Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Wonwoo tapped his fingers on the steering wheel impatiently as the traffic came to a slow crawl. He checked the time again. He was late, another ten minutes, his parents will probably start blowing up his phone.
"I told you we should have left early." Jeonghan chided.
"Shut up," Wonwoo mumbled.
"It's festive season, Wonwoo. I told you the streets will be swamped." Jeonghan repeated for the fifth time since they had left from Wonwoo's apartment.
"What's the point of being royalty if they can't even clear the road for us?" Wonwoo asked.
"I thought you were all about equality and stuff," Jeonghan said.
"Then I shouldn't be asked to attend useless parties like this."
"It's the summer solstice, Wonwoo."
"Exactly. Why do we need to celebrate it?" Wonwoo asked.
The traffic had finally started to move again. Wonwoo let out a long exhale, the tinted windows shielded most of the sunlight. He really wanted to crawl back to his bed, but he drove as fast as the traffic let him.
"Take the exit there." Jeonghan pointed.
"I know," Wonwoo mumbled.
"Never doubted you."
"Why didn't you leave with the rest of the family? " Wonwoo asked. He wouldn't be on the edge without him here.
"Mom was sure you wouldn't show up."
Wonwoo didn't bother to comment on that. It wasn't a lie. He had avoided the last party with an excuse of a headache and a lecture running late, the one before that.
Wonwoo parked the car, he checked his phone, he had already sent the next week's schedule to his students, so he really had nothing to do all weekend. Wonwoo was thinking of cooking up assignments to grade to get out of the party early.
Wonwoo grabbed his bag. Jeonghan gave a noise of disapproval. Wonwoo sighed, dropping his bag in the backseat. He locked the car and walked to the plane waiting for them at the airstrip.
"It's just us?" Wonwoo asked as they boarded the plane.
"Everyone already left and we're going to be late." Jeonghan answered with a smile.
Wonwoo turned away from him and sat down on the farthest seat away from Jeonghan. The plane took off after an announcement from the pilot. Wonwoo's heart lurched as the plane ascended. He should have gotten used to it but he never seemed to.
"Relax Wonwoo," Jeonghan said.
"I'm fine," Wonwoo mumbled, releasing his seatbelt after the overhead announcement came on.
"Did you eat anything?" Jeonghan asked.
"Yes. Stop nagging me, Jeonghan." Wonwoo sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Bring us some wine." Jeonghan told the stewardess.
"You shouldn't," Wonwoo said.
"It's not like we'll get drunk," Jeonghan said, giving Wonwoo his sweetest smile.
Wonwoo walked over to Jeonghan, he always gave in when Jeonghan asked. Jeonghan probably knew and that's why their mother had left him to drag Wonwoo to the stupid party.
"Look at it this way Wonwoo, you can spend the rest of your weekend without having to worry about anything after this stupid party is over," Jeonghan said. Wonwoo raised an eyebrow.
"You do think this party is stupid," Jeonghan said with a laugh. Wonwoo took a glass of wine, slowly sipping he looked out the window. The view outside almost looked peaceful, if the plane crashed, he might close his eyes remember that pretty view instead of the fiery mess.
"I will never understand your fright of planes," Jeonghan said.
"Me neither," Wonwoo said.
The pilot cautioned them back to their seats as they reached their destination. Wonwoo strapped on his seatbelt. The white clouds were gone, replaced by lush forests as far as he could see.
The Vensyral castle stood in the middle, built atop a small mountain. Wonwoo's wonder was a little forced, he had seen the sprawling white castle too many times in the last few centuries. It still looked the same though the castle was older than him.
Wonwoo clutched the hand rest as the plane landed. Seungcheol was waiting for them at the airstrip.
"Took you long enough, your highness," Seungcheol said as he opened the door for Jeonghan.
"My little brother's driving beats my grandmother's," Jeonghan said with a smile.
Seungcheol gave Wonwoo a sympathetic smile before he ushered him inside the car.
"We're running behind schedule a little. So floor it Seungcheol," Jeonghan said.
"Of course, your highness," Seungcheol said, but stayed within the speed limit.
Jeonghan laughed, shaking his head. Wonwoo wondered if Jeonghan would ever make his relationship with his bodyguard public. Wonwoo hadn't asked him, he didn't want to pry and it would only invite Jeonghan to pry into Wonwoo's affairs or the lack thereof.
The sun was almost gone by the time they reached the castle. Their identities had to be verified at three different locations before they even set foot into the castle. Wonwoo's attendants led him to his chambers as soon as they got out of the car. He wished he could send them away but he stayed quiet as he was prepared for the occasion like some painting to be hanged on the wall for the guests to see.
"Don't look so glum. It's a party," Jihoon said, walking in.
Wonwoo turned to him and glared.
"Your highness." Jihoon added with a flourish.
"Did you pick this outfit?" Wonwoo asked, looking down at himself.
"I'm sure you're aware of how many staff we keep on our payroll, your highness," Jihoon said. Wonwoo frowned.
"What's the issue, your highness? You wanted a simple black suit, if I remember correctly," Jihoon said.
Wonwoo turned to the mirror, the black silk shirt clung to his frame but it had a plunging neckline that almost reached upto his navel. The jacket on top was left unbuttoned, the only reason for wearing it was the cape that was pinned to it. He couldn't button up the jacket even if he wanted to. Wonwoo sighed, it was just his fate and the sooner he gave in, the better it would be.
Wonwoo was led to the ballroom by Jihoon as soon as he was ready. Jeonghan was still waiting for him, dressed in white, his hair perfectly in place. Jeonghan looked like a prince from fairytales, of course everyone knew it was the complete opposite in reality. Jeonghan was more cunning than the devil and that was the only reason Wonwoo was able to live freely. So he tried not to think too badly of his brother.
"His highness, the crown prince of Libek, Yoon Jeonghan and the second prince of Libek, Yoon Wonwoo. "
Wonwoo smiled as they stepped into the balcony. He was glad Jeonghan had waited for him, now he could quietly slip into the shadows as all eyes fell on the gleaming crown prince.
"Stop slouching," Jeonghan whispered, leaning over.
Wonwoo laughed like Jeonghan had just cracked a joke instead. Wonwoo walked down the stairs with Jeonghan. The sharks waited for them at the floor, Wonwoo wanted to run away.
Jeonghan casually started conversations with people who Wonwoo was wracking his head for a name. He kept the smile plastered to his face, answering questions as they passed by.
"Wonwoo, my sweetest darling," His mother drawled.
"Mother," Wonwoo mumbled, walking into her open arms.
Wonwoo looked for his father and found him missing.
"You should go greet Queen Shimji," His mother said.
Wonwoo broke away from her and wandered to the queen Shimji's circle.
"Hello, your highness." A familiar voice greeted him.
"Hello, Soonyoung. I almost didn't recognise you," Wonwoo said and wondered if that sentence was offensive. Soonyoung laughed, loud and infective. Wonwoo almost felt relieved.
"Let me escort you to her serene majesty," Soonyoung said, offering his hand.
"Thanks dude," Wonwoo mumbled, taking his hand.
"Your majesty, may I present his highness, prince Wonwoo of Libek." Soonyoung introduced him as they reached the queen.
"Wonwoo, what a surprise. I'm so glad you graced us with your presence," The queen said, holding out her withered hand. Wonwoo chose to ignore the jab, he didn't want to cause another international incident.
"I'm happy to be here, your majesty." Wonwoo said, placing a kiss on her ring before straightening.
"Soonyoung, find Jisoo for me." The queen said. Wonwoo almost grabbed Soonyoung before he could leave him alone with the hag.
"You need to act your age, Wonwoo. The balance is tipping too much. We only have a little while before it all falls apart."
Wonwoo tried not to roll his eyes. He taught biochemistry at the crestal University. He had no interest in the war but he couldn't outright say it.
"The Oracle has convened an emergency meeting," The queen said.
Wonwoo's heart lurched, he tried to remain calm. He should have known something was wrong when he couldn't find his father. He had to talk to Jeonghan, he would know about the meeting.
"Wonwoo, it's nice to see you again," Jisoo said, placing his hand on Wonwoo's shoulder.
"If I may, please excuse us, your majesty." Jisoo said before Wonwoo could reply and led him away from the crowd.
"Are you alright, Wonwoo?" Jisoo asked.
"Yes, your highness." Wonwoo managed to wrangle a smile back on his face.
"Your brother was searching for you," Jisoo said.
"Then, I'll take my leave, your highness," Wonwoo mumbled before going in search of Jeonghan.
Wonwoo stumbled as he walked into one of the werewolves. Wonwoo steadied himself on what seemed to be a firm muscular chest wrapped in a red suit. Wonwoo looked up to find a pair of black eyes glaring at him.
"Apologies," Wonwoo muttered, stepping back.
Wonwoo blinked as he saw the werewolf's face. It seemed like the wolf recognised him, then again, Wonwoo was a prince, everyone probably recognised him. The werewolf's eyes flashed with anger which was new. No one here would show their hostility outright, parties were for scheming and plotting and subtle back stabbing but the person before him was spoiling for a fist fight, too young for the poltics and too old to stay out.
Wonwoo walked away, he wanted to indulge the wolf, a punch and all this facade will drop. Just a hint of violence and the party will turn into a bloodbath. Wonwoo wondered how old the boy was, he looked young and untouched by the war. Vampires were frozen in time but they never looked young, their eyes always gave it away.
Wonwoo found Jeonghan talking to some witches. Jeonghan excused himself from his friends as he saw Wonwoo.
"What's wrong?"
"Did you know that the Oracle called for a meeting ?" Wonwoo asked.
"Of course, you don't have to worry about anything Wonwoo," Jeonghan said, patting his back.
"The witch queen said something about tipping the balance," Wonwoo said.
"Wonwoo, we're at a party. Get something to drink and have fun. There are a lot of people who were looking forward to meet you," Jeonghan said, nudging him towards the bar.
"Jeonghan," Wonwoo called but Jeonghan had already walked away to talk to a group of merman.
Wonwoo sat down at the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. He must have looked strange because no one bothered him. Wonwoo checked his phone, the photos had already viral. Wonwoo looked like Jeonghan's shadow, always a step behind. He skipped over the trashy titles. His hands stopped at the flash of red. The handsome face of a young man in a red suit filled his screen, Wonwoo tried not to linger on his image. The title read, 'The rebellious prince in red'. Wonwoo read it again and almost cursed. Of course he would be unfortunate enough to crash into prince Mingyu of all the people present here.
"Drowning your sorrows?" Hansol's voice made him hide his phone.
"That's some sketchy behaviour," Hansol muttered.
"Jeonghan ditched me," Wonwoo said.
"Would you rather Jeonghan drag you to meet all the people he's talking to?"
"Hell no," Wonwoo said, shaking his head vigorously. Hansol laughed.
"How are you settling in Vensyral?" Wonwoo asked.
"It's fine. I'm still getting used to it," Hansol said.
Wonwoo turned to the balcony as the music stopped.
"His majesty, the king of Vensyral, Hong Kyosup and His majesty, the king of Libek, Yoon Jaehwan and Her majesty, the queen of Vilserin, Moon Hasang."
Wonwoo watched the quiet descend over the place as the three of them walked down the stairs. The Oracle had convened the three monarchs for a emergency meeting and the result could very well be the end of all, if the Vensyral queen's words were anything to trust.
The music resumed after the King of Vensyral gave a short speech about the joyous occasions and such. Wonwoo was too anxious to even register his words. Wonwoo flocked to his parents. He had no idea what was happening and if someone didn't tell him what was going on, he was going to lose it. He didn't like the look on his father's face.
"Father, what happened?" Wonwoo asked.
"Wonwoo, calm down." His mother chided.
"Your majesty, we should make the announcement," Someone said.
The king of Vensyral made grand gestures that sent sparks in the air, Wonwoo would have been amazed if he was eight years old.
"The Oracle has forseen a great war in our world."
Wonwoo bit his lips, the Oracle had been forseeing a great war for generations now. There were uneasy murmurs among the crowd which was the intended purpose of that pause.
"But fear not, the monarchs of Libek and Vilserin had come to an agreement to protect the peace between the countries."
Another pause for dramatic effect and the crowd cheered.
"And what better way to join our nations than joining the two royal families," The queen of Vilserin said, turning to Wonwoo's father.
"On this auspicious occasion, we are happy to announce the betrothal of our son, prince of Libek, Yoon Wonwoo and the prince of Vilserin, Kim Mingyu." Wonwoo's father announced.
Wonwoo stared at his father blankly. A betrothal. He was betrothed. The words slowly started to make sense. He was betrothed to a werewolf. He was betrothed to the fucking werewolf prince.
Wonwoo jerked away as Jeonghan grabbed him in a hug.
"Smile, Wonwoo. Just smile for now. We'll take care of everything else later," Jeonghan whispered, gripping him tightly.
"Let's hear it for the betrothed," Jeonghan called to the crowd. A roaring cheer erupted, bringing Wonwoo to reality.
Wonwoo looked to the werewolves, the handsome prince in a red suit was smiling perfectly as the people around him cheered and congratulated him.
"Jeonghan," Wonwoo mumbled.
"Not right now. Get it together," Jeonghan said.
Wonwoo forced a smile as he looked to the crowd. The witch queen had been wrong, it wasn't the end of the world, it was just the end of his.