TFL | MW [✔]

03.

The food was delicious, or it would have been if Wonwoo had been able to do more than nibble at it. His stomach rebelled at even the smallest bites, and he did his best to soothe it with sips of water. No one had told him what to expect of the evening, but it was a relief when he realized there wasn't any dancing planned. Instead, music was played, and a dance troupe entertained them.

"It's customary to hold a ball a month after the wedding day. We'll dance then," his husband explained as they watched the dancers pirouette about the floor. Wonwoo was relieved not to have to hold himself together enough to survive a waltz or whatever else was on the kingdom's dance list.

Now and then, he heard Siwon's laughter or the odd ribald comment. His uncle was restrained for the most part, but there were a few hints about newlyweds and wedding nights. Wonwoo ignored them as best he could, aware of the glances being exchanged around him. He wasn't sure whether it was Siwon's presence or the royal family's own unease since they presumably knew well what kind of man they'd just wedded him to.

Prince Kim didn't make much effort at conversation with Wonwoo, asking no questions, his comments sparse. With the rest of the guests, he was far more engaging, smiling, talking, and laughing with ease. The contrast was enough to cement Wonwoo's fears about what was to come. The few times Prince Kim did catch Wonwoo's eye, he offered a strained smile. Wonwoo suspected the alpha was impatient for the evening to come to an end. Wedded and bedded, that was the expectation. No matter how Wonwoo felt about it.

The night came to a surprisingly early close as the servants rounded the hall and doused the candles, leaving only a handful to light the room. Most of the guests rose and departed, and shortly after, Prince Kim's hand touched his.

"It is tradition for us to retire before the king," the alpha murmured, nodding to where his father and King Siwon were speaking in undertones and casting significant glances their way.

"Of course," Wonwoo said. He rose to his feet when the prince did, offering a quiet goodnight to the gathered royals.

One or two more lewd comments were made but quickly shushed by the older members of the family. Without meaning to, Wonwoo caught Siwon's eye. The man's gaze dragged down his body, and he licked his lips. It was all Wonwoo could do not to shudder.

Prince Kim's hand came to rest on the small of his back as the alpha guided him from the banquet hall. Wonwoo caught a brief glimpse of Lord Aaron by the door, but there was no time for conversation. The corridor outside was almost empty, a lone servant waiting there. She curtsied and led them through the halls, a lantern in her hand. The halls themselves were dimly lit, the main lights having been extinguished. It lent the castle an eerie, foreboding air for all Wonwoo suspected it was supposed to be romantic.

They entered a wing, the maid showing them to a door.

"Your things were brought in earlier, Prince Wonwoo. If you need anything, just pull the cord above your bed, and someone will be right with you. Prince Kim can show you. Goodnight, my princes."

She curtsied again and hurried away, leaving nothing for Wonwoo to do but step inside, very aware of the alpha at his back.

The room was barely brighter than the corridors, with a small lantern on the dresser and a candle on each nightstand. Wonwoo took a few steps inside and stopped. Kim followed and shut the door behind them. Wonwoo couldn't quite conceal a flinch at the sound.

"These will be our rooms," Kim said. "The bathroom is just through here, and there's a parlor through there. Beyond that is a study. I like to read when I'm not too busy with my duties and obligations."

Wonwoo knew he should say something. Remark on the comfort of the room or ask about the alpha's taste in literature. But he was staring right at the bed, the one he and this stranger of an alpha were about to share, and he couldn't force a single word past his lips.