Chapter Text
“Have my sons brought to me,” the king ordered, slouching tiredly in the throne. “They must be informed of the plans for the new alliance.”
“Yes, your Highness,” the guard nodded. He bowed before leaving the room. It only took a few minutes for him to come back, followed by the two princes, the younger hiding behind the elder.
“Seonghwa, Wooyoung, welcome,” the king nodded.
“Good evening, Father,” Seonghwa inclined his head. He pinched his brother’s side, who did the same.
“I have good news. Our negotiations with our neighboring kingdom concluded this morning. An alliance was successfully reached.”
“That is good news indeed, Father,” Seonghwa agreed politely.
“The new treaty includes a promise of military support in case either of our countries finds itself in need of protection. A good number of resources are to be exchanged, but that sacrifice was to be expected. And there is one last thing.”
“What is it, Father?”
“They want a wedding.” The words rang loud, echoing in the throne room like a sentence.
Wooyoung whimpered, too quietly for the king to hear. But Seonghwa heard, the broken sound sending chills down his spine.
“Who do they want?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“Wooyoung has the honor of being engaged to Prince Mingi. They will make an advantageous match. They are both second in line for the throne, ensuring that the alliance would survive your death or the death of Prince Minseok, their heir.”
“Has Prince Mingi agreed to these terms?” Seonghwa said, trying to hide his wince when his brother’s grip turned painful on his arm.
“Prince Mingi will do as he is told, because it is his father’s wish.” The king frowned ever so slightly, a sign that now was a good time to stop talking.
“What about Wooyoung?” the older prince pressed still.
“Seonghwa, I am disappointed in you,” his father sighed. It was indeed unusual for him to openly protest his father’s command. But for the first time in his life, he couldn’t stand by and watch. His brother’s future and happiness were at play.
“You traded his hand in marriage for the protection of our kingdom. I understand the political advantage of it. But did you ask for his permission?”
"I don’t recall needing it,” the king chuckled, though there was no humor in his tone. “Not only as your father, but as your king, it is my command to your brother that he will honor the terms of the treaty, as will we all.”
“Seonghwa, it’s okay,” Wooyoung murmured. “I’ll do it.”
“See, he consents. You should follow your brother’s example,” his father nodded. “He understands the necessity of this sacrifice. I am proud of you, Wooyoung.” The younger prince flinched.
“It’s not consent if you leave him no other choice,” Seonghwa said, voice a little louder.
“Your brother will marry Prince Mingi, and that’s final,” the king ordered, dismissing them with a slight gesture of his hand.
The older prince bit his tongue, ready to protest once more, but his brother tugged on his arm. When Seonghwa met his eyes, they were filled with fear, begging him to let it go. With a frustrated sigh, he did.
He turned around, bowing in a mocked display of respect. When the guards opened the doors behind them, Seonghwa grabbed his brother’s hand, tugging on it to lead him out of the throne room. A conviction settled in his stomach as he rushed through the hallways leading back to their rooms. His brother would not marry Prince Mingi. He wasn’t sure how he would do it, but one way or another, he would get Wooyoung out of there.