Trash of the Royal Family (Ao3)

III

Alver and Cale escaped the castle and entered the woods. The main palace was much farther away, so they could at least hide before being apprehended. Men in black were chasing them. Alver must flee as quickly as he can and seek refuge whenever possible. Alver tied the blanket around his body and now uses it as a baby carrier.

His left arm was bleeding, but it still held him protectively. Dragging his own broken body to save the child in his arms.

Kim Roksu maintained silence. He simply holds his brother as tight as he can. Alver is tightly embracing him, attempting to console him with everything he has.

"I am sorry," Alver said quietly. "I am sorry for bringing you with me; if I would given you to the inner courts, you might have been safe."

"Khuuuh... khuuuh." This means he would rather be with him than with women who could kill and ignore him.

Alver gave a soft smile and patted his head. "You enjoy spending time with your brother."

*clack!*

"They're here!"

Alver stood up and ran away once more. He would kill the people who were attacking him, but the long-range enemy was still missing. They ran as fast as they could.

Alver slipped and injured his ankle. He needed to find where the other dark elves were hiding. He ran even though his ankle hurt so badly. He discovered a cave and entered it. He entered the small gap and took a rest there. He ripped a piece of the blanket and wrapped it around his wounds. Alver kept his smile all over his face. Comforting Roksu, whose gaze never strayed from him.

Just a bit further... They will arrive at the place where the dark elves hide.

"Set fire to the two caves in this area!"

*pales* Alver looked at him and hugged him tightly when he heard this. Smoke began to fill the cave, but he remained motionless. He cast a protection spell, but it will not last long. If he moves, neither of them will survive.

Kim Roksu could only stare at Alver, but he remained calm and silent even though he was supposed to cry.

He knew Alver was sorry for him, but all he could say to this person was a smile that said everything would be okay.

He notices Alver's amused expression but continues to hold him close. His older brother smiled, but it was tinged with tears.

He's not the glib jerk I should be wary of.

Alver was still a child. A child with numerous responsibilities, and him among them. He is a vulnerable person who must be protected; however, the boy in front of him also requires protection. They are both children, but one prioritizes safety and the other prioritizes pain.

Kim Roksu reached out his tiny arms and patted his cheek as if to wipe away tears.

It happened when Alver kissed his small palms and the back of his hand, cupping them with his palms.

The smoke began to fill the room. Because Kim Roksu's body was still weak, he had to rely on his brother. His little coughs would sell them out. The barrier was also slowly falling apart. He began coughing, and the smoke burned his lungs. Alver was covering his nose, but it was ineffective.

His vision was hazy.

His awareness was fading.

Until he felt air blown into his mouth. Alver, the young man, was desperately performing CPR on him to keep him alive. Despite the smoke in his eyes, he can see Alver's tears. He can feel his hands trembling as he slowly pumps his chest.