Fortune's End [2/6]
Jan. 13th, 2016 05:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
london9calling<< Part 1
Luhan tested the waters that night, waiting for Jongdae to visit his room. It was the early morning hours when the prince arrived, taking his customary seat on the bed.
“Are you adjusting to your life in the castle?” Jongdae watched Luhan as he walked towards the window. Luhan stared out at the night, the dancing torchlight from the walkways below illuminating hints of white stone.
“What do you want me to say?” Luhan turned, folding his arms he stared at the prince. “What answer do you wait for?”
“The truth, I wait for the truth.” Jongdae leaned back on the bed, supporting himself on his elbows. “I hear so little of it on a daily basis.”
“Should I pity you for this?”
“No.” Jongdae watched him. Luhan attempted to put on a brave and unbothered front, playing a game he was not yet comfortable with. “You seem different tonight.”
“Do I?” Luhan walked to the trestle bench, sitting with a sweep of his royal blue robes.
“Yes.”
“Perhaps I am adjusting.” Luhan arranged the silken folds of his robes.
“Perhaps.” Jongdae watched the concubine, his face half in shadows. The silence was deafening. Luhan looked anywhere but at the bed, not wanting to catch the prince’s attentions on purpose.
“What did you do, in the East?”
Luhan startled, turning to look at the prince he wanted to laugh. It was a bizarre query coming from the man who was responsible for his removal from the East, even if he had not been the one to physically capture him. “I was a seer.”
“What do you see for me?” Jongdae asked, his tone even.
“I see nothing.” Luhan didn’t elaborate on his lack of true gifts, not bothering to explain that he only plied vague statements for coin. He didn’t think that it mattered. What he had always been good at was honing in on what people wanted to hear and what the Prince of the Western kingdom seemed to want to hear was that his belief in a disparaging and false reality was the truth.
“You are a very capable seer, Luhan.” Jongdae smiled, Luhan noticing the way the man’s upturned lips curved, his cheekbones prominent as he smirked. “I see nothing for me either.”
Luhan redirected his attention towards the window, staring out into the void. The minutes passed, another heavy bout of silence enveloping the room. Finally Jongdae rose. He straightened his clothing as he stood. "Goodnight, Luhan."
Jongdae left without another word.
“Goodnight,” Luhan answered, finally letting out the breath he didn’t know he had been holding in when he heard the key click in the lock.
“Have you given yourself to him?” Yixing asked over tea the following day.
Luhan almost spit out his tea at how nonchalantly Yixing had asked the question. “No.”
“Hm. I suppose with someone of his rank it may be best to delay it for a few days, build up the anticipation.”
“What sage advice,” Baekhyun muttered.
Luhan had come to find Baekhyun’s presence, his eternally watchful gaze, even more unnerving with every day that passed. The man made him uncomfortable, the feeling that he was being observed for a spiteful reason never leaving him. It bothered Luhan more that Baekhyun never indulged in friendly discussion with him. He kept it formal whenever they conversed. Luhan knew Baekhyun treated the others differently, overhearing the easy and comfortable way he spoke to some of the other concubines during tea – as long as they respected the strict hierarchy, that is.
“Sehun has spoken of the joining ceremony of late, of the day he will make me Eriall.” Yixing mentioned, Baekhyun’s eyes growing wide.
“You should not mention an event that may not come to pass,” Baekhyun corrected Yixing.
“Who said it will not come to pass?” Yixing countered.
Luhan found the entire exchange awkward, the tension between Yixing and Baekhyun unusually strong. As the concubines were filtering out of the room, Yixing whispered to Luhan, “He is jealous that he shall never have the chance to be a consort.”
Luhan didn’t have time to pry further after the reason Baekhyun would never be asked to join with his master, thus freeing him. By the time their next tea session rolled around, Luhan had completely forgotten the comment and any questions it raised.
Jongdae arrived early that night. Luhan remained seated on the bed, earning a curious gaze from the prince.
“Are you feeling well, Luhan?” The prince took a seat on the trestle bench, not chancing a proximity that had not been granted. Luhan noticed something in the man’s tone, perhaps it was hopefulness or perhaps it was wishful thinking.
“I am tired. “ Luhan waited, wondering how Jongdae would react.
The prince observed him, indulging in his usual repertoire. The accompanying silence was something Luhan found strangely comforting in its familiarity.
“If you are tired, I shall leave you to your rest.” Jongdae’s words had an edge to them. Luhan couldn’t decipher if it was disappointment or anger.
“Thank you,” Luhan muttered, watching as the Western Prince stretched, not bothering to look at the concubine.
“Goodnight, Luhan.” Jongdae stood, taking his leave at once.
Luhan considered the visit as he lay in bed, unsure if he had gained or lost something with his declaration.
A great commotion, trumpets blaring and the sound of hoofbeats, woke Luhan early in the morning. Wandering to the window he saw the flags being lowered, a great number of people scurrying around below. He noticed Tao circling overhead, the sight warming his heart. He wished he could open the glass panes, allowing his old friend entry. Sighing at his inability to do so he returned to bed, burrowing into the bedcovers. Whatever the commotion outside indicated was not clear, he would ask Kyungsoo about it later.
A few hours later Kyungsoo arrived to clean the room and bring Luhan’s breakfast, a routine he was growing accustomed to. What he was not used to was the woman who accompanied Kyungsoo. He had never seen her before. She was frail, tall and thin, dark circles under eyes. Luhan had only to take a look at her, study her features for a moment, to realize that she bore a slight resemblance to Chanyeol.
“Are you Chanyeol’s sister?” He asked, the woman nodding and bowing in return.
“I am Nana,” she said in a small voice.
Luhan felt his chest swell at the sight, a sliver of comfort in knowing he had seen the woman. He hoped Chanyeol had as well, knowing how worried he had been for her. It appeared she was working as a personal servant within the castle. It was a measure of security, no matter how small. She hadn’t been sent to the mines to an almost certain death.
“Is the prince in residence?” Luhan questioned Kyungsoo, curiosity biting at him after what he had seen a few hours prior.
The boy shook his head. “His highness is away.”
Luhan learned the truth later that day, as he sat down to tea.
“It is rumored King Junmyeon was poisoned,” Yixing whispered when Baekhyun was otherwise engaged. “Jongdae has left to be with his father.”
“How…filial,” Luhan muttered under his breath. “Does the king live?”
“Yes. Sehun said as much before leaving this morning.”
“Are all of the knights away?” Luhan was curious if the entirety of the prince’s prized soldiers rode with him in such an instance. It reminded Luhan that he still had much to learn about the Western customs, especially how the knightly class operated. Of course he would rather be free than have to learn about any of it, but given his current situation the more information he accumulated the better off he would be.
“Yes.” Yixing gestured towards the concubines seated around the table. “You will have a couple of dozen lonely men and women moping about the castle until they return, on top of those whose masters are already directing men at the front.”
“Do all the knights have a concubine? Are there knights without a partner?” Luhan was curious if the numbers matched exactly, the number of concubines to the number of knights – with his position excluded, of course.
“Kai was the last of this court to be without a concubine, other than Prince Jongdae, of course. We now match perfectly.” Yixing smiled before adding sarcastically, “Such a happy place, it is, now that everyone has a bed to warm.”
Luhan doubted the happy place descriptor, not with every concubine being nothing more than a highly placed slave. He had given up saying as much to Yixing. He had come to the full understanding Yixing - of anyone present- understood exactly what he was doing – what they were all doing and why.
“You should exercise your status more often.” Yixing smiled, sipping his tea. “I am surprised you haven’t been more inquisitive of your rank.”
Luhan remained silent, uncertainty still holding him back.
At that moment Chanyeol caught Luhan’s eye. The tall concubine was the object of Baekhyun’s attentions. A frown weighed down his features as Baekhyun spoke to him.
“I shall return, sorry,” Luhan apologized to Yixing before taking his leave. He strode across the room, approaching the pair. As he neared he realized that Baekhyun was once again scolding Chanyeol, for what infraction Luhan had no idea.
“What is the matter?” Luhan interrupted the terse words, Baekhyun clearly upset.
“Chanyeol de Kai has dared to address his highness in a way that is not befitting his rank,” Baekhyun said matter-of-factly.
Chanyeol was staring at Luhan, his eyes wide, afraid. “Please, leave us,” Luhan ordered Baekhyun, waiting to see if his directions were followed. Baekhyun bowed slightly, slinking back towards the head of the table.
“Chanyeol.” Luhan gestured for the tall man to follow him towards a corner of the large room, away from those who may be listening. “I am sorry you had to endure that.”
“I hate this hierarchy.” Chanyeol kept his voice low, though the anger was evident in his words.
“I understand.” Luhan chanced a glance back towards where Baekhyun normally sat, noticing the concubine was watching them. “I shall protect you as much as possible.”
“I want to smash his face in.” Chanyeol glared in Baekhyun’s direction. Luhan reached out and grasp the tall man’s shoulder, directing his attention away from Baekhyun. Nothing good would come out of continued animosity between the pair.
“I have news for you.” Luhan recalled the serving girl, happy to be able to share the information with Chanyeol. “I met your sister this morning.”
“You did?! Is she well?”
“She is working as a serving girl.”
“Thank the lord,” Chanyeol exhaled, his shoulders going slack. “I was so worried. Please tell her I am well.”
“I will.” Luhan found Chanyeol’s relief to bear some of his own stress away. “Now please, sit. And remember to call all of the barbarians by their titles, at least for now.”
Chanyeol’s wide smile had returned. “I shall, until the day I am able to see the East again.”
“Let us hope that day comes soon for both of us, friend.” Luhan patted Chanyeol on the shoulder, sending him back to his seat. When Luhan arrived back at the head of the table he met Baekhyun's eyes. His poisonous gaze displayed even more hatred, a rather large feat given the enormous distaste the man seemed to already have for him. On the opposite side of the table, Yixing beamed.
“You shall make us all proud, Luhan.” Yixing remarked, ignoring Baekhyun’s deathly silence.
The Prince had not returned the following day, Luhan noting that the flags on the parapets were still lowered. Arriving at the tea ceremony Luhan recognized an unusual tension in the air. Perhaps Yixing had been correct, loneliness was making its way through the ranks of the concubines. If this was true, Luhan thought, then there was an attachment between the concubines and their masters that had pushed far past any kind of mutually beneficial arrangement. Considering such an attachment and the ramifications, Luhan found himself itching to know more.
“Has there ever been a concubine that returned to the East?” Luhan worded the question carefully, knowing Yixing would be honest in his answer.
“Hm. A few, those belonging to the King’s court. None that I have met. I have only heard their names whispered here and there,” Yixing answered, adding, “They were all elevated to the role of consort first, however.”
“And what of their masters?” Luhan asked, watching as Yixing shrugged.
“They took a new concubine, their consort’s names forever banished from court.”
So it was rare, but it happened. Luhan couldn’t quite understand what would possess an Easterner to stay in the West once they were given the choice; it made no sense to him. Yet apparently it made sense to many, Yixing’s answer conforming as much.
Still, if there was to be a path towards freedom, it was the one of a consort. To be elevated to the role of consort, Luhan knew that he would have to sleep with Jongdae. It was a given, a future event that was before him whether he liked it or not. The number of escape routes before him whittled down to one singular opportunity.
“Do you love Sehun?” Luhan chanced, waiting.
“No.” Yixing shook his head. “But I need him.”
Luhan appreciated the honesty, no matter how brutal and raw it was.
Luhan rose early the next day. Nana appeared without Kyungsoo shortly after he had thrown off his bed covers.
“I shall prepare a bath for you.” Nana was timid, a direct contradiction to her brother, who was constantly finding himself the target of Baekhyun’s wrath for being too bold.
“Your brother is well, he wanted me to tell you,” Luhan reported, finding comfort in how the words had a visible effect on the girl.
“That is such a great thing to hear!” Nana looked close to tears as she went about laying out the accoutrements for Luhan’s bath. “Please tell him I miss him, and I am proud.”
“Proud?” Luhan furrowed his brows, confused.
Nana stopped her work, turning to Luhan she explained her words. “He has a future ahead of him so much brighter than what he had back home.”
“With the Westerners?!” Luhan shouldn’t have said it, not when the girl reacted with a nervous and downtrodden expression.
“We were poor farmers, sir,” Nana explained. “He is like a prince here, or so they tell me. With fine robes and a good man to protect him. “
“Do you not want to return to the east, even if your life there is less grand?” Luhan implored, unable to comprehend her logic.
“At least we won’t be killed by the Westerners while we live in their court. As long as we abide by their rules, that is,” Nana countered, returning to her work. “It is safer here than in the East.”
“I suppose it is, in some ways.” Luhan muttered, hating the fact that he agreed with the girl, at least partially. The West may be safer in some ways, he thought, as he sunk into his steaming bath. It may give him a grand lifestyle in some regards, yet it wasn’t freedom. It wasn’t the East. It didn’t have Minseok, running hand in hand next to him. It was a kingdom born on brutality and Eastern blood, dressed up as a place of chivalry and courtly love - and for that, he would always fault the place.
Near midday the banners were raised and trumpets blared. The concubine’s tea had come and gone. Luhan was alone in his room when the din drew him to the windows of his chamber. The prince had returned. Luhan witnessed the scurrying servants below, a glimpse of horses and armored men signaling their arrival.
He had come to terms with what he would do that night if given the opportunity. Any remaining reservations were diminished over the last two days. It was hard to come to terms with the decision initially, the revulsion he felt physical as well as emotional. He would offer his bed to a Western Prince, an occurrence that he could never have conceived. Yet, his own survival and by extension the freedom of Minseok depended on such an action.
Yet two days of deep contemplation, Yixing’s words ringing in his ears, coupled with a future so bleak if he acted any other way had forced his hand. It was anything but ideal, anything but a path in life he wanted, but it was hope.
Luhan found strength in his memories, in a future image of Minseok, free and by his side. It was a small sacrifice for the life ahead of him. A life that hopefully had the love of his life returning to him. Both men no longer captive under the expanse of the Western kingdom.
The afternoon shadows grew. Kyungsoo brought Luhan his dinner as the sun sunk below the horizon.
“The Prince has returned,” the boy reported, setting the tray of food down on the trestle bench.
“I noticed.” Luhan was flippant, covering his nerves with a lack of focus.
“You seem nervous,” Kyungsoo remarked.
“I am,” Luhan answered, unable to hide the way his foot was tapping incessantly on the floor, unable to pretend that he wasn’t a complete and total mess.
“We all have to do things we don’t want to do in order to survive,” Kyungsoo spoke quietly. Luhan wondered what Kyungsoo had done to survive. Did he dare ask?
“How have you survived?” Luhan watched the boy’s expression darken, instantly regretting his question. “You...don’t have to tell me.”
“I thought it would be obvious. I am a eunuch.”
Luhan wished he could hug the boy, but he knew better. He was certain Kyungsoo would move away if he tried. Instead he said the only thing he could think of. “I am sorry, that you had to...”
Kyungsoo shrugged, though it was clear that the boy was not unaffected by the path his life had taken. “It is survival.”
“I suppose it is,” Luhan whispered, an immense amount of sadness sweeping over him.
The fire in the hearth was dying. Luhan stared at the diminishing flames as he waited. He sat on the trestle bench, hugging his knees to his chest, a great expanse of royal blue silk covering him. It was well into the night. Dawn may even be coming soon, he wasn’t sure, he had lost track of time.
The jingle of keys, the sound of a lock turning, and Luhan was swallowing, hard. It had to be Jongdae, there was no one else who would dare enter his chambers at that hour. He didn’t bother to look at the door when it opened. He was still reconciling himself to his fate. His nerves battled against his resolve, a brutal clash of what needed to be and what he could not quite imagine.
“Luhan.”
It was husky, tired, and raw. Luhan turned to see the Western Prince standing against the closed door, a strange expression on his face. “I have been gone for too long. How have you been faring?”
Luhan wanted to laugh at the question. How was he faring? Instead he turned his attention back to the dying flames, waiting for Jongdae to make himself comfortable.
It didn’t take long, the prince sitting on the bed, not bothered by his concubine’s lack of an answer.
They sat in silence as minutes passed, Luhan finally turning towards Jongdae. “Does your father live?”
“Yes,” Jongdae answered, his voice strained.
They fell back into silence, Jongdae finally breaking the deafening lack of noise. “I wonder, sometimes, why we do this.”
“Do what?” Luhan stopped hugging his knees, stretching his legs out in front of him. His intentions had been suffocated by an awkwardness once the prince was present, a sense of disappointment at his lack of action gnawing at him. Yet he couldn’t find a boldness he believed he needed, instead relegating himself to simple questions.
“Create every reason for those around us to detest us. We elevate them to nobility, we give them land, we give, we give…and yet, there is no escape, for any of us. They know little of why, of the foundations, of the reasons. They are lost, yet they are the cage that keeps me, the beasts that would take my father’s life out of greed.”
Luhan found the statement intensely ironic, coming from a man who led armies that raped and pillaged the Eastern lands. He laughed, lilting, not holding back. “You speak of things you have no idea.” Luhan couldn’t hold his tongue, even if he had been resolute to act that night, not when such bold words were being spoken.
“Don’t I?” Jongdae questioned raising an eyebrow.
“Your anger is minor compared to what despicable hatred you instill in those you attack. You know this, at least I hope that you do. Need I remind you?”
“You have no idea the reason,” the Prince protested, glaring at Luhan.
“I think we are both old enough, know enough, not to argue this.” Luhan stared at Jongdae. “This life, all of this, is a nightmare born under the banners of the Western Kingdom.”
“I do not cause nightmares, I-“
“You speak falsely. It is too far into the night for such talk.” Luhan stood, relegating himself to what was to come, mustering a semblance of the bold behavior he had imagined. He approached the prince, slowly, purposefully. Jongdae watched, wide-eyed, as Luhan stopped in front of him.
Luhan reached out, encircling Jongdae’s neck with his arms. “You wanted willing…” Luhan whispered, staring into the prince’s eyes, finding a measure of satisfaction in the way Jongdae’s eyes followed his every move. “I am willing.”
Luhan’s words had the prince reaching out, pulling Luhan into his arms. The Western Prince was surprisingly strong given his lean appearance. He pushed Luhan into the bed, flipping their positions almost immediately so he was hovering over Luhan, wide eyes, imploring. “Are you certain?”
Luhan nodded, his imagined future flashing before him. Minseok, the East, freedom – all powerful motivators.
Jongdae started slow, planting kisses along Luhan’s chin, down his neck, handling the man gently as he explored his collarbone, suckling at his skin.
Luhan stared up at the blue fabric overhang, attempting to distance his mind from his body. Jongdae’s touches grew more urgent, needier, as his hands traced down Luhan’s torso, pushing the robes up his body. When the prince’s hands made contact with his bare skin, the silken garment pushed upwards, bunching around his arms, Luhan shivered. It was wrong, yet his body was reacting to the feeling of Jongdae, his hands exploring and caressing in a way that Luhan hadn’t felt in ten long years.
Jongdae trailed kisses, suckles, down Luhan’s torso. Luhan was certain there would be red marks, bruises, as Jongdae began to nip and tease.
The prince removed his mouth suddenly, grabbing Luhan’s arm he pulled him up from the bed. He made eye contact, Luhan meeting his gaze, another shiver of pride swelling up in him as he realized how much the Western Prince wanted this, wanted him.
Jongdae divested Luhan of his robes, a fluid motion that was followed by his own undressing. Luhan felt the need to cover his nakedness, holding a hand over his most sensitive areas as he lay back in the bed. He waited, nervous, fighting back any last reservations that flitted through his mind.
“You have no fight in you,” Jongdae sighed against Luhan’s neck, parting his legs and lying on top of him. Skin to skin, the contact was slightly revolting to Luhan as he felt himself grow hard. Minseok, think of Minseok. It was Minseok, he told himself, he was giving himself to Minseok, a strange way to reconcile his current actions – very much willing on his part –with his intended end game.
Jongdae removed his body from Luhan’s for a moment, retrieving something from his discarded clothing. When he returned, he spread Luhan’s legs wide, his face devilish in the candlelight. Luhan hated that he had looked, that he had made eye contact, no matter how brief it had been.
“You are not ready for me,” Jongdae whispered, Luhan having no time to react before he felt something inserted into his hole. It took him a moment to realize it was Jongdae’s finger, coated in slick. The intrusion was painful, Luhan moaning at the unexpected pain.
The prince moved his finger, slowly wiggling it back and forth before teasing in and out. Luhan reacted by raising his fist to his mouth, biting his own flesh, shutting his eyes tightly as he adjusted to the intrusion. Jongdae added another finger, moving in and out slowly as Luhan writhed.
“I can’t wait any longer,” Jongdae groaned, Luhan feeling unprepared as Jongdae removed his fingers. The feeling of being unprepared was momentary; it was confirmed before Luhan had time to protest. Jongdae’s fingers were replaced by a thick and warm taunt to Luhan’ hole, a hard causing him to feel like he was being ripped in two.
It was fast and furious. Luhan held onto the bed covers as the prince thrust into him again and again, never slowing. Jongdae gripped his hips, eventually moving to lift Luhan’s legs until they were nearly on his shoulders, the concubine almost folded in half. Luhan cried out, the pain lessening as a small sense of pleasure replaced some of the hurt, Jongdae ramming into him.
Minseok. Minseok. Luhan kept his eyes closed tightly, imagining. It is Minseok. It is Minseok. The thought, the image of Minseok pounding into him attached to the sensation of Jongdae fucking him hard had Luhan spasming as he spilled his seed untouched, crying out as he felt Jongdae pick up his pace. It was only a few moments more before he felt the prince spill his seed inside of him, gasping as he pulled out, Luhan’s body falling limp onto the bed.
Ragged breaths, a disassociation with the situation, and finally a horrible realization – he had done it. Luhan sucked in deep breaths of air as he stared up at the royal blue fabric draped over the four poster bed, his body melding into the mattress. He jumped slightly when Jongdae reached out, pulling him close.
“Thank you, Luhan,” Jongdae whispered, his arms wrapping around his concubine. Luhan adjusted his position, shifting in Jongdae’s arms, not trusting himself to face the man. He pushed his back into the Western Prince’s chest.
“Goodnight,” Jongdae whispered. Luhan tensed at the realization the prince was not planning on leaving.
“Goodnight,” Luhan replied. He closed his eyes tightly as he held onto a future which was that much closer, manifested in the form of a Western Prince, his arms possessively caging Luhan in.
A loud crash was Luhan’s wake-up call, the concubine startling awake at the noise.
“What is going on?!” Jongdae roared from next to him, the memories of the night before flooding back.
“Your highness, I am sorry.” Kyungsoo was bowing, again and again, the contents of Luhan’s breakfast scattered all over the floor of the room. “Your highness, I was not aware you were in residence, I am sorry, very sorry.”
“Pick it up and go - we will be eating breakfast in the dining hall.” Jongdae collapsed back into bed, his arms now detached from Luhan.
The concubine was naked. Pulling the bedcovers up he watched Kyungsoo pick up the scattered food. He felt bad for the boy, knowing how emotionless and staid he was on a regular basis. Seeing him flustered was a clear indication he had been shaken up. When the boy had collected all of the food he quickly retreated, bowing a few times for good measure.
Jongdae groaned, eyes closed. He lay still in bed. Luhan sat up, gripping the covers to him. His robe was lying next to the bed, yet letting the covers go and reaching for the item of clothing seemed extremely embarrassing, even if he had just slept with the man who was sprawled out next to him.
Luhan watched as Jongdae seemed to fall back asleep. Seizing the opportunity he slowly maneuvered off the bed, scooting until his legs were hanging over the side.
“Are you sore?”
Luhan jumped, not realizing Jongdae was awake. “I – no,” Luhan stuttered, moving the coverings back up his body.
“Good.” Jongdae opened his eyes, reaching his arm out lazily as the bedcovers slipped lower on his torso. “Come here.”
Luhan considered his options, saying no or giving in. Swallowing, he stared at the Western Prince. One dart of the eyes downward and Luhan could tell the man was aroused.
“If you don’t want to, I understand.” Jongdae waited for Luhan to make up his mind.
The road to freedom would not be easy, Luhan had realized this. Yet he was being given chance after chance and now that he had set his plan in action he would be stupid not to take every opportunity available to him. Leaning over he braced himself on elbows, inches from the Prince. “Good morning.” Luhan smiled as seductively as he could, gasping when Jongdae all but jumped him.
The Prince’s dining room was more intimate than Luhan would have thought. It was a cozy alcove-like room with half-timbered ceilings, wide windows, and the familiar and ever present white stone. A table with less than ten places made the area seem small in comparison to the space where the concubines took tea.
Jongdae had motioned for Luhan to sit next to him, Luhan curious if they would be joined by others as they dined. Jongdae seemed to notice the concubine’s curious gaze at the empty seats. He explained, “I eat with those I am closest to.”
Luhan wondered who exactly Jongdae was close to, but his answer was quick to arrive. A lanky young man with messy blonde locks was the first to arrive, greeting Jongdae lazily before casting a curious glance at Luhan.
“My Gariadon,” Jongdae explained in between chewing, motioning to the blonde haired man as he mumbled, “Sir Sehun.” Luhan bowed at the knight before Jongdae pulled him back to his seat. “No need, not here,” The prince explained, passing Luhan a plate of fruit.
Sehun took a seat next to Jongdae, making no secret of the way he examined Luhan. “You are nothing like what Yixing said.”
“I am not?” Luhan wasn’t sure how Yixing viewed him, much less what he told others about him. He did, however, know that this Sehun must be the one and only master of Yixing, the one that was young and easy to control. That bit of knowledge gave Luhan an edge, casting some of his discomfort away.
“He said you were quite ready to stand up to Baekhyun. I don’t see it, you look too weak, too pretty,” Sehun drawled, grabbing a piece of bread.
Luhan fought back protests of his perceived weakness. Thankfully he didn’t have to, for Jongdae burst out laughing. “You have been sparring with Baekhyun?”
“I-no.” Luhan shook his head vigorously.
“Who has been fighting with Baekhyun?” A man that Luhan recognized entered next, wide strides and an easy smile. It was the same man who he had met when he was first taken, the same man who many days before had explained his rationale for not feeding the prisoners.
“Him,” Sehun gestured towards Luhan.
“His name is Luhan,” Jongdae corrected the knight, digging back into his breakfast with aplomb.
“Kai, but I think we have already met.” The knight sat down next to Sehun, talking as he piled his plate high. “You have been fighting with Baekhyun?”
“No!” Luhan protested once again.
“He seems to think it is a bad thing.” Sehun smirked. “It is about time Baekhyun met his match.”
“Hey, it isn’t as though he is that bad.” Kai seemed to hold a different opinion of Baekhyun than Sehun. He quickly changed the topic as though the idea of bad mouthing the man was distasteful to him. After a few seconds of silence the knight added, “thank you for being so kind to Chanyeol.”
“Is this our breakfast or is this a time to speak of Gariadon?” Jongdae exclaimed from the head of the table.
Sehun sighed loudly, “I suppose we need to speak of important matters.”
“Hm, that is better.” Jongdae launched into a heated discussion of the latest news from the Eastern front. Luhan tried to listen, but found that most of the terms used were unfamiliar. If he did understand a part of what they were saying he found it intensely uncomfortable. He recognized the names of villages, knowing full well they were likely discussing their latest warpath.
Breakfast ended when a servant appeared, informing Jongdae of his first appointment of the day.
“I shall see you later.” Jongdae was not shy about showing affection in front of his knights, reaching over he clasped Luhan’s hand in his own. “The guards will escort you to your room.”
Luhan nodded, offering slight bows to Sehun and Kai as he left. He heard a snippet of conversation before the door to the room was closed. “He is pretty, I will give you that.”
Luhan found that his fists were clenched when he arrived back in his room, an unconscious action that was not unexpected. He was the concubine of a Western Prince now, a sickening thought.
“I heard you were even treated to breakfast this morning,” Yixing said matter-of-factly.
“How did you know?” Luhan was baffled.
“Word travels quickly, Luhan, when you have a plethora of servants and Gariadon in one place.” Yixing sipped on his tea.
Luhan digested the information. So everyone already knew? Those seated around the table had all likely found out about his consummation with Jongdae the night prior, even learning that they had breakfasted together. Luhan wondered what that information would mean to the other concubines, if they would judge him harshly or perhaps look at him in a new light.
“You met Kai,” Yixing stated bluntly.
“Yes.”
“Then you met at least one of his conquests.” Yixing nodded towards Baekhyun, who was halfway across the room in deep discussion.
“Conquests?” Luhan wasn’t sure he understood. They were concubines, their ownership dictated by Jongdae, or so he thought. How could a concubine have a conquest?
“He was unattached for a very long time, and made it well known Kai was his first choice - not that he had a real choice, of course,” Yixing explained. “For some reason or another the prince never gave Baekhyun to him.”
Luhan digested the information. “He has been here for so long…” Luhan found a sadness in Baekhyun’s situation, but a sadness that was tinged with a good dose of suspicion towards the man’s motivations. He viewed Baekhyun as someone who was likely as Western minded as a person could be, having spent the majority of his life in the court. Baekhyun seemed happily acclimated to the lifestyle, and his entire demeanor had a nasty edge. There was only so much pity Luhan could direct his way.
“I met Sehun as well,” Luhan shared, Yixing seeming bored by the fact.
“At least you came to your senses regarding the prince.” Yixing reached out, patting Luhan’s arm. “You are doing the right thing, never doubt it.”
Luhan wished he could seriously believe that he was doing the right thing, that all remaining doubt left him. Yet that afternoon, once he was back in his chambers, he found himself feeling a sense of revulsion at how easily he had decided to play the Westerner’s game.
“You shouldn’t play with fire.”
Luhan held the torch aloft. “Why?”
“You never learn, do you?” Minseok shook his head, making a show of walking into the darkness.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Luhan started walking into the void, towards where Minseok had stomped off. Rushing forward, Luhan didn’t spot the man. “Minseok!” Luhan called, whirling around in the darkness. “Minseok?!”
Rushing further into the night, tripping as he tried to keep the torch aloft, Luhan panicked. Where had Minseok gone? Where was he? How-
The darkness swallowed him whole.
“You were having a nightmare.”
Luhan blinked rapidly, his hands were fisting the bedcovers, his face covered in sweat. Jongdae was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him.
“Are you well?” The prince asked, showing genuine concern.
It was a dream, it was all a dream. Luhan nodded, releasing the bunched up coverlet and scurrying to sit up.
“You were crying out.” Jongdae was watching him. “What were you dreaming of?”
“I don’t know,” Luhan lied.
“Hm.” Jongdae moved onto the bed, Luhan scooting over as the prince made himself comfortable. Luhan clasped his hands together awkwardly. He knew why Jongdae was there, it wasn’t exactly a surprise, yet it was a stifling situation nonetheless.
“How was your day?” A simple question, a hint of hilarity at the situation struck Luhan. The prince wasn’t asking him the same question couples asked each other all over the kingdoms. No, it wasn’t a “How was your day in the fields” or “How did the shop run today?” It was a silly bit of inquiry for a man who owned another, knowing full well that Luhan was kept under lock and key.
“It was good. And yours?” Luhan didn’t care how Jongdae’s day had been. He was only giving a polite response amidst the absurdity of it all.
Jongdae sighed, his shoulders sagging. He reached out, taking one of Luhan’s hands in his own. He began fiddling with the concubine’s hand as he spoke. “Let me see. I dealt with half a dozen greedy ministers, news of a food shortage near the coast, and approved the war plans that should have been enacted a week ago. I am tired, I am angry, and I wonder how this kingdom operates as efficiently as it does.”
Luhan bit his bottom lip, desiring to drag his hand away and give Jongdae at least three dozen reasons why the Western kingdom operated the way it did – and the damage it had done to the East. Instead he focused on staying quiet, repeating over and over in his mind a singular idea – freedom. For freedom. For Minseok.
“Which is why it is refreshing to see you.” Luhan caught Jongdae’s eye, the look the prince was giving him a heady mixture of desire and affection. It made him want to run, to flee the circumstance that had him lying next to the prince yet again. Instead he fell into his false front, smiling brightly as if the prince’s words were welcome and comforting.
Jongdae initiated the kiss, it was slow, a languid and gentle ministration that had Luhan leaning in. Jongdae was unfailingly gently with his touches, a drastic change from their encounter of the night prior or even the morning romp that had preceded breakfast.
Luhan followed as Jongdae led, pliant and willing. When Jongdae fell into the mattress, spent, Luhan waited for the moment Jongdae would pull him into his arms, sighing as he fell asleep.
Kyungsoo did not bring breakfast the next morning, Luhan noticing that the routine had markedly changed now that he shared his bed with Jongdae. Luhan also realized Jongdae wanted sex first thing in the morning, a repeat of the day before. He was sloppy in the morning, hurried and less concerned with Luhan’s ability to gain release. In a way the messy encounter was better than the more intense nighttime sessions. Luhan relished how quickly the encounter ended, leaving him to slip on his robe and accompany Jongdae to breakfast.
Breakfast, it seemed, was truly a casual affair. Sehun and Kai joking with Jongdae, relinquishing referring to him by his title as they playfully bantered before getting down to more serious business. Now that they were acquainted with Luhan they generally ignored him, preferring to talk amongst themselves as Luhan ate silently. He wondered if Jongdae was only inviting him to eat breakfast with the trio as a bizarre sort of thank you for sleeping with him – or perhaps the prince just seriously hated Kyungsoo bursting in earlier than he would like. Whatever it was, Luhan felt like he was a silent participant, listening to what he could understand, ignoring what he could not, before Jongdae sent him away with a squeeze of a hand and a promise – he would see him later.
Part 3>>
Luhan tested the waters that night, waiting for Jongdae to visit his room. It was the early morning hours when the prince arrived, taking his customary seat on the bed.
“Are you adjusting to your life in the castle?” Jongdae watched Luhan as he walked towards the window. Luhan stared out at the night, the dancing torchlight from the walkways below illuminating hints of white stone.
“What do you want me to say?” Luhan turned, folding his arms he stared at the prince. “What answer do you wait for?”
“The truth, I wait for the truth.” Jongdae leaned back on the bed, supporting himself on his elbows. “I hear so little of it on a daily basis.”
“Should I pity you for this?”
“No.” Jongdae watched him. Luhan attempted to put on a brave and unbothered front, playing a game he was not yet comfortable with. “You seem different tonight.”
“Do I?” Luhan walked to the trestle bench, sitting with a sweep of his royal blue robes.
“Yes.”
“Perhaps I am adjusting.” Luhan arranged the silken folds of his robes.
“Perhaps.” Jongdae watched the concubine, his face half in shadows. The silence was deafening. Luhan looked anywhere but at the bed, not wanting to catch the prince’s attentions on purpose.
“What did you do, in the East?”
Luhan startled, turning to look at the prince he wanted to laugh. It was a bizarre query coming from the man who was responsible for his removal from the East, even if he had not been the one to physically capture him. “I was a seer.”
“What do you see for me?” Jongdae asked, his tone even.
“I see nothing.” Luhan didn’t elaborate on his lack of true gifts, not bothering to explain that he only plied vague statements for coin. He didn’t think that it mattered. What he had always been good at was honing in on what people wanted to hear and what the Prince of the Western kingdom seemed to want to hear was that his belief in a disparaging and false reality was the truth.
“You are a very capable seer, Luhan.” Jongdae smiled, Luhan noticing the way the man’s upturned lips curved, his cheekbones prominent as he smirked. “I see nothing for me either.”
Luhan redirected his attention towards the window, staring out into the void. The minutes passed, another heavy bout of silence enveloping the room. Finally Jongdae rose. He straightened his clothing as he stood. "Goodnight, Luhan."
Jongdae left without another word.
“Goodnight,” Luhan answered, finally letting out the breath he didn’t know he had been holding in when he heard the key click in the lock.
“Have you given yourself to him?” Yixing asked over tea the following day.
Luhan almost spit out his tea at how nonchalantly Yixing had asked the question. “No.”
“Hm. I suppose with someone of his rank it may be best to delay it for a few days, build up the anticipation.”
“What sage advice,” Baekhyun muttered.
Luhan had come to find Baekhyun’s presence, his eternally watchful gaze, even more unnerving with every day that passed. The man made him uncomfortable, the feeling that he was being observed for a spiteful reason never leaving him. It bothered Luhan more that Baekhyun never indulged in friendly discussion with him. He kept it formal whenever they conversed. Luhan knew Baekhyun treated the others differently, overhearing the easy and comfortable way he spoke to some of the other concubines during tea – as long as they respected the strict hierarchy, that is.
“Sehun has spoken of the joining ceremony of late, of the day he will make me Eriall.” Yixing mentioned, Baekhyun’s eyes growing wide.
“You should not mention an event that may not come to pass,” Baekhyun corrected Yixing.
“Who said it will not come to pass?” Yixing countered.
Luhan found the entire exchange awkward, the tension between Yixing and Baekhyun unusually strong. As the concubines were filtering out of the room, Yixing whispered to Luhan, “He is jealous that he shall never have the chance to be a consort.”
Luhan didn’t have time to pry further after the reason Baekhyun would never be asked to join with his master, thus freeing him. By the time their next tea session rolled around, Luhan had completely forgotten the comment and any questions it raised.
Jongdae arrived early that night. Luhan remained seated on the bed, earning a curious gaze from the prince.
“Are you feeling well, Luhan?” The prince took a seat on the trestle bench, not chancing a proximity that had not been granted. Luhan noticed something in the man’s tone, perhaps it was hopefulness or perhaps it was wishful thinking.
“I am tired. “ Luhan waited, wondering how Jongdae would react.
The prince observed him, indulging in his usual repertoire. The accompanying silence was something Luhan found strangely comforting in its familiarity.
“If you are tired, I shall leave you to your rest.” Jongdae’s words had an edge to them. Luhan couldn’t decipher if it was disappointment or anger.
“Thank you,” Luhan muttered, watching as the Western Prince stretched, not bothering to look at the concubine.
“Goodnight, Luhan.” Jongdae stood, taking his leave at once.
Luhan considered the visit as he lay in bed, unsure if he had gained or lost something with his declaration.
A great commotion, trumpets blaring and the sound of hoofbeats, woke Luhan early in the morning. Wandering to the window he saw the flags being lowered, a great number of people scurrying around below. He noticed Tao circling overhead, the sight warming his heart. He wished he could open the glass panes, allowing his old friend entry. Sighing at his inability to do so he returned to bed, burrowing into the bedcovers. Whatever the commotion outside indicated was not clear, he would ask Kyungsoo about it later.
A few hours later Kyungsoo arrived to clean the room and bring Luhan’s breakfast, a routine he was growing accustomed to. What he was not used to was the woman who accompanied Kyungsoo. He had never seen her before. She was frail, tall and thin, dark circles under eyes. Luhan had only to take a look at her, study her features for a moment, to realize that she bore a slight resemblance to Chanyeol.
“Are you Chanyeol’s sister?” He asked, the woman nodding and bowing in return.
“I am Nana,” she said in a small voice.
Luhan felt his chest swell at the sight, a sliver of comfort in knowing he had seen the woman. He hoped Chanyeol had as well, knowing how worried he had been for her. It appeared she was working as a personal servant within the castle. It was a measure of security, no matter how small. She hadn’t been sent to the mines to an almost certain death.
“Is the prince in residence?” Luhan questioned Kyungsoo, curiosity biting at him after what he had seen a few hours prior.
The boy shook his head. “His highness is away.”
Luhan learned the truth later that day, as he sat down to tea.
“It is rumored King Junmyeon was poisoned,” Yixing whispered when Baekhyun was otherwise engaged. “Jongdae has left to be with his father.”
“How…filial,” Luhan muttered under his breath. “Does the king live?”
“Yes. Sehun said as much before leaving this morning.”
“Are all of the knights away?” Luhan was curious if the entirety of the prince’s prized soldiers rode with him in such an instance. It reminded Luhan that he still had much to learn about the Western customs, especially how the knightly class operated. Of course he would rather be free than have to learn about any of it, but given his current situation the more information he accumulated the better off he would be.
“Yes.” Yixing gestured towards the concubines seated around the table. “You will have a couple of dozen lonely men and women moping about the castle until they return, on top of those whose masters are already directing men at the front.”
“Do all the knights have a concubine? Are there knights without a partner?” Luhan was curious if the numbers matched exactly, the number of concubines to the number of knights – with his position excluded, of course.
“Kai was the last of this court to be without a concubine, other than Prince Jongdae, of course. We now match perfectly.” Yixing smiled before adding sarcastically, “Such a happy place, it is, now that everyone has a bed to warm.”
Luhan doubted the happy place descriptor, not with every concubine being nothing more than a highly placed slave. He had given up saying as much to Yixing. He had come to the full understanding Yixing - of anyone present- understood exactly what he was doing – what they were all doing and why.
“You should exercise your status more often.” Yixing smiled, sipping his tea. “I am surprised you haven’t been more inquisitive of your rank.”
Luhan remained silent, uncertainty still holding him back.
At that moment Chanyeol caught Luhan’s eye. The tall concubine was the object of Baekhyun’s attentions. A frown weighed down his features as Baekhyun spoke to him.
“I shall return, sorry,” Luhan apologized to Yixing before taking his leave. He strode across the room, approaching the pair. As he neared he realized that Baekhyun was once again scolding Chanyeol, for what infraction Luhan had no idea.
“What is the matter?” Luhan interrupted the terse words, Baekhyun clearly upset.
“Chanyeol de Kai has dared to address his highness in a way that is not befitting his rank,” Baekhyun said matter-of-factly.
Chanyeol was staring at Luhan, his eyes wide, afraid. “Please, leave us,” Luhan ordered Baekhyun, waiting to see if his directions were followed. Baekhyun bowed slightly, slinking back towards the head of the table.
“Chanyeol.” Luhan gestured for the tall man to follow him towards a corner of the large room, away from those who may be listening. “I am sorry you had to endure that.”
“I hate this hierarchy.” Chanyeol kept his voice low, though the anger was evident in his words.
“I understand.” Luhan chanced a glance back towards where Baekhyun normally sat, noticing the concubine was watching them. “I shall protect you as much as possible.”
“I want to smash his face in.” Chanyeol glared in Baekhyun’s direction. Luhan reached out and grasp the tall man’s shoulder, directing his attention away from Baekhyun. Nothing good would come out of continued animosity between the pair.
“I have news for you.” Luhan recalled the serving girl, happy to be able to share the information with Chanyeol. “I met your sister this morning.”
“You did?! Is she well?”
“She is working as a serving girl.”
“Thank the lord,” Chanyeol exhaled, his shoulders going slack. “I was so worried. Please tell her I am well.”
“I will.” Luhan found Chanyeol’s relief to bear some of his own stress away. “Now please, sit. And remember to call all of the barbarians by their titles, at least for now.”
Chanyeol’s wide smile had returned. “I shall, until the day I am able to see the East again.”
“Let us hope that day comes soon for both of us, friend.” Luhan patted Chanyeol on the shoulder, sending him back to his seat. When Luhan arrived back at the head of the table he met Baekhyun's eyes. His poisonous gaze displayed even more hatred, a rather large feat given the enormous distaste the man seemed to already have for him. On the opposite side of the table, Yixing beamed.
“You shall make us all proud, Luhan.” Yixing remarked, ignoring Baekhyun’s deathly silence.
The Prince had not returned the following day, Luhan noting that the flags on the parapets were still lowered. Arriving at the tea ceremony Luhan recognized an unusual tension in the air. Perhaps Yixing had been correct, loneliness was making its way through the ranks of the concubines. If this was true, Luhan thought, then there was an attachment between the concubines and their masters that had pushed far past any kind of mutually beneficial arrangement. Considering such an attachment and the ramifications, Luhan found himself itching to know more.
“Has there ever been a concubine that returned to the East?” Luhan worded the question carefully, knowing Yixing would be honest in his answer.
“Hm. A few, those belonging to the King’s court. None that I have met. I have only heard their names whispered here and there,” Yixing answered, adding, “They were all elevated to the role of consort first, however.”
“And what of their masters?” Luhan asked, watching as Yixing shrugged.
“They took a new concubine, their consort’s names forever banished from court.”
So it was rare, but it happened. Luhan couldn’t quite understand what would possess an Easterner to stay in the West once they were given the choice; it made no sense to him. Yet apparently it made sense to many, Yixing’s answer conforming as much.
Still, if there was to be a path towards freedom, it was the one of a consort. To be elevated to the role of consort, Luhan knew that he would have to sleep with Jongdae. It was a given, a future event that was before him whether he liked it or not. The number of escape routes before him whittled down to one singular opportunity.
“Do you love Sehun?” Luhan chanced, waiting.
“No.” Yixing shook his head. “But I need him.”
Luhan appreciated the honesty, no matter how brutal and raw it was.
Luhan rose early the next day. Nana appeared without Kyungsoo shortly after he had thrown off his bed covers.
“I shall prepare a bath for you.” Nana was timid, a direct contradiction to her brother, who was constantly finding himself the target of Baekhyun’s wrath for being too bold.
“Your brother is well, he wanted me to tell you,” Luhan reported, finding comfort in how the words had a visible effect on the girl.
“That is such a great thing to hear!” Nana looked close to tears as she went about laying out the accoutrements for Luhan’s bath. “Please tell him I miss him, and I am proud.”
“Proud?” Luhan furrowed his brows, confused.
Nana stopped her work, turning to Luhan she explained her words. “He has a future ahead of him so much brighter than what he had back home.”
“With the Westerners?!” Luhan shouldn’t have said it, not when the girl reacted with a nervous and downtrodden expression.
“We were poor farmers, sir,” Nana explained. “He is like a prince here, or so they tell me. With fine robes and a good man to protect him. “
“Do you not want to return to the east, even if your life there is less grand?” Luhan implored, unable to comprehend her logic.
“At least we won’t be killed by the Westerners while we live in their court. As long as we abide by their rules, that is,” Nana countered, returning to her work. “It is safer here than in the East.”
“I suppose it is, in some ways.” Luhan muttered, hating the fact that he agreed with the girl, at least partially. The West may be safer in some ways, he thought, as he sunk into his steaming bath. It may give him a grand lifestyle in some regards, yet it wasn’t freedom. It wasn’t the East. It didn’t have Minseok, running hand in hand next to him. It was a kingdom born on brutality and Eastern blood, dressed up as a place of chivalry and courtly love - and for that, he would always fault the place.
Near midday the banners were raised and trumpets blared. The concubine’s tea had come and gone. Luhan was alone in his room when the din drew him to the windows of his chamber. The prince had returned. Luhan witnessed the scurrying servants below, a glimpse of horses and armored men signaling their arrival.
He had come to terms with what he would do that night if given the opportunity. Any remaining reservations were diminished over the last two days. It was hard to come to terms with the decision initially, the revulsion he felt physical as well as emotional. He would offer his bed to a Western Prince, an occurrence that he could never have conceived. Yet, his own survival and by extension the freedom of Minseok depended on such an action.
Yet two days of deep contemplation, Yixing’s words ringing in his ears, coupled with a future so bleak if he acted any other way had forced his hand. It was anything but ideal, anything but a path in life he wanted, but it was hope.
Luhan found strength in his memories, in a future image of Minseok, free and by his side. It was a small sacrifice for the life ahead of him. A life that hopefully had the love of his life returning to him. Both men no longer captive under the expanse of the Western kingdom.
The afternoon shadows grew. Kyungsoo brought Luhan his dinner as the sun sunk below the horizon.
“The Prince has returned,” the boy reported, setting the tray of food down on the trestle bench.
“I noticed.” Luhan was flippant, covering his nerves with a lack of focus.
“You seem nervous,” Kyungsoo remarked.
“I am,” Luhan answered, unable to hide the way his foot was tapping incessantly on the floor, unable to pretend that he wasn’t a complete and total mess.
“We all have to do things we don’t want to do in order to survive,” Kyungsoo spoke quietly. Luhan wondered what Kyungsoo had done to survive. Did he dare ask?
“How have you survived?” Luhan watched the boy’s expression darken, instantly regretting his question. “You...don’t have to tell me.”
“I thought it would be obvious. I am a eunuch.”
Luhan wished he could hug the boy, but he knew better. He was certain Kyungsoo would move away if he tried. Instead he said the only thing he could think of. “I am sorry, that you had to...”
Kyungsoo shrugged, though it was clear that the boy was not unaffected by the path his life had taken. “It is survival.”
“I suppose it is,” Luhan whispered, an immense amount of sadness sweeping over him.
The fire in the hearth was dying. Luhan stared at the diminishing flames as he waited. He sat on the trestle bench, hugging his knees to his chest, a great expanse of royal blue silk covering him. It was well into the night. Dawn may even be coming soon, he wasn’t sure, he had lost track of time.
The jingle of keys, the sound of a lock turning, and Luhan was swallowing, hard. It had to be Jongdae, there was no one else who would dare enter his chambers at that hour. He didn’t bother to look at the door when it opened. He was still reconciling himself to his fate. His nerves battled against his resolve, a brutal clash of what needed to be and what he could not quite imagine.
“Luhan.”
It was husky, tired, and raw. Luhan turned to see the Western Prince standing against the closed door, a strange expression on his face. “I have been gone for too long. How have you been faring?”
Luhan wanted to laugh at the question. How was he faring? Instead he turned his attention back to the dying flames, waiting for Jongdae to make himself comfortable.
It didn’t take long, the prince sitting on the bed, not bothered by his concubine’s lack of an answer.
They sat in silence as minutes passed, Luhan finally turning towards Jongdae. “Does your father live?”
“Yes,” Jongdae answered, his voice strained.
They fell back into silence, Jongdae finally breaking the deafening lack of noise. “I wonder, sometimes, why we do this.”
“Do what?” Luhan stopped hugging his knees, stretching his legs out in front of him. His intentions had been suffocated by an awkwardness once the prince was present, a sense of disappointment at his lack of action gnawing at him. Yet he couldn’t find a boldness he believed he needed, instead relegating himself to simple questions.
“Create every reason for those around us to detest us. We elevate them to nobility, we give them land, we give, we give…and yet, there is no escape, for any of us. They know little of why, of the foundations, of the reasons. They are lost, yet they are the cage that keeps me, the beasts that would take my father’s life out of greed.”
Luhan found the statement intensely ironic, coming from a man who led armies that raped and pillaged the Eastern lands. He laughed, lilting, not holding back. “You speak of things you have no idea.” Luhan couldn’t hold his tongue, even if he had been resolute to act that night, not when such bold words were being spoken.
“Don’t I?” Jongdae questioned raising an eyebrow.
“Your anger is minor compared to what despicable hatred you instill in those you attack. You know this, at least I hope that you do. Need I remind you?”
“You have no idea the reason,” the Prince protested, glaring at Luhan.
“I think we are both old enough, know enough, not to argue this.” Luhan stared at Jongdae. “This life, all of this, is a nightmare born under the banners of the Western Kingdom.”
“I do not cause nightmares, I-“
“You speak falsely. It is too far into the night for such talk.” Luhan stood, relegating himself to what was to come, mustering a semblance of the bold behavior he had imagined. He approached the prince, slowly, purposefully. Jongdae watched, wide-eyed, as Luhan stopped in front of him.
Luhan reached out, encircling Jongdae’s neck with his arms. “You wanted willing…” Luhan whispered, staring into the prince’s eyes, finding a measure of satisfaction in the way Jongdae’s eyes followed his every move. “I am willing.”
Luhan’s words had the prince reaching out, pulling Luhan into his arms. The Western Prince was surprisingly strong given his lean appearance. He pushed Luhan into the bed, flipping their positions almost immediately so he was hovering over Luhan, wide eyes, imploring. “Are you certain?”
Luhan nodded, his imagined future flashing before him. Minseok, the East, freedom – all powerful motivators.
Jongdae started slow, planting kisses along Luhan’s chin, down his neck, handling the man gently as he explored his collarbone, suckling at his skin.
Luhan stared up at the blue fabric overhang, attempting to distance his mind from his body. Jongdae’s touches grew more urgent, needier, as his hands traced down Luhan’s torso, pushing the robes up his body. When the prince’s hands made contact with his bare skin, the silken garment pushed upwards, bunching around his arms, Luhan shivered. It was wrong, yet his body was reacting to the feeling of Jongdae, his hands exploring and caressing in a way that Luhan hadn’t felt in ten long years.
Jongdae trailed kisses, suckles, down Luhan’s torso. Luhan was certain there would be red marks, bruises, as Jongdae began to nip and tease.
The prince removed his mouth suddenly, grabbing Luhan’s arm he pulled him up from the bed. He made eye contact, Luhan meeting his gaze, another shiver of pride swelling up in him as he realized how much the Western Prince wanted this, wanted him.
Jongdae divested Luhan of his robes, a fluid motion that was followed by his own undressing. Luhan felt the need to cover his nakedness, holding a hand over his most sensitive areas as he lay back in the bed. He waited, nervous, fighting back any last reservations that flitted through his mind.
“You have no fight in you,” Jongdae sighed against Luhan’s neck, parting his legs and lying on top of him. Skin to skin, the contact was slightly revolting to Luhan as he felt himself grow hard. Minseok, think of Minseok. It was Minseok, he told himself, he was giving himself to Minseok, a strange way to reconcile his current actions – very much willing on his part –with his intended end game.
Jongdae removed his body from Luhan’s for a moment, retrieving something from his discarded clothing. When he returned, he spread Luhan’s legs wide, his face devilish in the candlelight. Luhan hated that he had looked, that he had made eye contact, no matter how brief it had been.
“You are not ready for me,” Jongdae whispered, Luhan having no time to react before he felt something inserted into his hole. It took him a moment to realize it was Jongdae’s finger, coated in slick. The intrusion was painful, Luhan moaning at the unexpected pain.
The prince moved his finger, slowly wiggling it back and forth before teasing in and out. Luhan reacted by raising his fist to his mouth, biting his own flesh, shutting his eyes tightly as he adjusted to the intrusion. Jongdae added another finger, moving in and out slowly as Luhan writhed.
“I can’t wait any longer,” Jongdae groaned, Luhan feeling unprepared as Jongdae removed his fingers. The feeling of being unprepared was momentary; it was confirmed before Luhan had time to protest. Jongdae’s fingers were replaced by a thick and warm taunt to Luhan’ hole, a hard causing him to feel like he was being ripped in two.
It was fast and furious. Luhan held onto the bed covers as the prince thrust into him again and again, never slowing. Jongdae gripped his hips, eventually moving to lift Luhan’s legs until they were nearly on his shoulders, the concubine almost folded in half. Luhan cried out, the pain lessening as a small sense of pleasure replaced some of the hurt, Jongdae ramming into him.
Minseok. Minseok. Luhan kept his eyes closed tightly, imagining. It is Minseok. It is Minseok. The thought, the image of Minseok pounding into him attached to the sensation of Jongdae fucking him hard had Luhan spasming as he spilled his seed untouched, crying out as he felt Jongdae pick up his pace. It was only a few moments more before he felt the prince spill his seed inside of him, gasping as he pulled out, Luhan’s body falling limp onto the bed.
Ragged breaths, a disassociation with the situation, and finally a horrible realization – he had done it. Luhan sucked in deep breaths of air as he stared up at the royal blue fabric draped over the four poster bed, his body melding into the mattress. He jumped slightly when Jongdae reached out, pulling him close.
“Thank you, Luhan,” Jongdae whispered, his arms wrapping around his concubine. Luhan adjusted his position, shifting in Jongdae’s arms, not trusting himself to face the man. He pushed his back into the Western Prince’s chest.
“Goodnight,” Jongdae whispered. Luhan tensed at the realization the prince was not planning on leaving.
“Goodnight,” Luhan replied. He closed his eyes tightly as he held onto a future which was that much closer, manifested in the form of a Western Prince, his arms possessively caging Luhan in.
A loud crash was Luhan’s wake-up call, the concubine startling awake at the noise.
“What is going on?!” Jongdae roared from next to him, the memories of the night before flooding back.
“Your highness, I am sorry.” Kyungsoo was bowing, again and again, the contents of Luhan’s breakfast scattered all over the floor of the room. “Your highness, I was not aware you were in residence, I am sorry, very sorry.”
“Pick it up and go - we will be eating breakfast in the dining hall.” Jongdae collapsed back into bed, his arms now detached from Luhan.
The concubine was naked. Pulling the bedcovers up he watched Kyungsoo pick up the scattered food. He felt bad for the boy, knowing how emotionless and staid he was on a regular basis. Seeing him flustered was a clear indication he had been shaken up. When the boy had collected all of the food he quickly retreated, bowing a few times for good measure.
Jongdae groaned, eyes closed. He lay still in bed. Luhan sat up, gripping the covers to him. His robe was lying next to the bed, yet letting the covers go and reaching for the item of clothing seemed extremely embarrassing, even if he had just slept with the man who was sprawled out next to him.
Luhan watched as Jongdae seemed to fall back asleep. Seizing the opportunity he slowly maneuvered off the bed, scooting until his legs were hanging over the side.
“Are you sore?”
Luhan jumped, not realizing Jongdae was awake. “I – no,” Luhan stuttered, moving the coverings back up his body.
“Good.” Jongdae opened his eyes, reaching his arm out lazily as the bedcovers slipped lower on his torso. “Come here.”
Luhan considered his options, saying no or giving in. Swallowing, he stared at the Western Prince. One dart of the eyes downward and Luhan could tell the man was aroused.
“If you don’t want to, I understand.” Jongdae waited for Luhan to make up his mind.
The road to freedom would not be easy, Luhan had realized this. Yet he was being given chance after chance and now that he had set his plan in action he would be stupid not to take every opportunity available to him. Leaning over he braced himself on elbows, inches from the Prince. “Good morning.” Luhan smiled as seductively as he could, gasping when Jongdae all but jumped him.
The Prince’s dining room was more intimate than Luhan would have thought. It was a cozy alcove-like room with half-timbered ceilings, wide windows, and the familiar and ever present white stone. A table with less than ten places made the area seem small in comparison to the space where the concubines took tea.
Jongdae had motioned for Luhan to sit next to him, Luhan curious if they would be joined by others as they dined. Jongdae seemed to notice the concubine’s curious gaze at the empty seats. He explained, “I eat with those I am closest to.”
Luhan wondered who exactly Jongdae was close to, but his answer was quick to arrive. A lanky young man with messy blonde locks was the first to arrive, greeting Jongdae lazily before casting a curious glance at Luhan.
“My Gariadon,” Jongdae explained in between chewing, motioning to the blonde haired man as he mumbled, “Sir Sehun.” Luhan bowed at the knight before Jongdae pulled him back to his seat. “No need, not here,” The prince explained, passing Luhan a plate of fruit.
Sehun took a seat next to Jongdae, making no secret of the way he examined Luhan. “You are nothing like what Yixing said.”
“I am not?” Luhan wasn’t sure how Yixing viewed him, much less what he told others about him. He did, however, know that this Sehun must be the one and only master of Yixing, the one that was young and easy to control. That bit of knowledge gave Luhan an edge, casting some of his discomfort away.
“He said you were quite ready to stand up to Baekhyun. I don’t see it, you look too weak, too pretty,” Sehun drawled, grabbing a piece of bread.
Luhan fought back protests of his perceived weakness. Thankfully he didn’t have to, for Jongdae burst out laughing. “You have been sparring with Baekhyun?”
“I-no.” Luhan shook his head vigorously.
“Who has been fighting with Baekhyun?” A man that Luhan recognized entered next, wide strides and an easy smile. It was the same man who he had met when he was first taken, the same man who many days before had explained his rationale for not feeding the prisoners.
“Him,” Sehun gestured towards Luhan.
“His name is Luhan,” Jongdae corrected the knight, digging back into his breakfast with aplomb.
“Kai, but I think we have already met.” The knight sat down next to Sehun, talking as he piled his plate high. “You have been fighting with Baekhyun?”
“No!” Luhan protested once again.
“He seems to think it is a bad thing.” Sehun smirked. “It is about time Baekhyun met his match.”
“Hey, it isn’t as though he is that bad.” Kai seemed to hold a different opinion of Baekhyun than Sehun. He quickly changed the topic as though the idea of bad mouthing the man was distasteful to him. After a few seconds of silence the knight added, “thank you for being so kind to Chanyeol.”
“Is this our breakfast or is this a time to speak of Gariadon?” Jongdae exclaimed from the head of the table.
Sehun sighed loudly, “I suppose we need to speak of important matters.”
“Hm, that is better.” Jongdae launched into a heated discussion of the latest news from the Eastern front. Luhan tried to listen, but found that most of the terms used were unfamiliar. If he did understand a part of what they were saying he found it intensely uncomfortable. He recognized the names of villages, knowing full well they were likely discussing their latest warpath.
Breakfast ended when a servant appeared, informing Jongdae of his first appointment of the day.
“I shall see you later.” Jongdae was not shy about showing affection in front of his knights, reaching over he clasped Luhan’s hand in his own. “The guards will escort you to your room.”
Luhan nodded, offering slight bows to Sehun and Kai as he left. He heard a snippet of conversation before the door to the room was closed. “He is pretty, I will give you that.”
Luhan found that his fists were clenched when he arrived back in his room, an unconscious action that was not unexpected. He was the concubine of a Western Prince now, a sickening thought.
“I heard you were even treated to breakfast this morning,” Yixing said matter-of-factly.
“How did you know?” Luhan was baffled.
“Word travels quickly, Luhan, when you have a plethora of servants and Gariadon in one place.” Yixing sipped on his tea.
Luhan digested the information. So everyone already knew? Those seated around the table had all likely found out about his consummation with Jongdae the night prior, even learning that they had breakfasted together. Luhan wondered what that information would mean to the other concubines, if they would judge him harshly or perhaps look at him in a new light.
“You met Kai,” Yixing stated bluntly.
“Yes.”
“Then you met at least one of his conquests.” Yixing nodded towards Baekhyun, who was halfway across the room in deep discussion.
“Conquests?” Luhan wasn’t sure he understood. They were concubines, their ownership dictated by Jongdae, or so he thought. How could a concubine have a conquest?
“He was unattached for a very long time, and made it well known Kai was his first choice - not that he had a real choice, of course,” Yixing explained. “For some reason or another the prince never gave Baekhyun to him.”
Luhan digested the information. “He has been here for so long…” Luhan found a sadness in Baekhyun’s situation, but a sadness that was tinged with a good dose of suspicion towards the man’s motivations. He viewed Baekhyun as someone who was likely as Western minded as a person could be, having spent the majority of his life in the court. Baekhyun seemed happily acclimated to the lifestyle, and his entire demeanor had a nasty edge. There was only so much pity Luhan could direct his way.
“I met Sehun as well,” Luhan shared, Yixing seeming bored by the fact.
“At least you came to your senses regarding the prince.” Yixing reached out, patting Luhan’s arm. “You are doing the right thing, never doubt it.”
Luhan wished he could seriously believe that he was doing the right thing, that all remaining doubt left him. Yet that afternoon, once he was back in his chambers, he found himself feeling a sense of revulsion at how easily he had decided to play the Westerner’s game.
“You shouldn’t play with fire.”
Luhan held the torch aloft. “Why?”
“You never learn, do you?” Minseok shook his head, making a show of walking into the darkness.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Luhan started walking into the void, towards where Minseok had stomped off. Rushing forward, Luhan didn’t spot the man. “Minseok!” Luhan called, whirling around in the darkness. “Minseok?!”
Rushing further into the night, tripping as he tried to keep the torch aloft, Luhan panicked. Where had Minseok gone? Where was he? How-
The darkness swallowed him whole.
“You were having a nightmare.”
Luhan blinked rapidly, his hands were fisting the bedcovers, his face covered in sweat. Jongdae was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him.
“Are you well?” The prince asked, showing genuine concern.
It was a dream, it was all a dream. Luhan nodded, releasing the bunched up coverlet and scurrying to sit up.
“You were crying out.” Jongdae was watching him. “What were you dreaming of?”
“I don’t know,” Luhan lied.
“Hm.” Jongdae moved onto the bed, Luhan scooting over as the prince made himself comfortable. Luhan clasped his hands together awkwardly. He knew why Jongdae was there, it wasn’t exactly a surprise, yet it was a stifling situation nonetheless.
“How was your day?” A simple question, a hint of hilarity at the situation struck Luhan. The prince wasn’t asking him the same question couples asked each other all over the kingdoms. No, it wasn’t a “How was your day in the fields” or “How did the shop run today?” It was a silly bit of inquiry for a man who owned another, knowing full well that Luhan was kept under lock and key.
“It was good. And yours?” Luhan didn’t care how Jongdae’s day had been. He was only giving a polite response amidst the absurdity of it all.
Jongdae sighed, his shoulders sagging. He reached out, taking one of Luhan’s hands in his own. He began fiddling with the concubine’s hand as he spoke. “Let me see. I dealt with half a dozen greedy ministers, news of a food shortage near the coast, and approved the war plans that should have been enacted a week ago. I am tired, I am angry, and I wonder how this kingdom operates as efficiently as it does.”
Luhan bit his bottom lip, desiring to drag his hand away and give Jongdae at least three dozen reasons why the Western kingdom operated the way it did – and the damage it had done to the East. Instead he focused on staying quiet, repeating over and over in his mind a singular idea – freedom. For freedom. For Minseok.
“Which is why it is refreshing to see you.” Luhan caught Jongdae’s eye, the look the prince was giving him a heady mixture of desire and affection. It made him want to run, to flee the circumstance that had him lying next to the prince yet again. Instead he fell into his false front, smiling brightly as if the prince’s words were welcome and comforting.
Jongdae initiated the kiss, it was slow, a languid and gentle ministration that had Luhan leaning in. Jongdae was unfailingly gently with his touches, a drastic change from their encounter of the night prior or even the morning romp that had preceded breakfast.
Luhan followed as Jongdae led, pliant and willing. When Jongdae fell into the mattress, spent, Luhan waited for the moment Jongdae would pull him into his arms, sighing as he fell asleep.
Kyungsoo did not bring breakfast the next morning, Luhan noticing that the routine had markedly changed now that he shared his bed with Jongdae. Luhan also realized Jongdae wanted sex first thing in the morning, a repeat of the day before. He was sloppy in the morning, hurried and less concerned with Luhan’s ability to gain release. In a way the messy encounter was better than the more intense nighttime sessions. Luhan relished how quickly the encounter ended, leaving him to slip on his robe and accompany Jongdae to breakfast.
Breakfast, it seemed, was truly a casual affair. Sehun and Kai joking with Jongdae, relinquishing referring to him by his title as they playfully bantered before getting down to more serious business. Now that they were acquainted with Luhan they generally ignored him, preferring to talk amongst themselves as Luhan ate silently. He wondered if Jongdae was only inviting him to eat breakfast with the trio as a bizarre sort of thank you for sleeping with him – or perhaps the prince just seriously hated Kyungsoo bursting in earlier than he would like. Whatever it was, Luhan felt like he was a silent participant, listening to what he could understand, ignoring what he could not, before Jongdae sent him away with a squeeze of a hand and a promise – he would see him later.
Part 3>>