The Prince

Departure

There was almost nothing could bound Yunho's heart like Onew did to him that afternoon. Under the blanket of warm cloud he had to leave his family behind, trusting him in the protective hands of the Emperor, his brother. He knew there was no one else could protect Onew and his sons better than Changmin.

So with the last bid of goodbye, his horse galloped and dissapeared amidst the thick smoke of dust and left Onew who was standing by the gate, in case Yunho change his mind and came back home.

For anyone who didn't know him, Onew was a striking beauty. The combination of gentle manliness and a beautiful appearance created a sublime vulnerability that made anyone felt protective to him. His long chestnut hair danced with the wind, rippling across his face. He didn't like his hair done unless he was told to do so.

Overall, he looked like a teenager barely reached his flower age (which was true, he was still 19 years old), a carefree soul ready to darted out from his confinement.

"Empress, if you're ready we can go back.." said one of his guard, suggesting him to come inside since people are starting to gather and no one was supposed to see the real face of their Empress.

He nodded his head and followed the guards. As one, you can find so many ridiculous regulation and one million reason to get depressed. Covering his face from anyone to see was just a minor problem for him.

He walked slowly, face down, let his guards led him to wherever they want to take him. But he stopped when he saw a lush flower garden, and he stood there for a moment. Wasn't it a flowers from his homeland? he started to feel uneasy.

"So you see it? it's beautiful, just like you." A distant, yet familiar voice was heard, and he turned around to see the owner.

He was shocked to see the tall man standing not too far from him, but too dumbfounded to even make any voice. Where were all the guards? since when did he left alone? His legs felt like a jelly, almost gave him out if not for that tall man reached out and grabbed him by his waist.

"Have you forgotten about me, beautiful?" that man asked him in a close proximity, his breath warm against Onew's cheek.

"I..i'm not sure i remember you.." But he does. He remember him from that fateful day, but he couldn't remember him saying his name. It was a distant memory, a memory he wished to vanish.

"Then i'll make sure you'll remember my name. I'm Jaejoong, and i came to fetch you to my Kingdom."

Onew pushed him away with his best attempt, only to be drawn closer into Jaejoong's tight embrace.

"Uh..why do you have to fetch me?" Onew asked shakily. Jaejoong couldn't possibly known about him, his identity was a secret well hidden under layers and layers of veils.

Jaejoong smiled, his eyes warm under the afternoon sun, and he placed a chaste kiss on Onew's forehead.

"Please don't play innocent, Empress Onew. Yes, i've been investigating you after our first meeting. And yes, i know about your forced marriage and your twin sons. But that doesn't stop me from wanting you. I'll give you a chance to reunite with your cherished family until i fetch you in 3 days from now, and you better come with me peacefully before i put an end to your husband's life."

Jaejoong had to support Onew or he will slide down to earth. Round tears welled up on his smooth cheeks. Not again. He started to think that he didn't deserve happiness. Everything he touch will break, everyone he loves went away. Like dust, they will slip away from his grasp.

"I won't let you do that!" Onew kicked Jaejoong by his shin, successfully freed him from the taller guy.

He pointed his still seathed sword into Jaejoong with trembling hands. He was sure that with his exercise and sword practice with his husbands he could improve his skills.