Kai had a plan for the evening. Eat a bit, drink a lot, follow Lady Shin out to see whatever surprise gift she had for him, then abscond to his chambers. Surveying the chaotic courtyard, Kai mentally pen a headache into his itinerary too. While he wanted to shake things up tonight, he wanted the shaking-up to be among the local nobility, not his own castle guard. Kai keep hold of Sehun waiting for someone else to restrain Jang. Where the hell is Jungkook? Something twitched where Kai had his hand pressed against Sehun, like the boy was so repulsed by the contact that his inner organs were trembling. Though Kai loosened his hold, but he didn't let go. A mark rose on Sehun's left cheek, but he was far calmer than the older guard panting and red-faced behind him. “Your majesty.” “Yes, that’s me. I’ll repeat myself—what the is going on?” it wasn't like him to curse out loud especially in the midst of so many people, but he didn't have the patience to deal with anyone, especially the likes of Jang. Coupled with that dream. He'd had a strange dream where he was married to Sehun and ended up ripping his heart out.That dream had shaken him up. He knew it couldn't be possible, but it still it had left him confused and grumpy to say the least. Kai needed a norn to help him understand if there was more to the dream. "Majesty, you're still holding him." Consort Rue mumbled her eyes pointedly going to Kai's hand around Sehun's waist. Though Kai loathed to let go, he had to. Reluctantly he released the guard, straightening. "I will be going in first." She dipped her head, nodding at her mother. Her eyes lingered on Sehun for a moment, but before Kai could discern what the look was about she was already walking away. “I’d like to know myself, Your majesty,” Lady Shin said from his side. Pale and resplendent in her red gown, she glared at one of her own guards. “I told you to keep everyone away from the animals. Was anyone hurt?” “No, my Lady.” Ah the hellacats. Kai had only ever seen hellacats from a distance, on a childhood trip to Hella. His mother didn’t allow him anywhere near them, which was disappointing but understandable. Five years old at the time, Kai had more enthusiasm than sense when it came to four-hundred-pound kitties. The intervening years haven’t granted him much more sense. The hellacats were gorgeous, filling Kai with an undignified urge to bury his face in their plush pelts. Maybe later. Jang drew himself upright. “Your majesty! I was assisting the Shin when he started harassing the hellacats. When I attempted to calmly confront him, he started a fight.” “Thank you.” Kai pointed at Sehun. “What’s your version?”  Sehun straighten up; his posture was already exceptional. “I’ll explain as soon as someone leads the hellacats to a quiet room, Your majesty. They’re too stressed to be in a crowd like this.” Not the excuse Kai expected. Frowning, he approached the silk awning. The Shin guard moved forward as if to stop him until lady Shin gestured sharply. The silver-green cat sat up as Kai neared his pale mane impossibly fluffy and his eyes gleaming gold. Gorgeous—but sure enough, his ears were pinned back in anxiety. “Before I get my hopes up, Lady Shin, do tell me if this isn’t the surprise you meant.” Lady Shin approached a little hesitantly. “Rue said you especially liked cats and birds, thus decided to surprise you on your birthday. The Hella merchant assured us they do well in crowds, but the handler refused to travel to Lexn, so my people have been doing their best.” “I suppose my consort knows one thing about me.” Kai side-stepped her implicit apology. “I’m thrilled with the gift. Let’s do tea later. But first, I think Sehun here is right. Let’s get the cats away from the civilians. If your people could show my people how to handle the chains—” “No need, Your majesty,” Sehun said, as the silver-green fellcat’s eyes glow white. Metal clunk, and the collars fell from the cats’ massive necks. They thud on the carpets and roll away. The blue cat stretched to her feet, arching her back, and her jaw widens in a massive, rumbling yawn. A few people shrieked, and lady Shin took a step back. Undeterred, Sehun stepped forward and slid his hand under the male's cat's jaw, every hand movement where the cat could see it. After a few words Kai couldn't quite make out, Sehun glanced back. “They speak Hella. Tell me where to go, and I’ll lead them there.” There was something particularly striking about the young man under the red awning that matched his hair, surrounded by lights and plush carpets and gigantic cats. A precise, fragile sort of beauty. Like Sehun was just as stressed and just as poised to pounce as the cats. Just as intriguing. Kai tugged his collar. The night was too warm. “Follow me to the tree room." "Majesty I can show him the way, you need to be present for your party." Came Hyunjin's voice. Kai resisted the urge to whack Hyunjin in the head as the boy strolled toward them, eyes unblinking on Sehun.  Sehun smiled at sight of Hyunjin as the prince came to stand next to him. Sehun reached out to ruffle Hyunjin's hair, the action seem subconscious. Hyunjin was preening at all this public display of affection. The little absolutely was. "No absolutely not." Kai found himself saying, before he could think things through. Truth was Kai didn't like his son having interest in Sehun. He wanted Sehun just to himself and he wasn't ashamed to challenge his son. Both Sehun and Hyunjin gave him a look with different meanings. "Why?" Sehun asked, he seemed genuinely confused. Hyunjin on the other hand, raised his brows daring Kai to actual say why. The little . For his many years in life this was the first time he was butting heads with his son. Kai couldn't of course, thus he kept mum, only glaring at Hyunjin that still had a smug look on his face. Even though the boy didn't have a dragon in him– a fact the ministers once thought it would hinder him from taking the throne– Hyunjin was still one, he had the blood running through him, if only his need to challenge Kai over Sehun was anything to go by. Though Kai had shut those ministers down and they never brought it up, he knew it was because Hyunjin was his only child. They might think him unworthy if Kai had another child that could take on dragon shape or have many magical powers like Kai to make up for the lack of dragon form. "Yes, majesty, allow me to accompany the prince and the–" Jang hurried to say, glancing at Kai briefly. Hyunjin glower, head snapping to his head of security as though suddenly realizing his presence. "You've worked hard Mr. Jang for all those years, i think it's time for you to retire." Jang blanched, eyes wide on the prince. It was clear the boy was trying to fire the guard as politely as he could. Kai didn't have that type patience. He was done with Jang. It was out of respect for Lady Shin that he had let the man stayed despite the disappoinment, time and time again. "Highness!" Jang dropped to his knees. "Have mercy." Kai wished he could find it in himself to feel sorry for Jang, but he just…couldn’t. "I do not like to intervene in such matters, but I strongly agree with the crown prince." Came Heechul's voice. "Perhaps Mr. Jang is getting old for the job, let someone younger take over." "Uncle!" Kai turned to bow at the grandmaster, pleasantly surprised Heechul had made it. Flanking him on both sides were his husband, and his sons, that greeted Kai in sync. Everyone hurried to greet the grandmaster, even those that were stood on the other side rushed to do just that. Of course they would, not when the emperor himself did. It was no secret Kai held his uncle in high regards and many wanted to be in Heechul's good grace in other to get into the emperor's.  Junmyeon smiled at Sehun and the latter returned the smile, even wider. Kai was certain the two would probably share a hug if not for the people around. And that thought had Kai frowning. He liked his cousins very much, but Junmyeon seem to be getting farther away from the list of his favorite people these days. "Sehun, I see you're doing well." Heechul said, his sharp eyes assessing everything before him. "Beautiful cats." The grandmaster smiled. "Grandmaster! Instructor Choi." Sehun bowed deeply. Heechul reached out to gently pat Sehun on the shoulder, a warm smile on his face. Kai suddenly realized why his uncle was here. It wasn't to celebrate his birthday, but he came to check how one of his paladins was faring in the palace, if Sehun was treated with respect as he should and if Heechul saw what he didn't like, he would call Kai out on it right there and then. A soft laugh escaped Kai, and Heechul pinned him with a look that had him cowering as a boy especially when he was caught doing mischief . "What amuses you Nini?" Kai didn't even have it in him to be offended for being addressed by the pet name in the presence of many people. "Nothing, just glad you decided to come this year." He made emphasis on the word year. His uncle rarely showed up, mostly sending his sons to represent him for many events that occurred. Kai was very aware of the fact that Heechul didn't like to be in the midst of politics, thus he kept away from the palace. "Dad really wanted to come, he seem eager to be precise." Namjoon said, both hands clasped behind his back. "I don't understand why, but I am curious uncle." Taeyeon stepped through the crowd effortlessly as the guests parted in her wake. She looked stunning in a cream-colored sequined gown that hugged her slim body tightly. Her hair was in a loose bun dripping with gemstones. Her wife Yuri right beside her, her demeanor protective. Right behind them, were Mr and Mrs. Park, the wealthiest family not just in Lexn but whole of Varal. Kai wouldn't be surprised if they happened to be richer than the imperial family. The spirit users bowed. "Many happy returns majesty." Mr. Park said, his youngest son Jimin was tugging at his tie with a pout. Clearly his parents dragged him here not because he wanted to be here .Jimin's eyes scanned around and his pout disappeared instantly as a wide smile graced his lips. 'Hunnie' he mouthed. Kai looked to Sehun that had his attention on Jimin too, they were gazing at each other. One of Sehun's hands was holding Hyunjin and the other was running through the male cat. Heads shaking and nodding, expressions changing fast as though they were having a telepathic conversation. Junmyeon clear his throat, and the two paladins snapped out of it, suddenly looking away as if they hadn't been communicating seconds prior.  With great amusement, Kai averted his gaze to look at the Parks"Thank you, I hope your business is going well?" "Perfectly." Mr. Park smiled, with a dip of his head.  "Chanyeol?" Kai asked, "Most likely at a private club. Should I send for him?" Lady Park asked with a frown. It was no secret she hated the way her older son chose to spend his time. Kai shook his head. He didn't have need for Chanyeol tonight, he should be allowed to enjoy himself. "No need." Her disappointment was evident.The Parks didn't linger, as they excused themselve, Mrs Park holding tightly onto her son, that kept looking back at Sehun, as though hating to be away from him. Kai was truly curious about the squad and Sehun. "Yes royal uncle. Do say, perhaps someone in the palace caught your attention? Oh my Goddesses! Are you finally planning on taking a concubine?" Taehyung appeared out of nowhere, an arm linked with his husband. If Kai didn't know he would have thought his baby brother had a teleportation ability.  Kai looked over at Siwon curious to see the expression the man would wear. To his disappointment, the senior Instructor was as calm as ever. Nothing on his face could tell what was going on inside his head. Honestly, Siwon didn't have anything to worry about. Heechul loved his husband to the moon and back, and no one would turn Heechul's head like Siwon, even after two decades of marriage. In response Heechul rolled his eyes, while Siwon shook his head at them."Namjoon, I told you not to wear that color it didn't suit you." Taehyung said. "I specifically chose the darkest color." Ah the designer in his brother was at it again.  "My husband likes this best." Namjoon said, gazing at himself as if to see where the fault was. "Seokjin is a doctor, he doesn't have a sense of fashion." Taehyung threw his hands in the air as though exasperated.  "Go somewhere and discuss fashion." Heechul waved a hand at them. "Back to you," he said to the guard still kneeling. "I've heard stories about you and I do not like what I hear. A more capable person should take over." Jang's face harden, as though he was a minute away from pouncing Heechul. That was the thing about s. They really hated being called out on their own bull. Jang looked to lady Shin for help. Clearly not wanting to get involved, she bowed at Kai before taking her leave. Jang knew he was doomed as long as Heechul didn't want him in position, there was no one to save him. Heechul was one of the few that Kai listened to and everyone knew it. The other person that could save him was the queen dowager, but she didn't like Jang either, due his negligence. She had brought up a few candidates she wanted. "You're right." Taehyung winked at their uncle, mouthing I hate the guy. Gritting his teeth, Jang glared hard at Heechul, but remained kneeling, knowing anything he did to Heechul would be regarded as treason, that might endanger not just himself but his immediate family as well. "Take him away." Kai said to two Royal guard stood next by.  Realizing that there was no way to be saved, Jang resisted, cursing and shoving at the poor guards. 
Letting out breath, Heechul waved a hand and Jang lost mobility the next moment, crashing to the ground like a sack of potatoes only his eyes were moving. That way it was easy to get him out. Once that was taken care of, Kai returned his focus to Heechul. "Uncle please enjoy the party, I have something to take care of." He jerked a hand toward the cats waiting patiently next to Sehun. Heechul hummed. "Go do your things, I will go say hello to the queen dowager." Sehun stiffened instantly. Was it the mentioned of Kai's mom or something else?   Deciding to add that to the list of the mysteries he wished to solve surrounding Sehun, Kai made a gesture toward Sehun and the cats. "Shall we now?" Hyunjin jumped in, opening his mouth to speak, only to find that he couldn't. One look at Heechul told Kai he was responsible for the silencing spell. Oh isn't that amazing? "What urgent matter do you have to take care of other than your party?" His sister asked, wiggling her brows suggestively. "Yeah I want to know too." Their brother said, his tone playful as always. "is this the new guy?" Taehyung gazed at Sehun. "He's pretty." Kai strongly agree, but decided to ignore his siblings. "Hellcats needs a quiet place." Heechul, the angel he was made a shooing gesture to Kai, winking at him. The crown prince made to follow, but Heechul quickly grabbed him by the neck. "I haven't seen you in a while Hyunjin–ah, I know you're eager to catch up as much as I am." He grinned, wrapping Hyunjin around the shoulder. "Why don't you accompany this great uncle hmm? Is that Felix over there? Hyunjin-ah you didn't tell me he's in town. Woah I am happy to catch up with both of you. Look at how pretty he's become." With no voice to protest, Hyunjin glared at Kai, while sending Sehun puppy eyes, asking to be saved. For good measure Kai blocked Sehun's view of Hyunjin. It didn't seem to be needed because Sehun's attention was on the hellacats to notice as they made their way out. Kai heard his brother's roaring laughter.
  ***
The tree room was a visiting parlor not far from the main ballroom, well-insulated enough that th