TFL | MW [✔]

04.

Wonwoo watched the airship depart from his bedroom window, his chamomile tea cooling on the dresser behind him. Siwon was gone. His uncle had ceded control of him to his new husband. But what kind of man was Prince Kim Mingyu? That he wasn't Kim Minyue meant Wonwoo's misery had shifted from a foregone conclusion to a roll of the dice. He knew nothing about Mingyu. Hadn't heard any whispers or gossip among the omegas of Morona's court. But then, as a third prince and the youngest of King Minho's many alpha sons, he was beneath the notice of most people.

He watched until the airship disappeared from view and then went to sit on the end of his bed, his tea untouched. Mingyu would return soon, and then... and then Wonwoo would begin to learn how it would be here in the Sands. He couldn't muster up much fear. His body was drained after weeks, months, and years of it. Nor could he scrounge up even an ounce of optimism, for all that Mingyu had been kind to him so far. They were still married, and there were still expectations Wonwoo would have to meet. No matter how hard, no matter what it cost, no matter...

He drifted into idle contemplation, reciting in his head some of his once-favorite poems. They'd long since lost any meaning except to help him pass the hours and stop the crawl of fear up his throat. The morning sun surged ever higher, the scent of chamomile and honey from the tea began to fade, and still, he sat.

He jolted back to awareness at a knock on the door, his heart mustering a brief gallop before settling again.

"Come in," he called, anticipating the servant's return. Was it lunchtime already?

But when the door opened, it was Mingyu who stepped inside, strands of his dark brown hair falling over his forehead. He brushed them back as he turned to close the door, pausing for a moment with his hand on the handle.

Wonwoo had only a moment to consider how strange it was that the alpha had knocked on his own bedroom door before Mingyu turned back toward him and smiled. It wasn't a happy smile, but Wonwoo had the sense it was supposed to put him at ease.

"I've spoken with my parents and explained... the situation. They'd had suspicions that there was more to your uncle's request than they knew, and they want me to extend their apologies for involving you in our subterfuge."

Wonwoo stared at the alpha, bewildered, and wondered just what response was required. He settled on, "Thank you."

"I've gone ahead and made some arrangements with their blessing. I hope they'll meet with your satisfaction."

Wonwoo's words stuck in his throat. What sort of 'arrangements' could the alpha mean?

"Are you able for a short walk, do you think? I'm sure you're tired after everything."

It had been a long time since such kindness and consideration had been extended Wonwoo's way. He pushed to his feet, ignoring the ache in his body from holding himself so tensely for so long.

"I'm refreshed after my rest," he told the alpha, even though he wanted nothing more than to sit right back down.

Mingyu's expression dimmed at his words, but all the alpha said was, "Then if you'll follow me..."

Wonwoo trailed the prince from the bedroom, and they walked side by side along the corridor.

"That room was only intended to be ours for the wedding night. My parents had made arrangements for us to share the southeast wing with my brother Hangyul and his husband, but after speaking with them, I think it would be far better if we had our own space. A little annex in the upper levels of the castle. The servants are still getting everything ready. There hasn't been anyone in residence there for quite some time."