Chapter Text
“Sir, the car will be ready in 10 minutes,” Wonwoo’s courtier says as he walks out of the dining hall.
“Thanks, Seungkwan-ah. We’ll be down in a bit,” Wonwoo shoots him a smile and hands him the files he was glossing over, “send this to the Accountant. I think he’s made a mistake with the numbers of page three,”
Seungkwan bows and halts as Wonwoo walks into the residential wing, traversing down the long hallway leading to his husband’s room.
Only his footsteps echo amidst the palatial walls as he passes by portraits and artifacts lined up against the walls, a symbol of the wealth of the Korean Royal family.
When Wonwoo reaches his husband’s room however, he takes a deep breath and stomps his feet, not too loudly but enough to announce his coming. He then proceeds to knock on the door, after three of which he hears a timid reply, “come in,”
Wonwoo pushes open the door and finds his husband, Jaekyung, by his study, reading a book. Wonwoo smiles, ignoring the way Jaekyung’s mobile is all the way on his bed, like it had been tossed there in a hurry.
“Hey, love,” Jaekyung stands up, shooting Wonwoo a charming smile, “is the car in yet?”
“No,” Wonwoo smiles, “it’ll be there in 10 minutes. We should head out soon. Long day ahead,”
Jaekyung nods, “I’ll be down in a minute. You should freshen up as well,”
Wonwoo swallows and forces a smile, “I’ll see you downstairs,”
And with that, he walks out of the room, closing the door behind him. Wonwoo doesn’t have to lurk around the shut door to know that Jaekyung’s stood up and walked towards the bed to retrieve his phone.
Wonwoo walks straight ahead to his room, two doors down, and shuts the door behind him, taking deep breaths once inside.
Wonwoo takes a few moments to gather himself and walks towards his washroom, turning on the faucet and splashing water on his face. He washes his face with some soap, making sure to get all the eyeliner and blush out.
He dries his face and grabs his phone, turning on the front camera to check his eyeliner once he applies it. He dabs some compact powder onto his face and sighs, shutting his phone.
He takes a moment to compose himself and heads out.
The walk down to the entrance of their house is long and lonely but Wonwoo prefers it this way. It’s less…suffocating.
He puts on a smile as the royal servants appear once he steps out the residential wing. They lower their heads as Wonwoo walks past them, catching a glimpse of himself in a mirror by the entrance.
The car door is opened for him and he steps into the car to see his husband already sitting there, face buried in the file from before.
“Hey,” Jaekyung smiles, “I heard you caught a mistake. Good work,” he compliments and a smile graces Wonwoo’s face.
“You didn’t freshen up?” Jaekyung asks and the words manage to wash the smile off Wonwoo’s face. He lowers his head and smiles, “I didn’t feel like it,”
“Okay,” Jaekyung laughs and the car begins to move.
Wonwoo can’t breathe again.
❀❀❀❀
“And now, the vows,” the Priest says, addressing the crowd and the grooms.
Wonwoo bites his lips and looks up at Jaekyung with a soft smile. Jaekyung shoots him a wink and Wonwoo chuckles.
Wonwoo clears his throat, trying to ignore the fact that this ceremony is being watched by millions across the country.
It’s the Prince’s wedding after all.
“I take you as my spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. You are my love, my life, and my everything,” he finishes off shyly, excited for what’s to come.
Though conventional, Wonwoo eagerly memorized his vows last night. He was up all night doing so.
He hears giggles and murmurs erupt in the audience and his grip on Jaekyung’s hands tightens nervously. Jaekyung softly squeezes his hands, reassuring Wonwoo.
“Now, you,” the Priest says and Jaekyung grins, “ I promise to love and cherish you, in good times and bad, to be your partner and best friend. I vow to support you in your dreams and aspirations and to create a home filled with—“ Jaekyung pauses, like he’d forgotten. Wonwoo tries to smile through it but he knows his eyes betray his lips, brimming with disappointment.
“I was so nervous I forgot the rest,” Jaekyung addresses the audience, making them laugh. He turns to Wonwoo and licks his lips, “Right. And to create a home filled with love and happiness. Today and always, I choose you as my partner for life,” he finishes by kissing Wonwoo’s hands, evoking a smile from the latter.
“You may now kiss,” the Priest declares and the two grooms lean in for a kiss as the audience applauds.
Wonwoo's heart races and his skin erupts with goosebumps. When they pull away, Jaekyung smiles at him, “My husband, my Omega,” he whispers.
Wonwoo smiles.
His first kiss…
“My husband, my Alpha,” he whispers back and Jaekyung grins, pulling Wonwoo in for a tight hug.
“I now pronounce you bonded for life,” the Priest says and loud applause erupts in the palatial chapel.
That day, the nation rejoices like never before at the homecoming of a new Prince.
Prince Jeon Wonwoo.
❀❀❀❀
“Sir, the Chairman wants to see you,” Secretary Lee says, snapping Wonwoo out of his thoughts.
Wonwoo looks up from the files and at Secretary Lee, who’s smiling at him.
“Right,” Wonwoo clears his throat and stands up, “let’s go,”
Wonwoo follows Secretary Lee out of his office, a small CFO plate stuck to the glass door.
The walk to Jaekyung’s room is silent for most part, consisting of people greeting Wonwoo every now and then as he passes by.
Some call him Prince, others Sir. He manages to reply to them all with a nod of the head and a smile.
He brings his attention to Secretary Lee, and his eyes land on her neck. Wonwoo gasps inwardly at the sight, a small bite mark peeking out of her shirt collar.
Wonwoo lowers his gaze to her hand and unsurprisingly, there’s a ring.
“Secretary Lee, did you get married?” he asks, astonished that he was clueless about it. Jaekyung never mentioned his Secretary got married.
“Yes, Sir. Day before yesterday,” she admits shyly and Wonwoo smiles, “congratulations. I wish I was there for the wedding,”
Secretary Lee purses her lips, “I invited the Chairman, Sir. I think he forgot..”
Wonwoo sighs. Jaekyung can be forgetful.
“I’m sorry,” he apologizes and Secretary Lee shakes her head, “it’s okay. He is very busy, always on the phone and what not. It must be hard to keep track of things,”
Wonwoo tenses but wills his anxiety away, “Forgive us. But my best wishes are with you two,”
Secretary Lee’s face blooms with joy at that and she smiles, “thank you, Prince Wonwoo,” she says and opens the door labeled CEO and Chairman.
When Wonwoo walks in, he finds Jaekyung seated, going through invitations.
“Oh, have we received any RSVPs yet?” Wonwoo asks, excited as he picks up an invitation.
Jaekyung’s older brother, Taehyung, is getting married next week. He’s the oldest of the three brothers, and the only Omega.
“Many,” Jaekyung smiles, “but this one in particular Ghar my eye,” he says, plucking a card off the table and handing it to Wonwoo.
Confused, Wonwoo opens the card and—
He gasps, “Mingyu RSVP’d?” he asks, thoroughly shocked. It feels weird to even say Mingyu’s name out loud because…
It has been so long, almost 6 years since he last saw him…
Wonwoo tries to stop the way his fingers quiver. He places the card down and looks up at Jaekyung, who seems less than pleased.
“He did. He arrives tomorrow,” Jaekyung informs and Wonwoo swallows.
This is..all so sudden…
“I’ll call the house. Have a guest room ready for him,” Wonwoo grabs his phone, about to exit Jaekyung’s office.
“There’s no need for that. I’ll arrange for him to stay at a Hotel nearby,” Jaekyung says. Wonwoo swallows, “Hyung, he’s your brother—“
“He was. He stopped being my brother when he ran away,” Jaekyung says. Wonwoo purses his lips and takes a deep breath, “Hyung, people will talk. I think he should stay at the house,”
Jaekyung looks up at Wonwoo with disdain in his eyes, “why do you never do what I ask you to?”
Wonwoo tenses under those scornful eyes. But within the blink of an eye, those eyes soften, “I’m sorry. You’re right. Just arrange a guest room for him,”
Wonwoo licks his lips and smiles, “Yeah. Also, uh, we have to visit the Children’s hospital today. If we start now, we can reach before lunch,”
Jaekyung clicks his tongue, looking up apologetically, “ah, shoot. I totally forgot. Can you go ahead, love? I have some important meeting to attend,”
Alone? There are going to be so many people at the hospital…
Wonwoo swallows and masks his disappointment with a smile, “sure thing. I’ll see you at home,”
Jaekyung smiles, “see you,”
With that, Wonwoo turns around and walks out of the office, passing Secretary Lee on the way, who’s leading a trio of girls into Jaekyung’s cabin. Wonwoo doesn’t turn around but is within earshot of the cabin.
“Sir, they’ve been chosen as the final models for our marketing campaign. Chief Yeon sent them over,” Secretary Lee says and Jaekyung clears his throat, “ladies, congratulations. You all look wonderful today. Please, have a seat,”
And Wonwoo speed walks out of there.
❀❀❀❀
When the newlyweds retire to their room, Wonwoo settles down awkwardly on the humongous bed as Jaekyung uses the facilities.
Wonwoo takes the moment to look around the room, at the portraits on the wall, at trophies on the shelves, at the large mirror across the bed and fancy furniture throughout.
Wonwoo stands up and walks over to the mirror, a marvel in itself, mounted on a wall. Wonwoo takes a look at himself. There are quite a few smudges on his white suit, and his face looks a little worn out from the wedding activities. Should he get changed? Should he take a bath?
Aren’t they going to…
Wonwoo flushes. He shakes his head and startles when the washroom door clicks open. Jaekyung walks out and Wonwoo whirls around to face him.
“Hey, there’s no need to be nervous,” he laughs at Wonwoo’s spooked face, “I’m not going to force you into anything,”
Wonwoo relaxes at that.
He’s grateful.
“Thank you,” he sighs and Jaekyung chuckles, kissing Wonwoo’s cheek. Wonwoo blushes.
He’s never been in a relationship before and now he’s married to the Second Prince of Korea.
Jaekyung pulls away and takes Wonwoo’s hands, “I want you to know that I’m not in any rush to mate with you, okay? We can take our time and do it when comfortable,”
God.
Wonwoo truly believes he’s hit the jackpot with Jaekyung.
“Thank you,” he says and hugs his husband, and Jaekyung kisses his cheek once again, “no worries,”
Wonwoo looks forward to his life with Jaekyung.
❀❀❀❀
“Prince Wonwoo! Prince Wonwoo! Look here!” the paps call as Wonwoo steps out of the car. Despite the barrage of bodyguards surrounding him, Wonwoo’s crowded. He keeps his head lowered and plasters a smile on his face as cameras flash and snap photos.
“Prince Wonwoo! You look so handsome today!”
“Prince! What do you have to say about the news article which said Kim Enterprises and it’s subsidiaries are responsible for 35% of carbon emissions in Korea”
“Prince Wonwoo! What are your thoughts on the rising incidence of leukemia in children?”
“Prince Wonwoo, look here!”
“People’s Prince! Prince Wonwoo!”
“Prince Wonwoo smile at the camera please—“
“Prince Wonwoo!”
“Prince Wonwoo!”
“Prince Wonwoo!”
And once the hospital doors are shut, the noise drains out and Wonwoo relaxes, finally safe. He takes a deep breath and turns around, waving at the paparazzi and journalists outside as they continue to click photos.
“Thank you guys,” Wonwoo thanks his bodyguards.
With one last wave at the paparazzi, he walks away, followed by his men.
❀❀❀❀
“I should’ve known it was you when I heard all the frantic screams outside,” Jeonghan says as Wonwoo enters his office with a huge grin on his face.
“Maybe next time pop out and check. It could be a fire, who knows,” Wonwoo says, taking his seat as his bodyguards walk out the door and shut it.
Jeonghan chuckles, “it’s good to see you, Wonwoo-yah. What brings you here? Except of course inaugurating the blood drive outside and filling in for your husband,”
Wonwoo purses his lips. Jeonghan is sharp as ever.
“I came to see you,” Wonwoo sighs, leaning back on the chair, “and to ask you if you’ve considered my request,”
The playfulness of Jeonghab’s face disappears and he takes a deep breath, “I’ve told you what you’re asking is crazy,”
Wonwoo huffs, stretching, “I know. But I’ll keep coming until you agree, so…”
Jeonghan rolls his eyes, “great,” and Wonwoo chuckles.
“So, what’s new in your life?” Jeonghan diverts the topic and Wonwoo lets it be for this time. Wonwoo licks his lips, contemplating whether to tell Jeonghan or not.
“Mingyu RSVPd to Taehyung Hyung’s wedding,” he blurts out and Jeonghan gasps, “what….?”
Wonwoo sighs and rubs his face.
“Yeah,”
Jeonghan gulps nervously.
“Wow. Okay. That’s…”
“Odd. I know. I can’t believe…after so long…” Wonwoo trails off towards the end, pursing his lips shut.
Jeonghan hums, “wanna drink?”
Wonwoo laughs, “Is that your solution for everything?” and Jeonghan shrugs, “it’s pretty effective,”
Wonwoo snickers.
“Thanks Hyung, but I can’t. I’m busy,” Wonwoo sighs and Jeonghan rolls his eyes, “right. The people’s prince is never off duty, huh?”
Wonwoo can only smile, “it seems so,”
❀❀❀❀
“Are you well rested now, Wonwoo?” The Queen asks all of a sudden, and Wonwoo almost drops his chopsticks. He swallows his food and nods, “Yes, Eomeonim,”
The Queen smiles, nodding, “very well. Tomorrow, Taehyung will show you around the palace and make you aware of your responsibilities and etiquette,”
Wonwoo gulps but smiles, “Thank you, Eomeonim. And Tae—“ he turns to Taehyung who quickly cuts him off, “call me Hyung! We’re family now!” he flashes Wonwoo a body smile, making Wonwoo smile as well. He relaxes and glances at Jaekyung, who winks at him.
“It’s best you get this out of the way as soon as possible. Later, you’ll be busy,” the Queen adds and Wonwoo frowns, “if I may, busy with what, Eomeonim?”
The table falls silent and everyone exchange a glance before laughing.
Wonwoo frowns, confused.
The Queen clears her throat, “well, I assume it would be difficult to get adjusted to the royal way of life once you have children. That’s why, it’s best to get that out of the way,”
It finally dawns on Wonwoo what’s being insinuated.
He glances at Jaekyung and blushes.
Jaekyung chuckles.
❀❀❀❀
“Have you eaten yet?” Jaekyung asks when Wonwoo enters his room later that night.
Wonwoo smiles, “I have. What about you?” Wonwoo sits down on the bed beside Jaekyung, who stretches and nods, “I did. I grabbed a bite with some company executives earlier,”
Wonwoo smiles. He can tell.
Jaekyung reeks of alcohol.
“I see. Important meeting?” Wonwoo asks, fidgeting with his fingers as Jaekyung leans onto him, tipsy.
“Sort of,”
Wonwoo hums.
“I met Mom earlier,” Jaekyung says and Wonwoo nods, “I see. I saw her for dinner. She told me she hasn’t been feeling all too well,”
Jaekyung hums, snuggling closer to Wonwoo, “She worries she is ill. The Queen cannot be ill,”
Wonwoo takes a deep breath, “I understand,”
Jaekyung looks up at Wonwoo with hooded eyes, “she worries for me. For us. For our future,” he slides his hand onto Wonwoo’s lap, “she keeps pestering me about having children,” he chuckles and Wonwoo swallows.
He looks down at his lap, “right,”
Wonwoo feels his head being turned by his chin by Jaekyung’s fingers, and then he’s met with hot lips pressing into his.
Wonwoo shuts his eyes and lets himself be kissed and pushed back onto the bed. Jaekyung drunkenly crawls over him, “let’s give her what she wants, darling,” he smiles, loosening his tie and Wonwoo bites his lip.
He raises his arms and pulls Jaekyung closer to himself, shutting his eyes.
❀❀❀❀
“How long has it been since your marriage, Wonwoo?” The Queen asks as Wonwoo pours her some tea. He hums, “1 year, Eomeonim,”
She takes the tea cup and hums, “you’ve improved since then. You’ve excelled in your duties, both in the house and as CFO,”
Wonwoo smiles, “thank you, Eomeonim,”
“However,” The queen takes a sip and Wonwoo tenses, “there is one duty you are yet to carry out,”
She doesn’t have to elaborate for Wonwoo to understand.
He lowers his gaze, “Eomeonim, that—“
“Taehyung is an Omega and his lineage will not be counted,” she begins, “and Mingyu…that child..” she shakes her head and turns to Wonwoo, “someone has to carry forward the royal bloodline, Wonwoo,”
Those words put immense pressure on Wonwoo’s shoulders and he sighs.
“You should conceive as soon as possible. I’m also disappointed that you and Jaekyung haven’t mated yet. Do you not like my son, Wonwoo?”
“Eomeonim—“
“Enough. Talking to you vexes me. Take me to my chamber,” she says and Wonwoo swallows. Nonetheless, he helps her stand up and escorts her to her room, all the while thinking how he can convey to her that it’s her son that refuses to mate with Wonwoo.
❀❀❀❀
Wonwoo sneaks out of Jaekyung’s room the next morning, heading straight for his room.
On his way there, he finds himself rubbing the back of his neck, sighing to himself.
It feels empty.
Wonwoo’s given up on the idea of mating with Jaekyung. He gave up years ago and…
Wonwoo swallows. He walks into his room to freshen up but he startles when he sees a tall figure standing by his desk, its back facing Wonwoo.
Before Wonwoo can raise the alarm, the figure turns around and Wonwoo’s eyes widen.
“Good morning, Wonwoo,” the familiar voice says, sending shivers down Wonwoo’s spine.
“M-Mingyu…” is all he can say to the man standing in his room, shell-shocked.
“It’s been a while,” he smiles as memories of the past flood into Wonwoo’s brain.
❀❀❀❀
Wonwoo hates the fact that they have to change roommates almost every year.
He finds the exercise completely futile.
Not simply because relationships are rarely given the time to mature but also because he has to drag his luggage all the way to the other end of this hostel.
Wonwoo reaches his room after a great deal of work and catches his breath. Before opening the door however, he prays he doesn’t get a roommate this year.
Wonwoo wants the entire room for himself.
But when he pushes open the door, all his hopes are crushed.
He sees a man seated on a bed, unpacking his things and Wonwoo groans, making his presence known to the man.
The man turns around and smiles, “hey, I’m your new roommate,”
Wonwoo rolls his eyes, “I know, I know. Let’s get over with the drill shall we? I’m Wonwoo and I’m pursuing business and finance. And you are?” He asks as he settles down on the bed.
The man frowns and smiles, “you don’t know who I am?”
Wonwoo exhales, “No, your majesty, I don’t,”
The entitlement of some people!
The man chuckles, “well, uh, nice to meet you, Wonwoo-ssi. I’m Kim Mingyu,”
And Wonwoo gasps. That name…
He looks up at the man and gasps.
Mingyu smirks and continues, “the Third Prince of Korea,”
Wonwoo can only hope Mingyu forgives him for the ‘your majesty’ quip.