The Prince

Stand My Ground

Changmin came just in time to save his Booin, and now he had to deal with a shaky, sweaty and trembling Onew. He tried to get closer to help him recover, but the young man infront of him was too frightened to accept his offer.

"Booin yah...it's me, Changmin, your husband..let me help you.." He extended his hand to reach out, only to be refused flatly. Onew backed away, collected his discarded clothes and curled himself like a ball in the corner of the gazebo.

"Booin yah, it's cold outside, let me bring you back inside, alright?" Changmin's offer vanished in the rustle of the wind, Onew hid his face between his knees and started to rock back and forth, as if to craddle himself.

For the first time in his life, Changmin crumbled. What kind of tragic fate he brought to his dear Booin, that he had to suffer like this? what kind of husband was he, not being able to protect Onew, his one and only love?

A lone tear slid down to his chiseled cheek, his expression hollowed as he cast the lulling spell to put Onew to a deep slumber.

He carried his unconscious Booin to their room, flew amidst the thickness of the moonless night. He never show his strength to another human being, but he didn't really care if someone caught him in the act right now. He cared too much for Onew's safety than to care about his own secret.

Once Onew was settled in his chamber and make sure that he was in a good hand, Changmin called upon his right hand man, Shindong, to meet him secretly.

"That Prince is one hella crazy fella, i'm telling ya Changminnie. He really had a guts to lay his filthy hands to someone else's territory." Shindong talked in a casual way towards the Emperor, something that he used to do since they were still a small children.

Changmin got a grip on the hilt of his sword, his brows formed a thick line as he was frowning. Indeed Jaejoong had committed a severe crime, after all Onew was an Empress, someone forbidden for him to touch. But his oath years ago for not hurting Jaejoong in front of his aunt was something that he can't take lightly. Besides he had hurt himself when he striked Jaejoong earlier, as a consequences of the brotherhood seal implemented in their souls years ago.

"He challenged me to a fight two days from now." He spoke softly to Shindong.

The bigger man look at him in horror. He knew the risk, Changmin could really lose his life during the battle.

"You can't! You will hurt yourself, what about Onew and your sons, what about this Empire if you fall?" A sheer look of terror visible in Shindong's eyes, he didn't try to hide it.

"That's why i need you to do something in secret..i don't know will it work, but i will try anyway. Shindong yah, i'm not afraid of losing my life. If that happens, will you take care of him? he will still have Yunho, but he will be busy with the state affair. You are the only person left that i can trust. Will you do that, for me, Shindong yah?"

Shindong was teary. His dear friend was always like that; he's the most selfless person he'd ever met in his life. His life evolved around his Empire, even before his ascension to the throne.

"Pabo. You know you can order me to do everything. But i'm sorry, that kid Onew is too ugly for me to take care of. You take care of him yerself, i don't want him." Shindong frowned and puffed his already chubby cheeks, making the man beside him chuckled a laughter.

They have a very long story of friendship, and they understand each other better than any one in their lives, including Yunho. They both had a rough childhood, an era kept secret from anyone beside them.

"You have a strange standard of beauty, Shindong yah...i wonder who is 'not too ugly' a person for you so you will take care of." Changmin turned to look at his best friend only to find a deep penetrating gaze from him. He lowered his gaze instantly, a deep hue of crimson graced his chiseled cheek.