“Luhan!”

Luhan was woken from his stupor by a loud banging on his door and the sound of Yixing’s voice. Blinking the sleep out of his eyes, Luhan merely let out a groan, rolling over as he snapped out. “Come back later!” the feast had ended at a late hour and Luhan had been exhausted when he finally headed off to bed. It was too early for this now, too early for the loud noises, the banging and the panic in Yixing’s voice.

“Duke Luhan open this damn door or I’ll break it down!”

There was no way Yixing had that strength in him, but Luhan didn’t wish to test that theory. Groaning, the male rose, heading to the door which he flung open with a short “What? Make it quick; I’m going to go back to sleep.”

“Did you hear?” Yixing spoke rapidly and finally Luhan was awake, alert, and suddenly aware of the fear in Yixing’s eyes.

“I’ve been asleep.” Luhan stated blandly and Yixing merely swallowed, leaning in. The words the other whispered sent a shiver down the young duke’s spine. Like a shroud, suddenly, Luhan’s could feel a weight on his shoulders, pushing him down to the depths of hell. There seemed to be a trickle of darkness that entered Luhan’s heart and the young duke stared with horror as his friend’s words echoed in his mind.

“They’re killing Jongdae for treason.”

--

The mornings were perhaps the quietest for Sehun. He enjoyed the mornings, it was the only time he was allowed to have peace. There were no blabblings of the nobles outside his door, no high pitched giggles of the ladies, no ministers asking about the daily duties of the kingdom, only peace and quiet to himself. Damian had taken away much of that when he first came and Sehun would be eternally grateful to him for taking away much of the stress of having to rule a kingdom. Now his mornings could be devoted to spending time with his wise financial minister, who taught him the ins and outs of running a kingdom. Usually they chatted over a lovely cup of tea, but today was not one of those days. Today instead, the door to the throne room was flung open and in strode the love of his life, the bane of his existence and the male who he hated and loved at the same time. Did Sehun still love him? He didn’t really know. All he knew is that he still felt deeply betrayed by the other’s actions against him; being left alone with the throne on his hands, Sehun could never forgive the other for that. For a moment all was silent as the two counterparts looked at each other, staring before the one without the crown on his head but who, nevertheless, had a greater treasure spoke.

“You’ve arrested Jongdae.”

It was hard to hear that kind of tone from Luhan, Sehun after all, was the king. Luhan spoke as if they were equals. Perhaps, at one time, they were.

“Good morning to you too Luhan.” Sehun replied smoothly, noting with an almost smug smile the irritation in the other’s eyes. “No bow? You do remember who I am do you not?”

With one action Luhan was on the ground, bowing though his eyes flared as he looked up to meet Sehun’s own. “Why have you arrested Jongdae?” Oh the poor jester who had lived to entertain, oh the poor innocent man who had been thrown in jail when just hours ago Sehun had been laughing at the other’s joke.

“Treason.” Sehun simply replied, flicking his wrists “There were documents found against him mere hours ago.”

“You were laughing at his jokes mere hours ago!” Luhan cried and Sehun visibly tensed. There was a flare in his eyes, remembering how Jongdae had asked Luhan for a kiss to easily, how the other had responded so quickly, so kindly, no trace of that was here when he spoke to Sehun.

“He’s a traitor.” Sehun growled out, refusing to balk.

“He is innocent!”

And the sincerity in Luhan’s voice made him, for a moment, crack. Luhan was always so passionate about what he believed in, and though he knelt, the fire that ignited the boy continued to burn. Though Sehun sat so high above him, Luhan seemed to be an impenetrable wall, refusing to crack. He was also so full of belief in the good of others, like a loyal puppy, so good himself. If Luhan believed—shouldn’t…Sehun?

Damian tittered nearby. “Remember who you are.” The financial minister merely murmured in the other’s ear and Sehun regained his own confidence.

“He is a traitor.” Sehun merely snarled in return “My word is final. Now enough of this. Get out of my throne room!” Sehun had to admire the tenacity in Luhan because for a moment, the other seemed to stay still. Then, shoulders deflating, Luhan turned, heading out of the throne room, knowing he had lost the other. Behind him, Sehun merely called out.

“You’ve been gone from the court for six years Luhan. Do not think you know this court anymore.” He was innocent, Sehun reminded himself. He didn’t understand the corruptness of everyone. He was too good to survive in a place like this, Luhan would be long gone in a couple months, Sehun was sure of it. And everything would be at peace again.

And yet, though Luhan walked with his head down and shoulders hunched, there was nothing Sehun had actually won. His eyes still flared with anger, his fists were still clenched at his side. His heart ached, ached with the thought that one life was merely being played by a puppet master with strings and that life would then take the life of another, an innocent man.

Luhan would not stand for it.

If Sehun wouldn’t do anything about it, Luhan would himself.

He would save Jongdae.

AN: Forgive me for the shortness D: Hopefully it's to your liking though. A little more delve into Sehun as well. <3