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“Your highness! Your scorned face makes it look like we are attending a funeral instead of your own engagement party!”
Prince Choi Seungcheol of Alkhanzan can only scoff at what his best friend and right hand, Duke Hong Jisoo, said. The prince is quite sure that his face expresses his distaste at all the commotion that is happening right in front of him. All the blinding lights, the boring and same old music that the orchestra is playing, the fake smiles and laughter from the guests while they talk with other royalties. Even from afar, he can feel all the insincerity within the walls of the palace.
The prince sighed and continued to silently sip his wine. He should be used to this. Being the heir to the throne, he was trained to be at his best behavior during parties. He was taught was ought to be said, what he needs to take notes, the people he needs to be friends or be cautious with and how to distinguish sincerity from pretense. He was trained, yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he already got used to all of it --- most especially when it was his own engagement party.
Duke Jisoo threw his hands on the prince’s shoulder, “Prince Seungcheol, my dear precious friend, I knew how much you hated all of this mess but just think of it as your first talk as the soon to be king of the kingdom.”
Prince Seungcheol looked at the duke incredulously, “My first task?! Are you serious?! I don’t remember reading any book or ordinance that states that one of the tasks of a king is to be married.”
“Well, you need an heir and you need some help on that?”
“Yes, but not so sudden!” The prince exasperatedly sighed, “And most especially not like this.”
Prince Seungcheol frustratedly closed his eyes as he remembers what happened almost one week before all this mess. He just got back from his usual hunting practice when the King and Queen called him suddenly. At first, he thought that he was going to be asked to visit some kingdom again for their trade and diplomatic talks, but shock was an understatement when he was suddenly informed that he was arranged to be married to the second son of the Kingdom of Glissando.
The Kingdom of Glissando is beautiful kingdom which is almost 100 miles away from their kingdom. A lively kingdom with their trades mostly focuses on entertainment and music. He already met the king and queen and their first son --- the heir to the throne --- Prince Yoon Jeonghan. The mentioned prince who became smitten at first sight with the oblivious duke who is now beside him. He was then assured that no matter how good the relationship of the two kingdoms is, that it would be nearly impossible for him to be arranged to be married to their heir.
But who would have known that the Kingdom of Glissando has another prince?
From what he has known from his parents and some information he got from Prince Jeonghan, Prince Lee Jihoon --- the name of his estranged fiancé --- is a son of music and the representative of their kingdom. He is supposed to be the heir to throne as his late mother is the first queen of Glissando but has unfortunately passed away due to some illness. Prince Lee Jihoon refused to take the crown and just decided to have his stepbrother, Prince Yoon Jeonghan, be the next heir. Prince Jihoon is a talented musician who would rather join the theater ensemble in their trips rather than staying inside the kingdom, most likely the reason why Seungcheol was not able to meet him during his visit to the Kingdom of Glissando.
Being the only heir to the throne, Seungcheol unconsciously knew that he won’t be given the privilege like an ordinary folk to be able to choose who he wanted to spend his life with. He knew that all along, but the prince thinks that at least let him meet, establish, and build some relationship with the person first since it’s an eternity that we are all talking about here. Not like this. Totally not like this when he didn’t even know what the other person looks like and now, they are having this mess of an engagement party.
He doesn’t even know if his estranged fiancé has any plans of showing up and if he did, how will he even know him in this masquerade themed ball.
Like seriously, this is the first time they’ll ever meet and for some reason, the theme that whoever planned this party is a MASQUERADE BALL?!
“Look at the brighter side of things, Cheol. From what I’ve heard, your prince is a music prodigy and based on Prince Hannie’s stories of his brother, he doesn’t usually talk too much. Yes, you can never have the kind of marriage that you’re dreaming of, but at the very least, you can expect it not to be a chaotic one, right?” Jisoo tried on comforting him.
“Maybe..”He suddenly paused and looked teasingly at his friend, “Wait, Prince Hannie by which do you mean is Prince Jeonghan? What’s the real status between you two?”
Seungcheol mentally laughed when Jisoo looked so nervous suddenly.
“Nothing! There’s nothing --- Oh! I think that’s Hannie --- I mean, Prince Hannnie --- I mean, Prince Jeonghan --- Ugh! I’ll just go.” Jisoo defeatedly said to which Seungcheol finally laughed.
“Yeah, just go to your precious Hannie.”
Jisoo scoffed before turning to him, “Want me to ask if your fiancé is already here as well?”
The prince shooked his head, “No need. We’ll meet later as well. Let’s just say I don’t think I have built enough courage to see him yet.”
“If you say so.” Jisoo then left to talk to Prince Jeonghan who seems to be looking for him too.
Prince Seungcheol looked around the party again. At first glance, anyone would be amazed on how luxurious the party is but hidden behind all the grandiosity is pretense and fake facades. He was about to ask for more wine when he noticed his glass empty. As he was walking where the servants are stationed, he heard a sneer beside him.
“Damn, do these people really know what real music is? This shit is crazy.”
Seungcheol was taken aback with the foul display of word, so he paused to look at the person where it came from. He was surprised to see an average man in a usual tux with a small red rose boutonniere holding a mixed black and silver colored mask with a vintage flower pin and feathers at the side to cover his eyes. From what he can see, he has a cute, pointed nose that scrunches due to his disappointment with the music that the orchestra is currently playing. The man exasperatedly shook his head and let out a sigh.
He looked to his side and that is when he finally noticed the prince staring at him.
“Oh, hello? Wait a sec,” the man said, “How long are you standing beside me?”
Seungcheol was confused what to answer, “About some time, I guess?”
The man scrunched his eyebrows, and he can see the surprise in his face, “Don’t tell me you’ve heard what I just said?” Seungcheol nodded, “Damn ---”
The prince gently smiled at the man and shrugged, “Don’t worry, I was just seriously taken aback by your words since I never expected someone to say it out loudly.”
“Well, someone has to, right? Not unless you think the music that the orchestra is playing is well-fitted for this kind of occasion, well, I won’t judge you. I guess everyone has their own music preference.”
For the first time since last week, Seungcheol felt himself smiling.
“Don’t worry, I also think the music is shit.”
Based on how the man’s slanted eyes have widened, Seungcheol knew he was also taken aback by what he said. He was about to comment further when he felt the music stopping, all the dancers and guests disappeared, and it was only him and the man in front of him that was left when the man suddenly smiled.
The man has the cutest smile that Seungcheol has ever gazed upon.
His pink lips turning curved into a small, almost heart shaped smile and his cute little fangs by the side of his mouth.
Is this fate trying to play a joke on him by making him be smitten with someone on the exact day of his own engagement party?!
The man held out his hand to Seungcheol, “Woozi from the Kingdom of Glissando, by the way.”
Seungcheol gulped and he didn’t know what pushed him when he introduced himself.
“Scoups. My name is Scoups from Alkhanzan.”
The man, whose name is Woozi (even his name is cute!), looked questioningly at him. “Weird name but understandable.”
“Hey! Woozi is uncommon as well.”
Woozi nodded, “That’s why I said it’s understandable. Chill.” He smiled, “By the way, may I know what brings you here to this magnificent circus?”
“Circus?”
He snickered, “Look at all the people here wearing pretty dresses and fake smiles. You can almost tell from here who is faking who from who or what exactly do they need from each other. Each one clowning the other. A party with all the fake facades. Don’t you think this can be compared as well to a circus?”
Prince Seungcheol found himself at loss for words. He cannot believe someone has the same exact thoughts just like him.
“Let’s just say I was just forced to be on this.”
“Well, that makes two of us.” Woozi paused and he can see the mischievous glint on his eyes as he turned to him, “Hey, I know we just met but I have an idea.”
“Uhmmm, what is it?”
“Do you want to make this party a bit more exciting?”
“Huh?”
Prince Seungcheol cautiously looked from his left and right trying to see if anyone is coming. He frantically turned to his back where Woozi is changing the music sheets of the orchestra ensemble. Good thing, the music players were out to take a restroom break.
He couldn’t believe Woozi was able to make him agree so easily on this absurd idea. He can’t imagine the embarrassment he would feel if they were caught. How is he going to explain to his parents that he is goofing around with a stranger on his own engagement party instead of looking where his fiancé might be. Speaking of which, it looks like the mysterious prince also has no plans of showing up.
“Okay, I’m done!”
Prince Seungcheol immediately closed the door and walked to Woozi’s side. He held the man’s arm, “If you’re done then let’s go already! For sure that the ensemble is already on their way back here.”
“Okay, okay. I assure you, there’s nothing much to worry about. Let’s go!”
They were already walking their way back to the party when ----
“HEY! WHO ARE YOU TWO AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE INSIDE?!”
The prince and Woozi looked nervously at each other. Woozi whispered, “Are you ready?”
“Huh?”
“Okaaayy, in 1…2…3 ---”
“What are you talking about ---”
“RUUUUNNN!!!!”
Prince Seungcheol found himself being chased by servants from his own kingdom and running for his life while being dragged by Woozi who seems like to be enjoying all this mess. He can never imagine himself in a situation like this before, but then again, he hasn’t met Woozi yet. Seungcheol knows he is already bound to be married to another, but can he at least let himself be happy and experience what falling in love really feels like even just for a short & shared time?
“Hey, Coups! Are you okay?”
Seungcheol turned to Woozi and that is when he just realized that they finally stopped. He looked around them and was a bit surprised when he saw where they ended up.
Woozi is still catching his breath while walking around the place, “I never knew this kingdom has some place like this.”
Where they ended up is his own private haven inside the palace’s garden. It was hidden behind a small gate covered with veins. There was a small pond in the shape of a heart where he usually likes to put up a mat and focus on his reading. There is also a swing hanging on one of the tree’s branches that he decorated with different kinds of flowers.
The prince smiled when Woozi held up a small rabbit close to his face, “Oh you sweet little thing! Coups, look! There are even small rabbits here!”
“Oh, that’s Clef.”
Woozi turned at him, “Clef? Wait, you knew about this place and these cute little rabbits?”
Seungcheol nodded as he petted two more rabbits, Alto and Cadence, beside him.
He cleared his throat, “The --- the prince is the one who owns this place, and those rabbits are his pets.”
“Ohhh…that’s --- that’s actually good to hear that the prince of this kingdom is not a terrible person.” Seungcheol thought he was going to melt when Woozi booped his nose with the rabbit’s, “Uhmmm, not to be that kind of person but I am actually curious about your prince.”
“How should I say this? I think he is someone who only wants to be King in order to give back everything to the people of this Kingdom. He loves music so much, by the way, but has no longer have the privilege to practice and the motivation to push through with it since no one here wants to listen to him.”
Woozi looked at him surprised, “He likes music?”
Seungcheol nodded, “So much. Before his training on becoming the next King, he is part of the theater cast whenever there is a show on town.” He smiled when he noticed Alto getting sleepy and Cadence cutely munching the grass in front of him, “Can you tell me something about your prince as well? It’s just common nature to be curious about the two prince since this is their engagement party, right?”
“Right. Hmmm, I’m thinking what I can tell you about the prince…” Woozi petted Clef as he was thinking of what to say and Seungcheol never knew he’ll ever get to a point where he wishes to be a rabbit.
“Prince Jihoon inherited his love of music from the late queen. He loves to sing but would rather compose and write the songs instead of being the singer. We usually don’t see him in the palace since he loves joining the theater crew in their trips to different kingdoms and being part of the production. He loves to travel but he also wanted to have a reason to settle down. I guess this marriage will be his reason, huh?”
Seungcheol can notice the change in the mood of Woozi. Even common people are pitying their fate. He guesses that this is the responsibility of wearing that crown.
Woozi stretched his arms and Seungcheol was surprised when the man laid in the grass while still hugging Clef.
“The stars are beautiful as well tonight.”
Seungcheol smiled and decided to lay beside Woozi, “Yeah, they are.”
“Please don’t mind me teasing you if ever I turned and caught you looking at me while saying those lines.”
“Huh, you bet.”
Woozi turned to Seungcheol and the latter didn’t even tried to turn away his stare at Woozi. Under the stars, they were both lost in each other’s eyes. Seungcheol hesitantly held Woozi’s face.
“I told you; they really are.”
One moment was all they need before Seungcheol pulled Woozi on top of him and their lips explore each other’s. Seungcheol finally learning what those lips taste --- sweet and addicting like Cola. He held Woozi as if afraid to let the other go. Their tongues tangled in each other.
Woozi was the first one to let go.
“Coups, we should not be doing this.”
“I know but ---” he held Woozi’s face and he can see the blush on his face, “Honestly, I don’t know but I want this so bad. Tell me if you want to stop.”
Although afraid of what the other’s answer would possibly be, Woozi held Seungcheol’s face with both of his hands and pecked a kiss on the latter’s lips, “I also don’t know what’s happening or if it is possible for me to be attached to you after knowing you for some hours but I --- I want this as well. I want you, Coups.”
With the new music that the orchestra is playing in the background and under the night sky, the two decided to jump into a fire they never expected they’ll ever get a chance to experience.
“Coups ---”
The prince gently laid Woozi on the bed while still peppering kisses on the latter’s neck and his hands fumbling to take off Woozi’s tux. They found theirselves in the tree house Seungcheol built himself as a place to stay when he wanted to escape from all the mess and commotion in the palace. As he gently laid him, he was finally able to take look at the disheveled face of the other. His hair in all places, lips as red as the blush on his cheeks, and hooded lids and yet warm. A dangerous and yet exciting fire painted on his eyes.
“Woozi, let me take care of you?”
Woozi pulled Seungcheol close and peppered a light kiss on him, “I know you’ll do.”
Seungcheol smiled and once again claimed Woozi’s lips. A slight tilt on his head and a gentle nibble on his bottom lip which elicited a lustful moan from Woozi and caused him to open his mouth, giving access for Seungcheol to explore the cavern. His tongue nibbling at the other’s mouth tasting and trying to see what he can further explore. Although admittedly a beginner in such kind of things, Woozi got used to Seungcheol’s mouth on his own and fought back with the same intensity.
The prince then decided to give attention to Woozi’s white and pure neck. He found himself loving on nibbling and sucking parts of the latter’s neck, wanting to do everything to make his mark permanent on the other. His hands roaming underneath Woozi’s tux after being able to unbutton it. He finally sat on top of him and removed the clothing. His eyes widening at the toned and milky white torso of the latter. His small pink and pert nipples look as if they were waiting for him to devour them.
“Damn, you are incredibly beautiful.”
“Sh—shut up.” Woozi shyly answered while averting his eyes.
The prince held Woozi’s face and made him look at him, “If we’re going to do this, I want you to know that I am being very honest in every single word that I am going to say. If I said, you are beautiful, it is because you are.” He kissed the latter’s cheek, “Might be the most beautiful person I have ever had the chance to gaze upon.”
Seungcheol didn’t gave Woozi a chance to answer as his hands felt and roamed on his torso and his mouth claiming those pink nipples. Woozi can only moan and each moan motivates Seungcheol more.
Woozi wanted to reciprocate the attention Seungcheol is giving him thus, he decided to grind on the other. The action eliciting a loud groan from the two. They continued to girnd on each other as Seungcheol busied himself kissing, nibbling and making marks on Woozi’s naked torso. The friction creating a tent on their pants in which Seungcheol finally decided to ease when he finally removed all their remaining clothing. He sat down again to look at his work while removing his upper clothing and pants.
The prince snickered when he saw how Woozi’s eyes widened upon finally seeing him all naked. He knew that he had beat him in length but looking and feeling the latter’s his on him, he knew they almost have the same girth.
“Coups, please...”
“Please what, Woozi?” Seungcheol teased as his hand felt Jihoon’s. He mentally smiled when he felt how wet the other is based on the liquid dripping on its tip. He knew it was the same situation for him but he cannot let the chance pass to hear how the other wanted this as much as him.
“Coups, please stop teasing. You know what I want.”
“Hmmmm, I don’t think I do.”
He almost came right at that moment when Woozi, being the seductress that he is, gently smiled and fluttered his eyes at him.
“Make me yours”
“Fuck.”
It was Seungcheol’s cue to capture Woozi’s mouth again, this time more intense than before. Their mouths fighting back each other for dominance. Seungcheol peppered kisses on Woozi’s ear, finding his sensitive spot and nibbling on it while his hands stroking on the other. Using the liquid as lube to prepare Woozi on what is going to happen. He lined himself in Woozi’s hole checking if it was prepared enough and thanking that it looked like it was.
“Coups ---”
The prince knew he can no longer delay it, or he’ll come just with Woozi’s moans and groans. He reached something in the bedside drawer causing Woozi to slightly be confused, “Wait, how did you know there was something like that in it?”
Seungcheol just shrugged as he teared one and wore it on his, “Well, every horny man has his own hidden stash, right?”
Woozi giggled, “You naughty ---- UGH! SCOUPS!!!” he moaned when Seungcheol entered him.
The prince pulled him closed and whispered, “Tell me if you want to stop.” Woozi giggled when he felt Seungcheol went even harder as his walls constrict around him. He gently hugged the prince.
“I told you already that I wanted this, right? Just uhmm, give me some few minutes to adjust.”
“Thank goodness because I don’t know if I’ll be able to.” The prince paused trying to change the topic, “Uhmm, you did great with changing the music sheets.”
“I know right?” He heaved a sigh, “Coups, you can move now.”
Seungcheol obliged as he continued to push and pull, exploring the constrictions of Woozi while expressing how tight he was. He knew he’ll choose to listen to Woozi’s moans every single day of his life than that music coming from the orchestra. Even his voice is music itself. He knew this is a stolen moment, but he knew that at his deathbed, he’ll wish to be on this very same day again.
“There, ah, Coups, please…”
As he finally found Woozi’s spot, Seungcheol positioned the latter with his hands on his knees. He knew this might be uncomfortable, but it’ll be easier for him to bring him pleasure in this position. He held Woozi’s in his hand as he continued to thrust on him.
“Fuck, you are beautiful.”
“Coups, more please..”
In a split of a second with their movements becoming more sporadic, Woozi was the first one to come with his hot cum spilling on the mattress. Seungcheol came after a few more thrusts and hugging the latter close with a loud groan.
Seungcheol pulled out and immediately got to the bedside drawer to find some tissues. He immediately busied himself in cleaning Woozi first to which the latter greatly appreciated. After cleaning himself, he laid again beside Woozi and pulled the latter close to him.
“Thank you for this night, Woozi. You don’t know how perfect you are.”
Woozi held his face and landed a kiss on his cheek, “Thank you, Coups. No matter what happens tomorrow, I know I’ll always treasure this night.”
They slept in each other’s arms not caring what tomorrow might come to them, unaware of all the commotion happening inside the palace. All the servants and guests frantically looking for the two main people of the party.
“My friend, they’re already here.”
“Thank you, I’ll be coming.”
Even if Jisoo is worried about his friend, he just nodded and chose not to say anything. It’s been weeks since the engagement party and he knew something has changed with the prince.
The whole kingdom is frantically looking for the prince during the party and luckily, he knew just where to find him, and he was right. He found Seungcheol still in a daze in his secret treehouse holding a note. If he ever noticed the smell of the room or the used condom at the floor or that Seungcheol was naked on his bed with kiss marks all over him, he chose not to comment about it. The prince was in a daze and looks as if he was about to sob but he did not.
“Cheol, the whole kingdom is worried about you.”
Seungcheol looked at him absentmindedly and proceeded to wear his clothes, keeping the note in his pocket.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll do what I needed to do.”
That was his last words before his actions changed. He became obedient in following the schedule for his wedding even to the point of attending all scheduled preparations. Unfortunately, his estranged fiancé still chose not to attend anything thus, they really weren’t able to meet each other yet.
Not until today.
“I’ll tell them.” Jisoo said and before closing the door, “Cheol, let me just say that the whole kingdom is grateful to you and I hope you can also find your happiness in the future.” And he closed the door.
The prince heaved a sigh as he smoothened out his clothes. He looked outside his window where his treehouse can be seen. He let out the note he has been keeping ever since that night. The note that Woozi left of him.
“Coups,
I’m sorry that I must leave you but no matter how much we wanted all of this, we also both know that this was not supposed to happen. All I know that my thoughts will always be filled with you until the day I’ll be given the chance to see you again. I know this might be selfish, but can I ask a favor?
Please don’t be in love with someone else.
I was enchanted to meet you. I think I love you, Coups but I think we’re only going to find about that in our next lifetime.”
“I think I love you too, Woozi. Until our next lifetime.”
He gently kissed the note and decided to keep it inside his bedside drawer. The prince heaved out a deep sigh before finally walking to the banquet hall where he can finally meet his estranged fiancé. For some reason, the King and Queen of Glissando was finally able to convince the second prince to meet him. Well, it’s only a week before their wedding so they should at least be able to meet and know each other, right?
Seungcheol sighed as he opened the doors to the banquet. He can see his father and mother talking animatedly with the King and Queen of Glissando and Prince Jeonghan and Duke Jisoo stealing glances at each other. He is preparing himself to get over this dinner when his eyes landed on the man at the end of the table. The man whose eyes were also staring right into him. He found himself walking to the man who he assumes to be his estranged fiancé.
“Oh, Seungcheol! You’re already here! Let us introduce you to Prince Jihoon, your soon to be husband.” The King, his father, introduced the man to him.
Pirnce Jihoon smiled and held out his hand, “Hi, I am Prince Lee Jihoon from the Kingdom of Glissando, but I also go by the name of WOOZI as my pseudonym in composing songs for the theater ensemble.”
Seungcheol received his hand and gently smiled, “Nice meeting you, my soon to be husband. I am Prince Choi Seungcheol from the Kingdom of Alkhanzan. I love to sing under the name of SCOUPS.”
The two looked lovingly at each other while trying to stop their own tears from falling. Unbeknownst to what is happening, the two kings and queens were delighted to see that it looks like they were right all along in their choices for their precious sons.
EPILOGUE:
Prince Jihoon gently pushed Prince Seungcheol from kissing him. They were again in the prince’s secret haven with the rabbits running all around the place.
It’s been 3 days since they formally met each other and still cannot believe how fate played on them.
“Whyyyy?” Seungcheol pouted wanting to keep on kissing Jihoon.
“I don’t know but aren’t we going too fast?”
Seungcheol incredulously laughed, “Jihoonie, are you serious? We jumped from honeymoon even before we got to be married.”
It was Jihoon’s turn to pout, “I hate you.” Seungcheol’s eyebrow quirked at the statement to which Jihoon smiled, “Yes, you know I don’t.”
Seungcheol got Jihoon’s hand and kissed it gently, “I hate that we’re arranged to be married like this, but I think I kinda love you so why don’t we try it out?”
“You just think you love me?”
Seungcheol kissed Jihoon and smiled, “You know how much I fucking do.”
“I thought so.” Before pulling Seungcheol closer to him again to continue what they have been doing.
Maybe fate really has some ways of writing a happy ending to every one of us.
-FIN-