Archive of Our Own

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Chanyeol wanted to laugh at himself for getting fooled by the emperor.

He shouldn’t believe him in the first place after putting him in so many life-threatening wars just to eliminate the only son of the Park. Just when Chanyeol thought that the old emperor would finally agree to his condition since the dragon had put the empire in crisis, that old sinister man decided to play tricks on him.

Chanyeol still remembers vividly how tired he was after coming back to this kingdom as a war hero for saving so many lives from the dragon – his return was celebrated by people on the street who wanted to get a glimpse of the hero. His tiredness was gone when he was summoned almost immediately to the palace – there’s happiness when he remembers why he was doing this in the first place.

He could’ve just chosen to stay away from the war and live in comfort. But, because of that person.

That person that he has been longing for, Chanyeol chose to stay and endured being ordered like a dog by the emperor.

“I hope you remember about my condition before slaying the dragon.” The war hero kneels in front of the emperor, head on the ground – never meeting the eyes of the emperor they said.

“Of course, I did! After all, you’re truly the greatest general of all the time!”

At this point, Chanyeol wasn’t sure whether the emperor was being sarcastic or praising him with honesty. But that’s not important now, the most important thing right now is his reward.

“You’ll get married to Prince Baekhyun by tomorrow.”

Wait, what?

Chanyeol lifted his head to meet the eyes of the crooked emperor in shock – couldn’t believe what he had heard.

Is this a joke? Chanyeol for quite a long time didn’t remember the existence of Prince Baekhyun until the emperor mentioned his name to him. Prince Baekhyun is a hidden prince, it’s no secret from the public that the royal family wants to erase his existence from their genealogy. Born from a runaway princess and a commoner, Prince Baekhyun was brought to the royal family after the princess crawled back to the palace because she can’t bear to live like a commoner or live in hardship. Unfortunately for her, she was beheaded right away after pleading with her supposed father to enter back to the palace. Prince Baekhyun survived because they thought that he could contribute something to the family.

But to their dismay, Prince Baekhyun is said to bring misfortune into the family. He was kept away from the main palace and stayed at the servant quarter where he was never being heard of again. Everyone literally forgot his existence, including Chanyeol.

“What? Do you think I would let you marry Princess Ki?” The emperor smirked evilly at him, and Chanyeol’s grip on his sword become tighter – he ought to slash this senile old man's head but he thankfully, managed to calm himself before he did something that could lead to his own doom.

Princess Ki.

Right, she is the one that Chanyeol desires, the precious jewel of the nation – her beauty could rival the blooming flower. Chanyeol was instantly enticed by her beauty the moment he first landed his eyes on her at the banquet almost 10 years ago. They were both teenagers during their first meeting and he still remembers how elegant and smart she was by the way how the words came out from her petal lips.

She is perfect in every sense.

“Don’t be too cocky, general…why would I give my precious princess to you? She deserves to marry a crown prince from another kingdom than a son from a fallen family.” The emperor said sinisterly.

So, after what he has done to this old man and his stupid empire, he is still just a son from a fallen family?

How foolish of him to think that the emperor would finally grant his only wish.

He should’ve just started the coup d'etat years ago.

-

Now, here he is.

About to get married to some prince that he had never seen. Chanyeol stood at the altar patiently as he waited for the prince to make his entrance. Of course, he was angry to the point where he plotted multiple assassination attempts on the emperor but being angry and unreasonable would contribute nothing but hurt his reputation.

After all, he has worked so damn hard to get into this position after his family’s reputation was tarnished by the failed coup to overthrow the current royal family 50 years ago.

At least, the people are pitying him for being lied to. He could hear the words from the streets, many were angry at the emperor’s dirty trick – shame that the greatest hero and general is getting married with the royal embarrassment.

The public opinion is positive about him, this is good for his future plan.

And for Prince Baekhyun, he knew that the prince probably doesn’t want this marriage at all. They’re getting married out of a sudden too so it might be a great shock to the prince. He will send him to some other safe place for the prince to live if he asks. Chanyeol doesn’t want to force anything on him. Perhaps, Chanyeol is pitying the prince too much. A prince that was treated worse than a servant. Such a sad life that he lives

Chanyeol glanced at the always beautiful Princess Ki who somehow decided to grace her presence at this humble wedding – for a royalty marriage, this wedding is surely far inferior even by the standard of commoners. It’s a message too by the emperor to remind himself of his position in this empire, he meant nothing at all.

The general of war smirked, that stupid emperor think that he would just stand still by this humiliation? Just wait, once he gathered enough supporters, he would behead that senile emperor by himself and marry Princess Ki at his funeral.

The maids announced the arrival of Prince Baekhyun.

Chanyeol turned his head to see the prince for the first time in his life. The moment the prince entered the cathedral, Chanyeol couldn’t help but sigh in disappointment.

Of course, that damn veil has to cover all of his face and body. It’s a part of the wedding tradition where the bride has to cover themselves fully and only their husband could open and see their face and body during the wedding night.

All he knows about Prince Baekhyun's appearance is his short height compared to him who is basically towering over the prince in a veil. When the prince stood beside him, the priest started reciting the texts – it was quite long that Chanyeol had the urge to yawn. When Chanyeol glanced to his side, he catches how the prince beside him is trying to hold his tremble.

Chanyeol feels bad.

He is pretty sure the prince is crying right now under the veil judging by how he keeps hearing muffled sniffles from the prince. Out of sympathy, the general put his palm softly behind Prince Baekhyun’s small back. The reaction is quite…entertaining to him – because the prince flinched and yelped in surprise at the sudden gesture.

The general leaned close to his bride.

“Don’t worry, I will never harm you,” Chanyeol whispered to the prince in a veil and almost immediately, he felt the prince start to calm down.

The priest cleared his throat, and Chanyeol straightened his back again with a smile.

“Should we continue?” The priest asked.

“Of course,” Chanyeol answered in easiness.

And they recite the wedding vows that officially tied them up together as a married couple.

-

After the wedding ceremony, Prince Baekhyun was escorted by the knights to Chanyeol’s official residence while Chanyeol had to meet the emperor again. The emperor said that he would like to give him a warm welcome to the royal family, but it seems to Chanyeol that it’s more of a mockery to him.

“Don’t be so angry, general. A man with a high status like you could afford to have at least ten concubines.” The emperor said. What a bullshit thing to say to a groom that just finished his wedding ceremony.

“Just think of this marriage as a way to strengthen our relationship.”

Then you should have just let me marry Princess Ki, Chanyeol thought bitterly as he sipped the champagne.

“Do whatever you want with that thing, either if he is dead or alive, you’ll still be treated as a family.”

Chanyeol decided to ignore the emperor’s words. To think that Prince Baekhyun is not even regarded as a human being anymore left a sour taste in him. What did that young prince even do to the emperor to make him be an outcast like this?

The war hero left the palace at dusk, to his shock, on his way back to his carriage, he found Princess Ki already waiting for him. She looks ethereal with the sunset illuminating her whole beautiful self which almost takes Chanyeol’s breath away.

“Congratulations on your wedding, general.” Princess Ki gave a sweet smile.

Chanyeol lost his words upon seeing that smile before he quickly muttered a breathless thanks. There is a silence between them, Chanyeol wondered what she wanted to say to him? It can’t be just congratulatory, right?

“I just want you to know that I will always stand beside you.” She tucked her curly brown hair behind her ears as she spoke those words shyly before leaving the confused general.

Chanyeol watched her until her shadow could no longer be seen. He sighed heavily. To think that she only said it now after he got married to Prince Baekhyun. Doesn’t it mean that she doesn’t want to lose her privilege when she doesn't confess her feelings about him to the emperor? Well, Chanyeol can’t blame her, after all, she has been raised inside the palace as the favorite princess throughout her whole life.

And with that, the general left the palace and went back to his residence where his spouse was already waiting for him.

-

The sun already set down the moment he returned to his home, the maid informed him that the prince was already waiting for him inside their bedroom – their? How weird, just barely 24 hours ago that room was just for him.

Chanyeol put away his coat, leaving his white shirt only as he opened the door to the bedroom. There, on top of the bed, the prince that was still in the veil sat patiently as he gazed at the moon just outside the window. The prince almost jumped when he heard the door being opened, revealing Park Chanyeol.

Chanyeol closes the door behind him, noticing how his maids decorated the room in a very romantic and sexual way. For god sake, they even light up candles throughout the whole room.

He stepped closer and closer to the almost frozen prince. The general sitting beside him, couldn’t help but notice how the prince flinched a bit by their closeness. Surprisingly, the prince is the one who initiated the conversation between them.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Those were the first words that the prince ever said to him. His voice is soft, melodic but somehow, there’s a fear in that voice.

“For what?” Chanyeol asked, didn’t mean it to sound too stern – perhaps he has used to command his subordinates that the stern tone in his talking sometimes slipped out like this. He hopes that the prince wasn’t too scared by it.

“I-I know you don’t want me, that’s why I want to find a storeroom stay in quietly b-but the sisters here didn’t let me leave this room.”

Sisters? Oh, he meant the maids? Why would he call– oh, perhaps staying at the very same place as the servants have made him befriend them. Or perhaps he sees himself as someone lower than them.

“I’m not cruel enough to let you stay in a storeroom,” Chanyeol said, hoping that the prince didn’t think of him badly.

“But I don’t deserve to be here, I know my place.” The prince spoke in a lower tone, looking down upon himself.

Seriously, what the hell have they done to him to make him lose all of his self-confidence?

“No, you’re staying here.” Chanyeol firmly said.

“B-But-”

“Listen, you’re my spouse now, you deserve to be here, in fact, you’re allowed to go to any places that you wish for as long as you tell me beforehand.” Chanyeol is honestly surprised by how soft he is towards this pitiful prince.

The prince fell quiet almost immediately and Chanyeol just let him be for a few minutes to calm him down. Then, he broke the silence.

“Can I see your face now?” Chanyeol asked for permission.

The prince gasped in response before trying to distance himself from the general but fortunately, Chanyeol was fast enough to grasp his hand before he tried to flee.

“N-No! I am ugly! I can’t let you see my horrendous face!” The small prince shrieked in alarm.

Now, Chanyeol is curious. How ugly he is until it makes him react this way?

“Just show me.” Chanyeol uses his force a bit to yank the smaller closer but perhaps he uses it a bit too much since the prince is now in his arms – silencing the prince due to the shock.

The war hero used this opportunity to quickly lift the veil off from the prince despite the late protest. When he lifts Baekhyun’s face to look at him properly, his breath feels like it’s caught in his throat.

Dear Lord, is this what an angel looks like?

The royal embarrassment who people said to have a face of a monster is actually a beauty. No, perhaps calling him a beauty is not enough.

Baekhyun is an aphrodite.

His face is small, he has a pair of droopy eyes that somehow resemble a puppy, a cute button nose, petal lips with rosy cheeks – Baekhyun is perfect. His expression is rich too, Chanyeol could see the fear, and sadness in his eyes. Ah, he wishes he could turn it into a gentle and happy gaze.

Chanyeol thought that Princess Ki is the most beautiful human being he has ever seen but no – Baekhyun’s beauty is far beyond her.

Whoever called him ugly probably has lost their mind.

“Please don’t look at me, I am ashamed of this face.” Baekhyun covers his face with both of his hands.

It’s broke Chanyeol’s heart to see a soft person like Baekhyun has been tortured until he becomes like this. Ashamed of himself, thinking everyone above him, discarded his own thoughts and feelings – Prince Baekhyun is truly pitiful.

Chanyeol lowered the two dainty hands of Baekhyun using only his one hand. The prince looks at him with tears welled up around his eyes.

“You’re beautiful.”

Chanyeol said in almost whispery, his eyes didn’t leave Baekhyun, admiring every inch of his beauty – truly enchanted by the prince. Driven by his feelings, Chanyeol leaned closer to Baekhyun until their lips were merely just an inch apart from each other. The prince didn’t revolt but instead, he just sat on Chanyeol’s lap quietly.

And so, without any hesitation, Chanyeol softly kissed Baekhyun on his petal-like lips. Brings the small prince impossibly closer to his chest as he savors the sweet taste as if it’s aectar. Baekhyun could only grasp both of Chanyeol’s shoulders as he obediently let the general lead the kiss. Chanyeol learned that this might be Baekhyun’s first kiss, judging by how clumsy he is but still, he figured that it was cute by how Baekhyun still tried so hard to please him even when he knew nothing.

Chanyeol laid down the small prince on the mattress, hovering above him while still connecting their lips together – his hand slipped inside the wedding gown, resting his hand on the soft flesh of Baekhyun’s bare thighs -- pinching and kneading it. Chanyeol has completely lost his mind, never once did he ever feel like this before when he kissed someone. Kissing Baekhyun is a whole new experience for him.

Baekhyun looks dazed, his face is crimson red, there are tears pooled around his eyes and his lips are rosier than ever – the prince looks beyond erotic in the eyes of Chanyeol.

He really hit the jackpot, didn’t he?

When he was about to dive into another kiss, he heard Baekhyun’s squeaking under him.

“W-Wait! I-I…” Baekhyun lost his words, his eyes are everywhere but Chanyeol.

As if he finally snapped out from being hypnotized, Chanyeol immediately pulled himself away from the flustered prince. He cursed himself for being unable to control himself and act like a mindless beast. How wonderful, now he must have scared Baekhyun for life.
The general muttered an apology to Baekhyun before he walked away from him, wanting to leave Baekhyun in his peace instead of trying to take advantage of him again.

However, before he could step out from the room, a hand grasped on his robe tightly. He turned around and saw that Baekhyun was holding onto him with a face redder than a tomato.

“I’m sorry! I was just surprise….I-”

Before the prince could finish his sentences, Chanyeol put his hand on top of his head – smiling gently to assure him that everything is fine.

“That’s okay, just go to sleep, it was a long day after all.”

“B-But-”

“I don’t want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, good night, Baekhyun.” Chanyeol hurriedly said, not even waiting for the response as he closed the door behind him.

Chanyeol stands outside the bedroom before letting out a heavy sigh while looking down at his hardened cock.

Great, now he needs to take a cold shower.

-

It was a lovely morning, Chanyeol had just finished dressing up for today's occasion and walked to have breakfast. He was sleeping in the study room throughout the whole night because he doesn’t want to make Baekhyun uncomfortable by his presence.

Besides, he has fucked up quite badly last night. He blamed himself for being so consumed with lust that he couldn’t even think rationally.

Perhaps he should give a proper apology to Baekhyun. He doesn’t want the prince to feel unsafe here. That prince has gone through a lot.

However, when he was walking, he couldn’t help but notice the maids running back and forth with worried expressions, even the farmers and other servants seemed to be in panic.

“What’s wrong?” Chanyeol asked one of them.

The maid who seemed surprised to see him at this corner of the mansion was hesitant to tell him at first before she answered with a shaky voice.

“My lord, Prince Baekhyun has gone missing.”

-

Chanyeol immediately went to search for Baekhyun upon hearing it. He is worried over the well-being of the prince, anything could happen to him since the prince is very vulnerable physically and emotionally.
He tried to think rationally, tried to figure out where he would go if he was Baekhyun. There’s no way he would go back to that hellish place called the palace unless he has a death wish upon himself. The guards that were on duty patrolling around the residence said that they haven’t seen anyone going out from this mansion so, the possibility of Baekhyun exiting from the mansion is close to zero.

Baekhyun couldn’t possibly escape from the eyes of his highly well-trained guards and all the security systems, after all, his residence is the safest place in the whole empire after the palace.

The possibility of his whereabouts narrowing down around his residence only. Baekhyun is still here, but where could he be?

Chanyeol even searched around the storeroom in case he finally found that place and decided to stay in it. However, the attempt was futile since Baekhyun wasn’t there. Chanyeol stops and ponders for a while before the realization hits him.

Baekhyun is only here for just a day, and he hasn’t gone anywhere other than their shared room and he hasn’t even dared to step out from that room because this place is still strange to him.

Without wasting any time, the general swiftly went back to their shared room where he last saw Baekhyun. He searched at every corner of the room – under the bed, under the table, behind the curtain and even behind the vase. Baekhyun still isn’t here.

His attention suddenly became attached to the small wardrobe where he had kept his casual clothes to wear when he was too lazy to go to the dressing room during his vacation.

Chanyeol opened the wardrobe, his eyes immediately fixated on the small pink cocoon that was lying down inside his wardrobe. He pushed aside the clothes that got into his way and instantly, he found the one that he had been looking for.

There, the prince is sleeping soundly while bundled up himself with a pink blanket that he probably got from the wardrobe – Baekhyun looks peaceful and undisturbed by anyone.

Chanyeol sighed in relief, really, this little one here almost gave him a heart attack early in the morning.

The general doesn’t have the heart to wake the smaller from his sleep, and so, he only watches how beautiful and serene the beauty is while he is asleep.

He really looks like a newborn baby with his pink cocoon.

Perhaps, due to the sunlight that hit his face, Baekhyun stirred from his sleep with a soft whine. He slowly opened his two droopy eyes before a look of confusion painted on his face – wondering where he is right now.

Then, those two beautiful brown orbs were finally attached to Chanyeol. He rubbed his eyes cutely from the sleep, probably wondering whether he was dreaming or not but when he found Chanyeol was still there, the smaller let out a small surprise noise and instantly sat up as he pulled the blanket closer to him.

Without hesitation, Chanyeol picked Baekhyun up and carried him in bridal style, earning a surprise gasp from the prince. He places Baekhyun on top of the bed before standing with arms around his chest – watching as the prince is fidgeting around, probably uncomfortable by the stare.

“Why are you sleeping in there?” The general asked after a few moments.

The smaller looked down on his fidgeting feet – not meeting the eyes of Chanyeol at all.

“I don’t belong to sleep in a bed.” Baekhyun said with his small voice.

Chanyeol arched his eyebrows.

“And who said that?” Although he already figured out who had placed such a thought inside Baekhyun’s head.

“Everyone…”

“I don’t think I ever said that.”

Upon hearing Chanyeol’s words, Baekhyun gasped before he looked at Chanyeol – shaking his head, causing his brown hair to bounce along the movement.

“No, not you…but the….” Even without Baekhyun finishing his words Chanyeol already could guess who it was. It’s those people who abused him inside the palace.

Chanyeol sighed heavily, he honestly wondered what has Baekhyun ever done to make them very hostile to him? As far as he knows, the prince has been living as if he was dead throughout this whole time.

“I told you before, right? That you’re allowed to do anything that you want – well, except for sleeping inside a closet since you could suffocate in there.” Chanyeol explained.

“B-But I failed to be your spouse.”

Now, Chanyeol is confused. Why would he even think like that? They are not even married for more than 24 hours yet.

“Why are you saying that?”

Baekhyun looks hesitant to say it, he keeps fiddling with his fingers, as if to decide whether he should just say it or not.

“You rejected me last night.” The prince softly muttered. Chanyeol rubbed his face, so it’s about last night, huh? Even Chanyeol feels ashamed about himself for acting without thinking last night. This is the consequences that he should face, and he should be responsible for causing Baekhyun to feel insecure.

“Only people without minds would reject you," Chanyeol mumbled before he continued.

"Baekhyun, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, I want to make you feel safe and besides, marriage is more than that.”

-

That morning, after Baekhyun was clean and dressed, they had their first breakfast together. Although Baekhyun is hesitant to sit on the same table as him, insisting to eat with the maids much to Chanyeol concern. But still, the prince listened to him and ate quietly.

Chanyeol realized that he should buy clothes for Baekhyun since all the prince has with him is just his wedding gown. Even the clothes that he wears right now belong to Chanyeol, so it looks ridiculously big on him.

However, the plan has to be scheduled at some other time since he has to do some inspection on the military. Kind of ridiculous actually since he was just married so, he should at least get a few days off but nothing can be done since his marriage is rushed too.

When he was at work, his subordinates were congratulating him for his wedding but still, Chanyeol noticed the pitiful gazes from them despite trying his best to ignore it and continue his work as usual.

“To think that you were so fixated on marrying Princess Ki even after almost dying multiple times.”

Sehun, his closest friend since he joined the military, spoke before gulping the entire glass. They are just having drinks together after finishing work before retreating to their respective home. Chanyeol just ignored the remark. Well, it’s true though, there was at some point where he was just living for his dream to marry Princess Ki.

“The emperor is really humiliating you by marrying you with that prince.”

“His name is Prince Baekhyun.” Chanyeol said almost instantly then, pour himself another drink.

“Yeah,” Sehun said uninterestedly before he continued.

“I was surprised that you didn’t reject marrying him. I mean, who is he anyway? I don’t remember anything about him except that he is an embarrassment to the royal family.”

It seems like it’s not just Chanyeol who forgot about him before, probably the reputation that Baekhyun has is just the royal embarrassment.

The royal family was trying so hard to erase his existence all these years.

“You know damn well that I would’ve been banished right away if I rejected it.” Chanyeol answered, fully aware of the emperor’s game on him. He knew that the emperor always tried so hard to either make his life difficult or try to kill him.

Sehun nodded in agreement, remembering all the time that Chanyeol has suffered because of that damn emperor.

“I heard that Princess Ki was crying all night.”

“Something must be bothering her.” Chanyeol said before drinking his last glass. Choosing to not think much about it despite already knowing the answer.

“Yeah, I wonder why.” Sehun mockingly said to him after seeing his indifference.

“So, how is that prince?”

Upon hearing the mention of Baekhyun, Chanyeol couldn’t help but perk a little bit. This reaction doesn’t go unnoticed by his friend who watched him with wide eyes.

The general turns to him with a grin.

“He is fantastic."

-

When Chanyeol returned home, it was already dark. He wondered how Baekhyun was when he was gone, the prince surely needed some time to adjust with the new surroundings and Chanyeol should’ve been there to make him comfortable. He feels about it, leaving the prince all alone. But what can he do? His work can’t be delayed but fortunately, he managed to get a few days off by tomorrow so, at least, he can spend time with Baekhyun a little bit.

He immediately asked about Baekhyun to the butler the moment he stepped into the house. The butler said the prince just stayed inside their room throughout the whole day but thankfully, he was eating well when they called for him.

When Chanyeol entered their marital bedroom, his eyes immediately attached to the lonely figure of the prince who sat by himself on the floor. His back slumped to the wall, head lolled to the side – indicating that the prince is currently sleeping right now.

Chanyeol sighed, he wondered why is it so hard for Baekhyun to sleep on the bed? How did he sleep this whole time before meeting him?

The general didn’t waste any time, he walked swiftly towards the smaller and picked him up in bridal style. Thankfully, Baekhyun didn’t wake up by it and just slept like a baby. He placed him softly, tucked the prince safely on the bed.

He stopped for a while, admiring his beauty. Chanyeol honestly couldn’t get enough of his beauty. Chanyeol has definitely seen beauties throughout this whole continent while he was stationed in many foreign countries but none of them could be compared to Baekhyun. Even Princess Ki, the jewel of the empire, isn't as attractive as him.

How did they manage to hide him?

The servants who stayed in the same quarter as him before didn’t say a word about Baekhyun. At least, some words on the street regarding the prince’s beauty should be gossiped but no, the people even have an idea that the prince is looking like a horrendous monster.

The emperor must be the one behind this, well, it’s obvious since he is the one behind all of Baekhyun’s miseries. He must have ordered all the words regarding Baekhyun shouldn’t be out from the public.

Chanyeol decided that it’s enough to admire him, he can always admire Baekhyun after all.

-

Chanyeol woke up after hearing a screaming beside him followed by a loud thud.

He rubbed his eyes, wondering what had happened. He touched the side of his bed, feeling it empty – weird, doesn’t Baekhyun supposedly sleep there?

Oh, wait.

Chanyeol immediately lifted his body by his elbow, looking at how he is by himself without the prince but when he looked at the corner of the bed, he found the prince was already on the floor with his eyes wide open as he was staring at him.

“Why are you on the floor?” Chanyeol confusedly asked.

“I-I-I…” Baekhyun can't form any intelligible words.

Deciding to just let it go, the general lay his body back on the bed. This is probably the only rest that he finally gets after coming back from slaying the dragon. Everything occurred so fast to him that he can’t even catch a wink of sleep.

“Come here, it’s still early.” The general called for his bride with his eyes closed.

There’s a moment of silence and Chanyeol is about to drive to another slumber before the prince finally speaks.

“I-I’ll help in the kitchen.”

Chanyeol hears soft footsteps running away from the room.

“Yeah, go ahead.” The general mumbled drowsily.

That’s when the words that Baekhyun said finally registered inside his sleepy head.

Wait, what?

Chanyeol swung his eyes open and managed to run after Baekhyun to stop him from doing whatever things that he is thinking of doing right now. The prince looks shocked seeing him before averting his gaze shyly.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Chanyeol arched his eyebrow.

“Helping the sisters.” Baekhyun answered, seemingly confused by the question.

“Yeah, but why?”

The prince fiddled with his long, slender fingers – Chanyeol noticed that Baekhyun had quite beautiful fingers when they exchanged their rings.

“I-I can’t possibly do nothing here….there must be a reason why you still keep me.” Baekhyun’s voice is slow and small – as if he is scared that Chanyeol might lashed out at him anytime soon.

It feels like Baekhyun is walking on thin ice every time he sees him. His demeanour is stiff, careful and fearful – it’s really saddening to see the prince like this. What sort of experience that he has been through to make him become this terrified of people?

“For goodness sake, you’re my spouse, not my servant.”

Those were the only words that Chanyeol could say. He figures that they really need some time to spend together in order to have Baekhyun fully trust him.

-

That day, Chanyeol called for his personal tailor to make and buy Baekhyun’s clothes since the prince didn't bring anything with him. Despite the prince's objection since he doesn’t want to bring any trouble to Chanyeol. Of course, Chanyeol denies it by saying that clothes are the most basic thing that any human being should have.

Baekhyun should also dress nicely since he is now representing Chanyeol when they make their appearance to the public. Also, it feels nice to have Baekhyun wear beautiful clothes and accessories. The prince is sure looking good with any clothes that he tries, even the simplest dress looks amazing on him. That’s why Chanyeol decided to just buy everything that the tailor sells to them – ignoring the protest from Baekhyun of course.

His vacations were just spent with Baekhyun, although their progress was a bit slow and Baekhyun is still nervous around him but at least he could show the prince that he is sincere being with him. He also wants to make the prince comfortable with him, trust him enough to at least depend on him if anything happens to him. After all, Chanyeol is the most hateful man in the emperor’s list, his enemies from other countries are also keeping him on his guard. Oh, and not to mention, sometimes mythical creatures would attack him out of nowhere. This definitely put Baekhyun in immediate danger too.

One night, when Baekhyun had already fallen asleep on the bed and Chanyeol was reviewing some documents, a realization hit him.

He always wondered why the emperor wanted him to get married to Baekhyun. He thought that it’s a way for him to humiliate him. Now, he got the right answer, the emperor wants to eliminate Baekhyun in the easiest way without hurting his reputation. The emperor is aware that Chanyeol has many enemies, and they could kill him anytime. But unlike Chanyeol who is already expert in combat and assasination, Baekhyun is vulnerable to danger around him. If Baekhyun dies, the blame will be put on Chanyeol since he is the one who supposedly protects him.

And eventually, it could lead to his death too since Baekhyun is still a member of the royal family.

Chanyeol chuckled darkly, such a wicked senile old man.

It seems like his plan needs to move forward faster since that old man doesn’t seem to want to die before him.

“Chanyeol…”

The said man immediately lifted his head, his thoughts were gone the moment he heard that sweet voice calling him. He is glad that Baekhyun is comfortable enough to call him by his name although the prince is still shy everytime he calls him by his name.

His sweet husband has already sat on the bed with a drowsy expression as he looks at Chanyeol confusedly. The smaller rubs his sleep away.

Ah, how adorable.

How could anyone hate this beautiful angel?

“Go back to sleep, I will join you later.” Chanyeol said when he saw that Baekhyun was conscious enough to comprehend his words.

He expected the smaller one to go to sleep like he said, but surprisingly, Baekhyun walked off from the bed and stopped in front of him. Chanyeol is flabbergasted at first but he quickly pushes aside the coffee table in front of him to make room for Baekhyun on the sofa with him.

However, much to his surprise again, Baekhyun went to sit on his lap.

Although still in shock, Chanyeol quickly grabbed Baekhyun’s waist tightly to make sure that he was not falling and securely put the prince on his lap.

Baekhyun wrapped his arms around his neck as his sleepy, droopy eyes stared straight into him.

He wondered what with this sudden boldness? Does Baekhyun become more fearless when he is sleepy?

“Are you alright?” Chanyeol asked worriedly.

The smaller one only looked at him wordlessly. Somehow, in this position and Baekhyun’s state, it kind of makes him nervous.

How weird, he rarely feels nervous. Even during the war, he barely feels anything except annoyance for participating in another useless war.

“You are so nice to me.” Baekhyun muttered.

He is? Chanyeol is not sure with that statement since all he did was just treat Baekhyun like how he deserved.

Chanyeol didn’t answer but instead, his eyes are attached to the cherry lips that he has tasted before.

He can never forget the taste of his lips, despite Baekhyun’s inexperience, that was definitely the best kiss that he ever had.

It sure would be nice to kiss him again.

Perhaps he has been driven with lust or it was himself who has always earned for it – Chanyeol leaned close for a kiss to the beauty on his lap.

Before he could control himself, his lips already stole another kiss from Baekhyun.

The kiss is much more passionate and fiery than their first kiss, Baekhyun reicoprate with the kiss slowly – still learning with the lead from Chanyeol.

Chanyeol’s hand didn’t stay still, his hands went to Baekhyun’s soft bottom that he always has his eyes on. Groped and caressed it before sliding his hands under his pyjama’s pants expertly – touching the prince’s soft bare bottom underneath his rough, big hands.

His action caused Baekhyun to gasp in surprise but instead of pulling away, he could see that Baekhyun is still trying too hard to please him. It's endearing but Chanyeol is aware that he needs to stop before going any further.

When he pulled away, he was surprised when Baekhyun immediately pulled him closer with desperate looks.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to stop.”

That was quite an invitation and Chanyeol almost fell for it but as much as wants it, he knew better that Baekhyun is probably not in his right state of mind right now. The prince put his head on his shoulder, breathing right on his ear.

Is this for real?

Did Baekhyun mean it?

Chanyeol began to question but before he could ask Baekhyun again, he heard a slow snore from Baekhyun adding with his steady breathing.

The general almost chuckles but stops himself after remembering that Baekhyun is currently sleeping right now. It’s almost mind blowing how Baekhyun can fall asleep this fast even after having a makeout session.

So, Baekhyun can be a bit fearless when he is sleepy – Chanyeol makes a mental note on that.

And after that, he brings Baekhyun to the bed and joins him.

Truly, there is never a day that isn’t exciting after marrying Baekhyun.

-

“Are you sure you want to bring me to the ball?” Baekhyun asked timidly while they were inside the carriage.

Baekhyun looks extraordinarily beautiful tonight, the high low midnight lace dress hugging his body perfectly – the maids even style him with accessories on his hair and wrist. Baekhyun is definitely beyond stunning.

When Chanyeol saw him coming down the stairs, he couldn’t help but stare in awe at the beauty. He even contemplated not bringing Baekhyun with him, but decided to get his grip together and just went along with his plan.

“Of course, it’s good to officially introduce you to others.” Chanyeol reassured him, he is wearing a suit with the same colour as Baekhyun – purposely choosing the same colour to make sure that people would recognize them as a couple.
“But I…don’t need to know anyone else other than you.” Baekhyun answered bashfully.

That's adorable and Chanyeol couldn’t help but feel relieved when he finally saw that Baekhyun opened up his heart a little bit to him. Perhaps spending time with him for three days has been fruitful for both of them.

Although they don't really do much except accompany each other. Well, except for that night but it seems like Baekhyun doesn’t remember anything that happened.

“You need to, at least you will have some friends when I’m not here anymore.”

Chanyeol doesn’t mean it to sound too tragic and just when he was about to rephrase his words, he saw the smaller frozen by his words. His face is pale as he looks at Chanyeol with wide eyes.

Shit.

“I mean, when I have to work overseas of course.”

He meant going to war since the relationship between the empire and the northern region these days doesn’t seem too good and the emperor will definitely use this chance to try to get him killed again. But Baekhyun doesn’t need to know that, he doesn’t want to make him worried.

Fortunately, Baekhyun seemed relieved after hearing his explanation. They stayed in comfortable silence after that as the carriage brought them to the party that was held in the royal’s grand hall.

After a few minutes, they finally arrived at the party. The party is to celebrate the empire’s win against the dragon that has terrorized the land for more than a decade. All of the aristocrats are attending, his subordinates who contribute to the victory are also invited. However, the most important guests here, the one that Chanyeol wanted to see the most – the emperor and of course, the precious Princess Ki.

Baekhyun grabbed his sleeve when they were about to leave the carriage, the general looked at him and saw that he was trembling – almost looking like he was about to cry too.

“It’s okay, we are only going to greet the emperor and leave after that.” Chanyeol coaxed him, feeling bad for bringing him here despite his knowing of Baekhyun’s fear.

Perhaps, he should have just sent Baekhyun back home. Just when he was about to ask the chauffeur to turn back, the prince quickly held his arm.

“I-I’m alright, I’m just scared that they would hate you for having a spouse with a monstrous face.” Baekhyun looked down to his lap.

Chanyeol honestly has no idea how he should get rid of Baekhyun’s thought of him being ugly when he is far opposite from that. No matter how many times Chanyeol told him that he is beautiful, the prince never believed in it.

“I don’t know how to make you believe in me, but one thing for sure, you’re the most beautiful human being that I have ever seen. If everyone in this world says you’re horrendous then please remember that you’re the prettiest in my eyes.”

Chanyeol said those words as he stared deep into Baekhyun’s eyes.

The smaller blinked his eyes multiple times before a tinted blush could be visible on his apple cheeks. He looks away embarrassingly, ears are flaming red.

“I trust you.”

Baekhyun muttered those words quietly, and Chanyeol never thought that his heart could beat this hard before.

-

“The last guests, general of the military, His excellency, Park Chanyeol and his companion.”

The guard announced the arrival of the war hero to the guests inside the hall, the hall grew silent as the door opened – revealing the military general with his partner wearing all black. As if they are attending a mourning ceremony instead of a ball.

Of course, the general looking dashing as always however, their attention now is attached towards the beautiful man that walks alongside with him. Never once in their life that they saw such beauty that could rival Princess Ki. Even while wearing all black, the soft-looking petite man is definitely the centre of attention right now.

The emperor and Princess Ki who sit obediently beside him watched the newly arrived couple making their way towards the throne that the emperor currently sits on.

“That bastard sure dares to arrive later than the emperor.” The old emperor said as he grew irritated watching the confident smile and looks that the son of the traitor family gave towards the guests.

“There must be an inconvenience along the way.” The beautiful Princess Ki comforts the emperor.

“Hah, you always become soft to that bastard, if it isn’t for you, I would’ve get his head-”

“Your Majesty, people might hear you.” The empire’s princess warned her grandfather.

The emperor immediately kept his mouth shut with annoyed huffing. He watched intently at the two couples who were already close to him. He could see and hear very well how the war hero grabbed everyone's attention by just the mere presence of him. Not to mention, the unknown pretty boy beside him is so gorgeous that even the musicians stop playing as they stare in awe towards them.

For some reason, the always graceful Princess Ki seems to be on edge the moment she sees the couple enter the hall. Well, she should be because right at this moment, the boy beside the general is grabbing all the attention away from her, the emperor thought. After all, her beauty is the only asset that she possesses.

-

When Chanyeol got close enough to the emperor and the princess, he bowed his head to them – glancing at Baekhyun who did the same as him. Baekhyun’s hands are shaky the closer they are towards the emperor, Chanyeol could see very well how uncomfortable Baekhyun is by the attention and the abuser who stood in front of him.

He should greet this bastard emperor quickly and just go back, he can’t let Baekhyun fear for his life like this.

“Ah, General Park, you came! And I see that you brought a beautiful companion too.” The emperor couldn't take his eyes away from the trembling Baekhyun.

“Not even a week after your wedding, you already have a mistress, you never cease to surprise me, General Park.”

Chanyeol is the one who should be surprised here to be honest. How on earth does he not recognize his own grandson? Does the emperor ever see his face? He doubted so, the emperor probably never took a glance at Baekhyun ever since he was a baby. No wonder Baekhyun still hasn’t been sold off to another country. With such beauty, even if the emperor hates him to the core, he would still use him for the ‘diplomacy purpose’.

The general smirked at the emperor, causing the old man to flinch seeing his devilish looks.

This is gonna be fun.

“Your Majesty, I must say that it was quite a good joke.” Chanyeol sarcastically said. The general then added.

“There’s no way you would not recognize your own flesh and blood.”

“What are yo-” The emperor is agitated now.

Chanyeol pulled the trembling prince beside him – causing the poor prince to let out a surprise yelp as the general hugged his small waist. Making sure that the emperor takes a good look at Baekhyun.

“This angel here is my legal partner, the gift that you bestowed upon me, his name is Prince Baekhyun.”

The halls are filled with people gasping when they realise who is actually the person beside the war hero. The emperor’s eyes are bulging upon the realisation, his face pale as he looks at Baekhyun. Princess Ki on the other hand, just looked calm as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

“I should give my gratitude to your majesty for giving me such a precious diamond here, I couldn’t ask for better.” Chanyeol said with a cocky smile, noticing how Princess Ki's calm expression wavered upon hearing him.

After a few moments of silence between the general and the emperor, Chanyeol bowed his head again in courtesy.

“Unfortunately, me and my beloved here shall take our leave, my prince here doesn’t feel well.”

Seeing the emperor still in shock to the point he couldn’t speak any words, the general took this chance to lead Baekhyun out of the hall. However, just when they were about to take another step, the sweet and endearing voice of Princess Ki stopped their pace.

“It would be better for him to get checked with the royal’s physicians, after all, we have the best doctors in the whole empire. Also, there are many guests here who wish to see you, General Park.” The princess spoke with so much elegance and calmness despite the situation that they are currently in.

As expected from Princess Ki, she is always cool-headed.

Chanyeol glanced at the guests, indeed, one of the main reasons why he bothers himself to be in this party is to meet the guests, especially the nobles. It’s not easy to meet them on a daily basis, to make the matter worse, most of them tend to dissociate themselves from him because of his bad reputation to the emperor.

It’s not like he even cares regarding his connection with the nobles but because they are important for his plan, he has to do this.

Also, disagreeing on Princess Ki's words in public like this could harm his newly built reputation. After all, she is the darling of the empire.

Chanyeol looked at the trembling Baekhyun, the prince seemed like he couldn’t hold on for much longer and Chanyeol didn’t wish to see him suffer anymore. The poor prince looked up to him with tears welled up around his eyes.

Without hesitation, he carried Baekhyun into his arms – surprising everyone including the small prince by the sudden action.

“Thank you for your kind thoughts, but it’s better for me to take care of my husband by myself.”

-

The moment they entered the carriage, he let Baekhyun sit on his lap as he comforted the trembling small prince. He instructed the chauffeur to drive them to their home before saying words of comfort on Baekhyun’s ear.

“I’m here.” Chanyeol whispered as he patted on Baekhyun’s small back.

He shouldn’t have brought Baekhyun here and made him face his fears but at least by bringing him, the terrible rumours about Baekhyun will go away among the nobles. Sure, it was a wasted opportunity to get close with the nobles but he couldn’t let Baekhyun suffer as he faced the emperor. After all, Baekhyun still needs some time to recover from his fear, it wasn’t that long he left his horrible life too.

He can just arrange another schedule to see the nobles next time, but for sure he needs to do that as soon as possible because from what he hears, the emperor already arranges to have him lead the war with the northern kingdom.

That old bastard is determined to eliminate him by any means.

“Chanyeol.” Baekhyun calls for him, before Chanyeol realises it, the prince already looked at him with his pretty teary droopy eyes.

Ah, so pretty.

Chanyeol will never get tired of his beauty.

“I-I'm sorry for always causing you trouble.” Baekhyun looked down, apologetic.

“I’m useless.” The small prince whispered quietly.

Before Chanyeol could retort, he heard the prince's next words.

"I-I understand if you divorce me."

Chanyeol feels cold.

"Why are you saying that?" His voice somehow sounds deeper than he intended and perhaps it scares Baekhyun too by the change of his tone.

But the prince gripped himself together to mutter his sentences.

"I...saw how you look at Princess Ki."

Chanyeol almost froze the moment Baekhyun mentioned Princess Ki. He is at a loss of words, and doesn't know how to react or reply to the prince. The smaller one doesn't meet his eyes even for a second, Chanyeol could feel his small tremble on his grasp.

“I am also aware that you intended to marry her.” The prince continues despite feeling scared and overwhelmed by the situation.

“Who told you that?” Chanyeol asked, for someone who has been locked from outside the world, Baekhyun sure heard a lot of things.

“I heard the s-sisters…” He answered quietly.

Of course, everyone in this empire knows his affection for Princess Ki, it would be bizarre if Baekhyun hadn't caught wind of it. But still, knowing the fact that Baekhyun knows about it kind of makes him feel uncomfortable and guilty.

Sure, he still likes Princess Ki but he is now aware that he is a married man and he doesn’t wish to hurt Baekhyun.

With time flowing by, he is pretty sure he will get rid of his feelings for her.

There are many things that he wants to say to Baekhyun but somehow, he couldn’t form it into sentences. Perhaps he doesn’t want to give Baekhyun false hope in case something unforeseen happens in the future.

“You’re my present now, I will never divorce you.”

At the very least, he can promise Baekhyun that.

-
After that night, they have become extremely inseparable. Baekhyun also doesn’t question anymore why he is always being placed on Chanyeol’s lap or why Chanyeol keeps kissing him with every opportunity that he sees. Every single night, he was embraced by Chanyeol’s warmth to keep him away from his nightmare and insecurities.

The prince accepts every touch and gesture from Chanyeol although he still blush madly by it.

Everything is going quite smoothly in Chanyeol’s opinion. He managed to meet the nobles secretly just a few days after his appearance at the party but of course, they kept asking him about Baekhyun – much to his annoyance.

He hasn’t heard anything from the emperor ever since then. It’s supposed to be a good thing since that old bastard didn’t disturb him but he is not going to lie that it’s quite nerve wracking since he knew that the emperor was probably scheming another plan to execute him.

Barely a month after their wedding, Chanyeol has gone back to his work. Thankfully, he is just working in the office instead of going to another gruesome war. But he knows better that this peace won’t last that long, the tension between the empire and the northern kingdom are rising. Especially, when the old emperor doesn’t want to leave the northern kingdom alone because of their outspoken hatred towards the empire’s monopoly.
The nobles are growing restless because another war means another loss for them due to political instability. Also, the crown prince, the heir of the empire’s crown is nothing but a womaniser.

Chanyeol heard that the crown prince is dying to see Baekhyun after the rumour of his beauty spread among the nobles.

Like hell he's going to let that pervert prince see him. Who knows what he is going to do with Baekhyun after seeing him? He probably doesn’t even care that Baekhyun is basically his cousin. After all, the crown prince doesn’t have any morals at all.

“We can’t delay the plan any longer, the emperor might know about this.” One of the nobles said in one of their secret meetings.

“You do realise the consequence if he knows about our plan, right?” The noble asks Chanyeol.

Of course he is fully aware of the consequences. His entire clan was almost wiped out due to their rebellion towards the royalty almost 50 years ago. His family was saved from the execution because his grandfather was the one who betrayed the clan and informed the emperor about his clan’s rebellion.

Because of his grandfather’s betrayal, the whole clan was wiped out except for his family that only consisted of his only daughter who eventually became Chanyeol’s mother years later.

Park Chanyeol is now the sole member of the Park’s clan after his mother’s death 10 years ago.

Well, he is not exactly the sole member now since Baekhyun is practically a Park after his marriage with him.

Ah, right. Baekhyun. He wonders what is the little one doing right now? He is probably sleeping since Baekhyun always sleeps early. After spending nights together with him, he couldn’t help but notice every little habit that the small prince has when he is sleeping.

His small whimper, a pillow to hug and how he becomes a bit bolder when he is sleepy. Everything about him is so adorable.

“We need a candidate to be the emperor.”

Chanyeol snapped back to reality upon hearing the noble. He glanced at them and saw that all of the eyes were already on him.

And Chanyeol just knows what they are thinking of.

-

“Chanyeol?”

The said man snapped back from his thought when that sweet voice called for him. Ah right, he brought Baekhyun to a mountain to show him the sunset – this is his favourite spot when he needs to be alone.

The scenery here is mesmerising and serene, enough to make him forget about everything that is troubling him. But somehow, although he brought Baekhyun here, his mind couldn’t help but wander off to somewhere else.

Damn it, to think that he was so excited to bring Baekhyun here before the meeting with the nobles that night.

How could he have to keep his mind in peace? The nobles are demanding too much and Chanyeol knows exactly what they’re scheming. How dare they try to bring Baekhyun into this matter.

How dare they try to use him for their own gain?

“We want Prince Baekhyun to be the emperor.”

He still vividly remembers their words and how they think of him as an idiot. They want to use Baekhyun, they know that the prince never receives any formal education and thus make it easier for them to manipulate him when he ascends the throne.

Chanyeol won’t let Baekhyun be their puppet.

“Should we go back?” Baekhyun asked, there's a guilty expression on his face. Perhaps, he thought that he was a burden to him.

“No, let’s stay here a bit longer.” Chanyeol declined almost immediately then, his eyes attached at sunset. He heard a small gasp beside him and when he turned to see Baekhyun, it felt like his breath almost stuck on his chest.

Baekhyun looks ethereal with the sunset painting on his face.

The prince didn’t realise that Chanyeol isn’t looking at the sunset anymore as he is too mesmerised with the beautiful sunset in front of him.

“It’s so beautiful.” Baekhyun said, his eyes on the sunset.

It took a moment before Chanyeol replied.

“Yeah, it is.” He breathes, never once did he leave his eyes from Baekhyun.

The prince glanced at him and was surprised upon seeing the general’s eyes were already on him. He finally hit with realisation who the general directed his words to. There is a tint of blush on his cheeks before he looks down shyly.
How endearing his husband is.

Sometimes, Chanyeol couldn’t believe that he is married to this beauty. Sometimes, he feels like he is undeserving of Baekhyun. But somehow, the thought of Baekhyun being with someone else makes him feel furious.

He grabs both of Baekhyun’s cheeks, making the prince look him in the eyes. The wind breezes gently, swaying some strands of Baekhyun’s soft hair. The scenery in front of his eyes couldn’t get even better than this.

“I swear with my own life, I will protect you no matter what.”

-

Chanyeol couldn’t help but dove into a passionate kiss with his bride, he marked Baekhyun with his bite on the prince’s porcelain neck – making sure that it’s visible to whoever that might see him after tonight.

He laid the smaller one on the bed after a full make out session, thankfully they are already in the nearby inn so they could stay the night together. It’s only a small inn for travellers and they are probably the only guests here for tonight.

Baekhyun wrapped his arms around Chanyeol, pulling him closer. Their bodies are glueing together – Chanyeol stares at the messy beauty under him, truly enchanted by him.

“May I?” Chanyeol breathily asked, couldn't contain himself any longer.

Baekhyun nodded slowly albeit shyly.

It didn’t take him long before he stripped all of Baekhyun’s clothes away – kissing and worshipping his beautiful curvy body. Drowning himself with Baekhyun’s soft cries and mewls as he prepped the prince to make sure that he won’t get hurt while at the same time, giving him pleasure with his tongue and long fingers.

When he feels like it’s enough, the war hero gives him another deep kiss while penetrating his cock inside the prince.

Baekhyun gasped for air, his fingers digging into the general’s broad back as the pain surged inside him.

“I-It won’t f-fit!” He cried, realising the pain of having their body sizes differently. Not to mention, Chanyeol is so huge and thick that it feels like his walls are about to tear anytime soon.

Chanyeol stopped midway when the prince panicked – the general immediately comforted him, kissing his forehead and tears before telling him to breathe. Slowly, Chanyeol pushed his entire length inside Baekhyun, the prince shaking terribly – losing all of his strength.

Chanyeol gathered him in his arms, he didn't move even a bit to make sure that Baekhyun would get used to his cock. Baekhyun is sure amazing, his wall is wrapping him nicely despite this is his first time – it makes him want to just fucked the prince into oblivion but he hold himself back because he doesn’t want to traumatized the pitiful prince with the painful experience.

Eventually after it feels like eternity, he feels the prince relaxed under his arms, even returning his embrace too.

“I will move now.” The general kissed his petal lips and Baekhyun nodded slowly.

The prince’s pain cried soon turned into a pleasure one as the general kept hitting his sensitive spot over and over again. Doesn’t even give Baekhyun any chance to take a break from the pleasure despite his plea.

Baekhyun is truly beautiful, he is perfect in everything. Chanyeol grows addicted with his moans, cries and how his innocent face turns to sensual one without his knowing. He holds both of Baekhyun’s hands as he fucking him when he saw the prince muffled his melodic moans with his palms.

“God, you’re so perfect.” Chanyeol breathily said.

Soon after that, Baekhyun cummed with a loud surprise shriek, his eyes blown wide by the pleasure that he felt for the first time in his life. Chanyeol follows shortly, releasing his load into the prince’s womb deeply, making sure that his cum is safe inside the prince. Perhaps he has been releasing too much because the moment he pulled out, the cum is gushing out from the prince.

Baekhyun looks dazed, looking about to pass out too. And so, Chanyeol gathered him in his arms, carrying the prince in bridal style as he walked both of them to the bathroom to clean both of them.

But of course, Baekhyun looks so irresistible that he ended up making love with the prince again.

-

They sure didn’t sleep at all that night – not when Chanyeol already learned the pleasure from having Baekhyun laid bare to him and just give his all to the general.

That is certainly the greatest sex he ever had.

They went back to the mansion that morning, Baekhyun was blushing and grazing down every time they met their eyes. Probably embarrassed by everything that they had done last night. Chanyeol chuckled lightly seeing the cute reaction, he wrapped his arm around the prince’s small waist and picked him up after seeing the prince struggling to walk.

“We will continue at our home.” Chanyeol whispered in the prince’s already red ears.
-

After a week full of passion, literally, since they hardly go out from their bedroom the whole week just to explore each other's bodies – mostly Chanyeol since Baekhyun is still shy with everything.

He just can’t get enough of the beautiful Baekhyun and how perfect his body is with his. Baekhyun seems to like his abs too judging by how he keeps staring and sometimes grazing his dainty fingers at it. He wants to spend more time with his prince but unfortunately, it is now his time to face the reality.

He will go to the southwest kingdom as an official delegation from the empire – at the same time he will plan his way to get out from the emperor and the nobles’ grasp.

“I will be back soon.” The general kisses his beautiful prince on the forehead just when he is about to depart. He thought that Baekhyun will be alright with his absence, looking at how silent he is.

However, when he was about to turn around from him, he felt the small hand grasp on his sleeve.

Chanyeol halted on his step and saw the prince already looking down on his feets, there were a few droplets falling to the ground. Almost immediately, Chanyeol embraced him tightly, ignoring all the eyes on them.

“Shh, don’t cry, I will be back soon.” Chanyeol coaxed him, and slowly Baekhyun’s tense shoulder was gone and he nodded slowly by the words of comfort that Chanyeol gave to him.

“I will be waiting.” Baekhyun said in between his sniffles.

This makes Chanyeol feel conflicted to part away from him but he knows better that this is for the good. He can’t let himself be played by the emperor or the nobles anymore.

He needs to act by himself.

And he can’t let Baekhyun be involved in any of this if anything goes wrong because he already swore upon his life that he would protect him no matter what.

-

For the next 3 weeks, Chanyeol worked so hard to plan his way to eliminate the emperor. Based on the intel that he received, the emperor will strike an attack to the north soon and people have expressed their displeasure on it. Princess Ki will be used as a political tool in order to gain support from the people and the nobility due to her popularity.

And so, after working days and nights with his acquaintances and the military to make a thorough plan. They finally decided to make their move to the throne.
-

Chanyeol honestly never thought that the day he would finally draw his sword against the emperor would happen but here he is right now. Staining with the blood of the emperor’s guards who dare to go against him the moment he entered the palace with the military. Chanyeol looks down on the emperor who is already on his knees.

The emperor chuckled after finally assessing the situation right now.

“What an ungrateful brat, I let you live to this day and yet, this is what you did?” The old emperor said, there is still the same malice in his eyes.

“Step down from the throne and I will let you live.” Certainly, death is not the only option – even if he let this old man live he wouldn’t have any more years to live.

“I should’ve killed all of your clan members back then.” The emperor mumbled, there’s no fear in him and that makes Chanyeol furious by how this old man thinks lightly of him.

Then, the old emperor looked at him with a cunning smile.

“Do you think your problem will be solved just by throwing me away?” The emperor smiled devilishly at him.

Chanyeol’s grip on the sword becomes tighter, trying to suppress his anger after all, he is fully aware that the emperor is trying to manipulate him right now. He just wants to kill this old bastard right here, but he knows better than that, having the emperor slain in front of the people that he tortured will be a better option.

After all, so many people have suffered because of him.

The general stepped back and took his sword away from the emperor’s neck. As he was about to walk away, he heard the emperor’s words that made him stop his pace almost completely.

“That pretty bride of yours,”

The war hero stopped walking, he turned his head slightly – wondering what sort of nonsense that this old man wanted to utter. He heard the old emperor laugh evilly.

“I heard the crown prince had a lot of fun with him when you were gone.”

As if he was being possessed by a demon, the general walked swiftly to the emperor – drawing his sword again to his neck. He stare down at the emperor with murderous and bloodthirst gaze.

“Speak another lie about him and you won’t see another day.” Chanyeol warned the old emperor.

The emperor smirked at him, his eyebrow arched seeing his reaction.

“It’s not a lie though? They are together almost every night, which makes the crown prince’s concubines jealous of that whore prince.”

Chanyeol has certainly lost his judgement, all he sees is red and all he feels is anger.

“Oh, poor child. Don’t you realize it? The whole empire is laughing at you and calling you a coward for letting the crown prince fucking his cousin, your own husband. I'm so sorry for you, you've been lied to this whole time.”

The blood splatters on his face the moment he beheaded the emperor’s head with his own hand – silencing the old emperor altogether.

Ending the thousand years old dynasty with nothing but resentment.

-

Chanyeol walked to the palace hall with a numb feeling and stoic expression despite holding the emperor’s head in his hand. His whole body is covered with blood yet, there’s no slight of disgust by him – perhaps, he has grown used to it after going to several bloody wars.

His men, the military who waited outside, looked disturb by the appearance of him dragging along the emperor’s head emotionlessly. Yet, none of them dare enough to ask him what has happened between him and the emperor earlier.

It sure feels like an endless walk until he reached where the military detained Princess Ki with only her nightgown – she looks confused and scared with the military that surrounded her and detained her and her aides outside her bedroom. It’s reasonable to be scared since they seized the palace in the middle of the night where everyone is sleeping.

Her fear seemed to have gone the moment her eyes saw Chanyeol despite the dim lights.

“General Park! What is going-”

Chanyeol tossed the emperor’s head in front of her, silencing her almost immediately when she tried to recognize the object that the war hero just threw. The head rolls and when it’s close enough to her feet that she finally recognizes that it’s a human head – the emperor’s head, her grandfather.

She takes a sharp breath upon the realisation, muffling her mouth with her hands to prevent herself from crying hysterically by the vulgar scene in front of her. Her eyes are wide open, and when she looks at Chanyeol again, there’s nothing but fear in her eyes.

How ironic, once upon a time he swore to protect this land for her gentle heart and yet, here he is right now.

Slaughtering her grandfather without mercy.

But still, there’s no sense of remorse in him.

The time seems to be frozen because no one dares to speak after the revelation that the general has executed the emperor by himself. Even Sehun, his close friend, is quiet and looks at him in terror.

However, much to everyone's shock, Princess Ki who automatically becomes the highest rank in the empire after the crown prince obviously being stripped away from his position after the emperor’s death and the collapse of the current government – falls on her knees.

Bowing her head to Chanyeol albeit shakingly, trying her best to ignore the emperor’s decapitated head in front of her.

All eyes were on her.

“I, Princess Ki of the Great Empire, hereby bow before the new Emperor of the Great Empire, the sun and protector of the people, His Majesty the Emperor Chanyeol of Park.”

-

-

-

-

-

With the Princess Ki, the pure royal blood and the current highest rank in the empire named Chanyeol as the emperor.

The military and the rest of the people who reside and saw the princess’s action, immediately went to their knees – following the princess.

“All hail, The Emperor!”

The words echo throughout the palace.

And the new dynasty began.

-

The crown prince coughed out blood, he curled into a fetus position in pain with a loud groan due to the harsh beating that he received from Chanyeol. What a scene, the first thing that he does after being announced as the emperor is to beat the shit out of the crown prince in his cell.

But Chanyeol didn’t stop, he kicked the crown prince on his abdomen repeatedly as if to vent his anger out from everything that had been bothering him.

“C-Chanyeol, stop! You will really kill him.” Sehun is the only one who is brave enough to step forward to stop the newly appointed emperor from killing their captive crown prince.

Chanyeol glanced back and saw how the two prison guards were watching him with pure fear.

“F-Fuck you! You think you can do this to a royal blood!?” The former crown prince however seems to have a lot of energy left inside of him even though he just got beaten.

Chanyeol took out his pocket knife and without warning, he tore the former prince's cheek – earning a painful cry from the man.

“I don’t know, your blood is still red just like the rest of us.” Chanyeol mumbled as he looked at the former prince with a stoic expression.

“Y-You have r-really gone insane! This fucking empire will be in ruin! How could you all accept this lowlife as the emperor, huh!? Who named this piece of shit as the emperor!?” The man screams on top of his lungs.

“I did.” Princess Ki, who is still in her nightgown but has covered it with a coat, suddenly stepped into the prison – the guards and Sehun bowed their heads towards the princess' appearance.

The former crown prince stared at her with wide eyes before the realisation hit him.

“You did this to save yourself! You cunning bitch. And then what? You will fuck with him to secure your place!?” The prince yelled like a mad man.

“You still haven’t answered me,” Chanyeol stopped the prince from yelling nonsense things with a calm voice.

“Did you meet my bride?”

The former crown prince’s bloody lips curled into a smirk.

“How could I miss out on such beauty?”

Chanyeol glared at him deadly, causing the former crown prince to slide back in fear – regretting what he had said to the newly appointed emperor.

“Princess, it’s better for you to leave this place.” Chanyeol spoke, sensing the animosity in his voice the princess quietly walked out from the prison.

After making sure that the princess has already left the prison, Chanyeol stands up and lifts his sword. The former crown prince let out a terrified shriek before he cowered in fear, his hands on his head while his body curled into a ball.

“Chanyeol! Don’t you remember? We should let him stand for a trial!” Sehun warned him.

But the warning was left unheard by Chanyeol as he decapitated the crown prince's head swiftly. The whole place becomes too quiet, the two guards who watched the whole scene are trembling seeing the man that Chanyeol has become now. Even Sehun is completely silent and watches in disbelief over what has Chanyeol done.

He has killed two royal bloods in less than 4 hours.

“That’s fine, I’m just quickening his death.” Chanyeol suddenly spoke while cleaning his sword that was stained with blood with his already ruined coat.

Then, he turned to Sehun with a cold expression.

“Either way he will still die.”

-

The news about the war hero becoming the emperor quickly spread out among the people. Due to his immense distribution to the empire and the people having grown detached from the former emperor's tyranny, his successful coup against the former emperor is being celebrated throughout the whole empire.

The death of the former emperor and the crown prince were forgotten because of the people’s hatred of them.

Princess Ki’s position in the new government is still unclear. She is the people’s favourite and there is an unrest among the public that she might get stripped away from her position just like the rest of her relatives.

Well, they need to figure that out before the official coronation that will be held in a few more days.

For now, Chanyeol is finally going back to his home after almost 2 months. His dirty attire has been changed to a new one because the people seem to be excited to catch a glimpse of him. Chanyeol leaned back on his seat with a sigh – ignoring all the cheers for him.
That’s not important right now, all he has in his mind is just going back home.

When he finally reached his mansion, the servants were lining up, bowing their heads to him the moment he stepped outside his carriage. The butler who is usually talkative to him is silent and just leads him inside the house – perhaps, this old butler already senses that Chanyeol is currently not in his right state of mind.

Chanyeol is not going to blame him. Anyone who sees his expression right now would just stay far away from him.

“Tell me, did the crown prince meet Baekhyun?” Chanyeol asked for confirmation from the butler with his deep voice, expression filled with menace.

The butler looked shocked before he stammered on his words.

“H-He did…”

And with that, Chanyeol strides swiftly to his chamber. His head is filled with rage and disappointment that he couldn’t even explain. Why should he feel angry though? It’s not like he is even in love with Baekhyun. Everything is just pure physical attraction and compassion.

The moment he opened the door, he couldn’t see even a shadow of Baekhyun. He can’t be waking up right now, it’s still early in the morning and Baekhyun would have still been asleep at times like this – unless he developed a new habit while he was gone.

Before the butler who followed him could open his mouth, Chanyeol had already walked to the wardrobe and opened it impatiently.

There, the one that he misses the most, the one that he seeks, the one that has made him lose his mind – Prince Baekhyun is sleeping soundly inside the wardrobe that is full of Chanyeol’s clothes.

Chanyeol even noticed that the prince is wearing his shirt that he left inside the wardrobe – the shirt looks adorably big on him that it passed from his bare thighs. Chanyeol also saw that the prince was hugging a shirt and when he took a closer look, he noticed that it was his shirt that the prince was holding.

“They did meet but Prince Baekhyun was always running away from him, he was scared to sleep alone at night and having your shirt and scent gave him comfort.” The butler said quietly, not wanting to wake the prince inside the wardrobe.

Chanyeol can only stare in disbelief, without knowing the anger that he felt before dissipating. He let out a huge sighed before holding his temple – how stupid, he let himself be played by that stupid old man before he died. Chanyeol cursed himself for almost believing the former emperor’s words.

Perhaps due to the sunlight suddenly kissing his face, Baekhyun stirred from his sleep with a low whine. Chanyeol only watched as those cute droopy eyes slowly opened – showing his beautiful brown obs that were trying to adjust with the light. The eyes that he adored then fixated on him with pure confusion at first before the prince blinked his eyes again to make sure that he was really awake.

Then, the realisation finally hit him.

“Chanyeol!”

Without any warning, Baekhyun leaped in his arms excitedly.

Chanyeol immediately wrapped his arms around the prince tightly, preventing him from falling. He feels the prince buried his face on his shoulder – he could see how Baekhyun is tip-toeing to reach at his height. Without hesitation, he picked the prince up, unknowingly missing the warmth of Baekhyun.

The butler cleared his throat before he excused himself away, closing the door behind him – giving the couple their personal space.

Chanyeol brings his husband to the bed, bringing him to sit on his lap. He stroked the prince’s soft hair as he sighed – surprised that it only took a glance of Baekhyun to make him feel at peace again.

“I miss you.” Baekhyun's muffled voice could be heard, it’s shocking to hear Baekhyun uttered such words since the prince that he knew was always too shy to speak the word of affection.

“Me too.” Chanyeol replied breathlessly. A fact that he couldn’t deny.

Unknowingly for him, all the burden on his shoulders and stress lifted away the moment he felt Baekhyun close to him.

-

Chanyeol gives Baekhyun a bath, stroking his soft and supple skin underneath his rough hand while the prince sits quietly, perhaps shyly on the bath tub with his knees on his chest. With his already rolled sleeves, Chanyeol takes the shower and spreads it evenly on Baekhyun’s bare body to rinse the soap.

“Were you doing well?” Chanyeol asked, the already blushing prince nodded with a soft hum.

“No one disturbs you, right?” His voice unknowingly becomes darker upon remembering that damned crown prince who had an intention to lay his hand on Baekhyun.

There is a short pause from Baekhyun, thinking whether he should tell Chanyeol or not.

“There was this strange man who kept trying to see me…” Baekhyun confessed with a quiet voice.
“And what did you do?” Chanyeol could feel his blood rising again.

“I hid in the wardrobe.”

The taller sighed in relief, as much as Baekhyun’s nervousness on meeting new people always worried him – at the very least, it will keep him away from any dangerous people who will try to harm him in the future.

“I-Is it w-wrong?” Baekhyun timidly asked him, his eyes looking at him with concern.

“No, not at all. You did very well, baby.” Chanyeol praised Baekhyun which earned a very deep blush from the prince.

After bathing the prince, he wrapped Baekhyun in a fluffy towel before carrying him to the changing room.

He couldn’t help but notice that Baekhyun has put on some weight which he feels glad since it means that the prince is eating well. Baekhyun also has a tendency to keep his body close to him, sniffing his scent like a puppy and sighed in content whenever he is close to him.

Chanyeol wondered what caused such a significant difference? Because from what he knows before the prince was always shy everytime Chanyeol initiated any physical contact with him.

Perhaps it was because they were separated for quite a long time?

When he is picking clothes for Baekhyun to wear for today, he feels the familiar body warmth hugging him from behind. He smiles at the sudden physical contact.

“Are you missing me that much?” He teased the prince.

Baekhyun didn’t reply but instead buried his face on Chanyeol’s broad back. Chanyeol turned his back around and picked Baekhyun up to the nearest drawer where place the prince. He parted Baekhyun’s legs before he wrapped it around his waist, closing their gap.

He could see how embarrassed Baekhyun was by their position but yet, he didn’t say anything to refuse him. Taking the silence as an approval, Chanyeol leaned close to him until he could feel the prince’s shaky breaths on him.

Without taking any more time, he kissed Baekhyun tenderly.

Soon, the soft kiss turned into a desperate one as if to replenish their desire for each other after separating for a while.

They ended up making love all day.

-
The very next day, he left his house early in the morning, not even bothering to wake the prince since he looked so peaceful in his sleep. Chanyeol hasn’t told Baekhyun about everything that happened because he doesn’t want him to feel burdened and overwhelmed.

Maybe he will tell him when he is fully ready.

Chanyeol reached the palace to prepare for necessary action after overtaking the government. He saw the former officials being held in custody in the prison before their punishment. Some of them looked at him with pleading eyes, while some of them looked at him with disgust and anger. He couldn’t care less. Their punishment is necessary – who knows what they will plot if he lets them in power.

He was walking with his subordinates while Sehun briefing him over what would happen in a few days before the latter stopped and pointed him to a certain old lady who looked detached from the rest of the prisoners.

“See that old woman over there? I heard she was the one who raised Prince Baekhyun all this time while he was in the servant quarter.” Sehun said and Chanyeol’s attention immediately fixed on her.

-

The old lady bowed her head, never once did she lift her head to look Chanyeol in the eyes due to their difference in status. Chanyeol summoned her to him after he heard Sehun because he had so many questions inside his head. Sure, he could ask Baekhyun about it but he doesn’t want to trigger any traumatic event on him, that’s why he never bothered to ask Baekhyun anything about his past.

“I heard you raised Prince Baekhyun.” Chanyeol started and he could see how the old lady flinched upon hearing his voice.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” She confirmed.

“Tell me.” Chanyeol ordered.

“W-What should I-”

“Everything.” Chanyeol finished and the old lady became stiff before she gained herself back.

“Prince Baekhyun was ordered to stay in the servant quarter when he was barely 4 years old, upon his arrival I was told to let him stay in my room since I was staying alone at that time due to my former roommate falling sick and was sent back to her village.” She began, Chanyeol only watched her – analysing whether she spoke the truth or not but so far, her body language told that she is speaking the truth right now.

“Our room was so far and the darkest that barely anyone would walk across it, Prince Baekhyun was behaving really well, he is such a good child.” She stopped for a moment, trying to find her words.

“But?” Chanyeol asked.

It took a moment before she answered.

“H-He grew up to become such a pretty child, I-I was so concerned over his safety because I know that if anyone sees him they will immediately use him for their own gain and that innocent child will do nothing to stop them.” She trembled then, she continued.

“That’s why I resorted to telling him lies….” The old lady’s voice became quieter.

“Like telling him how his face looks like a monster throughout his whole life?” Chanyeol stated coldly.

“That was all for his own good! I just want to keep him safe! If they took him away, I know that I couldn’t stop them, after all, what could a mere servant do?” This time she dared to look up to him in the eyes with tears.

Chanyeol didn’t reply instead, he only watched the old lady who was already weeping in front of him. Knowing that she couldn’t speak anymore, the new emperor walked away from her. But before he could step outside, he hears the old lady speaking to him for the last time.

“W-When he was forced to get married to Your Majesty, I was so relieved that I could die peacefully because I k-know that you’re a good person and he will be treated like how he deserves.”

-

The old lady was sent back to her village the very next day and all the other prisoners had been punished like how they deserved.

Everything went smoothly for him, although he barely has time with Baekhyun but he will always make sure to see him even just for a few minutes. This was all because of the demanding work that needed to be done before he was crowned as the emperor.

The day when he was being crowned as the emperor finally arrived. Thousands of people waited outside the palace just to see the historical moment. Princess Ki, the only surviving member of the old royal family besides Baekhyun, also attended as one of the most important figures in the whole occasion after Chanyeol.

Chanyeol could see how impressive her popularity among the public, it must all be due to the princess starting her own foundation to help the underprivileged in order to redeem her family’s wrongdoing to the people.

Sehun said the people even called her the saintess at this point due to her many contributions to the people.

After the official coronation, he met the people who cheered upon seeing him. Chanyeol could see hope filling in their eyes, which he found a burden upon seeing it. It finally sunk into him that he is now the leader of this empire. Every decision of his now will impact the empire.

The realisation makes him scared, but there’s no turning back now. After all, this is what he chose.

“Long live the emperor!”

That was what the people chanted.

-

The first and second week were so hectic for him that he didn't even have time to sleep. There is a lot of work that needs to be done immediately especially when he has fired almost everyone of the government’s officials since they were proven to be corrupted. He needed to establish a functional government that would serve the people properly, fix the diplomacy with neighbouring countries since their reputation was tarnished due to the old emperor’s power hunger, and find ways to build the economy back.

So many things to do, but so little time that he can barely feel the time has moved way too quickly.

But thankfully, everything went smoothly for him. It was only that he hasn’t told Baekhyun anything that has happened these past few weeks. He needs to find some time to tell him properly so the prince won’t be too shocked by the news.

Today will be the day where he will finally go home, back to Baekhyun after weeks spending nights in the palace due to his hectic schedules. He should organise for Baekhyun to move here as soon as possible, Chanyeol makes a mental note.

Chanyeol tapped on the table quietly as he heard the newly appointed ministers about their plans in the meeting that was supposed to be the last one for this week before he can finally go home.

Chanyeol just can’t wait to go home, just thinking about how lonely the poor prince is already makes his heart scream with agony. He just misses Baekhyun so much that his sanity is about to fall off anytime if this damn meeting won’t end soon.

Sure, the butler always informed him everything about Baekhyun while he was not there but it’s not enough. He needs to see Baekhyun in front of his eyes.

“.....Regarding Princess Ki,”

Upon hearing Princess Ki’s name his attention immediately turned towards the ministers. One of the ministers cleared his throat before he continued.

“She has quite a strong influence among the people.” The minister stated.

It’s a known fact, Princess Ki is the people’s princess – Chanyeol wondered why they brought her up in this meeting.

“Currently, she doesn’t have any official position in the palace and that matter has caused quite a distress among the public.” The minister explained.

Chanyeol is also aware of that matter and he wishes to solve it immediately, it’s great that they brought this matter first so they can solve it soon.

“Due to that, after taking into consideration the public opinion, we have a suggestion,” The minister spoke clearly but Chanyeol could see very well how hesitant he was to discuss this matter with him.

“And what is it?” The emperor asked, he saw how their bodies had stiffen upon hearing his voice.

There is a silence for a few seconds before the minister continues.

“Your Majesty, please consider taking Princess Ki as your wife.”

Chanyeol only stares at the minister silently, scrutinising his action in case this man is just playing a joke in such an inconvenient time. But seeing how the minister only stayed quiet and looked down after meeting the gazes of Chanyeol – the emperor thought that this man was serious.

“I guess you’ve forgotten that I’m already married.” His voice is deep and cold.

“Of course, we are aware of it. But taking more than one concubine is not a crime and has been practised throughout many generations to secure the heirs and even for connection.” Another minister explained.

“Even the past emperors’ has more than 3 concubines and most of them were for diplomacy purposes. Your Majesty needs to understand that there is still some resistance from the people with your reign due to the brutality of how you killed the former royal family. That resistance will grow huge anytime soon if we won’t put an end to it immediately” The minister tried to convince him.

“I already told you, I’m a married man and I don’t wish to have any concubines.” Chanyeol said sternly.

“From what we know your spouse can’t take any official position because he doesn’t have any education.”

“How dare-” But Chanyeol was cut almost immediately.

“I apologise for being harsh, but Your Majesty, this is a serious matter. We have the lives of people in our hands, every decision will impact their livelihood. You need a proper empress that could help you lead this empire. An educated empress.”

“Like Princess Ki.”

-

Baekhyun doesn’t know his parents.

All he remembers was being taken care of by a maid who was always angry at him for crying before he was being sent to another place where he was staying with an old lady. She said this place is called servant quarter but Baekhyun doesn’t know what it means.

He lives quietly because he doesn’t want the lady to get mad at him like that maid. She is also nice enough to share her food with him and that makes him feel grateful to her. He learnt how to clean from her, gardening and cooking some simple foods – she said it was for his survival when she was gone.

“Remember you need to hide if you see anyone else but me.” One day, the old lady said to him.

“But why?” Baekhyun questioned.

“Your face is ugly! Like a monster! Anyone that sees you will get hurt because of your ugly face! A face like yours doesn't deserve to be seen!”

Baekhyun widens his eyes at the realization. He touches his face and looks at the mirror beside him. Staring at the monstrous face of his.

“I am…ugly.” The small child muttered quietly as he looked at his horrendous reflection.

From that day, Baekhyun learned to hide in the wardrobe if he heard anyone walking close enough to their room.

He is ugly, no one should see him.

That was what he told himself everyday. Sometimes he wishes that he was never born with this kind of face.

-

Baekhyun was just doing the laundry and about to let it rest under the sun when he heard someone approaching. It was one of the few places that he was permitted to go by the old lady because no one would walk or use that place instead of the two of them. That’s why it was strange to find other people than him or that old lady here.

Almost immediately he hid behind the huge tree while hugging the laundry basket. It’s too early for the old lady to come back from her work, so whoever intrudes this place must be an outsider that the old lady told him to hide.

“What kind of place is this? That old bastard really wants to hide this from people’s views, huh?”

Baekhyun tensed upon hearing that person talking, his voice is so deep that it makes him tremble a bit because he never heard anyone with that kind of voice before. Isn’t this his first time listening to a man’s voice?

The smaller peeked from behind the tree and saw a tall man with a huge yet solid build. He gasped silently, what kind of man is that? Why is he so huge?

Baekhyun never saw a man before, throughout his life, he only knew the old lady and saw some passing sisters occasionally and that’s all. To finally see a man like this truly makes his amazement through the roof, how could a man be this tall and huge? That man could crush him if he wanted to!

The man that dressed in a suit sat down on the grass before completely laid himself. It looks like the man is enjoying basking under the morning sun and Baekhyun couldn’t blame him for it because he loves it too when the sun is grazing on his skin.

Baekhyun stay-still for a while, scared to make a move in case the man would see him. After a while, the man has become quiet and his breathing is steady – indicating that he has fallen asleep.

Curiosity taking over him, the teen slowly makes his way close to the man to see his face. He feels like his heart is about to burst with each step that he takes but Baekhyun uses all the bravery that he has in him to look at the man closely.

And when he finally does, he gasps in surprise upon realizing who the man is.

Because the maid always brings back some newspapers for him to read, he immediately recognizes this man. The man that always made the headline with his contribution and achievement to the empire.

The great war hero, General Park Chanyeol!

He is awestruck seeing the man that he always saw in the newspaper in person. The war hero looks more dashing and charismatic than in the picture. Baekhyun feels like his heartbeat is beating harsher for another reason this time but he couldn’t comprehend why.

The general looks so peaceful while he is sleeping, completely unbothered by his surroundings – perhaps, he has been in a more harsh condition that he can withstand sleeping on the ground?

Baekhyun didn’t move for a while, he only stared at the man adoringly.

Baekhyun heard that he is a good person, he is always nice to people around him despite their status. Such a handsome man with a great personality.

Wouldn’t it be nice for them to-

Baekhyun gasped, surprised by his own thoughts. How could he even dare to have such a thought! Compared to this great man, Baekhyun is nothing but dust that awaits to be swept away.

Is this what they are called by having a crush? Baekhyun doesn't know, but it feels like it from what he read in the newspaper.

His heart is beating loudly inside his chest and he is scared that the man might awake because of how loud it is.

But still, he shouldn't stay here for too long. He is ugly, he shouldn’t let this great man see his monstrous face.

And with that thought, Baekhyun stood up before walking away from the sleeping general quietly.

Before he went back to the old, dark room, he took a glance at the man longingly – fully aware that this might be their last encounter together.

-
However, despite his attempt to hide whenever he hears someone approaching, he won’t ever escape from some sisters who always know his existence here. Unlike the old lady, these sisters are always forcing him to do all kinds of work for them. Such as doing an insane amount of laundry that would take him a whole day just to finish all of it, carrying water to the toilet and so much more. Sometimes, they even beat him when he was at the verge of passing out due to exhaustion.

“You’re only royalty by birth but you’re actually worse than a servant.”

"Why do we have to take care of pests like you?"

That was what they always said to him.

-

When he was suddenly dragged from the room to get married, he was crying so hard because of how forceful these strangers were to him. His pleading and crying were ignored until he stepped into the wedding hall where the general waited for him.

This is not what he wants.

The general deserves better than someone like him.

The general doesn’t deserve to be beside him.

Why are they so cruel to the general to let him get married to a monster like him?

“Don’t worry, I will never harm you.” The general whispered in his ear.

Baekhyun immediately calmed down with the words of assurance. The general is really amazing, how could he remain composed when he has been lied to? He even reassured him despite everything that happened to him.

His admiration towards the older has grown since then.
-
Baekhyun never thought that he would be treated as nicely as this.

The general is very kind to him despite them being a stranger to each other. Even the sisters and the uncles are so nice to him that he doesn’t know what he has done to have them treat him like this.

His first thought after marrying the general was that he would get thrown away but instead, the general was kind enough to let him stay in his room and on his bed too. Which Baekhyun found it hard to do since he doesn’t think he deserves to share the same bed as the great war hero.

Baekhyun just wants to stay quiet as if he is dead, that’s why he thought that staying in the store room or anywhere far from the general might be a great idea. He is aware that the general was forced to marry him, that’s why Baekhyun just wants to leave the man alone and live quietly without bothering him.

However, the man keeps insisting to have him stay in the master bedroom which confuses Baekhyun so much. His confusion grows when the man kisses him out of nowhere, wanting to please the man, Baekhyun tries his hardest to reciprocate the kiss although he doesn’t know how.

Perhaps, his kiss was so terrible that the man suddenly bolted out of the room on their wedding night. Baekhyun feels shameful that he resorted to sleeping in the wardrobe because he knows that he doesn’t deserve to sleep on Chanyeol's bed. And he knows that he will be thrown out of the mansion the very next morning. After all, that was what he heard from the maids that were dressing him during his wedding. All of them keep saying how pitiful the general is for marrying an embarrassment like him.

But much to his confusion later on, the general shows his affection that he never thought he would ever get from a person.

Especially from a man that has been forced to marry a useless person like him.

Although Chanyeol keeps showering him with praises over how pretty he is, Baekhyun can’t seem to accept the praise. He doesn’t believe it. Weren’t Chanyeol just being too kind to him? There’s no way he is beautiful like how Chanyeol said he is.

Everytime Baekhyun looks at the mirror, he can’t stand seeing his own reflection. So, why does Chanyeol keep calling him pretty when Baekhyun doesn’t see it himself?

But still, those praises sure make him feel giddy and flustered, that’s why he thought that he should believe in it even if it's just a lie.

-

“Congratulations, you're 2 months pregnant.”

What?

He is pregnant?

Baekhyun stares at the doctor to see whether he was joking, but seeing how the doctor only gives him a genuine smile already makes him gasp in realization. He is pregnant? He is pregnant! A human baby is inside him right now. By that thought, Baekhyun put his hand on his stomach in awe.

The reason he was seeing the doctor was because he kept feeling dizzy and throwing up foods. After being persuaded by the butler, Baekhyun decided to allow the family doctor to check on him privately.

He doesn’t expect to be greeted by this news, especially when the general is still in another country.

“P-Please don’t tell anyone else, I want to give this news to him by myself.” Baekhyun asked the doctor to do him a favor and fortunately, the doctor agreed with it.

Baekhyun smiles as he pat on his still-flat stomach, he never thought that he would carry another human being inside him. This is such a blessing to him. Baekhyun wondered whether he can be a good parent to this child? Baekhyun shook his head from the negative thought.

He will be a good parent! This child will receive love from him, and he will try his best to learn to be a great parent to this baby.

Now, all he has to do now is to find the right time to tell Chanyeol about this news when he gets home later.

-

PRESENT TIME

Baekhyun heard from the butler that Chanyeol will finally come home tonight, excited by the news, he couldn’t help but prepare thoroughly to greet the general. He scrubbed his skin, put lotion to moist them, making sure to wear the best perfume and silky robe (he learned all of this from the sisters by the way).

Tonight, he is determined to tell Chanyeol about the news of his pregnancy. His heart feels like it’s about to burst every time he thinks about the possibility of Chanyeol’s reaction. Will he be happy? Will he be disappointed?

All these thoughts make him scared.

Baekhyun touches his stomach to assure himself that everything will be alright. As he is drowning in his own thoughts, he suddenly sees a carriage pulled up in front of the mansion through the window.

His heartbeat increased so fast that it felt like it would burst out from his chest. God, he is not ready yet! But he needs to tell Chanyeol about it. He can’t wait to see his reaction. Baekhyun smiles before he almost run towards the main entrance

However, just when he is on the last corner before reaching the main entrance, he yelps in surprise as he almost collides with the butler. The older man looks surprised by his sudden presence before he glances back behind him. Then, he looked at Baekhyun in such a worried expression.

“Prince Baekhyun, if it’s the master that you expect then-”

“Oh, isn’t it Prince Baekhyun?”

Suddenly, there is someone else than both of them. The butler looked pale before he stepped aside to reveal the person who already stood behind him.

It’s a woman.

A very pretty woman.

Her face is like a painting, despite the fact that she wore a robe to cover herself from the cold, Baekhyun could still see how well-dressed this woman is. She put her long-wavy hair in high-ponytail – increasing her charm even more.

Just by looking at her Baekhyun already knows who this woman is without her introducing herself. After all, they had already met before and he always saw her face in the newspaper.

“We’ve met before but I think I shall introduce myself again.” The pretty lady gave him a warm, friendly smile.

“My name is Princess Ki.”

Baekhyun blinked his eyes before he muttered a ‘yes’ to acknowledge her presence. His mind is blank and there are so many questions inside his head right now. What is she doing here at this hour?

As if she could read his mind, she immediately told her reason to come to the General’s residence.

“I’m here to meet His Majesty.” She stated.

Baekhyun is more than confused now, His Majesty? Isn’t that what people referred to when they called an emperor? Why does she want to find the emperor here?

Perhaps because Baekhyun couldn’t hide his confused expression, the princess rephrased her words to make it clear for him.

“I want to meet His Majesty, Emperor Chanyeol.”

Emperor Chanyeol?

Why did she-

Then, the realization hit him. Baekhyun is beyond shocked by the sudden news. Why did Baekhyun never hear any of it? Why did no one tell him? Is the princess mistaken? No, there’s no way the princess would make such an outrageous mistake – then, it must mean that Chanyeol is the one that hid it from him.

But why?

Why did he hide such important news from him? Baekhyun couldn’t understand.

Seeing that Baekhyun has grown completely silent, the butler takes over the conversation before he leads the princess to the study room to wait for Chanyeol.

Baekhyun is left alone with so many thoughts and confusion.

Does that mean that he is the only person that doesn’t know that Chanyeol has become the emperor? How on earth does it happen by the way?

Why is he being kept in the dark?

The smaller shakes his head to let all the negative thoughts vanish from his mind. Chanyeol must have his own reason! Chanyeol is always considerate to him, there must be something that keeps him away from telling Baekhyun about that news.

And with that thought, Baekhyun began to walk back to his room – not before peeking at Princess Ki who was already waiting patiently inside Chanyeol’s study room.

Something must have happened, that’s why the princess is here, Baekhyun thought.

A moment later, Baekhyun heard the maids greeting someone on the door. Knowing that it must be Chanyeol, Baekhyun proceeds to walk back to his room almost immediately. Not wanting to get caught that he was peeking at the princess secretly.

-

Baekhyun doesn’t know how long he has been waiting for both of them to finish their talks. The prince stared at the window, it’s raining quite heavily tonight, he could see the droplets through the glass.

Perhaps, the princess should stay over for the night due to the weather.

Should he bring them refreshment and greet the princess properly? Maybe he should since he was too surprised when she greeted him.

With that, he left the bedroom and went to the kitchen. However, before he could even prepare the refreshment, one of the sisters already stopped him with a concerned look on her face. She said that he doesn’t need to do it since they already prepared everything and he should just stay in his room for tonight.

Obligated to her words, Baekhyun walked back to the room with mixed feelings. It’s weird, it feels like everyone is keeping him in the dark, from the news of Chanyeol becoming the emperor to the sudden visit of Princess Ki here.

What in the world is happening?

When he was about to pass the study room, he noticed that the door was ajar a little bit. Curiosity got the best of him, after making sure that no one was watching him – Baekhyun walked quietly to peek inside the room.

He saw the princess on the sofa while his husband was standing and looking at the huge window behind his desk – Baekhyun couldn’t see his face because Chanyeol's back was facing him.

“Let’s do it.”

He suddenly heard the princess talking, Baekhyun tried his hardest to follow their conversation despite the gap between them. He heard Chanyeol saying something to her but unfortunately he couldn’t hear very well even though his ear basically kissed on the door right now.

“I always know that you are fond of me, the truth is, I’m feeling the same way as you do.”

Baekhyun almost dropped to his knees when he heard the princess’s confession. His heart feels like it has been stabbed with millions of knives.

She is in love with Chanyeol?

And Chanyeol is-

Of course, how could Baekhyun forget about it? It was a known story that the general of war, the hero of the empire, is in love with the beautiful princess. Baekhyun always saw their stories in the newspaper. He always read how the war hero did everything for this empire to protect the princess.

Even his marriage right now was supposed to be with Princess Ki – the jewel of the empire.

Not with the royal’s embarrassment, Prince Baekhyun.

“I’m willing to be your second wife, I don’t have anyone with me anymore, you’re the only one that I have now.”

Baekhyun couldn’t feel his breath, he doesn’t even know whether he is breathing right now. Even his quick heartbeats before are barely heard.

The prince slumped down to the floor quietly, his knees already given up on him. He couldn’t bear to see both of them anymore.

“Let’s fix this mistake, after all, I’m the one that is supposed to be your bride.”

Baekhyun feels sick in his stomach, he holds it to prevent himself from throwing up despite the strong urge to do so. He didn't notice that he had been crying until he realized that he couldn’t see due to the tears. His chest feels like it has been punched millions of times – it’s suffocated.

Everything is suffocating him.

Baekhyun is a mistake to them.

Of course he is.

That day, Princess Ki was the one that was supposed to be beside Chanyeol. Not him. Both of them are fated to be together but the former emperor doesn’t approve of their relationship. Their love story is known throughout the whole empire. Marrying Baekhyun is a mistake and everyone knows that.

Collecting the last pieces of himself, the prince tried to stand but no matter how hard he tried, his legs were so wobbly that he ended up slumped on the ground again and again. Frustrated on how weak he is, Baekhyun resorted to crawling away from the room slowly.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

"Baekhyun?"

The prince tense upon hearing the deep voice that he always recognizes and admires – Chanyeol is behind him. Watching him and his pathetic self on all four after eavesdropping his conversation with Princess Ki. There is nothing more embarrassing than this moment. But, Baekhyun couldn’t think about being shameful because all he feels right now is his shattered heart.

Baekhyun wants to run but his legs won’t listen to him, Baekhyun doesn’t want Chanyeol to see him like this.

The prince could hear Chanyeol’s footsteps growing closer to him, he held his breath and tried his hardest to stop crying. Baekhyun saw Chanyeol’s feet in front of him – pausing a bit as if to assess the situation before suddenly, Baekhyun was in Chanyeol’s arms.

His husband pushed his face on his shoulder as he carried him in bridal style without saying any words.

Just collecting Baekhyun and his broken heart into his arms.

Once they are inside the bedroom, Chanyeol places him on his lap as he lets Baekhyun cry on his shoulder. Never once he questions Baekhyun, all that coming out from his lips are just words of comfort. His embrace is so warm that Baekhyun feels safe everytime he is with him.

Baekhyun always wants to be in his arms, he wants to be with him, only him.

He doesn’t want to share Chanyeol with anyone else.

But, Baekhyun realized his position here.

Compared to him and Princess Ki, the princess is far superior than him, the sweetheart – Meanwhile, Baekhyun is just mud that causes hindrance on people that he met. Chanyeol is always in love with her, there’s no way he would reject the offer of marrying the love of his life.

A good person like Chanyeol deserves someone like her.

Not him.

When Baekhyun has calmed down, he wipes all of his tears away even though his hiccups are still there. He wants to apologize to Chanyeol for eavesdropping on them and prepare for whatever punishment that he will receive for his misbehavior.

“Why are you crying?” Chanyeol finally asked him, there’s a look of pure concern on his face as he looks at Baekhyun.

The prince feels bad because he is the cause of Chanyeol’s worries.

Baekhyun gulped his saliva, he needed to be truthful.

“I-I heard your conversation…” Baekhyun managed to let out the words despite him stumbling on his words and his sore throat because of the crying.

There’s a silence, Chanyeol only looks at him – there’s a mixed expression on his face, he is surprised before the expression changes into a concerned one again.

“Then-” Before Chanyeol could finish, Baekhyun immediately cut him – forcing himself to stretch his lips into a smile.

“It’s okay! I understand if you want to marry her!” The prince said although his heart is breaking into pieces.

Chanyeol looks shocked, his eyes widened in surprise as if he couldn’t believe what he has just heard just now. Perhaps Baekhyun's eyes are mistaken but somehow, he could see disappointment in his husband's expression.

“What?” Chanyeol breathes out.

Baekhyun is confused, isn’t this what Chanyeol wants? Why does he have such a hurtful expression on his face?

“Y-You always want to marry her, right? She is a great person after all!” Baekhyun doesn’t know what he is blabbering now.

“You’re okay with it?” There’s a look of disbelief on Chanyeol.

He is not okay! How could he be okay with it? But he is aware that he is the losing party here. Even if he protests, he will just make a fool out of himself because he knows how fond Chanyeol is towards the princess.

“O-Of course!” Baekhyun swallowed his own bitterness and pain.

There’s a pain in Chanyeol's eyes, it makes Baekhyun wonder whether he has accessed the situation wrongly? The pain soon turned into anger, Baekhyun saw how Chanyeol’s gentle expression turned to a stoic one – the one that makes him tremble in fear due to how frightening it is.
“What kind of man do you think I am?” Chanyeol let out those sentences with such animosity.

Baekhyun blinked his eyes in confusion before he let out a surprised squeak as Chanyeol pushed him on the bed. Trapping him with his huge yet solid body while he holds both of Baekhyun’s thin arms on both sides of his head.

Chanyeol looks angry, he looks as if he could break Baekhyun into two if he wanted to. His eyes are glaring dagger on him – as if he could pierce into him and see through his pathetic soul.

“You want me to marry another one so bad, huh?” Chanyeol said those words to him angrily yet in pain – as if he was a wounded wolf.

“C-Chanyeol.” Baekhyun called out to him, scared to see Chanyeol acting like this.

Without any warning, he was being flipped – Chanyeol held his head while his other hand kept Baekhyun’s hands on his back.

“Why can’t you be honest with yourself?” His husband sounds disappointed.

“If you don’t like something, just say it. Don’t sacrifice your feelings for others.”

Baekhyun doesn’t understand what Chanyeol meant by that. Isn’t it only the right thing for him to allow Chanyeol to marry another one? He has every right to marry another person. Why does Baekhyun's opinion matter to him?

Everything is confusing to him.

Baekhyun let out a surprise yelp when Chanyeol’s rough hand slipped into his robe – kneading and caressing his bare skin. The man then nuzzled his nose against Baekhyun’s neck, quietly inhaling his scent while his hand kept groping all over his body.

"Treasure yourself more."

Chanyeol murmured on his neck – causing Baekhyun to have goosebumps all over his body due to the hot breath against his skin.

The man then kissed his earlobe, before slipping the robe away from Baekhyun’s body. The smaller is now exposed to the eye of his husband, he feels shy but he couldn’t do anything to cover his body when Chanyeol has quite a tight grip on his body.

Chanyeol starts to kiss his back and Baekhyun becomes weak under the kiss. The now-emperor grinding his bulge against his perky ass with a sigh.

“You should know better how lucky I am to be with you.” The taller one spoke with his deep voice that Baekhyun always found attractive.

Barely a minute later, Chanyeol entered him while keeping his head down on the mattress – much to Baekhyun's dismay because he wanted to see Chanyeol, he wanted to hold him like he always does when they make love.

“C-Chany- ngh! Can I-I see you?” Baekhyun managed to utter the sentences despite the pleasure that kept making a mess inside his head and body.

He heard Chanyeol chuckling at his question before thrusting inside him so deep that Baekhyun swore it could pierce into his womb – wait, what about his baby? Will his baby be alright? The sudden fear ceased when he heard Chanyeol answer.

“Do you think you deserve it?”

Baekhyun could only whine upon the question, he couldn’t answer due to his brain turning mushy everytime Chanyeol hit the spot that would make him all wobbly and weak. The question that Chanyeol asked him was soon forgotten because of the intense pleasure.

The pregnant prince held the mattress tightly, his face rubbed on the bed with each thrust. Totally powerless, he is basically on Chanyeol’s mercy.

“I asked you a question.” Chanyeol said, which caused Baekhyun to snap back to his senses.

The prince couldn’t think, not when Chanyeol kept hitting his bundle of pleasure repeatedly to the point where he could possibly lose his mind. It’s when Chanyeol stopped moving – completely halted inside him that Baekhyun slowly regained his sanity.

The smaller whine by the sudden halt, arching his hip to move on his own but unfortunately, his husband's grip on him is so tight that Baekhyun knows for sure that it would leave bruises the next day.

“Baekhyun.” Chanyeol called for him again, his voice full with authority.

The prince flinched upon hearing the tone that Chanyeol used on him. And so, with a little bit of strength that he has, he answered.

“I-I deserve…it.” Baekhyun muttered breathlessly.

There is a silence, and Baekhyun is about to change his words – scared that he might’ve said things wrongly. However, before he could let out another sentence, Chanyeol pulled out from him completely – earning a whine from the prince due to the sudden loss of heat and fulfillness inside him.

But before he could retort, Chanyeol flipped him to face him – causing the prince to take a sharp breath upon seeing the face of his husband.

His husband, who still has his clothes on, takes Baekhyun into his arms and lets the smaller fit into his lap before thrust into him again. Causing the prince to let out a loud moan as his head plopped on Chanyeol’s strong shoulder.

The length is so deep inside him with this position that even Baekhyun is surprised that he managed to stay conscious regardless of how intense the thrusting is.

He dug his nails into Chanyeol’s shoulder blade, leaving marks on it as he continued to ride him.

“Chanyeol, Chanyeol please don’t leave me.” Baekhyun said in between his moans as he made eye-contact with his husband.

His husband seemed surprised by the question but maybe it was just Baekhyun’s imagination. However, the answer sure keeps him satisfied and happy.

“Foolish of me to leave you.”

The emperor took Baekhyun’s lips against his, kissing so deep that it left Baekhyun breathless until he climaxed from the pleasure.

-

When Baekhyun woke up, Chanyeol was not with him anymore.

Confused, he sits on the bed trying to see if Chanyeol is close to him but to his disappointment, the older is nowhere to be seen – even his side of bed is cold too. Wait, did he even sleep with him last night? Baekhyun doubts it, Chanyeol must have left him after he made sure that he was sleeping.

Baekhyun touches his stomach, right, he hasn’t told Chanyeol about his pregnancy. He can’t find the right time to tell him about it, after all, last night was such a roller coaster.

He wondered where his husband had been off to?

Then, the realization that Princess Ki stayed in the residence for the night hit him. Baekhyun quickly grabbed whatever robe that he could find before hastily tying it and went outside to find his husband despite his limping.

It couldn’t be, are they together now? Did Chanyeol just play with him when he said those words last night?

His heart feels heavy, it feels as if there is a lump in his throat everytime he thought about how Chanyeol could have spoken lies to him. He knows that he doesn’t have any right to feel sad because after all, this is how it should be. Baekhyun is never his first choice anyway and Chanyeol has every right to marry Princess Ki.

When Baekhyun walked to the hallway, he could see how some of the maids and workers looked shocked when they saw his appearance before averting their eyes. Baekhyun is aware that he looks terrible right now, he hasn’t even showered or even bothered to make himself look presentable because all inside his head right now is to find Chanyeol.

Honestly, he doesn’t even know what he would do once he finds Chanyeol. Does he expect another heartbreak? Probably. He just wants closure to this confusion, if Chanyeol chooses Princess Ki, he will accept it but for sure, it would make him hurt because everything that his husband said to him last night contradicts his decision.

However, when he took a turn to find his way to Chanyeol’s study room, his step halted almost immediately.

In front of him, there are more than seven men who wear expensive attire, on their chest there is a small government’s official badge. Even a child could recognize that these men are the government high-ranking officers.

They look shocked when they see Baekhyun in front of them that all of their conversation from before disappeared into thin air.

However, much to Baekhyun’s delight, Chanyeol is in the middle of the men – leading the group, probably leading them to his meeting room for them to discuss something.

Baekhyun is about to leap himself into Chanyeol but the moment he is about to take a step, he finally realizes that Chanyeol’s shock expression changes into a furious one.

Unconsciously, he took a step behind out of fear. That’s when he noticed that those men had their eyes on his barely covered body.

His legs and thighs are bare for everyone to see, his chest are barely covered and his left shoulder are exposed due to him not properly tying the robe.

Conscious and embarrassed of his current state right now, Baekhyun tried to run but his legs seem to have given up on him when he met the eyes of Chanyeol. Certainly, his husband isn’t pleased by this situation at all and that makes Baekhyun scared. What if Chanyeol threw him away for embarrassing him? How stupid of him to act without thinking, he deserve any kind of punishment for this ungraceful act.

His husband walked towards him with a frown on his face, causing the prince to look down on his feet in shame. He expected to get yelled at or even hit but instead, he felt something draped over on his shoulder.

Curiously, he looked up and saw that Chanyeol had given him his coat – his expression however remained hardened. The emperor then placed his hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder, leading him away from the officials.

“Please escort the gentlemen to my meeting room.” The emperor said to his butler who bowed to him in acknowledgment.
They continued to walk in silence, Baekhyun could hear how loud his heart was beating inside his chest right now. He couldn’t grasp well where they are going due to his nervousness but one thing that he knows for sure – Chanyeol is very mad at him.

Before he knew it, they had already reached their bedroom. Baekhyun tightened the coat that was given to him as he watched Chanyeol close the door behind him. He hears the man let out a huge sigh as his back is facing Baekhyun.

The prince could only stay silent as he watched his husband, he was scared that he might make Chanyeol get angrier if he opened his mouth.

After a few moments, the tall man finally spoke to him – still didn’t look at Baekhyun.

“What were you thinking? Walking around the house half-naked?” Chanyeol voiced his disappointment.

Baekhyun flinched upon hearing the tone that Chanyeol used on him, he is definitely angry at him judging by how harsh his tone is towards him.

“I-I’m sorry….I just want to see you.” Baekhyun replied in his small voice, still scared to meet the eyes of Chanyeol.

He hears his husband let out another huge sigh before he finally faces Baekhyun and walks closer to him.

“You know I’m not going anywhere, right?” Chanyeol’s voice becomes softer, which makes Baekhyun feel relieved.

The prince looked up to his tall husband, glad that he found no trace of anger in Chanyeol’s expression.

“Are you mad at me?” Baekhyun wondered why his voice became slightly whiny?

He saw Chanyeol flinched a bit, his face reddened before he turned away with a cough.

“Are you……purposely doing that?” Chanyeol asked as he looked away from Baekhyun.

Doing what? If he talked about Baekhyun running around the house without proper clothes then no! Why would he want to disgrace his own husband in front of people?

“No! Why would I want to run around half-naked?” Baekhyun answered. However, his confusion grows even more when Chanyeol looks at him with confusion.

“It’s not what I– ah, nevermind.”

Baekhyun titled his head in confusion, wondering why Chanyeol became flustered out of sudden. But still, it’s fascinating to see him like this – it makes him want to know more about Chanyeol. He realized that he doesn’t know anything about him except for his position in this country – things that all the people in the empire are aware of.

Chanyeol always makes an effort to please him and care for him, but Baekhyun? He barely knows anything about this man at all.

“I’m going to see the guests, so, you better…..” Chanyeol trailed on his words as he looked at Baekhyun’s body which made the prince shy by the gaze.

“....Don’t leave this room until you wear proper clothes.” He finished his words before he left the room – not sparing Baekhyun any more glances.

Baekhyun could only watch him go without saying any further words to his husband. It’s understandable since Chanyeol is a busy man, but he still feels sad about his absence. Baekhyun rubbed his stomach, he wondered when would be the right time to tell him about this child?

-

Chanyeol watched the ministers go away from his house after hours of meeting. He hopes that with this meeting, everything will go smoothly from now on after they’ve concluded.

“I’ve really been painted as a villain, haven't I?”

The woman’s velvety voice behind him made him look back to watch the familiar figure who sat on the seat with elegance. Princess Ki could only look at her clasped hands in sorrow. She joined the meeting after Chanyeol went back to the meeting room to discuss the difficulty that happened in the empire and Princess Ki was required to be here as her opinion is a matter of the decision.

“No, you’re not. You are a good-hearted woman, never once did I ever doubt you.” Chanyeol consoled her.

Princess Ki chuckled lightly at his words, when she looked up at him, Chanyeol could see how those brown eyes were reflected with sadness.

“I always live in fear, my every movement was judged, my decisions didn't matter and every time I woke up, I only thought about how to please my grandfather. Throughout my whole life, I’ve been educated to be the perfect princess – to them, I am nothing but a mere tool for the empire.”

Chanyeol listened to her, fully aware of how horrible her life was as a princess during the reign of that old bastard. Chanyeol always knew about it. After all, during their first encounter, he witnessed the young princess being slapped by her grandfather for turning down her potential spouse. Ever since then, her face never left his mind and he was determined to build a better empire for the princess to li move.

“I am powerless, a coward, always at the mercy of grandfather and now that he is gone, I am being a burden to you.” She said, her tears already falling down on her cheeks.

“Don’t say that, you are a great person, every person in this empire adores you.”

“Even you?”

Chanyeol was taken aback by the sudden question before managing to regain his composure again. There’s an expectation in the eyes of the princess when she looks at him.

She looks vulnerable as if she has lost everything in this world and he is the only one who could pick her up again from the pieces.

“You know the answer already.” He answered.

“I want to hear it from your own mouth.” She replied.

Chanyeol let out a sigh, in dilemma whethturninge should say it or not but decided to just go along with her wish as he knew that it could be her last meeting with him.

“I do adore you, truly. There was once a time when I could give my life to you without hesitation.” He looked at the glassy eyes of the princess.

“But things are different now, princess. Of course, I’m still going to help you whenever you need me but my obligation right now is for the people.”

Princess Ki chuckled in between her sniffles before wiping her tears with the handkerchief that Chanyeol gave to her.

“I wish I could turn back time.” She muttered in sorrow.

Chanyeol wondered whether by turning back time could fix everything that they could've become?

He doubts so because as far as he knows now, he is falling way deeper towards his bride – Baekhyun.

Unless he never met Baekhyun then it would become a different story.

“Live your life to the fullest from now on, princess. You deserve it, I want you to be free and happy.”

Princess Ki gives a small smile, her eyes looking as if she has thousands of words to say to him. The woman stood up, walking towards the door before turning around to face him again – perhaps for the last time.

“I wish you and Prince Baekhyun a very good life and send my apology to him for everything. Well then.”

She bowed her head in courtesy before leaving him.

-

Baekhyun looks peaceful as he sleeps on the bed, his soft breaths, his long eyelashes and his cherry lips that are slightly apart – he is the epitome of perfection and Chanyeol is always wondering what has he done to be married to such a wonderful person like him?

He caressed Baekhyun’s soft-lock tenderly, not wanting to wake him up. However, Baekhyun still opened his eyes upon Chanyeol’s touch. The prince smiles when he see Chanyeol – and of course, Chanyeol’s heartbeat is beating harshly again.

It’s crazy how his heartbeat still reacts to Baekhyun as if he just saw him for the very first time.

Is it too early to say that he is in love?

He doesn’t know, but at least, he wants to cherish Baekhyun for the rest of his life.

The prince took his hand out of sudden and put it on top of his stomach, Chanyeol looked at him questioningly. Before he could ask Baekhyun about his action, he finally hit with a realization – a realization that almost made him fall from the bed due to the excitement.

“A-Are you pregnant?” Chanyeol asked carefully, his eyes almost popping out from their socket.

The prince let out a cheerful smile as he nodded.

Without any warning, Chanyeol hugged Baekhyun – carrying him into his lap. His lips won’t stop kissing Baekhyun all over his face, causing the younger one to giggle due to feeling ticklish.

“Thank you, thank you. God, the baby, thank you so much.” Chanyeol uttered in between his kisses.

No words could describe how happy he is right now, it feels like he could even leap to the sky because of the happiness. For a few minutes, they indulge themselves with each other.

“Chanyeol, is it okay for me to live with you?” Baekhyun suddenly asked, there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

It reminds Chanyeol of when he met the pitiful prince for the first time, he looks lost and scared that Chanyeol doesn’t have the heart to keep him away from him. That time, he feels nothing but sympathy but this time, his heart is filled with adoration towards the younger.

And so, he spoke to Baekhyun – from the bottom of his heart.

“You don’t have to ask. Of course, we're gonna live together forever – I will love and cherish you with everything that I have until the end of my life.”

Who would've imagined that the mistake that day turned out to be the war hero's precious one now?