Mirror | Changlix

1. prequel

He opened his eyes.

The morning sun was peeking through the thick red velvet curtains creating a dim light in the room.

Behind the windows of the palace, the capital was slowly becoming alive.

He reached out his hand to block the light.

It was early in the morning but he had a lot of work to do. He was the new emperor after all. He squinted his eyes.

The last few years weren't good. His parents died several months ago and he had yet to learn everything about ruling a country.

He carefully got off the bed, without waking up the person sleeping next to him.

Fixing his robes, he walked up to a mirror.

It was a royal treasure, it had been in the palace for many years and it was known for it's beautiful golden frame with outstanding and unique ornaments.

His handsome reflection was staring back at him. He thought first about calling in the servants to help him dress up, but he quickly changed his mind.

He sighed.

These days of war he couldn't trust anyone. After all, it were the citizens of his own country that murdered their beloved king and queen.

He eyed his face in the mirror, framed by black wavy hair. It was much paler than it used to be. Eyes grew sharper and more malicious.

"You're already awake?"

A voice called from behind.

The tall youth looked away from the mirror and his gaze softened when he saw his lover.

He was one of the few people he could still trust.

The latter yawned and walked up to him. He hugged him from behind.

Together they stood there for a while, gazing at their reflection.

"I should get ready now." He gently pushed him away.

The younger looked at him.
"Another war conference?"

"Yes, the neighbouring country is presuming too much. They think they can just steal our lands and take our people. We have to end them once and for all."

"But do we have enough warriors and resources?"

"We can always change the rules and recruit younger soldiers and call back the old ones. That poses no problem."

The latter blinked unbelievably.

"But won't that be just sending people to their deaths?"

The emperor smiled coldly. "One must make sacrifices to bring his country to victory."

"..."

"Besides, one of the generals came up with briliant tactics, they won't stand a chance against us."

"We sure are lucky, to have such a capable emperor." Said the shorter one as he leaned against him.

"But even the best ruler, can't prevent the people from suffering because of the war. Wouldn't it be best to avoid it at all costs?"

The emperor waved his hand impassively. "Of course not, it doesn't matter if the people suffer, as long as they can work and fight. Anything else is irrelevant."

The younger one slowly opened his eyes. The man in front of him wasn't the same boy he fell in love with a few years ago. This man was changed by war, suffering and loss.

He couldn't see clearly the difference between right and wrong and if he were to fall, he would take the whole country down with him.

This war would bring only pain and suffering, to both kingdoms.

Many lives would be lost. And for what? What would these people die for?

But his emperor was too deep in his own suffering to see that.

He looked away. He hoped it wouldn't have to come to this. There was only one thing left to do.

The morning light glistened against something silver.

"Your Highness.. I'm sorry."

"For wh-"

But the emperor never finished his sentence.

A sharp pain came from his chest.

He looked in the reflection in disbelief and touched the dagger piercing his heart.

"Why... you..." He spitted out a mouthful of blood and collapsed in front of the mirror. His hand left traces of blood on the golden frame.

The pain he felt wasn't a physical one. The thing that hurt the most was the betrayal of his loved one.

'Why? Why would he do that?' Thought the emperor as his blood dripped on the jade floor.

He didn't really feel pain. No. The only thing he felt was the feeling of overwhelming rage, hatred and betrayal.

'Weren't we happy? After we won the war, we could have lived a good life. That's what I get for trusting people. In the end they all leave me.'

He cursed as he was slowly losing his concience.

The world blackened and he couldn't hear nor feel the words and tears of the one who loved him the most.

a/n
hello, yes this is actually a changlix fic, but there'll also be a lot of seungjin bcs i love them haha

it took me a lot of time to come up w/ this so pls enjoy uwu