Chapter Text
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"Prince Sehun, Youngjae is looking for you. Shall I tell him you are in the gardens?"
"No." Sehun doesn't turn around. Instead, he lets his fingers trace the petals of a rose slowly, caressing scarlet velvet with the gentlest of touches. "Send him away."
"Of course, prince. I can let him know you will see him at dinner—"
"Tell him he may return home, Junmyeon. Thank you." Sehun glances over his shoulder to offer a tight-lipped, reserved smile towards his most trusted butler.
"As… as you wish." Junmyeon acquiesces, with a bit of hesitation. "I shall inform Her Majesty as well."
"No need. Mom can find out at dinner."
"Yes, my prince." Sehun pays no attention to the quiet sigh before Junmyeon's footsteps recede behind him. Instead, he turns back to the roses and inhales deeply.
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"Sehun, darling, there you are." As expected, his mother brings up the topic almost immediately. "Where is Youngjae?"
"He went home." Sehun bows before taking his seat at the table. Junmyeon sets the first course down in front of him. "Thank you."
"Of his own accord?"
"No."
"Wasn't he to your liking?" A crease forms between his mother's eyebrows, and Sehun's lips twitch upwards in amusement while His Majesty fixes his son with a mildly exasperated look.
"He was nice." Sehun hums noncommittally. "Too nice, I daresay."
"That is a very minor issue to have with a person, darling." Her Majesty sighs as she swirls her spoon in the decadent soup in front of them. "And he was only here for what, a week?"
"Five days." His Majesty corrects.
"Four and a half." Sehun smirks.
"This is not a joke, Sehun."
"Apologies, mother." Sehun schools his expression. "Love should be natural."
"Natural, yes; but one can search and find what they hope to seek." His mother sighs. "I just wish you would give them a chance. Get to know them, Sehun-ah. You hardly spend any time with those who come your way."
"I dine with them. I amuse them," Sehun says, rather innocently. "I do get to know them. But mother, they hardly ever bother to get to know me."
His mother sighs, then, and motions for the next course to be brought in.
"I will tell the royal advisory to send in the next suitor."
"Mother, please." Sehun lays a thin cheek against his palm. "Let me find my own way. I assure you, I will not let down the throne."
"You are a good prince, Sehun. Your father and I have never doubted your loyalty nor your commitment to the family. But the time has come for us to step down, and for you to rise as Exordia's new leader. And for you to do so, you must find a partner." Her Majesty shakes her head. "The challenge remains. At the very least, it will serve as an incentive for you to quickly 'find your own way,' as you say."
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"Prince Sehun is quiet, so don't expect conversation. He is not known to request company. You will take your meals with him and accompany him on his morning walks."
Jongin only nods as the butler—Junmyeon—sitting across from him in the horse drawn carriage rattles off pointer after pointer after pointer. There isn't space in the conversation for him to speak.
"How long do people usually… last?" Jongin finally wedges in a question as the butler takes a breath. "In the castle."
"Yixing remained at the palace for ten months last year." Junmyeon eyes Jongin, as if to guess how long he will stay in Sehun's good graces. "But most don't last through the week."
"Right." Jongin clutches his satchel closer to his chest.
"His Highness is extremely guarded when it comes to matters of his heart."
"I can tell," Jongin mutters under his breath.
"What brings you to take on the challenge, Jongin?" The question catches Jongin by surprise.
"Oh—I haven't got anything better to do," Jongin explains reservedly.
"That's a start, at least." The butler appraises him. "Prince Sehun is quite fond of his leisure time."
"Great," Jongin mutters under his breath as the forest on either side of them opens up to a glittering, massive lake. A pristine white and gray stone castle sits so close on the shore that it looks as if it may fall into the water. "Good to know."
The horses slow as they draw closer to the castle through wrought iron gates, then plod to a stop at the front of the palace. Unsurprisingly, nobody greets Jongin as Junmyeon offers him a hand down from the carriage and unlocks the massive front doors. Jongin glances behind himself at the vast lake before he steps inside. His footsteps echo loudly, with only polished wooden railings and banisters; creamy white, wine red, and gilded gold wallpaper to hear them. This is a whole new level of luxury. Jongin stares at his surroundings, rather impressed.
"You may expect His Highness at dinnertime," Junmyeon tells him. Jongin nods. "While you are here, Baekhyun will be your servant. He is at your call and beckon."
"Oh, no, thank you." Jongin shakes his head and offers a reserved smile to the young man who moves from standing stationary at the entrance to one of the many branching rooms. "I can manage on my own."
"His Majesty decrees that all suitors who are in his company will be provided with a servant."
"I—" Jongin gives up as Baekhyun shoots him a kind, but firm glance that tells him not to argue. "Thank you?" he murmurs, feeling deeply uncomfortable as Baekhyun takes his satchel for him.
"Baekhyun will show you to your room."
"Yes, sir. This way, sir."
"Jongin," Jongin provides quickly. "Please, just Jongin."
"Of course, Jongin." Baekhyun ascends the steps quickly and gracefully, despite the bag weighing him down. Jongin is most definitely lost by the time Baekhyun opens the door to his room and invites him in. His eyes widen in surprise.
"The bathroom is off to the side," Baekhyun supplies.
"Oh, my." Jongin steps tentatively into the room. "I was bold to assume I would be used to luxury."
"Do you come from royalty, Jongin?" Baekhyun asks, as if he can't help his curiosity.
"Yes and no." Jongin converses casually with the servant, not wanting to maintain the status difference. "My father governs a relatively large plot of land in Exordia. We are committed to the crown, but not directly involved with the court."
"I see." Baekhyun sets his satchel down on the chair.
"Do most suitors come from royalty?" Jongin inquires.
"Yes."
"Then why was I chosen?"
"I'm not sure. The royal advisory tends to make these decisions, in accordance with the decree set by His and Her Majesties." Baekhyun supplies.
"Interesting." Jongin moves towards the large window that overlooks the gardens. "Oh. Is that him?"
"Where?" Baekhyun walks up next to him. "Ah, there he is, indeed. That's Prince Sehun." He turns to look at Jongin, as if appraising his reaction. Jongin can feel his servant's eyes on him, but he merely watches the figure in the gardens, clothed simply in white robes, strolling through the greenery with hands clasped behind his back. Sehun strolls away from them leisurely, unaware that his newest suitor has arrived. Jongin makes no comment—only watches and watches until Baekhyun speaks up.
"Do you need anything, Jongin? I can draw you a hot bath, if you would like, or unpack for you. You must be tired after your trip."
"No, thank you. I don't need any help, really. I'm used to doing things on my own." Jongin gestures to his bag. "I'll probably unpack and change before dinner."
"You needn't feel shy, Jongin. I'm here to assist you in packing, changing, exploring, anything you wish. Prince Sehun wants his guests to be comfortable, especially if they are only staying for a short period of time." Baekhyun smiles.
"He sure is confident about the rate of failure," Jongin mutters.
"Prince Sehun does not fall in love. At least, not with his suitors." Baekhyun's smile turns mischievous. "I've served almost all of them. You are my 88th in two years." Jongin laughs disbelievingly, turning away from the window to stare at Baekhyun. "He is hard to please."
"What… what does he do?" Jongin is stunned. "Does he—excuse me—does he sleep with them?" Baekhyun gives him a curious look.
"You are bold."
"I—" Jongin waves a fluttering hand. "I'm just surprised."
"Forgive me, Jongin. It was an observation, and a compliment, at that. I like bold." Baekhyun flashes him a grin. "But no, Prince Sehun isn't interested in mindless affairs. I know he and Yixing were quite close, though."
"I see." Jongin purses his lips in thought for a minute longer. "He must be lonely."
"I wouldn't know," Baekhyun answers honestly. "Prince Sehun is quite good at hiding his true feelings. It's why so many people have a hard time getting through to him. He is hard to approach."
"Have you ever been in love, Baek—can I call you Baek?" Jongin asks.
"You may call me anything, Jongin. And of course." Baekhyun's gaze suddenly turns soft, distantly adoring. "My Chanyeol. He works in the garden and brings me roses."
"He sounds like a beautiful soul. I'm so happy for you." Jongin smiles.
"What about you, Jongin? Have you been in love?" Baekhyun inquires. At this, Jongin's face turns dark.
"I'll be damned if I love him."
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"Prince Sehun, your newest suitor will be joining you for dinner tonight."
"Whatever you say, Junmyeon." Sehun slips into pale blue silk and stands still as Junmyeon ties his robes for him. "How is he?"
"Interesting."
"You say that about everyone," Sehun sighs. "Please be honest, or I shall send him right back."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, my prince." Junmyeon laughs. "Her Majesty wouldn't be very happy. Anyway, he isn't royalty."
"A commoner?" Sehun asks, surprised.
"No. His father owns a district commissioned by the court."
"Ah, landowners. I see." Sehun runs a hand through his hair before Junmyeon brushes it out neatly for him.
"He doesn't seem particularly eager to impress." Junmyeon elaborates. "Actually, he didn't seem very happy to be here at all."
"Hmm."
"He said he didn't have anything better to do."
"I'm certain that is a lie." Sehun stands up when Junmyeon is finished. "Well, let's go meet my newest companion."
Jongin is waiting at the foot of the stairs when Sehun makes his way down. He bows upon Sehun's arrival. He smiles politely, with shyness appropriate for meeting someone for the first time. Besides the soft bangs that fall into doe brown eyes, this is the first thing that strikes Sehun as interesting—his new suitor does not act as if he already knows Sehun, or that he is particularly blown away by his presence.
"Your Highness. It's an honor." Jongin clasps the hand held out to him softly in greeting. "My name is Kim Jongin. You may know of my father." Sehun doesn't get any more elaboration than that.
"I know of you, Kim Jongin." Once upon a time, when Sehun was new to this game, he was more reserved; quieter. He might have sat through hours of prattling, unwilling to reject lest he make his guests uncomfortable. But having gone through one too many presumptuous meetings, Sehun knows how to play the telltale game well. "You are supposed to be betrothed to the youngest son of the Lee family." Behind him, Baekhyun's eyes widen, taking in this piece of information. Meanwhile, there is no break in Jongin's calm expression.
"I am."
"Then why have you come to the palace?" Sehun's gaze is dismissive, his posture unimpressed as he brushes past Jongin on the way into the dining hall. It is a show of rigid barriers, of fortitude erected so that nobody may come near him or his protected heart. He will make sure that Jongin does not stay for a single meal; such is deserved of a man who runs from true love to vye for a position of greater power than he is worth.
"Prince Sehun." Jongin's voice is soft, but firm. "I daresay you of all men should know a little something about being forced to love someone whom you cannot."
Silence. Sehun stops walking and turns to face Jongin, who is still standing in the same position as he was.
"And now, you will speak ill of the Lee family?" Sehun challenges. Jongin holds his gaze steadily. Baekhyun looks as if he is ready to pack bags at any moment.
"I hold the same reservations about taking Lee Sunghoon's hand in marriage as you did when you rejected his company not seven months ago, Your Highness." Apparently, this statement is so bold that even Junmyeon cannot hide a wince. Sehun considers this for long enough that Jongin braces himself to be sent home. Then the prince turns away with a sweep of his robes.
"Dine with me, Kim Jongin."
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"Lee Sunghoon approached me with the intent of marriage about three weeks ago." Jongin doesn't eat until Sehun does, popping a small block of cheese into his mouth that melts on his tongue. "I was… wary, to say the least. Even more so when I met him."
"Why?" Sehun inquires, taking a sip of wine. He eats slowly, in apparently no rush. Across from him, Jongin is relaxed.
"The acquisition and merging of our families would be beneficial to all those involved, including the court. I acknowledged this, so I agreed to get to know Sunghoon." Jongin sighs. "I… did not necessarily take to him when we first met. And over time, it became quite clear to me that I would regret it if I married him. However, my parents are quite set on the engagement happening, even though I have changed my mind. I daresay they are not very happy with me at this time." A flicker of a smile flits across Jongin's lips.
Sehun chews slowly, considering this story. "So you have come here… to do what, exactly? To escape a marriage that you no longer desire?"
"To buy time," Jongin says, setting down his knife and fork. "Until I can figure out a better alternative that my parents might accept."
"Are you not here to win my heart, like others before you, Kim Jongin?" Sehun asks. Jongin's eyes suddenly turn mischievous.
"Do you wish I was, my prince?" It's flirty; bold; playful. And it puts the ball in his court. Sehun cannot help it. He rolls his eyes and suppresses a smile, something that does not go unchecked by Jongin. He laughs warmly, an invitation for Sehun's amusement. "If my parents—and perhaps the rest of Exordia—believe that I am attempting to win your hand, then so be it. But I am simply here with a request: let me stay. I will not bother you, for the palace is large enough such that we do not have to cross paths, if you wish it to be so. I know I am here for selfish reasons. For that, I apologize. Yet I have exhausted all other options, and since your royal advisory has deemed me suitable company, I will press upon my luck to ask you to grant my one request." For the first time since his arrival, Jongin looks worried. Sehun inhales through his nose, slowly. He releases his breath in a measured whoosh, considering the man seated before him. Jongin has apparently lost his courage and is staring down at the plate in front of him, uncertain.
"Stay, Kim Jongin."
"Your Highness?" Jongin looks up. He sounds breathless.
"Stay as long as you need." Sehun motions for the servants to clear the table. "You will be doing me a favor. My mother is not fond of my habit of dismissing suitors before they can even unpack. She will be delighted by your extended stay."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Jongin makes to stand up and bow, but Sehun firmly waves at him to sit back down. "I shall intrude on your hospitality as little as possible."
"I will only request one thing of you."
"But of course." Jongin inclines his head. "Anything. I cannot thank you enough."
"You will continue acting as if you are courting me. We will take meals together, and you will accompany me to events, as well as any activities, should I request your presence. I am sure Junmyeon went over the expectations." Sehun leans closer to Jongin. "Nobody is to know of this arrangement."
"I guarantee full discretion, Your Highness. Shall I begin with unwarranted flattery?" Jongin smiles, coy and knowing.
"No need for any of that." A ghost of a smile flickers across Sehun's expression before it disappears, to be replaced with stoicism. He stands up abruptly, and motions for Junmyeon. "Have a good night, Jongin."
"...Good night, Your Highness." Jongin watches the young prince leave, slightly thrown off by the sudden coldness.