[For Everyone] Fortune's End [5/6]

[eonians]

Luhan felt like he was in a waking dream, a strange world that had shifted incredibly in a small amount of time, a change that was blind to almost everyone but himself and the man who had shared his bed the night before.

He didn’t see Minseok at all that morning, though honestly he wasn’t expecting to. Whatever they had just started, whatever they had just rekindled, was enough to earn them both a death sentence in their current situation. It wasn’t a time to be together openly, to drop in on each other for a few minutes of affection because they could - because honestly, even if moving about the keep, orchestrating a chance meeting, was possible, it wasn’t advisable. Not unless they wanted others to know, and honestly they did not.

Luhan was also struck by the question of what exactly had been rekindled. Was it a onetime thing, a time to come to a mutual understanding and nothing more? Was it a reawakening of their relationship, albeit one that had to be conducted with the utmost secrecy? He believed Minseok loved him and he knew that his heart had never changed, not really, but did that mean they could be together in some form, as clandestine as it may be?

“You are looking rather preoccupied today, Luhan,” Baekhyun remarked over tea. Luhan always wondered how much Baekhyun knew, and it was no different today. Could he possibly realize what had happened? Minseok was his master after all. Did he know that he had spent part of the night in Luhan’s chambers?

“I am tired.” It wasn’t a complete lie.

“Was there something keeping you awake last night?” Baekhyun appeared to be concerned, not vindictive. Yet how Baekhyun appeared and what he actually meant were not easily reconciled.

“No.” Luhan would have to ask Minseok - just what did Baekhyun know, and how afraid should he be afraid of the man?

After tea had ended Luhan accompanied Baekhyun to the castle’s library. There was more court ritual to study, Baekhyun rambling on about the ceremonial aspects of the Eriall, or a concubine’s joining to his master, and how Luhan best gain a better understanding of the ritual.

They were nearing the library when Minseok appeared, approaching from the opposite end of the long hall. Baekhyun greeted him warmly, Luhan remaining silent and averting his eyes. He was nervous, paralyzed with fear they would be found out.

“What leads you two to the library?” Minseok inquired, sounding calm and collected, the complete opposite of what Luhan was feeling.

Baekhyun rattled off the reason, his voice light and breezy.

“I see. Best of luck with your lesson, Luhan.”

Luhan raised his eyes, taking in the sight of Minseok smiling at him, a friendly gesture that didn’t look suspicious - or at least Luhan hoped it did not.

“Thank you,” Luhan mumbled.

When Minseok walked past them he kept close, not offering a wide berth for the pair to pass. As he brushed past Luhan his hand found the concubine’s, a momentary contact that had Luhan pulling away. He glanced behind him as Minseok passed, hoping the guards who were trailing behind him didn’t see. If they did they didn’t make any indication of it, the same emotionless expressions on their faces that Luhan had seen dozens of times before.

Luhan stared out the window in his chambers, watching Tao circle overhead. The sun was sinking below the horizon, night would be upon them soon. As the day progressed he became more anxious, more uncertain of what had happened the night before. Would Minseok show up again that night? He found that he had at least a half dozen questions for the man if he did appear - needing to know so much more about the situation they found themselves in.

Minseok appeared, slipping into his room shortly after Kyungsoo had returned to fetch his empty dinner tray. Luhan held back from rushing the man as soon as he entered, the uncertainty that had built up throughout the day holding him back. Minseok was not of a like mind, however, traversing the expanse of the room in a flash, scooping Luhan into a tight embrace.

Luhan relaxed into Minseok’s arms. “You came.”

“Did you think I could stay away?” Minseok murmured, tightening the embrace. Luhan had trouble breathing. Laughing he pushed at Minseok. It seemed to do the trick, Minseok letting him go and apologizing profusely.

“How do you - how can you sneak in here?” Luhan asked after a brief peck on the lips, his question accompanying their walk to the trestle bench.

Minseok grabbed Luhan’s hand, holding it tightly he sat. It was like he didn’t want to lose a moment of contact with Luhan while it was possible. “When I said that I found many like-minded people, I wasn’t lying. There are guards, servants, and others who are loyal to the cause. They are more than willing to turn a blind eye when I ask them to.”

“Does that mean you could help me escape?” Luhan blurted the question out before he considered what he was asking and who he was asking it to.

Minseok frowned, a slight hesitation before he spoke. “Luhan, I am not sure if that would work.”

Luhan stilled. So Minseok could sneak around the castle, but not get him to the East?

“If they discovered you were missing it would be fairly easy for them to discover who aided you. Luhan,” Minseok exhaled sharply. “I am not sure you would make it out alive, and if you did it would be only a matter of time before one of the servants saved their own hide and told them everything.”

“Ah, I see.” Luhan pulled his hand away. “I am to stay here then.”

“No, that isn’t what I meant.” Minseok sounded frustrated. “I am not going to let you stay here. I promise you that.”

“So what then? When, Minseok? How?” Luhan couldn’t help but appear hurt, staring at Minseok with a mixture of anger and despair.

“I told you about what I was planning, that I wanted to end this all. I am close, Luhan, very close. As soon as everything is said and done we will leave - together.”

“Until then I am to share Jongdae’s bed?” Luhan saw that his words stung, Minseok visibly recoiling.

“I am hoping we will be gone before he returns from the front.”

“Hoping?” Luhan scoffed.

“I am trying!” Minseok was angry. He stood and he stalked towards the window, then whirled around to face Luhan. “I want us to be free, I want you to be free! I am not going to try to escape until I am certain we will both live, that it isn’t all in vain.”

“Certainty is hardly something to rely on. You weren’t certain this would happen, but it did. Must we wait?” Luhan was hovering between arguing his desire for freedom and placating Minseok and his planning. How he wanted to be free, how he wanted to be gone. But would he even do it if Minseok remained behind? Was he arguing for something he didn’t really want?”

“I can’t,” Minseok said firmly, crossing his arms.

Luhan imagined escaping, leaving Minseok, running back to the East, towards freedom. He wasn’t so sure that he could do it anymore, not without Minseok. “Alright, I understand.”

“Thank you.” Minseok relaxed, unfolding his arms as he walked back to where Luhan sat. He crouched down in front of the man and reached out, cupping Luhan’s cheek. “I missed you today.”

“Hm.” Luhan relished the feel of Minseok’s hand, his fingers gently caressing him. Minseok stared lovingly up at him, a small smile playing on his face.

“Minseok, what if they find out?” Luhan asked quietly.

“They won’t,” Minseok assured him.

“Baekhyun.” Luhan didn’t elaborate on what he meant, but Minseok seemed to understand. He pulled his hand away, sighing.

“Baekhyun won’t betray us, even if he does find out.”

“I find that hard to believe. He hates me and the last time I checked you are his master.” Luhan hated the term master, hated using it in relation to Minseok and Baekhyun even more.

“Baekhyun isn’t as terrible as he tries to be.” Minseok sat back down on the bench. “He doesn’t love me, and he knows I don’t love him.”

“Then why is he practically glued to you every time I see you together?”

“You are full of so many questions tonight.” Minseok raised an eyebrow. “Are you starting to doubt this?”

“No.” Luhan shook his head. It wasn’t doubt, it was a need to know. “There is so much I don’t know, so much that you do know. Please, Minseok, at least answer my questions.”

“Baekhyun is very…how do I explain this?” Minseok looked thoughtful. “He cares a lot about his status and how the rest of the court views him. He doesn’t want the others to think he isn’t in some sort of blissful place. Does that make sense?”

“Yet he doesn’t care that it isn’t the truth? He doesn’t mind that you don’t like him?” Luhan found it hard to believe, that as long as the appearance was maintained Baekhyun was fine with the situation.

“He doesn’t have anything he can do about it,” Minseok answered gruffly. “He gave up on me a long time ago, Luhan, he knows it isn’t going to happen. Plus, I am not convinced he likes me that much. He had his eye on Kai for years and before he was given to me, it was not a secret he was chasing Jongdae once it was clear Kai wouldn’t have him.”

“Jongdae?!” Luhan hadn’t thought…didn’t realize. What if…

“Hm. I am not sure if that is still how he feels, but before he was confirmed as my Gariadon he made it no secret that he wanted to belong to Jongdae.”

Luhan wondered if he should say it. He ended up deciding to share what Jongdae had told him many weeks before. “Jongdae told me a story about his mother, about how he would only chose someone to be his Gariadon that he thought he could love. Does that mean he could never love Baekhyun?”

Minseok didn’t seem bothered by the fact that Luhan’s words implied that Jongdae could love Luhan. Instead he shrugged, answering, “It is possible. If Jongdae was interested in Baekhyun he would have taken him as his consort.”

Luhan suddenly laughed, Minseok looking at him with a confused expression. “What is so funny?”

“He has you, and Jongdae claimed me. I can’t do anything but laugh at this point.” Luhan found an immense amount of irony in it all.

“But I have you, and you have me.” Minseok reached out, pulling Luhan to him. “I could care less what the rest of them want, as long as we can be together.”

Luhan couldn’t argue with that statement, melding his body into Minseok’s, eager for another night to reconnect.

Luhan traced a finger lazily up Minseok’s chest, sated, his body was relaxed. His head rested on Minseok’s arm, his leg splayed across Minseok’s thighs.

“You told fortunes for all those years.” Minseok stared up at the royal blue fabric overhang.

“Yes. Tao was with me though, I wasn’t alone.” Luhan smiled, thinking of his bird friend.

“I wish I had been there, with both of you.” Minseok’s jaw tightened.

They had spent the evening, into the night, talking, sharing the past ten years in between giving themselves to each other time and time again, a well of passion released as they reconnected.

“Just promise me you will be here now, that you won’t leave.”

“I promise,” Minseok mumbled into Luhan’s hair, planting a chaste kiss in his brown locks. “They would have to drag me away.”

Luhan swallowed, trying to quell back to the memory of when that exact thing occurred, Minseok being dragged away, ten years prior. Willing away the painful memory he hugged Minseok tighter, hating that no matter what he would have to let him go soon, their time together still not entirely free.

Luhan’s scream was muffled by a hand placed over his mouth, another hand gripping his waist, pulling him back.

“Morning,” Minseok greeted him roughly, not only physically but verbally. Luhan whirled around, surprised to see Minseok there. He had woken up alone that morning, as was expected. It was mid-morning when he left to take a walk in the gardens, the ever present guards trailing behind him.

Minseok’s hold on his waist relaxed, and Luhan slapped at the man. “You scared me half to death!”

“Sorry.” Minseok smiled widely, clearly not sorry.

Luhan rolled his eyes, but inched forward, throwing his arms over Minseok’s shoulders. The shorter man eased forward, welcoming the contact when Luhan pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

Luhan moved away for a moment, catching his breathe.

“I was going to say something about the prettiest flower in the garden.” Minseok’s breath ghosted against Luhan’s lips. “But I thought you might actually slap me then.”

“Good guess.” Luhan smirked, leaning in for more, happy at the unexpected meeting.

“When will you put your plans in motion?” Luhan asked, curious how much Minseok would reveal to him. The knight hadn’t been specific when he spoke of revolution, of ensuring the war ended once and for all.

“Within a fortnight.” Minseok played with Luhan’s hands. They were lying on the floor of Luhan’s chambers, their clothing scattered about the room. They hadn’t made it to the bed, not when Minseok starting nibbling and suckling down Luhan’s neck. A plethora of pillows surrounded them, a couple of candles flickered, casting long shadows in the dimly lit room.

“What will happen?”

“It is the king that started this war,” Minseok said cryptically. “I mean to make sure that he cannot continue waging it.”

“Will you kill him?” Luhan found himself wondering, for the first time, if Jongdae would die too. Did that thought bother him?

“Yes,” Minseok whispered, as if he answered above a whisper the entire city would know of his plans. “That is why I was at his court not long ago. I had to make sure everything was in place. It is also why I had to be the one who captured the person who made an attempt on his life.”

Luhan thought back to when Jongdae had gone missing, to when Minseok had come back a hero for catching the person who dared poison the Western King. “Who did it, I mean, who poisoned him?”

“We did, but not enough to kill him.”

“So who did you capture?”

“No one. Yifan and I brought back a body, but it wasn’t a man we killed and it certainly wasn’t the person who slipped poison into the king’s food.”

“Yifan is loyal to you?”

“He has reason to be, he is from the East as well, though I dare say he took a bit of a different route in ending up here.”

Luhan digested the new information. He imagined what chaos would occur once the Western King was dead. “Jongdae will be king,” Luhan whispered, twining his fingers into Minseok’s.

“Hm.”

“And you don’t think he will continue the war?” Luhan, even for the amount of time he had spent alone with Jongdae, didn’t completely understand his ability to continue the war or how he felt about it. He knew the man was bitter, unhappy - but did he see any point in peace?

“He will be at the front when it happens,” Minseok spoke carefully. “When he returns he will find half his court has deserted, his father is deceased, and there are more nobles speaking out for peace than for war.”

“You have been busy.” Luhan couldn’t even begin to understand how Minseok had formulated this, much less begun to execute such a complicated plan from within enemy territory.

“I had reason to be. There is someone I was working very hard to see.” Minseok squeezed Luhan’s hand. “Someone who I wanted very much to meet when there wasn’t the threat of war hanging over our heads.”

“What a lucky man. You shall have to tell him hello for me,” Luhan teased, laughing as Minseok playfully threw himself on top of him, trading caresses for tickles.

The next night was a blissful repeat of the previous nights, Minseok sneaking into Luhan’s chambers as the sun set, spending the evening and night together as they rediscovered each other’s bodies, sharing their love as they spoke quietly about everything they had missed together and everything that was to come.

It was similar to the other nights with one exception. As the morning hours were quickly approaching, the sun threatening to rise anytime, Minseok dressed, ready to depart. And then the trumpets sounded.

Luhan was half asleep, reacting slowly to the noise. When it hit him exactly what the noise meant, or could mean, he froze. Staring at Minseok he found his shock mirrored in the knight’s pale and frightened expression.

“Is it?” Luhan’s voice cracked as he rushed to the window, watching in horror as the flags were being raised. No, no, no. It couldn’t be. He was supposed to be away for longer, he wasn’t supposed to return so soon.

Minseok was quick to walk to the door. He opened it and spoke to the guards in hushed tones. When he closed the door and returned to Luhan it was clear that he was disturbed. “It is Jongdae.”

“How?” Luhan blurted out, terrified.

“I don’t know why, but stay calm. I will handle this.”

“Your plan, what about - what about -“He couldn’t quite get the words out. “What about freedom, what about leaving together, what about us?”

“Stay calm, please.” Minseok pulled Luhan to him, planting a hurried kiss on his lips. “I need to go, now. I love you, remember that.”

And with that Minseok was gone, walking out the door, Luhan terrified at what was to come next.

He crawled into bed, pulling the covers over himself to wait. He debated leaving his room, curious if Baekhyun was already on his way to find him, to plan some event or another marking the return of the Western Prince. He quickly dismissed the thought, not willing to initiate any such action himself, preferring to be reactive instead of proactive.

The sun rose, streaks of sunlight filtering in as he listened. The noise from the hallway outside was nothing out of the ordinary. He wondered where Minseok was, if he was meeting with Jongdae, if his plans had completely fallen apart.

Kyungsoo would arrive soon, carrying breakfast, helping Luhan to dress. Yet he waited, not bothering to get out of bed, paralyzed with fear. When he heard the unmistakable sound of boots on stone, he tensed, hoping it wasn’t Jongdae. When he heard the key in the lock he pulled the covers up even more, closing his eyes he pretended to be asleep.

The door opened, clicked shut. Footsteps. “Luhan.”

Luhan didn’t open his eyes, couldn’t. It was Jongdae. Curse the world it was Jongdae. He felt the mattress dip as the prince sat down, followed by a gentle shake to his shoulder. “Luhan, wake up.”

He couldn’t very well keep up the pretense of being asleep, even if he desperately wanted to. Fluttering his eyes open, trying to look as half asleep as possible, he stared up at the prince. The man was smiling brightly. He looked tired, a bit haggard even, but his happiness was unmistakable.

“I have returned to you.” Jongdae leaned in, planting a kiss on the lips that had only hours before moved across Minseok’s torso, his thighs, and his chest. Luhan had to focus in order not to pull away.

“I have missed you so much.” Jongdae reached out, his hand finding Luhan’s hair, caressing him. “Have you been well?”

“Yes.” Luhan knew his voice had no emotion in it, but that was better than showing the amount of anger and disappointment he felt at Jongdae having returned so soon. Emotionless was better than obvious hatred.

When Jongdae moved forward yet again, crashing his lips into Luhan’s eagerly, his intentions were clear. Luhan panicked, knowing that Jongdae wanted to sleep with him. Pushing back on the prince he watched as Jongdae lifted his head, clearly confused. “What is it?”

“My-” Luhan’s voice cracked. “My leg. My leg is in pain this morning.”

Jongdae immediately apologized. “I had nearly forgotten. I am sorry. Of course, you are not entirely healed yet.”

Luhan nodded weakly.

“Are you well enough to take breakfast with me?” Jongdae looked far too hopeful.

“Yes, though it shall take me a moment to walk there.” Luhan regretted agreeing, but realized it was the lesser of two evils.

“Of course, take all the time you need.”

Luhan was seated across from Minseok, who was ignoring him. He was the only person that was already at the breakfast table when Luhan limped in after Jongdae, the prince making a point of keeping Luhan’s hand in his own.

“Minseok, I am sure you remember my Gariadon.” Jongdae took his seat at the head of the table. Minseok offered only a cursory nod before returning his attention to his plate.

Sehun and Kai showed up next, Sehun looking no better than he had the last time Luhan had seen him at the feast. He was starting to grow a beard, his haggard and tired appearance accentuated by his sudden lack of grooming. Kai appeared his usual easy going self, joking with Jongdae as soon as he entered the room.

“How nice it is to be back.” Jongdae reached for Luhan’s hand. It was painful, having the prince grab for him when Minseok was only feet away, and not being able to pull away.

Luhan desperately wanted to know why Jongdae was back much earlier than expected but he knew he couldn’t very well ask. Not here, not with Kai and Sehun watching. Thankfully one of the knights bridged the topic.

“I shall never understand how your father can make such decisions on a whim.” Kai took a bite of an apple. “To visit while you are away, calling you back from the front - it still amazes me.”

“He does what he wants, he always has.” Jongdae didn’t seem to take offense to Kai’s statement. Their friendship was too deep for the prince to read anything negative in it. “And to be honest I was growing weary of all of the mud.”

Luhan was revolted that Jongdae found his time raiding Eastern villages to be a nuisance because of mud, but bit his tongue from saying so. “When will His Highness arrive?” Luhan asked, each moment his hand remained in Jongdae’s another second of torture.

“A week, or so. That is what the messenger said. Honestly, knowing my father, it could be as soon as today.” Jongdae sighed. “It will be madness around here until he leaves.”

“You have to admit it is a fun kind of madness,” Kai reminded the prince. “The last time he visited we feasted for days.”

“Hm, and when he left the entire castle was depleted of food and wine. Not exactly an ideal situation when I have my own court to attend to.” Jongdae let Luhan’s hand go, needing both hands to reach for a plate of meat that Sehun passed his way.

Luhan chanced a glance at Minseok. The knight was keeping his eyes trained on Jongdae, betraying nothing of their rekindled romance. Luhan looked away, afraid he would be the one to betray them, the one to make it obvious.

“How many slaves did you return with?” Sehun’s voice was hoarse, Luhan mentally recoiling at how terrible he sounded.

“Maybe…” Jongdae looked thoughtful, “Half a dozen. None that I would deem worthy of working in the castle, however. Though Baekhyun may think differently.”

Luhan wondered if Sehun had asked for selfish reasons, if he was looking for a new Gariadon, a person to fill Yixing’s place. Was he truly heartbroken or only feeling left out?

“Minseok, how was my father when you visited him?”

Minseok answered at once. He seemed so calm and collected it made Luhan feel like a complete failure in terms of controlling his emotions. “Well, his usual self, barking orders left and right while insulting any nobleman that came within ten feet of him.”

Jongdae exhaled sharply. “Will he ever show his age?”

“I doubt it.” Kai suddenly looked at Luhan, like he only just then realized the man was present. “I heard you visited Chanyeol the other day. Please refrain from doing so in the future, unless you want to explain it to my sword.”

Luhan paled, having not expected Kai to bring up the encounter. But why wouldn’t he, Luhan realized, when it was his Gariadon that had been almost punished for the misdeed.

“I-“

“You visited Chanyeol? In his chambers?” Jongdae quirked an eyebrow at Luhan, looking inquisitive but not exactly angry or upset by the news.

“I, um,” Luhan’s voice cracked, “I made a mistake, your highness. It won’t happen again. I am sorry.”

“You truly are a bold one, it is nice to see your actions finally supporting it.” Jongdae cracked a wide smile. “Just stay on the right side of Kai’s sword, please. I don’t have it in me to go looking for someone to replace you.”

A reminder that he was a possession, to be replaced. It was annoying.

Luhan nodded. It was the last time anyone paid attention to him during the meal. They referred instead to discuss Jongdae’s time warring along the Eastern front. Luhan listened, garnering the information that the Eastern Armies had all but abandoned a huge swath of territory to the invaders. It wasn’t unexpected. The Eastern Armies had a tendency to sacrifice what they couldn’t defend. When a servant appeared, all but pulling Jongdae towards his first appointment of the day, Luhan stood to go.

“I shall see you later. We shall celebrate tonight,” Jongdae whispered as he pulled Luhan into a hug. It was painful to see Minseok, a flicker of emotion ever so briefly passing over him, standing a few feet away. Luhan pulled back, unable to stand it any longer.

He left the room, guards trailing behind him, with a heavy heart.

Luhan threw himself on his bed, face down. He cried, needing an outlet for the despair that the morning’s events had instilled in him. He wept, ignoring how pathetic it was to literally sob his problems into his pillows.

How would he survive Jongdae’s return? How would he survive having Minseok close, but so far away? He knew he would have to, that there was no other choice, but he hated it just the same. There had been a spark of hope the last few days, a future that meant freedom and Minseok, and that future had been pushed indefinitely to a time and place that was not yet determined.

It was Baekhyun who found him asleep, his tear stained face puffy and swollen. Luhan nearly jumped out of bed when he felt the gentle pressure on his shoulder. Wide-eyed and scared he stared up at his fellow concubine.

Baekhyun narrowed his eyes at Luhan. “Are you well?”

“Baekhyun?” Luhan asked dumbly, recollecting where he was and what had happened.

“Hm. I am sure that you have heard that the king shall be making a visit within the week,” Baekhyun spoke sternly. “You have a lot to prepare for the visit- not to mention tonight’s gathering to welcome his highness back to the castle.”

Of course, preparations. His official duties. Why else would Baekhyun be staring down at him like that? “I…”

“Follow me, we need to see Gook Ju.” Baekhyun wasn’t interested in listening to excuses. He waited only a minute or two for Luhan to collect himself before striding off towards the kitchens. Luhan followed, faking a limp - his leg having already healed but his need to keep up the lie he told Jongdae earlier in the day causing him to mimic his old injury -trying to remember what he had to tell the woman when it came to a visit from the king.

Baekhyun remembered, because of course he had it all memorized. Where Luhan failed, where his memory was blank, Baekhyun spoke, detailing everything that needed to be done for the monarch’s imminent arrival. Luhan clasped his hands together, nodding at Baekhyun’s instructions, his mind still very much stuck with the memory of Minseok kissing him goodbye that morning, telling him he loved him. If only he could see Minseok again, if only he could have a moment alone with him. He was so distracted by the thought he narrowly missed moving aside when a serving girl walked past him, juggling two large trays. Mumbling an apology he turned his attention back to Baekhyun and Gook Ju, trying with all his might to focus.

Luhan remained quiet for the rest of the meeting, trailing after Baekhyun once everything was said and done.

“I have taken the liberty of cancelling tea today, I believe everyone has some catching up to do,” Baekhyun informed Luhan as they neared their chambers.

Another day Luhan might have argued that it was his place to cancel the concubine’s tea, not Baekhyun, but today he didn’t care.

“Take care, Luhan.” Baekhyun parted ways with Luhan, his goodbye in many ways cryptic, only Luhan didn’t realize it. Not then. Not until later.

Luhan led the Gariadon to the feast that evening with a resolution he would be strong, he had to be strong. He would watch Baekhyun cuddle up to Minseok, he would stay by Jongdae’s side, and he would smile and bear it because he had no other choice.

Six hours later his resolve was threatening to crumble. Jongdae had drunk so much wine he was half in his seat, half in Luhan’s, his hands roving over his concubine’s thighs and waist in a way that made Luhan want to shove him off. Baekhyun was tipsy as well, loudly insinuating certain things about the conduct of one of his own. Luhan didn’t have to be a genius to figure out that the man was referring to Luhan’s visit to Chanyeol’s chambers. Further down the table Chanyeol and Kai were nearly making out, while Minseok flitted from group to group, conversing at ease. The tall knight, the one called Yifan, was watching everything with a troubled expression on his face. Luhan made a mental note that he should ask Kyungsoo about him later.

“Did you miss me?” Jongdae asked for the umpteenth time, his hand squeezing Luhan’s thigh under the table. The prince’s breath stunk of wine, Luhan turning his head away lest he gag.

“Of course,” Luhan lied, hoping that someone would stumble over to the prince soon and engage him in another rambling discussion about his time away or the king’s upcoming visit or anything that would have him occupied with something other than Luhan.

“We should retire to your chambers,” Jongdae whispered, leaning in even more. He planted a kiss on Luhan’s neck, no longer caring they were in the feasting hall. Luhan closed his eyes, took deep breath and willed himself to continue.

“I am not certain that my injury will allow such a visit.” Luhan knew that his injury couldn’t be an indefinite excuse but he hoped it would work just a bit longer.

“I will be gentle.” Jongdae planted a second kiss on Luhan’s neck, this time it was open mouthed, sloppy.

Luhan cast a glance down the table. Minseok met his eyes then looked away. It was painful. Terribly so.

“Come on.” Jongdae stood, pulling Luhan to his feet. Before Luhan could turn him down further Jongdae was loudly proclaiming, “I bid you all drink, eat, be merry. I have some important catching up to do.” A few loud whoops and whistles followed his announcement.

Luhan’s wrist was firmly in Jongdae’s grasp as the prince staggered towards the door, his steps uneven, clearly influenced by his intoxicated state. Luhan started to panic, attempting to yank his hand away. Jongdae either ignored his protests or honestly didn’t notice, stumbling farther down the hallway.

“Ow!” Luhan dug his heels in, crying out loudly. Jongdae stopped, letting Luhan’s wrist go. He gave Luhan a curious look.

“My leg.” Luhan reached down, running his hand up the outside of his leg for emphasis. “My leg, I think I twisted it again.”

“You seemed well enough walking into the feast.” Jongdae narrowed his eyes. Was he beginning to suspect it was all an act?

“It is painful.” Luhan swallowed, hoping Jongdae would buy it, leaving him alone.

“I said I would be gentle.” Jongdae reached for Luhan once again. “If you want me to carry you to your chambers I shall.”

“No! Please.” Luhan knew that Jongdae would only take what was given to him, and in every way but saying flat out “don’t touch me”, Luhan was telling the man no. “I - it isn’t fair to you.”

“Fair to me?” Jongdae laughed. “You are worried that it isn’t fair to me?”

“I-I mean,” Luhan stuttered, “What fun shall it be if you have to be gentle?”

“You speak as though I have never treated you gently,” Jongdae slurred. “Now let me carry you.”

Luhan choked back a scream as Jongdae reached forward, trying to pick the taller man up. Due to his drunken state he overshot his movements, resulting in a hard fall onto the stone floor of the passageway. His head hit the stone. Luhan gasped at the loud thud.

“Your highness!” It was Minseok, rushing towards them. “Your highness, are you okay?”

Had he been watching? Had he followed them? Luhan crouched down, trying to help the prince to stand.

“Minseok?” Jongdae was confused. “What are you doing here?”

“I was going to relieve myself when I heard you fall. Can you stand?” Minseok waved to the guards who had been loitering nearby, not wanting to involve themselves in Jongdae’s tussle with his concubine. They helped the prince to his feet, Jongdae rubbing the back of his head as he stood.

“Please, let me escort you back to the feast, you should sit down.” Minseok stepped back as Jongdae shrugged him off.

“I can walk.” The prince seemed to forget all about Luhan as he stalked back to the feasting hall, his gait still uneven. The guards walked close behind him, swaying with him, attempting to break his fall if he were to tip back again.

Luhan and Minseok watched him stumble into the feasting hall and Luhan let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding when the Prince disappeared from sight. For the second time that night he was grasped by the wrist and led away, though this time it was welcome.

His back collided with the cool stone wall as Minseok pushed him into the stone alcove. Luhan barely had time to register where he was before Minseok’s mouth was on his, a passionate and vigorous kiss that had Luhan gasping, pressing forward, and needing more.

When Minseok moved away, his breath shaky, he hissed, “I can’t stand seeing him touch you.”

Luhan’s hands found Minseok’s waist. He pulled the man to him and initiated another deep kiss, his tongue assaulting Minseok’s mouth. It was possessiveness, but it was welcomed possessiveness. He wanted Minseok, he loved Minseok, and he didn’t love Jongdae. When they broke apart for the second time Luhan voiced his apprehension. “What if we get caught?”

“We won’t,” Minseok whispered, reaching up he cupped Luhan’s cheeks with his hands. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Luhan whispered, searching Minseok’s face, finding comfort in his proximity.

“I will make sure he stays away tonight,” Minseok promised before planting one last kiss on Luhan’s mouth, darting out the alcove and disappearing back towards the feasting hall.

Luhan stood in the alcove, trying to steady his breathing, knowing very well that there were guards nearby that would be ready to accompany him back to his chambers. How much control Minseok had over their ability to keep quiet was starting to eat at Luhan, especially now that Jongdae was back.

Luhan took a step forward, pulling back when he heard footsteps. Bracing his back against the stone wall he watched as someone passed in front of the alcove. He recognized the tall form, broad shoulders. It was Sehun. Luhan hoped he hadn’t seen or heard anything. He knew for certain that Sehun had little love for him or any of the Gariadon and would not hesitate to stand witness to his downfall.

When the footsteps fell silent, Sehun gone, Luhan emerged from his hiding spot. He gathered his robes and made his way towards his chambers, the footsteps of guards falling behind him just as he had expected.

Luhan was still in bed, having fallen asleep only as the sun was rising, when Kyungsoo appeared. He had been unable to sleep, afraid Jongdae would come, afraid that in his drunken state he may not care that Luhan had no interest in sleeping with him.

Luhan wondered why Kyungsoo was there, considering he had fully expected Jongdae to call him to breakfast. Perhaps the prince was angry. The thought had Luhan feeling tense, wondering if he had set himself so far back it would be only hours until he was sent to the mines.

Kyungsoo seemed to sense his confusion. “You are to be dressed for riding. His highness shall meet you in the courtyard.”

Luhan noted the bundle of riding clothes in Kyungsoo’s arms. Glumly he rose from bed, letting the boy dress him. He considered feigning more pain, trying to get out of what was before him - yet the momentary thought that Jongdae may cast him aside, sending him to a fate almost as bad as death itself, had Luhan mustering the willpower to go through with it.

It was terrible being so conflicted, Luhan feeling like he had become the epitome of a shallow human being. He hated the position he was in, yet he had played the part with an end goal in mind, using Jongdae the same way the prince was using him. Then Minseok had arrived and everything he had once thought worth pursuing seemed empty. Still, while Jongdae was back, he needed to survive. He needed to remain in his favor so he could see Minseok’s plans of revolution come to fruition. In many ways he was still doing everything for Minseok, still playing the part so he could dream of freedom in the East with the man he loved. It was just that the circumstances had changed, the path to get there had shifted, and now it was even more painful to play the part of a willing concubine.

Jongdae was in the courtyard, waiting, when Luhan appeared. The prince gestured for the guards to leave them. When the men were out of sight he pulled Luhan into a gentle embrace.

“I am so, so sorry about last night,” Jongdae whispered, his hands tracing soothing circles on Luhan’s back. “I missed you so much it was maddening, but I had no right to be so demanding. Can you forgive me?”

“I forgive you,” Luhan answered, hesitantly raising his own arms to return the hug.

Jongdae moved back, a smile playing at his lips. Luhan had to admit the prince was handsome. Perhaps if they had met in another lifetime, in another place, as different people, Luhan would have liked the idea of being with such a man.

“To make it up to you, assuming you are willing, I would like to go for a ride - away from the castle.” Jongdae motioned towards the pack hanging off the horse. “I brought breakfast, so you shan’t starve.”

“That would be nice.” Luhan found himself agreeing to the outing, not willing to try his luck with denying the prince again. Especially not when he was obviously so smitten with him.

Jongdae helped Luhan onto the horse before mounting the beast himself. “Hold on,” Jongdae instructed, spurring the animal into a steady trot. Luhan grasp Jongdae’s waist, holding tightly as they rode out the northern gate of the castle towards the wilderness beyond the white stone walls. Guards trailed after them, keeping a respectable distant but still present, ensuring the safety of their prince.

The strong western wind felt refreshing for once, Luhan sucking in deep breaths as the cool air rushed past him. Jongdae brought the animal into a gallop and Luhan tightened his hold as they raced across the flat, green fields. The forest loomed ahead, Jongdae slowing the horse as they entered the tree line.

They slowly made their way through the forest, riding for a few minutes before stopping in a clearing. Jongdae hopped down first. He held out his arm for support and helped Luhan down. Jongdae was all smiles as he reached into his pack, pulling out a blanket and bundle of food.

“I am afraid I do not have as much time to eat with you as I would like.” Jongdae spread the blanket out, motioning for Luhan to sit. The concubine complied, adjusting his robes as he sat on the soft blanket.

“How is your leg?” Jongdae asked as he untied the bundle, pulling out fruit and bread.

“Um, better.” Luhan added, “The pain comes and goes.”

“You are lucky you didn’t lose your leg.” Jongdae offered a piece of fruit to the concubine, Luhan taking it.

“Yes, I am.” Luhan recalled Minseok rescuing him, carrying him back to camp, saving him in more ways than one.

“Luhan, when my father comes I do not want you to be intimidated.”

“Intimidated?” Luhan repeated.

“Hm. He is rather strong willed and will likely seek you out - you are the first person I have ever taken as a Gariadon, after all. He shall be curious.” Jongdae bit into a piece of fruit, chewing loudly. “Be yourself and don’t be too frightened by his questions,” the prince spoke in between chews.

“Will he stay long?”

“Hm. I never know. He rarely makes the trip, once every few years and each time he sets his own timeline.”

“Does he never go to war?” Luhan knew he did at one time. He had been the man who had taken Minseok after all.

“No, not for years.” Jongdae suddenly seemed bored with the subject of his father, changing the subject to Luhan’s welfare. “Were you treated well in my absence? Did you enjoy your freedom?”

“Yes, everything was well. It was a long healing process.”

“Minseok, Kai and Sehun didn’t trouble you, did they?”

“N-no,” Luhan hoped he wasn’t blushing.

“Very good. They can get out of hand when they don’t have someone to remind them of their place.”

“How so?”

“Sehun, he is …well, I don’t think he is over what happened, the poor fool. Kai, he can be rather spur of the moment. Minseok….” Jongdae took another bite, chewing. “He is calmer than the others, I suppose.”

“He is older than them, no?” Luhan shouldn’t be asking about Minseok, he knew he shouldn’t be, yet he couldn’t hold back. He wondered just what Minseok meant to Jongdae, just how the man defined their friendship.

“Yes. I tend to think he is a bit more careful too. After everything he went through to achieve knighthood he treats the position with the utmost respect. He is loyal…a good friend.” Jongdae tossed the apple core aside, leaning back and supporting himself on his outstretched arms. “I had no problem naming him my second-in-command.”

“Baekhyun said he was from the East.” Luhan finished his piece of fruit, eyeing up a slice of bread. He held back, not feeling particularly hungry.

“He is. Though he is worth half a dozen men born in the West,” Jongdae chuckled, Luhan staring at him wide-eyed. Was he suspicious of Luhan’s questions? “Why are we talking about my knights when it is our first time alone together in weeks?”

Jongdae sat up, his eyes raking over Luhan’s face. “May I kiss you?”

Luhan nodded, bracing himself as Jongdae closed the space between them. It was a rather chaste kiss. Jongdae was gentle as his hand found the back of Luhan’s neck. “I missed you more than you would ever know,” Jongdae’s words ghosted along Luhan’s cheek. A trail of reverent kisses following his breath.

Luhan let himself be led, let Jongdae inch forward, leaning back as Jongdae lowered him to the blanket. He tried to disassociate himself from what was happening, to separate himself from the caresses, the soothing words, Jongdae’s wandering hands. He knew where things were leading and he was letting it happen.

Closing his eyes, he went limp, allowing Jongdae to do as he pleased. As the Western Prince pushed his robes up, teasing against his thighs, his stomach, he found his mind wandering to Minseok. As he lay willing, he thought of Minseok. He thought of how little difference there was between them all things considered.

Minseok rode under the banner of the Western Kingdom, killing and warring in their name, his motivation an end to the madness, a freedom. Luhan lay bare, a Western Prince driving into him again and again, his motivation to find a life away from this place, to be free. They played with power in the same ways, shaping and molding what they could obtain to meet their own goals, their own path to a life they wanted together.

Luhan used sex, Minseok used his sword. In the end they had both done things that couldn’t be lightly excused, forgiven, or understood. Yet at that moment, as Luhan gasped at the way Jongdae began thrusting into him, hard and fast, he realized that he understood, he forgave, and he could accept it all because Minseok understood too. Of course, they both understood, they only did what they had to do.

When Jongdae let out a strangled moan, spilling his seed into Luhan, the concubine lay hard, having not found his own release. When Jongdae reached between them, stroking Luhan to completion, the concubine cried out, spasming with the power of his orgasm. As Jongdae rolled off of him he found that he suddenly had little regret. He had done what he had to, Minseok would understand.

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6