VII

It was late at night, and Chanyeol was returning from Baekhyun’s chambers, back to his. After dinner, they had stayed comfortably talking in front of the fire for many hours, drinking a sweet cocktail low in alcohol and eating strawberries and cookies. Chanyeol was delighted with how relaxed Baekhyun seemed when they were alone lately. He didn’t sit with his back completely straight and his chin raised in defiance anymore, and his smile wasn’t as extremely rare as before. He hadn’t wanted to go back to his room, and he said so to Baekhyun, who chuckled and told him there was no way he would let an alpha stay overnight in his chambers, even if he never set foot on his bedroom.

It must have been around midnight, he guessed, which was why he instinctively pulled out the dagger he kept in his boot when he saw a tall figure behind the sheer material of the balcony’s curtains. The figure turned around with the sound of the door closing behind Chanyeol and stepped out of the balcony. It was just Prince Sehun.

“Please don’t stab me,” Sehun said calmly, glancing at the dagger unworriedly. “I was only waiting to talk to you.”

“Sorry.” Chanyeol put the dagger back in its sheath, a bit embarrassed. He mentally cursed the Valkean guards for not telling him the Crown Prince was there.

After the negotiations and the time they had spent together, Chanyeol thought of Prince Sehun as his friend. The gray eyed alpha was strong willed, more stubborn than his brother, which was to be expected from an alpha. His character was usually polite and quiet, but when he was angry he could fire up in a few seconds.

It had been challenging to understand each other’s gestures. One time Chanyeol had palmed Sehun’s back in a friendly manner, only for the Crown Prince to glower at him, wide eyed. Sehun would often stay silent while Chanyeol told him stories about his life, which led the alpha to believe he was bored. However, Sehun always came back to talk to him, even asking questions. It must mean he enjoyed his company, he supposed.

Fortunately, there were two things they clearly had in common. First, they loved hunting and all forms of combat. Chanyeol had had a blast teaming up with Sehun and succeeding in every hunt they organized. Their skills in martial arts were basically the same, which led to long and exciting encounters in the training ring, often surrounded by cheering soldiers and courtiers, mostly on Sehun’s side, since the majority was Valkean. Baekhyun would sometimes watch, apparently only to roll his eyes when the over the top celebration for the winner began.

And secondly, they both cared for Baekhyun. Chanyeol wasn’t arrogant enough to compare his new love with Sehun’s, of course, but the Prince held an important place in both their hearts.

“I came to congratulate you for your engagement, more privately,” Sehun said with the tiniest smile. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Sehun. I really appreciate it,” Chanyeol replied. The Crown Prince had allowed him to call him by his first name in private almost two months ago.

Sehun nodded, and stayed silent again. He took a deep breath and glanced around the room, like he was choosing his words carefully.

“Is there something else you wish to say?” Chanyeol asked.

“I’m... worried, about this,” Sehun said with a frown. He spun and went back to the balcony.

Chanyeol followed him.  “I’m listening,” he said.

Sehun was leaning against the stone railing, his eyes on the garden below. “You’re the best suitor my brother’s ever had, well, the only one he’s allowed. Do you know you’re the only alpha he has ever let into his chambers? You seem kind, but I fear this simply won’t work for either of you.”

“I know we’ll have obstacles, I’m prepared to be patient with him. He’s worth it.”

“I’m glad you’re able to see it.” Sehun smiled briefly. “I’ve read your people place a lot of importance in an alpha’s marital activities and an omega’s fertility. I’m afraid tension might arise if your union doesn’t bring an heir after his first heat. Baekhyun might need more time.”

“I’ve considered this," Chanyeol replied. Ever since Baekhyun had revealed what had happened, he had known physical contact would be a challenge. He had never dealt before with a survivor of such crimes, but as a warrior, he knew how strongly the body remembered and reacted according to memories. He imagined Baekhyun would feel like Chanyeol would if he was asked to stand still while someone came running wielding a sword, promising this particular blade would not kill him. It definitely wouldn't work. "I’m only twenty three though, my father is capable and healthy. An heir isn’t a priority right now. If Baekhyun needs more time after we get married, he’ll have it.”

Sehun nodded. “It’s good to know you’ve thought about this, and aren’t just blindingly infatuated with my brother.”

They remained silent for a while, both knowing what they were thinking about, waiting to see who would bring it up before.

“Can I ask you about the incident?” Chanyeol finally asked.

“Yes.”

“Baekhyun hasn’t said anything besides the strictly necessary. I don’t want to burden him with my questions until he’s ready to talk to me, but there are a few things I wonder.”

“I understand.”

“Only if you’re sure we talking about it won’t bother him.”

“There are some things I can tell you, some that I can’t. Just ask and we’ll see.”

Chanyeol hesitated for a moment. He knew he wanted this information, but he also knew it would make his insides burn. “How many were they? What happened with the rest?”

Sehun took a deep breath. “They were the higher ranking officers of the troops. They were six, plus General Kim. Two were killed in battle after the Alsan troops came to our aid, and I killed the other four. As painfully as possible.” He smirked. “The General surrendered, and I was about to kill him too, but my advisor begged me to let him live, because he could be bargaining chip later. I cut one of his hands during the fight. When I was calmer I figured he deserved to rot in prison. Death is too merciful and quick.”

Chanyeol gulped and quickly pushed away the thought that there had been seven of those bastards against a fifteen year old omega. “His nightmares... Are they frequent?”

“He had them every night for about six months after it happened, then they began to diminish. He only had five or six episodes last year, but they intensified with your arrival.”

“They did?”

“Of course. You’re an alpha, a Sejonian Prince. He hadn’t seen any of you since that night. That’s why he couldn’t bear to come greet you when you arrived. I thought he wouldn’t be able to control his tongue and his anger around you, that day at the library. But I mean, who could blame him?”

“Why does going out of the castle calm him?”

Sehun made a grimace, and Chanyeol knew that this question had a particularly disturbing answer. “I can’t tell you. But I can say they tortured him, I don’t know how he didn’t lose his mind. I almost lost mine just listening to what had happened and seeing the way they left him afterwards. I wanted revenge so badly, I wanted to burn all of Sejon to the ground and the hatred almost consumed me, and he... He was the one to ground me again, to convince me of breaking the circle of hatred, so no other young omega would have to endure what he endured.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. If only I could have stopped my father-”

“No. I don’t want to talk about imaginary scenarios. This is what happened, and there’s no changing it now.”

Sehun was right, Chanyeol thought. The only way out of this horrible feeling of wrongness and impotence was acceptance. “I wish I could do more.”

“Me too.”

*

It was finally here, the day Prince Chanyeol would return to Sejon. He was outside, overseeing his men’s and servants’ final preparations, thinking of how different this trip had turned out to be. He had expected four months of fake smiles and boredom, and instead had found a kingdom of people who weren’t really that different from his own. He almost couldn’t believe how wary and prejudiced he had been years before, unable to look past Valkeans' different colors and customs.

There were still many problems ahead, for one, convincing his father to let General Kim stay in prison without revealing Baekhyun had been his victim. His own court would be horrified if they knew Valkea was giving an ‘impure’ omega to the Crown Prince.

He had plenty of time to think about that later, though. Right now, it was better to focus on the vision that was Baekhyun at the top of the steps leading to the courtyard, where Chanyeol and his people were. He was wearing black and silver today, the dark colors making his smooth fair skin seem even paler. His blue eyes frantically searched the courtyard, and Chanyeol raised and waved a hand to call his attention.

Baekhyun regally walked up to him. “You’re leaving,” he said.

“Yes.” Chanyeol smiled a little sadly. “You already knew.”

“Yes, but you never know when a storm is going to strike.” Baekhyun looked up at the sky, it was clear today. Chanyeol wondered if Baekhyun had wished the weather would delay his departure. The thought made his heart race.

He noticed two of his soldiers were discreetly pointing at Baekhyun and murmuring between them. “Can we take a walk?” he asked, wishing for more privacy. “I have a bit of time.”

The omega nodded, and the two walked out of the courtyard and to the gardens in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other's presence.

“Baekhyun?” Chanyeol said once they were alone.

“Yes?” the blond looked up at him, giving him his full attention.

“May I hold your hand?” he asked, offering his palm.

They had stopped walking, and Baekhyun’s eyes went from his hand to his eyes a few times. Finally, he placed his hand on top of his, carefully, like the alpha's skin might burn. His fingers were long and elegant, and the size of his hand was very small compared to Chanyeol’s. Slowly, the alpha intertwined their fingers and began to walk again, happily holding Baekhyun’s hand.

“I wonder what your father will think of our engagement,” the omega said. The contact didn’t seem to make him anxious.

“I think he will approve of the idea. You would be like an extra guarantee that Valkea won’t break the treaty suddenly. Once he meets you... I’m not sure.”

Baekhyun chuckled. “I promise I won’t sass your father.”

“I was thinking you should come to Sejon to visit. As long as I don’t claim you, all of this can be cancelled, and I’d like you to be sure you can live with us.”

“It sounds fair.”

“Could you come at the end of autumn, before the winter solstice?”

“Only my mother and Sehun can answer that, but I’d love to.”

“I’ll make a formal request then.” Chanyeol smiled. “I have one last courting gift before I leave. I had the servants leave it around... There.” He pointed at one of the stone benches, where a large, ornamented wooden box sat.

Baekhyun looked at him, surprised, and then at the box. “When do you have time to have these brought to the palace?”

Chanyeol shrugged like it was nothing. “Let’s say I’m good at planning. Open it.”

Baekhyun opened the box and stared at the contents, shocked. Inside, there were two perfectly kept bonsai trees. They sat in green moss, the small leaves were yellowing with the changing of the season. They were developed trees, with strong little trunks and defined branches.

“What kind of witchcraft is this?!” Baekhyun asked. “When you said your people could grow small trees, I never thought...” he reached out with his hand to gently touch one of them. The trees’ leaves were the size of his fingernails.

“They’re bonsai trees. It’s an art to grow them,” Chanyeol said. “I included a book about it as well.”

“They’re the most precious tiny trees I’ve ever seen,” Baekhyun said, fascinated, leaning into the box to look at them from up close. “This is the best courting gift I have ever gotten.” He added, grinning. “Thank you.”

“I hoped you would think of me when you were taking care of them,” Chanyeol said. “Until we see each other again.”

Baekhyun straightened up. “I will.”

“Your highness!” a voice called out. It was Jongin, jogging to meet his Prince. “We’re ready to leave.”

Chanyeol nodded. “I’ll be there in a minute.” Jongin understood his implication and left quickly. He turned to Baekhyun, who was looking at the trees. Was that disappointment in his eyes? “It’s time.”

Baekhyun sighed and met his gaze. “Goodbye, Chanyeol. It really was a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure was mine, Baekhyun. I haven’t left and I already miss you.” Chanyeol offered his palm like he had done earlier. Baekhyun gave him his hand, and he brought it to his mouth. He gave it a soft kiss, barely a graze. The omega's skin felt very soft against his lips.

“We’ll see each other again soon enough.”

Chanyeol’s heart ached when he let go of Baekhyun’s hand, and broke when he couldn’t see the castle anymore after riding for half a day. But they would meet again, marry and rule together. Songs would be written about their uncommon bond, and many generations would remember their love.

The End.

******

For anyone who didn't read my last update (that I deleted because I got enough answers):

I had written this story in advance up to this point, I didn't anticipate it would be so well received and now I'm getting a lot of ideas from your suggestions in the comments, so I decided to end it here and continue in a sequel! The sequel won't have frequent updates because I will be back to writing and updating at once.

I hope you enjoyed this story and please leave a comment!

Thank you ♥♥