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harrowreads · 1 year ago

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MY CHELLLLL!!!!!! 😍🐚

hello, my love!!! i am on a quest to catch up with everything that i have been behind on. i am such a silly goose and i fell asleep mid-read yesterday because taking a nap when it's too hot outside is my favorite past time, apparently. but my laptop also fell asleep and deleted everything i had said, and did not save a full draft. 😩😭😭 i will do my best to recreate what i said.

(and please don't take it as an insult that i fell asleep while reading your fic. i am the sleepiest of sleepy heads and i can fall asleep doing any and everything haha. in fact, i get very tired, in general, when i read, which is such a burden!!!!)

ok let's goooo!!!! spoilies under the cut!!!

man, i get like........royals have a responsibility to the crown whatever whatever, and i am sure that having Yoongi and Keena marry is going to play into the war/politics, but 90 days??? damn, dad!!!

awe, i love Aga. of course, he had to have known, but of course, he is apologetic. and i love how Keena is taking it all in stride. i never would have seen her as the type to be genuinely mad at him, anyway.

Minho is sus. 🤨

Youngjae let's goooo!!!! also lol Seokjin is such a flirt. i still don't fully know what his deal is, but i am not distrusting of him.

sneaking out to the night market feels like a......maybe bad idea.......but i am also very interesting in how it could play out hehe.

ugh i love the descriptions used when the princess enters Yoongi's room and Agust begins to take over. and their little back-and-forth of man and dragon. so goooodddd.

i love Agust getting hot and bothered and Keena being like "down, boy, i want to eat" hahaha.

(also lol at the two of us writing a Yoongi tickling the mc scene probably around the same time. what was in the water that caused the two of us to do that???? lolololol.)

man, Yongsun fucked up.

it is concerning that Yoongi does not seem to remember what happens when Agust is in full control. (i can't remember if that was the case when Ceyeh was in full control of Keena before, but i assume so?) like...................what destruction could this dragon cause, and how could that affect the prince???

i do like that Yoongi is listening to Agust's concern tho, and insisting Keena stay with him. is it irrational? yeah, like.......the problem has been solved. but it's also cute (and we love it when a fictional man is a little possessive idk. 🤪🤪🤪)

i do love the Empress but she also scares the hell out of me haha. i suppose that is the point. and she has every right to react the way she did to Yongsun's suggestion.

ugh, Yoongi is so dreamy. literally, too, since he put Keena right to sleep hahahaha.

oh maaaannnnnnnnn.

okay, there is a lot to unpack, but.......i noticed it when the princess came into the room, saw Yoongi shifting to Agust and smiled. but at the end, she also seems to bring Agust out in him? or maybe she is just not surprised to see him, anymore. KEENA, WHICH ONE OF THEM ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN??? tbh i would want them both, but that's just meeeee.

she is very bold. i love princess Keena.

i love that we got to see more of the prince and princess together. but i am also very curious how this will unfold. Yoongi is sweet, but almost too sweet, if he is putting her to sleep with his actions and words. Agust, though..........hmmmm.....

Blackthorn Chapter 11 | M.YG

Distraction - As Namjoon leaves to meet with Jungkook, Princess Keena takes it upon herself to distract Prince Yoongi from his friend's absence.

a/n: As always thanks to @sailoryooons for being my beta and making the banner. Character asks and the taglist for Blackthorn are always open! Minors do NOT interact with my work, please and thank you.

a/n 2: The chapter itself isn't smuty. There are a few steamy moments, but that's really it. I rated this nc17 because of the topics that are talked about.

Taglist: @thickemadame

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

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The audience with the Emperor and Empress Min wasn’t as long as the Princess had thought it would be. The Emperor apologized for deceiving both Keena and the Prince, as well as not making it known sooner what his intentions were. Empress Min sympathized with their feelings but made it clear that the wedding would happen no matter what. Prince Yoongi had informed his parents that he and the Princess had talked on their own, and that they were open to the idea of their marriage. However, they wanted to be married on their own time.

Emperor Min had quickly put that idea to rest and let both the young royals know that they were to be wed within ninety days. The Prince had tried to argue but the Emperor refused to speak any more on the matter.

Princess Keena inquired about the living arrangements since she had stayed at the butterfly house and Empress Min’s answer was simple: the butterfly house was a wedding gift from the Emperor and her gift would arrive at the palace within a month. The fear of Agust acting out from the news had passed and the Princess was allowed to return to her room within the palace, if she wished. The Empress also made it clear that an official wedding announcement would be made in a fortnight. Other minor details were discussed and the Princess’ mind was put at ease as the Prince held her hand throughout the whole ordeal.

When the young royals left the throne room, they retreated to their respective chambers and changed into casual clothing before they met in the library and ignored their responsibilities for the rest of the day.

At the end of the week, Namjoon announced that he would leave the palace to receive his friend, Jungkook in person, since the young artist informed him of his coming arrival. He also wanted to leave so that he could return during the day before the night market. At the mention of the night market, the Prince was struck with an idea and he filed it away for a later time. For now he bid his dear friend goodbye and wished for a safe trip. It would take Namjoon two days to reach Jungkook and the Princess was looking forward to meeting the young man who stole the gardener's heart.

Prince Yoongi pressed a fleeting kiss to the Princess’ cheek right after he bid Namjoon farewell and promised that they would have their daily meal together before he hurried off with Hoseok right behind him. The Princess didn’t question the Prince’s actions. She understood that beyond the palace walls the world was dangerous. She was sure that Namjoon would be fine, but who was she to push aside the Prince’s worries?

It was getting late. The sky was a mix of fresh blue and winter white clouds that were slowly shifting to mellow yellow, pale pink and gleaming wine. The air was fragrant with azaleas and camellias. White petals from the dogwood trees nearby carried on the wind and littered the ground as Princess Keena walked along the path. She wore a kaftan that was dyed orange and black with black sapphire embroidered along the v-neckline.

Her hair was piled high on top of her head in a neatly twisted bun. A thin, gold metal ring the size of an apple rested at the base of the bun. Wrapped around it were pea-sized persimmon fruit and flowers made from orange topaz, fire opal and mother of pearl. The hair ornament was secured by a single gold hair pin that had tiny jade persimmon fruit leaves that dangled from the end.

Aga walked beside the Princess, arm in arm, silently. His hair that was usually styled up and out of his face was pulled back into a half bun with some of his braids hanging around his shoulders. The Princess had nowhere in mind to go, it was a nice evening and she did not want to go inside just yet.

“Aga?”

“Princess?”

She smiled as her title passed from Aga’s lips in her same tone of voice.

“Once I marry His Highness…what happens to you?”

“What do you mean, Princess?”

“Will you return to Escistan? You have a wife, remember?”

Aga’s lips quirked as he fought a laugh and he inhaled deeply as he thought over the Princess’ words.

“Izaso and I agreed that I would return home once you were fully settled into your new role.”

“Did everyone know that I would not be returning to Escistan when they left that day?” Aga kissed his teeth and the young woman beside him laughed. “I’m not upset…not anymore. I understand why everyone kept it from me.”

"Se te nan pi bon enterè ou.” Aga stopped walking and lowered himself to his knees before the Princess as he asked for her forgiveness. “Padonnen m, Princess."

Princess Keena smiled and crossed her arms over her chest as she bowed her head."Nou pa rete sou moun ki kapab genyen yo."

Aga rose to his feet, once the Princess lowered her arms and he nodded his head. “You are correct. The past is the past and that cannot be changed.” Aga smiled as he felt his heart drum with pride. “You will make a wise Empress, one day.”

Footsteps caught Aga’s attention and he looked ahead to see Minho coming their way. Aga stood tall and emotionless as the man approached the pair silently.

“Princess,” Minho bowed low in her direction and she bowed her head. He turned his attention to Aga and bowed his head before he spoke up. “I saw a few soldiers at the training grounds. They are relentless in their training. However, I fear that they may overexert themselves if they keep up with the extra lessons.” Minho shook his head as he frowned.

“I tried to intervene and have them cease for the evening but they were insistent on honing their skills. I cannot blame them, for I was once like that at their age.”

“How many?” Aga questioned as he felt a headache slowly start to build behind his eyes.

“A little over two dozen from what I could see. I didn’t count them.”

“Very well.”

Aga turned his attention to the Princess and bowed his head. "Sifle ak mwen pral vini si ou bezwen mwen. Sa pa ta dwe pran twò lontan, men sòlda sa yo fè tèt di."

The Princess laughed at Aga’s words. She would have to agree with him, the soldiers of this Empire were indeed very stubborn.

Aga faced Minho once more and stood tall. “You will escort the Princess back to the butterfly house. Make no other stops along the way unless it is His Highness.” Aga stared at Minho, unblinking. “Do I make myself clear?”

Minho bowed and Aga grunted before he walked off. Minho rose to his full height and Princess Keena smiled at the older guard. Since her time in the palace, she had not had the chance to spend much time with him.

“Shall we head back, Minho? I am sure Yongsun is worried sick over my whereabouts.”

As the two started to walk back down the path, Minho kept his distance, five steps behind the Princess and laughed internally. The other guards were so friendly and often walked beside her, so it was odd to have Minho right behind her.

“Minho?”

“Yes, Princess?”

She looked over her shoulder and smiled. “Can you walk by my side? I would feel more at ease with you in my line of sight.” Minho bowed his head and took large steps until he was beside the Princess. “I apologize if this is uncomfortable for you.”

“Not at all, Princess. It is my duty to serve you well.”

“You are one of my very first guards from when I came.” Her voice was light as she spoke, a faint warmth to her words that burned Minho’s heart. “Thank you for always protecting me. I know it must not be easy.”

“Nonsense, Princess.” Minho shook his head as he spoke. “Protecting you is an honor. I could not think of anything else I would like to do.”

“Spoken like a true member of the royal guard.” The Princess glanced at Minho’s side profile and caught sight of Seokjin in the distance. “Forgive me, Minho, but I would like a moment with Seokjin.”

The Princess swiftly changed her steps and Minho allowed her to do so. He remembered Aga’s words, but the Princess had the final say.

Seokjin looked as handsome as ever. He wore a black open cross collar robe that reached just below his ankles with flowing sleeves that melted into a soft brown and covered his hands. A white outer robe with short sleeves was worn over top with a thick pale green collar. The image of two cranes in tan, brown, black and gold was embroidered on the right shoulder with reeds and feathers. The same pale green from his collar matched the belt around his waist that kept his robes closed. A thin twisted belt of leather was placed over top of the belt and it had a beautiful tan and white norigae hanging from it.

Seokjin was sitting with a man that the Princess had never seen before and she noticed that he was dressed in similar garb as Seokjin, only the colors were reversed. As she approached, Seokjin grinned. He rose to his feet and bowed low as the other man followed his lead.

“Princess Keena, it is good to see you in good health.”

“Same to you, Seokjin. Forgive me for not visiting you sooner.”

Seokjin waved off the Princess' comment and shook his head. “You are hard at work with your studies. It would be asinine of me to think so highly of myself.” Princess Keena raised an eyebrow and Seokjin laughed as he motioned to the man beside him. “Princess, allow me to introduce you to my underling, Choi Youngjae.”

Youngjae was as cute as he was handsome. His face was youthful with kind, black eyes and a button nose. The more she looked at him, the Princess was reminded of a sea otter. Youngjae bowed deeply and on top of his head, covered mostly by his silky dark brown hair, were a set of little round brown and tan ears.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Keena.” Youngjae rose to his full height after the Princess bowed. “I hope you are enjoying your stay here in the Min Empire?”

“I am learning so much and everyday is a new lesson. It is very much a never ending feeling of gratefulness.”

“Ah, I see. That is wonderful to hear.” Youngjae grinned, all teeth and squinty eyes which in turn made Seokjin and the Princess both laugh.

“How are you so cute, Youngjae?” Seokjin teased as he threw an arm around the younger’s shoulders. “You shouldn’t be cuter than me!”

“Seokjin, please,” Youngjae begged as he glanced over at the young royal. “Not in front of the Princess!”

“Oh, do not mind me. I just came over to say hello.” Once again the Princess bowed her head. “Please, enjoy the rest of your evening. It was a pleasure meeting, Youngjae.”

Youngjae wiggled out of Seokjin’s hold that had turned into a headlock and he quickly smoothed down his hair around his ears.

“N-Nice meeting you, Princess! Enjoy your evening.” Youngjae bowed deeply and Princess Keena smiled before she turned on her heel and headed on her way back to the butterfly house.

Once at the butterfly house, the Princess wished Minho a good night and disappeared into the home where Wheein and Hyejin were waiting. They had a light meal ordered for the Princess and helped her into the bathing waters where they washed the day away.

“Where is Yongsun?”

The Princess was bathed and patted dry before she stood nude to have oils rubbed into her skin.

“Her Royal Majesty called for her.”

“And Byulyi?” She asked softly as she was dressed for bed.

“She is bringing your meal.”

“Are you okay, Princess?”

“Do you think Yongsun will return soon?” Princess Keena looked at her attendants and they both shook their heads.

The Princess grinned and looked down at the dusty rose sleep gown that she wore. The sleeves were short but covered her shoulders in full and flowed down into a sweetheart neckline. The skirt of the gown was pleated with cream and coral colored flowers that lined the hem of the gown. It reached towards the floor, almost covering her feet and was the same length all around.

“Have my meal doubled and send it to His Highness’ chambers.”

“...It is getting late, Princess. I would advise against-”

“I will be sure to make it known that you both tried to stop me.” Princess Keena smiled at the two attendants. “You will not be punished, I promise you that. Now-” she looked around the room and wiggled her toes as she sat on the edge of her bed. “I need my shoes and a robe.”

She understood that it was late and she risked the chance of an improper rumor, but she did not want to leave the Prince alone tonight. When they had dinner earlier, he seemed lost in his thoughts and the Princess worried that he was upset over Namjoon’s safety.

In his chambers, the young Prince sat at his desk with scrolls and scrolls of paper stacked high. He had Seokjin bring him all the important documents on the night market. Ever since Namjoon had mentioned it, an idea had wormed its way into the Prince’s mind and he could not ignore it. He would whisk the Princess away and disappear over the wall for one single night. At the night market, they wouldn’t be royals, but a simple couple newly engaged. Needless to say, the idea wouldn’t leave the Prince’s mind and he started to plan the moment Namjoon disappeared from sight.

He explained to the older man that he should start to take an interest in the goods that are sold now because once the news of his engagement is announced, those sales will go up and he would like to support the people any way he can. Seokjin was none the wiser and sent a good amount of scrolls.

In the light provided by the candles and fresh out of the bathing waters, the Prince’s scales glimmered along his jaw as he tapped his nails against the surface of the desk while he read over another scroll. This one explained in detail the baked goods that one vendor sold. They were a sweet shop, with homemade candies and sweet breads as their main attraction. He made a note to visit the stall when he escaped with the Princess for that night.

A knock at the door pulled the Prince from his mental list and he cleared his throat. “Enter!” He had called out and continued to read over the scroll. The door opened a few moments later and crisp citrus flooded his senses. A warmth, soft and inviting, circled around the Prince’s mind. He closed his eyes for a second and inhaled through his mouth. “Entering my chambers at such an hour? What would the servants think, hmmm, Princess?”

When the young royal looked up from his papers, the Princess had already crossed more than half the room. She was stunning as she seemingly flouted closer and closer to the Prince. She was dressed in delicate tones and smelled like the sweetest of treats.

The Prince sat up in his chair, his back ramrod straight against the wooden back of the seat. Her hair was pulled into a low braided ponytail that rested over her left shoulder. There were no jewels - except for the gifted rings - or makeup in sight, and he felt Agust stir deep in his gut.

As their eyes locked, the Prince licked his lips and brought his arms up so that he was raised on his elbows. He interlocked his fingers and rested his chin on top. “Do your attendants know you are here, Princess?”

The Princess placed her hands flat against the desk and leaned forward, her eyes bright and playful as she smiled coyly. “And if they do not?”

A low rumble vibrated in the Prince’s chest and his eyes started to quiver as onyx and gold folded into the other. The smile on the Princess’ face grew wider and she straightened up before she started to walk around the Prince’s desk. Her fingertips glided across the surface. A deep black plum of smoke fell from the Prince’s nose as the Princess’ fingers caressed the edge of his right elbow and ghosted up the length of his arm. The heat from her touch seeped into the silk material of his light blue robe and caused him to shiver as goosebumps raised on his bare chest.

Up. Up. Up.

Her touches were feather light, soothing and disarming. A patch of warm sunlight on a cool winter’s eve. The Prince found himself leaning back in his seat as he straightened up once more and pushed away from his desk. There was now a space big enough for the Princess to sit in his lap if she so wished and he leaned into her touch as fingertips skimmed the collar of his robe. The heat was teasing as the Princess avoided touching his skin directly.

“Thisss is a dangerousss game to be playing, Treasssure…you might not come out the victor.”

The Prince’s voice was low and slurred, the words strung together by a repetitive sss as his tongue started to darken and split in his mouth. Her fingers dipped low on either side of his shoulders and the Princess’ scent was all around him. It filled his lungs like water and wrapped his heart in a thick fog that was so dense, he knew only her. Only sharp, sweet tangerines and gooey, syrupy honey dripped in his mind. Orange and gold. Sweet and sweeter, yet.

His. She was his.

Fingers gathered his damp hair off his face, pushed it from his shoulders and tucked it behind his ears. A subtle weight, still warm, pressed against his temple and smoothed down his cheek to his jaw.

Mine. She is mine.

A startled yelp fell from the Princess’ lips as clawed fingers gripped her hips and lifted her from the ground. She landed in the Prince’s lap, her arms thrown over his strong and sure shoulders that were now on clear display since his robe had slipped down.

“I thought you could use some company, my Prince.”

A single eyebrow quirked and the Princess held her breath as clawed fingers gripped her chin. Those expressive eyes were torn, a battle between black and gold that seemed to never end, and yet the Princess felt no fear in her heart. Her fingers lightly pulled at the hair that was at the nape of the Prince’s neck. It was a gesture that her mother used to do to calm her when she was younger. Ink black grew more and more as the gold faded and the Princess stared into those mesmerizing eyes.

“You seem one edge, my Prince.”

“I wonder why?”

The Princess smiled as the grip on her chin loosed and the large hand fell to her throat. Her pulse was hummingbird fast under the gentle pressure of the Prince’s hand. His blunt nails dragged down the column of her throat and her head tilted to expose more of her skin. A gulp, loud and telling. More truthful than any words spoken out loud filled the air and the Princess refused to break eye contact with the Prince. He licked his lips, his tongue pink and whole once more as he lightly tapped his nails against the skin.

“May I, Princess?”

“If you so wish, my Prince.”

Her voice was but a whisper in the growing night, lost by the time it reached his ears but it was enough. He tightened his hold on her neck just a little before his nose pressed into the hollow of her throat. He inhaled deep, needy breaths over and over. His tongue slipped past his lips, wet and searing. The Princess’ body felt like it was on fire as he licked and licked and licked at her skin. Small sections of her flesh were sampled, nipped at softly to not inflict any pain. Sweet. So very, very sweet.

His hands trailed down to the Princess’ waist, and he frowned at their position. She was in his lap sideways and that wasn’t good enough. He wanted to - needed to - be closer. Growling, he stood up and set the Princess on his desk. Her arms fell from around his shoulders and she held herself up as she leaned back on the desk.

“M-My Prince.” Her pupils were blown and her voice was crooning. Her chest rose and fell quickly and her heart beat loudly in the Prince’s ears.

He watched as she pushed the robe from her shoulder and pulled her arms free. Her legs spread just a little, wide enough for a leg to fit in between and the Prince felt Agust claw at his insides. So very, very sweet. He reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand, his thumb rested at the corner of her mouth and he bit his lower lip. His fangs poked out and he watched with unblinking eyes as the Princess grabbed his wrist in her hands. She pulled his hand closer to her mouth and kissed his fingertips. He smirked as the pink of her tongue poked out and wrapped around his thumb.

“What do you need of me, Princess?” His voice was raspy, smoke and glass as he allowed for the Princess to lose herself with the taste of himself on her tongue. “Ask for anything and it shall be yours.” He stepped forward and made a space for himself between the Princess’ legs that opened wider for him so easily. “What is it that you desire?”

The Prince removed his thumb from the Princess’ mouth, tugged at her lower lip and trailed her spit down the length of her throat before he rested his hand on the back of her neck. They stared into each other’s eyes and he leaned forward, foreheads pressed together as they breathed each other in. Her lips parted as she tried to speak and a sudden knock at the door made the hair on the Prince’s neck rise. Gold, sure and strong, blinded the Princess for only a moment before her face was tucked into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Who disturbs my rest?” Shattered glass and running rivers of fire, the Earth burned ten times over. His voice was no longer his own, patches of black scales had scattered across his body and the Princess was pulled from her scent intoxicated state of mind.

“A late night meal, sire.”

“Go aw-”

“Enter!” The Princess’ voice was light but strong as she pushed the Prince away and slipped off his desk. As her feet touched the floor, the Prince removed his robe and swung it over her body. The scent of sage and ginger, potent and all consuming wrapped around the Princess and she sat in the Prince’s chair while he stood beside her, nude from the waist up for all to see.

The door to the Prince’s chambers opened and the servants stepped in with trays of food. They all kept their eyes on the table in front of them as they set down the trays and hurried out the room with low bows. The thunk of the closed doors echoed in the silence and the Princess hugged the robe over her shoulders tighter to her body.

“We should eat.” She rose to her feet and the Prince grabbed her arm. “My, Prin-”

“Now, now Treasure. Let us continue what we-”

She looked up into golden eyes and pulled her arm free. “Sit down and eat, Agust. I will not repeat myself again.”

Agust clicked his tongue and offered the Princess his hand. His nails were ombre black and pointed, no longer pale and blunt. A patch of black scales spread along his wrist and caught the light of the candle. As the Princess looked at him, she could see the clear differences between her Prince and the dragon within. Agust was blade-like, razor sharp in both mind and body. Smooth, cold…deadly. Whereas the Prince was more well…like a pallas cat. Fierce and silent with looks to die for but oh, so soft…if you got close enough.

As she placed her hand in Agust’s, she shivered. Ceyeh fluttered deep in her heart, called to the Princess to watch herself, and screamed that danger was too close. Silver, a shade that rivaled the moon, started to leak into the Princess’ eyes. Danger. Danger. Danger.

“Are you afraid of me, Treasure?”

“Should I be?”

A low rumble sound from his chest and he led the Princess to the settee in the sitting room. They sat beside each other with three feet between them and Agust kept his eyes on the Princess. She ignored him, focused on making a plate that she knew the Prince would enjoy.

“Eat.” She held the plate out towards Agust and he stared at the small pile of food. The food was nothing that he did not have before but the way it was placed caught his eye. Agust flicked his eyes from the plate to the Princess’ face and stared into her silvery brown orbs.

“What is the name of your spirit, Treasure?”

“Eat.”

The Princess refused to answer the question because Ceyeh told her not to give her name. Something about Agust put the bird spirit on edge and that worried the Princess.

Agust took the plate and sat back against the arm of the settee. He kept his eyes on the Princess the whole time she made her own plate and they ate in silence. Little by little the patches of black scales faded and gold gave way to onyx. By the time the plates were clear, the Prince was once again himself and he laid on the settee with the Princess in his arms.

Her head rested on his chest, her ear right above his heart as he unbraided the Princess’ hair and coiled the smaller braids around his fingers. Seeing the Princess in his robe while he only wore a pair of dark blue sleep pants made him inhale deeply. Tangerine and sage, honey and ginger…a mixture he had come to love in such a short amount of time.

“Forgive me, Princess?” His voice broke the silence and the Princess’ breath froze. “Forgive me for I am not strong enough to keep such a monster at bay. I think that Agust would not harm you but even I cannot predict his thoughts.”

“You have nothing to be forgiven for, my Prince.” Princess Keena lifted her head and rested a hand over the Prince’s heart before she placed her chin on top. “I entered your chambers of my own free will. I knew what a late night visit would suggest and yet here I am.” Her eyes sparkled in the dim lighting of the room as she walked her fingers up the Prince’s chest, neck, jaw and tapped his nose playfully. “I am here and I am safe with you.”

The Prince grabbed her wrist gently and slid his fingers upward until he was able to lace their fingers together. He stared at their entwined hands thoughtfully before he spoke,“Aga will have my head for this.”

“For what? A late night meal?”

He huffed a laugh at the Princess’ words and shook his head. “For this.” He flipped their bodies easily. Now that he hovered over the Princess, settled between her legs, he leaned forward and inhaled their mingled breath. His eyes asked a silent question and the Princess nodded her head. “Words, Princess.”

“Words.” The Princess’ voice was playful and teasing as she stared up at the blond above her with a smile on her lips.

Prince Yoongi’s hair dropped from over his shoulder and untucked from behind his ear. The long locks created a blond curtain that hid them from view and as he leaned down, he growled deep within his chest.

“Amusing.”

His lips pressed down, soft and sure. Fermented fruit lingered on his tongue and as he licked at the seam of her lips, he wondered what she would taste like. Faint traces of buttercream made him sink into the kiss. Smooth, sweet, delicious. Their lips pressed harder and harder, hands touching and searching for more and more skin. The robe that covered the Princess was pushed away and exposed so much skin. It wasn’t enough, he wanted to drink her in, swallow her whole.

His lungs hurt, begged and pleaded for oxygen and yet he couldn’t find it in himself to break away. Warm hands pressed against his chest and their lips parted for a moment. The rush of air that swooshed down his throat was dizzying and the Prince found himself staring down at the Princess.

Her chest heaved, veins pulsing under her skin and she stared at him like he held the very stars in his eyes. Two tiny moons and a galaxy of stars that were made for each other. As their foreheads pressed together, their noses squished and they panted, not once looking away from the other.

“It is quite late,” the Prince muttered and his lips brushed against the Princess’.

“It is.”

He inhaled her sweet scent and nuzzled their noses together. “Stay with me?”

The question was whispered, a mix of air and desire as their lips touched again and again with each spoken word.

“What would everyone say?”

“To hell with everyone.”

The Princess giggled and pecked the spit slicked lips above her. The Prince leaned down and captured her lips in a deeper kiss, delicate in nature with a bold lick of tongue and nip of teeth.

“Stay with me?” his twinkling eyes were sincere and the Prince pulled away, heaving the Princess up in his arms. “Please?” His lips fell down and poked outward with a mind of their own and the Princess pecked his full, pouty lips.

“If I agree, will you put the pallas away?”

The blond narrowed his eyes and snarled as he started to tickle the Princess’ sides. She fell backwards onto the settee once more and the Prince pounced. Her laughter was masked by screams as she tried to get away but it was no use. Prince Yoongi kept her locked under his weight as he tickled her mercilessly.

“Do you yield?”

She couldn’t stop, the shrieks of laughter, now soft giggles as tears rolled down her temples and disappeared into her hairline.

“Do you yield?” He asked once more as he pinned her hands above her head and the Princess nodded.

“Y-Yes! I y-yield.”

“Will you stay with me?”

She heaved a great sigh as her heart started to beat normally in her chest once more. Brown eyes stared into black and again the Princess nodded her head. “I will stay with you, my Prince.”

The Prince lifted himself off the settee and offered his hand to the Princess to help her up. “Head in without me. I will be there shortly.”

“What are you plotting? The hour is late, my Prince. I am sure you will have a busy day tomorrow.” The Princess grabbed hold of his hand and stood up. The sleeve of her nightgown had slipped off her right shoulder and the Prince licked his lips.

“That I do,” he reached up and pulled the sleeve back into place before he cupped the Princess’ cheek and pressed a ghost of a kiss to her forehead. “I will be in shortly. I must clean up first and speak with the guards.”

“Do not linger, my Prince. I wish not to sleep alone, now that I am here.”

“As you wish, Princess.”

Prince Yoongi pecked the Princess’ lips and removed himself from her body. He watched as the Princess turned her back and his eyes locked onto dark markings that weren’t covered by the nightgown. The marks resembled ice crystals and as she disappeared farther into his chambers, he felt Agust claw at his very soul. He inhaled a deep breath and released it slowly. He licked his lips and groaned, the taste of the Princess was still on his lips and his mind started to spiral.

“No. No,” he shook his head and cleared his throat. He could not allow himself to think of the Princess in such a sinful state if he was to get a proper rest for the night.

Quickly the Prince informed the guards that no one was to disturb his rest, not even Hoseok or Aga. He also requested that someone come to collect the food and dishes from his late night meal. With that, the Prince went over to the desk and tidied up the scrolls before he blew out the candle and made his way to his sleeping chamber. The room was dark, the faint glow of the night spilled in from the window, and bathed the bed in the middle of the room in its otherworldly glow. In the center of the bed, hidden beneath the red and gold blankets was the Princess’ body.

As the Prince walked over to the bed, he noticed that the robe he gave to the Princess was hung over a chair. Her braids were once again braided into a single braid and the Princess couldn’t stop the smile that pulled at his lips. How lucky was he? He carefully lifted the blanket and slid into the bed. He shifted until he was beside the Princess and she scooted into his arms as he laid on his back. Her head found his chest and she threw a leg over his hip. Prince Yoongi wrapped his arms around the Princess and kissed her forehead.

“Goodnight, my gem.”

Night shifted into day and as the sun slowly lightened the sky, the palace started to buzz with gossip. Aga and Hoseok both opted out of training for the morning and waited outside of the Prince’s chambers. Aga’s eyes were ablaze and Hoseok wasn’t much better. Steam vapor rose from his skin and his body emitted a dim glow that resembled a flame.

“Your charge is daring.”

“...This is a first for him.”

Aga scoffed at Hoseok’s words. If Aga was to believe that the young Prince had not taken others to his chambers, Hoseok would have to try harder.

“His Highness does not allow for anyone to enter his bed chambers.”

Hoseok felt the need to clarify and Aga grunted as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“I think His Highness has requested for another spar.”

Hoseok chuckled and nodded his head., “I think I remember him speaking on that too.”

Rushed footsteps caught the guard’s attention and Yongsun had set her sights on them with the other maidens in tow.

“Damnit,” Hoseok cursed with a sigh and he slapped a smile on his face as Yongsun got closer. “Good morning, Yongsun! Ladies.” Hoseok bowed his head and Aga followed along silently. “To what do we owe the pleasure so early in the-”

“Has the Princess risen yet?” Yongsun cut Hoseok off and ignored him completely as she looked at Aga.

“His and Her Highness are still slumbering.” Aga kept his tone neutral as he spoke and Yongsun frowned.

“The whole palace is talking about this. It is indecent!”

“They are young and in love,” Hoseok started. “Surely you can understand that.”

Yongsun’s face flushed at Hoseok words and she shook her head vehemently. “It is indecent!”

“Yes, yes. We know.” Hoseok waved off the woman’s claims and rolled his shoulders. “Have one of your maids request breakfast for two. Her Majesty was already informed that the Princess would not join her this morning.”

Yongsun’s eyes narrowed. “This is not something that should be condoned, Hoseok!”

“The matter has already happened, Yongsun. What good would come of it if we treated them like children?”

“I agree with Hoseok,” Aga sighed with hard eyes. “Both of them are old enough to know the consequences of their actions. They will deal with said consequences once they have risen and had a proper breakfast.” Aga leveled Yongsun with a steady glare that left no room for argument.

“Byulyi, placed an order for His and Her Highness. Make sure you make a fresh pot of puchisia tea.”

A deep growl, followed by the main doors of the Prince’s chambers being ripped open fills the hall and before anyone can fathom what happened, Yongsun was pinned to the wall by her throat by the Prince.

“Yoongi!” Hoseok stepped forward to pull the Prince off the maid but golden eyes narrowed and the Prince snarled as he tried to get closer. Yongsun winced and whimpered as black nails dug into the tender flesh of her neck. Drops of blood bubbled to the surface and streamed down in steady lines, ruining the yellow blouse she wore.

Black scales were splotchy over the Prince’s chest, back and arms, he clearly wasn’t himself. Hoseok and Aga shared a look as they watched Agust glare at the woman in his clutches.

“Agust let her go.” Hoseok held his arms up in front of him, palms outwards to show that he ment no harm.

“Let this wench go?” Agust tightened his hold on Yongsun’s throat and the other women started to cry. “Puchisssia was it? That’s what you wanted my Treasssure to drink?”

“Agust, it was a slip of the tongue. The Prince is a royal and so is the Princess. No one would wish to harm-”

“Liesss! She wanted to harm my Treasssure! My, my egg!”

“What is puchisia?” Aga dared ask once Agust mentioned an egg.

Hoseok shook his head and licked his lips. “It's a drink used to terminate pregnancies. Her Majesty used it when Hyungwon detected no heartbeats from her eggs before His Highness was born.”

Aga stared at Hoseok in silence before he turned his eyes to Yongsun. They kept such a thing in the palace? It was simply unheard of in the Escistan nation. Royals would have their offspring, no matter what. It was by the god’s will if the child and parent survived or not. Even still, the Princess had no use of such tea, she was untouched. And if she so happened to lose herself to the Prince’s charms, rezon tea would be the given choice as a formal contraceptive. Aga felt himself bristle at the implications of Yongsun’s words.

“My Prince?”

A voice, soft and gentle like a summer’s breeze carried on the air and caressed Agust’s ears. He growled as he heard bedding rustle and he released the foul woman from his grasp. He stepped away and glared as the woman dropped to the ground, coughing and holding her bleeding neck.

“You are dismissed from your duties. Should I find you near my Treasssure's side once more, I will not give you a sssecond chance at your miserable life!” Agust turned on his heel and walked to the main doors just as the Princess was about to step out.

“Agust?” Princess Keena’s view was blocked but she was able to see Aga and Hoseok over Agust’s shoulders. They both looked upset and before she could question what had taken place in her absence, Agust scooped her into his arms and buried his nose in the crook of her neck as the doors to the chamber were pulled closed. “What has upset you so?” She ran her fingers through Agust’s hair and allowed him to carry her back into the bedchamber.

Agust said nothing as he lowered her onto the bed and crawled on top. His hands grabbed at her hips and he started to lick at the side of her neck. Nimble fingers gently tugged at the hair on the nape of Agust’s neck and the Princess started to sing quietly. It was the same lullaby that she had first sung to the Prince after he had been injured by Aga. Scales scraped against her skin, cool and firm as she ran a hand up and down Agust’s spin and shoulders. His nails pinched at her skin and dirtied the nightgown, the blood from Yongsun now embedded in the fabric.

Agust’s fangs skimmed her collarbone and he pulled his face away from her neck and chest. Inky black fought with blinding gold and the Princess cupped Agust’s face with one hand. “I am right here. I am safe.” Those words seemed to ease Agust and more of that familiar ink black bleed into his eyes. “Rest, Agust.”

“My Treasure…my-”

“Rest.” The Princess kissed Agust’s forehead and pulled him back into her arms. She tucked his head under her chin and continued to sing as she played with his hair. The black scales started to fade, black nails became clear and blunt and soon black completely covered the Prince’s iris’. The Prince mumbled something against the Princess’ neck and he pulled away, eyes dark and confused. A smile pulled at the Princess’ lips and as the Prince sat up, she followed him. “Welcome back, my Prince.”

Again she cupped his face in her hands and nuzzled their noses together before she started to nuzzle into his neck. Prince Yoongi closed his eyes and inhaled the mixture of their scents, his own hands cupped the Princess’ face and he pulled her away from his neck.

“Good morning, Princess.”

He smiled and slotted his lips against hers. The kiss was warm, wet and tasted of morning breath. As they pulled away, the Prince noticed blood underneath his fingernails. Princess Keena pulled his hands from her face and lanced their fingers together.

“Wash up first, my Prince. I will talk with Aga and Hoseok who are waiting outside.”

Prince Yoongi blinked slowly. His mind was muddled, filled with emotions that weren’t his and none of them were good. Protect. His. He wanted to keep the Princess in his bed and he couldn't understand why.

The Princess smiled and pecked his lips. “Oh, Pallus!”

He huffed a laugh and shook his head., “Cancel your lessons.”

“My Prince?”

“Cancel your lessons. Spend the day with me.” Prince Yoongi squeezed the Princess’ hands and pulled them up to his lips. “Agust is uneasy and that rarely happens. It is an uncomfortable feeling and every fiber of my being renounces the idea of you leaving my chambers.”

“Do you think that is a wise decision, my Prince?”

“Having you here, in my sight is the only thing I care about, Princess…will you grant me this selfish request?”

Princess Keena sighed and looked out the window before she looked at the Prince with a smile. “Very well, but you better keep me entertained.”

When the doors of the Prince’s chambers reopened, the Prince stood before everyone with black eyes. His clothing had been changed but he was still dressed down in a pair of cream balloon trousers that stopped just below his knees with a sleeveless navy halter top that had a high collar around his neck with gold trim along the hemming of the arms and neck. Gold, blue and black fabric with a hexagon pattern was wrapped around his waist like a belt that hung loosely and reached mid thigh. Hoseok and Aga both eyed him wearily and the Prince sighed.

“Come in and explain what happened. Agust is not pleased but he refused to speak on the matter.” He turned his attention to the Princess’ handmaidens. “Cancel the Princess’ schedule today, she will stay under my care. I will only require two of you, I do not care which two. Pick and follow us inside.”

“Your Highness-”

The Prince shot Hoseok a firm look, his mind would not be changed and he would not entertain the idea. Hoseok sighed and followed the Prince into his chambers with Aga behind him. Aga glanced around and noticed that the Princess wasn’t present in the sitting room. The door closed behind them and Wheein and Hyejin stood with their heads bowed.

“The Princess is in my bed chamber. I have already sent for clothing to be brought in, bathe her and see to it that she is well taken care of until I can see to her myself.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” They both bowed and hurried into the Prince’s bed chamber where sure enough the Princess was sleeping once again in the middle of the bed.

The Prince motioned for Aga and Hoseok to have a set while he sat across from them on the settee. He threw his arms across the back of the settee and spread his legs, as he waited for one of the men to explain what happened. Hoseok cleared his throat and crossed his ankles before he scratched at the back of his head.

“Am I to assume that you have no memory of a few moments ago?” Hoseok questioned and the Prince nodded his head once. “Do you recall waking up this morning?”

“Yes. I woke up to relieve myself and everything after that was blank until I woke up in bed with the Princess.”

The men all froze as the Princess was led from the bed to the washing chambers and they waited until the door closed to continue their conversation.

“Yongsun was worried about the reputation of the Princess being tarnished since the two of you are not yet wed.”

“I was the perfect gentleman.”

“I’m sure you were, Your Highness.” Hoseok’s comment was ignored as the Prince smirked and Aga grunted as his eyes narrowed. “Anyway…I advised Yongsun to have a meal prepared for both you and Her Highness. She agreed in the end, however she thought it best to have puchisia tea prepared.”

Hoseok stared at the Prince as the words left his mouth and was meant with a tense silence.

Aga clicked his tongue and spoke up. “Did you dishonor-”

“No.” The Prince’s eyes snapped to Aga and he stared at him unblinking as he sat up. “When the Princess came to me last night, it was to keep me company. I believe she worried about me due to Namjoon’s departure.” He honestly felt no need to defend himself to Aga or anyone for that matter but he owed it to the Princess to protect her honor in place of his pride. “We shared a late night meal and chatted. It was so late in the hour that I did not feel comfortable sending the Princess away. I offered her my bed and we retired for the night.”

Prince Yoongi folded his hands in his lap and ran his tongue over his fangs. “Yongsun speaks out of turn for suggesting puchisia tea for the Princess. That is dishonoring and placing an unfavorable label on her based on what? Speculation…” The laugh that left the Prince’s mouth was anything but humorous. His eyes flashed gold for a moment before he huffed out a plume of black smoke from his nose. “Would not rezon tea be more in favor?

“I agree, Your Highness.” Aga and Hoseok shared his view, after all rezon tea was a less severe contraceptive.

Hoseok continued. “I would think that on your way back from the washroom, you heard our voices and came to investigate. At the mention of puchisia tea, Agust took over in order to protect the Princess-”

“He said we would harm his egg.” Aga narrowed his eyes at the Prince and the Prince felt his skin heat up.

“Wishful thinking at best, I assure you.” Prince Yoongi scratched at his nose with his thumb and index finger before he sighed. “I did not touch the Princess last night nor any other time spent alone..”

“So, Agust is protective of the Princess? That is…unexpected.” Hoseok was surprised and worried. If Agust was protective, did that mean he accepted the Princess as the Prince’s wife to be or did he see a mate for himself?

A knock sounded at the main door and Hoseok called for whomever to enter. A small group of handmaids led by Byulyi entered followed by other servants that carried trays of food. Byulyi instructed the handmaids to set everything in the Prince’s bed chamber so that the Princess would have everything ready for her. Byulyi, herself carried a medium sized box into the bathing waters and soon left afterwards with the other handmaids. Prince Yoongi watched as covered trays were placed on the table before him as well as a table that was carried in. Two smaller trays were placed on the settee and the Prince waited until everyone left before he continued his conversation.

“There was blood under my nails…is Yongsun still breathing?”

“She is,” Hoseok reassured. “You can thank the Princess for that, she woke up in time. However, Agust dismissed her and threatened to kill her if she is seen in the Palace again.”

“I will stand by Agust’s decision on Yongsun. Puchisia tea is not something to be taken lightly and the mere fact that she was willing to use such drastic measures without the Princess’ consent…she should have her head removed from her shoulders.”

“Yoongi!”

“Your Highness!”

Hoseok and Aga both speak over each other and the Prince waves them off. “I do not understand why puchisia and rezon tea were not banned from the palace. Father abolished the concubines and they were the only ones that used them to my knowledge.”

Hoseok nodded his head in agreement. “I understand, Your Highness…however, puchisia tea is used as a medical remedy.”

“What would be medically necessary-”

“Stillbirths, Your Highness…it saves the mother the heartbreak of going through with the delivery.” Hoseok rubbed the back of his neck and jiggled his leg up and down. This is a topic that he would much rather never speak of, but the Prince needed to understand that the puchisia tea was kept in the palace for his mother’s sake. “Rezon tea is the safest day after contraceptive and it is optional.”

Prince Yoongi took in Hoseok’s words and rubbed his temples. He remembers overhearing maids talk about his mother’s stillbirths when he was a child. He didn’t understand but as he got older it made more sense. To save his mother from the heartbreak of delivering babies that would never take a breath, she drank puchisia tea and delivered the eggs. The Prince chewed on the inside of his cheek and scratched the tip of his nose with his thumb and index finger, there would always be a need for puchisia tea.

“I understand, Hoseok. It is necessary for the wellbeing of the parents. See to it that Yongsun is dismissed from the palace for her own safety and make sure no rumor of such a degree starts in or out of the palace.”

“As you wish, Your Highness.”

Hoseok and Aga both bowed their heads and left before the Princess came out of the bathing chamber. The Prince sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. Kim Yongsun was a name he refused to forget for she was the woman who put the Princess’ reputation on the line with careless words.

In the bathing waters, Princess Keena questioned Wheein and Hyejin on how their night went without her. She knew that Yongsun would have thrown a fit but she had enjoyed her time spent by the Prince’s side. Wheein informed the Princess that it was an uneventful night for the most part. The guards and the maids got together and enjoyed a few drinks before they all turned in for the night. Hyejin was honest and confirmed Yongsun’s displeasure and spoke of the events that took place outside of the Prince’s chambers. The Princess was shocked. Not only had Yongsun thought so poorly of her but she would have given puchisia tea to her and said nothing. The Princess felt violated, she wished for Yongsun to be dismissed from her side right away.

“Princess…you do not have to worry about that. His Highness dismissed Yongsun the moment she suggested the tea.” Hyejin’s voice was reassuring as she spoke and Wheein nodded in agreement.

“She was dismissed?” The Princess stared at the older women with wide eyes.

“It is okay, Princess. Byulyi will become the head attendant and if we need to bring in another hand, there are options.”

“She was your friend, was she not? How can you still be so kind to me?”

Wheein and Hyejin smiled at the Princess with warm eyes and tender touches as they helped her out of the bathing waters.

“We will miss Yongsun, please do not misunderstand our feelings-” Hyejin started as she patted the water from the Princess’ body with a light blue towel.

“But in our line of work, people have been dismissed for less. Youngsun is our friend but she is solely responsible for her words and actions.” Wheein explained as she slipped a cream and yellow silk dressing robe onto the Princess’ shoulders. She quickly tied a knot around her waist and placed slippers down on the floor. Once the Princess had her slippers on, she was led out of the bathing chambers and hurried into the Prince’s to get dressed. The sun had risen a bit more, the sky was more blue as the early morning sherbet slowly faded.

A wooden mannequin stood dressed in an olive buba - blouse - that had short bell sleeves with white scalloped lace on the ends. The iro - wrapper skirt - was a mix of peach, sand, white and olive and the Princess loved the colors. The outfit was dressed down, it wasn’t a complete iro ati buba and gave the Princess more freedom to lounge around. The Princess was led towards the vanity and she shook her head.

“I will wear my hair down for today.”

Hyejin smiled and nodded her head. “As you wish, Princess.”

The Princess stood behind the partition and unknotted her robe while Wheein and Hyejin gathered the clothing from the mannequin. She rolled her shoulders back and the robe fell to the floor in a small pile at her feet. Wheein excused herself to grab body oils and creams quickly to rub into the Princess’ skin and while she did that Hyejin fussed with which shoes the Princess should wear. Once the oils and creams were smoothed into her skin, the Princess was dressed and stepped into a simple pair of cranberry sandals left her toes exposed. As she was about to leave the Prince’s sleeping chamber, Hyejin held up a cranberry red ribbon and motioned to the Princess’ hair.

“To keep it out of your face while you eat, Princess.” Hyejin pulled the Princess’ braids over her shoulders and wrapped the ribbon around them, low at the base of the Princess’ neck before she tied it semi-tightly in a cute bow. “All set, Princess!”

In the palace, Empress Min frowned as Yongsun cried in front of her. Guards led the woman to the Empress’ sitting room the moment the Prince dismissed her and now she was crying in front of the only woman in the palace who would protect her. Empress Min took a sip of her tea and sighed as she placed the cup on the table in front of her.

“Please stop crying, Yongsun, it isn’t becoming of a woman.” Empress Min tapped her nails on the table top and thought over the situation. “You have angered my son’s animal spirit, do you understand the meaning of that, Yongsun?”

“Please your Majesty! I didn’t not mean to offend his Highness!” Yongsun sobbed and the Empress clicked her tongue.

“There are multiple witnesses stating that you threatened the life of an unborn royal…regardless if there is an egg or not, your words are high treason.”

“No! Your Majesty, that is not what I meant! I only wished to maintain-”

“Do you understand the gravity of your actions? What your actions imply about the relationship between the Prince and Princess...do you understand nothing?” The Empress raised an eyebrow as she stared at Yongsun. “Was the Princess aware of your intentions? Did she give consent to drinking the tea? Did she request the tea herself?”

“Your Majesty?”

Empress Min’s eyes flash gold as she glared at the head maid. So, Yongsun had never spoken with the Princess about the puchisia tea? Empress Min felt her own dragon curl deep in her stomach and dig its claws into her womb. “You thought it acceptable to forgo the consent of the Princess for what reason? Who are you to control that outcome?” The Empress’ words were growled as grey scales started to spread up the length of her neck. “On whose authority did you act upon? Clearly not mine!”

“N-No, Your Majesty! N-Never, I n-never acted-”

“You did not think!” The Empress’ word echoed in the room, loud and harsh as she placed a hand protectively over her stomach. “It has and always will be the Princess’ choice if she were to ever require the use of puchisia tea. You have shamed the crown!”

The Empress started to list off the transgressions that Yungsun committed. “You acted without the Princess’ consent.” She held up one finger. “You implied that the Princess conceived a child out of wedlock. You implied that the Princess was impure and you implied that they wished to terminate an heir…do you understand what you have done?!”

Yungsun glanced at the four fingers and bowed low as sobbed, “Forgive me, Your Majesty. It was a hasty decision!”

“Kim Yongsun.” Empress Min’s frown deepened as she stared at the young woman before her. “You have served me well in your time here within the palace. You carried out your orders and kept me informed of the Princess’ whereabouts and doings while she was here but for your crime against the Princess, I cannot ignore the crown Prince’s decision.”

Yongsun cried harder, her face blotchy as she bowed lower on the ground, her forehead touched the ground as she begged for forgiveness.

“You are hereby stripped of your title as lead attendant and banished from the palace. For all your efforts and time spent serving the crown, I will not have you executed and you will be sent to Blencalgo to live out the rest of your days in peace with compensation.”

“Your Majesty!” Yongsun cried and Empress Min nodded her head at the guards nearby.

“You will do well to remember that I have eyes and ears everywhere. If you so much as think of tarnishing the Princess’ good name, I will send you to hell myself.” The Empress’ eyes flashed a stunning gold and narrowed as Yongsun was dragged away kicking and screaming. Empress Min turned her attention to one of her guards and he bowed his head. “Inform the guards of the butterfly house of Yongsun’s dismissal. Make sure they watch her pack, so that she doesn’t take anything that doesn’t belong to her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Prince Yoongi and Princess Keena spent the whole day together, locked away in the Prince’s living chambers. They lounged on the settee, wrapped in each other’s arms, sat by the window and enjoyed the sunbeams that warmed their skin, read out loud from different books, shared stories of their childhoods and the Princess even twisted together a few braids into the Prince’s hair and decorated them with jewels and beads. Later in the evening, as the Princess started to prepare herself to leave, Prince Yoongi dismissed her handmaids into the sitting room.

Alone in his bed chambers, the Princess sat in front of the vanity and the Prince stood behind her with shining eyes. His hands were gentle as he caressed the Princess’ neck and threaded his fingers into the braids that hung from her low ponytail. He tugged lightly at the thick braids and the Princess’ head tilted back. Their eyes locked and the Prince pouted as he traced over the Princess’ face with his eyes.

“Pallas?”

He chuckled at the name which he knew was the Princess’ own term of endearment and leaned down. His lips pressed to the Princess’. The kiss was slow and precious, a candy-coated promise of better tomorrows and a loving forever. As his lips lingered, the Prince smiled against the Princess’ lips and he nipped at the tender flesh.

“I wish to keep you here by my side. It unsettles me knowing you are not within my arm’s reach.”

“Would you have me locked away forever, my Prince? Hidden for all to see?”

He pulled away from the Princess’ face and released his grip of her hair before he untied the bow around her braids.

“As tempting as that sounds,” his words were a low hum, a growl that tapered off into a pleased purr. “I would much rather have the pleasure of knowing it is my arms and my arms only that hold you at night.”

His fingers gathered the Princess’ hair all in one hand and the Princess was impressed. She knew that his hands were large but it was this simple show of just how large they were that made the Princess bite her lip and break eye contact.

“Will you come back to the palace while Jungkook paints the butterfly house?”

“I had not given it much thought.”

The Prince slowly twisted the ribbon around his hand and tied a neat bow around the Princess’ hair. The ponytail sat high on the Princess’ head but Prince Yoongi wasn’t finished. Carefully, he twined the loose braids together into a single twist and wrapped it into a bun, where he tucked the ends into the ribbon and placed his hands on the Princess’ shoulders. His hands were covered by the Princess’ and he stared down at the golden rings that shone on her right index finger.

“You have a new room here in the palace. It is in this wing, three doors down from here.”

“And when was that change made?”

The Prince felt his neck and face heat up as his eyes meant the Princess in the mirror. “After the audience with my parents…”

The Princess laughed as she squeezed his hands and slowly stood from her seat in front of the vanity. Turning around, the Princess wrapped her arms around the Prince’s shoulders and he easily pulled her into his arms.

“Should I stay one more night, my Prince? Give everyone enough time to move a few of my things into my new room?” Her fingers tugged gently at the hair on the nape of his neck and the Prince nodded his head as his fingers squeezed the Princess’ waist.

“If that is your wish, I will grant it.” A smirk pulled at the Prince’s lips and the Princess sighed as she rested her forehead against his chest.

“How can I refuse such words?”

As night fell, the young royals were stripped of their loungewear and dressed in their sleep attire. Prince Yoongi sighed as he was dressed in a flowing white hanfu. The main robe was a white silk cross collar with light blue water strokes and large silver water lilies with red centers along the skirt. The outer robe was pure white with faint blue and silver water strokes along the sleeves. The Prince’s hair was piled high on his head, pulled from his face and held in place by a silver donggot that had a white dragon with golden eyes on the end. This was not the Prince’s normal sleep attire and he cursed the attendants that dressed him. He fought to wear a simple pair of sleep trousers but they refused his request as per the old customs. It was an insane notion to the Prince. He was not yet wed to the Princess, yet it seemed like the whole palace wished for them to consummate ahead of time.

The Prince rested in the sitting room with a book clutched in his hand as he waited for the Princess to join him. He was sure that her attendants had dressed her in something outrageous, much like his own attire, and he hoped that she wouldn’t be upset with him.

As the Prince tried to focus on the words of the book, light footfalls caught his attention and he felt all the air leave his lungs. There by his desk, the Princess stood bathed in the ever warm light of a few sunstones. Her hair was styled into five bantu knots in front with the back birds twisted into intricate loops that connected to each knot. Small gold clips with four inch ropes of diamonds were fastened to the center of each loop and dangled freely.

Her face was free of makeup, neck and decolletage fully exposed in the strapless nightgown that adorned her body. It was two toned chiffon, the bust a pale white with small pink and pure white flowers embroidered on the front while the skirt started just under the bust, a pale sugar cookie that reached the tips of her toes. A silk robe was placed over top, pale white in color with brown vines and leaves all over the fabric. The sleeves were wide and had a thick pink band wrapped around the ends of the sleeves with small pure white flowers that matched those on the nightgown.

“You will catch a fly if your mouth opens any farther,” the Princess spoke with a teasing tone as she smiled and the Prince’s mouth snapped closed. He sat up from where he laid and placed the book down on the table top. He slowly stood from his seat and met the Princess half way across the room.

“You truly are a vision, a goddess indeed-”

“Hush, you speak too much.” The Princess raised a hand and placed a finger against the Prince’s lips.

He kissed her finger and carefully wrapped his own fingers around her hand before he pulled it down to rest against his chest, above his heart.

“I want to worship you.”

“My Prince…” She had no words. No way to tell the Prince that she was no goddess, only a simple human blessed by the blood in her veins.

“Now you hush, my gem. Allow me to worship you, like the stars worship the moon.”

The Princess yelped and giggled in surprise as the Prince scooped her into his arms and carried her over to the settee. The maids hurried out of his chambers and shut the door behind them as the Prince lowered the Princess down. He sat with her feet in his lap and removed her slippers before he started to knead her left foot in his hands. The Princess whined and melted into the arm of the settee. The Prince’s touch was strong, he added just the right amount of pressure to her foot. As the Princess started to turn to mush in his hands, he smirked to himself and slid his hands upwards to her calves. The Princess jumped at the touch but groaned as the tender muscles were rubbed and squeezed so perfectly.

“Are you feeling less worried?”

It took a moment for the Princess to realize that the Prince had asked her question and she blinked at him confused which made him laugh.

“I will take your silence as a yes.”

The Princess hummed in content and wiggled down farther into the settee. Her knees now rested in the Prince’s lap and he drew invisible shapes on the skin of her lower legs as they peeked out from the folds of her skirt.

“I wanted to thank you, Princess.” He glanced at her tired face and continued to speak softly. “You risked your reputation to appease Agust and my own selfish desire to keep you by my side…I cannot fathom the storm Aga and Hoseok are creating for me.” His hands squeezed at the legs in his lap and he started to massage the Princess’ feet once more.

“Here in the palace, I was lonely. I had Hoseok, Namjoon and Seokjin but once we came of age, there was a subtle shift in our friendship. It was to be expected but still…I do miss the old days when we had more freedom.” His fingers worked with a mind of their own as he spoke. “Your letters showed me that I wasn’t truly alone. I had someone who understood my worries and pain. You told me that I felt, was valid and it made me think differently.”

The Prince glanced at the Princess and he noticed that her eyes were closed, her breath was shallow and he clicked his tongue. Carefully, the Prince stood from the settee and lifted the Princess into his arms. With her cradled to his chest, the Prince made his way to his bed and laid her down. As he stared down at her, his heart clenched with more love than he had ever felt before. He reached out and slowly removed the tiny pins from the Princess’ hair and set them on the vanity before he removed his own hair accessories. Once his hair fell down his back, the Prince crawled into bed and laid beside the Princess. His eyes drank in her sleeping form, she was beautiful. The silver glow of the moon painted her brown skin in an ethereal halo that seemed to somehow come from outside as well as within.

It was a sight that the Prince would never forget and always be thankful for. His gem, glowing and at peace…a dream that he would surely recreate over and over while he slept. He pressed a faint kiss to her lips and settled beside her.

“Goodnight, my gem.”

The sound of the main doors of the Prince’s chambers bounded off the walls and woke the Prince and Princess up. Gold and silver eyes narrowed at the door that granted access to his room and voices were shouting.

“Yoongi!”

Gold eyes faded to black as the sounds of his friend’s distressed shouts filled the air. The Prince scrambled out of bed and he shot the Princess a quick glance before he hurried out of the room, his slippers still at the side of his bed. Princess Keena pulled herself from the bed and before her feet touched the ground, the Prince had stormed back into the room, his outer robe no longer on his shoulders. His eyes were wild, gold and black fading in and out like a tide as he started to strip himself of his clothing.

“What happened? What is wrong?” Princess Keena’s voice was worried as she watched the Prince quickly throw on a black robe with a large golden three toed dragon on the front.

“N-Namjoon needs help.”

The Prince’s words were rushed as he hurriedly dressed himself as maids ran into the room ready to dress him. He waved them off and pulled his hair into a messy bun before he looked over at the Princess who was frozen by the side of the bed. His face dropped and he walked over to her before he pulled the Princess into his arms. He smoothed his hands down her back and kissed her temple.

“I will bring Namjoon home safely. I promise…” He held the Princess’s arms in his hands and stared into her brown eyes that had a hint of silver around the edges. “Stay here. Do not come up until I return, okay?” The Prince growled and narrowed his eyes at the Princess’ silence. “Keena! Do you understand? Stay here.”

The Princess seemed to pull out of whatever hell she had created in her mind and she stared at the Prince with wide eyes. “Y-Yes, my Prince. I’ll wait for your return…go, please! Help Namjoon!” She hugged the Prince tightly and he squeezed her just as tightly before he pulled back and crashed his lips into hers.

“Aga will stay with you as well as your maids until my return.”

“Go! Go, my Prince!” She pushed him away and before the Prince could leave his room, Hoseok came in with a handful of attendants behind him.

“Your Highness, I understand the urgency of this situation. However-”

“Get out of the way, Lieutenant!”

“You cannot go outside like this. You need to be fully dressed and your hair is a mess.” Hoseok moved so that the attendants could enter the bed chambers and the Prince growled. “They will be quick. You are halfway dressed as is.” Hoseok turned his attention to the Princess and extended his hand. “Why don’t you eat something light this morning, Princess? I am sure with such news your stomach must be in knots.” Hoseok easily led the Princess from the Prince’s bed chambers and sat her down on the settee where a spread of light food was laid out on the table.

In the Prince’s room, he grumbled and hissed at the attendants as they dressed him properly in his black and gold hanbok. His hair was brushed neatly into a bun and the golden sangtugwan that was placed over top was covered with beautiful quartz stone while a golden dragon with emerald eyes was carved into the donggot. He was a picture of power, dark and brooding with golden black eyes. As he stepped out of his chambers, the Prince eyed the Princess as she picked at the fruit in front of her.

“Make sure to eat well, my gem.” His voice carried across the room and as he closed the distance, the Princess stood from the settee. “We will be back soon.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead and the Princess chipped sadly. Her tangerine scent was rotten and honey burnt, a sign of distress. Prince Yoongi nuzzled their noses together and kissed a wet path from her jaw to her neck where the scent was stronger. Without a second thought for anyone in the room, he licked at the scent gland five times. On the sixth lick, the Princess’ scent sweetened again and he purred low in his throat.

“Stay well, Princess.” A quick peck to her lips and before he could step away the Princess grabbed at his robes and pulled him closer.

The kiss was rushed, more spit than anything as the young royals tried to commit each other's taste to memory.

Hoseok cleared his throat loudly and the Prince pulled away. His eyes fully golden and patches of black scales started to form under his robes. The Princess stared into Agust’s eyes and cupped his face.

“You keep him safe, Agust and bring everyone home.”

Agust huffed at the order but nodded his head once. “As you wish, Treasure.”