The Official EXO Ship Book Pt. 2

Kai x Kris

Your Royal Highness

"What a nightmare," Chanyeol sighed, watching the carriage wind its way out of the village. Kai took a shaky sip of tea, feeling his heart race; as much as they tried to stay calm, the meeting with the nearest kingdom was ended on a passive aggressive tone. The Jang kingdom was always difficult to please, and even more difficult to keep peace with. Kai placed his cup down, noting how the remaining tea rippled in his grasp.

"My brother, you look pale," Irene fretted, placing a slim hand on Kai's shoulder. Suho immediately stepped forward, hands respectfully kept behind his back. 

"My liege, shall I bring a maid?"

"No, no, please, all is well," Kai attempted to sound normal, coughing slightly. Chanyeol immediately appeared at his side, using his palm to feel his forehead like he did two years ago on their first night together. Kai awkwardly smiled up at Chanyeol, who gave a reassuring smile back.

"Suho, alert Kris to the wall defenses." Chanyeol announced, gently caressing Kai's cheek before turning to Suho. "I want the guards ready for a petty attack, who knows what the Jang kingdom is thinking."

Suho nodded, bringing Irene's hand up to kiss her palm -the only affection Suho ever showed Irene in front of other's eyes- before exiting the room. Irene blushed as he left, however no one seemed to notice. Kai fiddled with his fingers, heart seizing when he remembered a certain someone had joined the escort team. 

Kris had vigilantly stood beside the door during the meeting, in armor and identity hidden as his kingdom was subtly mocked. At some point Kai and Kris made eye contact, and Kai couldn't miss a fire burning bright in Kris's eyes as the Jang kingdom snarked over Chanyeol. Kris had escorted them down the hallway and was now marching alongside their carriage; it was Biromhia's tradition to escort visiting royals out of the kingdom, to show respect and make sure they didn't try anything. Kai felt his chest twinge slightly, hoping that the Jang family would leave in peace and let Kris return to the castle safely. Kai's husband sat in his seat and began writing a letter, a frown etched on his forehead. Kai gently placed a hand on Chanyeol's shoulder; Chanyeol did not look up. 

"You should not worry," Kai murmured. "Our kingdom is known for our combat; you yourself are known for your skill. Only fools dare to test those claims."

Chanyeol glanced over, allowing a smirk. "You call our potential trading partner foolish?"

"I do!" He glowered out the window, remembering how the king's son eyed Kai with disrespectful eyes. "They are not enemies, but they are not partners yet. I cannot believe I let them gaze down on us, as if- if chickens are gods..."

Chanyeol tossed his head back, laughing loudly; Irene's giggles mixed in with them, and Kai flushed red as the siblings made fleeting eye contact. Through his chuckles Chanyeol leaned over and pressed his lips against Kai's temple, laughter painting his tone as he replied. 

"You know just what to say, my love."

Kai allowed a sheepish shrug, playing with his cape as Chanyeol turned back to his letter, handwriting beautifully marking the paper with his thoughts. Kai looked out the window and breathed a sigh, wondering if he could convince Chanyeol to walk with him to the village library and pick out a few books. Of course, Chanyeol would agree; Chanyeol always agreed. Though some called it love, Kai considered Chanyeol's undying agreements a bit silly, a weakness almost. Chanyeol's reputation of a king would not stand if he couldn't say no, but from the two years of marriage Kai seemed to notice how Chanyeol only said yes indefinitely to Kai. The young king watched Chanyeol's writing and let out a sigh. They did not deserve one another. 

Chanyeol did not deserve a husband who's eyes linger on his brother, how during the nighttime he awakens Chanyeol from his slumber with suppressed crying. Chanyeol would always do the same, wait until Kai pulled him forward for a hug. Chanyeol, as understanding as he was, never asked what Kai's heart yearned, and Kai wondered if he knew. If he saw how Kris lingers when he kisses Kai's hand respectfully, how Kris sits across from Kai and toasts directly to him, a warm smile spreading across his face every time their goblets meet.