Ryeowook could feel his legs trembling while his father kept gripping Jong Woon’s hair and wasn’t saying anything, he was nervous and he was doing everything he could to stop himself from throwing himself between the sword and his father, first because he knew one wrong movement could cut Jong Woon’s throat and second, doing something like that was going to reveal the feelings he had for his protector to his parents and that, instead of helping, was going to end up with Jong Woon losing his head.

The king kept his eyes on Jong Woon who was doing his best to stay still despite the pain in his leg, hair and body in general thanks for the small beating he received. Of course he was afraid, he didn’t want to die now that he knew Ryeowook loved him, he wished they could spent a little bit more time together, but was also well aware that he had to accept this because it was what he deserved, he failed his prince although he lied to his parents to save him. Letting out a shaky breath, he looked at Ryeowook before closing his eyes, preparing himself for the imminent death that was closing his clutches around his neck.

“You failed my son and my family, you let those people hurt him and keep him away from us for more than a week” When the king finally started to talk, Jong Woon felt his heart tightening in his chest while Ryeowook felt the lump in his throat was cutting his air supply “But in the end you saved him, you brought him back to us in one piece with minor injuries… and we’re grateful for that.”

Jong Woon opened his eyes when the sword stopped pressing against his neck and the grip on his hair disappeared, seeing the king stepping back and giving the sword to a guard “Your majesty?” He whispered, careful not to say something wrong.

“You have been with my son since he was a baby and you took care of him more than well in all this years, this is your first fault and I believe you learnt your lesson and that won’t happen again.” He said with a stern tone, looking directly at his eyes until he nodded “Let him go.”

As soon as his hands were released, he kneeled in front of the king, pressing his forehead to the floor “Thank you so much, your majesty, I don’t deserve this.” He said, although a part of him still believed they were the ones to fault for his mother death and Ryeowook’s kidnapping, but he needed to thank him he was alive.

“If you fail again Jong Woon, I with my own hands will end your life” He said, glancing at Ryeowook who was still in his mother’s arms.

“I won’t fail again, I promise you my king.” He said, sitting back on his legs and looking up at him.

Jong Woon kept looking at him while he walked to his son and wife, smiling softly at the prince to let him know he was okay and that he should go with them to make sure he was okay.

“Please cure his wounds, he’s in pain” Ryeowook said to the guards who nodded and bowed.

Jong Woon let them help him to walk and take him to the infirmary, now that the adrenaline passed, he felt the stinging pain in his leg and the dizziness for the lack of proper food, finally feeling everything that was attacking his body for all the things that happened before they managed to arrive. They treated the wound on his leg, saying how lucky he was for being treated in time and that he could have lost his leg if the gangrene appeared. He could only nod and smile softly, knowing that he was even luckier because he was treated by no other than the Little Prince itself.

Meanwhile, Ryeowook was being treated by a bunch of servants that moved around in almost desperately manner while they treated the wounds on his wrists, legs and face, bringing almost all the food they had in the palace and with more than three doctors checking everything to be sure he wasn’t sick or had something that threatened his life. He tried to say he was fine, that Jong Woon made sure he was okay, but of course his mother wasn’t going to let it go, he needed to make sure his baby was okay.

Days started to go by after that day, the king let Jong Woon heal before he returned to take care of his son completely, Ryeowook tried to spent most of the time with him, stealing some kisses every time they were alone or when the other servants weren’t looking at them. They both were happy with how things were going, although they needed to hide what they felt for each other, Jong Woon considered it was good enough he was alive and with his prince, keeping him safe from further harm.

“Morning, Jong Woon.” Ryeowook smiled when he saw him waiting for him outside his room.

“Morning, Prince.” He smiled, bowing and waiting for him to come out “You have your history classes today and then economy.”

“Ah that sounds like a long day” He pouted, but ended up smiling “But I want my father to be proud so it doesn’t matter, I will do my best.”

Jong Woo smiled while he heard him talking like that, he couldn’t describe how proud he was every time he heard him, with those words he could realise he wasn’t like what his father said, he was completely different… Speaking of his father, he was still worried about what they were doing or planning, the king sent people to look for them, but until now they haven’t found anyone, seemed that they abandoned the camp. He could only hope everything was okay.

“Jong Woon, the king is asking for your presence.” A guard approached them before they reached the room where Ryeowook was going to study.

“Thank you, I will” He said, looking at the guard while he walked away before looking back at the prince.

“Don’t worry, Jong Woon, I’m sure he just wants to make sure you’re fine” He smiled, poking his stomach softly.

“I will take you to your class first and then I will go.” He felt insecure every time he needed to be away from him.

“Oh no, you can’t make my father wait so go now, I’ll be fine.” He said smiling softly and pushing him gently so he moved.

“But-“

“No buts now go.” He laughed, pushing him more until Jong Woon started walking.

“Fine, I’ll see you in a bit.”

Shaking his head softly, he kept watching at him until he turned in the corner and entered another corridor towards the main room. He really loved Jong Woon and was slightly worried about the future, knowing too well they couldn’t be together since he knew it was inacceptable for his parents, but he didn’t like to think about it and just concentrated in being positive and not think about what could happen in the future, convincing himself that it was unnecessary to worry about it for now.

Sighing, he started to walk towards the room, looking at the flowers that were adorning the corridors and that were placed by the servants that morning, he looked to the front when he almost bumped against the door. He was about to open it when an arm wrapped around his waist and a hand covered his mouth, pulling him back and away from the door before he could even touch the doorknob.

Panic settled inside his stomach while he struggled and tried to free himself or do something that made someone notice what was happening. He kicked, elbowed and scratched at the hands holding him. That day they managed to take him away because he was half asleep and didn’t know what was happening, but now, fully awake and knowing everything about this, he wasn’t going to let it happen so easily.

“Stop it now!” He heard the growl in his ear at the same time the arm around his waist squeezed his stomach hard enough to make him whimper.

But he wasn’t going to listen, he wasn’t going to stop him.

.

.

.

Jong Woon hummed when he walked out of the room, in the end was exactly what Ryeowook said, the king only wanted to know how the wound on his leg was and how things were doing concerning Ryeowook’s security; he had said everything was fine and that he didn’t need to worry about anything because he was doing his best to ensure he was safe. The first days the king seemed to doubt his words, but now he considered things were better.

Hurrying, he was about to open the door to Ryeowook’s classroom when it was opened before he could.

“Ah, Jong Woon, where’s the prince? He’s late and we have a lot to study.” The teacher said, looking at him.

Jong Woon’s hear skipped a beat, he felt he could fall to the floor with those words “He’s not here?” He asked, doing his best to hide his fear.

“No, he hasn’t arrived.” The male said suspiciously, looking at him “Is there something wrong?”

“No, he said he was going to his room to get something, the king called me and I just came back” He said quickly, not wanting to cause panic before being sure of what was happening “I’ll go for him, don’t worry.”

As soon as the teacher nodded and entered the room, he sprinted out of there towards the nearest exit, praying that he was there or find what was happening.

Ryeowook was still fighting against the man holding him despite the