𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 | 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐱

♡ t h i r t y o n e ♡

After finishing reading a book, Changbin finally decided to dress and take a stroll in the orchard. The smell of ripe fruits always lifted his spirits and relaxed him. Struggling a bit due to his big baby bump, he put on his shoes and left the spacious chambers where he and Felix lived, and soon would share them with their newborn.

His husband left early to attend a meeting with generals who came to report on military matters to the queen. Changbin was not sure when the meeting was going to end, so he left the palace in hopes Felix would not get worried about his absence.

It was sunny. The weather was perfect for taking a walk. Changbin took a deep breath enjoying the pleasant autumn air, and begin his stroll to the orchard. His rather short journey was accompanied by a cheerful melody of birds who seemed to enjoy the exceptionally good weather as much as he did.

Reaching the orchard, Changbin looked around in hopes to spot his favourite gardener Seungmin. He loved to chat with him about flowers and trees whenever they met. Seungmin was quite playful, Changbin had learned not long after they first met, nevertheless, he was a complete sweetheart. Changbin's lips curled in a smile at the thought of the boy. He was like a younger brother to him.

Seeing his dark hair protruding from behind a cherry tree in the distance Changbin called out his name. To his surprise, Seungmin was not alone. With him was a tall, fit boy in a refined military uniform and a sword on his hip. Before Changbin realized what was going on, the two readjusted their clothes and, blushing, came out of their hiding place.

Seungmin almost died from embarrassment when he saw Changbin watching them in puzzlement. He stepped in front of the taller and started to panic.

"Hyung!" he squeaked, "We were not– we were just–" he barely uttered when his companion cleared his throat and joined him.

"Your Highness, good afternoon. I don't think we have ever met before. I'm general Yang Jeongin. It's an honour to meet you," the boy smiled in a gentleman-like manner and bowed to him.

Changbin raised his eyebrows even more lost. The boy was the visiting general? He looked really young.

"Ah, yes!" he eventually said. "We've never met before, indeed, but it's a pleasure to meet you," he smiled. "You don't have to be so formal with me though. I can see you are someone close to Seungminnie," Changbin chuckled.

"Ah, Hyung~!" completely red, the said boy whined. "What are you doing here?"

Changbin smirked secretly when he noticed the general's arm around Seungmin's waist. They looked adorable, he had to admit.

"Hmm," he pouted, "Can't I visit my friend? The weather's too nice to stay indoors. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your secret little date."

"Oh, it's not a secret we are together," Jeongin replied amused, and looked at the boy who turned his head to meet his gaze and sulked.

"Yes, it is! Don't be silly. No one can know you are dating a commoner," he protested.

"What's wrong with you being a commoner? I want the whole world to know you are my love," the general opposed.

"Jeongin!" Seungmin whined. Changbin only let out a hearty laugh.

"Don't worry, Minnie. I won't tell anyone about you unless you say I can. For now enjoy your day with your boyfriend. You seemed quite busy when I spotted you," the boy chuckled and waved at them.

The weather was so nice Changbin didn't want to go back to the palace yet. He wanted to take in some more sunshine before dinner, so he wandered around the gardens supporting his 6-months-big baby bump.

Life in the palace had been nothing but leisure. Changbin scrunched his nose thinking how privileged he was to relax while the staff was busy maintaining the grand palace. He felt useless at times despite being told otherwise by Felix.

He walked slowly through the alleys full of fragrant flowers marvelling at their beauty. It was getting colder with every day and the bushes and trees would be covered in snow soon. The baby was going to be born soon as well. Changbin smiled softly and caressed his baby bump.

"I can't wait to see your tiny hands reach for falling snowflakes," he murmured to his belly. "When you are big enough, we will build a snowman, you, me and your daddy."

"Changbin, ah no, Your Highness," he heard a familiar voice calling. It startled him, but his expression changed as soon as he saw the face of the girl who had bullied him those few months earlier. "Your Highness, please!" she begged and grabbed his hand.

Tears were streaming down her flushed face. Changbin's heart sank at the sight. He didn't know what happened to her but she looked desperate.

"W—what's wrong? Why are you crying?" slightly alarmed, he asked. He didn't know her intentions but the way she was clinging onto his hand while sobbing made him think she was not the same girl she had been when she still worked in the palace.

"My baby brother! He's gone! We were playing in the gardens and he— he suddenly disappeared!" she cried. "Please help me find my baby brother," she fell onto her knees and begged.

Changbin, completely frozen in place, bit his lip and thought what he should do. He looked around but there were no guards or palace staff he could ask for help. If there were, the girl would have asked them herself, right? Changbin looked at her tear-stained face and put on an empathetic smile.

"Don't worry. I'll help you find your baby brother. Take a deep breath and tell me where you saw him before he disappeared."

The girl wiped her tears and stood up.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

•°♡•°♡•°♡•°

Surprise! The story is not finished yet. There are still things you can look forward to. I can't believe I abandoned this book for so long. I'm sorry. If you are still here after all those months, tell me what is your favourite flower in the comments 🩵

Thank you for reading, commenting and voting!