[For Everyone] Fortune's End [4/6]

[eonians]

That evening Kyungsoo changed his bandaging, following the careful instructions handed down from the court healer.

Luhan winced as Kyungsoo moved his foot as carefully as possible, each movement, no matter how small, sending pain shooting up his leg. Luhan needed a distraction. “Kyungsoo, can you talk to me while you change the dressing? Distract me.”

The eunuch shot a curious glance back at Luhan but obliged, “What should I talk about.”

“Um,” Luhan stuttered, “You. Tell me more about yourself.”

“There is not much to tell. I was born in the East, I was taken during a raid, and then I was made into a Eunuch.”

“Why a Eunuch. I mean, why did they choose you?” Luhan closed his eyes, trying to focus on anything but the pain.

“I don’t know. Maybe because I seemed loyal enough, because I didn’t complain, because I was young enough for the surgery. Someone once told me it was because I seemed disinterested in others to begin with. They knew I was perfect to tend to those who must never be given the chance to love anyone but their masters.”

How terribly sad, Luhan thought. “That is foolish, I mean, and horrible to do such a thing to someone.”

“Hm,” Kyungsoo grunted, “I am not sure what is worse, being a Gariadon or being the one who tends to them.”

“Is it true? You have never been interested in anyone?” Luhan chanced.

“All done.” Kyungsoo stood up. Luhan realized he had crossed some invisible line, asking too many questions, foolish things to do when the man had suffered enough.

“Thank you,” Luhan mumbled, “And sorry.”

“For what?” Kyungsoo narrowed his eyes.

“For what they did to you.”

Kyungsoo was gone before the discussion could go any further.

Three weeks passed before Luhan could walk on his leg without needing to rest every few feet. He relished the ability to be mobile, wanting to take full advantage of the freedoms that Jongdae had granted him.

“Will you be taking tea today?” Kyungsoo asked as he helped Luhan dress.

“The Gariadon tea has been reinstated?” Luhan hadn’t heard anything of it, though in all fairness he was not able to leave his room before that day so there was no reason for Kyungsoo or Nana to make him privy to the fact.

“Yes, it was resumed last week, per his highness’s instruction,” Kyungsoo explained.

So Yixing’s escape and the Gariadon resulting punishment would not last forever. Jongdae must have wanted to issue a warning, or perhaps he was charging someone to investigate, to ensure that the remaining concubines were loyal. Whatever it was the time had passed for the concubines to be kept under lock and key twenty-four hours a day.

“Yes, I shall attend tea.” Luhan was curious to see Baekhyun and to gauge just how much - if at all, he had changed after the attack.

The other Gariadon had not been expecting him. It was clear when all eyes widened as he walked in the door. The gathered concubines stood to bow in a show of respect as he limped towards the head of the table. Luhan returned their greetings, finding it hard not to stare at Baekhyun outright.

Once he was seated, Luhan found the seat to his right was now occupied by another Gariadon. In his mind it had been Yixing’s place, but Yixing was no longer one of them. Luhan hoped the man had made it to the East safely and was now a free man. The person who took his place was a shy and quiet man by the name of Leo. He was someone who rarely seemed to converse with the others, hanging back when the rest of the room was loud with conversation. Luhan offered a short greeting before turning his attention to Baekhyun.

“Are you shocked, Luhan?” Baekhyun stared back, the scars on his face not nearly as prominent as Luhan had feared. Pink lines were visible on his cheeks but there were only a few, not deep and jagged like Luhan had thought they may be. “Did you think it would be worse?”

“No.” Luhan wouldn’t give Baekhyun the pleasure of thinking otherwise.

“Such an interesting day, it was.” Baekhyun smirked. “Both of us ended up injured.”

Leo was passing the tea, having assumed Yixing’s former role completely, at least as far as ritual and hierarchy were concerned. He wasn’t Sehun’s consort, however. That role was not filled, and Luhan wondered if the knight would ever take another Gariadon after the escape of his first.

“I do wonder, Luhan, how you ended up so far away from camp?” Baekhyun sipped his tea, his eyes never leaving Luhan.

Luhan wouldn’t stumble, not now, not in front of Baekhyun. He had been given a second chance courtesy of Minseok and he wouldn’t blow it. “I have a terrible fear of birds,” he lied.

“You poor thing,” Baekhyun deadpanned, Luhan doubting that he believed the explanation of Luhan‘s sudden escape from camp. “What a fright you must have had. Let us hope you never have another reason to run in fear.”

“Let us hope.” Luhan drank the steaming liquid, realizing how little he had missed the bitter tea. He spotted Chanyeol sitting further down the table, looking healthy and happy. At least his friend was well. Curious, Luhan asked, “Are all of the knights away?”

“Yes, at the moment.” Baekhyun followed Luhan’s eyes. “Kai is with Minseok and Sehun, paying homage to the King at Dinas Ffawr.” The capital city, Luhan had heard of it - Yixing rambling about the place over tea one day, the place where Junmyeon held court.

“Need I remind you of the proper amount to pour?” Baekhyun glared at Leo, motioning towards a cup that was minimally under the proper amount. Luhan had never noticed the amount that was poured, glancing at Baekhyun he took a few seconds to decide if he should hold his tongue or speak. He spoke.

“Now that I am nearly healed I would like to take you up on your offer.”

“What offer?” Baekhyun narrowed his eyes.

“I would like to assume my rightful position - watching over the Gariadon.” Luhan watched as Baekhyun’s expression darkened, finding a sense of accomplishment at his ability to anger the man.

“It is a blessing to know you take your position seriously.” Baekhyun tried to act relieved, but Luhan knew otherwise. Later, when he was back in his chambers, Luhan considered how much his dislike of Baekhyun had grown - and what that had to do with knowing he shared his bed with Minseok.

Over the next few days Baekhyun instructed Luhan on ritual, decorum, and the delicate inner workings of the Gariadon. Luhan would hang back after tea had ended, Baekhyun doing the same, going through the motions of teaching him when they were alone.

Luhan found that Baekhyun’s responsibilities were mostly ceremonial in nature, unless there were new Gariadon to look upon. He was to ensure the others followed court rules, but if they did not he was not explicitly responsible for their behavior. He instructed newcomers on official etiquette, but in the end he wasn’t truly their teacher in the strictest sense of the word - more like an adviser. There were plenty of tasks that Baekhyun had responsibility for that Luhan would not, the man explained. Baekhyun had responsibility over sorting incoming slaves, but that wasn’t because of his position in the Gariadon, it was because of his trustworthiness.

“Scold them if they dare to ignore the rules that bind us,” Baekhyun reiterated time and time again.

“Do you punish them differently for repeat offenses?” Luhan wouldn’t dole out punishments the same way as Baekhyun, scolding at any little infraction. He was looking for a way to leverage his position over Baekhyun, not enforce the petty decorum of a court that held him prisoner.

“I am here to remind them of their rank, if they routinely step out of line I will address the matter with his highness,” Baekhyun answered firmly. Luhan to wondered how often Baekhyun had Jongdae’s ear.

“You are not under lock and key, are you?” Luhan asked after a few days of inane instructions, books being pushed his way with Baekhyun questioning his ability to read.

“No,” Baekhyun admitted, “After fourteen years I have their trust.”

It was the first time Baekhyun had made a statement that could convey a division between himself and the Westerners, an “us” and “them” mentality.

“Do you miss the East?” Luhan chanced, not letting the implications of the comment fall to the wayside.

“No.,” Baekhyun answered curtly, changing the subject as he delved into the formalities that would occur if the reigning monarch made an appearance at court.

Luhan wondered if Baekhyun didn’t miss the East because his life had been worse off there, perhaps the same way Chanyeol’s sister viewed her brother’s status as elevated with his position as a concubine. Or perhaps there was some other reason, something Baekhyun would never say. Luhan hoped, deep down, that reason wasn’t Minseok -another honest thought that had him hating the way his emotions grew chaotic whenever he thought of the man who had betrayed him.

Luhan took advantage of the increased freedoms Jongdae had left him with, limping his way down to the gardens the first day he was able to do so. Kyungsoo opened the door for him, no questions asked. Of course he was under constant guard, his freedom clearly not actual freedom, more like an expansion of his prison.

The gardens were larger than Luhan would have thought them to be, from what he had seen of the city it was made of tightly packed buildings, not open greenspaces. Wandering around the foliage was a pleasant experience, even with soldiers trailing behind him. The flowers were still in bloom and the high garden walls kept the ever present winds at bay.

The second day that he was able to walk without much pain, Luhan rambled about the keep, with no particular destination in mind. He wanted to understand the layout, gather a feel for the snaking passageways and the placement of rooms lest he ever need to use such information. Again, soldiers accompanied him, yet the ability to ramble about the place did indeed feel like some sort of reward.

The keep was so large Luhan got lost a few times, having to turn to the guards and ask how to return to his chambers. On the fourth day of his explorations of the building he happened upon Baekhyun, his arms full of carefully folded bedding. It was a strange sight, seeing the proud concubine carrying bed linens.

“Baekhyun,” Luhan greeted him, giving him a curious look, wondering if the man would offer up an explanation for what he was doing.

“Luhan, I forget that his highness has given you permission to wander the keep - providing you have guards following, of course.” Baekhyun’s words were always tinged with pettiness, anger, or disdain and this casual encounter was no different.

“Are delivering bed linens a task I should be made aware of?” Luhan countered.

“No, not as part of your role,” Baekhyun responded, walking past Luhan and the guards. They were standing in one of the main hallways of the keep, a wide passageway which contained entrances to the great feasting hall and Jongdae’s throne room among other areas. “I have been in charge of overseeing his highness’s bed chamber for years, I am freshening it up in his absence.”

Luhan paled, not expecting such a response. He found that he couldn’t ask anything more, his mouth not willing to move despite the plethora of questions flooding his mind. So Baekhyun saw to Jongdae’s bedroom? It was a strange task, an intimate task, that spoke volumes in regards to what sort of trust Baekhyun had earned in the place.

“Where are his highness’s chambers?” Luhan asked one of the guards after Baekhyun was out of sight. In all of his exploration he had yet to be told he was near the bedroom of any of the knights, much less the prince himself.

“They are in the locked part of the keep, his highness has not given us permission to escort you there,” The guard answered. Luhan bristled at the words.

Luhan’s ability to take charge of the Gariadon was put to the test a week later, when the unmistakable sound of trumpets signaled an arrival at the castle. Luhan left his room at the sound, curious. It was early in the morning, Kyungsoo having not arrived with breakfast yet. Luhan was halfway down the hall, guards close behind him, when Baekhyun appeared.

“Kai, Sehun, and Minseok have arrived.” Baekhyun rattled off. “We shall celebrate their return tonight.”

Minseok was back. Luhan tensed at the thought of facing him again. Of course, as long as he was living in the castle such an encounter was inevitable. Yet he had held onto some hope that perhaps Minseok would stay away, not appearing before Luhan had a chance to escape.

Luhan knew, from Baekhyun’s instructions, that it was his responsibility to inform the other Gariadon of the event, to coordinate the cancellation of tea, and to ensure that the staff knew that the more formal dress would be required. Luhan also knew that such instruction started with contacting the woman who oversaw the servants, a kindly middle-aged Westerner by the name of Gook Ju.

Baekhyun accompanied Luhan as he met with the woman, reminding Luhan when he forgot an important detail. It was strange, Luhan thought, feeling grateful to Baekhyun. He hadn’t felt that way since his first days in captivity, when Baekhyun had hovered over him, seeming harmless in comparison to what he thought he would encounter.

Over the last week they had clashed more than once during tea, Baekhyun scolding the other concubines while Luhan admonished him for stepping in when it was now Luhan’s role to do so. Baekhyun would glare, Luhan would deliver a gentler plea to follow decorum, and their tense relationship would continue. Yet Baekhyun was being almost nice now, and Luhan wasn’t sure how to handle it.

“She will issue the instructions from here,” Baekhyun explained as they left their meeting with the woman. “You should not have to do anything until you lead us to the feast.”

Luhan returned to his room, making the decision to wait out the day inside. He didn’t want to chance meeting with Minseok by accident, it was bad enough he would see him later that evening.

He led the Gariadon to the celebration, mimicking the procession which had occurred a few months back. A hierarchal parade with a strict order of who walked where and in which order. In many ways it was the same as Luhan’s first feast, with some notable exceptions. He knew Minseok would be there this time, it wouldn’t be the shock of a lifetime to see him. Also, he was no longer feeling as powerless, the months giving him time to come to terms with his position and how best he could take advantage of it.

Was he ready to face Minseok? No, not entirely. He didn’t think he ever would be, the hurt returning at the thought. Yet at least he knew it was coming, that he would soon be face to face with the man that he once loved more than life itself.

The knights were not in attendance when the concubines arrived, just as before. Luhan took a seat near the head of the table, the place where Jongdae had sat surreptitiously gone. No one would sit at the head of the table in his place, it seemed. When Baekhyun sat opposite him Luhan mentally recoiled, knowing such seat placement indicated Minseok would be near.

When the knights entered, Minseok at the lead, Luhan went through the motions- standing, bowing, waiting until it was proper to be seated, Minseok only a few feet away.

As soon as he was seated he was faced with Minseok staring at him, and much to his annoyance he couldn’t look away.

“How is your leg?” Minseok asked, Baekhyun practically melding himself to the knight’s side.

“Well, thank you.” Luhan grabbed a cup of wine, looking away. He made the mistake of making eye contact with Sehun. Honestly in the passing weeks Luhan had found himself thinking of Yixing now and again, hoping he was well. He hadn’t spared a thought of Sehun, and now that he was seated close to the man he noted how much he had changed. Dark circles, a tired expression, the young knight appeared that he had aged years in only a couple of months. .

Sehun caught Luhan looking. “Why must we have the Gariadon here? The full court is not present.” Sehun glared, not hiding who at the table had set him off. “Slaves belong in their chambers, not enjoying that which is meant for their masters.”

Luhan was taken aback by such biting words coming from the man, a person who he had always observed to be rather easy going. Yixing leaving had changed him, Luhan was sure of it, the hatred directed at the concubines born of his own experience. He must have loved Yixing, his emotional wound was now a physical one, hatred practically radiating from him in conjunction with his haggard appearance.

“Sehun, You-“Minseok started to speak, stopping when Luhan boldly addressed Sehun.

It was out of turn, not his place, and completely against court etiquette. Yet Luhan wasn’t going to have Minseok stand up for him, or on the other end of the spectrum, send him away. No, he wasn’t going to let Minseok dictate anything about the night if he could help it. “I am sorry for your loss, yet please do not think the remaining Gariadon were in any way related to what happened.”

“Luhan!” Baekhyun barked from across the table.

Sehun scoffed, “He certainly picked a bold one, didn’t he?”

“Aye,” Minseok agreed, Luhan making eye contact, offering up a cold and steely gaze.

Sehun didn’t vocalize his hatred for the Gariadon again that evening, preferring instead to drink enough wine that by the end of the night he had to be carried to his chambers.

Without Jongdae next to him, Luhan found himself distraction-less, a dire circumstance given Minseok’s proximity. As the celebration got under way, Luhan left his seat to speak to the other Gariadon who were in attendance sans their masters. Luhan wasn’t an expert conversationalist, yet he tried, knowing the alternative would be sitting in his seat, a few feet away from Minseok. Those who had treated him coldly weeks ago, after his prolonged absence, seemingly thawed to his presence, chatting easily with the man.

“How are you, friend?” Chanyeol, who seemed in high spirits, greeted Luhan the moment he was free. Kai engaged in a discussion with a portly, middle aged nobleman.

“I am well.” Luhan smiled brightly at Chanyeol. He wished they had more chances to converse. The limitations of their station in life made socialization outside of tea difficult if not outright impossible.

“I am surprised Baekhyun hasn’t clawed your face off, you are certainly giving him quite the challenge,” Chanyeol chuckled, clearly referring to Luhan assuming more responsibility with the Gariadon. “I admit it is making me happy to see the little man so much more bitter these days.”

Luhan rolled his eyes. “I dare say it isn’t that bad.”

“You miss the way he scowls at you.” Chanyeol nudged Luhan’s shoulder playfully. “You are such a troublemaker.”

“Indeed.” Luhan smiled, before changing topics, asking after how Chanyeol was filling his days. He learned that his friend had become a voracious reader - something he could never do in the East, where books were expensive and hard to come by. After a few minutes Kai returned to his seat, Chanyeol shooting longing stares his way. Luhan got the hint, moving on to talk to Leo, letting Chanyeol return to his master.

As the night dragged on those attending the celebration began slowly filtering out of the feasting hall - drunk, tired, or occupied with what they had waiting for them afterwards. As the crowd thinned, Luhan chanced a glance in Minseok’s direction. He found the knight speaking to Sehun and Kai, Baekhyun nowhere to be seen.

Luhan found Baekhyun’s sudden absence surprising, considering how he usually made a point of being stuck to Minseok’s side. Yet at the same time Baekhyun’s disappearance gave Luhan a chance to slip out without having to explain that he was tired. It was a lie - in all honesty he was still battling an intense feeling of discomfort.

Thankfully Baekhyun, wherever he was, did not return as Luhan made his exit, the prince’s concubine returning to his bed chamber under guard escort, without any awkward or unwanted run-ins to speak of.

It was a foolish assumption to make. Luhan saw how much Minseok was drinking during the feast and assumed the man would be sleeping off a nasty hangover the next morning. This assumption made a stroll in the gardens seem harmless, no present danger to keep Luhan in his chambers for the day. The fear of an accidental run-in with the knight seeming to be so improbable he left his chambers with ease. How wrong he was.

The morning air was cold, a definite sign that autumn was coming. Luhan crossed his arms, holding them against his chest to stay warm as he walked. His escorts hung back, watching as he walked along the stone path, stopping every now and then to admire a flower or to take a deep breath of fresh air - relishing in the feeling of being outside.

A cawing caused Luhan look up; Tao was near. He feared attracting the bird, knowing that his entire reason for running during the hunting trip weeks ago was rumored to be due to his fear of birds - a small raven landing on his arm may cause tongues to wag, the excuse Minseok dreamed up dashed if such a thing were to happen. Tao stayed away, content to circle overhead, almost as if he knew.

When Luhan reached one of the stone benches he sat, admiring the vining flower opposite him, the dusty blue flowers blooming in the morning sun.

“Luhan.”

Luhan froze, recognizing the voice; he would know that voice anywhere. He watched in horror as Minseok approached from the opposite direction. Minseok was dressed casually, in a forest green tunic and black leggings. It was the first time Luhan had seen him outside of knightly dress, the casual clothing harkening back to years ago, when they were young and in love. The sight of Minseok this way, his brown hair windblown, his stride powerful, changed with age, caused Luhan’s breath to hitch. This was bad, very bad.

Luhan stood, resolute that he would make his escape, leaving without ever having to talk to Minseok. The knight was not going to let that happen, apparently, a hand clamping down, capturing Luhan’s wrist as the concubine attempted to flee.

“Stop,” Minseok hissed, Luhan whirling around.

“I have nothing to say to you,” Luhan spat, trying to tug his hand free.

“I have things to say to you.” Minseok was close, too close. Luhan’s heart was pounding, his breathing elevated as he stared into Minseok’s eyes. Only inches separated them.

“Unless it is sorry for ruining your life, I deserve to die, than save your breath.” Luhan gritted his teeth.

“Ruined your life?” Minseok tightened his hold on Luhan’s wrist. “Is that what I did?”

“Let me go, Minseok.” Luhan yanked his arm back, frustrated that Minseok was stronger than him and not willing to let go, his wrist hopelessly encased in the smaller man’s vice grip

“Whatever you think I did to you, I can promise that you misunderstood.” Minseok’s voice was low, dangerous.

Luhan succeeded in freeing his wrist after one particularly hard yank, the action sending pain shooting up his arm. Turning, he stalked back towards the keep. As he walked he heard Minseok speak, the words clear but not deserving acknowledgement. “When you want to know the truth, seek me out, Luhan.”

To say that he was brooding was an understatement. Kyungsoo even recoiled at his appearance, setting the tray of food down and deciding not to speak while he went about cleaning up his room. Around midday, the concubine’s tea still a few hours away, Luhan took a chance, knowing he couldn’t keep going on this way. He knocked on the door to his room, signaling he wanted to leave, and he waited. As soon as the door was open he stalked down the hall, guards trailing after him. Loud and demanding, he spoke. “Where is Chanyeol de Kai’s room?”

The guards didn’t answer immediately, Luhan repeating the question.

“Gariadon are not to visit each other’s chambers,” one of the guards reminded him. “It is a rule to be strictly observed.”

“Dare I make a scene? Should I tell his highness that one of you attempted to touch me?” Luhan challenged, his words causing the guards to flush and eventually offer up the information.

Kyungsoo appeared, the familiar ring of keys clanking on his belt. He eyed Luhan.

“I need to see Chanyeol de Kai.” Luhan once again demanded, staring the boy down.

“You realize that this is a direct violation of the rules of the Gariadon,” Kyungsoo spoke evenly.

“Yes.” Luhan waited, hoping. Kyungsoo unlocked the door, Luhan unsure why the eunuch was being so kind.

The thought that Kai could be in Chanyeol’s room had crossed Luhan’s mind. He was relieved to find his friend alone, lying lazily on the floor as the he pushed the door open.

“Luhan!” Chanyeol jumped up, clearly shocked. “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting. I - hope that is okay?” Luhan suddenly felt very awkward for bursting into another person’s chambers uninvited.

“Yes, um, yes that is fine. Sit.” Chanyeol motioned towards the single wooden chair in the room. Luhan glanced around the chambers, realizing his own were much more sumptuously outfitted than Chanyeol’s. Everything truly was done by rank, it seemed. Taking a seat he mumbled an apology for visiting unannounced.

“No need to apologize, you just took me by surprise, that is all.” Chanyeol sat back down in the middle of the floor, crossing his long legs he tilted his head to the side. “Is something the matter?”

“Yes,” Luhan blurted out. He had come to see Chanyeol for that express purpose. Something was the matter and he needed to talk to someone, someone he could trust and the only person that fit that description in the entire castle was Chanyeol.

“What is it, friend?” Chanyeol appeared concerned, sporting a frown he looked at Luhan.

“I…this is a secret.” Luhan took a deep breath before launching into a disjointed rambling. Chanyeol followed along as best as he could, his eyes growing wide as Luhan laid out the details of his issue. Luhan tried to explain it as clearly as possible - Minseok, the last ten years, meeting the man again, Minseok freeing him from the trap, and Minseok’s desire to explain himself. After Luhan finished Chanyeol exhaled sharply. “My friend, I don’t know what to say.”

“Should I, ahh, I don’t know why I am even considering this.” Luhan let his head slump, covering his face with his hands he groaned.

“You wouldn’t have come here if you weren’t considering it, and you wouldn’t be considering it if you didn’t think there is more to the story than a clear cut betrayal,” Chanyeol spoke confidently. “Luhan, would it be so terrible to hear his explanation?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know,” Luhan spoke into his hands, his words muffled. “What difference does it make, really?”

“It would make a difference to you, otherwise you wouldn’t care enough to be conflicted.” Chanyeol scooted over to sit beside Luhan. Reaching out he patted his friend on the back, a calming touch not unlike a mother would do to a small child to comfort them. “You said he saved you when you tried to escape, that he told the prince you were returning to camp when you had no intention to do so. Don’t you think that indicates something?”

Luhan lowered his hands, staring at the floor he tried to think logically, to listen to what Chanyeol was telling him. But was it that easy? Would it ever be that simple? To just listen, to ask why?

“If you never find out the reason, Luhan, will you ever be able to let it go?”

Chanyeol was right, he was completely and totally right and it pained Luhan. He would have to talk to Minseok, sooner rather than later. But how? He couldn’t very well barge into his chambers and demand a meeting, now could he?

The sound of Chanyeol’s door opening startled both men, the pair jumping in fright as Baekhyun entered, a small group of guards behind him. Had Kyungsoo betrayed him?!

“Baekhyun?” Luhan wasn’t sure what was going on, but it did not look promising.

“Luhan de Jongdae, Chanyeol de Kai, you have violated the code of the Gariadon. No two concubines shall meet within their chambers.” Baekhyun seemed proud to rattle off their misstep.

“It is my fault!” Luhan stood, pleading. He wasn’t sure what breaking such a rule meant, but he was certain it was entirely his fault.

Baekhyun looked to Chanyeol, ignoring Luhan. “As the lower ranking Gariadon, you shall assume all associated guilt.”

Luhan clenched his fists, staring Baekhyun down. “Baekhyun de Minseok, as your senior and the person tasked with order among the Gariadon, I request you take your leave.”

Baekhyun had a glint in his eye, like he expected Luhan to act this way. “Gladly, assuming you shall bring this to the attention of the senior knight in residence.”

“I shall.” Luhan promised, only realizing who the knight was after he spoke.

“I believe Sir Minseok is not currently engaged in other activities. Shall I escort you to him at once?” Baekhyun definitely seemed to have some ulterior motive, cornering Luhan into facing the man then and there.

“Yes.” Luhan took one last look at Chanyeol, trying to give him a reassuring expression. Chanyeol was pale, clearly afraid. Luhan would do whatever he could to mitigate any punishment, an immense feeling of guilt weighing on him as he followed Baekhyun out of the room.

Baekhyun led Luhan towards a part of the keep he had never set foot in before. The soldiers fell away, only the two customary guards trailing behind.

“Baekhyun, it is my fault,” Luhan explained once again as they walked.

“It is not a matter for me to pass judgement on,” Baekhyun retorted matter-of-factly, gesturing toward a door. “He should be inside.”

Luhan approached the door, surprised when Baekhyun fell back. “Are you not coming?”

“It is your duty now, Luhan, is it not?” Baekhyun backed away, leaving Luhan standing in front of the door, his entire body tense, his mind racing. Hesitantly he reached his hand up, knocking. When the door opened suddenly Luhan moved back, nearly tripping over his own feet.

“Luhan?” Minseok appeared confused, his eyes raking over the concubine.

“May I see you?” Luhan bowed his head, not wanting to see any flicker of emotion in his former lover’s eyes, not trusting what such a sight may do to him.

“Um. Yes, come in.” Minseok stepped aside and Luhan entered the room awkwardly. It was some sort of small library, tomes stacked on shelves, a reading table sitting in the middle of the cramped space. The click of the door told Luhan he was now alone with Minseok, a frightening thought.

“I - I am here because of Baekhyun,” Luhan stuttered, not wanting Minseok to get the wrong idea.

“Because of Baekhyun?” Minseok repeated, confused.

“Yes. No! I mean, I…May I sit?” Luhan didn’t wait for permission. He took a seat at the table, tapping his foot nervously on the stone floor as he collected his thoughts. Minseok sat opposite him, tenting his fingers as he observed the anxiety ridden concubine.

Taking a deep breath, Luhan blurted out the reason for his visit. “I made the mistake of visiting Chanyeol de Kai in his chambers and somehow Baekhyun was made aware of the situation and - he was to report the matter to the senior knight in residence, which is you, and I told him I would. Please, whatever rule was broken, it was my fault- Chanyeol had nothing to do with it.”

Minseok leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, and he sighed, remarking playfully, “Still making trouble, Luhan?”

The fact that his former lover was making a joke in such a situation angered him. “I should have known better than to speak to you of this.” Luhan stood, nearly knocking the chair over. “If you want to be cruel, take the punishment out on me, not Chanyeol. That is all I ask.”

“Sit,” Minseok ordered.

Luhan narrowed his eyes. “Why? So you can flit between humor and anger? So you can tease me while holding power over me, power you gained from siding with these beasts?!”

“You speak of what you have no idea of!” Minseok half roared his answer, checking his tone as he continued, “You have yet to hear me out.”

“You make it difficult, Minseok, to want to understand,” Luhan shot back, any sort of idea of talking to the man long gone. Minseok could rile him up like no other, bringing out such strong emotions any calm progression of events became meaningless.

“Do you want to save your friend from punishment?” Minseok asked, holding the upper hand.

Luhan bit his bottom lip, wishing he didn’t have to ask anything from the traitorous bastard. “Yes,” he spoke through gritted teeth.

“Meet me tonight and I shall forget anything occurred,” Minseok propositioned, knowing full well Luhan would accept the offer, he had to.

“I have grown to hate you, I hope you know that,” Luhan spat back.

“I have a hard time believing that,” Minseok countered. “I shall come to your chambers tonight.”

“Do you think visiting the Prince’s Gariadon chambers is a wise course of action?”

“I have my ways.” Minseok’s answer was chilling, and for some reason Luhan didn’t doubt him.

“Am I in trouble?” Chanyeol approached Luhan at the first opportunity, only seconds after tea had been served.

“No,” Luhan answered, “You are not in trouble.”

Chanyeol appeared relieved. “Thank you.”

“I am the one that caused this mess, please do not thank me.” Luhan felt guilty having put his friend through such a stressful situation, even if the manner in which he saved him was horribly distasteful to him. It was worth it, for Chanyeol, the only true friend he had in the dark reality that was his current situation.

“I am amazed you were able to earn a reprieve for your actions,” Baekhyun muttered under his breath, Luhan and Chanyeol both ignoring the man.

When Kyungsoo appeared with his dinner, Luhan all but pounced on the boy. “Why did you tell Baekhyun I was in Chanyeol’s room?”

“I didn’t,” Kyungsoo answered.

“He knew you unlocked the door, he knew I was there. How else would he know unless you told him?” Luhan demanded, feeling like any trust he had in the eunuch was shattered.

“I am not the only one with keys to your chambers,” Kyungsoo retorted. “It would be foolish to only have one set of keys.”

“Then how did he know?”

“If you haven’t noticed, Baekhyun makes everything his business.” Kyungsoo set the tray down, nonplussed by Luhan’s verbal attack.

“Then how?” Luhan wondered aloud.

“The castle has many eyes, many ears,” Kyungsoo remarked. “It is wise to remember this.”

Luhan was not entirely convinced Kyungsoo was innocent but he let the matter drop. He focused his attention on the impending visit of a man he didn’t want to see, a man who had broken his heart.

Luhan paced the room, sitting on the trestle bench, then the bed, then back to pacing as he began to feel sick. Minseok was coming, when he did not know, but he was coming. To his chambers. Minutes passed, feeling like hours, as he debated the best course of action.

Earlier in the day he had considered it, hearing Minseok out, trying to understand why, if only because he wanted to know his anger was not misplaced. Then he traded Chanyeol’s punishment for a meeting and anger had returned, a whirlwind day, his emotions thrown back and forth as he attempted for the umpteenth time to reconcile what was with what had come to be.

When Luhan heard the key in the lock click, he froze, darting towards the trestle bench where he sat down. It was well into the night, likely into the next day, darkness having descended on the world many hours before. He didn’t look towards the door when it opened, nor when it clicked shut.

“Move over,” Minseok was standing before him, dressed in the same green tunic and black leggings, his hands placed lazily on his hips.

Luhan begrudgingly obliged, scooting over, giving Minseok room to sit.

“What have you to say?” Luhan felt like he wasn’t entirely there, his mind numb, the words spilling forth as he held back the strong emotions that threatened to turn him into a shouting, angry mess. “You threatened me into this, I hope your reasoning is solid.”

“The truth, I want to tell you the truth,” Minseok spoke slowly. “And I took the only opportunity I had, Luhan, for you to listen to me. I wouldn’t have punished your friend, I hope you know that.”

Luhan clasped his hands together, waiting. He didn’t make eye contact or otherwise acknowledge the knight. If Minseok was there to talk he would let him talk. He wouldn’t spew forth niceties, confirming any doubt he had over Minseok’s willingness to punish Chanyeol.

“Luhan, when I was taken, I…” Minseok swallowed, pausing for a moment before he began again. “I was afraid, I was angry, and my only thought was getting back to you. I cried every night, afraid I would die and never see you again. They brought me here, to Dinas Gwynn, before sending me to work in the mines. “

Luhan digested the fact that Minseok had been sent to work in the dreaded mines of the Western Kingdom, a fate as close to death as one could imagine. Supposing what Minseok said was the truth, he must have faced a horrible situation.

“I spent three years in the mines, working night and day for the kingdom. When one day Jongdae arrived, I saw my chance,” Minseok gripped the edge of the bench, continuing, “I knew from the others that the prince was young and impressionable, I also knew exactly how to catch his eye. I was able to get close enough to startle his horse, and to save him from certain death in one fell swoop. When he asked me what I wanted in return I told him - to be a knight.”

Luhan considered Minseok’s story. So it was a way out for him? Did that really excuse his actions?

“I had to escape, somehow, and the only way I thought I could was by earning their trust. Jongdae brought me back to Dinas Gwynn. I followed Sehun, Kai, and him around like a puppy, learning what I could, doing what I could, until they trusted me. It took years before Jongdae elevated me to knighthood.”

“Yet you never escaped.” Luhan pointed out the obvious fact, that he earned their trust but didn’t seize the opportunities presented to him. Surely in all that time he had more than one chance to return to the East, to Luhan.

“No, because I had a new purpose. I forged connections in the court, with other Easterners. I plotted, planning - for the day I could end it all, stop them once and for all, destroy the kingdom from the inside out.” Minseok turned to Luhan, the concubine meeting his eyes, seeing the tears that were threatening to spill. “Luhan, perhaps I am foolish, perhaps I think I am more powerful than I am, but my dream, my goal was - still is - to stop this war, stop this family, and return to the East without war following -to return to you, without thinking I would be taken away again, to return without the threat that we would ever be separated again.”

Luhan was horrified, if this was true…if…

“You don’t have to believe me, but it is true.” The tears spilled, streaming down the knight’s cheeks. “When I saw you here, when I learned what they had done to you - I couldn’t, I can’t.” Minseok raised his fist to his mouth, as if he was holding back a sob. “I wouldn’t have done this, I wouldn’t have stayed if I thought you would be taken too, if I thought you would be put in this position. Luhan, I would never have been gone for this long if knew we would end up like this.”

His own tears began to fall, dropping onto his robe, creating small blotches as he blinked away his sadness. So, Minseok wasn’t a traitor, he wasn’t riding for the kingdom because he believed in them, because he didn’t care for Luhan. No, it was more complicated than that, and a lot more honest and respectable than Luhan had ever thought.

“I love you, Luhan. I always have and I always will.” Minseok appeared heartbroken, the anguish in his expression painful for Luhan to witness. “If you never forgive me, I understand, but I wanted you to know the truth.”

“You have no idea how painful it is, it was, to see you,” Luhan said quietly, the tears continuing to fall. “And to know…you have helped them.”

“I am sorry. Luhan, I am so, so sorry,” Minseok choked, “Luhan, I never forgot you, please, please believe me.”

Luhan couldn’t stop himself, no, it wasn’t a possibility. A confession born of honest intentions, Luhan could tell- he knew Minseok, even with years between meetings, he knew him. It wasn’t a lie, and perhaps that is what Luhan had feared all along. That none of it was a lie, that his hatred was misplaced, that the loss of his purpose was not a loss at all, it was a reconnection, a reconciliation of what Luhan wanted and what Minseok wanted. Once revealed it made Luhan’s actions that much more reprehensible.

Lives led during a long and brutal war where fear and death and separation were the norm, a norm that Luhan wanted to end, a norm Minseok wanted to end. Two purposes meeting in the unlikeliest of places - in their enemy’s court, each operating on a different scale, yet of the same mind. Luhan desiring the freedom of the man most important in his life, Minseok desiring an end to any possibility it could happen again; both fighting, struggling through the brutal circumstances they existed in, reaching out for each other with the hope they would reconnect amidst the darkness.

Luhan reached for him, for the man he had obsessed over for a decade, the man that had haunted his dreams, the man who he had fallen in love with as a sixteen year old - a terrible world housing their immense love for each other. He reached for Minseok, through the tears, crashing their lips together in a messy show of love lost and regained, a weight lifted from him as he recognized the connection which had haunted him, tearing him apart over the last few months.

Minseok seemed surprised at the gesture, freezing for a few seconds before easing into the kiss, their tears intermingling as they slotted their mouths together.

Luhan tasted the salt of their tears, the kiss screaming of pain and longing and an intensity that took his breath away. When they parted, their breathing ragged, Luhan was the one who grabbed Minseok’s hand, leading him towards the bed. Was it reckless? Yes, in many ways. If they were discovered they would certainly face death. Yet it didn’t matter, not now, not now that they were back together, finding each other after so many years.

Luhan fell onto the bed, pulling Minseok on top of him. Memories flooded back, the way Minseok’s body fit so perfectly with his own - their physical changes not negating the feel, the way Minseok smelled, the way he kissed, languid and caring and passionate and wanting.

Luhan placed his hands on Minseok’s waist, caressing, exploring. What had once been baby fat was now toned, muscular. Minseok’s hands found Luhan’s shoulders, wider than they once had been, both men having changed, no longer teenagers, rolling around in a pile of hay as they whispered dreams of a bright future. They were men now, their frames filled out - their youthful forms long gone.

Minseok broke their lip lock, Luhan letting out a low whine at the loss of contact. Bracing both arms on the bed, straddling Luhan with his legs, caging him in, Minseok stared down at the man. “I want to look at you…for a moment.”

Luhan swallowed, reaching up he caressed Minseok’s cheek. His Minseok. After all this time, such a simple gesture spoke volumes. When Minseok leaned back in for a kiss, Luhan’s hands once again found his waist, but this time he wasn’t going to caress, no, he wanted to seize his own chance. As carefully as he could Luhan pushed Minseok while turning his own body, not stopping until he was on top of Minseok, the man staring up in surprise at the sudden change of position.

“I want to look at you.” Luhan raked his eyes over Minseok’s face, those beautiful eyes, those small, plush lips, that jawline. Lowering himself he gently kissed Minseok’s lips, chastely, his right hand reaching lower, down Minseok’s torso, resting on his hip. He could feel Minseok grow hard under him, a sensation that matched his own burgeoning erection. Teasing, testing, he rocked his hips forward, gasping as Minseok returned the motion, bucking up in response.

Luhan ground down again, relishing the way Minseok writhed at each gentle movement and the resulting pressure, the way he moaned softly against Luhan’s cheek as their bodies became reacquainted. It was torture to move away, a few seconds of painful separation necessary for Luhan to divest himself of his robes, tossing the royal blue garment on the floor.

Minseok watched him with hungry eyes, Luhan returning to Minseok with an equal need, tugging at his tunic, at his trousers, moving away so Minseok could wiggle out of his clothing. It was a similar show of appreciation as Luhan took in the sight of Minseok’s naked body. He had more muscle now, the planes of his abdomen defined, his upper arms no longer skinny. As he dragged his eyes lower, Luhan felt his face grow warmer, taking in the sight of Minseok’s hard cock, red and throbbing, leaking pre-cum.

Minseok followed Luhan’s gaze, reacting with an action that was surely meant to drive the man insane. Raising his hand to his mouth he inserted two fingers, wetting them. Luhan gasp as he watched, Minseok slowly removing his fingers, making a show of the action with his lips, a carefully orchestrated pop sounding before moving his hand lower. Luhan tensed, unable to look away, as Minseok spread his legs, caressing his hole with his fingers before pressing one inside. It was a hard thrust, Minseok throwing his head back as he cried out, working himself open.

Minseok stretched himself, wiggling his finger, before adding his other, scissoring himself open. Luhan worried it was painful, finally tearing his eyes away from the show he fetched the oil that Jongdae had left in the room.

“Don’t hurt yourself.” Luhan coated his own fingers in the slick, wanting - no, needing to feel it for himself. Minseok allowed him, removing his own fingers with a throaty moan, only to have Luhan replace the intrusion with his own digits.

He felt amazing, as amazing as he had ten years ago, when they learned it all together - each other’s firsts, each encounter an exploration, a way to find out what worked, what earned a response, and what sent the other over the edge. Luhan pushed his fingers in, gasping at the way Minseok’s hole swallowed his fingers, then slowly moved them back, Minseok whining as Luhan removed his digits except for his fingertips, then pushed in yet again. It was a sensual show, Minseok responding to each movement with a shiver, a vocalization of his pleasure, a plea for more.

“You are so beautiful,” Luhan murmured, his cock throbbing at the sight of Minseok, laying wide open below him.

Luhan couldn’t hold back. He removed his fingers and coated his dick with the oil, lining himself up with Minseok’s entrance where he teased once, rubbing the head of his dick against Minseok’s twitching hole. It was impossible to delay it any longer, not when Minseok was letting seductive whines escape his mouth, his eyes half lidded, his body reacting to the slightest touch.

Luhan thrust in with one clean motion, sheathing himself inside Minseok. Luhan gasped, the sensation such a distant memory, a long ago pleasure that it engulfed him. It wouldn’t be long, not now, not with Minseok gripping at his biceps, wanting more, angling himself upwards with every thrust.

Luhan explored every inch of Minseok with his hands, caressing, touching, his fingers dancing over Minseok’s smooth skin and taut muscles as he thrust in. He gasped as he pulled out and moved forward in turn. The feeling of Minseok drawing him back in was insanity. Luhan relished the tight, warm feeling as he sunk his dick further inside Minseok, his balls hitting skin as he thrust hard and fast.

When Luhan leaned back, grabbing Minseok’s hips, angling him, Minseok cried out loudly in response. He had found the bundle of nerves, the place that would drive Minseok to the edge. Thrusting in deep, Luhan leaned in, capturing Minseok’s mouth in a kiss. They shouldn’t be too loud, no, if anyone heard them…if they were discovered…

Minseok’s moans, Luhan’s cries of pleasure were muffled by their kisses, their pace fast, both needing purchase that was years in the making. Luhan removed one of his hands from Minseok’s hip, slipping it in between their bodies. He began stroking Minseok in time to his thrusts, a maddening sensation that had Minseok tensing up, Luhan seeing stars as he felt Minseok nearing his release.

It was a few hard, rough thrusts before they both came, Minseok shooting his release onto his stomach, onto Luhan’s abdomen. Luhan spilled himself deep within Minseok as he spasmed, gasping as he flinched, his entire body racked with his orgasm. Luhan collapsed, spent, his entire frame going lax as he worked his way through his release.

He planted a kiss on Minseok’s sweaty brow before moving, pulling out, falling onto the bed, his body going slack. Minseok scooted over, draping an arm and a leg over Luhan, moving closer. Luhan reciprocated the action, reaching out he pulled Minseok into his arms, not satisfied until they were once again skin to skin, their bodies nearly flush against each other.

They did not speak. Catching their breaths they held each other, an understanding between them, words not necessary. It was many minutes before either man moved or spoke, relishing the feeling of being in each other’s arms, not wanting to break the moment.

Minseok was the one who spoke first, his voice low, sated. “I wish I didn’t have to leave you, I wish I could stay the night.”

It broke the illusion, bringing them back to reality, Luhan remembering where they were, who they were now. He didn’t want to ask, didn’t want to know, not really- he didn’t want to, but he needed to. “Baekhyun.” It was a name, but it was a question. It was a need for confirmation, something Minseok didn’t owe him, not really. He had spent nights with Jongdae after all.

Minseok moved away. He propped himself up on his elbows and looked at Luhan. “I have never slept with Baekhyun. I swear.”

Minseok’s answer was a knife to the gut, not because Luhan wanted it to be true. No, it was a self-inflicted injury because it meant that the times he gave himself to Jongdae were that much more…damaging.

Minseok seemed to know, to understand. Minseok reached out, cupping Luhan’s cheek he spoke. “You did what you needed to, what you thought was right. Luhan, never feel guilty. Please. For me, never doubt what you did, don’t let it consume you.”

Luhan leaned into Minseok’s touch. He understood. He understood. It brought the tears back, Luhan’s heart swelling with love for a man he had thought he had come to hate. How wrong he had been. Minseok pulled him into his arms, holding him, whispering words of love, of appreciation, soothing him with caresses and kisses.

Luhan cried, letting out his sorrow - over his own actions, over Minseok, over the lives that they both had led for the last ten years. He drifted off this way, crying himself to sleep, resting in Minseok’s arms. When he awoke, sunlight was streaming into his room. Minseok, he was gone from his room, any traces of the night before disappearing with him.

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