A/N: Just a reminder this chapter is in Nichkhun's perspective.

*

                Nichkhun sat quietly in his window bed, overlooking the city and the dull grey of the sky. He would be attending the auction that evening. He was not looking forward to it in the least. He did not sleep well, and he could not warm up. Looking over his hands, they were paler, but the infection hadn’t spread anymore thanks to the fiery bell. He knew it wouldn’t last long, but it comforted him to know that it was stalled for the moment.

                Hearing a knock at his door, he rose up, grabbed his gloves, and made his way over. Opening it, he found Taecyeon, who of course had the same look of worry and concern he always did. Nichkhun walked back inside and climbed onto his bed.

                “Did you sleep?”

                “Not really...” He said quietly and watched as Taecyeon sat beside him.

                “What would help you rest?”

                There was only one thing Nichkhun wanted, and he was too scared to ask. “I...I don’t think-

                “Come on, would Victor help?”

                Nichkhun sighed and turned away from him, that made him deflate instantly. “You’re the one that fancies him, not me-

                “Hey, I do not-

                “Yes, I know you do.”

                Taecyeon sighed deeply. “What does this have to do with you?”

                “Nothing, Taecyeon...” Tensing as a warm arm slid under his own, and closing his eyes tight as Taecyeon pulled him back, Nichkhun almost sobbed. Taecyeon was so very warm. The heat of his hand as he pressed his fingers between his gloved ones was almost too much for him.

                “When will you stop shutting me out?”

                “I trust you more than anyone else...” He tried to defend.

                Taecyeon gripped the tips of his glove and pulled it off. “Not enough...”

                Nichkhun jerked his hand away, but Taecyeon took hold of it again and he smoothed his fingers over his sensitive skin. The heat from his skin was so wonderful and so soothing.

                “Is this...Is this why you asked for fiery bell?”

                Nichkhun pressed Taecyeon’s hand to his chest and shut his eyes tight. “I don’t know how to stop it...” He gasped and let his tears fall.

                “Is this what Lee spoke to you about?”

                He nodded and began to tremble. “He said it’s called Frozen Heart Syndrome...”

                “What is that?”

                “It’ll slowly spread throughout my entire body, freezing me from the inside out.”

                Taecyeon forced him onto his back but Nichkhun covered his face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

                “B-Because you-

                “Oh come off it, if there’s anything I can do to help, you know I will.”

                Nichkhun peeked up at him and found concern. “What do you feel for me?”

                “You’re very important to me, Nichkhun. I’ve guarded you for nearly 15 years...”

                Nichkhun felt his stomach sink. “So...obligation makes you care?”

                “What? No! Of course not, don’t twist my words...” Taecyeon said and sat up. “I’m...” He scratched his head like he did whenever he was confused or unsure, but then he was looking at him with a resolve Nichkhun hadn’t seen before. “It hurts me to know I’ve failed to protect you, your highness.”

                Nichkhun pressed a finger to his lips. “You serve me very well, Taecyeon. I know better than to ask more of you.”

                “Nichkhun-

                “No, please, I just wish to rest. I’ll have to prepare myself for tonight. I feel like it’s going to be terrible.”

                “I wish you didn’t have to go...”

                Nichkhun smiled. “Me too.”

                “Will you really not tell me how I can help you?”

                Nichkhun sighed, “if you haven’t figured it out by now I...nevermind, no, Junho gave me good advice.”

                “You really shouldn’t keep a friendship with him, your highness.”

                Nichkhun weaseled under his covers and took a deep breath. “Do me a favour, Taecyeon.”

                “Yes?”

                “Be quiet, and don’t leave my side.”

                The vice-commander did stop talking then and he lay down beside him. “Do you wish for me to wake you at a particular time?”

                “Two hours prior to the event, if I don’t wake up until then.”

                “Alright...”

                Nichkhun sighed and tried to stay awake. Taecyeon truly made him feel so very warm. He needed to tell him...but he feared losing him completely. He couldn’t stomach that at all. “Taecyeon?” He asked softly, after a while.

                “Yes?”

                “Do you love Victor?”

                “No, your highness.”

                “How do you feel about him coming to the auction with me?”

                Taecyeon sighed deeply. “I’m jealous.”

                Smiling, he made himself more comfortable. “Of him or me?”

                Silence met his question, but he was surprised as arms wound around him. He did his best not to tremble from the immense comfort. “Just rest, Nichkhun.”

                *

                Being woken was not a pleasant experience for Nichkhun. He was finally sleeping well and now he was being wakened. Hearing a gentle chuckle, Nichkhun peered out at Victor between his arms. “Where’d he go?”

                “Run away, because someone still has not been honest and open about his princely feelings for his vice-commander.”

                Nichkhun blushed and rolled over. “You flirting with me in front of him doesn’t help-

                “The freezing has gone down a lot.” Victor commented as he sat closer to him.

                Nichkhun looked over his hands and noticed the pallor of his skin finally returning to normal.

                “Imagine if you told him what you really felt, and he reciprocated.”

                “Oh stop-

                “Why are you scared to tell him how you really feel? You know he feels nothing for me.” Victor whispered and he gripped his shoulder comfortingly. “If anything he hates me a lot.”

                Not being able to resist laughing, he faced him. “I really don’t want to go...”

                Victor nodded and he looked off.

                “You’re worried about something, Victor.”

                “I’ll tell you later. For right now, I’ve been hogging you and I believe Taecyeon wanted the responsibility of making sure you’re dressed and ready.”

                “He’s a vice-commander.”

                “Oh, aye, but he cares about you a lot too, your mopeyness. Plus, it’s one of the ways he can get a lovely glimpse of your body and-”

                “Ah! Get out!”

                Victor laughed as he left and then there was shouting. Seeing Taecyeon enter much more flustered and annoyed had Nichkhun smiling brightly.

                “I really don’t like him...”

                Nichkhun collapsed and continued laughing.

                By the time he was set and ready to go, his nerves were frazzled and anxiety filled him, mind filling up with whatever might happen. Making his way down to the castle entrance, he physically shuddered when he saw Toren and his uncle standing beside him.

                “You know your duty, Nichkhun.” Helios said as he handed over parchment.

                “If you wish to keep him why put him in the auction?”

                “Well, you’re not stupid nephew, you’ll be able to figure this out.”

                Nichkhun snatched it from him and made his descent. Victor was waiting for him, his eyes hard on those standing behind him. “Victor,” he greeted quietly.

                “Your highness...” He greeted back.

                The atmosphere around them was heavy as they both took their seats. Once the door was closed and they began moving, Victor looked at him and sighed heavily. “Even though I can handle Toren, I cannot stand him at all.”

                “What happened?”

                “Nothing, Nichkhun, nothing for you to worry about.” He assured and crossed his arms. “I do have some interesting news however.”

                Nichkhun encouraged him to share.

                “The negotiations for real peace between Lunaris and Baxkos have been presented by my mother. There will be an official meeting between Baxkos and Lunaris in two days time. Of course, this is dependent upon the meeting they have tomorrow…”

                Nichkhun sat back and sighed heavily. “That seems very sudden. What brought this on?”

                Before Victor could respond, Nichkhun watched as black threads flared into the space beside the Lunaris prince and cleared leaving them both speechless.

                “Oh, I’ve been out of practice appearing into moving objects.” The man, who had been one of the most mysterious and elusive – causing ever inconvenience to Helios possible, smiled at him.

                “C-Chansung...” Victor stammered.

                “Hello brother-

                “You’re here!” Victor hauled him into his arms. “You’re really here, Wooyoung – I mean...”

                Chansung smiled and then held out his hand, “you have something for me.”

                Victor nodded and reached into his pocket.

                “Chansung, where have you been?” Nichkhun asked, still in disbelief.

                “Hiding mostly,” he answered as Victor placed two pieces of paper into Chansung’s hand. Then his gaze turned to him. “It truly is good to see you, Horvejkul.”

                “S-Same to you...” Nichkhun couldn’t help but be overwhelmed seeing him. “The last time I saw you, Wooyoung was...have you seen him?”

                “Yes, I have.” Chansung answered honestly. “Now, I’ll be seeing you both again shortly. Brother, we’re getting back on schedule with things.”

                Victor’s face brightened. “I do like the sounds of that.”

                Chansung nodded to them both and then vanished.

                Nichkhun instantly looked at Victor and crossed his arms. “You saw him. You spoke with him and you said nothing to me.”

                Victor chuckled nervously. “Well, I was going to tell you once we were far away from the palace. Toren has people keeping me under constant watch you know?”

                “No excuse, there are ways you could have told me. What did he tell you? Is he the motivation behind the Queen wanting peace?”

                “He...” Victor exhaled deeply. “Look Nichkhun, there are a lot of things that happened when he disappeared. Yes, he got away, but...the memory curse he got hit with did a fair bit of damage, he couldn’t even remember how old he was, Nichkhun.”

                His hand instantly flew to his mouth. “What?!”

                “Shh! Stop it.”

                “Was it Turina?”

                “There are a lot of things I don’t understand. But...he brought my brother back, and he did it despite being affected by a memory curse. I don’t know if the truce is a result of his return but you have to admit, what he’s been able to accomplish so far is amazing.”

                Nichkhun couldn’t help but nod. “What did you give Chansung?”

                “Auction passes...”

                “Two of them?”

                “Yes.”

                Nichkhun smiled, but then his stomach felt twisty and his anxiety welled up. “They want them to come to the auction...”

                “Yes, putting Junho in the auction is just bait.” Victor informed. “Putting you there...there’s a reason, Helios and Toren are always planning something, Nichkhun, we know this. We’ll just have to wait and see what Wooyoung’s move is...”

                “He always does something flashy when he’s desperate.”

                Victor laughed, “oh yes, he’ll do anything to make a plan work.”

                Nichkhun smiled and looked out the carriage window. “Sometimes that’s what worries me about him.”

                Victor nodded in agreement, “you know they’re keeping me in the dark so Toren and Helios can’t figure out what they’re doing.”

                Nichkhun glanced at him. “Either Wooyoung knows exactly what he needs to do now, or he has nothing and is resorting to drastic measures, either way it worries me. Something is going to happen...”

                “Well, let them handle it, Nichkhun. They’ll figure it out. Wooyoung always does...”

                He nodded and tried to calm himself. It was hard though, especially after seeing Chansung. Wooyoung was beginning to move again. He didn’t know what would come of it, but he needed to believe in him more than ever. He wanted this mess to end.

                *

                “Prince Horvejkul! Please come this way.” One of the attendants said. “All auction delegates are in the foyer right now. The auction will open once the final guests arrive.”

                “Thank you.” Nichkhun said and made his way into the foyer. The room was filled with dignitaries from various places, laughing, drinking, and discussing. He wished his brother was in attendance with him, he was much better at socialising and engaging people.

                For some reason, his head hurt. Memories rose within him, as if he’d been in this type of situation before.

                “Do smile, brother. This is a very important day for the both of us.” Nichan said, elbowing him playfully in the ribs.

                “For you maybe...” He mumbled, earning himself a sympathetic look.

                “Just wait until I take the throne, you’ll see how things change.” Nichan promised and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

                “As long as they’re alive, nothing will change for me, Nichan...”

                “Buck up, I want smiles tonight. There will be many interesting guests for you to have your grand philosophical discussions with. Make sure to speak with as many as you can, we can use more allies than enemies in these times.”

                Gasping, Nichkhun found he was holding Victor’s arm tightly, and he was leaning heavily against the wall, far away from the crowds.

                “Are you alright?”

                “I...I...” Nichkhun looked out. He so wanted to know where his brother was. Everything had gone so wrong the last little while and now he was just being dragged along with the mess. He really hoped Wooyoung had a plan that would fix everything. “I miss my brother...” He whispered.

                Victor saddened and he clenched his hand. “I know. We cannot stumble right now, Nichkhun. Do not falter amongst these vultures. Take a few minutes for a breather and then put your mask on. We’ll make it through.”

                “Alright...”

                “I’m going to get you a drink. Stay here, please? And do your best not to collapse.”

                “Oh shut up, I was just a little overwhelmed.”

                Victor grinned and then turned away.

                Nichkhun took a deep breath. He looked around as he calmed his nerves.

                “Ah, here you are Horvejkul. I was wondering who Helios would send out.”

                Turning abruptly, Nichkhun scowled. “What’re you doing here, Zahi? You’re taking a major risk being here...being the rogue Wolf that you are.”

                The older man looked as regal and stunning as ever. Nichkhun honestly didn’t know how to handle him. “Well, the Queen of Lunaris wouldn’t stoop so low as to come to something like this, so I’ve been enlisted. As of right now, Helios has pardoned my participation in the insurgence since negotiations for a truce have opened up.”

                “Can’t imagine what you would have had to have done to get such a pardon from my uncle...”

                “Oh sheltered prince, you have no idea. Although, it is nice that we’re finally on the same level, don’t you think?”

                Nichkhun scowled. “Don’t you dare insult me, Zahi. You .”

                “Hey, you should be nice to me.”

                “Why?”

                “Because of reasons, and anyway, you don’t look fit to be arguing with me. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

                “Well I’m fine.”

                Zahi gave him a once over and shrugged. “If you’re sure, I’ll be taking my leave then.”

                “Zahi...”

                He glanced back.

                “You being here...does that mean?”

                Zahi smiled, “this is where I say you could take my being here as meaning many things, your highness. But I am under obligation to be a suitable attendee of this auction to show nonviolence and peace as per early arrangements of the truce.”

                Nichkhun watched him go and nearly jumped out of his skin when Victor returned.

                “Did something happen?”

                “N-No, I’m alright.” He said and accepted his glass.

                “Ah, Nichkhun! I’ve been wanting to have a word with you.” An older gentleman boasted as he walked up to him.

                This happened several times until the auction hall was opened. Nichkhun could honestly say he felt drained already.

                As he took his seat, he felt a familiar aura descend upon him.

                “Ah, fancy meeting you again Nichkhun.” He looked back at Zahi. It wasn’t coming from him. “Victor! Good to see you.”

                Victor was a little more reserved in his greeting.

                “Zahi, you inconsiderate shrew, how dare you leave me.”

                Both Nichkhun and Victor turned to the fast approaching woman. Nichkhun was taken aback instantly upon seeing her. He’d seen her before but he couldn’t place her.

                “Sorry my dear, I found us seats near the prince of Baxkos, and I’ve also found your cousin Victor.”

                As their eyes connected, Nichkhun felt several conflicting feelings arise within him. Meeting her here was no accident.

                “Good evening, your highness, cousin Victor.” She greeted and held out her hand.

                “You never told me you had a cousin, Victor...” Nichkhun said as he took her hand and kissed it.

                “She has a tendency of showing up to functions like this unannounced...” Victor huffed but hugged her nonetheless.

                “They also never mentioned you...”

                She smiled, “snarky tongue as I’ve been told. No I don’t imagine they would have.”  She said as she took her seat.

                “Now, now, there’s no need to be uncivil. Our dear Lady Hwang graciously volunteered herself to attend the auction in place of her aunt, the Queen herself, to show civility.” Zahi said. “I hear we’re in for a heck of a show tonight.”

                “Oh, I’ve heard a rumour the vigilante Jang Wooyoung might even show up.” Lady Hwang boasted.

                “You shouldn’t speak of him so carelessly, Lady Hwang, you never know who might be listening.” Zahi warned.

                Nichkhun gripped his chair rests and glanced back. “Where did you hear that, Lady Hwang?”

                She removed her shawl and retrieved her fan, “on a small excursion into a bit of the Underworld. Cousin Victor, auntie got so mad at me...”

                “Are you seriously surprised? You know what people would do to a girl like you in those parts.” Victor scolded lightly.

                “I imagine I could fetch a nice prize at an event like this. I’d like to know how much they’d bid on me.”

                “Don’t even joke about that.” Victor grumbled and turned back to the stage. “Already got one of us missing, don’t need to lose another.”

                Nichkhun bit his tongue. He wasn’t sure he could trust this ‘cousin’. He’d never heard of her before now, and it was suspicious that she was with Zahi. Nichkhun knew Wooyoung had been working with the rogue General before he went missing to try and get them on Lunaris’ side. If he was here, that could only mean one thing.

                “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, royals from near and far. We thank for you attending this prestigious event this evening, as we have a number of lovely items on our auction roster.” The announcer said as he came to the stage. “We’ll begin with a pretty Elf girl from the far north...”

                Nichkhun festered in ill feelings for the duration of the first half. From the overtly derogatory comments made by bidders and other dignitaries, he only wished they would speed up the process. When the announcement for the entertainment came about, and that there were refreshments in the foyer, he rose instantly.

                “Oh, Horvejkul, if you’re going out would you mind escorting my dear Lady Hwang as well?” Zahi said quickly.

                Nichkhun met her eye and nodded, “sure, I don’t see why not.”

                “Oh, thank you your highness.” She said as she took up her shawl. “I don’t fancy having the risk of running into some balding, putrid old man alone right now.”       

                “No, I wouldn’t think so.” He said with an attempt at smiling. He knew Toren sent him on this mission specifically because he disliked them so much. As he walked with the lady, he felt a heat he didn’t anticipate when their hands connected. He resisted the instinct to retract his hand and they came to the servers. “What would you like, Lady Hwang?”

                “Oh, just water is fine.” She said, waving her fan. She was quite flushed.

                “Are you alright?”

                She smiled and nodded, “this is my first auction so I’m a little over-stimulated, and not from enjoyment.”               

                “I don’t particularly fancy these either.”

                “Well, I’m sure you had a choice in whether or not you wished to attend, your highness.” She said, concern masking her face.

                “That’s...a little complicated. If I had a choice I wouldn’t be here.” He said honestly and thanked the server for their drinks.

                “I see, I’m sorry. I have ulterior motives for coming, but yes, I’m finding my experience to be quite negative.”

                Nichkhun nodded and they made their way to the doors. “Well, you’re here with Zahi, and under truce negotiations. Obligation never makes things fun unless you like the people you’re with.”

                She chuckled, “Very true. I think my aunt has completely forsaken the rebellion. Zahi was forced to come as a punishment.”

                “Is that so..?”

                “Yes, what bargains my aunt had to make to allow him to come I am curious about. But, she said and I quote ‘if you’re assassinated it will cause no grief to me and I will consider that penance’.” Nichkhun’s eyes widened. “She’s thatr ruthless sometimes. Although, they haven’t spoken much about things to me-

                “Best not to involve yourself, Lady Hwang. I imagine it’s for good reason.”

                She pouted and gripped his arm a little tighter. “Alright, I won’t try and gossip further. I’m happy to see you get along with Victor. They were such funny boys when we were younger. Seeing him all grown up and doing such serious things...it really makes me conscious of the times we’re in.”

                “We’ve all had to do a fair bit of growing quickly. You seem to at least hold onto a more excited curiosity, Lady Hwang. It’s quite refreshing.”

                “Is it? Zahi and my auntie just think I’m a bother. Too immature for things...” She sighed and sipped from her water.

                Nichkhun smiled. “You remind me of my sisters. They’re regarded in the same manner.”

                “I’m sure things haven’t been too easy since the loss of your parents.”

                Nichkhun frowned and turned his attention back to the performers. “No, it hasn’t. Shall we go and sit?”

                “Oh, if we must.”

                He smiled once more and she reciprocated. He didn’t know why, but she set him at ease.

                “Are you alright?” Victor asked once he was seated.

                “Oh yes, I’m fine.” He said, a little surprised at how much he was.

                “There are only five left on the bidders list.” Zahi informed.

                “Five? So little compared to the first half. I’m alright with that.” Lady Hwang grumbled. “I’ve had enough of this place and these people.”

                “Oh dear cousin, how I’ve missed your bluntness,” Victor grumbled.

                “Aw, how sweet dear cousin,” she said as she flicked water over him.

                “Ah!”

                Nichkhun couldn’t help himself, even under these circumstances, he had to laugh at their antics. For this reason alone, it made coming just a little more bearable.

                Nichkhun watched the sale of two creatures from the wild lands go to well-known game hunters. A man from the south was humiliated before the audience, causing sick laughter, a woman was punished for fighting back, and then, he came.

                “For his crimes against mortals, a trickster, and the of the rebellion, Lee Junho.”

                A sickly feeling flew over Nichkhun’s arms and he gripped Victor’s hand tightly, and it was returned. Junho was in far worse condition than when he last saw him. He looked around, anticipating Wooyoung to come flying out of anywhere to save him.

                “A wanted Mage by his own brethren, Lee Junho is a prize to be had for anyone’s collection.”

                “How dare they...” Lady Hwang hissed.

                “Quiet yourself,” Zahi murmured. “Horvejkul, did you know he’d be up for auction?”

                Nichkhun didn’t glance back, “why do you think I’m here?”

                “Why would Helios put him up if you were just going to buy him back?”

                Nichkhun finally turned and scowled. “Because he wants to increase his prison count with people like you, Zahi. What do you think?”

                “We’ll start the big at five thousand gold.”

                Whispers flew out across the room. Nichkhun had to wait, he was not allowed to rouse suspicion. He was sure it was Toren himself who tortured Junho. He really did not want to bid, but there was no telling what he would do to his sisters, or what someone else might do to Junho if they got a hold of him. Asides from his magic, the stories soldiers whispered when they didn’t think he was listening made him sick to his stomach.

                Noticing two hands rise up down near the front, he sighed in relief.

                “Seven thousand?”

                “Horvejkul...”

                “I know what I’m doing.” He said.

                Higher and higher the price went. He didn’t care if it drained his uncle’s chambers of all his gold. Nearing one hundred thousand, he raised his hand. The hands began to slow. Nichkhun felt his heart racing. As much as he didn’t want Junho to fall into the wrong hands, he also wished he didn’t bid. He couldn’t imagine which was better.

                “Sold!”

                “I can’t believe you won, Horvejkul.” Zahi said, voice tense. “What’s Helios really playing at?”

                Nichkhun shrugged. “I don’t know.”

                “Those who have won prizes, we encourage you to collect them promptly. For those who will be remaining with us, once set up, we’ll have more entertainment to close the night. We give you an intermission of twenty minutes.”

                Nichkhun stood abruptly.

                “Horvejkul, wait!” He looked back at Zahi and Lady Hwang. She looked much paler and sickly.

                “Are you alright?”

                “Lee, will he be going back with you?”

                He eyed her carefully. “Yes.”

                “I would very much like to visit if I may, visit you while my aunt is in meeting with your uncle tomorrow. Not so much for the truce, but to share perspectives.”

                Nichkhun smiled. “I will have Victor arrange an official invitation. Until the morrow,” he said and bowed.

                “Thank you...” She said and faced her cousin. “Will...will I see you tomorrow as well cousin?”

                “Of course. You’re acting strange. Make sure you rest tonight.” Victor said as he hugged her. “Make sure she gets home safe, Zahi.”

                “You have my word.” He said and helped her dress.

                Nichkhun walked, followed closely by Victor, and they were directed to the back of the auction house. As they came to Junho’s holding area Nichkhun rushed ahead and he looked over him. Fresh blood spilled from Junho’s nose and he was trembling.

                “J-Junho?” He asked shakily.

                “Please move aside, Horvejkul.”

                Surprised by Victor, Nichkhun did as told and watched him administer a tonic. Before he could speak he was distracted by the auctioneer.

                “I’m mighty surprised, your highness. I thought your uncle would be pleased to have someone else harbour this piece of trash.”

                Nichkhun’s jaw tensed and he gripped his cloak. “I gave you your money, please, please take your ill-gotten feelings elsewhere. You have greatly offended me, and who knows what my uncle will do with you if I tell him.”

                “Sorry your highness...” He said and stumbled away.

                Nichkhun turned back and crossed his arms. He didn’t like using that threat but he felt no guilt in this instance. “I’m not going to say anything right now, but let us leave.”

                Victor glanced back at him and he smiled. “As you wish.”

                Back in their carriage, Nichkhun watched over Junho closely. He was sleeping heavily and collapsed against Victor. Nichkhun turned his attention back to him. “How have you come to be in my company, Chansung? When was the exchange?”

                Victor lifted his hands and dismissed the glamour on his eyes. The red and amber irises always made him uncomfortable. “I could lie and say the intermission, so we’ll go with that.”

                Well, at least he knew it was a lie. The only other time was when he appeared in the carriage to receive the auction passes. Chansung must have given something to Victor then. “What is Wooyoung planning sending you directly where you shouldn’t be?”

                The fellow prince smirked at him, “what makes you think this was his idea?”

                “Because he’s like that, where’s Victor?”

                Chansung tapped his temple. “My brother and I worked very hard to ensure we had seamless compatibility, he is me and I am him right now.”

                “Well if you want to be convincing you better not call me Horvejkul, that was a dead giveaway.”

                “What makes you think I didn’t know that?”

                Nichkhun clenched his fists tightly. “You wanted me to know.”

                “Yes, it was imperative you knew before we entered the castle. I could just wipe your memory, but there is no benefit of that right now.” Chansung said as he looked over Junho. “Toren has been tampering with his bond to Wooyoung...”

                “How can you tell?”

                “Because of my bond with Wooyoung.”

                Nichkhun sighed and leaned back in his seat. “Then why not run away, take him far away right now?”

                “We can only do that if you’re willing to come with us.”

                Surprised by Chansung’s reason, Nichkhun stared at him unblinking. “Why does my coming with you have bearing on this?”

                “Not just you, Horvejkul. We need Ok Taecyeon as well, Helios and Kim Min-Jun.”

                Baffled completely by Hwang’s words, Nichkhun rubbed his forehead. “You’re going to have to do really subtle work to even get close to Kim. Something has changed in the palace. I haven’t seen him in weeks.”

                “Exactly why we can’t just runaway, Horvejkul. If we alert them that we are indeed moving, how will that help our chances? I need every chance I can to find him, it’s imperative I do.”

                “You can warp in and out of places-

                “What makes you think I haven’t tried?”

                Nichkhun sighed and felt faint. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to convince Taecyeon...”

                “If you go, I know he will follow.”

                “What about my sisters?”

                Chansung gave him an irritated look. “You’re going to hate me for this, but whether you leave them or not will have no bearing on their fate. Why? It’ll be explained to you soon, but I don’t think you’d want to hear it from me.”

                “No, I don’t trust you as much as him...”

                “He’ll love to hear that.” Chansung chuckled.

                “Why didn’t you ever mention you had a cousin?”

                “Have we ever spoken about my extended family members? You realise how big this has gotten if we’re pulling relatives in. She’ll have her part to play.”

                Noticing Junho beginning to wake, Nichkhun smiled as he opened his eyes, and then he sat up and looked at Chansung. His eyes went bright and he reached up. “Is it really you?”

                Chansung nodded.

                “He went and found you?”

                “Yes, Junho.”

                “W-When will I see him?” Junho asked weakly. He looked so small all of a sudden.

                “I promise you’ll see him soon.”

                Junho curled up beside him and gripped his hand. “You idiot...why’d you have to run away?”

                “I’m sorry...”

                “I’m never going to forgive you for that...”

                “That’s alright...” Chansung murmured and kissed the top of his head. “He’s going to make it all right, Junho.”

                “He better, but I’m going to kill him first. I just…I need him…”

                Nichkhun felt his heart ache as he watched them. They truly all shared something he’d only dreamed of. Feeling a cold burn in his hands, it spread to his chest. Gasping for air he collapsed and tried to breathe.

                “Nichkhun? Nichkhun!”

                The chill grew stronger and he found himself in a wintry landscape, surrounded by trees. He slowly came to stand and found a white wolf watching him. The closer it got, the hotter it felt. Before he could touch it, his eyes snapped open and he’s looking up at a worried Taecyeon and Victor, indicated by concerned brown eyes.

                “Nichkhun?” Taecyeon asked worriedly.

                He slowly reached up and touched Taecyeon’s face. “What happened to me?” He asked, but snapped his hand back quickly.

                “You had an attack in the carriage. Junho...managed to stabilise you, and we administered a fiery bell salve upon arrival.” Victor answered, face flushed and worry marring his features.

                The heat of Taecyeon’s hands as he brushed them over his face and his arms made him shiver and gave him better clarity. He gasped and caught his hands in his own.

                “I’m sorry-

                “No, I’m just...tonight was just too much for me.” He said and collapsed against Taecyeon. “Victor...can you leave us?”

                “Of course, I’ll be wandering about so just call if you need anything else.”

                “Thank you...and thank you for coming with me. I needed the support.”

                Victor waved him off and left.

                Nichkhun couldn’t hold it in anymore. He knew Taecyeon would fix it. He couldn’t let this weakness take him if Wooyoung was indeed finally moving. Holding Taecyeon’s face with both hands, he looked over him.

                “You really scared me...” He said quietly, his amber gaze peering into his own.

                Breathing a little heavier, he brushed his thumbs over his cheeks. “You asked me how you might be able to help...”

                “Yes.”

                Nichkhun swallowed hard and he leaned closer. “You know my feelings for you – I know I’ve been quite obvious with them.” He said quickly, nervous feelings taking him. He was beginning to tremble. “Please Taecyeon, I can’t...you could fix it.”

                “How?”

                “Love me you big idiot.” He was blushing furiously now, only because Taecyeon looked equally as red.

                “R-Really?”

                Nichkhun groaned and gripped Taecyeon’s shirt and pulled him into a very much wanted kiss. He gasped at the heat which coursed through his body as their lips collided. It felt so good. He gasped and jerked forwards as Taecyeon’s hands smoothed over his sides. “Don’t you know how hot you make me, just by being near me?”

                “Damnit Nichkhun...” He growled. “Don’t you know what it means to mate with a Wolf..?”

                “Yes, Wooyoung told me.”

                “Wooyoung, Wooyoung, Wooyoung, I don’t want to hear about him any-

                Nichkhun covered his mouth and tightened his legs around him. “He could save us, Taecyeon. I believe in him for that reason. But I...” He smoothed his hands over Taecyeon’s neck and held him closer. It felt so good to have all of Taecyeon’s attention on him. “You always dodged my feelings, and I wasn’t sure if you were doing it on purpose or if you were trying to protect me, but I need you, Taecyeon.” His voice began to waver and he just needed to make Taecyeon understand. “Even now...I feel so warm, and I can’t believe it’s taken you this long to realise.”

                Taecyeon pressed his forehead to his chest and sighed. “I’m sorry.”

                “Don’t apologise anymore, I don’t want apologies, I just want you.” He said with all the bravery he could muster.

                Taecyeon groaned and looked back up at him.

                “I know what it means...and yes, I want to be yours.” He said feeling very bashful for saying it. “I’m not used to these things.”

                Taecyeon chuckled and held him closer. “I can tell.”

                “Shut up, you’ve known me for 15 years and you didn’t figure it out. Now I’m turning into a friggin’ icicle because of a curse, and I need to know you love me, and now you – well you didn’t even get it then!”

                Taecyeon pressed him down onto his bed and climbed over him. “Your parents made it forbidden, and then everything that happened with Wooyoung, it’s not like I could just mark you as mine and everything would be hunky-dory, Nichkhun.”

                He worried his bottom lip. “Why not?”

                “Because if Helios found out, or Toren, those bloody bastards would have used me to make you do whatever they wanted. I never want to be a source of leverage for them to be used over you.”

                Nichkhun whimpered as Taecyeon’s hands d up his sides. “So...you still won’t?”

                “Not yet, not until I know you’ll be safe.”

                “But, it would stop-

                “Listen to me,” Taecyeon said, holding his face firmly. “I want to. I want to mark you and make you mine.” Nichkhun closed his eyes and nodded. “I want you all mine...” He whispered and kissed him deeply. “But, if I mark you, if I start this process now, Toren and Helios could make Turina do to me what she did to Wooyoung. If I forgot about you in the middle of a bonding and a courtship, that could kill you, and then I would die because I’d lose you.”

                Nichkhun nearly sobbed. “They made it so I would die either way, at least give me the way I want...”

                Taecyeon pulled him back up and into his arms. “This is so unfair.”

                Nichkhun nodded and held onto him tightly. He was tired of all of this, and he wanted everything to go away. “I know...I know you’re right, but it would be so worth it, Taecyeon.”

                “You already have my love.”

                He whimpered and met those hot lips once more. He gasped and held onto him even tighter.

                “But please be patient, and I’ll do what I can now.”

                Nichkhun nodded and looked over his face. “I...just want the pain to stop...”

                “I know, and it will. I’ll do whatever you need me to do, Nichkhun.”

                He smiled and pulled him close. “Touch me...”

                “Alright.”

                It was exhilarating, and satisfying, to finally be touched by his love. Nichkhun savoured every second of it, because he didn’t know what the future would bring. All he knew, was Taecyeon was indeed right, but he still wanted so desperately to escape and make their bond. He needed him. He needed Wooyoung to make things right. He needed things to change.

***

Next Chapter...Of Princely Matters