Chapter Text
Lee Youngheum or Prince Ten's betrothal was a small price to pay for an alliance with the kingdom of Aurelia.
Eldoria was a small kingdom. The birth of their second prince, Lee Min-hyung or Prince Mark was their greatest achievement — a young boy blessed with magic that no one had seen for centuries. Neighboring kingdoms began to focus their attention on Eldoria, wary of a new potential threat growing on the edge of their borders.
Ten, although he held the title of the first prince, received none of the same blessing. Many nobles said he was lesser of the two princes, silent petitions made to have Prince Mark inherit the crown instead. Their greatest hopes were fulfilled when it was announced Prince Ten would be sold off to a foreign country, believing it to be a clever scheme enacted by court officials.
Few people knew that it was actually Prince Ten who had proposed the engagement to Aurelia years ago, a desperate gamble to protect his younger brother. The protection Eldoria would receive from the marriage would be indispensable.
Prince Ten was lucky the Crown Prince even considered the proposal. He received a well-written contract sent in response to his own hastily written letter, sealed with the stamp of the Aurelia royal family.
In the contract, the Crown Prince noted that he wanted to forge new grounds and make alliances based on future merits, but to Prince Ten, every sentence sounded insincere. Grandiose words with no real meaning to them.
He couldn’t help but wonder what type of person the Crown Prince was, to accept a betrothal from a kingdom that had yet to prove its worth when there were many others, wealthier and greater, willing to kneel at the foot of his throne. The true reason for his acceptance was a mystery.
“I still don’t understand why you have to marry him, hyung,” Prince Mark muttered, a frown marring his otherwise stiff features as he crossed his arms. “You don’t even know his name.”
Prince Ten smiled at the sight of his brother’s sullen expression. To no one’s surprise, Crown Prince had been the most vocal in protesting against the marriage. He was the first to defend his elder brother, in every situation and without fail, even though the responsibility fell the other way around.
It reminded Ten of when they were younger — when Mark would “train” in the palace gardens. He’d dash across the field with two wooden swords in hand, destroying any bushes unfortunate enough to face his wrath, and declaring their “enemies” defeated once the gardens had been thoroughly wrecked.
Marriage was a minor sacrifice to make. Ten would do anything to keep his brother safe.
“Aurelia is a powerful kingdom,” Ten reminded him as they walked down the hallway. Around them, servants were busy tidying up the castle. Floors were swept bare, banners were being hung, art sculptures polished until they gleamed. “The Crown Prince is doing us a favor by choosing to visit Eldoria. It’s our privilege to host them.”
The road from Aurelia to Eldoria was a treacherous one, surrounded by hostile territories on all sides.
In truth, the journey sent two messages.
On one hand, it symbolized a show of trust. Eldoria would host the Crown Prince in good faith for the sake of their future alliance.
On the other hand, it functioned as a warning. For Aurelia to send their crown prince on such an uncertain path meant that Aurelia did not perceive the journey as a risk. The Crown Prince alone was enough to subdue any threat.
“Maybe the Crown Prince could give you some advice,” Prince Ten added. He hoped that they would get along, as two future rulers for their respective kingdoms. “You should try to be friendly with him.”
“I’ll try,” Prince Mark said, looking as if he’d rather do anything else.
Ten patted his shoulder comfortingly. “Even if you don’t like him, promise you’ll be on your best behavior okay? For me?”
Mark’s face softened as he sighed. “Okay hyung. As long as you promise that you’ll be careful.”
Per the suggestions of the court advisors, Price Ten was planning on avoiding the crown prince at all costs. Under normal circumstances, Ten would go and greet their esteemed guests, but the court advisors worried that the crown prince would reject him once they saw his plain looks.
So unless the Crown Prince asked for him by name, Prince Ten would stay out of sight.
“I’m always careful,” Ten said.
“Like that time you tried to tame a venomous jewel snake?”
“Well…” He’d succeed that time, so really, that shouldn’t count.
“Or that time you went missing for a week because you lost track of time?”
“That was important! Faeplume had gotten sick…”
Mark pressed on, relentless. “Or that time you forgot to eat and almost passed out in the middle of the forest?”
“Okay, okay!” Ten waved his hands. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
Mark leaned back, finally satisfied with his answer. “Good.”
“Since when did you become this cheeky, huh?” Ten grumbled. “Who taught you that?”
Mark smiled, the very picture of innocence. “You did, hyung.”
-----
Preparations for the welcome feast were well underway. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air as the cook placed them upon the windowsill.
In the far distance, Prince Ten could see the golden banners of Aurelia Kingdom from his hiding spot in the hidden nook underneath the kitchen window, signaling that the crown prince’s retinue had arrived. It was one of the few places in the castle where he could go read when he didn’t want to be bothered.
“I saw him,” the kitchen maid whispered excitedly. “The crown prince of Aurelia.”
Another aspect of Prince Ten’s chosen reading spot: gossip.
“Really?” The cook asked. She looked around before leaning in. “Tell me everything. What was he like?”
The maid hummed as she plated the bread into a new tray, thinking for a moment. “Intense,” she eventually said. “A little terrifying, to be honest. I mean, I know he’s powerful because he’s a prince, but he’s one of those people that are just…different from the rest of us.”
“I get what you mean,” the cook agreed. “Like Prince Min-hyung.”
Unwillingly, Prince Ten found that he was listening in to the conversation.
The maid nodded. “Exactly.” She said, looking down at the countertop, lost in thought. “I’m not even a mage, but I could feel the magic surrounding him.”
“Where did you see him?”
“Cleaning in the hallways. I only saw him passing by, but it felt like I was one wrong move away from meeting death.”
“Surely he didn’t threaten you?” The cook asked, alarmed.
“No, no, nothing like that,” the maid assured her, shaking her head. “But just be careful if you meet him.”
“Now I want to know more. Do you think I could sneak into the dining room later?”
The maid laughed. “Why not? I’ll help you. You can wear some of my clothes later.”
“You’re the best,” the cook said, giving her a side hug. “What did he look like?”
“That’s the fun part,” the maid said, a mischievous expression overtaking her face. “He’s handsome.”
The cook playfully bumped her hip. “How handsome?”
“More handsome than Prince Min-hyung.”
Prince Ten felt offended despite himself. No one was more handsome than his baby brother.
“Okay, now I know you’re lying,” the cook scoffed.
“I’m serious!” The maid exclaimed, hitting her arm lightly. “In my opinion, the Second Prince has that charming, white knight thing going on while the Crown Prince is more of the cold, untouchable, ice prince type.”
“That does sound more your taste.”
“Right?” The maid asked, before sighing wistfully. “Prince Ten sure is lucky.”
“Why are you even eyeing the prince?” The cook asked teasingly. “Don’t you have a crush on the stableboy?”
“Hey! That’s supposed to be a secret…”
Their voices trailed off as they went deeper into the kitchens.
“Well, at least he’s good looking.” Prince Ten thought to himself as he returned his focus to the bestiary in front of him.
-----
On a good day, Prince Ten would take a peaceful stroll into the Glimmering Grove. He would have treats in hand for the colony of magical creatures that lived there and spend his time with them, far away from the castle and any troubles it may bring. It would be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and at the end of it, he would feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Today was not a good day.
Today, Prince Ten found Luminara seconds away from decapitating a knight.
A knight wearing red and gold. Aurelia colors.
Luminara was in his full adult form, a sign that he was feeling threatened. His orange-red fur was ablaze, flames rolling off of his tail and paws, with every muscle tensed to attack. Blatant warning signals that the knight had apparently chosen to ignore.
The scene in front of him was like a page from the book How to Fail at Diplomacy: A Guide by Prince Ten. Of course he doubted that the Crown Prince would react kindly to the death of one of his guards.
He didn’t even stop to think, the treats falling to the ground as he ran forward, placing himself in between the knight and the manticore. “Luminara, stop!”
Luminara growled in response, ears flattening. He looked between Prince Ten and the knight, clearly fighting his instinct to strike.
Prince Ten approached Luminara, only to be stopped by a hand grabbing his wrist.
“There’s no need to act carelessly,” the knight said, voice extraordinarily calm for someone who was about to be mauled. “I will take care of the manticore.”
“I’m not,” Ten snapped, trying to remove his hand. The knight’s grip didn’t budge. Their difference in strength was starkly clear, like predator and prey. “Let go of me.”
“Eldoria would not appreciate it if I left their prince to die in a forest.”
This bastard of a knight! Doesn't he know that the Prince was saving him?
“I will be fine,” Ten said, attempting to pull back his wrist. He looked up at the knight, keeping his voice calm and controlled, his tone leaving no room for arguments. “Luminara feels threatened because he doesn’t know who you are. I’ve raised him since he was a cub. He wouldn’t hurt me.”
The knight’s golden eyes were unreadable. Prince Ten was unwillingly reminded of looking into the heart of a fire, molten and just as bright.
“If it hurts you, I will not hesitate to kill it,” the knight said, before letting go. Not an empty statement, but a promise.
Bold words from someone who’s unarmed, Prince Ten thought.
He snatched his hand back before walking forward to Luminara, reaching out to hold his head in his hands. “Shh, Luminara, it’s okay.”
As soon as Prince Ten touched him, Luminara let the flames dissipate, his growl fading.
“He’s just a visitor,” Prince Ten soothed, petting him on the head.
Luminara looked at the knight suspiciously but didn’t make any other attempts to attack. He flicked his tail back and forth before shrinking back to his juvenile form, trusting Prince Ten’s words.
Prince Ten picked him up and cradled him in his arms, Luminara easily curling into the space made for him. Luminara yawned as he scratched him behind his ears, leaning against the palm of his hand.
Prince Ten could sense the stare on his back, burning into him. Most people thought that mythical creatures should be put down indiscriminately. He turned around, ready to defend his actions if necessary, only to be met with —
A smile.
The knight was smiling. For some reason, the expression made Prince Ten feel slightly annoyed.
“A beast taming ability,” he murmured, almost to himself. “You’ve exceeded my expectations, Your Highness.”
“You’re not supposed to be here,” Prince Ten said. “Didn’t your prince tell you that the forest was off limits?”
The knight’s smile widened. Prince Ten felt even more annoyed. Now that he had time to take in his face, the knight was unfairly handsome. His face was striking, a jaw as sharp as a sword and eyes shaped like the crescent moon, his features set so beautifully it would make an artist weep. In the sunlight, his hair looked like woven strands of gold.
“I may have missed that,” the knight admitted. “Do you know who I am?”
An impossible question. How was Prince Ten supposed to know who he was?
“A knight is my only guess, considering you haven’t introduced yourself.”
A flicker of delight flashed across his face before he bowed his head slightly. “My apologies,” he said. “My name is Lee Taeyong.”
“Lee Taeyong,” Prince Ten repeated. “Are all knights from your country as reckless as you? You should know better than to go to a forest without a weapon.”
He looked unharmed, save for a few scratches on his leather armor and red clothing, but Prince Ten knew that the forest could hide its damage well. He’d seen it camouflage an injury as a light bruise to conceal the venom it held.
“The other knights are much more cautious than me,” he said lightly. Taeyong looked amused. “But I am flattered by your concern, Prince Ten.”
Prince Ten didn’t realize that knights from Aurelia could speak so casually to royalty. Maybe it was a cultural difference. “The forest is home to many magical beasts. I don’t want your death in my hands.”
“I wouldn’t have died,” Taeyong said, so assuredly it would’ve come off as arrogant if he hadn’t extended a gloved hand and demonstrated why.
A wave of electricity sparked to life in his palm. The current danced brilliantly across his fingers, dyeing his hands in a white-gold light before disappearing just as quickly as it had come.
A magic user. A formidable one too, if his level of control demonstrated anything. That explained why he was so confident.
Still. There were creatures much more deadly and much more aggressive than Luminara lurking in the deeper recesses of the forest. If he did happen to have a fatal encounter with one of them, there was only Eldoria to blame.
“You should leave while you can,” Prince Ten said, putting Luminara down on the ground. “The forest is dangerous. I don’t want you to be the reason the crown prince declares war on Eldoria.”
“You have so little faith in me,” Taeyong said, face crumpling in hurt. Prince Ten was certain he was faking it. “It would be rude of me to abandon the first prince of Eldoria in such a dangerous place.”
“I grew up here. I don’t need an escort.”
“One must be prepared for unexpected circumstances.”
Ten was supposed to be nice. There was an alliance on the line. As a representative of his country and the future leader of Aurelia, he was not supposed to be arguing with his future subjects.
“Is Aurelia so lax in their training that their knights do not have basic courtesy?” Ten replied before he could stop himself.
Taeyong grinned, looking far too cheerful for someone who was being insulted. “Is Eldoria so lacking in resources that they cannot provide their prince with proper protection?”
“If you are the standard for proper protection, I would rather take my chances with a wild dragon.”
“My Ten is rather brave,” the knight said admirably. “But it would weigh on my conscience to leave you alone. Leaving a damsel in distress is against my morals, you see.”
The sudden possessive pronoun…
“And it just so happens that your morals don’t allow you to listen to my direct orders?”
“Precisely.”
“What a convenient set of principles,” Prince Ten said dryly. “Luckily, I’m not a damsel.”
“My apologies.” Taeyong quickly amended his words. “A gentleman in distress.”
“I’m not in distress either.”
Taeyong tilted his head. “Perhaps, I’m the damsel in distress. As a prince, is it not your duty to accompany me?”
Ten was starting to regret entering this conversation.
From the distance, the sound of horns blew, signaling the start of the feast being hosted for their guest’s arrival. Every person from Aurelia was required to attend in honor of the trust lent to them. A small, but essential, formality.
Taeyong looked up at the sound, sighing. “I suppose that’s my cue to leave.”
He looked rather displeased about having to be present, which was understandable. Nobles tended to lose their manners when alcohol became involved.
Ten felt a pang of sympathy for half a second before he remembered that this man had almost caused a war by explicitly choosing to go out of bounds.
“Try not to die on your way out,” he offered.
Taeyong smiled. “I’ll rely on you to save me, my prince.”
Ten returned his smile, half-mocking. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
-----
Keeping an eye out on kingdom-sensitive information was usually done with a carefully placed spy network.
For Prince Ten, however, keeping up to date meant weekly tea sessions with Ningning Yizhuo.
“The feast was a disaster,” Ningning informed him the next day. “I can’t even count the amount of fights I had to keep from breaking out. I swear, your brother would’ve killed the crown prince if I wasn’t there to remind him that he was representing Eldoria.”
As the captain of the royal guard, Ningning was responsible for keeping the peace. She must’ve had her work cut out last night.
Prince Ten quietly wondered if Lee Taeyong participated in any of the fights. If he had to guess, he’d probably bet on yes. In fact, he’d bet that Taeyong caused a fair amount of fights, considering his personality.
“What happened?”
“Your brother decided to announce that he didn’t approve of your engagement and challenged the crown prince to a duel —“
Prince Ten choked on his drink.
“— But the crown prince refused,” Ningning continued, cutting off his train of thought before he could start panicking. “Said he wasn’t willing to give up such a promising alliance. He did agree to a spar the next time they visit though.”
He coughed, thumping his chest to try to clear his throat, waves of relief rolling over him. His brother could be hot-headed, and Prince Ten had known that he hadn’t approved of the marriage, but he hadn’t realized that he would do something so impulsive.
Mark Lee, had the crown prince pissed you off that badly? What happened to your promise to be on your best behavior?
“Thank you for stopping them,” Ten said gratefully. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”
She waved a hand dismissively. “Wasn’t even the worst part of the night. Yu Jimin decided it would be fun to practice her skills and almost destroyed the dining hall. It’ll take more than a month to be repaired even with the help of the court mages. I don’t know how we’re going to last.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“Jimin wiped the floor with some of the more egotistical ones. Besides that, a few broken egos, nothing serious.”
Prince Ten felt a smidgen of pride, Yu Jimin, Karina to her close friends – A lot of people underestimated her abilities because of her youth, but she’s starting to prove them wrong. “Sounds tiring.”
Ningning sighed loudly and glanced over at him with envy. “Must be nice not having to deal with Aurelia.”
“Until I get married to the crown prince, you mean? I’ll be lucky if nothing happens during the wedding.”
“Don’t even remind me. The only reason Prince Min-hyung didn’t attack on sight was because he was saving his energy.”
A monster had popped up on the western border. A frog-like creature with breath like hellfire and skin fiercer than any metal armor, or so the letter had described. Prince Ten frowned, thinking about how the frequency of these calls had increased recently. He made a mental note to remind Mark to take care of himself.
Mark’s abilities to create fires and create azure leaves made him a nightmare for any opponent. The knights stationed on the border were relying on his help to take the monster down. There weren’t many people who would be able to withstand Lee Min-hyung’s magic in a fight.
“Who do you think will win the spar?” Prince Ten asked.
Ningning was one of the few knights who stood equal to Mark in terms of both magical power and physical ability. She had a solid grasp on his combat prowess, earned through the struggle of fighting alongside him. If anyone would be able to guess the outcome of the battle, it would be her.
“I can’t say for sure. The crown prince would be a decent match for Prince Min-hyung.” She stirred some sugar into her tea. “The battle could go either way.”
High praise for the crown prince.
“I’m surprised you haven’t sought him out,” she added, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. Ningning knew that Prince Ten was of the mindset, the more connections, the better. “I mean, you’re betrothed to him.”
He shrugged, reaching for a strawberry cake and taking a bite. Far too sweet for his tastes. “The court advisors told me it was best to avoid meeting before the wedding.”
“But you don’t have to listen to them,” she said, her clear distaste for politics showing on her face. “They’re all power hungry morons.”
“They’re all rich power hungry morons,” Prince Ten corrected. “Their pockets fund the kingdom. Besides, it’s not a difficult request. Traditionally, we wouldn’t meet until the wedding day.”
“Like you’ve ever cared about tradition,” she snorted.
“True,” Prince Ten replied. If he had cared about tradition, he wouldn’t have given the kingdom to his brother. “How’s Dong Sicheng doing with the planning?”
“He wanted me to ask if you were fine with lilies for the flower arrangements.”
As Prince Ten was fairly ambivalent about the whole affair, the wedding planning had fallen to Dong Sicheng, secretary of the state. Ten didn’t particularly like lilies, but it didn’t matter either way.
“Lilies are fine,” he said.
“I’ll let him know,” Ningning said, pulling out a piece of paper to write down a note. “Still, you should speak to the crown prince before the ceremony. You’re going to be spending the rest of your life with him.”
“It doesn’t matter whether or not I like him,” Ten pointed out. “I’m going to be marrying him regardless.”
“You should try. I’ll help you sneak into his room if you want.”
“And if he calls off the alliance because of that?”
“He wouldn’t,” Ningning said. She seemed positive of the fact. “I only spoke to him a bit, but he’s not cruel, nor is he stupid.”
Prince Ten could acknowledge that he was at least a little bit curious about the crown prince. “What did you think of him?”
She crossed her arms and leaned back into the chair as she weighed the question in her mind. As a well-seasoned knight, there was no doubt Ningning would be able to assess both his character and his skill.
“It’s hard to describe,” she said eventually. “He’s dangerous, but not in a malicious way. If I were to meet him on a battlefield, he would fight fair, if only because he’s strong enough not to need any underhanded tactics.”
Prince Ten noticed that she didn’t mention he was a good person.
“He’s observant,” she continued. “And he uses it to manipulate the people around him. He started a fight between Choi Siwon and one of the nobles that had a grudge against him.”
A rush of vindication swept through Prince Ten. He’d never liked Choi Siwon. He was constantly arguing against Prince Ten, no matter what the topic was.
“Choi Siwon deserved it,” Prince Ten said.
“Oh, definitely,” Ningning agreed. She herself had been a victim of one of Choi Siwon’s tirades, almost having lost her position because of a minor mistake. “But I don’t think the crown prince was doing it because he knew that.”
“Why did he start the fight then?”
“Honestly?” She shrugged. “I think he was bored.”
“Bored,” Prince Ten said skeptically.
“Yes, bored,” Ningning Yizhuo confirmed, tapping her fingers on the table. She smiled. “Which is why you should pay him a visit. Strangely enough, I could see you being good together. Of all the words I would use to describe you, ‘predictable’ is not one of them.”
Ningning Yizhuo rarely gave her opinion on such matters, preferring to stay away from diplomacy and keep her affairs simple. The crown prince must’ve made quite an impression for her to advocate for him.
“I’ll keep it in mind.”
--
Prince Ten’s second encounter with Taeyong was better than their first. Thankfully, there was no risk of decapitation this time. Small mercies.
“Why are you here again?”
Taeyong turned at the sound of Prince Ten’s voice.
The knight was standing there in the middle of the grass field, with a light breeze buffeting his clothes and tousling his hair, his figure ensnared by rays of sunlight — Taeyong looked like a character from a fairytale, the ones Prince Ten used to dream of as a child.
“I didn’t want to be late for our second date,” said Taeyong, a smile gracing his perfect features. He was holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands, the white petals swirling around the breeze — one of which landed on his hair.
A ball of white fluff suddenly popped up on top of Taeyong’s head. The petal had landed on its small feathers. It attempted to shake the petal off.
“What date?” Prince Ten asked, watching as the fluff began to move around. A very familiar fluff. That was definitely not where it was supposed to be. “Didn’t I tell you this place was out of bounds?”
“I must’ve forgotten,” Taeyong said, his pleasant tone undercut by the mischief in his eyes. “But since I’m here, I might as well keep you company.”
The white ball of fluff drew itself upright, successfully having removed the petal, and chirped in affirmation. It looked comfortable, snuggled into the blond hair. Taeyong’s smile took on a teasing tone, as if to say, you wouldn’t make us leave, would you?
How shameless.
“I’ll be nice, just this once,” Prince Ten warned. “Since Faeplume seems to like you.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
Prince Ten drew his gaze to the bouquet of flowers. “And those are…?”
“For you.” Taeyong completed the sentence. He stepped forward and placed them into Prince Ten’s arms. “It would be rude of me to show up empty-handed.”
Lilies. Why was fate so determined to give him lilies?
“If it’s a date, wouldn’t roses be more appropriate?”
“Would Your Highness prefer roses?”
“I would,” Prince Ten replied, with all the arrogance of a spoiled prince. Perhaps if he acted like this, Taeyong would avoid his presence.
But Taeyong was undeterred. In fact, he appeared pleased by the attitude. “I will keep that in mind for next time.”
So he had already decided there would be a next time.
Well. If he insisted on coming, he might as well make himself useful. Prince Ten handed him the basket of mana crystals he had been carrying, a collection of various stones that would serve as food for the more magical creatures in the forest, and took off, gesturing for him to follow. Taeyong fell into step beside him.
Prince Ten led them through a narrow path. The ground was uneven, thick tree roots cutting across the dirt. It was nice not having to traverse the terrain while carrying something. Though the basket was fairly heavy, Taeyong lifted it with ease.
“How do you have the time to come here?” Prince Ten asked as they walked. “Aren’t you supposed to be guarding the prince?”
Taeyong’s lips twitched upwards. “I do have responsibilities, but I managed to escape Kim Jongin this time.”
“Kim Jongin?”
“The captain of Aurelia’s royal guard.”
Prince Ten felt a bit of pity for Kim Jongin. Having to deal with Taeyong every day must be exhausting.
Chirp. Chirp.
Faeplume’s singing alerted them to the arrival of the other animals in the forest. Luminara emerged from the bushes alongside Blue, Vellare, Washnee, and Bailey.
The creatures peered curiously at Taeyong, who returned the interest, but were quickly distracted by the crystals in Prince Ten’s hands. They formed a small crowd around his legs, valiantly competing for Prince Ten’s affection.
“No need to fight,” Prince Ten said, laughing as he distributed the crystals. Faeplume floated down from Taeyong’s head for its share of the gemstones. “There’s enough for each of you, okay?”
The creatures made a variety of noises before settling down and waiting for their turn.
“I’ve never seen magical creatures so docile before,” Taeyong commented, keenly appraising the scene. “Is that part of your ability?”
Prince Ten kneeled down, patting the grass beside him. “I’m afraid that’s a state secret.”
“A trade then?” Taeyong offered, following him to the ground. “A question for a question.”
“What is Aurelia’s greatest weakness?” Prince Ten asked instantly, not really expecting a response.
Taeyong smiled, eyes crinkling in amusement. “Aurelia’s allies are both disloyal and greedy. They would easily be won over should any foreign country attempt to stage a coup.”
Taeyong’s honest answer rendered him momentarily speechless. Prince Ten gaped at him, stunned by the sheer improbability that he would reveal Aurelia’s faults so easily. His mind raced, searching for a motive, some elaborate scheme or plot, but could think of none. There was a chance that Taeyong was lying, but he showed no signs of it.
“Why would you tell me that?”
Taeyong shrugged, as easy-going and relaxed as ever, like he had just told Prince Ten his favorite color as opposed to divulging kingdom secrets, a crime that could be considered treason if anyone else had overheard. “You are not the type to take advantage of others without reason.”
Prince Ten was torn halfway between incredulity and mirth. “You don’t know me that well.”
“I do not,” Taeyong agreed, leaning closer. Prince Ten’s heart thudded in his chest at the sudden closeness, eyes tracing across the elegant lines of Taeyong’s face before finally meeting his stare. The bewitched curiosity in that golden gaze, all that wonder and attention focused on Prince Ten. “But I would like to.”
Prince Ten flushed, his cheeks warming, but he refused to look away. He kept his voice steady. “I can communicate with mythical creatures in a way, but it’s very limited,” Prince Ten said, answering Taeyong’s original question. “I’m able to understand them, but they can’t necessarily understand me.”
“They seem very fond of you.”
“Most are. Not all of them.” Prince Ten wanted to push further, to see what Taeyong was willing to give him. “Tell me about Aurelia’s defensive strategies.”
And Taeyong did. Everything that Prince Ten dared to ask, he answered. The keys to Aurelia’s destruction — war strategies, hidden secrets, scandals between noble families — handed effortlessly to a foreign prince.
Just in case, Prince Ten thought, engraving the knowledge into his mind. Just in case the crown prince turns on his promise.
And in return, Taeyong asked questions of his own. Questions of a vastly different variety, centered around Prince Ten. Hobbies and interests. Favorite foods. Childhood memories.
Although the questions were mundane, Prince Ten suspected the intent behind them was far from virtuous. They felt dangerous in their own way. Taeyong seemed to be storing the information away for later use. A never ending cascade of questions.
There was only so much Prince Ten could ask about Aurelia. He thought for a moment before realizing that he knew next to nothing about Taeyong himself.
“When is your nameday?”
“Ah,” Taeyong said, clicking his tongue. “I’m afraid that’s a state secret,” he said, echoing Prince Ten’s earlier words.
Prince Ten stared at him. Taeyong grinned.
“That’s a state secret?” Prince Ten asked disbelievingly. “You can tell me how to cause irreparable damage to Aurelia’s capital, but the day you were born is where you draw the line?”
“I’ve heard it’s healthy to set boundaries.”
“Please reevaluate your priorities.”
“My nameday is not hard to find,” he said mysteriously.
“Why should I try to find it?” Prince Ten grumbled. “You can just tell me.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” The glint in Taeyong’s eyes was challenging. There was a hunger in them, like a cat waiting to see a mouse do a trick. Waiting to see something interesting.
“Fun for you, you mean.” Prince Ten rolled his eyes, reading between the lines. “You want me to get you a gift.”
Taeyong didn’t deny it. “I’d like to see what you come up with, yes.”
“A book on etiquette could do you some good.”
“I would graciously accept any gift Your Highness gives me.”
“No need to waste paper then. A lump of mud would suffice.”
Taeyong exhaled a slight laugh. “I will treasure it dearly.”
Stubborn, Prince Ten thought, but he found himself smiling anyways.
A mistake.
Taeyong caught sight of it instantly. “Although,” he continued, reaching out to take Prince Ten’s hand in his and lifting it. “You have already given me a gift.”
Prince Ten let him. “And what’s that?”
“Your presence,” Taeyong purred, gently pressing a kiss onto the back of his hand.
Prince Ten kept his face carefully blank, lest Taeyong see the warmth on his cheeks and take it as an invitation.
An invitation to do what, exactly, he’s not certain. Nothing good.
“Flatterer,” Prince Ten replied, taking his hand back, trying to ignore the heat that lingered. “Are you a poet now?”
“I am whatever you want me to be, Your Highness,” Taeyong said, affable. “A poet, a knight.” He paused, then added with a grin. “A prince.”
Prince Ten laughed at the absurdity of the statement. “I didn’t realize becoming royalty was so easy.”
“I see no harm in entertaining the possibility.”
“I look forward to your coronation then, Your Highness,” Prince Ten said jokingly.
Taeyong gave a mocking bow, his expression filled with wry amusement. “I will work hard to live up to your expectations.”