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Seonghwa flinched almost imperceptibly as his father, in yet another one of his rather unkingly rages, threw his metal carved staff across the room at the form of the now trembling nobility man. He had not even really been paying close enough attention to know what it was that the other man had done to irate his father, but he was beginning to realize that it very well could have been a mistake to zone out. Particularly when he caught the rage filled eyes of his father turning towards his own bodily self. SeongHwa could practically feel himself wanting to crumble. If he had any less practice...he was quite certain that he would have. As it were, he merely deflected his gaze elsewhere from his Father's angry gaze. 

"Well?" the King questioned, tilting his head idly. "That is enough for the day, I think. Get my staff, then return it to me, and you may leave. It would seem I need a more...private discussion about this matter." SeongHwa merely bowed, not wanting to anger his father further, and hurried to retrieve the staff. Passing the Nobleman he caught the pale faced man looking towards him pleading, as though Seonghwa was able to do anything. It almost made him want to laugh. He had no way to help this man, and he would not bother even if he did. Anyone who was stupid enough to be defiant in the face of his father and then regret the consequences of being forced to face his anger alone...they were a coward in Seonghwa's opinion. 

Sure, he angered his father on many occasion, but he also did not bother to go sliding to the next person he saw hoping that they would get him out of his consequence for going against the King of the Land, and he dealt with his punishments that were met out without complaint. That was what happened when you angered the King. You dealt with the repercussions of it. By now, everyone knew the dangers of angering his father, and they were stupid if they thought that anyone would save them should they chose to defy or anger the King-particularly as they stood in his throne room. 

Seonghwa moved back up the steps leading up to the throne and placed the staff within his father's hand. The noble seemed to shudder as he got a good look at the heavy and rather deceptively heavy bar of metal. Seonghwa wanted to sigh, but did not, keeping his gaze on the floor until the his father lifted the metal from his fingers, and dismissed him with a click of his tongue. Seonghwa rushed out of the throne room as fast as he could whilst still looking somewhat dignified. He did not pause as the guards closed the doors of the throne room behind him, instead he moved towards one of the side corridors commonly used by the servants and rushed down the stairwell. It was only once he was well hidden from his father's gaze, and any of the Royal family, that he allowed himself to collapse on the floor, sliding down the wall as he let himself break down just a bit. 

He pulled his knees to his chest and rested his head between them, allowing his arms to drape over his knees as he felt his heart stutter in his chest, his breathing slightly panicked as he tried to calm himself down. He did not often break down, despite the fact that his father scared him quite effectively when needed, but today he had already been quite tense with the news that his older Brother would be returning to the Palace within the next fortnight. Why his father decided to inform him of this so late when Seonghwa knew for a fact he had likely already sent out the information pamphlets. 

He did not really know what to do. Not only was his older brother returning to the Palace for...who knows what reason really, but his father was clearly unhappy with something. Seonghwa would bet there there was more to it than just his brother returning, or that noble being stupid and questioning his father. There was something else, but Seonghwa would not be the idiot who asked what it was that was angering him so much lately. This was not a new matter either. Over the last week...it would seem...every time anyone came into speak with his father, they usually did not leave unscathed. 

He had seen more bruises for even breathing wrong then he had in a long while. His father was tense, agitated, and on the split verge of beating the life out of someone. Seonghwa couldn't help but wince inwardly at the thought and realization. He knew his father's moods quite well, and this was not boding well for that noble. Perhaps he should have tried to help? But then again, it wasn ot his fault that the Noble had done something stupid enough to incur his father's wrath. 

"Hey," The sudden sound of a human jolted Seonghwa out of his self imposed thought processing. He turned to look at the Servant who was staring at him with wide, somewhat concerned, and rather shocked eyes. Seonghwa figured it was quite the fitting response in the end. He was a Prince, using the servant's halls, and breaking down. He wanted to curse himself. He knew he should have waited to get to his rooms, but they were at least a good five to seven minute walk from where the Throne Room was located. 

Seonghwa moved to stand, but his legs collapsed under him from the faint feeling. It was clear that his mental breakdown mayhaps sapped a bit more energy than he was used to this time. He took a deep breath, not hesitating to stare straight at the servant. He was certain that he looked a total mess at the moment, but that part could not be helped at the moment. He calmed his mind and addressed the servant.

"You will not breathe a word of this to the Royal Father, or the Royal mother." His words were sharp and clear. The servant nodded hastily and Seonghwa collapsed against the wall in relief. "Thank you," the words were muttered softly, but if the widened eyes of the Servant were any indication they clearly heard him. 

"Are you alright, though, Your Highness?" The servant asked tentatively. Seonghwa pursed his lips, not really sure how to actually answer that without it being so obviously a lie. 

"It is nothing to worry over, my father was merely in a mood, and I fear I may have slightly overreacted to the situation when presented to me." Based off the pity that glazed in the servant's eyes, Seonghwa knew that they knew of the King's temper, hell, everyone knew of the King's temper. It was also nothing new when it came to Servants finding Seonghwa hidden in various areas around the Palace that were hard to find, or commonly used only by the servant folk. It was the only places safe from the wrath of His Majesty, after all, and none of the Servants had the guts, or the will to rat Seonghwa out to his father. 

"I see, perhaps you could come with me to the kitchens? I mean, I don't know much about comfort but I do know a lot about food! I can make you a pastry to try and cheer you up." Seonghwa stared at the servant in surprise. Whilst most of the servants did ask over his wellbeing, it was sort of rare to find male servants willing to do much more than ensure that he was okay, and escort him safely back to his room should he require it, it was typically the older maids and staff that liked to do that sort of thing for him. 

"I...Suppose it cannot hurt." Seonghwa admitted, fully aware that he would be skipping dinner after the rather vast display of his father's anger not a few moments ago. It was the safest option.

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The Servant, whom Seonghwa had yet to get the name of-though that was slightly on purpose in case his Father ever did hear about these sorts of things, not knowing the Servant's names were for their own protection more often than not-led Seonghwa effortlessly through the servant walks until they reached the kitchen. Seonghwa had always enjoyed being around, or in, the Kitchen, though he was never there at this time of day, and he had not really come anytime within the last couple of years. He had not had time, and since his last jaunt amongst the Kitchen staff it was clear that new staff had been hired. He did not recognize this servant, nor the servant that he had walked up to to whisper amongst each other. Seonghwa really tried to ignore the whispers, but he could not help but overhear the words that were spoken between the two. 

"Why did you bring the Second Prince into the Kitchen?" The second Servant questioned, his gaze frantic, and his voice far deeper than what Seonghwa would have really expected. "Do you know what is going ot happen if the King finds out we drug the Second Bloody Prince here?" 

"He won't find out." The first Servant reassured, fingers idly pressing against the Second's shoulders and calmly speaking in contrast to the rather frantic words of his friend, or coworker, Seonghwa was not really sure what they were. He never touched anyone other than family like the way these two were, but he also knew that the common folk were far more...affectionate than the Royals tended to be, in fact, even the Noble families were more affectionate than his own. 

"You say that, but..." 

"Come on, just one sweet pastry, that is all I am asking, look at him." The servant did glance towards him. "He looks like he need something to cheer him up. You heard what happened with the King about twenty minutes ago. The guard says that he flipped out." Seonghwa just put his head on his folded arms, not wanting to continue to listen anymore, but it was hard when they were right there and he had no reason to fear them. "Besides, it is not as though the Prince can just go through the Kitchen's servant's quarters to reach the outskirts of the Palace and take a break." At that, Seonghwa perked up just slightly, he tilted his head ever so slightly, listening with more interest now than he had before. 

There was a way out? A way he could leave for just a little bit undetected? It almost seemed to good to be true, but it was not as though they thought that he was listening in on them, they were on the other side of the kitchen, and Seonghwa was both gifted and cursed with good ears, his hearing was quite good, and it was something most people did not know. At the thought of being able to leave the Palace for the first time in...well...ever...Seonghwa could not help but be a bit curious...and excited. He was not the important Prince, that fell upon his Brother. His brother was the one who was going to inherit the throne, hence why Seonghwa was so frustrated at all these stupid lessons his Father put him through. It was almost as though they suspected something would happen to his Hyung before he could take the throne, and that was more disturbing than anything else. Yet, when he had dared to speak his thoughts to his Hyung the last time he had seen him, so many years ago, he had been told quite severely not to speak such thoughts, that they were dangerous. Seonghwa understood, but it still unnerved him, and he could tell that his Hyung was somewhat unnerved by it as well. Typically the lessons that Seonghwa was being given, such as standing in with the King whilst the King spoke to the Nobles was not done with the Secondary Prince, only the Crown Prince was supposed to handle such things. 
If there was a way that Seonghwa could leave the Palace, could see the outside lands that he had been longing to do so for years, even if it was just a few steps outside the Palace walls for a couple of moments, Seonghwa would willingly take it. The Servant's stairs were never closed off either. He could easily return before his father knew anything, and he would be able to enjoy himself and at least allow himself some sort of breathing fresh air outside the palace. 

He knew that it was bad to think these thoughts. His father would throw a fit if he knew that Seonghwa had even dared to contemplate leaving the Palace. Particularly with his temper so volatile as it was currently. His father was not one to anger at the moment, and had not been ever, but especially not now. Still, Seonghwa thought to himself. It is not as though he would know anything. The nearest town is just a few minutes walk down from the edge of the Palace gates. I could easily make it there and back before Father knew anything was wrong. The thought of getting to see the common people for the first time, even the village for the first time, was a thrilling thought. 

"We can, you know, because we have the knowledge that it is there, and I know you, you've used it to get out of the Palace when the King is in a frightful mood more than once, but the Prince can't do that. The King must have really scared him, you didn't see him when I found him, he was practically curled in a ball and shaking in terror. He can't do anything, or go anywhere, has to stay in this stuffy old palace. I bet he has never even seen the outside before. Come on, please!" The first servant gave what Seonghwa would assume were begging eyes as the Second servant caved almost immediately. 

"Fine, but if the King finds out, you are taking all of the blame, not me." 

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The first servant smiled and clapped loudly, jolting Seonghwa slightly to stare openly at the two, his breathing having picked up once more rather rapidly. He closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. It was ridiculous that he was getting so worked up. He should not be, at all, it was unbecoming, but considering neither of the Servants seemed to have seen him startle so badly, preoccupied as they were with beginning to make, whatever it was that they were going to make, Seonghwa would let it slide for himself, just this once. He hummed, his head laying on his arm once more. He was so...drained. So horribly drained. He always was after a long session with his father but he did get sort of lucky. He had not had to face his father's wrath this time. Granted, the Noble did, but honestly, Seonghwa could care less, it was not as though he had not known what he was getting into. Tales of his father's extreme wrath over the last few weeks have already circulated around. It is not exactly a surprising thing for anyone. 

He hoped he could get his nerves together soon enough, elsewise, perhaps a trip outside the Palace would be good for more than just idle curiosity. After all, from what the Servants had whispered amongst themselves, it would seem as though it was quite peaceful, and relaxing. Something Soenghwa could definitely use is some peace and relaxation. He was never one to question his father, at least not often, and not without incredibly good reason, but today...today he supposed that he was just all nerves, and his nerves were shot to hell as well. Quiet, where he knew that he would not have to worry about his Father seeing him or anyone trying to summon him...He shook his head. Perhaps he could afford once, although he did not know if he could risk leaving more than once. He did not want to potentially get the Servants into trouble, or risk being caught outside. 

He shook his head, it was a bad plan but one he was definitely planning on using, he was not sure if that made him a fool, or desperate and hopeful, or maybe all three at once. He just...He was curious, and it leaving the Palace walls truly was that relaxing...Perhaps Seonghwa should go, at least once, before his Brother returned, and everything that was already shot to hell got more shot to hell. He was quite nervous of his brother returning after all. It was so sudden, and out of the blue, and it really did not bode well for the feelings of worry and dread curling in his stomach when he thought about it. Seonghwa was not entirely sure that he could place that feeling of dread, but he knew that it was there. The feeling that something was going to go wrong. 

He really just wanted to leave everything and fall away, but he knew that he was not going to get another chance to do that soon, not in the Palace, with his brother returning, and his father so on edge. Even his mother had escaped into her private room and no longer slept together with his father at night. That was when Seonghwa knew something was wrong, but he was not sure what it was, and he did not dare ask either of the Royals. Furthermore, his mother had not summoned him to see her in a while, something that was also weighing on him, normally he would be summoned once every other day, just to drink tea and overlook the sunrise, but he had not been summonsed since before his Father's bad mood began. 

"Here!" A plate was pushed in front of him with a steaming bun. He stared at it with wide eyes, turning to glance towards the two Servants, a shy smile on his face as he did so. He truly was grateful for this, as he was aware his Father would not take well his venture here should it become known. Thy were taking a risk, and whilst Seonghwa knew many of the Servants risked much leading him to his room when he would hide away from his father or even just coming into contact with him on the wrong time, Seonghwa was grateful nonetheless. These boys though, they had risked also angering the Maidan of the Kitchen. He doubted she would be truly angry when they explained that the missing dough was used to bake a pastry for the Second Prince, but even still...he was grateful nonetheless. 

"Thank you," Seonghwa whispered, his voice soft, but missing the cold tone that he had used with the First Servant earlier, demanding that they not speak a word of his predicament to the Royal Father and Mother. The Servants both lit up at his thanks, and Seonghwa deigned to wonder how often it was that they were appreciated of their efforts. 

"It is nothing," The first servant said with a jovial laugh and a wave of his hand in dismissal to Seonghwa's thanks. "We were glad to be able to help." He said sincerely. "I know, I know things are rough right now, we all heard about the King's outburst. Hell, I am pretty sure half the Palace physically heard when it happened, but...Just know, it is not always going to be so bad!" 

"Yeah, you never know, you may not have to deal with your King's outbursts for much longer." Seonghwa furrowed his brows at the word usage, but merely gave a grateful smile towards the two. 

"Thank you for your encouragement, but there is not much that can be done regarding the issue. Do not worry too much over me, please. Thank you, for the food, and your company. It was nice. I...I think I should return to my room for now, though, before it gets late and more of the Servants come to the Kitchen." The two Servants smiled and waved Seonghwa away as he turned and walked through the servant's stair to reach his room.

Bare. Plain. Just a bed, a window, and a mirror. Seonghwa was not really materialistic, and furthermore he had never really found the gall to ask his Father, or Mother, for money to spare to add to it. It was not as though he could have picked through drapes or anything of the sort either way. He never went to town. It would be inconvienent to bring them all the way up to the Palace for no reason, when Seonghwa likely would not be allotted to do much on his own choice either way. Should he speak about wanting to redecorate, even if it was allowed, he would likely have little to no say in what it was decked in. 

Barring that, the bare simplicity suited him he supposed. The hardwood flooring, the wooden coloured brick walls, and the window overlooking the Palace garden. He supposed that it was as best as he was going to get. At least it was far enough away that he would not hear his Father screaming, nor his mother and father arguing with each other again. The first time he had heard such things his Brother had found him quickly and escorted him away, it was then that his room had switched to be higher up in the Palace. 

Seonghwa sighed, collapsing on his bed. 

He was going to take that stupid tunnel. Just this once, he wanted to see what it was like on the other side of the Wall. 

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Seonghwa could practically feel his body shaking in both terror and excitement as he snuck out. It was not something he was likely going to be able to do again, this was probably the only chance that he was going to get, at least for a long while. He knew that as soon as his father found out that he had left...he was going to be in for it, and there would be a lot of reasseessments made, his father would likely soon find out that he had found a way out by using the servants's halls, and they would be sealed off, he knew that. He had to make this one chance worth it. He was not going to be getting another chance for a long while, and he just hoped that he would be able to spend as much time as possible outside of the sphere of his father. Despite the limited time frame that he had. He would enjoy it whilst it lasted, as he knew that he had to return before dawn hit the next morning otherwise his father would find out rather quickly that he was missing. 

Carefully, making sure that he was not seen on the way down, as well as ensuring that most of the servants were already in bed Seonghwa began his descent from his room towards the kitchen's servant tunnel. From what it had sounded like from those two servants, all he really had to do was go down the tunnel and keep following it down. He was not really sure whether this was some ploy or if it even would work, but he figured that any try was better than no try. Barring that, should his father truly be the one behind this situation (which Seonghwa highly doubted) he would be able to hear the man before Seonghwa came across him. He would hide as fast as possible. It was risky, but Seonghwa did not know if a chance like this would present itself ever again, and he did not want to be holed up in the palace forever. Besides, he felt he deserved this, at least to get to see beyond the gated yard of the Palace, particularly since his father's irate temper the last while, and the knowledge that his elder brother was returning home soon. 

Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, Seonghwa did not come into any problems as he crept his way further down the tunnel and beyond the palace walls. He knew that a majority of the servants were likely sleeping, and he knew the guard rotations quite well by now, so it was not that hard to avoid being seen by anyone. He had to admit he was somewhat worried about just how easy it was, but he was not about to look a gift in the eye and complain about it. He would take this and make do with it. After all, he did not care all that much as long as he was allotted his time out of the castle. 

He paused, though just as his feedom stretch for the next few hours was in view. Glancing backwards just once, he contemplated whether this was truly a good idea, before hardening his resolve, shaking his head at himself, and pushing his body out of the barrier of the palace. Seonghwa could not help but freeze just a little bit at the first initial step of his freedom. He just felt as though something was going to go wrong, but when no guards came clamoring towards him, no bells went off and no fires were lit for the next two minutes, Seonghwa allowed himself to breathe a giddy breath of relief. 

It was actually something Seonghwa knew he should be concerned about. Such an easy way in and out of the Palace? Of course, only the servants knew of this place, and only the kitchen staff at that, and susch knowledge was bound to secrecy under threat of death, Seonghwa knew that, but he also knew that it was still dangerous. There was always going to be someone that found it worth the treason. It was why he knew that should his father not find out about this breach himself, he would have to inform the King of it. Seonghwa inwardly shuddered at the thought of that conversation. He did not know which revelation would be better at the end of the day. 

He quickly banished this thought, though, not wanting to ruin his newfound freedom by such depressing thoughts. He could think of that sort of thing later, but for now, he had some freedom. He fully intended to use it as well, not wanting to taint what was likely to be his only free excusion through the town alone and unhindered, or...through a town at all...by such memories. 

For it being night, it was rather vibrant. People milled about, and Seonghwa was thrilled when he got knocked into, his eyes widening at the contact in shock as a shouted apology was thrown over the careless person's shoulder. Seonghwa could not help but tilt his head just a bit at the sound though, sure he had to have heard that voice before somewhere, but he did not really know where, and he did not allow himself to dwell upon it either, moving his body from stall to stall, from person to person, taking in the stars, the lights, the people. 

It was more than he could have possibly even hoped for. It was a beautiful town. Seonghwa had to admit, definitely worth the stress of trying to sneak out of the palace. This was...this was amazing. Nobody was rushing around on their tiptoes as the King shook in anger. Everyone was talking...people were talking, as in their own, regular voices! It was startling  but beautiful. 

That was until he hear a few different sounds, he was not sure what it was, or what it meant, as he had never heard it before, and it was far too difficult to make out any which one, but all he knew was that all of a sudden people were scattering, and Seonghwa flinched violently as an arm came to wrap itself around his waist pulling him into an alley. He could not begin to even shout as a hand swiftly covered his mouth, and his body was pressed up against the cool concrete of one of the walls in the alleyway. Seonghwa fought for release but there was no give in this person's hold. It was not until seconds later that Seonghwa suddenly stopped trying to fight the stranger that had dragged him into the alleyway, and instead buried himself into their body as he heard his father's angry dulcet tones reach his ears. 

Then his body began to shake for a whole different reason. 

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The stranger was curling fingers through his hair as his body shook and his tears flooded down his eyes silently. He had long managed to master the art of staying silent whilst crying. There was no way he could not. His father had never taken such pride in that sort of weakness, and he had to be careful showing such things around anyone. All could be his Father's spies, and he cursed himself for not thinking of that before he decided to go through with this plan. Those servants had probably been undercover agents of his father. They had likely had the whole plot planned out from the beginning. Seonghwa was just the naive Prince who wanted to leave the castle. Whoever it was that had grabbed him was slowly tugging him somewhere. 

Seonghwa did not want to go, more distressed at the fact that someone was pulling him to follow them when he had no idea who it was. He pulled himself backwards, but was jerked back into the person's front. SeongHwa's breath was slowly quickening, and there was nothing he could really do to stop it. The stranger put a hand on the back of his neck, pushing his head down towards the floor and moved closer to his ear to hiss in it. "Stay quiet, and get going! You are coming with me. Now. Don't think of trying to escape." The words were spoken with a sense of urgency, but they were underlayed with enough threat that he knew better than to think that any attempt of escape would not be dealt with swiftly, and most likely in some very bad ways. Seonghwa swallowed down his emotions regarding the situation, realizing just what a shitty problem he currently found himself in. 

It did not take long to contemplate what he would do, though. If his father found him that was pretty much the end of it. Not only would he be beat within an inch of his life, but his brother would also find out that he had done something horribly reckless like this. He would hear it from his father, and his brother, both of whom had a sort of vendetta against him. He would be lucky if he were not chained to the dungeons for a little while considering his rebellious act. At this point, he did not really care who it was that had grabbed a hold of him, because at the end of the day they had still hidden him from the King, which meant that it was highly unlikely that they would turn him in to the same. Not to mention he was not overly eager to find out whatever an attempted escape would get him, and it was not as though he would have good chances escaping either. He had no weapon, barring his fists but he never had been particularly good at close combat, something which diminished him in his Father's eyes. He was too...fragile. Furthermore, the grip on the back of his neck belay a strength that Seonghwa knew better than to put to the test.

"S-Sorry," Seonghwa whispered, his voice gentle and airy. The stutter betrayed his nerves and anxiety, and Seonghwa tensed slightly, yet his newfound captor did not say anything with regards towards it. Something which both relieved and worried him. It was possible that he would be getting his punishment regarding his words later, and so he really should not get any hopes up. It was dangerous. Everything about this situation was dangerous though, and Seonghwa was not even entirely aware of where he was going. 

Not as though he could have really put a word or sight on where he was either way. He had only been in the town, what...a few hours at best? Less? Seonghwa did not know, but he would definitely be horribly lost. there was no way that he was going to be able to find his way to the Palace, even if his captor decided to free him. He was pretty much screwed no matter what way that he went. This one had comforted me though...When I heard Father's voice. Seonghwa could not quite get the instance out of his head, and it did not help that his vision was blurry and his mind racing, and his legs felt weak and unsteady under him either. What he did remember, the thing that stuck out starkly despite his fuzzy memory at the moment, was the fingers that had run their way through his hair when he had been crying...soothing. They may not have meant it, but Seonghwa knew none at the Palace would dare do such a thing. Even his mother had stopped for fear of his Father, too much coddling the King would say, and then they both would be in trouble. 

He could barely even gauge where it was the captor was taking him. He was grateful that he was escaping his father's eyes, but he was worried about what this person would want with him. Did they even know who he was? If that was the case he was definitely in some major trouble. As much as Seonghwa may not be the favorite Prince of the family, a title that his father reserved for his older brother, he was still a Prince...although there was still the chance that this person decided to be good samartain, even if he was basically kidnapping him.

As suspected, Seonghwa's legs gave out for the first time as they were heading to leave the safety of the alley. It was not intentional, and by the slightly concerned glint that Seonghwa saw in what little of the eyes he could see of his captor, he knew that the other knew it as such. He had been half way on the brink of an anxiety attack since he had been snatched by the waist. Even more so since he heard his father, and it was just steadily getting worse. His vision now was nearly nonexistent, and he would not be overly surprised if the captor decided to just drop him in a ditch, finding him too agitating to deal with, it would not be the only person who thought he was too much to handle. His father felt that on the daily. 

As it were, the captor did not, merely helped right him once more before they continued forwards. Mostly the captor, as Seonghwa's body was slowly giving into the sweet release of sleep. It was weak, and did not want to cooperate with him at the moment. He paused, his body shaking, before he collapsed, and the last thing he saw was dark eyes and screams in his ears. 

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"What happened to him?" The words were hissed out by someone, not anyone that Seonghwa recognized, though, and he shuffled, trying to pull himself out of the half sleep that he was currently in, but his body was weak, and moving did not seem to be something that it wanted to do. He did not know if he could even do anything, a small whine falling from his mouth, distressed at more than just the fact that he could hardly remember anything but the ringing sound of his father's voice in his ears. He could not remember what happened after that, vaguely recalling fingers smoothing through his hair. He stirred his eyes blinking open, but his vision was blurry, and not cooperating...at all. 

"I think he had an anxiety attack, or maybe a panic attack." Another person said. Seonghwa's eyes fluttered. He liked their voice. It is calming, was the first thought regarding it that he had. He had a feeling that he shouldn't feel like that, but he did. He ignored the parts of his mind that said waking was dangerous, and focused on the parts that were more immediate. He had never felt his Father's voice calming. That was enough for him to know that he was not within his Father's direct influence, at least, not yet. Another small groan if discontent had him dragging his body upwards, pulling himself forwards, or trying to, and yelping when his arms could not hold his weight, collapsing backwards. 

"Hey, don't be movin about!" A voice snapped out. Seonghwa inhaled sharply and stiffened, having already fallen back onto the bed when he tried and failed to move, his eyes beginning to water at the sudden shout, fear flooding through him at the voice. He knew that type of voice, and it typically did not bode well for the person that was on the receiving end of said voice. His father had spoken in such a tone more than once to people, and Seonghwa was the one who had realized what happened to them when they were talked to like that. 

"Now, now, Jongho, no need to be so sharp to the little Prince," Another voice...the calm one, uttered. Seonghwa relaxed slightly upon hearing the second voice. He could not help it, but a calm voice was generally a better thing than that of a frustrated or angered one. Typically, Seonghwa knew that there were sometimes where that was not the case, but he would take what he could get at this point. Even calm anger, though more frightening than volatile anger, was less likely to cause a violent outburst. Seonghwa could work with calm anger far easier than he could with volatile anger. "You still should not move though, you did have quite the experience." 

"I...I apologize if I am being a bit too...forwards, but...who are you?" Seonghwa asked, he had managed, during the talk of the calm voice, pull himself to a more leaning position against the wall, where the bed he was in was resting. His eyes finally scanned the owner of both voices. The angry voice to his left was...not bad looking, but Seonghwa knew in an instant there was no hope for him to fight the other, and he also could tell, based on his body structure, they were not the person who had helped him earlier in the Town...well, sort of helped, sort of kidnapped. They had a rather large body structure, their shoulders alone were at least twice the size of Seonghwa's own, with dark eyes, and hair that fell just shy of his eyes. He wore a buttoned shirt with the top button popped open, slacks and a belt which held a sword. He had finger-less gloves on his hands and a dark brown eyeliner and shadow decorating his eyes. 

The calm voiced man, well he looked horribly intimidating. Seonghwa couldn't help but feel a bit like a coward as he admitted that within his thoughts. Intimidating, but...very attractive. The thought was released in his mind before he could stop it. He chose not to dwell on what his father would do should he ever speak such thoughts aloud. It was true, though, because the calm voiced man was attractive. His hair was a shade between light dirty blond and a coppery brown somehow the two colors seemed to mix themselves through his hair, Seonghwa did not know how. He had intense eyebrows, and black eyeliner along his eyes, with a sort of black/grey shimmery shadow along his eyelids. He wore not just the finger-less gloves, but also a black shirt, with the first three or four buttons opened, and a strap that was belted along his shoulder to his hip held a sword and...Seonghwa did not see clearly but something along his back. Not to mention the black slacks and high topped shoes. His shirt was littered with studded gems along the shoulders, and there were more silver pieces glinting through his hair, which he had combed up and back from his face. 

He was staring, Seonghwa could feel, but he could not quite pull his eyes away from the man, just staring, with wide almost awe-filled eyes as he took the man in. This...this had to have been the one that had helped him, or someone that wore similar clothes and a similar build because Seonghwa had felt the indents of the strap through his clothes. 

"Am I so stunning that you can't look away Sweatheart?" The person questioned, a smile playing at their lips. 

"Yes," Seonghwa breathed. The person blinked, as though not quite expecting such an honest answer, before a small laugh pierced the room that he was in. Seonghwa blinked, turning his face away from the two, a pink flush decorating his cheeks. He had not meant to say it out loud, but it was too late now, as he had already stated it. He could only hope that they were not going to punish him for such thoughts. Seonghwa felt his fear suddenly skyrocket. He had no idea who these people were, but if they were to punish him, he knew that it would not be a pleasant feel. He was worried too, if they reported such a thing to his Father..."I...I am sorry," Seonghwa muttered, his voice secluded now. "I should not have...I did not mean..." Seonghwa fell silent. The two were just staring at him. The calm voiced one shook his head. 

"You do not need to be apologizing for finding me attractive." He said firmly. "I do not want to hear you apologize for something like that again, am I clear?" Seonghwa stiffened and nodded, bowing his head down at the order. 

"I understand," He said quietly. The calm one seemed to take a breath to calm themselves. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa accented easily. It was better than daring to defy a direct order. He had no idea what they would do if he did. At least with his father he had some form of an idea, these people however, he had no idea what they could or would do with such a thing. The swords about their hips left him feeling lost and helpless. One thing he was able to take note of was that there was no way that they were with his Father. There was no way that someone amongst his Father's people would allow the slip of finding a man, soldier or otherwise, attractive. They would instantly report such a thing to his father, not order him not to apologize for thinking such scandalous thoughts. Much less in the view of other soldiers. He supposed the fact that they hid him from his Father should have been telling enough, but at the end of the day he was not all that sure he particularly cared what happened, he was just grateful that his father would likely not hear of this. 

He kept silent, after his agreement, not sure what he should say, if he should say anything, and not sure what they wanted to do with him. He was kidnapped, that much was obvious, whether he saw it as being kidnapped or else he was. That was the factual intake of information. He could not leave, not that he had any intention of doing so to risk his father's wrath, that would merely be stupid. However, it was still true that he had no choice in the matter. He had no idea why they would take him. They would have had better luck if they wanted ransom with taking his older brother, who was coming to the palace within the week. He was mostly useless. He had some purpose, of course and he was still a Prince so he knew that they would have some success. He was definitely not the most favoured Prince within the palace, though he may be within the people. His father never particularly cared what others thought though. 

"I am sure you are curious as to why we took you, as well as who we are." The calm voice questioned, and Seonghwa would bet that he was the leader. It would make sense. He was the one doing the talking, he gave that other person...Jongho...orders, and he had been the one directly involved in grabbing him, not to mention he really just had that dynamic about him. Seonghwa could see him as little else other than a leader. He was truly fit for it.If he was not the leader, though it would surprise Seonghwa, he was definitely in some form of leadership of some kind. What it was...he did not know, but it was something. 

"I...Must admit that yes, I was curious, but you do not have to speak on it if you do not wish." Seonghwa stated carefully, wanting to ensure that he did not gain the anger of anyone. That was dangerous, particularly because he had no idea how many people were there, as well as how long he would be there, nor what type of anger they had or how likely they were to vent their anger and irritation upon his body. He would have to be careful as he was in quite the precarious situation at the moment. Any wrong move could end up in a disaster, and any right move could still leave him on the precipice of a cliff. He had to watch himself, his words, and his actions here. He already made a rather bad impression. 

He had not only cried on this man, but he had a full blown panic attack and passed out on top of that. Of course, there was even more, and he had to admit that really he had not been making a good impression by just flat out passing out on someone, not to mention, he could still feel the ghost feeling of fingertips digging into the nape of his neck, warning and a threat all at once. That was definitely not the most...enlightening first impression that he had made, but he supposed it was too late for that and all he could really do is try and keep them from getting angry at him for any reason whatsoever. 

"Well, I think I will, in fact, speak on that, actually." The calm voice said with a small laugh in his voice. Seonghwa kept his eyes on the blanket that he had been given. He did not know if it was okay for him to speak or even look up. "I am Captain HongJoong, the leader on this ship," Seonghwa nodded, that made sense. I thought he would be a leader of some sort. It is nice to know that I am correct. "This is Jongho, I assume you probably heard that at the least. He is in charge of the training of the crew. The rest you will meet soon enough." Seonghwa did look up at that. His eyes glancing towards the Leader's shoulders. 

"Aah," He said the sound obviously nerve ridden. "I see, in that case it is good to meet you, Captain, Jongho-ssi." He bowed to both of them individually, a slightly deeper bow given to Hongjoong considering his status. He should not, really, considering he was a Prince, and his father would be pissed if he had been in the same room but his father was not here and he would rather not get in trouble for something that could be seen as disrespect. 

"Likewise little Prince." The Captain said simply. "We are not going to harm you, unless you do something to deserve it. As long as you listen, and do not cause trouble, I think we can find ourselves having symbiotic relations." Seonghwa nodded, bowing his head once more. He muttered out a softly spoken thanks, meaning it quite seriously. Things could be far worse for him than they were, and whilst he was not sure what exactly this Hongjoong was the Captain of, whatever it was clearly was working well for him. The swords resting at both the Captain and Jongho's hips were of expensive make. That was not even including their clothes, which were also of a high quality fabric. Had they been crueler, Seonghwa would have thought they were pirates, as it were he figured they likely were of a rival kingdom. "Oh, there is no need to thank us, I prefer to have a good relationship with my victims. Or, rather, the ones that are alive at any rate. Barring that you are of little use to me cowering and terrified." Seonghwa did not know what to think of that, but he was just glad that they were not going to beat him, hopefully. 

As long as I am obedient and don't give them trouble they will not torture me, so I suppose I have something to look towards. It is nothing I am unused to, after all.

Chapter Text

"Captain, what exactly is it that we are doing?" Jongho whispered as they made their way to Yunho, who would be taking over the watch of the Prince. They had stripped the room of anything that would aid the Prince in trying to harm them, or himself, and as it were it merely was used to try and help the Prince assimilate to his new lifestyle on a boat. Jongho was quite confused, considering the Captain rarely was so kind to their prisoners, well, beyond that too. Why were they kidnapping the Second Prince? From what little it was that Jongho had managed to gather, the King had very little regard for his youngest son. Although, he seemed to have some sort of more regard towards him than the eldest, considering the Second Youngest was the one sitting in for...well, everything. Many of the people hoped that the Second Prince would be the one named Heir, but for some reason, Jongho doubted that. 

Even beyond that, upon digging and his searches, he had found that the First Prince was headed back from their long imposed exile, or that was what he figured that it was considering information regarding the First Prince was rather scarce. In fact, information regarding the Second Prince was also scarce, however there was a little bit more information considering that during the resident requests, the Prince was at the King's side. Upon Hongjoong's orders, when they were gathering information, they had learned quite a bit about some of the strange inner workings of the Royal family. At least, what was supposed to be the inner workings of the Royal family, and much more than they had dared to hope for considering how difficult information gathering had been up until that point. 

The Second Prince was, apparently, still not the Heir to the throne, which meant that he should not have been sitting in on the meetings that the King had him at, and yet he was. Such a position was reserved for the Heir, yet the youngest of the family remained sitting in for the meetings that he should not even be thinking of attending. Even Jongho knew the workings of the Court, and it would seem that this King defied them continually. The First Prince, from what many had managed to gather, had not attended the meetings in years, and yet he still held the official Heir title, something which was rather odd. What was even more interesting, however, was the rumors that was flying around the towns about the King and his second son. They had been lucky that Yeosang held such ideals that rumors always have a pinch of truth in them, because from what little they had seen of the Prince, it would seem that the rumors that Yeosang had gathered held far moer than just a pinch of truth. 

From what Yeosang had told them, many citizens in the towns whispered that the King had a most volatile temper, one which had gotten only progressively worse once the First Prince had been sent off, leaving the Second Prince to deal with the brunt of that anger and violence. Many recalled, upon their annual meetings with the King, the Prince subtly gesturing them to lower their voice, to stop their line of questioning, or even directly interjecting himself in the path of the violence to calm the King down. One citizen, a smithy in one of the furthermost towns, even recalled seeing the King back hand the Second Prince for daring to intervene, though he had admitted that this was a good year or so ago, and that perhaps the King's temper had lightened somewhat. From what Jongho had just seen, perhaps not so much as that smithy wished for. 

"What are we doing?" Hongjoong hummed, a curious lilt to his voice. Jongho felt a shudder roll down his spine at that. He should have stayed silent. "I did not know that you were so keen to question what I am doing." 

"Of course not, Captain, I was just...curious about the situation, that is all." Hongjoong scoffed. Jongho realized quite quickly he had fucked up. People did not question their Captain. It tinged on mutiny at best. Whilst Hongjoong did care for his crew, though perhaps it was not so obvious to anyone but the crew themselves, he also did not take well to being questioned either. If he were Wooyoung, or even Yeosang, he could perhaps get away with it, but he was neither. "I should not have overstepped, I truly meant no disrespect." Jongho quickly added on. 

"Find Yunho, I want him stationed outside this door sooner rather than later." 

"Yes, Captain," Jongho said with a low sigh. 

He should have known better than to question Hongjoong. The other did not take well to being questioned anyways, much less when it was a slightly tense situation, and it was a slightly tense situation. They had stolen the Second Prince from under the King's nose, and done so rather easily. Despite that they had just barely managed to grasp him, and take him to the ship without getting caught since the King had caught onto what had happened so much sooner than they had anticipated. Jonho still did not understand why Hongjoong targeted the Second Prince when, in terms of use, the First would be far more a bounty. He supposed he would not figure it out anytime soon either. 

Whatever it was, he just had to trust Hongjoong. Even if he could not understand why their Captain would steal the Second Prince rather than the First, he knew that there had to be some sort of reason behind it. Hongjoong was not known for sharing information when it was not necessary. He tended to play his cards rather close to his chest. None in the Crew had the heart or will to challenge or question him either, none of them demanded answers. What mattered was that Hongjoong's plots always turned out to have great merit and even greater profits, even if it did not really seem like it at first. Sure, Jongho was unbearably curious, but he also knew better that to ask more than what he had already. 

"Yunho, Captain wants to see you." Jongho shouted, causing Yeosang to glance back towards him, along with Yunho. 

"The Prince woke up I take it?" Yeosang asked gently, tilting his head to the side slightly. Jongho nodded wordlessly. "What did you get from him?" He let out a slight sigh of frustration.

"I don't know. Obviously the King and he are on rather bad terms, but how bad I am not entirely sure. He is way too timid, careful, and soft spoken to be a Prince, but I supposed it makes sense considering who his father is. I just don't understand why we did not just take the First Prince instead. It makes far more sense. He is returning soon too, it would not have been difficult to ambush him on the way to the palace. Why Captain insists on the Second Prince is baffling to me." Yeosang gave a slightly sly curl to his lips. Jongho wanted to literally rip the smirk from his face. They all knew that Yeosang was closest to Hongjoong, he was the first of the crew too. It was likely he knew what the rest of them did not. 

"It will be revealed soon enough, I am sure. Barring that, Captain Hongjoong has a rather...special vendetta against this King." Jongho folded his arms, rolling his eyes at Yeosang's words. As though anyone with eyes could not see that. Hongjoong rarely placed himself in the line of fire for something as easy as a hostage situation. 

"Anyways, Yunho, Captain wants you, pronto. I would hurry, doesn't seem to be in the best mood." Yunho stiffened at that, his eyes widening as he shoved past Yeosang and him to rush to the Captain. It was never good to keep the Captain waiting, let alone when that Captain was Hongjoong, and even less so when Hongjoong seemed irate. Yeosang stared at where Yunho ditched them hastily. 

"What did you do to make Captain angry?" he questioned silkily. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa felt himself nervous once the Captain left. He tried to get up once more, but found that his body was too weak to manage it. This normally happened after such big attacks, though. He found himself dizzy, and if he was lucky he knocked out for at least a few hours. He doubted that he had passed out for nearly as long, and even if he had...it was just...dangerous. These people did not seem to really understand what had happened to him, furthermore they were talking about it when he had woken from his faint, which meant that likely he had not been unconscious for too long. It was still long enough...in his own opinion. However it did mean that his body likely had not had enough time to really put itself back together. 

He never understood why he got so faint during those attacks, but figured his intense choking panic probably had a lot to do with it, and he should really just forgo trying to figure anything else out about that. He knew enough that he knew to try to get far from people, but that was the best that he managed to do. These...these attacks happened relatively regularly, and typically when he had a trying conversation with his father-which was less words and more angry posturing and, well, the other things-which caused him to try and get as far from his father as possible, and hide himself amongst the castle walls. He had gotten rather good at it as of late. Spent years perfecting the art and now he knew that he had it down. Which definitely did cause a slight confusion as to how the servants had found him so easily during a time when most of the kitchen servants were out, but he did not bother to question it too much. He had often been found by servants in some way or another when he was hiding from his Father's anger. 

He wondered what those servants were doing...He hoped that his father had not found out that they were the ones who spoke to him about the little hide away. After all, they would definitely be tortured, or possibly even killed depending on his Father's mood, for such daring. Of course, they had not really told him, persay, but he had definitely been in the room when they had been talking about it, and not to mention they would probably also get into trouble for catering to him outside of the specified times that it was required. Most of the servants did, but this was a rather unique situation after all. He had disappeared. He wring his fingers through each other. He was somewhat nervous now that he thought about it. He knew that the Servants would definitely get into trouble, but he really hoped that his Father would not do something stupid and rash, though he knew the other would more than likely do exactly that. 

Despite the very real likelihood that the Servants that currently served the castle could very well be in danger regarding their lives or jobs, Seonghwa found he could not necessarily be upset about it...not really. He had already been treated with greater respect by these Pirates-or whatever they were-than his own family. As such, he did not really know what to think. He knew that if he had gotten caught there was definitely going to be long reaching consequences. There was always long reaching consequences when you had power, and the more that one had the more long reaching those consequences were. In this case, Seonghwa could very well have just cost hundreds of servants their jobs...if they were lucky...and their lives if they were not. Still, somehow, though there was a bit of guilt for such a thing, Seonghwa could not quite find the regret he should have. 

He should...He should feel awful about what his actions were destined to bring, but a part of him, despite it feeling persay guilty, he could not quite regret it. He wanted to, but he was somewhat safe at the moment, so he really could not. Though, how safe he was...Seonghwa was not sure. He was still not entirely sure who these people were. He knew that they seemed to act like a sort of Pirate group...that intimidating guy had called himself a Captain, and typically, from what he knew, that was common amongst Pirate crews. Though, it could also just be as common as other titles, he did not really know. He was not all that aware of things if he was being honest. 

It was unnerving to hear someone stand at the door though. He had heard the exchange. He knew that whoever had been standing there previously had been switched over. He was not sure why, but figured there was no use dwelling on it. First he had to rest himself, and try to begin to walk around...at least that way he would be more able to defend himself if needed. Though I doubt that will really do anything. Seonghwa shivered at the memory of how strong the hands were that had held him back and then pushed him forwards whilst they were still in the town. He knew that there was no way that he was ever going to have that sort of strength. If that was how strong everyone was...he was in for a rather bad time, that was for sure. 

Seonghwa was not quite sure how much longer it was since the last he woke and heard the guards switch places the first time, but when he woke up again, there was still the feet of someone hinting that either they had been switched when Seonghwa was asleep or there was still someone guarding the door. He could not quite help but wonder what all the fuss was about. Did boats not have cells? He vaguely recalled that most did, which made little sense to him. Why was he not there instead? Notwithstanding, he was grateful that he was not imprisoned, but it really just did not really make much sense for him, was all. 

He pushed himself up slowly, but steadily. He seemed to have regained the majority of his strength once more, having very little issue with it. He pushed all the way up, so that he was sitting, before swinging his legs to the side and taking a deep breath. He would have to test whether he had the strength to stand...which he bet he did, of course, because naturally if he was able to sit up he should be more than able to stand. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa had gingerly allowed himself to stand, and proceeded to crash straight to the floor, upturning one of the tables in his attempts to grab it so that he would not fall to the floor. Needless to say it was quite the spectacular failure, which also caused quite a bit of sound, making him flinch as he heard it. He had not expected that he would not have the strength to stand, but now upon realizing that, he recognized the heavy weighted feel of his limbs, and cursed his lack of attention. He heard the door open, and cringed backwards hands above his face in anticipation, distantly thinking about how unbecoming it was to act so weak. Though, at the end of the day was that not why his father hated him so much, and much preferred his older brother? He supposed it made sense when he thought about it. It was quite unfortunate, but there was little to be done. Seonghwa was who he was, and he was always going to be a disappointment, that was just how things were. He had long accepted that. 

"Oh, and what do you think you are doing?" Came a displeased voice, and Seonghwa couldn't help but curl further into the floor, hiding his head behind his arms. "Yunho, get him up!" Another person seemed to scuttle towards him, yanking him upwards harshly, leaving him to yelp at the suddenness, and the pain. This Yunho person gripped his bicep sharply, leaving nail indents in the skin Seonghwa was sure. he tried, for but a second, to jerk his arm from this person's grip, but failed miserably. The next moment he was being shoved backwards back onto the bed that he had been placed on before. Seonghwa pressed his eyes closed tightly. He felt his body shiver slightly, unsure what they were going to do to or with him. He felt a sense of fear akin to how he had felt in the alley, upon hearing his father had entered the town. "What was that?" The same voice questioned him. Seonghwa had no words for them, though perhaps he knew that they would want them. He merely sunk deeply in the bed, trying to disappear, which of course failed because Seonghwa was a human, and unfortunately for him, did not have the power of invisibility or to dissipate. 

"Answer!" A second, far sharper, voice spoke to him. Seonghwa air rushing towards him as he would presumably be punished. He sunk down, turning his head and lifting his hands slightly to protect his face and eyes. The hit never came, though he heard the sound of skin against skin. Wincing, though not from pain surprisingly enough, he risked a glance to the side and saw whom he presumed to be the Captain had grabbed this Yunho individual's wrist angrily. Seonghwa knew it was anger over something else, because of the way the color ripped from his nail beds. He shuddered slightly at the casual display of anger, of strength. 

"And what do you think you are doing, hmm? I do not recall giving you permission for such a thing." The presumed Captain stated darkly. "I am quite...agitated, that you would think you are allowed to take these things into your own hands without permission. Do I need to remind you who is in charge?" Yunho shook his head, wide eyes staring. 

I knew he was in charge. Definitely a Captain then. There can be no doubt now.  He took charge in two different situations. And him giving permission is much more of a give away. Then again, I had suspected as much for ages now, but one never truly knows. I could have been lying, before. I had not given rise to such thoughts, but he could have been, yet it is all but confirmed now. He has to be the Captain. 

"Good, because I would regret having to punish you for going beyond your station." The other said darkly. Yunho and Seonghwa both looked away from him at that. 

"No, Captain, I shouldn't have..." 

"No," They cut them off. "No you should not have. Return to your station, Yunho, now. We will continue this conversation later." Yunho scrambled to leave the room, not wanting to anger an already irate Captain even further. The Captain waited until Yunho closed the door behind him and turned his eyes back to Seonghwa, who picked the blanket under his fingers so he could avoid the Captain's eyes. 

"Well, what were you thinking?" The Captain questioned him once more. Damn...Seonghwa cursed in his mind. I was hoping that he was going to forget. "Answer me, little Prince." Seonghwa bit his lower lip, but acquiesced, he was going to have to do this one way or another, and he did not want to be punished. 

"I...I just thought that I would be able to stand," Seonghwa admitted quietly. He was unable to force his voice louder. "I was wrong, obviously..." 

"Why were you trying to stand?" Seonghwa felt tears sting his eyes, even though there was no true reason for them. 

"I do not know," He muttered under his breath. 

"You do not know." The Captain repeated, this time louder, and more clear. Seonghwa flinched at the restatement. He felt a hand on his shoulder, yanking him towards the Captain, and Seonghwa could do little but hunch over himself in anxiety. What is he going to do? Seonghwa thought hastily. His heart began to pick up, the tears that had been held back now flowing over his cheeks. The Captain seemed to reel back at the sight of the water as though he had not expected it. I am simply a crybaby, it would seem. Even the Pirate thinks it is stupid for me to be crying so much. The thought was given with his standard self derision. He could not help it. There was a lot of things that he could not seem to help. "I am not going to punish you for attempting to test your limits, little Dove." The Captain stated gently, and Seonghwa felt fingers that wiped his tears, determined despite the flinch it produced, gently graze his skin. It was nothing like the harsh and almost frantic rubbing of his face he was accustomed to from his brother and even at times the serving staff. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa exhaled helplessly. He felt totally aloof and unsure where he was supposed to go from here. The Pirate was really throwing him for a loop and he was not sure what to make of it. He was so much kinder than his father, which left him uncertain, and definitely wrong footed. He had even helped keep him hidden from his father, but then again Seonghwa was sure that was mostly so that he could kidnap him. Either way, there was so much to wonder about, and Seonghwa was not sure he wanted to dwell on what was going on. He doubted his father even knew what had happened, and if somehow he did manage to reobtain him, well Seonghwa was effectively fucked. The entire situation was not a good one, but he was also quite aware of his options. Pirates, or his father, and as much as Seonghwa did not want to admit it, he felt as though it would be best to hang with the pirates rather than risking his father's wrath. 

"I am sorry," Seonghwa whispered, his voice nearly escaping him. He internally winced at how weak it made him sound, but honestly it was far too late to try and preserve any sort of reputation. He had not only had a total panic attack, seeking comfort in some random stranger, upon even hearing his father's voice, he had not made a fuss when he had been threatened nor kidnapped and taken on a boat whilst his homeland drifted further and further away from him. He had been locked up in some sort of...well what seemed to be a clinic of sorts, and had essentially confessed that he had found the Captain attractive, which his father would have an absolute field day over should such a rumor come back to him. Not to mention he was weak, had shown to be physically and mentally weak over and over again, taking commands and orders from a Pirate Captain that he did not even know. Honestly, Seonghwa would be lucky if his Father saw it fit to even keep him locked in the dungeons with how this was going. 

Not that he was sure he would ever be allowed out of this boat, let alone see his father again. He had no idea what these Pirates wanted from him, and they were not exactly being very forthcoming either, not that Seonghwa had actually asked them what they wanted from him, which is something he probably should have done from the beginning. Not that he was able to muster up the courage to do so. He had no idea what he was going to do. He was relying solely on the kindness of Pirates. Whilst he doubted that they could be as cruel as his father, he had heard the stories of Pirates, and they were enough that it made Seonghwa severely worry for his well being, but at the moment they had been kinder than almost anyone that Seonghwa remembered. He knew that he should stay alert but a part of him was just too exhausted to do so. He found himself lowering his guard around the Captain, despite knowing he should not do so. He had seen how the Captain had acted when his orders were disobeyed. But I have not done so yet. Seonghwa's treacherous mind could not help but state. In fact, the Captain has been nothing but kind and understanding towards me, despite not having to be so. As long as I obey him there would be no reason for him to treat me harshly, at least I hope so. Unless he has captured me to torture me in lieu of my father, than there is little I can do about...well anything.

"I know that you...as a Royal, have likely heard awful things about Pirates..." The Captain began, finally pulling his fingers from Seonghwa's face, allowing the other to curl away and hide his face, which was slightly red from crying and embarrassment. "And I will not say they are wrong, because they are not." The Captain paused, as though watching Seonghwa's reaction. This merely made him more wary of the Pirate Captain. He seemed to take some sort of...of amusement in Seonghwa's fear and nerves. "Most Pirates are just as the books and rumors describe them, cruel, ruthless, fucking anything and everything that comes their way." The Captain let his finger trail down Seonghwa's cheek, pressing against the underside of his chin, forcing him to look up at him. "If you had fallen into a more depraved Pirate crew, I fear your chastity would have already been corrupted. You are, after all, quite a beautiful, obedient being." The Captain laughed at the horrified and scared look on his face, abruptly pulling his hand back towards himself. "You are lucky that I have some morals I do not cross. That is not to say I am kind, but I am not overly cruel, after all." 

"Why...Why am I here?" Seonghwa asked, tears once more flooding his eyes. It was annoying, this weakness that continued to show itself. 

"Your father and I have some...unfinished business." The Captain stated, and Seonghwa felt his shoulders drop lower to the ground in despair. He had figured it would probably be something like that. Even ignoring the fact that most Pirates had a tendency to dislike Royalty, his Father had cultivated quite a few enemies on his own.

"I am afraid you would have better luck with my brother," Seonghwa admitted quietly. "Father cares far more deeply for him. I doubt he gives much thought on my current whereabouts, particularly considering my brother is returning in but a few days time." The Captain hummed at him, staring down, but Seonghwa could not bear to meet his eyes. His worth was next to nothing compared to his brother, it did not make sense that they would go through all this effort of capturing him, particularly since if they had been but a little more patient, they could have a far more valuable chess piece. 

"I would have thought my intention to not capture your brother was obvious, I was not interested in the first born, Little Prince, I was interested in you. I did not say that I was taking revenge on your father, did I?" Seonghwa reluctantly shook his head, but there was little doubt that the Captain intended to do that, if nothing more. 

"Then why am I here?" He asked quietly. The Captain seemed to pause, as though considering. Seonghwa made an effort to actually look at him as he did so. 

"Because, you are interesting. You long for a freedom you will never find, and have a dislike and fear of your father that will forever keep you trapped to his side if nobody did something about it." Hongjoong admitted, staring down the Little Prince darkly. "I wanted to give you an opportunity to live for yourself, rather than at the behest of a man such as the King you serve." 

"I do not quite follow,"

"I want to offer you a chance to become a Pirate, one of my crew. Of course, you are not going to be a standard Pirate, you are too kind, caring, compassionate, something many of us have forgotten or simply never had in the first place, however...I think you are just what I need in a crewmate. I know I am a cold and cruel Captain, and unfortunately my Crew has become more and more on edge. It may take a while, but I believe adding you to the crew, with your...general disposition, will help in easing tensions." He admitted, staring at the beauty before him. "Of course, this means that you will eventually have to face your father again, but this time, as one of mine." Seonghwa stared, his eyes wide and almost unseeing. 

Chapter Text

"I, I am afraid I am not quite sure I heard you right." Seonghwa said nervously, his fingers plucking at his nailbed as he looked up towards the Captain. "Why would you want me to be part of your crew? Of all peeople, I am probably the worst option." He gave a light, slightly hysterical laugh. This was far worse than he thought it would be. The Captain wanted him to join his little band of Pirates, and Seonghwa dreaded finding out what it was he was to do...He knew that Pirates had a rather cruel streak, even Hongjoong had admitted such, and on top of that, though Hongjoong had claimed that he had no sense of immorality in That regard, he could have just as easily been lying to lure Seonghwa into some sense of safety. 

"You did not hear wrong at all, little dove," Hongjoong stated, his tongue clicking in frustration as he was questioned...yet again. More and more often, it would seem as though his crew felt the need to question him, and it was really rather waring him down. Eventually, he would flog one of them for the audacity, but for now, he reigned his temper in, just slightly. "I want you to become a part of my crew, I think you will do wonders for the...dynamics, within the group. You are quite an interesting creature," The words were whispered, almost hushed, as the Captain traced the side of his face once more, tilting Seonghwa's eyes to meet his. "I am not going to force you to do anything barring helping clean the dock, and perhaps aid the Chef in cooking every once and a while, perhaps a few other things once you get more settled in, but I am not going to have you be a pleasure slave on the boat, no worries about that." Seonghwa could not help but feel his shoulders relax slightly at the reassurance, even if the other was lying, Seonghwa would just let him hope that he wasn't. What other choice did he have, after all? "Besides," Hongjoong stated, his black painted nails moving to encricle his throat, leaving Seonghwa to tilt his head up slightly, fear flooding through his eyes as he stared up at the Captain. "You are far too pretty to let be wasted on such people," Seonghwa felt a whimper curl through his throat, and rip its way out unbidden as the Captain gently tightened his fingers, cutting off his air. His hands scrambled towards the Captains own wrist, but stopped before it got there, hovering anxiously. "How...fascinating, you are." The Captain laughed, pulling his fingers away from Seonghwa's throat, watching in undeniable amusement as he watched the Prince grab his throat, heaving breath through his lungs. 

"What of Father?" he questioned softly, his voice slightly cutting off as he coughed lightly from Hongjoong's little choking session. "You said I would face him once more, but as a part of your crew...what exactly does that mean?" He wondered. It was not as though he could ignore such an obvious question, and Seonghwa knew that he had very little choice in the matter, but at the very least he would feel better knowing what Hongjoong meant by saying such things. His father was not one that was easy to mess with, after all, and Seonghwa did not know that he wanted to see his father again, but it was inevitable, really. 

"I mean, that I will not be allowing your precious little King to take you, presuming you swear loyalty to me instead." Hongjoong leaned forwards, watching with dark eyes twinkling as young Prince leaned back hastily, staring up at him with wide innocent eyes. Gods, Hongjoong could not help but think. It makes me want to utterly destroy him...But the allure of watchign Seonghwa's terror pulled back as the Prince asked yet another question. 

"So, if I swear loyalty to you, you will do your best to keep Father away from me?" Seonghwa questioned curiously. Hongjoong sighed, but nodded, it was not surprising the little pet wanted to know for sure what Hongjoong was suggesting. "What of the guards, or my brother? My father may be the King, but he would most certainly would send other people before himself." Seonghwa doubted that the Captian would care that much, but he was trying to prolong the inevitable 'what is your answer' because he already knew he had to agree. If he didn't...Seonghwa was not sure he wanted to even imagine what could happen. 

"Oh my dear," Hongjoong cooed, letting his hands drift to the beautiful Prince once more, smoothing the shirt around his shoulders. "Of course, I would naturally protect you from anyone who tried to take you from me," He let his hands dwell on the other's shoulders, waiting until the Prince managed to gather the confidence to look him in the eyes, at which point Hongjoong leaned in, whispering in his ear. "I don't let others take what is mine, after all, and I definitely won't be sharing such a beautiful gem with anyone else." He felt, rather than saw, the Prince shudder, whether it was at the words or his proximity, or both, Hongjoong could not quite guess. 

"I...Agree, then. What...what do I have to do to swear loyalty to you?" Hongjoong bit his lower lip to stop a smirk from etching its way onto his face. 

"You could swear in front of the entire crew, on your knees, or..." Hongjoong drifted off, letting the silence become almost too much, especially considering he had not yet pulled himself away from the enticing neck of the delicate bird before him.

"Or what?" the soft, almost tentative, words came finally. 

"Or you could give me something that I want." Hongjoong stated simply. Finally pulling back, he watched as Seonghwa seemed to contemplate the options, but was unsure...of course Hongjoong had yet to actually inform him of what he wanted, undoubtedly the other would be curious about it, and he was proven right as that was the very next thing that the precious creature asked him. 

Chapter Text

"What is that?" Seonghwa asked nervously, not quite sure that he wanted to know. Curiosity killed the cat they always said. He had always been told that he acted so much like a black cat. Quiet, solitary, and insignificant until shit hit the fan. His brother had always been quite fond of calling him the black cat of the family, rather than the black sheep. Not as though his brother was quite wrong, though, as it was true. His older brother had always been far more like their father than Seonghwa. He was far too much their mother for his brother or father to want anything to do with it. At least, until his Brother was sent away, and Seonghwa was forced to step up into his role, without any of the benefits but all of the negatives.

"Oh?" Hongjoong tilted his head, a dark smile curling up across his face, his eyes glinting in the low light of the hospital room. "Are you that desperate?" Seonghwa looked up at him finally, a little lost, and the smirk curving in the Captain's features was intimidating as anything he had ever seen.

"I-I am just...curious is all, I just..."

"Why don't you kneel for me little dove?" Hongjoong whispered softly, pulling Seonghwa from his spot on the bed, and dropping him onto his knees. Seonghwa stared up at him with wide eyes. He had no idea what was going on. Hongjoong did, though, and had to close his own eyes at the delicious view he was being served right now. It was almost too much for him to handle. Such a gorgeous doll kneeling at his feet?

He had taken many lovers, naturally. Hongjoong was not a eunuch, and many would call him a bit of a manwhore, but he did love his own pleasure. He was not shy about how much he enjoyed sex, and he was not one to condemn himself for it. He had taken many a prostitute in his bed. It was not all that difficult with Hongjoong's looks, and with his reputation? Who would not want to let him screw them? The prostitutes were practically jumping at his feet anytime they visited the brothels. They had all be wonderful, and all had been beautiful. Of course they had, the Pirate King would not accept anything more than the best, after all, but compared to this sight? The sight of the Second Prince of a King Hongjoong hated more than life itself, more than land, more than anyone that had ever wronged him and more than any immoral bugger he had come across, kneeling at his feet? His eyes glittering and wide with confusion, fear causing his fingers to tremble slightly, and his lips a delicious shade of red. His hair perfectly in place over his head, just barely shading his eyes? The clothes he was wearing were made to be sinful, even if they were of poorer make than Seonghwa the Prince was typically seen in, they were still well tailored, and the belt showed off that absolutely sinful waist. This...this was the most beautiful sight that Hongjoong had ever seen, and he had seen many a beautiful man and woman on their knees before him.

Seonghwa was obedient, and to a fault. At first, Hongjoong had thought that he was going to have a much more difficult time getting the Prince to follow him, but the King had made a convenient entrance, and the Prince seemed so much more preoccupied with avoiding his father, than avoiding a potential kidnapper. His original plan, steal the second prince, lure the first prince out by using the second prince as bait (despite the reputation of the first prince, he knew full well how much he cared about Seonghwa, even if it was a bit more on the immoral side, Seonghwa would be thanking him once he found out as it was obvious he did not know yet) and then steal the first prince too, kill the first prince, turn the second one into a rival to the King himself, and cement his vengeance. Letting the little Prince stay in their hospital room had not been in the books, but the obedience the Prince had showed him almost immediately had caught his attention, and Hongjoong had to admit he had been intrigued, and pleased.

Even now, the boy was kneeling obediently, not saying a single word. The blind obedience could have easily got him into much trouble if Hongjoong had been another pirate, but this time, it had saved him from a far more uncomfortable fate in the base of the boat, locked up in the cellars and chained like a dog. No, Hongjoong much preferred chaining this beauty with something very different.

"I don't think you are ready for that, my dove, how about we just do a standard vow, hm?" He said gently, running his painted nails down the side of Seonghwa's face, letting the pointer finger cut his cheek slightly. He watched as red welled up against alabaster skin. He licked his lips, Seonghwa catching the movement and seeming more caught off guard.

"I do not understand, Captain....I..."

"Hush, dove," Hongjoong ordered, and the Prince went silent. He could not stop his moan at that. The sound clearly left the Prince struggling to understand what was going on, but it was not really on Hongjoong. The obedience was doing things to him, especially considering his crew had been so rebellious lately, and Hongjoong had valued obedience far more than anything else from the beginning. Seeing someone so...so submissive to his whims was almost more than he could take.

With his fingers wrapping around the Prince's neck once more, he pulled him forwards, barely able to stop himself from cupping the back of his head and pressing it close to his hips. The Prince's fingers hesitantly clasped in front of him, fingers trembling. Still, the Prince did not deny him, nor did he say anything.

"Do you know what this position is for, little bird?" Hongjoong asked, aware of how deep his voice had gotten in his lust. The Prince merely shook his head, still looking up at him obediently, his face having not fallen from where Hongjoong had framed it. "Such an innocent being, hmm? It is expected perhaps." Hongjoong gazed down blankly. He could feel the confusion, and yet the attraction from Seonghwa. The boy did not know what he wanted, but he wanted him. Hongjoong knew this. "How about this, I can have you kneel before me and my crew, and make your vows, or you can make them here, in this room, where you don't have to embarrass yourself so publicly."

"Why...Why would I be embarrassing myself?" Seonghwa whispered, his voice low and careful.

"Oh little dove," Hongjoong laughed. "The hazing is a part of such a vow."

"H-Hazing?"

"Oh yes, the last person to get hazed was San, he was made to jump into the ocean naked." He felt pleased as he saw the horror descend on the Prince's face.

"B-But I d-don't have to do that right?"

"Not if you choose my gracious offer."

"What...What is that?"

"Merely a simple thing." Hongjoong said with a wicked smile. "in exchange for saving you from such a fate, you must pleasure me," Hongjoong watched with a delighted lustful expression as Seonghwa whimpered softly. "Nothing too much, my little prince, I won't take your virginity, your mouth is good enough for me."

Chapter Text

"I-I don't know how to do...That...I do not..." Seonghwa felt tears drip down his face as he was forced to admit his lack of knowledge. Hongjoong stared down curious at the alarming shade of pale that the Prince had turned, his face finally turning down, and his fingers coming up to rub viciously under his eyes. "So...So I cannot..." The choked sound coming from the little dove finally had him hum softly, and kneel before the pretty prince. He tucked a finger under his chin, forcing his eyes back up to Hongjoong's own, barely able to restrain the shiver at the delicious glistening tears in his Dove's eyes. "I am sorry," The Prince whispered softly, and Hongjoong could practically feel the prince's reluctant acceptance. For his own part, Hongjoong did not quite understand, before he realized, the Pretty Dove thought that since he did not know what to do, he would not be able to pleasure Hongjoong. It was almost laughable. 

"Oh, my dear, If I was not willing to help you, I would not have suggested it in the first place." He gave a dark chuckle at the surprise which fell upon the Prince's face almost immediately. A darker inner thought wanted to beat the living daylights out of the Prince's father, even more so now, that the Prince would think being taught was such a shock. "As it is, the process is made for new innocents." He lied softly, gently tracing the high cheekbones and down his jaw, letting his fingers settled against the Prince's delicate neck. "As it is, this is quite simple for you, as I will be doing most of the work. All you must do is ensure that these beauties..." Hongjoong's second hand pilfered Seonghwa's mouth, tracing against the white bony teeth. "Don't interfere, okay?" 

"How do I..." 

"Easy, ensure that your lips cover the delicate tips, okay?" Hongjoong bent the Prince's lips properly, so that they fully covered the teeth. "And as long as you do that, I can guarantee that I will fully..." The word was almost purred out. "Enjoy you myself." Seonghwa's fingers trembled as he contemplated what the Captain was saying, but he really did not have much of a choice now did he? 

As much as Seonghwa did not really have real world experience, he knew enough that he was not unaware just how most Pirates are. The only reason he knew that this pirate was different was because he had not already thrown him in a prison cell, and had been helping Seonghwa through his panic and fear. Something he doubted any other pirates would have done. No, they would have taken advantage of his vulnerable situation to do unspeakable things. Hongjoong had been kind, though, and that was more than what he could say for anyone else, even the other members of the crew. If he was subjected to hazing from the crew of Hongjoong's? He already knew that he would be lucky to be taken care of gently. More than likely he would be rent apart for everyone to see. 

While he could not be certain that Hongjoong would keep his promise, he had done so already. He had, more or less, followed exactly what he said he would, and it gave Seonghwa at least a small degree of comfort and trust. Especially since he was sort of fucked either way. He could either take the Captain by his word and be lied to or risk that the Captain had been telling the truth and suffer at the hands of his crew because he was too much of a coward. 

"A-and you won't...You will not make me..." Seonghwa felt tears unbidden fill his eyes again, dripping down his face. Hongjoong painted on a smile, and wiped his tears once more.

"No, if you pleasure me, you will not be subjected to the hazing of my crew." Seonghwa inhaled a shuddery breath, before he nodded, still fearful, still worried, but resolute in his decision.

"Okay, then, but...but you must keep your word." 

"Oh, my dove, I always...always keep my word." Hongjoong stood, hastily yanking Seonghwa towards his hips. His hands pressed against the back of his head and pressed them deep into his pelvis, watching in delight at the yelp and whimpers from the prince's mouth. "Open, dove," Hongjoong ordered simply. Seonghwa shakily did as he had been shown, struggling slightly to get it exact, while Hongjoong released himself from his pants. A relieved sigh flooded his mouth as he pulled his cock from the confines of his pants, only to immediately shove himself down Seonghwa's mouth.

Grabbing the Prince roughly, hands in his hair, yanking him forwards cruelly, Hongjoong wasted no time. He knew Seonghwa would not last very long in this position, new as he was, but he also needed this. Enjoying the view of the Prince's face slowly turning red, and his tears flooding down his cheeks. He snapped himself back and forth quickly. Shockingly enough, Hongjoong himself was quite close to the brink and it was barely a minute and a half before Hongjoong flooded his seed down the delicate figure's mouth. Groaning as he finally relieved himself, Hongjoong pulled himself from the Prince's mouth, quickly closing it, and ordering the boy to swallow him down. With reddened cheeks, and puffy eyes, the Prince did as ordered, coughing afterwards. Likely from the salty taste. 

Hongjoong put himself back into his pants, and delicately flattened the Prince's disheveled hair, and wiped his cheeks of the stains from his tears. "That was absolutely divine." Hongjoong growled out. He kept his palms cupping the Prince's cheeks. Turning a critical eye down to him, he tilted his head. "And for you, my dove?" 

"I do not know what to say, Captain," Seonghwa admitted softly. hongjoong felt his lips quirk at the rough sound of his voice. "I never...well there is not anything I have to base it off of." 

"Ah," Hongjoong hummed softly as he gripped the Prince's hand and pulled him up, quickly barricading him against the ship wall. Pressing their bodies flush together, Hongjoong was gifted with shocked wide eyes, and the feel of Seonghwa's obvious arousal. "Well, give me one more treat, yes?" He whispered gently, kissing the side of Seonghwa's neck, watching as it caused him to shiver full bodily. "Do I have your permission, Prince Seonghwa?"

"Y-Yes, Captain," 

Chapter Text

Muffled sobs covered by a delicious gag of pretty Prince's own undergarments were music to Hongjoong's ears. No, the Prince didn't need it, persay, he was quiet when ordered even as Hongjoong plundered his body into vicious streams of pleasure, but there was just something to be said about seeing the undergarments hanging from pretty pink lips and the way they dampened more and more as Hongjoong slowed himself and took his time breaking Seonghwa's resolve, his body forced into pleasurable torment. He knew the Prince had been but a virgin boy, it was obvious enough. Hongjoong did not want to break his precious toy, and so he had oiled the Prince and taken his time separating him with his fingers before finally entering the heated hole. Gods, it had felt so amazing, but even more amazing had been the delicious arch of the Prince's body as he snapped his hips back and forth. The Prince's hair had been grabbed in his fist and he had been pulled into a brutal half circle as he continued to fuck him, snapping his hips viciously against a plush ass. 

The Prince's body was now covered in a sheen of sweat, which tasted divine on Hongjoong's tongue. His cock flushed and aching red, but still unsatisfied. Yet the denial seemed to only bring more beauty out in the virginal prince, flushed reds and pinks, and his body reacted ever so sensitive while the Prince allowed Hongjoong to do whatever he wanted with him. It was a heady feeling, the submission that radiated from his captive. Hongjoong had not allowed the Prince an ounce of relief once he had obtained his permission, and had fucked him several times already on multiple surfaces and in multiple positions. He could feel the oversensitivity from Seonghwa's hole, the way it spasmed around him, the way his  body trembled and tears dripped in droves from pretty twinkling eyes. Yet he did not tap out, as Hongjoong had shown him, resolute in his decision. He could respect that, and he did, by continuing to pleasure himself using the Prince's body in every way possible, until Hongjoong at last flooded the Prince's insides with his seed, and forced his orgasm from him, leaving the pretty little cock twitching. 

Hongjoong almost could not believe it. The Prince of the nation had just allowed him to viciously fuck him, time and again, with full permission. Hongjoong's eyes flashed darkly, a possessive and obsessive glint in them, not that the pretty little dove noticed, no he was collapsed on the floor, unable to move. He would be like that for a while, Hongjoong supposed, with it being his first times. Hongjoong did not hesitate to pull the boy up, untie the undergarments that had been used as a gag tossing them to the floor, and drape him in his coat, almost reminicent of when he stole the Prince away. He carried the naked Prince to his cabin, locking the door before delicately heating some water to wash him with. It was just a kettle and a rag, and this process would likely rile the boy up, but that was not a sadness, not at all. 

The Prince was shivering from the rush of endorphins. He had not expected such a thing to feel so...so good. So painful, yes, but so deliciously good. "I did not go too far with you my pet?" The Captain asked softly as he rinsed the Prince's body. His touch was not shy, but bold, confident, even as he picked around his hole and cleaned him. It caused a flustered red to press against the flesh of his cheeks. 

"No, Captain," Seonghwa said, his voice hoarse and aching. "It...It was a bit painful, but I did enjoy it." Hongjoong licked his lips, a dark look in his eyes. So the Pretty little dove likes pain. I can certainly work with that. 

"Good, sometimes I can be too rough," He said, his voice thick on his desire. "Of course, I should never try and break you. You are far too precious for that, my beautiful little Prince," Hongjoong said, his tone slightly mocking. "I don't think I will need anyone else, with you laying right here," The words were low, but their meaning obvious. Seonghwa felt flustered as the Captain curled his hand around him once again, a whimper pulling at his lips at the pain and overstimulation. It was too much! "say something precious, if you do not want me to enjoy you..." Hongjoong said sharply. His voice gentled as he continued to stroke the Prince to fullness once more and then right past into a blindingly painful orgasm. "Otherwise, I will enjoy your body as much as I possibly can. Not to worry though," He whispered softly throwing the stained rag off to the side as he climbed over the precious bird. "I will never allow anyone to see you like this," The words were soft as Hongjoong toyed with the boy's neck, watching as his body arched towards him, soft, barely audible moans pulling themselves from the Prince's lips. "You are far too beautiful for me to allow any to see you this way. They would try and spirit you away, for certain." 

Chapter Text

t was quite unfortunate that Hongjoong was a busy man. He would have loved to enjoy his precious again before leaving, but he was unwilling to wake him. Instead he simply pressed his cock between the Prince's thighs and snapped his hips back and forth until he found relief. Then, he pulled himself away from the alluring sight of the naked Prince in his bed, snatched all the clothes he had and placed them in the chests he knew the Prince was too timid to look through, ensuring that he would not leave the cabin. Of course it was just as likely that the Prince would not leave the cabin without express permission, but his not being dressed, or able to find clothing, would simply enhance that without Hongjoong even having to speak a word. 

Then he reluctantly left the cabin, and his precious treasure, to address his wayward crew of the new developments. He hummed softly, heels clicking on the wood of the boat, fingers tracing the dagger hilt that lay by his hip. He wondered if the Prince would be against Hongjoong marking him up so prettily. Shaking his head slightly, he forced lustful thoughts from his mind. He had other things, sadly, to handle. 

It took nothing more than a sharp whistle from him to have his crew scrambling to stand before him, in varying states of alertness and dress. It did not matter as his eyes scanned them, they were used to this. Wooyoung and San were the only ones wide awake, but they both worked in the kitchens, and therefore woke earlier than the rest of the crew, and slept later than most of them. 

"The dear second Prince is now a member of our crew." Hongjoong said simply, holding his hand up to stop the barrage of questions he knew was coming. "A hazing is unnecessary, he has vowed his body and soul to me privately." He saw eyes widen and shock flood through every member of his crew, but it was important that they understand none were to mess with what was his, and Seonghwa was not included in this. 

"Is he going to be your new boytoy?" Mingi questioned, arms folded over his chest, gaze narrowed downwards. "You didn't force him did you?" Hongjoong gasped, offense dramatized for the crew to see. 

"I would never," He said softly, and they all rolled their eyes. He would, and they knew it. "As it is, the delicious Prince offered himself to me on a silver platter, no forcing necessary." Hongjoong couldn't help the way his lips twitched at the memory of the beautiful figure bent over and naked as Hongjoong pounded into him. Clearing his throat to force himself back on topic, Hongjoong's eyes gazed over each and every one of them. 

"Mingi, chart a course for us to get to a neutral stop, I want to dress my Prince up in pretty clothes," They sighed, knowing what he meant, but nodded nonetheless. None would dare disobey him, after all. "Jungho, prepare to teach him defense. He is a Prince, but I haven't the faintest how good he actually is with a sword or bow. Figure it out, and train him in whichever suits him best, both if possible." Jungho nodded stiffly, fingers flexing as if wanting to contradict, but not allowing himself. "Wooyoung, San, prepare him a meal, and send it to me. Send mine as well, I will dine in my cabin this morning." The cooks nodded, neither being tense or shocked at the revelation. "Yeosang, check up on our supplies, include anything you think we will need since we are stopping at a port soon enough." The medic nodded idly, listing back and forth restlessly. "Yunho, be a dear and ready yourself to take the Prince's measurements. I can't be getting clothes for him if I don't know his sizing." His gaze cast coldly over his crew, before he turned on his heel and left. 

He did not hesitate to open and then close and lock his cabin door. As he suspected, his pretty doll was curled up on the bed, blanket fisted around him shyly. Hongjoong moved forwards, licking his lips as he did so. He wasted little to no time divesting the Prince of his blanket, and pulling him into a laying position so he could pull his body over the trembling naked one of his beautiful treasure. Hongjoong traced the precious' neck with his nail, trailing upwards and tapped his cheeks. 

"What an absolutely lovely sight to walk into." Hongjoong whispered softly, the low growl in his voice giving way to his lust. He had enjoyed his Prince's thighs not an hour ago, and had enjoyed his body only eight before, but it was not enough. He was addicted, and not ashamed to admit it. Giving the Prince a delicate kiss on his neck, fingers playing with his chest before flipping him onto his stomach, was all the real warning the Prince had before Hongjoong was oiling his fingers and pressing inside of him again. The Prince whimpered, mouth shoved into the pillows on the bed, Hongjoong took no notice, preparing him once more to take him. It was not long, and in moments Hongjoong was pressing inside of the delicious cavern once more. Seonghwa wailed in the pillow, Hongjoong's fist grabbing a hold of his hair and pressing his face deeper into it. 

Hongjoong pushed in and out, savoring the trembling of the Prince's body as he was taken once more, and it was an almost embarrassingly short time before he had reached his finish, filling the Prince up once more with his seed, marking him in every way possible. 

He pulled out, leaving the Prince trembling, and panting, whimpers of exhaustion and defeat pulled from the precious' throat and covered by the pillow while Hongjoong tucked himself back inside his pants, and made his way to his desk. He would also need to add a kneeling pillow, but for now Seonghwa would have to make do with the wood flooring. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa would not pretend that he did not know what the Captain seemed to want from him. It was clear that he had been honest when he said that if Seonghwa satisfied him, he would be delegated as part of the crew, and the others would not mess with him. He was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but he still felt unsettled. He knew full well whatever this thing with the Captain was, it was unlikely to end soon. He also knew his father would be absolutely livid when he found out that Seonghwa had handed his virginity over to a pirate on a silver platter, with no real fight. Despite that, and the ever mounting rage he was likely to deal with the longer he stayed out of his father's reach, he really could not bring himself to truly regret what he had done. 

Hongjoong clearly was going to desire him regularly. He was not so naive that he did not understand what that meant. He was little more than a glorified cabin boy, only instead of waiting on the ship, his sole duty was to bring Hongjoong pleasure. A...prostitute of sorts. Except, instead of being paid in money, Seonghwa was being paid in safety. He could get behind that, after all what use was a body if Seonghwa was being buried in a ditch after his father got his fingers on him once more. It would not be pretty, and while he was many things, he knew his father's temper better than he knew himself. Not only was the King not someone you wanted to anger, but his insatiable rage was almost impossible to stop once it started. 

Seonghwa resisted the desire to run his hands over his face. He knew Hongjoong had a sort of vendetta against his father, and while he may not know the logistics behind it, he knew that it was not something surprising. His father had many enemies, and even the towns people hated him. Even Seonghwa longed to be away from him and his wrath. He pitied the ones who were forced to stay, who could not escape. He was lucky, and he knew that the payment he was giving was next to nothing compared to what some others would offer. Limbs, probably. He had gotten off very lightly in comparison.

Not that he was regretful. While he had been scared at first, and while it was painful-particularly the more vigorous that the Captain was, and the more he did...that-it was enjoyable. Something that Seonghwa had honestly not been prepared for. It was almost too enjoyable, He could easily find himself becoming addicted to the feeling. He was not sure how people could handle such vicious amounts of pleasure. It drained him of energy, and left him feeling shaky and weak. 

A knock on the door had Seonghwa panicking at pulling the blanket entirely over himself. He heard the Captain laugh, lowly. Seonghwa felt it a justified response, after all, he as of yet had not been granted his clothing, and he really had no clue if he was going to be allowed any at all. Perhaps such a thing was a bit clique, he was on a ship of all men, surely nudity was the last thing on their minds, but Seonghwa needed to have just a bit of dignity salvaged. Just...just a little. Surely Hongjoong would allow him that? 

The entire crew knew his position now, he was certain. Knew he was here because he had allowed the Captain to...take his body. That he was to be free for the Captain's use. A shudder took over his form from under the blankets. He did not regret his decision, the thought of being hazed terrified him more than anything the Captain could do. After hearing how a member had been tossed overboard? Seonghwa did not know how to swim, at least not well, which now that he thought about it was a rather severe oversight on his part. His father had not seen the point of it, despite living right on the edge of the ocean. Seonghwa wondered how much of that was an attempt to ensure he did not try and run off just as he had. 

He heard muttering, but he could not make out the words. The door closing, he did make out, and footfalls-the Captain's-padding over to him and yanking the blanket back. 

"Shy, little prince?" Seonghwa barely had time to even flush before Hongjoong pushed a plate towards him and clambered onto the bed himself. "Do not make a mess," was the only warning he was given. It was some sort of stew, with a sort of baked bread. To be honest he was grateful for the lightness of the meal. If he had been forced to entertain something heavy, he was certain it would come back up. 

"Thank you, Captain," Seonghwa whispered softly. He heard another laugh, this time a bit softer than the mocking one he often heard. He did not dare to look at the sound, merely ate as quickly as possible, just in case it would be taken for his audacity. As much as he liked the Captain, and enjoyed the sex he provided (at Seonghwa's initiative) He was still not too sure about him either. He knew very little of the man. He knew next to nothing about pirates, but what was told to him by his father, and yet these people had not been overly cruel to him. Sure, he was almost certain that was due to the fact that they wanted something from him, as everyone seemed to, but it really just threw him off, and left him uncertain what to do. 

Hongjoong reached out the moment Seonghwa was done, pulling his face to meet his and stroking his cheeks. Nerves immediately flooded him, unsure of what he was going to do. 

"You are quite beautiful," The other said with a sigh. Seonghwa felt nerves tingle through his body, anxiety nipping at his heels. "Did they teach you how to fight in that pretty little castle they had you locked up in?" 

"A little," Seonghwa admitted, it was never going to be a thorough education, but his father wasn't that neglectful. 

"Jongho is going to teach you, think about the weapon you want to wield yes?" Hongjoong requested, though Seonghwa knew it was much more than a request. 

"You are willing to let me learn?" Seonghwa whispered, knowing it was probably a bad idea with how Hongjoong's eyes darkened in a flash. "I just..." Seonghwa felt his throat close in anxiety. "I guess i was just not expecting it, is all." He was not questioned further, and he felt a sort of relief at that.

"OF course, you are a part of my crew, little dove," Hongjoong crooned. "Not just my doll," 

"I know that!" Seonghwa insisted, eyes wide, and red flooding his cheeks. Hongjoong laughed again, not the same soft one from before, but the regular half mocking one.

"Of course you do, darling," 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa shifted nervously. He was going to leave the cabin today, for the first time in a few days, to meet one of the crew. Jongho. His memories of the last several days were all, fuzzy. Maybe it was how Hongjoong seemed to completely entrance all his thought-against Seonghwa's will, the man was just gorgeous, and intimidating, and...-Seonghwa cut the thought off before he started sighing. He liked the Captain. He knew that, and perhaps more insulting to his father he was actively attracted and having sex with him. On the one hand, that was liberating. It felt nice not to have to think about the consequences if his father figured things out, because even if his dad did suspect, well, it isn't likely he would take the word of a pirate, and so presuming Seonghwa gets pulled back into his father's orbit, and despite the hope that it wouldn't happen Seonghwa did have to be pragmatic, while the original decision was spur of the moment, made in a desperate bit for his own, he had been thinking about all the potentials that came with his decision as well. He was not entirely impulsive like that. Not always. 

"He is going to teach me how to fight? Like, how to do so well?" Seonghwa asked softly, wanting to double check. It was not that he thought Hongjoong was lying, of course the Captain had been nothing but honest to him. It was more that he was having a difficult time being able to grasp what he was being given. This was something that he would be able to use forever. This was something that was beyond simple protection. He would be able to use himself, to protect himself, even against those here. It was a dangerous thing to give Seonghwa...a very dangerous thing. 

"Yes," Hongjoong tapped Seonghwa's cheek with his fingers. "Do not fret, though, he is not going to be too rough with you. This is going to be a beginners class. He needs to figure out how good you are, so that he can figure out what he needs to retrain, or start training, you on." Hongjoong pulled away slightly. "I have ordered him after this to teach you basic hand to hand, because should someone get too close to you, you need to be able to give a good punch at the very least." Seonghwa nodded slowly, giddy. He could not quite stop the bouncing on the balls of his feet. He was excited, and it was something that was really difficult for him to contain. His father had hated his excess emotions, and given the fact that Seonghwa had grown to be more terrified of the King than anything else, he had managed to work really well on shoving those emotions down whilst in the King's presence, but other things, simple emotions, those were much harder. 

"Will I meet the rest soon too?" Seonghwa whispered questioning. "I keep forgetting everyone, and everything, and..." Seonghwa felt his cheeks flush heavily. 

"I am just that amazing you lose all sense of everyone else, my dear?" Hongjoong questioned, a quirk to his lips showing his amusement. Seonghwa huffed, folding his arms across his chest. He looked away, but the red on his cheeks was more damning than anything else could possibly be. Hongjoong laughed, amusement thick, but shook head head chidingly, tapping Seonghwa's' forehead. "Yet another thing we shall have to train, considering you can't be staring at me when a fight breaks out. I am flattered, however," Seonghwa ground his teeth down, but rolled his eyes and ignored the Captain, a pout on his lips. 

It was not really his fault, now was it? He had only seen those cooks that seemed utterly entranced with each other. Outside of that? Seonghwa was alone. He never left the castle, never had friends, was not even allowed to speak to his servants and guards. It was a lonely existence, consisting only of himself and his father. Nothing else got in, and nothing certainly was able to get out. The servants were too terrified of his father to dare break the unspoken rule of not speaking to him, and attempting to become friends with a royal was taboo for most servants anyways. Being friendly to your masters was never a good idea, and the castle servants doubly so. A second was all it took to be accused of being a spy trying to garner information. Seonghwa's father was especially paranoid, and all the more dangerous for it. Those two, they had to have been new, and Seonghwa's mood visibly dampened as he considered what his father was going to do to them once he figured out they were the one who gave him the information to escape the castle grounds. 

Seonghwa had repaid their kindness with cruelty, knowing that his father would find out and would punish them severely. He felt goosebumps lift on his skin, nerves flooding through him suddenly. He had been cruel, hadn't he, quite cruel. He felt the Captain lift his head to stare into deep browns. 

"What are you thinking of precious?" The Captain question, fingers tapping against his cheeks. Seonghwa sighed. 

"There was a pair of servants that helped me, before I was taken here. I just...feel bad. They're likely trapped in the dungeons, and that would be the best outcome considering." Hongjoong hummed, but did not continue, and Seonghwa  was left to stew in his own misery until this Jongho fellow came to teach him.