Archive of Our Own

the king and his lionheart

*

Bam had always found wars tiring.

It wasn't because of the lack of rations or the sleepless nights or even his army generals who were sent by FUG who tries to oppose his decisions at every turn. It wasn't because one wrong move and he might die, leaving the throne kingless but it was the feeling of helplessness at the end of every battle, seeing the casualties taken by the war and hoping—praying that his friends weren't one of those. He knows it's selfish because where there was war, dead bodies would follow but Bam hopes that his efforts are enough to bring his friends back alive.

Bam sighs, feeling the tiredness seeping through his bones. Jahad, as always, was relentless and his army forces weren't something to scoff at either. Bam could only go toe-to-toe with him and barely make it out alive.

“Your Majesty.”

Bam turns, seeing one of his generals and scrunching his nose at the formality. “Hatz, you know I don't like being called that. Didn't I tell you to drop the formality when it's just us?”

“Sorry Bam. Habit.” Hatz replies as he stands up, ignoring formalities and the tension on Bam's shoulder loosens. Bam wonders when it had happened but just the feeling of his friends near can make him relax after that bloodbath. “Shibisu is wrangling your council and the people as we speak and he said that the rations and weapons should be replenished by next week.”

Bam nods. “Anything else?”

“Major General Karaka, White and Yama sent their regards. They say they’ve got their borders all under control especially now that Lieutenant General Evankhell has joined the battle.” Hatz says, a small amused smile playing on his lips. “You know what’s terrifying about you Bam?”

Bam hums, knowing that Hatz didn’t mean it that way—the way others whisper his name in fear and look at him like he was a monster.

“You make people who were once your enemies your allies.”

Bam laughs. He supposes that’s true but Karaka, White and Yama were all under the tutelage of his master and he had considered them as brothers he never had at this point. He trusted them enough to send them to protect the borders of his kingdom, if it wasn’t for them taking the strain off his shoulders, they would’ve fallen to the Jahad Empire now.

Hatz walks to his table, eyes scrutinizing the map and the figures placed on top. He grimaces, pointing out the area where they were setting up camp.  “What are you planning to do now?”

Bam grimaces. “We need to take back Name Hunt City from Jahad. For now, that's our primary goal.”

Hatz hums. “Tell that to your other generals. They seem to be hell-bent on keeping guard on this city and abandoning the cities after this.”

“Are they fighting again?” Bam sighs. Really, he doesn't know if FUG is trying to help him win this war or trying to make him lose his sanity by having his generals argue over and over again like a bunch of children unable to communicate with each other—scratch that, Bam thinks children would be able to communicate more than this group. They're all generals from a different faction of FUG, serving different masters with opposing views from each other and if they weren't great fighters, Bam knew that this camp would've collapsed by now. “Sometimes, it makes me wonder if they're trying to help or trying to pull me down.”

“They don't like it when you go to battle since that would turn the entire kingdom into chaos,” Hatz rolls his eyes, leaning on the table. “Even if they know you're the strongest person around.”

It's been weeks since this war had started when Jahad, out of nowhere, attacked their empire from the North proclaiming war against them. Jahad had managed to overcome them with great numbers and pushed their military back causing thousands of casualties from both his soldiers and the civilians. That was the main reason why Bam left his throne for the time being and donned an armor and went to fight. He couldn't just sit back on his throne safe and watch his people getting slain one after the other. His generals—FUG generals' had opinions about Bam being in the battlefield and it's a source of verbal fights every day in their camp.

“How are we going to take Name Hunt City? Without Shibisu and your—” Bam throws Hatz a narrowed look, making him stop in his tracks as Bam gestures at the soldiers guarding his tent outside. Hatz nods, immediately understanding what Bam meant, throwing him an apologetic look before clearing his throat. “Without your adviser, it would be hard to get back Name Hunt City especially since the Death City is the one before it and not even Jahad tried getting his hands on Death City.”

“Gather everyone.” Bam commands, the authority easily slipping in his voice. “We're going to discuss what move to do next.”

Hatz nods, kneeling on the ground with his head bowed down. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Bam looks at the map on his table and sighs. He discards his armor, opting to wear a light jeonbok rather than the heavy armor and grabs his sword before exiting his personal tent.

Time to wrestle his stubborn generals.

When he arrives at the tent, most of his generals are seated and you can clearly see the dividend between them. Bam wants to sigh but the scene before him was already too familiar and has happened far too many times for Bam to count.

As soon as they notice Bam, they all bow their heads in formality and respect. “Your Majesty.”

Bam nods. Unlike most of his generals, Rak prefers to stand on Bam's right side. He emanates a brooding air, his stature intimidating with the black armor he was wearing. He towered over all of them, eyes sharp and focused, like one wrong move and that large spear against his back would chop you in two. Bam stares at the empty space on his left before he shakes his head and sits down, already assessing their situation based on the information given by their patrols.

“Your Majesty, we should stand our ground here. There’s nothing in the Death City and the Name Hunt City anyway, we should prioritize our people here especially since this is the city of trading.”

“General,” Bam trails off, eyes downcast as he looks at the map on the table but there was the undeniable chill on his tone. “Are you telling me to abandon my people?”

“Your humble servant has spoken out of line.” Immediately, as if sensing that he had offended Bam, Reflejo drops down to his knees, bowing his head and staring on the ground. “I only ask of His Majesty to prolong my punishment until we end this war.”

“Stand.” Bam says, leaning back on the chair. Bam knows that in a way, Reflejo was right and that he should pursue practicality over feelings but Bam could never abandon his people, not when they need him the most. “I won’t punish you, General. We’ve got enough violence in our hands but I’m also not abandoning my people.”

“Then, Your Majesty, should we gather our stealthiest troops for an ambush?”

“No.” Bam shakes his head. There would be no point. Jahad’s army was stronger than them by leaps and bounds. An ambush would just be a suicide mission for them. “We’re just going to use information to defeat them.”

“Your Majesty?” He hears the doubt in Varagarv’s tone. “What do you mean by that?”

“There’s someone in Death City who knows it inside out.” Bam says, lips curving up in a smile. “It’s been awhile since I last saw Garam and Urek. For now, rest. Jahad’s army won’t make it to the border of Death City until the day after tomorrow. We’re setting at dawn.”

On cue, they all bow down to Bam, a chorus of ‘Yes, Your Majesty’ fills the tent as Bam stands up and leaves. He has never really gotten used to the formalities, even if he was raised as a prince. His Royal Mother didn’t want him to view himself above others and his Majesty, his late father was the same. It’s been years since his Father died and he ascended into the throne but every day, it never gets easier.

Bam sighs, dropping on his bed and covering his eyes with his arm. “This used to be so easy.”

“That’s because you had your advisers with you.” Hatz comments, as he enters Bam’s tent with Rak on a tow. “There’s a rumor going around that there’s internal conflict between rulers of the Death City. Jahad might use it as a reason to hurry up and infiltrate while everyone is in chaos.”

“You should really rest, Black Turtle.” Rak says, as he sits beside Bam, looking at him with a worried expression. “You look like you’re about to fall dead to your feet.”

“I know.” Bam says, tired. His body is aching all over and he wants to sleep for at least a month. The sudden war with Jahad has his country in chaos, everyone living in fear for the moment that Jahad might emerge victorious. “But I still have to think of a plan to conquer them in Death City.”

“We’ll be meeting him in Death City, aren’t we?” Hatz says and Bam could smell the faint scent of the calming scented candle Bam brings with him. Hatz must’ve lighted it for him. He can feel Rak sitting on the floor, like he was guarding Bam from being attacked and if he wasn’t so sleepy, Bam would’ve teased Rak for getting soft. “Along with Garam. We’ll be fine.”

But Bam’s already falling fast asleep, exhaustion finally claiming him as the aftermath of the battle.

*

Death City—unlike its name was full of people. The environment around Death City was ominous, like death loomed over them. The atmosphere was mostly dark and the whole place mostly had snow as their season, making them unable to grow crops. Usually, people from Death City were the survivors, children who had nowhere else to go or who were discarded by their families.

It makes Bam ache, just watching the dark clouds of the city.

When they arrive at the gates of Death City, there were two people on the gates, leaning on the wall. As soon as they saw the army approaching, Garam holds her head high, defiant and stubborn, even as Buelsar—one of FUG’s Generals—tower and looks down at her.

“Garam Jahad.” He spits out her name like venom, glaring at her defiant nature. “Why is a traitor like you welcoming His Majesty?”

“Oh woah, let’s all calm down,” Another steps up from behind Garam, with a carefree attitude and a pleasant grin on his face, as if he wasn’t talking to an armed military man. “We’re all here for the same purpose. Let’s not antagonize each other.”

“Urek. Garam.” Bam greets, immediately getting off his horse. He knows Urek might have a carefree expression on his face but he knows the instant Garam gets in danger, everybody here would suffer and he knows Garam could pretty much wipe the floor with Buelsar but fighting wouldn’t solve anything right now.

Urek, as the eccentric man he is, doesn’t bow down to Bam. He ignores the usual formalities, slinging an arm against Bam and bringing him closer with a grin on his face. “Bam baby!”

“You—!” Before Bam can blink, a sword is on Urek’s neck, close to cutting his skin yet far enough for it only to be a threat. He sees Cha with his sword out, face red in anger at Urek’s disrespect. “How dare you—”

“At ease.” Bam cuts him off, the authority in his voice unmistakable. Immediately, Cha freezes, sheathing the sword and kneeling down at Bam. “It’s fine, Cha. Urek’s always like this.”

He hears Urek laugh. Bam turns to Urek and when he sees the gleam on his eye, Bam’s thankful he managed to stop Cha in time. “Bam baby, you cut off my fun.”

“Now’s not the time, Urek.” Garam berates before she smacks him on the head. It makes Bam laugh, seeing these two as cheerful and as the same as ever with Urek unable to do anything against Garam. “I’ve got information that Jahad is on his way here as we speak. What’s your plan, son of Arlene?”

“Let’s take it inside.” Hatz suddenly says, eyes sharp as he observes his surroundings. “His Majesty isn’t too safe in this open space.”

Garam’s place wasn’t like Bam had expected. It’s no castle like what he would’ve expected from a former Princess but it’s a huge mansion. There’s no one else in the premises and Bam wonders if it’s just her and Urek who lives in here. As if reading his thoughts, Garam glances at him before saying, “This is the headquarters of the Wolhaiksong. Everyone’s out right now so no one should bother us until we make a concrete plan.”

“Bam baby, do you have a plan?”

“An abstract one.” Bam says, sighing. “Have you ever heard of the way to avoid war is to avoid the strong and strike at what is weak?”

“Art of War, Sun Tzu.” Garam immediately says and Bam’s not surprised. He has expected it of course, especially from someone of Garam’s caliber. He merely nods, looking out the window. Even in here, the atmosphere is dark and gloomy. “Are you saying we should strike at Jahad’s weakest point? That’s the vaguest plan ever, son of Arlene. You’re marching to your death.”

“Does Jahad even have a weak point?” Hatz asks, raising his brow. “And if he has one, he isn’t the type to announce it to the world, Bam.”

“There’s no use for us trying to find his weak point.” Bam shakes his head and stares at Garam. “Right now, while on war, what’s the most valuable thing?”

Urek hums. “Strong soldiers?”

“Rations?”

“Morale?”

“It’s strategy.” Bam says as he fiddles with the ring on his pinky, the only memento left by his mother. “The game play on how to defeat your opponents.”

“Are you saying—” Rak suddenly says, lips curving up in a smirk and eyes screaming in amusement. At the silent question, Bam nods, mirroring the grin on Rak’s face.

Garam crosses her arms across her chest. “Okay, we don’t have the telepathic communication you guys have.”

“If you look at history, in the recent years, Jahad’s empire has expanded more than ever compared to before.” Bam says, lifting his gaze to stare at Garam. In the dark room of the mansion, Garam looks ethereal, like a cold unmoving statue with eyes piercing Bam’s. “In the recent years, he has gained a new General, one who masters in strategizing.”

“You don’t mean…”

Bam nods, his gaze full of resolution and his voice determined, not leaving them anything to doubt with. “We’re going to capture Khun Aguero Agnis.”

“Are you sure about this?” Garam asks, raising a brow as she dons on her armor. Instead of a full-body armor, she only has reinforced steel armor on her chest, gauntlets on her arms, on the sides of her skirt and her feet. It’s silver, probably custom-made by Wolhaiksong contrasting the blue dress underneath it. Bam knows it’s stronger than the usual armors but light enough for Garam to take advantage of her speed. On the both sides of her waist were her two favorite swords, the famed Jahad Princess swords: Indigo July and Blue August. “I can provide you the distraction as much as you want but if one Princess of Jahad is there, you’d be no challenge for them and this kingdom would be kingless.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Bam smiles, waving her concern. “Everyone would think I’m in the battlefield anyway. It would provide us a cover and make this mission easier.”

Garam nods, saddling her horse. “We can probably hold him off for an hour. Any more than that and he’ll notice we’re just distracting him.”

“Got it.”

He sees Garam look at him with concern before she nods, pulling her horse away. She knows it’s a legitimate concern, especially if their target was in the same vicinity as one of the Princesses of Jahad. The Princesses of Jahad were one of the most powerful and ruthless soldiers of Jahad, known for their technique and skill in battle and the body count on their hands. They were all women too and everybody respected them, hence the name Princesses which gave the illusion of demure, kind-hearted women who could never kill a fly.

“Are you sure it’s alright for you turtle to not say anything to her?” He hears Rak say as Garam’s figure gets smaller and smaller as she rides away from them. “This is war, turtle. You might not get to see her again.”

“Yeah, like that would ever happen.” Urek scoffs, grinning as he stares at Garam’s retreating back. “She’s a former Jahad Princess. Even when she left, her skills haven’t rusted one bit. She could probably take on all your Generals and still win. All right then, shall we go?”

Bam nods, pulling his horse away from a different direction from the battlefield, into the grass lands and uncharted places of Death City. They couldn’t afford to slow down, not when time was their enemy.

Just like what Garam had said, there was a pathway that would lead to the rear of Jahad’s cavalry. It was a thin slope and one wrong move could mean their downfall. They had no luxury of taking their time which meant that they didn’t bring any baggages or any heavy things aside from the protection on Bam’s chest and Bam’s sword on his waist. He was wearing a dark black hanbok, with golden sleeves and golden dragons embodied in them. It was the only light thing aside from his jeonbok that he managed to bring to war. It didn’t really blend with their surroundings, especially with the golden sleeves but they had no time to be picky.

“Once we get pass here, we should be able to arrive at Jahad’s rear.” Urek says, looking down at the huge canyon before them. “Well, one wrong move and we might die Bam baby, still want to do this?”

Bam looks down on the canyon, unable to see the ground because of the depth and the darkness surrounding it. “Well, we’ve got no choice, don’t we?”

The path was thin, just enough for one person who’s walking sideways to pass. Urek, who Bam thinks have used this path far too many times for him to be concerned—that, or he’s just being his usual eccentric self, doesn’t even flinch at the rocks chipping as they move past.

“When you said everyone would think you’re in the battlefield, what did you mean by that?”

Bam looks down on the canyon again, sighing at Urek’s sudden question. Of all places to have such a conversation, Urek really chose this place? “The enemy would instantly know if I wasn’t on the battlefield so I had Hatz proxy for me.”

Urek stays silent for a moment before he bursts out laughing. “Only you, Bam. You had one of your Generals mascarade around as you?” He says, wiping the tears on the corner of his eyes. “Is that why your right-hand man had to stay behind?”

Bam nods. “Rak’s known for always being on my side and besides, do you think he could get pass this?”

“Good point.” Urek says before he jumps to the other side, stretching his arms for Bam. “C’mon, You Majesty, we’re almost there.”

Finding Khun Aguero Agnis wasn’t as hard as Bam thought. He had to crawl on the ground, especially since his sleeves could immediately catch the attention of anyone even if they were hiding in the forests. Like his golden sleeves, Khun Aguero Agnis was eye-catching in the midst of bland and dark colors of the uniforms and the sea of red. His hair contrasted the tents and the banners and his eyes were piercing—the darkest shade of blue eyes Bam would drown on.

“There’s our general.” He hears Urek whisper beside him as he gestures at Khun, who was near his horse, giving out orders for his men. “Now, it’s show time.”

For someone with such an intimidating and eye-catching presence, Bam doesn’t even see him move. As Khun Aguero Agnis saddles his horse, Bam hears a commotion on the front he moves, knowing full well that was Urek’s doing.

“It’s Urek Mazino!” Someone shouts, over the noise and the clashing of swords. “The Urek Mazino!”

“Urek Mazino?” He hears Khun whisper as he narrows his eyes at the commotion. “How did he get—” He turns, just as Bam comes from behind him, dislodging him from the horse and hits him from behind the nape. “You’re…”

“General!”

Immediately, Bam’s surrounded by Khun’s retainers. He brings Khun close to him as he dodges a sword coming from his right, kicking the soldier hard enough to bruise as he uses his hand to block another one coming from his left. It’s harder to fight, especially when he has added baggage but Bam’s been trained by Jinsung and then afterwards by Evankhell and the rigorous training they gave Bam wasn’t for nothing.

He manages to render most of them unconscious or unable to come back to stab him but it’s taking a toll on his stamina. He glances at Khun, making sure that no one had grabbed him when Bam was fighting and that’s the only reason why Bam doesn’t notice an arrow coming from his blind spot. He turns, his senses going haywire but knowing that he can’t lift his sword in time.

He closes his eyes and waits for the pain to come.

“Bam baby! This isn’t the time to be sleeping.” He hears Urek say, just as Bam open’s his eyes and sees Urek snap the arrow in half, faster than Bam could blink. “Well, we’re in the middle of the enemy’s territory and behind us is the sea, got any plans, baby?”

Just as Bam was about to tell him no, he hears the curses of the soldiers, all of them stopping as they stare at something behind Bam.

“Shit! That’s Yama!” He hears someone say in awe, as soldiers one by one took a step back. “That’s Yama of the Canine!”

“Yama?” Urek tilts his head, watching as the great ships of FUG enter their eyesight. He looks at Bam, raising a brow. “Did you call them?”

Bam looks back before he turns his head to stare at the passed-out form of Khun Aguero Agnis. “Looks like the letters made it in time.”

Yama gets off the ship, the large grin on his face as he approaches Bam and Urek. Just as he motions to bow, Bam immediately grabs his arm, shaking his head. “Please don’t.”

“If you say so, Your Majesty.” Yama grins, teasing him. “Just as you said, Jahad’s forces pulled away at the last minute. I’ve left my brothers on standby just in case they come back. We should be able to subdue them since Karaka and White are probably on the front lines right now.”

Bam looks over the battlefield, watching as swords clash and blood splatters on the ground. There’s something off—something weird about this whole thing, like Bam had missed something huge.

“Urek.” Bam snaps his gaze towards Urek, who was watching the battlefield intensely. “Did you see any Princess?”

Urek turns to look at him, realization dawning on his features. “No. Not one.”

Bam sighs. He should’ve known better than to expect everything to be so easy. “The battle’s not over yet.”

*

Like what Urek had said, Garam had also noticed that there were no Princesses on the battlefield. If Jahad wanted to capture Death City, he would’ve at least sent one.

Bam feels a headache coming on, as he listens to his Generals prattle on and on about how protecting Death City was a mistake and how they’ve fallen into Jahad’s trap. Yama and the others are all silent, merely watching the whole chaos happen.

“Hatz.” Upon hearing Bam’s voice, all of FUG’s generals turn silent. Hatz turns to look at Bam, bowing his head before he exits the tent. “There’s no use fighting with ourselves now. We need to focus on the second course of action.”

As if on cue, Hatz enters the tent with Khun Aguero Agnis on the tow. Khun’s posture is lax and carefree, as if he wasn’t surrounded by his enemies. Dusts were all over his body, his white shirt covered with dirt from the prison yet even still, he stares at Bam back with confidence radiating from his body language.

“Well well well,” Khun grins, even as Hatz tugs on the cuffs on his hands. “So many legends in one place. It’s an honor to meet all of you, especially you, Your Majesty, King Viole of FUG.”

“Shut up.” Buelsar snaps, glaring at him.

Khun turns to look at him, raising a brow before he shrugs. “Sorry, I don’t want to get to know the extras.”

Buelsar hits him by the hilt of his sword, making Khun turn sideways at the sudden display of violence. Buelsar reaches out, his sword suddenly on Khun’s pale throat and his jaw clenched tight in anger.

Bam grits his teeth. “Buelsar, sheathe your sword.”

“Your Majesty—”

Bam glares at him. “Now.”

Buelsar nods before he sheathes his sword, throwing one last glare at Khun before he sits down. Khun chuckles, spitting out blood before he raises his head defiantly, looking at Bam with a strange look.

Khun glances at the table, a knowing smirk on his face. “Ah, so you’ve called me here to ask what Jahad is planning.”

Vargagarv glares. “How did you know that?”

“You’re all idiots if you think I can’t figure it out just by judging at the map and the look on your faces.” Khun laughs. “So you want to know where Jahad’s main army is, don’t you. Your facial expression says I’m right.”

“So you know.”

Khun stares back at Bam without fright, defiant and stubborn and even in the midst of danger, Khun Aguero Agnis’ eyes held no fear. “And what makes you think I’ll tell you?”

Bam stares back at him. “Your eyes.”

“My eyes?”

“It holds no fear.” Bam leans back on his chair, combing his hands through his hair. Everybody in the tent is now silent, contented on watching both their king and the enemy general duke it out. “If you were loyal to Jahad, you would’ve killed yourself by now so that we won’t get any information yet you stand there, in front of FUG’s generals and this kingdom’s king and yet there’s no fear in your eyes.”

Khun’s eyes widen and he stays silent for a moment as if taking in Bam’s words. Then slowly, his shoulders start shaking before a full blown laughter emerges from his lips.

“How dare you—”

Bam shakes his head. “Reflejo, it’s okay.”

“My eyes?” Khun says, the moment he regains his composure. “Aren’t you an interesting one, Your Majesty.”

The grin on his face and the palpable amusement in his expression makes Bam’s face heat up in embarrassment. He had always said things without thinking it through and often times, it comes to bite him back. Case on point.

“Fine, I’ll tell you.” Khun says, the amusement still clear on his face. “Have you ever heard of the Parthian shot?”

Bam’s brow furrows in confusion. “By the Mongols?”

As if not expecting Bam to know what he was talking about, Khun’s brow raises in astonishment. He nods. “Interesting. But yes, the Parthion shot which was used by most central Asian horse armies. It’s generally used as a fake retreat to gaud the enemy and before you know it, the enemy falls into the trap and there’s hundreds of cavalry charging against them.”

“So you’re saying Jahad is using this technique?”

“More or less, yeah.” Khun points at the map laid on the table, exactly to where they were. “The Name Hunt City is unlike most cities in the land. It’s surrounded by water but it’s abundant in resources and in trading. Right now, you feel the sense of victory because you manage to defeat Jahad’s army and it makes you feel egoistical, full of pride and that would be your downfall.”

Buelsar snorts. “It’s your camp that went to its downfall. Don’t act so smug, Khun Aguero Agnis.”

“See? Egoistical.” Khun says, rolling his eyes. “Jahad’s using the Parthion shot but only on a larger scale. If you attack Name Hunt City now, you’ll just be ambushed by Jahad’s main forces. Not to mention, Name Hunt City is levels above sea water, it’s a fortress and if you go there by ship, Jahad would sink it immediately.”

Bam raises a brow. “Then what do you suppose we do?”

Reflejo stands in outrage. “Your Majesty!”

Khun grins, ignoring the dozens of outcry FUG’s generals had, only focusing on Bam. “You use it against them.”

“And why should we believe you? What made you betray Jahad?”

“Betray?” Khun chuckles, his voice dropping an octave lower as he stares at Bam with a dangerous glint on his eyes. “I pursue my own interests and let’s just say, someone piqued by interest.”

“You—!”

“Hatz.” Bam says, cutting off any insults Reflejo was going to say. At this, Hatz nods before he leads Khun away. Immediately, dozens of opinions spring up in the air about not trusting the words of an enemy. “Cool your heads down. We’ll discuss more of this tomorrow.”

Hesitant but still willing to follow their king’s orders, FUG’s generals all bow down, kneeling to Bam. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“So, what are you going to do about it?” White asks, just as every one of FUG’s generals exit the tent with disapproving opinions. “What he might say may sound convincing but he is a Khun. They’re known for being douchebags and being manipulative.”

“I’ll think about it.” Bam merely says, feeling the headache coming. He grimaces but when he turns to Karaka, he smiles. “How’s Master?”

“He’s feeling better.” Karaka nods. “Well enough to take a whole fleet by himself.”

“Ha Jinsung, right?” Yama grins. “I’d like to fight him someday.”

Bam chuckles. On the corner of his eye, he sees the blood splattered on the ground from Khun’s spit earlier. Sighing, he pushes himself up. “I’m going to go to bed.”

“Have a good rest, Bam.” Urek says, waving him off as he stalks to where Garam was, who merely nods at Bam in thanks.

As he enters his tent, he discards the chest armor, straightening out his hanbok before he grabs a cloth, a wash bin and some bandages that Shibisu always make him carry with him. At this, Rak raises a brow before he snorts. “Bed, huh.”

“If anyone asks, I’m asleep.”

Rak laughs. “Sure, Black Turtle.”

At the night’s camouflage, it’s easier to sneak into the prison they’ve built in the camp. The guards merely nod, letting Bam pass without questioning anything. As Bam enters, immediately, his eyes are drawn to the familiar shade of blue which illuminates in the moonlight. Khun’s sitting on the floor, leaning on the wall and he should look like a prisoner but with the shine of the moonlight at him, he looks ethereal.

At the sudden sound of footsteps, Khun turns and narrows his eyes. Surprise colors his features upon seeing Bam. “What business do you have in this dingy prison, Your Majesty?”

Bam enters the prison and sits in front of Khun, not minding the dirt in the cell. He sees Khun’s surprised look before Bam places the wash bin between them, soaking the cloth before he raises it up.

“Come here.” He whispers softly, in the dark and quiet night. Khun glances at the guards before he shift closer, until Bam can feel his warmth against the clothes and Khun’s face is near his. “We need to sanitize your injuries before it gets infected.”

Slowly, he dabs it on Khun’s face as gentle as he can. “You shouldn’t really anger people with swords on them, you know.”

“Really?” Khun deadpans. “Too bad you didn’t warn me beforehand.”

Bam laughs, but it’s soft and quiet, as if he was afraid of breaking—breaking what? “I thought Khuns were supposed to be smart. That should’ve been common sense.”

As if on trance, Khun slowly raises his hands, capturing Bam’s wrist. It isn’t a sign of danger or a threat, not when Khun holds it gently, tapping Bam’s pulse with his thumb before he realizes what he’s doing and releases Bam’s hand immediately. “Sorry, sorry. My father really never taught me manners.”

Bam gently places the bandage over his injured cheek, wincing at Khun’s sudden hiss. “Sorry but that should make it better after a few days.” He grabs the wash bin, pushing the dirt off his clothes before he exits the prison.

“Your Majesty—” Bam stops, tilts his head to meet Khun’s gaze. The latter smiles at him and nods. “Thank you.”

Bam smiles back before he leaves.

*

White taps his foot on the ground impatiently. “You do know this could be a trap and he could be lying?”

“I’ll take my chances.” Bam replies, resolution bleeding on his voice. He knows most people would think he was an idiot for trusting an enemy general but sooner or later, they would have to battle Jahad and having information against him is a huge advantage for them.

As soon as Khun enters the tent, he sees the tension in the room rise up. Khun, intentionally or not, merely smirks at them, ignoring the tension in the room. Bam nods at Hatz, who merely scrunches his nose before lifting his sword and slashing Khun’s cuffs into tiny pieces.

“I’m still against this.”

“And you’ve been heard.” Bam replies, calm. “But we need the information.”

Khun caresses his wrists. He glances at Bam before his eyes drop down to the map in front of him. In the map, figures of little tents were situated to where they were at, there were also figures for the landmarks, and the waters and where the alleged Jahad’s army was and Khun watches everything with a narrowed gaze, leaning his hands on the table.

“You need to lure them out.”

“What?”

“Against their fortress, you wouldn’t stand a chance.” He says, pointing at Name Hunt City. “But Name Hunt City is surrounded by waters and beyond that, there’s a deep forest.”

“So what?” Buelsar snaps.

“General,” Khun grins. “All warfare is based on deception.”

*

“You really shouldn’t be strolling in prisoner cells at night, Your Majesty.”

Bam shrugs, dropping down the chess board he requested earlier to Khun’s lap. “I told them to give you a tent but I’ve been outnumbered.”

At this, Khun raises a brow. “You shouldn’t really give tents to your prisoners either.”

“You aren’t a prisoner.” Bam says, lips forming a small pout. Khun’s hand gracefully arranges his own pieces, one after the other and it makes Bam smile, for some reason. “And besides, there’s no entertainment here. You’d die if you keep staring at that boring empty wall.”

“Are you saying you’re entertaining, Your Majesty?” Khun says, lips letting out a light chuckle as he shakes his head in amusement. “Besides, what would you do if I didn’t play chess?”

“That’s impossible.” Bam immediately replies without missing a beat. “You’re a strategist. You like mind games. Chess would probably your favorite thing to pass the time.”

Khun leans on his palm, amusement still evident on his features. “And what if I use these pieces to break out?”

“Also impossible.” Bam shrugs, as he places his last pawns on the board. “You’d have to get through the guards then through the generals with only chess pieces on your hand. I don’t think that’s very practical. Also, call me Bam. Your Majesty reminds me of my father.”

“Do you tell all your prisoners that?” Khun laughs and moves his knight. He glances at the guards before he rolls his eyes. “So you’ve thought this through then, coming here, I mean.”

“Not really.” Bam replies, moving his bishop out. “I just thought you needed a companion.”

Khun shakes his head but there on his face was a soft, genuine smile all for Bam.

*

Hatz throws a glance at Khun. “Are you really sure about this, Your Majesty?”

“Yes.” Bam replies, arching a brow. “Besides, if he’s by my side, I could watch him more clearly, right?”

“If you say so.”

Khun glances at Hatz and smirks. “You’ve got a protective dog beside you, Your Majesty.”

“Stop picking fights.” Bam rolls his eyes. “And didn’t I tell you to call me Bam?”

Again. There’s a smile on Khun’s face as he looks at Bam before he schools it with a nonchalant expression. FUG’s generals are all giving Khun a suspicious look, their arms itching on the corner of their waist to draw their swords once Khun crosses a line. Yet Khun ignores all of this, merely staying on Bam’s side, their horses calmly walking beside each other as Bam relishes in the quiet and comfortable presence of Khun Aguero Agnis.

Maybe it’s the comfort Khun Aguero Agnis brings but Bam doesn’t even notice the danger coming his way until Rak shouts, “Black Turtle!”

Bam turns, eyes wide in surprise when he sees an arrow coming to his direction at his blind spot. He can’t dodge it, not without hitting anything vital and yet he just can’t sit back and let himself be shot either. As he was about to move, Bam sees Khun move in lightning speed, grabbing the sword on Bam’s waist and backhandedly deflects the arrowhead with the hilt of the sword. He moved so fast and the weight of his slash is enough to make the arrow stuck to a tree.

“Your Majesty.” Hatz immediately circles to his right side, eyes narrowing at his surroundings. “Are you okay?”

“I am.” Bam nods and smiles.

He looks at Khun, who grits his teeth before looking at the direction to where the arrow was shot. He places his finger to his mouth before raising it up in the air. “10, no, 12? Calculating the wind speed, the arrow speed and the direction, the culprit should be—” Khun looks at Bam, calm yet Bam could see the hidden depths of fire burning in his eyes. “Your Majesty—”

“Go.” Bam says, nodding, immediately understanding what Khun wanted to ask. “Don’t steal my sword, will you? It’s inherited.”

It speaks volumes when Khun merely nods, not even managing to crack a smile at Bam’s horrible disguise of a joke. Khun’s horse gallop at Khun’s insistent tugging on its rope. The soldiers immediately make way for him, as if they were afraid of getting in the way of his wrath.

“Your Majesty, was that really okay?” Buelsar asks, head turned to where Khun disappeared in the forest. “That sword was your father’s memento.”

Bam casually waves him off. “He’ll be back.”

 As if being summoned by Bam’s words, Khun comes back with a body lying on the back of his horse. He dumps the body in front of Bam, wiping Bam’s sword with the hem of his shirt before handing it in front of Bam. “The other one took poison and I managed to knock him out and take the poison before he could kill himself.”

Bam nods, grabbing his sword back and sheathing it. “I’ll have someone ask him when he wakes. Hatz, tie him up.” Bam commands before his eyes find Khun’s again and he smiles. “Thank you.”

Khun nods yet the tension shoulders still don’t dissipate.

They manage to stop for the day and set up camp. It’s far enough that Jahad won’t see them coming but still near enough at Name Hunt City. After the whole debacle, there are still some who holds suspicions about Khun but more than them, others seem to put a little trust in him now.

Bam arches a brow, looking around and unable to find the familiar shade of blue amidst the dark night. Bam taps Rak on his arm and the latter kneels down, placing his ear near Bam’s face. “Where’s Khun?”

“Outside.” Rak rolls his eyes. “He’s being antisocial again.”

Bam laughs. He excuses himself and exits the tent. The camp was dimly lit but the moonlight was enough. He sees Khun perched on top of one of the branches, looking outwards into the open space, the moonlight seemed to brighten the shade of his hair and the paleness of his skin. For some reason, Bam feels out of breath, just by looking at him.

Khun turns and it’s the darkest shade of blue Bam has ever seen and it’s as drowning as the first time.

“What are you doing up there?” Bam asks, thankful that he manages to regain his speech before he stares like an idiot at Khun.

Khun glances at him once before he looks over the horizon again. “Thinking.”

He now has decent clothes and it’s a mixture of pale blue and white, crisscrossing each other like features on Khun’s skin. It makes him look paler than he is and he looks unearthly.

Bam climbs up, ignoring Khun’s glare and sits beside him. Without the eyes of the camp following Bam and Khun’s every move, Bam leans on him, closing his eyes at the sudden gust of the cold wind.

“I’m still alive.” Bam murmurs and the tension on Khun’s shoulder comes back. “You saved me on time.”

He feels Khun take a deep breath. “And if I didn’t, the arrow would’ve pierced your heart.”

“But you did.” Bam retorts, opening his eyes and tilting his head to meet Khun’s gaze head-on. “You did. You made it in time.”

Khun stares back at him, the anger on his eyes slowly dulling. Khun combs through his hair in frustration before he exhales and with it, the tension on his shoulders. “Yeah,” He murmurs, in the quiet night as Bam leans on him more for warmth. “Yeah, I did.”

Bam stares at Name Hunt City. This close, he could see the walls and gates protecting the City. Name Hunt City was the border of their kingdom and the gates and walls were high enough to prevent invaders from ever running past.

There’s a feeling of foreboding in Bam’s chest, as it does every day he goes to battle—wondering if his friends are going to make it out alive. He looks at Rak, looks at Hatz and nods at them both. “Don’t die.”

Rak snorts, his confidence still as strong as ever. “As if.”

“Bam.”

Bam turns around, eyes immediately locking with Khun’s. He’s holding the rope of his horse, a chest armor above the white and blue clothes and a sword on his waist. Bam walks toward him, smiling at Khun’s seriousness.

He feels Khun pull his hand, closer, closer until he’s hairbreadths away from Bam. Bam could get lost, would drown forever on the depths of Khun’s eyes. Khun’s breathing in, as if memorizing the lines on Bam’s face, enveloping himself in Bam’s warmth, wanting every last bit of touch he could get.

He tiptoes and before Bam could blink, he feels soft lips on his forehead. “Don’t die.”

He immediately saddles his horse, galloping away as he leads one of the fleets of Bam’s army. Bam stares at him, unable to look away as he touches his forehead. He smiles as he stares at Khun’s retreating back. “Don’t die on me too.”

“Damn it.” Hatz whispers from behind him. “Now I owe Rak money.”

Bam laughs and a little bit of the ominous feeling lifts away.

Even with the surprise attack, they go on par with Jahad’s army. It’s bloody and violent and everything wants to make Bam hurl but all he wants is to finish this and go home—and pray that all his friends were alive.

They manage to enter the city just like Khun had planned, luring out their enemy and ambushing them on the forest, showing the guards in the walls the canons—some fake and some real—and that’s all it takes for them to conquer back Name Hunt City.

Bam heaves a relieved breath. It seems like everything went to Khun’s plan, in the end.

“Your Majesty!” Hatz runs to where Bam was, panting and his expression could only scream no good news. “We’ve been tricked.”

At this, Bam feels his heart stop. “What do you mean?”

“Jahad’s gone.” Hatz says, stopping Bam’s world. “One of his retainers said that a message came just minutes before we attacked, saying that we were going to attack them on all sides and trap them here.”

Bam could feel his heart thundering against his chest, feels the world fade out and all he can hear is a flatline, as he asks, “Where’s Khun?”

Hatz looks at him, closes his eyes and the next words break Bam’s heart. “He’s gone.”

“Call Master Evankhell and the rest of the Generals.”

“Bam—”

“We can’t let Jahad call for reinforcements.” Bam breathes out but his words sounded robotic and cold. “We’re attacking him today.”

Hatz sighs but he drops to his knees. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Black Turtle, you know—”

Bam shakes his head. “Time to flush out the traitors, Rak.”

*

With most of his Princesses captured, it was easy to infiltrate the empire. It wasn’t as easy trying to defeat Jahad, especially since Jahad was a well-known fighter, able to take on two fleets by himself. He was powerful, like a tower so close to the sun, not willing to be conquered. It took all of their power to stop him and he lost some people along the way.

He sits on his throne, wearing his usual royal clothes, a fur coat draped around his shoulders and the crown on his head as his Generals one by one drops the captured Princesses in front of him.

“Are you going to kill us now? Make a show out of it?” Shilial Jahad says, eyes burning in anger. “To make sure no one defies you?”

“Of course not.” Bam replies, the mere thought filling him with disgust. “Violence only breeds violence. It’s up to you what you want to do from here.”

Bam eyes at every single one of them, trying to convey his sincerity. His eyes stop at the familiar shade of blue hair and blue eyes, his head lowered down on the ground, as if he wasn’t even allowed to look at Bam.

“Hatz, bring me Reflejo and Rachel.”

Rachel looks as Bam remembers. Golden blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, wearing a luxurious hanbok with lotuses and flowers embodied in them. Jewels adorns her neck and her wrists, showing off the ambiance of royalty. She bows in front of Bam, lips pulled in a smile. “Your Majesty.”

Reflejo enters the courtroom, immediately dropping to his knees. “Your Majesty.”

“Rachel, Reflejo.” Bam’s voice is cold and he wishes he didn’t have to do this but they’ve caused too much pain, too many deaths, too many betrayals for Bam to let it slide. “I’m sentencing you both to life imprisonment.”

“Your Majesty?!” Reflejo shots up, just as the guards grab him by his arms, making him kneel down on the ground. “What have I done to offend you, Your Majesty.”

Bam feels the paper in his hands, throwing them on Reflejo’s feet. “Plotting murder to your king. Treason against the empire.”

“But Bam, I didn’t—believe me!”

Bam throws her a look. “Rachel, I recognize your handwriting anywhere and those letters were found in your room. Reflejo, you did a good job burning yours but the return letters were found in Jahad’s bedroom, all with your handwriting and signature on it.”

“What?” Reflejo shakes his head. “But I thought he—”

“He burned them?” A voice cuts him off and there’s laughter that follows. “He did. I just manage to swap them before it was too late.”

Reflejo’s face snaps to the direction of the voice. In the middle of the courtroom, Khun Aguero Agnis sat, eyes glinting in amusement, lips in a smirk as he throws a look at Reflejo.

“You—!”

Bam moves out of his throne, walking to where Khun was. The guard immediately backs away, making Khun stretch out his bound arms. At this, Bam turns to the guard, hand reaching out, “Keys.”

The guard looks at him in confusion but he releases Khun anyway. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“If you still want to deny it, I’ve got more proof right here.”

“You traitor!”

Khun laughs but Bam could hear the hidden wince on his voice. Without thinking much, Bam grabs his wrist, pulling him down on his arms, placing his arms underneath Khun’s and lifting him up.

“Bam!”

But Bam pays him no mind and walks to the throne, dropping him on the king’s seat. He places the fur coat on Khun’s shoulders and Bam drops down to his knees, inspecting every inch of Khun’s face.

He hears the surprise in the people inside the room but he pays them no mind as he places his hands on Khun’s chin, frowning at the wounds on his face. “Who did this to you?”

Khun laughs and there’s fondness on his face as he looks at Bam. “Well, he’s dead now.”

Bam grits his teeth but nods. Khun chuckles and there’s a soft touch on his wrist. “I’m fine, I promise. Just a little scratch.”

Bam captures Khun’s wrist, kissing the palm of his hand.

“What’s going on?” Rachel’s voice breaks the silence of the room, quivering in anger or is it surprise? Bam doesn’t care. “You—You’re a Khun! You’re Jahad’s strategist. Why are you—”

“Jahad’s strategist? Please.” Khun rolls his eyes, waving a hand at her face. “I’ve only pledged allegiance to one king.”

“Stop moving.” Bam hisses, standing up as he orders the servants to grab a wash cloth for him, still ignoring the confused glances thrown his way. “You’re going to open up the stitch on your stomach and yes, I did notice, Aguero.”

Rak enters the courtroom, brows raising in surprise at Khun being on Bam’s throne. “Oh, Blue Turtle, you’re back? It was hard pretending not to know you.”

“Yeah you almost slipped last time.” Khun retorts back. “Don’t think I didn’t notice.”

As the servants come back, Bam kneels one more time, dampening the cloth like he did in the cell and gently dabbing it on Khun’s wounds. Khun smiles at him, all soft and fond and Bam can only smile back. There’s a twinkle of amusement in his eyes and it reminds Bam of childhood memories where Khun would get both of them in trouble and Bam had to use his innocence to let them off. “I don’t think a king should be doing this to his servant, Your Majesty.”

“You aren’t just a servant, Aguero.” Bam replies, softly touching his wrist.

Rak blanches. “You guys are going sappy again. Stop ignoring everyone in the courtroom. There’s still some business to discuss!”

“Right. Right.” Khun sighs, as if he’s indulging Rak. “Bam.”

Bam nods and he gently pulls Khun up. Rak stands on his right, like the general he was always known for, never leaving Bam’s side with his commanding presence and intimidating stature. Khun leans on the armrest of the throne, the fur coat which is clearly Bam’s flying at his every move. Bam sits on the throne, like the rightful ruler he is, golden eyes piercing and sharp.

“So it’s true then,” Reflejo says, just as he looks at Khun who was smirking on Bam’s left, smugness radiating on him. “Your left-hand man really exists.”

“What?”

“The left-hand man, who manage to make you king, even when the country was in political shambles when King V died. The left-hand man who’s your primary adviser, the person who helped you bring this country its prosperity back. The left-hand man who stays in the shadows, slowly eliminating each of your enemy. That was you, Khun Aguero Agnis.”

“Listing all my achievements isn’t going to let that sentence go.”

“Stop pissing off traitors.” Bam says, squeezing Khun’s wrist. “Take them away.”

“Wait,” He hears one of the Princesses say and for the first time, Bam remembers that they were there in the courtroom. “He was the reason you turned down every marriage proposal that our family submitted?!”

Khun smirks. "Isn't it unfair, if I pledge my allegiance to only one king and not have his heart in return?”

“Stop making yourself sound so evil,” Bam pokes him on the sides. “Besides, if you weren’t here by my side, I wouldn’t be here sitting in this throne. You are the reason.”

The smile on Khun’s face makes everything worth it.