The Black Prince & The White Prince

Black Start

Baekho looked at Ren with uncertain eyes. He didn't know whether to pity the boy or feel anything at all. Even though he had already forgiven him. Ren didn't even notice Baekho staring since he just clung to JR happily. Minhyun patted Baekho's shoulder and the other would snap out of his staring.

"Aren't you staring at the wrong person?" Minhyun purposely teased him. Baekho chuckled and rubbed his head on Minhyun's hand when the other patted his head.

"I'm sorry. Is that jealousy I hear?" Baekho remarked and Minhyun turned away with a huff. "Of course I only have my eyes set on you." He wanted to hold Minhyun's hand but wasn't sure if that was the right line of action.

"We will leave once everyone else is ready," JR told them and they nodded. "Other than that, feel free to take a sit. Ren and I will be right with you later." He motioned them into the living room area of the palace and the two sat down beside one another. Minhyun couldn't help but to keep an eye on the guards who were loitering to take a peek at them or just knights who were getting ready. Baekho was too busy looking at his surroundings to look at the people.

"I wonder if everyone thought I was dead," Minhyun muttered and Baekho turned his attention to Minhyun before trying to see what the other was looking at.

"Why? Is everyone looking like they've seen a ghost?" Baekho asked and Minhyun shrugged.

"They've been staring quite a bit." Baekho turned back to Minhyun and grinned.

"But you have a very handsome face that I like to stare at too!" He chirped and Minhyun instinctively covered Baekho's mouth.

"When did you start becoming so cheesy?" He groaned and Baekho laughed, although it sounded echoey because of Minhyun's hand. Minhyun moved his hand away and Baekho leaned closer. "What do you want this time?"

"Aww. We can't kiss in front of people?" He asked with a pout to accompany it. "Even though you so bravely did it the first time."

"Yah. Control your hormones," Minhyun scolded him and glanced around to make sure no one was around before sneaking a quick kiss on the other's lips. Baekho was happy with just that and sat up properly again. They didn't have to wait that much longer when JR and Ren came to get them.

"Alright. Time to go," JR said and handed Minhyun two handcuffs that had been modified for their plan. Minhyun nodded and looked at Ren who smiled a little.

"Good luck, you two. Stay safe," Minhyun said and gave them short hugs which they gladly returned.

"That's what we should be telling you," Ren said with a nervous laugh.

"We all need it," Minhyun said softly. "Alright then. Come on, Baekho." JR and Ren led them to the front gate where there were two carriages waiting for them. Minhyun and Baekho entered one of them while JR and Ren got up the other. JR signalled the coachmen to leave and they started riding back to the Black Fox Kingdom.

"Will this really work?" Baekho asked again, feeling his worries take over again. Minhyun shrugged as always. Even though he would like to be certain that it would, there was just no proper answer he could give.

"Less thinking and more action," Minhyun said quietly and smiled at Baekho, silently studying the way the other look since he wasn't sure if he could ever get a chance like this again. Baekho returned the stare and held Minhyun's hands.

"I've been thinking... even though it does suck to keep getting hurt, I think I've been lucky enough to be able to meet you," Baekho said. Minhyun blinked and chuckled.

"What are you saying? The one lucky enough to meet you is me," he replied and gently trailed his thumb over Baekho's hand. "Don't randomly raise a death flag here. I won't sit by if you think you're going to get yourself killed in front of me."

Baekho grinned and nodded. "Sorry. So I trust you have my back like I have yours?"

"You better," Minhyun said and they sealed their unspoken promise with a kiss.

Once they were almost there, Minhyun put the handcuffs onto Baekho and himself.

"Best of luck there, my prince," Baekho said as the door opened. A guard held a hand out to help them out.

"You too...," Minhyun said, getting out first. They were really at the palace. The whole situation was starting to hit Minhyun. He breathed in and out, noticing there were regular citizens around who were trying to catch a glimpse of him. The guard started leading him in with Baekho right behind him. There were guards and knights from other kingdoms there as well. All wearing their kingdom's armor proudly. The door opened to the throne room, revealing rows of people standing around. The king, the queen and his sister sat on their thrones on the stage.

He was brought all the way to the front since he couldn't back out now. It was far too late for that so he walked firmly. He saw Aron, the advisor and the head knight on the way to the front. Aron gave him a small nod.

"My son. You're back," the king spoke in a flat tone.

"Yes. For better or for worse," Minhyun said, full of spite.

"You shan't talk to the king in such a tone!" His sister bellowed and Minhyun shot her a glare. The king waved his hand and the female shrunk back into her seat.

"You disappoint me, Minhyun. And for your treason, there can only be two choices given to you." A lady with an eye mask walked up to him. In her outstretched hands, there was a pillow with a blue pill on it. "One is to die painfully. The other is to take the pill and live the rest of your life under supervision."

"They both sound like terrible choices," Baekho grumbled and almost everyone glared at him.

"Ah... The White Tiger Prince. As for you, you do not have any choice. Your only path is death," the king said.