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As the only heir of the Underworld, it was no surprise that Demon Prince Kim Dokja was spoiled by his parents. King Hades and Queen Persephone often showered their dear son with gifts and praises, making sure Kim Dokja knew how loved he was.
From books to horses to fabrics of distant lands, Kim Dokja was graced with many gifts from his parents. There was no doubt that his parents loved him.
Kim Dokja just wished that his parents didn’t have to go so overboard with the extravagance.
So when King Hades gifted Kim Dokja a new rose garden in the castle, King Hades decided to throw a small party in the garden’s newest gazebo
Kim Dokja had to greet several of the guests before Queen Persephone took pity on him and decided to relieve him of his duties.
“Just have fun, young prince. This rose garden is dedicated to you after all.”
Kim Dokja smiled as he remembered the incident that led to the garden. King Hades had overheard that Kim Dokja wanted a rose garden by his room and immediately ordered its construction. Two halls had to be demolished and Kim Dokja yelled at his father for it. The sentiment was still there, but why did the king feel the need to spoil him so much?
Whatever. In the end, Kim Dokja liked the garden. The thought of reading a novel while being surrounded by roses was delightful.
He quickly accepted his mother's offer. After shaking hands with the final noble, Kim Dokja left and the queen took his place. Nobles walked around, networking with each other as they enjoyed appetizers served by wandering servants. Kim Dokja weaved through the crowd, waving at a few familiar nobles before making his way to the end of the garden where the crowd was thinner and less active.
This part of the garden belonged to the refreshment area, which was filled with food and drinks for the event. A few nobles were close, searching for an opportunity to strike up a conversation. Kim Dokja quickly snatched a glass of what seemed to be fruit punch and escaped to a stone pillar, hoping that no one would approach him. He took a sip of his drink and hummed approvingly. The fruit punch was slightly bubbly and it was sweet, yet tangy.
He swirled the liquid in the glass, admiring the deep red color. Kim Dokja drank some more and soon enough the glass was empty.
"Well, that was short-lived." Kim Dokja sighed. Did this mean he had to go back and get more? He didn't want to risk engaging in a random conversation with a stranger.
A traveling server noticed the empty glass and automatically gave him a refill. "Prince Dokja, you do not have to hesitate. Please request more if you wish."
"Thank you." Kim Dokja said as the servant left him to sip on his drink. He looked out at the rest of the partygoers around the rose garden and decided that he was content with people watching for the rest of the party. “As long as I have this fruit punch, I think I can stay here all night.”
After two more glasses, Kim Dokja’s cheeks began to feel warm and he felt his tail and wings drooping. Some servants came up to him to ask if he was okay, but Kim Dokja waved them off. He felt fine! Better than ever.
Kim Dokja found that his glass was empty again. Great, it was time for another refill. He turned back to the server and waved them over.
“Excuse me, may I have another glass please?”
The server’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Prince Dokja, you drank the entire bottle of wine.”
“Eh? W-wine? Huh?”
“Yes. You drank a bottle of wine from the Everglades.”
“Oh.” Kim Dokja felt that there was a weird aftertaste, but he enjoyed the drink so much, he ignored it. Now that the server mentioned it, his head felt a bit fuzzy. Kim Dokja blinked and looked down at his empty glass. It was difficult to focus his vision and he found himself swaying in one place.
Ah yes, he definitely drank wine. Most definitely and with 100% certainty. Oops.
A new voice interrupted the two. “Did you just say the prince drank an entire bottle of Everglade Wine? Are you a fool? Why would you allow him to drink that much?!”
Kim Dokja turned and saw a certain scowling general beside him. Royal Knight General Yoo Joonghyuk was currently glaring at the nervous servant.
Kim Dokja grinned and waved. “Hello Joonghyuk-ah~. Did you try the juice?”
Yoo Joonghyuk’s glare softened as he placed a firm hand on Kim Dokja’s shoulder. The prince found himself leaning on the general, unable to stand straight.
Yoo Joonghyuk cleared his throat. “My prince, I’m going to tell you now: you’re drunk.”
Kim Dokja blinked before letting out a chuckle. “What are you talking about, I’m fine.”
Yoo Joonghyuk stared at Kim Dokja’s eyes, which were blurry and unfocused. “Doubtful. We need to get you away from here.”
“Huh? Why? Thought...I thought this was my party?” Kim Dokja’s thought processes were evidently dying. Yoo Joonghyuk’s frown darkened.
“That’s why. Come now, I’ll guide you to your room and I’ll let the king know afterwards.”
Yoo Joonghyuk took Kim Dokja by the arm and Kim Dokja took the opportunity to link arms with the general. Yoo Joonghyuk sighed as Kim Dokja stuck to his side like glue as they reached the back end of the garden.
“Wha...mmm…what’s over there?” Kim Dokja slurred as he pointed at a bush.
Yoo Joonghyuk signed and shoved Kim Dokja towards a different direction. He wished he could just cover Kim Dokja's mouth, but if he was caught doing that, he would never hear the end of it from his fellow kngiths. “Just please stay silent," urged Yoo Joonghyuk, "I don’t want the others to see you in this miserable state.”
“You’re no fun!”
“And you’re not sober. Now hurry.”
Yoo Joonghyuk led Kim Dokja into a side hallway where there weren’t too many nobles hanging around. The general went as far as using his cape to shield Kim Dokja from higher ranking bystanders when they stared at the pair for too long.
Finally, they made it to the final hallway that led to the prince’s bedchambers. It was also where they were stopped by a flirtatious succubus.
“Oh hello there General Yoo Joonghyuk,” said the succubus. She sidled up to the side that Kim Dokja was not occupying. “And what are you doing so far away from the festivities?”
There was no time for formalities. “Sorry, do you need anything important? I’m in a hurry.” Yoo Joonghyuk positioned his cape over Kim Dokja to hide the swaying prince, who for some reason remained silent.
“Won’t you please keep a lady like me company for now? There aren’t any other dashing demons around...like you.” She fluttered her eyelashes as she grinned up at an unamused Yoo Joonghyuk.
“As I said before, I’m in a rush. Sorry.” Yoo Joonghyuk ripped his arm from her grip and pulled Kim Dokja along. The succubus caught a flash of Kim Dokja and smirked.
“Oho, is that who you’re going to spend the night with?”
“It’s none of your business.” Niceties thrown out of the window, Yoo Joonghyuk began fast walking but the succubus continued to follow.
“Say, how much are you paid? I think Lucera would be able to afford a strong demon like you as our top general.”
Yoo Joonghyuk glared, almost offended by her words. “Excuse me? I’m loyal to my king and queen. I cannot be bought.”
The succubus showed off her razor sharp fangs as she smirked. “Everyone can be bought at a price. Just name yours and it can happen.”
A cough successfully interrupted the two. “Yoo Joonghyuk would never go with the likes of you.”
The succubus peered over to see that Kim Dokja was peeking from behind the general’s cape. The prince glared viciously at the duchess as she laughed.
“Why not? Money talks.”
“Yoo Joonghyuk is loyal. He would never leave us. He’s...he’s—“
“And who exactly are you? You don’t seem special.”
Yoo Joonghyuk’s glare turned cold as he once again tried to keep Kim Dokja hidden. Kim Dokja released Yoo Joonghyuk’s arm and pushed the General away to face the succubus.
“Yoo Joonghyuk is my most loyal general. You can't buy loyalty and I definitely won’t let you have him.” Kim Dokja ended his tirade with a lopsided scowl that was only highlighted from the cherry shade of his cheeks.
The succubus sneered. “You sound like an absolute brat. Who are you?”
The sound of a sword being unsheathed pierced through the night. “Call my prince a brat again and I’ll end you.”
The duchess felt chills go down her spine at the tone of Yoo Joonghyuk’s voice.
“E-Excuse me? They’re the prince?!” squeaked the succubus.
“Yes. And you just insulted him in my presence.” Yoo Joonghyuk’s hand clenched the hilt of his sword.
Kim Dokja noticed and hurriedly tugged at Yoo Joonghyuk’s cape. “Joonghyuk, let’s just go. She’s not worth it.”
Yoo Joonghyuk gave the duchess one last glare before leading Kim Dokja away. This time, the duchess did not follow.
“Nooooo I dun’ wanna go to bed.”
Yoo Joonghyuk groaned at Kim Dokja’s behavior. “Please, just please, make this a little easier on me.”
“No.”
Yoo Joonghyuk, who was currently herding the prince to the bed, was ready to dump the prince and return to his patrols. Said prince was clinging to his arm, not letting the knight leave the room. As much as he wanted to tear the prince’s arm off of him, he secretly enjoyed the attention from the prince. “Why not? Would you like me to get the king? I can.”
“Mmmm. Maybe later. But that’s not why.”
Yoo Joonghyuk rubbed his temples. “Maybe I should’ve taken that duchess’s offer.”
Kim Dokja fell silent. Then in a small whisper he said, “Would you really?”
“Hm?” Yoo Joonghyuk tilted his head closer to Kim Dokja. “Speak up.”
“Would you really leave us for her?” Kim Dokja looked worried, his mouth trembling as he spoke his true thoughts.
Shit.
“That was sarcasm, Prince Dokja. I would never leave you.”
Kim Dokja huffed and released his hold on Yoo Joonghyuk. He crossed his arms to look away. “It wasn’t funny.”
Seeing that he actually hurt the prince’s feelings, Yoo Joonghyuk felt his chest seize with guilt.
Yoo Joonghyuk bowed to Kim Dokja, startling the prince. “My apologies. My vow of loyalty is to you and your parents alone. I swore to never betray you and to always protect you.”
After a few seconds, Kim Dokja nodded. “Good. Don’t make jokes like that ever again. It’s an order.”
The brat still had enough coherency to order the general around. “Of course. Now go to bed.”
The next morning, Kim Dokja woke up with a splitting headache. With the blinds closed shut, he nursed a glass of water, swearing off alcohol for the rest of his life. He faintly remembered the encounter in the gardens and groaned to himself.
Kim Dokja's cheeks were on fire as he replayed last night's events. He acted like an immature brat. How uncharacteristic of him. He remembered clinging to the Royal Knight General like a child, hiding behind that thick dark cape…
Honestly Kim Dokja wanted to do it again, but someone of his stature couldn’t possibly be allowed to do so. His calm and collected persona was whittled away by the allure of alcohol.
Hell, how was he supposed to look Yoo Joonghyuk in the face? If he remembered correctly, Yoo Joonghyuk’s squadron was stationed around the castle today. That meant there was a high chance that he would run into the general.
His face warmed at the thought.
No! Kim Dokja slapped his cheeks and covered himself in his sheets, hiding himself under the safety of his covers.
Five minutes passed and there was a knock on Kim Dokja’s door. It must be a servant sent by his parents to wake him. Kim Dokja reluctantly left his bed and made sure he was semi-presentable before heading to the door.
Lo and behold, it was Yoo Joonghyuk behind the door. Kim Dokja promptly shut the door on his face.
“Prince Dokja, that was rude.”
Kim Dokja opened the door once again to confirm it was Yoo Joonghyuk. He slammed it shut again, sliding down to the ground. His face cringed as last night’s events once again rolled through his mind.
“I don’t feel well. Please tell my parents I can’t come to breakfast.”
Yoo Joonghuk snorted. “Should I send for a medic? Did you drink the water I left for you at your bedside?”
Kim Dokja’s eyes darted to the cup of water by his bed. He didn’t even realize that it was left there by the general.
“Open the door.”
Kim Dokja gulped at the command. It was too early in the morning for this. He stood up and opened his door to see Yoo Joonghyuk’s annoyed frown. The general quickly walked into his room, not allowing the door to be slammed in his face again.
“Prince Dokja.”
Kim Dokja began to sweat. “Good morning, may I help you?”
“Your parents summoned you to breakfast,” Yoo Joonghyuk crossed his arms, “So I came to escort you to the dining room.”
“Sorry you had to go out of your way to come all the way here. You don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
Kim Dokja’s eyes widened, “Huh?”
“Kim Dokja.”
The lack of title sent a shudder down Kim Dokja’s spine. “Y-Yeah?” He cursed at himself for sputtering so much.
“Are you still upset about last night?”
The sincerity in Yoo Joonghyuk’s voice was surprisingly fragile. Kim Dokja couldn’t recall a time he ever heard the general sound so…small.
“I’m not upset about anything. If anything, I thought you would be mad…at me.”
Yoo Joonghyuk let out a sigh of relief. “I bear no ill will Prince Dokja. I thought you would be upset over my tasteless comment.” Yoo Joonghyuk went down on one knee, head bowed reverently. “My deepest apologies.”
Kim Dokja’s eyes softened and his hand patted Yoo Joonghyuk’s soft, dark hair. Yoo Joonghyuk enjoyed the prince’s gentle touch and looked up to see Kim Dokja smiling down at him.
“First you barge into my room and next you’re kneeling for me. I can’t read you at all,” Kim Dokja let out a light laugh, “Now stand up, the floor is dirty.”
Yoo Joonghyuk stood up, slightly embarrassed from what he thought was a considerate gesture. Kim Dokja held his arm out, staring at Yoo Joonghyuk expectantly.
“Well? Aren’t you here to escort me to breakfast?”
“I thought you were unwell.”
“Suddenly I feel better.” Kim Dokja shot the general a grin, his eyes no longer wavering away from Yoo Joonghyuk, “Now my loyal knight, let’s go.”
Yoo Joonghyuk accepted Kim Dokja’s arm and felt the prince lean towards him ever so slightly as they walked down the halls.