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Seonghwa likely looked like a fool. But for once, he didn’t care. Today, he didn’t care about anything but the soft robes against his skin and the pleasant buzz around the palace as more and more guests arrived.
He was going to be married.
In just four short days, he would wed his betrothed in front of their kingdoms, sealing the alliance between their lands and swearing loyalty to one another.
In no time at all, he would finally marry Hongjoong, and it was for that reason he’d been practically glowing all week, an infectious smile radiant upon his face.
“Gods Hwa, you’ll put the sun to shame soon enough,” Yunho laughed, walking into the prince’s quarters. “I take it you’re excited?”
“Of course I am,” Seonghwa beamed, spinning around with a smile. “I’ve been waiting years for this Yunho- how could I not be?”
Yunho smiled back at his old friend, his sword catching the light from where it hung on his hip.
The knight had been by Seonghwa’s side since they were children, a faithful companion, a wonderful partner in crime, and a fierce protector that would travel with Seonghwa once he left for Halazia.
(Though that was also because his friend was hopeless head over heels for Hongjoong’s own personal guard, Mingi.)
“Has Hongjoong arrived yet??” Seonghwa asked, peering out to watch as more and more carriages pulled up to the gates. “He’s supposed to be in today…”
“I’ve not yet heard of his arrival,” Yunho said, “But I’ll send Yeosang to you as soon as the word reaches my ears.”
“Or you could fetch him yourself,” the man in question snorted, walking into Seonghwa’s chambers. “And speaking of his majesty, I’ve just received a letter from Sir San.”
“Brilliant,” Seonghwa smiled, accepting the letter, “Thank you Yeosang.”
“Of course my prince,” the servant grinned, bowing slightly. “Wooyoung asked me to call for you as well, something about a tasting for the royal wedding cake.”
Normally, the news of trying out sweets, especially ones as delicious as Wooyoung’s, would make the prince’s day. Now however, both the guard and the servant were startled to see Seonghwa’s face fall ever so slightly.
“Seonghwa??” Yunho asked as the prince set the letter down with a small sigh. “Is everything alright??”
“Yes,” the prince answered solemnly. “Simply a small delay in Hongjoong’s travels. Apparently a mighty tree blocked their path, so they’ve been delayed. Meaning they won’t be here until tomorrow afternoon.”
All three men deflated at such news, each excited for their lovers (or in Yunho’s case future lover) to arrive at Utopia. But Seonghwa would not let a small change in plans upset him now, not with the wedding so close.
“Come gentlemen,” the prince declared, taking his friends by the arm with a small grin. “Let us go and feast upon Wooyoung’s cooking for now. Tomorrow will come sooner than we know.”
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“The vanilla and strawberry was outstanding Wooyoung,” Seonghwa beamed as he made his way out of the kitchens with his friends. “Your best creation yet, I might dare say.”
“And Sir San’s favorite, if I’m not mistaken,” Yeosang added slyly, wiggling his eyebrows as the cook went red in the face.
“I- Well that’s besides the point!” the young man exclaimed as the others chuckled. “What matters most is that Seonghwa liked it.”
“I truly did,” Seonghwa smiled. “And I don’t think it would be too sweet for Hongjoong either. Besides, it will be refreshing- the weather is supposed to be warm.”
“Oh, I’ll need to plan for a way to keep it from melting,” Wooyoung frowned, “I’ll see how much room is in the ice boxes. I know the butchers have been hard at work with getting meat cut for the feast, but there should be-”
“My lord Seonghwa!! What a lovely surprise!!”
Seonghwa bit back a heavy groan as he forced himself to turn, a purely polite smile across his face now as his least favorite guest came jogging towards him.
“Duke Val,” Seonghwa greeted as the man, an old and red faced pig that enjoyed wine and the company of young men far too much, came before their party. “How…pleasent it is to see you.”
“Well, I’d never dare miss your wedding!!” Val laughed, entirely too loud and dry for the middle of the day in an empty hallway. “Your father insisted I be here to see you off!!”
Seonghwa’s lips threatened to fold into a scowl as Val leaned entirely too close, his breath rancid with the smell of wine and spirits.
It was true. As disgusting and foul as the man was, he was a close friend to Seonghwa’s father, the king of Utopia- if not solely because of the trade Val brought with his horrible company.
The young prince tried hard to reason with his father about inviting the man, always on edge around Val’s wandering hands and unsettling comments. But the king insisted it was good for diplomacy, and that Hongjoong would be more than enough to scare off the duke.
Except, Hongjoong wasn’t here right now, and Val’s hulking figure was blocking out the sunlight as he spoke to Seonghwa.
“It’s a shame you know, marrying such a lovely young man to that Halazian dog,” Val snorted and Seonghwa set his jaw.
“Mind your tongue Duke Val,” Seonghwa said, trying to stay calm. “That is my future husband you speak of, not to mention the monarch of all of Halazia.”
Yunho placed his hand over his sword for further emphasis, not bothering to hide his displeasure in Val’s company as he took a threatening step forwards.
Val, however, was a fool that couldn’t take a hint.
“Ah yes, but kingdoms fall everyday my prince,” the duke insisted, grabbing Seoonghwa’s hand before he could move away. “Merchants like myself…well, we tend to endure and thrive. I could provide a life of luxury for someone like yourself.”
“I do not wish for luxury,” Seonghwa finally snapped, ripping his hand back and allowing Yeosang and Yunho to take protective stances in front of him. “I only wish for my husband. The man I love.”
“I think it’s best you leave now, Duke Val,” Yunho said, his tone hard and unforgiving.
To his credit, the fool finally seemed to realize he wouldn’t be getting far today and backed down. Seonghwa inhaled deeply, calming his nerves before turning away and taking Wooyoung’s comforting hand.
“Your husband was delayed, no??
The prince stopped dead in his tracks, twisting to see Val’s face settle into something dark and smug, and entirely too…confident.
“I hope then, for your…wedding’s sake,” Val drawled, smirking slightly. “That he makes it to Utopia in time.”
With that, the duke left, leaving behind a tense and uneasy air as Yunho’s lips twisted deeply into a frown.
“I believe, your highness,” the knight said softly after a second. “That it may be wise to increase your guard until King Hongjoong arrives.”
“Yes,” Seonghwa swallowed, squeezing Wooyoung’s fingers. “That would be wise.”
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“Sleepover!!” Wooyoung cheered, entering Seonghwa’s chambers with an armful of pillows and a basket of treats. Yeosang followed close behind, Yunho walking in after with his sword still out on his hip.
Seonghwa’s brows creased at the sight of the weapon, but Yunho was quick to set it by the door before locking the entrance tight.
“It never hurts to be cautious,” the knight told Seonghwa quietly as Wooyoung and Yeosang argued over which foods to serve first. “I’ve had the servants retire early, and posted six of my most trusted men in your hall tonight. That should deter any threats Val thinks he can make.”
“Thank you,” Seonghwa mumbled, sighing quietly. “I wish Hongjoong was here. Then Val would have never made such threats.”
“I agree,” Yunho nodded, smiling slightly before gently elbowing his friend. “But we’ll be alright, no?? Besides, it’s a nice opportunity for the four of us to spend time together before all the wedding festivities.”
“Yeah!!” Wooyoung agreed, having abandoned his spat with Yeosang to join the knight and prince. “Besides, once you’re queen of Halazia, we might not get the chance for a sleepover again!!”
“King Consort,” Seonghwa insisted but his friends all just rolled their eyes. The title of queen was originally just a joke between Seonghwa and Hongjoong. But the silly king decided to make it more or less law after being crowned and declaring Seonghwa as his intended. Thus, ‘Queen Seonghwa’ was born and he hadn’t heard the end of it since.
“And you all know that I’ll make time for you once in Halazia,” Seonghwa chastised. “I won’t forget my friends.”
“Of course Seonghwa,” Yeosang chuckled. “We’re only teasing.”
“And who knows, it might be us abandoning you,” Wooyoung snorted, wiggling his eyebrows. “After all, Yunho and Mingi will need some time to…catch up. And I certainly plan to make San earn my forgiveness after leaving me alone for so many weeks.”
“And how do you plan on doing that?” Yunho huffed, quickly realizing his mistake after Wooyoung’s eyes brightened with mischief.
“Well, first and foremost, I want him to kiss me until my lips are bruised-”
“Anddddd that's the end of that,” Yeosang cut in, slapping a hand over the cook’s mouth. “Keep in mind we need to be in a chapel soon Wooyoung.”
“Oh like you and Jongho are so innocent,” the cook protested, turning to his other friends. “You know during Halazia's last visit, I walked into the servant quarters and saw those two half naked together and-”
“Wooyoung!!’ Yeosang cried, ears burning.
Seonghwa laughed as the servant started to chase the cook around, shrieking each time Wooyoung managed to slip another naughty detail of Yeosang and Jongho’s time together.
After the two finally calmed down (and Yeosoang swore Wooyoung to secrecy), the four ate a hearty meal together and enjoyed a few treats Wooyoung brought up. From there, they started to exchange stories.
Wooyoung and Yeosang told a few tales of their childhood in the capital, the duo sharing about running through gutters with stolen sweets, watching mighty ships leave the harbor, and creating shadow puppets along the walls of Wooyoung’s family bakery.
Yunho told one or two about his training and the little band of knights who took to calling themselves Xikers. And then finally, Yeosang asked Seonghwa about Hongjoong.
“How did you meet his majesty?” Yeosang asked curiously and Yunho poorly hid a laugh as Seonghwa’s cheeks turned pink.
“Well…I punched him.”
“What??!” Wooyoung gasped, a large grin spreading over his face.
“We were young teenagers,” Seonghwa said, face still warm. “I knew the old king of Halazia and his sons were visiting….but I was in bed by the time they arrived so I didn’t know what Hongjoong looked like. And so the next day, when I was walking to breakfast, I saw a strange boy trying to get through the door to my father’s study and…well, hit him.”
“Poor Hongjoong, he was so lost,” Yunho chuckled as Yeosang’s hand fell over his mouth. “He thought that was the entrance to the bathrooms.”
“And he fell for you after that??” Wooyoung snickered.
“Heavens no,” Seonghwa sighed. “Or, perhaps he did. Hongjoong has always been poor at understanding his own emotions. But when he did finally admit his love for me, it was….grand.”
“It was five years later at the great gathering,” Yunho said, grinning like a fool. “He was newly crowned king and asked for the attention of over a hundred monarchs, lords, and other powerful leaders- just to declare that he was claiming the hand of Utopia’s prince!!”
“I’ve never forgiven him for that,” Seonghwa groaned, head falling into his hands. “I was mortified and my father didn’t help by agreeing so quickly…”
“Well you couldn’t have been too upset,” Yunho added, smirking. “After all, you did disappear into his quarters for the rest of the night after that….and most of the morning if I recall correctly.”
“Yunho!!”
“What??”the knight grinned as Yeosang and Wooyoung howled with laughter. “It’s true.”
“Oh, and those ‘battle wounds’ you had the next day weren’t from your night with Mingi??!”
“Hey!!”
“I mean, those scratches on your back were very deep my friend, you could have convinced me it was a beast if not for the-”
“Seonghwa!!”
“What,” the prince teased. “It’s true.”
“But-”
“STOP!! WHO ARE YOU!?!”
All four went silent in seconds as someone shouted outside the doors, a frightening BANG echoing over the room as Yunho ran for his sword.
“What is it??” Wooyoung asked, grabbing a dagger from the basket.
“I don’t know,” Yunho said, his previous light tone now sharp and anxious. “Seonghwa, stay back!”
“Yunho-”
Yeosang gasped as the door rattled, something, or rather someone slamming into it hard.
CRACK!!
Seonghwa’s eyes went wide as the hinges creaked. Yunho’s grip tightened on his blade and Wooyoung took a hesitant step forwards with his knife, swallowing hard as another blow shook the thick oak.
There was another CRACK then silence. Seonghwa exhaled quietly as he saw that the doors were held.
“That sound will have alerted the rest of the guard,” Yunho said quietly. “We have-”
BANG!! BANG !! SMASH!!!
Seonghwa barely had time to shout a warning to his friends before the entire door was blown in. The prince went sailing back into a wall from the force, his head cracking hard against the stone.
“-hwa!!”
He barely heard Yunho over the ringing in his ears. Something damp was running across his forehead, the smell metallic and sour as hands pulled at his arms.
There were more voices around him, some shouting, others screaming. The sounds of steel clashing and furniture being destroyed filled the room, but Seonghwa soon saw nothing but darkness as fabric covered his eyes.
The prince tried to shout for help, but a thick cloth was shoved over his mouth and the pungent scent of drugs filled his nose.
He tried to not breathe it in, but someone hit him hard in the stomach and the air was forced from his lungs, his body acting on instinct to regain his breathing.
The drug acted quickly and far too soon, Seonghwa felt his eyes slide shut, his body giving in as strangers hoisted him up and cold wind met his skin.
A sliver of moonlight made it past the blindfold before Seonghwa went under, and the prince’s last thought was a prayer that Hongjoong was safe on the road.
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Yunho’s breathing was ragged as he surveyed Seonghwa’s room, his heart sinking as soldiers tried to clear up the mess.
Seonghwa was gone.
Taken right before Yunho’s eyes by mercenaries.
The knight swallowed hard, ignoring the aches and pains lingering across his torso from the fight and instead going to his friends.
Wooyoung had a few small cuts along his face and arms, but was otherwise unharmed. He sat beside Yeosang, holding his oldest friend’s hand tightly.
Yeosang had not been so lucky as the other two. He’d managed to pull a few attackers off Seonghwa, but paid the price when one stabbed the kind man in the stomach.
A stained bandage was pressed tightly against his side now, and a healer fretted over him while Wooyoung stared off into the distance, tears swelling in his eyes.
“Woo,” Yunho whispered, sitting beside his friend and taking his free hand. “Sangie will be okay.”
“They took Hwa,” Wooyoung murmured, a tear falling down his face.
“I know,” Yunho said bitterly. “But we will get him back. I swear it.”
Wooyoung sniffled, looking down at Yeosang before looking back up at Yunho.
“You need to get Hongjoong.”
“Wooyoung-”
“Go,” the cook urged the knight, pressing his lips together tightly. “Tell him Seonghwa was taken. Tell Jongho that Yeosang was injured. We can’t trust anyone right now Yunho, you must be the one to go.”
The knight exhaled shakily, but nodded.
“Have my horse prepared,” he ordered a passing guard.
“But sir, the king needs you here,” the guard explained, glancing around nervously. “Prince Seonghwa-”
“I am going to find the prince,” Yunho said firmly, standing up slowly.
“But first, I am going to find his husband.”
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“I miss him.”
“We know,” San sighed.
“I hate being away from him.”
“We know,” Jongho groaned.
“I-”
“Hongjoong, please shut up,” Mingi complained, kicking lazily at the king’s legs. “If I have to hear anymore about how much you miss Prince Seonghwa, I fear I will fall in love with him.”
“I’d be angry if I wasn’t aware of how pathetically in love you are with one Sir Jeong Yunho,” Hongjoong snorted, rolling his eyes as they travelled on slowly, letting the moon guide them. “Plan to do more than sleep with him this time around??”
“Oh low blow your majesty,” Mingi complained. “Besides!! I might have proposed myself already if I wasn’t so busy protecting your stupid ass at every moment of the day…”
“Yes, nothing at all to do with the fact that you seem to forget how to speak when in his presence,” San drawled.
“As if you’re any better with Wooyoung!!!”
“We are actually courting, thank you very much,” San huffed, chest puffing out proudly.
“...like you’re any better with Yeosang, Jongho!!!”
“Nice try, but I’m also courting Yeosang,” the guard grinned and his friends gasped, spinning around as much as possible while on horseback.
“Since when!?” San demanded.
“Since our last letters,” Jongho said smugly. “I asked him and he said yes. I still need to give him the first gift I’ve prepared, but I can wait until we are at the palace for that.”
“Speaking of the palace,” Hongjoong grumbled. “Does anyone want to throw in some suggestions as to how on earth that tree fell so…precisely in our way??”
“It was strange,” San hummed. “Given the marks on the dirt, it looked like someone dragged it into the path.”
“And it was just large enough to force us to stop and cut it down,” Jongho added, frowning slightly. “It felt…planned.”
“But why??” Mingi questioned. “I mean, we’re in Utopia’s territory, and so far as I know, we are relatively well liked around here.”
“Celebrations like a royal wedding invite all sorts of trouble,” San pointed out. “But I doubt it’s something too serious. Likely just a jealous lord trying to stop Hongjoong from arriving on time.”
“And if I find that lord, I’ll remove his head,” the king grumbled. “He’s kept me from Seonghwa yet another night.”
“Oh chin up!” Mingi grinned. “Once we arrive, you’ll never have to spend a night apart from Seonghwa again!”
Hongjoong smiled at that, nodding slowly as they tracked along.
It was true, once he married Seonghwa, he was never leaving the prince’s side again. His star would finally come home to Halazia, and they’d rule together as king and queen.
Hongjoong was hardly one to indulge in fantasies, but this one- the dream of ruling alongside Seonghwa for years to come…it was certainly a pleasant thought. Perhaps someday, they might even discuss children. Two would be good, but if Seonghwa wanted more Hongjoong would gladly oblige and welcome as many offsprings as his queen desired. Whatever Seonghwa wanted, Hongjoong would-
“Rider ahead,” Mingi said sharply and the entire convoy snapped to attention, everyone from the horses to the attendants standing up just a tad straighter as a lone figure appeared from the darkness, riding hard towards the group.
“Hongjoong, move back,” San warned, moving his horse in front of the king.
“Wait,” Mingi said, squinting as the rider got closer. After a moment of tense silence, the knight’s eyes widened considerably. “It’s Yunho.”
“Yunho??” Hongjoong questioned, pushing past San to get to the front. Mingi had already taken off towards the rider, and it took another few seconds before Hongjoong too could recognize the familiar armor of Seonghwa’s personal guard.
It was without a doubt Yunho.
And if Yunho was riding towards them…
Dread filled Hongjoong’s stomach as he rode forwards, San barking orders for the others to stay put while he rode out with Jongho to guard the king.
By the time they arrived at Mingi’s position, Hongjoong knew something was wrong.
Yunho was tense and covered in blood, a few bruises and cuts visible even in the dim light. Mingi was speaking quietly to him, one hand hovering over a particularly deep gash along the knight’s cheek. However once Yunho saw Hongjoong, he brushed Mingi aside. And that was warning number two.
“Your majesty,” Yunho said, voice cracking.
“What is it?” Hongjoong demanded. “What’s happened??”
The knight shut his eyes tightly for a moment, swallowing hard before answering.
“Seonghwa has been taken.”
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Halazia was a land that understood war. And Hongjoong, as the king, understood war better than most. Afterall, he had been raised amid a civil battle for the throne, one that his father eventually won.
The young king knew how to plan, how to fight, and most importantly, how to win. He understood patience was key to any victory, and that good things came to those who waited for the enemy to falter.
Yet all those lessons disappeared from his head as he paced back and forth, violent swears escaping his lips every few moments as his men watched nervously.
Hongjoong had a bit of a temper, all around him knew that. But he was usually good with controlling that temper and curving it when he became upset. Or rather, Seonghwa was usually there to help calm him.
Now however…
“How many men were there??” the king demanded, spinning to face Yunho. The knight was currently getting bandaged up by Mingi, even though he insisted he was fine.
“Thirty at least,” Yunho said bitterly. “Mercenaries from the Raven Guild, I recognized the crest.”
The knight sighed deeply, regret and fury meddling together in his words.
“I suspected an attack. We prepared for such an event, but-”
“You suspected an attack??” Hongjoong interrupted, voice sharp. “Why?”
The knight hesitated and Hongjoong had a very strong feeling he was about to become much angrier.
“...Duke Val made a comment about your delay, among other things,” Yunho said. “It seemed….pointed. And it made us all more than a little wary.”
“Val,” Hongjoong said darkly, cursing the man to hell and back with a ferocity that made even the seasoned knights nearby flush. “That good for nothing fucker. I knew I should’ve killed him years ago-”
“You’ll need to get in line,” Yunho huffed, his mood once again going sullen as he turned to Jongho with a grim expression. “I also came to deliver…other news.”
The young knight raised an eyebrow.
“What news??” San asked, looking worried. “Were there others with you??”
“Wooyoung and Yeosang both helped to defend our prince,” Yunho said, exhaling deeply. “Wooyoung is alright, just a few cuts and bruises. But Yeosang-”
“What about Yeosang?” Jongho questioned, rising to his feet at once. “Is he alright?”
“He was stabbed,” Yunho said and Jongho inhaled sharply, “He will live, but he’s not well. The blade went deep.”
Hongjoong saw Jongho’s face go dark, the normally calm knight trembling with anger as the words settled over the camp. His fists curled, then uncurled, then recurled before San placed a hand on his shoulder, silently willing the man to calm down.
“You should ride for Utopia,” the knight suggested. “Go be with him. We will handle Val and the mercenaries."
“I want to slaughter them all,” Jongho growled. “They hurt my Sangie.”
“And they shall die for it,” Hongjoong said firmly, walking over to his friend. “But I agree with San. Go to Yeosang, protect him and Wooyoung until we return.”
Jongho pressed his lips together tightly, but nodded, talking two long strides towards his horse and getting on without another word.
“Jongho,” Yunho called before the young knight could take off. “Keep an eye on them for me. I doubt the mercenaries will return, but should they…”
“I’ll protect them,” Jongho promised. “And I’ll slide my sword through the throat of anyone who tries to harm them.”
“Good man,” Yunho said, smiling slightly as the knight took off into the forest, the reflection of his armor in the light quickly fading as he disappeared among the trees.
The four men watched him until he was gone, then turned back to planning.
“Val will make for the coast as soon as possible,” Yunho said grimly, drawing a map in the dirt. “He has little power here, but across the sea…”
“He won’t get the chance to flee,” Hongjoong said, adding to the drawing. “We will cut him off here, at the pass between the capital and the harbor.”
“That’s a good twenty miles from here,” San pointed out. “Our men-”
“I don’t need an army for this,” Hongjoong interrupted. “I need only you, Yunho, and Mingi.”
“For thirty men?” Yunho smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Seems a bit overkill.”
“I won’t take any chances with my queen on the line,” Hongjoong declared, standing straight. “Now get on your horses, we leave at once.”
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Seonghwa came back to the world dizzy and uncomfortable, his shoulders aching and his head throbbing.
He was in a wagon, tied to a small post with far too much rope and in the company of two guards talking near the door. They were ignoring him completely.
The prince resisted the urge to groan as his body protested his movements, but he wanted to test how strong his bonds were. And not very strong the answer. The ropes, for as many as there were, weren’t that sturdy. Even a dull blade could slice through the bonds easily.
Just as he started to carefully wiggle one hand free, the wagon stopped and the prince heard voices outside.
And one voice was far too familiar.
“There you are!! I pay you this much gold and you’ve the audacity to be late!?”
Duke Val. Seonghwa bit back a deep groan as the oafish lord spat some more complaints out. Of course it had to be Duke Val.
The doors to the carriage started to open and Seonghwa quickly pretended to still be unconscious, shutting his eyes and going limp as moonlight filled the cabin area.
“Ah, perfect!!” Duke Val said and Seonghwa tried not to visibly recoil as the man entered the coach, one pudgy hand going to grasp the prince’s jaw.
“Not so confident now, are you Seonghwa?” Val jested. “No guards or knights here to save you…not even your precious King Hongjoong.”
Seonghwa wanted badly to scream at the Duke, or better yet bite down on his hand until his fingers were bleeding.
But Hongjoong taught him patience was what won wars, not rash actions. If he wanted to be free, he needed to wait until Val and the guards were distracted.
Gods, Seonghwa wished more than ever for Hongjoong. With the delay, his king wouldn’t get to Utopia until tomorrow afternoon. And by then….
Seonghwa swallowed hard, fighting back tears as Val left the carriage with a heavy thud. He didn’t want to think about how far away he might be from Hongjoong by the time his lover discovered he was gone. He knew that Val had several connections overseas, and that if he wanted to get away with kidnapping the crown prince of Utopia, that was likely where he’d go.
The prince didn’t hear any signs of the ocean outside, but there were also no sounds of people outside of the guards. That meant they were likely stopped at the pass between the city and the harbor, waiting for the gates to rise so the convoy might pass.
If news had spread that the prince was taken, their carriage would be inspected. If it hadn’t….
“-just merchants headed home sir, that’s all,” Seonghwa heard outside. “We are hoping to leave before the wedding festivities begin- trying to beat the crowds and all as I’m sure you understand.”
“Really? I’d think that the best time for merchants to be in the capital is for a royal wedding.”
Seonghwa inhaled sharply, risking opening his eyes as the new voice registered in his head. Both of the guards with him were too focused on the entrance to notice the prince was awake.
“I just need to see the cargo you’re transporting, and then I’ll see you through,” San said cheerfully and Seonghwa smiled in relief.
If San was here, then Hongjoong wasn’t far behind.
“...very well. Let him see the cargo,” Val spat and Seonghwa could practically hear the smirk in his voice.
If Seonghwa was any less familiar with San, he’d be worried that the knight was about to be ambushed and cut down. Knowing San however…
The two guards in the carriage drew their swords quietly as footsteps approached the entrance. Seonghwa got one hand free while they were distracted, quickly going to his shoe, where a small dagger was carefully hidden along the leather.
It was a simple blade, barely bigger than a letter opener. But it was sharp and easily hidden, the first of many courting gifts Hongjoong had given Seonghwa over the years.
He’d carried it everywhere since the day he received it, and when there was the chance of an attack, Seonghwa made sure to tuck it in his boot.
As soon as the doors started to open, he flipped the blade and started to cut the ropes away, getting his feet free before the entrance was even fully exposed.
Once the doors were pulled open, Seonghwa got a moment to see San’s polite smile before the guards jumped out at him- thinking they had an easy kill ahead.
The first guard went down without so much as a cry of pain, San’s sword piercing his chest easily and using the man as a shield to fend off the second guard as the area around them broke into a fight.
Seonghwa heard the sounds of alarm as more collisions broke out outside the carriage, the noise of steel clashing ringing in his ears while he finished cutting himself free.
San was taking care of keeping the entrance clear in the meantime, easily fending off the mercenaries that appeared with a small smile.
“Hello your highness,” he greeted as soon as Seonghwa climbed out from the wagon. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“I doubt I’ve ever been so happy to see you,” Seonghwa laughed, still feeling a bit dizzy and sore, but otherwise unharmed. “Where is he??”
“Sorting out the rest,” San laughed, finishing off yet another attacker before coming to check Seonghwea over. “Oh dear, you look a bit rough.”
“I’ll live,” Seongwa said warmly, taking San’s arm in a welcoming grasp. “I’m glad to see you, my friend.”
“And I you,” San grinned. “Sorry we didn’t arrive sooner.”
“I’m grateful you arrived at all,” Soenghwa said, glancing around as the remaining mercenaries started to flee back towards the woods. “How did you-?”
“Yunho rode to us right after you were taken,” San explained, sheathing his sword. “He guessed Val would try to take you overseas and we rode hard to get here first. Thankfully, we made good time.”
“Thank the gods,” Seonghwa mumbled, still looking around for his soon to be husband. All he saw so far was Mingi fending off against two mercenaries, and Yunho taking out a third by his side.
“Where is Jongho?” Seonghwa asked and San winced.
“Yeosang was hurt in the attack,” the man explained as Seonghwa’s breath hitched. “He will live, but Jongho rode back to him, as well as to protect Wooyoung should Val try anything else.”
“Good,” Seonghwa sighed in relief. “And Hongjoong-”
A piercing scream filled the air and Seonghwa exhaled lightly, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as Duke Val scrambled around the other side of the carriage, eyes wide with fear as Hongjoong trailed slowly after him.
The king of Halazia looked every bit the demon rumors described him as, his eyes dark and hateful while Val fell to the ground, trembling with terror.
“You took my queen??” Hongjoong thundered, standing tall over the disgraced lord. “You hurt him!?!”
“I-I-”
Val scrambled for words, but none crossed his lips. He was caught dead in the act, unable to talk his way out or plead as Hongjoong’s sword cut cleanly along his mouth.
A gargled scream left the duke’s lips as blood poured down his chin, but Hongjoong merely kicked him down before striding over to Seonghwa, his face flooded with worry.
“My love,” he whispered, taking Seonghwa in his arms. “You’re pale.”
“I am always pale,” Seonghwa mumbled, sinking into Hongjoong’s grasp. “You’ve always said I need more time in the sun.”
“The sickly type of pale, my star,” Hongjoong hummed, gently sweeping the dirtied strands of hair from the prince's face. “You’ve been injured.”
“Just a knock to the head.”
“Just??” Hongjoong questioned, frowning deeply at the dried blood along the prince’s hairline. “Are you in pain?”
“A little,” Seonghwa admitted, closing his eyes. “Mostly sore and dizzy. They used a drug to knock me unconscious.”
The king’s grip tightened ever so slightly, his eyes burning once more as he cast a look of pure scorn towards the duke, who was still quivering on the floor.
“I should remove every limb he has for this,” Hongjoong muttered. “I should take all his senses away one by one until all he knows is the pain I feed him.”
“Do not let the hatred consume you my dear,” Seonghwa hummed, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of Hongjoong’s jaw. “Kill him and let it be done.”
The king grumbled under his breath, but nodded, pressing a kiss along the thin cut on Seonghwa’s temple.
“For you, my star,” Hongjoong mumbled, carefully moving his queen to Yunho’s grasp before walking back to the duke.
The man tried to beg for mercy, but given that his lips were split to the bottom of his ears, he wasn’t able to ask for much.
As promised, Hongjoong was quick. A simple swing of his blade, and the duke’s head fell to the ground, eyes rolled back.
Hongjoong didn’t even wait for the corpse to cool before taking Seonghwa in his arms once more and settling them both on his horse, leading the path back to the palace as dawn broke over the sky.
.
.
.
.
Seonghwa was positively restless, yet he couldn’t move as the seamstress made the final touches to his wedding attire.
“Relax my prince,” Yunho laughed from the doorway, his own armor polished and shining for the occasion. “You look radiant.”
“It’s not too much?” Seonghwa asked nervously as the seamstress finally left. He looked at the mirror across from him, turning this way and that to see the full outfit.
It was lovely, there was no doubt about that. Layers of fine white silk connected to make a flowing set of robes, set with pearls and small diamonds. Just enough to catch the buttery sunshine outside without being gaudy. The veil was long and elegant, gentle lace combining with carefully laid fresh flowers to make it appear like the prince was blooming in the midst of spring.
Diamond earrings from his mother adorned his ears, and a beautiful flower crown from his friends rested atop his head. To complete the outfit, Hongjoong’s last courting gift (given only that morning) rested along his neck. It was a delicate necklace, a simple silver chain with a small diamond at the center, carved to look like a star.
Seonghwa’s hands of course were kept bare, waiting for the dazzling ring Hongjoong had crafted himself.
“Is he ready?? Can I see??” an eager voice echoed from behind the door and Yunho grinned, opening the doors for Yeosang and Jongho.
The servant gasped upon seeing Seonghwa, a bright smile growing on his lips as he gestured for the prince to do a twirl.
Because of his injuries, the young man was confined to a chair for the day to not aggravate his wound. But thankfully, his doting suitor was more than happy to stay by Yeosang’s side, wheeling him around to wherever the other’s heart desired.
“His majesty will love it,” Yeosang beamed as Seonghwa flushed slightly. “You look beautiful Seonghwa.”
“Thank you,” the prince whispered, taking a deep breath. “I don’t know why I’m nervous. I want to marry Hongjoong so badly.”
“It’s natural of anyone on their wedding day,” Jongho pointed out, smirking slightly. “Beleive me, you should have seen Hongjoong earlier. I’ve never seen my king so….frazzled. He was convinced you’d changed your mind until Mingi smacked him upside the head.”
Wooyoung snorted loudly at that and Seonghwa rolled his eyes fondly.
“That does make me feel better,” the prince chuckled. “Thank you Jongho.”
“Of course my queen” he grinned while the others snickered. Seonghwa sighed deeply.
“My first act as ‘queen’ will be forbidding anyone from calling me queen.”
“Mhm,” Yunho said, smiling widely as he glanced at the clock. “It’s time.”
“Oh dear,” Seonghwa exhaled as Wooyoung fetched his bouquet. “It is, isn't it?”
“We’ll be right here with you,” Wooyoung promised, fluffing the flowers out before handing them over.
“You’ve waited long enough,” Yeosang added as Yunho got the doors. “Now, you and Hongjoong finally get your happy ending.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s an ending,” Seonghwa said softly, smiling lightly as the faint sounds of music reached his ears.
“More like….a beginning.”
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.
.
“Do you, King Kim Hongjoong of Halazia, take Prince Park Seonghwa of Utopia as your lawfully wedded husband?”
Hongjoong’s smile could have bested the sun as he nodded, squeezing Seonghwa’s hands tightly.
“Without a single doubt.”
“And do you, Prince Park Seonghwa of Utopia,” the priest said, turning to Seonghwa. “Take King Kim Hongjoong of Halazia as your lawfully wedded husband?”
Seonghwa beamed, his eyes shining with tears as he nodded.
“For all my life.”
“Then as of this hour and under the authority of the gods, I pronounce you, husband and husband.”
Seonghwa was practically shaking as he leaned forwards to cup Hongjoong’s face, tears slipping past his eyes as his husband’s warm lips brushed against his own.
In the distance, he heard the sounds of his people cheering, Wooyoung and San’s voices the loudest of them all. A shower of petals brushed against their shoulders, and as the newly married couple broke apart they saw the sky was filled with flowers as tokens of good fortune and lasting happiness.
“Eternal joy to you both!!”
“Many blessings upon this union!!”
“Long live King Hongjoong!!! Long live Queen Seonghwa!!”
“That was your doing, wasn’t it,” Seonghwa sighed as they started to walk down the aisle, waving and smiling at their many guests.
“Of course my star,” Hongjoong grinned, pressing a kiss against Seonghwa’s knuckles. “You are mine now, and I would have the entire world know so.”
“I married a fool,” Seonghwa smiled, allowing Hongjoong to sweep him into his arms, lifting him into a bridal carry as the crowd whistled.
“Your fool,” Hongjoong said, gently bumping his forehead against his queen’s.
“My fool,” Seonghwa agreed, pressing a fleeting kiss to the tip of Hongjoong’s nose. “My fool, my love, my king.”
“You love it,” Hongjoong teased and Seonghwa playfully smacked his shoulder before shrieking as Hongjoong spun them around in the shower of flowers.
The prince, now queen, was set on his feet just in time to catch Hongjoong’s lips as the king kissed him soundly, conveying all the emotions swirling about both their chests.
“My star,” Hongjoong whispered through his smile. “My darling. My queen. The most beloved and stunning man to ever walk this earth. I don’t know how I became so lucky.”
“Mhm, a lapse of judgement on my end I believe,” Seonghwa laughed, taking his husband’s hand.
“How cruel of me then to take advantage of you,” Hongjoong chuckled, his hand curling around Seonghwa’s waist. “Allow me to make it up to you, my queen.”
Seonghwa’s cheeks turned pink, but he grinned regardless, tracing Hongjoong’s jaw with his finger.
“I think I could be persuaded,” he whispered, nipping slyly at Hongjoong’s ear before pulling back. “But, we do have the feast to attend first.”
The pout on Hongjoong’s face made Seonghwa laugh hard enough to hurt, and he gave his husband a soft kiss to soothe his face before tugging him towards their friends.
Now, they would celebrate.
Tonight, they would fall into bed together.
Tomorrow, they would start their journey as king and queen of Halazia.
And Seonghwa couldn’t wait.