Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jonseon dynasty, 1598 

winter

"He's coming through— move out of the way," 

People swayed at the hearing of the loud drums indicating a new arrival. Men's shouts and women's joyful cries filled the city of Baekje as loud cheers were heard with rice grains and spices beginning to be thrown into the air of celebrations.

"It's Kim Mingyu, he's back from the victory!" A man exclaimed as Mingyu road through the wooden boarders with soliders at each side, happy smiles on their face, as they bowed to Mingyu as he waved back on his horse, expectedly manoeuvring in the city. His jaw-length hair tightly tied back in a man bun, old, brooding armour distinct of Japanese blood indicating his role in the Imjin war.

The cold air breezed along his neck sending shivers down his spine. He took out his sword and lifted his hand into the sky to hold the sword in place. He galloped on his horse as he held the horse steady soothing it with his hand caressing its mane.

"Why thou I have came back from victory, the people of our kingdom is what made victory possible. For all who came and died, all the sacrifices we have made, victory was to come and came." Mingyu spoke with a loud voice which was followed by cheers. "This victory was what should've came when Kang Seonjo was king, yet he was shown not to be worthy of the throne—being corrupt and greedy, we all have seen better results once he was gone and King Seungcheol took his place. We will once again see Korea as bigger and better and I will not let the Japanese come a foot near our homelands. The Joseon dynasty shall last and we will see the beginning of a better era. ALL HAIL KING SEUNGCHEOL."

An uproar began by the people who shouted in unison 'ALL HAIL KING SEUNGCHEOL' three times before the king himself made an entrance. He entered with four guards trailing behind him as Mingyu gently got off his horse handing the reins to his guard as he bowed towards Seungcheol.

Seungcheol greeted Mingyu with a small smile as he patted his back gesturing to Mingyu to stop bowing. "I knew we could trust you General Kim, you have honoured me, our kingdom, our country and our people. You have never let us down, your father would be proud." Seungcheol went up the stairs followed by Mingyu as he stood in the centre.

"We won the battle and the war, Toyotomi Hideyoshi tried to take over our kingdom but was shown to be yet a again a bastard and a coward. He left his men to fight for him though he ran back to Japan. I won't let another Japanese coward step foot on our lands, our kingdom and our country. To Korea. To our people. To our ancestors and to all our brave men who fought off the Japanese," Seungcheol finished off his speech with, "ALL HAIL OUR PEOPLE," And the people responded with, "ALL HAIL OUR KING." Raising the hands and chanting in unison.

------------

Wonwoo walked out his room adjusting his hanboks belt as his adviser, Soonyoung, came to his side, eyes asking if he needed help but Wonwoo gently shook his head. He began walking towards the staircase as he herd commotion and the faint shouts of his people. He gave a confused look to Soonyoung, seemingly questioning what the commotion was all about.

"General Kim has came back with victory in his hands, Prince Wonwoo." Wonwoo nodded in acknowledgment, knowing they were going to win the six-year war in the end as Hideyoshi was known for being a coward. 

"Very well then, is the king out there already?" Wonwoo asked as he sped up his walking, placing his sword in pace on his waist. 

"Yes prince, Prince Chan has also made his way there, they're only waiting for you." Wonwoo nodded knowing he should probably hurry up but he didn't. Instead he went towards the head guard of the palace who was in the main hall of the palace.

"Prince Wonwoo," he greeted him as he bowed which Wonwoo dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"No need, I just wanted to know if your men are situated outside the borders and are still on lookout." The head guard had a confused look on which Wonwoo understood as they had just came from victory.

"No we don't, but my men will always be looking around so you don't have to worry, your grace."

Wonwoo nodded even though it didn't ease the uneasiness, he gave a little bow and a small smile as he turned around and finally walked out the palace towards his two brothers who stood at the end of the pathway talking to some men.

"Look who decided to get out the palace," Chan joked as he playfully punched his fist into Wonwoo's arm as Wonwoo played along holding his arm in imaginary pain. Seungcheol looked at the two as he slightly shook his head in disbelief and let out a small chuckle, adoring his two younger brothers.

"When are the two of you going to grow up, Wonwoo your in charge of the whole Korean army and Chan your the Duke of Daegu and Yeonju. When are you going to act upon your titles."

The two brothers looked at each other as they mumbled small, incoherent apologies as they became quiet and gave a small bow to their older brother and made their way out.

"No I didn't mean it like that, Won, Chan, come back." Seungcheol's words weren't made to the brothers as they had already made their way to the other side greeting some of the men who just came back from the war. Seungcheol sighed as he shook his head and excused himself, heading towards his younger brothers as he remembered how sulky the two can get.

"Hyung is coming our way, we have to hide." Chan whispered to Wonwoo as Wonwoo shook his head and let out a small chuckle.

"Face him like a solider Chan, he didn't mean any of it you know that."

"Yeah, I know I just wanted him to give us attention." Wonwoo raised his eyebrow at Chan's statement.

"And you were going to get it by running away? You're quite the smart one aren't you." Chan actually punched Wonwoo's arm this time but wasn't satisfied when Wonwoo didn't flinch.

"He's the head of the army, did you forget that Chan?" Seungcheol asked as he approached the two coming in between them to stop the fight that could escalate. Chan shook his head as he slightly dipped, going on the other side to stand next to Wonwoo.

"He's angry you aren't spending time with him." Wonwoo explained to Seungcheol as the two of them looked at their sulky younger brother who didn't give up on the fact that he was supposed to be mad at his eldest brother.

"King Seungcheol," the three brothers peered at the new arrival finding General Kim approaching the three of them. "Prince Chan, Prince Wonwoo." He bowed towards the three as Wonwoo bowed back before his brother picked him up forcibly from that position to a normal standing one. He gave a confused face only to be seen with Mingyu's panicked expression.

"Ah. Sorry General Kim, congratulations on the victory." Wonwoo quickly apologiesed wanting to get out of the awkward situation immediately. "If you excuse me, I have to check up on the other men and get a record of what happened." 

Before he could turn his back Mingyu called to him. "Shouldn't you ask me Prince? I am the general after all." Wonwoo's face flushed into a light shade of pink as he nodded.

"I guess I shall, do you want to go to the other men together?" His statement became a question as he fidgeted with his fingers, eager to get off his brothers watch.

"Very well then, I shall follow from behind my Prince." Mingyu looked at Seungcheol for permission and was granted it with a nod of his head. Mingyu bowed towards the two brothers and made his way near Wonwoo.

"Prince," Mingyu called out as Wonwoo stopped to see what he needed.

"Yes?" Wonwoo questioned.

"Your going the wrong way, the men are in the barn as they are getting food and placing their weapons away." Wonwoo nodded as he went in the direction towards the barn.

"Your not from this city are you General Kim?" Wonwoo asked with pure curiosity as he had heard his name before but never seen him in real life.

"No I'm not, I'm from Seoi-myeon," 

"That's quite the distance from here General Kim, it would take at least a week at most to get back, I hope you well on your journey back."

"I'm not going back Prince Wonwoo." 

"Are you staying in Baekje? Why is that, doesn't Seoi-myeon need you as a lot if attacks happen there as it is our trade centre." Wonwoo inquired —attacking Mingyu with questions one after another— as he had been to Seoi-myeon and the first day of his arrival there was a terrorist attack.

"Has King Seungcheol not told you yet Prince Wonwoo?" Mingyu asked and Wonwoo was starting to think he didn't know something.

"There is a lot the king has told me, I'm afraid you're going to have to be a lot more specific than that General Kim."

"That we're getting married."

--------

Wonwoo stormed back into the palace after telling Mingyu not to follow him. He looked around to find any sight of his elder brother only to find his personal guard, Jeonghan.

"Jeonghan-hyung, where is Seungcheol-hyung?" Wonwoo asked, his voice desperate as he fidgeted with his fingers.

"He's in his room, he's waiting for you Wonwoo-ya," Wonwoo nodded as he made his way towards the room, anger raging its way through his veins, begging to burst.

He entered the room — more like barged through — and was met with a perfectly calm Seungcheol, sitting on a chair near his window.

"Hyung," Wonwoo muttered, barely able to hear himself.

"Wonwoo, it was a rational decision better for the country."

"How is this going to help the country. Me marrying General Kim isn't going to change anything." Wonwoo's voice about to break as he held back tears.

"Wonwoo, it's not like that. It's difficult.... I.... I don't know how to te—"

Wonwoo sharply cut him off, his voice sharp and precise. "Did you think marrying me — your brother — away was going to help you get the other politicians good hand?" 

"Wonwoo, if you put it like that it makes me seem like a cold brother." Seungcheol's facade starting to break.

"You are one, marrying me away won't get you anything."

"You won't get married on your own, you've told me so many times beforehand, I had to do this."

"Your breaking your only promise to me what happened to 'I'm not going to make you do anything without your permission' huh. What happened to that, hyung."

"Wonwoo, you know I meant that promise whole heartedly, it just doesn't.... apply here." Seungcheol lied, he knew — remembered, that it does apply there — about the promise, yet he still went and officiated the news. He couldn't say no now, not when everyone was looking forward to the wedding.

"Hyung," Wonwoo whispered, his voice laced with doubt and deception. "You can't do this to m—"

"I can and I will. I'm the king and I order you to comply with the wedding, it will be held in five days so be prepared." Seungcheol cut Wonwoo off, he hated using his power against him but that was the only way he was going to accept.

Wonwoo looked at Seungcheol in a mix of disbelief, betrayal and hurt. His anger started to heighten as he fisted his hands, gave one last look towards his brother and said, "As you say, King Seungcheol. I will now excuse myself." Wonwoo gave a small bow and walked out the room leaving Seungcheol drowning in regret.

Seungcheol now knew he had messed up and couldn't go back with this mess. It couldn't be cleaned, it had to stay where it was at.

Chapter Text

The sun had woken up as it shone right about the mountains peaks. Seungcheol had organised a breakfast with the higher ups of Baekju and surrounding county's to celebrate the victory their country had come across.

Servants and maids worked their hands busily as they prepared the food for breakfast, feasting for twenty people in the large dining room. Seungcheol entered through the large doors, Jeonghan following suitly behind him as he thoroughly checked the doings of the servants, checking for any faultings in their doings wanting everything perfect before they dined.

The truth of it was that he only married Wonwoo to the highly respected general —Mingyu, to get people to respect him more. The Korean politicians had no faith in his rule that he had to go out if his way to gain their trust — and he did it by marrying off Wonwoo.

Chan had already made his way towards the dining room, stirring up a chat with random acquaintances whenever needed (whenever he wanted to actually as he really liked to talk to anyone and everyone who came across —except the 'big-scary dudes' as he liked to call them)

Mingyu walked in and was followed by his advisor, Jihoon. He gave a smile to Seungcheol and made his way towards Chan — being the only one he thoroughly got on with.

"Hey hyung." Chan said brightly.

"Hey Prince Chan." Mingyu teased knowing the younger hated being called his title by friends.

"Hey!"

"Hey."

Chan sighed. "I told you to call me Chan."

"Of course Chan." Chan gave Mingyu a small grin as he took his seat near the kings chair.

Seungcheol walked around with his advisor, Jeonghan on his side and three palace guards after that with Wonwoo following shortly after with his advisor Soonyoung.

He sat on the other side of Seungcheol as a servant came and filled the princes glasses with wine  and their other glass with water.

One by one other maids and servants came and began filling up the guests glasses.

"Well." Seungcheol started as he clinked his spoon on his glass to get everyone's attention. "As you my have heard, I am marrying my beloved brother to General Kim. I wish them both a happy marriage and hope them the best." The guests started whispering to each other as Mingyu looked up to catch a glimpse of Wonwoo, only to see him with his head down and no expression on his face.

"Mingyu, do you want to say something." Disappointment flashed in Wonwoo's face.

What about me?

Mingyu looked at Wonwoo for a second longer before nodding towards King Seungcheol.

"I am honored to be betrothed to Prince Wonwoo and I will take care of him. I will continue to serve this country and follow my father legacy." Mingyu's eyes led him back to Wonwoo as their eyes locked together.

Mingyu's breath was stuck in his throats as he didn't break contact with Wonwoo. Wonwoo's eyes told him a whole story he hadn't uncovered yet.

"Thank you Mingyu. Now we shall eat and celebrate our kingdoms victory against the Japanese and the betrothal of my younger brother. Cheers." 

Glasses clinked around Wonwoo as he stared down at his food. He was being served octopus. He looked up at his brother expectantly, waiting for another dish to be bought out that didn't include sea food but everything that was set on the table was full of it.

"Prince Wonwoo, why aren't you eating?" A politician across from him asked.

"Oh, I was about to eat right now." Wonwoo picked up his chopsticks and ate a piece of salad. The politician looked at him.

"Is that all you're going to eat your higness?" He asked.

"I- well I re—"

"Wonwoo eat some of the octopus, it's the best you will ever eat." Seungcheol ordered Wonwoo, glaring at him as Wonwoo obeyed.

"Okay." He said in a whisper and picked up a piece of octopus and ate it.

I'm so getting a rash all over my face. Oh no.

Wonwoo swallowed the food and put his chopsticks down to drink some water. Soonyoung soon realised that there was no food other than seafood and ran towards Wonwoo.

"Oh, Uhm y-your highness, we have some ... documents, yeah documents to sign." Soonyoung lied.

"Can't it be don't later?" Seungcheol's voice cut through, questioning Soonyoung.

"Uh, no." Seungcheol glared at him than looked at Wonwoo who was eating fruit, looking down and not meeting their eyes.

"Do it after breakfast." Seungcheol demanded, going back to eating after dismissing Soonyoung. Soonyoung looked at Wonwoo, before placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll get you different food." He whispered and Wonwoo shook his head.

"No, it'll be a way for them to think I'm above them all." Wonwoo whispered back. Soonyoung sighed as bowed and went back to where he was standing. 

Mingyu stared at Wonwoo, he could see his face was going red. He looked at his advisor, Soonyoung asking for questions. Soonyoung looked back at him and mouthed 'He's allergic'.

Mingyu's eyes widened as he stared at Wonwoo, clearly seeing the rash that was forming. He looked back at Soonyoung and mouthed 'bring medicine to his room, I'll bring him there', Soonyoung nodded, leaving the room and running to the medic.

"Your Highness, me and Prince Wonwoo have to write some reports on the war and have to finish signing some documents, so if you could allow us." He looked at Wonwoo, who looked back at him.

"Yes you may go." Seungcheol agreed as Mingyu bowed and went to Wonwoo who also bowed, and escorted him out the room.

"Hey, Uhm we really need to get you you're medicine. Soonyoung is waiting for us in your room." Wonwoo looked at him strangely as he tilted his head.

"How— when did you guys even plan this?" He questioned which Mingyu let a chuckled out to.

"Out of all things, that's what you're most concerned about?" Wonwoo scratched the back of his neck as he nodded.

"Lip reading from the other sides of the room." Wonwoo nodded, realising he never saw it because he had his head down, hiding his red face from everyone.

They entered his room as Mingyu guided Wonwoo to his bed, and Soonyoung followed behind holding a tray with a wooden spoon and a bottle of medicine.

Wonwoo sat down as Mingyu held the spoon, pouring some of the liquid on to the spoon before holding it infront of Wonwoo's mouth. Wonwoo opened his mouth as he swallowed the medicine and sighed in contentment.

"Come on Wonwoo, off to bed, you know the drill." Soonyoung said, pushing Wonwoo gently on to the pillow. Wonwoo let out a groan as he tried to get back up, but was stopped by Mingyu's large arms which set him back on the pillows. 

"Wonwoo," Mingyu said sternly. "This is to get better." Wonwoo scoffed.

"I have other things to do, like right a report, check on the casualties, check how my soldiers are doing and attend my meeting with the councillors." Mingyu and Soonyoung looked at eachother before shaking their heads.

"Sleep for.. ten minutes, then I'll wake you up, Mingyu will be here the whole time so you guys can go straight to your office and do the reports and everything else. Just ten minutes." Wonwoo looked at him as he contemplated what to do. He sighed.

"Fine, ten minutes. You guys have to wake me up after that."

"Okay, fine. Sleep now." Wonwoo closed his eyes as Mingyu came close and adjusted the blanket on top of him, to fully cover him.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

Mingyu shook Wonwoo awake just as promised and the two began their duties. They wrote reports, checked on how many casualties there were and their soldiers health. They only had one thing left. The meeting.

It wasn't an awful thing but it was something that Wonwoo disliked. The councillors seemed like impudent imbeciles who only cared about themselves than their country, much to Wonwoo's disadvantage.

The two walked towards the meeting room as Mingyu held the door open for him. Wonwoo let out a small 'thank you' and went to his representative seat. The councillors looked at the couple, staring down each of their individual movements. Wonwoo felt trapped under their gaze as he sat uncomfortabley, shifting every other moment.

Mingyu sat next to Wonwoo, not letting a sound out as he took papers from Soonyoung. Wonwoo looked at the two as he took the rest of the papers, looking through them to check which one to show first.

"The casualty number for us was high but for the Japanese it was higher. They brough less men and lost more. Though our men seemed to have suffered a lot in the hands of the Japanese and so have the our people. It seems that they had teamed up with the Mongols. They are ruthless and I am worried that they might partner up with China. That would mean we would be surrounded from everywhere, except the South where Russia borders us a bit but we are in the process of a peace treaty with them.

This would mean that the Mongols cannot come from there as the journey they have been currently taking is at least a four week trip. They have been terrorising the country side, raping women, taking children and using decapitated heads as decorations, going around with them on sticks.

It seems that they will be a larger problem than the Japanese. We should have predicted this as we all know Hideyoshi is known for the coward act." Wonwoo looked around to see the councillors reactions. They shook their heads at the mention of Hideyoshi.

Wonwoo looked at Mingyu to continue.

"To prevent these bastards from going any further to terrorise our country, we will set out greens in three to fives, they will be stationed around the country, near the coast and will help the villages and towns that have been affected already. We will also try to meet with the Chinese Emperor, Wanli, and try to get a peace treaty in place to not get cornered." Mingyu took out some papers to show them as he places them on the table.

"We where able to find a way to get a peace treaty with China, but we will first tell the King then forward our plans to you." The councillors agreed, they all looked pleased so Wonwoo sighed.

"I also have a feeling that the Japanese men are not gone. Yes, Hideyoshi is a coward, but having the Mongols with their leader Genghis Khan, they have a upper hand here. We should be ready at all times in case something goes wrong." Wonwoo said. The councillors looked displeased as they mumbled to eachother, disagreeing with Wonwoo.

"Prince Wonwoo, I am sorry to say this but you weren't out on the battlefield like everyone else." One councillor spoke out. The others looked at eachother with wide eyes.

Wonwoo tilted his head not understanding. "Who told you that, if I may ask."

"King Seungcheol." He replied. Wonwoo's breath hitched. Why would Seungcheol say that when he had been on the battlefield and had even went one on one with Hideyoshi.

He looked at Soonyoung who looked equally as confused. When he was about to speak up, Mingyu spoke instead.

"The king may have been mistaken as Prince Wonwoo was part of the first troops who went out and when he came back he went out straight away. Do you remember seeing him in meetings?"

"O-oh, I'm sorry." The councillor bowed his head as Wonwoo gave him a small smile.

"Well then the meeting ends here. Thank you and I will get back to you guys once I finalise everything with the king." Wonwoo stood up and left them room, followed by Mingyu then Soonyoung.

Chapter Text

"No." Seungcheol's one word let them know that he wasn't going to do it.

"But your hig-"

"No is a no Wonwoo, don't bring this up again." Seungcheol cut Wonwoo off.

"You can't just say no. Think about it hyung, this is on behalf of the country. If we ally with the Russian empire than our chances of getting surrounded are lower and the chances of us allying with China will increase meaning the mongols will have less of a pathway to get to us." Wonwoo pleaded, fingers gripping the armrest tightly.

"Wonwoo, you are not talking to your brother currently but your king." Wonwoo looked down, clenching his fists as Seungcheol disregarded him.

"Your highness," Mingyu spoke out. "The suggestion made by Prince Wonwoo is the most sensible one we have. Making a deal with the Chinese and Russian will heighten our protection and our trade routes which we have said in our drafts towards you." Seungcheol contemplated but shook his head in the end.

"No. This is far to dangerous."

"And not doing it is even more dangerous. If the Mongols get their before us then we will be doomed. Have you not seen the ruthlessness they have sought through in Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans being one of the most powerful cannot get past these bastards." Wonwoo stood up from his seat.

"Please tell us as soon as possible, your highness." Wonwoo bowed. "If you allow I shall be on my way." Seungcheol nodded as Mingyu and Wonwoo exited the room.

Mingyu patted Wonwoo's back in consolation. "Don't worry your brother will come round to it. It's just we've had bad history with the Russian." Wonwoo sighed.

"I know but if making a deal with them and the stupid Chinese will help our people then I am more than ready for it." Mingyu looked at Wonwoo.

"Let's go eat before meeting the councillors. I'm getting a headache thinking about them" Wonwoo let out a giggle and nodded his head as Mingyu let a chuckle out as well. The two walked down the hallway, leaving a aggravated Seungcheol behind the large palace doors.

--

"Seungcheol, they're right. We have to make a statement with the Russian and Chinese if we want our people to be alright." Jeonghan tried to explain, soothing Seungcheol by rubbing his arm.

"And forget the years of torment they caused my country? We will not be partnering up with them. Neither the Chinese. We have a capable army to defend ourselves." Seungcheol didn't budge off, not rifting his argument stance. Jeonghan looked at him and sighed.

"As you say your highness, but of you're going to put the past infront of the present then we will get nowhere. Who knows next we'll be divided into north and south like the Saxons right now."

"Don't say such things, Jeonghan. The Saxons and Normans are getting on just fine."

"Getting on just fine or the Saxons where forced to adapt because a Norman thought he deserved the country instead of all of the other Saxons whose country it actually was." Jeonghan crossed his arms together, not backing down on his argument either.

"No, the Normans bought much more good for England than the Saxons could've ever done. Now they have a proper army and even a navy." Seungcheol huffed.

"Something that they don't need if they weren't to start with world affairs. Who are we to say the  Ottomans won't attack them next. No what's to say the French won't attack next— now that welsh Tudors have taken over, Queen Elizabeth couldn't have been a worse decision for England but she's not all that bad." Jeonghan shrugged.

"Why are you comparing me to England." Seungcheol argued, not liking where the conversation (or argument) was going.

"I'm not comparing you to anyone. I'm just giving you a history lesson which you have decided to compare yourself to. Does that mean something? Are you inevitably going to become Queen Elizabeth and do what you think is right instead of what is actually right?" Jeonghan had Seungcheol gaping. His mouth ajar and speechless.

"Are you saying Wonwoo's right." Seungcheol questioned, raising his eyebrow in mockery.

"Yes. He is right. There's no question to it. You just fail to see what is power is. For example saying he didn't go into the battle field when he did and almost lost his life. Multiple times. What was your reasoning behind that because I do know how capable he is."

"You're not going to let this go." He asked, hands flying to his side.

"I will actually. Wonwoo is going to fight his stance. I know he will. And I refuse to be the one who made you accept his reasoning. Do you even love Wonwoo if you where going to agree with me when all I did was talk about England and he actually gave valid reasoning?" Jeonghan shook his head in disappointment. "You think you're protecting Wonwoo, you don't even do half of those things for Chan. What do you really have against Wonwoo."

Jeonghan sighed watching Seungcheol stay quiet.

"Think about it and think if it's really worth the pain you're causing him." Jeonghan walked out.

Am I really causing him pain?

---

Wonwoo walked into his chambers. It was late at night and the moon was already half way up in the sky. He shrugged off his hanbok leaving him in his large white shirt and loose white trousers.

He walked out into his balcony, resting his hands on the rails. His eyes trailed the moon, the moonlight hitting his face in a gently manor. The light wind breeze danced along his hair, swerving and spinning single strands of his hair.

Mingyu stood in the palace garden, watching up at Wonwoo who stood there looking like the offspring of Aphrodite.

His skin glistened under the moonlight as he closed his eyes to enjoy the breeze. Wonwoo opened his eyes and looked down, his eyes locked with Mingyu's as he cocked his eyebrow up. Mingyu smiled at him, looking at his shocked expression.

"Come up." Wonwoo said and Mingyu was no one to deny, until Wonwoo spoke again. "Wait I'll come down." Mingyu nodded as he watched Wonwoo disappear behind his doors. He leaned onto a tree waiting for Wonwoo to come down.

It was like a fairytale, well that's what Mingyu had thought. Wonwoo was a dream in Mingyu's eyes. His slender figure with broad shoulders which led to what Mingyu thought was a small waist. His legs looked like they went on forever. His eyes, sharp and detailed. Slender nose and high cheekbones. His sharp jawline led to a long neck which covered his sharp collarbones.

Wonwoo was the embodiment of perfect. More than perfect. Mingyu would bet that that he was the prettiest person he had seen.

He thought that their marriage would've been more rocky due to Wonwoo's initial reaction but now. Mingyu knew Wonwoo didn't mind him and it was the same. 

Actually, maybe Mingyu did mind Wonwoo.

His ability to make him forget about everything and everyone else in the room whenever he entered. His smile when he achieved things or when he talked to his younger brother. Wonwoo was pure and Mingyu wanted to taint him in the best way.

When Wonwoo entered the garden grounds, Mingyu immediately got out of his position and approached him.

"Why are you up so late, Wonwoo." Mingyu asked.

"Finishing up a new report to show hyung." Mingyu inwardly sighed. He was sure that his highness was going to accept the idea. It was the smartest way to avoid any harm to the people. He didn't understand what was wrong with the proposal. It was the best that they had right now. They where going to have to make friends with the Russians one day or another and it was good to start now.

"What did you write this time?" Mingyu questioned, as the two started walking inside the garden.

"The same thing, mainly. I added some other points which I don't even remember if I'm being honest. I basically just rewrote it." Mingyu let out a chuckle. Of course Wonwoo wouldn't backdown on his argument. He just worded it differently so it suited the other reader.

"Do you think he will agree?" Mingyu asked which led Wonwoo into deep thought until he nodded.

"I saw Jeonghan hyung in the room with him after we left. He probably convinced or something like that. If he agrees it's definitely not because of me." Mingyu looked at Wonwoo's side profile. His eyes gathered tears which were gone just as fast as they came. "He doesn't really believe in me. It's because of my mother, she disliked the royal family a lot. We're only brothers from the same father. All three of us have different mother and all three of our mothers hate our father. I think it was different for my mother. Both of their mothers were from noble families. Seungcheol's mother being my fathers wife and the rest his concubines." 

Mingyu heard Wonwoo let out a sigh. He felt like this was the first time Wonwoo was talking about it. "Though Chan is the youngest, father got interested in my mother last — well not really interested. He did things he shouldn't have and ended up having to bare the consequences. That's why Seungcheol's mother disliked my mother. My mother was a farmer but really smart. I guess she disliked her because she caught his attention even though she was poor. She told Seungcheol to not associate himself with me even though we only have a one year age gap. He's kept that promise half I guess. He keeps his distance but has to associate himself with us. That's also the reason we all have different surnames. Most of us took our mothers names because father didn't want the people knowing but they found out."

Mingyu patted his back. "That's not all of the story, is it?" Wonwoo looked up at Mingyu.

"Not it isn't." He sighed.

"It's okay. Whatever they said or did to you, you're more than that Wonwoo. A lot more than that." Mingyu wrapped his arms around Wonwoo's waist as Wonwoo buried his head in Mingyu's neck. Mingyu laced his fingers through Wonwoo's jet black hair, comforting him as he figured no one had given him a hug in a while. "What happened to your mother." Mingyu felt Wonwoo stiffen in his embrace. His fingers tightening around Mingyu's shirt.

"They killed her."

Chapter Text

Mingyu's hands tightened around Wonwoo. He heard his breath hitch as the confession was the first one Wonwoo had done. He never said it aloud, the truth of his mothers death always stayed between his heart and his soul. Not even Seungcheol knew — well Wonwoo didn't know if Seungcheol knew.

Wonwoo rested his head on Mingyu's shoulder, eyes shutting feeling the warmth of Mingyu. Mingyu's fingers tangled in Wonwoo's hair, keeping him calm. "They where supposed to kill me too but realised that I was too young. Was it pity, I don't really know. They stabbed her infront of me, they didn't only stab her, they did other things which my seven-year-old self couldn't decifer at the time. When I look back at it now, I understand yet I still don't know why they did it." Wonwoo sighed, voice cracking at the end as it quietened as he spoke the ugly truth of his mothers death.

"Hey, do you want to know?" Mingyu asked. Wonwoo looked up, eyes meeting Mingyu's, searching for what he really meant. 

"I'll search with you."

--- 

Mingyu walked through the doors of the palace. King Seungcheol was sitting on his throne, Jeonghan on his side.

"We've allied with the Chinese." Mingyu's eyes widened, he looked around for Wonwoo, but didn't see him.

"Why am I the only one here? Where's Prince Wonwoo?" Mingyu questioned.

Seungcheol shook him off. "We don't need him for this. Predicting off of the Japanese attacks so far, we shouldn't be expecting another one until the middle of next year, a month before the summer solstice." 

"And that's were you're wrong, Hyung." Wonwoo walked in wearing a white and gold hanbok which was fastened around his small waist. His bangs fell over his eyes, face stoic, no emotion seen but there was a quiet confidence and fury in his steps.

"If you had told me we had allied with the Chinese then maybe I would be able to tell you that the Japanese plan to attack in early autumn."

"And how should I trust you?" Seungcheol questioned, his words jabbing Wonwoo's heart, eyes growing in moist and mouth hung open.

"Why would you not trust me? I'm your brother!?" Wonwoo shouted, his fingers angrily combing his hair in disbelief in what he was hearing.

"And? We are as much brothers as enemies in this world." A tear fell from Wonwoo's eyes. He scoffed.

"So you trust a general more than your brother?" 

Seungcheol simply nodded. "Yes, he has fought bravely for th country and his father was a noble man."

"I have fought for the country as well and we share a father!?" 

"Yet your mother was a traitor."

"Then you should be deemed one as well. Look I'm not doing this with you, your majesty. But take my warning. Hideyoshi is doing the attack in early autumn and we aren't ready. The soldiers are tired, our resources are low and the traders won't come for another three weeks. Do what you want with that information. But know, when they attack then," Wonwoo daunted.

 "You won't have me here."

Wonwoo walked out as Mingyu glared at Seungcheol not believing a single word you said. His advisor came to stand beside Mingyu.

"What the hell was that, Seungcheol. How could you say that to Wonwoo!?" Jeonghan's arms wailed, as he failed to hide his frustration at the King.

"Your highness, I'm sorry if I'm overstepping the boundary but know, I won't do anything without Wonwoo. If he goes, so will I." Mingyu bowed then left behind Wonwoo.

Jeonghan looked at Seungcheol, eyes piercing the other. "You guys had a fight." Seungcheol sighed in response.

"So what." His voice sharp and solid.

"What did you say to him." Jeonghan asked, his voice piercing Seungcheol's exterior facade.

"Why aren't you ever on my side!? Why don't you ask what he did to me?! Huh." Seungcheol asked, raging in fury that his younger brother was the only one people cared about.

"Because he never does anything to you, you always do something to him. Why am I not on your side?" Jeonghan repeated. Tauntingly. 

"Well maybe because everyone is on your side and Wonwoo only has three people. Do you even know the damage you caused him by spreading lies. EVEN MINGYU! What did they do to you." Jeonghan stepped forward.

"What? The kingdom preferred Wonwoo's mother over yours, your mother was jealous and wanted both of them killed. Are you that devastated that he didn't die?! Are you that devastated that even after everything that he's been through, he's still standing on his feet. Better than you." 

"Learn your mistakes now. Even though your too late."

-------

Mingyu paced in his room. His desk full of scattered papers, timelines that didn't make sense, numbers that where starting to look like a different alphabet and maps that looked like a child scribbled on a piece of scrap paper and tossed it away like rubbish.

If Wonwoo's prediction was right and Hideyoshi was a true  tacking in early autumn, they had no way in winning the war. With multiple battles, back to back. Their army was tired, hungry, and missed their loved ones. Families still mourning  their lost ones. 

They couldn't go back to war.

At least not by themselves.

Mingyu sat by his desk, going over the agreements they made with the Chinese. Seungcheol decided to leave the Russians out of it after what they had done decades ago. It was a bad idea yet Mingyu knew he and Wonwoo had pulled too many of his strings already.

Mingyu's thoughts flew back to Wonwoo, his hurt eyes at the thought his brother trusted a general more than him. Mingyu's heart hurt looking at Wonwoo. They hadn't known each other for that long yet Mingyu knew he would fall endlessly for Wonwoo. 

There was a knock on his door. "Come in." He shouted from his desk as he lifted his head to see the incomer.

Wonwoo gently opened the door, stepping in the room before closing the door behind him. He was wearing a dark purple hanbok which had light purple intricate details and designs of lavenders. His hair fell over his eyes as he gently brushed them away with his finger tips.

Mingyu automatically stood up, crossing the distance between them with his long legs. He stopped in front of Wonwoo, peering down at him.

Wonwoo tilted his face up a bit, to see Mingyu's face. He smiled, and took a small step back.

"Hey," Wonwoo shyly said. Mingyu chuckled endearingly. 

"Hi." He replied. "Do you need something?" He asked softly, his hands coming to rest on Wonwoo's waist.

"Actually to discuss the thing I said before. I realised I didn't tell you the details." Mingyu's mood dropped. He was quite ridiculous to think Wonwoo came to meet him, but before he could reply Wonwoo spoke up again.

"I also missed you." Wonwoo scratched the back of his nape, the tip of his ears turning red in embarrassment and cheeks flushing a light pink.

Mingyu's eyes widened. He pulled Wonwoo into a hug, arms wrapping fully round his waist as he rested his face in Wonwoo's hair. Wonwoo stood shocked, before wrapping his arms around Mingyu's neck, burying his face into it as he stood on his tiptoes.

"I missed you too." Mingyu whispered, pressing a kiss into his hair. Wonwoo looked up, eyes widened as his chin rested on Mingyu's chest. His cheeks flushed a deeper red. Mingyu's hands came up and brushed his hair away from his eyes, gently caressing his hair.

Wonwoo closed his eyes, letting out a content sigh in the hands of Mingyu. He opens them again and his gaze peers down to Mingyu's lips. Mingyu wet his own lip with his tongue, gently biting it as his eyes wandered towards Wonwoo's own pair of lips.

Wonwoo's lips were deep red and glistened in the moonlight as Mingyu leaned in towards Wonwoo. Their lips touched and Wonwoo stilled, his eyes automatically shutting. Their were no fireworks neither any butterflies in his stomach.

There was the feeling of home. He didn't want to leave Mingyu's strong arms which held him like he was the only one in the world. His eyes telling him that he would be here whenever Wonwoo fell.

Mingyu didn't take the kiss further. Their lips where attached in a way that made it seem like this was what fate brought in the end. 

Wonwoo parted his lips, letting Mingyu take the kiss further. Mingyu moved his mouth against Wonwoo's, his right hand gently holding the back of Wonwoo's head.

The kiss was slow, not sensual and everything Mingyu though Wonwoo would taste like. His lips felt like a soft pillow and Mingyu knew he was addicted. He couldn't get enough of the slow kisses they where having and he knew he never would. 

His sense of longing was fulfilled. His contentment rising and live for Wonwoo continuous. They slowly pulled away, a string of saliva attached to each of their lips.

Wonwoo's lips where redder than before. Mingyu smiled, his sharp canines poking out as Wonwoo smiled as well. He pulled Wonwoo in for another hug, arms squeezing Wonwoo's waist.

"You're the best thing that happened to me." Mingyu whispers in Wonwoo's ear. The reaction is immediate as Wonwoo let's out a small giggle.

"You too. Your the only one who understands who I really am." Their eyes glistened with unshed tears of happiness.

Though their happiness didn't stay for long.

---

"NO!" Mingyu roared at Seungcheol, not accepting a single word he was saying.

"I said what I said General Kim, your engagement with Prince Jeon Wonwoo has been broken off, you will be sent back to your post at the coast and Prince Jeon Wonwoo will be sent to the Russian Empire. We have allied in terms of a marriage. The emperor will marry Prince Jeon Wonwoo." Seungcheol sat in his chair, no emotion on his face. His advisor — Yoon Jeonghan — stood with an angry expression, his eyebrows furrowed and arms crossed around his chest.

"You can't do this to him, to me, to our country. They're attacking in two months and sending Wonwoo away won't do anything." Mingyu rebounded, not backing down.

"I didn't ask for your opinion, General. I didn't ask him for his opinion on his marriage to you, why should I do it to him. And did you say we needed a treaty with the Russians. Well this is it and it's the only way."

The doors opened. It was somehow like déjà vu from when they allied with China. 

Wonwoo stepped inside the room, his hair a mess in desire and eyes glaring. His demeanor was powerful and everyone stood quiet as he approached.

"I'm not going." His voice held fury. "I'm not breaking off my marriage with Mingyu and marrying a old hag. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!" Wonwoo's tears fell, his head fell as well as he tried to hide his tears. His quiet sobs breaking Mingyu's, Jeonghan's and the guards who stood at the door and beside Seungcheol.

"Because I'm disgusted by you."

Chapter Text

Wonwoo froze. Everyone in the room froze. Jeonghan was the first to move, quickly placing himself next to Wonwoo. Mingyu, still frozen, kept himself back from throwing punches, fists clenched either side of him. Seungcheol rose from his seat.

"The Russians arrive tomorrow, I expect all of your luggage to be packed by tomorrow morning. Mingyu, take three men with you and make your journey back to your village. Take off tomorrow morning. I won't take no as an answer. If you disobey me then I will take it as treason. Jeonghan let Wonwoo go, he isn't a child who needs a mothers care to function. Leave him." Seungcheol looked around, his voice solid and cold, devoid of any emotion.

"No Seungcheol, I couldn't care less if you're the king of this kingdom or whatnot!" Jeonghan shouted, unable to take anything being said. "Wonwoo will not leave Korea. We need our prince in the country. We need him more than that stupid ally."

Mingyu moved infront of Wonwoo before Seungcheol could grab him. Seungcheol turned and glared at Mingyu.

"Listen, he's my brother and has nothing to do with you two. So let me do what's best for the kingdom. Isn't that what you guys have been emphasising this whole time?"

"And I'm a person." Wonwoo spoke up in a small voice. "Hyung, you're not doing this for the country and I know that. So who are you doing this for? It's not for me, not for the kingdom and not for the people. How on earth does this help you!?"Wonwoo fingers clenched as he held onto Mingyu's robe tightly, knuckles turning white.

"I'll leave. I'll be gone by the morning, not with the Russians. Never with the Russians. But I'll be back, I'll be back and I'll prove myself to you. I'm taking seven guards with me." Wonwoo let go of Mingyu's robe as he held his hands instead and faced him.

"Wonwoo," Mingyu shook his head in denial. "No you're not going anywhere or I'm coming with you." Wonwoo shook his head.

"The kingdom does need you, I promise to comeback though. I don't break promises. If it's me or my body, I'll be back." Mingyu held onto him tighter.

"Your body! No Wonwoo, you can't go. No.. no." Wonwoo smiled a bit as he squeezed Mingyu's hands before he leaned in and kissed him on his lips. The kiss was short and showed the longing the two would have for eachother.

Mingyu looked Wonwoo in his eyes. He understood what Wonwoo was doing and he would support him either way. He leaned down and pressed his lips on his forehead before hugging him tight.

"You promise right?" Mingyu whispered.

"I promise."

•-•-•»»

The sun was barely rising as Wonwoo got out of his bed. He had packed some clothes and weapons into a small bag. He walked out his room wearing a black hanbok with gold accents. Mingyu walked out of his room as well, waking up early just to bid Wonwoo a farewell. He walked beside Wonwoo as he held his hand out to which Wonwoo held with desperation.

He could see that this was hard for Wonwoo aswell. Wonwoo's hands where sweaty, as he held onto Mingyu's hand, intertwining their fingers. Wonwoo abruptly stopped, as he faced Mingyu eyes full of tears.

"Mingyu-ah, I can't do this." Wonwoo shook his head as his tears fell free. Mingyu's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he pulled Wonwoo into a hug.

He stoked Wonwoo's back as he mumbled words of encouragement to a sobbing Wonwoo. "You have to do this, to show your brother how much better you are then him. He'll probably make you seem like a traitor but don't worry, your number one, Wonwoo advocate is still here — and number two and three for Jeonghan and Chan." Wonwoo looked up and wiped his tears and nodded.

"Yeah, I'll show him that I'm a worthy brother." Wonwoo stared into Mingyu's eyes as Mingyu leaned down to join their lips. Their lips told the story of how much they would miss eachother. Their lips moved in patters as they fit perfectly together. Tongues slowly lapping on eachother as Mingyu held the back of Wonwoo's neck and a firm grip on his waist. Wonwoo's hands went around Mingyu's neck, as he pulled him closer, drenching himself in Mingyu's warmth.

Mingyu's kisses trailed down Wonwoo's neck as Wonwoo tilted his head to give Mingyu better access. Mingyu slowly sucked at the junction of Wonwoo's jaw and neck biting and licking the mark. He pulled away, satisfied with his work. "Their, mine." Mingyu growled.

Mingyu took something out of his pocket. A silver chain which adorned the initials 'MW'. He slowly turned Wonwoo around as he delicately put the chain around his neck. Wonwoo turned to face Mingyu. "I got it made by the blacksmith a few weeks ago with the intention to give it to you on our wedding night, but I want you to have it now and remember me whenever you see it." Wonwoo nodded as he held the chain tightly around his neck.

Before Wonwoo could say anything, a solider came up to him. "Prince Wonwoo, we have to leave now." Wonwoo nodded as took Mingyu's hand once again and the solider held his small bag. They walked to the back of the palace where Jeonghan and Chan where waiting.

"Hyung, once you get out you have to take the route towards the forest. You'll find the rest of your men there." Wonwoo nodded as he went to hug Chan. No matter the hatred he bore for his older brother, he could never hate Chan. He could feel his younger brothers tears wetting his hanbok as Jeonghan slowly pried Chan away.

"He'll be back before you know it Chan." Chan solemnly nodded, still holding back tears. Jeonghan came and hugged Wonwoo as well.

"Ay, I'm not dying guys, I'm just going to come back with victory on my shoulders and pride in my hands." Wonwoo chuckled at his own soldiers until he saw the three guys glaring at him. "Haha." He forced out a laugh. "I might die from you guys before I even get out there." He mumbled which was heard by all three of them.

"Wait, I think I hear my calling. Natures calling me. It's time I connect with the roots of the world." Jeonghan stifled a laugh at the seriousness in Wonwoo's voice.

"Are you going to become a monk?" He questioned.

"I did consider it." The four guys laughed until they heard footsteps.

"Already leaving brother?" Seungcheol's voice came from behind Wonwoo as he turned to see him. Seungcheol glared at Chan and Jeonghan. "What on earth are you all doing here?" Chan piqued a small apology as he looked down.

"Wonwoo, the moment you leave the barriers of Baekje, you will be deemed a traitor from me and my kingdom."

"Then a traitor I shall be, but I will come back with a victory you will not comprehend, and when I do." Wonwoo stepped closer to Seungcheol, his voice dropping an octave. "You won't be my brother." He stepped away and gave a last glance to Seungcheol before he walked away.

He bowed at everyone before following the solider out the secret door behind the palace.

•-•-•-•»»

"Wonwoo will from here on now be deemed as an traitor. He has left our city and not honoured our treaty with the Russians." The people gasped, hearing the news of their prince.

"When we see him, he will be executed."

Chapter Text

Wonwoo rode out on his stallion, the sun seeping through the mountains as he and his soldiers rode into the early hours of the morning. The wind blew against his face as he let out deep breaths trying not to let the tears run down his face.

They had been riding for a couple of hours and Wonwoo brought his hand up in a fist yo show that they where coming to a stop.

"Soonyoung, we'll rest here for an hour and continue our journey. We're finishing this in three weeks. No more. We'll show our king how capable all of us are." Wonwoo's advisor nodded as he got off his horse and tied him up to a tree, allowing the horse to get rest. Wonwoo moved methodically as well, tying up his horse with precision and taking the weight off its back for a comfortable resting time.

He lay against the tree remembering the words his brother had uttered to him. He was a traitor in the eyes of the kingdom. He couldn't be redeemed. They wouldn't allow him to comeback with empty hands. He had to complete this mission and he would comeback.

Even if it's his dead body.

--

The city was a mess. Pictures of their prince painted with the words 'WANTED' haunted the city. Mingyu ran as he continued ripping them off as soldiers continued putting them on. The loud drums sounded throughout the city, echoing a new call indicating the arrival of someone.

Seungcheol paced up and down the stairs, thinking about how to tell the Russians that Wonwoo wasn't here. That was when his eyes stopped on his youngest brother. Chan.

"Don't, even think about it." Jeonghan said, eyes glaring into Seungcheol side.

"I have nothing else to fucking do. This failed arrangement could cause war between both of our countries." 

"Well maybe that meant you were supposed to handle this differently. We're already in war with the Japanese." Jeonghan calmly replied even though his anger was slowly rising

"Well what the fuck do you want me to do! Watch my kingdom slowly crumble?!" Seungcheol shouted, hands clenching on his side.

"Listen, you want a solution, you're going to get a lesson first." Jeonghan stepped closer. "Their is no kingdom without war. We've already been through gruesome wars but if you listened to Wonwoo, you would've allied with the Russians in the correct way and not like this. You want to know wants going on in the world currently? The union of Brittany and France. That took a while didn't it? France also signed the treaty of Vervins with Spain. After years of war. Isn't it time for us to do that with Japan. Maybe not sign a treaty but finally find peace. For us, for them. For our kingdom."

--

Mingyu sat in his bedroom. He refused to go back to his home city, heart racing for the safety of Wonwoo. Then there was a knock on his door. He let out a small 'come in' and the door opened to show Chan.

"You look like shit." Chan joked. He settled next to Mingyu, hands resting in his lap. "Don't worry too much about hyung. He's strong and brave and never gives up. My hyung never gives up." Mingyu looked at Chan as he pat his head slowly. Chan then looked up, tears welling in his eyes. "He will be okay, right hyung?" 

"Of course he will be okay. You already said, Wonwoo is strong, brave and never gives up. He'll come back victorious and I know that. I trust him." 

"What are we going to do with the Russians then?" Chan asked. Mingyu smirked. 

"I have a plan. Don't stress too much about it Chan."

Chan nodded as he leaned into Mingyu's warm embrace. "You make my hyung happy." Mingyu raised his eyebrows. "Before you came, he was closed off and only talked to me, hyung and Soonyoung. I'd never seen him talk to Jeonghan hyung before you came. After you arrived, hyung started opening up and his face always held a small smile whenever you were mentioned." Mingyu smiled, imaging Wonwoo's small, soft smile whilst thinking about him. "Whenever you walked by, he would always brighten up, his eyes would glisten in the sunlight."

"Well he makes me happy as well. Whenever I think about him my heart thumps and I start smiling really weirdly." Chan let out a loud laugh.

"I think I've seen your weird smile." Mingyu chuckled as he continued.

"My mind short circuits and in my view sight is only him. I think I've chatted my soldiers ears off about how cute and how ethereal he looks." Mingyu smiled at the memories.

"Yeah I've heard about hyungs cuteness and how much you yapped that the soldiers ended up knowing the small details about hyung because of you."

"He'll be okay Chan, I know he will be."

---

The Russians rode into the city. Boris Godunov leading his soldiers as he rode a pure black stallion. It's mane weaved and styled with ribbons coloured in red, white and blue. Boris Godunov wore a round helmet as he held a staff in one hand and the reins in the other. He wore heavy, gold clothes with intricate details and had gold,cross necklace wrapped around his neck.

The soldiers wore triangle metal helmets, their clothing mainly blue, with high red stockings. They wore metal armour and wrapped around their waists was swords. Some holding shields whilst others held axes.

Boris Godunov held to a stop, arriving at the large steps that lead to the palace. Waiting their was a singular being, Seungcheol.

"Welcome, Tsar Godunov. We welcome you warmly to our kingdom." Boris Godunov did not reply with a greeting. His face stoic with a glare as he frantically looked around, looking for a particular being.

"Where is my fiancé?" Seungcheol froze as he tried to force out a chuckle. 

"What's the hurry for? Please come inside and I will welcome you with traditional ginseng tea. Freshly imported from the faraway farms in Busan for your arrival. It is wild ginseng, which is very hard to find." Godunov shook him off.

"I want to be back in Russia as soon as possible. The mongols have been extremely ruthless in the south-west recently. So where is Wonwoo?" Godunov questioned.

"He's gone." Mingyu replied, walking towards Boris Godunov with a paper in his hand. He handed Godunov the wanted poster of Wonwoo. Godunov gasped as his hand clenched the poster, creasing the edge.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Godunov shouted. He took off his helmet as he handed it over to his solider as he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"He didn't agree to the marriage. He was coerced into it so he ran, and that was labelled as treason." Godunov glared at Seungcheol.

"You said he agreed to the marriage! You know my marriages are strategically planned but with consent from the other side! I don't do forced marriages, and I specified that to you King Seungcheol!" Godunov shouted.

"Tsar Godunov, you should know he agreed and then backed away and—"

"I don't want to hear it. I'm not going to ally with a traitorous kingdom. You've wasted weeks of my time. We will be staying the night and be on our way tomorrow morning." The Tsar was about to walk away before Mingyu's voice stopped him.

"I have a prosposition, do you want to hear it?"

---

Mingyu and Godunov sat aside eachother in the meeting room. Mingyu sat next to Jeonghan who held multiple pieces of paper. Seungcheol was nowhere to be seen.

"What exactly is your idea?" Godunov asked.

"Well since the marriage cannot go through but both of us need this alliance, we could just promise eachother to protect eachother instead." Godunov raised his eyebrows.

"And I'm supposed to just... trust you? You've already broken my trust."

"No, that was King Seungcheol who broke your trust. To show you that we want this alliance, I will send my best soldiers with you back to the border. If you then see that we are good people you can sign the treaty. I would have already signed it and their will be two copies. One dk you and one for me. If one of us breaks this alliance, the punishment is..

War."

Godunov nodded, accepting the offer. "Okay, I can do that." He excused himself and left to rest.

Mingyu turned to Jeonghan. "How do you thing Wonwoo's doing?" Jeonghan chuckled at the question Mingyu had asked him a million times that day.

"I think he's doing great, Mingyu. He's Wonwoo after all. We won't see him for the next couple of months though. I have no idea what his victory is, but all that I know is that it's big." Mingyu nodded in agreement though Wonwoo never explicitly told him what he was going out to do, he said he promised to comeback.

And Mingyu trusted him.

Chapter Text

Wonwoo continued his journey with his advisor Soonyoung, soldiers Seokmin, Jihoon, Jisoo, Hansol, Seungkwan, Junhui, and Minghao. The nine rode off, their stallions leaving footprints in the soft snow that the early mist of November brought. Wonwoo's pure white stallion a stand out to the collection of brown and white coloured skin of the other horses.

"We shall continue to pass through the east winds. If I am correct we will arrive at the destination in the middle of the night. That should be good for us so we can see the enemies base. We will stand on guard, taking turns so all of us can get enough sleep. At the rise of dawn we shall attack and take down the enemy." Wonwoo's voice never faltered as he delivered his plan. His soldiers looked at eachother, bravery etched on their faces.

The men had immense loyalty for Wonwoo. They trusted him and his instincts as if it were the word of God. They knew going out on this mission could be the cause of their death but they and their family know that if they where to become a martyr then it would be under the command of Prince Jeon Wonwoo.

They nodded, the horses galloped as if saying that they were also with Wonwoo. "We may die, trying with this but I know if any of us do die. It's was for the greater good." Wonwoo looked around and held contact with each of his soldiers. "If I am to die during battle, Jisoo you will take lead and retreat before attacking. We cannot go back to our kingdom without Hideyoshi's head on a stick. That son of a bastard must be gone from Korea before he recks with the rest of the world. But,

If we are to seem to be in a tough position, and the Japanese have seemed to have ran away leaving us with a lot in our hands, you must retreat back to Baekje and announce that I have abandoned you. You will say I forced you into this mess and it's only myself to blame. Am I understood?""

"You will not die, Prince Wonwoo. And we will never leave you like that, You Grace." Seungkwan called out, never wanting to think about that possibility.

"You will have to, Seungkwan, you must do what I have said."

Jisoo stepped in. "You are telling us to get the whole of the kingdom on your back."

"We must overlook every possible situation, Jisoo. Now off we go. In the name of Korea and our brave soldiers, we will return victorious with the name of God in our hands." 

Wonwoo's horse yelped and they rode away, determined to finish what had started.

___

The sun lowered, its light casting over the large mountains and the sky coloured a pink hue. 

"Over there! It's smoke and ashes!" Junhui shouted, pointing towards the large amount of smoke gathering in the sky behind the mountain.

Wonwoo spotted the smoke, his eyes sharpening at the sight. "Change of plans, were heading north-west, towards the mountain. Everybody sharpen up, it could be a trap." They nodded as Wonwoo led them, hurrying his horse along to quickly arrive to whatever was going on.

The horses galloped along the rural path that was made from the hundreds of other horses who had rode against the same roads — all with a different goal in mind.

Wonwoo halted at the sight of a burnt village, the houses left with nothing but the foundations they where built on, mothers holding on to their deceased loved one, children weeping next to parents as they pull out every last person from under the ashes.

"What has happened here?" Wonwoo softly asked a young child.

The child timidly looked up, unsure on whether to trust these new men or not. Wonwoo stepped off of his hose and lowered himself to be eye to eye with the child, showing he held no authority over her.

"T-they k-killed Eomma and Appa and O-ppa. The b-big scary m-men." The girl hiccuped, tears streaming down her face as she tried to form coherent sentences. Wonwoo slowly pat her head.

"What's you name, little bird." The affectionate term rolled off his tongue as he looked at the child.

"Eunchae. H-Hong Eunchae." 

"What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Should we start looking around, will you mind to show me around." The girl shook her head, wiping all traces of tear from her face.

"I will help, if I help I'll be a hero like Eomma, Appa, and Oppa were."

"That's right." Wonwoo held out his hand and Eunchae placed her small hand in his, slowly leading the strange man around. Wonwoo was slowly shown around with a small hand in his. The town was burnt to the ground, the ashes all over the place and the sound of young and old grunting. 

Wonwoo and his soldiers, slowed their pace as they where met with a mass of dead bodies covered in dirty white cloths. 

"That's Eomma," Eunchae pointed at a body which was burnt, leaving no sign of human flesh. Her eyes roamed until they sat on another body. "That's Appa, Appa would've been alive now but he went to save the other children." The fathers body was bruised and adorned many wounds. "That.. that's Oppa, he was only twelve." The body was nothing. It wasn't a body. It was all in pieces, his head, arms and legs all separated. "They did it infront of me." Her voice became quieter as tears fell down her eyes.

Wonwoo immediately kneeled infront of her and took her into a hug. "How old are you Eunchae-yah?" Wonwoo questioned, patting her head.

"Nine and one quarter." Wonwoo slowly pulled out of the hug and caressed Eunchae's face.

"In the city there are many children your age. Do you want to come with me?" He offered which lit up her face.

"You won't leave me right?" She innocently questioned.

"Never."

---

"We're being attacked, protect the Prince!!" Minghao shouted as he pulled out his sword, immediately slicing an Japanese soldier.

Wonwoo pulled Eunchae behind him as he took out his sword, fighting off any intruder.

"Well,well, well. What does it look like we have here. The prince, in person?" Hideyoshi mocked, "How did they send you here? Or ... did you run away?" He laughed, his head falling backwards as he stared into Wonwoo's eyes.

"You're a pretty one, aren't you. And who's that little angel behind you. She looks like that kid I pulled apart yesterday. Don't tell me, is that his sister?"

Wonwoo saw red as everyone around him faded. All that was in his vision was Hideyoshi. "I'll kill you, you coward. You can't even do anything yourself, you ran away last time. Are you here for another loss, or will you actually fight me this time?"

"So the prince can open his mouth, what can I say. You are exactly my type. Never thought I'd be this turned on by someone talking."

"Help the Prince!" Jisoo screamed as the others immediately formed a circle around Wonwoo and Eunchae.

"The prince can't even fend for himself, is that what we have here. I guess we're done with the chit chat? Attack?" He looked at Wonwoo in the eye. "Attack!" He screamed and a wave of Japanese and Mongols came crashing down as Wonwoo and his men fought them off.

Wonwoo kicked at one, as he slashed his leg, stabbing into his heart and throwing him off. Then came another dozen and an arrow.

The arrows came in like rain as they littered everywhere. Wonwoo used the shield that a soldier dropped and protected himself and Eunchae behind it.

Until they came from all sides.

One hit Wonwoo in the chest as he fell to the ground. Hideyoshi saw and signalled the other to attack.

Five Mongols and seven Japanese men came and began fighting Wonwoo. Wonwoo saw them before they came so he stood up and picked up two swords from the ground and began fighting.

It was tough as he had an arrow in his chest and one in his right thigh. He kicked a man with his left foot and swiftly span, slashing two more in the mean time. He fisted the arrow in his thigh and pulled it out in seconds, using the arrow to stab one in the neck. He fought off the wariness that began spreading and the desire to drop dead in that moment.

His attacks got more sloppy as the blood was slowly getting drained. Someone kicked him from behind while the other slashed his front. He slowly faded, his mind knotting up, not keeping up with the pain that was being embezzled within him. He coughed and when he looked down he saw the blood. He looked around and saw his men fighting with bravery. That was when the last slash hit.

Straight through his stomach, Wonwoo smiled as he closed his eyes. Everything around him faded as he let himself drift and rest.

"Wonwoo-Oppa! You said you wo-" Eunchae voice came muffled as he opened his eyes with all his strength. He saw the men grab Eunchae, two grab him and drag him into a metal cage. He saw them retreat and his soldiers contemplating whether to follow on his command to also retreat or fight for him.

He shook his head, hoping they understood.

Go, I'll be watching from above

That was his last thought before he passed out.

---

Wonwoo's mind slowly began awaking as it was hit with a truck full load of pain. His backside, front side and even his thighs burned in something which could only mean one thing.

He blinked his eyes open as he took in all of the things around him. He saw Eunchae tied up next to him, asleep, her face covered in bruises and her clothes scattered around.

Wonwoo's eyes widened in disbelief. He didn't want to believe it but the naked man in the corner of the room only confirmed his suspicion. His heart broke, imagining all the pain she must've been through. He wanted to pat her head and tell her it's okay when she woke up but his hands where tied behind his back.

He also wanted to be hugged. He wanted to fall in Mingyu's strong arms, and complain about the stupid councillors and maybe Chan being annoying. He wanted to see his men and hang out with them with Mingyu by his side. He wanted to ask Seungcheol if this was what he wanted. He wanted to teach Eunchae how to fight, and teacher her everything as he saw potential but all he could do was lie here and wait for timing.

--

The timing never came. The men came in whenever they liked and used him. They where going to use Eunchae but Wonwoo begged them not to. They hadn't tied him up again, believing he was too battered up to even walk.

That's when Wonwoo realised he couldn't wait for a timing, he had to make one himself. Which he did. He tracked every move the men made. From what time they entered to how long they stayed. He strained his ears to hear any horses and whether they where in a forest or out in the wild. It became clear they where in a forest.

He also found out Hideyoshi was still here. He came once with the Mongol leader and they both simultaneously used Wonwoo. His plan was simple.

Right after the sun set, the men would head out to dinner which lasted to an hour. Wonwoo would slowly untie Eunchae and grab the sword one of the men always ended up forgetting. He would use it to kill anyone who tried to attack. They would get on a horse and flee to wherever they could get to.

That was it, nothing could go wrong... right?

--

Wonwoo kept his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. The men left and he opened his eyed to check if the sword was there. Bingo!

He slowly got up and snatched the sword, limping towards Eunchae who was watching him with wide eyes, her face stained with tears.

"Oppa?"

"We're finally going to escape Eunchae." Her eyes widened. 

"Really Oppa?" She whispered. He nodded enthusiastically.

He slowly untied her using the sword. He freed her legs and slowly picked her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck.

"Does it hurt?" She questioned. He chuckled and shook his head.

"Yes be quiet now, okay?" She nodded her head eagerly. He slipped out the door, keeping best not to limp.

They snuck through the crowd of men, behind the bustling kitchen and finally, the freedom was insight.

"Where are you going, Princess?"

Wonwoo froze, his hand tightening around the sword. He turned around and saw Hideyoshi standing there.

He immediately attacked not allowing him to see any weakness. He dodged every attack. His wounds had not healed yet but he had his years of training on his back. He was the head of the Korean army for a reason.

He attacked and he dodged. The fought back and forth until Wonwoo hit Hideyoshi. The man gasped as his hand immediately went to the wound.

Wonwoo, seeing the open region to attack, he lunged, plunging his sword into his heart. Blood splattered from his mouth as Wonwoo twisted his sword in him and took it out. 

"You bastard." 

Wonwoo smiled as he held Eunchae tight. "It's over Eunchae. It's over." He sighed in relief as he slowly placed her down. "Close your eyes." She obeyed, covering her eyes with her hands. He walked up to Hideyoshi who glared up at Wonwoo. 

"Goodbye." He spun around, gathering momentum and cut off his head.