Because they have spark ✨. Kyusung has chemistry. The kind of ship I wouldn't be surprise if we find out they're really dating xD. Seriously, I don't know how I started to like this ship. The two of them make me happy and their moments gives me butterflies in my stomach.

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Renaissance KyuSung

 

 

 

 

"With all due respect, father, mother, I decline to participate in this charade of a political marriage disguised as a diplomatic meeting."

"Kyuhyun, dearest, you have yet to meet Crown Prince Jongwoon so don't be in such haste to reject a goodwill proposal."

"The Cloud Kingdom is prosperous with precious stones and minerals while our Draco Kingdom is blessed with abundant resources on land and in water. As the crown prince, you should've known better than anyone that this marriage will benefit both of us."

 

Kyuhyun looked at his parents, the King and the Queen, in slight disappointment.

 

"Your Majesty," he addressed the monarchs using an official title, "I've been nothing but a perfect crown prince, befitting to be the next ruler. I'm willing to sacrifice everything for our people but I only ask that I rule over the kingdom with a consort whom I choose myself."

"Kyuhyun…" The Queen called softly, "we understand that and we always wish for your happiness. However, we'd like you to give Crown Prince Jongwoon a chance. You might even come to fall in love with him."

"I doubt it, mother."

"Enough! You're to meet the Cloud Kingdom's crown prince this instance! Don't make him wait any longer than he already has!"

 

The King ordered and left the study without a glance at the young prince. The Queen looked back and forth worriedly between her spouse and her son but ultimately decided to follow after the elder man. Though she pleaded with the young man before leaving; "Dear, please give it a thought…" The large wooden door then was closed and Kyuhyun let out a tired sigh. Logically, he knew that this marriage would bring only prosperity to their Kingdom. However, his heart couldn't accept the fact that he must marry someone whom he didn't know. He didn't mind the burden and responsibility of being the future monarch, but he wanted the freedom to fall in love out of his own accord…

 

"I'm sorry, mother, but I'm not going to meet him no matter what."

 

Kyuhyun took a cloak from a hidden cabinet and put it on, before escaping through a secret passage in the room.

 

***********************************

 

Kyuhyun successfully left the main castle ground without being caught. He headed to the summer palace which was less crowded during this season and decided to hide there until that crown prince got bored or upset and left. He just had to come up with a brilliant trade offer afterward, one that the Cloud Kingdom wouldn't be able to decline no matter how offended the mysterious crown prince was. The young prince nodded in satisfaction at his own sharp mind and took a turn to go to a garden behind the palace. There was a beautiful lake that he liked to visit whenever his mind was in turmoil. Plus, nobody wanted to go to the frozen lake amidst this freezing temperature so he would be left alone—

 

 

His feet came to a halt and his breath got stuck in his lungs.

 

 

Someone was already at the lake before him— a young man around his age with ashen hair and skin as fair as snow. The stranger dressed too little for the winter, with only a long-sleeved, crisp white shirt neatly tucked in black trousers and dark-brown leather boots. The man who was slightly shorter than him was glancing up at the cloudy sky with a saddened expression as if he was disappointed about something. Kyuhyun got his wit back when he saw the man shivering slightly and hugging himself against the cold. He approached the beautiful stranger. The sound of his footsteps was silenced by the snow under his boots. When he stopped behind the stranger (and noticed that his skin was as flawless as fresh snow), he took off his cloak and put it on the small figure.

 

"You're going to catch a cold."

 

The stranger slowly turned around to face him and Kyuhyun's breath hitched, falling into the depthless captivating eyes, as dark as the moonless night. The shorter man gracefully raised his sharp coal brow and his luscious rosy lips slowly formed a word.

 

"Who are you?"

"You have no idea who I am?"

 

The ashen-haired man snorted and to Kyuhyun's ears, it was the most beautiful melody he had ever heard.

 

"Consider what I just have been through, no, I don't want to know who you are."

"You're speaking cryptically. Would you mind shedding some light for me?"

 

The beautiful stranger pouted and scrunched his nose in obvious annoyance, and Kyuhyun's heart almost leaped out of his mouth at the adorable act.

 

"I'd rather not. Now, if you'd be so kind as to leave, I want to be alone."

"W-What? But I just arrived…"

"Fine. I shall take my leave then. Farewell."

 

The shorter man made to leave but Kyuhyun grasped his hand first (and once again, his heart acted up at the smaller hand that was completely enveloped by his bigger one).

 

"Wait! Who are you? What is your name?"

"Now you want to know me? Ridiculous."

"Pardon?"

"It's nothing. Right, my name… I'm known as Yesung."

"Yesung… That's a beautiful name."

 

He lifted the small hand to his lips and kissed the smooth skin.

 

"Befitting someone of unparalleled beauty like you."

 

Kyuhyun thought that his move was flawless and should easily capture Yesung's heart, but the man only looked at him half-disbelieved, half-amused, and half-annoyed.

 

"You baffled me. But not in a way that you hope for, that I'm certain."

"Yesung?"

"You already know my name so please excuse me. I do need some solitary time to sort my thoughts. Farewell."

"Wait! Will we meet again?"

 

Yesung tilted his head and closed his eyes as if he was deep in thought. His free hand rested on his chubby cheek as he hummed softly (and the sound resonated within his soul). After a while, the ashen-haired man reopened his eyes and bestowed him a sweet yet dangerous smile.

 

"If you really want to see me again then wait for me here."

 

With that said, Yesung politely pulled his hand out and walked away, taking his cloak with him. Kyuhyun stared at his empty hand where the lingering warmth left an imprint in his heart. Then, he clenched his hand and looked up at the small back that slowly got farther away.

 

"I'll wait for you, Yesung."

 

 

That day at the serene frozen lake, Crown Prince Kyuhyun had fallen into an unfathomable love at first sight with a beautiful stranger named Yesung.

 

***********************************

 

That night, Kyuhyun was disappointed to learn that Crown Prince Jongwoon and their envoys decided to stay at his Kingdom for a month to participate in the Yule Ball that took place before the end of the year. He didn't know that the crown prince would be this stubborn! However, he was quick to change his attitude after realizing that Yesung could be one of the envoys. He tried searching for the beautiful foreigner he met at the lake but his mission failed even before it ever started. His father, who was extremely furious at him for abandoning the meeting, ordered him to never approach the crown prince and the envoys. He couldn't even get any information on the crown prince or what he looked like. Nevertheless, he took it as a step to foil the unwanted marriage. So, he happily accepted the order and went to the lake the next day after completing his duty to meet Yesung, the person who stole his heart at first sight.

 

 

However, Yesung didn't come.

 

 

He waited until the sun left the sky and the moon stirred up from slumber, but Yesung didn't come. Disappointed, he left the lake when the night was too cold to stay outside but he was still hopeful. Maybe the envoys were having a meeting with his father and mother today but he didn't know because he was forbidden from meeting them. With optimism aflame, he went to the lake again on the next day, even preparing conversation topics in advance, but Yesung still didn't come. His enthusiasm was dampened but he clung to the promise and headed there again on the next day.

 

 

But Yesung still didn't come.

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It was around the evening of the fourth day that Yesung finally showed up.

 

 

"Yesung! You came!"

"... I've heard that Crown Prince Kyuhyun is a man of brilliant mind but apparently it's an exaggerating rumor. Why do you keep coming back when I didn't show up?"

"Because we made a promise, right?" Kyuhyun beamed, "most importantly, based on what you said, you do know who I am but you still use casual language with me?"

"Yes, so what?"

"Nothing. I just thought it's brave and admirable of you."

 

Kyuhyun chuckled and seized a chance to brush a stray bang away, and his heart grew fonder when the shorter man didn't bat his hand nor show signs of discomfort. Then, his body almost imploded from the sudden increase of his heartbeat when Yesung glanced up at him.

 

"Your hand is cold."

"Well, that's to be expected when staying out in December for hours, right?"

 

Yesung glared at him so he quickly put on an innocent smile. It worked amazingly. The shorter man sighed and held his hand in his small ones to share warmth. Kyuhyun boldly placed his other hand on top of the smaller hands and grinned when the glare returned. However, Yesung let him be and focused on warming up his hand instead.

 

"You're very kind, Yesung."

"Of course," Yesung snorted, "had I not been kind, I'd have left since the first day instead of lingering at the castle."

"As I thought, you're one of the envoys."

"Obviously."

 

The ashen-haired man rolled his eyes while intertwining their fingers and clasping their palms close. Kyuhyun couldn't help but chuckle at the contrast in the envoy's words and actions. Yesung spoke sarcasm but showed only kindness so far. True, the other man left him in the cold for three days but he eventually showed up, even though he could have ignored him altogether, especially when he did offend the crown prince, Yesung's future ruler.

 

"Yesung, may I inquire about something?"

"Yes."

"Did Crown Prince Jongwoon know about our meeting? Did I put you in a difficult position by offending your future monarch?"

"Oh, he undoubtedly knows and he's rightfully livid, but I'm certain that the one whose legs sink deep in trouble will be you."

"Are you perhaps referring to my restraint order? Worry not, nothing shall get in the way of our meeting. Once I settle my mind on something, I always get it done, including sabotaging this political marriage."

 

Yesung flinched.

 

"...Why are you so adamantly trying to avoid it? The marriage proposal and the crown prince?"

"It might sound ridiculous coming from someone of my status but I want to marry a person whom I genuinely love, not someone forced upon me for a political reason."

"But you haven't met Crown Prince Jongwoon yet. How can you be so certain that you won't fall in love with him?"

"Because it's inconceivable, period."

"I see…"

 

Kyuhyun blinked in mild confusion when Yesung suddenly pulled his hands back.

 

"Yesung?"

"Your hands aren't cold anymore so I have no reason to stay. Farewell."

 

Just as Yesung was about to leave, Kyuhyun grabbed his wrist and asked in a hesitant voice very unlike him.

 

"Will you come here again?"

"Why would I? You seem to not prefer my company, after all."

"That's absurd. Yesung, I want to see you again and get to know you more."

"Truly…?"

"I swear on my life."

 

Kyuhyun turned over the smaller man's wrist and pressed his lips on the beating pulse, causing Yesung to blush uncontrollably. The envoy snatched his wrist off of his hold and strode away, before suddenly stopping in his tracks and turning around, his cheeks reddening.

 

"...If you ever arrive even a minute late—"

"That's not going to happen, not when I know I'll be seeing you."

 

Yesung raised a brow but didn't say anything, leaving just like that. However, Kyuhyun knew that they would definitely meet again tomorrow because Yesung's ears were as red as a ripe apple.

 

*************************************

 

The next day…

 

 

"Yesung! Come, I prepared something for our picnic today."

"...Are we really going to do that here? In the middle of December? Sitting on the freezing ground by a frozen lake?"

"Worry not! I brought a nice blanket to use as a cushion. See? Isn't it warm and soft to the touch?"

"It is but I think it's too small for both of us."

"It's not!"

 

Kyuhyun laid the wool blanket on the ground and sat down with poise, before tapping his lap while beckoning the shorter man with a pure, no hidden agenda smile.

 

"Here, I made a space for you."

"...You Draconian people's sense of humor sure is odd."

"I'm not joking."

"Then, I have no idea that the crown prince of the Draco Kingdom is a closet ert."

"Ouch," Kyuhyun placed his hand on his heart as a mock heartbreak, "does my presence discomfort you that much?"

"You annoyed me first. Frankly speaking, you still do now."

 

This time, Kyuhyun felt genuinely hurt by the envoy's words. Yesung must be extremely loyal to Crown Prince Jongwoon. That's why his mere presence upset him. With a saddened look akin to a scolded puppy, he was about to get up and give up on the picnic plan but Yesung surprised him by abruptly dropping down on his lap, even leaning on him with a quiet hum.

 

"Don't get me wrong. I just want to rest my legs."

"Of course! You can rest your legs here whenever you want, Yesung."

 

Kyuhyun resisted an urge to put his arms around the slim waist and busied himself with taking out the picnic food instead— turkey sandwiches, figgy pudding, scones, strawberry jam, and grape juice. He spread them on the blanket and proudly presented them to the man on his lap.

 

"Here, our picnic food that I worked hard to prepare."

"You can cook?"

"Yes, it's one of a few hobbies that don't take up much of my time. So, what would you like to try first?"

"Anything. Just feed me."

"Feed…?"

"What? Don't tell me that feeding is beneath you?"

"Of course not!"

 

If it was any other commoner who dared to order him around like this, they probably would have been thrown into a dungeon by his knights for disrespectful acts but Yesung was an exception. So, even though he fully knew that Yesung intentionally pranked him, he still willingly spread the red jam on a scone and carefully fed it to the man. Yesung took a timid bite and ate it in silence. Then, the ashen-haired man tapped his knee and he fed the rest of the treat. While the envoy was chewing, he cut the turkey sandwich into a smaller piece and fed it next. Again, Yesung didn't say anything, just eating quietly and poking him when he wanted more bites. Kyuhyun happily fed a little of everything to the smaller man until Yesung signaled him that he was full by turning away. He put away the meal and carefully raised a goblet of grape juice to the envoy's plump lips, even dabbing his mouth with a dark-blue silk handkerchief after the meal. All in all, Yesung didn't get to lift a single finger throughout the picnic. After seeing his beau happy and full, Kyuhyun served himself next.

 

"... You're a fool, Crown Prince Kyuhyun, treating me as if you're a servant and I'm your liege."

"Hm?"

"But I'm probably the biggest fool between us…"

"Yesung?"

 

The ashen-haired man didn't elaborate on his yet another cryptic message. Instead, Yesung shifted around until he found a comfortable position and leaned on his shoulder, before closing his eyes and crossing his arms on his chest.

 

"I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up before the sunset and don't even move a muscle in the meantime."

"As you wish, Your Highness."

 

Kyuhyun replied teasingly and chuckled as he watched the envoy until the man's breathing became steady and even. Then, he had the best meal of his life and intentionally didn't wake the smaller man up even though he had long finished his portion. He hugged Yesung close to himself and stayed like that until the night was too chilly.

 

 

Much to his joy, Yesung didn't say a word even after waking up to a starry sky instead of the expected sunset.

 

******************************

 

Three weeks later…

 

 

Before long, the magnificent Yule Ball was just around the corner. As the crown prince, it was his duty to attend it and perform the first dance. Problem was, his partner would definitely have to be Crown Prince Jongwoon as he was the only person of the same status. However, he wanted Yesung, the person he loved, as his partner, not some prince from afar whom he had yet to meet. Unfortunately, Kyuhyun couldn't come up with any strategies to decline to have the foreign crown prince as his partner. It was one topic turning down the engagement because no one (except his parents and the crown prince) knew about it yet. However, a war might break out if he was to embarrass Crown Prince Jongwoon in front of nobles from over the kingdom and the envoys; not to say that Yesung will definitely hate him for putting his liege through such horrendous fate. The conflict ate his mind alive and stressed him out to the point that Yesung noticed it, though he never admitted to anything. (He averted the envoy's attention by teasing him instead).

 

 

While he was racking his brain for a solution, the answer presented itself to him but not in a favorable way.

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"Greetings to the Young Dragon Lord. May the glory of the Golden Eyes be upon you."

 

Kyuhyun gracefully raised a brow at a short, meticulously-dressed young man with oak-wood hair and mischievous melted chocolate eyes.

 

"And who might you be?"

"Your Highness, this lowly subject is known as Ryeowook, one of the envoys sent from the Cloud Kingdom and His Highness Jongwoon's closest aid."

"Closest aid? Did Crown Prince Jongwoon send you to me?"

"Precisely. Your Highness, my liege trusts me to bear this private message to you, without anyone's knowledge, if I may add so politely."

"I'm listening."

"Very well! Ahem, 'Crown Prince Kyuhyun, I understand with all my heart that you're not satisfied with the forced arrangement. However, without a doubt, it's still tremendously rude of you to abandon our meeting without advance notice. Needless to say, I was beyond furious, even deeply contemplating an immediate return. However, an unexpected occurrence changed my mind. It's with my utmost pleasure to inform you that I shall give you another chance. Meet me tomorrow for an afternoon tea and I shall pretend as if no bad blood ever happened between us. If you indulge me enough, I might even take finding another partner for the Yule Ball into consideration. Do note, though, that my leniency may not be extended for a second time as I shall not tolerate another disgrace brought upon me by your selfishness. Dare ignore my benevolent invitation and the next time our gazes meet shall be on a battlefield. With all due respect.' Phew! That's the message from my—"

 

 

Bang!

 

 

"How dare you threaten me, the next royal family in line for the golden throne!!?"

"Your Highness! I'd never! I'm just relaying what my liege said without a mistake!"

 

Although Ryeowook's voice was slightly shaking in fear, his eyes were clearly shining from amusement and it irked Kyuhyun to no end. There was definitely something more to this message than meets the eye. He doubted that Crown Prince Jongwoon would be so lunatic as to start a war for a ridiculous cause like this, but he had no idea what the man's true motive was, either. So, as a ruler-to-be, he chose the most sensible approach and agreed to meet the mysterious crown prince (albeit begrudgingly). The crown prince's close aid didn't even bother to hide a wicked grin as he hurriedly excused himself. With a deep sigh, Kyuhyun massaged the bridge of his nose to soothe the creeping headache. Well, he just had to endure meeting Crown Prince Jongwoon and missed out on seeing his beloved Yesung for one day. He could do that. As a future king, he had to prioritize his people before his heart.

 

 

Fate, for some reason, decided to cruelly push him off a depthless cliff.

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.

.

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"Kyuhyun, can you take me to sightsee around the city tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow…?"

"Yes, in the afternoon, to be precise. The Yule Ball is approaching and I can't neglect my duty to meet you anymore. So, tomorrow is our only and last chance to spend time together before I depart from this beautiful kingdom and return home."

 

Why…? That was the only response he had for Yesung's request. The envoy had never asked for anything before so this was the first time. However, it was something that he couldn't grant because he already made an appointment with Crown Prince Jongwoon. Not wanting to disappoint his beau, Kyuhyun tried to compromise.

 

"Does it have to be tomorrow? There are still a few days left before the ball. Can we move it to the day after tomorrow?"

"I thought you said you can always make time for me? Why? Did you change your mind?"

"Absolutely not! It's just… I—"

 

 

"Without anyone's knowledge."

 

 

"...I already have a plan for tomorrow."

"Oh."

 

Just a short 'oh' from Yesung and the way he cast his eyes down dejectedly were enough to make his heart throb in pain. At the same time, he wanted to punch the arrogant crown prince of the Cloud Kingdom for getting in the way of his love. What kind of coincidence is this? Of all days, why did Crown Prince Jongwoon want to see him on the same day that Yesung wanted? Worst of all, it seemed that the shorter man was clueless about his liege's meeting request and he couldn't tell the envoy either. The annoying messenger did emphasize that the crown prince wished to keep their meeting a secret.

 

"I'm sorry, Yesung. I promise that I'll make it up for you."

"...Are you sure that you can't make it?"

 

Yesung suddenly shifted closer and hooked his arms around his neck. Kyuhyun gulped, fully conscious of the warmth from the lithe body pressing against his. The envoy stared into his soul and leaned in until he could feel warm breath on his lips, a feathery touch that tickled his heart and caused it to skip a beat.

 

"Even after I told you that we may have private time together at night…?"

"Y-Yesung…"

 

Kyuhyun moaned quietly as he felt the smooth hands leaving his nape— one threading its way into his hair while the other moving to rest on his chest. Even their groins were brushing slightly. Why? The same question wandered back into his mind. Of all the time in the world, why did that crown prince have to choose the day when his Yesung finally opened his heart to him? He clenched his fists so hard that they started to feel numb. He couldn't even embrace the man back because he didn't want to make a promise he couldn't keep. So, he stood still in place, frustrated and cursing at the world, while the envoy's dainty fingers continued to dance above his heart.

 

"I'll give you time to ponder my offer. Plus,"

 

Kyuhyun's eyes widened when the ashen-haired man unexpectedly pecked the corner of his lips.

 

"Whether you can make it or not, I'll wait for you and I won't leave until you come here."

"What? No—"

 

Yesung pecked his lips again but it was at his lips this time. The kiss, despite being very brief and feeling no difference from a phantom touch, left a print in his heart and made his head spin like a cartwheel. The ghostly sensation trapped him in a trance so deep that he hadn't had even the slightest idea when Yesung had left. After gathering his senses, Kyuhyun touched his lips as conflict struck his heart until it bled.

 

 

Crown Prince Jongwoon and Yesung… Who should he choose…?

 

*************************************

 

In the end, he chose his duty over his heart.

 

 

"Your Highness, please sit comfortably anywhere you want. My liege shall meet you soon."

"Why isn't he here yet?"

"His Highness is in the middle of something but this subject dares to assure that Your Highness need not wait long."

 

With that said, the messenger named Ryeowook bowed deeply and left, leaving him alone in a parlor where the warm afternoon sunlight shone through tall glass windows. Kyuhyun sat down on a burgundy chaise longue with golden trim and tapped his foot impatiently on the lush dark-blue carpet. After pondering for almost an entire night, he ended up choosing to meet the crown prince instead of the love of his life. As much as he loved Yesung, he couldn't risk his kingdom and the people. It was a very irritating choice, yes, but he just had to endure it and quickly ended the meeting. Maybe he might still have time to meet Yesung. Kyuhyun thought back to the kiss yesterday, the softest and sweetest sensation he ever tasted, and he felt less upset about this ridiculous meeting.

 

 

And he waited.

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.

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6 hours later…

 

 

Kyuhyun cursed a million times. Six hours. He had been waiting for that arrogant crown prince for six hours but still no sign of the man. Actually, no one came to see him during the past annoying waiting time, not the messenger, not any guards, knights, maids, servants, not a single soul. He immediately realized four hours in that there was no meeting to begin with. Everything was just a petty ploy by Crown Prince Jongwoon to get back at him for ditching their first meeting. Did karma get him because he chose his heart over his duty that time? Maybe. So, he had to pay for it now. He did consider leaving but changed his mind soon after. He didn't want to provide that bastard a reason to accuse him. So, despite knowing all too well that it was pointless, he played along with the crown prince's childish game and continued to wait for nothing. He waited until the sun left the sky and the moon greeted the kingdom with its gentle light. Eventually, just as he was about to curse the crown prince one million and one time, some human being finally stepped into the empty parlor— Ryeowook.

 

"Your Highness, my deepest apologies for the inconvenience, but His Highness won't be able to make it to this meeting so he sends me to inform you that you're free to dismiss—"

 

Kyuhyun didn't even bother to wait for the messenger to finish his message and bolted out of the place. He ran to the summer palace without any care about passersby's curious gaze or his unbecoming look. He only cared about one thing— seeing his beloved Yesung. Soon, he arrived at the frozen lake and his heart clenched in guilt upon noticing a familiar figure standing there, alone.

 

"Yesung!"

 

Before the other party made a full turn, Kyuhyun already pulled the shorter man into his chest. He embraced his spring and wrapped his arms tighter after realizing how freezing the thin body felt against his skin.

 

"How long have you been waiting here…? Why don't you leave when I didn't come?"

"It wouldn't be fair to you. Plus, I promised that I'll wait for you so I must keep my word."

"You fool…"

 

He cradled the cold cheeks and lifted Yesung's face up to look into the captivating eyes, before pressing his warm lips on the much colder pair. Yesung hummed in approval and hooked his cold fingers behind his neck, bringing their lips closer until no part was left untouched. Kyuhyun kept the kiss pure, intending to only help warm up the envoy. So, he accidentally moaned in blissful surprise when the shorter man suddenly snuck a tongue in. It with a few playful rubs before retreating, and he wasted no time chasing after it. He then drank the taste of the man he loved until Yesung's legs weakened and had to lean on him for support. By the time they broke their lips, Yesung's body was no longer cold, instead heating up by the passionate kiss, and Kyuhyun's body was literally burning with desire.

 

"I had my doubts," Yesung murmured, "but you dispelled them."

"Yesung?"

"Thank you, Kyuhyun, for not betraying my trust, although you're still a fool."

"What do you mean—"

 

Yesung didn't let him finish his question and captured his lips once again. The envoy kissed him with so much vigor that a deep growl escaped his throat. Kyuhyun happily fulfilled the smaller man's wish to be dominated— a sensual rub at his nape and whining poke at his lips— and completely ravished every nook and cranny of the sweet cavity. His action caused Yesung's body to melt, resulting in more weight leaning on him. Had it not been for the need to breathe, neither of them would have pulled away. Kyuhyun caressed the flushing red cheeks and smirked seeing the envoy gulping thirstily, no doubt noticing the obvious desire in his gaze.

 

"K-Kyuhyun," the usually confident Yesung stammered, "do you want to spend the night with me…?"

 

Kyuhyun's lower region instantly responded to the invitation. However, before he got to reply, Yesung sighed and gently pushed him away.

 

"...Is something I'd like to ask but it'd be very inappropriate, considering that we have yet to wed properly."

"I'll call off the engagement with Crown Prince Jongwoon."

 

Yesung raised a brow at him. For some reason, those beautiful dark eyes were gleaming with amusement and annoyance.

 

"Do you realize that what we're doing is considered a royal affair?"

"I do but I don't care. If the purpose of this marriage is to bond the two kingdoms, then it doesn't matter whom I marry, does it? I'll tell my parents that I love you and I'll only get married to you."

"Very well. If that's what you want. I'm certain that Crown Prince Jongwoon would be beyond thrilled to hear such good news."

 

Kyuhyun felt like his love was being sarcastic but the descending lips stole his thoughts away. They entertained themselves with another passionate kiss, before departing for real. Yesung smiled, no, smirked, as he bade farewell.

 

"Good night, Kyuhyun. I probably won't be able to meet you again so see you at the Yule Ball."

"Wait. What about our city tour promise?"

"We'll have plenty of opportunities to do that in the future, though that also depends on your actions at the upcoming ball."

 

Yesung giggled suspiciously and mischievously. The envoy kissed him one last time before retreating for the night, leaving him alone at the lake. His heart was drumming loudly and his grin was so wide that it hurt his cheeks.

 

 

He couldn't wait for the Yule Ball to arrive.

 

*************************************

 

The most anticipated Yule Ball finally arrived. Aristocrats from all over the kingdom came to the royal palace decorated with magnificent lights and ornaments. Large crystal chandeliers hanging on the high ceiling shone on the guests dressed in extravagant garb scattering about the vast hall, whispering among their peers while inconspicuously glancing at the high table. Kyuhyun pretended to not notice the flirty gaze directed at his direction from all single noblemen and noblewomen. Every time the royal family held a ball, he became a subject of interest because he had yet to choose a betrothed. Not today, though, Kyuhyun grinned to himself as he thought about a certain ashen-haired man who stole his heart at the first glance.

 

A man whom he wanted to marry and rule over the kingdom together.

 

Speaking of marriage, Kyuhyun sighed. He had yet to inform his parents about Yesung. Both he and his parents were so preoccupied with the preparation of the ball that he had no chance to bring it up. He was slightly nervous bringing it up at the ball but he had to do it. Hopefully, Crown Prince Jongwoon should be in a good mood now after successfully exacting revenge on him. Kyuhyun then snorted quietly. He heard from servants that the crown prince caught a cold and had been staying in his chamber until recently. Perhaps karma also fairly got Crown Prince Jongwoon for getting in the way of his love.

 

 

"His Highness Crown Prince Jongwoon and the envoys from the Cloud Kingdom have arrived!"

 

 

The guard at the door announced the arrival of tonight's honored guests. Every eye turned to the giant double doors as a group of foreigners entered the hall. Kyuhyun's heart stopped beating when he saw Yesung beside the messenger Ryeowook. Contrasting to his all-black attire, his beau opted for snow-white garb that enhanced his flawless skin to another level. Yesung was so gorgeous that he stood up from the throne without realizing it, earning his parents' attention.

 

"Kyuhyun, dear, you're not going to leave because Crown Prince Jongwoon is here, right?"

"No, mother, I just want to see my love."

"Your love?" His father frowned deeply. "What are you talking about? Did you forget that you're engaged to Crown Prince Jongwoon?"

"Not anymore." Kyuhyun turned to address his parents, "I'd like to call off the engagement with Crown Prince Jongwoon and marry Yesung instead."

"Yesung?" His mother raised a confused brow, "Who are you talking about, my dear?"

"He's one of the envoys. There, he's that stunning beauty in white and he has my heart."

 

Kyuhyun subtly nodded in the direction of Yesung and watched as his parents gasped. As expected, it wouldn't be easy to convince them but he didn't care anymore. He loved Yesung. He ignored his parents' call and stepped down from the high table, before striding towards his beloved. The crowd's gasp and loud murmur alerted his presence to the ashen-haired man. Yesung turned around and smiled at him, a smile so gorgeous that he forgot how to breathe for a second. He came to stop before the envoy and offered his hand to the shorter man. Yesung blushed slightly but placed his smaller hand on top of his without hesitation. Then, he led his love through the gossiping crowd and headed to the throne. Kyuhyun couldn't help but grasp the soft hand harder after he saw his parents' unreadable expression, and Yesung squeezed his hand back to silently support him, making his heart flutter in fondness for the beautiful-soul human beside him. He braced himself and finally approached the two monarchs.

 

"Father, mother, this is Yesung, the man whom I love and want to spend the rest of my life with. I'll be eternally grateful if you could cancel my engagement with Crown Prince Jongwoon and let me find my own happiness with Yesung."

 

After he was done with his sincere confession, both the King and the Queen looked at him in utter disbelief and went quiet for many minutes. Eventually, his father addressed him angrily though the older man tried to keep his voice low to not stir up the crowd.

 

"Kyuhyun, I've tolerated your childish behavior time and time again because you already proved yourself to be an exceptional crown prince. However, you've crossed the line this time and I won't indulge your game anymore."

"What game? Your Majesty, I'm serious about my feelings for Yesung—"

"My dear," the Queen interrupted him, "the person whom you love, your Yesung, he's His Highness Jongwoon, the crown prince of the Cloud Kingdom."

"What…?"

 

His mother's words shattered his entire world. Yesung and the annoying crown prince are the same person…? Before he got to make sense of it, however, Yesung took his hand out of his hold and placed it on his chest instead, before bowing gracefully to the two monarchs.

 

"Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen, I'd like to pay my utmost respect to the descendants of the Lord of Golden Eyes. May the blessings of the Sun be upon you."

 

Ignoring his flabbergasted state, Yesung(?) straightened up and smiled politely to the two elders, and continued his speech.

 

"My most sincere apologies for never informing Your Majesty but I actually had many chances to meet Crown Prince Kyuhyun without Your Majesty's knowledge, though he has no clue about my real identity. Furthermore, it pains me gravely to say it, considering this lovely ball and your warm welcome, but I'd like to ask for your permission to retire early for the night."

 

After a sigh and a nod from the King, the ashen-haired man bowed again and made to leave, but Kyuhyun stopped him first by grasping his arm.

 

"Wait! Yesung, I mean, Jongwoon, are you really the crown prince of the Cloud Kingdom? So, you're my betrothed…?"

"A former betrothed, to be more precise," Jongwoon smiled sickeningly sweetly. "Did you already forget that you were so vehemently about calling off our engagement? Congratulations, crown prince, we're nothing but strangers now."

 

Jongwoon seized the chance while he was shocked out of his existence to shake his hand off and quickly left the grand hall. Kyuhyun's entire body was frozen to the floor as the cold realization splash him— the reason behind Yesung's annoyance during their first meeting, why Yesung was upset when he mentioned canceling the engagement, all those cryptic words, and Crown Prince Jongwoon's sickness after their meeting in that snowy night… Why Yesung called their relationship a "royal affair"... It had always been his betrothed whom he fell in love with and he just ruined everything with his own hands…

 

"Hurry up, my dear, follow him!"

"Don't you dare call yourself an heir to this sacred throne if you can't even fix your own mistake. Go."

 

His parents urged him and snapped him out of his depressing thoughts. Determination rekindled in his eyes and he nodded resolutely, before hurrying to chase after his heart.

 

*************************************

 

Kyuhyun ran to the lake where everything started and, sure enough, his beloved was there. Jongwoon's white garb made him stand out and he looked like an ethereal being from a fairytale under the moonlight. He slowed his steps and cautiously approached the crown prince. When the smaller man showed no sign of walking away, he wrapped his arms around the slim figure and put his chin on the small shoulder, before begging for forgiveness.

 

"Jongwoon, I'm sorry for everything that I've done to you. I'm an irresponsible betrothed and I deserve all of your anger, just, please, give me a chance to redeem myself…"

"..."

 

He felt disheartened when only silence answered him but he continued to beg for forgiveness.

 

"I ditched you for a childish reason which ended up complicating matters between us. I'm sorry."

"..."

"You're right. I'm a fool. I said that I'd never fall in love with a person whom I didn't know but I still fell for you, even though we barely knew each other."

"..."

"I knew from the first glance that you're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I just know that the fact will still stay true even if I met you as Jongwoon. I just can't help falling for you. It's inevitable."

"..."

"You must be pretty upset, right? To hear a man who kept rejecting you also shamelessly flirt with you. Yet you always indulge me."

"..."

"You gave me a chance instead of returning to your kingdom but I still messed up, by repeatedly telling you that I want to call off the engagement every time we met."

"..."

"However, you still continued to meet me here, allowing me to fall deeper for you. I can't thank you enough, Jongwoon. You brightened my days with your presence."

"..."

"That day, you wanted to test me, right? And I failed you by keeping you waiting in the cold for hours. I'm sorry…"

"..."

"Today, I really meant to introduce you to my parents and officially sealed our marriage. I didn't mean to break the engagement. I never want to be your former betrothed. I want to be with you for as long as fate allows."

"..."

"I love you, Jongwoon. I truly, genuinely, am in love with you. I can't even begin to imagine my life without you and I hope that I wouldn't have to. So, Jongwoon, will you forgive me…?"

"..."

 

The unnerving silence during his monologue really discouraged him but Kyuhyun pushed on. He had come to know how precious love was so he never wanted to lose it. Now, he had already said everything he wanted to say. Whether his dear betrothed would forgive him or not, it totally depended on the crown prince. He kept his eyes on the lithe man in his embrace and his heart instantly dropped to the frozen ground after seeing the small shoulders shaking slightly. Oh no, did he make Jongwoon cry? He hugged the shorter man firmer while soothing him with quiet promises and reassuring words.

 

"Jongwoon, don't cry. I'm sorry. I know that my explanation might sound insincere but I really love you! Please say something… Don't leave me hanging like this…"

"...Pfft, hahaha! Oh my God! What happened to the bastard who confidently ditched me? Look at you now! Ahahaha!! I-I can't stop laughing!!"

 

Kyuhyun was taken aback by cheerful laughter. Jongwoon, whom he was worried about, was actually laughing to death right now. The crown prince laughed so hard that he doubled over in his embrace. While Kyuhyun was left dumbstruck, his beloved kept laughing for many minutes to the point of wheezing and he got his wit back when Jongwoon turned around to face him, happy and satisfied. Those onyx eyes were practically shining in mischief. Finally, Kyuhyun caught up with the situation and he immediately whined.

 

"Jongwoon! You teased me!!"

"Sure did!"

 

The crown prince grinned smugly and Kyuhyun deflated like a flattened pillow. So, Jongwoon wasn't angry or sad at him but he was actually holding back laughter!

 

"You're so cruel, Jongwoon. You know that I'm at your mercy yet you still played with my heart like that."

"Sorry, but I'm a petty person and I won't be able to sleep at night if I don't get back somehow."

"Sigh… I almost had a heart attack, thinking that you'd cancel our engagement for real. After all, I did fail your test."

"Actually, you didn't. You love me but you don't let it cloud your judgment. We're going to be a king so our people's well-being is our top priority. I'm beyond ecstatic to have a reliable partner by my side! Most importantly…"

 

Jongwoon stared straight into his eyes. His cheeks were painted in a lively red color.

 

"Why would I cancel an engagement with a man I love? I'm not a fool."

 

With that said, Jongwoon leaned in and planted a shy but genuine kiss on his lips. Kyuhyun slid his hand up and cradled the shorter man's nape. He conveyed his sincerity and feelings through the deepened kiss. At first, Jongwoon was shy in reciprocating it. But after a few nibbling at the bottom lip from him, his beloved became bolder. The little tongue that traced the outer line of his lips drove him crazy and he wasted no time greeting it with his own. The two muscles rubbed against one another and twisted around until their moans mixed into one melody. They kept tasting one another until their lungs screamed for air. Pulling apart, their warm breath blended into a single white fog manifesting in the midst of a cold night. They pressed their foreheads and chuckled at the other's flushed cheeks. Kyuhyun brushed the chubby cheek with his thumb as he inquired about what still bothered him.

 

"Jongwoon, did you already forgive me?"

"I forgive but I don't forget."

"Ouch. Then, I must work hard to create more precious memories with you so that one day you'll look back and only remember those beautiful days, not my stupidity."

"Hm, you'd better keep your words! Don't ever ditch me again!"

"I promise."

"Be faithful and don't take in any consorts."

"You have my words."

"...Only love me like how I only love y-you."

 

Kyuhyun smiled at his blushing betrothed.

 

"Always,"

 

He made an oath and sealed it with a kiss full of love. There were still many issues waiting for them to take care of— the forgotten Yule Ball, the official meeting between their parents, the marriage ceremony, the celebration afterward, the legal work between their kingdoms, and, hopefully, if they had some time for themselves, the honeymoon.

 

 

But for now, he wanted to indulge in this sweet royal affair with his bride-to-be, his beloved Jongwoon.

 

********************************************************************

 

Author's note:

To PathxX, I love how you emphasized the 'Kyuhyun met a beautiful stranger at the lake' part xD But I totally agree with you! Meeting at the lake sounds very romantic~ Also I just realize halfway into the fic that you might want spring lake or summer lake instead of winter, but I wrote too far to change it so my apology if this isn't what you had in mind ;A;

Sorry for late update! This is actually supposed to be up on Sunday but I was dissatisfied with the ending at the last minute editing, so I decided to rewrite it and postpone the update. So, this mean that there won't be update this Sunday. See you on March 6!

As you may know, Kyuhyun also got covid recently  :(  It's really around us and won't go away... Plz take care of yourself and stay safe! <3