THE SWORD'S DANCE | HYUNBIN

❀revitalizing roses❀

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ CHANGBIN FEELS LONELY. A sort of loneliness that festers in his chest, that the sleeping bodies in the barracks next to him can't quench. He exits the wooden structure, seeking closure. The night is humid, but less stifling than the crowded barracks.

Nighttime walks are a frequent occurrence for him. They help get his concentration relaxed, and eventually lull him to sleep. Or, very rarely, they produce an auburn-haired beauty wielding a sharp knife. The palace looms in the distance, and Changbin can't help but hope that Hyunjin is on the balcony again.

The balcony is empty, but Changbin's never been one to give up. Just like yesterday, he utilizes the ivy firmly imbedded into the stony wall to scale the palace walls. Light as a feather, his feet drop on the balcony floor. It's a stupid idea, but he knows Hyunjin won't kill him.

The royal bedroom is empty. Books lay scattered around on the floor, and Hyunjin's bejeweled sword rests on the cream bedspread. Never one for clutter, Changbin starts to tidy up the room. He wonders where the prince is, and if he has a maid to clean up his messes— surely his room isn't always a wreck.

When the floor is relatively spotless (Changbin refuses to open up the closets incase he finds something tyrannical) he splays out on the massive bed. The wispy curtains shield the bed like fabric made out of mist.

He keeps the anxiety curdling in his stomach from rising. Knights don't get nervous.

Changbin lets his fingers run over the blade in Hyunjin's bed. The sword is a work of art with a long, sharp blade free of scratches and imperfections. The hilt is what catches Changbin's eye though, carved with the familiar picture of a six-petaled lily. The center of each of the carved leather lilies are decorated by a red ruby.

The door creaks open, and the prince enters with tired eyes and his posture slumped over. He kicks off his shoes and throws his coat over a bedpost, not even noticing the intruder in the room.

Changbin clears his throat when Hyunjin starts to undo the ties of his shirt.

The prince shoots up, wild eyes flared with terror, before they meet with Changbin's relaxed form. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Language, your majesty."

"Answer me."

"Got bored, thought I'd drop by."

"Into a prince's room? Changbin, are you insane? You could get flogged for less than this." Hyunjin paces around the room, not getting close to Changbin.

"I'm a top knight who has the favor of the prince. There's a lot I can get away with."

"That doesn't mean you should," he flops down on the corner of the bed, fingers embedding themselves in his hair.

Changbin scoots forwards, dangling his legs off the side of the bed, "What's life if you don't live it?"

Hyunjin opens his mouth to respond, then closes it. Then again, "I don't know."

Changbin is starting to realize.

He's always thought that Hyunjin was confident in everything he did with the egotistical personality he flaunted towards the world. But now, when slivers of vulnerability show through the prince's shield, Changbin discovers that it's all a guise. The arrogant words and smug smiles; it's all to hide what's underneath— uncertainty.

The knight inches himself to the left, bumping his shoulder into Hyunjin's. "You don't need to know what to do, your majesty."

"Yes, I do," the prince's voice comes in strong, frustrated. "You have the luxury of having a passion, of having an open future. I have to go with what's expected of me and what will make me a good king. I can't choose my life when it's already planned."