Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The ball hasn’t been going on for longer than two hours and Hoseok is already sick of it.

He and Seokjin are walking around the dance floor slowly, both of their eyes are surveying the room around them and every single man of noble birth. Usually, Hoseok loves looking at beautiful men, he is used to yearning after them from a distance. He’s no virgin, of course; he had brief sexual relationships with others but those are few and far between. He might not be the next in line for the throne but there are still expectations concerning his behavior. He is decent and polite, and he just gazes from a distance when he thinks nobody is looking.

The strange thing is that he isn’t just in the same room as other pretty men, they are suitors, almost all of them. They are all interested in him because this is supposed to be a ball to find him a husband. It wouldn’t be strange if this was arranged for his older sister, Crown Princess Ansun. She is two years older than Hoseok, nearing thirty, which is typically the age when she should be getting married, having little princes and princesses before eventually inheriting the throne. That’s how it always is. Hoseok knows that because he has been prepared for that since he was but a child. 

His teacher, an old woman, told him that he didn’t need to worry about getting married because that is a burden on his sister’s shoulders. She needs to have a good and strong marriage, so she can strengthen their kingdom. Especially in times like these.

The king should be organizing this ball for her. It makes no sense that suddenly Hoseok needs to pick his future husband. He is supposed to marry for love. For almost three decades both his mother and father told him that he could do just that and now they changed their mind.

Hoseok argued with his father briefly before appearing in front of the guests. His father didn’t yield at all. He just told him to go look and that he might end up finding a man that he could love. Those words feel like thorns in his side. 

He’s always been a good son and despite his hurt emotions, he’s still here, and thank the gods that Seokjin is here as well. Otherwise, Hoseok would’ve sneaked off after ten minutes. 

“Look at the man in the red suit,” Seokjin says quietly, nodding in the general direction of the person he’s referring to. Hoseok spots him immediately. A man around his age, talking to an older woman, perhaps his mother or someone he just met. He’s handsome in an ordinary way but Hoseok wouldn’t have noticed him if Seokjin didn’t point him out. “Moon Kangmin. The son of the biggest bank in the kingdom. Incredibly rich and loves to gamble. Not the worst match unless his little gambling goes sideways in the future.”

“What do you mean by that?” Hoseok asks, looking back at his friend and by title his servant. Seokjin is dressed to match Hoseok’s attire but it’s a duller and more simplistic version. They are both wearing blue suits with silver buttons but Hoseok has a short veil covering his entire head. Tiny diamonds, that were sewn into the sheer fabric, glisten when the light touches them. It’s not supposed to hide his beauty but to highlight it. A custom attire among unmarried royals. “He would bring his enemies to court if he wins or loses the wrong bet?”

Seokjin gives him a look. “There is reason for caution when someone is playing with their own and other people’s money.”

“Is this your way of saying that he is a bad match?” Hoseok muses, the corner of his lips curling upward. His eyes are already wandering to other people despite his disinterest in getting married so soon and so suddenly. He’s simply curious about who is in attendance at this ball. He wants to know who exactly is interested in him. It feels almost like a game in his head especially because nobody can approach him. They are staying away and Hoseok can just look and stare like he usually does. This part feels familiar. 

“Perhaps,” Seokjin replies, and Hoseok hears the smile in his voice so that is a definite yes.

“Who else then?”

“We have that other man eating cake by the tables,” Seokjin tells him, and Hoseok peers across the dance floor. There are only a few pairs dancing but even those people don’t look very invested in it. Hoseok finds the man Seokjin is referring to and he can’t help but make a face. He looks to be around his father's age. 

“You have to be kidding me,” he blurts out at once, halting in his place. Seokjin sighs as he steps in front of him with a troubled expression.

“I know but he’s here and that means he is interested and willing to marry yo—”

“Well, I’m not willing to marry a man who is twice my age,” Hoseok argues, wanting to stomp his feet like a little kid. He hates this so much. He wishes the night would end already so he can tell his father that he tried to find himself a husband but unfortunately no one could meet his expectations. “I don’t want to marry a stranger at all.”

“I also know that,” Seokjin gives him an apologetic smile. “But once you get to know them, they won’t be strangers anymore. Lee Jihwan is a very good strategist who helped strengthen the kingdom a—”

“When? Forty years ago?” Hoseok interrupts him, a heavy frown weighing on his features. He can’t believe Seokjin is truly trying to detail the life of a man whom Hoseok could be the son of. 

Seokjin sighs. “Okay, fine. I get it. Not him then. We still have a few other people left.”

“Gods, I hope that they aren’t all old,” Hoseok complains. He wants to bury his face in his hands and scream so loud that everyone thinks that he’s crazy. Maybe then no one would want to marry him anymore, which is a bit funny because Hoseok would like to get married. He always knew that he would end up marrying someone but it’s supposed to be someone that he loves. “Seokjin, I’m seriously going to lose my marbles if everyo—”

Someone clears his throat behind him, making Hoseok pause. It takes a few seconds before he turns around, taken aback by the audacity of this stranger. According to the traditions, Hoseok is supposed to approach the suitor who caught his eye and not the other way around. That is unless the suitor has a similar rank. 

The man standing behind him looks a little older than him. Not very handsome and on top of that incredibly rude as well. Hoseok has never seen him before, so he doesn’t understand where he got the bravery to pull such a stunt. 

“Prince Hoseok, this is Oh Doyoon, the son of Chancellor Oh,” Seokjin explains quickly, and Hoseok is grateful that he knows everyone because even though Hoseok has met Chancellor Oh many times before he has not seen his son before. The man hasn’t even said a word yet but Hoseok is already not interested. 

“It’s nice to finally meet you, your Highness,” Doyoon says, bowing deeply, which Hoseok doesn’t reciprocate at all. He’s feeling petty and he’s not in the mood to entertain anyone. “I’ve heard many great things about you from my father.”

“I can’t say the same. This is the first time I even heard your name,” Hoseok says without blinking, and Seokjin taps his lower back, signaling him to cut it out. Doyoon lets out an awkward laugh and Hoseok hates the sound of it. It irks him.

“I can assure you that if you were to ask my father about me, he would tell you about all of my good qualities,” Doyoon explains, putting his hands behind his back to stop his nervous fiddling.

“A father should love his son,” Hoseok says curtly, trying to show the man that he isn’t interested in him in any capacity. But the fact that he hasn’t immediately left shows that he is unaware of how awful he is being. The music changes around them and Hoseok is ready to change his conversation partner.

“Indeed, my father is very loving,” Doyoon smiles. Too widely. It makes his face look even weirder. Hoseok stares at him, internally cursing the man who continues to be oblivious of how awkward the whole situation is. Neither of them follows the statement up with anything, and Hoseok wishes he knocked Seokjin out earlier and ran away while he still had the chance.

“Your Highness, If I may,” Seokjin says suddenly. 

“You may,” Hoseok says without looking away from Doyoon.

“In my humble opinion, Oh Doyoon is currently unfit to become your fiancé since he seems to be busy trying to hide the fact that he has a bastard daughter from a nearby inn’s waitress,” Seokjin says, entirely emotionlessly. A smile spreads across Hoseok’s face as the blood seems to run out of Doyoon’s face. Suddenly Hoseok is even happier that Seokjin knows everything and everyone. Seokjin has always been a true friend to him.

“Thank you for the information. That is an important thing to know,” Hoseok nods. Doyoon’s eyes flicker from Seokjin to Hoseok, his face suddenly turning red. “It seems like our conversation will end here tonight. I’ll be sure to ask your father about those good qualities of yours.”

Hoseok is almost giggling by the end of the sentence and it attracts a few eyes. Doyoon notices that too, so he just nods and steps away, disappearing into the crowd. Hoseok lets out a satisfied breath and turns back to Seokjin who looks at him sourly.

“Oh, relax! That was fun, wasn’t it?” Hoseok beams, but Seokjin shakes his head.

“Not at all. Hoseok, so far all we found are men who are unfit to marry you and now you’re insulting them to their face,” Seokjin hisses under his breath. Worry oozes from him and Hoseok wishes he would relax finally. What’s wrong with not finding him a husband tonight?

“You insulted him too by bringing up his secret child,” Hoseok points out innocently.

“Yes. I did that. Incredibly rude, but I can’t let you marry a dishonest person,” Seokjin explains, and Hoseok feels a little touched. Of course, he knows that Seokjin cares about him and his happiness but after suggesting that old man, Hoseok sort of forgot it for a second. 

Hoseok lowers his voice as he says, “Thank you, Jin. For looking out for me and for being here.”

Seokjin rolls his eyes and looks away. “If I wasn’t here, you would make a fool out of yourself. I also can’t let you embarrass your father. We have to find someone.”

“Can’t we just give up?” Hoseok asks, almost whining. Seokjin gives him a stern look. “I mean, just for today. How can I find the perfect man in one night? It’s simply not realistic. I think we should end the night here and arrange another ball a week from now on. What if my future fiance couldn’t make it today? Shouldn’t we give him a second chance to turn up next week?”

Every word that comes out of his mouth is malarkey, Hoseok knows that and so does Seokjin. He is just trying to find any reason to stop this ball right now, so he can run back to his room and conduct a perfect plan to evade all this until he can find a man he would like to marry.

“You’re not supposed to find the perfect man, your Highness. You’re supposed to pick someone who is good enough,” Seokjin sighs, turning back towards the middle of the room. Reluctantly, Hoseok follows his lead, his eyes searching for the man of his dreams. He knows he won’t find him tonight but he won’t settle for anything less than perfect. “A decent man. Someone who won’t embarrass you and who doesn’t have too many secrets. Lower your standards, would you? I’m trying to save you from an argument that you’ll have with your father after you tell him that you didn’t dance with a single man because you hated all of them.”

“I don’t even understand why my father is doing this,” Hoseok mutters, hurt leaking out of his voice. He wants to hide it but he knows that Seokjin hears it clearly. “Are you sure that you didn’t know why he changed his mind suddenly?”

“I’m sorry but no. I can try to ask around tomorrow morning if you want me to,” Seokjin offers. “This was news to me too. Namjoon suddenly told me that I need to get you ready for this ball and that we must find a husband at all costs.”

Hoseok recoils. “At all costs? Those are the words that he used?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Seokjin replies. His voice sounds softer around the edges like he is also shocked and saddened by today’s strange news. “He said that the king sent him personally. I didn’t have time to ask him questions then but I’ll do it tomorrow, I promise.”

“Thank you,” Hoseok smiles. It’s weak but grateful. “It would make me feel better if I knew why this is happening. My father refused to explain himself.”

“So strange,” Seokjin comments, and Hoseok nods solemnly. 

“Who else do we have?” he asks after a moment of silence. He still doesn’t care but he doesn’t want his father to tell off Seokjin because of him, so he’ll keep asking him until the clock hits midnight and they can finally leave.

“There is a man exiting the dance floor right now. Grey suit and short blond hair. His name is Choi Jihun. I must admit that I was keeping him towards the end of the night because I knew you would be too argumentative in the beginning and I personally think he is one of the better candidates,” Seokjin begins, sounding a bit too proud of his own little ploy. Hoseok’s attention starts to drift towards the man but before he could spot him, a pair of cat-like eyes watching him from the other side of the room catches his gaze. Hoseok doesn’t mean to stare at him but he can’t believe that he didn’t spot the man before. He’s more beautiful than anyone else in the whole room and Hoseok can’t bother with finding Choi Minhun or whoever Seokjin is talking about.

The man is leaning against a pillar, dressed in all black, tiny gold chains spilling from his shoulders. He looks otherworldly with his long black hair and smokey eyes. Hoseok would even use words such as breathtaking to describe him. He’s unlike anyone Hoseok has ever seen and he doesn’t act like all the other suitors who are pretending not to notice him while secretly hoping that Hoseok would walk past them. The man is staring at him unabashedly, slowly dragging his eyes up from Hoseok’s shoes to his face. It’s not a look Hoseok usually receives unless he’s secretly hooking up with someone. It feels dirty, and out of nowhere his stomach feels like it’s on fire.

“Your Highness, what are yo—” Seokjin gasps, his hand wrapping around Hoseok’s biceps which is enough to win back Hoseok’s attention. Usually, Seokjin tries to avoid touching him in public settings, but now he is gripping him and looking at him with wild eyes. “Don’t look at him.”

“Why not?” Hoseok asks, suddenly feeling restless. He can still feel the man’s stare but he’s too scared to look back at him now.

“That is Crown Prince Min Yoongi. Son of King Yeonsan,” Seokjin whispers urgently and Hoseok connects the dots immediately. “Yes, that man is not a regular human. He’s an alpha. His father has six wives and there are rumors that he shares similar passions as his father when it comes to lovers. Unmarried officially but he’s not a man that you want to be involved with.”

Hoseok’s mind is reeling with the new information, trying to take everything in and struggling because the mere presence of the crown prince is distracting. Hoseok wants to turn back to him, to take another look at the heir of the rival kingdom. 

“Obviously I don’t want to be involved with a man like that,” Hoseok hisses, pulling his arm free of Seokjin’s grasp. “But what is he doing here? How was he even let in? He shouldn’t be here.”

“Yes, he shouldn’t be but he’s here anyway,” Seokjin says as he turns his head towards Yoongi, and Hoseok follows his lead. Yoongi tilts his head to the side, a smug smile running across his face because, of course, he knows that they are talking about him. He pushes himself away from the pillar and starts walking towards Hoseok. Seokjin inhales sharply then says, “You are of equal rank therefore he can approach you.” A moment of silence passes and the distance between Yoongi and Hoseok shrinks. “And he can ask you for a dance.”

“And I can reject him,” Hoseok says weakly.

“You would be a fool to do that. You know that,” Seokjin says solemnly, and Hoseok does know that. The relationship between their kingdoms is fragile, to say the least. Pissing off unimportant nobility is one thing but pissing off the crown prince of another kingdom is the stupidest thing Hoseok can do. 

A conversation is already inevitable. Hoseok is aware of that too. Yoongi is walking towards him with the air of a person who knows that they can get anything that they want and it seems like he’s planning on ruining Hoseok’s night even more. 

“Gods, I told you that we should’ve cut the night short,” Hoseok mutters because Yoongi is almost in hearing distance. 

“Yes. Perhaps you were right about that after all,” Seokjin agrees, but it’s way too late to leave now because Yoongi stops in front of him, his eyes jumping from Seokjin to Hoseok in an amused manner like he’s making fun of them. Seokjin clears his throat and bows as he introduces them officially. “Your Highness, this is Crown Prince Min Yoongi. Heir to the throne, the only son of King Yeonsan. And if I may, this is Prince Jung Hoseok, son of King Kwangho, second in line to the throne.”

Wordlessly Yoongi extends his hand towards him and Hoseok eyes his hand suspiciously. He doesn’t know what is exactly expected of him as he is unfamiliar with the other kingdom’s culture. His sister was taught all about them because she is likely to make contact with the king but that was not something that he needed to worry about. He desperately wishes that he wormed his way into his sister’s lesson.

He places his hand in Yoongi’s with some uncertainty, palm to palm. The crown prince’s skin feels incredibly warm and Hoseok swears he can sense his stomach matching the warmth of it. Yoongi chuckles softly as he turns Hoseok’s hand gently around in his hand before leaning down to press his nose to the inside of Hoseok’s wrist and Hoseok can hear him inhale and exhale. Then he straightens up and drops his hand quickly.

“And if I may,” Yoongi says, looking over at Seokjin. His voice is deeper than Hoseok imagined. Pleasant in a way. “You almost got my titles right but you forgot about one.”

Seokjin freezes. An awkward moment stretches between them before he starts apologizing.

“I am very sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean any disrespect. It’s been a while since I studied the titles of the royal family of Balhae. Your presence is unexpected,” Seokjin says quickly, bowing deeply again.

“No, it isn’t,” Yoongi shakes his head gently. That makes Hoseok frown and wonder what he means by that. Did someone know that he would be here tonight?

“If you wouldn’t mind enlightening me of my mistake, I swear I will remember it for the rest of my life,” Seokjin adds after a second of hesitation. 

“I don’t mind. You can stop bowing now,” Yoongi tells him and waits until Seokjin is looking into his eyes before he says, “You’re right. I’m my father’s only son. His only child, really, and I will be king after his death, but that’s not all I’m going to be.” He catches Hoseok’s eyes then and Hoseok’s heart misses a beat. “I’m also going to be Prince Hoseok’s husband soon.”

“What the—!” Seokjin elbows Hoseok in the side so hard that his outburst is cut short but he does stare at Yoongi with vicious, angry eyes. Who the fuck does this man think he is? He can just waltz into the palace and announce himself to be Hoseok’s future husband. It’s beyond rude. It’s worse than Doyoon approaching him and having a secret child from a woman.

Yoongi doesn’t seem to care because he extends his hand for the second time and asks, “Would you honor me with a dance, Prince Hoseok?”

Hoseok immediately wants to say no. To hell with all the politeness and being careful! Their fathers have already been fighting over beaches, islands and borders for the past two years. Hoseok might as well start another war with Crown Prince Yoongi since he seems to think that he owns Hoseok just because they shared a glance.

Before he can voice his distaste for the request and tell Yoongi what he really thinks of him, Seokjin shoves him so hard that he accidentally takes a step closer to Yoongi. Hoseok presses his lips into a line. Yoongi is very lucky that Seokjin is here, or this would go very differently. He lets his hand fall into Yoongi’s grasp for the second time and puts on a fake smile.

“The honor would be mine,” Hoseok says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Either Yoongi doesn’t notice it, or he doesn’t care because he just holds Hoseok’s hands tighter and starts leading him toward the dance floor.

Hoseok isn’t angry enough not to notice that people part in front of them, those hungry gazes are following them and the dance floor is completely empty by the time they reach the middle of it. Hoseok is certain by midnight the whole kingdom will know about him dancing with the enemy. It’s humiliating and Hoseok feels powerless to do anything to stop this from happening. So, he just lets Yoongi pull him closer and place his hand on Hoseok’s waist, which pisses Hoseok off even more. When did they agree to Yoongi leading? Isn’t it polite to ask beforehand? 

Hoseok looks at Yoongi’s face again and suddenly he doesn’t understand why he thought that he was so handsome a few minutes ago. This man is obviously one of the worst ones in this room. Selfish, full of himself, and uncaring of others. It irritates Hoseok endlessly.

The music changes just for them and they both take a step at the same time, perfectly in sync. At least, it seems that Yoongi is familiar with human dances, and that would’ve been a good thing but he probably only learned it to try to charm Hoseok. That also makes him angry. 

“A sad selection of men, I must say,” Yoongi comments quietly without looking away from Hoseok’s face. “I thought the competition would be more fierce for Tamna’s most beautiful prince.”

Great. First, he tries to claim Hoseok’s hand as his, and now he’s insulting him too. This is truly Hoseok’s worst night in his entire life. 

“And I thought only humans were invited to this ball. I wasn’t aware that our kingdom’s relationship suddenly improved,” Hoseok says, trying to sound as bored as possible. He’s hoping that he doesn’t need to dance with Yoongi for three whole minutes. He’s hoping Yoongi chooses to go away sooner.

“You thought wrong,” Yoongi smiles then adds, “I am where I need to be.”

Hoseok frowns, feeling confused and lost. “What does that even mean? Why are you speaking in riddles?”

Yoongi spins him around, and the distance between their bodies grows then shrinks as Yoongi pulls him almost close enough to make their chest touch. 

“I’m not speaking in riddles. As I said before, I am your future husband and I need to be here, dancing with you so we can be seen as a pair,” Yoongi explains. He seems calm but amused by Hoseok’s reaction, and Hoseok grips his shoulder harder as a small act of revenge.

“We are not a pair,” Hoseok snaps, trying to keep his voice quiet.

“That’s where you are wrong,” Yoongi chuckles right before they let each other go, going as far from each other as they can. Hoseok tries to not concentrate on the crowd watching them with hawk eyes, instead, he busies himself with making sure that he’s doing the correct steps. Yoongi obviously has no problem with following the rhythm and stepping in the right direction each time. 

It’s not long until the choreography leads them back together and Hoseok quickly puts his hand on Yoongi’s waist before the other could do it. Yoongi looks surprised by that for a second but he recovers quickly and places his hand on Hoseok’s shoulder instead. 

“You’re feisty. I didn’t know that,” Yoongi comments, and it sounds like he’s saying that to himself more than he is saying that to Hoseok, but Hoseok can’t stop himself from snapping at him again for saying something so incredibly weird.

“Of course, you didn’t know it. You don’t know me. We don’t know each other,” Hoseok points out, like he thinks Yoongi is an idiot. Which is true. He absolutely thinks that Yoongi is stupid. 

Yoongi raises his eyebrows. “You think I didn’t do research on my future husband?”

“You keep saying that I’m your future husband and I have no clue why you think that,” Hoseok scoffs, feeling annoyed and wondering when the song will finally end. After a moment, he adds, “Delusional.”

“Even if you have no clue about anything, it should be obvious that I’m your best bet here,” Yoongi points out. “Who will you marry if not me? That old man in the corner who fell asleep at a table ten minutes ago?”

If Yoongi is good at something, then it’s clearly pushing Hoseok’s buttons. Hoseok feels his cheeks get warm from anger. To be embarrassed by the crown prince? It’s unthinkable. Hoseok doesn’t see what Yoongi is getting out of this. Still, he’s not going to accept his proposal. He would rather face his father and tell him that he didn’t find anyone than to be engaged to Yoongi. 

“I would never marry you,” Hoseok spits, pulling Yoongi closer in his anger. Yoongi’s lips part as he blinks at him with a strange expression on his face. For the first time, Yoongi looks away, smiling.

It only lasts for a second before he looks at Hoseok again and says, “I’m afraid you have as much choice in that as I do.”

Hoseok stares at him furiously. Sure, he didn’t have a choice about speaking to Yoongi or dancing with him but he absolutely has a choice when it comes to his own marriage. Yoongi can marry more women than his father for all he cares. Hoseok won’t be one of many. He won’t be tossed aside for someone younger and more attractive. 

“You look very beautiful when you’re angry at me,” Yoongi comments, his thumb brushing against Hoseok’s neck. Hoseok hates the feeling that courses through his veins. He wants to snap back and insult Yoongi, telling him that Hoseok doesn’t find him handsome at all. But the song is finally coming to an end and he can finally let Yoongi go. They take a step away from each other and bow briefly. 

“Thank you for the dance. I can see that I angered you enough for tonight, so I’ll take my leave but we’ll see each other very soon,” Yoongi promises, and Hoseok almost gets distracted by the golden wolf pin above Yoongi’s heart. It was so obvious who Yoongi was from the start and yet Hoseok didn’t notice it. 

“No, we won’t,” Hoseok says coldly, eager to leave and find Seokjin.

“Yes, we will. Three days from now, to be exact. You can ask your father,” Yoongi tells him, looking all smug and annoying again. “Enjoy the rest of the party, but please don’t dance with anyone else. You don’t seem like the type who enjoys giving others false hope.”

Hoseok has a whirlwind of insults on the tip of his tongue but Yoongi leaves as suddenly as he appeared by that damned pillar. Hoseok’s hand curls into a fist as he takes a deep breath and starts walking toward Seokjin, who is looking at him very apprehensively. By the time Hoseok reaches him, a sense of cold settles into his bones.

“What did he tell you?” Seokjin asks immediately, but Hoseok waves him off. What Yoongi told him isn’t important, what’s really important is that someone didn’t tell him something incredibly crucial, and Hoseok needs to find out what’s going on.

“We are leaving right now. I have to talk to my father,” Hoseok announces, and this time Seokjin doesn’t disagree with him.

His father is looking at him with a disappointed look in his eyes. A book is resting on his lap as he’s sitting on the sofa in their lavish living room. He’s already dressed in nightwear. Hoseok’s mother lingers a few meters behind him. Her expression is at least a little apprehensive. 

“Hoseok, you have to marry the crown prince. This is not up for debate. The papers have already been signed,” King Kwangho says. His voice is light but measured – it reminds Hoseok of his childhood. Every time he did something that the king viewed as wrong, he would use this exact tone to tell him off. Twenty-seven is hardly the age of a child and still, his father is speaking to him this way.

“What papers? Why wasn’t I involved in any of this? We are talking about my future here,” Hoseok argues. He can’t believe that his father is informing him about being signed away so flippantly, so uncaringly. Hoseok feels betrayed and blindsided by both his parents. Someone could’ve said something but instead, he was kept in the dark until Hoseok started suspecting something and came to confront them personally.

“You know you are not involved in decision making. You have never been involved since that is not your role at the palace,” the king reminds gently, and Hoseok just can’t accept that as an answer.

“This is not fair. I thought my role was to be a decent prince, marry someone when I chose to, and live a quiet life in the castle that doesn’t bring shame to our family. I was supposed to be free of politics. I cannot be used as a tool to make peace with another nation,” Hoseok complains, desperation like a flower blooming in his voice. He knows his place and he has never wanted more than he should. He did everything right, and yet they are selling him off like livestock.

“My son, situations and circumstances change over time and we must adapt to them,” the king sighs, putting the book on the coffee table in front of him and straightening up in his seat as though he just realized that Hoseok won’t give up so easily. “Your destiny as my second child was, indeed, to live the life that you just described. We raised you accordingly and perhaps that was foolish of us to not prepare you for this but you mustn’t see this as a punishment. You and Crown Prince Yoongi’s marriage will be one of a kind. Unheard of for thousands of years. I urge you to start seeing this for what it truly is: an opportunity.”

Hoseok scoffs, dropping and shaking his head. He almost wants to look back at Seokjin and ask him if he’s hearing the nonsense that his father is spouting at him. The king has clearly gone insane in recent days because there is no way he truly thinks this is an opportunity for them. 

Hoseok looks at his mother then. She might be more sane than her husband.

“You promised that I could choose my husband freely,” Hoseok says, heartbroken. “It’s my sister’s duty to marry someone who would nourish and better the kingdom. Not me. I don’t understand why the both of you suddenly changed your mind and insist on me marrying a stranger. The son of the enemy.”

“Hoseok,” Queen Jeheon breathes. It doesn’t look like she’s enjoying the conversation. “Your father married me because it was arranged by his mother and look at the family that we built together despite us being mere strangers on our wedding day. Even if it feels like it right now, it’s not the end of the world, sweetheart.”

Hoseok suddenly wants to sit down and stare at the wall for a few hours. He has no one on his side, not a single person. He thought his mother might have a gentler opinion but he feels foolish hoping for that. Of course, a woman who has been living in an arranged marriage for the past twenty-nine years would have the opinion this marriage wouldn’t be so bad despite the fact that neither of them knows Yoongi or his true nature. He could be an awful and cruel person and his parents are ready to take the risk of Hoseok living in misery for the rest of his life.

“Why can’t it be my sister?” Hoseok asks, feeling so numb from head to toe. 

“Your sister is tied to the throne of this kingdom. She can’t marry the crown prince and leave everything behind,” the king replies and Hoseok is suddenly hit with the realization of what this all means. Crown Prince Yoongi and Crown Princess Ansun can’t marry one another otherwise it would leave a throne empty and the kings are not looking to unify their kingdoms. Hoseok’s going to have to leave everything behind just so both thrones would have successors. 

Hoseok is nothing more than a sacrificial lamb at the altar of peace.

“You’ll truly want to make me marry that man,” Hoseok states with a heavy heart.

“As I said, the papers have already been signed,” the king nods. “We finally caught King Yeonsan in a vulnerable position. The fights that broke out at the border cities left him panicked and his pride is wounded because he’s losing more islands each day. He can’t afford to look weak when whispers of resistance against his rule are going around. He agreed to this marriage so that he could pull back from the fight without being labeled unfit for the throne. This peace will do good for both of our kingdoms.”

“This is an unprecedented marriage proposal,” Hoseok says matter-of-factly because that is the simple truth of the matter. Hoseok had extensive lessons about the history and relationship between their kingdoms, so he is well aware of the fact that nobody of royal birth has married between their nations. They have always been at war, although in the past few decades, the fighting is not on the mainland; they are merely petty fights about islands and territories near the ocean line. 

The king stands from his seat, looking satisfied because of Hoseok’s observation while the queen still looks worried behind him.

“Exactly, my son,” the king says, clapping his hands together. “The possibilities for the future are endless. This could bring a different relationship between our people. You are adored by the citizens of Tamna and you will be adored in Balhae as well. I know that there isn’t a single person in this place who could make this marriage work as well as you.”

Hoseok wants to argue that his sister who has been prepared to get married to a stranger all her life would without a doubt do a better job than him, but Hoseok just finds himself resigning. As much as he wants to keep arguing, he knows that if the kings already signed a treaty and agreed on their marriage then there is nothing that he could say that would change his father’s mind. Even if he somehow succeeded, it would still be a lost cause. Terminating that treaty would surely lead to a bigger war. 

“Hoseok, don’t view this as a betrayal on our part. You’ll see that you are stronger than you think you are,” the queen adds softly as though that helps Hoseok in any way. He’s never thought of himself as weak. This conversation isn’t about whether he is strong enough to endure being married to the crown prince of Balhae. This is about his sudden loss of control over his own life.

“Is there anything I should know that you haven’t mentioned yet?” Hoseok asks because he can’t bear another secret.

“You’re going to meet King Yeonsan and the crown prince in three days. It’s just a brief meeting before the wedding. You don’t need to worry about anything as long as you can keep your opinions to yourself. Then the wedding is set for the day after the meeting,” the king informs and Hoseok can’t look at his father any longer. “That’s enough time for you to get your new suit ready. Everything else has been already arranged, so you’ll only need to show up, say your vows and attend the after-party.”

Hoseok nods joylessly, already turning away from his parents.

“I understand. I’ll do what you want me to do,” he says, wondering if he sounds as emotionless as he does to his own ears. “I’ll retreat to my room for tonight.”

He doesn’t even bother listening to his parents’ goodnights. He just walks towards the door, catching Seokjin’s eyes. The other is looking back at him expressionless but Hoseok knows that that’s just a mask that will shatter as soon as they step out of the living room. Perhaps he’s not entirely alone in this. Seokjin, at least, will pity him. 

Seokjin opens the door for him and they both exit the room quietly. As soon as the door closes, Seokjin’s hand appears on his shoulder, big and comforting. 

“Hoseok, this is—”

“Hoseok, wait!” Another voice disrupts Seokjin’s, and Hoseok halts in his step, turning back towards his sister. Of course, she was listening in on their conversation and now she wants to say her piece too.

Hoseok shoots Seokjin a look and says, “You can go back to my room and get my bed ready for me. I’ll come soon.”

Seokjin nods wordlessly and walks off. Hoseok turns back to Crown Princess Ansun and he can’t help but study her face. For all his life, they told him how similar they look. Their eyes and their smiles share the same shapes. Despite their physical similarities, Ansun was destined to become a queen and Hoseok was meant to remain a prince for the rest of his life. He never had any problem with that. 

Ansun is beautiful with her long hair and beauty marks. She’s kind and elegant. She is prophesied to become a great leader once her time comes and Hoseok can see that clearly. He always thought that she was so perfect for her role. She was born to be a queen that’s loved by all her people.

“How long have you known?” Hoseok demands without thinking, his unruly emotions surfacing again now that he’s facing another person who betrayed him. 

She blinks in an awfully beautiful way, then pushes a strand of hair out of her face.

“I was there at the meeting,” she answers honestly, and Hoseok almost wishes that she would lie to him just so he could leave this palace with a good memory of her. 

“And you didn’t stand up for me,” Hoseok states. It’s not a question but Ansun nods, chewing on her lower lip.

“I didn’t because this isn’t like standing up to bullies, Hoseok,” she explains, her voice is quiet but he can hear her confidence. She doesn’t think this marriage is a mistake. “Our duty to the kingdom is to—”

“Our duty?” Hoseok echoes, appalled. “What is our duty exactly, Ansun? This was supposed to be your duty and you know that. I don’t do politics.”

“This isn’t politics,” Ansun shakes her head, placing her hands together in front of her.

“I’m a tool for peace. That sure feels like politics to me,” Hoseok argues, rolling his eyes “How can you be fine with our father shipping me off to a foreign kingdom?”

“I’ve never said that I am fine with it,” Ansun denies firmly. There is no point in her saying that when her actions show that she is, in fact, fine with Hoseok being sold off. 

“But you will watch it happen anyway, won’t you?” Hoseok can’t hide the ugly, mocking tone from developing his tone. He’s never in his life felt as hurt as he does right now. He thought his parents and his sister loved and cared for him. It’s a painful realization that he’s so expendable to them. “You know about all the wives that King Yeonsan has. You’re really going to let the same thing happen to your brother. When I leave here, I won’t be a Prince of Tamna anymore. I will be his husband and as soon as he tires of me, he’s going to toss me aside like a piece of garbage and marry whoever he pleases.”

“We don’t know the crown prince, Hoseok,” Ansun reminds him needlessly. Hoseok hasn’t forgotten that he’s a stranger yet. “He might not be anything like his father. You shouldn’t cast judgment on him so quickly.”

“Oh, I’m sure the apple fell really far from the tree,” Hoseok mocks, elongating the words and playing with his voice. “I met him tonight and he showed just enough for me to know that he’s not a good person.”

“Will you just let me say one thing, please? This mockery will lead you nowhere,” Ansun chides, clearly growing tired of Hoseok’s tone. Hoseok is not interested in hearing anything that she has to say. She already revealed that she was there at the meeting when the kings agreed to this marriage and did nothing to stop it.

“If it would please you,” Hoseok says, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“The most important lesson that I’ve learned is that you must compromise and take what you can get. Don’t anger the crown prince and don’t ask more than he’s willing to give you. I know you’ll be fine as long as you—”

“Are you here just to give me advice on my marriage?” Hoseok asks, shocked by her audacity. She looks taken aback by his interruption. “Don’t bother. I’m not planning on being a good husband at all. Look where being a good prince has led me.”

Her cheeks turn red at that, her lips curling down in an angry pout just like Hoseok’s. She glares at him for a moment before she finally speaks again, “Fine. Be that way if you so please. Have a miserable life with your husband since you want that so much. I hope that that will make you happy.”

“And I hope your future husband will be very ugly,” Hoseok shoots back childishly, and Ansun gasps, covering her mouth with her hand, but Hoseok doesn’t care at all. He’s already storming away and leaving her standing in the middle of the hallway. He’s so sick of all of them. He doesn’t want to hear their advice and their encouragement after dooming him for life. It’s ridiculous. 

He runs up the stairs and throws the door of his bedroom open and slamming shut so hard that Seokjin jumps, pressing a hand over his heart. Hoseok ignores him too and falls into the nearest chair, burying his face into his hand. How did this night go so wrong? What did he ever do to deserve such treatment from his family? Hasn’t he been the best son he possibly could?

“I assume that conversation didn’t go too well either,” Seokjin concludes and Hoseok shakes his head wordlessly, leaning over his writing desk and hiding his face in the crook of his elbow. His eyes start to sting suddenly but he doesn’t want to fall apart. Not in front of Seokjin. Not even on his own. Because he is strong. He can survive this. 

There’s a sound of soft knocks on the door and when Hoseok doesn’t make a move, he hears Seokjin walking over and peering outside. Then the door clicks shut.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. There was nothing that I could do,” Namjoon apologizes and his words tug at Hoseok’s heartstrings a little. He shouldn’t be apologizing to Hoseok. He didn’t do anything wrong. Hoseok sits up straight and sighs, his back still turned to them.

“No need to be so formal suddenly, Namjoon,” Hoseok says softly. “It’s not your fault that this is happening.”

“I know but I want you to know that I wasn’t allowed to say anything about Crown Prince Yoongi. The king forbade me,” Namjoon adds. That sentence makes Hoseok turn in his chair.

“It’s strange that they kept it a secret from me. I don’t understand why,” Hoseok says. His entire body feels so heavy. He wants to fall into his bed and sleep for the next week, so he will miss out on his own wedding. 

Namjoon gives him a strange, tightlipped smile and says, “I think they were hoping that you would like the crown prince.”

Seokjin snaps his head towards Namjoon, his mouth parting in surprise.

“They tried to give Hoseok-ah the illusion of free choice, didn’t they?” Seokjin asks, sounding stunned. Namjoon shrugs and then Seokjin looks back at Hoseok. “They thought you would choose him on your own.”

Hoseok frowns. If Hoseok puts aside the fact that Yoongi is the son of their enemy and all his bad feelings towards him then Yoongi was like a pearl in the sand at the ball. There was a noticeable difference between every other suitor and the crown prince. Was there a reason why everyone else was so…. questionable at the ball?

Hoseok’s mood only sours more. 

“They tried to trick me into picking him,” Hoseok observes sadly. “That would’ve been a nice fairy tale for history books, huh? Crown Prince Yoongi, appearing uninvited at my ball and me, falling in love with him immediately. What a coincidence that our marriage would lead to a peace treaty, huh?”

Namjoon and Seokjin stare at him silently but their eyes are telling everything that Hoseok needs to know. They took him for a fool and it might’ve worked if Hoseok was more desperate for love, if he didn’t have the thought of getting married so suddenly. They underestimated him.

“Why did they think that I would ever choose him?” Hoseok asks nobody in particular. The entire situation is rotten to the core. He almost wishes that he fell for his parents' ploy because maybe then he wouldn’t feel so miserable right now. Ignorance is a luxury that he doesn’t have anymore. 

“Is there anything that I can do for you?” Seokjin asks, taking a step closer to him. 

“I don’t imagine you feel comfortable helping me escape,” Hoseok sighs. The thought of running away is attractive but not feasible at all. No matter how awfully he’s being treated, he doesn’t want anyone to go to war because he runs from his responsibility. 

“I’m also not comfortable with letting you marry the crown prince,” Seokjin says quietly. He looks more worried than the queen and that somehow eases some of Hoseok’s distress. He needs support now more than ever. “If it can be arranged, I would happily follow you to Balhae and serve you as long as you need me to. You have been my friend for the longest time and I don’t want you to go through this alone.”

“What about your father?” Hoseok asks. Seokjin’s mother was the queen’s handmaiden and she would bring Seokjin to play with Hoseok whenever she was allowed. Once she passed from a sudden illness way too young, Hoseok asked his mother to let Seokjin be his servant. Seokjin’s father is still alive and Seokjin leaves the castle every Saturday to see him but if he comes to Balhae with Hoseok, he won’t be able to see him as frequently anymore.

“He’ll understand when I explain your situation to me,” Seokjin says kindly. “He’s always been grateful for all the kindness you and your mother have shown my family when I needed it the most, so I would like to repay your kindness now.” 

Hoseok smiles weakly. He’s happy to hear those words.

“Thank you. It would make things easier for me if you were there with me,” he confesses. Seokjin serving as a piece of safe haven in a foreign kingdom is just what he needs. Namjoon steps closer suddenly, reminding Hoseok of his presence too.

“This isn’t really an offer because I was ordered to travel to Balhae with you. I have no idea if you will live at the palace or somewhere nearby but I will be working at King Yeonsan’s court as the first Tamnian diplomat,” Namjoon explains. “Nevertheless, you can count on me too. If you need anything, you can talk to me and I’ll help you as best as I can. I’m on your side.”

“I appreciate that, Namjoon,” Hoseok says sincerely. He’s nowhere near as close to Namjoon as he is to Seokjin but he knows that Seokjin likes and trusts Namjoon and Hoseok happens to trust Seokjin and his intuitions. “Maybe it won’t be so bad with the two of you there.”

Seokjin and Namjoon look at each other, sharing a quick smile.

“That’s what I’m hoping for too.” Seokjin looks less worried now and Hoseok is ready to put this conversation to bed until the morning comes. “If you’ll allow me, I would like to leave the palace tomorrow morning so I can speak to my father. I should be back before nightfall.”

Hoseok hums, pushing himself up from the chair.

“Yes, you do that,” he agrees. “I’m sure I’ll spend most of the day picking out designs for my wedding suit and I don’t need help with that.”

“I had the impression that you thought I had impeccable taste in fashion,” Seokjin teases lightheartedly and Hoseok chuckles under his breath.

“Yes, yes, of course,” he says, waving his hand. “But I’ll survive tomorrow without you. Don’t worry too much about me.”

“It’s hard not to after all this,” Namjoon notes quietly and Hoseok understands why he would say that. He has been acting childish and brash all evening.

“I won’t run away or do anything stupid, I swear,” Hoseok promises, putting a hand over his heart. “You are dismissed for today. I’m exhausted.”

They say their goodbyes quickly after that and a few minutes later, Hoseok is alone in his room, undressing the fancy outfit that he’s been wearing tonight. He’s almost expecting to have a breakdown suddenly now that no one is watching him with hawk eyes for a reaction. But he doesn’t feel much anger or hurt anymore. He’s simply tired and wants to go to bed. 

So, he puts on his pajamas and climbs into his huge bed. The thought that he only has a few more days left until he’ll be forced to share a bed with his new husband occurs to him. He repositions himself in the middle of the bed, trying to take up as much space as he possibly can. He feels pleased with himself then.

He closes his eyes and tries to not let Crown Prince Yoongi overtake all his thoughts. 

The next two days pass with Hoseok feeling numb the whole time.

He does whatever is asked of him with a minimal and – what he views as – a healthy amount of resistance. Still, he picks out the perfect design for his wedding suit, looks at the flower arrangements, listens to his mother blabber about useless details, and slowly but surely everything gets done. All the last-minute decisions are made and the pieces fall into their places and Hoseok is left with the dread that his wedding will be perfect, or rather it would be perfect if he was marrying someone who is dear to his heart. 

He tries to evade the thought of his fiance and the thought of how short their engagement period is. He doesn’t even have an engagement ring. It’s all so strange. This isn’t what he imagined for himself as a child, but he tries to not show his worries and his weaknesses. He knows that from the outside he looks like he accepted his position and his place in this situation but that’s far from the truth. In reality, he’s stomping it all down, so it wouldn’t bubble up and make him erupt like a volcano. He’s not dealing with the factuality of his situation at all. Physically he’s not running away, but mentally he is swimming in the ocean, trying to find one of those islands that his father spent so much time fighting over. He’s hoping that it’s uninhabited so he can live there for the remainder of his life. 

He can’t flee forever, though. 

The night before the meeting, after Seokjin has left his room, Hoseok sneaks out and into the royal library. He hasn’t spent any time here since he finished his lessons. He was a good student but books never interested him in his free time.

Now however, he hurries to the back of the library, searching for a small section of books hidden next to boring dictionaries and grammar books. His index finger skims across the books’ spines as he reads the titles one by one. They only have a few books that entail anything about the culture of alphas, betas, and omegas and there are even fewer that focus on romantic relationships. Namely, Hoseok can only recall seeing one titled: The Peculiarities of Wolf Relations by Kim Hajoon. 

It’s a small green book and Hoseok lifts it off the shelf. Yoongi seemed like he did some kind of research on him and Hoseok refuses to see him without learning anything about what a marriage might look like with an alpha. 

He skims the table of contents until he sees a chapter titled: My Observations about How They Strengthen Bond After Marriage. It seems as good as any place to start, so Hoseok flips over to that chapter and starts reading.

Hoseok shuts the book close and pushes it back on the shelf, still looking at it horrified and disgusted. Is that what will be expected of him? To run around in a forest while Yoongi chases him? Hoseok is pretty fit but there is no way he’s more fit than an alpha who views hunting someone as a game. 

He feels uncomfortable with the notion of getting chased, not as a child but as a prey. He feels even worse when he realizes that the couple in the book has an audience. If Yoongi is planning on forcing him to do this, Hoseok hopes that Yoongi is at least willing to wait until they leave Balhae. Hoseok doesn’t want his parents and his sister’s memory of him to be of him running across the streets of Sabi. 

After reading only one page, he realizes that he will cross the bridge of their cultural differences when he comes to it. This already feels traumatic. If the author started by explaining what the hunt is, Hoseok can’t imagine what else he mentioned after that. However, he already knows that it would only make him sick to his stomach. So he left the library as quickly as he entered it and went back to his room. 

On the third day, he is dressed by Seokjin in a wonderful gray attire. A more simplistic veil is covering his face, the tiny bead can only be found at the bottom of the sheer fabric, and then Seokjin places a silver headpiece over his forehead. The tiger pin is the last piece of accessory. Hoseok knows that he looks beautiful but he feels too vulnerable to truly enjoy the outfit that Seokjin has put together for him. 

He’s eventually escorted to the meeting room and he tries to not look relieved when he only spots his father. Wordlessly he sits by his side at the table and intertwines his fingers in front of him. He’s glad that the other king and his son aren’t here yet. At least he can take a few breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart. 

“Try to relax, Hoseok. This is just a short discussion about what happens after the wedding,” his father tells him and it doesn’t make him feel safe at all. Sure he can leave this room soon enough but he can’t leave the marriage that he doesn’t even want. What’s the point of comforting words? He has yet to forgive his father for his scheming and he doesn’t think it will happen any time soon. This isn’t a simple mistake that can be corrected. This was intentional and he got no apologies. 

“I know that already.” He can’t help but be a little snippy. His father should know that deep down he hasn’t really accepted this deal between their nation. 

“Watch your tone, my son. You shouldn’t make a bad first impression on King Yeonsan,” the king warns quietly. Hoseok doesn’t care about what the other king will think of him. Why should it matter anyway? The papers have been signed and the deal will be done tomorrow. According to everything his father told him, King Yeonsan is in a worse position compared to them. From Hoseok’s point of view, the other king should worry about making a good first impression.

Before Hoseok can reply, Namjoon steps into the room, holding the door open for the king and the crown prince. Namjoon mutters something and King Yeonsan nods at him, patting Namjoon’s shoulder before he starts walking towards the empty chairs across Hoseok and his father. Hoseok eyes the other king. He can’t help but notice that Yoongi looks nothing like him.

King Yeonsan is a bit taller than them, his hair is short and a short beard covers his jaw. His eyes are dull and his cheeks are red and full. There is nothing regal about him. He looks more like a drunk at a nearby inn than a king. If it wasn’t for the golden crown on his head, Hoseok would have assumed that he was just a person who wandered into the castle. 

Hoseok’s eyes shift towards Yoongi who is trailing after the king. Their eyes meet but neither of their expressions soften. There are no smiles in the room. Hoseok hates to admit it but at least Yoongi looks like someone worthy of sitting on a throne. 

Two kings shake hands and Hoseok lays the back of his hand into Yoongi’s palm without hesitation. Yoongi’s nose only touches his wrist for a second and they quickly pull away. The foreign king and his son take their seat while Hoseok glances at the clock. He wonders if they will be done within five minutes. 

“I’m glad the two of you could make it so we can finalize everything,” King Kwangho says, the happiness in his voice is evident and it’s making Hoseok feel sick.

“Everything is going according to plan, I assume?” King Yeonsan asks, scratching his beard. Hoseok suddenly notices the gray hairs in his hair, the wrinkles by his eyes and his mouth. He has no idea how old the other king is but he looks a bit older than his father. He wonders if King Yeonsan is planning to abdicate the throne soon and if perhaps this wedding is the perfect tool for him to leave his kingdom to his son. Hoseok is definitely not ready for that. He hopes that he’s wrong about that.

“Of course, everything is splendid. The wedding will happen tomorrow. My wife and Hoseok worked hard to make sure that every little thing is in its place for the big day, so you mustn’t worry about anything,” King Kwangho says, most likely easing any concerns that the other king might have had in his mind. Hoseok looks away from King Yeonsan and redirects his attention to the crown prince who is shamelessly staring at him. Hoseok hardens his gaze, throwing insults at Yoongi in his mind. 

“That’s very good to hear. Earlier Crown Princess Ansun showed us around and we got to see where the ceremony and the party will be held. We are both very satisfied with everything that we have seen so far. Isn’t that right, Prince Yoongi?” King Yeonsan prompts, turning his head slightly towards his son. 

Yoongi nods. “Yes, Father. Everything is perfect.”

“We are very happy to hear that. We didn’t spare any funds when we planned the wedding. Still, it’s not the best since we are doing it on such short notice but I don’t think that should be an issue,” King Kwangho laughs wholeheartedly as though he said something humorous. Hoseok can barely listen to the nonsense they are speaking, so instead he focuses on the silent staring war that’s going on between him and Yoongi. The two kings are obviously not here to discuss something very important since they are both talking about nothing of importance. 

So, Hoseok just stops listening and wastes his time observing his husband-to-be. Yoongi is wearing the same colors as the last time: black and gold. His outfit is simpler and there are no gold chains running from his shoulder. Instead, he’s wearing what seems like five earrings on each ear, all gold and dangly. There is a smear of golden paint on top of his cheeks. Hoseok wonders if golden things are as popular in Balhae as silver accessories are in Tamna. He has never worn anything gold in his life but he supposes that he can get used to it. Gold and silver are not that different, although that’s the least of his worries. 

Unfortunately, Yoongi seems to be excellent at staring because he doesn’t break eye contact, barely blinks. Hoseok feels the tension building inside his body at that, his spine feels more rigid and he feels as though he’s sitting on the edge of his seat. 

When he spotted Yoongi across the room three days ago, he had no idea that they would end up here. The fact that Yoongi already knew but he didn’t makes it all feel more bitter. Yoongi had his own fun with Hoseok being in the dark, just like his parents who tried to trick him into picking Yoongi by inviting only men that Hoseok would hate to the ball. Yoongi must think that he is weak and stupid but Hoseok is planning on proving him wrong. He is preparing to be an unpleasant husband. If he’s going to be discarded eventually then he won’t allow Yoongi the pleasure of having him at all. 

“Now we need to talk about the honeymoon,” King Kwangho suggests, and that finally catches Hoseok's attention. He snaps his head towards his father and despite his best efforts, he can feel his eyes getting rounder. 

It didn’t occur to him that they would have a honeymoon and nobody said anything about it to him. Is he expected to sleep with Yoongi during that? Because he already knows that he’s going to refuse. There is no way that he’s letting the crown prince waltz into his bed. Ever.

“Ah, yes. I almost forgot about that,” King Yeonsan notes, nodding. 

“I think we should allow the princes to decide where they want to spend it,” his father says, looking down at Hoseok. 

He doesn’t hesitate before saying, “Seongju.”

“My son is referring to a small town west of here. Very lovely. It would suit a honeymoon. We also happen to have a holiday home where they could stay for the time being,” King Kwangho explains, looking at him amused. Hoseok feels relieved that his father doesn’t feel the need to talk about all the summers that Hoseok spent there with his mother and his sister when he was a child. It’s a place that he doesn’t feel keen to share with Yoongi but he wants to feel at peace, and there is no better place than Seongju. 

“What do you think?” King Yeonsan asks Yoongi who doesn’t answer at once. That makes Hoseok’s stomach shrink as they make eye contact once more. Yoongi wouldn’t deny him of spending a few more days in his home kingdom, would he? Suddenly Hoseok fears that he might force him to leave right after the wedding. 

The silence is uncomfortable but eventually, Yoongi nods.

“It’s fine by me,” the crown prince agrees, and Hoseok can breathe again. He silently thanks all the Gods that he learned of for allowing him this small mercy. He’s been meaning to go back to Seongju for years but he’s never had enough time or determination to go back there. At least, he can say goodbye to his favorite place. Even if Yoongi has to be there, it’s worth it for Hoseok. 

The conversation doesn’t go on for much longer after that. Before Hoseok knows it, King Yeonsan and Yoongi are standing up from their chairs and saying their goodbyes. Hoseok doesn’t wait to hear what his father has to say to him, although he’s sure that he could say plenty of things. Hoseok exits the room too, wrapping his arms around himself. He feels disappointed when Namjoon isn’t standing near the door. He was hoping that he could talk to him but that’s fine. He can just go back to his bedroom and hide until the sun rises. 

His feet make muted sounds as he walks through the long hallway. He's so lost in his daydreams about throwing himself into his bed that he barely hears another person saying his name. 

He halts suddenly, slowly turns around and he finds himself facing the man he was hoping to avoid until tomorrow. The least Yoongi could do is stay away for these last few hours before they will be forced to spend time with each other for the rest of their lives, but Hoseok can see that Yoongi isn’t planning on giving him that gift.

“Gods, you walk fast,” Yoongi complains, wiping the nonexistent sweat of his brows. Hoseok feels so annoyed by that. Why is he so theatrical? 

“What do you want?” Hoseok snaps. He’s not in a mood to play mind games with his fiancé. He hates that he’s mentally referring to Yoongi as such despite how accurate the words are. Yoongi looks at him like he doesn’t understand him.

“I just wanted to—”

Hoseok quickly interrupts him, walking closer so he can enjoy the slight height differences between them. He’s barely looking down on Yoongi but still, that feels like a win.

“Let’s get something clear before we get married, shall we?” Hoseok asks, voice dripping like poisoned honey. “You don’t and can’t want anything from me because I’m not giving you anything. We’ll be married in title only and that’s where it ends. You can do whatever you want but when you eventually decide to marry another person, I hope you’ll be decent enough of a person to warn me beforehand. No, I won’t attend your other weddings and I won’t play nice with your other wives and husbands either. So, I’d advise you to keep them out of my sight.” 

Yoongi blinks, then does a double take like he’s replaying Hoseok’s words inside his head, trying to piece his words together one by one. Hoseok feels satisfaction bubbling underneath his skin. He likes that he caught the crown prince off guard. He’s secretly hoping that no one had the guts to speak to him like before because that only makes things sweeter. Hoseok wants him to know that he is not a coward. He won’t be chased through a forest so easily. 

He sees the second shock turns to annoyance and anger in Yoongi’s eyes and he smiles at Yoongi. 

“So, this is how you want our marriage to go?” Yoongi asks. Clearly, he’s trying to hide how upset he is at Hoseok’s words and he’s failing badly at it. The clenched fist and jaw are never a sign of happiness.

“I am telling you that this is how it will go,” Hoseok nods confidently. “It’s this or I am running away and inciting war between our kingdom. Pick your poison, crown prince.”

Yoongi releases a shaky breath between his teeth, then says, “Fine. If this is what you want.”

“It is what I want,” Hoseok declares with conviction.

“Then we have nothing to discuss,” Yoongi shrugs, averting his eyes and the tension melts away from his body. 

“I’m glad we finally agree,” Hoseok says, faking kindness in his voice. “Now if you excuse me, I’ll take my leave. As you know, we have no choice but to see each other tomorrow. Good luck, crown prince!”

“Likewise, Prince Hoseok,” Yoongi spits before he turns around and walks away. Hoseok doesn’t linger either. There is nothing to linger on. Not on their situation. Nor on Yoongi’s words. 

Everything goes splendidly the next day. Hoseok looks impeccable and Yoongi looks as otherworldly as on any other day. The ceremony is over quicker than Hoseok expected it. A few promises and a brief, passionless kiss and they are walking out of the temple. 

Despite the customs, Hoseok takes off his own veil, tucking it inside one of his pockets, even though it should be his husband’s duty. Yoongi likely has no idea and Hoseok isn’t in a hurry to tell him all about it. That would be too intimate. 

Everyone is in a good mood around them while they barely look at each other. Yoongi is acting colder than ever and Hoseok does the same. The party drags slowly as they eat the feast his sister arranged, then they taste the cake that the kingdom’s best baker made. It’s all flavorless to Hoseok but he nods and says that it tastes amazing to anyone who asks. 

Hoseok spends most of his time staring at Seokjin who is standing so far that they can’t exchange words but they can still see each other clearly. Seokjin gives him an encouraging thumbs up and tries to show him how much time is left of the celebration. Hoseok has a new kind of appreciation for his friend. He’s always known that Seokjin is one of the kindest people but in the time of need, he really gives his all.

The celebration ends with a last dance. Hoseok and Yoongi dance without a smile or exchanging a single word with each other. It’s more uncomfortable than Hoseok anticipated but luckily the song comes to an end too. 

They get into a carriage that takes them to Seongju and as much as Hoseok wants to glance back at his home, his parents, he can’t find it in himself to do it now. They are leaving things unresolved and they all know that. Yet, no one tried to reach out to him to smooth things out. Perhaps that wasn’t a bad idea since Hoseok isn’t interested in what they have to say anyway.