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Ryeowook had to bite back an undignified scream when a knock rasped against the door to his study. A mountain of unfinished paperwork taller than his line of sight currently sat on the edge of his desk, and his limbs still ached from fulfilling his princely duties the previous day. A quick glance at the floor clock told him he managed to have four hours of undisturbed rest. It was more than he’d grown used to, but not enough for him to be functioning at full power.
He had been excited to claim his title as Crown Prince during his coronation, but after nearly three months of being deskbound, with this being the fourth time he’d spent the night on the divan rather than his bed, he was desperate for a change of pace. Unfortunately, he also knew how important his role was as royal sovereign of the kingdom.
So he sighed and sat up, adjusting his appearance with the aid of a vanity till he felt presentable, before retaking the cushioned seat behind his desk once more. “Enter.”
The knob turned, and Kyuhyun entered, a cheeky grin on his face as he greeted Ryeowook with an equally cheeky “Your Highness”.
Ryeowook immediately sagged in his seat with relief before annoyance quickly overcame him, and he crossed his arms, scowling at his childhood friend. “You should’ve announced yourself, Kyu!”
The young lord allowed the door to click shut behind him before rolling his eyes at Ryeowook. “And you should be more careful before letting anyone who knocks on your door enter.”
He waved the concern off. “There’s dozens of guards along the hallway; I’m sure I’ll know if there’s an attack. It’s not like I’m helpless, anyway.” Far from it; Jongwoon, the commander of the royal guard himself, had praised Ryeowook’s skills with a weapon.
Kyuhyun made a frustrated noise in the back of his throat, one that Ryeowook had grown awfully familiar with whenever the topic of his safety was involved. It was their first informal meeting in nearly a month, and the prince did not want to spend whatever little time they had together arguing over trivial matters.
“What brought you here, anyway? I thought you would be out of commission for the foreseeable future while you ease into the role as Duke?”
Kyuhyun’s snort, undignified as it sounded, was a welcome sound in the large but otherwise empty room. “Fret not, Your Highness; your humble subject is not shrinking on his duties to the kingdom in order to make a trip to the palace just to harass the beloved Crown Prince.”
The scowl found its way back to Ryeowook’s face at the teasing. Kyuhyun knew exactly how much he disliked formalities, but his wide grin was telling of his good mood, and Ryeowook felt his expression soften almost immediately in response to his friend’s humor.
“I came to fetch you because I knew you’d be buried nose deep in all this paperwork.” And when the prince just blinked, he elaborated, never losing his smile. “Lord Dan’s party? It’s tonight.”
“Lord Dan’s party…?” It was then that Ryeowook noticed for the first time Kyuhyun was dressed for company. He tried to retrace his memories beyond the time he’d spent in his study.
Yes, he did recall receiving a guest by that name with the King and Queen some weeks ago. He was a lord who held the title of Duke from a neighbouring nation, leaving a deep impression on Ryeowook due to his striking resemblance to a younger Kyuhyun. He’d announced his intentions to hold his engagement party within the Spring Kingdom, where he’d just succeeded in proposing to his now fiancee.
He also recalled being handed an invitation by Dan’s betrothed, a gorgeous woman who stood on eye level with him in flats. She had radiated happiness, and Ryeowook recalled her sincerity as she’d curtsied, “It would be an honor for the royal family of the Spring Kingdom to share in our joy.”
And without a lover to call his own, Ryeowook had naturally invited Kyuhyun as he always did. He used to do it because Kyuhyun was the only child of a noble close to his age, but they’d since grown to be each other’s go-to choices.
He was also willing to admit he was curious of his friend’s reaction when he would meet the Duke who resembled himself in appearance. Paperwork that piled up after the last council meeting had indeed caused him to completely forget about the party.
Kyuhyun reached across the desk to flick his forehead. “C’mon, Wookie. This is a cause for celebration, and I know you’re dying to let loose. Paperwork can wait.”
His childhood friend was right. An occurrence like a pair of lovers getting engaged was considered sacred in their kingdom of new beginnings. Paperwork could wait. Ryeowook stood and stretched, satisfied when his stiff joints popped.
“Alright, let’s go bake some congratulatory cookies for the party. I’ll even let you decide how much sugar to add to the mix.”
Ryeowook’s mood had improved considerably as the pair worked in the royal kitchen. It was partially due to the fact that he’d finally taken a bath to rid himself of days’ worth of filth; but also because the kitchen was one of the few places the prince felt closer to the boy he used to be before the coronation, and the good-natured bantering between him and Kyuhyun further lightened the weight off his shoulders. Temporary as it was, Ryeowook fully intended to cherish every moment of the present.
Kyuhyun’s cookies were too sweet as they always were for Ryeowook’s palate, but he found that he didn’t mind. It was a traditional gift made from their hearts, and the sweetness was a taste that matched the theme of an engagement he had a feeling the couple would find agreeable.
They wrapped the gift with the pink laced ribbons of the royal family, settling it gently in a cushioned box so as to not risk damage on the hour long carriage ride they were to take.
“Why don’t you take the time to get some rest, Wook?” Kyuhyun suggested moments after they settled in the carriage and knocked against the roof, signaling the okay for the coachman to begin their journey.
The gentle rocking of the carriage and reassuring presence of Kyuhyun next to Ryeowook was almost hypnotising, making his lids grow heavier by the second. “I know you had been asleep before I found you in the office earlier, but it’s just us now for the next hour.”
“Yeah, that sounds really good…” Sleep was staking its claim on him, making his words slur. Kyuhyun chuckled, and instinct dictated Ryeowook chide him for chuckling at his exhausted future monarch, but he was already out like a light.
When he stirred awake for the second time that day, the orange of sunset was peeking in through the curtains as it fluttered with the carriage on uneven ground. He must have not been out for long, though he felt more refreshed than he had in days. Ryeowook had missed the glow of the sun, and he reached past Kyuhyun to part the veils to soak in its warmth.
His childhood friend grumbled words that made little sense, flipping a page of the book he’d been carrying with him for nearly a year. Ryeowook found himself snickering, face buried in the crook of Kyuhyun’s neck. It was a habit he had, to cuddle up to warmth and safety and the scent of home. Kyuhyun was all of that, and—
Ryeowook inhaled. “You still smell of cookies,” he murmured, and Kyuhyun hummed non-committedly in reply. They just sat like that, in companionable silence; Kyuhyun acting like he was reading a word of his book, Ryeowook basking in the remnants of sunlight before it disappeared completely over the horizon.
The Duke’s party, like most hosted in the kingdom, was taking place outdoors within a floral garden. The sky had darkened by the time they arrived, the moon peeking from behind layers of clouds. Lit lanterns, music and chattering were their guide to the heart of the event. There was a relatively concentrated crowd, small groups of people at every table where refreshments were available.
“Your Highness,” the concierge stood and bowed in a show of respect as they approached with the envelope of invitation in hand. “Your Grace,” he added to Kyuhyun, head still lowered.
“We’re just guests like everyone else here tonight,” Ryeowook hurried to say before other guests who had clearly travelled down from Dan’s kingdom took notice. He knew the presence of royalty could be unnerving, let alone one from a kingdom you were unfamiliar with.
“As you wish, Sir. Your invitation, please?”
Kyuhyun offered his arm as they were cleared to proceed. Grinning, Ryeowook looped through it with his own, and together they went in search of the hosts of the party. It was hardly a difficult task, what with the wreaths over the crowns of the pair’s heads.
They were dressed like tourists, which was not the greatest compliment one could give, but their cheeks were flushed, eyes shining and smiles so wide the view put the meticulously maintained garden to shame.
Dan spotted them when he turned in search of an attendant, no doubt to request a refill of wine in their guest’s glass. His face, if possible, lit up further, and with animated gestures, departed from the conversation and headed in their direction.
He leaned in close as he spoke, as if sharing a secret. “Thank the heavens for your timely arrival. I do not think I could have taken another second smiling as my betrothed and her cousin discussed the extent of our bedroom activities in great detail.”
Both men of Spring flushed at the lord’s words, unaccustomed to the foreign way of discussing such private matters openly. Dan seemed to realise that as well, and smiled sheepishly.
“My apologies. I’m glad you could make it,” the lord said, warmly, extending his hand for a shake. Ryeowook unhooked himself from Kyuhyun to take it with a smile of his own. “Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” In their kingdom, it wasn’t just courtesy for a member of the royal family to say that.
Dan turned to Kyuhyun, and Ryeowook watched the expressions of both men with a smirk. They were taking each other in, no doubt seeing the resemblance.
They finally exchanged a firm handshake. “Dan.”
“Kyuhyun.”
“A pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”
“As it is mine.”
Ryeowook suppressed the urge to snort. By the gods, they sounded like they were both speaking in a non-native tongue. It was as awkward as it was entertaining, and Ryeowook held out the gift box before things got any weirder.
“Congratulations again on your engagement.”
Dan accepted it, eyes wide with wonder. “Thank you. Everything was already amazing as it is, and to receive the traditional gift of royal baked cookies…”
“I hope they aren’t too sweet. Kyuhyun has a habit of adding too much sugar to everything.”
Kyuhyun pinched his side while Dan just laughed. “Sweet is perfect. My fiancee has quite the sweet tooth.”
That had Kyuhyun flashing his teeth in a proud grin—they didn’t quite look like each other anymore like that. “Your fiancee has taste.”
“I would hope so,” Dan said, and all three men knew he wasn’t referring to the cookies. They chatted a little about food and nation and everything in between before the soon-to-be Duchess shrieked out names of delicacies, to which Dan sighed.
“I apologize, but I must return to my partner. She only sounds like that when our felines have soiled her belongings. I am aware that this sounds odd when I am from a foreign land, but please, enjoy the party.”
With the assurance that they would in fact be enjoying themselves, Dan hurried off in the direction of his fiancee. “He seems sweet.”
“Hey now, don’t go falling for a taken man, however tempting it may be to fall for someone who resembles me.”
Ryeowook laughed when Kyuhyun winked, making his statement seem even more ridiculous. “Were you surprised by how much he looked like you?”
Kyuhyun wrinkled his nose, nodding. “A little. But the differences became more obvious after a while.”
“Like the fact that he is capable of the disposal of pests?” Ryeowook teased, enjoying the way his friend’s cheeks reddened at an old memory. In retaliation, Kyuhyun tickled his sides, and a surprised yelp burst from him before he dissolved into laughter, trying to escape.
“Foul! Lord Kyuhyun, you play dirty. You know I’m ticklish. To use that knowledge against me is a breach of the royal family’s trust!”
Kyuhyun chuckled, ceasing his attack and instead holding Ryeowook against him in a hug, the taller man’s chin resting on his head. “Never, Your Royal Highness. My loyalty lies with your bloodline.”
“Your loyalty should lie with the Crown.” Ryeowook’s voice was muffled, his face pressed against Kyuhyun’s broad chest. Then the lord’s hands released the loop they’d formed around his waist to settle on his shoulders as he took two steps back, just enough to hold Ryeowook’s gaze.
“The Crown, to which for me means your bloodline.”
Ryeowook was humbled by the truth he saw shining in Kyuhyun’s eyes as he said the words. “Kyu…”
One hand lifted from his shoulder to cup the back of his neck, applying gentle pressure as Kyuhyun’s lips pressed against his forehead in a Duke’s show of devotion. “I’m saying this as your friend. You’re doing good, Wookie.”
“You think so?” They were words of affirmation Ryeowook hadn’t known he needed. He had great aspirations, ideas he wanted to put into action, things he wanted to do upon the coronation ceremony. Instead, he’d been sitting around in office, staring at words. He wasn’t feeling exactly useful.
Kyuhyun sounded smug as he answered, “I know so.”
A liar was one thing Kyuhyun wasn’t, and so Ryeowook nodded his acknowledgement. There was indeed his trademark smirk on his face as Kyuhyun gave a gentleman’s bow, “Would you allow me the honor of a dance, Your Highness?”
The grin came easily to the prince as he took the offered hand. “Certainly. I am hopeful that your skill on the floor has improved, Lord Kyuhyun.”
Kyuhyun didn’t miss a beat. “Rest assured that I have attended several intense lessons after that disaster at the King’s birthday party, my liege.”
They danced to the piece played by the quartet from within the garden pavilion, surrounded by laughter and flowers and spring. The Crown Prince’s responsibilities waiting back at the palace were in no way forgotten, but they were on hold. For now, he was just Ryeowook enjoying the spring night with his closest confidant and friend.
“Thank you, Kyuhyun,” he said later, as the carriage arrived back at the palace gates deep into the night, and he was walked to the heavy doors guarded by two royal guards on each side.
“No, thank you for bringing me as your plus one as always, Wook. The food was luxurious.”
Ryeowook laughed, shaking his head. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. And I’ll keep doing it for as long as you’ll allow me to.” Like how Ryeowook allowed Kyuhyun to kiss the back of his hand, the prince was once again flooded with gratitude to have Kyuhyun as a friend before they were Crown Prince and Duke.
“I won’t hold you back further from your princely duties. I should definitely return to my own duties as Duke. Till our next spring getaway.”
Ryeowook’s smile never faded even as he took another bath, and sank into the soft sheets of his own bed for a good night’s sleep. His short getaway with Kyuhyun wouldn’t be over before he opened his eyes to greet the rising sun, but he was already looking forward to the next one.
end.