Taeyong looked at his window with a frown as he watched two figures escape through the palace gates. He was not dumb, he was not stupid, he was but that.

“Should we call in the royal guards?” Johnny, a Royal guard assigned to the crowned prince asked next to him.

“No, let them be. I am sure if Yuta wanted to mate with me, he wouldn’t escape like what he did.” Taeyong answered and left the window to walk towards the door of his study. “Prepare to groom Mark, he’ll take the title of crowned prince.” Taeyong informed Johnny who nodded and opened the door for his charge.

“Better inform Kun and Doyoung yourself.” Johnny said and Taeyong nodded.

They entered another study where Doyoung, his personal adviser, Kun, his personal medic and Ten, his translator and stylist were discussing the newest projects that the crowned prince will be proposing in the up coming council meeting.

“Doyoung, I want you to train Renjun with the crowned prince protocol. Kun, Start training Dejun of the medical protocols and Ten, start training Jaemin and Hendery to take over. Johnny, personally train Lucas and Jeno. Jungwoo would step up as the Consort’s in-waiting along with Chenle, Yangyang and Jisung would be his guards.” Taeyong instructed and Ten stood up to face the friend but Johnny held him by his wrist.

“You’re not making any sense Taeyong.” Ten snapped and Taeyogn looked at him dead in the eye.

“Yuta had left with Jaehyun, and that leaves me little time to turn over everything to Mark.” Taeyong said and Ten gasped and stepped back.

“you’re joking right?” Ten asked and Taeyong shook his head. “Why would you let him go? You know you’re going to mate soon.” Ten asked, trying to seek a valid explanation from the prince.

“Yuta left at his own will. I allowed it.” Taeyong answered and turned to leave.

“Help me understand Taeyong.” Ten shouted and Taeyong clenched his fists and faced the friend.

“Would it be better if I forced him to stay? Would he be happy to be mated to someone who curtailed his freedom? I don’t think it would be a happy marriage Ten.” Taeyong answered and Ten started sobbing. “Doyoung, a word with you please.” He then addressed the adviser who nodded and followed him out of the study and back to the prince’s personal study.

They sat across each other, melancholy clearly seen on both of their faces. Doyoung bowed his head and apologized to the prince.

“It’s not your fault Doyoung, we both know it.” Taeyong said but Doyoung smiled bitterly and shook his head.

“I should’ve at least stopped them.” Doyoung said and Taeyong shook his head.

“What good will it do Doyoung? I know that you are hurting for a while now and I am sorry if this selfish action of mine will also affect you.” Taeyong apologized and bowed his head.

“I knew it was coming, just not this soon. I will prepare Renjun the best I could your majesty.” Doyoung said and Taeyong pulled his friend into a tight embrace.

“I really am sorry Doyoung but you are not alone in this okay? We will brave this through until the end.” Taeyong assured him and Doyoung nodded.

“Thank you Taeyong hyung.” Doyoung said and patted his shoulder before he left. “I’ll arrange everything with Kun.” Doyoung said and left the prince to his thoughts.

Taeyong knew Yuta wanted freedom, something a title would not allow him, and he was willing to give that to Yuta at the cost of his own. He looked at the imprint of a feather on his wrist and sighed, why did he fall for an omega who wanted to spread his wings?

He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, he could have stopped him but he didn’t and he knew deep down why he had no heart to do it.

“Why are you stepping down?” Mark entered the room without pre-amble and Taeyong faced his brother with a placid face.

“I have to.” Taeyong replied simply and it made Mark angrier than he first heard of the summon.

“Give me a good reason hyung.” Mark demanded and all the explanation that he was to give was giving him headaches. “Is it about Yuta?” Mark asked and Taeyong did not respond leaving Mark the confirmation that he had been asking. “What did he do now hyung? What did he want?” Mark was screaming and it did not sit right with Taeyong.

“Respect him.” Taeyong glared at his brother.

“I will not respect someone who does not deserve it.” Mark spat back and Taeyong sighed.

“You do not need to concern yourself with him, he’s gone.” Taeyong replied and Mark furrowed his brows at the statement.

“What do you mean gone?” Mark asked.

“He left.” Taeyong replied simply.

“He couldn’t leave. Why would he? And you let him go? Hyung are you crazy?” Mark was furious.

“I did let him go.” Taeyong said firmly.

“Are you crazy? This is suicide!” Mark ran a frustrated hand on his hair and looked at his brother. “Why?” He gasped out and Taeyong just wrapped an arm around his brother and cradled his head towards his body and kissed the top of the younger’s head.

“You’ll understand why once you find your mate.” Taeyong merely said and Mark wrapped his arm around his brother and sobbed. “Do this for me Mark.” Taeyong muttered and the younger nodded. “Thank you.” Taeyong said sincerely.