eyes bulged, "The Royal Physician told on me?"

Baekhyun chuckles. "Well, since I am the only cure to your illness, I had to be informed."

The princes fall back on the cushy bed. Baekhyun rests his body on the silk sheets and hauls Chanyeol up next to him, "My prince, can you guess what your illness is?"

Chanyeol can. It's love. He has fallen in love with the Crown Prince.

Baekhyun hooks his fingers under Chanyeol's chin, "Will you not tell me, my prince?"

Chanyeol's throat clogs up. However, he needs to tell Crown Prince. He will perish otherwise. The ache in his chest will never go away.

Chanyeol desperately hugs the Crown Prince and gasps like drowning man next to Baekhyun's ears, "I love you. I love you, Your Highness."

Despite spending most of the time with the Crown Prince, they have not done much, only kissing and helping each other to find their release. One day, Chanyeol got too impatient with the Crown Prince's teasing and bit his neck, that was the furthest Chanyeol had gotten with the Crown Prince.

Tonight is Chanyeol's first night being completely bare in front of the Crown Prince. Chanyeol's body is a warrior's body. It's riddled with scars and stories from his battles. On the contrary, the Crown Prince is as beautiful as the first spring flower. Chanyeol shies away.

The Crown Prince however is having none of that. "Why are you so coy, my prince?" He asks ever so gently as if his words might scare away the lovely creature in front of him.

"I have so many scars," Chanyeol's voice is as meek as a newborn kitten. "Not pretty."

Baekhyun's heart lurches. He kisses one of the scars on Chanyeol's body, right below Chanyeol's neck. If the blade had hit an inch or two above, he might not be holding the Crown Prince in his arms now. Baekhyun is so thankful for these scars. Baekhyun is so thankful that Chanyeol is here with him.

"These are beautiful."

"You're lying," Chanyeol turns his head away.

"These scars," Baekhyun says while showering every single mark on Chanyeol's body with warm kisses, "I would very much prefer if you did not have them. Not because they are not beautiful. Because I would much rather you did not go those suffering at all." He stops and looks into Chanyeol's almond-shaped eyes, "But they made you who you are today. They're a part of you. And every single part of you is beautiful. The most beautiful to me."

Chanyeol mewls as Baekhyun moves his lips upwards, around his nipples. The Crown Prince bites and licks the soft buds until they are all hard and perked up.

Baekhyu trails his kisses down to Chanyeol's inner thigh. There is a deep gash on Chanyeol's left muscly thigh. Baekhyun sweeps his fingers over the gash, "How did this happen?"

Chanyeol, who has been struggling to breathe due to the hot touches on his body, chokes out, "My horse was hit with an arrow. I fell on the ground and someone attacked me there."

Baekhyun does not dwell on the memory anymore. He spreads Chanyeol's legs apart, causing the 10th prince to shriek in surprise.

"Have you ever been with someone before, my prince?"

Chanyeol nods. Back when he was 15, he had a lover for a brief moment before leaving for the borders. It was one of his classmates, a young boy from a noble family.

"Did you do this with them?" Baekhyun's breath ghosts over Chanyeol's skin.

Chanyeol shakes his head. There was only kissing and some hurried inexperienced touches here and there. "This is my first time."

Baekhyun brings some oil vials and says, "Mine as well."

Chanyeol almost does not believe him. "None at the brothels?"

Baekhyun spreads the oils onto his palm and fingers, "No one was pretty enough to catch my eyes."

Baekhyun plunges his fingers deep into Chanyeol's taint, preparing him for the main event later.

Chanyeol feels uncomfortable at first, but it starts getting better with each stroke of Baekhyun's finger. It even starts to feel good.

Once satisfied with the preparation, Baekhyun coats his cock with a generous amount of oil for smooth penetration. He kisses Chanyeol's quivering eyes lids and murmurs, "I'll be gentle."

Gentle, my foot!

Baekhyun is anything but gentle. His thrusts almost send Chanyeol's soul flying out of his body. Chanyeol grips the sheets with all his might, turning his knuckles white in the process.

Chanyeol turns his head away, averting his gaze from the Crown Prince. However, the Crown Prince quickly grabs his chin and turns Chanyeol to face him.

"Eyes on me, my prince," Baekhyun grunts between his thrusts. "Keep your eyes on me while I fuck you."

Chanyeol foams at his mouth.

"Does it feel good?" Baekhyun twists one of Chanyeol's nipples under his finger.

Chanyeol hums. One particular stroke from Baekhyun sends Chanyeol thrashing around the bed. Baekhyun catches Chanyeol's hand and pins them over his head to keep him steady.

Baekhyun repeatedly hits that spot with his cock. Chanyeol's cock starts to throb and release liquid. He cums with a loud moan.

Baekhyun keeps thrusting in Chanyeol, chasing his own release. Chanyeol cries from oversensitivity, "Have mercy, Your Highness."

Baekhyun peppers Chanyeol with tender kisses to calm him down, "Just a little more, my prince."

Baekhyun's movements become uncoordinated. He feels his release bursting through him and staining Chanyeol's inside. In order to steady himself, Baekhyun unconsciously wraps his fingers around Chanyeol's neck. Chanyeol struggles from being pinned down and choked at the same time. Waves of pleasure surge through his body, causing him to cum for the second time, from simply being choked by the Crown Prince.

Baekhyun lets go of Chanyeol and fall next to him. Their chests heaving in a matching rhythm.

Baekhyun inspects Chanyeol with a frown, disappointed with himself for choking Chanyeol like that, "Are you hurt, my prince?"

Chanyeol shakes his head, "If felt good rather."

Baekhyun smirks; seems like he has discovered his betrothed first kink.

They clean up and tidy the bed, preparing to sleep. Chanyeol positions his head on Baekhyun's chest and hooks his leg over Baekhyun's. Baekhyun accepts the prince with an embrace and a peck on his forehead.

"I love you, Your Highness," Chanyeol breaths and drifts to sleep.

"I love you too, my prince."

The monsoon rain has cleared away. White autumn clouds populate the clear blue sky. Baekhyun is lying on a small meadow with his eyes closed, resting his back on the soft green grasses while the gentle breeze plays with his luscious hair.

Not long after, the Southern 10th Prince joins him and lies down beside him.

"What took you so long?" Baekhyun cracks one of his eyes open.

"I met your Grandmother while my way here," Chanyeol replies.

"What did she say?"

"Nothing, just greeted her," Chanyeol waves his hand. "I feel like your grandmother does not like me very much."

"Why do you say so?" Baekhyun asks curiously.

"I don't know. Just feel like it." Chanyeol shrugs.

"Grandmother is always like it," The Crown Prince explains. "When she likes anyone, she does not show it. When she does not like someone, she shows it tenfold."

Chanyeol giggles.

"But I truly feel she does not like me. She is always looking at me so coldly."

"Hmm, if she really does not like you, that's going to be a problem."

"Why?"

"Then you will have to live without me, my prince."

"Then it's really going to be a big problem, isn’t it? We need to find a way to make your grandmother like me."

"That's what I'm saying," Baekhyun lifts his head and rests it on his arms. "But how?

"My father has 12 wives. I grew up watching the concubines and consorts squabble for power. You see Your Highness, the harem politics is not much different from warfare strategies." Chanyeol smirks.

And the opportunity for that fell right into Chanyeol's lap in a few days. Empress Dowager invited Chanyeol to have a meal with her while Baekhyun was away from the royal palace for work. The day before the meal, some servants from Empress Dowager's courtyard came to inquire about Chanyeol's food habits and if he is allergic to anyone. Chanyeol personally answered all of their queries, however, he left out a small detail that he is allergic to peanuts as well.

Chanyeol is currently sitting in front of Empress Dowager while the maids serve them their food. From the corner of his eyes, Chanyeol can see some pastries made with peanuts. He inwardly smiles in victory. The stage had been set, it is now time for the show to begin.

"I hope you are finding your stay here pleasant," The Empress Dowager personally starts serving some dishes to Chanyeol.

"Yes, thank you for your hospitality."

"I hope my grandchild is not bothering you too much. He can be a handful at times."

"His Highness is a delightful company. He is very attentive to my needs and comfort."

"That's a relief. At least he is attentive to something. I don't ever see him being attentive in courts.

Chanyeol does not reply but gives a small smile.

"Your mother must have been a very capable woman, Chanyeol. To enter the royal palace while being the daughter of an ordinary teacher is no small feat to achieve."

Chanyeol maintains his polite smile. "It was my grandmother who took a liking to my mother."

"Regardless, she still raised a capable son like you. I am sure she had ambitions for your future. Every mother wishes for their son to marry a beautiful bride and settle down with a bunch of children."

"My mother wishes for me to be happy."

"Chanyeol, you are a prince yourself." She does not beat around the bush anymore. "You know how important it is to have an heir for a King. How will you have an heir with Baekhyun? You know very well that having a child out of a concubine is out of the question here because Baekhyun will never agree to that."

"Your majesty, I have spent my days fighting at borders. I am not well versed in palace politics. However, I believe His Highness has the capabilities to rule this kingdom without an heir. An heir is only needed to solidify a King's position when there are external threats. If there are no such threats, why does it matter if His Highness has a biological heir or not?"

Empress Dowager looks at Chanyeol intently. How can Chanyeol sound determined about Baekhyun not having any external threats?

Empress Dowager's expression was rather easy to read. So he answers, "I have killed hundreds during my border days to protect my kingdom. I can kill another hundred to protect His Highness."

Empress Dowager smiles uncharacteristically. She does not have to worry about Baekhyun's safety once his soul departs from this world.

Suddenly, Chanyeol starts coughing lightly. One of the servant girls hurriedly hands him a glass of water to soothe his throat. Chanyeol chokes on the water. His face becomes red and starts to gasp for breath.

Empress Dowager shouts at the servants while holding Chanyeol, "Call the royal physician immediately."

Chanyeol sleeps soundly on his bed, albeit his face still has signs of struggle from earlier.

Empress Dowager is sitting on a stool beside his bed, running her fingers through the sleeping man on the bed.

The servant girls who prepared and served the food has been locked away in a dungeon. The physician's assistants checked the food for poisons but found nothing.

"Your majesty, is His Highness allergic to anything?"

Sehun, who is standing next to the door, gives the royal physician a list of things Chanyeol is allergic to. One word among them struck the physician, "Your majesty if this lowly one is not wrong, I seem to have seen pastries containing peanuts among the meal. I fear His Highness ate some of those and thus had an allergic reaction. He had taken not much I assume. It is nothing too serious. However, please advise His Highness to be cautious from now on. Such reactions often pose threat to a person's life."

Once the Royal Physician leaves, Empress Dowager summons Sehun, "Child, what is your name?"

Sehun prostates in front of her, "Your majesty, this lowly one is called Oh Sehun. I am His Highness' personal attendant."

"Yesterday, when the maids came to ask His Highness' food habits, were you the one who received them?"

"No," Sehun replies. "His Highness personally informed them about everything."

"I see," Empress Dowager stands up to leave. "Take good care of His Highness. I will visit again in the evening."

Chanyeol wakes up 15 to 20 minutes after Empress Dowager left. Sehun seeing him open his eyes hounds him with questions.

"Where is Her Majesty?" Chanyeol asks before anything.

"Her Majesty went to her quarters?" Sehun replies.

"And where are the servants who prepared the food?"

"They have been put into dungeon already."

Chanyeol gets up from his bed and starts walking toward the door.

Sehun runs behind him in horror, "What are you doing, Your Highness? Your body is still weak."

"I need to go, Sehun. It's not their fault. They cannot be punished because of me."

Chanyeol reaches Empress Dowager's quarters.

"Your majesty," Chanyeol yells.

Empress Dowager comes out hearing Chanyeol's voice, "What are you doing here? You are still ill. Go back to your quarters."

"No, Your Majesty," Chanyeol is still gasping for breath, an aftereffect of the reaction. "The servants cannot be punished. It is not their fault."

"Injuring or attacking one of the royal family members is a crime punishable to death."

"It's not their fault, your majesty. I forgot to inform them about peanuts. Please do not punish them for my mistake."

"Chanyeol, do not take the blame yourself. Go back to your quarters and take a rest."

"How can I rest when innocents are being punished for my mistake?"

"Their punishment has been decreed by the Royal Court. There is nothing that can be done now."

"You will do nothing?" Chanyeol asks astonished.

"Go back, Chanyeol." Empress Dowager heads inside her quarters. "You are unwell."

Chanyeol then goes to the royal court and starts prostrating in front of it. Sehun haphazardly joins him too, having no idea about what is happening.

The ministers are informed. Some of them come out to watch with complicated faces. The servants' quarters also get a whiff of the news.

Empress Dowager has been informed as well. She reaches the Royal Court fuming in anger.

"Are you adamant about not listening to me?"

"Your majesty, please reconsider the verdicts," Chanyeol says, still not raising his head.

"Fine, don't listen to me. Stay here in cold." She turns to the servants. "Do not come to me anymore regarding this matter."

The sun has already set with the temperature dropping slowly. Some dew drops have already started falling here and there. Chanyeol sits there in cold, his hair already wet from the dew.

Three hours later, palace maids come to serve dinner for Empress Dowager.

"Is the 10th Prince still prostrating?"

"Yes, your majesty."

Empress Dowager heads out at night again.

"Stand up."

Chanyeol does not budge.

"I'm ordering you to stand up, right now."

Chanyeol gingerly stands up. Empress Dowager holds one of Chanyeol's hands and drags him to the dungeon where the maids were locked up. Empress Dowager takes the keys from the guard and hands them over to Chanyeol. "Release them."

Chanyeol stands there stupified.

"Go on," Empress Dowager sheaths. "Release them."

Chanyeol unlocks the door. The servants prostrate in front of the Prince and Empress Dowager, shaking and crying.

"Go back to your quarters," Empress Dowager commands the servants. "The 10th Prince has sought pardon for you all."

"Thank you Your Highness for bestowing us with such kindness," The servants cry in unison. "We will repay this debt with our lives."

Empress Dowager leaves first.

Chanyeol follows suit, "Your Majesty, please forgive this ill-mannered prince."

"You are one stubborn child, aren’t you?" Empress Dowager muses.

Chanyeol quickly kneels in front of her.

"My grandchild has tormented me all my life. And now he has brought you along to torment me more," Empress Dowager touches Chanyeol's head lightly. "Go back to your quarters. The cold is not good for your health."

Baekhyun reaches the palace the next morning and learns about the incident. He runs towards Chanyeol's quarters. The 10th Prince spots the Crown Prince running towards him from the front porch and heads out to welcome him. Instead, Chanyeol is welcomed in a tight, warm embrace.

"Swear to heavens, my prince," Baekhyun gasps out. "My heart would have collapsed if I did see you right now."

Chanyeol smiles tenderly into the crook of Baekhyun's neck, "I'm alright, Your Highness. I'm perfectly alright."

"I was so worried. How could you forget about your own allergies? What if something bad happened to you?"

Chanyeol straightens his back, cups Baekhyun's face, squishing the Crown Prince's soft cheeks, and says with a knowing smile on his face, "Nothing would have happened to me."

It does not take long for Baekhyun to catch on. "This was your strategy?"

Chanyeol smiles.

"And you did not think it was necessary to consult me?"

"It happened all too suddenly," Chanyeol hurriedly replies. "And you were out of the palace."

"So you decided it was a good idea to risk your life you get the approval of my grandmother on your own?"

"My life was not at risk, Your Highness," Chanyeol takes Baekhyun's hands into his own. "I am perfectly alright."

"Sehun said you could not breathe," Baekhyun's voice is distraught. "And that you prostrated in front of the royal court for 4 hours with your weak body."

"Your Highness," Chanyeol chortles. "I have spent 7 years fighting the Drifters. This much cold is nothing to me."

"Just because you have suffered before, does not mean you have to suffer anymore."

Chanyeol gets taken aback by the tone of Baekhyun's voice. Baekhyun never spoke with him in such a cold tone.

"Are you angry, Your Highness?"

Baekhyun turns his face away from Chanyeol.

"Don't be angry at me, Your Highness," Chanyeol pleads. "Where will I go if you are cross with me?"

"No, my prince," Baekhyun refuses. "Do not try to sweet talk me. I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself. But put yourself in my shoes. I cannot afford the risk."

Chanyeol extends his arms and embraces the Crown Prince from behind, resting his head on top of the Crown Prince.

"I am sorry," Chanyeol kisses Baekhyun's hair. "I will never do anything like this without discussing it with you again."

Baekhyun is still not convinced. He sulks, grumbling under his breath.

Chanyeol twists his body and stands in front of the sulking Crown Prince. He squishes the Crown Prince's doughy cheeks between his palms, causing Baekhyun's lips to jut out like a baby duckling. Chanyeol laughs, then starts peppering the man's face with small pecks.

Soon, the Crown Prince starts giggling at the raining kisses.

"You forgive me, Your Highness?"

"Hmm," Baekhyun says in a profound voice. "At least you have my grandmother's approval now."

The Southern prince is sitting by the pond, reading a letter from his Junmyeon hyung. Fully immersed in the stories from back home, Chanyeol does not hear the Crown Prince approach him from behind.

Baekhyun quietly stands behind Chanyeol. He kneels ever so slightly, puts his lips near Chanyeol's ear, and blows air in it. Chanyeol jumps animatedly, causing the Crown Prince to cackle.

"Why must you always make a sport out of me?" Chanyeol puffs his lips.

"Because I love you," Baekhyun presses a smooch on Chanyeol's wrinkled forehead.

Chanyeol beams.

"How did you know I was here?"

"The body always knows where the heart is," Baekhyun teases in a sugary voice.

Chanyeol recoils from cheesy line and shoves Baekhyun back, "Tell me honestly, did you put a spy behind me?"

"Even if I did," Baekhyun catches Chanyeol's hand and covers it with his own. "It wouldn’t be inappropriate considering my prince has already done the same."

Chanyeol burns in embarrassment, remembering how he told Sehun to gather information about the Crown Prince before coming to the Northern Kingdom.

"Because Your Highness had such a wonderful reputation," Chanyeol defends himself. "How would I know if you wanted me here to corrupt or torment me?"

"Have I not corrupted you enough?" Baekhyun brings Chanyeol's hand to his mouth and bites his palm. "Do I not torment you enough at nights?"

How did Chanyeol fall for such a crass and unrefined man?

Chanyeol pulls his hand back, "Does Your Highness consider himself to be a teething puppy? Biting me like that in broad daylight?"

Baekhyun yanks Chanyeol's hand harder, bringing Chanyeol's body closer to him, and rests his head against Chanyeol's chest, "I'm exhausted. What were you reading?"

Chanyeol pats Baekhyun's fluffy hair like petting a dog, "Letter from Junmyeon hyung."

"Anything new from his side?"

"Yes," Chanyeol nods. "Hyung could not find any direction between the events and eldest brother. However, one of the eunuchs from the eldest brother's household always meets up with a man. A Chang'An businessman to be precise. Hyung investigated the businessman through Young Master Zhang."

"Your Master Zhang?" Baekhyun asks.

"Hyung's lover," Chanyeol explains with a small smirk.

"Ah, alright," Baekhyun nods. "And what did they find about him?"

"No suspicious activities. The Chang'An businessman does his business by travelling through Chang'An, the Southern Kingdom, and the Northern Kingdom."

It is not unusual for Chang'An businessmen to set up their businesses in the Northern Kingdom, however, the numbers are few. The Southern Kingdom falls between Chang'An and the Northern Kingdom. The Southern Kingdom, therefore, is more suitable for business due to its geographical location. Either his business is in high demand here in Chang'An or the business is a complete farce.

"What is his operating area here? Maybe I could help." Baekhyun offers.

"Near Nokdu, Sinwon. Border areas mostly. However, hyung could not connect the events to him either."

"At least now we know whom to look out for."

"Yes," Chanyeol stalls for a while. "Hyung also asked something else?"

"Hmm?" Baekhyun hums while rubbing his face against Chanyeol's warm chest.

"About our wedding," Chanyeol murmurs. "He asked if they should start preparations."

Baekhyun sits up straight and grins from ear to ear. "What do you say, my prince? Should we start preparations?"

"How would I know? Ask Her Majesty." Chanyeol shoves the Crown Prince away.

Baekhyun chuckles. "But how do you view the prospect of spending your life with the most beautiful person in three realms?"

"Humble yourself, Your Highness," Chanyeol retorts. "I have seen fairer maidens during my days at the eastern border."

"Did you?" Baekhyun brings his lips dangerously close to Chanyeol. "Did you lie with them? Did they make you feel as good as I do?"

Chanyeol's breath hitches. He closes the tiny distance between them and kisses Baekhyun aggressively. Baekhyun responds by gripping Chanyeol's nape and bringing him even closer to him. Baekhyun sweeps his tongue on the roof of Chanyeol's mouth. Chanyeol eagerly opens his mouth wider, leaving a trail of saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth. Baekhyun captures Chanyeol's tongue between his lips and sucks on the pink flesh while Chanyeol lets his hands wander around Baekhyun's body.

Baekhyun lets go of Chanyeol's nape and brings his hand to untie Chanyeol's pants. Chanyeol quickly lies down on the ground and raises his hips as Baekhyun discards his undergarments, all while maintaining the fervorous kiss.

Baekhyun loses patience before he can discard his own trousers. He only lowers them enough for them not to be an inconvenience during their activity. Baekhyun ends the kiss and looks at Chanyeol, who is lying on the ground with his thoroughly kissed lips and flushed cheeks. Chanyeol takes this as a signal to spread his legs and bunch up his robes around his waist, causing his pink taint to come into view.

Baekhyun spits on the opening and pushes two of his fingers with great urgency to loosen up the hole. Chanyeol jolts around. He is used to being loosened up only by spit and Baekhyun's fingers due to their escapades at various corners of the palace. At first, Chanyeol used to get shy and anxious lest anyone find them in a compromising position. Now he finds the experiences thrilling and even gets off on the thoughts of being found by the palace guards or maids. Chanyeol does not care if anyone finds them right now. They should know better than to walk around the palace when Baekhyun breeds Chanyeol like a cheap whore.

"Can you take me now, my prince?" Baekhyun asks while lining up his cock to the 10th Prince's opening.

"Yes," Chanyeol impatiently answers. "Fuck me, now."

Baekhyun pile drives his cock all at once. He does not give Chanyeol any time to adjust, just thrusts his cock in and out of Chanyeol's tiny little hole. Chanyeol moans loudly, thoroughly enjoying his assault.

"Your pussy is so hungry, just two fingers and it's already letting me fuck into it," Baekhyun grits his teeth while thrusting his cock. "What if someone sees you like this, my prince? All spread out like a slut. Even the whores at the brothel have more shame than you."

Chanyeol mewls, "Then let them see how good His Highness fucks me. Something that they'll never experience."

"That's right, my prince," Baekhyun exhales. "Only you. It's only you."

Baekhyun picks up his pace. He takes the front of his robe and bites it with his teeth; keeping the disturbing fabrics at bay, and starts thrusting even harder. He circles his hands around Chanyeol's waist and pulls him onto his cock, making the cock hit even harder inside Chanyeol. Chanyeol hooks his legs around Baekhyun's waist for support. Chanyeol cocks start producing precum. The 10th Prince spits on his hand as well as spreads the beds of precum as lubricant and starts stroking his hard cock, chasing after his release.

Everything about the ordeal is fast, dirty, and messy. Chanyeol spills onto his inner robes, calling Baekhyun's name. Baekhyun's thrusts also start getting sloppy. He lets go of Chanyeol's waist and wraps his fingers around Chanyeol's neck, an indication of his upcoming release. Chanyeol's toes curl in delight as Baekhyun finishes inside of him, choking him and filling him with Baekhyun's seeds.

The sun has already bid its adieu. The glimmering stars in the sky light up the surroundings. Baekhyun helps Chanyeol sit. He takes a handkerchief out of his trousers and cleans Chanyeol up. His seed is slowly dripping from Chanyeol's hole. Baekhyun licks his lips and pushes the soiled handkerchief into Chanyeol's hole. The handkerchief acts like a makeshift buttplug and stops the semen from dripping.

"Let's go back," Chanyeol proposes once they are dressed properly. "It's getting cold."

"Let's stay here for a moment," Baekhyun counters. "See how nice the ambience is."

"You'll catch a cold."

"I'm as strong as a stallion. This cold is nothing to me."

Baekhyun sneezes as Jongin presents him with the information gathered at Silim village. Chanyeol is playing chess with Kyungsoo beside them.

"How did you manage to catch such a bad cold, Your Highness?" Jongin as he lays down the recordings of the city gates.

"His Highness is as strong as a stallion," Chanyeol retorts from the sideline. "This much cold is nothing to him."

Baekhyun knits his eyebrows and sulks. "No movements from the bandits?"

"No," Jongin hands him a notebook. "A copy of the city gate's records."

Baekhyun takes the copy and quickly skims through it. One particular name catches his eye. "Why is the fourth uncle's envoy passing through this gate every two weeks?"

"His Highness' estate has a private granary in the Daehak city. It was a dowry from his first consort's family during their wedding. He has labourers cultivating those lands, and he sells those crops in the market."

"I see," Baekhyun ponders. He takes a map from Jongin. Nokdu, Sinwon, Daehak. Three border cities. Right next to each other. It takes less than one day to travel from one city to another. Seeing Baekhyun quiet down, Chanyeol and Kyungsoo leave their chessboard and sit beside him. Baekhyun takes a pen and marks the three cities down.

"Kyungsoo, can you pull some strings in Nokdu or Sinwon?"

"I reckon I can," Kyungsoo replies. "Why?"

"I need you to investigate a Chang'An businessman, surnamed Luo. If what I am assuming is correct, you will find some pretty interesting details about him." Baekhyun turns to Jongin. "Jongin, you keep an eye out on the fourth prince's granary."

Baekhyun is about to roll the map, however, his eyes fall onto an unnamed small village surrounded by Daehak and Nokdu. He points at it, "What is this place?"

"Your Highness cannot recognise this?" Jongin snorts. "This is Sillim Village."

Sillim, Nokdu, Sinwon, Daehak.

Everything is crystal clear for Baekhyun now. He grins like a Cheshire cat.

"Why are you laughing like a lunatic?" Kyungsoo asks with a disgusted voice.

Baekhyun extends his arms and cups Kyungsoo's face, "Oh, my dear Kyungsoo, prepare for your seat at the royal court as Minister Doh Kyungsoo. We are having a coronation soon."

The next day, the Empress Dowager comes to visit the ailing Crown Prince, accompanied by Chanyeol.

"How are you feeling now?" The Empress Dowager sits next to Baekhyun's bed.

"I am feeling better than yesterday," Baekhyun replies, looking at Chanyeol, who is standing behind her. "All thanks to the 10th Prince's constant care."

The Empress Dowager hums. "I heard you are investigating your fourth imperial uncle?"

Baekhyun smiles slightly. "You have spies in my courtyard as well?

"I had spies in your grandfather's quarter, child."

Baekhyun laughs. He had long suspected this. This is also the reason behind the trio’s unconventional discussion places.

"Be careful," She advises. "This is the first time you are doing something like this. Let me know if you need any help."

Once the Empress Dowager leaves, Baekhyun takes Chanyeol for a stroll outside.

"Why did you need to come out?" Chanyeol complains while walking beside Baekhyun, hand in hand. "You already have a cold."

"I felt suffocated inside."

Chanyeol frowns. Both of them walk in silence for a while until Chanyeol speaks. "Do you think my eldest brother and your uncle might be colluding together?"

"My Prince has learned how to play the game of royal politics." Baekhyun laughs.

"I am not ignorant," Chanyeol retorts.

"No, you are not. In fact, I think anyone who had to fight for seven continuous years is an extremely intelligent individual when it comes to warfare strategy." Baekhyun speaks out. "That being said, your brother told me if one of your family members sold you in a market, you would help them by counting the money."

"It’s not my fault that I love my family."

"It is not. I think it is your biggest quality that you can love someone with all your heart. You are too soft-hearted, my prince. The world does not deserve you. I am always worried someone might take advantage of the goodness of your heart and hurt you.

Chanyeol's heart thuds against his chest. He hurriedly schools himself and goes back to the original discussion, "The bandits are being provided rations by your fourth uncle."

"Yes," Baekhyun nods. "My fourth uncle really made a foolproof plan."

Baekhyun and Chanyeol sketch out the possible conspiracy between the collaborators.

The letter containing the bandits did not reach the capital late. It reached exactly when the people behind it wanted it to reach. All of Baekhyun's uncles have always thought of Baekhyun as an incompetent brat who is only alive because of Empress Dowager's backing. If someone like Baekhyun had been sent to deal with the bandits, the situation might have become even worse. It would've taken him a long time to get out of the mess. And during that time, Southern Kingdom will 'attack' the Northern Kingdom with Chanyeol as their commander, as arranged by the Southern Crown Prince. Once the war escalates, anyone can sneak in while the armies are fighting and finish Chanyeol off. On the other hand, Baekhyun will lose his credibility as the Crown Prince who could not even solve a simple bandit situation and save his people. And when they have achieved their goals, the Southern Crown Prince will 'persuade' the Southern King to call off the war and negotiate terms with the Northern Kingdom, solidifying his position.

The conspirators had planned everything. However, one thing they had not planned for and that one thing ruined their entire chess piece. That is Baekhyun.

Baekhyun's uncle had not expected Baekhyun to solve the bandit issue so quickly and return to the capital just in time to hear about the Southern attack. He had not expected him to leave for the borders himself. The Southern Crown Prince had not expected Baekhyun to show up at his doorstep and start a negotiation with the King. Now, all of their planning went to the dogs.

"But how did your uncle know that you would go to deal with the bandits?" Chanyeol asks.

"He did not. He took a gamble," Baekhyun replies. "Just like we are taking one now."

The Northern Kingdom starts preparing for its Crown Prince's coronation. Two weeks before the coronation, the former king of the Northern Kingdom, who has been living in seclusion on a mountain for 17 years, comes to visit his son, Baekhyun.

Over the course of these 17 years, Baekhyun's father has visited him from time to time, sometime after 5 years, sometime after 3. The last time Baekhyun saw his father was three years ago. However, every time Baekhyun closes his eyes and thinks of his father, the picture of a broken man with red-rimmed eyes flashes in front of him.

Baekhyun's father sits in his old abandoned quarter. He never visited the royal court after his abdication.

"Have you been well, son?"

Baekhyun slightly jumps. He has forgotten how his father's voice sound.

"I have been well, father. I hope you are in good health."

"Mother nature has been kind to me. Life at the mountain is peaceful and helpful for my health," Baekhyun's father replied in his sombre voice. "I have been extremely pleased to learn about your coronation. It is time you took your duties seriously."

Baekhyun keeps mum.

"I heard you have also taken a consort."

"Yes, father."

"I hear he is a prince from the Southern Kingdom."

"Yes, the 10th Prince of the Southern Kingdom. His name is Park Chanyeol."

Baekhyun's father sighs, "You are at an age where you are free to choose your partner. However, you are soon to be crowned king. I would advise you to reconsider your decision one more time."

"Is that why you came here?"

Baekhyun's father stares at Baekhyun in shock, at the sudden change in his tone. "I came here to see you," He composes himself.

"You came here to stop me from marrying Chanyeol."

"Think it however you want. But this is for your own good."

"Please do not concern yourself with my good or bad. I have lived 17 years of my life without your concern just fine."

"Baekhyun," The former king shouts. "Is this how you were taught to speak with your elders? Where are your manners?"

"It is the duty of a father to teach his child manners," Baekhyun snorts. "I don't remember you teaching me anything, father."

"Baekhyun," Empress Dowager enters the chamber, horrified by Baekhyun's behaviour towards his father.

However, Baekhyun's words struck a chord with the former king. He sighs, "I agree, I failed you as a father. I should have been there for you. But it was hard for me to live in the palace without your mother."

"You think you are the only one who mourned for her? You think you are superior because you seem to think you are the one who loved her the most?" Baekhyun sheaths.

"She was my wife." Baekhyun's father half shouts.

"And she was my mother," Baekhyun screams. "I am her flesh and blood. All these years, you stayed away from everything. from me, from grandmother. You left me when I needed you the most. I went to bed alone and woke up alone. Every morning, I would wake up and wait for you in the garden. you never came. Not once in the last 17 years. I was six years old. What did I understand about death? What did I understand about responsibility? Royalty? Have you ever bothered to ask how I felt? Everyone talks about how great your love was for your wife, and how devoted you were to her. But let me tell you something, father. You're nothing but a selfish coward. You left your own son instead of taking responsibility. Do not come to me and lecture me on what I should do or not do. You do not have the rights."

Empress Dowager grabs Baekhyun by his shoulders and shakes him, saying, "You unscrupulous child. Cease your rambling. This is the former King of this kingdom."

"Mamma, no," Baekhyun jolts away. "Do not defend his man anymore. You have been shielding him for 17 years. No more." Baekhyun looks at the former king and points towards the Empress Dowager. "This woman here is your mother, who gave birth to you, raised you. And when you left, he raised your child too. And what have you done for her? At an age where she should be spending her life quietly enjoying her days, she is still slaving away for this kingdom. The same kingdom that should have been your responsibility." Baekhyun takes a long breath. "Listen, I do not care how you spent your life or how you will spend your future days. You are your own person. I am my own. You decided to deal with your grief by living in seclusion. I also have no complaints about that. But please do not try to get involved in my life. You or your words bear no significance to me.  I have stopped regarding you as a part of my life since long ago. Mamma, Chanyeol, and my friends are the only family I have. I do not need anymore."

With that, Baekhyun stomps away.

Chanyeol was waiting near the King's chamber. He came here after hearing yelling and shouts from the inside but did not think it was appropriate for him to go inside.

Chanyeol spots Baekhyun coming outside, who, in all honesty, looks extremely battered. Baekhyun sees Chanyeol and runs to him, crashing right into Chanyeol's open arms.

"What happened? Are you alright?" Chanyeol asks while rubbing Baekhyun's back.

"I'm fine," Baekhyun breathes. "If you are with me, I am fine."

One week before Baekhyun's coronation, Jongin and Kyungsoo arrive with the news.

"No offense," Kyungsoo says. "But your fourth uncle is a son of a bitch."

Baekhyun laughs while shaking a branch of the jujube tree. This particular brunch was filled with ripe jujubes, they fell as a result of Baekhyun forcefully shaking the branch.

"What did you find?"

"Just as you guessed, your uncle does business with that Young Master Luo. They are frequently in contact due to their joint business. The Southern Crown Prince sends his letters and instructions to your uncle through him."

"And Jongin, you?"

"Your uncle's people supply the bandits with food and other necessities under the guise of his private granary transactions," Jongin says, biting into a ripe jujube. "That Luo person has also been blackmailing your uncle recently."

"The rats are coming out of their hole because of the coronation news." Baekhyun muses.

"Your Highness is truly a genius," Jongin says while swallowing another jujube.

Young Master Luo and Baekhyun's fourth uncle have been doing business together for several years. However, it was only last year that the Southern Crown Prince decided to reach out to Baekhyun's fourth uncle through the businessman. They have been collaborating ever since. The businessman was lured into this plan by the Baekhyun's fourth uncle's promises. He promised Young Master Luo that he would help him establish a business centre in the Northern Kingdom once he ascends to the throne. And who does not want to be in touch with royalty? Young Master Luo was sold. Everything was going well up until Baekhyun usurped their last plan. They started planning again, but Baekhyun again made the first move by announcing his coronation. Young Master Luo panicked. He forsook the idea of establishing a business centre and planned to return to Chang'An. However, he reached out to Baekhyun's fourth uncle for some quick cash before leaving. When he refused to give the money, Young Master Luo threatened to expose him and his conspiracies.

Kyungsoo throws jujube at Jongin, which hits Jongin square on the head, "If someone has a peasized brain like yours, any idea would sound genius to them. Your brain is only good for eating and chasing after that Southern boy."

"Jongin," Baekhyun interjects. "Chanyeol cares about Sehun a lot."

Jongin understands. "What do you take me for? I won't break your consort's precious toy."

"Is there any risk to Young Master Luo's life?" Baekhyun asks while playing with the jujubes.

"My men are always keeping an eye on him," Jongin answers.

Baekhyun nods. "And the evidence?"

"I have them with me," Kyungsoo replies. "Tell me when I need to bring them over."

"Tonight. I need to discuss this with grandmother first. Is there anything on the Southern Crown Prince?"

"Not many. But still enough to destroy him, I suppose."

"Kyungsoo I need you to do something for me," Baekhyun turns to his friend. "I cannot trust anyone with this but you. Head out for the Southern Kingdom tomorrow. I am sending you to bring Chanyeol's mother to the coronation ceremony. Once you are there, meet with Prince Junmyeon. Hand these pieces of evidence to him and he will know what to do next."

Kyungsoo nods.

"Jongin, you prepare the Imperial Bodyguards. We will also head out in a few days. I will discuss this with Chanyeol tonight and fix the date. We will attack both sides on the same day."

"Everything will be done, Your Highness," Jongin nods. "Although I am curious. Why do you want to take down the Southern Crown Prince so badly?"

Baekhyun says nothing, just smiles coldly.

Baekhyun sits with Empress Dowager later that night. The Empress Dowager also does not want to lose this opportunity. She was surprised to learn that Baekhyun had managed to discover all this, alone; only with the help of his two good-for-nothing friends, or so she used to think.

"You have grown up a lot," She says while looking at the beautiful, young man sitting in front of her.

"I have grown up a long time ago, mamma."

"I regret not knowing earlier."

"I did not want anyone to know. Being the foolish incompetent Crown Prince of Northern Kingdom has its own merits."

Baekhyun had grown up since the day he first stepped foot in the Royal Court. Everyone present there, the ministers, his uncles—looked at him with strange, pitiful eyes. At that moment, Baekhyun understood that nothing in this world belonged to him. He did not belong to anything. So Baekhyun ran, further away from everything. He kept running and running until he could not anymore. He decided he had run enough. He won't run anymore. If the world does not belong to him, then he will force it under his feet.

After discussing everything with the Empress Dowager, Baekhyun takes his leave at almost midnight. He enters his chamber quietly and finds the Southern Prince sleeping soundly on his bed.

Baekhyun discards his outer robes and gets into bed. Chanyeol stirs in his sleep from the sudden movements around him. He extends one of his arms and mumbles sleepily, "Your Highness."

Baekhyun slides under the cover and wraps Chanyeol's extended arms around him. Chanyeol twists his body and adjusts himself against the newfound source of warmth. Baekhyun plants a little kiss on Chanyeol's forehead and drifts to sleep.

Finally, Byun Baekhyun has found the world where he belongs.

Baekhyun's wedding takes place three months after his coronation. A lot of stuff happened in the last three months. First, Baekhyun's fourth uncle was arrested on charges of colluding with enemies and conspiring against the kingdom. He has been banished from the kingdom as punishment. The Southern Crown Prince also faced the same fate. Prince Junmyeon has been crowned the new Crown Prince of the Southern Kingdom. Kyungsoo finally joined the Royal Court as a minister after Baekhyun's coronation, much to his father's delight. As for Jongin, he is still chasing the Southern boy named Oh Sehun.

The said boy is currently watching as Chanyeol's mother and Baekhyun's grandmother wash Chanyeol and Baekhyun's hands, preparing them for the wedding ceremony.

Jongin comes out of nowhere, stands behind him, and speaks into his ears, "His Highness and His Majesty look so beautiful in the blue and red dress."

Sehun sighs and nods. The couple truly look magnificent in their wedding attire. A match made in heaven.

"How do you think we would look in those?"

"Why do we need to wear those suddenly?" Sehun asks bewildered.

"Will you marry me in your armour and shield?" Jongin snorts.

"What nonsense are you sprouting? Who wants to marry a stupid boar like you?"

"I heard the 10th Prince also said the same thing about His Majesty. But look at them, happily marrying each other."

Sehun gives Jongin a nasty glare, "Propose to me like His Majesty first. What are you doing planning our wedding at someone else's ceremony?"

"If I propose to you, will you marry me then?"

Sehun looks around them. Seeing everyone is busy with the newlywed couple and nobody is paying attention to them, he quickly steals a kiss from Jongin and runs away, leaving a grinning Jongin behind.

The main couple of the event, Chanyeol and Baekhyun, are pouring each other tea as part of the wedding ritual.

"My prince," Baekhyun murmurs in a low voice, only for Chanyeol to hear, "Remember I promised you that you would never have to regret your decision regarding us?"

Chanyeol smiles upon hearing the question and nods.

"Well, do you?'" Baekhyun asks. "Do you regret your decision?"

"Never," Chanyeol replies. "Until my last breath."