Work Text:
Taehyung hadn't seen it coming.
In a time very much different than ours there was a kingdom. A picture-perfect one with a kind King, a just Queen and a promising heir. The people loved the family. They trusted them to lead their kingdom well. Yet, the people worried about the future as the heir failed to marry year after year after year. Failed to acquire an ally. A strong ally. Especially in times when the North posed an immediate threat. But said threat meant nothing to the Prince. At least not yet.
Prince Taehyung was as carefree as they came. He attended classes, meetings and training but he was so bored. Bored of life. Bored of duties and talks of marriage. He thought himself way too young to be married. Way too young to be King. Instead, he spent his days reading, playing chess, roaming around the castle grounds and sneaking off to the local tavern, led by his dear friend. He enjoyed the company of strangers and getting drunk off the atmosphere. But, he was still so bored.
Enter Jung Hoseok. A whirlwind of laughter and smiles. Easily filling a room with his presence. He was gorgeous and absolutely charming with his heart-shaped smile which rarely faltered and always reached his eyes. Eyes which always seemed to hide a glint. A glint that sparkled like an unspoken promise. A promise of freedom. A promise of something Taehyung had always longed for. Something he could never attain. Shouldn't, really.
So, Hoseok was dangerous. Taehyung was sure of it. Anyone who so easily laid a spell on the young Prince was a threat. Not only to his own sanity but to his kingdom, as well. But to his surprise, Hoseok wasn't just a handsome stranger passing through his lands but one of many foreign diplomats sent to negotiate new terms for a peace treaty between the four nations.
Nothing had prepared Taehyung to be swept off his feet as Hoseok would. He really should have seen it coming.
Castle life was easy and boring. But not that afternoon. That one afternoon would forever be engraved in Taehyung's brain:
It was an afternoon like many. It had been preceded by many a meeting and sword training. Which had left the Prince insatiable for distraction and the pleasure that was Hoseok's presence. It wasn't unlike them to engage in meaningless banter after hours of debating with much older men about the future of their little world.
But, today was different.
Swordfight had loosened all tension in Taehyung's body as he lounged in his seat, directly opposite Hoseok whose forehead sat in wrinkles while thinking of his next move. Hoseok's blatant confidence had been replaced by worry that just barely dulled the beauty of his face. This was contrasted sharply by Taehyung's laid-back attitude as he stole piece by piece off the board. He didn't even notice the smile that was pulling at his lips. Seeing Hoseok struggling struck a nerve Taehyung didn't even know he had. He was watching intently as Hoseok finished his last move, a move that opened him wide and easy for a finishing attack. Hoseok thought he could best Taehyung at a game he had spent too much time on. Plus, he did have a great teacher. If not the best.
"Your turn, your Highness." Hoseok seemed to have regained some of his lost confidence as he leaned back, crossing his legs, hiding his mouth behind his hand as he spoke. His tone was relaxed but his body language suggested otherwise. Taehyung seemed elated by this turn of events.
Leaning forward, Taehyung let his fingers dance across the board, humming quietly. He didn't want to touch any of the pieces yet. The jewels on his fingers glistened in the sunlight, shining almost as bright as Hoseok's eyes that were glued to his every move. Taehyung stilted any movement for optimum effect and glanced towards the other, finally catching his eye. "How often must I tell you to not refer to me as such?"
Hoseok's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. Much quicker they settled back down, his face much more guarded now.
"Not nearly as often enough for it to stick, your Highness." Hoseok had made sure to put all emphasis on the last part, dropping his hands from his face, giving Taehyung a much clearer view of the smirk that played around Hoseok's lips. He couldn't help but stare. When said smirk seemed to falter a bit, reminding him of the pending response, Taehyung simply placed his last piece, trapping Hoseok's king. It was his turn to smirk.
"Checkmate."
The change in Hoseok's face was something Taehyung would cherish for weeks to come. His eyes went from confidently masked to unadulterated surprise, wide. His mouth hung agape. It was one of the first genuine reactions Hoseok had given him. Making this memory so much more precious for the Prince.
Taehyung brushed his hands off in his pants and slowly got up, a smirk still very present on his lips. He was towering over Hoseok from where he stood. Hoseok raised his gaze to Taehyung's level. Taehyung felt torn as Hoseok's gaze was everything but surprised now. He was glancing at Taehyung as if he just had the glorious idea to just swallow him whole. His eyes locked on his lips, only once glancing up. His voice was dangerously velvety.
"I'm ready to receive my punishment, your Highness.", said Hoseok, feigning defeat.
Something in his gut shifted, almost painfully so. Taehyung redirected his gaze from Hoseok's hungry eyes to the fallen king. "Punishment? What makes you think you deserve that?"
Hoseok fell back in his seat, laughing all wide and pretty. Freely.
There was another shift in his belly as he walked around the table, trapping Hoseok in his seat. "I could think of a reason if you so wish. Laughing at the Prince, perhaps." Taehyung tapped his chin and watched Hoseok closely, who had barely shifted in his seat. "Or rather, punishment for refusing to listen to him?"
Hoseok leaned forwards, catching Taehyung by surprise. He cast his eyes upwards and locked Taehyung in place. Agonisingly slow his tongue darted out to run over his bottom lip, wetting it in the process. "Sorry, Tae." He whispered, batting his lashes.
Taehyung's breath caught in his throat as he looked at Hoseok. He seemed different all of sudden. Gone were the smiles. Gone was the innocence in his laugh. The only thing left was that dangerous glint. A glint that held him in place. Hoseok's eyes were dark, deeper than the abyss. Pupils dilated to a strange extent. Was he affecting Hoseok as much as he did him?
Taehyung wasn't a prude. Not exactly. In fact, he was far from innocent, at least in own mind. He has had flirtationships and people have tried to court him officially. He might have even shared a kiss or two. But, his best, and only, source of information in all things romance had been the local tavern's keeper, his best friend and most trusted advisor, Jimin. Jimin early on got a taste of sexual freedom, just until he met and fell in love with fellow advisor Namjoon. They made it their mission to corrupt Taehyung as much as possible without touching him. They also frequently invited pretty boys into their shared beds.
Hoseok was a pretty boy, Taehyung noticed. Gorgeous even. Especially close as they were now. He wondered, had Hoseok shared their bed? He was at the tavern more often than not. There could be a possibility. He wondered if Hoseok had let them touch him. If he had touched them in return.
He let his mind go on. He wondered what it would be like if he and Hoseok shared a bed and he was the one doing the touching and being touched. Taehyung almost lost it as he thought of how it would feel to be the one that got Hoseok all to himself. He nearly groaned at the image of Hoseok laying there. Pliant, sweat running down his honeyed skin. Nothing separating them but the heavy air while they moved as one between the pretty silk of Taehyung's sheets.
He barely caught himself. Barely containing how much he wanted the beautiful diplomat. He tried to wish away the feeling in his belly and turned his attention back to the Hoseok right in front of him.
Hoseok, attentive as he was, seemed to notice how far he had almost gone and smiled as if in delight.
"Don't start something you won't be able to finish." He got up, purposefully brushing shoulders with Taehyung. The fresh scent of pine and vanilla followed Hoseok as he left.
Taehyung felt betrayed by himself. How could have let himself slip like that? He hardly even knew Hoseok. Yet, there was something about the man that Taehyung couldn't shake off. Maybe it was the blatant arousal that Hoseok had shown for him or the murderous glint that threatened to swallow him if Taehyung wasn't careful.
He regarded the chess set, the warm feeling in his stomach being slowly replaced with an uneasiness. He stared at it, the abandoned pieces being the only witness to what had just transpired. He turned his back promptly and walked the opposite way, secretly thanking the Gods that a chess set was unable to gossip.
Taehyung's ears were buzzing. It felt as if someone had pushed cotton into them. If it was the constant twirling from dancing or the anxiety taking control of his body, he couldn't tell. His eyes lacked focus as he stumbled along the stone path towards the patio. Away from the talking. Away from the music.
Away. Away. Away.
His skin felt tight. It was burning from unknown sensations. Chafing of dresses made from strange materials. Burning from sweat collecting where his arms were covered.
He was too hot. Too tight. Everything was wrong. He wanted to undress. Jump into the pond.
Leave.
Just anything to get out of the castle. Get out of there. Away.
He felt frantic and looked around, seeing no one. Not even his guards. He was alone.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Nothing was helping. His heartbeat was way too quick. His skin clammy. His eyes unfocused.
Taehyung rarely got anxious like this. But tonight it was to an extent that was even foreign to him. He wished he was somewhere else. The events that had transpired. They left him with nothing.
He was set to be married. To a woman of all prospects! Sure, she was beautiful. She was from a good family. She was from a different kingdom. She was perfect for Taehyung. Perfect for the future of his kingdom and all the others.
He didn't want to get married. He couldn't. He wanted to continue playing games with his friends. He still had so much to do. He couldn't be King, not yet.
Not with Hoseok still there. Always in his periphery. Not with the thing left unaddressed between them. Not with all the stolen glances and subtle touches. The witty banter. Not with the way Taehyung truly felt like himself around the older man.
How could he get married when Hoseok felt like a promise? Something for Taehyung to unravel and explore. Hoseok. That stupid man. That stupidly gorgeous man with lips too perfect not to taste. With eyes so bright that even the sun looked dull in comparison.
Hoseok, that promise of freedom and everything in between.
"Your Highness?"
The smooth velvet baritone of Hoseok made him snap his head away from the stone wall he had slid down against. There he stood in the close distance. Hoseok, in all his holy glow and carefully practised ease. He felt the breath knocked out of his lungs.
Something was off. Something had changed. It send Taehyung spiraling.
Why was Hoseok so far away? Why didn't he come to him? Why did he not embrace him? Didn't Hoseok see that Taehyung couldn't breathe? That he was desperate? Desperate for him and his touch?
With all his strength he got up from the dirty floor. Hoseok stood unwavering, eyeing Taehyung, a cautious mask shielding his eyes. Taehyung couldn't read his expression.
"Hoseok. I was looking for you. Everywhere." He took a hesitant step towards the other, eyes locked onto Hoseok's.
Another step forward. "Is it too late? Too late to start?" His words sounded foreign. Almost slurred to the point that he himself thought he might be drunk if he hadn't stuck to water the whole night.
Hoseok's brows furrowed and creased his perfect skin. "Start what exactly? Tae..." he took a staggering step back. Away from Taehyung. He felt faint. "Your Highness. You're engaged now."
Taehyung's vision blurred. "Please. Seok, please.", he begged as he grasped at nothing.
And Hoseok must have seen something in his eyes at that very moment. This moment of true vulnerability. Maybe he liked how clearly desperate Taehyung was for him. Maybe he felt pity for the Prince. Maybe it was something entirely different. Within seconds, he closed in on Taehyung and captured his lips in a soaring kiss.
"I'll take care of you, Tae", he promised and swept him away. Away from the future. Away into the auburn night.
The next few weeks were pure bliss. Nothing had changed, really. Except they now did do a lot more than just stealing glances and subtle touches. They had to be careful not to be caught when they sneaked into each other's beds in the darkest of night.
Namjoon and Jimin had warned Taehyung to be careful. They told him that it couldn't last. That he was expected to step up to his position as the future King. That he was to do everything in his power to produce an heir. Taehyung could but only listen. He didn't want to think of the future. Not when he just barely got to be with Hoseok.
And oh was Hoseok good to him. In ways, he could never ever tell anyone. In the way, he held him every night into the early hours of the day. How he regarded him as the most precious thing he had ever laid his eyes upon. How every glance, every touch, every kiss was a promise. A promise of a future. A promise they both knew couldn't be honoured.
It couldn't last. The wedding preparations were in full swing and Hoseok's departure was approaching at an alarming pace.
In the early hours of the day, the moon shining still, days before the doomed day, Taehyung lay wide awake in Hoseok's arms, whispering about any and everything that came to mind.
"Someday I want to visit your home." Hoseok had stopped drawing circles on his back. Taehyung helped himself up a little bit and looked down on his lover, appreciating the art he left on Hoseok's beautiful skin just hours ago. He felt his lips tingle at the memory, the heat rising up to the tip of his ears, colouring them a pretty shade of pink.
Speaking of home. "Where were you from again? I know. I'm supposed to know but it isn't coming to mind."
Hoseok looked at Taehyung for a second. "Far away, Tae. So far away that it would be impossible for you to get there."
Taehyung felt his forehead crease as he raised a curious brow. People hardly told him no. Especially Hoseok. "Why not?"
Hoseok scoffed, closing his eyes in a pinch before staring right through Taehyung's soul, opening the gaping hole they had spent the past few weeks carefully patching. "You're getting married, your Highness, and not to me."
The air felt tense and cold. Taehyung sat up properly and buried his face in his hands. He felt the anxiety creep up his spine and Hoseok sat up with him, placing a hot hand on his cold shoulder, squeezing it. Taehyung felt his chest heave as he spoke. "I'd try. For you, I'd try. " They stayed like this for a while. A gentle hot squeeze. Slowly Taehyung came back from wherever his anxiety had taken him. He took his hands from his face and set his gaze upon Hoseok whose face mirrored Taehyung's emotions.
"I don't want you to get married, Tae. It is eating me up alive." The words knocked the air out of Taehyung's lungs. Something hot was sliding down his cheeks and Hoseok hurried closer to place his hands on either side of Taehyung's face, gently wiping at the tears.
"Me too, Seok. Me too. I'd rather die than get married to someone I do not love." He grasped at Hoseok's hand and closed his eyes, inhaling the warm vanilla scent that accompanied Hoseok everywhere.
Something shifted in the air as Taehyung whispered the three words he had kept guarded in his heart ever since he had first talked to Hoseok. Back when marriage wasn't something he had to worry about. He had known it then. He knew it now. It was true. And it was scary. Laying bare all the emotions one felt for someone else. To trust that simple words could even convey those complicated feelings at all.
Hoseok pulled Taehyung close against him and showed Taehyung a love that he would never experience again.
It was love Taehyung decided that made him oblivious to what had been obvious to anyone but him. It was obvious in the way Hoseok rocked into him. It was obvious in the way he had held him. Kissed him. Echoing back the same words that Taehyung had muttered mere moments ago as they both came undone. Dawn barely on the horizon.
Oh, how Taehyung should have seen it coming. If he had only seen the way Hoseok had looked at him.
Taehyung should have seen it coming. He really should have.
The day of his wedding came and went. He didn't really notice it. After vowing to cherish his bride to the end of his life, promising her a space next to him on the throne, as his Queen, he promised her heirs. A good life. Lying to her came as easy as breathing to him. He was losing everything. What more was a lie of the good life? Taehyung would make sure she was missing nothing. He would make sure his heirs had everything. But they wouldn't ever truly have him. No one ever would, no one but him. He, Hoseok who would be gone. Forever.
So, he drunk. Wine, expensive champagne. Weird liquor from foreign lands. Taehyung rarely got drunk. But tonight it was his only solace. He already had enough wine to the point where he imagined Hoseok walking out of the ballroom. Quickly Taehyung set down his goblet and rushed after the shadow. He told himself he deserved to chase the shadow. One last time.
He found him in the gardens. He was more than a shadow. Everything about Hoseok screamed: See me! I'm right here. His suit seemed to glow in the light of the moon. It was white. Fitting for a wedding, Taehyung mused. Hoseok hadn't moved an inch since Taehyung walked into the gardens. He stared straight ahead.
"Hoseok. I thought you would be gone by now." The man turned around. Face hard.
"How could I? I had to at least deliver my best wishes to the newlyweds." Hoseok wrung his hands and continued in his tirade. "Didn't you say you'd rather die? Didn't you tell me you loved me?"
Taehyung looked at the man in front of him, not able to recognize him. "I had no choice, Hoseok, you know that." He hesitantly took a step closer. "And I do. I love you. And I wish things were different. But they aren't."
He hated this. This is what he didn't want to do. They had bid their goodbyes. They had agreed to never speak about them to anyone ever again. They promised to let them die. For the sake of their futures and the peace in their world.
Taehyung felt disoriented. The alcohol must be getting to his head. Why was he still here? Why was he bringing up all the pain? For what? The deed was done and even if Taehyung had wished to change anything...the possibility was long gone. He would be considered a traitor. He would be executed for high treason.
Hoseok laughed, bitter and ugly. "You're right, you had no choice. Everything for peace, right?" Hoseok didn't move as if to appraise Taehyung. Taehyung was even more confused and stood glued to his spot. Hoseok's gaze seemed to have him enthralled as it usually did. Though, his eyes were cold, guarding everything else beneath an icy layer.
"I almost forgot." Hoseok slowly approached Taehyung. He was smiling, bright and nice as always.
Taehyung realised too late what he was doing. Hoseok wasn't being nice. He wasn't trying to find closure. He was a predator. A predator that embraced him with the warmth he had been longing for days now. Instinctively he returned the embrace.
"Yoongi sends his regards.", Hoseok whispered. His breath felt hot against his ear.
Taehyung blinked. Min Yoongi? Sharp pain in his abdomen distracted him from the man hugging him. "Hoseok? What– what have you done?" Against every instinct and with all his strength, he pushed the man he swore he loved away.
The moonlight reflected from the silver dagger, glistening red. Hoseok was holding it firmly in his hand, his eyes unreadable.
Taehyung looked down and saw his white robes turning red at a slow but steady pace. Everything started to make sense. The mystery. The strange. The things left unsaid.
Hoseok was an assassin sent by their enemy in the North.
"You played me?" he choked as he sunk to the ground, his hand pressing hard into the bleeding wound. Panic settled into his bones.
"I wish I could say yes." There was truth in the statement, Taehyung found it harder to focus on anything but the dull pain. His vision was blurry. But Hoseok was as sharp as ever.
Hoseok cleaned the dagger, eyes suddenly hard. "But my loyalties lay with Yoongi. Always have. Always will." Something else swung with his words. There was an emotion Taehyung knew too well. An emotion that made it way harder to believe Hoseok's words.
As there were yells and the ruthless noise of heavy armour could be heard, Taehyung's eyes turned hazy and he doubled over, only for Hoseok to catch him. Once more Taehyung gazed upon the one he loved. Once more he was able to inhale his delicious and intoxicating scent.
Hoseok was beautiful, despite his face showing no emotion. His eyes were a different story but Taehyung found it hard to focus. Hoseok leaned close and whispered into his ear. "You should have seen it coming, your Highness."
With nothing left to say Hoseok disappeared into the night.
Taehyung reflected on his situation intensely but briefly. "Call me, Tae." It was nothing more than a whisper. A gentle sigh in the autumn air.
He should have seen it coming.
But how could he? What else was there to see but tear tracks on the assassin's face just before he had left? How could he have seen the betrayal coming when Hoseok had shown nothing but love? How could he have not believed Hoseok's every word when there was pain clear as day reflected in his eyes once he had retracted the dagger?
He should have seen it coming, but he didn't. Even if he had wanted to. Not when Hoseok's last words to him clearly stated that he loved him.
And as Taehyung drew his very last breath, he heard bells. Bells that sounded eerily familiar to Hoseok's laugh and tasted just like his lips.
Death came swiftly and all there was left was the empty shell of a boy.
The End.