Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hooves against the rocky path. The horses let out small snorts every once in a while. The shining sun, high in the sky, almost no cloud in sight. It would've been a beautiful day to travel, if only they had a different destination. 

Minho sighed, adjusting the crown on his head. Why, oh, why, did it have to be him? He quickly glanced at Chan, who had his eyes closed breathing evenly - but as soon as Minho even dared to move slightly, his hand shot up and kept him in his seat.

“Minho, I see you even while I'm ‘sleeping’.” he opened one eye to look the prince in the eye, “Just because the king is not here doesn't mean you can just sneak away. We cannot call this off. Your father gave his word, he cannot go back on it.”

Minho snorted, slumping in his seat in the carriage. “Why? What will happen if we do, mhm?”

Chan didn't look impressed. “You know exactly what will happen, Minho. Or do I have to tell you the story again? How Lee Kwan, your father, won every single battle he's ever been in, except for one, the one with king Han Lee-seo? And how your father just couldn't possibly lose, so they made a deal, that-”

“‘When they come of age, the only alpha son of king Kwan will marry the omega son of king Lee-seo, connecting the two kingdoms, so that there won't be a need for more battles or worse, a war.’ I know, Chan, I heard it all the time growing up.” He sighed, adjusting the crown again. It was starting to get uncomfortable. “I wouldn't even mind it…if they let the two of us meet. I have no idea how he looks like, Chan. Or how he acts! What if he's a typical, spoiled brat? What if he's ugly?” Minho couldn't help but let the frustration seep into his scent. Then, in a mumble, he added: “what if he doesn't like cats?”

Really, the only thing he knew about the other prince – the one he's supposed to marry today – is his name and subgender. Han Jisung. Omega. 

“I know it's…not easy, Minho.” Chan's tone is gentler, his face softer. “But it's for the best. As your advisor, I'm telling you this is the best possible outcome here and you'll marry him, no matter how he is. As your friend, however,” the other alpha's voice dropped to a whisper, “I'm here for you, always. Even if prince Han is as ugly as a toad and has the personality of a prickly cactus. You can always come to me with any troubles, okay?"

That earned him a small laugh that sounded more like a huff or a snort. Still, Minho didn't feel good about it…he wants to see Han Jisung at least once before he has to marry him. A simple glimpse would be enough…

“We're about to cross the border!” One of the guards – judging by the loud voice, probably Changbin, if Minho had to guess –announced. And now Minho knew he had to act, and fast. How could he get away…

“Can we stop for a minute, please? I really have to…” He made a gesture and internally cheered when Chan sighed and quickly stopped the carriage. 

“Make it quick, Minho. And don’t you dare and try to run away.” He gave Minho a glare, even though it wasn’t intimidating in the slightest. Minho nodded, got off of the carriage and made his way towards the nearest, biggest bush, two guards he did not know the name’s of following him. He handed his royal blue coat to one and his crown to the other. What now? he thought. As soon as he hid behind the giant bush, though, he noticed something that could certainly…help. If he played his cards right…

“Shoo, leave!” Minho said as loudly as he could and the cow that was standing by the very same bush trotted away, the bell on her neck ringing with every step. And, hanging from her neck, on the side that was not visible to the royal party, was Minho, making his way into the kingdom of Han Lee-seo…riding on a cow. It was certainly one of the less weird moments in his life.

Now to make sure he'd get to the castle before them…

·•–✧–•·

Jisung wasn't nervous. Yes, he's supposed to marry someone he didn't know anything about, but that was okay. He was totally not nervous, totally okay, not at all trying to shake off his anxiety by walking in the gardens. The sky was as clear as it could be, the sun shining, making the lake glow in its light. As Jisung walked, he plucked a few apples off from the trees, just to have something to do with his hands, otherwise he'd either bite his fingernails off or…yeah, he just needed to do something.

He sighed. Why couldn't the weather be worse, when his day was so…grim? Looking towards the castle, he felt more unsure than ever, feeling like a small pup. How he wished he could marry for love…

Nobody stopped Jisung as he walked further away. In his simple, light gray shirt and dark trousers, he didn't look much like the prince he was, but it was his own choice to wear these clothes. He felt comfortable in them, feeling like he was just another boy working at the castle, perhaps to kill some time or help his family. He could just…be. Daydream for however long he wanted. (At least until the guards came to get him and lead him back.)

From the corner of his eye, he noticed a duck family trying to get out of the garden. Jisung smiled. For once, he was glad to be out barefoot, because he didn't have to worry about getting his shoes wet. Without hesitation, he stepped into the shallow stream leading away from the gardens.

The gardens, as huge as they were, weren't endless. There was a wall separating them and the outside world. However, this very stream leads outside, passing through a small iron gate that Jisung had no problem opening. Just to make the pass easier for the mother duck and her ducklings. And to take a peek outside. 

He didn't expect to see a cow there, drinking, and a man – an alpha, judging by his forest scent – around his age dismounting from its back. The sight was so unusual Jisung couldn't help but laugh. Quite loudly.

The brunette stranger turned around, surprise etched on his face before he schooled his expression and started talking. “Tsk, is that proper? Laughing at an innocent passerby? She's thirsty, so what? It's not that funny.” He leaned on the cow, feline eyes crinkling in amusement, too. He patted the cow's side. “She's an older model, but is still great at getting to the place one needs to be.”

Jisung finally stopped laughing, noticing that the man's clothes weren't much different from his own, a white shirt and brown pants. Jisung reached to give the cow a pat on the head, thinking the conversation was over. The alpha wasn't done, though.

“Where are you going?”

Jisung snorted. “Outside.” He brought his hand back, eyebrows furrowing. Why was the man even asking? And what was he doing by the castle?

“Ah, that's quite a shame. I'm going inside.” He moved, trying to get past Jisung and to the gate. The omega quickly blocked his path, closing the gate (although not all the way).

“Not through here, you're not!”

The alpha looked taken aback, but simply grinned again, in that same feline way as before, scent not changing in the slightest. Meanwhile, Jisung's own peach scent turned a tad bit sweeter all of a sudden. What the hell? “Okay, listen. I won't tell the king you steal unripe apples from his garden,” his eyes moved to the apples Jisung was still holding, “and you won't tell him I snuck in through his gardens. Deal?”

He reached for the gate again, but Jisung wasn't having it. He didn't want strange alphas like this one in his gardens, much less his HOME. So he smacked the alpha's hand, frowning. What he didn't think would happen, though, was that the man hissed in pain and clutched the hand as if Jisung did some serious damage. “Ouch.”

“Oh moon, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to do that…” he quickly apologized, putting all his attention onto the hand, trying to assess the damage, even though it wouldn't be visible. 

“Ouch, ouch!” The stranger chuckled, a smirk on his face as he snatched his hand back and opened the gate, practically running inside. Jisung stared for a moment, gaping, before following him back inside.

“Hey, you can't go in there! That's– you– hey!” Jisung felt so embarrassed. How did he fall for that? Curse his kind hearted nature!

“Don't be so uptight.” The alpha huffed, annoyance leaking into his tone, as he walked down the path as if he was taking a stroll through the park or something. He looked so calm Jisung just…stopped yelling and walked beside him. He was curious, sue him.

“This is really...” The stranger – Jisung should probably ask for his name at this point, it felt weird to refer to him like that or his subgender – mumbled, looking around in awe. “I've yet to see a garden more beautiful than this one.”

“What, you don't have them where you're from?” Jisung snorted – something he'd definitely be reprimanded for, if his father were present.

“We do. Just not this…marvelous. Gorgeous, even.” He said with a glance in Jisung's direction, making the omega's cheeks heat up momentarily. Soon, the castle was fully in view and the alpha spoke up again.

“You seem to know your way around, so please tell me, which of these windows belong to the room of your prince?”

The question caught Jisung so off guard it took him a minute before he responded. “That one. Fifth one from the ground, third from the left.” He mumbled, expression puzzled. “Why do you need to know that? Who even are you?”

“Who I am doesn't have to concern you, don't worry.” The man replied to his second question, but not the first. He started climbing one of the many trees close to the two of them – the willow tree right above the lake’s surface. Jisung watched, eyes narrowed, as the man tried to look into the windows he pointed to. His windows. 

Just then, the omega noticed that…”Be careful, that branch is dry!”

The alpha looked down, but didn't move, still trying to peek into the castle. He shuffled a bit to the right…and the branch cracked, sending him right into the water below. Jisung laughed, at first, because who wouldn't? His laughter died down, however, when the other man didn't resurface.

“Oh moon. Guards, guards! Help, he's drowning!” He quickly shouted, moving closer to the water, his eyes searching frantically for any sign of the man – a bit further away, there he was, crawling out of the water, spluttering and coughing.

Two guards came running, one of them walking to pull the alpha out of the water while the second stayed next to Jisung. Jisung knew this one, because it was one of his closest friends in the entire castle.

“Jisung,” Jeongin whispered, “who is that? I've never seen him around here before.”

“I’d be surprised if you did, because he snuck in just a few moments ago. It is partly my fault, for that I'm sorry.” Jisung sighed. “He didn't recognize me, either, so he is surely not from around here.” The other guard finally got him out of the lake, hitting the man's back so that he wouldn't choke on the water he swallowed.

“To the dungeon then, I suppose?”

“Mhm.” Jisung hummed in confirmation and only watched as Jeongin approached the other two, ready to grab the stranger’s arm to drag him. Just barely Jisung could hear him say:

“No touching. I'll walk on my own.”

And that was the end of it. Jeongin and the other guard led him away and into the castle. As their backs were turned to him, Jisung noticed that the alpha's pants had a small tear near his…he shook his head, cheeks flushing as he looked towards the sky. That was surely not the last Jisung's seen him…

·•–»»–•·

Jisung made sure he 1) had enough time and 2) that no one had seen him. His father would have his head if he found out Jisung still wasn't ready for the arrival of Prince Minho, but he just…felt a pull towards the man he'd seen not even twenty minutes ago. And that was how the omega found himself descending the stairs leading to the dungeon. Sure enough, the singular cell in the entire castle was occupied. At the sound of footsteps, he turned around, face a bit anxious, but upon seeing it was Jisung, he relaxed and grinned.

“Well, hello again. Didn't think I'd see you again so soon–”

“Pants.” Jisung unlocked the door and held out his hand. The alpha was caught off-guard, blinking six times (not that Jisung was counting).

“Pardon?”

“When you were leaving with the guards,” Jisung couldn't help but crack a smile, “I noticed your pants had a tear on the…bottom. I'm no seamstress, but I can sew, so…”

“Oh.” The man stood still for a moment more before taking off his pants, throwing them in Jisung's direction and hiding in the well that was in the cell. Jisung huffed, rolling his eyes, sitting down on the pallet, getting his needle and thread out.

“Get out, do you know how deep that well is? You'll fall, break your legs and die a slow, painful death.” He made a knot at the end of the thread, looking up just for a moment to see the alpha peeking out, only his eyes and the top of his head visible. Cute.

“I just didn't want to…corrupt your poor, innocent eyes.” The man hoisted himself up and, yeah, Jisung had to avoid looking at his bare legs. 

“Who are you, anyway?”

“Right now? A prisoner.”

“That did not answer my question at all, and you know it.” Jisung glared at him. “Can I know your name, at least? It is strange to refer to you as ‘the stranger’ or ‘the alpha’.” 

The man froze for a moment. “You can call me Lino. It's an…old nickname of mine.”

“Lino,” Jisung tried the name. It didn't really fit the brunette in front of him, but alas, if that was what he wanted to be called…

“And you? May I know who the omega sewing my pants is?”

“You can try and guess.” Jisung chuckled. There's no way Lino would be able to guess it.

“Hm…is your father the jailer? You have the key, after all.”

“Mhm, close.”

“The head jailer?”

“You could say he's the…head jailer of the head jailer.” Jisung was about halfway done with the tear, choosing to ignore how Lino sat down next to him. He hated silence, and was still curious, so…“Why did you want to know which windows belong to m- our prince?”

“So that I’d know what he looks like.” Was Lino’s response, quick and without a single ounce of hesitation. It did nothing to soothe Jisung's curiosity and, instead of eliminating one question, made even more pop up in his head.

“Why? Why would you need to know that? I mean…most people from a kingdom should know what their future ruler looks like, should they not?” Jisung, feeling brave, looked up to look into Lino's eyes, breath hitching when he found the alpha watching him intently.

“I am not from around here and was merely...curious, you could say. There's nothing more to it.” Lino shrugged. Just as Jisung was about to question him more, the trumpets could be heard, making the omega freak out. Prince Minho has arrived. He wasn't ready at all!

“Oh moon, they're here.” He stood up, ready to leave.

“Hey, the pants!” Lino called after him and Jisung threw them at him, similarly to how Lino threw them at him before. Jisung didn't even bother locking the door, hurrying up the stairs. He had to hurry, before his father or anyone else noticed he wasn't there!

He opened the door to his room, finding his best friend and dressmaker...who sometimes doubled as some sort of prince sitter (or Jisung sitter), even though Jisung hated calling him that. Felix's shoulders sagged in relief. “Finally! Quickly, Jisung, put these on and go out to meet your future husband!”

The outfit he was supposed to wear was his wedding attire, a mix of traditional clothing from their kingdom and the Lee’s kingdom. It was snow white with intricately woven silver and gold details, a short cape starting at his shoulder blades, just barely reaching the back of his thighs. It's not that Jisung didn't like it, it was truly beautiful, but…he couldn't help but think about the prince he's supposed to meet in it – his husband, future mate. He knew nothing about the man, and yet…

Felix finished helping Jisung with getting the clothes on in a way that didn't make it seem like it was in a hurry and also put a silver crown on his head, brushing Jisung's blonde hair aside.

“You look good, Sungie. Go on, you'll be just fine.” Felix smiled, one of his signature comfort bringing smiles that worked wonders. The calming pheromones the other omega was letting out was probably helping a lot, but Jisung was glad that he could feel calm.

“Okay,” he took in a deep breath, steeling himself, “I’m ready.”

·•–✧–•·

Minho…didn't expect to hear what he heard.

When the blonde omega left the dungeon, he left the door to his cell open, and who was he to not take advantage of that? He silently followed, doing his best not to make sound. It was strange to see the omega panicking, and Minho's curiosity was piqued. Why did he run away so fast when the royal trumpets announced the ‘arrival of prince Lee Minho’? 

Minho had to be quick and sneaky in order to follow the omega all the way to his room, or at least he hoped that's where he was going. Maybe Minho could get some answers. He saw the omega – who he still didn't know the name of – dash into a room and was about to follow, but…

“Finally! Quickly, Jisung, put these on and go out to meet your future husband!”

Jisung...?

Jisung. Han Jisung. 

Oh.

Thank the Moon Goddess for his amazing memory, because the speed that Minho used to get back to the dungeon without getting lost was admirable. The guy he spoke to, who he asked where the prince’s windows are – was the prince himself. Minho scoffed. How ironic.

Now he was met with another small…or, well, big problem.

Chan and the whole party he was supposed to come with was in the castle, most probably speaking with king Lee-seo right at that moment. What careful lie could the advisor come up with? Minho truly wanted to know, but there was no way for him to listen in on the conversation without getting caught. He'll have to stay oblivious to what his oldest friend was saying. Quite annoying…

He laid down on the pallet in the cell. He could've run away, through the gardens when he had the chance – the cell was still unlocked – but…he couldn't bring himself to do that. Something inside him was urging him to stay, to see how everything would play out, but not only that. Despite everything, Minho wanted to see Jisung again. 

Han Jisung, omega, totally adorable with cheeks so squirrel-like Minho wanted to squeeze them to see if they were stuffed with food. The prince was nothing like he expected. A bit bratty perhaps, sure, but otherwise he acted normal, almost. As if he wasn't royalty at all, but a simple commoner. That's how it looked like in the gardens, at least.

It wasn't often that Minho got stuck in his own head, but when it did happen, it was because of a good reason. Mostly. 

He wasn't sure if Han Jisung belonged to the list of good reasons.

Too early for his liking, hurried footsteps interrupted his spiral. Was it time for him to find out what were the consequences of breaking into the castle grounds?

Not yet, it seemed. Though this situation would probably be worse.

“You,” Han Jisung said, arms crossing over his chest, a glare pointed right at Minho. The omega looked…ethereal. The clothes he was wearing must be the ones he'd have for their wedding – the one Minho made impossible. 

“Me?”

SLAP!

Minho's head turned to the side with the force of the slap – he cupped his cheek, rubbing it. “Ouch! What was that for?” he asked, looking Jisung in his eyes, mouth open.

“Because one plus one equals two.” Jisung scowled. “Don't think that I'm stupid, Lino. I know what's going on here. First, a strange alpha that's not from my kingdom appears, seemingly out of nowhere, asking where my windows are so that he can look at me. Then, the royal party arrives, only to tell us that the prince has fallen ill.” Ah, clever. Minho had to give Chan a pat on the back later. And an apology. And some gold, probably. “Quite a big coincidence, no?”

“Okay, okay, I admit it-” Minho sighed, ready to face humiliation, when…

“Oh, no need, I've got you figured out already. You were sent here by the prince.” Jisung pointed at Minho, grinning as if he just solved the hardest riddle on Earth. And Minho? Minho found it adorable. And also hilarious. He wondered just how far he could go…? It's been quite some time since Minho had fun.

“Ah, you've got me.” He sighed, hoping his acting wasn't too obvious. “Prince Minho sent me so that I could relay to him how you look like, your highness.”

“What? Wasn't he shown portraits, or–”

“No. He has no clue about your appearance or anything else. The only things he knows about you, your highness, is your name, age and subgender. Nothing else.” At least that's what I knew more than twenty minutes ago…

“Oh. I thought…nevermind.” Jisung shook his head as if it would help clear his thoughts. “So, he sent you just because of that?” Minho nodded. “And what will you tell him?”

Minho smiled, though it was closer to a smirk. He stood up and circled the other prince, humming in false concentration before responding. 

“Face? Good looking, cute even. Waist? Practically nonexistent – which is a good thing, do not worry. It's a quality he'll like. Height? Hm, me and the prince are similar in height, so not much shorter.” With each word, Jisung's ears turned more and more red. “You don't have to worry, your highness, I'll be sure to pinpoint your better qualities.”

Jisung scoffed, stepping away. “I cannot believe this.” He mumbled. “Don't even bother telling him anything about me.” He turned to face Minho, an insecure glint in his eyes, which made guilt scratch at Minho's heart. “The only thing I wish for you to relay to him is that I don't want him. I wouldn't want him even if he was the last alpha in all existing kingdoms, I wouldn't want him even if he came all the way here, begging on his knees. Not after this stunt.” The prince turned away, furiously wiping at his eyes, where tears were gathered. Wow, Minho felt so bad. He should tell Jisung the truth, shouldn't he? It would be the right thing to do. It was the only thing he should do. 

“Your highness, there's no need for tears to be shed.” What? “I'll make sure the prince knows exactly what you've told me just now.” What was he doing? “Please, don't take his foolish behaviour to heart.” Why wasn't he telling Jisung the truth?

To his credit, his words did seem to calm the omega down. “You can go. My father dislikes violence and blood, so he always gives mercy to people that got locked up because of stupid reasons.” Jisung took in a shaky breath. “Return to your kingdom. Speak to your prince. I'll speak to my father right now. I'm calling this whole thing off. They can think of a better way to keep the peace between our kingdoms, one that doesn't involve me and him. One that doesn't involve me and my stupid, weak heart. Get that message to your prince.” With those words, he stormed off, again without locking the cell. Minho could only look after him, blinking in rapid succession.

He really messed things up, didn't he?

Chapter Text

It was the dead of night. The castle was quiet, everyone was asleep, even the mice that sometimes ran through the kitchens. Not a soul was awake.

Except for Minho. 

He kept thinking about Jisung. About how…insecure and sad he looked. He had to fix that, somehow. But first…he had to talk to Chan. 

It wasn't hard to find which room was given to the advisor – he snores very loudly. Minho simply followed the sound and hoped it would be him. He was right. 

Chan and Changbin were sharing a room, which was not surprising at all. The two were almost attached at the hip since they grew up together. They and Minho formed a trio, ‘the three rascals’ they were called. Often by the castle staff, at least when they were little kids running around, knocking over expensive vases or stealing food from the kitchens. 

The fact that they shared a room wasn't much of a problem. Minho just had to wake them up in a way that wouldn't end with a dagger thrust into his throat. 

“Channie.” He whispered, kneeling by the bed of the elder. “Chaaannie. Wake up. I need to talk to you.”

A grumble. He was waking up. Good. 

“Chaaaannnn.”

“Shut itt Mi– Minho?!” Chan sat up abruptly, rousing Changbin as well. “Minho, what the– by the moon, where have you been? Why did you run away? How did you get in? If you weren't my prince I would strangle–”

“Don't talk so loudly, do you want the entire castle to know?” Minho hissed, gaze flickering between his two friends. “Just listen, please. I ran away, yes, but only because I wanted to see how prince Jisung looked like before I'd have to marry him– I hoped I'd get a peek and leave, returning to you right away, but I sneaked in the gardens and got caught. They have a really small dungeon here and not really good security– anyway. In the gardens, I met an omega–”

He told the two the story, about how he found out it was Han Jisung himself that accidentally let him in. The slap, Jisung's deduction of Minho being sent by ‘the prince', and most importantly, Jisung's last words to him.

“That's…a lot to take in.” Changbin mumbled, voice actually quiet for once. “We're still mad at you, incredibly so, but now I feel bad for Han.” He sighed, looking at Chan, who only nodded along. Minho did the same.

“I know, I know, what I did was really stupid. I feel bad, I really do. I…don't know what to do.” Minho looked at the floor. “I should've told him the truth but I didn't. Ugh, why am I such an idiot? We have to fix this somehow…”

“Ugh, you'll bring me to an early grave...as much as I'd like to leave you to sort through your own mess, Minho, I simply cannot. My conscience won't allow me.” Chan gave Minho's shoulder an encouraging pat. “I think it would be better if you told him who you were, but it would only cause more,” he paused, searching for the right word, “chaos right now. He expects you to be gone tomorrow – so stay. Until we leave, at least.”

“Get to know him, find out what makes him happy to cheer him up. Or come up with something else, but if it backfires, it's on you. Let him know you're leaving. Then, after you return to your kingdom when that is over, we'll let king Lee-seo know that we want another...meeting. Things may go south once prince Jisung figures it out, but I doubt he'd let anything similar to recognition show in front of his father and our party.”

Leave it up to Chan to come up with a plan. “I could kiss you right now.”

“Woah woah, you'd make me watch as my partner kisses you? That is so cruel, my prince.” Changbin clutched his chest, grimacing, making both Chan and Minho chuckle. 

“Jealous, Binnie? I can give you a kiss, too.” Minho puckered his lips, grinning as Changbin instead fled behind Chan, only to have an excuse to grab at his muscles. Minho fondly rolled his eyes. 

He really loved his two friends. Not the same way that they clearly loved each other, but still.

“When my true identity gets out, I'll apologize to him.” Minho muttered after a while of silence. “I'll try to make him…hate me less.” He grimaced, because that was surely what the other prince felt at that moment. Hate. 

“We're still mad at you, too. You'll have to make it up to us, too, don't forget. Oh, and Hyunjin, too. He was so excited to paint your wedding…so don't forget to do something to apologize to him, too.” Changbin peeked out from behind Chan. At the mention of the painter – another one of their friends from the court – guilt rose in Minho yet again.

“I will. I'll get him those expensive paints he likes, and new brushes. Or whatever he likes to use.” He paused. “What do you two want? As an apology, I mean. What I pulled must've been stressful, so tell me anything and I'll make it come true. Or I'll at least try."

They glanced at each other, suddenly more nervous than Minho himself. Suspicious. 

“We've been talking…” Changbin began.

“...and we'd like a small vacation. Three or four days would be enough, of course. And…well, we know our relationship still seems weird to most people…” Chan looked almost bashful. Minho nodded along, showing he was listening – the relationship between the two alphas was strange, yes, but times were evolving, and so were they. Most people have accepted alpha–alpha and omega–omega relationships already. 

“We want to…mate. Officially. And we'd like your blessings.”

Minho's brain short circuited. He could only blink, jaw dropped. He felt like he could squeal, but held himself back. “What?! Are you serious?” He whispered, though not as quietly as before. He was whisper–yelling, if you will. A smile soon bloomed on his face, wide and happy. “Of course you have my blessings, was it not obvious?! I am so happy for you two, by the moon.”

Both Chan and Changbin sighed in unison, probably from relief. They had no reason to think Minho wouldn't be supportive, but one could never know. 

“I should probably go back, before someone actually goes to check.” Minho huffed, standing up. Don't come looking for me, it will look suspicious. I'll try to visit tomorrow night, too.”

The three said their goodbyes, Chan and Changbin returning to their beds, Minho to the dungeon. 

It wouldn't be easy, this plan of theirs. But it had to work. It would work. Probably. It had to.

·•–✧–•·

Why, in the everloving moon Goddess, was Lino still there!?

Jisung blinked. Then blinked again. But the man sleeping on the pallet didn't disappear, he wasn't just a figment of Jisung's imagination. He was really there. Even though the cell was unlocked the entire night, even though there were no guards and he could've ran…he was still there. 

Why?

Lino stirred, eyes slowly blinking open, settling on Jisung. He stared for a bit before sitting up with a huff. “Your highness.”

“Why are you still here?”

“Good morning to you, too, prince.”

“Yeah, yeah, good morning or whatever, why are you still here?” Jisung wouldn't back off. He was confused, both because of the alpha's actions thus far and his own feelings. He wanted– no, needed answers. And he'd get them.

“I figured prince Minho could survive a few more days without any knowledge about you, your highness.” Lino stretched, something popping in his back as he did so. “And…I feel bad, for m– his actions towards you.”

That was…unexpected. “Why would you be the one to feel bad? Prince Minho is the one that came up with this, is he not?” Jisung scoffed, leaning on the stone wall, the bricks all cracked and dusty. Not that it mattered, anyway, his clothes were the same ones he had out in the garden the day before. “You should go home. There's nothing here that is of any importance to you, you should–”

“You're here.”

A pause. 

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, your highness.” Lino smiled – not one of his smirks or cheshire grins, a true smile. “We may not know each other, but I could tell that prince Minho's actions wounded you, even if only a little bit. I, despite popular belief, have a heart and feel empathy – I want to help that wound…heal. For the short time that I can be here, I want to be of help.” 

Jisung simply…stared. Never in his 21 years of life has he heard words quite like that. “You mean that?”

“Of course. I don't tend to go back on my word.”

Jisung looked to the ground. He couldn't think of any response, every word he knew transformed into a cloud and floated away from his brain. The ones that he did remember got stuck in his throat, as if there was a barrier that prevented them from escaping into the world. 

Lino could probably see that, so he started talking again. “Yesterday you mentioned talking to your father about canceling the…engagement. Am I allowed to know how that went?”

Finally figuring out how to speak again, Jisung sighed. “As well as it could've, I suppose. My father told me that he'd ‘think about it’, that's all. I'm not sure if he'll actually do so, though. This entire charade means too much for our kingdom, I don't think he'll let it slip through.” He looked into Lino's eyes. Lino patted the space next to him, and Jisung hesitated for only a moment before entering the cell and sitting down next to him. “I'm entirely helpless right now. There is nothing I can do to sway him. I feel ridiculous, like a…a damsel in distress.”

A moment of peaceful quiet.

“Why don't you actually become a damsel in distress?”

Jisung sputtered. “I'm sorry, what??” 

“If you become the damsel in distress…okay, hear me out on this. If you seem sad, and I mean truly like someone heartbroken, your father might listen to what you have to say, no? There’s this old book that I read some time ago.” Lino turned to face Jisung fully, face tense in a serious-but-not-actually-serious way. “An entire kingdom, covered in mourning black. A king that feels miserable all the time, because his one and only daughter is the…”

“...incredibly sad princess. I know– I know that story.” Jisung frowned, confused. “But how would…me doing that help? I think it would make the situation worse than it already is, if I'm being honest.”

“Your highness.” Lino raised an eyebrow, lips turning up into a smirk. “Your father is nicknamed ‘the happy king’ and your entire kingdom is known for how happy your people are. Just imagine, a kingdom with a reputation like that having a sad prince, one that only wears mourning black, always has tear streaked cheeks and never smiles, never laughs? Your father would be willing to do anything to have you back to your regular, happy self, would he not?”

Oh. He actually had quite a good point. Jisung's fingers tapped the wood and he chewed on his inner cheeks, unsure. “Hm, I don't know. It's a crazy idea, insane even. I'm not even sure I could pull it off – and my scent would give my true feelings away.”

“You've got scent blocking oils, don't you?”

“Y–yes, but…” Jisung sighed. He was thinking about it and he'd love to actually try it…but it wouldn't be as easy as Lino made it sound. “It's simply…hard. It's hard to envision me doing something like that, acting like that.” 

“So you're saying you won't do it or that you can't do it?” Lino questioned, leaning back on his elbows. 

No response. Jisung couldn't believe he was even thinking about it. However…it would be soo satisfying to do. Just a small, tiny revenge for how easily his father gave away his hand in marriage. Yes, it was for peace, but he and kind Kwang were talking for hours before that plan was set in stone. There must've been different solutions, surely. They simply chose the easiest one.

“I never said I wouldn't.” He muttered, keeping his eyes on the cold, stone floor. “It is just hard to envision. I'm not as confident to say that I AM going to pull it off, but…I can try to. I will try.” A small grin found its way onto Jisung's face. “I am going to be the best incredibly sad prince you've ever seen.”

·•–»»–•·

I can't believe I'm actually doing this.

Of course, Jisung told Felix what he wanted to do right away – his best friend was strangely supportive of the whole thing.

“Prince Minho didn't even show up, his men refuse to say what is really wrong – it's clear that he doesn't want to marry you, for whatever reason. Do whatever that Lino guy said, if you want to. It will be funny for us, right?” Was what he said when Jisung confessed the real reason he wanted mainly black or only dark clothes for the foreseeable future. “Oh, oh, can we tell Jeongin and Seungmin?”

And that's how Jisung found himself on his bed, in a circle with his closest friends later in the evening. Seungmin, another omega and one of the cooks, didn't look too happy about it all. But he never really showed any semblance of emotion, so Jisung couldn't really rely on his facial expressions.

“Are you sure?” Jeongin asked for the hundreth time. “I mean, obviously if you do it I'll support you and maybe even respect you, but are you sure? Do you want to do it from your own will, or did the guy – uh, Lino – do something? He didn't use his Voice on you, did he?”

“No, Jeongin, he didn't do anything, I promise.” Jisung sighed, giving a giggling Felix the most threatening glare he could manage. “I actually want to do something…rebellious for once. And I'm curious to how far he'll allow me to go and how far II will manage to go. You know?”

Seungmin was the one to nod, to Jisung's surprise. “I say do it. Canceling the engagement will do more harm to them than to us at this point, because it was prince Minho that decided to not show up.” He shrugged. “And you're an amazing actor when you want to be, Jisung. I'm confident you'll succeed in whatever you do once you begin the ‘sad’ act.” Wow. Leave it up to Seungmin to say the most supportive words with the most impassive face in the universe.

Jeongin still looked hesitant, but in the end, he decided he'd support Jisung. So did Felix and Seungmin.

They'd all help Jisung to make it convincing.

He had dinner with his father and a few of their people, which included Seungmin. He’ll say that Jisung looks sad out loud, which will earn the attention of everyone present – that was the first step. Jisung's father will surely question him, but Jisung won't say anything and simply storm out. It was easy enough. And Jisung knew his father wasn't the brightest when it came to his own son – he'd fall for it. 

They just had to make the whole kingdom fall for the whole act, too. 

·•–»»–•·

“The food is delicious, your majesty.” The royal advisor from the Lee kingdom said, a polite smile plastered on his face. Jisung didn't expect him to be attending the dinner where they'd put the plan into action, but he wasn't complaining. 

“I am relieved that it's up to your tastes, mr. Bang. Do tell me, if prince Minho was here, would he find the food to his liking or not?”

Jisung couldn't really help the huff he made. His father was trying to find out the real reason the other prince hadn't come, because somehow, word had gotten to him that he wasn't really ill. Jisung got the look at the small sound, one that said ‘sit still and be polite’. His father was kind, yes, but the old belief that omegas were inferior was rooted deep in his mind. Jisung's mother was the reason why he, with time, realized that the assumption was not correct. Sometimes, mainly in public or during dinners like these, he slipped right into his old way of thinking. 

Bang Chan cleared his throat. “I'm not quite sure if he'd like it, your majesty. One could say he has a rather…peculiar taste.”

“Is that so?” Jisung's father questioned further and Jisung was starting to get fed up. He shot Seungmin a quick look and nodded, in a way that seemed like the motion was a response to his father's conversation. “It's such a shame he couldn't be here. Do you know when he might be able to visit?”

Before Chan could reply, Seungmin – may the moon Goddess bless him – spoke up. 

“Prince Jisung? Are you feeling alright?”

Jisung's father opened his mouth, as if he wanted to reprimand him for interrupting the conversation, but stopped and faced Jisung. Jisung kept on a mask of indifference, glad that he didn't forget to put on his scent blocking oils.

“Jisung? Is there something wrong with the food?”

“No, father. There isn't anything wrong with it.” Jisung put down his silverware, looking his father in the eyes. “May I be excused?”

“Jisung, please. We have guests. I understand that you're–”

“May I be excused, father?” Jisung repeated, louder, tears springing into his eyes. It's always been useful, the ability to cry on command. It was remarkably easy when he felt frustrated.

Silence descended onto the room. Most of the servants fidgeted nervously, while Bang Chan looked confused, gaze flicking between Jisung and his father. 

“...you may leave.” 

Jisung got up at once, walking down the halls quickly. He knew it wouldn't take long for Seungmin to catch up to him, and that Felix was most likely waiting in his room right that moment, to see how it went. 

Jisung pursed his lips so that he wouldn't smile.

First step was a success.

·•–✧–•·

When Minho sneaked out of the cell again that night, he already knew the way to Chan's and Changbin's room. Just like the night before, there were no guards stationed in his way, so getting to the room was simple. The only thing that really changed was that the two were expecting him this time.

As soon as he slipped inside, Chan started whispering. “What did you do? Prince Jisung was even sadder than he probably already was. He literally stormed out of the room while most of us were still eating!”

“Did he now?” Minho grinned, sitting down on the floor in the exact same place.

“Chan said he did, and you know he can't lie. Oh, and we sent a message to your father. He sent an eagle back, quite quickly. He knows about everything, and he's not very…thrilled. But, as always, he's as understanding as ever, when it comes to you.” Changbin piped in from his own bed, a small lantern lit at the bedside table.

“Oh.” Minho blinked a few times. “O-kay. And, Chan, it's just an act.”

“What is?”

“Jisung's actions. It's just an act. Remember that old tale, the incredibly sad princess? He's doing that, to soften his father's heart so that he'll cancel the engagement.”

“Minho…” Chan sighed, rubbing his temples. “I should've come up with a step–by–step plan for you yesterday, by the moon. That is not as smart as you think it is…”

“Chan, I gave him time to properly think it over, I swear. Jisung agreed almost right away!” Minho argued, pouting. “If it's a stupid thing to do, it's not only mine but his also. He agreed, he's actually the one doing it, etcetera.” 

Changbin, once again, spoke up with a cackle. “I, for one, can't wait to see how this turns out.”

“Bin, don't encourage his stupid ideas!”

“Hey, I'm still the prince! Do you like being a royal advisor? Do you want to remain a royal advisor?” They bantered, the atmosphere lighter almost instantly. There were still things they needed to figure out, though.

“How long is the party staying?” Minho asked once their cackles and banter died down.

“For another three to four days, probably. King Lee-seo is very…welcoming. He wants us to rest properly before travelling again. And I've just now remembered – he's asking about you a lot, Minho. I think someone snitched and that the king has his suspicions regarding your absence.”

Now it was Minho's turn to sigh. “When the time comes, I'll deal with it myself. For now, let's just…keep this charade on. Accept his invites to meals and such, don't give away too much information. I'll still be in contact with Jisung, you can count on that.”

They spoke for a bit more, Changbin sharing more about his day, which was vastly different from Chan's or Minho's – meeting the castle’s guards, patrolling (just walking) around the gardens and castle grounds…easy enough. He said that he got quite along with a young alpha guard, Jeongin was his name. It sounded familiar to Minho, but he brushed it off. A lot of names in the kingdoms were similar, he's probably heard a similar name before. 

Somehow, Chan managed to fall asleep as Changbin was finishing the story, but both him and Minho let it go. The eldest often had trouble sleeping, especially in an unknown place, so it was great that he had fallen asleep. Just when Minho was about to slip out, ready to head back to the cell…

“One more thing. Minho?” Changbin whispered, catching his attention right as he opened the door. 

“Hm?”

“I'm saying this as both, your friend and a guard. Whatever you do, whatever happens…don't fall in love with him.”

·•–»»–•·

Despite sleeping on a pallet only covered with straw, Minho slept well. When he opened his eyes, he screeched, because he didn't expect Han Jisung to be hovering above him. 

His reaction earned him a giggle. Minho decided it was one of the most beautiful sounds he's ever heard. 

“Good morning?” Minho said, sitting up as Jisung shuffled to the other side. Minho noticed that the omega had dark clothes on – dark grey trousers and a blouse as dark as the night sky. 

“Morning?” Jisung snorted. “More like noon. I didn't actually want to wake you, you seemed so peaceful, but there's nothing I can do about it now.”

“You already started the act, I take it?” Minho gestured to the other prince's clothes, cocking an eyebrow. “Don't know if I'm allowed to say it, but those clothes really suit you. The colours, I mean.”

Jisung nodded, more cheerful than Minho's ever seen him. Almost as if he forgot that the one he was supposed to marry didn't even show up, basically left him at the altar.

“Yeah, I started yesterday, actually. I have a couple of my friends helping out, one of them was there during the dinner yesterday and he got my father's attention to be on me–” Minho knew all that already, from Chan, of course, but hearing Jisung recounting the events felt better. “–and he totally fell for the whole thing. I can be very convincing when I want to, and the fact that the others know is even more helpful! I can also cry on command, which is really useful right now, because it makes it all even more convincing than it already was! Now I just have to keep it up until he calls off the engagement. You didn't hear this from me, Lino, but king Kwang sent an eagle with a message to my father – he wants to meet once the party that's here right now returns home and once prince Minho feels better. He wants us to go there, can you believe that?”

Now that was news to Minho, but it was expected. “I see.”

“And he's mentioned the queen in it!” Oh? Minho's mother? Before they left, she looked quite healthy, despite her condition and gave him an old family heirloom – a simple ring that he was supposed to give Jisung. It was probably with Chan right now. “I'm pretty sure she was the one to write the words that followed the mention. She wrote something along the lines of… ‘Even if the original agreement doesn't work out for our kingdoms, in the end, I still wish for us to remain allies. We shall send a message once my son is well enough to meet you. With all my heart, I hope we can work out our differences for the sake of peace’. These are not the exact words, but it was something like that.” 

Minho only sat and listened. Jisung's voice was…very comforting to him. In a way that made it impossible to not be listening to every word that left his mouth. 

“And, like, I get that it would be a hundred times better for us to not wage war on each other for every little thing. But do I really have to go with my father to meet with them? He could definitely go alone, make out a new agreement and return with a…uh…peace treaty on a parchment! And I could only make sure it's held up by our side, you know?” He froze suddenly. “I'm- I'm sorry, I'm rambling. It's not proper.”

“No, no, it's okay.” Minho quickly blurted out. “It doesn't bother me, not at all. I am…used to it, one could say.” Hyunjin, the best painter they had, never stopped talking while painting, no matter who he was with. It didn't matter that the person he was painting didn't respond, he was just happy to have someone that would listen to him. The beta and Minho became good friends quickly, especially because it turned out Hyunjin and Changbin were from the same village. They were around each other a bit more after that.

“You…you don't?” Jisung tilted his head to one side, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “But…it's not proper. An omega should never let their tongue loose like this, especially one of such high standing.”

Minho didn't like the sound of that. He disliked the tone that Jisung said it with, as if it was said to him repeatedly and he was just recounting the exact words. “Your highness…who told you that?”

Jisung was silent for a moment. “My father. He…the belief that omegas are inferior is rooted in him, very much so. It's not really his fault, he was just raised that way. My mother was a beta, but she had a younger brother who was an omega. She was the one to partly erase that particular way of thinking, but sadly not everything.” He shrugged, as if it was no big deal. “He’s good most of the time, but some things simply stuck, and he passed those onto me. His one and only son.” 

Minho took in a sharp breath. The things Jisung was talking about – all of those have disappeared from his own kingdom years before his father was born. And now he learns Jisung's father, a person the same age as Minho's father was taught these?

“Don't…don't think about the things he taught you, your highness.” Minho took Jisung's hands into his own, looking the stunned omega in the eyes. “They are very outdated, and whoever tells you otherwise is a moron. It doesn't matter if you snort when you laugh. It doesn't matter if you show reactions to certain things. It doesn't matter if you ramble when you're frustrated or excited. Some of these things are those that make you your own person and not just another timid omega in the crowd. It's a part of you. Don't let anything change that.” Minho couldn't help the small, genuine smile. Then, in a haste he added: “Your highness.”

“Jisung.” The younger man breathed out, eyes wide in…wonder? “You may call me Jisung. Just Jisung. No more titles, at least not when we're alone.”

Minho's already been doing that, just not with him present. But still, he would respect his wishes. “Alright then…Jisung.”

“You're…” Jisung started but hesitated. Minho nodded his head in a way that said ‘go on’. Jisung pursed his lips, but continued whatever he was about to say. “You're really strange, Lino. Has anyone told you that?”

Prince Minho, stop looking at other people like that. It's not proper.

Your majesty, stop blinking like that, it is creepy.

Do not talk to cats like they're people, prince Minho, they are not. They are only dirty animals, not worth your time. Focus on the lesson.

“More times than I can count, yes. You're very normal compared to me.” Minho mumbled, his scent carrying a soft, sad note. His teachers weren't people he held in favour, for they were rough with their words in a way that stuck. 

“Lino,” Jisung smiled, a small chuckle leaving him, “it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's refreshing to see someone being themselves, when all people around me wear masks to keep their true personalities hidden.” 

I'm wearing one, too. A bigger one than you might think.

“I may be normal compared to you, if that is what you think. But…” Jisung squeezed Minho's hands, and the alpha realized he hadn't let go after he grabbed them. They were soft and warm, reminding him of his mothers. “...I like it. The weirdness, I mean. I truly do.” 

Minho was…speechless. All he could do was stare into those big, deep brown eyes. 

“Well, then.” He cleared his throat. “Allow me to say that I find your normalness likeable too, Jisung.” 

Don't fall in love with him, Changbin had said. At the time, merely a few hours ago, Minho thought it would be easy. He wasn't so sure anymore.

But the blinding smile he'd gotten after those words? Minho felt like the sun herself was there in the cell with them, making him warm all over. He reciprocated it with a smile of his own. Jisung's turned into an even wider one. 

And oh, it looked like a heart. 

Minho may have not known how love felt like, but the way his stomach seemed to squeeze must've meant something.

Chapter Text

Blink. Don't smile. Don't laugh. Sit still. Don't do anything that seems happy or cheerful.

Jisung reminded himself again and again as his father tried to, and I quote, “bring his spark back.” As if he didn't know what would actually help him. 

Now, there were performers and royal jesters in front of him, doing tricks, making jokes, that kind of thing. But Jisung was prepared. Seungmin and Felix put their heads together – using those two brain cells that they shared for once and came up with a brilliant solution. One of Jisung's necklaces, one he was given by his late grandmother, could have a picture put in it. But, instead of a picture, they stuffed it with onion, so Jisung had no choice but to cry if he didn't want his eyes to sting too much. He debated if it was actually a good idea, but…well, it worked and kept him from focusing on the jokes and such, so…

The performance was over. Jisung didn't move a muscle. 

“My son,” his father sighed, dismissing the jesters and performers. Jisung felt a tiny bit bad, because they were really talented. But he had to do this. “Why won't you laugh? Like you did not a week ago?”

“Forgive me, father, but I simply cannot laugh when I don't feel like it.” Jisung shrugged. “Is the fact that I don't find any reason to smile so hard to believe?”

“Yes, it is. Jisung, please, tell me what is causing this. Are you sick? Is it…is it that again?” His father continued with his questioning. “Or is it because of prince Minho?”

“I do not need to share my reasons with you, father. Perhaps it has something to do with the last thing you've mentioned, but I do not feel like saying anything else.” He trailed off for a bit. “May I go to my room?” 

“My son, please…do not shut me out, not again. I strongly doubt that my heart could handle it.”

Now, Jisung knew he was just worried, but he didn't have to remind him of what happened. “It’s been years, father.” He hissed. “I assure you, it is not that again, nor am I shutting you out. I simply want to be left alone for some time. Can I? Or will I be monitored every hour of the day just like mother?” It was a low blow, but it needed to be done. Jisung noticed how his father flinched, just slightly. The man sighed, dejected. 

“You may go to your room, Jisungie.” He relented. “But not completely alone. Have that guard that you're friends with, the kid, uhm…Jeonlin?”

“His name is Jeongin, father. But yes, I don't mind his presence.” 

“Yes, Jeongin. Have him by your side, then.”

Jisung nodded and left the big room at once. The act was starting to get suffocating, but it's been only four days since it started. Bang Chan and the royal party left yesterday, thanking them profusely for their hospitality. For some reason, one of the guards kept looking at Jisung, but he chose to ignore it.

Everyone from the Lee kingdom has left. Everyone but Lino. He stayed. Not that Jisung minded, no! He liked Lino. In a sea of sharks disguised as fish, he stood out, because he had no disguise. He simply was, he existed, floating around in the water mindlessly, getting carried with the flow. Almost like…what were they called…ah, yes, jellyfish. Jisung's seen a jellyfish only once, on a diplomatic trip. It was washed up on shore and, well, dead. But still a very interesting find, to say the least. 

And he said he liked Jisung. Okay, he didn't say exactly that, he only said he liked Jisung's normalness, but that could be taken as liking his personality which meant he basically liked Jisung himself! It made sense, didn't it? That's what Jisung's been telling himself, at least. 

It wasn't something he was unaware of, the fact that he found Lino attractive. He wouldn't have let him inside the gardens when they met if he hadn't – he would've called the guards right away. So, yes, Lino was very beautiful. Jisung knew that, of course. 

But the things he was starting to feel whenever he was around Lino scared him. His heart always sped up, skipping a few beats, his scent turned a tad bit sweeter. He couldn't help but smile while listening to the alpha talking about stuff he liked or found interesting – when he spoke about his cats, for example. Jisung found it very sweet, how he cared for them as if the cats themselves were other human beings and not animals.

Jisung's had a few crushes growing up – some of the guards, other princes, people he wouldn't really see again often. But his feelings were never this strong before, never so…confusing. Jisung knew there was no chance that he and Lino could be together, it was unheard of. Especially because the elder was from another land. Jisung was very well aware of the fact that it could never work between them, and yet…

He sighed as he reached his room, falling face first onto the bed. His clothes would be wrinkled and Felix was going to lose his mind, but Jisung couldn't care less at the moment. He wished he could make sense of his mind, his head, his feelings. 

He suddenly sat up, so quickly his vision turned black for a few moments. Maybe…just maybe…there was one person who could help him. Was it a stupid idea? Absolutely. But she was his only chance.

Jeongin was already in the hall, walking to Jisung's room, when he noticed that the prince was outside. The young alpha tilted his head, confused, but then saw the key that the omega was holding and understood. A fleeting nod was all Jisung needed as confirmation, and the two began their walk to the upper floors of the castle. The cleaners did their job well, not a speckle of dust anywhere, but anyone could tell that nobody’s been up there with the same purpose as Jisung in quite some time. 

Multiple weeks, months even, if he had to guess.

“Are you sure? She might not be…you know…"

“Lucid enough to recognize me now?” Jisung chuckled, the sound coming out choked. “I know. But my scent is still the same as it was seven years ago, five years ago, when I last visited her. She might…recognize that, if not my face.” Jeongin searched his face for a while longer before relenting. 

“If anything happens, just shout, okay?”

“She won't hurt me, Innie.” Jisung took a deep breath and unlocked the door. There were no guards inside, since she's been more “stable” lately, or so he's heard. In terms of gossip, maids and guards were more alike than they thought. 

And maybe, just maybe, she could finally get better. 

The woman sat by the window, looking outside, an unfocused look in her eyes. One of her hands was rubbing her stomach – even though there hasn't been anything there for a long, long time.

In very rare cases, when an omega or a female beta gives birth to a stillborn or miscarry, their wolves retreat deep into their minds, basically trapping them in the time before the baby was born or before the miscarriage. During that time, they do not notice the passage of time. It is something nobody can help end before the person’s wolf has stopped grieving. It can take mere hours, days, weeks, months…

Or years.

Jisung was supposed to have a younger sibling. Ten years ago, when he was eleven.

“Hi, mum.”

Jisung's mother, Yeong-suk, turned her head, eyes clearing only for a moment, before she turned to look out of the window again. 

Jisung sighed, getting a bit closer.

“Have you seen my son?” His mother asked suddenly, facing him again. “My baby, Jisungie. He's this tall, blonde like you. A little omega boy. Very smart for his age. I haven't seen him in a while, do you know where he is?”

He knew she had no way to know how much time had passed, but it still stung. He's visited her before, not that long ago, but she didn't recognize him then. What made him think she would this time?

He remembers the time he first visited as if it was yesterday. It was on his twelfth birthday. He missed his mother, so he asked the guard that was with him to lead him to her. The guard was kind and explained what might happen, but still led little Jisung to the room she was in. Locked for her own safety, they said. 

He remembers entering, smiling widely. “Mamma!” He said cheerfully back then, closing the door behind him. She didn't even turn around, as if she hadn't heard him. “Mamma?”

She was still, laying on her wide bed, unfocused eyes staring at some point of the wall. No response whatsoever, but Jisung didn't want to back down so easily. “It's my birthday, mamma. I'm big now, father says. He said I can learn how to use a sword or a dagger to protect myself if needed!” Still nothing. “And…um…Lixie is helping me with reading, I can read a whole entire page without stuttering now! And Minnie sometimes sneaks sweets into my room, but don't tell anyone I said that. He brought a big cupcake this morning, as a surprise!” She didn't even look at him. Jisung's scent began souring. “And…I have new clothes and…”

He came closer, wanting to touch her arm, wanting to feel her, to know that she was alive, at least. He knew she was not well, he's been told by everyone in the castle, but she was still his mum. 

He didn't expect her to growl at him, flashing her growing fangs in aggression. Baffled, little Jisung took a step back, hand shaking. His mother had her arm curled around her stomach protectively, as if she was still pregnant. At that moment, Jisung had understood. As much as he needed her, she needed to be alone, with no one to disturb her. Not even her only son. 

That night, he silently cried himself to sleep in Seungmin's arms. He was forever grateful for how his friends handled those rough times.

Enough memories, he had to get back to the present. He lightly shook his head, banishing those memories back to where they came from.

“Your majesty…” he began, but was interrupted by her.

“Wait, I can smell him. The peaches in the air, that scent, that is him.” She sniffed the air two times. “Jisungie? Jisungie, darling, are you here?”

That was a first. No matter how many times he's visited, how much he prayed when he was smaller, she didn't recognize anything about him, too disconnected from her own body to do so. “I'm here,” he breathed out, struggling to keep his tears to himself. “I'm right here, mum. It's me.”

She looked back at him and blinked. Once. Twice. Then she stood up, knocking down the book that was on her lap. For the first time since she miscarried, her right hand left her stomach, dropping right by her side. Her gaze was clearer than ever before.

Oh moon, the guards were right.

“Jisungie?” She took a hesitant step closer. “Is that…but you're…you're so grown up.” Her breath hitched as she looked down at her belly. “I remember. I remember now, the– your sibling, I–”

“Mum.” Jisung smiled, no longer capable of just standing there in silence. A single tear slipped down his cheek. “You– you're…are you really you?”

She looked back up at him again. “I…oh, moon, how long was I…”

Jisung lunged forward, full-on sobbing. “It doesn't matter, it– you're back, oh moon, you're back…”

The feeling of his mother’s arms wrapping around him after so long felt so…right. All of Jisung's worries disappeared at once, the only thing he could feel was relief. She was back. His mother was back. Fully.

“Jisungie…my Jisungie…” she breathed out, squeezing him. “My boy. Oh, I missed you. I missed this.” 

They stood there, embracing each other. Jisung tried not to sob too loudly, afraid that Jeongin would get the wrong idea and barge in and that the gentle air around them would break and everything would go back to how it was not even five minutes ago.

Jisung's mother pulled away, gently cradling his face, wiping his tears with her thumbs. “My boy,” she smiled sadly, “look at you. You're so grown up now, so much bigger than you were.” Her gaze travelled up and down. Jisung could hear her words, of course he could, but couldn't help but think that her thoughts weren't true. Right now, with her in front of him, he felt like that twelve year old boy again. “How long has it…?” She asked, once again looking into his eyes.

“Ten,” Jisung cleared his throat, “ten years, mum. To– to be completely honest, no one thought that you'd– that you'd come back.”

She gasped, a hand quickly covering her open mouth. “Ten? Oh my…oh, Jisungie…” she pulled him into a hug again. Jisung buried his nose in the crook of her neck, where her scent was strongest. The smell of jasmine was so calming that Jisung's entire body relaxed instantly. 

“I missed you,” he mumbled, the last few tears escaping his eyes. “So, so much.”

“I don't remember anything after the miscarriage,” she whispered back. “There's…it's just as if I simply blinked or fell asleep. There is nothing. Oh, Jisungie…”

“Don't– Don't say anything. It was not your fault, I never blamed you for what happened. You couldn't control it, I know that.” Jisung pulled back, sniffling. “Mamma…”

She had tears in her eyes, too. “I must've missed so much. You have to tell me everything, my boy. Every little thing. I don't care how insignificant it is in the grand scheme of things, I want to know. Okay?” Before Jisung could speak, she gasped suddenly. “Wait– ten years? But that means you're now…Jisungie, quickly tell me, are you married? Or engaged?”

“Mum, please, calm down.” He giggled, in the same way he used to do as a little kid. “That is…not the shortest story. Please, let's sit down first…”

He told her everything – how his engagement came to be, what was supposed to happen and what actually did happen. He told her about the act, why he was doing it and, most importantly, who helped him decide to do it in the first place. She listened, not interrupting his story once, until he was done.

“Well, this prince Minho sounds like a very stupid alpha–”

“Mom, you can't just say that!”

“–but understand his point of view, darling. You're not the only one who had to marry someone he didn't know, prince Minho did, too. I don't think that you should blame him for not coming when he couldn't be sure about this whole situation. If you were in his shoes, wouldn't you do the same? Or at least something similar?”

Nothing can beat the intuition of a mother, it seems. Even though ten years have passed and Jisung was a different person, she had him figured out in a matter of minutes. “I guess.” He mumbled.

His mother nodded. “Good. Do not hate him for something you would've done, too, my boy.” She squeezed his hands, a teasing glint in her eyes. Oh, how Jisung missed this. “Now, about that Lino you mentioned…”

Jisung blushed. “It's not that important…he's very nice, yes, and handsome…and funny…”

Yeong-suk chuckled, knowing all too well it was more than Jisung let on. “Sweetheart, no need to hide things. I can tell. You're afraid to admit it to yourself, because…?”

“He's a commoner, mum. A servant, from another kingdom no less.” Jisung looked away, too ashamed to look her in the eyes. “It feels wrong, but at the same time so right. Like a…like a breath of fresh air after being stuck in a hot room all day.”

“Oh, Jisungie. There is nothing wrong with being fond of someone else. It's not hurting anyone, is it?” Jisung shook his head. “See? It is something of innocent nature, these feelings of yours. You can fancy him for the time he stays, I do not mind. But don't tell your father.” She winked at him, making him laugh. “And speaking of…I suppose it is time I see him. And I think I could help with your little engagement. Suitors are supposed to be accepted by both parents, are they not?”

·•–✧–•·

Minho had stayed. Chan, Changbin and the rest of their party left, but he stayed. Why? Not hard to guess at all. It had something to do with a certain omega with wide brown eyes, squirrel-like cheeks and a sweet peachy scent. Minho didn't want to put a label onto his feelings, out of fear. 

He feared they would get ten times– no, a hundred times more intense if he did.

Jisung was…moon, he was so beautiful. His voice sounded better than any melody, his scent sweeter than any fruit. When he was near, it felt like all the worries in the world had disappeared, the birds were singing louder, the world had more colour, everything felt great.

But it wasn't so simple.

Everything was at stake here. Minho couldn't be in lo- couldn't have any feelings for Jisung. Because it would not end well. They couldn't be together, not anymore – the whole purpose of Jisung's ‘incredibly sad’ act was to cancel the engagement. Minho messed up, big time. But these feelings were there from the very start, slowly blooming into what they were now. Oh, moon, it has been a week, mere seven days since he met Jisung, and yet…

He sighed, grabbing the put out torch and spinning it in the air. It was about time for Jisung to show up, for their daily evening talk. Minho told him scraps and half–truths about his life, while Jisung told him about his day. Where did Minho grow up? In the castle. Why in the castle? His father was someone of a high standing, needed there constantly and Minho went with him. 

While spinning the torch, it touched the stone wall, leaving a black smudge there. Minho looked between the wall and the torch, contemplating. Then, very slowly, he started drawing. Something simple, of course, he was no artist. 

Soon, there were smudges that somehow put together the head of a cat. Well, at least Minho thought so. He drew two more, representing the cats he had there. His three troublemakers were originally the only ones he felt bad about while leaving. He missed them. 

Minho saw one stone that was smaller and lighter in colour than all the others. It was pretty much hidden behind the pallet, so he didn't hesitate and, using the torch, drew a small heart. 

That was the moment he heard footsteps. 

The alpha quickly pushed the pallet closer to the wall, hiding the small heart. He pretended to be adjusting something in the cat drawings, when he heard a giggle. A sound he'd grown very…fond of.

“Are those supposed to be your cats?” Jisung teased, finally stepping into the cell. He looked between Minho's face, the drawn-on wall and the torch. 

“Well, yes. It is great that you've recognized them, it means I've done a decent job.” Minho grinned, putting the torch down. “I mean, I'm not an artist, but…”

“Oh, yes, you've done such a good job. I can feel all the emotions radiating from these.” Jisung nodded thoughtfully with the most serious face he could muster, before breaking down in giggles. “It's– it's nice, but I would've probably guessed that it was a different animal if I didn't know you, Lino.”

Minho rolled his eyes, though there was no real annoyance in the gesture. “As if you are any better, Jisung. I did a fantastic job, no matter what anyone says.”

Another giggle. Moon, Minho could seriously live on that sound alone. “Whatever you say. Oh! I've got amazing news!”

Minho hummed, tilting his head in a way that said ‘go on'. 

“I'm, uh, pretty sure you've heard about my mother?” Minho nodded – all surrounding kingdoms knew of Queen Yeong-suk and the unfortunate wolf disconnection. Why was Jisung bringing it up now? “I visited her today – I always tried to visit as much as possible, even when I knew that she wouldn't react to anything.” Jisung's smile grew impossibly wider. “She recognized me.” 

Minho stared for a bit before the words fully registered. If she recognized Jisung, that meant…

His jaw dropped.

“Yes!” Jisung laughed again. Now it made sense, why he was so much giddier than usual. He got his mother back after, what, nine years? Maybe a bit more, Minho wasn't sure. “She's back now. I am not ashamed to say that I cried. We spoke, only the two of us, and I told her about the arranged marriage with prince Minho.” Oh. “She was surprised, to say the least, and not in a good way, I think.” Minho can sense where this is going. “She told me she'd talk to my father about cancelling it! Can you believe it? If there is anyone that can persuade him, regarding literally anything, it is my mother.”

Minho softly smiled, though his heart ached. He wouldn't name the feeling, he couldn't. It would mean admitting something he wasn't ready for – something he couldn't have. Not anymore. He didn't show anything in his body language or expression, though. This was what they've been aiming for from the very start. Minho himself was the one to suggest it. He was the one who ruined it all. He shouldn't have run back then. He was so, so stupid. 

Jisung continued on. “They're together right now. My parents, I mean. But I don't think mom is going to say anything right now, they both need their silent time together. She also needs to be checked by the royal physician, for any remaining consequences and stuff like that.” The omega was practically bouncing with excitement. “I'm so happy, Lino. So incredibly happy.”

“I'm happy for you, Jisung.” Minho's eyes flickered to where Jisung's hand was resting next to his. He hooked their pinkies together. They sat there in silence, just enjoying each other's presence. That is, until Jisung turned to face Minho.

“What is it? Do I have something on my face?”

“No.”

“Then…why are you staring? I'm not judging, I'm only curious.”

No response. They were both looking at each other, the air between them growing tense with...something.

“I don't know.” Jisung exhaled, his eyes searching Minho's face before ending up at his lips. Minho could see the way he panicked and quickly looked away from them.

Oh. 

They're both screwed.

“Jisung.” 

“Hm?” 

“Why are you so red all of a sudden?”

“No– no particular reason.”

They sat there for another minute, simply…observing. Waiting. Minho wasn't sure what for, though. Or he was, he only didn't want to admit it, didn't want to raise his hopes up. 

Hopes that would get stomped into the ground, no matter what happened at that moment. What they did right now didn't matter, because whatever happened, the outcome would be the same in the long run.

And maybe that's what made him look towards Jisung's lips. Minho looked up in a silent question, trying to keep his heart from escaping his ribcage.

Jisung looked equally as nervous – or excited? It was hard to distinguish those two emotions, always has been, for Minho at least. 

For a moment, the outside world didn't exist. For a moment, Jisung and Minho were just two ordinary people. For a single moment, all that was were their scents and bodies – their surroundings all faded and all Minho could focus on was Jisung and his beautiful eyes.

“What are we doing?” Minho asked, body unconsciously moving closer to Jisung's.

“I don't know,” Jisung licked his lips, “but whatever it is, we should stop it.” Those were his exact words, but his face and body betrayed his feelings.

“We definitely should, yes. It's a mistake, isn't it?” Minho murmured, looking at Jisung's lips again.

“It is. A huge one.” Jisung replied in a similar tone. 

They found each other's eyes again, the weight of what they were about to do settling in the air around them. 

Now, with their faces so close, Minho couldn't fight that inner fight anymore. He knew damn well what it was that he was feeling, knew it from the very first moment he's actually seen Jisung, even before he knew who the other was. He simply refused to acknowledge those feelings, refused to name them, because they were – still are – something that he shouldn't feel. He's Minho, the prince who never showed up, the one Jisung hates. Jisung hates Minho, but loves– or at least likes Lino. The person Jisung likes and the person he hates are one, and Minho should tell him the truth right now, before they make a mistake. The thing is…

…he doesn't want to. Minho is selfish. 

“Jisung…” he whispered, his hand finding its place on the omega's nape. He could feel the way it sent shivers down the younger's spine, could feel how his eyes fluttered shut.

He shouldn't.

But he wanted to. So badly. 

Jisung shakily exhaled, giving Minho a small nod.

Minho closed his eyes, too. Without hesitation, surprising even himself, he softly connected their lips. It was quick, more like a peck than an actual kiss. Minho pulled away right away, or at least tried to, but Jisung quickly cradled his face and pulled him in again. 

When they separated, they were both breathless and flushed. Minho opened his eyes to see the most carefree and dopey grin on Jisung's face. The sight made his heart squeeze, but not uncomfortably so. No, Minho liked this feeling.

“It seems like,” Jisung gulped, nervously chuckling, “I like making bad decisions, when it comes to you."

Chapter Text

Jisung woke up feeling giddy. He was more cheerful than ever before, for more than just one reason. His mother was back, after a full decade, and he kissed Lino. 

Yesterday evening was something straight out of a dream. When Lino kissed him, he could've sworn he saw stars. He didn't want to stop, so he pulled the alpha back and they kissed again and again, until they had to stop for oxygen. Jisung couldn't get enough of Lino's lips. They tasted refreshing, like mint and the crisp air in the cool mornings. The way he held Jisung's head, as if it was something precious, also did things to Jisung's growing feelings. 

Jisung was surprised when Lino licked into his mouth, but didn't fight him, because the alpha was clearly at least a bit more experienced than he was.

Long story short, he'd definitely do it again. 

When Felix came into his room to help style his hair, Jisung noticed right away that the other omega caught on to how cheery he was. As Felix was brushing his hair, he predictably couldn't help but ask.

“So, Jisungie,” he began, fighting a smile, “why so happy today, hm? Do I have to remind you you're currently pretending to be oh, so incredibly sad?”

“Is it that obvious?” Jisung giggled. “I'm only…I'm only glad that mum is back. It's been so long without her and it…it doesn't feel real. It's almost like a dream.” 

Felix's face softened, lips curling into a gentle smile. He was one of the few people that knew how hard Jisung took it when his mother's wolf disconnected – how badly it had shaken him. “I'm glad her majesty’s back, too. The entire castle missed her.” 

Jisung hummed, tapping his fingers against his thigh. He'd keep the kisses between him and Lino a secret…for now. Something that was fully his. In the meantime, Felix finished styling his hair, patting his head. “All done. Your parents await you in the king’s chambers for a family breakfast.” Felix couldn't keep the grin off of his face – it must've felt amazing to say parents. Plural. Two. Two of them.

Jisung returned the grin. “I don't think I can act as sad as I did before with my mother back. But I will certainly try.”

“That's good. Now, your parents are waiting.” In a mumble, the other omega added: “I love saying that.”

Jisung fondly rolled his eyes, gave his best friend a peck on the cheek and went on his way to meet both his father and mother. 

His father's chambers – which weren't not only HIS anymore – weren't far from Jisung's own. He was vibrating with excitement. Finally, his entire family would be together. Jisung had to bite his lip to keep himself from smiling.

Remember. You're incredibly sad. Don't smile.

Finally arriving at his destination, Jisung knocked, waiting to be allowed inside. His mother's voice told him to come in, so he did, without a smile but with clear happiness in his posture and eyes.

His father was by his mother's side, looking at her in such a fond and soft way Jisung thought he was imagining it for a second. 

“Good morning, father. Good morning, mother.” He bowed his head politely, mainly to hide his smile.

“Good morning to you too, Jisungie.” Yeong-suk smiled widely, gesturing to the table. “Come and sit. We have a lot to talk about.”

Jisung went and did as told. The conversation was light, as if they were a normal family, as if everything was the way it was supposed to be – which it was. They were always supposed to be like this, like a family, all together, simply talking and joking around. 

“Jisung,” his father said after a while of silence. Jisung looked up from his plate with a soft hum, cheeks full of food. “Your mother spoke to me and…well, I cannot ignore her opinion. Or yours, in that matter.” Now, that caught the omega's attention. “I've already sent a message to…the Lee kingdom. Your engagement to prince Minho has been…adjusted. Whether we go through with it fully depends on you.”

Jisung quickly swallowed his food, only so that he could open his mouth in shock. “Are you serious?” He asked, blinking swiftly.

“Yes. And I am sorry if you ever felt…pressured, in a way. I didn't really take into consideration how you may feel, and for that I am sorry.”

“Dad, it's…it's okay. Really, I understand that the first thing on your mind is the well being of the kingdom. We'll figure something out to keep the peace.” A small smile formed on Jisung's face and the relief in his father's body language was immediate. “Thank you, father. Mother.”

“The choice right now is yours, Jisungie.” His mother smiled, reaching over to hold her son’s hand. “At this moment, you are kind of engaged to no one. You're the one that chooses who it will be, and me and your father will support your decision. Be it another prince, a princess or if it remains prince Minho.” She smirked, as if she knew something, but it went unnoticed by Jisung's father.

Jisung did notice, though. The only response he could muster up was a soft: “Yeah.”

Things went smoothly afterwards – Jisung was notified of a ball celebrating his mother's return, planned to be held in two days. He'd let Felix know about it, so that they could come up with an acceptable look. Jisung and his mother made plans for the rest of the day – sewing, a talk with the servants of the castle (the ones she knew), a walk in the gardens, lunch. After all that, Jisung had some time for himself, to simply read, practice playing on his piano or violin and to talk (read: gossip) with his friends. Dinner was a time reserved only for his parents, so he'd have Seungmin bring something to his room. 

Then he'll go and see Lino. It was kind of an agreement, the fact that Jisung would come by every evening and they would simply talk. 

And now kiss. 

But that is only if Lino doesn't end up getting weirded out by everything and says it was simply a mistake yesterday and that it shouldn't have happened at all. Which…he wouldn't, right? He was the one to actually initiate the kiss and the one who made it deeper…not that Jisung complained, no. He was simply…thinking too much. There was no way Lino didn't like what happened between them yesterday. 

And the chances of that repeating today were…big, to say the least. No, Jisung wasn't excited. Not at all. Why would he be? Pfftt, there was no reason to be excited, no…

·•–»»–•·

“Linooo!” Jisung giggled as he entered the dungeon, seeing the older man startle. “Sorry, did I scare you?”

“No,” Lino mumbled, straightening his back, “I was only surprised, that's all. Isn't it a bit early for our daily meet up?”

“My plans for today were all done so I thought…I mean, if you don't want to see me yet I can leave, that's not a problem–” oh moon. What if Lino realized yesterday was a mistake after all and decided to leave? What if he hated Jisung now? Jisung couldn't imagine not having him close. 

His overthinking was cut short when he felt a soft press of lips against his own. Huh.

“Now when,” Lino whispered right as he pulled away, his face still mere centimeters from Jisung's, “did I say that? I thought that I was quite forward with how I feel about your presence, dear prince.” 

“You didn't say it. And, uh, I don't know, I might need a small reminder?” Jisung's voice tilted at the end of the sentence, making it seem more like a question. He wanted to go for a teasing tone originally, but…oh well. It didn't really matter, though, because he still got what he wanted – a blushing Lino and another kiss, a longer one this time. He could feel the smirk on Lino's face, not just see it from afar. He decided he quite liked the feel of it.

Jisung pouted when Lino pulled away again, but didn't protest.

“Come on, sit down.” Lino tugged on Jisung's sleeve, leading him to the pallet. “Tell me about your day, Jisungie.”

“Oh! Right, right, so…” the omega eagerly cleared his throat, moving so that his full body would face Lino. “I had breakfast with both my mother and father this morning. We're hosting a ball in two days, to celebrate her return! It's been quite some time since we've had one and since I've attended, so I'm obviously very excited about it. Nothing interesting really happened afterwards – I spent more time with my mom, practiced on my violin, talked with Felix about the upcoming ball, then we shared the news with Jeongin and Seungmin. They, in turn, told us some gossip from the court that we didn't know about…yet.” Jisung grinned. “It's nothing worth mentioning, we simply do it to pass the time and because it's tradition for us at this point.”

Jisung loved how Lino sat and listened to his rambling, a soft smile gracing his features. There was no judgement, no expectations, just the two of them. And the straw covered pallet.

“That sounds nice, Jisung. I'm glad you're having fun now.” Lino nodded, as if he was agreeing with himself. It was an endearing habit, if Jisung said so himself. “I didn't do much, obviously. There's not much to do here – oh, I checked out some of the old torture devices. They're all…not far from falling apart, the spikes on most of them are very dull…”

“Of course they are. They haven't been used in decades!” Jisung giggled yet again. He did that a lot around Lino. “And there is…one more thing I got to know at breakfast.” Jisung had to tread more carefully now, he knew that.

“Hm?” Lino tilted his head, curious. “Don't leave me hanging, Jisungie.”

“My father sent a message to your kingdom, Lino. My engagement to prince Minho is now officially cancelled!” He carefully watched the alpha for his reaction to those news – that weren't even fully correct – finding it funny how he blinked rapidly, clearly shocked. If that wasn't enough, his mouth dropped open and a soft “oh” left his lips. 

Endearing.

“That is…I'm happy for you, Jisungie.” He smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes, not as much as all his other smiles, grins and smirks – Jisung would know, he's been observing him for enough time to tell the difference. Interesting.

“Right? My mom was the one to finally knock some sense into my father. With her back, I think most of his decisions will actually be hers. Exactly as it was before…yeah.” Jisung sighed, leaning back on his hands, some of the straw digging into the skin of his palms. He tipped his head back, looking towards the ceiling, eyes flicking between the various cracks in the stone.

He didn't look at Lino, as much as he wanted to. He knew the other was looking– no, staring at him, but what could he do about it, really?

“Lino? You're really quiet all of a sudden.”

“Hm. Just admiring the view.”

“We're…in a dungeon. There's only gray stone all around us – if we don't count those covered in moss, but even then–”

“You know I didn't mean it in that way, Jisungie. Look at me?”

Jisung was stubborn. He didn't look. He even shook his head with a pout, keeping his eyes pointed upwards.

“Jisung…” Lino's usual higher pitched voice was lower, in a way that made Jisung shiver. “Look at me? Please?”

Jisung still didn't. In fact, he looked the other way, just to get under Lino's skin – he was enjoying this little act of defiance. So far, he's practically done everything the alpha's asked, so there was no harm in not doing so one time. Right?

The response to Jisung ignoring Lino was a click of the tongue. Now, he was about to turn around and say a joke, he really was, but he simply froze when Lino gently gripped his jaw and turned Jisung's head himself. 

Lino's head was tilted, one eyebrow raised. “That wasn't very nice of you, Sungie. Weren't you taught that ignoring someone while they're talking to you isn't proper?”

Jisung literally squeaked!! out a sorry…which shattered the tense atmosphere. Both of them descended into giggles practically instantly. Lino didn't let go of Jisung's chin, though.

“How– how did you make a sound like that? You sounded like a...a squirrel!” Lino snorted, every other word interrupted by his giggles.

“I don't know!” Jisung swatted his arm away, but when Lino let go, he instantly missed his touch. “Let's– let's ignore that! That didn't happen, okay?”

“Yeah, right. Okay.” Lino ruffled Jisung's carefully styled hair, looking at him with a fond smile. “Let’s never speak of it again, then.” 

“I'll let you know, I could have you beheaded if you continue disrespecting me like that. Though your kingdom would probably miss you…” 

Lino gasped, putting a hand on his chest, right above his heart. “Me? Disrespecting you? I would never! I'll let you know, your highness, that my respect for you cannot be measured.” 

“Is that so?” Jisung grinned mischievously. “If that's the case, you'll listen to all of my orders, right~?”

“...yes…?” Lino whispered, a bit hesitant. Good. Jisung wanted to make him feel a bit uncomfortable. 

Jisung leaned in closer, keeping his grin in place until the very last second. “Then I order you to kiss me.”

Lino's shoulders sagged in relief. “If it's an order…then I should fulfill it, no?”

“You should, yes. I don't think I'd fancy you as much as I do right now if you were suddenly a head shorter.” 

Lino huffed, but didn't argue. He cupped Jisung's jaw – which fit perfectly into his hand, I'll let you know – and did as he asked. It was sweet, slow. It made Jisung think they had all the time in the world. 

When Lino tried to pull away, Jisung quickly stopped him and murmured: “I order you to keep kissing me until I say stop.”

“That will not be hard to obey, your highness."

·•–»»–•·

"And, honestly, you wouldn't believe what I heard in the kitchens while I was waiting for Seungmin." Felix was grinning, ear to ear. "Apparently, the famous painter from the Lee kingdom – Hwang Hyunjin, I think? Yeah, he's invited to the ball to paint your family Jisung!"

"Hwang Hyunjin? The Hwang Hyunjin? Wow, Jisung, your father's truly letting go of his gold, huh..." Jeongin commented, sipping on the tea – or was it wine? Jisung wasn't sure anymore, it was always a guessing game with the youngest – that he brought along to their 'together time' (read: gossip session).

"Can you blame him, though? It's our first ball in literal months, and the reason for it is even more heartwarming." Jisung pouted – he knew that Hwang Hyunjin was invited, of course, he was the one to recommend his services. 

Because Lino told Jisung about him, obviously.

"It's sweet." Seungmin ended up saying, shocking everyone into silence. "What? Am I not allowed to say that or something? I do have emotions and I can recognize nice gestures, you know."

Felix was the first one to recover, smiling brightly. "Of course you can, Minnie. And we're aware that you can feel emotions, it's just," he waved his hand in the air vaguely, "that you don't show them much."

"Wow. Thank you for this life changing information, Felix. I wasn't aware.” Seungmin deadpanned…but his stoic expression didn't last long. In fact, everyone started laughing at that. 

“You know we love you just the way you are, Seungminnie.” Jeongin smiled, one of the smiles that made his eyes disappear completely. 

Seungmin didn't smile often – not in public, anyway. But between his friends? He smiled more – and each time he did, it felt rewarding. 

Jisung also couldn't help but notice Seungmin's flushed ears. 

Oooooh.

“There's still a lot to be talked about regarding the ball,” Jisung sighed, dramatically laying on his stomach. “Mom wants to actually include me in the planning. Ew.”

“That's not really a surprise, though, is it? I mean…maybe she just wants to spend more time with you and that's her best excuse or something.” Felix shrugged. “It makes sense to me!”

Jeongin and Seungmin nodded along, and Jisung caught himself doing so, too. It did make sense, actually, but wouldn't she simply ask him to spend time with her? And it wasn't like it was supposed to be some big, overly fancy event – not even two days to plan wasn't enough. It was going to be a simple celebration, that was all.

“I guess…” Jisung sighed.

“Who do you think will be invited? I hope Hongjoong and Seonghwa are! I haven't seen Hwa in, like, forever.” Felix chuckled.

“Oh, yeah, if I get asked who I want to attend, those two will be on the list, you can count on that.”

“I don't care as long as they like my cooking.” Seungmin added, pretty much uninterested in the conversation. 

“It's impossible to not like your cooking, Seungmin.”

“You've got a point.”

As they continued talking, Jisung found his thoughts wandering to Lino. Could he dance? Probably yes. What would he look like if he had to attend? What would he wear? Those are questions that he'd probably never get an answer to, but that was okay. He could live with that. 

Now he simply allowed himself to feel excited.

·•–»»–•·

The two days passed in a blur, the planning and preparing for the ball making the time pass by very quickly. 

Felix was right – Jisung's mother wanted to spend time with him, using the planning as an excuse. Jisung didn't actually have to do anything, but he did have a word in the guest list.

The Lee’s were invited, too. 

They declined. They did so politely, said that the queen was sick, but after what happened, the court didn't take it all that well. Not only did the Lee's decline, but in their letter they said that prince Minho wouldn't attend, either, even though he must be completely healthy by now. 

It didn't matter to Jisung, not in the slightest. The ball was supposed to be a celebration of his mother's return, that was all.

It began with the announcement of the Han’s walking into the ballroom. To Jisung's surprise, there were a lot of people, all cheering and laughing. He recognized a few older ladies, probably friends of his mother's from her youth. They seemed happy to see her, that much was clear, as she was stolen away by them fairly quickly into the evening. Jisung searched for familiar faces, but he was unsuccessful so far. He was standing by the tables filled with food, eating some sweets that had a mint filling (I wonder why?) when he was approached by a rather nervous beta. 

He was tall with long, dark hair and a seemingly perfect face. It was kind of irritating, how gorgeous he looked. 

“Good evening, your majesty.” The beta bowed. “I am Hwang Hyunjin.”

“Oh!” Jisung blinked. This guy was the painter? He looked like a prince or something, Jisung wouldn't have thought! “Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, your majesty.” Hyunjin smiled. “I didn't expect to be invited to such a…well, kind of important event. It's really an honour.”

“I am glad.” Jisung smiled back, nodding his head once. “How is the painting coming along?”

“Very nicely. I need a small break, though, or I fear I may lose feeling in my wrist.” Hyunjin joked, rubbing his nape. “And I need to ask you something. It's, um,” his voice dropped to a whisper, “about Lino. I need to pass along a message. It's pretty important, so where is the, uh, dungeon…?”

Jisung's eyes opened wide. Oh? He didn't expect that, but… “Go through that door, over there. Take the stairs at the end of the hall, go right, then straight, then right again. There will be a door made of gray wood, open that and go down. You'll see him right away.”

“Thank you, prince Jisung. Thank you so much.” Hyunjin bowed again, relief evident in his body language. 

“It's not a problem, really. Go, quickly. We'll say you had to go to the bathroom.” Jisung winked, feeling at ease. Hyunjin chuckled, thanked him again and went on his way. 

“Jisung, you still look the same!” A new voice said, right from behind him. Jisung lit up, eyes sparkling. 

“Seonghwa, Hongjoong! Hi!” He greeted the pair. “I haven't seen you in so long. How have you been?” 

“Good. Very good.” Seonghwa leaned into Hongjoong, which looked pretty funny, as the alpha was shorter. “We'll have a lot of work to do soon, though.”

Jisung's confusion must've been practically palpable, as Seonghwa shook his head with a chuckle and…put a hand on his belly. 

He put a hand. On his belly.

Jisung had to cover his mouth so that he wouldn't scream out loud, eyes flicking between the mates in front of him. Both were trying not to laugh. “Congratulations, oh moon!”

“Shh, we haven't announced it formally yet.” Hongjoong whispered, grip on Seonghwa's waist tighter. “You’re the first to know outside of our friend group, actually.”

“To be honest, I would've told Minho first, but with what's been going on…we couldn't find the right time to visit.”

Huh? “Minho? Like…prince Minho?”

Seonghwa blinked. “Oh. Right. Well…we're childhood friends, you could say. But the Lee kingdom…things aren't looking good right now. There's a lot of health problems. But– that's not why we're here, let's not talk about that.” He quickly shook his head. “I'm glad your mother is back, Jisung.”

Jisung only nodded, still absorbing the information he just got. It was…a lot.

“I'm glad, too.” Jisung mumbled. “I missed her.”

“For what it's worth,” Hongjoong spoke up, “we know Minho, and there's no explanation for what he did. It wasn't like him at all, if I'm being honest.” He shrugged, ignoring the glare Seonghwa sent his way. “There’s probably a lot of things we don't know about, so…”

Jisung nodded. “Yeah. But enough about that, yeah?” He smiled, looking at Seonghwa's stomach. “Tell me more about that. How far along are you? Do you have a bump already and it just isn't visible through the clothes? Do you have ideas for a name? I have so many questions!!”

The tense atmosphere dissipated. Seonghwa replied to (almost) all of his questions, laughing at the absurdity of some of them. Hongjoong contributed only sometimes, because he was too busy ‘guarding’ his mate. Which, considering Seonghwa's pregnancy, was understandable. 

At some point, Jisung registered that Hyunjin returned, but he didn't pay it much attention. After some time, when Hongjoong and Seonghwa left and he was alone, Jisung snuck out of the room. Unsurprisingly to visit Lino. 

It was time for their daily meetup, after all.

His steps were quick, the music from the ballroom echoing through the halls of the castle – it'll probably reach the dungeon, too. Jisung hoped it would.

“Lino? It's me.” he descended the stairs, glad to find out he was right – the music did reach there. 

“Hi, Jisungie.” Lino met him outside the cell, pulling him in for a quick kiss right away. “How's the ball been so far?”

“Classic. People dancing, gossiping, eating the prepared food. Oh! I met with Lord Hongjoong and his mate, Seonghwa. It was nice to see them after so long.” He sighed, putting a hand on Lino's nape and playing with the short hair there. “I had a short talk with Hwang Hyunjin, too. Sent him here, he said he had an important message. Is everything alright?”

“Of course.” Lino said a bit too quickly. “Everything is fine. Why are you here, though? Won't they notice you're gone?”

“The only ones who spoke to me were Seonghwa and Hongjoong. And I always leave events like these early, big crowds make me feel…trapped.” He leaned into Lino, propping his head on the alpha's shoulder. He felt his mind calm down when the older wrapped his arms around him. 

“Hm, I see. Must be exhausting.” Lino rubbed Jisung's back, making him smile.

“It can be. That's why I'm here – I'm getting back my energy.”

“Oh? Is that what it's about? Is that all I'm good for?” Lino teased, pulling away, looking Jisung in the eyes. “I see how it is, then.”

“Shut up.” Jisung mumbled, putting his hands on Lino's cheeks and squishing them, making his mouth pucker up, then he let go. He repeated that a few times, until Lino gently took his wrists and pulled his hands away. 

“The music is nice.” The older looked up to the ceiling, as if the ballroom was right above them. 

“Hm. It is. Would you…dance with me? Just for a bit, maybe?” Jisung felt his cheeks heat up – why was this making him so nervous? He kissed the man, for the moon's sake!

“Do you want to?” Lino tilted his head, looking way too much like a cat. Jisung nodded, pressing his lips together, waiting. “Hmph..okay. Promise to not step on my toes?”

“Promise!”

That's how they found themselves waiting for the song that was playing to end, so that they could start right with the next one.

It was waltz.

Good. The one dance Jisung was actually confident in. Lino took the lead, starting slowly before they really got into the rhythm. 

Jisung never enjoyed a dance like this before. But it was just because it was Lino he was dancing with.

“Can I spin you around?” 

“Yea. Yea, totally.”

The music was almost over, but they kept going. They didn't want to stop. The moment felt so free, so them, that they didn't stop.

“Lino?”

“Hm?”

“I love you.” 

There. Jisung said it. The timing might've been questionable, but he had no doubts that those were the feelings he held for the alpha. He had some time to mull it all over, thinking about it practically from dawn until dusk. He was sure.

Lino didn't respond, not verbally at least. It was okay, though. If he wasn't ready to say it, Jisung could wait. He would wait. No matter how long it took.

Lino let go of him, but only so that he could cradle his head and pull him in for another kiss. Whatever it was that he didn't say, Jisung knew from that kiss alone. Lino led them to the pallet, where he pulled a giggling Jisung into his lap, in a way that wasn't too uncomfortable. Then he kissed him again. Jisung opened his mouth to allow him inside, if he wanted. 

He wouldn't trade what Lino made him feel for anything.

·•–»»–•·

The next morning, Jisung woke up earlier than he expected. The castle was quiet, everyone still resting after yesterday. Jisung had some time, so he got dressed in the simplest clothes he could find and went to visit Lino again. Hey, no judging, he missed him, okay?

“Linooo!” He called out when he opened the door. No response. He was probably still sleeping, then. It was not that long after dawn, after all.

“Lino?” Jisung repeated, descending the stairs. “Wake up, sleepyhead~! I wanted to talk to you abou–”

Jisung froze.

The cell was empty. 

He looked around the dungeon. “Lino? Lino!” He looked behind the old torture devices, places where he could've hidden. Nothing. 

The dungeon was empty.

Jisung looked into the cell again, this time noticing something on the pallet. A folded sheet of paper. 

He took it with shaking hands, tears welling up in his eyes. He stared at the letter, gulping. Then he opened it and started reading.

Jisung,

If you're reading this, it means I am already gone. 

First and foremost, I am sorry. I never should've let things get this far, shouldn't have let myself feel so much. But I did, and now both of us must bear the consequences.

I lied to you, Jisung, and my regret cannot be measured. I was not sent by prince Minho to see how you look. You cannot love me, for I am not who I told you I was. The person that you hate and the one you claim to love are one and the same. 

I never should've lied to you, my love. That was the first of many mistakes. As you said when we first kissed, it seems like I like making bad decisions when it comes to you. 

My identity doesn't change anything and yet changes everything. I meant every word I said, my sweet. 

Why did I stay? Because I could tell my actions, the fact that I did not come the day before our supposed wedding hurt you. I wanted to cheer you up, for I hated that I caused such deprecating thoughts. That is why I came up with the idea of you acting like the incredibly sad princess, because I wanted to cheer you up, however I could. And I could see it worked. I did not plan for the rest to happen, and yet it did.

I am a selfish man, Jisung, for I knew I should've left before everything got so intertwined, but I didn't. Because I love you, but I know you're not mine to have. Not anymore.

Live your life, my love. Even if I'm not there to witness it, I wish for you to live it happily. 

Forever yours,

Minho

Jisung's tears fell onto the paper, smudging the letters and words. He crumpled it in his hands, breath hitching. 

"Idiot," he mumbled into nothing, "Minho, you absolute idiot."

Chapter Text

The ground was cold, the grass, rocks and small pebbles digging into Minho's back, preventing sleep from taking him. 

He was looking at the stars, a single tear slipping from his eye. Minho wasn't a crier. It was rare for him to cry. But it hurt so much that he couldn't keep it in.

Next to him, Hyunjin slept soundlessly, mouth opened. If Minho was feeling alright, he would've stuffed it with something until the beta woke up. But he wasn't alright.

Jisung was probably looking at the same stars, cursing Minho to the moon and back. Minho wouldn't even be mad – he deserved it, for what he's done. He deserves every little bad thing that happens to him from now on, he decided.

Not even two days before, he was still happy, blissfully unaware of what was happening. But then Hyunjin came.

“Minho, are you here?” He asked, surprising the alpha, who was humming along to the music he could hear. 

“Hyunjin?”

“Oh thank the moon,” the beta sighed. “Minho, it's bad. It's really bad, you need to– there is– we are–”

“Hyunjin!” Minho stood up, grabbing his shoulders and keeping him uptight. “Jin, calm down and breathe. In and out, okay?” It took a while, but eventually he did. “There you go. Start over?”

Hyunjin nodded, taking in one more deep breath. “Minho, you need to come back, right away. Your– your mother's condition is rapidly getting worse and the– the healers are afraid it won't take long for her to…” he trailed off for a moment. “...and with the mating bite, your father…he'll follow.”

Minho couldn't hear anything else. But…when he left everything was…it was fine. His mother was getting better, not worse. That…that had to be a mistake, right? Surely, it had to be…

“Minho…” Hyunjin took one of his hands. “The people need their prince, your parents need you to be there. I travelled on horseback, I brought your mare. We…we need to return. Both of us.”

“When do we leave?” Minho mumbled. It wasn't up for discussion – he'd go with Hyunjin. He had to go back home. But–

But what about Jisung? Minho can't disappear without another word. That would be outright cruel, for both of them. 

“Dawn, Minho.” Hyunjin said back in a similar tone. “We have to leave at dawn. We need to get back as quickly as possible.”

“Do you…do you have paper? And a pen? Anything I could write with?”

“I'm an artist, Min, I carry those with me at all times.” Hyunjin pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, handing it to Minho along with the newest pen he had. “But why do you…”

“I have something to tell…Jisung.” Minho admitted. “I cannot simply get up and leave like that. He deserves to know the truth. Who I am. I'm not telling him why I suddenly had to go back, but…telling him this is the least I can do. He can hate me as much as he wants, but I won't stop lo–” he cut himself off.

“Minho…did you…?”

“Don’t talk, Jin. Don't tell anyone about this.” Minho started writing. “This is between Jisung and I.”

“...right.”

The letter was done in a matter of minutes, though Hyunjin walked back to the ballroom to do his actual job at some point. Minho had just hidden it under the makeshift pillow when the door opened again and Jisung's voice called out.

Minho's heart was cracking, breaking into pieces with every smile, every laugh and giggle, every move of Jisung's. And when the omega said he loved him?

Minho almost broke into tears right there, in front of him. But he didn't. He did the only sensible thing he could've – kissed Jisung. It was their last kiss, and Minho made sure it was worth everything. Every feeling he couldn't voice was in it, every word he couldn't say.

Was Jisung angry or sad? Full of sorrow or full of hate? Minho would never find that out. 

Now, under the starry sky, all Minho could do was silently cry and wait for the moon goddess to let him sleep. 

His muscles hurt because of the saddle, but both he and Hyunjin had no choice. They had to sacrifice comfort for speed.

For all that they knew, when they get there, it might already be too late.

Minho tossed and turned, but remained awake until dawn. Thoughts about who he left behind kept resurfacing, but he couldn't allow himself to grieve something that never had a chance of living. 

He'd never forget those beautiful brown eyes.

·•–»»–•·

“There are no black flags, Minho.” Hyunjin breathed, smiling in relief. “We're not late. We're not. They're still here.”

It took them two more days of trotting, cantering and galloping (after plenty of rest for the horses, of course) to get to the castle. Minho should've felt relieved, there were no flags, they were still alive. Instead, he was filled with dread. 

Because this meant he’ll be there and see them die. For the Lee kingdom, it was tradition for the heir to the throne to be with their parents when it became obvious the end was near, whether or not they've already inherited the kingdom. Minho will spend all his time with them, while the royal advisor takes care of the kingdom. Chan will have a lot of things to do, it seems. 

“That's good.” Was all he said, looking ahead to the castle's gate. He had to prepare himself for the worst.

The people from the town around them bowed their heads as the two passed by, their expressions showing that they knew what was about to come. That only made the dread and anxiety Minho felt worse.

They made their way through the town, nearing the castle grounds. Minho took a deep breath, but that proved to be a mistake. Someone was selling peaches. The smell was strong in the air. And that made him think of a particular omega with the sweetest peach scent he's ever smelt, the most beautiful brown eyes he's ever seen, the perfect–

He stopped that train of thought, closing his eyes for a moment, trusting that his mare wouldn't get scared and run off with him. She knew her way home. 

Don't cry, Minho scolded himself. Don't show weakness, don't cry. Not now. Your people need you, don't cry.

When he opened his eyes again, Hyunjin was ahead of him on his own horse, already passing through the gates. They've arrived. 

Minho momentarily thought about running away, but his body moved on its own, dismounting the horse. One of the many doors opened and Chan rushed outside, followed closely by Changbin. 

“Thank the moon,” Chan hugged Minho when he was close enough, and for the first time in forever, Minho didn't push him away. When Chan let go, Changbin took his place, patting Minho's back reassuringly. “Okay,” Chan gestured for Minho to follow him, “come on, Min. I'll lead you to them.”

Minho only nodded, his body moving by itself. His mind was focused on one thing only, and there was no time to fully grasp where Chan was leading him – only once they were in front of the door leading to his parents’ chamber did Minho come back to himself. 

“Changbin…will be here the whole time.” Chan cleared his throat, eyes filled with unshed tears. “He'll guard the door. Whenever you need anything, just ask him. He'll pass the message to me or Hyunjin and we'll help.” Minho nodded, dazed, reaching for the doorknob already, but Chan stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “And please, Minho, promise me,” he started whispering, “promise us that you won't isolate yourself. Please.”

“Okay. I promise.” I don't know how good I'll be at keeping that, though, was something Minho didn't say out loud, but his face must've showed it, as Chan only sighed and patted his back twice.

“Go. They're waiting.”

Without an ounce of hesitation, Minho opened the door and swiftly closed it behind himself, because he knew he'd start crying the moment he saw his parents, and he didn't want Chan to witness that.

He gulped and looked to the big, carefully decorated bed and physically felt the silence around him. Minho's eyes filled with tears, and for the first time since he was a kid, he let out a long whine. His mother's head raised a bit and– oh moon, she looked so frail. Like a doll made out of porcelain, someone that could be broken by the slightest touch. His father looked better, Minho noticed as the man sat up, but his mating mark was starting to rot, showing that their health is connected and that when Minho's mother passed, his father would follow immediately.

“Minmin,” his mother smiled, but the strain in her voice was obvious. At least to Minho it was. “Come…into the nest…baby.” Each word seemed to suck the life out of her more and more, but she kept on her strong facade for the sake of her son. He could see right through it, of course, but this was something she needed for comfort, too. So he wouldn't bring it up.

“Mom. Dad.” Minho ran to the bed, both his parents pulling him closer, letting their scents seep into every corner of the room. They smelled so wrong, but Minho was glad they tried to comfort him, even though he should be the one to comfort them. 

He was fully crying now, sobs making his entire body shake.

“Oh, baby.” His mother, Daeun, whispered, though her voice was shaky. Shakier than it should be. “We'll be okay, and you will be, too.”

“Don't say that,” Minho sat up, looking at his parents, both of them smiling sadly. “Please, don't say that just for my sake. We all know that this is–” he choked on his words, not ready to say it. 

“We know, son.” King Kwan brushed Minho's hair out of his face, cupping his cheek and wiping his tears away. Even though he was strict, he loved his son and wife dearly. “We know, Minho. We're returning to the sky, back to the moon, where we belong. There is nothing wrong with that.”

Fairytales for small pups. Perhaps that would've calmed down younger Minho, but he wasn't that little boy anymore. “Stop sugarcoating it.” He whispered, though the whole sentence felt more like a whimper. “You're dying. Both of you. And it's– it's not fair. Both of you should– you should be alive to pass the throne onto me willingly, to see your grandchildren one day, to– to– it's just not fair–" 

“Shh, we know.” They said at the same time, embracing their son again. This time, Minho didn't pull away and simply let himself feel their touch, smell their scents, listen to their voices and to his mother's humming. 

He felt like a little pup again.

“Tell us about…your little adventure in…the Han kingdom, sweetheart. We haven't…seen each other in…so long.” Daeun smiled, running her thin – unhealthily thin, so thin – fingers through Minho's hair. Her words do make him chuckle, though.

“Right. So, I ran away from Chan by riding on a cow…”

He told them everything. About Jisung and how he didn't know who he was when they first met. About their incredibly stupid plan and how it actually worked, about their feelings for one another. He told them about their late night talks, their dance and last kiss. And he mentioned the letter he left for Jisung, too. By the time he was finished, the cerulean sky turned into a dark shade, almost the same colour as Jisung's attire was for the ball.

Moon, Minho missed him so much. But his parents were the priority now, he had to be there for them, for his kingdom.

“You're so kind…for leaving him…the letter, Minmin. You could have…left without a word but…you didn't. I'm proud of you.”

“You…you shouldn't be, mom. If I didn't run away, none of this would've happened, nothing would've gotten so complicated and–”

“Minho.” Minho's father spoke up, leaning onto his mother. Or was she leaning on him? It was hard to tell. “You running away wasn't the smartest thing you've ever done, but…if you hadn't done that, you and prince Jisung would've gotten married and, because you'd be forced to do so, any and all emotions you could feel for each other would be clouded by hate or a particularly strong dislike for each other for a very, very long time. I'm not saying that what happened was good, but…”

“Your father…has a point, baby. Don't be sad that you…had to leave him, be glad…you had the chance of loving him. Who knows, perhaps when you meet again…the spark might still…be there, you know.”

“Thank you,” Minho sniffled, “but that is unlikely. Let's not talk about him anymore, okay? Let's just…” he settled down, sandwiches between his parents. They understood, they always did. 

They fell asleep like that, all of them cuddling together for warmth and comfort. The moon knew they needed it.

·•–»»–•·

It's been four days.

Changbin brought food. Everyday, at the same times, he brought food for the three of them, staying quiet for once. Which was unsettling, but at the same time the right thing to do. Minho would hate it if he lashed out over nothing. 

Minho got the most food. The truth was, both of his parents couldn't eat that well – food made them throw up. And yet they still tried, they tried for Minho. To have more time with him. 

It came from a place of love. But it only made Minho's suffering worse. He loved his parents, he really did…but he could sense their pain, how they continued to push their limits to stay. He didn't want them to keep hurting. It was wrong on so many levels…

“Minho, will you fetch us some water?” His father croaked, voice getting rougher, scent rotten because of the pain he felt from his mating mark rotting. Minho nodded, getting up to get Changbin to do so…when his mother started coughing. 

She didn't choke on anything and it didn't sound like a normal cough. Minho turned around in record speed. 

She was coughing up blood. It was everywhere. Minho's father couldn't do anything to help, too weak to move. This was it. Minho could feel it. It was the end. 

“Mom…dad…” he was crying again. It was exhausting, to repeatedly cry like that – so heavily, as if the world was ending. And, in a way, it was.

His mother smiled weakly for the last time, her body dropping over her mate’s. Their eyes were open, unblinking. 

They were gone.

It would look like they were only resting or cuddling…if it weren't for the rotten scent in the air and all the blood.

Minho couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't do anything. Even the tears have stopped and he simply stared at his parents, just as unmoving as them. He stood and stared. Blinked. It was sudden. Too sudden. Wasn't it? No, Minho knew it would happen. But later. They didn't even have a full week together. He blinked again. Stared more. 

And then he collapsed to the ground, letting out a gut wrenching sob, a sound that sounded more like something a wounded animal would make, not a human.

But a grieving human wasn't much different from a wounded animal, you could say.

Minho couldn't catch his breath, it came and left his lungs way too quickly. The tears returned, a hundred times stronger than the ones before. 

Dead, dead, dead. They're dead.

The door slammed against the wall. There were multiple sets of footsteps, behind him and in front of him. They walked to the bed. The bed with Minho's parents on it. His parents were dead. Oh, moon, they were dead. If Minho had eaten the breakfast that was brought to him, he would've vomited all across the wooden floors.

There was something– someone touching him. They were talking. But he couldn't hear anything because of the blood rushing in his ears. 

Dead, dead, dead.

“The king and queen have passed.” The man by the bed says – Minho finally recongizes him. The royal physician. “The old king is dead.” Minho looked him in the eyes, the sadness in them mirroring his own. “Long live the king.”

King. King. King.

Oh holy shit Minho was the king now.

“Long live the king.” Two more voices said, a hushed tone. Chan and Changbin.

Minho, still in shock and sobbing, was taken to his own chambers – at least for the time being, until his parents' chambers are cleaned. The king's chambers. Minho was the king now. Well, not officially since they still had to plan a coronation, but…

Chan led Minho to his bed – no blood, only clean sheets, no dead bodies – while Changbin opened one of the windows to let some fresh air in.

“We know, Minho.” Chan hugged his shoulders, pulling him into his side. “Let it out. We're here for you, we've got you.” Changbin joined them on the bed, sitting on the opposite side.

“...they're gone.” Minho whispered, his voice so raw and shaky, was it really him speaking? “They're really gone, both of them.”

“Yes,” Changbin sighed, letting out calming pheromones. But Minho wanted only one scent, there was one person he was sure could help but…no. He was unavailable. And Changbin was a friend, a good one. Minho would make do with his friends here. It would do no good if he thought about…who he couldn't think about. Nor his scent. His friends were enough. “But you're not alone, Minho, never. You've got the two of us. You've got Hyunjin. We'll be here to help, always. So don't be scared to rely on us, okay? Whatever it is, we're here for you. All of us.”

Minho nodded, though he didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve such good friends. “Okay. Yeah, uhm– okay. I'll…try.” Moon, his throat hurt. Was it because of the screaming earlier? It probably was. “Can you…get me something to drink? My throat feels…like I swallowed a sharp, jagged rock.”

“Right, yeah, of course.”

Chan was quick to fetch the water, bringing Hyunjin back with him. Minho must've looked really bad and exhausted, because Hyunjin froze before schooling his expression and scent.

“Hey, Min.” 

“Hi,” Minho took the water from Chan, finally soothing his throat. Who would've thought normal, clear water could taste so good? 

“I probably shouldn't ask how you're feeling, should I?"

The absurdity of Hyunjin's question caught Minho off guard, and he had to chuckle at least a bit. “I think you can tell, Hyunjin.”

To distract Minho, they talked about anything that came to their minds. Changbin said something about training new guards, Chan complained about his quills breaking constantly (Hyunjin offered to give him his pens multiple times – Chan always refused, saying it doesn't feel the same and that he'd keep the quills) and Hyunjin kept talking about some paints that he just got, saying that “They literally shine! You should see them sometime!”

Now, it was good that those three managed to not look so shaken, but Minho…he couldn't act like nothing happened. So, as Chan started talking again…

“How long is the mourning period that I have?” He asked, bringing his knees to his chest. 

Chan was hesitant to answer, Minho could see that. But he had to know exactly how long he could grieve openly, before his new duties would be expected of him. 

In the end, Chan did tell him. “Two weeks. But, technically only one. The coronation is supposed to…take place right at the end of the second week. I'm sorry, Min, but there's nothing we can do about it. It's tradition.” He looked to the floor, Hyunjin and Changbin pretending they weren't there, weren't part of the conversation.

“No, no, it's not your fault. So don't apologize.” Tradition. Always a damn tradition. Right now, Minho couldn't care less, but it must've been because he was too tired to react properly. He needed rest. “I think I'm going to go to sleep. Please, leave.”

“Minho–” 

“Guys, please. Just…I want to be alone right now. I won't do anything rash, I'm only going to sleep, I promise.” 

Minho could see they didn't like it, but (very reluctantly) one by one, they left his chambers. Minho curled up into a ball on his bed, the sheets clean. 

The sheets were clean, they were clean, there was no blood, no bodies. Clean. Freshly washed. It was okay. 

No matter how he positioned himself, he couldn't sleep. He was exhausted, but his body refused to fall asleep. Naturally, his mind went back to the last night he slept soundly – in the cell, on the pallet. 

He missed Jisung. So much. His jokes, his voice, his eyes, his scent, him. Everything hurt so much. He had to lose his love because of his own stupidity and now he's lost his parents, too. The moon herself surely hates him.

When Minho closed his eyes, he saw his parents. Thankfully, not how they looked when they passed, but how they smiled and looked at him fondly. He opened his eyes, turning around, looking out of the window Changbin left open. The air was cold, so Minho threw the covers over his body. As much as he'd like to disappear, his kingdom – his people – needed him, and it would do no good if he fell ill right now. 

Minho could see a portion of the sky, the stars shining brightly right next to the moon. His parents are now up there, amongst the stars, greeting the moon like an old friend. Minho never believed in those fairytales, he never liked them and found them strange, but…now he could see that there was something magical about the stories. It felt reassuring in a way, if he imagined that his parents were somehow up there, silently observing and smiling as they always used to.

“I'll try my best,” Minho whispered, searching the sky, as if he could pinpoint which stars were new, which stars were the souls of his parents. “I promise you that.”

When he finally managed to fall asleep, he dreamed of soft, blonde hair and peaches.

·•–»»–•·

"Minho, please, you need to rest. And Hyunjin is getting tired of taking care of your cats, you know they make him sneeze." Chan said for the tenth time in twenty minutes. Probably for a hundredth time in total.

"I'll finish these papers and then I'll go." 

He said that every time.

The mourning period was over and Minho jumped right into the work, practically drowning himself in parchments he had to go through. His cats...he missed them, but this was more important. Read, think, throw out the bad and stupid suggestions, sign the acceptable ones, repeat. He also wrote the letters that informed the surrounding kingdoms of his parents' death as well the ones that were read in towns and villages. It was the kingdom’s turn to mourn the lives of their rulers, at least before Minho's coronation takes place. Was he tired? Yes. Did he stop? No. He promised his parents that he'd do his absolute best, following in their footsteps as best as he could. He had to be prepared and wanted to be ahead of everything. Having these tasks done already gave him a sense of control he thought he had lost a long time ago.

“Minho, please. You look like you haven't slept in weeks. I'm begging you, take a break, go to sleep. Changbin sees how exhausted you are, how you look dead on your feet. Even Hyunjin noticed, and that's saying something.” Minho didn't answer, but his hand that held the pen stilled. “Please. Your parents wouldn't want you to be like this, Min.”

“I can't just leave these unfinished…” that excuse sounded weak even for Minho's ears. He knew he had already lost this battle. 

“You know I can sort these out for you. It's quite literally my job.” Chan hauled Minho up, and he went without protests this time. “We've all told you multiple times, Minho – you're not alone in this. These parchments are not only your responsibility, they're also mine. The castle's safety isn't your responsibility, it's the guards’ and Changbin's. So stop being like me and don't overwork yourself, alright? Come on, let's get you to bed, your highness. I'll bring the three little demons back to your chambers."

Minho couldn't argue, because he knew Chan was right – of course he was, it's his job to be the responsible, sensible advisor. He was kind of the angel on Minho's shoulder, if you will. 

“I'm sorry,” he whispered, the weight of Chan's arm on his shoulders grounding. “I know I should stop but…I feel like I can't. So much has happened in a short amount of time and my mind is all over the place.” And in the stars. And in the Han kingdom, in the dungeon, the cell, in those big, brown eyes.

“It's alright, Minho.” Chan smiled, as soft as always. “Take a nap, maybe read a book to help your mind rest. Do something relaxing and…yeah. Rest. At least for today, if not for the remainder of the week. We've got everything covered for now.”

“Okay.” Minho yawned, face planting onto his – unmade – bed, already feeling half-asleep. 

“Right. Have a nice rest, Min.” The blanket was pulled up to Minho's chin, its warmth calming. Chan left, the door closing slowly with a quiet click. 

What did Minho do to deserve such a friend? He'd never know.

With how tired he was, it was easy to escape into the dreamland. Especially because it was the one place where he could see his love without a care in the world. 

It hurt when he inevitably woke up. But those hours long dreams kept Minho afloat. Lucid. Not–crazy. 

Just four days left until Minho's coronation. In the letters informing the other kingdoms of his parents' passing there was also an invite to his coronation. As they got the responses, it was confirmed almost all rulers of the surrounding kingdoms – the ones they had the best ties with – confirmed their attendance. 

As did the Han's. Now, it didn't mean Jisung himself would be attending, but there was still a chance…no?

Or Minho was holding onto the false hope as if it was his lifeline. And maybe it was. 

He wanted to explain everything properly. To talk and see Jisung for one last time, if possible…that was his biggest wish at that moment. Easy to grant and yet practically impossible.

Four days. Only four days.

When Minho woke up from his nap, the four had already turned into three. There were three furry balls by his feet, sleeping soundly. Chan really did bring them. He was also right, Minho really needed the rest if he slept for so long without waking up once...

Three days. Nothing interesting happened. Minho got to try out the clothes he'd have to wear for the first time. Unnecessarily grand, in his opinion. But it was tradition. Dori played with some of the decorations that were on it, Doongie didn't like how shiny it was and Soonie didn't care.

Two days. Minho checked out the cathedral. It was big, majestic. Perfect for the event, one could say. Beautiful paintings – Hyunjin's jaw dropped when he'd seen those. In that same day, he helped pick out which rooms would go to the visiting royal families. The biggest guest rooms to this one, the slightly smaller one to the other one. Hongjoong and Seonghwa were coming, too – they would be alright in any of the chambers, but Minho chose their favourite one, the one they always stayed in. The Han's got Minho's old chambers. For no reason. ("These chambers are big, and we need to be on good terms with them after my disaster of an engagement," Minho said as his reasoning.) The less important people would stay in town, guarded in the best inn. 

One day.

Zero.

Minho was shaking. The scent blocking oils hid his scent so that the attendees couldn't smell it, but his body language gave away enough, if he was being honest. 

“You'll be fine,” Changbin tried reassuring him. “Just walk down that aisle, kneel before the priest, wait for him to talk those unnecessarily long traditional texts, walk back, get into the carriage, get home. Greet the royal families visiting. That's all. You've got it, Min.”

It helped. Changbin made it sound easy. Minho could do this. 

Changbin stepped away, hiding in the shadows to keep watch. Minho took a deep breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Repeat. He could do it. It didn't have to be hard. 

The music started and the gigantic door opened, revealing all the people standing inside, waiting. Minho started walking. One step, two, three. One foot in front of the other. Chin held high. Look forward, not at the other people.

"The youngest to be crowned in this kingdom..." Somebody whispered, Minho didn't know who. It didn't matter, he supposed.

Three steps. Breathe in and out. Everyone here had scent blocking oils on.

"He'll make a good king..." Another person murmured, the words reaching Minho's ears in an instant. I hope I will be.

Five steps. He was near now. He was going to be crowned king. How strange.

Everything was a blur. Minho was kneeling, listening as the priest was telling a story about his noble ancestors, how his family stayed kind and gentle, how great they were as rulers. Then, Minho was told to promise to always make decisions with his people in mind.

"I promise."

The crown was heavy, but it fit Minho's head perfectly. He stood up, turning around, looking at all the people there for the first time...

...and there, in the back, was a familiar head of blonde hair. They made eye contact for a split second, but Minho couldn't keep it. Not now. He smiled and bowed his head in gratitude, showing how glad he was that all these people came. 

In the blink of an eye, it was over and Minho was in his chambers, in more casual clothes with Soonie resting on his lap. He'd have to go from room to room to greet all the people face to face, but for now, he could rest with his furry babies.

He'd have to face Jisung and his parents. It would be hard...but it was okay. He'd get a chance to see if the omega is okay, and that was all Minho cared about. 

Chapter Text

Always the same words. Minho could already tell that by the end of the evening, he'll lock his doors and cuddle with his cats and not interact with anyone – except Chan, probably. 

All the visiting royals said the same things – how sorry they are that Minho's parents passed, how he'll surely make an amazing king etcetera. Seonghwa was a good exception, joking around with Minho as if he was still just a prince. If it weren't for how restless Hongjoong was getting with an alpha interacting with his pregnant mate, Minho would've loved to stay longer. But instincts were instincts and he didn't want the royal guards to arrest Hongjoong for attacking the king. 

Only one family was left now. Minho's hands were incredibly sweaty, his mind racing. What will he say? Should he play it cool? What if Jisung told his parents everything? Did they hate him? There was a chance that Jisung was already engaged to someone else and only came to throw that in Minho's face. Something in him told Minho that the omega wouldn't do that, though. He wasn't cruel. And he surely got the letter. 

He didn't even notice when he approached the chambers. He was nervous, raising his hand to knock only to drop it right away. 

Stop it, Minho. Put on a mask, you'll be okay.

Knock knock. 

He waited. He hoped it would be Jisung's mother. She surely knew about the things she's missed, but still could've had more understanding for Minho, in a way…

The door opened. And of course the moon wouldn't hear Minho's prayers – because it was Jisung who opened it.

“Good evening, your majesty.” Jisung bowed, voice cold. It hurt to see him like that, but it was Minho's own doing. He put on a mask to hide his inner pain.

“Good evening, your highness.” He replied in a similar tone – it felt so wrong. “I just came to thank you and your parents for coming. Are they, uh, here?”

“No, I'm afraid they left a while ago to go for a walk in the gardens. My mother is still recovering and needs fresh air often, you see.”

“Of course.” Minho couldn't stay a second longer, or he'd probably burst into tears. “I apologize for disrupting you, prince Jisung. Have a good night.” He was already turning away. He didn't want to hear a response, didn't need more reasons for his heart to continue shattering–

“It's why you left so suddenly, isn't it?” Jisung whispered, making Minho freeze. He was facing away from the omega, but could still see him in his peripheral vision. “That was the message Hyunjin had for you that night. That your parents were…”

Minho gulped, the knot of emotions closing his throat. He only nodded, because if he answered verbally, he'd surely sound like a little pup.

Jisung sighed, opening the door further instead of closing it. Still, his voice was ice cold and devoid of any emotion. “I think you and I should have a talk, Lino.”

Damn it, that nickname tugged on Minho's heartstrings unlike anything else. There was no way he could say no, not when the familiar peach scent finally came to him, only for it to smell rotten. Of course Minho wasn't the only one hurting, of course Jisung felt the same emotions. Only he actually had a reason – he was fooled. Minho brought it upon himself, he deserved it.

Inside the chambers everything looked the same. Minho couldn't focus on anything but the blonde in front of him, though.

The silence between them was awkward – it was strange, the tension in the air, because it wasn't the same as the tension from when Minho was in the cell. No, this one was bad, and so unusual for the two of them. 

"So," Jisung cleared his throat, fingers fidgeting. So he was nervous, too. 

"So." Minho repeated, looking into the fireplace, away from Jisung.

"I read that letter." Jisung continued. "The very same morning that you left, I think. Did you think it's funny? Playing with me like that?" His voice cracked and– oh moon Minho was the one that caused the sadness. Fuck.

"No– no, Jisung, I..." How could he say this? How could Minho possibly explain his behaviour?

Jisung stood up, all traces of sadness gone. Anger replaced it. "I loved you, Minho." The alpha had to resist the grimace when he heard that. Loved. Past tense. "I actually believed that...I don't know...that you felt the same." Jisung started pacing, smiling, but not one of his heart shaped smiles, no. A sad, almost maniacal one. "Moon, I was such an idiot. I could excuse you leaving, because we got the news of your parents' bad conditions that evening, but– but no communication with me? At all? You didn't even try to keep in contact, when you could've. You have the resources for it, Minho. You could've talked to me, but no, you run off leaving only a letter and nothing else, not even an explanation for the sudden departure."

Each word felt like a stab – not that Minho has ever been stabbed, but this was surely what it must feel like. "Jisung..."

"I knew, Minho! I knew who you actually were!" The omega screamed, shocking Minho into silence. "I knew the whole time, but being idiotic little me, I only said to myself: 'Two can play that game. I'll play along. If he thinks he can mess with me, I can mess with him.' I vividly remember thinking 'oh, he'll surely leave after a bit' but you stayed and gave me false hopes after I realized my true feelings and I–" his breath hitched and he had to pause to calm down. He was crying, Jisung was crying and Minho couldn't do anything, he was frozen in place. "–I was waiting for you to tell me your real identity, I thought we had time but– but instead you–"

"Jisung, please..."

"I told you I loved you and you couldn't even say it back, instead you write it down in a stupid letter. You're a coward, Lee Minho. And you know what? All of this would've been fine, I would've forgiven you because that's just who I am but you didn't even write me back! Fuck, I sent you so many letters, Minho, and you didn't reply to a single one!"

Stop. Rewind. What did he just...

"Wait, what?" Minho blinked, finally taking a step closer. Jisung scoffed, disbelief in his face. 

"What? Pretending to not know now? What did I expect. You're just so–"

"Fucking moon, Jisung, listen to me." Minho grabbed his shoulders, interrupting him before he could start another rant about how bad Minho is. Jisung's eyes were wide, but the anger in his scent remained. "Jisung. I am being completely honest right now." He dropped his hands to the omega's wrists. "What letters?" Silence. "Jisung, what letters?"

"You...I...you didn't get them? Like...actually?" Jisung whispered, voice so shaky and vulnerable it was as if a kid had spoken.

"No, Jisungie." The nickname rolled off of Minho's tongue a bit too easily. "I didn't...I didn't get any correspondence from your kingdom, only that you'll be attending today. Nothing else." He sighed, already feeling the tears welling up. So much for putting on a mask and not crying. "Jisungie, I didn't know."

Both were crying now. 

"If I got them, I would've responded. To every single one, Jisung." Minho let go of him, instantly missing the warmth. "I would've, I promise you. But I didn't– I didn't get any. I didn't know."

Jisung was speechless, staring at Minho as if he'd grown a second head. "I thought...I thought you were just ignoring me." He admitted in a murmur. "I thought that– that the letter you left was just to...mock me."

"Oh, moon, no. I– I would never, Jisungie, I–" he paused himself, unsure if that was something he should say. It probably wasn't, right? It wasn't appropriate, not after–

"You have two minutes to say everything from that letter to my face. It doesn't have to be the exact words, but," he swallowed, "I want to hear it. Properly. Start."

"Oh– only two? Dang it, okay. Jisung." Minho took the omega's hands into his own – they were just as soft as he remembered. "I'm sorry. For everything I've done. I'm sorry for not showing up, I'm sorry for lying, I'm sorry for letting things get as far as they did. I know I shouldn't have and I know I was being selfish, but I couldn't bring myself to leave, before I was forced to, at least. I know that– that you probably don't feel the same anymore, not after the hurt I've caused but..." He trailed off for a second. "I love you, Jisung. I love you, and I always wonder what you're doing while looking at the night sky, praying to the moon that you're happy. Almost every other night, without fail, you show up in my dreams and I find that I am more rested in the mornings if you do. I am so, so sorry for everything. I know you're not mine now, and that there's a high chance you'll never be again, but I'm glad I got to tell you. For real and not just through a letter." Minho sighed, his grip on Jisung's hands lessening. "I'm sorry, this whole thing must've crossed so many lines–"

"Shut it, your two minutes are up."

Minho looked to the floor, letting go of Jisung's hands. "I'm so sorr–"

He didn't even get to finish the sentence before Jisung yanked him closer again, kissing him as if there was no tomorrow. Minho was shocked, to say the least, but this action was so familiar he didn't even have to think about reciprocating, his body moved on its own. 

When Jisung pulled away, Minho reluctantly let him. "I don't...I don't understand."

"I just wanted to hear you say it. Actually say it." Jisung sighed, pulling Minho into a hug, resting his head on Minho's shoulder. "I'm still angry at you, don't get me wrong. But my feelings for you are stronger than any of the hurt that you caused, accidentally or not. Even through the anger, the sadness, I couldn't stop loving you. You were everything that I needed at the time, even if you weren't aware. Even before you didn't show up, I felt terrible. Everything was getting too much, the expectations everyone had for me. It's not something I want to say, but I have to – I was practically meant to be someone to only bear yourpups, nothing else. Just someone to give you heirs. Even if those weren't the exact words I was told, the meaning was the same. That is a big part of the reason why I was so eager to try and cancel the engagement, if I'm being honest. But then you showed up, out of nowhere, and you pulled me out of that bad place."

They were still holding each other, and Minho couldn't do anything but listen. He loved Jisung's rambling, but this one was...truly something else. Nauseating, even. 

"I'm so sorry Jisungie. You didn't deserve that." Minho mumbled, holding him tighter.

“No, no, didn't you hear the last part? You were the one to help me, Minho.” Jisung chuckled, tears falling down his cheeks – Minho hoped they were happy tears. “I’m sorry about your parents. Are you…okay?” 

Minho had to stop to really think about it. Was he okay? 

“I…don't know.” He ended up saying. “I really don't.”

“That's okay. You don't have to know.”

They stood there for a bit longer, not breaking the – now – comfortable silence. Then, Minho realized something about what Jisung said. 

“Wait a minute. You knew who I was? Wha– how?”

Jisung pulled away, smiling nervously. “Haha, yeah, about that…”

·•–«✧«–•·

Jisung stormed out of the dining room, quickly walking down the halls. He knew it wouldn't take long for Seungmin to catch up to him, and that Felix was most likely waiting in his room right that moment, to see how it went. 

Jisung pursed his lips so that he wouldn't smile.

The first step in this whole charade was a success.

Just like he thought, he heard footsteps behind him. It must be Seungmin, who else would go after him in a situation like–

“Your majesty, may I have a word?” That wasn't Seungmin's voice.

Jisung turned around, schooling his expression. Bang Chan? “You may, but quickly, please. I really want to get to my chambers.”

“Right– it's about, uhm, Lino?”

Jisung froze, eyes narrowing. “What about him?”

“Well…that's not his name. He isn't who he says he is– I can't just stand and watch you behave so…heartbroken. Lino is prince Minho.”

Jisung blinked, jaw dropping. “Excuse me, what!?” He took a step closer to Chan, eyes wide.

“It's prince Minho, your majesty. He told us – me and one of the guards – to not tell you his true identity, but I can't just stand by.” Bang Chan shook his head, looking like a guilty puppy. 

Jisung huffed, chuckling. “I can't believe this…okay, mr. Bang, listen closely. This whole sad thing is just an act. I want to get back at my father and cancel my engagement with prince Minho – this was his idea, by the way. Minho's. Pfft…if he thinks he can mess with me, I'll do the same.”

Chan looked even more nervous than before. “Prince Jisung, with all due respect I'm not sure that…this is a good idea. Prince Minho has a…unique personality, one could say. It might not end well.”

“As much as I respect you for putting up with him – if I get what you're saying right, he's difficult to get along with. But at this moment? I don't care. I want to get back at him for making me look like a complete fool.”

“If you're sure, your majesty…”

“Don't tell him I know. If he won't figure it out, he doesn't deserve to.” Jisung turned around again, wanting to continue walking. “We'll just have some fun and he'll leave eventually.”

With that, he walked away, leaving Bang Chan, who felt another headache coming from this whole thing, in the middle of the hall.

·•–»✧»–•·

Jisung wasn't looking at Minho anymore, looking off to the side instead. He was waiting for his reaction to all that he just said – that he knew who he was the whole time. At first, Jisung didn't actually believe Chan, but watching Minho react to things that he's said about him back then were enough to make him believe. Jisung's mother knew, of course – he told her everything, and she supported him fully in his decisions. He didn't know what exactly she'd told his father, but he definitely wasn't in the dark about the situation anymore – he probably didn't know everything, but he didn't need to. 

“So,” Minho rubbed his eyes, “you seriously knew the entire time? And didn't say a word?”

“I was close to calling you Minho back then sooo many times, you wouldn't believe it. At first, I really thought you'd figure out that I knew, but…after we got so…I was waiting for you to simply tell me.” Jisung looked back at him, silent for a bit, of just looking into those beautiful, feline eyes he's missed so much. “You said you dreamed of me?”

Minho's ears turned bright red. It was difficult to notice in the candlelight, but Jisung noticed. “I…yes. I did. No–nothing crazy, though! One of the dreams was the two of us up on a small hill…watching over a meadow, eating biscuits, pudding and a cake. It was sunny, but not too hot. And…you smelled so happy.” Minho took Jisung's hands into his own, again. As if he had to remind himself that Jisung was real, that he was really in front of him. 

Jisung understood that. 

“I was just teasing, Minho.” He whispered, squeezing the alpha's hands. “I dreamed of you, too. In my dream, we were two stars in the sky, chasing each other around the moon. It was like a…like a mating dance between birds kind of thing, I think. We kept going back and forth, dancing and laughing. You smelled happy in it, too.” 

Jisung's dreams have always been strange, especially if there was someone he knew in them. He was aware of their…uniqueness. His friends were used to it, but whenever he tried recalling the events of his dreams to someone else, they stared at him as if he was an exotic animal. So…

“Jisungie…that is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.” Minho smiled, getting a relieved sigh out of Jisung. Of course Minho wouldn't judge. “Were we really stars, or just us but somehow living up there?”

“Now that you point it out…I'm not sure, actually. I mean, you looked like yourself, but had this…glow around you. And your hair was white.” Jisung tilted his head, actually trying to remember. But this specific dream was one of the first ones, it's been almost three weeks since he had it. 

“Interesting.” Minho mumbled. “Well…when it comes to you, I'd live with you anywhere you wanted. Whether it be here, in your kingdom, in the middle of a forest or in the sky, I'd go anywhere if it meant I could be with you.”

Fuck, Jisung was about to cry again. “You can't…you can't just say that, oh moon.” He quickly wiped his eyes, chuckling. “Where did that come from?”

“My mouth.” Minho deadpanned. Jisung started laughing, the other emotions all but forgotten. This is why he loved Minho – they might've been different personality wise, but they were also the same.

Two people, different from the rest. Two people that lived by the stars and danced around the moon. 

“I love you.” It was easy to say, easier than breathing, even. Jisung didn't think he'd ever get to say these words to anyone ever again – even if Minho didn't want him, his heart would've still belonged to the alpha, without a doubt. He would never be able to love another the same way he loved Minho. 

“I love you too, Jisungie.” Minho cradled his head, pulling him in for a kiss. A slow, sweet one. Minho still tasted the same – minty, fresh, like the morning air. 

Once they pulled away, Minho looked like he had something on his mind, but didn't quite know how to word it. Jisung didn't rush him, instead he knocked their foreheads together and closed his eyes, enjoying the moment. One arm around Minho's shoulders, resting there and playing with the tiny hairs there, the other holding his hand. 

“Jisung…I know our original engagement was too sudden and arranged, against our wishes but…right now, I was thinking and…I don't want to rush this, especially when my parents– especially when I was just crowned king and have so much to take care of, but…” he trailed off, gulping. Whatever it was he wanted to say, he was really nervous about it, so Jisung let out as many calming pheromones as he could. Yes, Minho would probably smell a bit too much like peaches afterwards, but Jisung wanted him to be okay, to feel safe. And that was what he was currently trying his best to do.

“Just say it, Min.” Jisung smiled, giving Minho's nose a peck. “I'm listening.”

The alpha took a deep breath, steeling himself. “I want this to be something that we…get to decide together. I don't want any advisors to tell us yes or no. It's purely our decision.” He paused, waiting. Jisung nodded, urging him to go on. “Jisung…I never got to do this before, but…will you let me court you? Properly this time. Please?"

Jisung stopped breathing for a second. Or a minute. He wasn't really sure about it. All he could focus on was Minho. 

"Do you even have to ask?" He choked on nothing, smiling so widely his cheeks hurt. "Of course! Of course I want you to court me, I– wasn't it obvious?" 

Minho smiled, too. "You still could've said no!"

"What made you think I'd ever say no? Minho, I'd love it if you courted me. I do have one request, though." Minho tilted his head, humming in a way that said "go ahead". Jisung looked away from him. "I...want to court you, too. I know that– that it's not traditional for the omega to court the alpha, too, but let's be honest, what is traditional between the two of us?" He chuckled, but anxiety started clawing at his chest, the force of the feeling making it ache. What if Minho said no to it? Would he still want Jisung? Worse, what if he realized Jisung wasn't a proper omega and decided that he wasn't worth the trouble? So many scenarios ran through Jisung's mind, each worse than the last.

"Jisung...that mind of yours is really incredible." That sentence alone was enough to bring Jisung back to reality, where Minho was looking at him with so much fondness he wanted to beat up his mind for ever coming up with futures where they wouldn't like each other. "I'd love it if you'd do that, Jisungie. Truly."

Jisung couldn't help but laugh, pulling Minho in for another kiss – though it was more like a peck on the lips. "Of course you wouldn't mind. I don't know why I was so worried." Another kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too, Jisungie." 

Just when they were about to kiss again, they heard a loud sound coming from the hallway. They jumped apart, staring at each other, wide eyed. Right. As much as they'd like to, they couldn't have much privacy right now. Minho grinned, that grin of his that Jisung loved. His voice was full of mischief when he said: "Up for another charade, Jisung?"

And Jisung being himself, of course, couldn't help but smile the same way, chuckling with a shake of his head. "You're predictable, Minho. But I am, too, I suppose. Of course I'm up for it, who do you think I am?"

Minho hummed. "Are you sure you can pull this off, though?"

"I acted incredibly sad for two and a half weeks, Minho, I think this won't be harder than that." Jisung took a step closer to the alpha, breathing in his scent. It might be the last time he gets so much of it for the foreseeable future, after all. "Come on now, spill it you genius king. What is it?"

"Genius king? I like the sound of that." Minho's hands somehow ended up on Jisung's waist. No idea how those got there. "The general idea is this..."

Jisung listened attentively, bursting out laughing afterward. "You're crazy!"

"Crazy? I was a genius just a few minutes ago." Minho pouted, like a little child. Adorable. "I am a mad king now? How, oh, how could you do that to me, Jisungie?"

Jisung shook his head. He really loved this man. "You are a crazy genius, darling. My crazy king." He wanted to peck Minho's lips again, but the alpha didn't let him pull away. 

"I think I like that," he whispered against Jisung's lips, "you calling me yours, I mean." They didn't have much time now, they both knew it. 

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Promise to send me letters and making sure I'll get them?" Jisung couldn't help but worry. They had no idea where the letters he sent ended up, so what if their courting and plans get distrupted in a similar way? What if they won't be able to keep in contact? What if, what if, what if...

"I'll make sure you get them, my love. I promise. May the moon herself punish me if I don't keep my word." Minho cradled Jisung's face, wiping away the single tear that slipped from the corner of the omega's eye. Huh. When did that get there?

"That's...that's a big promise, huh?" Jisung sniffled, pulling Minho closer, closer, burying his nose in the crook of his neck. "I don't need the moon to punish you, though – I'd happily do it myself. I'd find a way to get here and meet you, believe me."

Minho laughed – what a beautiful sound. Jisung wanted to trap it in a jar and keep it by his bed, listening to it whenever his mood was down.

"I have no doubts about that, Jisungie. I'll be the one to get you here, though. Whether it be under the guise of a ball, some celebration, a talk with your parents regarding the cancelled engagement..."

Oh. Oh. Jisung forgot about that, oh no, it completely slipped his mind! "Wait, about that...it wasn't actually, uhm...cancelled." Jisung winced. He forgot that he didn't tell Minho about that small detail. 

"Hu– I– this– what??"

"There– There isn't time to explain right now, my parents are coming back soon, it is late and you have to go. I promise I'll send a letter about it, Minho, I swear this completely slipped my mind, I didn't not tell you on purpose, please don't be mad!" Jisung started panicking – what if this tiny, little thing erased all the progress they just made? What if, what if–

"Jisungie...I am not mad. Okay, that's a lie, I am a tiny bit mad. But I still want to be with you, I still love you. Something like this will not take us back to how miserable we were before, okay? Jisungie, at least nod your head. Okay?" Jisung nodded, the panic subsiding. "Good. There you go. Promise you'll write?"

"Ye–yeah. Promise you'll write?"

"Of course, my love. Of course."

One last kiss, one last hug before Minho left to go to his own chambers. Jisung's heart felt full but also empty. He was already missing the alpha, even though he was only a few chambers away. How was he going to survive the trip back home? And the weeks, maybe even months away from Minho? He had no idea.

But the thoroughly scented piece of clothing Minho left with him might help.

Chapter Text

The journey back to the Han kingdom was slow. Slow and surely killing Jisung's spine, because there was some kind of spring in his seat that kept poking him and he was about to lose it. At least he had the scented cloth from Minho…it was hiding in his luggage, safely tucked away in a place that ensured the scent would stay. 

Minho was a king now, so he wouldn't have much time, surely. When Jisung woke up, there was already a letter on the floor by the door, one that was meant for him. There was a small note that said: “Don't read until you got home, my love”, so Jisung hid it. It was between his folded clothes, hidden from plain sight of Jisung's parents. Or from nosy servants.

“Jisung,” his mother began, smiling, “did you get to talk with pri– king Minho at all yesterday? You still haven't told us.”

“I have. It was…eye opening, to say the least. We're on good terms now, I think. I'm sorry for all the trouble we could've caused.”

“Jisung,” his father huffed, though he was smiling, too, “just tell us the full truth. Is He going to court you or not? We'd like to know.”

“Darling!” The queen squeaked, slapping her hand over her mates mouth, but it was too late, the question has been asked. Jisung should've seen it coming, but still it caught him off guard and he had to laugh. Politely, of course. 

“Actually…yes. He asked, and I said yes. It's, uhm…it's mutual, though. He courts me, I court him. You don't– you don't mind that, do you? That it's not really…traditional?” Jisung fidgeted, rubbing his fingers together in a nervous manner. That was something he truly didn't think about, whether his parents would be accepting or not. The anxiety settled in his belly got even worse. It was like a string of emotions that wrapped around his stomach, making it churn and squeeze uncomfortably. He hated it when he felt this way.

Jisung's father paused to think about it. “It's certainly not the norm, but you've always done things your way.”

“What your father means,” his mother cut in, silencing the king, “is that we don't mind, however strange it may be. What are you going to tell your friends? What were their names…ah! Seungmin, Felix and Jeongin?”

“About that…I'll need you two to play along with something, at least for a little while. Me and Mi– king Minho agreed that you should know about this.”

Raising an eyebrow, the queen silently urged him to continue.

“I'll repeat what king Minho's said to me, or in other words, the general idea of that little plan of his…”

The king and queen had the same reaction as Jisung did – they started laughing. Jisung understood that way too well, but he waited for them to settle down before continuing. “I know, I know. I myself told him it was crazy, but he is stubborn. Like me. Will you play along?”

“The court is slightly boring without any drama or gossip, so this might be fun. We'll do it, right dear?”

The king has always (sometimes) been a weak man for his family (Jisung) but an even weaker man for his mate. “If you're confident in this, darling…then yes. Just be careful Jisung, please.”

“I will, father, don't worry. It'll be fine, I'm always careful–” his voice cracked as one side of their carriage got lifted momentarily – the wheel must've ridden over a larger rock. Jisung fell off of his seat.

“...right.”

·•—»»–•·

After getting swarmed by his friends and interrogated for information (read: gossip) by them (though it was mostly Felix), Jisung finally had some free time to do whatever he wanted. It was quite late in the evening, four days since he's last seen Minho. And finally, finally he got to read the letter from said alpha.

Settling between the silk sheets on his bed, in the most comfortable clothes he had, Jisung's scent bloomed, smelling more like peaches with a significant amount of sugar instead of just the fruit itself. He began reading.

Jisung,

If you're reading this, it means you're already home. Or got impatient. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, but I told you to open this letter when you get home! So, if you're not in your room yet, close this. Seriously.

Are you home now? Okay, good. How was the journey? I hope it wasn't too uncomfortable. Did your parents decide to support us? Please let me know as soon as you can, as I might not sleep well for the following days. Not with them not supporting us being an option. I mean that.

If they aren't supportive, we could run away together. Imagine that – us, alone, without anyone else. Well, now that I write this it doesn't sound as good. I can't imagine us being alone, I think we'd need our friends close. The ones you told me about? I don't remember their names, sorry my love. So, your friends and mine, Hyunjin, Changbin and Chan. The eight of us. Sounds good, no?

Anyway, if they are supportive, don't mind the earlier stuff any mind. I will eagerly await your response, as always. Feel free to tell me your thoughts in your letter, no matter if they are nonsense to anyone else. I haven't had the chance to tell you yet, but I am not in love with you only, but all of your thoughts, too. Your ramblings? I am happy to sit back and simply listen, I love that you don't expect to hear a response all the time. This is getting really long, so I have to end it, unfortunately. Keep in mind, my dear – send your letters signed with what we discussed, yes? So they do not know it's from you.

My heart is yours. 

With love,

Minho

What a silly alpha. Jisung snorted, amused, though his scent remained sweet. It was very late, and he was tired after the long way, so he decided to write a response in the morning. He yawned, rubbing his eyes. 

My dear, with love...such simple words could mean so much. Jisung looked out of his window, his eyes raised to the moon and stars. 

"Are you looking at the same sky as me, Minho?" He whispered into the silence. With a small huff, he blew out the candle that helped him read and settled into bed properly. 

He fell asleep with the letter pressed to his chest.

·•–✧–•·

Minho was about to fall asleep. But he couldn't, not yet. He still had so many papers left to read and sign if it was something he approved of. And he was also waiting. 

Eight days. Jisung should've arrived home four or three days before, so surely he had already written his own letter, right?

Minho had to take a deep breath to calm down his heartbeat. He wasn't nervous, no, why would he be? He had no reason to be. From the stack of papers – that was now smaller than before, mainly thanks to Chan who took at least half of them – he took a few, skimming through them quickly. Minho was glad that he had the advisor by his side, as he took things like these more seriously.

Minho had a strong dislike to the lords and dukes that were close to his father, as there was only one thing they all wanted: for him to marry their offsprings so that they'd have connections to the royal family. Laughable, really. He already had a person in mind – blonde hair, wide eyes and peaches. Such sweet peaches.

There were two knocks on the door of his study. "You may come in."

It turned out to be Hyunjin. "Sorry for interrupting, Minho. I was passing by a maid and she handed this to me, said it was for you. I guess she thought that I'd have a better chance of getting it to you and that you'd be more willing to take it if a friend gave it to you." The beta shrugged, placing an envelope onto the desk. Minho glanced at it, so much relief and hope filling him that he was glad he put on scent blocking oils. 

"I'll check it out later, then. Thanks." Don't be too eager. Don't look like it's important. "Any other reason why you visited? Or did you just miss me?" Minho grinned, resting his head on the palm of his right hand.

Hyunjin chuckled. "Oh, for sure. I barely see you around!" He waved a hand around dramatically. "There's so much we have to discuss! With tea and dessert, of course. Well, I'd like wine more, but...we'll see. And the two lovebirds can't be missing, of course! So, we'll be meeting here in a week, in the evening, all four of us. Okay?"

Minho raised an eyebrow. "I thought I was the one that gave out orders? Or did I get our roles mixed up?"

"Don't be too full of yourself, Min." Hyunjin winked. "I have to go now, I have a painting to finish, but it's nice to see you're still alive and functioning properly. I'll see you tomorrow!" 

Minho waved him goodbye, softly smiling after Hyunjin turned and couldn't see. The truth was, he missed simply talking with his friends, so this little act Hyunjin just came up with could do some good.

Now, to the matter at hand...

Minho grabbed the envelope so quickly he almost fell forward. He checked the back, and sure enough, it was from Jisung. Thank the moon.

He ripped it open – he was impatient, so what? – and quickly began reading.

Greetings, my dear.

Do you not have faith in me? I opened your letter as soon as I was alone in my room, at the Han castle, back home. I have to say, this one won't have as much planning to run away. Because we won't have to, my crazy king. My parents approve. You can sleep easy, now, love. In fact, they agreed to help with our charade. What a surprise, am I right? 

I wouldn't say I'm opposed to the idea of the two of us living alone, though. I love my friends dearly, really I do, but if we were to run away with them I'd like it for the two of us to sleep separately from them. You understand. Let me remind you of their names, too: Felix, Seungmin and Jeongin. I understand that you have a lot on your mind and that its difficult for you to remember something as unimportant as this.

As for the journey back home, it was long and tiring. There was something in the seat poking this one spot on my back the whole time, so badly it was sore to the touch when we arrived! It was taken care of, though, so do not worry about it. Your scent from the cloth you lent me helped, too. Thank you again for that. Is my scent still with you somewhere? I tried to leave something of mine behind for you, so please let me know if you got it. 

With all honesty, I am glad that my ramblings can be taken as comfort for you. I've always been told that talking so fast was improper and that made me insecure about them. You've taken these insecurities and slashed them, one by one. Thank you, Minho. Thank you.

I promised I'd tell you the truth about our engagement, so let me squeeze it between these words. It was not cancelled, only slightly adjusted. It was done so in a way that made it a choice for me – I would be the one to choose whether we go through with it or not. And I do want to, Minho. We're still engaged. We've never been not engaged. If we play our cards right, which we could do to appease the public more, we could play it off as us realizing we wanted to get to know each other more before getting married. Which is kind of true, isn't it? Hah. The courting can also play a role. I didn't originally tell you this because I wanted to see your reaction. Forgive me for that, darling. 

As for our plan, it's going well here. My friends believe every single word I say. How's it going on your side? Similarly, I hope? 

Oh, Minho. My heart is yours, too, and so is my soul.

With love,

Jisung

Minho chuckled, shaking his head. Of course Jisung would try to outdo him. Was that a game he wanted to play? Because Minho liked the idea.

Adjusted engagement, hm? Truthfully, Minho already knew. He went and searched his father's study (that was now his) until he found the documents. But it was good to know that Jisung really wouldn't keep it from him now. 

Still engaged…that would help a lot in their situation. What a smart move their parents made.

With the thought of Minho's parents, a stab of pain appeared in his chest, and as suddenly as it came, it disappeared. He missed them. He missed them maybe too much. He couldn't act like a small pup now, he can't allow himself that. He cannot be the same as he was when his parents were still alive. Even now, most of his duties were being taken on by Chan, because the older knew that too much would destroy him.

He chased those thoughts away quickly. He had no time to grieve, not anymore. The weeks he had for that were up. 

Focus, Minho. You have to focus. 

A deep breath in and out. Organise his thoughts – first, sort through more of these papers, then write a response to Jisung. Easy enough. 

Minho smiled, properly getting his thoughts under control. He'd get through these harder times.

And if he read Jisung's letter at least four more times, that was just for him to know.

·•–✧–•·

"Felix, please! Drop it already!"

"No! What do you mean you forgave Lino!? He left without a word, leaving behind a letter that we didn't even get to see because you threw it into the fireplace in your rage, that was more like sadness!" Felix screamed, pacing around Jisung's room. 

Jisung hadn't told Jeongin and Felix about Minho's true identity – in a moment of weakness, he only told Seungmin. He wasn't afraid of it getting out, because the beta could definitely keep a secret, but it also meant that he knew the sentence "I made up with Lino and we're going to keep in contact now" actually meant "I am in contact with king Lee Minho". 

"It's his life, Felix. Let him suffer the consequences of his actions." Said beta sipped on the tea he brought with him, some new kind that smelled of vanilla. Jisung's mother bought it from somewhere on a whim. "If he wants to talk to Lino, let him. It's not like he suddenly appeared here again, they're only exchanging letters."

"But– this is– this is a matter of the heart! Jisungie, seriously, you can't expect me to simply stand by while you keep in contact with an alpha that broke your heart and made you lock yourself in your room for two full days." Felix pouted, finally settling down in one of Jisung's three armchairs. "I just– I don't get it. How can you trust that he won't...cut you off again?"

"Felix," Jisung smiled at his friend softly, "you don't have to be so worried, I mean it. While I was in the Lee kingdom, we...figured things out. Lino is– was close to the late king and queen. He left so suddenly because he heard of their condition worsening." Minho was, indeed, close to his parents. That's one of the things Jisung's found out in Minho's letter. A new letter. 

He managed to memorize all of the words from that one. Or, well, most of them. The letter itself is in a wooden box under his bed, the words hidden with the first letter and the scented cloth. It said this:

Hello again, my love.

I was ecstatic to get your letter. Let me write my responses to its contents first.

I do believe in you, do not get me wrong! But could you really blame me for thinking you might open the letter earlier than I told you to? We both know that patience is not your strongest suit, dear.

I am so incredibly glad that your parents are supportive. If they weren't, I might've stolen you away. They'll play along, you say? Interesting. It is good to have some help, though.

Ah, yes, your friends. I will remember their names this time, or I'll try, at least. Ruling a kingdom takes up a lot of thoughts, surprisingly. Hah. But for you, love, I'll try to fit those three names somewhere.

Sorry for such a bad journey. I hope you took a nice, long and relaxing bath as soon as you got home. I know I would've. And I did find what you've left behind for me, thank you. You'd probably find it hard to believe if I said your scent helps me sleep, hm? It is true, though, Jisungie. Thank you for that.

I'll gladly be the one to save you from your desolate tower that crumbles with every bad thing that is said to you. We'll overcome your insecurities together, okay? You and me, sweetheart.

Adjusted engagement? Really? I have to say that was a genius move on our parents' sides. Imagine a round of applause for them, Jisungie. Now, as for the courting…at the same time as I'm sending this letter, I am also sending the first gift your way. It will probably arrive later than this, so please write back once you get it. And do not apologize for this anymore, I understand why you did what you did. And I've hurt you far more than you've hurt me, so you have a right to do something a little bad to me from time to time. I deserve to feel at least a small portion of the hurt that I've caused you, Jisung.

As for the plan, my friends are as clueless as yours. It's working surprisingly well.

This letter is getting long, isn't it? But you'll allow me to share some of my worries, right? I don't think I am fit to be king. There are so many expectations, so many rules and duties awaiting me…I can already feel how hard it'll be. I still feel inexperienced, like a pup that is barely walking trying to run. Write me something to cheer me up, perhaps? I'll thank you right here in advance. 

You'll get another small letter with the gift. Well, it is more like a note, but you understand, my love.

Oh, is that how you want to play? Alright. My heart, my mind and soul are all yours. And yours they shall remain.

With love and adoration,

Minho

He got it two days ago, so he was eagerly awaiting the package. What could it be? A carving made from wood? A painting? Clothes? It could be anything and Jisung couldn't wait to find out.

"Uhm, Earth to Jisung? Hello?" Jeongin waved a hand in front of the omega's face, startling him. "Finally. You were staring at a spot on the wall, smiling, not paying attention to us at all."

"Sorry," Jisung sheepishly rubbed his nape, "I was thinking about something. What were you saying?"

"So, let me repeat," Felix started again, clearing his throat. "I get that he had to leave, but he only left a single letter and didn't even respond when you wrote to him! I just don't trust him and you can't change my mind. People from the Lee kingdom cannot be trusted." He nodded, as if he was agreeing with himself, arms crossed.

At that moment, Seungmin spoke up again with a grin. One of his signature grins, those that screamed: I'll prove you wrong and I don't care if we're friends or foes. "Well, you certainly didn't act like Hwang Hyunjin couldn't be trusted. In fact, I remember that before the ball, as he was setting up the canvas, a certain blonde omega servant with a deep voice was by his side the whole time, asking questions and blushing whene–"

"No! Seungmin, shut up!" Felix hissed and sprang from the armchair, reaching for the beta and slapping a hand over his mouth.

Jisung laughed. Of course Felix would have a thing for someone as pretty as Hyunjin. "Seriously Lix? I mean, I can't blame you, I spoke to Hyunjin for a short time and he is pretty gorgeous..."

"It wasn't like that!" Felix whined, covering his blushing face, sitting back down in the armchair. "He's just nice to talk to, that's all! There's nothing else! Nothing happened!"

"Your face says otherwise~" Jeongin joined in on the teasing, though he'd always had a soft spot for Felix for some reason. "But we'll drop it– for now."

"Thank you, Innie, for being the only one to understand that nothing happened between me and Hyunjin." That's where the conversation steered away from relationships all together, and Jisung was glad that the attention was not on him anymore. He caught Seungmin's eye – he'd explain to him later.

·•–✧–•·

"–and then we hid in the kitchens and he kissed me and oh moon his lips were sooo soft, and so was his hair – I ran my fingers through it and it had zero knots and felt really silky. Anyway, because our faces were so close I thought that I could count the freckles there, but there were soo many that–"

Minho, Chan and Changbin had to listen to the small romantic endeavour Hyunjin had forgotten to tell them about after they returned from the Han kingdom. Judging from his description, Minho was 80% sure the person he "fell in love with" was Jisung's friend, Felix. 

"–guys he asked me about art, it was so nice to finally talk to someone about it! So I explained things and his smile literally lit up the room, I swear." Hyunjin sighed, taking another sip from his glass. Changbin found wine somewhere, so they were drinking that. 

"Sounds like the real deal, Jinnie." Changbin chuckled, head tilted. "What's his name again?"

A pause. "Uh..."

"Hyunjin, you didn't ask for his name!?" 

"No, no, I did, but– I forgot! I forgot his name! Noo!" The beta wailed, dramatically throwing his long limbs around. "I forgot the name of such an angel. Just let me die and rot here."

"Hwang Hyunjin, you can be so stupid sometimes." Minho shook his head, grinning.

"Okay, calm down." Chan said, but he was clearly fighting the urge to laugh. "Hyunjin, you're not going to die. You said he had freckles, right? Not many people have those, so it'll be easy to find him when– if you're invited there to paint something again." 

Leave it up to Chan to lift the mood. 

"You're right! Ah, Chan, I could kiss you!"

"I cherish you, but please don't."

Minho watched and laughed when it was expected, but his mind was travelling far away. Did Jisung get the statuette already? Did he like it? Did he already have something for Minho, too? Those were questions he wouldn't get an answer for, not until he gets a letter back.

A cat statuette as the first courting gift. Minho thought it was quite fitting. A cow would've probably worked, too, but it would take too long to have it made. The cat was already done – and as patient as Minho could be, he wanted to be the one to give the first gift, to start the courting itself. 

"Minho?" 

"Hm?"

"You got really quiet all of a sudden. Are you thinking about...him?" Hyunjin softly questioned, careful. It was obvious he didn't want to say Jisung's name, because he thought the slightest mention of him could make Minho build walls around himself.

He answered truthfully, though. "Yeah. Yeah, I am." Just not in the way you think. 

"Minho..."  Chan put a hand on Minho's knee, squeezing it. "It's okay. I hate to be the one to say it, but...forget about it. Forget about him. It would be better for you. Of course, we understand that feelings like these can't disappear overnight. We aren't asking you to forget what you two had, but you've gotta move on, at least."

"I know. But I can't." Not for the reason you think, though. Hah.

"We get it." Changbin offered Minho a smile, too. But then..."Anyway, I told you so."

Minho smirked, relieved that they still knew they can tease him. He'd hate it if they walked around eggshells around him. "Yes, you did. I know."

A knock on the door diverted their attention. "Come in?" Minho was confused. What could anyone possibly want around this hour? Unless...

A maid stuck her head in, before opening the door fully. Minho knew her – she was his mother's favourite, a friend one could say. "Your highness," she began, bowing, "I don't mean to impose, but I've gotten this package with the instructions to get it delivered straight to you right away." She showed them the box that she was holding.

Minho's heart fluttered. Jisung. That was definitely from Jisung. 

"I see. Well...it's just a package, it can wait. Take it to my chambers, please. I'll check it later." Acting like it didn't matter hurt, but the guys couldn't know. Not yet. Jisung had to wait.

The maid smiled, nodding once. "Of course. Enjoy the rest of your evening, your majesty. Gentlemen." She bowed again and left, closing the door behind herself. 

"Wow, Minho, you're getting a lot of letters and other stuff lately." Hyunjin commented. "Why is that? Do you know? Or is the reason unknown to you, too?"

"I'm not sure." Minho shrugged, drinking the rest of his wine – there wasn't much left, anyway. "It might be from the surrounding kingdoms, or from any of the dukes. You know how they are behaving right now, they all want me to marry their offsprings."

Changbin and Chan made thoughtful noises, but Changbin spoke up first. "You think they're trying to buy your affection?"

"Possibly."

"That is the stupidest thing I've heard in my life, and I've heard a bunch." Hyunjin snorted. "Do they not realize how desperate they look? Don't they remember how you were as a child? Even I couldn't bribe you with anything, and I had almost everyone wrapped around my finger."

"They didn't pay much attention to that, Hyunjin." Chan laughed. "Minho was engaged from a young age, too, so they didn't have a chance at all. But now that he's not...they're all trying to get on his good side."

"Ah," Hyunjin raised his glass in acknowledgement. "Makes more sense now, thanks."

The group talked for some more, but then Hyunjin started falling asleep. Changbin had to carry him on his back, Chan following closely behind, checking that the beta wouldn't fall off. They waved bye to Minho, who made sure no one was around before practically sprinting to his chambers. 

Opening the door, he was met with a chorus of meows. Before going to the package, he paid some attention to his cats – he hadn't been around much lately, so they were probably feeling a bit neglected. He scratched each of them in the spots he knew they loved, taking his time. He wanted to know what Jisung's response is like, but he was also nervous. He was stalling and he knew it.

After Soonie left to go to sleep again, Doongie and Dori soon followed, so Minho had no choice but to seriously open the package. It felt light in his hands – he had no idea what it could be. He noticed there was an envelope attached to the box – he'd read that first. Minho tore it open, taking the paper that smelled faintly of peaches into his hands and began reading.

My dear mad king,

While I agree that patience is not one of my strongest qualities, when it comes to you, I'll gladly follow orders. Did it fluster you? Good. That was the intention. Can you hear me laughing? Because I am. 

Minho snorted, very loudly. Maybe his ears were a tiny bit red. Jisung just had to be a brat, didn't he? It wasn't anything bad, though. Minho didn't mind, he was glad, actually – he loved Jisung for his personality, and it was reassuring, the fact that even through letters the omega made it obvious. Minho calmed himself and continued.

As for your worries…my dear, no one expects you to be perfect right away. You're young and still learning. It may feel bad right now, but you'll be a great king. Me, my parents and all of your friends can already tell. Oh, that reminded me. My father offered to send you letters, too. Ones with advice – I believe that while we're in different kingdoms and each have different traditions, at the core all the rulers are similar. So, that's good, no?

Now, the plan. I have to admit that after you initially left, in a moment of weakness, I told Seungmin about your true identity. So, he kind of knows about our plan, but don't worry! He is great at keeping secrets. He'll help, or at least he'll want to. That guy thrives in chaotic scenarios.

The statuette you sent is absolutely adorable and I adore it. There's so many details, like the whiskers and fur! The note that came with it was a bit smudged, as it got caught in the rain, but the words were very sweet, Minho. Thank you. I'll treasure it.

Mutual courting requires mutual gifts, does it not? If nobody mixed it up, this letter will arrive with a box. My first courting gift to you is in it. I made it myself! (My mother helped a bit, as my skills were not…as sharp as they once were.) I'm excited for you to see it, sweetheart.

I'll await your response and the next gift. I miss you, Minho. Your scent from the cloth is almost completely gone now. If I may have a request, can the next gift be clothing? Like a scarf, anything really, with your scent? I miss it. I miss you.

My heart, soul, my mind and physical body belongs to you, my love. My dearest, sweetest, strange king.

Your one and only,

Jisung

A tear fell onto the paper, smudging Jisung's signature. "I miss you too, my love. I miss you, too." Minho whispered into the silence, his words echoing in his mind. 

Reading the letter gave him courage, and Minho finally opened the box. He let out a small gasp, surprised by what he saw. 

Embroidery. But nothing ordinary. Minho had to smile. Looking at him from the cloth were three cats – well, only their heads, but they were cats. There were so many details in the outline...

Minho traced it with his finger, completely enamoured. One thing he didn't understand, though. The cats had clear markings and all, but...no colour. It confused him, until he saw another small note in the box. It must've been hidden beneath the cloth.

You never told me what colour your cats were. We'll finish it when we're together again – J ♡

How could a person possibly be this sweet!? Jisung was just so perfect, there was no way he was actually real. Minho loved him so much. So much it hurt. 

As for Jisung's request...he'd fulfill it. When it comes to him, Minho would steal the sun from the sky, he'd travel to the night sky to gather starlight in a jar, he'd move the earth itself somehow. For Jisung, he'd try.

He'd try.

·•–✧–•·

A month and a half has passed. Minho and Jisung continued exchanging letters and gifts. Currently, Jisung had a cat statuette, baby blue blanket (that, per his request, arrived thoroughly scented by none other than Minho), a painting (a silly one, but Minho made it, so therefore Jisung automatically loved it) and a necklace. One made out of silver, with a single pendant – a small flower. In the note that came with it, Minho said it was supposed to be a primrose – to symbolize their new beginning.

Jisung had a hunch that wasn't the full meaning, so he'd asked Felix about it. His friend was confused at first, but then said he'd ask around. That evening, Felix came back saying a primrose meant youth, innocence and new beginnings, just like Minho had said. But also...

"One of the gardeners, the older omega woman, the one that smells just like tulips all the time? Yeah, she told me that while it meant all that, if it's given to someone, it's a declaration of deep love, and now I quote: "a love so deep that I can't imagine living without you."

So, yeah, Jisung loved that necklace. He himself had sent a lot of gifts to Minho – embroidery, wood carvings, a crocheted scarf (his mother helped with that, again. He'd gotten rusty) and a bracelet – he included a petal from a cosmos flower, what he learned was Minho's birth flower. He had asked around about it's meaning, too, and again the same old gardener had the answer: 

"The meaning of it might've changed with time, but when I was young, younger than you are now, my prince, it meant joy in love and life."

Jisung pressed the flower in one of his many books, then made sure the bracelet could hold it and send it to Minho. Those were only some of the gifts they gave to each other. Now, however, they stopped. With both the gifts and letters.

Because Jisung's birthday was coming up, which meant they'd host a ball. A ball that Minho would attend, where they'd announce that their engagement had never been broken, only merely...suspended. Paused.

They did make plans to tell their friends beforehand, though. They deserved to know first. So that was why Jisung was anxiously awaiting Minho's arrival – they agreed to have their closest circle of friends present, but other than that, there was no one. They'd do a whole little 'act' before revealing the true nature of their relationship to their friends. Jisung was excited. 

Just one last charade.

Chapter Text

Jisung was in the saloon, working on another piece of embroidery (completely on his own this time!), all of his focus on the needle. He didn't want to prick his fingers, after all. His peace and quiet was disrupted by a knock on the door. Jeongin peeked his head in, gulping.

“Uh, Jisung?”

“Yeah?”

“Uhm…now I don't know how to say this, but…king Lee Minho wants to see you?” Jeongin seemed nervous – and for a good reason. Jisung just now remembered that Jeongin has seen “Lino” before, but hoped he didn't remember much of what he looked like. It was too early for the reveal.

“Does he now?” Jisung scoffed, glad that the scent blocking oils were doing their job properly and hid the way his scent turned sweeter. Finally, finally he'd get to see Minho again. “And why does he want to?”

“Apparently, he wants to talk about…Lino and the fact that you're…courting each other?” Jeongin looked more nervous by the second. “Jisung, I know you don't really like him, but he looked really angry. Please talk with him, work things out.”

Jisung pretended to think about it. Then, he sighed. “Fine. But I want you, Seungmin and Lix with me in the same room. I refuse to talk to him alone.”

Jeongin hesitated but nodded, closing the door and probably going to fetch Minho. It was really here. It was time for the big reveal.

Jisung stood up from his chair, walking over to the fireplace. He and Minho planned this, they wanted to go for the most dramatic effect they could. He was excited, so excited he had to shake his whole body to not let it show. 

The door opened. Felix walked in first, followed by Seungmin and Jeongin. Then, right behind the young alpha, stood one of Minho's friends – Changbin, judging by the size of his arms and…short figure. Then was Chan. And finally, Minho. 

Oh, and Hwang Hyunjin was there, too. Jisung didn't notice him at first, too focused on Minho – they were glaring at each other and it was easy to tell the atmosphere between them was charged. 

“Minho…why am I here?” Hyunjin whispered, his eyes glancing in Felix's direction often. “I get that you, uh, want your personal guard and your advisor here but…why me?”

“Moral support.” Minho responded in a similar tone, but didn't take his eyes off of Jisung. Felix shifted from foot to foot, Jeongin was as pale as a ghost and Seungmin...Seungmin kind of knew, so he was only watching to see how everything was going to go. Hyunjin kept staring at Felix, though he was trying to not make it seem obvious and Chan and Changbin were burning holes into Minho's back with their stares. They were led to believe that Minho's behaviour was because he was jealous of that ‘someone’ Jisung was courting. Hah.

“I've heard that you're courting someone from my kingdom. My castle.” Minho narrowed his eyes. He was such a good actor, it was unreal. Jisung would've probably hidden somewhere if this was a real situation.

“Yes,” he crossed his arms, tipping his chin up, “what about it?”

“Jisung!” Felix hissed, catching Minho's gaze for a second, bowing profusely. “I'm so sorry, your majesty, Jisung is tired and doesn't know what he's actually saying–”

“I am not, Felix.” Jisung interrupted, voice leveled. “I meant what I said. What of it?” 

Minho scoffed, taking a step closer. “What of it? If someone like you is courting someone from my castle, I should've been notified, no? Do you know anything about traditions? Asking for permission?”

“I don't see why I should ask someone so stuck up and prideful for permission.” Jisung scoffed, also taking a step closer to the alpha. His love. Just a little longer, a little longer and they'll hold each other again. “What? Are you jealous now? Because you didn't show up originally? Hm? You want me now when I'm off limits? When you can't have me?"

Jeongin let out a scared whine. “Jisung, you shouldn't–”

“No, let him talk. I want to know what he has to say. Go on, prince.” 

“I think you're a stuck up,” a step closer, “egotistical, stupid,” another step, “lame excuse of a king.” He didn't mean that, Minho knew Jisung didn't mean that, but he'd still apologize for it later. Because these words were something Minho was so afraid of hearing that. Even when the alpha himself was the one that pitched the idea, Jisung could tell it hurt him.

“Jisung!” Felix's plea fell on deaf ears. Minho took a sharp breath, face twisting in rage. But, from how close he was standing, Jisung could see the amusement twinkling in his eyes. 

“And you,” Minho growled – actually growled, making Changbin reach out and hold his shoulders in an attempt to restrain him. If Jisung didn't know what he did, it would've been pretty scary. “You are a disgrace to everything we've ever known. Do you not know omega's aren't supposed to be the ones to do the courting?” He hissed. “You, Han Jisung, should've never been born.”

Everyone in the room looked horrified. Absolutely horrified. 

“Minho, what are you saying!?” Hyunjin screeched. Changbin pulled the alpha back, turning him around. Chan, too, stepped closer to Minho, eyes filled with silent rage.

Jeongin stepped in front of a shaking Jisung – who was shaking because he was trying not to laugh, it was still too soon – while Felix wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Seungmin suddenly stood by his side, not a word leaving his lips the entire time. 

“What was that!?” Chan said in a tone that had shivers running down Jisung's spine, and he wasn't even the one getting scolded. “Minho, we know that you're going through a hard time, but that was too much!”

Jeongin seemed to finally find his footing – he had to protect Jisung. “Your words will be taken as a threat and I will tell the king and queen of these events!” He proclaimed loudly. “I do not care if you're a king, Lee Minho, you have no right to threaten prince Jisung!”

“Yeah!” Felix joined in, chest puffing. “First you harm his image by not showing up to your own wedding, then you have the nerve to not even greet him when he visited for your coronation and now this!? I may not be of an important lineage, but I will not stand by while you treat my prince and best friend like that!”

“Please, the emotions are too much. Let's all calm down, it doesn't have to go that way–” Chan tried to calm the situation, but everyone's voices – except for Jisung, Minho and Seungmin – were overlapping, not a single sentence making sense. 

Jisung couldn't hold it in anymore, this whole thing was way too funny for him. He caught Minho's eye, pressing his lips together tightly, trying his best to not laugh yet. 

Felix was arguing with Changbin and Chan, backed up by Jeongin whenever needed. Their rising voices filled the whole saloon. But then a single sound made them stop.

The sound of Jisung's laughter.

“I'm– I'm sorry, damn it, I laughed early–” he choked on nothing as the laughs continued. He covered his mouth, eyes rising from the ground to meet the bewildered faces of everyone.

“Jisung, are you okay?” Felix was right by his side, arms awkwardly hovering. The other omega wasn't sure of where to put them and he was worried. That much was clear. 

But then Minho started laughing also, confusing his and Jisung's friends further. 

“Min…?”

"Sorry, sorry– okay, I'm serious." Minho huffed, still smiling, but at least the laughter faded. Jisung, on the other hand, couldn't stop and he had to turn around and stare at the wall for a solid minute to fully calm down.

"What the hell is going on here?" Felix asked the one thing that everyone wanted to know. He and Jeongin took a step back so that they could have a good view of all the people in the room. Seungmin remained in his spot, as did Changbin, Hyunjin and Chan. Minho came closer to Jisung, quirking an eyebrow, still smiling.

“Do you want to tell them or should I? We never actually discussed that part.”

“You're right, we didn't…” Jisung reached for the necklace he was wearing, which just so happened to be the one with a primrose. “But first – really? You thought I wouldn't search for the full meaning of a primrose?” From the corner of his eye, he saw Felix slowly putting the pieces together. The other omega's eyes narrowed as he focused on remembering the slight hints Jisung gave him over the weeks. 

Minho clicked his tongue, looking disappointed. “I wanted to tell you when we saw each other again…it was supposed to be very romantic.” 

“Aw, Minho…”

“Okay, okay, pause.” Chan intervened, nostrils flaring as he looked between Jisung and Minho. “What is going on between the two of you? Just a second ago, you were arguing and now you're…” he trailed off, confusing everyone further. Then, he closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Oh moon, the letters. Those letters and the packages, they were– by the moon,” he sighed. “Minho…”

Jisung let out a sound closer to a wheeze than a laugh. “Uhm– alright, here it goes…” he turned to his friends, of which Felix was already glaring at him, Jeongin looked like a lost puppy and Seungmin was softly smiling. “Seungmin already knows, so– Lix, Innie, meet…Lino?”

“WHAT!? Lee Minho is– what the– how did that even–” Felix started muttering and, if he was being honest, Jisung was worried for his mental health at that moment.

“I think you should all sit down.” Minho gestured to all the armchairs and the couch, throwing a guilty look at Chan, mouthing ‘sorry’. 

It took a few minutes, but they did sit down in the end. Minho and Jisung now finally had room to stand right next to each other, their hands reaching out and fingers intertwining.

“Right, so, before anyone freaks out even more,” Jisung gave Felix – who was still breathing a bit too fast for his own good – a pointed look before carrying on, “my parents know about this. They know and they're supportive. In fact, they helped plan this...uh…reveal.” Hums of acknowledgement. That's good. They were paying attention.

Hyunjin was the one to ask first. “Okay, alright. But I think you both know that is not what we want to hear right now. Firstly – how? Secondly – how did you manage to keep it a secret, Minho? After me, you're like…the most talkative person in our group regarding romantic things, because those two are– they never have anything to say!” 

Jisung bit his bottom lip. This was actually the part he was most nervous about – having to tell everyone the full story. He had Minho by his side, though, and that brought him peace.

“So, it started when I took a walk in the garden because I was anxious…”

Telling a story from two points of view wasn't the easiest thing to do, but they somehow managed. Their friends (mainly Felix and Hyunjin) interrupted a few times to share their own perspective on things, especially later on when Minho was talking about the coronation and why he was so nervous around that time. When it came to their argument, Jisung went non verbal, because…he didn't want to say too much. Even his friends didn't fully know how he felt at that time, they knew only bits and pieces. And those feelings belonged to him and Minho only. Thankfully, the alpha knew how much Jisung didn't want the rest to know the details, so he skimmed over that and basically went straight to the part where they properly made up.

“That is…an insane story.” Changbin was the first to say something. “You hid it so well…”

“I didn't suspect a thing.” Hyunjin grimaced and Chan deadpanned: “That's not hard to do with you, Hyunjin.”

Seungmin, the only one to actually kind of know, simply sat in his place, comforting Jeongin, who seemed the most shaken up. Not in a bad way, though, in a way that screamed: how did I not recognize Minho as Lino, am I really that forgetful what the hell.

Felix stood up, walking over to Jisung, punching his shoulder and then immediately wrapping him in a hug. “I'm so mad at you but so, so happy for you but also so angry I don't know what to do. I think I might cuddle you to death, how dare you trick us like that. It was genius, though, not going to lie but also whyy would you do that–” he continued on like that for the next two minutes, torn between his feelings. It was understandable, especially to Jisung.

He caught Minho's eye, internally preening at the slightest hint of a pout on his lips. Was he really jealous because Felix was hugging Jisung?

“As much as we are all still shocked by this – except me, of course, I knew the important things – I propose we take our shock, mental breakdowns and other feelings elsewhere, because these two,” Seungmin pointed at Minho and then Jisung, “look like they'll explode if they don't hold each other properly in the following five to ten minutes.”

To their surprise, Seungmin's words did get everyone moving. Jisung couldn't help but notice how Hyunjin and Felix gravitated to each other immediately. It was cute, how they thought they were not being obvious at all.

Chan went last. “As surprised as this whole thing made me and everyone else,” he began, chuckling, “I'm happy for the two of you. You seemed happier since the coronation, Minho, and now I finally know the cause.” He smiled at Jisung, bowing his head momentarily. “Be careful with each other's hearts.” The door clicked shut.

Minho and Jisung stood there, unmoving, the only things touching were their hands. Not for long, though. 

Jisung turned and flung himself at Minho, knowing that the alpha would catch him. And he did. They held each other tightly, eyes closed shut. At least Jisung had his eyes closed, depending on touch only. 

"I missed you, Min." He whispered. For the first time in weeks, he says it to the actual person and not his dark, empty room.

"I missed you too, Sungie." Minho squeezes him. "I missed you, too." 

Somehow, sometime, they managed to move to one of the couches, Jisung on Minho's lap, face buried in the crook of his neck, whining, because he can't smell him. It doesn't take long for a napkin to appear in Jisung's hand and he quickly wiped his neck to let his own scent free, doing the same to Minho right after. At the moment the alpha's scent hit his nose, Jisung's muscles relaxed for the first time in what felt like decades. 

"Jisungie?"

"Hm?"

"Mind pulling your face away from my neck so that I can look at you? Please?"

Reluctantly, Jisung did so, but all traces of grumpiness vanished when Minho's lips met his. He hummed happily, melting into the kiss. It's been so long and kissing Minho, tasting that minty taste on his lips again, it was all Jisung could've wanted in that moment.

"Have I told you," Minho whispers once they separate in order to breathe, "that you taste like peaches?"

"I don't think you have, your majesty."

"Well, I'm telling you now, then. You taste like peaches, Jisungie." One of Minho's hands is now on Jisung's nape, the other resting on his thigh. Jisung's arms were both wrapped around Minho's neck.

"And I think I haven't told you that, um..." Jisung chuckles, "you taste like something minty. Not exactly like mint itself, no, it's more like...a mint filling mixed with something that brings the taste down. It's not too fresh, but also no– mhhm." His rambling was cut short by more kisses. 

"Sorry for interrupting, darling." Minho pecked the top of Jisung's nose. "But I'm impatient and your explanation was taking way too long."

"Sorry, I– uh– actually I don't– I don't think I mind it if you interrupt me like this." Jisung somehow squeakes out, face burning. 

"Alright...I'll remember that."

At some point, a bit later, they moved so that they were both laying down. Jisung found himself on top of Minho, resting his head on the alpha's chest, simply taking in his warmth, his scent, him. 

"Your heart is beating really fast." The omega muttered, eyes closing slowly. He was getting tired and Minho was so, so warm and (surprisingly) comfortable.

"So is yours." Minho sounds like he's smiling, but Jisung can't tell, as his eyes are closed all the way. "Are you tired, love?"

"Mhm."

"Alright then. You can sleep. I'll wake you up later."

But Jisung didn't register the words, already drifting into a calm sleep.

·•–✧–•·

Running his fingers through Jisung's hair was something Minho has dreamed about so many times, it felt unreal now that he was actually doing it. Jisung's hair was soft, not a single knot to be seen or felt. His mouth was open, face peaceful. Jisung had no idea how much Minho loved him. 

There was a knock on the door, making Minho freeze. Who was it? It could be literally anyone. From servants, to other people invited to Jisung's birthday ball to someone from their friends. The first two options were not good. Their relationship was not yet public and rumours about them would harm what they planned on doing. If they were seen by someone who didn't know, it would seem like they were saying they were together only to save their reputations, which was not true–

The door opened and a head popped in. Long, dirty blonde hair and the same brown eyes as the ones Minho loved so much. The sigh that left him was from relief more than anything. They were safe.

The king and queen entered the saloon, both of them softly smiling, even though the king's face hardened a bit when his gaze landed on Minho. 

"Greetings, your majesties." Minho bowed his head as much as he could without jostling Jisung. "I would greet you properly, but uhhh...as you can see, I have a situation here." he glanced at Jisung, warmth filling his chest. "If– if it's a problem I can try to stand up, but–"

"No, please." Jisung's mother gestured for him to stay where he was. "You don't have to. He's been restless lately. It's the first time in quite some time that I see him so calm, I'm glad." She chuckled. "He's missed you."

"Way too much for my liking." The king grumbled. The queen sent him a look that shut him up quickly.

"How were your travels?" They sat down. Minho was struggling to see them over Jisung's head. 

"Ah, it was fine, really. I slept through most of it, if I'm being honest. Not as good as I could've, though." He tried to joke, as Jisung's father was still glaring at him. Minho had a hunch that the man didn't like him very much.  “And…I missed Jisung, too.” He added in a whisper, cheeks turning red in embarrassment. 

“I am not surprised.” The queen laughed. “I've seen the ending parts of a few of the letters you two sent each other – it was really sweet, all of those words. I swear I could've felt the love seeping from those letters just by seeing the endings.” Minho's cheeks coloured even further. She saw those? 

“O–oh. I wasn't aware you've…seen those.” He cleared his throat. On top of him, Jisung stirred. Minho instinctively ran his fingers through Jisung's hair again. In response, the omega nuzzled into his chest, breathing calmly.

“I don't think I've seen him this…peaceful. Ever.” The queen was watching the interaction intently, tilting her head just an inch to the left. “I did miss most of his teenage years, so that might not be much of a surprise. What about you, dear? Have you ever seen Jisung look so…”

The king's response was hissed through his teeth. “No. I have not.” 

For someone that sent letters with advice on how to deal with Minho's sudden change in standing, the man really, really didn't like Minho. 

“I wanted to…apologize.” Minho couldn't even look at them as he said that – he was looking at Jisung instead. “I’ve already apologized to Jisung many times, but I realized that my actions must've been more troublesome for you. I was…stupid. Very stupid and now I know how hard it must've been to deal with the situation that shouldn't have even existed in the first place. You may think I'm saying all of this for my own gain, but I promise you both I am being completely sincere.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “I won't hurt Jisung in the way I have in the past, I promise you that.”

The other king's next words were said in a neutral tone – thank the moon. “Hm. I see. It is...good that you acknowledge your mistakes.”

And that was the end of it.

The queen asked some more, harmless questions, which Minho happily answered. The whole time, Jisung remained asleep. Or so they thought.

As soon as the omega's parents left the room – after telling Minho he better get Jisung to his chambers somehow – the said prince raised his head. “I'm sorry for them.” He mumbled, voice deep. He must've been asleep for most of the conversation, because even if he was awake now, his eyes still had a groggy look to them. “Mum wants to be involved a lot now, because she's missed so much, and because of that dad is more protective than before. And he was a bit mad at you.”

“How long were you awake for?” Minho chuckled, pecking Jisung’s nose. “It's quite alright, though. I understand them – I didn't make the best first impression, I believe.”

“You're right, you didn't. But that's okay, I think you fixed it now.” Jisung yawned. “Would it be too much if I asked for you to carry me to my bed?”

“Jisung, someone could see us. We can't be seen together yet.”

“No, no one should be here right now. We're safe. Now carry me.”

And what was Minho supposed to do? Say no? How could he say no when Jisung had his lower lip jutted out and blinked up at Minho slowly, looking so impossibly cute?

He sighed. “Alright. But if we get caught, it's your fault. Hold on tight, Jisungie.” 

Somehow, Jisung was right – they didn't meet anyone on the way to his chambers. Minho found it a bit suspicious, the fact that not a single servant was up and about. Perhaps the person who had his legs wrapped around him and was resting his head on Minho's shoulder, purring the whole time while Minho carried him, had a hand in it. 

Minho had no idea what he was expecting, but his heart fluttered when all of the gifts he sent were out – even more so when he noticed the blanket, which surprisingly still had his scent somehow, was woven into the nest on Jisung's bed. 

“Jisung…”

“Shh. Quiet.” The omega simply smiled, knowing exactly what he was doing. “My legs are sooo sore. Carry me all the way there?”

“...You're lucky I love you.”

As soon as the bed – and the nest on it, by association – was within reach, Jisung's hold on Minho lessened and he jumped off. To say that Minho was surprised when he was pushed onto the bed was an understatement.

“Sung, what are you–” he chuckled, confused.

Jisung's tongue was peeking out of his mouth as he focused on fixing the nest where Minho's fall moved it. “There,” he nodded, “now it's perfect.” he climbed on top of Minho, laying down the same way as before, in the saloon. 

“You know you could've just said that you want to cuddle, right? I wouldn't have said no.”

“Your surprised and confused face was so cute though. I wouldn't get the chance to see that if I didn't do things this way.” Jisung sighed, purring again. “Now shut up, cuddle me and let out your scent more. The nest was too empty without it.”

“Your wish is my command, my prince.” Minho kissed the crown of his head, smile widening at the little chirp-like sound Jisung made. I think that I can get used to this, he thought. 

“Ah, but I am in a desperate need of kisses. I am sooo sick and the only thing that can cure me are kisses from you.” Minho dropped his head onto the pillows, sighing dramatically. “I'm afraid I may pass away if I don't get them in three…two…”

With a giggle, Jisung started pressing small kisses all over Minho's face – except for his lips. He left those for last.

Yeah, Minho thought as he took control over the kiss, I could definitely get used to this.

·•–»✧»–•·

.....Six years later.....

Jisung was in the garden, enjoying the sun. It took quite some time for him to get used to the new castle, new servants and guards – at least he was told he could take Jeongin, Seungmin and Felix with him. They were his best friends, after all. And Hyunjin had been glad back then, too, because he had Felix closer than before – it hadn't taken long for those two to get their shit together.

Now, this once foreign castle is Jisung's home, the place where he feels the safest. It was where Minho lived. Where his new family lived.

"My love?"

Jisung opened his eyes with a smile. "Hi."

"Hi." Minho reciprocated. "How are you feeling? Anything new? If yes, is it bad new or good new?"

"You ask that everyday." Jisung sighed. "I'm alright. It's not much different from the first time and you know that." Jisung stood up from the bench, glaring at Minho as he tried to steady the omega with his hands. "Seriously, stop that. I know it's your instincts at play here, but you know that–"

"Yes, yes. I'm sorry, Jisungie." Minho put his hands behind his back, stiffling a smile. "Where's the little devil and little angel?"

Jisung rolled his eyes. "Both Daeho and Iseul are with Hyunjin and Felix. You have no idea how excited Felix was at the prospect of watching both of them – he has no idea how those two are together..."

"Can you blame him for being excited to spend time with his son and his best friend?" Minho grinned. "And you get some alone time. You needed that, right?"

"Yeah, I did." Jisung leaned onto Minho's palm, which made its way onto his cheek. "Don't freak out, because I didn't lie, everything is fine, but...I get exhausted more easily and it's frustrating."

"Darling, you're pregnant. No one is blaming you for wanting to take a break, much less our daughter."

"Minho...she's four years old...I don't think she fully understands."

"She's after you, she's really smart. Of course she understands!" Minho giggled, giving Jisung a peck. "I need to go back soon, but I thought I'd just say hi quickly. Those papers won't sort themselves out."

"Right. Of course." Jisung hugged the alpha, taking a deep breath of his scent. "Scent me first? Please? Your scent helps me."

"Of course."

Minho left the gardens soon after, leaving Jisung alone with his thoughts. One more hour has passed, with Jisung drifting off to a light sleep. He was tired, really tired but it was all worth it. The omega placed a hand on his belly, gently rubbing it. It wasn't very big, not yet, but Jisung could tell it was getting bigger every week. He could feel it.

When they found out Jisung was pregnant with Iseul, Minho was a mess of emotions. Ecstatic, nervous, worried, all of those and more. But, most of all, he couldn't wait to be a father. 

"Papa!" A small voice shouted and, followed right by a deeper, older one. Felix.

"Iseul, Daeho, be careful! You might trip!"

Jisung crouched on the path so that the little girl could run straight into his arms. "Hi, princess. How was the afternoon with uncle Lixie and uncle Jinnie?"

"Papa! We dlew and I have a pictule fol you!" She seemed so excited, so happy. 

"Oh, really? Can I see it?"

"No, no! Uncle Jinnie told me it needs to dly filst." She pouted. Ah. That explained the splatter of – now – dried paint on her tiny hands. 

"Oh, is that so? Well, I'll happily wait, baby."

They said bye to Felix and Daeho, Jisung leading Iseul back to the castle and to their chambers. It might've seemed biased, how Minho was talking about her earlier, but she was smart for her age. 

"When little sibling?" She pointed to Jisung's belly. He laughed, ruffling her hair. She squeaked. 

"Not yet, baby. They have to grow first, they're still too small."

"Hm. Okay. Papa, tea?"

They had a tea party with Soonie, Doongie and Dori. The three cats were wary of Iseul at first, not knowing what to think about the small human, but they grew to like her. So much that they managed to sit still with little bows and hats for as long as the little girl wanted. 

Her parents were basically the same. 

A bit later into the evening, Minho was done with his work and joined their little tea party, even if Iseul was getting more and more tired by the second. She refused to end it, but Jisung saw her head dropping. 

"That's enough for today, sweetie. We can have another tea party tomorrow, okay? You can sleep in bed with us today, since we had to end it out of nowhere, is that alright?" Minho stepped up, picking her up. She always loved sleeping with them, so she was quick to agree.

Jisung was so, so happy. Minho made him happy. Iseul made him happy. And the new addition to their family would surely make him happy, too.

Iseul fell asleep quickly, sandwiched between them. Jisung himself was falling asleep already, the exhaustion he felt throughout the day creeping up on him suddenly.

He felt a kiss in his hair. 

"Go to sleep, love." Minho whispered. "I've got you both."

There wasn't a place Jisung would rather be. He belonged here, with his daughter cuddled up to him and the love of his life right in front of him. 

This was home.