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“They're terrifying, you realize that.”
Chanyeol frowned, glancing up from his tea to meet the eyes of his cousin, Sehun. He was making a point to keep his attention on the biscuits in front of them, so it took Chanyeol a moment to understand what he was referencing.
He flicked his eyes over to the garden walls next to them, lips breaking into a smile as he took in the sight. He was a little lost in staring, captivated by the regal and powerful picture those two made. Chanyeol must’ve been staring for longer than he thought, since it took the sound of Sehun politely coughing for him to jerk his gaze away.
“I have no idea what you mean, cousin. They're merely doing their job.” Chanyeol took another sip of his tea, avoiding the look on Sehun’s face. (Because who was Chanyeol convincing with that tone? Absolutely no one.)
“If by doing their job you mean scaring away everyone who would even think to stray over here, then yes. I'd say they're doing their job quite admirably.”
‘They’ being a reference to his personal guard--Byun Baekhyun and Do Kyungsoo. Both were standing fairly close to Chanyeol’s claimed table, their armor gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight. Baekhyun had his helmet off, eyes the color of molten gold as he bared his teeth in a friendly grin. Though, even if his expression showed one of levity, his eyes were keen and sharp--calculating as he kept his head on a casual swivel. Kyungsoo opted to keep his helmet on, but even still, his body gave away his complete alertness; hand resting near his sword attached at his hip, shoulders tensed and body at the ready in case of an attack.
Sehun was right, in a sense. Both men gave off levels of intimidation that would make anyone think twice about actively approaching. However, they weren't truly meaning to scare anyone. They were just worried about Chanyeol, that was all. Assassination attempts had been getting more and more frequent as of late, so it was no wonder they'd be as…watchful as they were.
But terrifying would be going a step too far. Protective was a better word for it.
“They’re merely worried about me, that's all. Please, feel free to mingle with the others if it bothers you so! I know you've missed more than just me here.” Chanyeol was genuine in his earnestness, feeling bad for keeping Sehun, but unwilling to part with his bodyguards. Nor would he make it any harder on them to protect him--not when he owes them so much already. They never asked him to keep to himself, but they didn’t need to ask. Chanyeol knew that it’d be better if he kept away from those visiting his castle, at least until they properly identified the ones sending assassins after his head.
Sehun sighed out slowly, lightly knocking his foot against Chanyeol's.
“That was not the point I was making...” Sehun trailed off, dark eyes locking onto the silhouettes of his bodyguards. There was something contemplative in his gaze, like he was lost in thought--puzzling something out for himself. But before Chanyeol could voice his questions, he snapped out of it and shrugged, standing up from their shared table.
“If you're truly okay with being by yourself for a few moments, then I think it's about time I pay High Prince Jongin a visit.” Despite the sarcastic lilt to the end of his words, there was a subtle warmth to his gaze. Jongin was a childhood friend of theirs, even if he was technically above them both in status, and it had been a long while since they last met. Sehun had come later than expected, so Jongin had already been whisked away by the court ladies and lords by the time he and Chanyeol caught up.
“I suspect you’d be doing him a favor, anyway.” Chanyeol tilted his chin slightly towards the far end of the gardens, staring at Jongin’s uncomfortable grimace as he entertained Lady Dohee and her three daughters. She was a notorious meddler and was known for setting up potential courtships for her daughters. It seemed like Lady Dohee had set her sights on Jongin, who had recently come of an age to begin looking for a partner. ‘Unfortunately for her, Jongin is far from interested.’ Sehun followed his gaze, mouth twitching up into an amused smirk.
“Very well, then. It would be very… rude of me to allow our High Prince to suffer so.”
“Of course, of course. Very rude indeed.” Chanyeol didn’t even bother fighting the laughter coloring his words. Sehun at least had the sense to somewhat hide his own humor, though not by much.
“Until we next meet, Prince Chanyeol.” He turned back and gave Chanyeol a proper bow then, dark hair falling across his forehead as he tilted his head in a small nod.
“Of course, Prince Sehun.” Chanyeol ducked his head with a small grin, chuckling softly when Sehun shot him a saucy wink before slipping into the crowd. It never felt natural calling Sehun by his full title, but they were older now. They were in public where informality could be misconstrued as disrespect, and the last thing he needed was a political scandal. Not when he was in trouble with his mother for his less than…professional relations with his two guards.
Chanyeol flushed at the thought, bringing his hands up to cup his cheeks in his embarrassment. Even now, a week after everything had officially gone down (the confessions, the kisses, the aftermath), Chanyeol still couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t believe that he could finally reach out and touch and hold them like he had wanted to for so many years…
Flashes of them tangled together popped into his head. The warmth of their hands as they glided across his sweaty skin. The softness of their lips as they pressed feverish kisses to his cheeks and wrists. The brutality of their teeth as they marked up the column of his neck and the sensitive skin of his thighs. The words they whispered to one another; promises of devotion, of protection, of love.
He just couldn’t get it out of his head, the intensity of that night. Replaying over and over in his mind.
“Something wrong, Princeling?”
Chanyeol turned his head, flush only deepening when he realized both Baekhyun and Kyungsoo were staring at him now. At least, Baekhyun was openly staring. Kyungsoo still had his helmet on, but Chanyeol could feel the weight of his attention regardless. ' Oh no, now I’ve gone and done it. ’
“N-nothing at all! Just…enjoying my, um, tea.” Chanyeol’s smile was a nervous thing, slightly crooked and clashing terribly with the violent color rushing to his face. He gulped at the almost predatory gleam in Baekhyun’s eyes, the innocent curve of his smirk turning into something… leering the longer he continued to stare.
“Perhaps a bit too much.” Kyungsoo’s voice was low, and unexpected enough to throw Chanyeol off; eyes darting from Baekhyun to the intimidating points of Kyungsoo’s helmet.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“You’re as red as the roses sprouting from the garden walls, my Prince! Has the heat truly affected you that much?” Baekhyun sounded concerned as he walked closer to Chanyeol’s table, but the look in his eyes was anything but. It was like he knew exactly why Chanyeol was so red. Like he almost…reveled in it.
“Maybe it would be best for us to retire, then. Give you time to cool off.” Kyungsoo inclined his head towards the castle in the distance. There was something a little teasing in his even tone, which didn’t help Chanyeol’s flustered state in the slightest.
It seemed like they had both caught onto his not-so-innocent thoughts. Were they…trying to do something about it? It had been a week since they were last allowed to get intimate, and with the party going on, his mother and father wouldn’t be within the castle walls…
Chanyeol cleared his throat, gaining back Baekhyun and Kyungsoo’s focus in an instant.
“Perhaps you two are right. I am feeling a little overwhelmed…it might be best for you two to escort me to my chambers.” He glanced at them from under his lashes, holding back a giggle of excitement when Baekhyun looked slightly flustered himself.
“Of course. Whatever you wish, Princeling.” Baekhyun quickly recovered, inclining his head. Kyungsoo did much the same, both of them hovering close when Chanyeol stood.
“Come, then, Before anyone notices.” He whispered, glancing back one more time before making his way towards the back exit. Kyungsoo and Baekhyun followed behind with quiet footsteps, the air around them tense with anticipation.
Chanyeol was looking forward to the rest of their night together--even if it would no doubt end with his mother scolding him for disappearing so early on. It was all worth it if it meant he could feel that connection again. As soon as they made it past the castle gates, Chanyeol reached out and grabbed both of their hands.
“Princeling-!”
“My Prince-!”
“We’re inside the castle now, it’s okay. Besides,” He pulled both of their hands towards his face and pressed kisses to the backs, “I know you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.”
“Reckless of you.” Kyungsoo grunted, fixing his stride to walk beside Chanyeol instead of behind him. Baekhyun followed suit soon after, pressing himself close to Chanyeol’s side with a low purr. Baekhyun’s armor was cool when it touched his skin, but Chanyeol leaned into the press regardless.
“You’re getting bolder by the day, aren’t you.” Baekhyun murmured, teasingly nipping at the exposed collar of Chanyeol’s tunic. Chanyeol shivered at the feeling, gasping when Kyungsoo slid his other hand underneath the band of his pants.
“What can I say, you two are rubbing off on me,” He joked, a breathless laugh falling from his lips when Kyungsoo snorted and Baekhyun groaned dramatically.
“That was terrible, Princeling.”
“I thought it was pretty fitting.”
“Of course you would, puppy. You two have the same mind when it comes to jokes like that.” Kyungsoo growled at the nickname, but there was nothing malicious in the sound.
“Less talking and more walking, you two. I don’t want another repeat from before-ah!” Chanyeol jerked when Kyungsoo’s hand slid from his waist down to his ass and squeezed.
“Yes, yes, we're moving.” Baekhyun laughed against his throat, tongue coming out to flick against his Adam's apple.
“Move faster, and that’s an order from your Prince!”
“Well, if it’s an order--”
Chanyeol yelped when he was suddenly lifted into Baekhyun’s arms. Kyungsoo sighed from behind them, but went along with the act as Baekhyun started to run down the hallway. They proceeded to trade snarky remarks as they made their trek--going back and forth like a pair of squabbling children. It was enough to leave Chanyeol’s belly hurting from his laughter, burying his face in the exposed curve of Baekhyun’s neck to get away from the absurdity of these grown men.
The two men he loved with all his heart.