Five Kingdoms

Macaroons

Jihyun is dressed in the king's royal jacket, embellished completely with gold, a long sleeved black button down underneath, black trousers and boots that match Christina's.

Christina is dressed in a long sleeved, tea length dress, a gold embellished corset accenting her tiny waist, black stockings with gold flecks and boots that match Jihyun's.

The newlyweds walk into the dinning room and are greeted by a smiling Pops. Daniel pours orange juice into his glass and turns to bow to the couple, before backing up to stand behind Pops. Taecyeon goes to pull Christina's chair for her and Jihyun holds his hand up, Taecyeon bows. Jihyun pulls Christina's chair out and then sits opposite her at the table. Taecyeon pours juice for Christina, then Jihyun. "How was the first night as newlyweds. Did you consummate the marriage?" Pops asks abruptly. Jihyun chokes on a piece of toast and Christina giggles. "Daddy. Jihyunnie has an injury. We slept very well though." Christina says blushing. Jihyun waves off a worried looking Taecyeon. "It's fine." Jihyun says with a raspy voice.

"Well! Eat up. You have a busy day today Jiji. You'll need to go and walk around the city a bit. Introduce yourself to the people and all." Pops says before a bite of his eggs. "Of course. I'm excited to see what all there is to do here. I thought I saw a shop that sells macaroons." Jihyun says. Christina smiles and looks over at her father. "Yes. That shop has been running for quite a while now. Christina and Virgil liked going there before Virgil moved away. I got some for breakfast." Pops says with a nod toward a small plate with the delicate dessert stacked.

"I bet Haejin and Taecyeon would love to have some macaroons. They may be butlers, but they're still little ones you know." Christina whispered the last sentence across to Jihyun. Jihyun looked up from his plate. "That's fine." Jihyun says looking over at the small butler behind Christina.

"So this morning we have some documents to sign. It will take a while so we can have a small lunch, then walking around to meet the people. We'll stop at the macaroon shop for a snack and to take some, then we'll come back. It should be night time by then." Christina says with a smile. "Taecyeon. Go get my medication from the medical hall." Jihyun says flatly, not looking up from his plate. Taecyeon moves to leave the room, Christina holds her hand up, stopping the small butler. Christina shifts in her seat and leans closer. "Jihyun. Please speak politely to my butler." Christina whispers with a smile. Jihyun scoffs and rolls his eyes. "Why?" Jihyun asks with furrowed eyebrows.

Christina stares at him for a second. "Please." Christina whispers. Jihyun stops and looks at Pops. "Uh, Taecyeon. Please go and get my medication." Jihyun says flatly. Taecyeon hesitates for a second, then bows and leaves. "Oh goodness. I'm stuffed. Daniel, lets go set out the papers." Pops says waving. Daniel comes over and helps Pops to his feet. Pops rubs his plump belly.

"You two come when you're done." Pops says with a smile. Christina continues to eat and Jihyun watches Pops leave. "What's the problem Christina. Why should I speak to the servant with any kind of respect. They're property. Our pets to play with when we're bored. So why do I. The king, have to 'speak politely' to the likes of those animals?" Jihyun asks clenching his fists around his silverware.

Christina chews her food slowly, taking the time to gently wipe her lips. Opening her eyes, she smiles. "Jihyun my sweet husband. They're people, they work for us. They can always leave and work someplace else. Respect is common courtesy." Christina says. "You're dumb." Jihyun says putting his silverware down on the table. "Why is that?" Christina asks putting her hands in her lap. "I don't get you. Yea, I get they're people, but you're buying them. Using them at your will. We own them. Also, why did you pick two scrawny kids? You could have two tall, strong men." Jihyun says leaning against the table.

Christina giggles. "I could also have had two tall, strong women, but I like my two shorter, petite butlers. The two boys I've chosen to serve as butlers needed a job, a place to live and I could give them that. So I did." Christina says with a smile. Jihyun watches Christina for a few seconds before continuing to eat.