The Princes Street Rat

1 - The man among maidens

𓆩♡𓆪 

The moody prince sighed with his head tilted back at the boring sight of the crowd. An array of beautifully dressed women from the seven lands were lined up to attract the attention of the handsome prince they had heard too many rumours about.

His torso, framed by a necklace of indigenous chains glistening underneath the light of the early evening lights. All on full display, he sat there like an ornament or trophy untop his throne of jewels

Lee Heechul, the iron fisted queen snuck a look over at the droopy eyed boy. She smiled behind her embroidered fan and leaned towards him.

"Not seeing anyone you like again?" She wisphered at his dark hair that was a similar shade to hers.

"Of course not. I don't see the point of these and I tell you this all the time. I don't understand why you're in such a rush for an heir. "

"Minho, you never listen and it shows. I don't care about your heir. There are far too plenty women and even greater harlots capable of bearing one for you."

"Then why these balls?"

"I'm just giving you a chance at marriage, or love. Or whatever space you have in that heart of yours."

"Well, goodluck on that because at this rate, absolutely no one–" his glower was cut short as he caught sight of short dark hair on a cutesy round head and curious brown eyes among the midst of flounce and filigree.

Heechul immediately turned her head to the direction his gaze was caught. The person he looked at stuck out like a sore thumb among everyone else but walked around like they belonged there.

"Who's that maiden?"

Heechul paled. "Maiden? You must be mistaken. That right there is pounds upon pound of pure male."

"Yes, yes..." his eyes were fixed religiously on him, as he waved an uninterested hand at his mothers direction. She merely laughed.

"You can have a little chat with the boy. I'll go get an aperitif."

"I'm not going to chat with the boy mother."

"Are you shy?"

"Not particularly. I'm uninterested once more, in him, I mean. The only thing interesting about him is what he's doing in a royal ball in a cheap attempt at trimmings."

"Minho. You can't lie to me. I've known you for years and years. Ryukia, please inform the full cheeked boy that the prince requires his attention."

"Mother!"

"Be nice to him." She prepared to descend from her glory to attain her much deserved drink. Minho shook his head and met eyes with a tame brown.

"Your highness." He gave a brief bow before standing in position. "You called for me?"

"Not technically. But do tell me, what are you doing here? In a maidens ball?"

"Maidens ball? No one informed me of that."

"It was written in the invitation. All who wish to win the hand of the Prince are allowed to come."

"Right sir. It said all, not restricted to just the maidens."

"So you came here to compete for my attention?"

"That was my intention. And quite unfairly too. I do think I'm doing a better job than everyone else."

"How modest of you."

"A perfect match to your overflowing ego."

"You have a very perculiar way of flirting."

"I'd say the exact same to you."

"Do tell me why you're dressed in a disgiuse. As though you're trying to blend in with the women?"

"It's a simple desha. I'm simply getting into the fashion of the times, also I feel it fits me quite nicely. Don't you agree?"

"I will give credit where it is due. The sight of you in that isn't completely off-putting.

"Then I've done my part."

The prince stared him down for a few more silent seconds. "The way you talk, there's a very thin line between it being coquettish behaviour and you just being plain rude. It's jarring."

"Surely it's jarring in a good way because I still have your attention. Besides, you're wise enough to know the diffrence. I hope."

"Why do you continue to try your luck, and push my buttons?"

"The answer is quite simple. I'm hoping you punish me for my ill manners. Put me in line."

"What I'm hearing is that you're doing all this to catch my attention?"

"I'm sure you heard me right the first time."

"Don't test my patience."

"That's the whole point. Show me how angry you can get." He leaned in and his voice lowered to a risque whisper. "I've heard rumours of you being extremely harsh and I needed to see that for myself."

"I'll never lay with a commoner like you."

"What? Are you afraid you might enjoy it? Thoroughly?" he fluttered his eyelashes with fake innocence.

Minho was taken aback by the manner in which he spoke to him. It was without hesitation or fear. He usually would have immediately charged at his throat but rather; a barely noticeable smile graced his lips. He took a gentle hold of his face, lifting the youngers face with two fingers.

"For someone with such a pretty face, your attitude is far from similar. I'm constantly at battle at your intentions. You claim to be in competition for my attention, my heart and yet..."

"You must have read my intentions all wrong. A heart is too big a potion a prize for me. If anything, a night or two will suffice."

"That is all?"

"Yes."

"Just a night?"

"Or two, yes."

"Young man, are you prostitute?"

"Only if you need me to be."

Another smile lifted the corner of his lips. "Fine. But I am insulted that you don't need me for more than a night. If I agree with your offer, I'll make sure you cry well for me for many nights after I'm done with you and your lowlife self you little bastard."

"I'm counting on that."

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