Round 2: Opportunities (1/2)
Title: Opportunities
Team: Fantasy and Myth
Rating: PG-13 ( Language )
Pairing: Jongtae
Summary: Taemin is a Reborn partnered with the god of guile and trickery, because of his troublesome attitude and tendency to cause trouble the king decides that, instead of giving him a present for his twenty-first birthday, he would sell him. It was just his luck he would be sold to that ruffian.
Author's Note: I would like to thank my team for being supportive and helpful at the beginning when we were sharing ideas. It really helped me continue writing even when I didn't feel like it. Thank you all!
Prompt Used: Baby Goodnight by B1A4
“You deserve to be with somebody who will make you happy, someone who won’t complicate your life, someone who won’t hurt you.”
“I’m on the pursuit of happiness.”
Opportunities
The night was warm and the stars hung still in the sky as the beat danced between them. The music was soft, playing not as something to dance too but more as a mood maker. Still, Taemin could feel himself moving to the music he wasn’t supposed to notice. This was supposed to be important wasn’t it? Betrothals had always been boring to him. He didn’t know why he expected his own to be any different.
The ballroom was full, the lighting making the room seem much cleaner that it was in actuality. No one bothered to clean it. This side of the family was so eager to get rid of their third son. It was unbearable.
He scoffed; he couldn’t wait to be rid of them either. He shifted, crossing one of his legs over the other. This throne wasn’t very comfortable either.
“If you keep scowling your face will freeze like that, then no one would want to marry you.” A voice teased from beside him. Soon after, his hair was being ruffled and his mood lifted-if only a little.
“Kibum, what am I going to do without you?” Taemin groaned, closing his eyes and leaning into the older man’s hand. “You took such good care of me…”
Kibum laughed, moving his hand out from behind Taemin’s head. He walked in front of his throne, squatted and smiled warmly at him. Taemin fought the urge to smile at first, before giving in and smiling back. Kibum laughed and pinched Taemin’s cheek, ignoring the displeased groan he got in return.
“You’ll be fine without me, my Dolos.” Taemin smiled at his true name and watched with slight curiosity as his superior turned to the mingling crowd. “Look at all the lucky men and women who have the honor of being considered by you.”
Taemin rolled his eyes. “You and I both know that the majority of the crowd is just here to watch the poor soul who is chosen get married off, then drink themselves into a coma at the celebration party.”
Kibum smirked but said nothing back. He knew just as Taemin knew that he had not been a good child. He was always telling lies, using his innocent looks to get what he wanted and cause trouble. It wasn’t his fault. He had inherited it from his blood. He was the only child in his family to inherit the blood of a god and his powers. It was just bad luck that he had to get a demi-god: Dolos’ bad behavior and traits.
His family loved him but Taemin knew that deep down they were rejoicing that they wouldn’t have to deal with their troublesome son anymore. He felt a bit of regret. If he could change, he would in a heartbeat. In all honesty, he hated who he was and had tried so hard in the past to change it. There was nothing good about what he was, what he had inherited. It didn’t bring prosperity or wealth into his family. It only brought chaos, pain and deceit.
Feeling anxiety begin to show itself, Taemin let out a slow breath and closed his eyes. Relaxing in his throne, he calmed himself and listened. He lost himself in the quiet drone of the music.
All in all, this was his only moment to himself. After this, he would have to devote himself to whoever chose to be bound to him. Then, Taemin would have to try and suppress his other self to maintain not only the relationship but his family’s honor.
He could feel a headache coming on.
Opening his eyes, he locked immediately on the punch bowl a group of people were gathered around. He could tell that a few of the men around the bowl were trying to seduce the women trying to get a drink. They seemed to be doing well so far. Before He could stop himself, whispered lies were already leaving his lips. Almost immediately, the girls flinched almost as if they had been hit before they looked at the men with disgust. The lie had been spread so effortlessly that they believed it was their own thought. The women left the table, leaving behind them three confused men.
He blinked, slowly coming out of his stupor before cursing under his breath.
“Aw, Taeminnie. Look at what you did…” Kibum said, clicking his tongue. It sounded like he was being scolded but when He looked up to defend himself Kibum was smiling, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
“Kibum, this isn’t funny!”
“Are you sure? I find it hilarious.”
“Kibum,” He groaned, covering his face with his hands. “This isn’t going to work. I can’t stop telling lies, it’s what I do! How am I supposed to hold a relationship like this?”
Kibum placed a comforting hand on Taemin’s shoulder, laughter successfully quelled. His fingers clasped Taemin gently but still strong as his playful features slowly regressed into his familiar blank expression.
“You’ll be fine, Taemin-ah.” Kibum said softly, lips moving slightly and eyes ghosting across the heads of the room. His eyes narrowed slightly as he could not locate any participants who looked the least bit interested in his younger brother. “I just wish I knew which one of these fools actually thinks he can tame you.”
The corner of Taemin’s lip curled in what would have been a smile and quite possibly a laugh if his mood had been better. He couldn’t hear the music anymore. The music wasn’t helping him. He exhaled loudly, elbows falling on his knees as he covered his face with his hands. Even with his eyes covered he could hear the music dull as someone turned it down. He could hear the loud murmurs of people slowly quiet down as they became interested in their surroundings instead of the party. He could feel every single one of their eyes on him.
It was starting.
He didn’t want to be here.
“As you all know, our Reborn Taemin is a man starting today.” Taemin’s father began, voice filled with paternal pride. The crowd responded enthusiastically with loud cheers and claps before a single palm from the King settled them down. “Taemin is my third son and he will not be in any position to take the throne and reign our kingdom, however-“
Taemin shook his head, forcing himself to lift his head from his hands. He erased every bit of anxiety and frustration from his face and made it expressionless. Like Kibum. That’s right. Taemin thought, weak. After this…I’ll be leaving Kibum behind. I won’t see him every again. He shook his head slowly, ridding himself of the thought. His eyes burned. He wouldn’t cry.
He wouldn’t.
The king continued his speech towards the enamored people watching him. He let another breath of pause before finally coming to the main purpose of his monologue.
“Lee Taemin, third son of our throne has willingly volunteered to let himself be the bond mate of another. This truly is an honor…” The king trailed, glancing at his son for a brief moment before returning to the crowd with a closed smile. He intended on looking as friendly and as least intimidating as he could for this proposal.
“My son understands what this means and has taken several classes to get his “other side” under control. Whoever takes him in would not be disappointed with his behavior. He is a very intelligent and adaptable young man.”
He scoffed. Smiling bitterly, he couldn’t help but nod along with what his father was saying. Yes, he had taken those classes. He either would take them or wake up in the deep parts of the dungeon, where even the war prisoners did not stay. He was not willingly doing anything. He was given an ultimatum as soon as his parents found out he was a Reborn. He would either behave or live a life of misery.
It took him nineteen years to finally give up and let them do what they pleased and they decided to give him away. To a stranger.
How loving of them.
How caring.
How undeniably despicable and underhanded…
He could feel the urge to speak rising within his chest, the familiar power he had within him welling up inside. He felt it overflowing within him, filling to the brim as he almost felt sorry for whoever he was about to curse with his speech. His eyes flew across the crowd rapidly, eager to find a suitable target when his eyes fell on his father. His breath hitched.
Yes.
Yes! Yes! Finally, yes! He screamed desperately in his mind, to himself-to Dolos.
Revenge. Justice!
He smiled softly, clearing his throat. He didn’t care where he was. He didn’t care about his family or about the honor he had been so eager to protect before. He knew this was his other side taking him over, manipulating his feelings and controlling him, but he couldn’t care.
Without this constant pestering of Dolos, he wouldn’t have the strength to do anything devious. He wouldn’t be able to get the revenge he thirsted so badly for. He wanted to see someone so great, so admired, fall from their pedestal-
--Even if it took him with them.
He opened his mouth, the nastiest lies and threats about to leave his lips before they were covered by two hands. With an enraged, muffled screech, He gripped the arms of his throne and tried to turn at the person who had stopped him. Immediately, he thought of Kibum but his assumption was disproven when his eyes landed on the wide, curious eyes of a stranger.
Eyes wide, he was actually speechless. The murderous urge he had before was destroyed by his shock. His father continued his speech, blissfully unaware of the horror that had just missed him.
“Well, well. You must be the third son everyone is talking about. Were you about to show your power here?” The man asked, knowingly. His fingers gripped his face lightly, covering his mouth still. He let out a fake gasp. “Were you about to give your power to your father?”
He narrowed his eyes and yanked the stranger’s hands from his mouth. With a sneer he looked the other over and felt strangely satisfied at the other man’s dirty appearance. Smiling with self-satisfaction, he held his hands to his hips.
“What gives you any right to say anything, commoner? You wouldn’t understand the affairs of the higher class.” He ended, snootily.
It sounded a bit empty but perhaps the stranger would buy it. He wanted to offend that man as much as possible in exchange for the pleasure he had to miss out on. The man wouldn’t be a good substitute for his father but he would suffice for now.
The stranger frowned, his brown eyes lingering on Taemin’s face for a long moment before they darted away. The man was visibly calming down, his averted gaze making the effort much easier as he began to step away from the young prince. He was about to sneak back into the shadows, off of Taemin’s pedestal when he stopped, shook his head and came back with a smile on his irritated features.
“You have a really bad attitude, you know that?”
He smiled back, happy that his victim had returned and allowed just a touch of that natural innocence seep into his tone. “I guess I’m just not used to dealing with trash.”
“Excuse me?”
“Did I stutter?”
The stranger’s lip curled and snarling, he grabbed the smirking prince’s designed collar. Taemin felt fear for a brief moment before that collapsed at the sight of the stranger’s bothered look. He was winning and that fact made a smile bigger than all he was worth spread across his face.
“You little brat, someone ought to teach you your place…” The stranger growled lowly.
The whispered threat had little effect on the prince.
“Oh? Is that going to be you? What, are you going to teach me how the proper way to roll around in dirt like an animal?”
Something passed through the stranger’s eyes quickly-He barely caught it, but in that quick instant there was undeniable rage. It was so unrestricted, so vicious that it made Taemin question how far he was willing to let this go. His mind began to reel, immediately trying to find ways to get him out of the mess he had made when the man shook him close, their foreheads inches from touching.
“Look, I didn’t want to hurt you-“
“Then don’t.”
The stranger faltered a bit at that, Taemin’s almost desperate and helpless tone confusing him. He let out a breath, his thoughts leaving him before his previous fury returned just a fierce. “Why are you acting so helpless now? Huh? What happened to that snarky little kid, huh?”
Truthfully, He didn’t know where he was going with this. His other side seemed to be speaking and controlling his actions for him. He tried to make a retort only to firmly nip at his own tongue, confirming his earlier suspicions. His Reborn subconscious was dominant now and perceived this stranger as a threat. It usually was right.
Perhaps they had pushed it a bit too far.
“Please,” Taemin said, breathlessly. His eyes were locked on the stranger’s snarling face, briefly looking past him as he spoke. He could feel his eyes begin to tear and get watery. He was glad he had Caerus’ skill within him; he would never be able to act this well otherwise. “I was wrong, I’m sorry. Just…Just…”
His eyes caught movement to the right of the stranger. He didn’t even have to get a good look to know Key was returning to him.
“Please don’t hurt me. I’m sorry I’m a Reborn…” Taemin said, his voice cracking with his fake tears.
“What?”
“I can’t change…I can’t.”
He saw Key stop tensely in his peripheral before practically charging over to where the stranger was and yanking Taemin out of his arms. He placed his younger brother beside him before kicking the stranger’s chest while he was off guard, knocking the air out of his lungs and sending him into a wheezing fit.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” The stranger coughed loudly, clutching his throat as he tried to force air into his lungs. His eyes wide, he stared with bemused betrayal at Taemin and then tore his gaze to look pathetically at Key. His eyes locked onto his face, trying to communicate with his eyes what his mouth could not. His message did not go through.
“Peasant,” Key snarled, approaching the fallen man. “You dare lay hands upon the third son of the Kingdom? Our Reborn?”
Key reached for the sheath of his sword, debating whether or not he should draw it when the stranger began to stand, jut his leg out to knock Key off balance and ran back into the shadows. Stumbling, Key cursed. He rubbed his shin gently, pushing the spot where the man kicked to test how much he was hurt before he turned to Taemin. The young prince was staring at the shadows, a victorious smirk frozen on his face.
Without a moment of hesitation, Key grabbed the younger man’s collar and snatched him up, ignoring the strangled squeal of surprise.
“Do you think I’m an idiot, Taemin?”
Taemin swallowed thickly, eyes darting. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t try and bullshit me, Taemin. I know you provoked him. You always do.” He sounded so disappointed that Taemin almost wanted to say he was sorry, to promise he would change and make steps to try and ensure that change. Before he could even think of following through, he was going against it, mouth moving ahead of his mind.
“I thought you of all people would understand...This is who I am.” Taemin paused, an opportunity to stop presented itself but he was too excited to stop now. “There’s nothing I can do to stop that and if you can’t understand that then maybe it is good that I’m leaving.”
Key was barely affected at all. He smiled bitterly and nodded. “Maybe it is, Prince. Maybe it is.”
Key dropped him, scoffing. His eyes flicked toward the crowd who was beginning to lose interest in the King and his speech in exchange for the two beside Taemin’s throne. Their eyes were eager. Lustful. Greedy. Every single one of them wanted the chance to snatch the prince and take him as their own. For what reasons? Revenge perhaps? Key snickered; he had no doubt in his mind that Taemin had affected each and every one of the people here in his lifetime.
“You’re a proud man, Taemin…” Key admitted, softly. “But once you are in someone else’s hands, I won’t be there to protect you anymore. Your pride won’t get you far outside of the kingdom, ‘Minnie.”
Taemin let out a sigh, shaking his head. He opened his mouth, another retort ready to be flung when he bit his tongue. He wouldn’t do this. He wouldn’t let Key leave him. He was the only family member he had left.
“I…” I’m sorry. Taemin thought, hard. He wanted desperately to say it aloud. It was against his person, against who he was as a Reborn…against Dolos…”I…”
Kibum turned to him, placing his hand behind Taemin’s head and pulling his head into his chest. His fingers were tight but gentle as they went in between the young Prince’s locks. He held him there hard, close enough to hold him there, even close enough to stop the boy from speaking. Smothered, but loved.
His mouth opened, throat clenching as he tried to find the right words.
“I…” Key began. “I want you to know that even when you’re gone. I still care about you. I’ll still think about you. You’re my little brother, Taemin. I want…”
His voice broke and he stopped, trying to regain his tranquility. He took a deep breath, two, three before starting again with a shuddering tone.
“I just want you to be safe, Taemin.” Key whispered. “After today…I won’t be able to make sure you are…”
This time, Taemin was able to move freely. Dolos retreated at the immediate sign of regret and affection in Taemin, not knowing how to react to it. Taemin felt considerably lighter, a tad bit free as he lifted his arms and wrapped them around Key’s middle. He hadn’t hugged Key in a while.
He hugged his elder brother tight, hoping all of his feelings got through this action. This would probably be the last hug he gave Key. It would probably be Key’s last memory of him. He wanted to make it special. There wasn’t enough time.
“Now,” The king called behind them, voice loud and deceivingly inviting. “Who wants to take my young son in?”
Taemin squeezed Key and buried his face deeper into his shirt. Waiting.
Silence. The entire room. The dull music had stopped. The king had stopped speaking. People did not speak. No one moved. It seems like the entire room had frozen for a moment, under a trance. It was…frightening. Taemin was the only one who seemed to move, breaking away from Key forcefully to watch the stunned crowd.
It was great because for a moment, Taemin thought that no one would speak. He thought that no one would take him in. So he stood there, stupidly. Passing his throne and walking to the edge of his stage to stare at the crowd. They all stared at him, blankly. Some had fear in their eyes. Others had rage. He knew both emotions well enough to know that neither would force anyone to take him in. He wanted to smile. He wanted so badly to smile.
If no one wanted him, he would be able to stay. His father would look like a fool for even making such a proposal and he would be able to stay!
Key moved behind him, grabbing his hand lightly. Hopefully.
Please.
“I’ll take ‘em.” A gruff voice called out, muffled and full as if he had just shoved something into his mouth to chew.
Taemin eyes snapped over to the voice, angry and ready to use his voice to cause whatever he could to stop this. However, his voice caught in his throat when he saw the man who now owned him.
He was chewing noisily, eyes smug and wide as he stared at the king. He swallowed, just as obnoxious as his chewing, as his smirked and smacked his lips. He lifted his hand, waving it lazily at Taemin who shook his head slowly in disbelief and then quick in horror.
“No, daddy, please no-“Taemin began, only to be overcome by his father’s voice.
“Alright, deal. Take him, he’s yours.”
No one heard Key’s sob or Taemin’s defeated sigh under the roar of the crowd. The invited immediately began to party, getting their alcohol and desserts happily, Taemin forgotten. They didn’t have a problem anymore, they didn’t have a third Prince anymore. They no longer had Dolos and were happy about that.
He felt something then, something that resonated deep within him. Not the urge to speak and lie, but a feeling of emotion that came from Dolos himself. Something similar to Sorrow...but at the same time not…
As Kibum let go of his hand slowly, to cover up his face and sobs, Taemin recognized the feeling. Defeated loneliness. They had lost their only home.
Numbly, he was leaving Key’s side, brushing away his desperate grabbing hands and pleas to stay and leaping off the podium to his owner. It stung. Made his throat feel tight. He kept moving, steps heavy as he stood in front of the stranger. The man who he had nearly fought with minutes before.
The stranger said nothing, probably reveling in the turn of events. He took another roll from the table nearest to him and shoved it into his mouth, letting a single laugh leave him as he chewed.
Taemin licked his lips, looked away. He bowed stiffly, staying down for a while before standing up and looking at his feet.
“Lee Taemin, third of the kingdom. Reborn.” The stranger swallowed, looking at Taemin thoughtfully. “Brat. Tossed away from his family to be a servant.”
A chuckle.
“How sad.”
Taemin nodded once, biting his lip to stop himself from speaking.
“Name’s Jonghyun.” The stranger introduced, snatching Taemin closer in a rough way that really wasn’t necessary. Taemin knew he was just trying to establish some kind of dominance over him. Enjoying the newfound power he had and the lack of power Taemin had.
“Well, brat. I guess I should lay down a few rules for you.” Jonghyun sniffed. “So that you don’t cross any boundaries and I toss you out on your ass.”
Taemin tried to smile, trying to be patient, it didn’t work. He settled for his tight lipped, enduring expression. Making sure Jonghyun knew he wasn’t enjoying this and if he had the choice, would be back on that podium with his older brother. Glancing back quickly, He noticed Kibum was gone. Probably off in his room, or Taemin’s, gathering what he could to remember him.
“1. You are my manservant. To do with as I please. 2. I don’t take any backtalk and just so you won’t be tempted, don’t speak unless spoken to. And 3…” Jonghyun paused, blinking. Then he smiled. “I’ll save that one for later.”
Taemin laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, fine. I’ll try, you prick.” Before Jonghyun could retort, Taemin lifted is hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry,”
Jonghyun sniffed again, looking around the room. “Alright, let’s not have that happen again, Servant.”
Taemin held back his scoff. “Alright, ‘Master’.”
Jonghyun frowned a bit at that before brushing by Taemin, patting his shoulder hard to tell him to stay put as he went to the king who was about to enjoy a drink. The king’s expression wasn’t the best. He definitely wasn’t impressed with Jonghyun. His disgust was apparently, not enough to stop this from happening so Taemin hoped the stranger was as disrespectful as possible so that he would leave an impression.
Taemin watched silently, as Jonghyun and his father conversed, a reasonable space between them and the already-drunk partygoers around them. Jonghyun seemed calmer speaking with the king than he was with Taemin, constantly looking down and patting his clothing as if he was embarrassed to be as dirty as he was in front of royalty. Taemin wished he was that mindful in front of him. Perhaps then, he could respect him more.
Jonghyun nodded; having finished his speech he did something that surprised Taemin. He reached into his pants pocket and gave the king a few coins. Taemin moved a little closer to inspect them, only to gape in shock. They were golden. Jonghyun had golden coins.
His father stared at his hand for a moment, then at Jonghyun in disbelief before shaking his head in what Taemin assumed would be a polite decline, as a king should to a peasant. Jonghyun smiled, it seemed to be genuine as he closed the king’s hand gently. His lips moved slowly as he persuaded the man to take his money.
A little too quickly, the king shoved the coin into his pockets and enveloped the dirt covered man in a hug. It stung to see a stranger receive something; he hadn’t felt in almost ten years. He turned away to avoid hurting more.
Suddenly, Jonghyun was back. Giving small shoves to the doorway as he waved behind him to the king. Taemin was obedient, feeling sick, tired and heavy. Overwhelmed with what had just happened, he just wanted to rest.
Jonghyun made him walk, taking him through the town, the marketplace, the outskirts of the town and then to his horse he had tied up a little ways away. It was hidden behind a crowd of trees in the forest, and whinnied when it recognized Jonghyun.
Jonghyun pet his horse, ridding it of any bugs and dirt that might have stuck to its coat before moving to stand. It was very beautiful, and looked quite healthy, fur brown and muscles rippling as it moved with Jonghyun to the main road, where Taemin stood.
“Is this your horse,” Taemin asked, sort of knowing the answer since the horse responded so well to him.
Jonghyun ignored him at first, before regarding him with something akin to disgust. “What? Do you think I stole her?”
“Ah-“
“I didn’t steal, Hippo.” Jonghyun said, absolute.
Taemin decided not to comment on the name. He wanted their trip to be as quiet and without conflict as possible.
Taemin touched the horse lightly, wondering if it would accept a new rider. The horse’s wide, brown eyes stared at him questioningly. She was very calm. Taemin cooed softly as he touched her muzzle. She would probably let him ride her.
“Alright, new servant.” Jonghyun said, shoving Taemin away as he mounted the horse. He gave her a few encouraging pats before throwing something over to him. Taemin snatched it out of the air before it hit his face, feeling the leather. The reins?
“What do you expect me to do with these?”
“Guide my horse home, servant!” Jonghyun announced, turning his head to the darkening sky. It seemed he was still enjoying his newfound power.
Taemin looked at the reins, Hippo, Jonghyun and finally the dirt road in front of them before clutching the reins in his hands, furious. He took a deep breath, staring at the skies before chucking the reins back at Jonghyun. The man flinched hard, having to grab the saddle to prevent himself from falling off.
“How am I supposed to lead the horse back when I have no clue where we are going!?”
Jonghyun snatched the fallen reins from the side of the horse, grinding his teeth before nudging Hippo to a jog. Taemin cursed under his breath, jogging to try and catch up with the two. He hated this.
Eventually, Jonghyun got sick of his screams to stop and actually slowed down. He didn’t let him ride Hippo.
The trip to Jonghyun’s home was long and slow, the space far and uncomfortable. Neither of them wanted to speak to the other, making the trip seem longer than it truly was. As the night truly started, making the receding beams of sun disappear, the woods around them came alive. Taemin could hear the animals scuttling and calling to one another in the brush around them.
Taemin stiffened at a howl and walked a bit closer to the horse.
Jonghyun noticed, sniffing and shaking his head and he forced himself to speak. “The wolves are just showing out, they won’t do anything while I’m here. Walk normally.” Jonghyun leaned down and shoved him away from the horse’s side. “If you act scared, they’ll know and pick you out. If a wolf comes and attacks Hippo because you were chicken-“
“Fine, fine. Shut up, you’re making my head hurt.”
Jonghyun went quiet, facing forward and jutting his horse to a small run, once again forcing Taemin to struggle to keep up.
Jonghyun came to a stop a little way in front of him, letting Hippo rest in a little hand-made hut made specifically for his horse. After he was positive Hippo was comfortable, he moved to Taemin and pulled him towards his home.
Jonghyun’s cabin was homey. Very simple, it had only the necessities and what Jonghyun saw interesting. He had a refrigerator, a single lamp, a bed and a thick blanket and a desk and a few drawers.
He snatched the blanket from his bed and tossed it on the floor before lying on his bed. He didn’t talk, just making sure Taemin at least touched the blanket before turning off the lamp-the only light, before curling up and falling asleep.
Taemin scowled, moving Jonghyun’s furniture out of the way before lying on the ground and covering himself up with the blanket. He knew Jonghyun intended for it to be laid on but he couldn’t sleep without being covered, a habit he picked up from being pampered as a Prince.
The stress finally falling on him at once, Taemin closed his eyes and in five deep breaths followed Jonghyun in sleep.
Taemin woke alone in the cabin, the chirps of birds gently waking him from slumber. He blinked lazily, instinctively moving a bit to test if his other had woken up as well. He wiggled his toes, scrunching up his nose when he felt a numb sting return to him. Dolos was still asleep it seemed.
Taemin shifted, rolling his shoulders as he relaxed once again on the floor. Dolos wouldn’t take long to wake up, especially now that they were in an unknown place. Taemin tried moving his fingers, happy that they did not give him the uncomfortable sting. He extended his arms, bending them slowly and sighing as the sting that emanated from the movement dissipated into a pleasant stretch. He did the same with his legs, the sting gone and finally started to sit up.
All at once, he could feel several emotions spring forth as his eyes roamed the new place he had slept in. He had seen this all before but it seemed Dolos has already been asleep by then. He was not happy.
Taemin stood, giving one last full body stretch before walking to the door. Stepping over several discarded papers and tasseled furniture he had been sure wasn’t there last night, he yanked the door open and shielded his eyes from the sudden light change.
When his eyes adjusted, he took a few cautious steps outside, and quietly closed the door.
Jonghyun was nowhere to be found.
Taemin smirked, cocking his head to the side as he looked around. He moved to the side of the cabin to the hut, only to see Hippo missing as well. He let out a small laugh.
How careless. Did the man honestly think he would stay here quietly? Did he actually trust him to stay inside the cabin and wait for him to go back? Taemin scoffed, he was waiting for this kind of opportunity so he could go back to the palace, claim Jonghyun did not want him anymore and gain his position in the kingdom back.
This man was an idiot.
He took a few more steps, eyebrow rising with disbelief as he stepped over what he thought to be a rope trap. He paused for a moment before deliberately stepping over it. Was he serious?
Just as he was about to step back onto the road that led him here, he heard a loud sound coming from the road. To his dismay, he saw Jonghyun riding wildly on Hippo, trying to grasp a string of fish he must have caught earlier that day. Hippo was as calm as ever, galloping with a steady pace as her owner wiggled off of her saddle and fell to the ground.
She passed Taemin, letting him touch her muzzle before retreating back into her hut to rest.
Jonghyun stood, shaking. Trying to brush the dirt off of his fish before giving up and walking towards his cabin. As he passed Taemin, he took a glance at his traps before scowling and walking into his home.
“You better not run away, I will find you.” Jonghyun called from inside, the sound of running water echoing his voice.
“Please, as soon as I reach the palace and tell them you threw me out, I won’t need you anymore and you won’t own me.”
Jonghyun laughed loudly, walking to the door to gesture to Taemin to come inside. Said prince hesitated for only a moment before deciding that he’d be better off staying in the cabin instead of trying to run away while his captor was around. He’d rather not waste energy he would need later on a man who would catch him easily. He did have a horse.
“Well, you little sneak,” Jonghyun started, hands working quickly on removing the dirt from his catches. “I had a little talk with your dad and he told me that once you were out of palace grounds, you were out of the family. He disowned you, Taemin.”
Taemin’s eyes went wide. He was lying. He had to be lying.
“So, let’s say you did escape and I couldn’t catch you. Once you got on palace grounds and entered the castle you would be an intruder. I don’t think you would risk getting killed just to escape from a life in the woods, would you?”
Taemin swallowed. “They wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t have said that, you’re lying.”
Jonghyun clicked his tongue, hands and fish falling hard into the sink. “Look, not everyone lies every time they open their mouth, brat. I’m telling you the truth.” He splashed his catches with water and turned towards the prince, hands resting on the counter beside him. He reached into a drawer and threw Taemin the now-empty canteen.
“Fill this up with water and gather some wood. We’re eating fish today.”
He nodded and stood, feeling limp as he grabbed the canteen and walked out of the door. There was a lake close by, he would be able to get water there and gather sticks on his way back.
Jonghyun frowned as he watched the crestfallen boy walk out of the door but his regret lasted for a moment, as one of his fish suddenly gained life and started flopping around the sink. Jonghyun cursed, searching for his knife around the mess of his cabin.
Taemin shook his head, forcing himself to smile. This wasn’t too bad. He didn’t like living in the palace anyway. His parents were mean to him and treated him as if he was some kind of abomination. The servants around their home were afraid to look at him. The townspeople lived to spread rumors about his existence since he wasn’t allowed to go outside.
The only person he would miss would be Kibum.
Taemin walked a bit quicker, seeing the beginnings of the lake. He felt relieved as he spotted a few fallen trees close to the lakes’ edge.
He would definitely visit Kibum sometime. Or, perhaps he could send a letter to the palace and tell Kibum where he was. That would be perfect. He smiled, leaning down to gather water. His life here might not be so bad after all. With that thought, his grip on the canteen loosened and the canteen began to float, sinking into the water as it floated to the middle of the lake.
He let out a disappointed sound, fidgeting as he tried to grab the canteen without getting wet. His eyes trained on the water beneath him, he stared at his frightened expression as the canteen sunk and disappeared in the depths of the water.
He wouldn’t be able to get it. The lake water was dirty, he couldn’t get dirty. It also looked pretty deep; he didn’t know if there were any animals that lived in the lake either. Kibum once told him of a turtle that bit off someone’s toe when they were swimming. What if there were turtles like that in the lake?
He took a deep breath, another look into the lake, before jogging back on the road he came on. Jonghyun would get it for him.
Part Two
Team: Fantasy and Myth
Rating: PG-13 ( Language )
Pairing: Jongtae
Summary: Taemin is a Reborn partnered with the god of guile and trickery, because of his troublesome attitude and tendency to cause trouble the king decides that, instead of giving him a present for his twenty-first birthday, he would sell him. It was just his luck he would be sold to that ruffian.
Author's Note: I would like to thank my team for being supportive and helpful at the beginning when we were sharing ideas. It really helped me continue writing even when I didn't feel like it. Thank you all!
Prompt Used: Baby Goodnight by B1A4
“You deserve to be with somebody who will make you happy, someone who won’t complicate your life, someone who won’t hurt you.”
“I’m on the pursuit of happiness.”
Opportunities
The night was warm and the stars hung still in the sky as the beat danced between them. The music was soft, playing not as something to dance too but more as a mood maker. Still, Taemin could feel himself moving to the music he wasn’t supposed to notice. This was supposed to be important wasn’t it? Betrothals had always been boring to him. He didn’t know why he expected his own to be any different.
The ballroom was full, the lighting making the room seem much cleaner that it was in actuality. No one bothered to clean it. This side of the family was so eager to get rid of their third son. It was unbearable.
He scoffed; he couldn’t wait to be rid of them either. He shifted, crossing one of his legs over the other. This throne wasn’t very comfortable either.
“If you keep scowling your face will freeze like that, then no one would want to marry you.” A voice teased from beside him. Soon after, his hair was being ruffled and his mood lifted-if only a little.
“Kibum, what am I going to do without you?” Taemin groaned, closing his eyes and leaning into the older man’s hand. “You took such good care of me…”
Kibum laughed, moving his hand out from behind Taemin’s head. He walked in front of his throne, squatted and smiled warmly at him. Taemin fought the urge to smile at first, before giving in and smiling back. Kibum laughed and pinched Taemin’s cheek, ignoring the displeased groan he got in return.
“You’ll be fine without me, my Dolos.” Taemin smiled at his true name and watched with slight curiosity as his superior turned to the mingling crowd. “Look at all the lucky men and women who have the honor of being considered by you.”
Taemin rolled his eyes. “You and I both know that the majority of the crowd is just here to watch the poor soul who is chosen get married off, then drink themselves into a coma at the celebration party.”
Kibum smirked but said nothing back. He knew just as Taemin knew that he had not been a good child. He was always telling lies, using his innocent looks to get what he wanted and cause trouble. It wasn’t his fault. He had inherited it from his blood. He was the only child in his family to inherit the blood of a god and his powers. It was just bad luck that he had to get a demi-god: Dolos’ bad behavior and traits.
His family loved him but Taemin knew that deep down they were rejoicing that they wouldn’t have to deal with their troublesome son anymore. He felt a bit of regret. If he could change, he would in a heartbeat. In all honesty, he hated who he was and had tried so hard in the past to change it. There was nothing good about what he was, what he had inherited. It didn’t bring prosperity or wealth into his family. It only brought chaos, pain and deceit.
Feeling anxiety begin to show itself, Taemin let out a slow breath and closed his eyes. Relaxing in his throne, he calmed himself and listened. He lost himself in the quiet drone of the music.
All in all, this was his only moment to himself. After this, he would have to devote himself to whoever chose to be bound to him. Then, Taemin would have to try and suppress his other self to maintain not only the relationship but his family’s honor.
He could feel a headache coming on.
Opening his eyes, he locked immediately on the punch bowl a group of people were gathered around. He could tell that a few of the men around the bowl were trying to seduce the women trying to get a drink. They seemed to be doing well so far. Before He could stop himself, whispered lies were already leaving his lips. Almost immediately, the girls flinched almost as if they had been hit before they looked at the men with disgust. The lie had been spread so effortlessly that they believed it was their own thought. The women left the table, leaving behind them three confused men.
He blinked, slowly coming out of his stupor before cursing under his breath.
“Aw, Taeminnie. Look at what you did…” Kibum said, clicking his tongue. It sounded like he was being scolded but when He looked up to defend himself Kibum was smiling, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
“Kibum, this isn’t funny!”
“Are you sure? I find it hilarious.”
“Kibum,” He groaned, covering his face with his hands. “This isn’t going to work. I can’t stop telling lies, it’s what I do! How am I supposed to hold a relationship like this?”
Kibum placed a comforting hand on Taemin’s shoulder, laughter successfully quelled. His fingers clasped Taemin gently but still strong as his playful features slowly regressed into his familiar blank expression.
“You’ll be fine, Taemin-ah.” Kibum said softly, lips moving slightly and eyes ghosting across the heads of the room. His eyes narrowed slightly as he could not locate any participants who looked the least bit interested in his younger brother. “I just wish I knew which one of these fools actually thinks he can tame you.”
The corner of Taemin’s lip curled in what would have been a smile and quite possibly a laugh if his mood had been better. He couldn’t hear the music anymore. The music wasn’t helping him. He exhaled loudly, elbows falling on his knees as he covered his face with his hands. Even with his eyes covered he could hear the music dull as someone turned it down. He could hear the loud murmurs of people slowly quiet down as they became interested in their surroundings instead of the party. He could feel every single one of their eyes on him.
It was starting.
He didn’t want to be here.
“As you all know, our Reborn Taemin is a man starting today.” Taemin’s father began, voice filled with paternal pride. The crowd responded enthusiastically with loud cheers and claps before a single palm from the King settled them down. “Taemin is my third son and he will not be in any position to take the throne and reign our kingdom, however-“
Taemin shook his head, forcing himself to lift his head from his hands. He erased every bit of anxiety and frustration from his face and made it expressionless. Like Kibum. That’s right. Taemin thought, weak. After this…I’ll be leaving Kibum behind. I won’t see him every again. He shook his head slowly, ridding himself of the thought. His eyes burned. He wouldn’t cry.
He wouldn’t.
The king continued his speech towards the enamored people watching him. He let another breath of pause before finally coming to the main purpose of his monologue.
“Lee Taemin, third son of our throne has willingly volunteered to let himself be the bond mate of another. This truly is an honor…” The king trailed, glancing at his son for a brief moment before returning to the crowd with a closed smile. He intended on looking as friendly and as least intimidating as he could for this proposal.
“My son understands what this means and has taken several classes to get his “other side” under control. Whoever takes him in would not be disappointed with his behavior. He is a very intelligent and adaptable young man.”
He scoffed. Smiling bitterly, he couldn’t help but nod along with what his father was saying. Yes, he had taken those classes. He either would take them or wake up in the deep parts of the dungeon, where even the war prisoners did not stay. He was not willingly doing anything. He was given an ultimatum as soon as his parents found out he was a Reborn. He would either behave or live a life of misery.
It took him nineteen years to finally give up and let them do what they pleased and they decided to give him away. To a stranger.
How loving of them.
How caring.
How undeniably despicable and underhanded…
He could feel the urge to speak rising within his chest, the familiar power he had within him welling up inside. He felt it overflowing within him, filling to the brim as he almost felt sorry for whoever he was about to curse with his speech. His eyes flew across the crowd rapidly, eager to find a suitable target when his eyes fell on his father. His breath hitched.
Yes.
Yes! Yes! Finally, yes! He screamed desperately in his mind, to himself-to Dolos.
Revenge. Justice!
He smiled softly, clearing his throat. He didn’t care where he was. He didn’t care about his family or about the honor he had been so eager to protect before. He knew this was his other side taking him over, manipulating his feelings and controlling him, but he couldn’t care.
Without this constant pestering of Dolos, he wouldn’t have the strength to do anything devious. He wouldn’t be able to get the revenge he thirsted so badly for. He wanted to see someone so great, so admired, fall from their pedestal-
--Even if it took him with them.
He opened his mouth, the nastiest lies and threats about to leave his lips before they were covered by two hands. With an enraged, muffled screech, He gripped the arms of his throne and tried to turn at the person who had stopped him. Immediately, he thought of Kibum but his assumption was disproven when his eyes landed on the wide, curious eyes of a stranger.
Eyes wide, he was actually speechless. The murderous urge he had before was destroyed by his shock. His father continued his speech, blissfully unaware of the horror that had just missed him.
“Well, well. You must be the third son everyone is talking about. Were you about to show your power here?” The man asked, knowingly. His fingers gripped his face lightly, covering his mouth still. He let out a fake gasp. “Were you about to give your power to your father?”
He narrowed his eyes and yanked the stranger’s hands from his mouth. With a sneer he looked the other over and felt strangely satisfied at the other man’s dirty appearance. Smiling with self-satisfaction, he held his hands to his hips.
“What gives you any right to say anything, commoner? You wouldn’t understand the affairs of the higher class.” He ended, snootily.
It sounded a bit empty but perhaps the stranger would buy it. He wanted to offend that man as much as possible in exchange for the pleasure he had to miss out on. The man wouldn’t be a good substitute for his father but he would suffice for now.
The stranger frowned, his brown eyes lingering on Taemin’s face for a long moment before they darted away. The man was visibly calming down, his averted gaze making the effort much easier as he began to step away from the young prince. He was about to sneak back into the shadows, off of Taemin’s pedestal when he stopped, shook his head and came back with a smile on his irritated features.
“You have a really bad attitude, you know that?”
He smiled back, happy that his victim had returned and allowed just a touch of that natural innocence seep into his tone. “I guess I’m just not used to dealing with trash.”
“Excuse me?”
“Did I stutter?”
The stranger’s lip curled and snarling, he grabbed the smirking prince’s designed collar. Taemin felt fear for a brief moment before that collapsed at the sight of the stranger’s bothered look. He was winning and that fact made a smile bigger than all he was worth spread across his face.
“You little brat, someone ought to teach you your place…” The stranger growled lowly.
The whispered threat had little effect on the prince.
“Oh? Is that going to be you? What, are you going to teach me how the proper way to roll around in dirt like an animal?”
Something passed through the stranger’s eyes quickly-He barely caught it, but in that quick instant there was undeniable rage. It was so unrestricted, so vicious that it made Taemin question how far he was willing to let this go. His mind began to reel, immediately trying to find ways to get him out of the mess he had made when the man shook him close, their foreheads inches from touching.
“Look, I didn’t want to hurt you-“
“Then don’t.”
The stranger faltered a bit at that, Taemin’s almost desperate and helpless tone confusing him. He let out a breath, his thoughts leaving him before his previous fury returned just a fierce. “Why are you acting so helpless now? Huh? What happened to that snarky little kid, huh?”
Truthfully, He didn’t know where he was going with this. His other side seemed to be speaking and controlling his actions for him. He tried to make a retort only to firmly nip at his own tongue, confirming his earlier suspicions. His Reborn subconscious was dominant now and perceived this stranger as a threat. It usually was right.
Perhaps they had pushed it a bit too far.
“Please,” Taemin said, breathlessly. His eyes were locked on the stranger’s snarling face, briefly looking past him as he spoke. He could feel his eyes begin to tear and get watery. He was glad he had Caerus’ skill within him; he would never be able to act this well otherwise. “I was wrong, I’m sorry. Just…Just…”
His eyes caught movement to the right of the stranger. He didn’t even have to get a good look to know Key was returning to him.
“Please don’t hurt me. I’m sorry I’m a Reborn…” Taemin said, his voice cracking with his fake tears.
“What?”
“I can’t change…I can’t.”
He saw Key stop tensely in his peripheral before practically charging over to where the stranger was and yanking Taemin out of his arms. He placed his younger brother beside him before kicking the stranger’s chest while he was off guard, knocking the air out of his lungs and sending him into a wheezing fit.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” The stranger coughed loudly, clutching his throat as he tried to force air into his lungs. His eyes wide, he stared with bemused betrayal at Taemin and then tore his gaze to look pathetically at Key. His eyes locked onto his face, trying to communicate with his eyes what his mouth could not. His message did not go through.
“Peasant,” Key snarled, approaching the fallen man. “You dare lay hands upon the third son of the Kingdom? Our Reborn?”
Key reached for the sheath of his sword, debating whether or not he should draw it when the stranger began to stand, jut his leg out to knock Key off balance and ran back into the shadows. Stumbling, Key cursed. He rubbed his shin gently, pushing the spot where the man kicked to test how much he was hurt before he turned to Taemin. The young prince was staring at the shadows, a victorious smirk frozen on his face.
Without a moment of hesitation, Key grabbed the younger man’s collar and snatched him up, ignoring the strangled squeal of surprise.
“Do you think I’m an idiot, Taemin?”
Taemin swallowed thickly, eyes darting. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t try and bullshit me, Taemin. I know you provoked him. You always do.” He sounded so disappointed that Taemin almost wanted to say he was sorry, to promise he would change and make steps to try and ensure that change. Before he could even think of following through, he was going against it, mouth moving ahead of his mind.
“I thought you of all people would understand...This is who I am.” Taemin paused, an opportunity to stop presented itself but he was too excited to stop now. “There’s nothing I can do to stop that and if you can’t understand that then maybe it is good that I’m leaving.”
Key was barely affected at all. He smiled bitterly and nodded. “Maybe it is, Prince. Maybe it is.”
Key dropped him, scoffing. His eyes flicked toward the crowd who was beginning to lose interest in the King and his speech in exchange for the two beside Taemin’s throne. Their eyes were eager. Lustful. Greedy. Every single one of them wanted the chance to snatch the prince and take him as their own. For what reasons? Revenge perhaps? Key snickered; he had no doubt in his mind that Taemin had affected each and every one of the people here in his lifetime.
“You’re a proud man, Taemin…” Key admitted, softly. “But once you are in someone else’s hands, I won’t be there to protect you anymore. Your pride won’t get you far outside of the kingdom, ‘Minnie.”
Taemin let out a sigh, shaking his head. He opened his mouth, another retort ready to be flung when he bit his tongue. He wouldn’t do this. He wouldn’t let Key leave him. He was the only family member he had left.
“I…” I’m sorry. Taemin thought, hard. He wanted desperately to say it aloud. It was against his person, against who he was as a Reborn…against Dolos…”I…”
Kibum turned to him, placing his hand behind Taemin’s head and pulling his head into his chest. His fingers were tight but gentle as they went in between the young Prince’s locks. He held him there hard, close enough to hold him there, even close enough to stop the boy from speaking. Smothered, but loved.
His mouth opened, throat clenching as he tried to find the right words.
“I…” Key began. “I want you to know that even when you’re gone. I still care about you. I’ll still think about you. You’re my little brother, Taemin. I want…”
His voice broke and he stopped, trying to regain his tranquility. He took a deep breath, two, three before starting again with a shuddering tone.
“I just want you to be safe, Taemin.” Key whispered. “After today…I won’t be able to make sure you are…”
This time, Taemin was able to move freely. Dolos retreated at the immediate sign of regret and affection in Taemin, not knowing how to react to it. Taemin felt considerably lighter, a tad bit free as he lifted his arms and wrapped them around Key’s middle. He hadn’t hugged Key in a while.
He hugged his elder brother tight, hoping all of his feelings got through this action. This would probably be the last hug he gave Key. It would probably be Key’s last memory of him. He wanted to make it special. There wasn’t enough time.
“Now,” The king called behind them, voice loud and deceivingly inviting. “Who wants to take my young son in?”
Taemin squeezed Key and buried his face deeper into his shirt. Waiting.
Silence. The entire room. The dull music had stopped. The king had stopped speaking. People did not speak. No one moved. It seems like the entire room had frozen for a moment, under a trance. It was…frightening. Taemin was the only one who seemed to move, breaking away from Key forcefully to watch the stunned crowd.
It was great because for a moment, Taemin thought that no one would speak. He thought that no one would take him in. So he stood there, stupidly. Passing his throne and walking to the edge of his stage to stare at the crowd. They all stared at him, blankly. Some had fear in their eyes. Others had rage. He knew both emotions well enough to know that neither would force anyone to take him in. He wanted to smile. He wanted so badly to smile.
If no one wanted him, he would be able to stay. His father would look like a fool for even making such a proposal and he would be able to stay!
Key moved behind him, grabbing his hand lightly. Hopefully.
Please.
“I’ll take ‘em.” A gruff voice called out, muffled and full as if he had just shoved something into his mouth to chew.
Taemin eyes snapped over to the voice, angry and ready to use his voice to cause whatever he could to stop this. However, his voice caught in his throat when he saw the man who now owned him.
He was chewing noisily, eyes smug and wide as he stared at the king. He swallowed, just as obnoxious as his chewing, as his smirked and smacked his lips. He lifted his hand, waving it lazily at Taemin who shook his head slowly in disbelief and then quick in horror.
“No, daddy, please no-“Taemin began, only to be overcome by his father’s voice.
“Alright, deal. Take him, he’s yours.”
No one heard Key’s sob or Taemin’s defeated sigh under the roar of the crowd. The invited immediately began to party, getting their alcohol and desserts happily, Taemin forgotten. They didn’t have a problem anymore, they didn’t have a third Prince anymore. They no longer had Dolos and were happy about that.
He felt something then, something that resonated deep within him. Not the urge to speak and lie, but a feeling of emotion that came from Dolos himself. Something similar to Sorrow...but at the same time not…
As Kibum let go of his hand slowly, to cover up his face and sobs, Taemin recognized the feeling. Defeated loneliness. They had lost their only home.
Numbly, he was leaving Key’s side, brushing away his desperate grabbing hands and pleas to stay and leaping off the podium to his owner. It stung. Made his throat feel tight. He kept moving, steps heavy as he stood in front of the stranger. The man who he had nearly fought with minutes before.
The stranger said nothing, probably reveling in the turn of events. He took another roll from the table nearest to him and shoved it into his mouth, letting a single laugh leave him as he chewed.
Taemin licked his lips, looked away. He bowed stiffly, staying down for a while before standing up and looking at his feet.
“Lee Taemin, third of the kingdom. Reborn.” The stranger swallowed, looking at Taemin thoughtfully. “Brat. Tossed away from his family to be a servant.”
A chuckle.
“How sad.”
Taemin nodded once, biting his lip to stop himself from speaking.
“Name’s Jonghyun.” The stranger introduced, snatching Taemin closer in a rough way that really wasn’t necessary. Taemin knew he was just trying to establish some kind of dominance over him. Enjoying the newfound power he had and the lack of power Taemin had.
“Well, brat. I guess I should lay down a few rules for you.” Jonghyun sniffed. “So that you don’t cross any boundaries and I toss you out on your ass.”
Taemin tried to smile, trying to be patient, it didn’t work. He settled for his tight lipped, enduring expression. Making sure Jonghyun knew he wasn’t enjoying this and if he had the choice, would be back on that podium with his older brother. Glancing back quickly, He noticed Kibum was gone. Probably off in his room, or Taemin’s, gathering what he could to remember him.
“1. You are my manservant. To do with as I please. 2. I don’t take any backtalk and just so you won’t be tempted, don’t speak unless spoken to. And 3…” Jonghyun paused, blinking. Then he smiled. “I’ll save that one for later.”
Taemin laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, fine. I’ll try, you prick.” Before Jonghyun could retort, Taemin lifted is hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry,”
Jonghyun sniffed again, looking around the room. “Alright, let’s not have that happen again, Servant.”
Taemin held back his scoff. “Alright, ‘Master’.”
Jonghyun frowned a bit at that before brushing by Taemin, patting his shoulder hard to tell him to stay put as he went to the king who was about to enjoy a drink. The king’s expression wasn’t the best. He definitely wasn’t impressed with Jonghyun. His disgust was apparently, not enough to stop this from happening so Taemin hoped the stranger was as disrespectful as possible so that he would leave an impression.
Taemin watched silently, as Jonghyun and his father conversed, a reasonable space between them and the already-drunk partygoers around them. Jonghyun seemed calmer speaking with the king than he was with Taemin, constantly looking down and patting his clothing as if he was embarrassed to be as dirty as he was in front of royalty. Taemin wished he was that mindful in front of him. Perhaps then, he could respect him more.
Jonghyun nodded; having finished his speech he did something that surprised Taemin. He reached into his pants pocket and gave the king a few coins. Taemin moved a little closer to inspect them, only to gape in shock. They were golden. Jonghyun had golden coins.
His father stared at his hand for a moment, then at Jonghyun in disbelief before shaking his head in what Taemin assumed would be a polite decline, as a king should to a peasant. Jonghyun smiled, it seemed to be genuine as he closed the king’s hand gently. His lips moved slowly as he persuaded the man to take his money.
A little too quickly, the king shoved the coin into his pockets and enveloped the dirt covered man in a hug. It stung to see a stranger receive something; he hadn’t felt in almost ten years. He turned away to avoid hurting more.
Suddenly, Jonghyun was back. Giving small shoves to the doorway as he waved behind him to the king. Taemin was obedient, feeling sick, tired and heavy. Overwhelmed with what had just happened, he just wanted to rest.
Jonghyun made him walk, taking him through the town, the marketplace, the outskirts of the town and then to his horse he had tied up a little ways away. It was hidden behind a crowd of trees in the forest, and whinnied when it recognized Jonghyun.
Jonghyun pet his horse, ridding it of any bugs and dirt that might have stuck to its coat before moving to stand. It was very beautiful, and looked quite healthy, fur brown and muscles rippling as it moved with Jonghyun to the main road, where Taemin stood.
“Is this your horse,” Taemin asked, sort of knowing the answer since the horse responded so well to him.
Jonghyun ignored him at first, before regarding him with something akin to disgust. “What? Do you think I stole her?”
“Ah-“
“I didn’t steal, Hippo.” Jonghyun said, absolute.
Taemin decided not to comment on the name. He wanted their trip to be as quiet and without conflict as possible.
Taemin touched the horse lightly, wondering if it would accept a new rider. The horse’s wide, brown eyes stared at him questioningly. She was very calm. Taemin cooed softly as he touched her muzzle. She would probably let him ride her.
“Alright, new servant.” Jonghyun said, shoving Taemin away as he mounted the horse. He gave her a few encouraging pats before throwing something over to him. Taemin snatched it out of the air before it hit his face, feeling the leather. The reins?
“What do you expect me to do with these?”
“Guide my horse home, servant!” Jonghyun announced, turning his head to the darkening sky. It seemed he was still enjoying his newfound power.
Taemin looked at the reins, Hippo, Jonghyun and finally the dirt road in front of them before clutching the reins in his hands, furious. He took a deep breath, staring at the skies before chucking the reins back at Jonghyun. The man flinched hard, having to grab the saddle to prevent himself from falling off.
“How am I supposed to lead the horse back when I have no clue where we are going!?”
Jonghyun snatched the fallen reins from the side of the horse, grinding his teeth before nudging Hippo to a jog. Taemin cursed under his breath, jogging to try and catch up with the two. He hated this.
Eventually, Jonghyun got sick of his screams to stop and actually slowed down. He didn’t let him ride Hippo.
The trip to Jonghyun’s home was long and slow, the space far and uncomfortable. Neither of them wanted to speak to the other, making the trip seem longer than it truly was. As the night truly started, making the receding beams of sun disappear, the woods around them came alive. Taemin could hear the animals scuttling and calling to one another in the brush around them.
Taemin stiffened at a howl and walked a bit closer to the horse.
Jonghyun noticed, sniffing and shaking his head and he forced himself to speak. “The wolves are just showing out, they won’t do anything while I’m here. Walk normally.” Jonghyun leaned down and shoved him away from the horse’s side. “If you act scared, they’ll know and pick you out. If a wolf comes and attacks Hippo because you were chicken-“
“Fine, fine. Shut up, you’re making my head hurt.”
Jonghyun went quiet, facing forward and jutting his horse to a small run, once again forcing Taemin to struggle to keep up.
Jonghyun came to a stop a little way in front of him, letting Hippo rest in a little hand-made hut made specifically for his horse. After he was positive Hippo was comfortable, he moved to Taemin and pulled him towards his home.
Jonghyun’s cabin was homey. Very simple, it had only the necessities and what Jonghyun saw interesting. He had a refrigerator, a single lamp, a bed and a thick blanket and a desk and a few drawers.
He snatched the blanket from his bed and tossed it on the floor before lying on his bed. He didn’t talk, just making sure Taemin at least touched the blanket before turning off the lamp-the only light, before curling up and falling asleep.
Taemin scowled, moving Jonghyun’s furniture out of the way before lying on the ground and covering himself up with the blanket. He knew Jonghyun intended for it to be laid on but he couldn’t sleep without being covered, a habit he picked up from being pampered as a Prince.
The stress finally falling on him at once, Taemin closed his eyes and in five deep breaths followed Jonghyun in sleep.
Taemin woke alone in the cabin, the chirps of birds gently waking him from slumber. He blinked lazily, instinctively moving a bit to test if his other had woken up as well. He wiggled his toes, scrunching up his nose when he felt a numb sting return to him. Dolos was still asleep it seemed.
Taemin shifted, rolling his shoulders as he relaxed once again on the floor. Dolos wouldn’t take long to wake up, especially now that they were in an unknown place. Taemin tried moving his fingers, happy that they did not give him the uncomfortable sting. He extended his arms, bending them slowly and sighing as the sting that emanated from the movement dissipated into a pleasant stretch. He did the same with his legs, the sting gone and finally started to sit up.
All at once, he could feel several emotions spring forth as his eyes roamed the new place he had slept in. He had seen this all before but it seemed Dolos has already been asleep by then. He was not happy.
Taemin stood, giving one last full body stretch before walking to the door. Stepping over several discarded papers and tasseled furniture he had been sure wasn’t there last night, he yanked the door open and shielded his eyes from the sudden light change.
When his eyes adjusted, he took a few cautious steps outside, and quietly closed the door.
Jonghyun was nowhere to be found.
Taemin smirked, cocking his head to the side as he looked around. He moved to the side of the cabin to the hut, only to see Hippo missing as well. He let out a small laugh.
How careless. Did the man honestly think he would stay here quietly? Did he actually trust him to stay inside the cabin and wait for him to go back? Taemin scoffed, he was waiting for this kind of opportunity so he could go back to the palace, claim Jonghyun did not want him anymore and gain his position in the kingdom back.
This man was an idiot.
He took a few more steps, eyebrow rising with disbelief as he stepped over what he thought to be a rope trap. He paused for a moment before deliberately stepping over it. Was he serious?
Just as he was about to step back onto the road that led him here, he heard a loud sound coming from the road. To his dismay, he saw Jonghyun riding wildly on Hippo, trying to grasp a string of fish he must have caught earlier that day. Hippo was as calm as ever, galloping with a steady pace as her owner wiggled off of her saddle and fell to the ground.
She passed Taemin, letting him touch her muzzle before retreating back into her hut to rest.
Jonghyun stood, shaking. Trying to brush the dirt off of his fish before giving up and walking towards his cabin. As he passed Taemin, he took a glance at his traps before scowling and walking into his home.
“You better not run away, I will find you.” Jonghyun called from inside, the sound of running water echoing his voice.
“Please, as soon as I reach the palace and tell them you threw me out, I won’t need you anymore and you won’t own me.”
Jonghyun laughed loudly, walking to the door to gesture to Taemin to come inside. Said prince hesitated for only a moment before deciding that he’d be better off staying in the cabin instead of trying to run away while his captor was around. He’d rather not waste energy he would need later on a man who would catch him easily. He did have a horse.
“Well, you little sneak,” Jonghyun started, hands working quickly on removing the dirt from his catches. “I had a little talk with your dad and he told me that once you were out of palace grounds, you were out of the family. He disowned you, Taemin.”
Taemin’s eyes went wide. He was lying. He had to be lying.
“So, let’s say you did escape and I couldn’t catch you. Once you got on palace grounds and entered the castle you would be an intruder. I don’t think you would risk getting killed just to escape from a life in the woods, would you?”
Taemin swallowed. “They wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t have said that, you’re lying.”
Jonghyun clicked his tongue, hands and fish falling hard into the sink. “Look, not everyone lies every time they open their mouth, brat. I’m telling you the truth.” He splashed his catches with water and turned towards the prince, hands resting on the counter beside him. He reached into a drawer and threw Taemin the now-empty canteen.
“Fill this up with water and gather some wood. We’re eating fish today.”
He nodded and stood, feeling limp as he grabbed the canteen and walked out of the door. There was a lake close by, he would be able to get water there and gather sticks on his way back.
Jonghyun frowned as he watched the crestfallen boy walk out of the door but his regret lasted for a moment, as one of his fish suddenly gained life and started flopping around the sink. Jonghyun cursed, searching for his knife around the mess of his cabin.
Taemin shook his head, forcing himself to smile. This wasn’t too bad. He didn’t like living in the palace anyway. His parents were mean to him and treated him as if he was some kind of abomination. The servants around their home were afraid to look at him. The townspeople lived to spread rumors about his existence since he wasn’t allowed to go outside.
The only person he would miss would be Kibum.
Taemin walked a bit quicker, seeing the beginnings of the lake. He felt relieved as he spotted a few fallen trees close to the lakes’ edge.
He would definitely visit Kibum sometime. Or, perhaps he could send a letter to the palace and tell Kibum where he was. That would be perfect. He smiled, leaning down to gather water. His life here might not be so bad after all. With that thought, his grip on the canteen loosened and the canteen began to float, sinking into the water as it floated to the middle of the lake.
He let out a disappointed sound, fidgeting as he tried to grab the canteen without getting wet. His eyes trained on the water beneath him, he stared at his frightened expression as the canteen sunk and disappeared in the depths of the water.
He wouldn’t be able to get it. The lake water was dirty, he couldn’t get dirty. It also looked pretty deep; he didn’t know if there were any animals that lived in the lake either. Kibum once told him of a turtle that bit off someone’s toe when they were swimming. What if there were turtles like that in the lake?
He took a deep breath, another look into the lake, before jogging back on the road he came on. Jonghyun would get it for him.
Part Two