a collection of things that make me happy @chogiwapadada - Tumblr Blog

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pairing; choi seungcheol (s.coups) x f reader

genre; smut (minor dni), angst, royalty AU, fairy tale spinoff

summary; You had met Prince Seungcheol of Tsornoia twice in your life and now you were going to be his wife. You would be queen and share in everything his life meant—the good and the bad.

content warnings; fairy tale au (snow white), royalty au, prince!seungcheol, princess!reader, prince!joshua, duke!jeonghan, butler!seungkwan, evil queen, evil stepmother, arranged marriage, dark themes, blackmail, attempted murder, poisoning, horses, falling off a horse, pregnancy, miscarriage, eating/drinking, alcohol, crying, fighting—this one reminds us that fairy tales aren't always happy.

smut warnings; unprotected sex, loss of virginity, fingering, oral, breeding kink (sue me its a cheol fic), crying from pleasure -- if there is something i missed let me know.

w/c; full fic with Patreon bonus 26.6k

song inspiration; white blank page - mumford and sons

a/n; thank you to @junkissed for proofreading. this fic kicked my ass i won't even lie. i love it but i am also happy to finally get it out to you. i enjoyed writing the beauty and the beast spin off for fatal trouble and this snow white spin off was just as interesting to write! thank you all for reading and being patient.

A white blank page and a swelling rage, rage You did not think when you sent me to the brink, to the brink You desired my attention But denied my affections, my affections

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The paper felt like it weighed a ton in Seungcheol’s hands. It wasn’t that he didn’t wish or want to marry you, but this wedding seemed rushed. Neither the bride nor the groom had much say in how anything would take place, and Seungcheol had been given very little opportunity to speak with you leading up to the day. In truth, he had only spoken to you a handful of times, and now, by the end of the day, you’d be his wife—his future queen.

The first time he had met you, neither of you were old enough to realize what your future would be. You were a cute girl dressed far too regal for your age. Despite being just two years younger than Seungcheol, you seemed so young and fragile in his eyes. Seungcheol had been raised to be strong of will and body; you had been raised to match the beauty that had been evident from the time you had been born.

“Be gentle with her. She isn’t your friend, Seungcheol. She is their princess. She may be your future bride.”

Seungcheol could remember turning his nose up at the idea. He had been far too young to care about a wife. He had wanted to play with you like he would with any of his other friends. That was until the two of you were running around the palace garden and you tripped, cutting your knee. Then Seungcheol realized playing with a girl, especially a pretty princess like you, was different than playing with one of the rugged sons of a duke.

“Stop crying…”

Your eyes were wide as blood began to run down your leg towards your ankle. Big tears rolled down your cheeks, dripping onto the front of your dress. Seungcheol was beginning to panic. He had been told to be careful, and he had done the exact opposite.

“Please… You’re gonna get me in trouble, Princess. ‘M sorry!”

You attempted to suck back your tears, but the more you tried and the more that Seungcheol begged you to stop crying, the harder they fell. Moving to his knees, Seungcheol pouted before taking out his small handkerchief and tediously began cleaning the blood from your leg.

“Th–thank you.”

You had spoken through your tears. The sound of your shaky voice had almost broken Seungcheol’s heart. You really were as fragile and gentle as you seemed.

“Y/N!”

You and Seungcheol had looked towards the frantic voice. A boy of his same age had all but pushed Seungcheol out of his way and settled at your side. He was clearly upset, his fingers carefully checking your skin around the angry cut.

“What happened? What did you do to her?”

Seungcheol had started to speak and to defend himself when he found himself staring at you in surprise.

“Shua! No. I fell down. Prince Seungcheol didn’t do anything bad.” You had always had your big brother wrapped around your pinky. You were his only sibling and his pride and joy. “Don’t be mad, ‘kay? See, I’m not crying anymore.”

It was difficult for Seungcheol or Joshua to hide their smiles as you wiped your wet cheeks and smiled so sweetly to prove your point.

“I—you gotta be more careful, Y/N. You got blood on your dress…” Joshua’s brows had furrowed, concern deeply written in his eyes as he helped you stand. “My—Prince Seungcheol, look, I’m sorry. It’s my job to watch her, and then I heard her crying. Our dad would literally kill me if somethin—”

“I get it. You don’t have to apologize to me. I—” Meeting your pretty eyes, Seungcheol cleared his throat and sighed into his words. “I wouldn’t ever hurt her on purpose…”

Seungcheol had meant those words, and he had kept that promise into the second meeting with you. He had just turned 19, and you were truly the belle of the ball. He had moved past childish notions of how he felt about girls, and you—you had taken his breath away.

“Good evening, Princess.”

Your smile was the same, just like your eyes. You were kind. Your kingdom loved and cherished you. Many other kingdoms had begun showing interest, and once again Seungcheol’s parents reminded him that you might be his queen one day. It all seemed so silly at the time. He wasn’t anywhere close to being ready to marry, and yet as he looked at you in a grand ballroom, he considered it.

“Prince Seungcheol. It’s an honor to see you again.” You weren’t lying. You had thought about Choi Seungcheol many times over the years, and as you grew up, his face had stayed with you. “Though you are much bigger than the last time we met.”

Just like your smile, your laugh was sweet and melodic. It was the type of sound that made Seungcheol’s heart tighten. He found himself wanting to hear it again, as often as possible. Laughing quietly into his own words, Seungcheol offered you his arm, allowing him to guide you towards the dance floor. “I—well, yes. I’ve grown, as have you.” He knew it was bold, but a sense of pride was flowing through him like waves of light as bright as your smile. “I mean, you’ve grown in beauty, though surely you know.”

You felt eyes on you and Seungcheol as you let him lead you to the middle of the floor. His attention was like standing next to an open flame. No matter where you looked, you always found yourself drawn back to his dark brown eyes. “Oh… I—thank you. I’m not sure I would say that about myself. I’m merely comm—”

“There is nothing common about you, Y/N.”

It was the first time he had called you by your name. The sound of it on his lips was enough to leave you breathless. You weren’t a fool. You knew what you meant to the princes of the surrounding kingdoms, but this was Choi Seungcheol of Tsornoria. You were common compared to him—everyone was. “You are too kind, your highness. You flatter me.”

Seungcheol found himself that day wondering if your cheeks would be hot to the touch after receiving his compliments. You were so endearingly shy. It was obvious how innocent you still were, and yet Seungcheol dared to test his limits with you. He had lifted his hand and brushed away the hair on your cheek; to his pleasant surprise, your skin was as warm as it would be if you had been sitting by a fire.

“Perhaps, but it’s not a lie. Are you not aware of how many other princes here are plotting my demise at this moment?” Amused with your reaction, how you scanned the room looking for danger, Seungcheol laughed softly and carefully grasped your waist, leading you with the music. “I mean that every man in this room wishes they were in my place. They wish they were the one dancing with you.”

You weren’t so naive that you didn’t know what this ball was for. You were coming of age in a few short years, and soon negotiations would begin. You would be marrying someone in this room, the thought of which terrified you—until you met Seungcheol’s eyes again. “Perhaps. But I chose to dance with you.”

Since that day, Seungcheol had known that this might eventually happen, but things were different. It had been close to ten years since that ball, and suddenly overnight it was real. Seungcheol wanted to be happy, perhaps even excited about this marriage, but something was nagging him in the back of his head.

For the past few years, different arrangements had been in the works. He had lost any hope that you would end up his bride, but each one of the arrangements had failed. It had all started after his father passed away and he became the crown prince. His mother—his stepmother, the queen—had taken over for his father, and Seungcheol’s life was turned on its head.

“I want this entire hall prepared for the Hong family. It’s of utmost importance!”

Seungcheol could feel the beginnings of a headache behind his eyes, and the sound of his stepmother’s voice only made it worse. She had fought for so many of the previous arrangements to just suddenly change her mind when your family had finally accepted.

It wasn’t exactly hidden how much money she had spent since her husband’s death. The kingdom was suffering for her indulgence, and its only saving grace was that Seungcheol was going to take his place at the throne. Once he took his birthright, he would have access to the money that was left to him by his father—money that his stepmother would never have the right to while he was breathing.

Now the fact that Seungcheol was standing around with his head in his hands only fueled his stepmother’s annoyance. He had a job to do. There may not have been much, in her not-so-humble opinion, that Seungcheol was good at, but at least he had his father’s looks.

“Choi Seungcheol!”

Closing his eyes tighter to the sound of his stepmother’s voice, Seungcheol sighs and takes a moment before he finally looks up to meet her gaze. She looked frustrated. That didn’t surprise him. Since his father had died, behind closed doors, she had always had a resentful look in her eyes where he was concerned. “What have I done now—-”

The words had been said out of exhaustion, but Seungcheol’s stepmother took them as what she knew them to be—malice. “That is in fact the question. After all I’ve done for you. All the plans that I have made for your future to be prosperous, and you stand here looking like this is a funeral instead of a wedding. Have you made an effort to prepare yourself to greet your bride?”

This was how many of the conversations went with his stepmother. She sucked all the air out of the room and took up all the words. Seungcheol simply sighs and allows her to continue, knowing he wouldn’t get in a word either way, at least not until she deemed it the time. Soon he would be king, and perhaps then things would change. Perhaps then his stepmother would give him the respect he deserved.

“Of course you haven’t. You stand here sulking like a child. You aren’t a child, Seungcheol! You are to be crowned after this wedding. Act like the king your father raised you to—”

“Enough, Mother!” It was bold of Seungcheol to raise his voice, but the mention of his father struck a nerve. He would give anything for his father to still be here and to be alive. He’d offer his soul to have his father share this day with him instead of his stepmother. If his father were here, perhaps it would feel like a joyous occasion. “I will go greet her and her family as soon as they arrive. You don’t have to worry about such things. Isn’t there a bottle of wine to drink or a maid to yell at?”

Fire burns behind her eyes as Seungcheol’s stepmother watches him straighten his jacket and start to move away from her. He was spoiled and not even close to being ready for the responsibilities that were coming his way. “Spineless… How dare you mock me, Choi Seungcheol! Do as you were taught and at least pretend to be a human before you greet her. We can’t handle yet another princess fleeing at the thought of marrying you. The kingdom can’t withstand the shame…”

Shame… What a funny way to put it. In Seungcheol’s mind, much of the kingdom’s shame came from their queen. He had spent years cleaning up after his stepmother, including all of the previous arrangements that had fallen through. He had tried to find his wife within his stepmother’s long list of princesses, and yet there was always a flaw that she would find. It was as if she was looking for one thing to set them or their family apart from the rest. Each and every one would begin to leave dejected either days before a wedding or sometimes on the wedding day itself. If it weren’t for Seungcheol, many of those failed unions would have resulted in resentment, but he followed up with each one, making it as right as he could with each family.

“Your Highness, they’re here.”

Taking a breath and feeling the tension in the room lessen, Seungcheol nods to Boo Seungkwan, thankful for the butler’s presence. Though the man was new to his position, he had learned everything from his father before and seemed to have a keen eye for when he was needed most.

“Very well. Let’s greet my bride and her family, Seungkwan…”

Simply being out of the same room as his stepmother did wonders for Seungcheol’s mood. He hadn’t always been the seemingly stoic, tortured man he was now, and if given the chance to know him, people found he was quite the opposite. Seungcheol was similar to his father in more than his looks. His father had been beloved by his kingdom and the entire palace staff—Seungcheol was the same. Both men were known to go above and beyond to put the welfare of their citizens above their own and both were like candles being snuffed out slowly. Up to the day he died, Seungcheol’s father had worked his fingers to the bone for his kingdom. The loss of their king was felt not only by Seungcheol and the palace staff but also by every citizen of Tsornoria and the surrounding kingdoms.

“Are you alright, Your Highness?”

Seungkwan’s words, laden with concern, bring a smile to Seungcheol’s face as he walks side by side with the man through the halls towards the main entrance. “I always am. You don’t have to worry so much about me, Seungkwan. You’ll get wrinkles.” Smirking to himself, Seungcheol watches Seungkwan’s brows furrow out of habit to the teasing. “You already look older than me and you are even younger than our soon-to-be queen.”

While Seungkwan knew his place, he was no stranger to Seungcheol’s teasing. He was younger, and yet in many ways he acted beyond his years—that didn’t mean he had lost his spunk. “I don’t have wrinkles. You have wrinkles…”

The words are muttered under his breath but still heard by Seungcheol, who chuckles playfully, leaning to bump his shoulder against the butler's. “You’re right, I do. 29 years old and I look like an old man already.”

Shaking his head, Seungkwan gives Seungcheol an incredulous look. It was clearly a joke. Anyone with eyes could see that Seungcheol was the picture of health and good genes. He had the ability to make any man feel inferior by simply being in the same room. “Well, you said it, not me.”

Seungcheol’s chuckle softly grows into a much-needed laugh. Patting Seungkwan on the back, he grins fondly at the other man before taking in a deep, calming breath. “Thank you for never changing, Seungkwan. I hope you still treat me like this even after they give me my father’s crown.”

“It’s your crown, Your Highness, and they aren’t giving it to you.” Seungkwan understood what Seungcheol was trying to say, but he had spent hours, if not days, trying to get this point through the prince’s thick skull. “They will be honoring your birthright. That crown is and was yours from the moment you were born.”

Another fond smile spreads across Seungcheol’s lips as he nods once again, gently squeezing Seungkwan’s shoulder. “Perhaps.”

Your heart was in your throat. Everything was bigger than you were used to. The buildings were in the sky and you were having a hard time looking like you belonged in Tsornoria.

“Come on, Y/N.”

You were lucky that your brother was beside you. Joshua’s expression hadn’t changed from the time that your family had received the call for you. He was almost unreadable, and yet he was a rock at your side, keeping you steady.

Humming under your breath, you put on a smile and take his arm to walk beside him towards the open palace doors. “It’s different here, right?”

Joshua glances around for the first time, allowing himself to take in his surroundings. He had been so focused on you—on this entire situation—that he hadn’t really taken a breath. “Mmm, it is. Pretty in an overwhelming way.” Sighing into his words, Joshua then turns to smile at you, watching your fake smile become a real one. “You’ll get used to it over time, but then how will I get you to come home for a visit?” Gesturing towards one of the skyscrapers to the far left of the palace, he lifts his brows. “You’ll learn to live in the clouds and won’t want to come back to Eberik for anything.”

The smile on your lips fades with Joshua’s words. You knew he was right about you getting used to Tsornoria, but he was wrong about everything else. “I’m just as interested in the sky as I am everything on the ground, Shua. Eberik is my home—”

“Was your home, Y/N… Don’t let the Queen hear you say that.”

Your brother was right. You knew that the Queen of Tsornoria was formidable and full of pride. It was almost a crazy thought that soon enough you’d hold that title. How were you going to step into her shoes and hold up that mantle? It seemed impossible. It seemed exhausting.

The entire trip from Eberik, one thing had kept your spirits high—you would see Seungcheol soon. Perhaps it was childish to still hold a candle for him, but the closer you had gotten to Tsornoria, the more real it all seemed. You had played pretend so many times as a child and many of those fairy tales from your mind were just like this. You were going to be Seungcheol’s wife. You were going to see him again and you just hoped that he even remembered you.

“God, he’s gotten even bigger. What’s the point?” Joshua’s voice is muffled under a sigh as he makes eye contact with Seungcheol just inside of the palace doors. He could feel you straighten your posture at his side and for some reason that made him feel even more frustrated. You were excited about this—Joshua was not. It wasn’t that he didn’t know he’d have to give up his little sister at some point, but why did it have to be to Choi Seungcheol?

In Joshua’s mind, you were too good for this prince. You were too precious to become the wife and queen to someone with his reputation. If it hadn’t been for the Queen herself reaching out to your father and Joshua, this wedding wouldn’t be taking place.

“Oh… He’s handsome, Shua. Do I really look okay?”

Nausea takes hold of Joshua at your words. You were still so childish in his eyes. Marriages were built on convenience and power. Your marriage was no different, but the fact that you clearly felt something for Seungcheol made this worse. “You look beautiful. He’d be a fucking idiot not to see that.”

Lightly nudging against Joshua when he curses, you feel your cheeks begin to burn. Seungcheol was looking at you so intently—of course he was. You knew that you were on a trial for the next few hours until you walked down that aisle. There was always something that could go wrong and you could be sent back to Eberik with your head between your legs out of shame.

“Your Highness, Princess Y/N of Eberik.”

Seungcheol scoffs at Seungkwan’s announcement of your name and title. While he knew it was tradition, it seemed so silly. He knew who you were. God, he’d have to have his brain removed from his head and scrubbed clear to forget you. Somehow you were even more beautiful with age from the last time he had seen you at the ball.

“Prince Seungcheol of—”

“She knows who I am, Seungkwan. Thank you.” Taking his time down the palace steps, Seungcheol ignores the glare from the butler as he makes his way down to you. “And I know her. Princess, welcome to Tsornoria.”

It felt impossible for you to breathe when Seungcheol stood in front of you expectantly. You knew there were words you were supposed to say, but nothing was left in your brain as he smiled at you and lowered his head out of respect.

“She’s honored to be here, your highness. Our entire family is honored…”

While the words seemed forced, Seungcheol still smiles as he turns his attention to the man on your arm. He knew who he was and he could see the daggers behind Joshua Hong’s eyes. Lifting his hand towards your brother, Seungcheol once again nods his head respectfully and sighs into his words. “The honor is mine, I can assure you.”

Joshua couldn’t argue with that as he took Seunghcheol’s hand into his and firmly gripped it. “Mm, yes.” Not wanting to be the first person to let go, Joshua tilts his head and meets the prince’s eyes almost defiantly. He was a prince himself. Perhaps he wasn’t the prince next in line for a kingdom like Tsornoria, but the pride he held for his own kingdom would level Seungcheol’s entire ego. When his hand is released, Joshua considers holding tighter but instead lets go so he can turn his attention back to you as Seungcheol does the same. You looked like a fish out of water, your eyes wide as you stared at your soon-to-be husband in front of you. Where you were feeling awe and a rejuvenation of your childhood crush, Joshua simply saw uneasiness written on your face.

“Come, I can show you around, Princess.”

Taking a deep breath, you feel your cheeks heat up just from Seungcheol’s words. You were a princess. The title had never made you feel like this before; it was only when he said it. “O-okay. I’d like that.”

Joshua takes a step forward when you do. His eyes fall to your hand now in Seungcheol's, and he feels bile rise in his throat. Was this really worth it? Was what the family promised for your dowry worth you losing your soul to this man? Meeting Seungcheol’s questioning eyes, Joshua narrows his own deviantly.

“I’m okay, Shua.” You lean to press a soft kiss to your brother’s cheek that seems to calm him down for a moment. He had always been too protective of you, but it had gotten worse over the past few years. “I’ll see you soon.”

With your hand in his, Seungcheol furrows his brows and begins to guide you into the palace, leaving Joshua and Seungkwan behind. It didn’t seem to matter how far inside the expansive hallway the two of you got; he could still sense Joshua’s eyes lingering on him. What had that been about? Was he just that protective of his family or was there something more that he needed to get to the bottom of before the day’s big events began?

Letting his eyes slowly move along your pretty face, Seungcheol smiles at how lucky he feels suddenly. You were shaking, your hand was delicate in his, and yet the feeling was addictive. “You must be very loved by your family, Y/N.” Gesturing behind you, Seungcheol’s smile grows into something fond but teasing. “I was almost afraid he would beat me for taking you away.”

A breath escapes your lips on a slight laugh. You knew that Seungcheol might not be wrong, but you weren’t going to admit that—especially not to him. “Oh… No! Joshua would never do something like that. He’s happy that I’m getting married.”

That was the first lie you had told Seungcheol today, but he was going to let it go by without calling you out on it. It was evident to anyone in or around the palace that Joshua wasn’t pleased with this arrangement, but more pointedly, your would-be husband. “Ah. I see.”

“My entire family is excited, but if I can say so, no one is as excited as me. I—” You laugh sweetly, causing Seungcheol’s cheeks to become fuller with a grin. “I honestly never thought this day would come. They hinted at it for nearly a decade and now—” Glancing around you, then back up to Seungcheol, your cheeks burn from his attention. “It’s real.”

You weren’t wrong. Seungcheol had lost faith that this day would become a reality as well. He had spent many a lonely evening considering who might become his wife and every time you popped into his mind. He barely knew you and yet he was just as infatuated as you clearly were. Your sweet, innocent eyes were full of love as you looked at him and Seungcheol felt like he was going to happily drown in the feeling.

“It is real and how lucky I am. By the end of the night I will have such a stunning wife.” You look away shyly, a smile still on your lips that has Seungcheol’s chest burning with desire. “Such a beautiful queen by my side.”

Starting to speak, the idea of becoming queen still not quite feeling real, you find yourself stopping to the sound of another voice. You had met the Queen once at your coming-of-age ball, but then her husband had been alive and she seemed genuine. The stories of her downfall were something that you had been warned about, and yet now you were seeing it firsthand. You remembered a bright woman with seemingly no malice in her eyes; now, however, you felt minuscule under her gaze.

“Seungcheol, I need Princess Y/N. It’s time to prepare for the ceremony.” Forcing a tight smile in your direction, the Queen coos over you as she takes your free hand, guiding you towards her. “Come along, dear. Your family is waiting and—”

“Surely we have a bit more time to talk before we have to walk down the aisle, Mother.” Seungcheol was clearly annoyed as his stepmother attempted to take you from him. He had gotten no more than ten minutes alone with you since you had arrived and now you were being whisked away.

“No, you don’t. The days aren’t as long as you would like them to be, darling. Besides—” Finally managing to ease you to her side as you give Seungcheol a sympathetic look, the queen sighs into her words. “You’ll have her all to yourself soon enough. Don’t be greedy. It’s not a good look for someone of your standing. People might begin to wonder if you’ve defiled her beforehand. We can’t have that, Seungcheol.”

You were standing right there and yet the queen didn’t seem to acknowledge you more than keeping you close to her side away from Seungcheol. Her words send a shiver up your spine and have you looking down at the floor from shame. You had done nothing wrong, neither had Seungcheol, but still she had managed to make you feel like you were acting like a common whore.

“Honestly, Mother… That’s ridiculous. Nothing of the sort—”

“It doesn’t matter if it has happened or not. People talk, Seungcheol. Use your brain for once.” Offering you that same tight smile as before, the queen hums softly and urges you back in the direction you came from. “Come along. Time to become a bride.”

“She’s very pretty, Cheollie. I see why you were so whipped for all these years.”

Rolling his eyes at Yoon Jeonghan’s teasing, Seungcheol rolls his shoulders in an attempt to help Seungkwan get him ready. The suit was one of the nicest that he had ever worn, and that was saying something. He was used to any luxury he could think of, and yet his stepmother had gone all out for this royal wedding. It made sense to him at the end of the day, but he still felt like a big being fattened up and dressed for slaughter.

“Jeonghan isn’t wrong this time, your highness.”

Seungcheol had been prepared for most of Jeonghan’s teasing, but he wasn’t ready enough for Seungkwan’s. He starts to speak only to roll his eyes once again when the other men start to squabble.

“Kwannie, why do you call him ‘your highness’ and yet refuse to call me by my title?” There was a layer of sulking laced into Jeonghan’s words as he shifted on the chair, crossing his leg over the other, keeping his eyes on his best friends.

“Because he is my prince. He will be my king. You are barely presentable as a duke.”

This was better than the teasing. At least they were focused on one another instead of him. This gave Seungcheol time to think about you and about how you were one hall over getting into your wedding dress. The thought left him breathless and feeling like he was floating. You were really going to be his wife and it was happening in less than two hours.

“Cheollie is daydreaming again. Is it about Y/N? I wouldn’t blame you. I never thought this would actually happen.”

Seungcheol knew all too well that no one thought it would. Every single other princess had been sent back home with their tail between their legs by his stepmother. It had many asking questions. Why you? Why now?

Pushing his feelings to the side, Seungcheol puts on a smile. It didn’t really matter why. What really mattered was the fact that Seungcheol felt like he was winning for the first time in his life. “Best not to dwell on the why and just be happy it’s happening. If she’s in a good mood and willing to let me move on with my life, I’ll count it as a gift. Besides…” The thought of you is enough to brighten Seungcheol’s smile as he watches Seungkwan adjust his cloak in the mirror. “Y/N is my gift. Nothing could possibly go wrong with her by my side.”

“You will look beautiful, dear. Your mother would have loved to be part of this day…”

Your father’s voice pulls you out of your daze and brings a smile to your face. Even from behind the dressing curtain, you could feel a rush of pride throughout the room. Where Joshua seemed a bit stoic, perhaps even upset with the notion of you getting married today, your father was overjoyed. This marriage would mean so much for his kingdom and it would change your life in ways he’d never dream of being able to do.

“She’s always beautiful. I don’t understand the need for all the pomp and circumstance.” Sighing into his words, Joshua leans his head back and looks up at the ornate ceiling. “Y/N deserves it, of course, but not when her betrothed is a piece of—”

“Joshua! That’s enough. You’ve voiced your concerns more than once—”

“And yet you both seem to be ignoring them.”

The smile your father’s words had put on your face quickly fades as he and Joshua begin to argue once again. You do what you have learned to do—tune them out. You focus instead on trying to put on the finishing touches with the help of your maid. Her kind smile meeting yours in the mirror gives you the boost of strength you needed.

“You really do look so beautiful, your highness.”

There is a sadness in her voice that you try to lift with a kind smile of your own. “Thank you. You could stay here with me… if you wanted.”

Shaking her head, the girl flushes slightly as she glances around the dressing curtain, meeting Joshua’s eyes. “No, I’m not as brave as you.”

It didn’t have anything to do with bravery. At first it was about honor and now it was more about excitement. You were going to start a new chapter in your life with your husband.

“Is she dressed?”

Your maid nods before guiding you from behind the curtain, letting your father and brother look at you. Your father’s reaction to seeing you dressed in your wedding dress isn’t surprising. He had always been a sentimental man so seeing tears prick at his eyes almost immediately is heartwarming. Joshua, on the other hand, stares at you for a long moment before rising to his feet and moving towards you.

“Do I look okay?”

That was a stupid question. Joshua knew that you knew all too well how lovely you looked in your dress. You looked mature, like the royalty that you were. He knew you were asking more for him. His opinion was important to you and you needed to hear what he had to say. The words were easier thought than said. Saying them would let you believe he was placing his blessing upon this union; nothing could be further from the truth—and yet he smiles at you. “The most beautiful bride there could ever be…”

Standing in the spot that he never thought he’d be, Seungcheol felt his stomach tightening with nerves. There was just enough time for you or your family to refuse the union, but even as thousands of eyes lingered on him, Seungcheol had a good feeling that he’d see you walking towards him soon enough.

He had imagined how stunning you might be walking down the aisle towards him, but his imagination wasn’t able to match reality. You took his breath away the moment the large doors to the cathedral opened. Music and coos from the crowd should bring Seungcheol back to reality, but he found himself staring at you in awe. The bright light peeking through the cathedral doors managed to truly make you look like the angel you were.

Dressed in white satin, silk, and delicate lace, you carefully walk down the aisle on your father’s arm. You knew you were supposed to smile. You were supposed to look overjoyed. None of that was difficult; your cheeks ached from how brightly you smiled, but instead of seeing anyone else in the cathedral, you only saw Seungcheol, never feeling his eyes leave you. Being a princess, you had been told your share of fairy tales, but now you felt like you were living one.

There were people speaking; you knew that you should be paying attention to what they were saying, but your father had placed your hands in Seungcheol’s. You had met his caramel eyes and felt like you were floating over the floor. A quiet laugh from the guests brings you back to the present as Seungcheol grins at you and moves his eyes towards the priest, guiding you to pay attention.

"Choi Seungcheol, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep only to her, so long as you both shall live?"

This was a big promise to make to someone you barely knew, and yet Seungcheol didn’t have to fake his answer. Looking at you, he felt like he was breathing for the first time. This was real and you were his. “I will.”

Just two words and Seungcheol once again takes your breath away. He wanted you to be his wife. This wasn’t just you playing make-believe in your chambers; this was forever.

"Y/N Hong, wilt thou have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep only to him, so long as you both shall live?"

Now Seungcheol was holding his breath as he waited for your answer. He could see it written in your eyes and yet the fear of rejection lingers. The moment “I will” slips from your lips, he breathes deeply, almost overwhelmed by the calming scent of your perfume. You had really said yes. It was hard to listen to the priest as he went through the rest of the ceremony. Seungcheol’s eyes were locked with yours, only straying to your lips out of impatience until finally the priest said what he had been waiting to hear.

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. You may kiss your bride, your highness.”

Your lips were like candy waiting for Seungcheol to taste. He wanted to deepen the kiss and enjoy the small sounds that only he could hear, but the cheering from the guests once again brought him back to the moment. He didn’t have you to himself yet, but he could feel the bite of your ring against his fingers. He had put that ring there and that’s where it would stay.

“We did it.” Your voice is smaller than you intend, but Seungcheol manages to hear. A sweet smile pulls at his lips as he nods along with you.

“‘Yes, we did. Now I get to say what I wanted to all those years ago.” Seungcheol almost swoons when you smile at him, tilting your head questioningly. “Remember when we danced and I told you others would be plotting my demise?” With you on his arm, Seungcheol walks you back towards the cathedral doors as they reopen. “I wanted to say, let them try it. I’d do anything for you.”

It was hard for you not to think that Seungcheol’s words were just that, pretty words, but his hand never left yours. Even as the room started to fill full of people, your husband's hand either found yours or your waist, keeping you close to him. Every look from Seungcheol was akin to feeling the sun on your skin as he smiled at you so sweetly, moving you towards the center of the floor and taking you into his arms.

Neither of you had chosen the music or had any input on flowers, food, or even the guest list—yet none of that seemed to matter as Seungcheol’s thumb stroked yours as he danced with you. This was the same boy—the same man—who had danced with you at your debut ball, and yet now he was looking at you like you were his entire life. You had never pictured yourself falling in love with your husband on your wedding day as you danced, but that was exactly what was happening.

Tipping back another flute of champagne, Joshua narrows his eyes as you laugh softly at something Seungcheol is saying right against the shell of your ear. Did he have no manners? It didn’t matter if the two of you were married now or not; certain things shouldn’t be seen by the public, even at a wedding.

“Your sister seems pleased with her marriage.”

Rolling his eyes at the comment from the familiar voice near him, Joshua starts to scoff and give some snarky comment back, but then he meets the queen’s inquisitive eyes. Lowering his head apologetically, Joshua clears his throat and puts his hand against his chest, feeling his heart start to race. “She is, your majesty. We are thrilled to be part of your family. Thank—”

“Enough with the pleasantries. Walk with me?” Gesturing towards the door leading to the hall just outside of the ballroom, the queen offers Joshua a tight smile, letting him know he can’t refuse.

“O–of course, ma’am.” Putting his glass down, Joshua begins to move past the queen, ready to open the doors for her, when she takes his arm, keeping him by her side. “Oh, I—”

“I said walk with me, not clear a path for me.” Nodding to keep Joshua moving toward the door, the queen sighs under her breath, giving one last look to you and Seungcheol before leading the man out of the room. “Since we are family now, Joshua—” Smiling softly, she glances up at the younger man before shooing away her maid and continuing. “I’d like to think that we can share things in confidence. That perhaps you can be honest with me?”

Furrowing his brows, Joshua swallows hard, feeling his palms becoming damp with nerves, his sense of danger heightened. “Yes, of course, your majesty.” Daring to take a quick look around, seeing no one near them, Joshua barely meets the queen’s eyes before glancing down at the ground. “Wh—what did you want to speak to me about?”

It wasn’t lost on her that Joshua was exceedingly handsome. He was nice to look at and if this had been another day, another circumstance, this conversation might have ended up with Joshua in her bed, but there was something more important that the queen needed the prince of Eberik for. “This marriage, of course. Tell me your true feelings about your angelic sister marrying my son.”

This felt like a trap. Joshua was standing at the mouth of a lion’s cage and any words that would leave his mouth were like raw meat dangling from his fingers as he taunted the beast. His brows furrow so deeply that it’s almost painful as he shakes his head and starts to speak, only to stop.

“Go on, and don’t lie to me. I will know if you are lying.”

Not wanting to disappoint the powerful woman on his arm, Joshua looks straight ahead and bites the bullet, letting the raw meat on his fingertips lure the lion closer. “Well, I—I should be pleased with it. It’s a beneficial arrangement, but I have to admit I haven’t heard many good things about your stepson, ma’am.” Shifting very slightly, knowing his body temperature is rising from stress, Joshua clears his throat and closes his fists tightly. “My sister is too good for him, frankly speaking.”

If this were a normal conversation held in less friendly company, the queen knew that Joshua would be chastised, but they were alone for a reason. Humming out a sympathetic sound, she nods along with Joshua before leaning against him. “He truly is a beast. Funny that you should call him my stepson before I even do. You are a bright boy.”

Joshua felt confused as the queen spoke with malice towards her own son, be he a stepson or not. Still concerned this was a trap of some kind, Joshua shakes his head. “I—well, I shouldn’t speak that way about—”

“I asked for the truth and you delivered it, Joshua. There is no question of my feelings towards Seungcheol. My love for him died with his father. That is simply a fact.” Sighing softly as if asking for sympathy for herself, the queen finally meets Joshua’s eyes with a slight pout on her lips. “Now he is nothing but a burden.”

Slowing to a stop beside the queen, Joshua tilts his head, feeling a strange mix of feelings bubbling inside of him. In some ways he did feel sympathy for her, and in others, anger towards her. Why would she say this to him now after you had already said yes to a life by her stepson’s side? Did she want to rub it in? Make him feel worse? “Why are you telling me this?”

Finally, Joshua was catching on. Maybe, just maybe, she could have an ally in her decisions going forward. “As I said, you are a bright boy. Come, walk further with me. We have much to discuss.”

Your cheeks were on fire as Seungcheol’s fingers gently pressed into your waist. He had spent the last ten minutes excusing you both, and now you were at the doorway leading to the hall inside your new home. You knew what came next. Perhaps not in the greatest detail, but you were a smart woman. You had listened well to tutors and even to your married friend’s advice, but now it all felt like a distant memory.

“Our rooms are connected.” Gesturing to the door on the furthest wall, Seungcheol leads you into the room and closes the door behind him. “This is your room…” Glancing around it, he smiles before meeting your eyes. “Do—is it okay? You can decorate it how you see fit and I will always be just beyond—”

“We won’t sleep in the same bed?”

You were still so innocent and pure; that much was evident to Seungcheol as you looked around your room. “Do—” You made it hard to speak, to sound intelligent, as he cleared his throat and moved back closer to you, catching the end of your fingers in his own. “You want to share a room? I thought perhaps you’d want privacy and the comforts of not having a man constantly—”

“Not just a man. You are my husband, your highness…” You had started speaking so confidently until you met Seungcheol’s eyes and you felt as if you were standing in front of the sun. You had meant to call him Seungcheol and not use his title, but how could you speak so informally to someone like him when he was looking at you like that?

“Please don’t use titles with me. Not here… not after today.” Taking both of your hands, Seungcheol smoothes his thumb along your ring finger, catching the stone under the pad of his finger. “You’re my wife and you will be queen very soon. No one is beneath you, least of all me.”

The sun had begun to get low in the sky, causing a golden light to peek through the window and onto Seungcheol’s face. He was breathtaking and reminded you that he was yours. Nodding meekly, you whine, turning your face away from him only to feel his fingers gently catch your chin, turning you back.

“It would be impossible not to fall in love with you. How did I get this lucky?”

Taking a sharp breath, you feel your stomach tighten with Seungcheol’s words. You didn’t know him as well as you would like and yet you could tell he wasn’t lying. There was so much sincerity laced with his words that you felt your knees going weak from just hearing them. “You—you’re falling in love with me?”

Guiding you backwards towards the long stool at the end of your bed, Seungcheol nods while slowly caressing your cheek with his thumb. “Oh yes. The moment I saw you this morning, I knew it would be as easy as breathing to be in love with you. Then you actually said yes in that cathedral…” Shaking his head, Seungcheol helps you sit down in front of him before he moves to his knees on the floor at your legs. “You are my wife and I swear to treat you as you deserve to be treated, starting with tonight.”

You lower your eyes to Seungcheol’s hands resting over your dress on your thighs. Feeling overwhelmed, your words get caught in your throat for a moment until you take a deep breath and try again. “I’m nervous. I—what if I’m bad at this?”

That felt impossible to Seungcheol, but it was clear to see you were raised like a proper princess. Every movement he made, you would gasp and then quickly silence yourself, afraid to offend him with your growing desire. “You’re already perfect, Y/N. If—if you don’t want to do this tonight, I wouldn’t blame—”

“I do! I—I want to. I’m just nervous.” Sliding your hands to meet Seungcheol’s over your dress, you meet his eyes shyly. “Just be patient with me.”

Seungcheol had been with other women before. Perhaps he should feel bad about that, but he also knew things were different for princesses and princes. It also didn’t help that he had been so rebellious when it came to what his stepmother wanted from him. He couldn’t count the times she had sent a poor servant into his room only to see them shy away in shame after seeing him naked and some girl either on his bed or on her knees in front of him. Now none of that seemed to matter. You weren’t just some girl and this wasn’t something to be ashamed of. You were his wife.

“I wouldn’t dream of being anything else.” Moving his eyes along your neck and down to your chest, Seungcheol sighs under his breath in awe of you. The dress was the only thing you had input on for the wedding and you had chosen perfectly. It wasn’t overly flashy for a royal wedding dress; instead, it matched your innocence in a way he couldn’t even explain.

Tracing the lace along the inside of your shoulder, he smiles when you shiver as chill bumps erupt along your skin. “You are so beautiful. Could I—” Stopping himself before he starts, Seungcheol smiles at you, gaining his own courage before trying again. “Is it ok if I help you out of your dress?”

You nod timidly before shifting forward just a bit as Seungcheol moves to his feet to sit next to you. Every gentle touch from him has your breath quickening, but it’s when his strong fingers begin to work each delicate button loose along your back. Glancing over to watch his expression change, you smile as his brows furrow in concentration and mild frustration.

“There are so many buttons. How did you even manage to get into this dress without pulling your hair out?”

Laughing softly, you shake your head as Seungcheol complains. “I had help getting dressed. It seemed easy for her to button all of them, but my maid is too kind to say otherwise.”

Undoing button after button, Seungcheol pouts to himself until he reaches your lower back, feeling the last button give way. “You were stunning in the dress, darling, but I think I’d prefer less complicated clothing in the future.”

Darling. Taking a deeper breath, you meet Seungcheol’s eyes as they lift to yours. You had been called your name, princess, and even his wife—yet darling made your heart feel like it was going to explode. “Okay…” You’d give him anything he asked for. You’d wear nothing but nightgowns that could be swept off your body in seconds if it meant he would look at you as he was now and if he kept calling you sweet names.

“Come here.” Moving to his feet, Seungcheol helps you do the same, though his eyes quickly fall from your face to your shoulder as your dress slips from it. A woman’s skin wasn’t anything that had ever made Seungcheol feel weak before. Nothing as simple as an ankle or shoulder had ever made his cock throb against his pants, but then you. Carefully hooking his index finger under the shoulder of your dress, Seungcheol stops breathing as he helps gravity do its job.

The weight of the fabric on your body lifts as your dress pools in a large pile around your legs. Your first instinct is to look away from Seungcheol when you feel air against your skin, but his hand is quicker, keeping your face towards him.

“Fuck, you are gorgeous. Here, take my hand.”

Doing as you are told, you close your fingers around Seungcheol’s hand, letting him keep you steady as you step out of your dress and closer to him. Only white lace hid the parts of your body that you had been told were only for you and your husband to see. It seemed silly in that moment to feel ashamed as Seungcheol’s eyes moved over your body, but the burden of so many lessons growing up as a woman lay on your shoulders. “It’s—I’m cold.”

Smiling to himself as he traces the chill bumps along your waist, Seungcheol nods along with your words. “Are you? I’m sorry. I promise I will help you get warm in a moment.” Your fingers once again in his hand, he guides you to your bed and watches in awe as you lay back on the pillows, looking up at him expectantly.

Did any other woman before you even exist? Seungcheol knew they didn’t matter anymore. No one would ever compare to how you look right now. Nothing could match the feeling of looking at his wife on the night of his wedding. “I won’t make you wait, love.”

Your eyes were curious even as anxiety rippled through you like a wave. You couldn’t make yourself look away as Seungcheol carefully undressed. Layer by layer more skin was revealed to you, but as his thumbs hooked into the top of his pants, you finally faltered. Pressing your lips together, you whine to the sound of your name drawing you back to your husband.

Just as there were no other women before you, Seungcheol knew he had never been this hard in his life. He was a good lover. He knew how to take care of a woman, putting their release before his own, but your eyes moving over his body had him feeling as if he had never touched another in his entire life. With just your eyes, you had Seungcheol willing himself not to cum as he stroked himself, once feeling arousal running through him.

Anatomy books and imagination couldn’t prepare you for seeing Seungcheol like this. His body was chiseled from stone and as your eyes moved to his hand moving slowly over his cock, you once again felt nerves ripping through you. “I’m not—how am I….” The words seem to fail you while your eyes follow Seungcheol towards your bed, but a quick look into his eyes tells you he understands.

“You don’t understand how impressive your body is yet, Y/N. You can handle so much more than you realize. May I?” Sliding his fingernail under the strap of your bra, he smiles when you do. Helping you sit up, Seungcheol hums in appreciation as he unhooks the band behind your back, feeling the lace give way in his hand. “I want to kiss you.”

Meeting your eyes, Seungcheol watches you tilt your head back as if giving him permission. With a smile he nods before brushing his lips along yours and speaking against them. “Not just here. I want to kiss you all over your body, baby. You are so pretty that it hurts me. It’s painful not to know what your skin feels like under my mouth.”

Shying away from Seungcheol’s words, you gasp when you feel his thumbs move along the swell of your breast. It felt scandalous just hearing him speak to you like that, but when he acts on it, you find yourself back on your back and your breath caught in your throat.

It was becoming Seungcheol’s mission to coax more sounds from your lips. Each brush of his lips over your shoulder had you taking a sharp breath. When his lips move further down, your soft breast under his lips, Seungcheol groans at the moan that escapes you.

“‘M sorry…” Shaking your head, you let your hand hover over the back of his head as Seungcheol glances up at you with a question in his eyes. “I’m being so loud. I—”

“Never try to silence yourself, Y/N. You sound like an angel. I like it… no, I fucking love it.” Catching your nipple against his teeth, Seungcheol chuckles when you arch your chest towards him, another soft, breathy moan filling the air. “I want to hear how good you feel. You can be as loud as you want in our bed.”

Gasping out a choked breath when you feel Seungcheol’s lips wrap around the sensitive, pert bud, you finally lace your fingers into his hair loosely. Our bed. Had he chosen to give you what you wanted? Would he stay in this bed with you forever?

Carefully lifting your hips so that he can rest his knee under your thigh, Seungcheol sucks lightly at your nipple before letting go with a low groan. His fingers trace the curves of your body down to your hips before he meets your eyes, looking for permission before he works the lace from between your legs.

“Wai— just a second.” Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath, taking in the feeling of Seungcheol’s fingers trailing along the outside of your thighs while keeping your legs tightly shut. You had feared, even for a moment, that your hesitation might upset him, but instead Seungcheol just nods and gently caresses your skin. Only when you feel yourself calming down enough to take a steady breath, do you open your eyes and find Seungcheol watching you with a caring look in his eyes.

“You okay? We don’t have to do anything. We can just sleep, darling.” Leaning to kiss your knee, Seungcheol smiles at the happy sound on your lips. “We have all the time in the world.”

He was right. There was no rush and still, as you lay in front of him feeling his patient touches along your skin, your own patience was thin. “I’m okay. Kiss me?”

With no hesitation, Seungcheol furrows his brows and nods, moving to lay against you so he can cup the space where your neck and jaw meet. His lips brush over yours gently before he finally gives you the kiss he had been wanting to since you said you’d be his wife at the altar.

Time seems to stand still with that kiss. You loosely wrap your fingers around Seungcheol’s wrist as you part your lips for his tongue, letting him slowly explore your mouth. With each passing moment as Seungcheol’s fingers tenderly explore your skin, you realize he kept his promise and you aren’t cold anymore. The feeling of being cold had been overshadowed by a burning desire for the man now resting over you. “Touch me…”

Resting his forehead against yours, Seungcheol smiles at your whispered words. You trusted him enough to ask for something so precious and he wasn’t going to disappoint you. Glancing down the span of your body, Seungcheol watches as your legs part even just slightly. If he had thought he had to work hard to hold himself back before, with that small gesture you had reawakened him.

“I’ll do whatever you want, baby. If you don’t like something, just—” Lifting your hand, Seungcheol puts it in his hair and closes your fist before tugging hard. “Or tell me.”

Easing your grip on his hair, you nod before running your fingers over his hair, wanting to ease any pain he may have caused himself with your hand. “I think I’ll like anything you—” The first brush of Seungcheol’s fingers over your wet folds causes any thoughts to leave your head as it feels like a bolt of electricity rips through you. “Oh my god…”

It was difficult not to feel a swell of pride at your reaction. It had been such a simple touch. Seungcheol could barely feel how wet you were, but it gave him the confidence to do more. “So pretty…” Leaning on his elbow, he puts more pressure behind his touch before easing your soft lips apart between your legs.

Women were almost always soft and warm, but you were a new level of perfection. Holding back his own groan at the sight of how wet you are, Seungcheol shakes his head, turning his hand palm up so he can tease you and himself with the idea of his fingers inside of you. Carefully he nudges his knuckle against your entrance while watching your mouth fall open as your legs ease open just a bit more.

“Have— please don’t be ashamed to answer me, okay?” Waiting for your nod as your eyes find his, Seungcheol circles your clenching hole before finally speaking again. “Have you ever done this to yourself? Wondered how it might feel when your husband took you to bed?”

It was bold of Seungcheol to ask you something like that, but even as your cheeks flared with heat, you nodded, lifting your hips slightly only to roll them back down over his knuckle. “Uh huh… Didn’t—” Swallowing your pride, you lift your arm and rest your forearm over your eyes, finding the strength to speak. “I didn’t think it would feel this good.”

Though Seungcheol would prefer to keep his eyes on yours, he allowed you the privacy as he looked back at his fingers between your legs. “Yeah? It feels good. I haven’t even gotten started yet.” With that, he finally works his first finger into you, feeling your warmth clench around it as a moan slips from your lips like honey. “God, baby… I wish I could show you how pretty your pussy is around my finger. I know it’s a lot right now, but imagining this around my cock—” Swallowing hard, Seungcheol curls his finger back towards himself, feeling you spasm around him. “I don’t know how long I’ll last.”

A second finger slowly eases beside the first and you have to stop yourself from tightening your hand in Seungcheol’s hair. Instead you scratch at the bedding under you as his name mixes with a moan. You had never made yourself feel like this. Yes, you had made yourself feel good before, but this was on a different level that you’d never reached. “Please? Do it. Put it in Seu—Cheol… Please?”

You were starting to slur your words but hearing his name shortened on your lips, even by mistake, caused Seungcheol’s cock to twitch against your thigh. You wanted him to fuck you, but you didn’t really understand what that meant. You weren’t ready. You were sucking his fingers back into you like your life depended on it, and his depended on not causing you any discomfort if he could help it.

“Soon, my love. Soon.” Kissing along your stomach to your hip, Seungcheol glances up at you to see your arm over your head, leaving your beautiful face on display. Even with your eyes closed, Seungcheol enjoyed this more. He could see your brows furrowed with pleasure as tears marked your cheeks.

Finally kissing your thigh, Seungcheol smiles against your skin when you jump in surprise at him being so far down your body. “Have to make sure you’re ready, and I want to taste you so bad. Who needs wedding cake when my wife looks like this in front of me?”

Once again shying away from Seungcheol, you arch off the bed at the first gentle pass of his tongue between your folds. His fingers press into you deeper while his thumb alternates with his tongue, massaging your clit.

This was something you had never felt before. This wasn’t something that even your married friends had told you to expect and yet you were overwhelmed with pleasure as Seungcheol groaned against your soft folds. Tightening your fingers in Seungcheol’s hair, you whine his name as your hips lift to put yourself flush with his mouth. You gasp for a full breath even as your thighs quiver with the aftereffects of your orgasm, leaving you dazed.

“That’s it…” Groaning into his words, Seungcheol glances back at the cum slipping around his fingers before easing them out and carefully licking you clean.

“Ah—it’s…. Cheol, I feel like I’m going to pass out if you keep doing that.”

Kissing your wet folds one more time, he then works his kisses to your thighs and finally upward, relishing in the sounds of your soft moans. Seungcheol wanted to be inside you. He wanted that warm, wet feeling around his cock, but before he would take what he wanted, he had to know you needed him too.

Finally his lips rest against yours in a lazy, tender kiss. You smile against Seungcheol’s lips, finally starting to come down from your high and ease into relaxation as you begin to anticipate his next move. You had lain down in this bed with nerves racing through every inch of your body but now all that was left was want. “Can you? Please?”

Smiling against your lips, Seungcheol moves to nudge his nose against yours at your request. You had cum all over his fingers and tongue and yet you still couldn’t just ask for things fully. “Can I what, princess? You want me to fuck you? Make love to you? That what you want?”

Whining quietly, you lean your head back and smile again as Seungcheol kisses your neck. “Yeah. Please?” You swallow and let your nails scratch lightly at his back as Seungcheol moves you on the bed. Your knee ends up against his thigh as he lies between your legs, teasing your dripping hole with the head of his cock. “Oh my god, please?”

The last of your words come out as a whine as you plead with Seungcheol. Feeling his ego swell that much more, he gives in to you and instantly forgets how to breathe as your tight walls pull him in to you. “Fuck—”

The word is drawn out almost as long as it takes for Seungcheol to bottom out in you. At first he simply stays still, feeling you clench around him. The initial pressure that had turned to pain quickly turns to pleasure and then impatience, urging you to make him move. With his first thrust, Seungcheol takes his time, almost drawing out the moment he is flush with you as long as the first.

He was already fighting with himself not to cum instantly as you moaned his name. You felt better than anyone that he had been with before. There literally was no other person on the planet in that moment. Seungcheol could picture losing days or weeks in this bed with you. He had never once considered wanting to be a father until he was inside of you and rested his palm on your stomach, feeling himself move inside of you.

He wanted to talk more. Let the dirty, sinful thoughts racing through his brain out, but instead Seungcheol just groans your name and buries his face against the crook of your neck as his thrusts become more urgent. He wanted to live inside of you for the rest of his life. He would keep you full of him until you were round with his babies. He’d populate the entire palace with your children until the two of you were too frail to handle it. Even then he’d worship the ground you walked on and never leave you wanting.

For you, nothing had prepared you for how full you would feel with Seungcheol inside of you. No book could explain this feeling and how perfect it felt to be connected to your husband like this. Without even needing to hear his words, you were already hoping this would leave you carrying his child. You had always wanted to be a mother, but no other man that you had even let court you had ever left you feeling feverish with this desire. It would be that you were pregnant with a baby; it would be that you were pregnant with Seungcheol’s baby—his heir.

Rolling your hips down over Seungcheol, you whimper, feeling that now familiar feeling of your stomach tightening and pleasure rushing through your body. “I— Seungcheol…”

He didn’t need to be warned that you were cumming. Seungcheol could feel it before you even said anything. You were trying to milk him dry and he wasn’t going to stop until you did. Burying his cock deeply, Seungcheol groans against the shell of your ear as you hold him like a vice. The pressure is almost too much. He starts to feel overwhelmed, his own release right on the edge when you cry his name, taking him with you.

Warmth fills you from the inside out. Your arms and legs feel like jelly as Seungcheol scoots you up on the bed, resting your head back on the pillow. Your smile only fades slightly when you feel him ease from you, the full feeling gone as his cum starts to drip from you onto the bedding below. “Mmm, don’t leave me.”

Wiping his lips off on his arm, Seungheol’s brows furrow at your soft request. Had this been what you expected him to do? Fuck you full and leave you alone on the bed? What had you been told about your wedding night? Had anyone explained what a husband should do for his wife after making love to her? Seeing the pout on your lips and the way your brows furrow, Seungcheol decides no one had.

“I’d rather die than leave you alone. I’m not going to leave you, ever.” Kissing you gently, Seungcheol feels you smile against his lips before he looks back down at you, seeing the hazy look in your eyes. “I am going to run some water in the tub and come back for you.” Gesturing over his shoulder to the bathroom that connects your room to his, he starts to move when you whine his name under your breath. “Baby, I’m not—”

“I don’t want to. I want—” Your cheeks once again burn from embarrassment as Seungcheol looks down at you with concern in his eyes. Lowering your voice almost as if you are afraid someone outside will hear your confession, you speak through your pouted lips. “I want to get pregnant.”

Sucking in a deep breath, Seungcheol blows it out slowly to calm himself down. You had been thinking the same thing as him? Shaking his head, he kisses your cheeks and then your lips as you wiggle under him, feeling embarrassed by his extra attention. “Curse the person who taught you anything about your wedding night.” Brushing your hair from your forehead, Seungcheol sighs your name. “If you are meant to get pregnant tonight, it’s already done. You don’t have to keep it inside of you to make it work.”

You already knew that Seungcheol was right, but the slight doubt and wanting to get what you want make you still pout at him. “I know that… I have read lots of books, but I just—what if it doesn’t? What if laying here for a moment longer makes sure it happens?”

Swooning over your innocent confessions once again, Seungcheol bites his bottom lip and traces the line of your waist to your hip. “You’ve read a lot of books on reproduction, have you?” Watching you close your eyes and wrinkle your nose in embarrassment, he laughs before kissing the tip of your nose. “You can lie here while I run the bath, but I promise you, even if you aren’t pregnant from tonight, I will put a baby in you if that’s what you want.”

You watch as Seungcheol slides from the bed, lifting his arms over his head to stretch as if he hadn’t just left you speechless with his new promise. Running your fingers over your stomach, you bite your lip and press your head back against the pillows, hoping and praying you’d give him a son.

“How does it feel to be married, darling?”

Smiling at the queen, you lower your eyes and shy away at the question. You had woken up in your bed in Seungcheol’s arms. This was the best you had ever felt, but was that something you should express to your now mother-in-law? Pressing your lips together in thought, you sigh softly and finally work up the courage to speak. “I’m very happy, your majesty.”

It was easy for the queen to put on a face. She had been doing it for years at this point, so looking at you fondly came easier to her when inside she had far different emotions brewing. You did look happy. It was almost disgusting.

Returning your sweet smile, the queen leans forward, taking your hand into hers, bringing them both to her lap as you lean towards her. “That is lovely. I’m so pleased. Tell me, Y/N… Was last night fruitful?”

If you had felt uncomfortable before, it was no match for how you felt after that question. Trying to sit back up in an attempt to feel less small in front of the woman, you grimace when she doesn’t let you move. “I—is that something I should—”

“Of course it is. I asked you a question, my love. I want an answer.” Sighing softly, she pats your hands and lifts her shoulder as if she is exasperated. “It’s the most important question currently in Tsornoria. You define the future of this kingdom. So now… tell me.”

You glance around the room for someone—anyone—to help you but the moment you meet their eyes, you either see sympathy or disinterest before they look away. “I—um, yes. Yes, ma’am.” Would that make the queen happy or upset her? One look into her eyes and you still aren’t certain. You see the smile on her lips, but the emotions that should be attached to that seem missing from her vacant eyes.

“Wonderful…” The word is drawn out, almost stressed, as the queen finally releases your hands and shifts in her seat. “I had no doubt that Seungcheol would take you the first night. He’s—” Smiling at you again, sweetness dripping from her lips like venom, she continues. “Well, Seungcheol is a bit rowdy. But I think you knew that, didn’t you, sweet?”

Hearing you start to speak, the queen sighs and speaks over you, not allowing any comments. “I do hope you understood that before you said your binding vows. Surely your brother, what is his name? Joshua?” Nodding to answer her own question, she pouts her lips almost sympathetically. “I do hope it takes. Did you visit with the doctor beforehand? You understand, I’m sure, how important a royal heir is.”

You watch as she gestures to nothing in front of her as if you should understand without question she has more to say. “Though if you don’t get pregnant this time, I’m sure he will try again.” Letting the slightest of a smirk pull at her lips, the queen sighs before meeting your eyes. “And again. But dear—” Taking your hands again, she tilts her head. “If it doesn’t take, that isn’t your fault. It could be entirely Seungcheol’s. You understand, don’t you?”

Shaking your head, you open your lips only to shut them again when she coos at you. “Of course you don’t. What an angel my son has brought into his life.” She scoffs and cups your cheek, her thumb tracing the bone lightly. “It is surprising with all of my son’s—” This time she manages to barely keep her amusement to herself as she watches your reaction to her words. “Escapades… his whoring. But, of course, a sweet, innocent girl like yourself wouldn’t know a thing about that sort of behavior.”

“No. Wh—” Not only were you shocked by the queen’s choice of words but also that she was saying them in the first place. Glancing back around the room, you shake your head, placing your palm against your stomach out of nerves. Would she be right? Were you not even able to carry Seungcheol’s children? If you didn’t, was it your fault or—no, you refused to think it’d ever be his fault.

“Darling, I’m not saying any of this to upset you.” Lies came easy to the queen. She knew how to say exactly the right thing to get the reaction she wanted. The only person seemingly immune to this was Seungcheol, who now glared at her from the doorway.

“Are you done trying to scare my wife, Mother?” Rolling his eyes, Seungcheol moves to the two of you before offering you his hand. “Even if you aren’t, Y/N is done with this ridiculous conversation…”

She watches as you stand up, moving against Seungcheol, but her innocent smile never wanes. “I was simply sharing wisdom as a mother to my precious daughter-in-law. Well within not only my rights as family and queen, but also as a woman.” Sniffing back invisible tears, the queen gestures to you before looking even more distraught. “The poor girl lost her mother so very young. She needs someone to guide—”

“That’s hilarious. A rock could teach more efficiently than you.” Seungcheol was annoyed and his frustration was only rising as his stepmother attempted to play the victim. “Come on, Y/N. I asked your father and brother to join us for lunch.”

You still had an uncertain look on your face as Seungcheol took your hand, ready to lead you out of the room. What in the hell had just happened? You knew that the relationship between the queen and your husband wasn’t ideal, but that had been toxic. You could almost feel the animosity for the other dripping off of them as Seungcheol’s eyes searched yours and his stepmother scoffed once again.

“And I’m not invited?”

“Clearly not. I don’t need you poisoning their minds with your bullsh—”

“Please stop.” Your voice was quiet, but the anxiety laced in with your words was enough to get Seungcheol to stop speaking. “I— can we just go?” Turning towards the queen, you bow as you try to keep your words steady. “Thank you for your words and advice, your majesty. We will share a meal soon, I promise.”

Seungcheol wanted to tell you to stop giving his stepmother exactly what she wanted, but you were being level-headed. He didn’t possess that feature anymore when it came to her. Moving out of the room with you, he furrows his brows when you keep your eyes down and away from him.

This wasn’t how he wanted his first official day with you as his wife to go. He had made plans to spend time with you and your family. Seungcheol fully intended on enjoying a slice of nomacly with you, but then his fucking stepmother had to open her mouth.

“Baby, I—”

“It’s fine, Seungcheol. I’m not upset.”

You were saying one thing, but your face told him another story. Nodding along with your words, Seungcheol’s brows furrow from anxiety. There wasn’t anything either of you could chance about your arrangement now, but he wanted to be a good husband. He wanted that as much as he wanted to be a good king once the title was properly handed to him. All Seungcheol really wanted was to not fail, but today this already felt like a strike on his record.

“I—I….” Swallowing hard, Seungcheol tugs at your hand as he comes to a stop, willing you to do the same as you stand outside of the dining room where your family was waiting on you. “I’m so sorry. My anger got the better of me. I fear it tends to where my stepmother is involved but I never wanted you to be upset—”

“Everything is fine, Cheol. I was just surprised. I’m not upset.”

God, you were too sweet and good for this. You were too good for him. He had always thought so, but now seeing how quickly you try to smooth over the situation, Seungcheol knows it more than ever. “No, I understand, baby. It’s just— I just— I don’t want you to believe the shit she tells you. She’s like a venomous snake. She lurks and waits to see what makes you weak before she strikes.”

Lifting your free hand to your head, you sigh and press a finger to the center of your brows, feeling a headache taking seed. “Family is very important to me.” When Seungcheol starts to speak and interrupt you, another sigh, this one mildly annoyed, makes him stop. “I can’t begin to understand your relationship with the queen, but I am going to try to stay in her good graces until she gives me reason to otherwise.”

Though Seungcheol hadn’t heard the entire conversation you had with his stepmother, he had heard enough. She was planting doubt in your mind. She wanted you to look at him differently. The more anxious Seungcheol became with the situation, the more sure you already were. “I understand…”

You weren’t so sure that Seungcheol did in fact understand, but the terrified look on his face had you softening. Moving your hand to his face, you gently trace his cheekbone before offering him a comforting smile. “Let’s enjoy lunch and our day, okay?”

It had been two months since you and Seungcheol had said your vows in front of God, family, and kingdom. There was much about the entire scenario that wasn’t going how the queen had planned. You and Seungcheol got along well. She had always found his personality to be disagreeable—childish, yet with you he was doting and reminded the queen so much of her late husband.

Looking around the mostly empty room, she sighs under her breath, wishing to rid herself of the constant weight of frustration that had taken hold of her. She had gone out of her way to plan this union strategically and yet her piece on the chessboard was dragging his feet.

“Your Majesty? You asked for me…”

Joshua had started to learn his way around the palace almost as well as his sister. He knew the secret passages and used them well, but no one knew them better than the queen. She hadn’t been shy about her feelings regarding the marriage or his lack of following through with what he had been asked to do.

When he had said yes, he had been angry that you were marrying Seungcheol in the first place. Now he fought with himself daily as he watched you brighten with joy around your husband. That didn’t stop the deep-rooted jealousy and anger that he felt towards the man. It was Joshua’s job to keep you safe and happy, yet you looked at Seungcheol like he hung the stars in the sky. It was more than you weren’t going home with him and your father after the coronation; it was more that he felt like he was losing you completely.

“Yes, close the door. I’ve been wanting to speak with you, Joshua… It’s like you’ve been avoiding me. That makes me sad.” She knew that it was true. Joshua had started actively avoiding her gazes, much less interacting with her in general. He knew she was disappointed that Seungcheol still walked around the palace like he owned it. He didn’t own it—the queen did.

Closing the door behind him, Joshua swallows hard as his eyes move around the room, noting the lack of servants. Of course she’d want to speak to him where no one could hear what she had to say. “Of course I haven’t. I just—”

“Didn’t you promise not to lie to me?” Sighing out the words in annoyance, the queen gestures to the chair next to her before lifting her teacup to her lips and taking a sip. “You know exactly what I want to discuss with you. You know I am disappointed.”

Fighting the urge to scoff at her, Joshua sits, crossing his leg over his knee, watching the woman’s eyes lift to his. “Well, if we are honest, what you asked of me is almost impossible.”

“It isn’t impossible for someone with the desire to save his dear angelic sister from ruin. Why do you purposely upset me, Joshua?” Watching Joshua’s lips turn down in a frown, she matches it before gesturing towards the teapot on the tray between them. “Drink with me. Tell me what you’ve been told about them. I’ve heard rumors…”

Joshua sighs as he leans to pour himself tea, listening to the queen. If she had heard rumors, why did he have to tell her the same shit? Shaking his head, he brings the cup to his lips and shrugs. “If you’ve heard them, why do you—”

“I want to hear them from you. I want to know the truth behind them.”

Looking down at the teacup resting on his thigh, Joshua’s brows furrow as he nods. Talking to the queen was like stepping inside of a lion’s cage and asking it not to kill you. In Joshua’s case, it was asking that lion not to destroy your family. “Y/N’s maid says my sister might be pregnant. It seems your son didn’t waste time, ma’am…”

She had heard much the same but hearing Joshua call Seungcheol her son leaves a sour taste in the queen’s mouth. Scoffing, she sets her cup to the side and shakes her head. “What did you expect? He’s a whore. He saw a new port to place his ship and as I’ve been told, they even share a bed. I’m sure he’s defiling your sister nightly; however, I need to know for certain. That could cause me issues.” Meeting Joshua’s eyes, she lifts her brows in question. “Don’t you agree?”

It wasn’t a question if Joshua agreed. He had never given much thought to what would happen once you were married. He had only wanted to protect you and keep you from a life with a shitty husband—so far he had failed in his eyes. “Don’t talk about her like that. I’m sure she isn’t, but even if she is—” Narrowing his eyes at the queen, Joshua tightens his fist over his knee. “You swore to me she wouldn’t get hurt.”

“And you swore to me that Choi Seungcheol would die.”

Joshua had never been a violent person. He had never been a vengeful person, but that all changed the moment Seungcheol took your hand and made you his wife. “He will, I just need more—”

“The coronation is in a week, Joshua. It’s harder to kill a king.” Shifting forward, she takes his hand, feeling it tighten under her palm as she pouts at him. “I’ll make this easy for you, darling. Take care of this issue, or I will, and I don’t think you’ll like how I take care of it. I don’t forgive those who renege on promises. I’d hate for your dear sweet Y/N to suffer more than she has to.”

Jerking his hand from hers, Joshua bites his cheek hard to keep himself in line. You were his first and only concern. The queen had never outright threatened you before. He knew that you were going to suffer during this. He had hoped you wouldn’t like Seungcheol as much as you appeared to on first meeting, but sadly you seemed truly in love. It was unfortunate to break your heart, but it was necessary—anything else on the queen’s mind regarding you wasn’t.

“Don’t fucking threaten her again. I swear—”

“You swear to do as you were told. You swear to do what you said you would do.” Lifting one brow, the queen turns to her side, opening a small box and taking out a vial. With a soft, exasperated breath, she reaches for Joshua’s hand once more and places it in his palm. “Don’t disappoint me again. I am a merciful woman, but you make it difficult. Find out what I want to know and get this done.”

It wasn’t uncommon to hear voices inside of the queen’s chambers, but hearing a male’s voice was different. Seungkwan hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but the moment that Joshua closes the door behind him, he’s happy he had. Why would he be visiting the queen? It was possible that she had brought him to her bed, but it seemed unlikely and it left a growing pit in Seungkwan’s stomach.

“I’m sure none of this is interesting to you, darling.”

The past month had been the best time in Seungcheol’s life. Even now, as you sat on the arm of his chair watching him look through boring meeting notes and financial documents, his chest felt full. Every day had felt like the honeymoon he promised you that the two of you would take once the coronation was over.

Smiling at Seungcheol’s words, you shrug, sliding one of the papers closer to you so you can read over the minutes for the last meeting he had attended. He had never told you that you couldn’t be part of this and you found yourself not wanting to be more than a foot away from him at any moment if it were possible. “It’s not, but I don’t think it would be interesting to anyone. How did you keep yourself awake for this meeting? They really let your cousin speak for two hours?”

Being with you was as easy as breathing. You made boring and mundane tasks feel exciting and comforting. Easing you from the arm of the chair and onto his lap, Seungcheol rests his chin on your shoulder as he looks over the same note you were looking at. Wrinkling his nose, he nods and lets out a soft sigh. “I don’t remember even half of what the fuck he said. I’m pretty sure Jeonghan fell asleep.”

Your laugh was like a spring morning and calmed Seungcheol down better than anything. Wrapping his arms around your waist, he rests his palm on your stomach, feeling you suck in a deep breath. He had heard the rumors as well as anyone else in the palace, but you hadn’t mentioned it to him yet. He could almost sense the look on your face as he placed a kiss on your neck. Your brows would be furrowed, your nose scrunched up as you tried to stay still and silent. You were nervous about something and Seungcheol had a good idea what it was. “You don’t want to talk about it? We don’t have to, my love.”

Shaking your head, you slide your fingers over Seungcheol’s over your stomach as your heart begins to race. “It’s not—no. I mean, I do, Cheol. I’m just—what if I’m—”

Reaching up to turn your face towards him slightly. Seungcheol places a kiss next to your lips and shushes you. “There isn’t a time limit. I know you want this as much as I do, but it’s not the only thing I want. I am enjoying just being your husband.” Watching your lips turn up slightly into a smile, he hums happily, kissing your cheek again. “We will be king and queen in a week, baby. That’s enough pressure for now.”

Knocking once, Joshua looks surprised to see you sitting on Seungcheol’s lap in his office. He was doing a good job of looking apologetic but even as he lowered himself, apologizing for interrupting, he felt pleased he could interrupt the moment. Too often now this is how he found you both. You were so lovesick that it was nauseating and Seungcheol was like a prize cock peacocking around the palace knowing you weren’t far from fawning over him. “I am so sorry. I—I was told that you would be here, your highness, that perhaps I could speak to you but—”

Seungcheol chuckles as he lets you move from his lap to stand at his side while your brother practically bows to the ground asking for forgiveness. He was trying hard to see past the signs that Joshua actually hated him and see the man that you worshipped. “No harm done, Joshua, and please… I’ve asked you to just call me Seungcheol a dozen times.”

Joshua didn’t want to offer any pleasantries to the prince, but seeing the adoring look in your eye from one man to the other, he does what he has to in order to see your smile. “Of course, I’m sorry, Seungcheol. It’s such an odd concept that you’re my family now. Almost seems impossible.”

Leaning to kiss Seungcheol’s cheek, you hum surprised when he turns to kiss you on the lips, sensing what you are doing. “I—I was just going to give you two the room. I’m a distraction anyway.”

Forcing himself not to outwardly show the disgust he is feeling, Joshua puts on a smile as you and Seungcheol say your goodbyes. It was simple; you had said you were leaving and he should let you go but instead Seungcheol was obviously trying to piss Joshua off. He averted his eyes as your husband kissed you once again, whispering that you were never a distraction before letting you loose.

When you step around the desk and towards Joshua, Seungcheol pays closer attention. It isn’t lost on him how Joshua’s attitude shifts. It was true that your brother loved his family. You were his pride and joy, but it still didn’t sit well with Seungcheol how fake the man seemed to him only to change his entire personality when directly interacting with you.

“You look happy today, Y/N.” Pushing your hair behind your ear, Joshua grins when you smile up at him, showing him that he’s right. Despite the reasoning behind your happiness, he was still pleased to see your joy shining through like it was. “I’ll come find you soon, I promise. I just want to speak with your husband. You don’t mind, right?”

Seungcheol didn’t miss how Joshua’s words influence you. There was really no reason for you to mind, and yet the way Joshua had said it felt like he was forcing you to agree. When you nod quickly, happily looking back to Seungcheol, who offers you a soft smile, he sighs the moment you turn back to your brother. Why did everything that Joshua did feel like a threat? Perhaps Seungcheol was being too guarded and judgmental; after all, you looked at Joshua as if he hung the stars in the sky. How bad could someone be if you loved them that deeply?

Both men watch you leave the room, pushing the door closed behind you and leaving them alone. For a moment, neither of them speaks until Seungcheol starts to open his mouth, but Joshua makes sure to speak first. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you since the wedding. You just—” Smiling softly, he moves towards the chair in front of Seungcheol’s desk, taking a seat as he sighs out the words. “You’re just always so busy.”

Joshua wasn’t wrong, and yet Seungcheol couldn’t think of a single moment since the wedding when Joshua had sought him out alone. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I am, but you never need to worry about that. You said it yourself, we’re family. Feel free to come to me about whatever you need anytime.”

Even as he tries to be nice, Joshua visualizes Seungcheol’s words like poison invading the air around him. He was so fake. The pleasantries were all fake. Still, Joshua keeps the gentle smile on his lips as he nods along. “You are so kind, your highn—Seungcheol. Honestly, that’s why I wanted to visit today. I wanted to see if you would have dinner with me this evening. Like we’ve both said, it’s rare to get a moment alone to truly talk. I’d like to get to know my brother-in-law.”

Surprised by the invitation, Seungcheol shifts in his seat and offers Joshua a genuine smile. Perhaps he really had judged him too harshly. The man who sat in front of him now—his brother-in-law—seemed more like you than ever before. There was the same soft look in his eyes as he smiled. It seemed so genuine that Seungcheol didn’t even have to consider it for long before he nodded, leaning forward and starting to feel excited about the chance to get closer to your family. “I’d be honored. I can bring us something to drink.”

“Oh!” Clearing his throat, he waves his hand, dismissing Seungcheol in an attempt to give himself a bit more time to think of the words while also distracting the other man. “No, no. I actually—I have a gift for you. You do like whiskey? That’s what I’ve been told.”

A bit surprised by the idea of a gift, Seungcheol’s smile fades slightly before he forces it back on his face. Joshua was being kind and thoughtful. He had gone out of his way to learn something about Seungcheol, and now he was gifting it to him. “I do. My drink of choice, though it seems Y/N doesn’t particularly enjoy the smell of it.”

Waving his hand once more, Joshua shakes his head and sighs into his words. “She’s a gentle girl, but a glass or two couldn’t hurt.”

You had never been good at horseback riding. Your entire life there are been various lessons that a princess would need to learn, but out of all of them, riding a horse had been your biggest hurdle. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to do well and ride alongside your brother as he rode like he’d been born on the back of a horse. It was more that you found yourself nervous sitting on the animal's back as it struggled to listen to the cues you were trying to give. Now you wish you would have tried even harder.

“Come along, dear…”

Swallowing hard, you tug the reins to the right, feeling the horse reluctantly do what you want as you follow the queen out of the stables. When she requested you ride with her, it wasn’t like you could just tell her no. It wasn’t as simple as telling the queen and your new mother-in-law that you weren’t good at this. You hated the idea of disappointing this intense woman.

“Not used to riding?” She was good at acting like she was shocked as your brows creased with anxiety as the horse snorted out of frustration. “I just thought some fresh air would be good for us both. Seungcheol and your brother are busy; now is my time to spend quality time with my new daughter.”

You had been told by Seungcheol and many of the other friends and staff members that the queen was a viper. You wanted to heed their warnings, and yet how could you snub her? All you wanted was to fit in and be loved by not only Seungcheol but also his mother. Why couldn’t you be the person to ease her out of her shell and show everyone else that she wasn’t as bad as she seemed?

“I’m not very good, I’ll admit.” Offering the queen a small smile, you find yourself grimacing when the horse shakes her head, causing you to feel off balance. “Joshua tried several times to help me learn, but I fear I’m far too clumsy for things like this. It is nice to get fresh air, though. I’m glad you invited me.”

You made this easy. You were so agreeable that it almost made the queen’s skin crawl. How could someone be so kind and naive? Did you really think she cared that much about you? Why would she care if you got fresh air? Smiling to hide her own thoughts, she glances back at you before slowing her own horse to walk beside you. “I should have done this even before your marriage, Y/N. It’s important to know one another. We are family now.”

Roasted duck and confit… Of course Seungcheol would go all out for a dinner where he expected to impress someone, but Joshua wasn’t buying into it. It didn’t matter if the food was better than anything he had ever had back at home. It also didn’t matter if Seungcheol was going out of his way to act humble around Joshua. It was clear to him that it was all an act.

Seungcheol wasn’t sure there had ever been a moment in his life that was as awkward as this dinner with Joshua Hong. It didn’t seem to matter what he said or did; there was always a layer of contempt not only in Joshua’s eyes but also in his tone of voice. “Did— do you— is the food okay? I can ask Seungkwan to get the chef if it's not—”

“It’s delicious, your highness. Please don’t bother anyone.” Gesturing towards Seungkwan, Joshua shakes his head, putting on his best gentle smile. “In fact, we don’t need anyone to serve us. We could do this all ourselves.”

Seungkwan could see the gears turning in not only Joshua’s head but also Seungcheol’s. He knew that Seungcheol was an intelligent man, but he was also a kind man. Offering his own smile in return to Joshua’s, Seungkwan too shakes his head and bows slightly. “So kind of you, but I’d hate to feel dismissed and useless. I need to do my job as often as possible or I’ll wither up and simply die.”

Joshua had already decided that he didn’t like the butler. He was always looming and every attempt to get out of his line of sight had failed; it seemed today wouldn’t be much different.

“That’s incredibly dramatic, Seungkwan…”

“And yet you know it’s true.”

Clearing his throat, Joshua lifts his hands not only to surrender to the idea of Seungkwan staying but also to stop their banter. “It’s fine, really. Should we—I get the whiskey? I hope it's up to your standards.”

Seungcheol furrows his brows, looking from Joshua to Seungkwan as he reluctantly nods. “I’m sure it exceeds them. You shouldn’t worry so much about that.” Nodding once again as Seungkwan lifts the bottle and starts to pick up two glasses. “We can drink to your good health, Joshua.”

Following Seungkwan across the room, Joshua shifts a bit uncomfortably in his chair as the man hesitates in pouring a glass for his prince, speaking up once again. “Are you sure you want to drink tonight? You have so many meetings—”

“I wasn’t aware that a butler could choose if a prince drinks or not.” Joshua’s voice is layered with amusement, but a subtle edge to his voice makes Seungcheol tilt his head as he meets Seungkwan’s eyes.

It would be rude to refuse the drink. Seungcheol could see the judging look in Joshua’s eyes and he didn’t want to disappoint him. “I’ll drink one glass with him. One couldn’t hurt…”

“I’ve heard rumors, darling.”

The ride had been pleasant enough. You had started to figure out how to guide your horse. You were beginning to trust her as much as she trusted you. But when the queen mentions rumors, you feel your heart sink. There was really no way to know what she had heard, but that didn’t help your stomach as it twisted with anxiety. “Oh? I—what? I mean, what rumors have you heard, Your Majesty?”

Your face told her everything she needed to know, and yet she wanted to hear it out of your mouth. “About your cycle. Is it true you might be carrying our next little royal already?”

Unsure how to feel about the queen’s wording, you swallow hard and shake your head. “I—I am late, but I have no real idea if I am—”

“Then we should have the doctor take a look at you, shouldn’t we?” Sighing softly as she guides her horse to walk a bit slower behind yours, she narrows her eyes at you as you bite at your stupidly perfect lips nervously. “You two didn’t waste any time at all, did you?”

Sliding his own glass towards him, Seungcheol watches as Joshua avoids picking up his own. He tilts his head and furrows his brows, feeling Seungkwan’s eyes move around the room. “You aren’t going to join me?”

Joshua looks surprised by the question before looking down at the glass in front of him. He knew that Seungkwan was staring at him. The butler didn’t trust him, and that was valid. He could feel his own nervousness starting to sway him, yet he could hear the queen’s voice in his head telling him to not disappoint her. “Oh, no. I rarely drink, your highness.”

Scoffing as Joshua calls him by his title again, he picks up his glass and takes a large sip, nodding in appreciation as the alcohol runs down his throat. “Seungcheol is fine. I’ve told you that many times.” With a hum, he furrows his brow at how the alcohol lingers in his throat, making his mouth drink as if almost begging him to take another sip. “Thank you—” Clearing his throat, he takes another sip, his brows furrowing further. “Thank you for the gift.”

“Of course, Seungcheol. It’s the least I can do.”

Seungkwan had watched from the sidelines for most of the dinner. He didn’t like Joshua. He wanted to, but despite being your brother, there was nothing about him that reminded Seungkwan of you. You were soft and sweet, while Joshua seemed to have an ulterior motive.

With dessert served, he watched the prince closer, noting how his head seemed heavy. He had finished his glass of whiskey and normally that amount of alcohol would have little to no effect on him, but tonight seemed to be different. There was a soft, confused smile on Seungcheol’s lips as he slurred through his words, letting Joshua carry the conversation. Seungkwan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong but just before he could move closer and ask, the door opening behind him draws all eyes in that direction.

Your maid was a quiet girl. She felt comfortable around you and your family, but Joshua had never seen her bust into an occupied room unannounced before. Fear runs through him when he sees the tears dripping from her cheeks as she struggles to speak. Standing, he hears his chair on the ground from how quickly he stood. “What is it?”

Looking from Joshua to Seungcheol, the girl sobs quietly, attempting to get her words out, only to take a step back when Joshua raises his voice. “Y/N…” Shaking her head, she brings her hands to her face to hide her tears as Joshua says her name in question for her to continue. “She fell off her horse, your highness. She’s—”

“Where is s–she?” Attempting to stand up as quickly as Joshua had, Seungcheol feels his head swim, a gray frame around his vision starting to close in. He hadn’t realized how bad he felt until his blood started pumping quickly out of anxiety. “Te—tell me, please?”

Taking a step towards the girl, Seungcheol manages to hear your name once more before everything goes black and his body crumbles to the ground next to the table.

All you remember is being scared and in pain before everything went black. Forcing your eyes open, you whine at the feeling of your body being stiff with some of the worst pain you had felt in your life. You were no longer outside but instead your soft mattress rested under you, causing you to feel even more confused.

Sliding your hand along the mattress, you search for the warmth and safety of your husband only to feel his side of the bed cold. It takes you a few moments to sit up. Every movement feels like it takes the last bit of effort you have in you. Moving your eyes around the room, you frown, finding it as empty as you are beginning to feel.

Did Seungcheol not know you were hurt? Why were you hurt? You could remember riding in front of the queen on your horse. You could sense the tension in the air before your face had met the dirt and pain spread through your body.

How long had you been in this bed? Your legs felt numb and the bed felt increasingly uncomfortable the more you sat on it. Working your legs from under the covers, you whine under your breath as you will your body to work. With one hand on your stomach and the other holding the bedpost, you hoist yourself up as another frown spreads across your lips.

You felt wet and sticky. Turning back towards the bed, you feel your heart drop into your stomach as you look at the red that was staining the sheets under your body. The feeling of emptiness spreads along every cell in your body as you feel yourself starting to collapse, only for a soft voice and a gentle touch to bring you back to the moment.

Tears run down your cheeks to your neck as you meet the eyes of your maid. At least she was here. There was hope left in you that she could explain everything even as she avoided your gaze.

“You should sit down, your highness. I need to change your bedding again.”

Again? You question yourself again on how long you had been in that bed. Now you were wondering how many times you had bled through like that. You let her guide you to the stool at the end of your bed before you shake your head and give in to the main question on your mind. “Where is Seungcheol?”

Starting to speak and stopping, the girl shakes her head, leaving you safely sitting as she starts to hurriedly tug at your bedding. There was something wrong. Everything was wrong. Looking back towards the bathroom that connects your door to Seungcheol’s room, you wince in pain as you force yourself back up, only for another voice to stop you in your tracks.

“Y/N, sit.”

Joshua didn’t look like himself. He was diminished somehow. He was a ghost of the man you had grown up with. The exhausted look in his eye told you he had been with you day and night for however long it had been. The blood on your bed made his stomach twist with pain that showed clearly on his face before he met your expectant eyes.

“Let her change your bed and your gown so you can get more rest.”

You didn’t want more rest. You wanted Seungcheol. If anyone wanted you to rest, you could do it better in your husband’s arms. “I want— Shua, where is Cheol?”

Joshua’s eyes follow the path to your bathroom before he sighs your name. He knew something and he didn’t want to tell you. What the hell had happened to turn your world on its head? You were terrified not only for yourself and the possibility of your baby but now also for your husband. Starting to slide off the stool, you stop when Joshua hurries forward to take your hand, whispering your name.

“There’s—Y/N, please? There’s something I have to tell you.” This was worse than lying to you. Joshua always struggled with that from the moment he had seen you lying in your crib and today was no different. He could only see his fragile little sister that was looking at him for answers when he was only going to deliver horror. “Seungcheol is in his room, yes, but he’s asleep.”

Tugging your hand from Joshua’s, you whine his name when he manages to keep you in place standing in front of him. “I want to see him. I need him.”

You were so stubborn and in love that it made it even more difficult for Joshua. Regret and anxiety rip through him as he tugs you by your wrist and forces you to meet his eyes. “Stop! He isn’t who I need to talk to you about! Y/N, I—your accident.”

Shaking your head, obvious confusion written on your face, you search his eyes and feel the pit in your stomach grow when he does finally speak. His words seem warbled and tangled in your ears as the light in the room grows darker.

“I’m so sorry. I—the doctor said you weren’t far along but—”

You don’t need to or get the chance to hear what you already know to be true as you collapse, the world spiraling out of control as Joshua struggles to catch you before you hit the ground.

Closing your fingers around those holding yours, you let out a soft sigh of relief. It was all a dream. You felt stiff and in pain, but that could just be how you slept last night. It had been a horrible dream. You could almost feel your heart trying to break as you continued to convince yourself that none of it was true.

If it had been a dream, Seungcheol was holding your hand. He would be in bed with you and he would hold you close, telling you that everything was okay. You could imagine him resting his palm over your stomach as you both hoped for the good health of the child you hoped was growing inside of you—and yet your imagination wasn’t enough. Furrowing your brows, you open your eyes and instead of finding Seungcheol or even Joshua at your bedside, you meet the eyes of the queen.

“Oh, my sweet girl.” Cooing sympathetically, she lifts her hand from yours to push your hair from your forehead as she offers you a gentle smile. “I’m so sorry. You must be so confused. Are you hurting, dear? I can get the doctor for more medicine.”

Instead of waiting for you to answer, she sighs your name and tucks your hair behind your ear, watching you like you are made of fragile glass that she keeps tapping at. “I’m sorry all this happened. The amount of pressure you must be under.” Tsking right away, she hushes you before you even open your mouth. “Never mind it. Perhaps… if—well, if all works out, you can try again.”

Try again. It wasn’t a bad dream. It was very real and as she kept tapping at the glass, her fingers smoothing your hair, you couldn’t stop yourself from crying. Tears begin to roll down your cheeks, but the queen is quick to wipe them away, once again shushing you. “There, there, dear. Life can be cruel, but you are still so very young. You have—”

“Where is Seungcheol?”

Her mouth still open when you interrupt her with that question, the queen falters for a split second. Her lips turn up into a bit of a smile before she forces herself to furrow her brows and coo at you in sympathy once again. Looking towards the connecting doors of the bathroom, she shakes her head as she sniffs back tears that haven’t even begun to collect in her eyes. “Y/N… I—this is so terribly difficult to say. I—perhaps it was the shock of loss and the potential that he might lose you too, but—” Instead of finishing her sentence, the queen just sniffs once again and looks down at her hands.

What did that mean? What was she trying to tell you and why wouldn’t she just say it? The unspoken words only leave room for your imagination to sour and for your anxiety to grow. Sitting up, you are pushed back down by the queen as she wipes tears with her free hand from her dry cheeks.

“Darling, you need to understand. There is so much about my son that you don’t know.” Sighing into her words, the queen meets your eyes with faux remorse in her eyes as she speaks. “He was always such a sickly child. His father called in world-renowned doctors and we hoped… we prayed that he would grow up strong, but hopes and prayers only get you so far. They can’t figure out why he won’t wake.”

Nothing she was saying made sense and fear was flowing through your veins. Pushing past the queen, you stumble towards the doors, pulling them open, not caring if she was following you as you stumbled forward. It’s when you see Seungcheol lying in the center of his own bed, his eyes closed and his skin pale, that you force your legs to keep you up until you are sitting on his bed next to him.

Tears drip from your cheeks onto his skin as you lean over him. This had to be a cruel joke. You weren’t sure how you’d forgive those who played this trick on you—yet as you shook Seungcheol’s arm and sobbed his name, it no longer felt like a joke. Watching his head slump to the side, you feel like you can't catch your breath. You can hear someone else in the room with you, but you don’t look at the queen. Instead, you lift a shaky hand to adjust your husband’s head on his pillow before resting your cheek against his chest, listening to his heart slowly beating.

Watching you carefully, the queen crosses her arms loosely over her stomach and doesn’t hide her smirk. You weren’t paying attention to her anymore and why shouldn’t she enjoy this moment? After a few moments of listening to you pathetically cry over her stepson, she finally moves closer to the bed and puts a devastated look on her face before drawing your attention to her. “I—darling, I tried to warn you.” Offering her hand to you, she pouts at you and tilts her head. “Let me put you back to bed. You still need to recover yourself and Seungcheol… well, he’s not able to help anyone.”

Shaking your head, you crawl, pull your legs up on the bed and lay close against Seungcheol as tears soak through his shirt to his shoulder. “I’d rather die than leave him. I’m not going anywhere.”

The queen softly breathes out to cover an amused sound as she watches you curl up next to the meek man in front of her. Lifting her hands, she nods and takes a step back. “As you wish, Y/N.”

It had been two days since you had moved into Seungcheol’s room and two more days of watching your husband sleep. There were times when you felt more hopeful than others that he would wake up and come back to you, then those hopes were dashed when the doctor would fear for how weak his vitals were.

Today was one of the days when you were starting to lose hope. You’d never say it aloud, but as you sat next to him watching Seungkwan prepare him for a sponge bath, you felt your heart twist with pain. Seungcheol was a strong and proud man but now he was having to be bathed in his bed by his butler.

Reaching for one of the washcloths, you sniff back your tears as you move to sit next to Seungcheol, running the wet cloth over his shoulder and down his arm. Seungkwan had told you he could do this alone, that perhaps that would be better, but you insisted, saying doing anything for your husband wasn’t straining yourself—it was your duty.

“Careful, your highness. You are still so weak yourself. I don’t want you to—”

Lifting your eyes to glare at the butler, you quickly soften your eyes and shake your head apologetically when he stops speaking. “I’m sorry, Seungkwan. I—I don’t mean to—”

“You just want to help. It’s okay. Just— can you let me lift the prince? He’d kill me if you got hurt like this.”

You nod, tears on your cheeks as you lean back enough to let Seungkwan do his best to sit Seungcheol forward so you can wash off his back. It had only been a few days but you could already see how his body was declining. His body seemed less toned as he lost weight from only being fed by the doctor. His skin had gone from just pale to an unnatural color, especially where he rested on the bed.

“We have to turn him more often, Seungkwan.” Sniffing back your tears as you try to speak, you lick the tears from your lips as you wring out the towel, letting him lay Seungcheol back on the bed so you can wash his chest.

“I—yes.” At this point, Seungkwan wasn’t sure what part of this situation was more painful. Was it watching his best friend and prince fade away or was it watching you fade in your own way? While Seungkwan was an intelligent man, he was also emotional. He had spent time while you slept out of exhaustion, sitting by the bedside watching over you and Seungcheol both. He had gone back and forth on what he thought was true and what he should let you know. Knowledge could be a weapon, but it could also wound you.

That thought rolled through his mind now as he watched your tears drip from your face onto Seungcheol’s skin only for you to quickly wash them away with your washcloth. Lowering his voice, Seungkwan shifts closer to you both on the bed as he washes Seungcheol’s other arm so that if anyone were to come in, they wouldn’t know what he was actually doing. “I have to—Y/N… you have to know the truth.”

Meeting his eyes, confused, you start to sit back and question him when Seungkwan tells you to keep doing what you were doing.

“There are eyes and ears all over this palace. Not all of them are kind. Do you understand?” Seungkwan waits to see you nod and the acknowledgment to pass over your eyes before he continues. “I don’t believe this is some mysterious, incurable illness.”

You didn’t want to believe it either. It made sense to you that Seungkwan wouldn’t want to either. “I know you don’t. I—I don’t want that to be the case either, but nothing is working. Seungkwan and the queen said that when Cheol was a boy—”

“He was never sick, Y/N. No more than a cold. You may not have known him well or seen him often, but think of the times you did.” Sighing out in frustration, Seungkwan dips the cloth into the water bowl and wrings it out almost angrily. “There’s more. I don’t—listen, I don’t want to say this because if I am wrong—”

“Just say it.” You were done with people going around in circles and not wanting to tell you things. Seungkwan had started this conversation and you were going to get to the end of it.

Avoiding your eyes at first, fear of hurting you inching through him, Seungkwan swallows hard and nods. “Before your accident, the prince was having dinner with your brother.” This wasn’t anything you didn’t already know, but Seungkwan could still see the gears working in your brain as he went on. “He gifted Seungcheol a bottle of whiskey. I don’t want to assume, but it was after the prince had a glass of that whiskey that he went down.”

You could hear your blood pumping in your ears as you tried to focus on Seungkwan’s words and what they might mean.

“I hate the idea of what I’m even suggesting; however, every time I have tried to speak to Seungcheol’s doctor alone, the queen stops me before I can ask him.”

Shaking your head, you swallow hard, feeling like you are choking on dry air. Your brows furrow as you finally meet Seungkwan’s eyes, seeing the fear in them. “Ask him what?”

“I—” Leaning his head back, Seungkwan tries to picture Seungcheol happy and healthy on his wedding day before all of this happened, but your voice brings him back, urging him to say what he dreaded saying. “I want to ask him if the prince was poisoned. If maybe something was in that whiskey, that is what is killing him.”

The idea of your brother being the cause of your husband lying almost lifeless in front of you makes you feel like laughing at first. There was no way in hell he would do something like this. Joshua was a sweet and gentle man—and yet, as much as you deny it, everything else that has caused you to doubt your brother lately pours back into your mind. You picture him disagreeing with your marriage. You can hear him begging you to just come back home with him at your bedside as you recovered, before finally you realize he’s stopped coming by to check on you once you moved into Seungcheol’s room.

“She blocks me every time. I think if I could speak with him, he’d have a moral obligation to tell me the truth. Perhaps if this is what’s wrong with Seungcheol, we can do something to counteract it and wake him up. I just need to get past the queen and into his office.”

Dropping your washcloth back into the bowl, you look at Seungcheol’s face and the lack of any expression on it. You had prayed for a sign of him waking up or even recognizing you were by his side, and yet he wasn’t able to give you anything. Seungkwan’s suspicions begin to make more and more sense until finally you feel something snap inside of you as you meet his eyes once more. “She won’t stop me. I can promise you that.”

The hallway leading to the office that the doctor was using was just as Seungkwan had said. There was no reason for so many staff members to be lingering around it, and yet you had seen at least a dozen people on your walk from Seungcheol’s room to where you stood now.

You watch as you stay hidden from sight as Seungkwan does exactly as you had told him to do. Confidently he starts to walk towards the doctor's office door, only for two men you had thought worked in the kitchen to come forward and escort him back in the other direction. With the men’s voices disappearing down the hall as Seungkwan argued loudly with them, you moved towards the door and slipped in without so much as a knock or word to find the man you wanted to see sitting behind the large desk.

Standing quickly, the doctor looks shocked and confused before you smile at him, closing the door behind you. “I apologize for interrupting you, Doctor Hwang. I’m Y/N—”

“I know who you are.” Swallowing hard, he smoothes his shirt over his stomach before gesturing towards you. “I’ve meant to come see you and offer my condolences and apologies. I truly did everything I could to save your pregnancy, your highness, but with nature of your accident—”

“That’s not why I’m here, but I don’t blame you for any of that, Doctor. I wanted to—”

Anxiety causes Doctor Hwang’s heart to beat a bit harder as he once again interrupts you. He wasn’t sure why you were here, but it couldn’t be anything that would benefit him. “Could I have someone escort you back to your room? You are still recovering and I wouldn’t want you to fall from weakness.”

Smiling at the man, you shake your head, moving closer to his desk, watching him tense up. You had expected him to try to do this. Almost everyone did the same thing. You were weak and unable to take care of yourself in their eyes, but in the doctor's eyes you saw something else—fear. “No, thank you. I actually—well, I need to ask you something about my husband’s condition.”

His eyes moving from you to the door behind you, the doctor shakes his head and lifts his hands as if showing he has nothing to hide, though they tremble. “I couldn’t really discuss—”

“You see, Doctor Hwang, I’m just curious if you know of something that could cause him to sleep and not wake up. Perhaps something that was given to him.”

Forcing a laugh, the doctor shakes his head once again and turns his attention to the desk in front of him. “I wouldn’t be able to discuss his health with you, your highness. The queen has given me very specific instructions.”

Those words were more telling than you expected. Moving closer to the desk, you watch as he becomes more flustered, stumbling over your words as he once again suggests you go back to your bed. “Did someone poison my husband?”

Your questions cause the doctor to stop stumbling and to freeze altogether for a moment as his brain processes what to say next. Lifting his hands once again, he scoffs on a breath before trying to stand his ground as your fingers trail over the top of his desk. “As you know, the prince was constantly sick as a child and it appears that his condition has—”

You had never been a violent or assertive person, but hearing another lie had you not only surprising yourself but also the man in front of you as you held the letter opener to his neck. You had felt the metal under your fingers and now you held the handle tightly as you pressed the sharp tip to the doctor's throat. “If you lie to me one more time… I’ll put this through you. I won’t stand by and let him die.”

Begging under his breath, Doctor Hwang presses his back against the wall as he feels the tip of the letter opener press harder against his neck. All the threats from the queen race through his mind until you say his name and he knocks his head back against the wall. “Nightshade, your highness. I’m sorry… Please, please don’t do this. I can fix it.”

Holding the bottle tightly in her hand, the queen sighs as she opens the door to Seungcheol’s bedroom. She hadn’t visited him in two days. She had given him enough nightshade to keep him out of her way. It was a week until the coronation and there were already plenty of rumors spreading about the palace and kingdom that their would-be king might be dead before the week was out.

She had been smart. Just enough nightshade to keep him comatose, though the urge to give him a higher dose or use a pillow to put him and her out of their misery always lingered at the forefront of the queen’s mind. So when she walked into his room expecting to find Seungcheol exactly as she had left him, she was shocked to see him awake and sitting back against the headrest.

“S–Seungcheol, you woke up.” She attempted to sound pleased as she put her hand behind her back, clutching the nightshade so hard it felt like the glass might shatter in her palm.

Sighing softly, Seungcheol nods. He was still weak and trying to wrap his mind around everything that had happened not only to him but to you. Lifting his eyes to meet his stepmother’s, Seungcheol lifts his brow and fights the urge to scoff at the look on the queen’s face. She was pretending to be happy, but he could see the hate in her eyes. “Thanks to Y/N, yes, I’m finally awake.”

He watches how she gawks at him, struggling to speak. His stepmother only manages to get out a few questioning words before Seungcheol manages to get out of the bed, leaning on the furniture as he walks towards her. “Stop playing dumb. I know this was you.” Even as she shakes her head and tries to talk her way out of it, her own face betrays her. “You did something to Y/N too. That’s worse than trying to kill me. I should have you hung…”

At the threat of death, the queen stops trying to explain herself and scoffs. “You aren’t King—”

“Not yet, but in a week I will take care of this. I’ll make sure—”

With one shove towards the end of the bed by the queen, Seungcheol falls backwards as she laughs under her breath. “You should rest, my son. Your overactive imagination is getting the better of you. As if I would ever do a thing to harm you.” Only watching as Seungcheol struggles to sit up on his elbows, sweat collecting on his forehead and chest from how much effort it is taking to keep himself up, she clings to the bottle at her side and narrows her eyes. “I’ve thought about it. I’ve pictured smothering you in your sleep more times than I can count but…” Sighing into her words as if she’s a martyr, the queen tilts her head to the side. “I’m a mother. I couldn’t hurt my child.”

Laughing into a scoff, Seungcheol glares at his stepmother as he repeats the word mother. The word leaves a sour taste in his mouth and makes his stomach twist violently. “You’ve never been a mother a day in your fucking life.” Nudging his head towards the door, he clenches his fist at his side, feeling his blood boil as she stares at him. “Get the hell out of my room.”

Joshua knew that Seungcheol had woken up. Deep down he was pleased with that and yet it terrified him. What if Seungcheol figured out it was him that had been the hand for poisoning him? Yes, he had done exactly as he was told, but that couldn’t save him if Seungcheol declared he had committed treason while staying in the palace.

Walking towards the queen’s chambers, Joshua could feel his heart in his throat. Each and every time he had been summoned by her, something horrible had followed, but this time it was different. He was no longer her tool. She had lost that opportunity when he found out what actually happened the day of your accident.

Raising her head towards the door at the knock, the queen narrows her eyes at the door before speaking. “Come in, Joshua…” What she expected was to see remorse in Joshua’s eyes. It had been his job to help her permanently silence Seungcheol and yet now her stepson was up walking about the palace as if he owned it. “Sit down.”

Not looking away from the woman’s eyes, Joshua moves to stand in front of her instead of sitting as he was told. He wasn’t much in the mood to play with her anymore. He wasn’t intending on being her little puppet anymore. “You summoned me?”

Scoffing at her words, the queen moves to stand only to be shocked when Joshua moves forward quickly, wrapping his hand around her throat and pushing her back into her chair. “This is the last—”

“I could have your head on a spike for this treason, Joshua Hong!”

Glaring at the queen, Joshua squeezes her neck harder until she gasps for a breath. “I’m done playing your game. You know what I should do?” With a tilt of his head to look from her terrified eyes to his hand tight around her neck, Joshua feels a rush of adrenaline go through him. “I should go find your son and my sister and tell them the truth.”

Nails claw at Joshua’s shirt and hand as the queen tries to get his hand from her. She speaks between strangled breaths, trying to plead with him not only to let her go but also to consider the damage he could cause. “That would ru—ruin your sister. She—she would hate you!”

Lifting her slightly, he growls under his breath, knowing what she was saying might be true but it didn’t matter anymore. “YOU said you wouldn’t hurt her. You promised me!” Hearing her try to say she didn’t, Joshua growls out his words in anger. “Fucking liar! Her maid says it happened. You bitch. You had someone scare her horse! You watched my sister get bucked off that horse and land on her stomach and you didn’t do ANYTHING!”

Pushing Joshua back as she kicks at his shins, the queen takes a deep breath and puts her own hand to her throat, feeling her heart in her neck. Her voice is strained but how furious she is is apparent as she glares at Joshua. “Grow up! Do you seriously think you can keep that little bitch safe? You let Seungcheol continue to breathe, you idiot!”

Finding his strength, Joshua moves back to his full height and shoves the queen towards her chair again, causing her to fall and reach for the table to keep standing. “I’m done! I’m not listening to your bullshit anymore. I’m going to tell Y/N and I don’t care if she hates me, as long as you get what is coming to you.” Turning towards the door, Joshua stretches his neck from one side to the other, releasing the tension. He takes the first step in the direction that would take him to you only for a searing pain to spread from his head down to his neck before everything goes dark.

As she watches Joshua crumble to the ground, the queen drops the rest of the lamp from her hand while watching blood begin to pool around his head on her rug. She would need to have that cleaned but with any luck someone wouldn’t wake up this time.

There was a big difference in how Joshua looked while sleeping compared to Seungcheol. You had never seen as much as a furrowed brow the entire time Seungcheol was unconscious, but from the moment you sat down at Joshua’s bedside, he had not stopped scowling in his sleep. He looked furious and as if he were going to sit up at any moment to tell you how he had fallen—and yet he had been like this for two days.

You knew what the story of his fall was, but just like everything that had happened with Seungcheol and your own accident, you felt like it was a lie. Suspicion was eating you from the inside out as you looked at the bandage around your brother's head that was showing where blood had already seeped through at his stitches.

Watching from the doorway, Seungcheol’s brows furrow not only out of frustration but also out of concern for you. There had been nothing wrong with your life until you had moved here and married him. He was already having a hard time not blaming himself for everything, but then a voice would whisper the queen’s name and he found someone else easier to hate than himself.

You were still so fragile and innocent, yet you were having to deal with everything that would scar you all at once. Not only had you thought that you had lost him, but you were still dealing with pain from your own fall and the pain from the miscarriage was the deepest wound. Now you were having to sit by the bedside of your big brother, hoping he would wake up just like your husband.

Seungcheol’s eyes moved from you to Joshua as the man breathed steadily. It was hard for Seungcheol to look at him and not feel a bit angry. Seungkwan had told him about the whiskey and the nightshade, but no matter how much he wanted to hate Joshua and blame him, he knew he wasn’t the one behind this. Deep in his heart, Seungcheol knew this was all the queen.

Wiping tears from your cheeks, you whine your brother’s name and lay your head down on his chest to listen to his heartbeat. You had done this so many times with Seungcheol as you begged him to wake up, but now you were begging Joshua to do the same. “Please, Shua… I can’t do this without you. I love you so much.”

Fingers tighten around yours and you sob a bit harder against Joshua’s chest as he sighs in his sleep.

“You aren’t ready for this.” He was ignore her and the queen was feeling her annoyance taking hold of her in ways she had never before. “Postpone it, Seungcheol. Everyone would understand. Besides, do you really want to go before the kingdom and let them put a crown on a weak king?!”

So far she had been lucky. Joshua had unfortunately woken up, but he slept often. She had doubts he had much time to say anything to you, much less Seungcheol, and yet her stepson was outright ignoring her as he left the room to get dressed for his coronation.

Her chest was tight with anxiety and desperation. If Seungcheol managed to be crowned king today, he would keep his promises to her if Joshua had told him what he knew. That couldn’t happen. She’d rather die than deal with those consequences, and so the queen found herself inside the doctor’s office, her eyes scanning his shelves.

She knew exactly what she was looking for but the way her heart was beating into her throat, it took her twice as long to find the labels. Swiping two bottles from the shelf, she turns back to the door only to meet Seungcheol’s eyes as he blocks the entrance from her. “Weren’t you getting ready, darling?” Lifting one bottle, she smiles as sweetly as possible and shrugs. “Something for my nerves. It’s a big day.”

Without speaking a word, Seungcheol turns to the side and looks down at the ground as two of his guards step past him and towards the queen. He listens to her complaints and how she claims treason before backing herself into the wall.

“Wait…” Seungcheol’s voice brings the men to a stop as they guide the woman through the doors past him. He meets her eyes with his own sad ones before prying the two bottles from her hands, reading the labels under his breath. “Nightshade and wolfsbane.” Nodding, he takes a step back and grits his teeth as his stepmother starts to beg him for mercy.

“Please! Seungcheol, I’m your mother, you know I—” Her words die on her tongue as the guards force her around the corner and she meets your eyes and then those of Joshua as he glares up at her from his wheelchair. “I—”

“Take her away.”

You had spoken those words and for some reason they stung more than if Seungcheol had said them. Trying to look back at you as she’s forced down the hall, the queen whines your name only to watch you look back towards Seungcheol as he stares at her from the doorway.

Seungcheol enjoyed the way the light came through his office window. This used to be his father’s office but when he had passed away, it went unused. Seungcheol’s stepmother kept it locked and away from him, but now it was his. All the memories of his father were his.

Muttering under his breath as his eyes scan over the newspaper in front of him, Seungcheol smiles when the article mentions you at the coronation. He knew that it was more about him; that was the unfortunate truth of any coronation, that it would focus on the king, but he had focused on you the entire time.

Just as the article described, Seungcheol remembered you in your gown and the proud look on your face as he was anointed and named king of Tsornoria and protector of the kingdom. He could still see the smile on your face as you were named queen and he had to hold in his tears from how proud he had been.

His smile only fades when the article then mentions the absence of the queen mother. Folding the paper, Seungcheol sighs as he pushes it away and moves to his feet. There was a good reason she was absent and yet he didn’t have the guts or the heart to let the public know.

With each step down the hallway, he felt his heart get heavier as he got closer and took the key from his jacket. It had been six months since he had placed his stepmother in this room behind lock and key, and yet he knew what to expect.

The queen mother had stopped speaking to him the moment he told her she would live out her days in this room. He could have done worse. She had committed horrible acts and treason, yet instead of having her killed or placed in a dungeon cell, Seungcheol had confined her to a bedroom with barred windows. She had every comfort she would need and yet the woman looked as if she were being starved to death with a grim look on her face while she sat by the window day after day.

“You shouldn’t be the one who looks so disappointed about being in a room alone. You don’t deserve that, you know?” Again she only scoffs at him and crosses her arms tighter across her chest. “You need to eat. You’re only hurting yourself by refusing the meals… Do you want something different?”

Looking from the plate near her on a table, his stepmother turns to glare at Seungcheol to answer his question. He knew exactly what she wanted. Death was better than this. Death was better than hearing your soft laugh echoing through the palace or, worse, Seungcheol’s happiness radiating through the walls. He looked like a king now. He looked like his father.

Feeling her stomach twist with disgust, she turns up her nose and turns back towards the window, muttering under her breath. “I want you to die. That’s all I’ll ever want.”

A sigh escapes Seungcheol’s lips as he looks down at his hands and leans against the doorframe. “I know, Mother. Sorry to disappoint you again.”

You hated when Seungcheol chose to check on his stepmother. While you had mixed feelings about her luxurious prison cell, you reminded yourself that it was best for your husband. It was easier for him to know he hadn’t hurt her as much as she had hurt him. He chose to turn his pain and anger into something else and you were already proud of him as not only your husband but also as king.

Lifting your eyes to his when he leaves the room, you smile, causing him to do the same, though it is sad. You lift at your toes to press a kiss to Seungcheol’s lips, feeling his hands rest on your hips. The kiss is gentle and simple, yet it says everything you wish you could, bringing out a real smile from him as he nods. You had said it enough. This wasn’t his fault. He knew you were right. Moving Seungcheol’s hand with your own, you press it to your stomach, causing the smile to brighten with the meaning.

“How is my little prince today?”

You smile and laugh softly before sliding your hand into his, letting him guide you back down the hall and away from his pain locked behind a door. “It’s only a few weeks old, Cheol. There’s no way to know—”

“I know, baby. Little prince or princess, it will be perfect. How could it not when you are its momma?”

Warmth washes over you as you lean your head against your husband’s arm. He was so good at making you feel like you were the most important person in the world and today was no different. With a happy sigh, you glance up at Seungcheol and meet his smile. That was the smile you would fight and die for if needed. That was your world.

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