The sunlight glistens off the jewels of his crown, the golden color boasting his rank. In the rays of light are speckles of dust, floating down in a single line as he slips into his robe. Lint flutters out as the thick fabric falls onto his arms. He adjusts his bangs as the crown tilts atop his head, the weight of the jewels adding to the pressure on his head. He steps towards the window and looks out at the street, the roads littered with people awaiting his grace. From where he was standing—high up away from them in the castle—he could make out the excited air by the way in which the people gestured. They would move their hands in boisterous movements.  He places his hand to the window, the glass and feeling as the sun warms his palm. “I’m in charge of all these people…” He murmurs. “Every single one of them.” His voice drifts off into the air, hanging from the chandelier tied to the ceiling. This is my kingdom, a sigh escapes him and he looks towards the sun with dull eyes. Kim Kibum sole ruler of the kingdom known as Elanor.

There’s a tap to his room door and with a cough he calls over his shoulder. “You may come in!” A short man wearing noisy armor steps into the room, his hands erect at his sides. “Your majesty, I have come to you.” Kibum turns around locking gazes with the knight. His expression shifts, but only slightly when he recognizes which knight it was behind the armor. “Yes…” Is all he says as he steps towards the man. Jonghyun steps to the side, his armor clanking with him. Kibum looks at him from the corner of his eyes, his gaze scanning up and down Jonghyuns short frame. “Are you in need of a new suit?” The king questions him, his voice sounding somewhat clipped of emotion. Jonghyun shakes his head. “No, your majesty. I’ll be alright.” Kibum stares at him a moment longer before stepping out into the hallway. Jonghyun follows behind him, closing the door and watching his steps so as to not step on the King’s robe. Kibum walks with a grandiose stride, one Jonghyun could see clearly as he follows behind him. Passing huge portraits of the King when he was younger Jonghyuns eyes twinkle and he stares at each painting and photo in awe. Kibum turns down the hall and is met with other knights, they bow their heads the moment they see him. “Your majesty.” They all greet simultaneously. Jonghyun falls out of step with Kibum and moves to the side as the King takes his seat in his throne; a high risen chair with velvety cushion and golden ornaments. His robe flowers out as he sits and he crosses his legs. “Bring me my staff.” He orders, the breeze from the open doors fluttering his dark bangs. “Yes, your majesty.” A knight replies, hurrying off to fetch the King’s staff. Kibum stares out of the open door, his brown eyes flitting from one person to the next. They all looked so eager to see him—the king—their hands and bags laden with gifts. He couldn’t help but to smile at the little girl squealing and pointing at his crown. And then he’s struck with the sudden urge to hold her in his arms. “Bring her here.” His voice booms around the castle. The woman holding the child stares bug-eyed at the King. “M-Majesty?”

“She seems infatuated with my crown, bring her here.” He waves his hand back and forth, gesturing for the woman to hurry through the crowd. Jonghyun looks at the woman and then towards Kibum, the King wore an intrigued expression. As though the child was something he had never seen before. When the woman reaches him Kibum asks for her name. “My daughter’s name is Suzy.” Kibum smiles. “I was asking for your name.” The womans cheeks flush red and Jonghyun grins down at his feet as he watches her go from flustered to pure embarrassment. “M-my name is Sooyoung, your majesty.” Kibum nods, closing his eyes and letting the name sink into his mind. One name out of fifteen-thousand others. The little girl squeals and Kibum looks towards her with unblinking eyes. She makes incoherent noises as she reaches for his crown. “Do you want this?” His fingers curl around the pointed part of the crown. Her light eyes sparkle, Sooyoung looks uncertainly between the King and her daughter. “Your majesty, I don’t think—“ Kibum glances towards her and quite playfully hewinks. Sooyoung taken aback looks at the King in a daze. Jonghyun brings his fisted hand to his mouth and chuckles. This childlike side of the King came out every so often; Jonghyun found himself adoring that boyish side. Kibum takes his crown off and holds it out to the little girl. “Do you want this?” As if to respond the girl squeals, her chubby fingers stretching for the shiny object. Instead, with a grin, he swipes the crown away and pinches her plump cheeks. “I gotcha.” He exclaims in a soft tone. The little girl blinks and her mother lets out a relieved sigh, afraid that if something happened to the King’s crown she’d be at fault. “I’m sorry, but this is the weight of a King, the weight of the country,” He tilts her chin up and looks into her eyes. “I can’t put such a weight onto the shoulders of a beautiful, little girl.” Heflashes her a close eyed smile, leaning back in his seat as a knight approaches with his golden staff. “Your majesty.” The knight bows his head, ing the staff out. Without looking Kibum takes it and with a nod he dismisses the woman. His head thumps against the back of the chair and when the first person walks in offering his wishes, Kibum forces a warm smile onto his thin lips.

The day progressed like this; there was a pile of gifts stacking up besides his throne. “For your majesty.” A man says. “For you, your majesty.” The next says and Kibum places his staff to their head to thank them, which was the highest form of gratitude. Some of the country men would show up with barrels of apples and the jewelers brought their best watches and rings. All of these gifts were donated to the poor or o his family that lived elsewhere. Kibum glances at the pile of gifts and then looks back at the row of knights. His eyes dance down their silver torsos before coming to a stop on Jonghyuns round eyes. He stares hard at Jonghyun, the smile on his lips shifting into a playful grin.   “Knight, come here.” He calls and sensing that he was being summoned, Jonghyun hurries to his side. “Yes your majesty?” He asks. Kibum faces forward, crossing his long legs and resting his staff across his thighs.  “What do you see here?” He gestures to the colorful pile beside him, Jonghyun follows his gaze and draws a blank. “Is there something you want me to see there?” he questions and Kibum chuckles softly, his shoulders bobbing underneath his robe. Jonghyun laughs along with him unsure as to why. “Your majesty?”

“I am pulling your sword, knight.” He says with a twinkle in his eyes and catching the mischievous glimmer Jonghyun responds, “Won’t you hurt yourself, my king?” They share a stare and a smile curls the corner of Kibums lips. Their coquettish banter would present itself at the most impromptu of times. In the past their share of jokes and stares would come randomly and only occasionally, but slowly it started happening more and more. Jonghyun wasn’t going to get bigheaded and think that the King had an ‘interest’ in him, he didn’t know if the King even swung his staff that way. But it wouldn’t hurt to respond to the Kings somewhat frolicsome behavior. “You may go now.” Kibum says, dismissing Jonghyun with a wave of his staff. Jonghyun bows his head, staying this way for a total of five seconds before looking up and walking away. It was a sign of honor if you kept your head down for these five seconds, your eyes never straying from the King’s feet. Jonghyun returns to his place by the other knights; one of the men elbow him. “What did he want?” The knight known as Minho asks. Jonghyun allows a secretive smile to play along his lips. “Nothing.” He replies facing forward and allowing Minho to ponder whether he was telling the truth or not. Kibum continues to see the rest of the towns people until there was no more. The last of them—a young man carrying in his hands a loaf of bread. “Th-this is all I have for you.” The boy stammers out, Kibum raises a brow and begins to speak. “What is this rubbish! Take this away, the King will not tolerate such morsel gifts!” but instead one of Kibums court men answers for him. The boy shrinks away, his expression dimming, he looked close to tears. Kibum sighs. “Get out! The King does not want to se—“ Kibum raises his hand and the man instantly hushes. “Shut-up, your voice is grating.” The man that was screaming steps away his eyes lowered. “If that is all you have…keep it for yourself.” Kibum says softly as he rises up from his seat. He knew that the boy’s family needed the bread more than he ever would. The boy watches him with wide eyes. “Your Majesty I can’t—“

“I said to keep it.” He cuts in sharply, turning away from the boy and walking towards his room. Jonghyun follows after him, taking a final glance back and his heart swelled at the expression on the boys face. It was an expression of pure admiration.

It was still early afternoon, there were hours to go until Kibums day would be over. He curses under his breath, shoving a hand through his dark hair and knocking his crown off in the process. It rolls and rolls along the red carpet until it comes to a stop, landing upright. Jonghyun looks towards Kibum before jetting off and retrieving the crown. Kibum is tempted to say “Leave it and bring yourself.” But he knows better than to do that; only twenty-eight he knows how to mask ones feelings, how to play and joke without seeming obvious. “Your majesty, here.” Jonghyun appears in front of him, round eyes and silver hair and kind heart. Kibum doesn’t let it show on his face, but he is in love with this knight. “Thank you.” He says staring at the crown in Jonghyuns hands and then his eyes drift to Jonghyuns fingers. There were cuts along his thumb and a scar lining his pinkie, it was a light shade of brown. He wondered where he had gotten such a scar. “Jonghyun,” He starts softly, thinking his words through before speaking them. He wondered if his interest would show his feelings. The more he thought about it the more he realized that he was acting like an adolescent. I’ve been with this knight for years, curiosity in his wellbeing won’t reveal anything. “How did this happen?” He takes Jonghyuns pinkie into the crook of his palm. The action had Jonghyuns eyes widening, but only slightly. “Oh, just sword wielding. I got a little excited and miscalculated my landing.” Jonghyun laughs at himself and Kibum stares down at him with fond eyes. “The scar suits you.” He murmurs, Jonghyun looks up with confused eyes. “Excuse me?” Kibum smiles more to himself than to Jonghyun. “It shows that you’re human.” He squeezes Jonghyuns pinkie in his palm and stares at his pinkie in his hand as though it was the most mind bending action in the world. Jonghyun blinks, his mind at a loss, his heart wouldn’t still and he couldn’t help but to think about how warm the Kings hand was or how long the others fingers were in comparison to his. Kibum drops Jonghyuns hand and returns to his original state. “Come to my room before the sunsets, there’s something I must determine myself.” Kibum turns away and begins walking. Jonghyun was still holding onto his crown. The knight watches as the King walks, he really didn’t know what to think of him. He didn’t know how to feel. Kibum wasn’t a mystery or an unsolved puzzle. He was as simple as simple could be; the ocean roaring, the sky tinting orange in the early morning, the flowers blooming in spring. But his simplicity is what makes him even more intriguing, underlying his normal ways is a childlike persona; an unknown world lies in his heart. Over the years Kibums somewhat fickle behavior was something Jonghyun had noted in his second month of knighthood. It was what made Jonghyun so infatuated with him. He smiles before striding to catch up to the King, his broad back a never ending road Jonghyun would never stop trying to catch up to.

A few hours later…

Kibum sits in a leather chair, Jonghyun standing in front of him, his eyes darting all around the King’s bedroom. The bed was wide and covered with violet blankets, pillows were piled at the headboard and Jonghyun could tell that they were made from satin by the way they shined. There was also the extravagant chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the lights shining like crystals.  “Aren’t you wondering why I called you here?” Kibum finally speaks, his voice deep with tire. “Yes, your majesty. I am.” An almost sinister smile plays along Kibums lips. “No need to fret, knight.” The King rises up from his seat and walks towards Jonghyun. He looks him up and down, Jonghyun shifts uncomfortably, his body warm underneath his armor. “Your armor is beginning to rust.” Kibum comments, circling around Jonghyun as though he were a predator scoping out his prey. His dark eyes scan up and down the shorter males armored frame, taking in the lackluster shine of the metal covering his torso and then down to the skirt-ish appearance that covered his thighs and crotch area. The King pauses standing behind him. Jonghyun shifts his weight from one foot to the other, the back of his neck tingling as Kibum continues to stare at him. “Your majesty?” Jonghyun asks meekly. “Am I intimidating you?” Kibum questions smugly, stepping to the left so he could peer at the side of Jonghyuns face. The knight laughs, rubbing his nose and sniffing before replying. “You’re a king and I am a knight, the way in which you are circling me makes me feel a little nervous.” Kibum peers at him, not speaking. Jonghyun clears his throat and adds, “Have I done something wrong?” He turns to face the king, his round eyes purely curious. Kibum felt his heart warm and his mind was beginning to fill with rather promiscuous thoughts. “No, you have done nothing wrong.” He finally clarifies strutting back over to his chair and relaxing into the cushion. The tension leaves Jonghyuns face and he stares at the King straight on. “I’m only concerned about your armor.”

“You don’t have to worry about such a thing.” Kibum lets out an amused hmph, his lips curling. “When other countries see a King they look at his crown and then they look towards his knights.” Kibum beckons Jonghyun closer as he speaks. “I will not tolerate my knights wearing such rusty armor.” Jonghyun was confused—there were other knights with worse armor than his—he wondered why the King was solely pointing his suit out and not the others. But the attention was flattering and Jonghyun had to admit that he enjoyed such interest from the King. “I will have you sent to get refitted for a better suit.” Jonghyuns eyes widen, he waves his hands back and forth in his face. “Your majesty, you don’t have to go to such lengths. I will—“

“It’s an order.” The King says with finality. Jonghyun shrinks away, his heart thumping harder than usual. Kibum lets out a long breath, his brown bangs falling in his tenacious eyes. Jonghyun peers at the King wondering what he was thinking about, what caused him to be so tired. Kibum looks up and their eyes meet. The King holds his knights gaze, his tongue slipping out to slowly to run along his pink lips. “Knight,” He starts slowly and Jonghyun felt a shiver course through him. “Ye-“ He clears his throat. “Yes?” His voice had changed in pitch, once again tense, Kibum found this entertaining. “Take off your clothes.”

“Wh-what!?” He gasps and Kibum continues to smile. “I am ordering you to strip, obey your orders knight.” Kibum spoke these words more demandingly, his legs wide open in a way to show his power and dominance. Jonghyun swallows, the air suddenly thick. “Hurry, I will get you a new suit, for now you are to wear your regular clothes.” Kibum adds watching as Jonghyun looked about anxiously. He was probably wondering how he was supposed to show such a sight and to the king of all people!? Showing his bare body to the King went against so many of the rules he had learned while training to be a knight. “Your majesty I cannot do such a thing in front of you.” Kibum outright laughs, his eyes closing, broad shoulders bobbing. “Jonghyun,” Kibum was speaking softly now, his eyes somewhat…warmer than before, but deeper in his irises Jonghyun saw a menacing gleam. “Obey your orders, such rules do not matter when I am telling you otherwise.” Kibum leans forward resting his elbows on his spread knees. “Strip.” His words drop with such finality that Jonghyun is pulling loose the strings on his torso piece of armor, with an anxious heart. Kibum leans back with a satisfied smile. He’s a King and what’s expected of him is grand. There was never much time for his ual endeavors and when a princess came looking for his attention he would have them sent out. They were beautiful women but, there was someone else who always had his attention. Jonghyun turns away as his torso piece of armor falls to the ground with a clang. A small smirk slips onto Kibums lips as he watches the knight continue to undress. Kibum never had much time to himself or to focus on the feelings he felt when he got a whiff of the knight’s scent or when their hands accidentally brushed. He was using this moment—as Jonghyun undressed—to somehow cease the desire in his heart. There were many instances where he found himself thinking of the knight and not just romantically, but ually.  He was having those same thoughts right now and since a chance presented itself why not take it? “Look at me, I have to see where you’re having problems.” Of course that was a lie, honest to god Kibum could care less if the suit of armor was rusting or if it could fit him. Hesitantly, Jonghyun turns towards the King, his cheeks were flushed red and he kept his eyes on the ground. He wore a thin white shirt over his chest and as for his undergarments, he wore tights against his thighs. He unhooks the harness of his armored skirt and it slides past his hips with ease. The King’s breath catches; his eyes two dark masses, a black hole swallowing Jonghyun’s soul. Kibum utters not a single word as the knight stands almost before him. “Your majesty?” He questions, his body breaking out into a sweat as the Kings deep eyes survey his figure. Kibum hadn’t planned on feeling what felt as though it was a drug by staring at Jonghyuns nearly body. The thin shirt kept little to be hidden and the tights did the same. The King swallows, his gaze drifting to the floor as his thoughts clouded over. “How long can I keep this up….?” He murmurs to himself, gritting his teeth. He wanted to pin Jonghyun to a wall and pour into his lips the years of desire, love and muffled need for the knights touch. Years of unspoken confessions, years of being served and protected by such a boyish knight. Kibum half scoffs, half laughs as he rises to his feet. His feet thud against the floor as he walks towards Jonghyun. Each step was like a toll, ricocheting off the walls and shaking Jonghyuns heart. Within a few moments Kibum was standing in front of him, staring the knight down. “Majesty?”

“All these years and I never realized how…small you are.” Jonghyuns quick to get offended and wants to fire something back, but then remembers his place. “Yes, I inherited my height from my mother.” Kibum chuckles darkly at the others response. “I should thank her.” He steps closer to Jonghyun until their chests are pressing together. “Like this,” He spoke robustly. “I can threaten you into submission.” Kibum slips a hand around Jonghyuns waist and smiles. “What do you say, knight?” Jonghyun blinks, his heart racing, his mind blank. What the hell’s going on? Can he hear my heart beating? There were so many questions, but only one that Jonghyun really wanted to know: does he know how I feel? With a deep chuckle Kibum steps back and smiles. “I’m only teasing you, no worries, don’t think differently of me.” Kibum says returning to his seat with a pained expression. Jonghyun stares at him and then realizes that Kibums fists were clenched at his sides. What Jonghyun didn’t realize was that the King was trying to control himself from doing what he yearned to do with the knight.

After that encounter Jonghyun wasn’t able to perform his guard duties properly. He had night shift watching over the King’s bedroom, but he couldn’t concentrate. The King is truly a wonder. Jonghyun ponders every little thing over the years trying to recall any situation in which his feelings were made obvious or if maybe the King possessed a certain liking towards him. The knight shakes his head, face palming himself. “You’re getting a little ahead of yourself, bud.” He grumbles. Kibum was lying in his bed wearing a silk pajama top and bottom, his dark brown hair was ruffled against his pillow. He sighs, turning on his back and staring up at the ceiling. He recalls everything from the day and thinks jokingly that he needs a break. “What are you doing, Kibum?” He wonders aloud questioning his royalty and his feelings for someone that was not of such royalty. “I’m a king, I can do whatever the hell I want.” He says this to amp himself up, but then falls flat. “You’re kidding no one but yourself.” He laughs sadly; his eyes glaze over with thoughts of Jonghyun. The knight was truly a clumsy man, speaking softly and then talking loudly when something excited him. Kibum cracks a smile at their memories and then shudders when he remembers the one time their bodies were pressed together in the compact space of a carriage. Jonghyun was rushing Kibum away from what could have been immediate danger. A famous Prince from overseas had brought to an outdoor tea party a hand gun. The Prince tried to shoot Kibum and was instead shot by the Kings knight. Kibum remembers the smell of blood as he was pushed into Jonghyuns chest. He’s braver than he lets on, but also much more benevolent. That day Kibum had to take Jonghyuns hands several times to keep them from trembling. “Precious.” The King exhales the word like a breath and his eyes close to the image of his knight needing his protection.

The next morning….

The sun splinters into Kibums room, skirting across the floor, the rays dancing along the wood. Kibum steps down from his bed and the floorboards creak under his weight. He stretches his arms above his head and yawns loudly before trudging towards his room door. When he opens the door a figure thumps to the floor. Kibum—startled—steps back before peering down at the hunched together figure. It was Jonghyun, his head buried in his knees as he wore one of his older suits of armor. Kibum cracks a smile, squatting down and running his fingers through the knights hair. “I could have been killed in my sleep…” He murmurs, his fingers teasing at the knights scalp. Jonghyun mumbles something in his sleep and with a playful glare Kibum pokes the knights cheek. Jonghyun jolts upright, his eyes bug-shot open. He looks around frantically, grabbing for his sword. Kibum quirks a brow, rising to his feet, arms crossed over his chest. “Someone could have killed me.” He states, Jonghyun snaps around and gasps. “M-majesty!”

“Yes, it is I.” Kibum replies matter-of-factly, turning away from a flabbergasted Jonghyun. “Follow me.” He demands of the knight, Jonghyun hastily follows after him. Kibum begins to his silk top, Jonghyun watches nervously. “May I ask what you’re doing?” Kibum pushes his bangs back and gestures to the ajar bathroom door. “I’m about to wash up.” His eyes flick to the side and he thinks a moment before adding. “Would you like to join me? It gets quite lonesome in there.” There was that teasing twinkle in his eyes again. Jonghyun laughs. “I’ll be alright. I’ll protect you from here.”

“Now will you really?” Kibum questions, the last button on his top popping free. Jonghyun nods with a crooked smile. “Yes, majesty, I will.” Kibum turns to fully face him, his shirt open, revealing his chest to Jonghyun. There’s been zero instances where he’s seen the King’s body; to see the King you had to be his lover, his wife or someone related to him. To see him otherwise would result in punishment. Jonghyun quickly turns away. Kibum stares wide-eyed—confused and then it hits him. “You don’t have to look away.” He reassures Jonghyun walking to the bathroom. “It’d be rude to stare at you your majesty.” Jonghyun says with a deep breath because he was going against every tingle and ache of his body which was basically screaming out for him to look. Kibum opens the door, it creaks, and Jonghyun lets out a breath, his shoulders relaxing. Kibum listens as he sighs and chuckles softly. He steps into the bathroom, closing the door. Jonghyun takes his place in front of the door listening as Kibum turned the water on and then to the trickle of water as it hit into the tub. His foot taps anxiously, the only thing blocking him from seeing the King was this wooden door. He leans against it closing his eyes and allowing the rhythm of the water to soothe his heart. Eventually his foot stops tapping and he waits patiently for Kibum to finish showering.  His arms rest crossed against his chest and the sun shines along the side of his face. He his dry lips, swallows and then realizes how thirsty he his. He opens his eyes, pushing off the door and stepping to the side. He paces back and forth from the bathroom door to the King’s bed. He was contemplating something, a number of things to be honest. His flimsy armor knocks against his knees and his sword holster digs into the skin on his hip. The water was still running, Jonghyun takes a deep breath to keep his mind from drifting to the gutter. He stops pacing and listens closely, Kibum was humming. He ceases all movements to listen to the soft hum of Kibums voice. So the King even has a sense of music in him. A little smile splits Jonghyuns lips and then he’s outright laughing. Of course I’d find another reason to love you. He ruffles his hair with a sigh, returning to his place in front of the bathroom door. A few minutes later the water is creaking off and Jonghyun could hear Kibums feet pad against the tile and then the doorknob was twisting. Jonghyun springs away, stepping to the side as the King emerges, a cloud of steam drifting out with him. Kibum stares into Jonghyuns eyes as he though he were thinking of something. His dark eyes were unreadable. “I hope you didn’t wait long.” Kibum finally speaks, beads of water dripping from the ends of his hair and rolling down his shoulder. Jonghyun shakes his head, stepping back as Kibum stepped closer. “Not at all your Majesty.” He replies, bowing his head in which he quickly regrets doing because his eyes are graced with the King’s towel that hung loosely on his hips. He didn’t mean to look or stare—he just couldn’t tear his gaze away. The King’s thighs were muscled and thin strips of water was running down from his calves before plopping to the floor in a puddle. Jonghyun lifts his head and quite obviously he checks out the King’s body. He starts at his broad shoulders and then down to his fit torso—did he work out?—each ab was slightly formed and the lower his gaze traveled the hotter he felt. He shifts his weight to the other foot and swallows.

Kibum clears his throat, Jonghyun jolts the last thing he’s able to see is the trail of hair leading to the unknown. He takes a deep breath, his heart skipping crazily. “Knight,”

“Yes?”

“Is something the matter with my appearance? You’re staring rather hard…” Kibum questions with a tilt of his head. Jonghyun looks into the King’s eyes and shakes his head despite the flush of his cheeks. “No, your majesty, you look perfectly fine.” Which was true and cruel being that Jonghyun couldn’t react on such feelings. I just want him to hold me, was his initial thought, but the longer he stared his thoughts took on a more ual drive, slowly leaning towards arousal. Damn it—he could feel the heat of having just showered radiating from Kibum—he places his hands behind his back and forces a smile onto his lips. “Is something wrong?” Kibum asks with genuine concern. “N-no your majesty.” Jonghyuns eyes wander across Kibums torso, the King notices this and chuckles deeply. “It looks as though a tree is sprouting firmly this morning.” He murmurs casually, lightly touching Jonghyuns hip, his gaze flicking down. Jonghyun knew what the King meant yet he didn’t want to know because to get so aroused in front of him, is truly shameful. Jonghyun cusses under his breath, Kibum brushes past him with a grin. “Jonghyun, would you like to join me outside for a morning run?” He asks stepping to his wardrobe. Jonghyun blinks. “Excuse me?”

“A morning run or jog, maybe even a walk.” Kibum laughs to himself. “But your majesty you just showered.”

“Yes…” Kibum unties his towel and it drops from his waist, Jonghyun was facing away from him. He shuffles through his clothes and picks out a pair of relaxed sweats. “But that doesn’t answer my question,” He slips into the pants and turns towards Jonghyun. “Would you care to join me for a morning stroll?” Jonghyun turns around and their eyes lock. The King wore a lopsided smile, one that was captivating, Jonghyuns heart flutters and he’s nodding before a reply is even able to form in his mind. “Then let’s go.” Kibum hurries to put a shirt on, leaving his robe and crown behind.

They go through the back door of the castle stepping out into the garden Kibum sometimes took care of. He watered the flowers and would come back here to ease his mind. Kibum hurries down the marble steps, Jonghyun lags behind, closing the door and then turning to watch as Kibum floats through the rows of petunias, roses and sunflowers. The King seemed much more carefree and normal without his robe, his free-spirited ways breaking out. Jonghyun smiles before following after him. He wondered if the King had any hidden motives. “Your majesty!” He calls, Kibums head peeks up from one of the bushes, and his smile was playful. “Yes, knight?”

“Why did you want me to walk with you? You could have chosen another knight, why me?” Kibum stands up tall, the sun glinting in his brown eyes. “Just because you were there….you’ve always been there.” He replies, turning away and taking off into a sprint. Jonghyun blinks, confused and intrigued. “M-majesty!” He calls, jogging after him. The wind tore through his hair and whistles past his ears. He runs after Kibum, a twinkle cast in his eyes, a vibrant smile on his lips. Kibum looks over his shoulder and his smile broadens at the sight of Jonghyun chasing after him. They run like kids through the garden, their breaths coming out in ragged exhalations. Running like this, under the sun, Kibum felt reinvigorated and free from his duties as king. “Jonghyun!” He yells suddenly. The knight’s ears perk. “At this moment I’m not the people’s king!” Kibum exclaims, his cheeks flushed red. “Then who are you?” Jonghyun asks, his chest heaving as he chased the King. “I am…I am…” Kibum slows until Jonghyun is coming to a stop beside him. “What is it your majesty?” He questions out of breath. Kibum smiles, taking Jonghyuns wrist and pulling him up into a deep kiss. He closes his eyes and tilts his head, dipping Jonghyuns head back so he could slip his tongue past his lips. Jonghyuns heart was racing ‘round and ‘round—a kiss from his beloved King. Kibum pulls back and whispers against Jonghyuns lips. “I am your king, Jonghyun.” Jonghyuns heart stops and his vision is dotted with stars. “And you are my knight.” Kibum slips his arm around Jonghyuns waist and pushes their bodies together. With an endearing smile he professes. “Will you rule the kingdom with me? My loyal knight.” Jonghyuns eyes flicker over every feature on Kibums face—from the curve of his lips to the tenacious shape of his eyes. He looks towards the place where Kibum usually wore his crown. Instead of seeing the shimmering jewel he saw the sun, its ray shingling down on both of them and with a warm smile he says “Yes.”