Chapter Text
Kim Dohyun was a Duke, his family one of the closest to the Queen of England herself. Second children of five, he always felt like trapped in this role: as the eldest male, he has the weight on his shoulders of carry on the Kim dynasty, once that fought so hard in the past to get where it is now.
Other than that, the 22 year old raven boy had aspirations which he knew he would never reach in this place: since the young age of 5 he wanted to become a dancer, like the ones painted by Edgar Degas, but his mother shushed his "frivolous" fantasy, telling him that he had duties rather more important than those. He listened to his older sister play the piano and take singing lessons, and stood behind the door to practice his own, eventually sneaking in the room and caress with his fingers the piano's tales, hoping one day he'll be able to play.
Since that young age he understood that he wouldnt be free enough, always portraying the educated, polite, good Duke that'll take his father's place. Things were starting to change, discontent was growing between the "common folks", as he used to address the people who lived in London, the gap between these two realities almost too big to close.
He had the responsability of setting a role model for his younger brothers, but it was hard when all he wanted to do was just run away, maybe even cross the ocean, build a life where no one would recognize him as his noble title and maybe live more freely. Of course this will never happen.
Even if he disliked all those hours spent on reading way too old etiquette books and learning about politics, he liked having the financial stability that came with his title: from this point of view, he would never exchange his life with a commoner, that would be an insult.
At least he had his friend to rely on: they knew each others thanks to a boring party thrown by an old man many years ago which they couldnt excuse themselves from, claiming the only thing there they could appreciate were those pastries filled with whipped cream, fruit and chocolate and good liquor that burned your throat and left a sweet tingle on your tongue.
All of this just to say that he was an happy man after all, but maybe he declared a win way too soon...
He was about to get out the house where he lived with his family when he comes across with his older sister, Sunjung, who approaches him and takes him by the arm, interlacing it with hers. "Mother was looking for you, its urgent"
He cant help but narrow his eyes, knowing well that with those words nothing good will go. He knows his mother as the back of his pockets, "Why the rush? I was going to meet with the boys". In the mean time, Sunjung keeps walking with him, leading to the main room where his mother and siblings will probably be, "She said it was important, and I thought it would be better for you to know about it before your meeting with them. You know, so you can then... let off some steam"
He look as at her, narrowing his eyes even more and pursuing his lips "I dont like this tone, i hope you're not involved in this". His sister gives him a look, stopping to fix his jacket and dusting off his shoulders. "I know you're not gonna like what she'll say".
Before he can even say anything more, the door opens and his sister releases his arm, going to sit beside one of his younger brothers and going back to embroiding. His mother, Kim Yeonsoon, looks up from her newspaper, putting the teacup down and folding them neatly. "Were you going out again? Nevermind, I hope your friends wont mind if you're a little late."
"Kyle is always late so no, I guess not. What was this urgent that couldnt wait?" he crosses his arms, standing with a straight back. He glances to his siblings, and he starts to get on edge by looking how even the two youngest troublemakers are sitting quietly, his other brother shifting weight while sat on the couch and pretending to read the same page over and over again.
"I had the chance to talk with her Majesty herself a few weeks ago, and we've talked this through more and more until we came to a decision." She says calmly, the atmosphere growing almost somber. She sees as he was about to open his mouth, "Dont interrupt. The Queen has seen how there is a raising problem regarding the trust and faith from the country towards our nobility."
He cuts again, "Well thats a problem regarding the Queen, what do we have to do with this?" He sees his brother shaking his head from behind a book, anxiety bubbling in Dohyun's chest. "It involves everyone: our liability is on stake, and missing that we as nobles wouldnt be living the luxury we are in. Therefore... her Majesty and I have arranged you a marriage with a girl from town. It is already fixated for the end of the month."
Silence fills the air for a couple of seconds, maybe a minute, the weight of those words sit heavy, his ears ringing and mind trying to process... what the actual fuck.
"... I am not doing it." Anger starts to build up, blood boiling just by the thought of share the same bed as a populate. "Dohyun-" "This marriage needs to prove that our people and those people can actually mingle with each other and live an happy life." his mother chimes in. He cant actually believe it, "Get someone else to do it! I dont want to be some kind of twisted experiment for the Queen!"
He starts to pace back and forth in the room, trying to get a grip of what is happening. "Mother, do you have any idea what this means?" he holds back his tongue, knowing well not to talk badly to his mother. "I know, Dohyun, believe me I do. But i cant oppose to the Queen herself. If she picks on you then this will trouble not only you but also your nephews' nephews. I, at least, tried to find a suitable girl for you among the city with your sister's help." Sunjug looks guilty, avoiding Dohyun's burning stare. "... You betrayed me, sister." "Look at the positive side, you two could always get along. Right?"
He looks at Sunjung flabbergasted, feeling like a slap to his face that even his sister is turning a blind eye to this mess, the only one in that house who stood up for him. "Tsk, there arent positive sides in this: I dont know from what part of the city this girl is, and unfortunately, I have to fuck her too in order do deliver an heir." His mother glares at him, "I do not tolerate this language, Dohyun. Its time you finally take responsabilities as a Duke." She takes back the newspaper, going back to reading. "Besides, it would be an opportunity for her: marrying a rich noble surely has its advantages"
He looks at the rest of his siblings, scoffing and shaking his head. "Of course it has, you're going to imprison her in this society." He turns on his heels and storms off.
There's a club for gentlemen only: nobles or high-ranking titles, can go in there. It is there where most of the young nobles like to spend their time, away from their house and duties, distracting themselves with drinks, cigars and card games. It is an hideway from any expectation, and most important: no one is interested in eavesdrop conversations or gossips (as a certain someone is). Adorned in dark oak wood, velvety couches and drapes, chandeliers casting an intimate glow, providing comfort in those who seeks it.
Just as Dohyun opens the door, he sees his friends sat at the bar, expensive drinks in hands and just talking. Nathan Ross, the redhead of irish descend viscount, seems more quiet and angry, if it wasnt already given off by his sculpted jaw clenched hard and trembling leg, gripping his glass hard enough that it could crack.
While the others, Kyle Smith, the marquis, Gunter Müller and Marshall Lee, who are respectively the german count and british count, were talking among them. "Where is that asian guy?" Kyle asks, sipping on his drink. "Probably he had a few things to run before coming. Probably because of his mo-"
Marshall spots Dohyun istantly, "Oh no, I dont like that the long face? What happened?" The count frowns. "Why late today?" the redhead asks,
Dohyun takes a seat on the barstool, ordering a drink with a wave of his hand to the bartender there. He sighs frustrated, running an hand through his already messy hair, "Today's not for bullshit please." "Did Yeji broke up with you?" Kyle asks, while Nathan mutters a "I'd say halleluja". Dohyun glares at the latter, downing his drink in one shot and asking for another, "Worse. My lovely mother set me up for an arranged marriage. In a month."
Nathan holds up his drink in a silent cheers before taking a sip, "Welcome on board." The duke turns his head to look at him, brows furrowed in confusion when the other speaks again "I've also got an arranged marriage. Only thing i know that she is older than me. For fuck's sake, for what I know she could be an old decrepit 50 year old." "Nath, you cant know that, she could be just a couple of years younger" Marshall puts an hand on the other's forearm, sighing as if they didnt discuss this enough while waiting for the duke to show up.
"The age range could be between 23 and 60."
"Your mother would never put you with a 60 year old woman."
"But with a 40 one she could." He's about to drink another glass when Gunter's hand stops him, "Stop drinking you, you're starting to smell like a distillery."
"I dont know if its trending now marrying your own son to a stranger, old or younger that is, I know its fucked up. I get to marry a freaking commoner. And you know why? Because we'd lose our liability with them. What a joke."
"Well my parents werent before and surely wont ever be." Nathan scoffs, reaching out for another glass but catching air as it gets moved away from Marshall, resulting in a pout.
The three guys exchange looks, before Kyle decides to chime in, "I already said to Nath to think about getting paired up with a milf," he gets a warning glare both from the mentioned one and Gunter, "which is the worst case scenario. But, Dohyun, you could... end up with a pretty girl." the marquis ends.
"I want to marry Yeji. No one else." "It doesnt make it better thinking its a milf" the pair says in unison, both with the same anger tone making Marshall groan out.
"Maybe it was better if you told your mother that you had a girlfriend time ahead." Gunter says, making the duke scoff "If she wasnt that much of a bitch then I would have." He hides his face in his hands, arms on the bar's surface and resting his covered forehead on it, while getting patted on his back by Marshall.
"At least you're not a woman, so technically cheating wouldnt be illegal. Also she's already your girlfriend, you can still see her and do your business. I mean we're guys, no one would complain." Gunter says after a while, letting the two boys sulk. "Oh Gunter!" the count slaps the latter's arm, to which he replies with raising his hands in surrender and a "just saying" face. "It wouldnt be fair to that girl."
"Pfft, oh come on Marsh. She's marrying him just for his money and noble title, taking advantage of his wealth doesnt make her a "poor girl"." Nathan gives the latter a look, scoffing and rolling his eyes. "I dont think she wants it: other than becoming rich and that, no one would like to be tied to this life." the black haired says,
"You're saying that just because you live it like its the end of the world, like its something dreadful. Anyone wants to fill your shoes." Nathan spits out.
"Its not like that-"
"Yes hell it is. They know that they're the one suffering for being poor and all that shit. Would you switch places with them? Of course not."
Dohyun narrows his eyes, tension building up. "Maybe i would be free enough to marry whoever i like."
"Uhm. Sorry but im sure that this wedding thing goes on even between them" the other raven head count says,
"Point is" Dohyun gives Marshall a glare, "Its like binding another person to this position: being a duchess, someone important and close to the Queen."
Nathan rolls his eyes, getting up from his chair "So? What solution do you suggest? Spoiler alert: there isnt one." he spits out,
"Oh come on, you dont have nothing to lose. We all know you change girl like underwear. Also you would cheat on her anyways." The duke scoffs
"Ha! My reputation isnt "nothing" to lose. And dont pull me the "I hAvE a GiRlFrIeNd" shit Kim. I, too, at my own time, would have liked to marry someone i like. Do you think complaying like a bitch will solve things? Sorry, it wont."
"Tsk. Go fuck yourself Nathan." The pair glares one another, until the brunette steps between them
"Only thing you should do right now is support each other, dumbass. Lets not fight over who has it bigger." Marshall says, trying to soothe things out
"There's still time to the weddings" Gunter looks at the pair, "I mean, why dont keep going with your lives until then?"
Both the duke and viscount share a look, still tense from the fight, but dont add anything else. Their friends talk about other things, occasionally playing cards and buying more drinks just to keep their minds off of what will happen in just a month from now...