Archive of Our Own ^beta

Hanbin cannot believe that less than a month into his official work as Prince Jisung's guard, that he's already let a foreign dignitary mess with him. He's 22 years old for heaven's sake! It's not that he's not used to foreign princes and the like. He's even gotten used to Crown Prince Renjun's presence between his training and the month that had passed since the Crown Prince had moved into Castle Inlune.

Crown Prince Zhang Hao messes up all of his plans.

Really, Hanbin has never been this busy in his entire life. The planning of a grand royal wedding mostly goes over his head and his payroll, but where Prince Jisung goes, he must follow, and the younger Prince is constantly scurrying all over not only the castle, but all of Inlune. He’s never seen Prince Jisung talk to so many people before, either. He’s quite proud, actually. Ever since Crown Prince Renjun had come into his life, his charge had been slowly breaking out of his shy and reclusive shell. Hanbin can’t help but feel like a proud older brother. He can’t imagine how Crown Prince Jeno feels, especially since they seem to have reconciled, at least mostly, in the time since Crown Prince Renjun had arrived at Castle Inlune last year.

With the arrival of Crown Prince Renjun as a permanent fixture at Castle Inlune comes Chenle, Crown Prince Renjun’s page, and Hanbin finally has someone his age around the castle. Crown Prince Renjun eventually gets assigned Gyuvin as his personal guard as well, which makes Hanbin exceptionally happy, Gyuvin not only being one of his younger brother Yujin’s most adored hyungs, but a dear friend of Hanbin’s since the younger had started training a few years back.

All seems right, and Hanbin feels like he can finally relax for once in his life. Maybe.

The arrival of Crown Prince Zhang Hao, however, brings Hanbin nothing but headaches. Literally and figuratively.

“Hanbin, have you studied much of the Princes from the other kingdoms around Inlune?” Crown Prince Renjun asks him one day as Hanbin reclines in a chair near the Princes, keeping a watchful eye on the both of them. Hanbin shakes his head, his lips pressing together as he thinks. He had done much studying, but that is not a name that he remembers from the books.

“I’ve studied the countries that border Inlune and their royals, mostly as a precaution once the King sent invitations out last summer. Though Prince Jisung was not my assigned charge yet, I was in training to become his guard, so I learned everything I could.” Crown Prince Renjun nods his head, his fingers tapping against the tome he is perusing.

“Well then, I should tell you about Hao at least, since he will be staying here until the wedding. He wouldn’t have been in your lessons, I don’t think, since his kingdom is quite far from Inlune.” Hanbin frowns, sitting up in his chair. This is news to him, someone staying for longer than the wedding festivities entailed.

“I wasn’t aware that we were having a long term guest before the wedding.” Hanbin says seriously. Crown Prince Renjun shrugs his shoulders, nonplussed. Hanbin’s lips press into more of a line, but he dare not speak his mind.

“I assumed that Shotaro or one of the other guards had told you, but yesterday Gyuvin informed me that was not the case. Anyhow, Crown Prince Hao is one of my closest friends. I have known him since we were small children. His family often came to Filathbelle to allow us to spend the summers together, just after my birthday.” Hanbin nods, taking in all of this information. Clearly, this is someone that will be around for a foreseeable amount of time, so he must do his duty to protect his Princes.

“He is bestowed, correct?” Hanbin asks after a beat, and Crown Prince Renjun nods. Hanbin purses his lips. “What is his bestowment, if you feel that it is important for me to know.” Crown Prince Renjun winces slightly, making Hanbin’s eyes narrow in suspicion. It must be a potentially dangerous bestowment for Crown Prince Renjun to have such a reaction to him asking such a simple question.

“He can… manipulate people’s vision, their perception of reality. Make you see scenes and things that are not really there. It’s quite powerful, if I do say so myself. He used to make me see the beach of a tropical island when we were stuck inside with the rain. However, it is only your vision that is affected. Not any of your other senses.” Hanbin is struck a little bit dumb by the revelation of the mysterious Crown Prince’s bestowment. While Prince Jisung’s bestowment functions in a similar way in regards to visions, it is not conscious, as his Prince had explained. This one…Hanbin has never heard of a bestowment this powerful. He must do more research on this prince before his arrival at Castle Inlune.

“I understand, Crown Prince Renjun.” Hanbin replies, realizing that he had been silent for much too long. The prince sighs, ruffling his silver hair with a free hand.

“I do wish that you would just call me Renjun, Hanbin.” Hanbin shoots him a wry smile. He knows that this is a particular grievance of Crown Prince Renjun’s, but he cannot even fathom the thought of addressing the Crown Prince so casually from his own station. It is unheard of.

“I hope you understand the reasons that I cannot do that, Your Highness. Not even Prince Jisung gets a respite from that. It is my duty to respect your titles and protect you.” Crown Prince Renjun shakes his head, and Hanbin can’t help the laugh that leaves his lips. Maybe once he’s been Prince Jisung’s guard for more than a few weeks.

The day that Crown Prince Zhang Hao arrives at Castle Inlune is not one that Hanbin will ever forget.

It’s a sunny day, as Inlune is prone to, especially in the waning of the spring months. Hanbin sits under a tree in the gardens, watching Prince Jisung teach Yujin how to weave a flower crown. The Prince had taken quite well to a sort of mentorship with Yujin, despite their 5 year age difference. Yujin shows no ambition for the sword, which had worried Hanbin at first, but seeing the gentle way that his brother works with the arts, often tagging after Crown Prince Renjun on his painting excursions, Hanbin can rest easy knowing his brother has something he loves.

Crown Prince Zhang Hao’s arrival is signaled by Gyuvin running into the garden and greeting them with all the excitement of an overgrown puppy.

“Your Highnesses! Crown Prince Zhang Hao has arrived at Castle Inlune!” Gyuvin chirps with a bright smile on his youthful face. Crown Prince Renjun scrambles to his feet in an instant, startling Prince Jisung and his Yujinnie.

“I will go get him and bring him here, beloved. No need to get up.” Crown Prince Renjun says softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Prince Jisung’s head. Hanbin averts his eyes at the affection, looking back at his younger brother.

Yujin’s flower crown is crude, as is the work of a 16 year old, but Hanbin can tell just how much he has worked on it. The way his nimble fingers worry the ribbon, adjust the blooms. Hanbin smiles and pats Yujin on the head, making the younger boy look up at him with big doe eyes.

“Does it look okay, Bin hyung?” Yujin asks in his soft voice, and Hanbin nods.

“Of course it does, Yujinnie. You’re very talented with artistic things. Prince Jisung has taught you very well.” He ruffles his brother’s dark hair, making the teenager scowl and bat his hand away with a laugh.

Hanbin can hear a voice that he doesn’t recognize when Crown Prince Renjun returns, and he lifts his head to greet the other Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Zhang Hao towers over Crown Prince Renjun by quite a bit, nearing 10 centimeters if Hanbin can trust his own powers of deduction. His hair is a dark cherry red, and the smile on his face is easygoing and relaxed. He’s handsome, Hanbin muses, though he doesn’t give it much thought. Of course the Crown Prince is. All of the royal children blessed by the gods are handsome.

The pair of Crown Princes make their way leisurely to the tree where their small group is seated, and Crown Prince Zhang Hao takes no time in plopping down and stretching out next to Prince Jisung.

“Hello~” He croons, grinning at the group around him. “It’s nice to finally meet all of Renjun’s nearest and dearest! I am Crown Prince Zhang Hao, Sunspot, of Ayathfell.” Crown Prince Renjun rolls his eyes at him, which causes Gyuvin to snort a laugh.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Crown Prince Zhang Hao. I am Prince Jisung, Shadowborn. Renjun’s intended.” There is a scarlet blush on his Prince’s cheeks. Hanbin understands the urge everyone has to pat the younger boy on his head.

“His beloved, yes.” Crown Prince Zhang Hao teases in Crown Prince Renjun’s direction, making the other Crown Prince throw a piece of grass at him.

“I’m Yujin!” The youngest pipes up, and Gyuvin hums, patting the younger’s shoulder. “I’m Hanbin’s younger brother!” Crown Prince Zhang Hao looks down at Yujin, a gleam in his dark eyes.

“And Hanbin is…?” He asks with a smile, and Hanbin clears his throat.

“I am Hanbin, Your Highness. Personal guard to Prince Jisung of Inlune.”

He doesn’t expect his head to hurt so much that he faints once he makes eye contact with Crown Prince Zhang Hao.

Hanbin wakes up with his head in Yujin’s lap, and he can hear the frantic whispering of his younger brother with… someone whose voice he doesn’t quite recognize. He blinks, shifting slightly to try and sit up. The world is still spinning a bit, but his vision is clearing up little by little.

“Bin! Bin hyung, are you okay? You scared me.” Yujin whines once Hanbin starts to move. He reaches up to tug on a piece of Yujin’s dark fringe, smiling at his brother as he sits up all the way.

“I’m sorry about that, Yujinnie, I don’t know what came over me.” He runs a hand through his hair, trying to fix himself up. He's still in the presence of royalty, after all.

Prince Jisung is looking at him with wide eyes, his dark hair tousled.

“Do you feel anything?” He asks hurriedly, and Hanbin furrows his brow, not sure what the Prince is asking him. Crown Prince Renjun places his hand on Prince Jisung’s shoulder and shakes his head. Crown Prince Zhang Hao pipes up from beside them.

“Oh, don’t worry too much, Jisungie.” Hanbin frowns at the drop of the title. They’re not that close yet, so Crown Prince Zhang Hao should respect the Prince’s title. “This happens occasionally with regards to my bestowment. A healthy bit of overloading of mental images can cause one to faint. It has happened more times than I can count.” Hanbin suddenly realizes what his episode must have looked like to those that have experienced receiving bestowments. He remembers the maid staff talking about when Prince Jisung had gotten his first bestowment, how they cause intense headaches unlike anything those not bestowed could understand. He turns to the Prince, looking at him with sincere eyes.

“I am fine, Prince Jisung. I know nothing of bestowment headaches, but I have read enough about them that I know what they would feel like, as well as learning about what yours was like when it happened, but I can tell you sincerely that this experience was not like a bestowment headache at all. To add, I know that I am not of royal blood by any means, and therefore would not, and cannot, have a bestowment.” Hanbin smiles warmly, and he can see the Prince’s shoulders relax in relief, and the way that he leans into Crown Prince Renjun. Crown Prince Zhang Hao turns to Hanbin with a small pout, his eyes glimmering.

“I do wish to apologize to Hanbin though. I should have warned you before using my bestowment. I tend to get over excited and flood the minds of people with images the first time that I meet them without exactly controlling it. I should have been more careful, and shouldn’t have done that to you. I apologize.” Hanbin ducks his head in a small bow, and he feels Yujin’s hand squeeze his own.

“It is alright, Crown Prince Zhang Hao. From what I know about bestowments and my experience with Prince Jisung’s own, it is not always something you can control, and the stars gave you the powers that you have. It is not your fault, therefore you have no need to apologize to me. I’ll be quite alright.” He smiles warmly, and Crown Prince Zhang Hao beams back at him, flashing his bright white teeth.

Hanbin had, admittedly, thought this earlier, but Crown Prince Zhang Hao is stunningly beautiful, not that he would ever admit this line of thinking to anyone. Plus, he knows better than to get caught up in the affairs of the royals. He knows his place, and it is nowhere near the bestowed.

“You should get settled in, Hao.” Crown Prince Renjun says, and the older boy sighs, throwing his head back. Crown Prince Hao is really quite dramatic, Hanbin thinks. It’s amusing. He’s not used to someone being so open with their emotions. Neither of the Princes of Inlune are.

“I suppose I should. Ricky is probably having a conniption fit over something or rather. It was quite lovely to meet you all, however. I can’t wait for more time with everyone.” Crown Prince Zhang Hao stands up and dusts off his pants, bowing slightly before he makes his way back to the castle.

Hanbin can’t help but follow him with his eyes, and he misses the grin that Yujin and Gyuvin give each other behind his back. He misses the whispers and elbows jabbed into sides.

Hanbin isn’t always on duty, of course. He is most of the time, don’t get him wrong, but with Gyuvin hanging around all the time as Crown Prince Renjun’s guard, Hanbin doesn’t have to be in “knight mode” all the time. There are other guards as well, and if the Princes are in the castle, he doesn’t always have to loiter around Prince Jisung’s quarters constantly when someone else can do it just fine.

Sometimes, he just gets to hang out with Yujin and Gyuvin in the gardens, where he can be himself, not Hanbin, Knight of the Royal Guard, Personal Guard of Prince Jisung of Inlune.

He lounges against a tree, watching Yujin pop out of the bushes to surprise Gyuvin, who yelps and chases him around the garden, and the wild cackle of the youngest makes Hanbin smile a little bit.

Gyuvin really does make his brother happy, and he’s glad that he can count on Gyuvin not only as a brother in arms, but as someone who dotes on his younger brother like he was his own. Gyuvin is most definitely the person that Hanbin is closest to in the castle that does not share his blood, and Hanbin is forever grateful for the younger’s presence. He really is a ball of sunshine that beams through even the darkest of Hanbin’s clouds.

“They’re quite cute, aren’t they?” A voice startles Hanbin out of his thoughts, his hand going to his hip. His sword isn’t there, instead laying on the grass in front of him, but the action brings him comfort just the same.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, you startled me.” Hanbin says, blinking slowly to keep his composure. Crown Prince Zhang Hao just laughs, lowering himself to the ground next to Hanbin. “Your Highness, you shouldn’t soil your clothes, I can get the blanket.” Crown Prince Zhang Hao just shakes his head.

“Please, Hanbin, a little dirt will not permanently ruin my clothes. We can do laundry, you know.” Hanbin’s cheeks burn red, and he drops his head. “That’s your younger brother, yes?” Hanbin nods, his attention going back to Yujin, who is currently thrown over Gyuvin’s shoulder, laughing loudly.

“Yes, Yujin. We have a 6 year age difference. Our parents died when he was just a baby, so we grew up here with my aunt who worked in the palace. She works in the kitchens. I started on the path to be a knight when I got on well with Prince Jisung. Yujin sort of just does what he wants. He doesn’t really have a job here, but he tags along with Prince Jisung wherever he goes, like a little shadow.” He laughs softly, watching Gyuvin tussle with his brother. “He gets on well with Gyuvin as well, so I don’t worry about his safety. Between me and Gyuvin, nothing can happen to him.”

“Such a doting older brother.” Crown Prince Hao hums softly, nodding. “I’m an only child, so I don’t know the love of a blood sibling, but Ricky has been around since I was young, and he’s like the younger brother that I never had. Much like Gyuvin, it seems, is another sibling to you.” Hanbin nods. It does feel that way to him, he supposes.

“What is it like back home for you? You hail from Ayathfell correct?” Crown Prince Hao nods, leaning back on his hands, letting the sun filter across his handsome face. Hanbin swears he’s trying not to stare, but it feels quite futile.

“We have very hot summers, and very cold winters. A nation of extremes, if you will. But the most beautiful peach blossoms come out in the spring and brighten up the castle. Have you ever been?” Crown Prince Hao asks, and Hanbin shakes his head.

“I have been outside of Inlune but once, and that was to fetch Crown Prince Renjun from Filathbelle. I’ve been in probably every single nook and cranny of Inlune though. I was born here, and have lived here all my life. That, plus tagging along with Prince Jisung running all over the country to organize the wedding…” He laughs softly, running a hand through his dark hair. “I can safely say that I have been absolutely everywhere.”

Crown Prince Hao stifles a laugh as well, a cheeky smile lighting up his features. “I used to sneak out of Castle Ayathfell all the time to go explore the country. Got myself tangled up in more than one bad situation. I learned to be quite the fighter.” Hanbin looks at him in confusion. Crown Prince Zhang Hao just shrugs and lifts his arm to show Hanbin.

A myriad of scars litter his tanned skin, and Hanbin’s eyebrows furrow. Just how many fights has the Crown Prince gotten in before? Hanbin has more than his own share of scars, but he had been training to be a knight since he was 11 years old. Crown Princes, on the other hand, weren’t supposed to be like that at all.

“Did you know that I do not have a personal guard?” Crown Prince Hao comments casually, and Hanbin looks up at him in alarm. The Crown Prince laughs, his shoulders shaking with the sound. “My father realized that I was more than capable of taking care of myself, and therefore never assigned me one. He even gave me my first official sword. Had the blacksmiths make it specific to his instructions.” He pats the hilt on his hip, the black color gleaming in the sunlight.

“Ayathfell surely is a fascinating place.” Hanbin comments, full of intrigue. He had never heard of a country that allowed their royals to forgo a guard. Even Crown Prince Renjun had told him that in Filathbelle, they had a rotating set of guards, just no personal ones that they were assigned to for their entire lives. Princes in Inlune were assigned a squadron of guards from a young age, but only a personal one once they were in their teens, depending on the age and dispositions of the younger guards. Now that Crown Prince Renjun lived here, he had Gyuvin.

“You should visit one day. I’m sure you will. Renjunnie and Jisungie will come, and that means you will, yes?” Hanbin nods. Wherever Prince Jisung goes, he must as well.

“I’m not sure when that will happen, but you know as well as I do, that wherever Crown Prince Renjun and Prince Jisung go, so do I.” Hanbin points out, which makes Crown Prince Hao laugh again.

“Yes, yes I know. Maybe I just wanted to be sure you would.” Hanbin looks at him in confusion again, blinking. What does that mean?

He opens his mouth to ask Crown Prince Hao for clarification, but before he can, Yujin bounds over to him, crashing into his lap. Hanbin grunts at the weight, the breath being knocked out of him.

“Yujin-ah!” He wheezes, but the younger boy pays him no attention, just flopping into his lap like a rabbit.

“Bin hyung, I’m bored. Gyuvin got tired and he doesn’t want to run around anymore. Is it dinner time yet? I’m hungry.” Hanbin can hear Crown Prince Hao’s laughter at his brother’s antics again. Sometimes he forgets that Yujin is 16, when he often acts much younger.

“Why don’t you and Gyuvin go bother the kitchen staff and see if they will make you something to snack on? Dinner isn’t for quite a few hours, didn’t you eat lunch?” Yujin looks up at him with wide eyes, and Hanbin sighs. Of course he did. But Yujin is 16.

“Can’t you come with?” Yujin asks in his best begging voice, and Hanbin knows that he is done for. It is impossible for him to deny Yujin of anything.

“Alright, alright.” Hanbin agrees, and Yujin scrambles to his feet, running back to Gyuvin who had been slowly making his way over to them, clearly winded from the boisterous energy that poured out of Yujin.

Hanbin turns back to Crown Prince Hao with a sigh, only to find the older Crown Prince in stitches laughing. He scowls, and crosses his arms. Crown Prince Hao wipes at his eyes, tears of mirth having streamed down his face.

“Oh I love your brother. He seems so much fun, and he has you wrapped around his finger. How cute.” Crown Prince Hao composes himself and stands up, dusting off his clothes. Hanbin does the same, wiping dirt off of his pants. “I must get back to Renjun anyway. He was having some meltdown or rather over something related to the wedding. Wouldn’t want Jisungie to have to deal with that mess on his own.” He smiles warmly, laying a hand on Hanbin’s shoulder for just a little too long before leaving.

Hanbin is still reeling from the offer to come to Ayathfell. What had Crown Prince Hao meant? He’s not sure he will ever understand the Crown Prince’s intentions.

May brings even more warm days, and that adds on extra stress to Hanbin’s plate. With the wedding being on the summer solstice, they don’t have much time, and Yujin always gets antsy in the warm months, wanting more and more to go out to the town. Hanbin can only indulge him so much.

“Be safe okay?” Hanbin says gently, arranging Yujin’s hair so the dark strands aren’t falling into his eyes. His little brother just whines, batting his hands away from his head. “I mean it, Yujin. Listen to Gyuvin. Don’t go running off alone.” Yujin sniffs indignantly, pouting at Hanbin.

“Hyung, Crown Princes Renjun and Hao will be there too. It’s not like me and Gyuvin are going alone. We will be fine.” All the same, Yujin reaches up to wrap his arms around Hanbin’s neck in a hug. Hanbin sighs, hugging Yujin close, breathing in his brother’s familiar scent of grass and warm bread.

“I know, I know. Let me worry as your brother. I love you. I will see you when you get back.” Yujin lets go and nods, skipping over to where Gyuvin is waiting. The other knight gives Hanbin a smile, putting his hand on Yujin’s back to lead him away. Hanbin watches them, a frown on his face. Something doesn’t feel right. His gut is telling him something is wrong, but he can’t tell what. And that thought scares him.

A few hours later, the door to Prince Jisung’s room slams open and Hanbin startles, turning his head to see the commotion. Prince Jisung had been taking a nap, saying that he had the worst headache ever. But his Prince is standing in front of him, panting, his black hair a mess.

“Hanbin, go. Fucking go. Now.” Hanbin blinks, his hand on the hilt of his sword. What is happening?

“Your Hig-” Prince Jisung doesn’t give him a chance to ask questions, stepping closer to Hanbin with a wild look in his eye.

“It’s Gyuvin. Go. Go now. Go or he won’t make it.”

Hanbin has never run faster in his life.

The rippling muscles of his horse distract him from the worst of his thoughts as he gallops into town, eyes frantic. Where could they be? He sees a crowd, and he dismounts, tying his horse to a post quickly.

He runs, pushing his way through the throngs of people. The scene before him makes his heart drop into his stomach.

Crown Prince Hao pants, his sword covered in blood, his eyes dark and focused on the body beneath him. But that body is not Gyuvin. The bright scarlet cloth tied around the upper arm of the man makes Hanbin’s mouth set in a hard line. They had been having issues with threats to Crown Prince Renjun for being from Filathbelle for months, but nothing had ever come to fruition. Until now.

“I am sorry to have had to kill him, Hanbin.” Crown Prince Hao says, his voice impossibly level. “But I had to protect them.” It’s only then that Hanbin hears the loud crying, and his gaze is drawn to the left. Yujin is hunched over Gyuvin, who is coughing up blood, his head turned to the side to not hit the younger boy with what he is spitting up.

“Yujinnie.” Hanbin says softly, trying to pull his younger brother up. There’s another man wrapping Gyuvin’s side in a bandage, Gyuvin’s knight uniform torn out of the way. Yujin refuses to let go, wrecked sobs leaving his body. Hanbin can hear Gyuvin’s shallow breathing. He needs to get Gyuvin to safety.

The stranger wrapping Gyuvin’s side, his fingers bloody, looks up at Hanbin, and Hanbin suddenly recognizes him. A dear friend from the castle, one that works with the healers, making medicines and pastes for various injuries that occur. He doesn’t stay in the castle much, only coming when called by the healers for his expertise.

“Matthew!” He exclaims, and the other laughs softly, his hand pressing hard against Gyuvin’s injury in an attempt to stop the bleeding, making the younger boy gasp in pain.

“Hello, Hanbin. I wish we were meeting again under better circumstances. But I saw the fight break out, and saw Gyuvin go down, and I couldn’t let my training not be helpful. I think he will be okay, but he’s lost so much blood…” Hanbin can see the pallor on Gyuvin’s face, the way his eyes are closing. He needs to get Yujin away so he doesn’t see his favorite person dying.

“Crown Prince Hao.” Hanbin says calmly, and the older man materializes at his side, his face stony. “I need you to take Yujin back to the castle. Crown Prince Renjun as well.” Yujin shakes his head, clinging further to Gyuvin’s body.

“No! I won’t go! You can’t take me away! I won’t go!” Yujin cries, and Hanbin’s heart breaks further. He still doesn’t know if Gyuvin will make it. Hanbin reaches down and pulls Yujin off of Gyuvin with all the strength he can muster. His younger brother lashes out, kicking his feet, trying to get out of Hanbin’s grasp, his cries getting louder. Crown Prince Zhang Hao and Hanbin meet eyes, and the Crown Prince wraps his arms around Yujin’s middle, pulling him farther away from the situation.

“I’m sorry, little bun, but you can’t be here. We need to go back to the castle. Let’s go with Renjunnie okay?” Hanbin averts his eyes so he doesn’t have to watch his brother thrash and try to break free, his wails getting quieter as the pair of princes take him away.

Prince Jisung enters the healer wing not long after Hanbin makes it back to the castle, though Prince Jisung looks much more presentable than the last time Hanbin had seen him. His eyes are still dark and full of worry, however. Hanbin bows deeply, and watches as the medical staff bustle about to make Gyuvin comfortable. He’d lost consciousness sometime during their journey back, and Hanbin had the worst time trying to keep him on his horse.

“He’s still alive.” Prince Jisung breathes out, looking at Gyuvin and Hanbin nods, though his eyes shake with worry.

“That he is. Matthew was able to stop him from losing all of his blood, but Jiwoong said that they’re still not sure if he will make it.” Hanbin says gently. Prince Jisung nods, looking down at the young boy passed out on the table. Yujin sits at his side, clutching onto Gyuvin’s hand like it is his lifeline. To be fair, it probably was.

“You saved him, Prince Jisung.” Hanbin says softly. Prince Jisung shakes his head, his hands curling into fists.

“Not yet. Not yet.” Hanbin rests his hand on the younger Prince’s shoulder, sighing. He knows how much pressure Prince Jisung puts on himself with his bestowment, how much mental anguish the fact that he never saves people causes him.

“Prince Jisung. Without your dream, without how quickly you reacted and pulled yourself out of the bestowment dream you were having, Gyuvin would have died. But he didn’t. He hasn’t. Crown Prince Hao killed the dissenter. They can’t hurt Crown Prince Renjun anymore.”

“Their cause has not been hurt by one member being killed, Hanbin. You know better than that. If anything, that monster has become a martyr.” Prince Jisung says bitterly. Hanbin does know better than that. All of his training has taught him that and more.

“There is nothing we can do now but wait, Prince Jisung. The staff will take good care of him, I am sure.”

Hanbin can only hope that Gyuvin makes it through this.

“Are you certain?” Crown Prince Jeno asks, and Hanbin nods, his hands behind his back as he stands in front of the Crown Prince.

“The combatant that Crown Prince Hao killed was wearing a red armband, which we know from the past few months is the symbol that the group has been co opting to represent themselves and their cause. I fear this was another attempt on Crown Prince Renjun’s life. Add that to the attacks on citizens visiting from Filathbelle for the wedding… It’s only a month out, so I do not believe we can cancel or reschedule it, but I do think that we need to heighten security on the event itself as well as limit excursions to the town for the safety of everyone around the royal family.” Hanbin says, and Crown Prince Jeno sighs, running a hand through his golden hair.

“You know Renjun won’t like this.” He says after a minute, and Hanbin nods.

“I think Crown Prince Renjun will like not dying at his wedding, though.” Hanbin says, and immediately regrets it. It does get a chuckle out of Crown Prince Jeno, however.

“I will draft a notice to be posted in the town square for the citizens about this organization. I fear it will embolden them, legitimizing them, but there is not much that I can think of beyond that to warn the people.” Crown Prince Jeno says after a bit. Hanbin nods. Crown Prince Jeno has a lot on his shoulders since he is the de facto leader of Inlune with their father often on trips to other countries for political reasons.

“I think that will be for the best. I will inform the Princes as well as Gyuvin and Yujin now.” He bows deeply, and Crown Prince Jeno dismisses him.

Crown Prince Renjun, as predicted, does not like this.

“I will not cower to this organization! I don’t care! I am not scared of them! They cannot keep hurting my people and simply think that they can get away with this!” He exclaims, his brown eyes flashing. He paces the library, muttering to himself. Prince Jisung reaches out to catch his sleeve, a worried look in his eyes.

“Beloved, Hanbin and my brother just don’t want anything to happen to you.” He says softly, and Hanbin nods.

“Prince Jisung is right. It is a measure that we are taking out of concern for your safety. Your Highness… Gyuvin nearly died. He’s barely recovering, and he’s a trained soldier, willing to give his life for yours.”

“Do you think I don’t know that?” Crown Prince Renjun snaps, interrupting Hanbin, and Hanbin blinks, taken aback. Crown Prince Renjun has never gotten mad at him before. Crown Prince Renjun looks at him, and he sighs. Hanbin often forgets that the Crown Prince can see his emotions like an open book due to his bestowment. “I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty, Hanbin. I hate being cooped up like a maiden before their wedding, and I hate that my own people are being targeted for simply being from Filathbelle due to this organization's hatred for me. I should be the one that—”

“Don’t even think like that.” Crown Prince Hao says from where he had been lounging on one of the chairs of the library, spinning a pencil between his fingers. “No one should be getting targeted, least of all you, Renjunnie. Don’t be a martyr. It’s not a cute look.” Crown Prince Renjun rolls his eyes, sighing deeply.

“I’m going to take a walk.” Crown Prince Renjun says, and he holds his hand out to Prince Jisung. “Come with me, beloved.” Prince Jisung just makes a soft noise, nodding and taking his hand, letting Crown Prince Renjun pull him up. Hanbin makes to move with them, but Crown Prince Renjun shakes his head.

“Surely, we can enjoy the castle grounds without constant monitoring, no?” He asks, and Hanbin wilts a little bit at his tone, but he nods.

“Of course, Your Highness.” He says, feeling a bit like a kicked puppy. The Crown Prince just smiles and pulls Prince Jisung out of the room, the younger giving him an apologetic look before they disappear around the corner.

“You can keep me company, Hanbinnie.” Crown Prince Hao chirps from his seat, and Hanbin blinks, turning to face the other Crown Prince, who just pats the seat next to him. Hanbin frowns.

“I shouldn’t be so lax on duty.” He says, and Crown Prince Hao snorts.

“I killed someone threatening your family. I can handle myself, and I am not your charge. You aren’t on duty except to watch over Prince Jisung, who was just kidnapped by his betrothed. You can sit and enjoy my company for a while, Hanbin.” Crown Prince Hao says with a grin tilting up his lips. Hanbin just sighs, shaking his head, but he acquiesces, plopping down on the chair next to Crown Prince Hao.

“What are you reading?” He asks, and Crown Prince Hao hums.

“I was reading over some reports about the prior attacks on Filathbelle citizens in Inlune from this year.” He says, and Hanbin nods. He’s poured over every single inch of those reports, trying to find some way to catch the group of people targeting the people of Filathbelle. “But we shouldn’t focus on this, it will just further stress you out, and I never want you to feel stressed around me, Hanbin.” Crown Prince Hao closes the book, and Hanbin blinks in surprise, lifting his head to look at the Crown Prince.

“What do you mean by that?” He says, his voice coming out in a little bit of a rasp, and Crown Prince Hao just smiles at him, reaching out to catch a piece of his between his fingers.

“You intrigue me, Hanbin.” He says, and Hanbin just stares back at him, unsure of what he is meant to do in a situation like this.

“What?” He says in the most unintelligent way possible, kicking himself inwardly. Crown Prince Hao barks out a laugh, and Hanbin frowns at him.

“I’m sorry, that was simply adorable. Have you never had anyone interested in you before?” Crown Prince Hao asks, and Hanbin shakes his head.

“I began training very young, and we didn’t— no one ever—” He purses his lips, looking away. “No. I haven’t.” Crown Prince Hao tilts his head, brown eyes curious.

“You never had anyone you were interested in either?” Hanbin heaves out a deep sigh.

“Not anything substantial.” He admits after a while. Crown Prince Hao hums, nodding. “But Crown Prince Hao—”

“Must you be such a stickler for the rules? You can call me Hao, I’m not even from Inlune.” Crown Prince Hao says dramatically, his bottom lip jutting out. Hanbin stares at him, probably for much too long. Crown Prince Hao is so close to him, he could reach out and just—

“I am a knight, I can’t.” He says, shaking his head. “I have a duty, I must—”

“I have nothing to do with your duty, Hanbin.” Crown Prince Hao says, and Hanbin can hear that he’s getting frustrated. “Can’t you let yourself even enjoy one thing?”

Hanbin makes to reply, but a voice startles him.

“Hyung! You need to be careful! You’re barely well—” Hanbin stands up, and before he can even make it to the door, Gyuvin appears in the doorway, holding onto his side still, a dopey grin on his face.

“Hey hyung. Fancy seeing you here.” Hanbin shoots a “later” look at Crown Prince Hao, who looks a bit put out, but he ignores that for enveloping Gyuvin in a hug. The younger knight hisses in pain a bit, but he wraps his arms around Hanbin, humming softly.

“You’re alright.” Hanbin breathes out and Gyuvin’s shoulders shake a little bit as he laughs.

“Thanks to Matthew, Jiwoong and Yujinnie, yes. I’ll be quite alright. No dying here.” He quips in mirth, and Hanbin jabs him in his good side. “OW! Hey! That’s my good side!”

“Don’t you EVER do something like that again.” Hanbin says darkly, and Gyuvin pulls away, raising an eyebrow.

“Both of us are duty bound to give our lives.” He says in a deadpan voice, and Hanbin just laughs, hugging Gyuvin again. He can hear Yujin’s footsteps behind them and he looks up from Gyuvin’s shoulder, seeing Yujin. He smiles at his brother, who just lights up with a grin.

Things really are looking up for him.

His mind drifts back to Crown Prince Hao.

No.

Hao.

Maybe…. He has to think about this later, he muses.

“I am going into town.” Crown Prince Hao exclaims one day at lunch, and Hanbin frowns, making eye contact with Gyuvin, who just shrugs.

“Crown Prince Hao, you know that Crown Prince Jeno said to—” Hanbin starts to say, but Crown Prince Hao waves his hand.

“He can’t ban me from going into town with a knight, can he?” The crown prince says, and Hanbin tilts his head, confused. Crown Prince Hao gives him a brilliant smile, and then turns to Prince Jisung, who freezes, his fork halfway to his mouth. “Jisungie, surely you wouldn’t mind if I borrowed Hanbin for the day, no?” Prince Jisung looks at Crown Prince Hao, then at Hanbin, then back at the Crown Prince, before he sets his fork down and takes his goblet in his hand, drinking nervously.

“Um… That wouldn’t be an issue, I don’t think?” He makes eye contact with Hanbin, and Hanbin gives him an incredulous look. Prince Jisung looks at Crown Prince Renjun, who just nods, a knowing smile on his lips.

What is going ON?

“Excellent. Hanbin, we will leave after lunch, then!” Crown Prince Hao exclaims, and Hanbin sighs, but he nods. He can't deny Crown Prince Hao anything, can he?

“What exactly are we doing out today?” Hanbin asks as they tie their horses at the post, looking over at Crown Prince Hao. The older prince just laughs, looking at Hanbin with a gleam in his eye.

“Tell me, Hanbin. Have you ever been out of the castle just to have fun for a day?” Hanbin blinks once, twice, not sure of what reaction to give. Crown Prince Hao sighs, tugging at the lapels of Hanbin’s uniform. “We may not be able to not LOOK like those of the castle, but we can still enjoy ourselves like we aren’t.”

“But Crown Prince Hao—”

“Today, it’s just Hao, Hanbin. Please.” Hanbin looks at Crown Prince Hao for a long moment before he nods tightly, letting his shoulders relax.

“Fine. Hao.”

He shouldn’t like the other’s name in his mouth so much. But he can’t help it.

Hanbin really doesn’t come out into the town center very much, if he is being honest. And even then, only when accompanying Prince Jisung in various quests, whether for the wedding, or just various other things that the Prince requests of him.

Never on his own, and never as… someone not from the palace.

He can hear the whispers, of course, since Crown Prince Hao and him are both in their finery, Hanbin in his uniform, and Hao in his usual tunic. But the way Crown Prince… the way Hao interacts with the people has Hanbin relaxing more than he usually would.

“Do you come out here a lot?” He asks, walking next to Hao. Hao makes a noise of affirmation, picking up a cat made of blown glass and inspecting it.

“I used to do this a lot in Ayathfell. I always felt like it was important to be out with the people, seeing what they do, what they make.” Hao says, offering the cat to Hanbin. He shakes his head, but picks up a rabbit figurine instead, his eyes softening at the thought of his younger brother. “Well, that looks like Yujin!” Hao says with a laugh, and Hanbin can’t help but join in the laughter.

“That’s why we call him little bun, or rabbit. He resembles one, especially if he’s eating.” Hanbin slips the shopkeeper a few coins, pocketing the rabbit to give to Yujin later once they are back at the castle.

“You mentioned your parents died when you were young?” Hao asks, looking around the figures a bit as well.

“Yes, I was 6 or so, Yujin was but a baby. So we came to the castle to live with my aunt, who worked in the kitchens. She still does.” Hanbin says, and Hao looks over at him with a smile.

“And becoming a knight?” Hanbin laughs softly.

“You’re quite the curious one, aren’t you?” He teases lightly, and Hao sticks his tongue out at him in the most unprincelike way. “Oh, spare me the dramatics.”

“I just want to know more about your life, Hanbin. I mean it.” Hao says, and Hanbin can’t help the flush that rises to his collar at the notion. This is all entirely foreign to him.

He clears his throat. “Well, I was a child running around the palace, and I ended up getting along quite well with Prince Jisung as a young child, so I was put into training to be a knight. After the Queen died… well, I was sped up in training with the manifestation of his bestowments, and here we are years later.” Hanbin says, letting Hao lead him to another booth.

Every week, the citizens of Inlune had decided to take advantage of the influx of people from Filathbelle for the wedding, and markets erupted in the streets, merchants selling their goods. Hanbin has never seen anything like it, and he’s happy that such a celebration of the pair of Princes was happening in their city.

“Jisungie is a good match for Renjunnie.” Hao says after a minute, fingers running over the fletches of some decorative arrows. “Renjun has always been so careful and on edge, and with Jisung blocking his bestowment due to his first one… I think it has helped Renjun a lot.” Hanbin hums, thinking.

“I know that Crown Prince Renjun has helped a lot with Prince Jisung coming out of his shell as well. It wasn't long ago that Prince Jisung refused to leave his wing, much less the palace grounds, and now he has been all over Inlune and even made visits to Filathbelle to meet King Ten.” Hao nods, bowing gracefully as the shopkeeper ties up the arrows he had purchased.

“I know allll about their little romance.” Hao laughs, running a hand through his messy cherry red hair. Hanbin’s gaze follows the motion, but he looks away once he sees the smirk on Hao’s face. Drat. Caught. “Renjun is quite the romantic, and I am quite the listener. It is a beautiful story, one I’m sure will be told for years to come.”

Hanbin is quite sure of the same.

Hanbin has a bad feeling as soon as they step out into the sunlight. There’s something twisting in the pit of his stomach and he knows it reads on his face when Hao turns to look at him, and his brow furrows.

“What’s the matter, Hanbin?” He asks, and Hanbin puts his hand on the pommel of the sword hanging by his hip, looking around. Something isn’t right.

“Something’s the matter. I don’t know what yet, but stay close. Those insurrectionists are still lurking about.” He says sternly, and Hao sighs, but he nods. “We should get back to the castle, I think.”

“Just like those cowards to ruin my nice day out.” Hao says dramatically and Hanbin shoots him a dark look. “What? I cope with my problems through humor, Hanbin. You really should lighten up sometimes, it’s not a good look to be so serious all the time.”

“I am so serious because there are too many people around that want to hurt the people that I care about.” Hanbin says, and Hao turns to face him, his eyes wide.

“Does that include me?” He asks, and Hanbin blinks slowly at him, before inclining his head.

“It does… Hao.”

The brilliant smile that lights up Hao’s face doesn’t leave Hanbin’s thoughts for a long time after that.

“Well, that’s a finely pressed uniform if I do say so myself.” Hanbin looks into the mirror to see Hao approaching him, a grin on the Crown Prince’s face.

“Freshly laundered for the occasion.” Hanbin says with a smile, and Hao throws his head back in a laugh. “Your Highness, you’re going to lose your crown that way.” Hanbin chides, and Hao sticks his tongue out at him.

“There are so many pins holding this in my hair, there’s no way it could fall off.” Hao says, and Hanbin reaches up to brush his fingers across the golden chains that hang over Hao’s forehead.

“Well, it’s quite pretty. It suits you well, Crown Prince Hao.” Hao sighs, shaking his head, the tinkling of the chains sounding softly.

“Are we back to that already?” He asks, and Hanbin can’t help but stifle a laugh.

“Momentarily. Can’t lose focus during today of all days, you know. There’s too much at stake and I have to have a clear mind.” He says seriously, and Hao nods.

“Are all the proper protocols in place for the wedding?” He asks, and Hanbin nods, clipping his sword to his belt loop.

“Yes. I went over them with the captain as well as Shotaro and Gyuvin. There should be no hiccups.” Hao presses his lips into a line, his dark eyes serious.

“Good. I will be armed as well.” Hanbin reaches out to adjust the lapel on Hao’s jacket, nodding. Hao’s eyes soften just a bit, and he takes Hanbin’s hand, pressing a kiss to his fingers.

Heat shoots through Hanbin at the contact of Hao’s lips with his fingers, and he has to look away, feeling the flame of blush creeping up his neck.

“I want you to have this.” Hao says after a minute, but he doesn’t drop Hanbin’s hand. Hanbin turns his gaze back to Hao, and the Crown Prince is holding a bracelet in his hand.

“What is that?” Hanbin asks, eyeing it. Hao just grins, slipping it onto Hanbin’s wrist, patting it underneath his uniform.

“Ayathfell custom. Courting custom.” He shrugs, and Hanbin stares at him. “I told you that I was serious.”

“But—”

“Sir Hanbin.” There’s a sharp knock at the door. “It’s time.” Hanbin sighs, giving Hao a look.

“We will be talking about this later, Crown Prince Hao.” He chides, and Hao grins at him.

“Sure thing, Sir Hanbin.” He pushes on Hanbin’s back, ushering him out of the room. “Go do your duty as Prince Jisung’s knight, then.”

It really almost goes according to plan. The private section of the wedding is perfect, really. Everything goes smoothly, and Hanbin even has time to spot his aunt serving the traditional wedding bread to Prince Jisung and Crown Prince Renjun.

Once they’re outside, however…

All hell breaks loose.

The first arrow strikes Crown Prince Renjun in the arm, and he falls to his knees, crying out in pain.

Hanbin whirls, about to make damn sure that the offending arrow is the only one that will hit one of the princes today.

There’s a high pitched cry, and Hanbin’s heart drops as he sees the scene in front of him.

Yujin’s eyes are wide, his cry cut off by the hand over his mouth. Hanbin’s mouth sets into a line as he sees the red armband around the bicep of the man holding his younger brother.

“We wouldn’t want anyone innocent to get hurt.” The man says, a smirk painting his lips.

“Crown Prince Renjun is innocent as well, you cretin.” Hanbin snarls, drawing his sword. The man lets out a dark laugh, tugging Yujin backwards.

“No one from Filathbelle is innocent, idiot.” The man spits, clamping his hand over Yujin’s mouth further. Hanbin can see Yujin’s breath coming in quick bursts. He’s having a panic attack.

“Let my brother go, or I’ll cut you down myself.” Hanbin says, and the man takes out a dagger with his free hand, holding it to Yujin’s throat.

“May not be royal blood, but I bet it’s just as pretty when spilled.” He croons, and presses it against Yujin’s neck. Red pearls at the tip, and Yujin’s eyes widen even further. Before he can so much as react, there’s a sharp noise, and the man holding Yujin yelps, letting go of Yujin as he falls to his knees.

Yujin cries out, tumbling to his hands and knees, and Hanbin rushes to his side. He grabs onto Yujin, hugging his brother to his chest. “You’re okay, you’re okay.” He says softly, and Yujin grabs onto his jacket, sobs overtaking his body. “Hyung has you, little bun. You’re safe.”

Hanbin looks up, and Hao is standing over the body, sword dripping blood. It’s the second time Hanbin has seen him like this. The second time Hao has saved his brother.

Hao’s mouth is set in a hard line, his brown eyes filled with fury. “This one has a different band.” He says, kicking the arm. Hnabin cranes his neck to see, and Hao is right. This one has a deep golden cross on the band as well. “If the intelligence is anything to go back, this fucking idiot that tried to kill Yujin is the leader. What imbeciles they are. Sending their leader.” He spits on the ground next to the body.

“Crown Prince Renjun?” Hanbin asks, and Hao nods his head to the side.

“Gyuvin got him and Prince Jisung inside. The wound wasn’t deep. They’re in the medical wing now. We should get Yujin there as well, make sure the wound on his throat isn’t deep.” Hanbin nods.

“C’mon, baby bun. Can you stand?” He asks Yujin gently, and Yujin nods, getting up on shaky legs.

“I can walk. I’m okay.” He says in that quiet voice of his, tears still streaking down his cheeks. Hanbin presses a hand to his brother’s cheek affectionately, and Yujin leans into it.

“Hyung would do anything for you.” Hanbin says, and Yujin hums, nodding.

“Thank you hyung. And Hao hyung.” Hanbin blinks in surprise. “What, I have eyes.” Yujin says with a laugh. “I know you two have something going on. He can be hyung now too.” Hanbin sighs deeply, and Yujin just laughs, standing up straight. “I’m gonna go over to the medical wing now. I can go by myself, or—”

“Yujin!” Gyuvin runs up to the small group of them, panting deeply. “You’re hurt! You’re coming with me right now, no ifs ands or buts!” Hanbin can’t help the fond smile as Gyuvin tugs his brother away, the sound of Gyuvin scolding Yujin getting farther as they walk.

A hand rests on his shoulder, and for the first time all day, Hanbin just lets himself melt into the touch.

“You worked hard, Hanbin-ah.” Hao says softly. “You saved him, you saved them. The leader of that awful organization is dead, and you can rest a bit easier while they recoup.”

“It’ll never be over, but there’s nothing they can do to stop the wedding now. They’re married.” Hanbin breathes out, and Hao rests his chin on Hanbin’s shoulder. The warmth is familiar and needed. Hanbin relaxes further into Hao’s embrace, his eyes closing.

“It’ll be okay now. I promise, Hanbin.”

Hanbin knows he can believe Hao, at least for now.