Warm Eyes | Hyunchan ✅

XVII [Like Wine]

"If no one has anything to say I declare this meeting to be dismissed." Sir Henry said before the jury started scattering and Hyunjin was the fastest of them as he almost ran outside towards the refreshments area as the elders laughed quietly at the scene of the younger's action. Serving at the royal court didn't go as Hyunjin thought, he didn't expect the other aristocrats to give him much attention but he was rather loved and respected for his talent and assistance, so everything was going smoothly for him.

"Slow down, young master." Christopher said directed to Hyunjin as he walked over. "There's plenty left."

"....you won't.... believe it...." Hyunjin said in between taking bites from the cake. "This is the best dessert I have ever had, I wait for Monday to come just for this." Hyunjin explained as Christopher just chuckled at the younger's silliness.

"Sir Christopher?" An unfamiliar voice got their attention. "Why are you here? I searched the whole hall, I can't believe you are here." A female voice spoke.

"Princess Adeline! I gravely apologize, I didn't know you were looking for me. What seems to be the matter?" Christopher asked.

"Nothing too important I'm just here to give you the invitation to my birthday party on my own." Princess Adeline said as she took an envelope out.

"Princess.... why would you do that? You could have sent a messenger!" Christopher said.

"It's just to convey that you must come to the party." She smiled.

"Of course, your Royal Highness." Christopher smiled back as princess Adeline soon left. Hyunjin was spectating everything from afar, as soon as the princess left he walked up to Christopher.

"The princess? This is my first time seeing her. I almost forgot she existed as she never goes out." Hyunjin joked.

"She definitely goes out but you have different castles so you don't see her." Christopher explained.

"Right..... Invitation to her birthday celebration?" Hyunjin said as he looked up at the envelope and whistled. "Someone has a favourite person." He added.

"I literally raised her up."

"A father figure?" Hyunjin almost scoffed.

"Are you making fun of me?"

"No..no! Just didn't expect to see this side of you." Hyunjin chuckled.

"I'm old. Also, how about you? Did you get an invitation?" Christopher asked.

"Me? Getting an invitation before you? I bet she doesn't even know I exist. If I get an invitation to the party that would be a general customised invitation from the king nothing else." Hyunjin said.

And, just as Hyunjin predicted, two days later he received a general customised invitation to the royal princess' birthday celebration, which was to be held in two weeks. The royal palace became busier as everyone prepared for the major party, for which Hyunjin had to visit the royal palace more frequently, where he would run with Elyot, who seemed more worried than ever, so Hyunjin avoided meeting up with him. Meanwhile, Christopher appeared to have gone into hiding, according to Hyunjin, there were two days till the celebration, but there was no trace of the elder, which seemed to have only troubled Hyunjin because it didn't seem to have affected others.

But just a night later, as Hyunjin was getting ready to go to bed, he heard a knock on the window, which puzzled him. He approached the glass window, only to find Christopher breathing rapidly, practically on his knees, and appeared to be injured. Christopher ran inside once Hyunjin opened the window.

"Shut the window!" Also, open the drapes! Fast!" Christopher spoke quickly because he was out of breath. Hyunjin looked at the elder and did what he's told, confused but not questioning Christopher.

"Can you tell me what happened?" "Where are you coming from?" Hyunjin inquired.

"I- I'll answer all of your questions but.... first... do you think you can heal this?" As Christopher lifted his bleeding hands from his torso, there was a horrific bullet wound that appeared to have infected the area.

"Wait, what the fuck is that?!?" "How did you end up with it?" Hyunjin yelled.

"I'll tell you." Christopher sighed.

"I think I can give it a try, it seemed to have been infected as well." As Hyunjin assisted Christopher to his bed, he said. Hyunjin bled himself again and cast a spell to cure the wound. It took time, but it was working; the infection was gradually fading.

"I'll never be less fascinated to see a tower war mage being the devil's spawn."
Christopher chuckled in pain.

".......Don't say things you don't know." said Hyunjin.

"Oh, yes. You are the mystery mage." Christopher laughed once more.

"You're not less mysterious."

"You literally know my biggest secret."

"How about this?How did this occur?"

"I was being chased. This time, it was not by my enemies, but by people I trusted." Christopher gave a sorrowful smile. Hyunjin had already finished mending him; the wound had healed and there was no scar on his torso. "The king wants me dead." Christopher let out a sigh.

"Isn't that something you also want?" Hyunjin inquired as he stood up to wipe up the blood.

"Yes, but it's not the same. He's after my blood."

"For what?"

"That I'm still trying to find out."

"Were you hunted down while trying to find that?"

"No, I was actually on my way to get a gift for the princess. It was the ideal time for them, they could just announce me dead." Christopher laughed.

"And you ended up in my room. I keep wondering if it's all a coincidence." Hyunjin rolled his eyes.

"Oh, no, it isn't. I came to you on purpose so you could help me as well because I hadn't seen you in a long time." As Hyunjin was taken aback by the elder's statements, Christopher smirked. "I should probably return now." Christopher elaborated.

"Would that be safe, couldn't someone be out waiting for you to come out?" Looking towards the window, Hyunjin inquired.

"If you're worried then help me fight." Christopher laughed. "I don't think anyone's out, it's been pretty late." He went on to say.

"Or you could just stay here tonight, I'm pretty sure you're not done visiting me yet." Hyunjin smiled.

"That was brave. I expected you to be the one to kick me out first, so I was prepared to go." Christopher laughed.

"No, you can stay, you have a serious injury, so it's best if you don't move around much. I'm going to sleep on the couch." said Hyunjin.

"Oh, it doesn't hurt any longer. I'm ready to go to war right now." Christopher cracked a joke. "Of course, if you say so. Are you going to bed?" He inquired.

"You are welcome to take the bed. "I'll turn off the light."

"But I'm not done seeing you yet."

"What?"

"I want to watch you for a little while more or even hold you like this." Christopher smiled as he grasped the younger's waist and drew him closer.

"We are not intoxicated like last time." Hyunjin spoke quickly.

"Thankfully." As he placed his hands inside Hyunjin's shirt, Christopher whispered in his ears. Hyunjin was shivered by his chilly fingertips. Christopher quickly kissed Hyunjin on the neck, startling the younger but leaving him wanting more. Hyunjin put his hands on Christopher's broad shoulders.

"What do you want?" Hyunjin inquired.

"You." Christopher stated with a smile that lingered for a moment.