love is just a daydream [Chapter 12]

[darkyulate]

Chapter Directory
Chapter 11

Chapter 12 Joonmyun woke up that morning to the sound of nothing. Not the sound of his alarm, or the sound of maids running about cooking breakfast or cleaning the castle. Joonmyun wondered if this was what war sounded like, nothingness until everything exploded right before your eyes. "Your Highness," Minseok's muffled voice drew him out of his thoughts. "Come in." "It's time," Minseok said. Joonmyun nodded and turned away from the window, overlooking the land beyond Sedocia's borders. "What about Sungmin?" Joonmyun asked as they made their way to the car. "He's being driven along with Doctor Kim in a separate convoy," Minseok replied. "You ready?" Joonmyun flashed him a quick smile. "Ready as I'll ever be." Minseok nodded. "Whatever happens today, whatever you might think, I believe that you made all the right choices and that you are a good king—the right king for Sedocia." Joonmyun's heart swelled at the compliment; it gave him the confidence he needed to face his biggest trial of the day. "Thank you, Minseok." "You're always welcome." Minseok closed the door once Joonmyun settled in the car. The drive to the gates of Sedocia seemed to take forever and then no time at all when they were finally close enough to see the army of men and women ready to fight for their kingdom. Minho greeted Joonmyun as soon as he exited the car, shaking his hand and updating him on the situation. "We've left the gates closed since the announcement but the people guarding the borders have noticed activities outside and we're all assuming that Venocia and Donocia are preparing to attack in case all does not go well with the peace talks." "Do we know what kind of weapons they might have?" Joonmyun asked while Minho led them to the booth where all the kings would gather. Minho shook his head. "None of the guards could see and their soldiers have done well to conceal it deep into the forest. We're prepared for whatever they might throw our way, but in case they decide to attack and literally tear down the walls of Sedocia, we've placed the booth farthest from the borders." "I see, thank you, Minho." "You're welcome, Your Highness. We've also received word that Alpha King Yixing's plane will be arriving just before Venocia's." "When Alpha King Yixing arrives, send for the convoys to bring him here to the booth immediately." "Yes, Your Highness." Minho bowed one last time and returned to his post, leaving Joonmyun and Minseok sitting under the booth. The booth had a makeshift roof, made out of wood and plastic, the plastic hanging low to the sides and back, leaving the front completely open. Joonmyun had provided the table and chairs once he'd acquired Kyuhyun's agreement to talk. It wasn't nearly as private as Joonmyun wanted, but it would have to do. "Your Highness," Minseok began. "What do we do about Sungmin?" "Keep him housed in one of the tents close by and tell him not to go out until I send word for him. We're not letting Alpha King Kyuhyun see him until I say so." "Yes, Your Highness." Minseok quickly made the call and the escort for Sungmin passed by, bringing the pregnant omega and the doctor to one of the tents closest to the booth. Yixing's convoy arrived a few minutes later, his car stopping directly at the booth before disappearing among the other cars around the area. "Joonmyun," Yixing greeted, shaking Joonmyun's hand and taking his seat beside the king. "Thank you again for coming, Yixing." Yixing gave him a soft smile, almost solemn. "Although I believe that peace and communication must always be our first option when it comes to resolution, I also believe in fighting for what is right." Joonmyun nodded. "I just hope that Alpha King Kyuhyun will see reason when we talk to him." "Excuse me, Your Highnesses," Minseok said. "We've received word that Alpha Kings Kyuhyun and Yunho have arrived." Joonmyun's heart pounded but he took a deep breath and swallowed the growing lump in his throat. "Welcome them in." While they waited for Kyuhyun's convoy to arrive, a group of five soldiers surrounded the booth, guarding and protecting their privacy. Joonmyun could hear his blood rushing in his ears and he tried to keep himself calm or at least look calm. As soon as the car holding Kyuhyun stopped, the older king burst out of the door, stalking the table and glaring down at Joonmyun. Joonmyun stood up as calmly as he could to welcome Kyuhyun. "Where is he!?" Kyuhyun screamed, slamming his hands on the table. Yunho and his advisor appeared then, pulling Kyuhyun away and asking him to calm down. "Where's Sungmin!? Bring him here or I'll call my men to bomb your whole kingdom to the ground!" "Alpha King Kyuhyun!" Joonmyun shouted. "If you break our walls down, you might accidentally kill Sungmin in the process, so please, just calm down and listen to what we have to say." Yunho shook Kyuhyun a few times until the king calmed down, pulling his arm out of Yunho's hold. "Welcome to Sedocia, Alpha King Kyuhyun and Alpha King Yunho. We're sorry that we've had to meet under such circumstances, but I hope we can continue to act as civil as possible while we conduct our discussion of the impending war you've waged against us." Joonmyun ushered for the rest of them to take a seat and they all did, their advisors standing behind their kings. Kyuhyun scoffed. "Nothing you say will change my mind, but I dare you to try." "Kyuhyun," Yunho scolded lightly. "I'd like to hear your side, Your Highness," he said, turning to Joonmyun. "I know Alpha King Kyuhyun won't believe me when I say that we didn't kidnap Sungmin, but the truth is that we didn't. We indeed have Sungmin in our kingdom, but it's because he'd somehow managed to ask a relative of his for help. This relative sought out my assistance in an elaborate rescue operation to save a male omega who they refused to name. I had no way of knowing they'd be coming back with Sungmin." "Bullshit," Kyuhyun shouted, leaning forward to reach out to Joonmyun, but Yunho's advisor held him back. "Sungmin has no reason to leave me." Joonmyun sighed. "Whatever Sungmin's reasons are for leaving you, they are not mine to say." "Fuck you!" "Kyuhyun! Calm down," Yunho said, holding Kyuhyun down. "Junsu." He turned to his advisor and the man named Junsu quickly went to restrain Kyuhyun. Kyuhyun shook off his hands and took a deep breath, clenching his fists on top of the table. "Alpha King Kyuhyun," Joonmyun said softly. "If you promise to calm down and hear what we have to say, then we promise to bring Sungmin out as soon as possible." Kyuhyun cursed and grumbled. His knuckles looked almost white with how hard he curled his fists. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "What do you want to say?" "If you sign the treaty and promise to surrender, we'll let you see Sungmin and if he allows it, we'll even let you two talk." "And if I don't sign your treaty?" Kyuhyun scoffed and crossed his arms. "As payment for saving him, Sungmin has shared with us incriminating information against the Venocian Royal family." "You turned him against me?" Kyuhyun kicked at the table and then shook his head. "It doesn't matter because I will tear Sedocia down to the ground. You won't even be alive to use whatever you have against me." "In case that does happen, I have made arrangements for the information Sungmin has given me to be spread throughout the country as soon as you turn your back on the treaty. Not only that, but I will not allow Sungmin to go back with you no matter what. Instead, I will have him taken away to a safe place where you will never be able to find him unless you keep me alive." "How dare you!?" Kyuhyun screamed, standing up and slamming his hands on the table. He tried to stare Joonmyun down, but Joonmyun didn’t look away, even when he could hear his heart pounding in his ears. Before Yunho or Junsu could try to bring him down, Kyuhyun lowered his head and slowly sat back down. The older king closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I want," Kyuhyun started, voice soft and sounding too much like a plea. "I want to talk to Sungmin." Joonmyun wanted to protest but Kyuhyun looked at him, eyes begging. "Please," he said, voice almost a whisper. "I just need to see him and then I'll decide." Joonmyun studied Kyuhyun. His face looked ghastly pale, giving light to the dark circles under his eyes. Gone was the strong king who'd held him and Jongdae on the palm of his hands just a few months ago, replaced by this man so broken down and lost. He wondered if this was what love did to people, tear their defenses down until they were as bare as the day they were born. "I understand," Joonmyun said. "I will allow it but only on one condition. You are not allowed to speak to him in private." Kyuhyun grumbled at the obvious insult, but he clenched his fists and nodded. "Fine." Joonmyun nodded and turned to Minseok. "Tell Sungmin it's time." Once Sungmin's escorts appeared, Kyuhyun immediately stood up from his seat, surprising the rest of the people inside the booth. Before Joonmyun or any of the others could pull him back, Kyuhyun pushed aside one of the escorts and pulled Sungmin into his arms, crashing their lips together. Sungmin struggled in Kyuhyun's arms and his escorts threw Joonmyun worried glances, unsure whether to point their guns at the king. Joonmyun put his hand up, stopping them and waited to see if Sungmin would continue to struggle. Sungmin squirmed for a few more seconds before gripping onto Kyuhyun's clothes, kissing Kyuhyun back. Joonmyun sighed and gestured for the escorts to put their guns down, stepping back to give the older king and omega some space. Kyuhyun pulled away and rested his forehead against Sungmin's. He whispered, "Why'd you leave me?" "Excuse me, Your Highness," Joonmyun spoke up, interrupting the atmosphere between the two. Joonmyun reached out and held onto Sungmin's arm, gently pulling him away from Kyuhyun's hold. "I'm sorry, but for now, I think it would be best if Sungmin were to sit with us." Kyuhyun glared at Joonmyun but reluctantly let go of Sungmin, allowing Joonmyun to sit him in between him and Yixing. Yesung followed after Sungmin, standing behind his chair. Kyuhyun caught sight of the man and immediately stalked forward. "What's the meaning of this? You said he was unharmed! Why is there a doctor accompanying him? How dare you lie to me, Alpha King Joonmyun?" "I'm fine!" Sungmin shouted, surprising all of them at the strength of his voice. “What are you talking about? You’re obviously not fine if you have a doctor following you around.” Joonmyun looked back and forth between Kyuhyun and Sungmin. He opened his mouth to answer in Sungmin’s stead but the omega beat him to it. “I’m pregnant.” “What?” Kyuhyun fell back onto his seat. "How?" he whispered. "They got you pregnant?" Joonmyun wanted to chuckle at that but he didn't think it was the time or place to be laughing. He glanced at Sungmin and found the omega red in the face. "No, Kyuhyun," he said, voice low but serious, almost menacing in the way it was neutral. "I'm pregnant with your child," after a beat he added, "and that's why I left." "What?" Kyuhyun asked, eyes unfocused as they landed on Sungmin. Sungmin sighed. "I left because if people found out I, a male omega, was carrying an alpha king’s—your child, who knows what they would've done to me and my baby. I couldn't—I couldn't risk losing my child." "I would've accepted any child you would've given me as my heir because they would be an alpha," Kyuhyun said. "Yes, you would have, but the people of Venocia would never accept me as the child's father! If they found out your child was from me, they might not only ask for my death, but also the child's." "Then I would imprison them, have them killed—" "You don't even understand how your own people think! Do you really think that would work for the rest of our lives? Even if you tried that, one day, you'd end up marrying some alpha royal and then I would lose all my rights to my child." Sungmin fell back to his seat and buried his face in his hands. "So that's it?" Kyuhyun asked, voice soft. "You're turning your back on me, just like that?" "Please," Sungmin uttered, lifting his head out of his hands and giving everyone a sight of his brokenness. "Please don't ever make it sound like the choice I made was easy. I did what I thought would keep me alive—" "I," Kyuhyun screamed. "I would keep you alive." Sungmin just shook his head. "Not for long. How many times do you think I've watched you break your promises to me? You wouldn't be able to keep me or our baby alive!" Joonmyun watched as Kyuhyun froze in his seat, wide eyes only on Sungmin. Sungmin, almost as if he couldn't bare the weight of his gaze, turned his head away. "That's why," Sungmin began. "That's why it's better for us to stay here in Sedocia. In Sedocia, we could at least have a life, our—my child will at least have me." When it was evident that Kyuhyun wouldn't say anything, Sungmin continued. "So please, take your army and go back to Venocia. Let me go, Kyuhyun." Joonmyun turned to Kyuhyun and saw the Venocian Alpha King shed a tear before lowering his head. "Excuse me, Your Highness," Yixing began. "I don't mean to interrupt your conversation, but I do believe there is a solution to your problem. If you sign the treaty, Sungmin and your child will be able to have the same chances he would have in Sedocia." Kyuhyun shook his head. "It's not that easy. I can't just sign a fucking treaty and everything will be alright all of a sudden. It doesn't work like that. I'd have to put more than half of the royal family to jail, the people—my people would outrage! There could be a war in my own kingdom!" "This isn't just about Sungmin, Your Highness," Yixing added. "This is also about the lives of all those mistreated omegas who are also your people, the alphas and betas who've sacrificed their lives to get those omegas to safety, to give them the chance to live." "It's not that easy!" Kyuhyun shouted, banging his hands on the table. "The sins of my family run too deep in my kingdom. Even if I tried, there's no guarantee of success or even of change! Even if I tried, they might still want Sungmin and our child's death. What then? Will I lose my family as well as my kingdom?" "Alpha King Kyuhyun, please, calm down," Joonmyun said gently. Kyuhyun seethed but took a deep breath and sat back down on his chair. His glare disappeared, replaced by worry and anxiety. Joonmyun noticed how his unclenched fists shook just slightly. "If you sign the treaty, Sedocia and Namcia promise to lend our hand to Venocia in ensuring that the regulations of the treaty are met. You will not have to deal with the problem alone as we will become alliances in the equal rights movement." "I promised that I would sign the treaty once Alpha King Kyuhyun signs it and I will not back down on that promise, so will you also provide your assistance to Donocia if or when that happens?" Yunho asked. "Yes, of course," Joonmyun said with a smile, but Kyuhyun still looked unsure. After a minute or two, Kyuhyun finally lifted his head and locked eyes with Sungmin. Sungmin froze in his seat at the intensity of his gaze. "Would you come home with me if I sign the treaty?" Sungmin's eyes widened before turning to Yixing and Joonmyun, almost as if asking for permission. Joonmyun smiled at him kindly and nodded his head. "Yes, I would," Sungmin finally said. For a moment, Kyuhyun said nothing, did nothing. He just sat there staring into Sungmin's eyes and then he sighed. "I'll do it," he said. "I'll sign the treaty." Joonmyun thought that Kyuhyun must have really loved Sungmin. When he turned to look at Sungmin, he saw the same kind of emotion swimming in his eyes. No, he corrected himself. It wasn’t just Kyuhyun; they really love each other. "Your Highness?" Joonmyun quickly shook away his thoughts and turned his attention to the treaty on the table. Both parties had finished reading and were now ready to sign. "Once you sign the treaty, we can begin discussion on the steps we can take in helping your kingdoms follow its regulations," Joonmyun said and both Kyuhyun and Yunho nodded. "But I think it would be better if we first settled the situation at hand." Joonmyun gestured to the troops outside of their tent. "There is much to be done to clear the accusations that Alpha King Kyuhyun has thrown against us but we are prepared to help resolve any misunderstandings." Kyuhyun threw Joonmyun an apologetic glance before signing the treaty, followed by Yunho. "We can begin discussion once all the board members of Equal Rights Union have made their way back to the kingdom. Your Highnesses, welcome to the union," Joonmyun finally said, extending his hand. Kyuhyun and Yunho took it, shaking his hand and Yixing's as well. "Thank you," Kyuhyun said, voice a little soft. "And I'm sorry for the accusation that I made against you and your kingdom. Rest assured, I will do my best to fix the problems that my statements have caused." Joonmyun gave Kyuhyun a smile. "You're welcome, Your Highness, and thank you. I would appreciate that very much." Kyuhyun returned the smile and turned to Yunho. "Call off the army," he said. "There is no need for war anymore." Yunho nodded and turned to whisper in Junsu's ear. "Sungmin," Kyuhyun said, approaching Sungmin from where they stood. "I know you feel safer here but I want—need you to come back with me." Sungmin sighed, looking conflicted. "If you don't mind,” Joonmyun interrupted. “If it would help Sungmin feel safer coming back to Venocia, then we’d like to offer him two military escorts to make sure that no one who plots against Your Highness and his family will be able to accomplish their goals.” Kyuhyun nodded. "Anything, if it will make Sungmin feel safer, I'll do it, so please, Sungmin come home." "Thank you, Alpha King Joonmyun," Sungmin said and then turned to Kyuhyun. "Okay, I'll come home with you." Kyuhyun sighed and pulled Sungmin into his arms. Kyuhyun started whispering apologies and more, almost on the brink of crying. Sungmin hesitantly wrapped his own arms around Kyuhyun, burying his head in his chest. Joonmyun looked away and decided to give them some privacy. "It's done," Joonmyun heard Junsu say to Yunho. "Alpha King Joonmyun," Yunho said. "The armies we've sent outside of Sedocia's borders have started retreating. We suggest that you begin moving your own men. We'll inform them of the treaty that will now be in action in both kingdoms once Kyuhyun and I have made our way back home." "Thank you, Alpha King Yunho." Yunho shot him a smile. "No, thank you, Your Highness. And thank you as well, Alpha King Yixing." "It was all Alpha King Joonmyun, really,” he said with a laugh. Yunho smiled and nodded. "Yes, you’re right. You handled this matter with such finesse and all the bloodshed was avoided. Once again, I apologize on behalf of my kingdom for doubting you so easily. I hope that it will not sully our future alliance with you and Namcia." "Of course not. We look forward to helping you and Venocia once all of this passes." "Likewise," Yixing said Yunho bowed and shook both of their hands before bidding them goodbye. Kyuhyun and Sungmin followed after, stopping by in front of them. Kyuhyun had an arm wrapped around Sungmin's waist, but the omega didn't look uncomfortable. "We apologize for leaving quickly but I believe it would be better to get Sungmin home as soon as possible so we can have him checked by my physician," Kyuhyun said. "Of course, I understand. His doctor here, Doctor Kim, will be willing to give you the details of his examination on Sungmin's pregnancy." He gestured to the doctor talking to one of the soldiers surrounding the tent. "Thank you so much, Alpha King Joonmyun and I'm sorry once again. I know most of this mess was my fault," Sungmin said. Joonmyun smiled at them both. "There is no more need for apologies. This way, not only have I learned a lesson, but the treaty can be fully implemented in all kingdoms. It would be best if we moved on from this and focused our attention on the future implementation of the treaty." Before Kyuhyun and Sungmin could leave, Joonmyun called for the two soldiers who'd be willing to become Sungmin's guards in Venocia, staying there for a period of time until they weren't needed anymore. Hyoyeon, the messenger he'd sent, and Jonghyun, a private, both volunteered, assuring Joonmyun that their families would be alright with the sacrifice. "You need not worry about bringing too many of your things," Kyuhyun said. "We will be more than willing to provide for you. Anything that you will need from clothes to food will be given, all you need to do is ask." Once they gathered their things from the camp, Kyuhyun and Sungmin bid Joonmyun and Yixing goodbye. Yunho and Junsu waited for them by their cars. Joonmyun watched as their cars left, Yunho and Junsu first, followed by Kyuhyun and Sungmin. Murmurs of his army echoed all around until the cars disappeared out of sight and then the cheers erupted. Joonmyun smiled. A part of him cheered with his people, rejoiced in the triumph that they'd accomplished, but a part of him still felt trapped in that booth, surrounded by the other kings. “Alpha King Joonmyun,” Yixing’s voice rang in his ears. “I’ve sent word for some of my military forces to prepare the evacuees for their return.” Joonmyun nodded, but even while he spoke, he couldn’t really hear what he’d said. At some point, he remembered Yixing smiling and bidding him goodbye. His attention continued to drift even as he gave orders to retreat, to send transportation to Namcia to bring his people home, to bring his family home. Once he bid his army goodbye, Joonmyun finally sat back on the seat of his car and took a deep breath. “It’s done.” When he exhaled, Joonmyun felt the pressure in his chest subside, the ringing in his ears fade away. It was over. There was no more war, no need for death and bloodshed. Joonmyun, his men, his kingdom was still here, still standing. He could live another day, could live to see tomorrow, to see his family. Oh god, my family, he thought. Joonmyun haunched over his seat as he remembered that his family didn’t just consist of him and his brother. Joonmyun had Jongdae now, had a child with him. When he closed his eyes, he could no longer picture Jongdae with a child in his arms, crying and on his knees. This time, he could remember parts of his dream, flashes of his picture perfect family with Jongdae. He almost cried at the thought that he could still live to see that day. “Your Highness, are you alright?” Joonmyun’s hands shook but he took a deep breath and leaned back on his seat. “Yes, I’m fine, Minseok. I just realized something.” Minseok gave him one long look before nodding and turning back to the road. Joonmyun was still alive and it wasn’t too late for him to start living.

Chapter 13