Chapter Text
Now lying naked and alone in bed in a dark guest chamber of Duke Minho’s countryside manor house, Felix has managed to calm himself to some degree.
The sun is rising, casting a quickly increasing amount of light into the room through the window; but Felix remains unmoving. Memories of the previous night refuse to leave his mind. He vividly recalls Hyunjin’s despairing expression, tears upon his face glimmering in the limited moonlight that shone through the window. He remembers how Hyunjin had embraced him tightly, how Hyunjin had kissed him before lowering him through the window, and how selfless Hyunjin has always been.
Hands folded upon his stomach, still flat as ever, he absentmindedly fiddles with Hyunjin’s ring upon his finger. Before coming to bed, he had removed his own ring as usual, afraid the gems would catch upon something, but Hyunjin’s ring has no gems, and Felix could not bear to remove it; it is the only thing he has of him now. Lying in bed alone only serves to deject him further. He wishes to get out of bed, but he cannot quite find the energy to move. He would cry again if he had any more tears within him.
After some minutes, Felix manages to turn his head to look out the window. The sun has almost completely risen. He attempts to keep his mind clear, every memory is painful, but the sunset nonetheless forces him to recall the morning after their wedding. He had awakened with Hyunjin’s arms wrapped around him, as tightly as they always would be. He remembers how he had been embarrassed recalling the memories of their wedding night. That morning, Hyunjin had begged to kiss him as they bathed together for the first time. Felix had never expected that to become a part of their nightly routine. He smiles a little recalling their dalliance in the Royal Archives, how Hyunjin had asked him if he could push the cum out of his hole to quicken the process of cleaning up afterward, and how he had laughed endearingly in embarrassment upon being told that was impossible.
The deep ache in Felix’s chest decimates his smile. His face scrunches up in pain as he musters up the energy to roll over, away from the window.
Some time goes by, hours or minutes, Felix is unsure, but it is interrupted by a light knock upon his door. He recognizes the knock as Jisung’s. Felix cannot be bothered to vocalize anything at the moment, but Jisung shortly allows himself in.
“Are you awake?” Jisung asks quietly. He peers down at Felix’s face. “Oh, Lix… Did you sleep at all last night?”
It seems Felix looks as dreadful as he feels.
Jisung places something down upon the bed and forces his limp, exhausted body up into a sitting position, propped against the headboard.
“I’m so sorry this happened, Lix,” Jisung says earnestly, voice soft. “Let’s get you dressed so you can come down to eat.”
“’m not hungry,” Felix says, voice hoarse.
“You must eat something,” Jisung says. “Minho even ordered the staff to prepare chocolate for you.”
“I can’t,” Felix’s voice breaks.
Jisung’s eyes shine with tears, and Felix feels guilty for causing it. Jisung leans closer to embrace with childhood companion in a hug. Jisung’s hugs have always made Felix feel better, but somehow this one is not enough; it is not strong enough, it is not warm enough, it is not alpha enough, it is not Hyunjin enough. Jisung seems to sense Felix’s feelings because he pulls away much sooner than usual.
“His Majesty used to frequent this manor before you married,” Jisung says, picking up the thing he placed upon the foot of the bed. “These are his.”
Felix’s eyes immediately land upon what Jisung holds. Folded clothing. They appear to be a myeoni and baji.
“They will be large on you, but there is not much other clothing here, and I thought this may… comfort you. Hyunjin has a room here. If you wish, we can move you in there today.”
“Thank you,” Felix says simply.
Jisung stands. “Stay here while I draw a bath,” he says before leaving the room with the clothing. He returns after a couple of minutes with a large towel in hand.
“Here,” Jisung says, helping Felix stand. He wraps the towel around the Queen’s naked body. “Minho likes seclusion, so there are not many servants, and they are all downstairs now.”
Jisung guides Felix down the hall to the lavatory. He turns to close the door behind them. Felix is momentarily surprised by the bathtub’s size before he realizes that Hyunjin’s tub is magnificent and far from the norm.
Jisung helps Felix into the tub, water still running.
The warmth of the water does improve Felix’s mood to a degree. He forces the memories of bathing with Hyunjin away. Jisung turns off the water and, without asking, he begins to wash Felix’s body. Felix has always preferred to wash himself, but he is too fatigued to say or do anything about it. He notices his companion wearing a shirt and trousers that appear to belong to Duke Minho.
Jisung helps Felix stand and wraps a towel around the royal, similarly to how Hyunjin would. He helps Felix step out of the tub.
Felix stands there as Jisung takes the towel from him and dries his body. His stomach growls suddenly.
“You are hungry,” Jisung comments.
“I truly am not,” Felix argues, though it lacks his characteristic spirit.
Jisung drops the towel into a small, nearby basket. From the folded clothing, he produces a pair of undyed silk drawers. He holds them out for Felix to step into.
With Felix now clad in drawers, Jisung picks up the pair of black cotton baji. He looks at the material curiously, obviously unsure of how to put them on Felix.
Felix wordlessly takes the trousers from him. Despite never having worn them himself, he has removed them from Hyunjin more than enough times. He steps into the wide legs, then wraps the excess fabric at the waist tightly before tying it with the loose strings. He folds the excess material above over the tie. He picks up the long-sleeved, cotton, moss green myeoni and pulls it over his shoulders. He buttons the large, golden-colored buttons clumsily, not used to their size.
Felix glances into the mirror to check his appearance out of habit. The baji are adjustable, so they fit well enough, though a little long; however, the myeoni is clearly too large for Felix. Still, Felix feels a small sense of satisfaction at wearing Hyunjin’s clothing.
Jisung and Felix briefly return to the guest chamber Felix stayed the night in to retrieve Felix’s shoes. They are quite dirty from fleeing Korasa, though Felix cannot recall anything of it.
Jisung leads Felix down the staircase and into the dining room, where Duke Minho and Princess Yerin already sit. They both seem to have not slept well. Felix feels especially terrible for the young girl, who sits drowning in the excess fabric of the much too large shirt she wears; Felix is possibly her last living relative, and they are not even related by blood.
Felix decides to sit next to her.
“Hello, Your Majesty,” Minho says politely.
“Hello,” Felix replies. This morning is certainly not good.
“What, um,” Felix continues, “is going to happen today?”
“I will go to the palace and talk with the other courtiers,” Minho answers solemnly.
“What can I do?” Felix asks.
“You must stay here with Yerin,” Minho answers. “Duke Jeongin is undoubtedly searching for you. They will certainly go to my main house, but not many people know of this one. My servants have been instructed on what to do should someone arrive.”
“So, I am just supposed to wait around?” Felix asks as a cup of chocolate is placed before him.
“For today, certainly,” Minho answers. “Hyunjin told me to keep you safe, so I must. I will inform you of everything I know once I return.”
Felix looks down at the warm chocolate before him. His body implores him to take a sip, but he ignores the feeling.
“Do you think… What are the chances that he is…?”
Minho shakes his head hopelessly. “I do not know, but…” He glances at Yerin. “Hyunjin and Jeongin were apparently quite close as young children, so, with luck, Jeongin may be too sentimental to… do away with him for now.”
Felix worriedly rotates Hyunjin’s ring upon his finger.
“I apologize, Your Majesty, but I must leave,” Minho says, standing. “We shall discuss once I return.”
Felix nods silently. He feels pitifully angry; angry at Hyunjin for not coming with them, angry at himself for not fighting harder to stay with him, angry at Minho for obeying Hyunjin’s orders, angry at Jisung for not being depressed enough. His brows furrow and his eyes begin to water. He wishes to retire to Hyunjin’s chamber. It has been so many months since Hyunjin last visited, but he prays the room will still have his scent.
A footman places a few dishes upon the table, porridge, dried fruit, broiled haddock and only a few boiled eggs; noticeably less than what Felix is accustomed to.
“You like boiled eggs,” Jisung says softly, attempting to entice Felix.
Felix gives in to his body’s demands and takes a small sip of chocolate, which then becomes several. He glances to his left where the young princess glumly pokes a spoon at her bowl of porridge.
“Have you ever eaten boiled eggs in your porridge?” Felix asks Yerin.
She makes a face, then shakes her head a little.
“In Hanshino, people say that eating porridge with boiled eggs makes you smarter,” Felix lies.
“Really?” Yerin asks, curiosity successfully peaked.
Felix nods. “Hanshin scholars eat it every morning, and it truly is not bad-tasting. Do you wish to try?”
Yerin nods.
Using a fork, Felix crumbles two hard-boiled eggs upon his plate. He picks up the plate and quickly pushes the egg into Yerin’s porridge.
“Shall I mix it for you?” He asks, and Yerin nods.
He takes her spoon and mixes it, careful to not further break up the pieces of egg.
“All right,” Felix says, handing the spoon back to the girl. “Try.”
Yerin hesitantly takes a bite. She chews slowly.
“What do you think?” Felix asks. “Take another bite.”
She does as instructed, chewing the second bite with more sureness. She swallows before speaking.
“It’s good,” she says before taking another bite.
Felix musters up a small smile for her before taking another sip of chocolate.
“Your turn,” Jisung says, placing a large chunk of haddock upon the Queen’s plate.
Felix sighs and takes a couple of small bites. Jisung places an egg upon his plate. Felix continues to pick at his food, taking small bites occasionally until Yerin finishes her porridge.
“Eat some fruit, you need the nutrients to grow well,” Felix instructs.
“You really are Hyunjinnie’s wife,” Yerin grumbles before eating a few pieces.
The comment brings a genuine smile to Felix’s face. He finishes the last of his chocolate.
“Shall we move to a drawing room?” Felix asks both Jisung and Yerin.
“You should eat a little more,” Jisung says gently.
Felix merely shakes his head before standing.
“Jisung, could you stay with Yerin until the afternoon? I wish to rest in Hyunjin’s chamber,” Felix whispers to his companion.
Jisung nods.
“Yerin, is it all right to spend the morning with Jisung? He is very good at checkers, but you may be able to beat him today, considering your breakfast.”
“Sure,” Yerin says, nodding.
“I will be back in a moment,” Jisung tells the girl before walking away with Felix.
They ascend the stairs together, and Jisung leads him to a door. Felix finds himself holding his breath as Jisung opens it. Instead of entering, Jisung simply opens the door and steps aside for Felix to enter alone. The Queen steps in hesitantly.
Tears immediately well up in his eyes. The room smells of Hyunjin, though it is so faint that Felix has to question if he is merely imagining it. It is strange because it prompts Felix to realize that it has been weeks since he has gotten to inhale Hyunjin’s natural scent, unaffected by stress or sadness. He closes his eyes as he takes several deep breaths, wanting to pull as much of Hyunjin from the air as possible.
“These things are all Hyunjin’s?” Felix asks, now looking around the room. He opens a drawer in a dresser to discover it is full of Hyunjin’s clothing.
“I believe so,” Jisung answers. “Minho said that he enjoys staying here throughout the year.”
Felix moves to stand before the vanity. He opens the drawer and finds a set of stationery. Recalling the letter Hyunjin had left him when he arrived to Korasa, the paper looks similar in style.
“Shall I leave you?” Jisung asks.
“Yes, please,” Felix answers as he continues to walk around the room.
Jisung closes the door. Felix crosses the room and locks it before turning to inspect the bed.
It has a rather feminine, blood-red, floral-patterned bedspread. Felix’s fingertips drag across it gently before moving to stroke the left pillow, Hyunjin’s side of the bed. Felix quickly toes off his shoes and pulls the bedspread back. Still clad in Hyunjin’s clothing, he climbs in.
He pulls the blankets up to his nose. Hyunjin’s scent is a little stronger from within the sheets. Wearing Hyunjin’s wedding ring and clothing while lying between his sheets, this is the closest Felix can get to him currently. Tears threaten to spill from his eyes, but Felix refuses to allow them; he does not want his tears to ruin the fragile scent of Hyunjin that lingers behind.
Blinking away his tears first, Felix proceeds to bury his face into Hyunjin’s pillow. He wonders how Hyunjin would react if he knew what Felix was doing now. He would certainly laugh at this strange display.
What would Hyunjin do if their places were switched? Would he cry as much as Felix has? Would he have thrown a fit and made unreasonable demands as Felix had last night?
Felix knows that Hyunjin would do anything possible to help him if their positions were switched… Truthfully, there is no way their places could be switched because Hyunjin would have always done exactly what he did in this situation: sacrifice himself.
Once again, more anger than blood flows through Felix’s veins. He hates Hyunjin for his choice. He hates Hyunjin for not being here with him. He hates Hyunjin for being so loyal and protective of his loved ones. He hates Hyunjin for not being selfish enough. Hyunjin is a good man, and this is precisely what happens to good men; they suffer.
Felix removes his face from Hyunjin’s pillow to hug it instead. He closes his eyes and unsuccessfully attempts to imagine it is Hyunjin. In a burst of upset, he rolls around in Hyunjin’s bed angrily for a few seconds before curling up into a ball, fully underneath the covers.
Felix is awakened by a knock to the door.
He does not recall falling asleep, but he groggily looks around the room to find a clock. It seems there is not one, which makes sense since visits here were breaks from royal responsibilities for Hyunjin.
“Felix? Are you awake?” Jisung says from the other side of the locked door.
Felix sits up and makes his way to the door. He opens it.
“It is time for luncheon,” Jisung explains without prompt.
“No, thank you,” Felix declines.
“It was not a question, Lixie,” Jisung says. His words are friendly, but his tone is rather severe.
“I am Queen,” Felix argues.
“And yet, you have been effectively dethroned,” Jisung retorts.
Felix’s jaw drops at Jisung’s insensitive words.
“Come,” Jisung says, grabbing Felix by the arm.
“I have no shoes.”
Jisung sighs and releases him. Felix hurries back to the left side of the bed and quickly pulls on his dirtied shoes.
“Come,” Jisung orders again as Felix walks back toward the door.
“I am,” Felix grumbles.
Jisung leads the blond to a drawing room upon the first floor. It resembles one of Korasa, though decorated a little less extravagantly. Yerin sits upon a Prussian blue sofa alone. Jisung directs Felix to sit beside her before stepping out of the room.
“Were you sleeping?” Yerin asks as Felix sits.
“Yes. I was unable to sleep last night.”
Yerin hums a little, which is rather strange; that is usually a habit of Felix’s. “You look it.”
Felix lets out an incredulous laugh. “I look it?”
The girl nods, not yet mature enough to realize how her direct words will be received. “You look tired, and like you just woke.”
Felix blinks at the young Princess. He has grown somewhat used to her blunt words, but damn.
Jisung enters the room with a couple of footmen, who carry dishes of food. They place them before the three palace occupants, potted ham already spread across a few pieces of thick-cut bread alongside candied pears and tea.
“I apologize, Your Majesty, Your Highness, Miss,” one footman says with a bow. “His Grace does not usually eat luncheon, and your visit was unexpected. Dinner shall be much more suitable.”
“I understand, thank you,” Felix says, bowing his head to the men.
The men bow to him and Yerin several times before quickly fleeing the room.
Mouth dry from sleep, Felix sips at his tea as Jisung and Yerin begin eating.
After a couple of minutes, Jisung speaks. “Eat.” He looks sharply at Felix.
Felix is far from hungry, but he wishes to avoid directing Yerin’s attention to his upset, so he takes a few bites of the bread. The young girl is more down than usual, but she seems to be handling the situation much better than Felix.
He eats half of the piece of bread and places it back upon the plate. As he takes another sip of tea, he makes eye contact with Jisung, but fortunately, he says nothing to Felix.
Following luncheon, Felix apologetically excuses himself back to Hyunjin’s chamber. He feels guilty for not spending time with Yerin, knowing she is also having a hard time, but he simply does not have the energy to do much. He wishes to sleep more, but he forces himself to write a letter to his parents so that it can be sent for delivery in the morning.
He sits at Hyunjin’s desk, black fountain pen in hand, staring down at his husband’s white paper before him. He is unsure of how to begin, though he supposes there is no good way to deliver such news.
“Papa, Mama, I pray this letter finds you soon.
I am sorry to come to you with such dire news, but Korasa Palace has fallen victim to a palace coup. As you are aware, Hyunjin was crowned King in light of his father’s sudden death. What I omitted to inform you then is that he has long been unpopular among the courtiers; one such courtier, Duke Jeongin of Taeje, Hyunjin’s first cousin, succeeded in taking the throne with the help of his allies last night.
Hyunjin and I have been separated. Hyunjin had secretly arranged for Princess Yerin, Jisung, and I to be sent safely to the countryside manor of his royal favorite and childhood companion, Duke Minho of Manreun. As I write this in the early afternoon following the event, I know naught of Hyunjin’s status. As we escaped the palace with Duke Minho, Hyunjin willfully sacrificed himself, so that we would not be followed.”
Felix pauses to take a deep breath. He places the pen down and leans back in the chair. He looks down at Hyunjin’s ring upon his finger; his own is still in the room he stayed in last night. He decides to retrieve it now lest he forget later.
Felix exits the room. He passes two doors before reaching the correct one. He enters and quickly plucks his ring off of the vanity. He pushes it onto his finger as he walks to return to Hyunjin’s chamber.
Sitting once again, Felix sighs before picking up the fountain pen.
“Duke Minho has gone to the palace for the day, so I shall likely be informed upon his return. If Hyunjin is alive, for which I wish more than anything, he must be returned to power as soon as possible. If Hyunjin is no more, I am set to rule as Regent until Princess Yerin comes of age. He had instructed me to invite you to unify Korasae if both he and Her Highness were to perish, so I hope you can understand his loyalty and dedication to Korasae above all else.
Being that Hyunjin is either falsely imprisoned or dead, I ask you to assist me in reclaiming Korasa. I am aware that the Yeolsan military is much stronger than the Hanshin military, but I truly believe the Hanshins can be successful if we act quickly. The palace is surely in upheaval due to division among courtiers; despite Hyunjin’s lack of popularity prior to being crowned, he has made steady progress in gaining approval. Furthermore, the public adores us and is likely to view this movement favorably. As such, I predict that Duke Jeongin will have difficulty conjuring even a small-sized military.
I am disconsolate. To be separated from my love on such uncertain terms is beyond agonizing and nothing short of debilitating. It is all I can do to write this letter and eat a few bites at each meal. As Hyunjin assisted me in escaping the palace, I begged him to allow me to stay with him. He had refused, and truthfully, I despise him for it. Hyunjin was attempting to protect me, yet to be imprisoned or dead alongside him is a much greater joy than to be living free without him. I fear I may go mad if he is no longer in this world. If he is alive, he is not likely to be so for long, therefore he must be freed as soon as possible. Papa, Mama, I beg you to assist my efforts! Please respond urgently.
Your son, Felix”
Feeling tears begin to wet his face, he pushes the paper, complete with still-wet ink, aside to keep it safe. He leans back in the chair and allows himself to sob fully. With his head in his hands, he cries in frustrated, helpless anguish. His heart physically hurts; it almost feels as if a part of it is now missing. He feels so incomplete.
Why is Duke Minho taking so long to return? At this moment, Felix could not care less about being Queen of Yeolsa, or of anything. He finds himself envying the nobility; they are fortunate to be wealthy without being tied to much responsibility. They are not forced to place politics before themselves, nor must they die because someone wishes to take their place. They are privileged to live safely and happily.
Having reached his limit for lamentation, Felix stands. He wipes his tears away before settling back in Hyunjin’s bed. Again lying in Hyunjin’s place, he holds his pillow tightly to his chest.
Felix lies there for some time, perhaps an hour or two, before falling asleep again.
“Lixie,” Jisung says, shaking Felix gently.
“Hm?” Felix gets out.
“It is dinnertime.”
Felix shoots up in bed. “Has Duke Minho returned?”
“He returned a few hours ago.”
Felix hastily climbs out of bed and pulls on his shoes before running downstairs to the dining room. Not used to such activity, Felix is a little out of breath by the time he arrives.
Duke Minho is sitting at the head of the table. He looks somewhat startled by Felix’s sudden, frantic appearance. Before Felix can ask, Minho answers.
“He is alive and unharmed.”
Felix falls to his knees, such great relief taking all strength from his body. Duke Minho rises and kneels at his side upon the floor as Jisung does. A chorus of questions reaches Felix’s ears but does not quite make it to his brain. He feels tears upon his face once more, though he is happy, possibly happier than ever before. Jisung embraces him, and he cries fully.
After a couple of minutes, Felix speaks through his tears. “That is wonderful!”
Duke Minho lets out a sigh of relief and stands, stepping away to give Felix space. “You frightened me… but yes, it is wonderful. I was also able to speak with him for a few minutes.”
“What did he say?” Felix asks, pulling partially away from Jisung’s embrace to look up at the standing man.
“I told him that you were both here unharmed, and he thanked me profusely. I told him you were not handling the situation well, but he wished that I tell you to…” Minho glances around awkwardly. “He wants you to ‘rest and eat well,’ and ‘only think about good things’ rather than worrying about him. He wished me to tell you that regardless of what the future brings, he will ‘never regret’ his actions to remove you from the situation. He said he loves you.”
“Thank you so much, Your Grace,” Felix says bowing his head with a large smile upon his face.
Felix could not possibly be more relieved. He wishes he could tell Hyunjin that he loves him too, but that must wait until he is freed, which Felix is determined to accomplish soon.
“Please, Your Majesty,” Minho says, grabbing Felix’s hands to help him stand. “There is no need to thank me. I heard enough from Hyunjin.”
Felix laughs a little at his jest. He looks around the dining room. “Where is Yerin?”
“Truthfully, we ate dinner some time ago, so she has already retired to bed,” Jisung answers. “I did not wish to wake you since you did not sleep last night, but come sit.” He ushers the royal to a chair. “I will bring food.”
“I am not—” Felix stops suddenly. He remembers Hyunjin’s message. “All right.”
Jisung smiles at him before exiting the room. Duke Minho sits in the chair across from him.
“After you finish eating, we can discuss our strategy to reclaim power. Because my conversation with Hyunjin was monitored, I could not ask him, so all choices are left to you, Your Majesty.”
“May we discuss while I eat?” Felix asks.
“Of course.”
Jisung comes back with a couple of footmen carrying dishes of carrot soup, baked beef and vegetables with mashed potatoes, cheese and crackers, and orange salad.
Once Jisung sits beside him and the footmen leave, Felix speaks bluntly.
“Why was Hyunjin not executed?”
“From speaking with other courtiers, I gathered it is primarily due to your relation to Hanshino,” Minho answers. “Keeping Hyunjin alive serves as a tool to keep you from attempting anything drastic. The court is also very divided now, so Jeongin must be careful not to upset the loyalists further.”
“What does ‘drastic’ refer to? Calling upon my parents for assistance? What does he reasonably expect me to do? Allow my husband to be falsely imprisoned forever?” Felix scoffs before beginning to eat some of the soup.
“I do not know,” Minho answers. “I believe his plans were rushed and not planned out thoroughly.”
“I have already drafted the letter to my parents,” Felix informs. “I think it wise to act quickly, assuming my parents agree to assist.”
“Why would they not?” Minho asks curiously.
“Hanshino is a very peaceful, diplomatic nation. We avoid wars and conflicts at all costs. As such, our military is rather lacking, especially when compared to Yeolsa’s Grand Military. I believe our only hope would be for the Hanshins to attack before the Yeolsans can properly reorganize themselves.”
“It is risky,” Minho says, tilting his head in uncertainty.
“Yes, but it is all I can do. Will you continue to go to the palace each day?”
Minho nods.
“Given my parents must first receive my letter and organize the attack, it will take several days for it to occur. If I say you should covertly spread rumors that Hanshino will attack any day in the meantime, what say you?”
“Politely, I say you are mad, Your Majesty. What use is warning of the attack?”
“Starting from the bottom, with servants, and moving upwards to low-level courtiers should gradually weaken loyalties to Jeongin. Why would one choose to support a ruler who is soon going to be executed for treason once Hanshino’s military arrives? Hanshino’s military may be weak, but it is much stronger than Yeolsa’s current military, assuming Jeongin can produce one in this state. The rumor will continue to move upwards on its own, soon reaching high-level courtiers.”
“If it reaches Jeongin, he will have Hyunjin killed,” Minho counters.
“The military will arrive by then,” Felix says confidently. “Hanshino’s military is swift if nothing else. As I said, most of the downtime will be waiting for my parents to receive the letter and plan.”
“I am uncertain, Your Majesty,” Duke Minho says. “I know that you love Hyunjin, are you truly this confident in Hanshino? Are you not blinded by patriotism?”
“Patriotism? I know that Yeolsans tend to not think very highly of Hanshino, but the nation is much more competent than you assume,” Felix defends.
“I just worry for Hyunjin, Your Majesty. Your decision is a very difficult one, but as you said, it must be made quickly. I will respect whatever you choose.”
“Jisung? Do you have any thoughts?” Felix asks, turning to his longtime companion.
“Me?” Jisung asks in surprise, pointing a finger at himself.
Felix nods.
“You know that I do not know much of politics,” Jisung says.
“It is all right. I wish to hear your thoughts on my idea.”
“I think…” Jisung begins. “The Hanshin military is very swift in travel, and if the Yeolsan military truly is in as much disarray as you expect, I feel the Hanshins could defeat them. As for spreading the rumor, I am unsure. Surely if Duke Jeongin hears, he will tighten security on the palace. He may even threaten His Majesty’s life in an attempt to have the attack called off.”
“If not spreading the rumor, we must decide on something else to help weaken loyalties to Jeongin,” Felix says, looking between Jisung and Minho. “If we do not, he will likely gain support over time, which will hurt both our current cause and return to power.”
The three adults think for a couple of minutes as Felix finishes half of the carrot soup before moving on to the main course of beef and vegetables.
“Shall we spread a rumor defaming Duke Jeongin’s character?” Jisung suggests.
“Does attempting a palace coup not do that?” Felix asks. “It shows that he is not loyal to authority… Perhaps, we use that to show he is untrustworthy in general?”
“How?” Minho asks. “Jeongin truthfully does not have many positive traits, and most of the court is aware of this. The hatred for Hyunjin is simply stronger than the dislike for Jeongin.”
Felix sighs in frustration. “We must settle on something tonight.”
The two non-royals fall into an uncomfortable silence.
Felix speaks again. “Hyunjin told me that Jeongin wishes to skip Hyunjin’s line and rule as Regent until Yerin comes of age. Is that not clearly a lie? Yerin was technically chased out of the palace, so you can use that fact to spread the idea that he is lying about his intentions… Jeongin’s desire to take the throne for himself is a disrespect to King Jungho’s line.”
“That could be effective,” Minho affirms. “King Jungho was mostly looked upon favorably, so many courtiers will likely change their minds if presented with that logic.”
“So, it is agreed upon?” Felix asks, looking at Jisung.
Jisung nods.
Felix turns back to Minho, who nods as well.
Felix looks down at his plate. He sets the half-eaten meal aside in favor of the orange salad, skipping over the cheese course.
“At least you do not have to drink that awful tea each night,” Jisung offers.
“Awful tea?” Minho asks.
Felix nods. “Since shortly after we wed, I have been drinking this very bitter tea nightly; it is supposed to help increase fertility.”
Minho raises a brow. “I have not heard of such a thing. Who suggested you drink it?”
“One of the higher maids, I believe,” Felix answers. “She said it helped her sister conceive. I assumed it was well-known in Yeolsa. I cannot recall the name.”
“Does it resemble white tea?” Minho asks. “Very light brown, almost clear?”
Felix tilts his head. “Yes? Why?”
Minho’s eyes widen. “That is sutanri tea. It is used to prevent pregnancy.”
Felix’s jaw drops.
“You drank it each night?” Minho asks. “Even a harlot would likely only drink it once or twice a week… It would be impossible for you to fall pregnant drinking it every night.”
Jisung speaks Felix’s thoughts. “Is it dangerous to drink too much? Will he still be able to conceive?”
“I do not know, but I have never heard of it making one barren.”
Felix feels his eyes water in anger. All these months of worry and frustration were preventable. Had he never begun drinking the tea, he would likely be just a couple of months from birth now. Why would a lowly maid care to prevent his pregnancy? How many other people were aware of what was occurring?
Felix feels Jisung’s hand come to rest upon his upper back.
“I am sure you will fall pregnant shortly after Hyunjin is released,” Jisung whispers to Felix in an attempt to comfort.
Come to think about it, Felix’s heat is rather overdue.
Felix’s head shoots up to look at Duke Minho “Does the tea prevent heats?”
Minho nods before realization hits.
Though Felix is royalty, an omega in heat is still an omega in heat. As such, it is in his best interest to stay away from alphas. Unfortunately, he is currently staying in an unmated alpha’s house with possibly more unmated alpha servants. Furthermore, an alpha’s sense of smell is keener than an omega’s, meaning that a nearby alpha could detect Felix’s heat in the very earliest stage before he or Jisung can sense it.
“Will—” Minho starts, “I sincerely apologize for asking, Your Majesty, but… uh, have, when… was your last…?”
“Before I left Hanshino,” Felix answers with a grimace. Omegas tend to experience heats every six months, but Felix has been in Yeolsa for over seven, meaning his heat could begin any day now.
Minho and Jisung stare at each other from across the table. Minho rubs his temples.
Once Felix’s heat hits, he will be unable to do anything for at least a week, so the pressure to free Hyunjin as soon as possible is now only magnified.
“From my understanding of sutanri usage, it may come on rather suddenly without the usual pre-heat symptoms,” Minho explains before sighing. “Two of my footmen are alphas. I will alert you as soon as I notice, but in case I am away when it begins, I ask that Jisung stay with you at all times.”
The omegas nod simultaneously.
“I think I will retire to Hyunjin’s chamber now,” Felix says, placing his fork down. “I must finish the letter to my parents.”
Minho nods. “I will see that it begins its journey tomorrow morning.”
Felix nods in acknowledgment. “Thank you so much, Your Grace, for everything.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Minho smiles as he bows his head politely.
Felix stands and Jisung quickly follows suit to escort him to his chamber.
Once again sitting at Hyunjin’s desk with a fountain pen in hand, Felix lays out another piece of paper to write the postscript.
“It is now nighttime. I am more than delighted to inform you that Hyunjin is currently alive and unharmed. With Duke Minho, I discussed my plan for the Hanshin military to attack. We are in agreement. We also agreed for His Grace to covertly spread negative talk of Duke Jeongin through the palace, which will cause his support doubt. I believe this will enable the Yeolsan military and government to remain weak, allowing an easy defeat. Please consider my plan, thank you.”
Felix does not address his rapidly approaching heat, instead choosing to have faith in his parents.
A few days pass uneventfully. Each evening, Duke Minho delivers a short, verbal message from Hyunjin, which powers Felix to make it through the next day. Expectedly, Hyunjin was outraged to learn of the sutanri tea conspiracy, and very concerned for Felix’s approaching heat. Though Minho’s repeat of Hyunjin’s words does not elicit the same feeling as talking to him directly, it does serve to allow Felix to feel some connection to his husband.
When Minho returns, he hands an unopened envelope to Felix. The Queen hurries to open it.
“Our dear son, Felix, our hearts ache for you.
As you read this letter, plans are being finalized to take back Korasa on behalf of the kingdom of Yeolsa. We trust your decision-making ability, and so we have agreed to follow your plan. In your maturity and knowledge, you have grown much since leaving Hanshino, and we are very proud indeed.
We are so touched by King Hyunjin’s indisputable love for you. When you are reunited, please pass our gratitude along to him. We are thankful that our beloved son has such a considerate, caring mate. We also appreciate and admire his loyalty to Korasae, a trait which is quickly becoming rare in this age.
We estimate the military to arrive within three days, so please be prepared to take your power back.
With love, Papa & Mama”
Felix immediately delivers the joyous news to Duke Minho, and it is quickly decided that tomorrow the royals will be moved to Minho’s main house in Chowon to be closer to the palace. The duke decides to leave Korasa earlier in the day to assist.
Though Felix is excited for Hyunjin’s possible release, he fears Hyunjin’s execution should the Hanshin military fail in their command. He finds himself feeling reluctant to leave the countryside manor, or more specifically Hyunjin’s chamber, despite his scent having been replaced with Felix’s own. He smiles a little imagining Hyunjin coming to visit again only to discover the chamber smells of his wife.
The following morning, Felix packs a few sets of Hyunjin’s clothing to take to Minho’s main house for him and Yerin to wear as they await their return to the palace. Though Jisung is supposed to stay with him at all times, Felix forces him to wait outside the door. Possibly because of his quickly approaching heat, he feels strangely protective of Hyunjin’s space and items. He assumes it is brought about by being without his mate; he hopes to not experience it again.
Quickly finishing, he opens the door to exit, with a large, borrowed bag in hand. He closes the door behind him, and Jisung helps him carry the bag downstairs. The omegas sit in the drawing room with Yerin as they all eagerly await Minho’s return.
The alpha arrives shortly after luncheon, and the four then board the carriage.
It takes approximately two hours to arrive, much to Felix’s surprise. He did not expect to be so far from the city, though he does not remember the carriage ride to the manor very well in his upset so it is reasonable. As Minho and Jisung flirt quietly, Felix keeps Yerin entertained by planning out the meal they will have to celebrate reclaiming their power and freeing their Hyunjin.
Eventually, all conversation trails off, and the four wait impatiently to arrive.
Footmen help Felix, Yerin and Jisung out of the carriage before bowing profusely at the two royals. It is nearly dinner, so Felix and Jisung part from the group to freshen up. It had already been agreed upon that Felix and Jisung would share a room due to Felix’s hormonal state. Felix places some of the folded clothing into a drawer. He will deliver the rest to Yerin’s chamber after dinner.
Dinner in Minho’s main house is much like that of his manor in the countryside. Felix is grateful, of course, but it is strange to eat so simply. The dishes themselves are not bad, but there are fewer courses, and the food is not presented as extravagantly as Felix has always taken for granted. Regardless of the details, Felix attempts to eat well as Hyunjin instructed through Minho, though his appetite is still not what it was before the coup. There is not much conversation flowing, but Felix does not attempt to remedy it as he usually would.
Following dinner, Jisung accompanies Felix in delivering the remaining clothing to Yerin’s chamber before returning to their shared chamber.
With both omegas tired from their travel, Felix quickly bathes, and then Jisung does the same.
Felix is already in bed by the time Jisung crawls in. Despite Felix’s assumption that it would be awkward to share a bed for the first time in so many years, it is surprisingly comfortable. It reminds Felix of his childhood, and if he closes his eyes, he almost feels like his younger self, back in Hanshino, sharing a bed with his friend, Jisungie. The presence of another body does make Felix long for his husband, but he is thankful for Jisung’s presence. He considers the fact that Jisung could have gotten caught up in the coup; Felix is unsure if any deaths occurred, but the likelihood is high.
Felix rolls over to face Jisung, who is already facing him.
“Hi,” Felix whispers in the dark.
“Hi,” Jisung replies, matching his tone and volume.
“I appreciate you, Jisung. You are my best, closest friend. I am thankful to have always had you by my side.”
Jisung laughs a little. “That is not necessary.”
“I know,” Felix says. “I just love you, and I want you to know it.”
“I love you too, Lix.”
“I know you are not yet married, but once I am Queen again, you will officially become my lady-in-waiting.”
“You are Queen, Felix,” Jisung says. “You will always be Queen to me.”
A smile forms upon Felix’s face. “Thank you, Lady Jisung.”
Jisung shimmies forward to embrace Felix. In turn, Felix wraps his arms around Jisung as well. Somehow, neither omega makes a move to release the other, and soon, Felix lets himself drift off to sleep.
Felix waits nervously all day, continuously pacing, wringing his hands, and twisting both wedding rings on his fingers. He will not be aware of the Hanshin military’s attack until it is finished, so he spends the day a nervous wreck, constantly fearing something calamitous is in the process of occurring. When he hears the front door open shortly before dinner, signaling Minho’s arrival, he runs to the door with Jisung trailing behind.
“They have not yet arrived,” Minho says, able to sense Felix’s worry.
“What if they arrive in the night?” Felix asks.
“Then… they will fight in the dark, I do not know,” Minho jests uncomfortably.
Felix dry swallows. “If it happens tonight, how will we know?”
“I told Hyunjin that we have returned to Chowon, if he is freed, he will likely come here to reclaim you.”
Felix laughs a little. “Reclaim me?”
Minho shrugs with a laugh. “He has become rather territorial since mating.”
“Perhaps, you will experience such joy soon,” Felix says casually, ignoring the feeling of Jisung’s eyes boring into the back of his skull.
Minho’s eyes momentarily shift a little toward Jisung’s direction. “Perhaps.”
Anxiety immediately sets in again for Felix.
“What if it happens tonight, and it… does not…?” Felix wrings his hands again.
“Your Majesty…” Minho sighs. “I really, just…”
“No, I understand, Your Grace,” Felix replies. “I am just worried.”
“That is understandable. We are all worried.”
Felix looks down to avoid glaring. He knows Minho is worried for his companion, just as he would worry for Jisung, but it is simply not the same; worrying for a companion is miles away from worrying for your mate, your other half.
“I know that this is harder for you,” Minho says suddenly, tone soft. “Though I am unmated, I understand that the bond between mates is much stronger than all others. I do not blame or harbor any resentment for your questions and concerns, and I do not wish to minimize your pain in any way, Your Majesty.”
“I know,” Felix says, and it is true.
The process repeats the next day. Felix paces and fidgets with his hands. He attempts to eat at breakfast and luncheon, but his stomach is too uneasy to manage more than a few bites. He has the aching feeling that the attack will occur today; and no matter how hard he tries, he cannot rid himself of it.
An hour after luncheon, Minho’s carriage arrives. Felix, who happened to be standing by the window, watches as it nears. A footman comes to ask them to board. Felix already knows what this means.
Felix, Jisung and Yerin, all dressed in ill-fitting clothes belonging to alphas, wait impatiently for the carriage to arrive at Korasa. They do not speak; there is no reason to. Even Yerin, at her young age, understands without explanation. Though it should be a joyous moment, tension fills the carriage, as if everyone is afraid to misunderstand and get their hopes up, just for them to be crushed. The ride is less than fifteen minutes, but it manages to feel both longer and shorter. Felix’s heart feels as if it may give out at any moment. His body shakes in excitement, nerves, or fear, Felix is unsure. Seeing the palace through the window, he prays the overwhelming anticipation will lessen. He refuses to allow himself to mentally picture what he is about to experience.
The carriage stops before the palace, and a familiar footman opens the door.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, Miss, welcome home.” He smiles before helping them exit the carriage one by one.
Felix takes a deep breath, and he feels a small, shaky hand nudge into his. He accepts the Princess’s hand. It is comforting to know that he is not the only one who feels this way.
The footman leads the three into Korasa Palace.
At once, Felix notices the emptiness of the palace. There are no staff immediately visible, and beyond that, the palace is eerily silent. Several objects lay upon the floor, having been knocked over and broken. The footman leads them further into the palace.
He stops before the door of the ballroom, which causes Felix to quirk a brow. The footman says nothing, merely motioning for Felix to open the large, white double doors.
Felix blinks at them a couple of times before releasing Yerin’s hand to step forward. He places a hand upon each door handle and takes a deep breath before pushing them open.
Two familiar alphas stand alone in the large, pristine ballroom.
Felix’s legs move before his brain comprehends anything. Running as fast as he can manage, his body crashes into Hyunjin’s, almost knocking the larger man down.
“Felix!” Hyunjin exclaims with a laugh, surprised by the blond’s action. His strong arms come to wrap around Felix, holding him tightly.
Felix says nothing, instead choosing to bury his face in the crook of Hyunjin's neck, nose pressing against the scent gland. He inhales deeply, desperate for his senses to be filled with his lover. The musky citrus scent is so strong that he can practically taste it. The hint of rose is so pronounced that Felix knows Hyunjin must be producing excess pheromones now, just like the evening they met.
Blinded by joy and love, Felix continues to inhale, not noticing his own scent beginning to fill the space more as well. His body feels a little hot, but he dismisses it for excitement.
“I love you,” Felix says into Hyunjin’s neck.
“I love you,” Hyunjin answers, voice breaking.
Felix reluctantly pulls away to see the taller man’s face. Tears cover his handsome face.
“Hyunjin,” Felix says softly, a hand coming up to wipe Hyunjin’s tears away. “I love you, why are you crying, dove?”
Hyunjin shakes his head. “I just love you so much. I’m so relieved. I’ve never been happier.”
Felix pulls Hyunjin’s head down for their lips to meet, spectators of Minho, Jisung and Yerin long forgotten. The kiss is so longed for, it is almost painful. Felix feels himself grow hotter, almost to the point of fever.
“I am sorry,” Minho speaks up, “but, Felix, your current state—” He steps forward and reaches a hand out to divide them, but Hyunjin breaks the kiss and instinctually steps toward him as if to start a physical fight.
Minho immediately steps back, both hands up in the air in surrender.
“I’m sorry,” Hyunjin quickly apologizes before anyone else can say anything. “I… You can’t do that.” His hands protectively come back to Felix, resting upon his hips.
“I did not think before I acted,” Minho explains. “I wished to remind you both of Felix’s state. If you are not careful, he will likely go into…” He glances at Yerin, who stands awkwardly beside Jisung a few feet away.
Now reminded of Yerin, Hyunjin’s hands leave Felix to rush to hug his child sister. Holding her in an embrace, he twirls her around before gently placing her feet back upon the ballroom floor.
“Why the ballroom?” Jisung asks Minho as Hyunjin greets his sister.
“It is the neatest room upon the first floor,” Minho answers. “Hyunjin wanted the reunion to be nice.”
Jisung, Felix and Yerin all laugh.
Having greeted Yerin, Hyunjin returns to embrace his mate once more.
“Your Majesty, you look a little… feverish,” Minho says after a few seconds to Felix, though keeping his distance from the couple.
Hyunjin pulls away to look at Felix’s face properly, and Felix notices his own body producing an excess of sweat.
“I think…” Hyunjin turns to Minho. “Can you…?” He glances towards Jisung and Yerin.
“Of course,” Minho answers. “Yerin, did you miss the garden?”
Yerin excitedly chatters about her favorite plants in the garden as Minho leads her and Jisung outside.
Hyunjin takes Felix’s hand and leads him up to the third floor.
“Your first mated heat,” Hyunjin says once they are upon it.
“It should’ve happened some time ago, but the tea prevented it,” Felix explains.
Hyunjin nods. “Minho just explained it.”
“Are you truly all right?” Felix asks, looking up at him. “You were imprisoned.”
Hyunjin smiles a little. “I promise everything is fine, Felix. It was not so bad, I ate more than I did before the coup. I was dirty, but I had time to bathe while waiting for your arrival… Should I have greeted you wearing one of your hanshisams?” He looks down at his clothing on Felix before opening the bedchamber door for them to enter.
“I missed you, Hyunjin,” Felix says, entering the room first and immediately toeing off his dirtied shoes. “Your chamber in the countryside manor still had your scent, so I stayed in there and cried all day in your bed.”
Hyunjin laughs. “Felix… My poor wife.” He pulls Felix into another tight embrace.
“I love you,” Felix says again. “I truly cannot live without you, Jin.”
Hyunjin pulls away and places a kiss on Felix’s temple before pressing his nose to Felix’s neck.
“You smell so good, dove,” Hyunjin mumbles into his skin.
Impatiently, Felix pushes Hyunjin’s suit jacket off of his shoulders. “Take it off.”
Hyunjin plants kisses along Felix’s jaw as he hastily removes his jacket and waistcoat. Felix’s hands come up to remove his tie, and Hyunjin's lips meet his. Despite Felix entering his heat, Hyunjin seems even more desperate than him. The alpha quickly introduces tongue into the kiss, and Felix lets out a small, satisfied noise.
Without breaking the kiss, Hyunjin unbuttons and removes Felix’s shirt before doing the same to his own. His fingers rub Felix’s nipples, extra sensitive since they have been untouched for so long. Hyunjin removes his belt, dropping it to the floor along with their other clothing. His long fingers expertly untie the baji Felix wears, and they quickly drop to the floor.
Felix breaks the kiss to step out of them and sit upon the bed.
“My drawers?” Hyunjin asks, toying with the undyed silk between his thumb and index finger with a smirk upon his face.
“I had nothing else,” Felix argues. “Was I supposed to be bare?”
“No,” Hyunjin answers, quickly removing his trousers and shoes. “Can’t have my omega improperly dressed around others.”
“I need you, Alpha,” Felix whines. His aching cock, already fully erect, twitches from under the drawers. He steals a hand down to palm it in an attempt to ease some of the pressure.
Hyunjin, now bare, looks up and notices. He pulls Felix’s hand away and roughly yanks the drawers off of Felix’s body. Before Felix can speak, Hyunjin drops to his knees.
The alpha suddenly guides Felix’s cock into his mouth and begins sucking as he bobs his head up and down.
“Ah, Jin,” Felix’s hands fly to grip Hyunjin’s hair in sensitivity. “‘s too much.”
Hyunjin keeps sucking. His hands are placed upon Felix’s thigh, not allowing them to shake too much. His sharp, strong eyes look up into Felix’s. His tongue massages the underside of Felix’s cock, causing Felix's head to roll back in pleasure.
“Alpha… already so close,” Felix gets out in a combination of moans and pants. Felix has always been quick to orgasm, but this is just humiliating.
Hyunjin bobs his head rapidly as his eyes stay on Felix’s.
In mere seconds, Felix’s face is scrunching up in ecstasy, and his grip on Hyunjin’s deep brown hair tightens. His hips threatened to buck forward, but Hyunjin holds them in place.
“Hyunjin!” Felix says in a long whine as he cums.
Hyunjin continues to suck, swallowing down every drop before pulling off with an audible pop.
Felix lays back upon the bed, panting. Unlike usual, he does not feel tired in the slightest, and instead, his cock begins to ache for more. As typical of heats, Felix’s slick covers his thighs, drenching the covers of the bed. It is surprising that Hyunjin was able to hold off long enough to do that before fucking Felix.
“Jin, please,” Felix begs, and Hyunjin quickly comes to cover his body with his own.
“Does it hurt?” Hyunjin asks, referring to the pain omegas in heat often experience without some sexual satisfaction.
Felix shakes his head. “I just want you, love.”
Hyunjin kisses Felix’s neck a few times before unexpectedly lightly biting over the scar of Felix’s mating bite.
Felix moans, arms holding Hyunjin close. The alpha begins to rut his hips against Felix’s thigh. Feeling Hyunjin’s erection makes Felix’s body warm further.
“Please fuck me,” Felix begs. “Need it.”
Hyunjin pulls away to reposition Felix’s legs, bending them and pressing them close to his body. He waits for Felix to hold them for him as he usually would, but Felix shakes his head.
“I don’t need your fingers. Just put it in.”
“What do you have against my fingers?” Hyunjin laughs a little. “You always wish to skip ahead to my cock.”
“I like your fingers, but your cock is so much better,” Felix explains. “Please? Just this once skip the fingers?”
“It’ll hurt you,” Hyunjin says.
“It won’t. Please, Alpha. I’m so wet, I know you can smell it.”
Felix watches as Hyunjin’s eyes flick down at his hole. The alpha rubs over it with a finger, seeming to consider Felix’s plea.
“I need you, Alpha, I need your cock,” Felix whines.
Hyunjin relents and pulls his finger away from Felix’s hole. Still holding Felix’s folded legs, he positions himself at his hole. He uses a hand to guide the tip in easily before returning it to Felix’s leg. Hyunjin slowly pushes the rest of his cock in. He lets out a low moan at bottoming out.
“You can move,” Felix says.
Hyunjin begins by rocking his hips as he usually does, but it quickly develops into thrusting.
“Ah, fuck, forgot how good you feel,” Hyunjin moans quietly. “So tight, so wet, all for me.”
“All yours, Alpha,” Felix echoes in a moan. “‘m all yours.”
Hyunjin’s strokes are long and consistent as always. Knowing how quickly Felix can orgasm, he usually waits a while before angling to hit his special spot, but today he begins to hit it almost immediately.
“Hyunjin! Oh, I… You… So much,” Even Felix himself does not know what he is trying to say, but it does not matter.
Hyunjin continues to hit Felix’s spot with each deep thrust, and Felix feels overwhelmingly good. He squirms underneath the weight of his legs and Hyunjin’s pressure upon them.
“You’re so good,” Hyunjin pants out. “My good omega, taking my cock so well. You love being fucked, don’t you?”
Felix nods frantically. “Yes, yes, I love being fucked! Want you inside me forever!”
Hyunjin laughs a little at Felix’s words. He quickens his pace.
With the abuse of his spot becoming more frequent, Felix begins to clench down on Hyunjin’s cock as he tumbles closer to orgasm.
“‘m close!” Felix moans out.
Keeping his pace the same, Hyunjin grunts. “Yeah? Cum on Alpha’s cock.”
His words are the final straw, and Felix’s hole clenches down on Hyunjin as his cock spurts cum onto his pale stomach. Hyunjin’s thrusts do not relent, cock steadily continuing to bully Felix’s spot as he comes down from his orgasm.
“Ah, Hyunjin, want your knot…” Felix pants out.
The alpha begins to fuck into Felix harder and faster, chasing his own release.
“Alpha, so good,” Felix praises. “Fuck me so well. Please breed me, Alpha.”
At his final words, Hyunjin’s hips still, cock buried to the hilt as he cums inside Felix’s hole, knot quickly forming.
Felix looks up at Hyunjin towering over him, sweat upon his brow and working to catch his breath.
“Hyunjin,” Felix says simply.
His alpha knows what he wants, what he always wants in this situation.
Hyunjin leans down to kiss Felix. The omega can taste his earlier release on Hyunjin’s tongue, but he does not care. Hyunjin kisses Felix passionately just as he loves, and Felix wraps his arms around Hyunjin’s neck, holding him close. They continue to kiss, lips moving slowly against one another’s, for several minutes as they wait for Hyunjin’s knot to go down.
“I want more,” Felix whispers against Hyunjin’s lips.
Hyunjin smiles. “Of course you do.”
Felix giggles before wiggling his hips a little. “Can you?”
“I always manage when you ask, do I not?” Hyunjin asks, beginning to thrust into Felix again.
Felix lets out a small moan, but Hyunjin pulls out. Before the omega can question him, Hyunjin lies down on his back. He pulls Felix to lie on top of him.
“What are you doing?”
Hyunjin does not answer. He spreads Felix’s legs and guides his cock back into Felix’s hole.
Felix is unsure of what to make of this position, but his hole is filled once again, so he chooses not to complain.
Hyunjin’s hips move to thrust up into Felix roughly as one of his hands strokes Felix’s cock and the other rubs one of Felix’s nipples.
Felix begins to moan again as Hyunjin shifts his hips a little, trying to find Felix’s spot again in this new position. Once Hyunjin finds it, Felix moans pitch higher. Due to Hyunjin’s hands on his cock and nipple, he feels close already.
“Hah… H-how d-did you… think o-of this?” Felix questions as he is fucked roughly.
“Had a lot of time to think about you,” Hyunjin answers simply through pants. He strokes Felix’s cock faster. “Feels so good. Already fucked you, and you’re still so tight.”
Felix whines. He loves it when Hyunjin compliments him, during intercourse or not.
Hyunjin unexpectedly pinches Felix’s nipple, causing the omega’s back to arch. Hyunjin fucks into him quicker. His thumb rubs over Felix’s cock.
“Jin, Jin, please, ‘m so close,” Felix gets out through a moan.
“Good omega,” Hyunjin praises again. “Cum on Alpha’s cock, so he can knot you.”
A few seconds pass of Felix teetering on the edge as Hyunjin stimulates his special spot, cock and nipple all at once before he cums. His thin, watery cum shoots out and quickly drips off his stomach and onto the covers, though Felix does not notice, too distracted by the orgasm he can feel through his entire body.
With Felix having cum, Hyunjin moves both hands to Felix’s hips. He moves the omega up and down as if he were but a mere doll as his hips continue to thrust up roughly.
After a few seconds, Hyunjin stills. Felix can feel the alpha’s cock twitch inside him as he cums for the second time, knot following shortly.
The men lie there quietly, Felix still atop Hyunjin, both panting to catch their breaths.
“Yerin! You’re too fast!” Juho complains. At his age of five years, he is no match for Yerin’s speed at thirteen years.
Yerin, newly presented beta, laughs. “All right, fine. It is about time for dinner, anyhow.”
She comes to the boy’s side, putting a hand upon his shoulder to guide him to the dining room.
Inside, Felix sits at the foot of the table with Juho’s sister, Rina, aged three, sitting sleepily upon his lap. Sat to the left of Hyunjin’s still empty place at the head is Duke Minho, and beside him is his heavily pregnant wife, Duchess Jisung. Juho runs to take his place to Felix’s right, opposite Jisung, and Yerin sits opposite Minho's chair.
“Oh! Juho has grown so much since we last visited!” Jisung exclaims in amazement.
“Yes, he grows rather quickly. Hyunjin and I predict it is a sign he will be an alpha,” Felix jests.
“It is a shame we have not been able to visit as often lately,” Minho says.
Felix nods.
Jisung offers a small smile. “Hopefully, that will change once the baby arrives.”
“Yes, I hope—”
Felix’s words are interrupted by the sound of Hyunjin’s arrival.
Excitable as any boy his age, Juho rushes to hug his father.
Hyunjin lifts the young boy into his arms. He carries him as he moves to greet Felix for the first time since breakfast. He presses a chaste kiss to the omega’s temple.
“Hello, dove,” Hyunjin says quietly.
“Hello to you,” Felix replies with a fond smile.
Walking around the table to reach his place at the head, Hyunjin lowers Juho before he passes the boy’s seat.
As usual, a maid comes in to take Rina to bed before dinner is served to the adults and older children.
The children talk quietly amongst themselves as the adults catch up on recent events in the other’s lives. Following dinner, the children excuse themselves to bed, and the adults move to a drawing room where they talk until late in the night.
After Minho and Jisung leave the palace to return to their manor, Hyunjin and Felix retire to their chamber. As the men get undressed for bed, having decided to postpone bathing until the morning due to the late hour, Hyunjin suddenly proposes an idea.
“What do you think of having another?”
“Another what?” Felix asks with a smile, already knowing the answer.
“Another child,” Hyunjin answers, nakedly coming to press his chest against his equally bare wife’s back. His arms snake around the omega’s waist. “If you are to fall pregnant soon, our child would be within a year of theirs.”
Felix laughs. “What, you wish to arrange a marriage?”
Hyunjin laughs a little. “It worked well for us.”
Felix turns around to look at him. “Do you think one of our children could end up marrying one of theirs?”
“Who else would they marry?” Hyunjin asks rhetorically. “I do not wish to send one to another nation, so the options limit greatly. Given our closeness to them, it seems likely one will marry another.”
Felix hums in thought. He never imagined that one of his children could one day marry one of Jisung’s, though the idea is pleasant.
“Though I am mostly jesting, dove,” Hyunjin reminds. “We agreed to let our children marry who they wish, within reason, so it is their choice once they come of age.”
“Of course,” Felix answers with a nod.
Hyunjin leans down a little for his nose to trail down the back of Felix’s neck, sending chills down the smaller man’s back.
“So, what do you think of a third? The first two have turned out so lovely.”
Felix smiles a little. “Perhaps, a third would be a nice addition to our family.”
Hyunjin’s smiles against Felix’s neck. “Ask and you shall receive.”