When the prince returned to his chambers after the doctor declared that the king's condition was stable, he was surprised to find Taemin sleeping on the floor when there was a big bed in front of him. Instantly, Minho's heart melted at the innocent sight, and his fist went to his mouth to cover the growing smile.

The prince knelt next to Taemin's sleeping form, and he stopped to watch the peaceful expression painted on the boy's beautiful face. Minho couldn't help but touch the soft skin, so smooth and flawless like a princess'. Taemin had been cleaned and he was much more beautiful than before, although he was beautiful no matter how he carried himself. 

Minho felt a slight flutter in his stomach as Taemin stirred in his sleep, relieving him of some of the worry for his father's health. He could admire Taemin all day, truthfully, but for now he had to get the boy in the bed before his spine could grow sore. Minho forced himself to tear away from the pretty sight and get his friend to bed.

Hooking his arms underneath Taemin's legs and back, he lifted the boy off the cold floor and gently laid him down on the bed. Taemin was weightless, Minho then discovered, but it wasn't much of a suprise since the kid appeared to be severely underweight. Minho made a mental note to feed the boy abundantly and get some meat on his bones; it was dangerous for someone at Taemin's age to be that thin and frail.

"You must be starving," Minho spoke quietly as he brushed some stray hair from Taemin's forehead. "When you wake up, you shall have anything you want."

Taemin stirred once more, as if wanting to reply to Minho's voice. The prince chuckled softly and put the thick covers over the boy's body, before reaching under to take off the shoes. Taemin looked so divine in his new clothes, that Minho wondered how amazing the boy would look if he was in royal clothes. 

In the celebratory ball they would be holding for the prince's return and the king's recovery, Taemin would surely have the chance wear something fancy. Minho's smile grew at the mere thought.

The prince, sighing in content, leaned down and placed a sweet kiss to Taemin's forehead. 

"Goodnight, my savior."

The next morning was as beautiful as it could get with the sun perched in her throne in the sky, little birds singing in their high-pitched voices outside the prince's window, and a warm morning air breezing past the curtains and embracing the entire room. Everyone in the kingdom awoke to the beautiful morning, in high spirits for their prince had returned and their king was in better condition.

When Taemin woke up, he was puzzled when he found himself buried in a thick cover of sheets that smelled like lavender. He heaved the heavy blankets off his body and looked around the huge bedroom for a sign of the prince, but he found none.

On bare feet, he walked to the small round dining table by the huge window. It was filled with so many breakfast foods, all looking like it was made by a professional. Taemin's stomach rumbled at the delicious sight; he hadn't eaten in two days already, but he didn't dare touch anything for he knew it wasn't his.

Taemin tore his eyes away from the food and continued his search for Minho, and luckily, the older boy was finished changing just as Taemin entered the bathroom. The young boy apologized for barging in, but the prince waved it off with a cheery smile. 

"Come, let's eat," Minho said. "I bet you're famished. You fell asleep before supper."

Taemin nodded softly as he sported a smile of his own. "I'm sorry for not waiting for you. I was very tired after our journey, I couldn't help but close my eyes."

"It's okay," Minho said, gently guiding the boy back to the table. "I was a bit exhausted myself."

Taemin took a seat on the chair opposite the prince when he was asked to. His stomach made an ugly grumbling noise again when the smell of fresh eggs and meat hit his nose. Minho chuckled at the cute sound as he shoveled food into Taemin's plate, putting a nice big serving of every dish onto it.

"Eat as much as you want, Taemin," the prince said, setting a full plate in front of the boy before reaching for a glass to pour some juice into it.

The younger boy nodded, smiling shyly. "Th-thank you."

Taemin picked up his fork, and for a split second he forgot how to use one. Minho watched Taemin with a small smile as he ate gracefully. For a peasant, Taemin still had proper etiquette at the table, and Minho wasn't suprised. The boy practically embodied beauty and grace, almost like a prince, himself. 

Minho finished his plate before his friend did, and only then did he realize that Taemin ate like a bird, only putting small pieces of food into his mouth at a time.

"Do you not like the food, Taemin?" the prince asked curiously.

The boy looked up, surprised. "No, I do. It's just... I'm still getting used to eating your food. I'm not very familiar with meat and this... bread thing..."

"Muffin."

Taemin blushed. "Yeah... muffin."

A twinge of pity was in Minho's heart as he listened to Taemin's pitiful, but humble words. The boy looked like as if he was starved, and by the amount of food he ate in a day, Minho could tell it had been true when he was in the city with Taemin. Berries and a few pieces of stale bread wasn't enough. The boy was too deprived of the things he deserved, like food, clothes, a proper home...

A family.

It broke Minho's heart to see such a young boy suffer, and he felt even more crestfallen when he was reminded that not only Taemin was living like that. There were many people, innocent but disabled people, who suffered the same fate in the city.

Taemin looked up into Minho's eyes, and he blushed when he realized that the prince was staring. 

Minho wondered how Taemin could still smile so innocently.

~

When Taemin had finished his meal, the prince told him to eat more. Taemin wanted to decline, feeling too much of a burden, but Minho already put various pieces of fruits on his plate. He looked down and the colors of the different fruits attracted his appetite again. 

Taemin felt bad for eating so much of the prince's food. He didn't deserve this, didn't deserve to be here--he just played his part as a human being when he helped the prince in his wounded state; Minho didn't really have to reward him. 

The heavy feeling of doubt was in the boy's chest. Taemin, as innocent and sensitive as he was, was afraid of being more of a nuisance to society, especially to the prince, than he already thought he was.

An outcast, an orphan, a bastard child--Taemin didn't want to be labeled any worse.

It was more of a test than seeking assurance when asked his next question. "Do you really wish for me to stay here, Minho?" 

"Well, of course, Taemin-ah. It's the least I could do. Besides, you are my new friend. I want you to be here." The prince sounded so eager, it was hard for the boy not to believe him.

Taemin nodded softly before picking up his fork again. He stabbed it through a piece of watermelon and brought it to his mouth, his eyes widening as the sweet taste hit his tongue. He'd never tasted watermelon before, only saw them in the markets.

Minho's smile fell by a centimeter. "Unless you don't want to be here? I could have a house built for you in the town, it would be no problem--"

Taemin shook his head frantically. "No, no! I wasn't trying to say that. I would love to stay here with you but... aren't I being too much of a burden on you and your family?" 

A burden? Is that all you think you are? 

"Nonsense." The prince grinned. "You will never be a burden."

Finally, Taemin's heart was placed in content, but only by a little in the meantime. If the prince wanted him to stay, then he would, and he would try his best not to get in anybody's way. It was the least he could do; and maybe he could do some chores around the palace, too, to let the queen and the prince know that he wasn't a useless freeloader.

It seemed like a good plan, and finally, Taemin smiled again.

When the maids took away their dirty dishes and leftovers, Minho took his friend to a tour of the palace. Taemin marveled at everything he laid his eyes on, his fingertips itching to touch the expensive-looking furniture and decor. Minho took him to the kitchen, the ballroom, the lounge, the stables, the gardens, and Taemin was amazed at them all. However, what he really liked the most is the the family's personal library and music room. 

Taemin ran his fingertips across the spines of the many volumes of books, then he spun around and ran to the grand piano standing on a small stage. Minho watched, amusement twinkling in his eyes, as Taemin entertained himself with the new things that he saw. 

"You could come here anytime you want," the prince let him know. "My mother and I spend most of our leisure times here. You are welcome to join us."

"Really?" Taemin asked like an excited child. 

"Of course."

Minho smiled warmly, and that was when Taemin ran up to hug him. The prince was quite taken aback, but he returned the embrace just as eagerly. He looked down and saw Taemin grinning up at him, but with tears of happiness b his beautiful brown eyes.

"Thank you for taking me from that place, Minho," he whispered, all sincerity flowing alongside his words. "You saved my life."

Minho shook his head, his smile still intact, and he said, "No, Taemin. You saved mine."