Chapter Song: Fever - Enhyphen

"Lemon?"

여섯

"The dams in West Quadrant III of the forest have leaks from the storm last night." San mutters, flipping through the file as he paces down the hall, Jongho and Hongjoong by his side. Hongjoong's brows furrowed. "What? The freezing waters shouldn't have caused a breakage in the barrier."

"We got reports of water trails in the outskirts of the west side of the Capital from guards." Jongho comments as his eyes skim through the list San is reading through. The Crown Prince hums, scratching out an item on the page with his pen. "My guess is that the harsh winds were far too great and strong for the branches to uphold and they must have given in and broke. Enough force could have caused some damage, especially with how weak of material the barriers were built with."

Jongho glances at him. "What would you like to do? We can send some engineers to rebuild."

San shakes his head, frowning. "No. It is far too cold right now for building and with all the preparations towards the Ball, we should hold off. The damage is not that great, however we should send a guard to patch it up after the weather warms a bit. A temporary solution until we can properly send engineers up there safely."

Jongho nods and Hongjoong cracks his neck with a pleased groan. "Send them before or after the ball?"

"The astrology scholars predict warmer weather after the ball. It would be best to send them after ins—"

"Crown Prince!"

San turns quickly to glance over his shoulders to see one of the advisors staring at him firmly. Blinking, he offers a nod. "Good morning, advisor Seo Hangyeol."

"May I have a word with you for a moment, Crown Prince?"

San glances down at his list anxiously. "May this wait? I am quite busy today—"

"No. It is a very important matter that I must discuss with you immediately." The elder cuts in sharply.

San freezes in his step, turning carefully to observe the older advisor. The man's face is all twisted and tight like San has personally offended him and his entire family— possibly even his pet dog. He can already tell that this won't be a pleasant conversation.

Sighing, he closes the file and hands it to Jongho. "I shall meet you both once again for today's afternoon meeting. Take a break for the rest of the morning." Hongjoong gives a look for a moment. "As you wish, Prince San."

With hesitancy, the two trail off down the hall.

San turns to the 5th advisor with a small smile. "What can I help you with, advisor Seo?"

The other man doesn't offer a smile back, instead walking calmly down the hall. San carefully walks after him, falling into step with the older man.

"There have been whispers around the Palace, Crown Prince. Whispers of a union between you and Jung Jihoon's Omegan son Wooyoung."

San's smile completely drops, turning quickly to stare at the other with bewilderment. "Where did you hear such a thing?"

Advisor Seo doesn't look pleased in the slightest. "It is rather obvious, do you not agree? Queen Choi is enamored by the boy— for whatever reason I simply cannot fathom to understand in the slightest. Not only that, but King Choi favors the omega simply because he is the son of his closest confidant."

San stares, dumbfounded. He has yet to even properly meet Jung Wooyoung and still the rumors of them have spread like wildfire across the palace, and possibly into the whole Capital if the Court of Advisors found it serious enough to come to him about it. Usually they would disapprove from a distance and rant about it behind the Royal Family, so hearing it straight to his face is quite an unsettling shock.

"Even if such a rumor were true," San begins, choosing his words carefully. "What would be the issue? I do not believe whose hand I decide to take in marriage has anything to really do with anyone else but them and myself."

The man scoffs. "Please. You must be forgetting, Crown Prince San, that you are in fact a Prince. Who you wed is absolutely a matter of not only two families joining together, but of an entire nation."

"I agree with you," San tries to placate him. "And these rumors are merely what they are— rumors. However, what faults are there in Jung Wooyoung? All I hear from the court is disdain for a boy who has yet to really do anything to offend."

"Ha! Yet to offend? Flaunting around the palace without any proper supervision from his pack or the royal guard. He argues daily with who he sees fit, regardless of their status and chooses to be a working omega despite his father's high standing in both their pack and the Royal Court! The absolute shame of it! His brother Kyungmin looks a fool next to his wealth— a wealth that should not be permissible to omegas in the first place! And for painting of all things. His modernity defies all traditions that this nation grew up upon. His father is a fool for allowing such a disgraceful omega to roam freely— and your father says nothing of it. A few smacks and a lock on that bedroom door would shut him up quickly. Jung Wooyoung's entire existence is an offense—"

A loud growl echoes loudly through the hall.

The advisor freezes up, turning to see Prince San glaring with despise pooling in his now red eyes. His fists are clenched and his breathing has significantly harshened, a once kindhearted expression turned into one that could only be described as downright terrifying.

"It seems that you are forgetting your place as well, Advisor Seo Hangyeol. Do not make the mistake of forgetting that I am Ardendall's future king, and the boy who you continue to ridicule is the son of your current King's closest friend. I will not stand for such vile words to be said about Wooyoung from this point on, from both you and the rest of the advisors. Do I make myself clear, sir?" San snarls out vehemently.

The advisor seems shocked, only able to nod his head slowly, at a loss for words. It was the first time he had ever seen Prince San lose his cool over something.

San's jaw tightens, brushing roughly past the older man. "Then we have nothing further to discuss, Advisor Seo. I hope you enjoy the Christmas Ball." With that, he makes his way down the hall, still fuming, and leaving behind a dumbstruck advisor.

Honestly, San is quite surprised by his own reaction. Never has his alpha reacted so strongly to something as small as words. He doesn't understand what it was, but hearing someone spew such awful things about Wooyoung completely set him off, and all he could feel was a burst of complete anger. He doesn't even know Wooyoung personally to feel this upset, but still the fire within him burns with fury and irritation. Hell, he hasn't even met the boy and yet he still feels so protective.

"What is the matter with you?" San murmurs to himself, the displeased rumbles impossible to control and resonating from his throat threateningly. The guards steer clear of his direction, probably sensing his burnt scent and hearing his low growls that he desperately tries to contain.

He stops in front of the familiar doors, pushing them open and walking in while trying to calm his alpha down as he looks around.

It's quite amusing really. How quickly all the tension in him fades at the sight of his Lemon sketching on the floor next to the fireplace. "Lemon."

Glittering brown eyes meet his own, filled with excitement. "Sannie!"

San's heart warms at such an endearing greeting, quickly making his way over and dropping on top of the smaller man. He quickly turns the omega onto his back and wraps his arms around his slim waist, burying his face into his chest and breathing in his bright and sweet candied lemon scent.

Wooyoung runs a hand gently through the alpha's silky dark strands, listening to the pleased grumbles with a slight frown. "What happened to your scent?"

"Bad people saying bad things." San mumbles, his alpha strangely sated in the smaller man's arms. "However, it all feels better now that I am by your side."

Wooyoung's ears burn, taking his hand away only for San to whine loudly. "Please— keep doing it. Feels so nice."

The omega snorts, brushing his fingers back in the strands and softly scratching his scalp. "Baby puppy. Hard to believe you will rule this country one day."

San only hums, feeling sleepy and warm like this as he tightens his arms around the small man. Wooyoung sighs. "If you are planning on taking a nap you should do so on the sofa at the very least. Your back will start hurting down on the floor like this."

San nuzzles his face in his hair. "Mm. I love it when you worry over me."

Wooyoung doesn't know if he should roll his eyes or be embarrassed. He instead chooses a mix of the two, ears burning as he gently pinches the older man's side. "Shut up."

Despite San's whines, he pushes away from him and grabs his sketchbook that had fallen on the floor. San eyes it for a moment. "May I see some of your drawings?"

Wooyoung paused. He doesn't leave initials until he's completely finished with his sketches, and the last few pages were not done yet, so he sees no harm. Flipping through, he stops at the one from the astronomy tower. "Come here."

San sits up sluggishly, grabbing Wooyoung by the waist and dragging him into his lap. He wraps his arms around the smaller man's waist, hooking his chin on his shoulder as he carefully runs his eyes across the page. "That's Ardendall."

Wooyoung smiles down at him cutely. "Yes. You know your country quite well, my prince."

"Your art looks familiar." San murmurs, staring hard at the pencil markings. "I feel like I have seen it before."

Wooyoung swallows, anxiety growing in him as he lets out an awkward laugh. "Well, I did tell you my work is quite famous. You probably saw it around somewhere."

San stares at the side of his head with narrowed eyes. "Hm... Well, I must say, you deserve the praise. The line work is clean and the detail you put in is phenomenal, for a sketch nonetheless. I would put it on my walls."

Wooyoung smirks, knowing very well that San already had multiple on the walls as it is. "I am working on the painting of this currently. I would gladly sell it to you."

The alpha gives him an incredulous look. "Lemon— was it not you who claimed me as a friend? You could not even spare a gift? Would you really make me pay?"

"Well, you are a prince. Nothing you cannot afford."

"Do I at least get a discount?"

"Nope. In fact, costs double for members of the royal family. We may discuss finalized pricing once I finish." The omega mused, giggling adorably at San's childlike frown.

San sighs, nuzzling into the side of his hair with a wide grin. "You are lucky I like you as much as I do."

Wooyoung's smile falters, turning away from the alpha as his head lowers to hide his eyes. The prince takes notice of the sudden retreat, pulling back slightly as his own smile falls.

For a moment they both don't speak, only a sudden gloomy silence filling the once happy space. Wooyoung stares down at his sketchbook quietly, pulling himself out of San's grip as his fingers fiddle with the edge of the leather bind. San's arms fall from around the omega, a painful grip tightening in his heart as he watches the younger with a grim expression.

Wooyoung lets out a soft laugh, the sound pitiful and self loathed. "I-I should go—"

"I-I will not say it again!" San quickly attempts to rectify the tension. "Please— forgive me, I will not say it again."

Wooyoung turns to give him a tired smile, gaze filled with conflict. "No, it's not that... I actually have some things to do. Will I see you later today?"

San watches him carefully as he rises to a stand with the younger. "Yes, I will wait for you later tonight. We can have dinner, if you would like to."

Wooyoung smiles. "I would enjoy that very much, my prince."

The tension in San's shoulders dissipates, but the hesitancy in his eyes doesn't fade. "We... We are okay, correct?"

The omega instantly understands that this is the alpha's attempt at making sure that Wooyoung isn't about to pull another vanishing act like he did after the engagement ball. The guilt eats away at him a bit. He knows that his constant mood swings are taking a toll on San and adding stress to the poor man, especially after the fiasco they went through a week ago.

"Yes," Wooyoung reassures, gaze soft as he offers a tiny smile. "We are okay."

San doesn't hesitate after the words leave Wooyoung, his arms instantly spreading and a patient smile growing on his face. The younger feels his heart skip a beat at such a sight, not waiting for even a moment before he steps over and presses in close against San, his face burying into his shoulder as arms wrap tightly around him. The smell of sweet chocolate and caramel fill his senses, their scents intertwining pleasantly.

He was going to miss this so much.

"I shall see you later in the evening," San murmurs, arms tightening slightly.

"Alright."

-

Wooyoung buttons his cape closed as he finally exits the tall palace entrance doors, rushing down the steps with a curt acknowledging nod to the guards that stood post.

There was no snowfall today, but the past week's non stop snowing had covered the ground completely. The freezing temperatures had also frozen everything within sight.

Wooyoung soon realizes that when he slips on the bottom few iced stone steps, shrieking as he flails around in a frenzied panic. "RATS—"

"Moon's sake!" A pair of strong arms easily caught him, his face shoved into the tall man's chest. Wooyoung pulls back, gaze flying up to see Yunho looking down at him with a bewildered expression.

"Yunho!" The smaller omega squeaked out, pulling back with an embarrassed flush growing in his cheeks. "Thank you!"

Yunho only shakes his head with a sigh, brushing a hand down his chest to straighten his cape out. "You are a walking self hazard, Wooyoung."

Wooyoung rolls his eyes, very self aware of that fact. "Is Mingi here?" They both begin walking towards the gates as Yunho nods, pulling his hood up over his head. "He's waiting outside with the horses."

To put it simply, Wooyoung was going out to town for those scent blocking strips. If that man was telling any truth, this new invention would be the moon sent answer to all his prayers and the ball could be spent with no tension at all from his part. He knew the man was strange and that it could all possibly be a scam, but he couldn't waste the opportunity of not looking for himself.

The only thing that made him hesitate was the memory of how furious San had gotten when he saw the man. His methods of selling must've been pretty unorthodox for the prince to be that upset. His own gut feeling felt like something was off with the man, so he asked Mingi if he'd be willing to accompany him to town today, and Yunho decided to join them as it turned out to be his day off.

Yeosang also caught onto their conversation last night and declared he would join because he was bored. Wooyoung complained to no end, but he was slightly relieved. The man was shady, no doubt, and his business was even shadier, so going in a big group was probably the best for his own safety.

Also San would probably murder him if he found out Wooyoung willingly went back there, let alone by himself.

The gates close behind them as they exit and Wooyoung has to freeze when he sees a familiar face.

"What in Moon's good grace is the Patisserie doing here!?" He practically screeched, staring at the taller omega with betrayal.

Park Seonghwa gives him an unamused glance. "Nice to see you again as well, Busboy."

Wooyoung turns to Mingi with a scowl, pointing at Seonghwa. "What is that!?"

"That, is a person." Mingi mused.

"I am well aware of the fact, I meant what is he doing here?" Wooyoung exasperates. It's not necessarily that he has anything personal against the Omega (yes he does), it's just that Wooyoung was already wary of all the people that were in on his little secret. Yeosang and Mingi may have kept quiet, but he knows if this were to ever reach Hongjoong or Jongho, San would find out immediately.

"Seonghwa needs to talk with some of the produce stalls about deliveries for the Christmas Ball food preparations. He will be joining us." Yunho explains with an amused grin.

Wooyoung groans, running a hand through his hair as he throws Seonghwa a dirty look. The older simply raised an eyebrow, unbothered by the look. The younger one turns away with a roll of his eyes. "Alright. Let's just head ou— who is that!?" He screams, pointing at a hooded figure leaning against the wall, his entire face covered.

"Be quiet!" The cloaked figure hisses, and Wooyoung blinks dumbly. "Yeosang?"

The hood pulls back slightly to reveal the blonde haired boy giving Wooyoung an unimpressed stare. "Yes, you fool. Now stop shouting unless you want the guards to pester us."

"Why are you dressed in such a creepy murder cape!?" Wooyoung whispers in a shout.

Yeosang stares at him as if he is an insult to intelligence. "You must be forgetting that I am the mate of the King's nephew. I am not allowed outside palace walls unaccompanied by anything less than 20 guards."

Wooyoung stares at him. "Did you get permission to come out today?"

"I did not want to."

"You should have at least let someone know you were going out!"

"It is not any of their business where I go and what I do."

"While I do agree, it is concerning your safety and your mate should be aware of it! Does Jongho know you are going out?"

"Does San know you are going out?"

"Those are two completely different circumstances! San is not my mate!"

"Yet."

"..."

"..."

"Let's just go." Wooyoung mutters, cheeks flaming with a bright red. There was no point arguing with Yeosang anyway— he always wins.

The blonde snorts at Wooyoung's reply, the younger simply chooses to ride with Seonghwa out of defiance for Yeosang's annoying comments.

They both walk back towards the other three that were mounting onto the horses and Wooyoung grabs Seonghwa's arm, pouting while the other gives him a startled glance. "I shall ride with the patisserie. Yeosang upsets me."

Seonghwa simply rolls his eyes, making no comment as he steps aside to allow Wooyoung up onto the horse before sliding closely behind him and taking hold of the reins. Yeosang snickers at the sight, pleased to have his own horse to himself.

"Let's head out." Mingi yanks the reins, Yunho resting his chin on his mate's shoulder as the three horses move down the path towards town. Yeosang's stays in the middle with his hood pulled as far down over his face as he can.

Apart from Yunho and Minho's soft murmurs to each other, the group resides in a peaceful silence, the sound of rushing winds fluttering around them and the cold nips at Wooyoung's ears. Seonghwa immediately takes notice and forcefully shoves the younger's hood up his head.

Wooyoung scowls, turning to snap but Seonghwa beats him to it. "You will catch a cold, you fool. Where are your gloves?"

The smaller man groans to himself. Why was everyone so worried about whether he wore gloves or not? "They are irritating."

"So is dying from hypothermia."

Wooyoung doesn't answer him, instead frowning. "May I ask something?"

Yeosang turns back to glance at him. "What?"

"Last time I went into the town, that man was selling things I did not quite understand. Must have been a Capital thing."

Mingi also glances back at him curiously. "What was he selling?"

"Omegan toys?"

Mingi chokes.

Yeosang bursts out laughing with Yunho.

Behind him, Seonghwa let's out a squeak.

Wooyoung is even more confused. "Why are you laughing?"

"Where did you hear such a thing from!?" Seonghwa practically screeches and Wooyoung winces. "The salesman on the street... What is so amusing about it? What are they?"

Yeosang has tears in his eyes from his uncontrollable laughter, breathing carefully. "How have you not heard of them before is the real question. They have gained popularity from the west and are slowly being brought here."

Wooyoung scowls. "As I have stated multiple times, I have never left my pack territory before and nothing really new or exciting reaches there, let alone to my ears. I am not accustomed to most things that you are here in such a grand and developed city."

"Basically, he is a soft village boy who is far too sheltered." Yunho laughs maniacally, enjoying this far too much. Mingi hasn't spoken a single word on the topic, but Wooyoung can see how red his ears are from where he was all the way in the back.

"Will you just tell me? Stop being so mean." He whines, tired of everyone dancing around the answer the same way San had done that day. What could it possibly be to gain such a reaction?

"What happens when two people love each other very much?" Yeosang mused.

"They become mates." Wooyoung answers.

"Yes, but how do they become mates?"

"By getting married?"

"Okay, what happens during marriage?"

"Mating bites?"

"When do you get and give mating bites?"

"During mating."

"Which means?"

"Meaning it is when— oh. OH!" Wooyoung's entire face burns a bright red, his expression one nothing less of horrified as he whispers his next words. "But...?"

"Basically it's a mating toy." Yunho adds, completely at ease while Seonghwa looks like he's ready to kill all of them and Mingi simply tries to drown their voices out. How he got sucked into the most chaotic group of omegas is beyond him.

"But... How?" Wooyoung is curious.

Yeosang and Yunho's eyes both drop down to his lap.

Wooyoung glances down as well, dumbfounded, before his face pales.

"Holy shit."

San's flustered expression from his questioning flashes in his mind and he's drowned in embarrassment and suddenly experiencing an existential crisis. He asked San about that of all things.

"Wooyoung you have no one else to blame this on but yourself for sitting away at your pack your whole life." Yunho mused, grinning. "If you would like, we can definitely buy those too—"

"Absolutely not!" Seonghwa interrupts, stammering over his words.

Yunho pouts. "Pity. This is a democracy, Seonghwa."

Wooyoung regrets asking.

After a couple more minutes, they finally reach the outskirts of town, entering past the tree line. They stop by the rein stalls and Mingi slips off his horse, tying it in the makeshift stable and handing the attendant a few coins before helping Yunho down as Yeosang also dismounts.

Seonghwa also swings off before startling Wooyoung by grabbing his waist and gently pulling him down. The younger man narrows his eyes on the older omega suspiciously. "I still do not like you, patisserie."

Seonghwa rolls his eyes, knotting the reins of his horse in. "Alright, Wooyoung."

Mingi walks towards him with a raised eyebrow. "May I see that card again?"

Wooyoung digs a hand into his bag, pulling out the still crisp card and handing it over. Mingi looks at it with narrowed eyes, wincing. "This looks very questionable."

"Yes, I am aware. That is why I brought you with me." Wooyoung deadpans.

Mingi sighs, straightening. "Well, let's get going if we wish to return before sundown."

As they begin walking, Wooyoung quickly notices that it is just as buzzing and crowded as it was when he came with San— if not more so due to the rush of the morning hours. Everyone seems to be preparing for the upcoming and fast approaching Christmas celebrations, all the houses strung with pretty decorations and the shops glittering with paper lanterns.

Bells rang as the center of town echoed with cheerful giggles of children running around in the powdery snow, the smell of freshly cooked bread and meat wafting in the air. It made his mouth water, and he's half tempted to ask them to stop and eat but knows they're cutting short on time as it is, especially with all the other things everyone else needed to do while they were out here.

"Wooyoung look! Do you see that?" Yunho points to a strange looking contraption. The youngest stares at it blankly, visibly confused. "What is that?"

"Poor thing."

"He has never seen one before."

"What a tragedy."

Wooyoung scowls, knowing very well he's being teased. "Mingi! Tell your mate to stop being so insensitive to my lacking knowledge of these confusing scientific advancements in this awful society!"

"But it is quite amusing to watch." Mingi mused.

Yeosang snickers, biting back a smile. "Wooyoung darling, that is called a cargo transporter. They drop cargo from the roof room storages to the ground without damaging the items inside."

Wooyoung watches unamused as the man on top of the wooden platform pulls a heavy box out from the window slot in the attic before sliding it down the edged slide of the transporter, the box landing on the ground smoothly. "Fascinating."

"Why do you sound so bitter about it?" Seonghwa snorts, noticing the scrunched up expression on the shorter man's face.

"He probably wants one but cannot possibly afford something as wondrous as the great cargo transporter." Yunho teases, and like a fool, Wooyoung falls into his trap.

"Excuse you! Do you realize that I could buy all the lackluster contraptions in this damn town along with all of your houses and still rest peacefully with no dent to my wallet!" He cried out in outrage.

"You cannot buy out Yeosang, he is a spawn of a family tree of conglomerates." Yunho laughs maniacally as Wooyoung throws a wary glance at the blonde. Yeosang looks back at him with a raised eyebrow, eyes glinting.

Wooyoung quickly looks away.

Yeosang truly is scarily powerful.

The fact that he doesn't acknowledge it either makes him even more terrifying.

"Alright, stop blabbering. We have arrived." Mingi announces, coming to a stop.

Wooyoung looks away from the two bullies and up at the dark looking shop. There were only two tiny windows at the front and the entire place was made of old scratched up deep brown wood that seemed to be on the brink of collapsing. Steps were broken or missing from the front porch, and a black cat hissed at them from where it sat on the banister. The plaque that labeled the shop was missing the number 7, which was instead scratched onto wood next to the rusting 4, and he comes to the conclusion that this is possibly a great place to get murdered in.

"What kind of ritualistic devil's den has your foolish ass decided to bring us to?" Yeosang deadpanned, looking at the shop with a disapproving stare.

Wooyoung looks around Mingi's arm at the card to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him even though he knew they weren't. "Well. You know what they say— never judge a book by it's cover."

"I am judging." Yeosang refutes immediately.

Wooyoung gently pushes Mingi forward. "Well Mingi, lead the way."

"Absolutely not!" Mingi cried out, stumbling back behind Yunho who was smiling like this was the most fun he's had in years.

"What do you mean!? I brought you out here to be a big strong alpha!" Wooyoung cries out.

"How prejudiced of you, then. Mingi is terrified of witches and ghosts and scary things like this. Your double standards are quite disappointing to see." Seonghwa sighs, shaking his head.

Wooyoung froze, realizing just how ignorant he sounded. "R-Right. I apologize, I had not realized it was something I was doing and I will work to not have such a narrowed mindset in the future."

"Well, you lead the way then." Yunho pats his shoulder with a grin. Wooyoung sighs, turning back towards the shop and taking hesitant steps up the stairs as the others trailed closely behind him. "Whatever. I am not afraid anyway."

He tries peeking through the window but the curtains are drawn. "Go on, Wooyoung."

"Alright! So impatient." He grumbles, pushing the shop door open before peeking inside. "Hello?"

There's no answer. If the outside was questionable, the inside was infinitely worse than that. The place was dimly lit by a few lanterns, and Wooyoung could just feel the dusty circulating in the air. Yeosang huffs from behind him. "Go forward, Wooyoung, it's cold."

Wooyoung steps inside and he feels something squishy under his boot as sudden loud squeaking is heard. He looks down.

Wooyoung screams.

He jumps back as he continues to scream, causing the rest of them to let out loud screams as well as they scramble even closer together in a panic.

"Moon's sake! Why are you shouting!?" Seonghwa hissed loudly.

"I STEPPED ON A RAT!" Wooyoung cries out, clinging to Yeosang's arm. "A RAT!" He points accusatorially at the small rodent that scurries off into the darkness.

Yeosang pushes him away with a scowl. "By moon, you are infuriating. Just hurry up and find your strip things so we can leave this creepy place."

Wooyoung walks forward, shaken up as he looks around, alert. The others follow closely behind. "I-Is anyone here? Hello?"

Seonghwa looks around with evident disgust on his face as he observes a shelf of jars filled with a questionable liquid containing different insects. "What kind of shop is this!?"

"A Wooyoung recommended one." Yeosang scoffs. "Seriously, who is buying stuff from such a place?"

"Us, apparently." Mingi mutters, clinging to Yunho's arm tightly. Yunho grins. "I think it is rather fascinating!"

"Of course you do." Wooyoung muttered, looking around. "Is anyone there?"

Creak.

Wooyoung screams again, turning fast from where the sound came from as the group behind him shrieks. He pushes past them as he continues screaming, about to run out the entrance when he looks up and catches sight of a dark clad figure with long grey hair staring dead straight at him with gleaming eyes from the doorway with a frying pan in their hands.

Wooyoung screams even louder when the woman screams with him in surprise, and soon everyone behind him was screaming as the entire shop went into a complete uproar. "WITCH! WITCH! WITCH!" Wooyoung screamed, falling back into Seonghwa's arms as he burst into tears.

The woman stops screaming suddenly, confusion on her face. "Wait, I am no witch."

Wooyoung stops screaming as well, pausing his journey from where he was climbing up Seonghwa's body to look back at her while blinking the tears out of his eyes. "Oh."

The woman sighs, closing the shop door as she walks in further while the rest of them stare at her with frozen disbelief. "You kids gave me quite the fright." She laughs maniacally, waving her frying pan back and forth. Yeosang and Yunho exchanged dumbfounded expressions. They scared her—?

She points at the card in Wooyoung's hand excitedly when she catches sight of it. "Ah! You got my card! Are you customers?"

Wooyoung has his legs wrapped around Seonghwa's waist and his arms around the other's neck mid-climb as he looks back at her with an owlish expression. "Oh— are you, uh... Miss Maroonda?"

The woman smiles proudly. "The one and only! How may I help you, young man?"

Wooyoung's about to reply when Seonghwa cuts him off. "Will you climb off me first!?" He cries out in outrage, standing straight like a tree.

Wooyoung glances at him before falling back down to the ground with a sheepish expression. "Whoops?"

"So, what are you here for?" She asks, walking past them and over to the shelves. Wooyoung follows after her, head still spinning from all that transpired in the past few minutes. "I heard of your Scent Blocking Strips."

She hums knowingly. "Scent masking strips. we just got stock in today."

"I'm going to go out and get us some food." Mingi interrupts, looking like he's on the verge of death or tears, Wooyoung can't really tell. "I need some air after that."

"Just a moment, I shall go talk with the food stalls too. At this rate it will take too long to wait." Seonghwa sighed, following him out. Yunho waves at them as they leave, turning back to the woman. "What are they made of anyway?"

She snorts. "Now that is a secret I am unwilling to share. How many do you need?"

Wooyoung sighs. "Just enough for a ball night. How long do they last?"

She walks over to the shelves looking through them. "Depends. Our scent gland on the neck is stronger than the ones on our wrists. The wrists should last for around eight hours but the neck can be fickle. Anywhere between four to five hours at the least."

Wooyoung hums, biting his lip. "How often would you recommend changing them?"

"Every three hours for the neck if you really wanna be safe, but by the fourth hour it is only a small distinction of the remaining scent. The wrists should be fine for the full eight hours. Seven if you wanna be super safe."

He thinks for a moment. "I'll take two pairs for the wrists and three strips for the neck."

She grabs a couple packets from a far shelf, putting them into a small pouch before handing it over to Wooyoung. "Anything else you boys are interested in? We received a shipment of the newest Omegan toy—"

"No thank you!" Wooyoung quickly interrupts, face turning red.

She shrugs. "Your loss. Anyways, you can bring those over to the back counter. My brother will take the money. It's two gold coins per strip pair. Third neck strip on the house for the first time customer."

"How generous of you." Yeosang says blankly.

She waves him off, grabbing her frying pan and humming as she disappears into the darkness of the back room.

The remaining three stand there for a long moment, trying to process what just occurred.

"Hurry up and pay for that flimsy paper so we can get the hell out of this shit hole." Yeosang demanded, shoving Wooyoung forward. Wooyoung is too drained from screaming to complain, instead complying.

He walks to the back of the room and up to the counter where a man is standing, his back to him as he restocks the shelf. He pulls out his coin pouch and lays the coins on the surface. "For three neck strip pairs and two wrist pairs. We already talked to—"

Wooyoung froze.

Because the man who turned was the same weird man who gave him the card, and he was staring at Wooyoung equally as shocked. "You again!"

Wooyoung scowls, remembering how angry San had gotten and he now realizes it was of a justified fury. "Creepy mustache man!"

"My mustache is not— you know what, forget it. First off, you get the hell out of my shop." The man snapped. Wooyoung's cheeks burn with anger. "I will! No one wants to stand in a rat infested dusty storage room on the brink of collapsing anyway!"

The man glares.

Wooyoung pushes the coins over with a huff. "For the strips."

The man shoved the coins back, pulling the bag with the strips away from Wooyoung. "Yeah right, boy. I refuse to sell you a damn thing in this shop. Scram. I am not trying to get in trouble with your angry alpha again!"

"He is not my— ugh! Just take it." Wooyoung hisses, but the man sneers. "I am not selling them to you."

"You cannot do that!" Wooyoung cries out, outraged. "Look, I really need these and I am willing to pay more—"

"I do not care! Your alpha almost punched my face in and I do not offer services to people like you who nearly get me beaten up. So move along, omega."

Wooyoung stares in outrage, face going blank. "Do you know my name?"

The man eyes him oddly. "No? Why are you asking?"

Wooyoung snatches the bag from the man's grip before he takes off running.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!"

He stumbles around the corner, startling Yunho and Yeosang who are staring at him with bewilderment. "What the hell—"

"Run!" Wooyoung shouts, grabbing Yeosang's hand and bursting out the entrance as Yunho follows closely behind. Wooyoung glances over his shoulder to see creepy mustache man chasing after them with an enraged expression, an axe in his hands.

"What the hell did you do!?" Yeosang shouts at him when he sees the terrifying man, eyes wide as they run into the center street.

"He did not want to sell it to me!" Wooyoung cries out, picking up speed as Yunho glances behind them.

"HELP! THIEVES! THIEVES!" The man screams, chasing after them.

"YOU LYING ASS! THE MONEY IS STILL ON YOUR COUNTER, ASSHOLE!" Wooyoung screams back in outrage. Yunho yanks both Wooyoung and Yeosang to run faster. "Wooyoung! Stop arguing with the very angry man chasing after us with a weapon!" He cries out, weaving through the crowd with panic.

"GUARDS! THIEVES! CATCH THEM!"

Wooyoung's heart drops. They couldn't get caught by the royal guards here. Yeosang would get in so much trouble, and everyone else even more so for allowing him out without proper supervision— especially Mingi.

"Split up!" Wooyoung yanks his hand out of Yunho's grip. The older omega looks back at him in disbelief. "What!? Are you insane!?"

"Yeosang cannot be caught out here! They are only after me— I will trail them away for long enough. Just try and find Mingi!" Wooyoung hisses and Yeosang looks at him with a murderous expression. "Your ass is about to end up in jail—"

"Just go!"

Yunho gives him one last glance of frustration before he pulls Yeosang out to the right while Wooyoung takes a sharp turn left down a slimmer and more crowded street.

"Hey! You with the white cape! Stop immediately or face harsher charges!"

Just as he expected, they all follow after him instead.

He stumbles around the walking pedestrians in the street, glancing back behind him to see how much coverage he's gained from them only to feel a tight grip on his arms dropping him from going any further.

Wooyoung looks up startled to see Seonghwa at him with bewilderment. "What are you doing?"

Wooyoung throws a panicked glance over his shoulder to see that they've turned onto the street, pushing through the crowd while their eyes search wildly for him.

"We have to get out of here!" He quickly grabbed Seonghwa's hand, dragging the taller man with him as he slipped through the buzzing crowd.

"Moon's sake— only you could somehow manage to get the guards on our tail! What did you do!?" Seonghwa snaps, pushing ahead Wooyoung to drag him faster, directing them towards an alley on the side.

"It is quite a long story, I would much rather prefer to spare you of the details." Wooyoung mused. Unfortunately Seonghwa didn't think it to be nearly as funny as he did, instead scoffing. "The most intelligent thing you have said since meeting you."

They slip out of the alley but Seonghwa doesn't let up his pace, dashing into the tree line with Wooyoung stumbling after him between their connected hands. They go far into the woods, maneuvering around trees as snow crunches beneath their feet. Wooyoung is exhausted, his adrenaline spiked and the beating of his heart crazed.

Seonghwa only stops once the town is nowhere in sight and the sounds of people fade into nature's tranquility. "What happened to the others?"

"We split up."

"What if they caught Yeo—"

"They were only after me. I am quite sure they will be fine," Wooyoung reassured through heavy breathing, hands on his knees and bent over slightly in an attempt to catch his breath from the exhaustion of running over here. Seonghwa does nothing more except roll his eyes as he leans against the bark of the tree, also trying to slow his breathing.

A gentle silence fills between them as Wooyoung brushes snow off a nearby rock, sitting down aimlessly and stretching his legs out like a child sitting on a stool during art class. Seonghwa walks over and settles down on the rock next to him, posture far more elegant than the younger boy's.

"So..." Seonghwa began slowly, eyeing him carefully. His gaze catches sight of the glistening and glittering shine of the pretty rose gold hairpin pinned in the other omega's dark strands. "You and Crown Prince San?"

Wooyoung groans, giving the older an exasperated glance. "Where did you hear about this?"

"It is not like it is anything new," Seonghwa shrugs. "Both the King and Queen are rather smitten with you."

Wooyoung knows that. He knows that there are plenty of people that would happily accept this union, especially those whose opinions he genuinely cares for. That didn't change the fact that there were also plenty who would do anything they could to stop it from happening.

"Hey Seonghwa," Wooyoung begins, voice quiet. "Was it easy? For you and Hongjoong?"

There's a pause in the cold breeze that passes through and Seonghwa gives him a pitiful smile, his eyes saddened. "It was everything but. The most difficult and stressful thing I had experienced— the most difficult and stressful thing I continue to experience to this day. Yet, I would not change a single thing about us... even if the stars and moon begged me so."

Wooyoung frowns. "How did you two make it work? With Hongjoong's parents being so high in the court?"

Seonghwa tilts his face towards him with a small knowing smile. "It was not Hongjoong's parents that had an issue with us. They are wonderful people who wanted their son to be happy. It was my parents that disapproved, but only because they understood the disgust that a lot of court advisors held towards my social status in comparison to Hongjoong. When they found out Hongjoong proposed, they told him that although they found me to be a respectable and... docile omega, my social standing as the son of bakers would bring him disgrace to wed me. My parents tried everything to break it off after the news spread, as they worried of how I would be treated in the palace if we did go through with the wedding."

Wooyoung shook his head in disgust, frowning. The outdated lense that a lot of the court held in regards to the structure of the society they ran was borderline inhumane. Stuffing those they saw inferior to them into the molds that would keep them away from whatever bullshit purity they had on top, and giving suffering to those who disagreed with them regardless of their standing. It was like a personalized hell for all who had the misfortune of being caught in the crossfire.

"At least it all worked out in the end for you two." Wooyoung sighs softly.

Seonghwa is silent for a moment. "Not quite," he says, voice quiet. Wooyoung glances over to see the older man staring into space, eyes cloudy with an individualized storm that he finds comfort of being familiar with. "There is always a war raging between those palace walls, Wooyoung. It is no fight of flesh— not one you witness in physical scars or cuts, but one that stings just as deep. It does not end, and it probably never will. The best you can do is deal with it in silence, clinging to all the happy little moments that make life worth living for. Or you can run."

Wooyoung let's out a small laugh of disbelief. "And which did you chose?"

Seonghwa glances towards him, eyes piercing. "I ran. I love Hongjoong, truly. But I feared what would lead from such a union for him. Out of fear for those around me, and the life that I would force them into by selfish decisions. But I had soon grown tired of running and living life based on what was expected of me. He would not give up on me either, no matter how hard I tried— because he knew me too well."

"How did he end up convincing you?" Wooyoung asks, far too engaged and curious now.

Seonghwa's voice twinkles with a laugh. His eyes still hold a far away reminisce of a pain unknown to those around him, but the cloud has cleared a bit as he gives Wooyoung a gentle gaze. "That is a long tale for another lifetime."

Wooyoung scowls. "Have I ever told you that you and San would be great friends? You both could revise pretty poetry verses to each other."

At the mention of San, Seonghwa's stare on him intensified. "You still have not answered me question about you two."

Wooyoung's face drops, eyes lowering quickly to the glittering snow clad floor. "What is there to say? We are nothing to each other. Simply sons with friendly fathers. Nothing more."

Seonghwa's eyes don't shift from his face, gauging his every reaction. "It is alright, you know? To be afraid."

Wooyoung sighs, leaning back and looking up to the sky. A single bird soars through, gliding through the air easily. He envies it for a moment. "I am not afraid."

"Then I wonder why you seem so conflicted about the Crown Prince if you believe yourself to be unafraid." Seonghwa comments, seeing straight through the curtains he's drawn. "Wonder what you will say if the conversation of marriage is ever brought to you."

"I think we both are far more similar in that aspect," Wooyoung laughs dryly, a bitter smile forced onto his face. "I would run."

Seonghwa stares at him, a small laugh escaping him. "I am not sure if that surprises me."

"I will live my life the way I chose." Wooyoung states firmly, eyes locked up at the falling snow.

"And the Court will scold you for it until the end of time."

Quietness spreads between them before suddenly he can't stop the giggles that escape from him. Seonghwa turns to throw him a glance, a confused smile growing on his face. "What do you find so amusing about that?"

Wooyoung grins childishly, tilting his head to peer at the older man with bright eyes. "Nothing, I just... It is rather funny, is it not?"

"Hm? What is?"

"That we seem to have what the other lacks. In the eyes of the court you have the ideal prim and proper personality and behaviorisms of a respectable omega, yet they ridicule you for your societal standing. They find my social stance with the royal family to be favorable but they cannot stand my personality or mindset. How hypocritical."

Seonghwa laughs, shaking his head slightly upon hearing it out loud like that. "I suppose you are correct."

Wooyoung stares at him, a feeling of happiness growing within his chest. Him and Seonghwa were far more similar than he had originally thought to believe— their circumstances almost identical despite their polar opposite personalities. It brought Wooyoung a comfort he has been desperately wanting since getting caught up in all the mess the Palace has brought him. For a moment in the cold winds of a winter evening, the loneliness in his heart dissipates like freshly melted snow in a spring afternoon.

"You know, you aren't all that bad, Patisserie Park Seonghwa." Wooyoung states, smiling when Seonghwa turns to him with surprise laced in his expression. The look soon smooths into one of fondness.

"I guess we are similar in that aspect as well. You aren't too bad either, Artist Jung Wooyoung."

Wooyoung snorts, and Seonghwa comes to a stand, holding a hand out to him. "Come. We should find the others and return to the Palace."

The younger grabs onto his hand, letting the other pull him up to his feet.

If their hands stay clenched together in comfort as they begin walking back, neither of them make a comment on it or move to disconnect. It makes Wooyoung suddenly realize that maybe Seonghwa was lonely like him in a way that couldn't be explained to others.

They pull their hoods up over their heads once they reach the outskirts, slipping through people as they make their way to the main street. They stay alert for any passing guards while searching for the others.

"I think they might have regrouped by the horses." Seonghwa tells him, pulling him back towards where they had left the horses in the town stables.

As they walk, Wooyoung drinks in the sight of the Capital for a final time. Besides, it was probably the last time he would be able to. By the end of this week, he'd be on his way back to the Jung Pack and the moments spent here would remain etched in his memories or of pencil scratches on the papers of his drawing journal.

The thought is... beautifully heart aching. When he first arrived, there was a hollowness in his chest that longed to be with his friends and family back home where he was happiest. Now, it's completely flipped. The thought of leaving Ardendall's Capital so soon doesn't sit right with him. He would be bidding farewell to them all, even Queen Hyejin. His gossiping and bickering with Yeosang and Soojin would come to an end. The sneaking around and jokes with Mingi and Yunho would be over. His fights and conversations with Seonghwa... all gone.

And San...

Wooyoung squeezes his eyes shut. There was no use in clinging onto things when he knew the outcome would only be even more painful. He should just enjoy the rest of his days here while he had the chance, and remember them for what they were instead of hoping for what they could've been.

He's pulled out of his thoughts when Seonghwa's hand tightens around his. "Yunho!"

Wooyoung glanced up to see all three of them sitting on a bench practically inhaling chicken skewers and sandwiches. Mingi glances at them while Yeosang completely ignores them in favor of shoving a huge piece of chicken into his mouth. "Oh. Hey, you two! Where have you both been?"

Wooyoung stares at them in disbelief. "We were running for our lives from the guards! Why are you all sitting out here in the open without a care!?"

"Oh, that." Yunho swallows, turning to them. "Mingi showed them his Royal Family Court Badge and they completely backed off. Prince San gave it to him specifically for moments like these."

Mingi shows off the golden pin on his sash while Wooyoung scowls. "That would have been a helpful fact to know about while we were being chased down by an insane axe man— who has a terrible mustache, might I add."

"Quiet about mustache creep and come eat this." Yunho holds out a sandwich to him. "It is spicy chicken. Delicious."

Seonghwa sighs loudly, joining them on the bench and taking the bag of chicken skewers. Wooyoung rolls his eyes and snatches the sandwich from Yunho, his stomach grumbling.

They eat while listening to the the pretty violin music being played across the street by a young girl, a group of school kids dancing and laughing happily nearby. Wooyoung watched them fondly, controlling himself from running over and joining them in their fun.

"We should get going soon." Mingi sighs, crumbling the now empty bag in his hands as he stands, throwing it in a nearby trash can. Wooyoung quickly shoves the rest of his sandwich into his mouth, filling his cheeks completely, before he follows to do the same.

Wooyoung pulls himself up behind Seonghwa on the horse while Yeosang mounts onto his.

Mingi and Yunho climb onto Mingi's horse, the alpha pulling on the reins to guide the group back up the trail towards the palace.

The way back feels far quicker than when they left, and Wooyoung spends it watching the setting sun behind them. The beautiful hues of yellows and oranges were breathtaking.

As they reach the palace walls, Yunho lets out a snicker while dismounting his horse. "Today was eventful."

"That is one way of putting it," Mingi snorts, handing the reins off to the stable man by the entrance as they walked onto the palace grounds.

"Seriously, this is the last time we ever allow Wooyoung to drag us into his mess." Seonghwa sighs as they walk up the cobblestone pathway to the main entrance of the Palace. Wooyoung grins, rubbing his red nose with his sleeve as he puffs out a breath of air. "Please— this was the most fun I have had in months! Besides, I know for a fact that it was far more interesting than whatever boring nagging you must do in the kitchen to your poor sous chefs."

They walk into the main entryway of the center halls, brushing the show off their shoulders, and immediately Wooyoung feels something off as he looks around with confusion and sees that there are no workers or guards anywhere to be found. Mingi also notices quickly, his hand landing on his sword and the other pausing against the center of Yunho's back. "Where is everyone?"

Seonghwa and Yeosang stop walking immediately, looking around with alarm. Yunho turns to his mate with nervous eyes. "There is usually always someone standing by the doors... Mingi? What is happening?"

Wooyoung feels a funny tightness stretching across his chest, a hollow pit growing uneasily within him as he tries walking forward. He doesn't register the fold in the carpet that his foot gets caught in, sending him falling to his knees with a shout. The hairpin falls from his hair and smashes into the ground, the jewels embedded in it popping off and scattering across the marble floor.

Wooyoung stares at it, frozen. Seonghwa is immediately at his side, hands falling on his shoulders gently. "You okay, Wooyoung?" Wooyoung doesn't respond, his eyes locked on the broken hairpin. The tightness in his chest grows, to the point he feels like breathing is a struggle as he shakily grabs the broken hairpin with a stammering exhale. "Something is not right." He whispers, feeling dread.

"Hey! Minjae!" Mingi suddenly called out, causing Wooyoung to look up and see a guard running in a panic down the hall. The guard looks over at them, startled for a moment, but soon relief fills his gaze as he comes quickly towards them. Wooyoung and Seonghwa come to a stand, staring at the young guard with worry. "Mingi! We have been looking for you everywhere! What took you so long!?" The young beta exclaims, hands gripping tightly on the taller alpha's shoulders.

Mingi's brows furrowed, confused. "What the hell are you talking about? I informed Prince San I was going out for a few hours. Where is everyone!? What is going on!?"

Minjae's hands fall, his face now grim. "A little while after you left, Prince San took Byeol for a ride on his own in the back forest, west quadrant II. An hour later, Byeol was found outside the Palace stables... alone."

Wooyoung's heart drops, the broken hairpin falls from his hands and smashes to the floor again as the words flood his ears. He feels like he's drowning, and the constriction snaps through his lungs like a broken cord, slicing them in half mercilessly and leaving nothing but an icy emptiness.

"The Crown Prince is missing."

Wooyoung falls onto his knees, panic seizing his lungs as he stares at the guard with horror.

"What do you mean missing!?" Mingi snarls. "Has a search party been sent?"

"Yes, but we have not found him." Minjae's voice cracks.

"Who the hell allowed him to go out to the forest by himself in the first place!" Mingi shouts, his grassy scent becoming bitter.

San was missing.

San was missing.

Wooyoung jumps to his feet, pushing past Seonghwa roughly.

"Wooyoung! Wait—" Yeosang calls in worry, but the younger omega completely ignores him, bursting out the front doors again and running across the grass towards the stables. "Wooyoung!"

His ears are ringing, but his mind can't focus. The wind is harsh as it hits his eyes, blurring his vision. For the first time in his life, Wooyoung feels terrified.

He runs straight into the back forest, ignoring the guards calling him in question as he looks around in a panic. "San!?"

The snow crunches beneath his boots as he goes further and further, his breathing becoming heavy and tears starting to stream down his face. He doesn't know what to do. His hands shake and his legs feel like shivering leaves against harsh winds but he continues to run wildly and blindly into the forest, crying out for the Alpha. "SAN!"

His foot catches on a branch that protrudes from the ground and he cries out as he crashes forward into the white surface, his face burning with the iciness of its cold impact. His sobs are uncontrollable at that point as he curls up in the snow on the ground, his hands numb from where they clench deep into the snow and press into the frozen ground. "San."

He cries loudly, body heaving for a gasp of air through each sob as he pleads for nothing more than to bring the sunny alpha back in one piece. All sorts of horrific scenarios pass through his mind, sending him into a full blown panic. The possibility of San lying dead somewhere—

A pair of hands pulling him up brings him back to reality and he looks up, his face red and blotchy while his eyelashes are clumped with his tears. Through the blurriness, he can make out Mingi staring down at him with worry. Wooyoung chokes out a sob. "M-Mingi... S-San—"

"I know, Wooyoung." Mingi quickly shushes him, pulling the younger boy into his chest and hugging him in close. "We will find him. I promise."

Wooyoung collapses against him, drained. His sobbing quieting down to pitiful whimpers in the alpha's neck, the soothing warmth not enough to calm him. "San—"

"Shh. He will be fine. He's strong. I promise we will find him."

Wooyoung doesn't answer and Mingi swallows, staring out into the darkening forest with apprehension.

"I promise."

-

Wooyoung stares blankly into the burning flames of the fireplace from where he was sitting on the rug a few feet in front of it. The blanket that Seonghwa had wrapped around him laid loosely on his shoulders as Yeosang rubs his arms comfortingly. He's cried his eyes out until they were dry and sore, cheeks still puffy and blotchy.

It's been two hours since they returned from town. Five hours since San was last seen.

Queen Hyejin's muffled cries could be heard from where he was sitting, the poor woman a complete mess since discovering the news. The Parlor room was full of few anxious guests, the omegas trying their best to calm the Queen despite being worried themselves.

Yunho and Seonghwa were doing their best to make sure everyone was well taken care of, but Wooyoung ignored them when they pleaded with him to drink some water.

As the night dragged on, more and more guests started retreating until there were a few handful left, anticipating and hoping for any form of good news.

"I shall see you later in the evening." San's voice echos in his ears, the image of his wide grin, deepened dimples and crinkled eyes flashing in his mind on repeat.

"Liar." Wooyoung whispers to himself, voice cracking.

The doors opening catches everyone's attention, and immediately Wooyoung jumps to a stand out of Yeosang's comforting grip, desperate eyes locking on a tired King Haneul and Hongjoong. Following closely behind were a group of the Head Generals. Queen Hyejin immediately rushes to her husband, clenching her hands around his arm tightly. "San!?"

King Choi gives her a grim expression while one of the generals speaks up. "We have checked all of Quadrant II. We still have no sign of him."

Wooyoung's teeth grind seethingly as his hands clench around the blanket tightly. "That's not good enough!"

All eyes turn to him. One of the advisors glares at him. "Watch your tongue when speaking in the presence of your superiors, young man!"

"No! There must be some sort of trail from Byeol's hooves! If there were none found, then he obviously had not gone into Quadrant II!" He shouts, furious.

"It has been hours since Byeol was found. If there were any prints, they would be long covered up by now." The general snorts.

"That is just not true! Snowfall had ended an hour since Byeol's appearance. The tower guards discovered her long before the Stable man had even seen her. An hour worth of snowfall would not cover up deep prints. You have wasted your time exploring an entire quadrant that he had not been in!" Wooyoung argues.

"I am quite sure the guards are far more knowledgeable on these things than a plain artist." Kim Cho scoffs from where she sat on the couch. Wooyoung paid her no attention, his fury still directed at the general who stared back at him with annoyance.

"The Crown Prince stated he would be exploring Quadrant II. Of course that would be the first place of our priority to look. It is more likely that this could be a case of something far worse. We need to inform the townspeople."

"Are you suggesting kidnap?" Queen Hyejin whispers in horror, leaning into the King.

Wooyoung's heart leaps into his throat. "No! Informing citizens is asking for an open season! Who knows what type of people will be out for him if news of this broke out. If he were kidnapped, there would already be demands asking for something in return."

The general turns back to him, visibly irritated. "Well, Jung omega, what do you suggest then!? Since you feel the need to comment on the issue!?"

"Look in the other quadrants for Byeol's hooves prints!" Wooyoung snaps. "Stop wasting time by sending all your guards into one area and spread them out across the entire forest. Inform the town guards so both ends can be checked."

"Hooves prints would have no real importance in the end if he were kidnapped." The general hisses.

"Moon's sake! How are you so sure he has been kidnapped!? The more we stand here bickering, the longer San is out there in the cold that continues to get more freezing as the night grows! Send your men dispersed in all three of the remaining quadrants!"

The general takes a threatening step forward, face filled with a raging disbelief. "The audacity— you dare order me around, Omega?"

Wooyoung also steps forward, letting the blanket drop from around him as he glared hatefully back at the alpha. "Try me."

"You little brat—"

"ENOUGH!" King Haneul's voice boomed, interrupting them both.

Wooyoung bites back his tongue, lips pursing shut in frustration.

"Moon, what is happening?" Queen Hyejin whimpers to herself, tears growing in her eyes. Yeosang is immediately by her side, concern in his eyes. "Please get some rest, Your Highness. I will help you to your quarters." He directs her out of the room.

King Haneul turns to the general sharply. "General Beomseok, I want all guards divided into three equal groups from the palace and the town to search through Quadrants I, III, and IIII."

The general gasps in outrage. "But Your Majesty—"

"Enough. Not another word. While I am unsure of the prints, I agree with Wooyoung. We have wasted two hours and a hundred guards on a section of the forest that could have been searched by significantly less while simultaneously looking into the others. I have no more time or patience to be wasted. I want my son found before the rising hues of tomorrow's sun. Do I make myself clear?" King Choi demands.

General Beomseok's jaw clenched. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Hongjoong, send a horseman immediately to town and have them inform the guards there of the same. Make sure word does not get out to the citizens of Prince San's disappearance. If he is not found by morning... then we will have no other choice but to do so." The King's voice is firm, but also slightly defeated and he's visibly exhausted.

Hongjoong nods. "Right away, Your Majesty." He bows once before turning and rushing out the door. Seonghwa watches him leave with a worried gaze.

King Choi then turns to them all. "I understand that you all are worried, but the royal guards will handle it from here. Try and get some rest in your quarters."

His eyes meet Wooyoung's. "Please sleep. He would not want any of you to affect your health over this. We will inform you of any news come morning. You have my word."

Wooyoung's heart tightens, somehow understanding that those words of comfort are directed towards him.

Yunho wraps an arm around Wooyoung's shoulders, directing him out of the room. "Come on, Ladybug. Let's get you to bed." He murmurs, and Wooyoung allows the other omega to pull him out of the room and down the hall.

They walk in silence, but as soon as they reach the stairs and Wooyoung looks ahead towards the hallway where their precious library was, he bursts into tears once again.

"Wooyoung?" Yunho turns the younger towards him but Wooyoung can't stop his tears from spilling out of his eyes, crying quietly into his hand. "T-This is all my fault."

Yunho pries his hands away from his face, holding his cheeks gently and wiping away the wetness with his thumbs. "Wooyoungie, baby. None of this is your fault. Why would you say such a thing?"

"I-If I never asked Mingi to c-come with me to town today, San would have n-never gone into the forest alone." Wooyoung sobbed, clenching his hands around Yunho's wrists.

"Moon's sake, Wooyoung— no. This is not your fault. Regardless of Mingi being here when it happened or not, Prince San decided to go into that forest alone. It is no one's fault that this happened. Hush now. I am positive that they will find him." Yunho quiets the younger man down softly, directing him up the stairs and down the hall to his room.

"I do not want to be alone, Yunho. Please." Wooyoung croaks, the bags under his eyes dark.

"I am not going anywhere, do not worry. Mingi is too busy out searching, anyway." Yunho sighs tiredly, climbing into bed with Wooyoung and pulling the younger one into his chest. He runs a gentle hand through the smaller omega's hair soothingly. "Get some sleep, Wooyoung."

Yunho can't relax until Wooyoung's shaky breathing evens out, indicating his slumber. It's only then that he feels his muscles lose their tenseness, sighing softly to himself.

He just hoped that Mingi wasn't blaming himself the same way Wooyoung was.

-

It's all his fault.

Mingi ignores the icy winds that nip at his numbing skin as his eyes strain to look around in the darkness, the lamp doing little to illuminate the area. "Anything!?"

"No!" One of the guards hollers back.

"Fuck, San." Mingi hissed, rubbing his forehead as a migraine began to pound between his eyes. "Where did you go?"

He always told San to never leave the Castle grounds unattended. Always told him to tell someone, even if that someone wasn't him. San was too carefree to realize the dangers he could put himself in. Now he was missing, and Mingi was furious with himself for ever allowing it to happen. Whatever possessed San to suddenly go out into the forest by himself on one of the few days Mingi had off without taking Jongho or Hongjoong along, was beyond him.

As the hours went by with no signs of anything, the possibility of something terrible having occurred, continued to grow.

"MINGI!" A voice shouts, breaking him out of his thoughts of self-hatred. Mingi turns to see Jongho riding up towards them fast, a wild look in his eyes. "What's wrong?" He asks, anxious.

Jongho stares at him, panting. "I think I know where San might have gone."

Mingi stares back at him, shocked. "What? Where!?"

"I know this might be a bit of a stretch," Jongho began, riding ahead to direct Mingi further into Quadrant III. "But earlier this morning, San, Hongjoong, and I were going over the logistics of the architecture unit. He brought up the broken dam. I know the area is dangerous, but I think it might be possible that San visited it to see just how much damage had occurred and something could have happened there. I do not want to assume the worst, but... It would not hurt to check."

Mingi quickly pulls ahead of Jongho, rushing down the path towards the water dam. If San really was at the dam, some awful accident could have occurred.

As they near the edge, Mingi stops his horse, eyes wide.

Jongho also comes to a stop, looking around in alarm. "What?"

Mingi's eyes stay pinned to the ground. "He was here. Those are Byeol's hooves print."

The older alpha immediately snaps forward, rushing ahead. As his eyes fall to the bottom of the deep ditch that separated the dam from the forest ground, he feels his blood go cold. Lying unconscious just a few feet away from the rushing water, partially covered in snow, was Prince San.

"SAN!"

Mingi quickly climbs down the side, cursing when part of the wood gives away under his foot, almost causing him to fall.

"Hand him up to me when you get down there! I will pull him up!" Jongho shouts down to him, his eyes relieved but completely terrified at the same time. Mingi continues his trek down, the sound of rushing waters pounding in his ears as he thanks the moon that San was not taken away by its strong currents.

He let out a gasp of breath he hadn't realized he was holding when he finally reached the slippery and uneven ground. He immediately dashes towards the Prince, dropping to his knees next to him. San's entire body is as cold as ice, skin unnaturally pale as Mingi turns him onto his back, brushing the snow out of his face. "San!?"

Mingi presses two fingers into the other's neck, searching for a pulse and almost crying out when he finally finds one. "He's alive!"

"Is he injured anywhere!?" Jongho calls out loudly from above, and Mingi looks the smaller man over carefully. "None that I can visibly see!"

The alpha hulls San up into his arms, quickly rushing towards the edge of the ditch and using his strength to raise his unconscious body up to Jongho who immediately grabs onto his cousin, pulling him up into his arms.

"Moon's sake— he is so cold." Jongho hugs him tighter, tears prickling the edges of his eyes. Mingi climbs up fast, unclipping his cape and wrapping San in it before jumping up onto his horse. "Hand him up."

Jongho stands, carefully setting San into Mingi's lap, the older wrapping one arm around the unconscious Prince to hold him close while the other grips the reins. "Hurry back and see if you can get to Castle before me. Inform the healers to head to the Crown Prince's quarters immediately and to raise the flames of the fire and heat up the bed." Mingi orders and Jongho nods as he jumps up onto his horse, dashing off.

Mingi glances down at San's face, clenching his jaw as he yanks on the reins and rushes down the path back towards the Castle.

He can only hope that San isn't too badly injured.

-

Wooyoung is awoken to a heavy hand shaking his shoulder wildly, blinking blearily as he raises his head from where it was buried in Yunho's chest, looking up. "Soojin?"

The sound also awakens Yunho who looks around confused, hair sticking in all different directions and his cheeks puffy and flushed from sleep.

Soojin is relieved to finally see him awake. "Wooyoung— they found him. The Crown Prince."

Wooyoung freezes. He instantly sits up, pulling out of a dazed Yunho's grip. Now wide awake, he stares wildly at her. "San— Is he okay!?"

"Mingi and Jongho returned with him early in the morning, around 4 or 5. He reached consciousness two hours ago." She tells him and Wooyoung covers his face in his hands, relieved. "They have not revealed any details about his injuries, just that he was regaining strength and finally awake. I wanted to tell you earlier, but the Queen wanted you to get some sleep."

"Thank the moon," Yunho mutters to himself, crawling out of bed and putting his shoes on.

Wooyoung also jumps up to put his shoes on but Soojin demands for him to at least wash up before going, which he does in a hurry. "They will not allow anyone inside his chambers. It is hopeless to go there now." She tells him as he quickly changes into a sweater and slips into his shoes, forgetting his cape and bag all together as he joins Yunho at the door.

"Watch me." Wooyoung mutters for himself, quickly exiting and dashing down the hall in quick steps. Yunho falls into pace with him, still looking slightly sleepy. "What is your plan to get past this one? The guards will definitely not let you through."

"That, my giant friend, is where you come in." Wooyoung offers an evil grin that causes Yunho to wince. "I am not going to like this, am I?"

"Probably not."

-

"Yunho? What are you doing over here so early in the morning? We were given strict orders not to let anyone see the Crown Prince." One of the two guards on post asks in confusion when Yunho appears around the corner of San's private wing.

Yunho glances nervously towards where Wooyoung was hiding behind the pillar, before turning back when Wooyoung mouthed to him to hurry. "Ah— right."

Yunho collapses to his knees, letting out a terribly loud fake sob. "MINGI!"

The guards startle at the sudden cry, looking unbelievably confused. "Yunho!?"

"Oh Mingi! Where art thou Mingi!?" Yunho falls dramatically to the floor, tears pooling in his eyes. "My sun! My star! My love!"

Wooyoung has to hand it to Yunho, he would make an amazing opera actor.

"Yunho! What in moon's name is wrong with you!?" The guards start approaching the Omega with bewilderment. Wooyoung takes the opportunity of the two being distracted to sneak past, quickly approaching the door.

"For hours I have yearned to feel the warmth of his touch, but have not yet been greeted by its comfort! My mate— where have you gone!?"

"He did not die, Yunho— he fell asleep on the sofa!"

Wooyoung burst through the doors, closing them quickly and quietly behind him as he leaned against the wood, letting out a breath of relief at not being caught.

He slowly walks out of the doorway, eyes shifting over the room until they land on the one thing he's been desperately seeking.

San is laying in his bed, the upper half of his body bare and showcasing the bandages wrapped heavily around his left shoulder. The sound of his doors opening so wildly startled him from where he's reading, wide eyes landing on the smaller boy whose breath hitches. "L-Lemon?"

Wooyoung feels a swirl of emotions run through his mind at that very moment, from pain to relief to downright anger. He stomps over to the side of the large bed, hands clenched in tight fists as San meets his gaze, the alpha's eyes visibly tired but shocked as well. "Lemon."

Just like that, his anger dissipates, and he feels tears prickling the corner of his eyes. Wooyoung wastes no time in collapsing on top of the alpha, his arms winding around the other's neck as he buried his face against the dip between his neck and shoulder. San tenses, cheeks going pink. "H-Hey—"

"I-I thought y-you were dead." Wooyoung cried, desperately seeking comfort from the warm scent he missed so deeply. San blinks in surprise before his expression softens. "Lemon... come here, baby."

Wooyoung doesn't stop San from pulling him further up onto the bed, pushing himself so that they're pressed as tightly as they can be together, legs straddling the prince's lap. San's arms wind tightly around Wooyoung, one hand buried in the younger's hair as he noses against the glands in his neck, mingling their scents comfortingly. "I am so sorry, Lemon. It was never my intention to frighten you."

The fury returns in Wooyoung, and he pulls back to sit in San's lap, glaring down at him. San opens his mouth but Wooyoung hits him gently in the chest with a weak fist. He does it again and again, his vision blurring with each hit.

San winces, feeling the jabs against his bare chest. "That hurts—"

"Good!"

San wraps a hand around Wooyoung's wrist gently to stop him. Wooyoung's body trembles as he presses his palm flat against the smooth and warm skin of the alpha, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that San was here, and that San was okay. San stares at Wooyoung's red face, the wetness that coated his eyelashes as he tried vehemently to stop from outright crying. Still, a stray tear frays and slides down his cheek. San immediately brings a hand up, cupping the younger's cheek and gently wiping the wetness away.

Wooyoung's eyes squeeze shut as he lets out a quiet cry, reaching up and laying his hand on top of San's, fingers curling tightly around it as he nuzzles his face against the other's warmth. San opens his mouth to murmur more apologies, but he's stopped by loud knocking on the door.

"San? Sweetheart, are you awake? Can I come in?" Queen Hyejin's voice rings through the wood and Wooyoung freezes.

It only just now hit him how much of a compromising position they were in. Forget his identity— here he was, unmated, in the Prince's private room, in his bed, straddling him, and since when was San shirtless —

Right now, his identity is the least of his worries.

The panic shows on San's face too. "J-Just a second, Mother!"

Wooyoung squeaks as San pushes him by the shoulders down his body until Wooyoung is nuzzled comfortably between the older's legs, face pressed against his stomach. Wooyoung's arms wind around San's waist as his face bursts into flames at such a vulgar position.

"San? I'm coming in! You sound hurt!"

San scrambled to grab the huge thick quilt blanket on the side, throwing it over Wooyoung and bringing it up high to hide the omega from view, praying that his heavy scent on it is enough to mask the smell of lemons as the knob to the door turns.

He brings a hand underneath, burying it in Wooyoung's hair and pushing him further so his face is pressed flush against his abdomen, allowing his body to just look like folds in the blanket as the door opens to his worried mother. "San!"

San offers a strained smile, watching anxiously as the Queen approaches and sits on the edge of the bed. "Hello, mother."

Wooyoung tenses when he feels the bed dip slightly, his arms tightening around San's waist. San reassured him with a gentle scratch against his head.

"For Moon's sake, San— I thought you injured yourself even further when you told me to wait! What is the matter with you?" She snaps, reaching over and running careful fingers against the bandages on her son's shoulder. "Are you in pain?"

San forces out a laugh, feeling his body grow hot when he feels the warmth of Woo's shaky exhale against his bare skin. "I-I am fine."

Wooyoung is not fine. San's stupid abs were pressed against his cheek, and he could feel all the hard muscle underneath warm and soft skin. He's not even sure how it's possible for abs to be both soft and hard at the same time, but Choi San has exceeded his amazement once again.

He curses his self control for not being able to stop himself from turning his head slightly, his lips brushing against the smooth skin. San squeaks, his fingers tightening in Wooyoung's hair in warning and Wooyoung grits his teeth to contain the purr that's desperately trying to escape from him as his belly pools with warmth.

Queen Hyejin pulls her hand back, eyes wide. "What? Did it hurt!?"

"N-No!" San almost shouts, his face burning a bright red. "I promise you, everything is fine!"

"Obviously it is not!" The Queen leans in closer and Wooyoung panics, shifting down to avoid her.

Both San and Wooyoung froze.

Because Wooyoung's face is now pressed against San's crotch.

Wooyoung is going to jump off the astronomy tower after this.

Wooyoung moves to lift his head in a horrified shock but San's hand tightens painfully in his hair, shoving him back down against him.

San flinches, feeling a familiar stir that he tries so hard to stop, biting his lip to hold back the growl growing in the back of his throat.

His mother presses gently against his shoulder, frowning. "Be honest, Sannie. It hurts, does it not?"

"No." San deadpans, internally questioning his entire existence. "I am rather tired, mother. I would like to get some rest. The herbs doctor Jeong gave seem to be kicking in."

She relaxes at that, leaning back. "That is good. I will make sure that he brings another dosage later tonight before they wear off."

San offers her a smile, eyes crinkling as she gently brushed his hair back. "Do not worry about any duties for these next few days. Just rest up as much as you can."

"Yes ma'am."

She presses a gentle kiss to his forehead before rising to her feet, causing Wooyoung to relax a bit.

She stops for a moment and San's hand tenses in his hair. "Wooyoung was very worried about you last night."

Wooyoung froze.

San glances down at the quilt nervously, looking back at his mother with a forced smile. "Oh?"

"He was the one who demanded that the search be evenly spread out. He truly is the son of Jung Jihoon. His bravery to speak up is uncanny to his father's. If he had not been so adamant about the prints and the time, I am not sure if we would have found you soon enough."

San's hand loosens in Wooyoung's hair, his expression softening to a look of genuine thankfulness. "I will be sure to personally show him my gratitude to his care."

Wooyoung relaxes against San, expression raw. He mentally tells the alpha that there was no need, because he would do it time after time again if needed.

"Poor thing was awake all night. He wanted immediate news of your arrival, but I wanted him to get some sleep in. I will inform Soojin to wake him and let him know. He might come visit you at some point." Queen Hyejin sighs, walking towards the door.

Wooyoung snorts to himself quietly at that.

"Stop reading and sleep, sweetheart." Queen Hyejin demands a final time as she opens the door.

"Yes, mother."

The door shuts, and there's silence.

Neither San or Wooyoung move, both too hesitant to.

San stares down at the quilt in his lap. carefully, he grabs the edge with his free hand and pulls it up to reveal his hand buried in a ball of brown hair. Slowly, Wooyoung raises his head from his hips and meets San's gaze, his eyes glassy and filled with stars, cheeks flushed.

San quickly shoved the quilt over him again, his entire face turning red.

"What the hell?"

"Just give me a moment." San squeaks, trying to calm his racing heart. The sight of his Lemon like that was suddenly giving him some very inappropriate thoughts, and he had to drown them out before he finally pulled the quilt back.

Wooyoung sat up on the bed in embarrassment, not meeting San's gaze. There's an awkward silence between them before Wooyoung reaches out and flicks San right in the middle of his forehead. San immediately starts whining, rubbing the pained area. "What was that for!?"

"Do you have any idea how worried you have made everyone!?" Wooyoung shouts. San shushes him quickly, glancing at the closed door. "Do not tell me to shush!"

"Lemon—" San reaches out to grab his arm but Wooyoung childishly slaps his hands away. "Do not touch me, Choi San. I am so angry with you right now!"

San gives him a heartbroken expression, looking like an abandoned puppy. "But I want a hug."

"No hugs!"

"But—"

"No! Moon's sake, San— this is not a joke." Wooyoung snaps, frustrated. "You could have died."

"I did not—"

"But you could have! Why would you go out into the forest by yourself? What is wrong with you!?"

San purses his lips, staring him down. "Will you let me speak?"

Wooyoung scowls, crossing his arms. Their eyes battle each other for a long minute before Wooyoung gives in. "Go ahead."

San leans back, pleased. He gently takes Wooyoung's hand into his despite the omega's hum of disapproval, playing with his fingers. "After my meetings ended, I decided to take Byeol out for a ride because she has been stuck in the stables for long periods of time this winter. Hongjoong and Jongho got caught up in other work, which is why I did not ask them to join me."

Wooyoung opens his mouth but San stops him. "I know. I should have gotten someone to join me, even a guard. That was my mistake for not doing so. I promise I will not do it again."

The omega is still not satisfied, staring at him with hard eyes before glancing at his bandages. "What happened to your shoulder?"

San sighs. "I decided to go check out damage to the town's water dam, but underestimated just how unstable the foundations there were. The wood gave away beneath my feet and my shoulder slammed into the edge, bruising it. The bandages are just to keep the herbal cream they applied on it protected from the surface of my bed. It looks a lot worse than it is. The only reason I was out there for so long was because I passed out after hitting my head on the ground. But I am fine, alright?"

Wooyoung swallows the lump in his throat, reaching up and running gentle fingers over the bandages. "Does it hurt?"

San's expression softens, pulling Wooyoung into his chest for a hug despite being denied earlier. "No, baby." He wraps his arms around Wooyoung, burying his face into the omega's hair and breathing in his soothing lemon scent. "Just a little sore. It will heal in a few days at most."

"Don't ever do that again, San." Wooyoung's voice trembles, hiding away in the alpha's neck and breathing in the comforting smell of caramel. San hums to him. "I will not. You have my word, Lemon."

They stay in the comforting embrace for a long moment, before San pulls back with a confused look in his eyes. "As much as it pleases me to see you here, I am rather curious. How did you get past the guards at the door? They would not let anyone besides my parents and Jongho visit."

Wooyoung froze.

YUNHO!

The omega leaps up from the bed with a panic, San scowling when the warmth of his body slips away from his own. "Right! And because of that, I must now leave!" Wooyoung stammers out, watching with impatience as San sits up further, holding his hand tightly. "What? You just got here—"

"It was a brief visit. But I really must go—"

"Nooo—" San whines, looking incredibly upset. "Stay. It is so boring in here and they will not allow me to leave."

"Forgive me, My Prince. But I truly must leave now." Wooyoung glances down at San to see him frowning, sad.

Wooyoung glances at the door before turning to San quickly with a groan. "Moon's sake—"

He grabs the back of San's neck with one hand while the other hold his jaw lovingly, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. San freezes up completely.

Wooyoung pulls back, cheeks flushed. "I will be anticipating your speedy recovery, My Prince. Please get some rest. Goodbye." San just sits there dumbfounded, blinking up at him dazed. Before he can embarrass himself any further, Wooyoung dashes to the doors and quickly slips out, eyes scanning around for Yunho as he shuts them behind him quietly.

He begins sneaking around the pillars again before he stops dead in his tracks at the sight before him.

"I just feel like I cannot speak with him, you know?" One fo the guards complains from where the two were sitting on the floor, Yunho standing above them with a contemplative look. "I cannot tell if he genuinely likes me when we talk about things. He is always so blank from our conversations. What do you think?"

Yunho clears his throat. "For though a very few hours spent in hard labour of incessant talking will dispatch more subjects than can really be in common between any two rational creatures, yet with lovers it is different. Between them no subject is finished, no communication is even made, till it has been made at least twenty times over." He recites.

The two guard start clapping excitedly, cheering. "You truly have a way with words, Yunho!" Yunho bows with a wide grin.

Wooyoung stares, speechless. One, because Yunho was full of shit and was simply quoting Jane Austen, and two, because the guards were actually believing this nonsense.

"Yunho." He deadpans, unimpressed as the three turn to him. "I have been looking for you everywhere, let's go."

Yunho turns back to the guards with a giggle. "Well, boys. Same time tomorrow then!"

They stand up, bowing to him before handing the omega some coins. "Yessir! We will invite some friends too— Seungmin could get some advice on the girl he's courting."

Wooyoung facepalms, in disbelief with this entire conversation. Yunho winks before dashing after Wooyoung.

"What Jane Austen book did you pull that bullshit from?" Wooyoung hisses quietly to him as they walk down the hall from the chatting guards. Yunho gives him a big smile. "Sense and Sensibility! Did you like it?"

"You are a scam, Jeong Yunho!" Wooyoung can't stop himself from laughing at this point, far too amused.

"Hey! You took so long, I had to distract them somehow. Besides— a man has to eat. I saw my opportunity and took it." Yunho laughs maniacally, pocketing the coins.

Wooyoung snorts, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."

-

Time passes by far too quickly, and soon enough the day of the dreaded Christmas Ball finally arrives. The entire palace is running around frantic, and Wooyoung watched as decorations were brought in and tables were set up.

He had been exploring when he discovered the second floor of the ballroom and the small balcony view that was closed off by curtains that he pulled back in order to look down at the rush. He could see Yunho in the crowd, helping things get set.

Silver tinsel was hung over the doorways along with mistletoe, the sparkling soft blue shade of snowflake ornaments hanging from the ceiling at different heights made it feel as if they were in the middle of a majestic crystal forest. Dark green garlands were wrapped around the banisters and pillars, and candles were spread everywhere in the room.

The center of the ballroom was bare and freshly polished from the night before, a shiny shade of mahogany. Surrounding it were multiple round tables with freshly pressed sheets placed on top. They were mostly bare as things were being shifted around. The biggest tree Wooyoung had ever seen stood proudly against the back wall of the ballroom, the royal tables sat right in front of it to overlook the entrance.

"No— not there, Hyunjin!" Yunho whines, waving his arms around frantically as the girl places the box down with an irritated expression.

Wooyoung giggles, enjoying Yunho's suffering and struggles as he finishes up his sketch. Ever since the realization hit that he had to leave soon and he would actually miss the palace, he's been sketching every room that he possibly could, in order to preserve the memories on paper. Once he was home, he would transfer them to canvases and paint. They wouldn't be sold, only kept and cherished in the emptiness of his bedroom.

He'd seen Seonghwa, Hongjoong, and Jongho run through the ballroom a few times, barking orders or clarifying things before frantically disappearing to do Moon knows what. Even King and Queen Choi had stopped in once or twice to see how the preparations were going. There was no sight of San, though. Wooyoung could only assume that he was still resting up. Maybe he wouldn't even be attending the ball, despite it mostly occurring because of him.

Wooyoung sighs softly, grabbing his bag and standing up, pulling the curtain back and stepping out of the balcony top as he made his way down the steps towards the first floor once again. He dodges all the people running around and carrying things over to the ballroom while walking down the hall.

He makes it to the main hall soon enough, moving to climb up the stairs when he stops. Glancing at the hallway of the library, he wonders if San is still on bed rest or if he's finally been allowed to walk around. Contemplating for a moment, he steps down from the stairs and makes his way down the hall, pushing open the doors to the library and peeking in.

He slips inside, shutting the door behind him softly as he walks further into the room.

Its only then that he notices a familiar figure on the ladder next to the fireplace, reaching for a book.

"San!" Wooyoung panics, rushing forward and grabbing onto the other man's arm. San looks down, startled. Once he notices him though, his eyes warm up and his face splits into a large grin. "Lemon!"

"What are you doing!?" Wooyoung snapped, gently tugging on his arm to edge him off the ladder. San's brows furrowed, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Your shoulder! Get down from that right now." Wooyoung forced him to climb down, checking him over. For once, San is dressed rather simply, in a pair of soft black trousers and a fluffy black sweater that cut into a V at the neckline. From the span of his bare chest, Wooyoung couldn't see any bandages.

"Moon's sake, Lemon. It's fine. My shoulder has completely healed up with the creams." San laughs, shaking his head. Wooyoung scowls. "It doesn't matter, San! You should not overexert yourself, especially with the ball tonight. I'll grab the damn book. Which one is it?"

San points them out, pouting. "Why are you so snappy?"

Wooyoung glances at him, gaze softening. "I... Forgive me, I have been on edge lately."

He rolls the ladder over to the section as San approaches, a teasing grin across his face as he observes the omega. "Is it because of me?"

Wooyoung snorts, stepping up the first few steps of the ladder and peering over to let his eyes scan the titles carved into the spine of leather that the old books were bound in. There's a moment of silence before a gentle but firm grip enclosed around his wrist, tugging and dragging him down slightly. He fumbled to grip the wood, wide eyes turning downwards to meet San's suddenly intense stare, all amusement vanished as if it was never there to begin with.

Wooyoung's breath hitches, unable to blink away from the lock San's eyes hold him in as the alpha tilts his head slightly, never once looking away from him. "Have you not grown tired of this game?" He finally murmurs, voice soft but filled with intent.

They're in dangerous territory— the type Wooyoung always tried so vehemently to avoid. Even now, he moves back against the ladder away from the prince, nervous. "What game?"

San's grip tightens slightly.

"Come on," he breathes out, seeing straight through the barriers the omega attempted to put between them.

"San, please... not now." Wooyoung whispers, voice weak.

San is not pleased with the answer, frustration growing in his eyes. "Then when? Or are you going to go on pretending like there is nothing happening between us?"

"San."

"I cannot continue to keep pretending like this." San steps up on the first step of the ladder, pressing in close against Wooyoung and causing the other's heart to jump. "It has become much too difficult to lie to you. To lie to myself."

"San, if you care about me at all, you will stop this conversation at once." Wooyoung blurts out.

San paused, staring down at him with disappointment glossed in his gaze. "Lemon..."

"Please."

San sighs quietly to himself, slowly stepping down and back, turning his gaze away from Wooyoung. The annoyance in his expression is evident. "Fine. As you wish. Will I see you at the ball tonight? I do not believe I will be able to detour back here once it starts."

"I do not believe so, My Prince." Wooyoung muttered.

San's shoulders sag, looking similar to a saddened pup. "Tomorrow then."

"Alright. Tomorrow." Wooyoung agreed. Besides, it would be his last moment to be with San before he left. He'll try and cherish it for as long as it lasts. "I will be here in the library. Same time."

San's face finally brightens, eyes crinkling and dimples deepening with his smile. The sight warms and cracks Wooyoung's heart all the same. "I shall come as soon as possible. There is so much I must tell you. For now, I shall take leave. Enjoy your Christmas at the Palace as much as you possibly can, my precious Lemon!"

Wooyoung watches him leave with a heavy heart, leaning back against the ladder with a sigh.

San forgot his books.

-

The sun sets, and the moon rises with nightfall as Wooyoung is shoved into the seat in front of his dresser by Soojin, hair curled. Yeosang was unfortunately unable to stop by and help Wooyoung get ready this time, but he had gone digging through Wooyoung's closet and had picked out his dress long before he left.

Soojin worked on his makeup diligently, covering the slight darkness under his eyes and brushing the tops of his cheeks with a pinkish red hue, also running the color over his lids and going over it with some glitter before winging his eyes with eyeliner and offering a more sultry and feline glint to his eyes. His lips were painted with a soft pink, and per his request, both his moles were carefully covered with concealer.

He slips into the dress Yeosang had picked out. It was a long floaty white dress that was tight around his waist and chest but fanned out to the floor, glittering and glimmering under the lights of the candle flames. The ruffled sleeves that went over his upper arms exposed more than enough of his neck, chest, shoulders, and back. Yeosang had also picked out a pair of slightly heeled white boots that he laced up to his calves.

Usually he would never agree to heels, just because of how much of a pain they were, but the height difference might help him in showcasing how different he looked in comparison to his normal self.

Soojin helped him place his mask on his face, the gold lace design hopefully doing its job in covering his face as he pulled on a pair of silk gloves on his hands and up his arms until they stopped right above his elbow. If there was one thing Wooyoung couldn't stand as an artist, it was gloves. But he wanted to mask as much of himself as he possibly could. There was nowhere to run from San tonight.

The most he could do was hide.

"Can we try these tonight?" Soojin asks excitedly, holding out a box. Wooyoung tilts his head. "What is that?"

"Hair chalk and stickers. I'll just do a couple strands, and these pearl stickers would look stunning in your dark hair."

Wooyoung smiles widely, happy. "Go ahead!"

Soojin runs the pale blonde chalk through alternating strands in his hair, brushing them out slightly to give a more natural look and feel to them before she starts sticking the little pearls into his hair, spacing them out slightly and varying them from high up to down low. Wooyoung watches in amazement. "That looks absolutely beautiful."

She grins at him, setting the box down while Wooyoung stares at his reflection. Honestly, he couldn't really recognize himself. His moles had disappeared, his hair was different. A closer and much deeper inspection on his face would probably give him away, but in the dark lighting of the ballroom, he could probably get away with it.

He picks up the box of scent blockers from the dresser, opening it up and pulling out two of the wrist strips and one of the neck strips. Soojin's eyebrows furrow as she watches him peel back the paper, the actual strip itself clear. "What is that?"

"Trust me, you do not want to know." Wooyoung snickers, slapping one onto the scent gland on his neck before pulling his gloves back and sticking two onto his wrists, yanking the silk back up his arms. For a moment, nothing really happens and Wooyoung is a second away from fuming over a scam, when suddenly a tingling sensation is felt in all three areas, causing him to squeak.

A few more minutes pass like that before he physically can't smell his own scent on him anymore. "It worked!"

Soojin is staring at him in horror, covering her nose. "What happened to your scent!?" Wooyoung turns to her with a wide grin. "What do you smell?"

"Nothing! Your scent is completely gone! What is that!?"

Wooyoung giddily grabs the bottle of perfume on his desk, spraying it on until he's covered in the smell of daisies. "It is better not to ask questions, Soojin. Take my word for it."

Soojin shakes her head with a grimace. "I do not know what it is you are doing, nor do I wish to know, but I hope you realize I do not approve of it in any way."

"That is quite alright, most people do not agree with most things I do." Wooyoung waved her off, slipping on the silver necklace that wrapped around his throat to cover the strip, a small emerald jewel hanging from it as he grabbed his hand fan and his drawing book and pencil case. He had no intention of doing much tonight, mostly just eating and finishing up any of his sketches that needed revising while he watched people dance.

"Well... you look absolutely stunning, Wooyoung." Soojin smiles at him, and Wooyoung can't help but grin back. "Thank you, Soojin. I shall see you tomorrow."

With that, he makes his way out of his room and down the hall. All his worries seemed to be expelled from his body as he made his way down the steps and left towards the ballroom.

It was only when he waa approaching the doors that he started to grow anxious, realizing just how terribly everything could go wrong tonight if San caught him. Everything would completely fall apart, and that was taking into consideration if San had any mercy on him for his actions.

He's not sure what he would do if he had to witness the day Choi San stared at him with disgust.

"May I?" The guard next to the door suddenly speaks up, indicating to the door. It breaks Wooyoung out of his self depreciating thoughts. He sucks in a deep breath, bringing his fan up to his face nervously. "Y-Yes, please."

The doors open and Wooyoung is hit once again by the cheerful ring of the orchestra and chattering people, walking out onto the balcony entrance as he looks around in amazement.

"Name?" The footman asks, similar to the last time. Wooyoung blinked. "Jung Wooyoung."

Startled, the footman looked up with slight confusion. Probably wondering what Wooyoung was actually doing here on time for once.

"We meet again." Wooyoung laughs awkwardly.

The footman doesn't reply, only snorting as he turns to the crowd. "Son of Jung Jihoom and Jung Areum, Omega Jung Wooyoung!"

Wooyoung winced, rubbing his ear slightly. "Moon's sake, Sir. That catches me off guard every single damn time."

Much to Wooyoung's surprise, the footman finally cracks a small smile of amusement, causing the omega to grin.

He'll take it as a win.

Wooyoung turns and starts to make his way down the steps. He's much too caught up in the beauty of the decorations this time to really pay attention to any words that are spoken in hushed whispers about him. The royal staff worked incredibly hard on perfecting the ballroom tonight, and it showed. Sure enough, like he expected, the candlelight made most of the room dim and intimate. It set his mind at ease to know that the lighting would make it a bit more difficult to make out facial features alongside the presence of masks.

Alongside the candles, the tables were decorated with centerpiece bouquets of red roses. The silverware next to shiny ceramic plates that held name cards of all the guests hand written in a beautiful cursive of black ink. The tree seemed even larger from the ground floor, towering over everything else in the room. It was also decorated stunningly by ornaments and ropes of droopy tinsel. The golden star at the top sat proudly, twinkling.

Wooyoung isn't sure what he was suppose to do. It was after all his first proper ball, other than the engagement night that he wouldn't really consider much of a proper ball experience. Looking around, it's hard to even recognize anyone around him with the whole masquerade theme and dim lighting. It feels rather awkward standing without much clue of where to go or what to do, and he fiddles with the sketchbook in his hands, eyes scanning around for someone familiar.

The first person that catches his attention is walking in his direction, a bright red dress on and blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, a black mask on his face. The hair was always a dead give away for Wooyoung of Yeosang, and he remembers how the older Omega was talking about the red gown he'd be adorning tonight. "Yeosang?"

The man turns to him, brows furrowing, and Wooyoung soon realizes that it is Yeosang. Yeosang squints as he approaches, eyes widening. "Woo? Moon's sake—" his nose scrunches, expression pulling up to a grimace. "You smell like you rolled around in a field of daisies."

Wooyoung grins, proud. "Why yes, that was the effect I was going for!"

Yeosang snorts, gently pulling his necklace back to peer down at his neck at the strip. "So it really does work, huh?"

"Honestly, I am rather surprised by its performance skills as well." Wooyoung comments with a small laugh. "You look amazing, by the way. Your skin is glowing in that color."

"Not as stunning as you do, Wooyoung." Yeosang huffed, admiring his dress. "Everything about you from head to toe glitters under the warmth of light. Honestly, if we are attempting to get San's eyes off of you, we might have made a mistake with this dress."

"Please," Wooyoung groans. "You are making me even more anxious about this entire thing."

"You should be," Yeosang agreed. "It took me a second to recognize you, but your voice kind of gave you away."

"Rats." Wooyoung hissed, scowling. He would need to adjust the pitch of his voice to spare him any suspicion. It would probably be the most difficult part of the night, since restraining his voice was the one thing he struggled to do the most.

Yeosang snorts, grabbing his wrist. "Anyways, follow me. I saw your name card of where you will be seated on a table earlier." He follows Yeosang over to the table, setting his drawing book down along with his pencil case. Yeosang wouldn't be able to sit with him since he was a royal, but luckily the only other people at the table seemed to be Seonghwa, Hongjoong, and a few name tags Wooyoung didn't recognize. The only real downside was how close his table was to the royal family's table.

Curse his father's status.

"Are you going to greet the Queen?" Yeosang asks as he turns back to him.

"I quite honestly have to, do I not?" Wooyoung snaps, linking his arm with Yeosang's as they start walking over to the royal family's table.

"Well, I bid you good luck. San is probably over there." Yeosang snarks back. Wooyoung's heart jumps in his chest at the thought, looking around frantically with wide eyes before he immediately covers his face with his hand fan, horrified.

"Moon, this was a mistake!"

"Why are you suddenly freaking out?"

"He will know it is me!"

"He will not—"

"Yes he will! This was foolish!"

"Stop panicking, it makes you look even more suspicious."

"We need to go back!"

"Are you being serious?"

"Yes! I should leave!"

"You are such a coward, Moon's sake."

"This is not a jok— wait, how dare you call me a coward!?"

"Because you are, you fool."

"What did you say!?"

"Fool."

"You are lucky you are royalty, otherwise I would have already squeezed your neck out between my fin—"

"Wooyoungie sweetheart!" Queen Hyejin calls out happily, rising to a stand from the table. "Is that you?"

Wooyoung's back straightens as stiff as a board as he turns quickly towards her, eyes wide and alarmed. "Y-Yes!"

She's quickly approaching them, and Wooyoung is frozen in his spot as his eyes scan the table.

San isn't anywhere to be seen, the left side of King Choi empty.

"I thought you said he was here." Wooyoung whispers to Yeosang.

"I said probably." Yeosang whispers back as Queen Hyejin finally comes to a stop in front of them, her grin incredibly wide and excited.

"I would not have recognized you if it were not for Yeosang by your side!" She pulls him into a tight hug, content. "You look absolutely gorgeous!"

Wooyoung offers a soft smile when she pulls back, watching as her nose scrunches, confusion in her expression. "What happened to your scent!?"

"I-I have been trying out some new perfumes gifted to me by a friend!" Wooyoung quickly interrupts, panicking. "H-How does it smell?"

Queen Hyejin hums. "It is quite nice. Although I prefer your natural scent much more! This one is far too strong— it masked everything!"

Wooyoung quietly snickers to himself at that.

"Mother, all the preparations have been completed in the kitchen. We should be able to start dinner and then begin the ball." A familiar voice speaks up from behind him, warm.

Wooyoung froze.

Queen Hyejin's eyes lit up, beaming. "Wonderful! As soon as Seonghwa joins us, we will announce dinner. Oh San— Have you met Wooyoung yet?"

Wooyoung quickly covers his face even further with the fan, his heart beating so fast against his ribcage that he's sure someone can hear it's erratic sounds. Slowly, he turns to peek over his shoulder.

Their eyes lock.

Time slows for him, and all sound completely drowns out from his ears until all he can focus on was the fact that he was standing here completely bare for San to see. It felt like he was seconds away from completely destroying everything that had been built, by a single glance. That everything was teetering on the edge moments away from tipping off and falling into a complete abyss of darkness.

San is dressed in a red uniform, his sash holding all his shiny metals— among those being the wolf brooch he had gifted the Prince. He didn't have a mask on. There's a flicker of surprise in the Alpha's gaze, and Wooyoung feels nothing but dread seep into his mind, terrified.

He knows. He knows. He knows.

And then suddenly, the moment ends in the blink of an eye as San's expression relaxes into a polite smile, reserved. "Good evening, Wooyoung. I am honored to finally be able to make your acquaintance. I have heard quite a lot about you from your brother and father. Please forgive me for not being more hospitable during your stay."

The sounds flood back in, and Wooyoung feels his head breaking through the surface of reality once again, blinking.

He doesn't know.

Wooyoung bows deeply, holding himself low. "T-The pleasure is all mine, Crown Prince." He whispers, keeping his voice quiet.

San puts gentle hands on his shoulders, helping him straighten back up. "Please! You can drop the formalities. Our parents are quite good friends, and I hope to be able to maintain it with you."

Wooyoung simply nods, not trusting his voice as he keeps his gaze locked on the floor. His emotions swirling deep within him, conflicted by the situation.

For the first time, the actual gravity of all his lies finally weighed in against his shoulders. If any of this were to ever reach the light of day, there would be so many people he would hurt by his own selfish desires. Queen Hyejin, King Haneul, his parents, his brother, San...

He walked so deeply into these lies that he was now chained by them. No matter what happened, he would end up hurting San in the end.

He's not sure if he'll ever be able to forgive himself for it.

"Your Highness, dinner may begin." A voice calls from his side, and Wooyoung turns to see Hongjoong standing there with a small smile. Queen Hyejin claps. "Perfect! Let us all be seated and I'll have his Majesty announce it."

San bows to him and Wooyoung mimics the gesture, quickly turning away from him and towards his table. Hongjoong glances at him as they walk over. "Nice to see you again, Wooyoung. How have you been?"

"I am alive, at least. How have you been, Hongjoong?" Wooyoung mutters, already exhausted. Hongjoong's brows furrowed. "Enthusiastic... I have been good, thank you."

They soon join Seonghwa who glances up at him with surprise. "Wooyoung. You look beautiful."

Wooyoung falls into his chair, hiding his face away in his hands. "Thank you graciously, Seonghwa. You look stunning as well."

Seonghwa stares at his cowardly form before throwing a glance over to where San was, raising an eyebrow. "Did something happen?"

"I have just come to the realization that I am the worst piece of existence to have ever been spawned upon this earth, that is all." Wooyoung leans back with exhaustion.

Seonghwa snorts, patting his hair gently in reassurance. "It will be fine."

Dinner is served and Wooyoung can't bring himself to eat more than a few bites, far too on edge as he nurses a glass of wine instead. Seonghwa nags at him for his disrespect towards all the delicious array he and the kitchen staff prepared that Wooyoung rolls his eyes to, shoving some cream puffs in his mouth to appease the older Omega.

They were delicious, but he would never say that to Seonghwa's face.

He still had an image to uphold with him.

It's just as the dances begin that Wooyoung's San senses go haywire, and a quick glance over his shoulder proved him to be correct as the Alpha approaches their table. He fumbles to find a quick escape, but all his attempts prove futile when San stops in front of him, fiddling with his fingers. "Wooyoung?"

Wooyoung keeps his fan in his hand, using it to shield his face from the other, eyes averted. "Y-Yes?"

"Would you mind joining me for a dance?" He holds his hand out, a small smile growing on his face.

Rats.

"I-I am not very good at dancing in a duet." Wooyoung admits in a hush.

San falters, confusion showing in his eyes. "Oh... that's odd."

Wooyoung's brows furrowed. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, no... that just... sounded very familiar to me for some reason, but I cannot pinpoint how." San mumbles, more so to himself. Wooyoung froze, cursing his idiotic blabbering mouth to ruin. He said the same thing to San the last time he asked Wooyoung to dance.

Wooyoung quickly comes to a stand, grabbing San's hand. San startles, staring at him wide eyed. "I accept the offer graciously, Crown Prince." He says quickly, keeping his voice slightly hushed. His paranoia causes a growing anxiety to spread inside him.

There's a confused glaze over San's eyes as he looks at him, no doubt Wooyoung's odd antics throwing him off. San guides them towards the center of the ballroom and Wooyoung can feel how all the eyes zero in on them both, whispers growing. It hits him suddenly that this expectation of the Jungs and Chois intertwining through their sons wasn't gossip that was limited between the two families. It must've been something most of Ardendall had realized was a possibility from the moment they presented.

As if it wasn't unnerving enough already.

Wooyoung doesn't meet San's gaze as the other turns to him, placing a gentle hand against his waist and taking his hand into the other. Wooyoung places his other hand on the alpha's shoulder, trying to contain the vicious beating of his heart. The moment was far too similar to that night in the library and he was trying his hardest to expel the thoughts from his mind.

The gentle hum of the orchestra floods his airs as they begin to sway gently together across the floor, the addicting scent of chocolate and caramel surrounding him.

"To be quite frank, the dancing was an excuse to talk to you." San suddenly speaks up, voice soft.

Wooyoung blinks, keeping his gaze locked on the glistening wolf pin. "O-Oh? What about?"

"I wanted to apologize." San states, twirling them around the masses. "For the whole incident of when I walked in on you bathing. That was incredibly inappropriate and I apologize from the bottom of my heart for such disgraceful behavior. I know you have been avoiding me because of it and I am incredibly ashamed of it."

Goddamn it San.

"No, Crown Prince. You have nothing to apologize for. It was my mistake for not closing the door in the first place." Wooyoung muttered. Of course that would be what San was worried about of all things. The fact that he hadn't even forgotten such a minuscule thing just proved his good natured heart.

"Still. You deserve an apology for the invasion of privacy." San argues, looking down to try and catch his expression but being unable to do so because of the way Wooyoung kept his gaze lowered. "Your apology is graciously accepted, Crown Prince."

He gives in easily, knowing very well that all San would do was argue back and forth with him about it regardless of what Wooyoung said to him.

San's eyes warmed. "I truly am so happy to finally meet you, Wooyoung. Your father and brother are wonderfully kind and I hope that with this trip, you will plan to visit us once again."

Wooyoung forced a smile onto his face, head lowering even further in shame. Because he had no plans of coming back to the palace for a long time after the guests were sent back home in the next few days. He didn't think he could bear to witness San's reaction.

"Of course, Crown Prince."

The dance ends and Wooyoung pulls himself away from San with a heavy heart, bowing and quickly turning away from him to slip into the crowd before the other could even bow back. His heart ached deeply, and his head was pounding as he made his way through the stares and whispers towards the back of the room.

He leans against the pillar, staring blankly at the wall across from him. Behind him the party and extravagance continued without a care, laughter echoing over the now upbeat fiddle of violin music. Twirls on the dance floor of grins and flushed cheeks. A night where hands intertwined and happiness glowed brighter than the hues of the moonlight shining down on the glittering stained glass of the palace walls— and yet still, Wooyoung felt nothing but heartbreak.

"Oh. It's you."

Wooyoung turned his head slightly, eyes locking on familiar brown ones. "Cho."

The woman is dressed in a stunning emerald green dress, the neckline trailing down in a deep V. Her beautiful long dark locks cascading over her shoulder in perfect curls, red painted lips pressed in a purse of disdain. She holds her black lace mask in her hand, arms crossed against her chest.

"You received the Crown Prince's first dance of the night. Surprised you are not flaunting the achievement and bragging of it for the rest of the ball to bear witness to." She scoffs, running a hand through her hair.

Wooyoung stares at her, feeling oddly empty. "Why do you detest me so?"

She raises an eyebrow, a cold smile curling on her face. "Detest? You come in here, years after hiding away in your little pack, painting on a few pieces of paper and causing all these people to fawn over you and your pretense of kindness and innocence and expect me to fall all over your feet. Rest assured, Jung. I am not like the rest of these fools who cannot see past your facade. You can act as sweet as you want with the Crown Prince but I can tell what you are really after."

Wooyoung tries to process the words, confused. He still doesn't understand why Kim Cho was so desperate to despise him over San when she already had the world offered to her from her family riches, unless—

Oh.

"You're in love with him."

Kim Cho froze.

Wooyoung stares at her deeply, watching the way her face burned a bright red with a gentle gaze, knowing all too well about that feeling. Surprisingly, the discovery that San had caught more hearts than just his own didn't infuriate him the way he imagined it would. He would be shocked if there weren't many out there who yearned San's affection.

Because having Alphas as loving and considerate as San, was like finding a raging storm in the middle of a scorching desert's drought.

"It's not me you hate." Wooyoung spoke up again, watching the hurt and envy that grew in the other omega's glassy eyes. "Just the circumstances I have been dealt with... and that they weren't offered to you."

"You have not been here for the past 20 years," Cho laughs, bitter. "You know nothing."

With that, she turns and storms off, Wooyoung's eyes following her with genuine pity.

Now a lot of that made sense. The nasty words, the contempt, the glares...

Wooyoung probably would've been the same way.

"You are far more kind to her than I would have expected you to be." A voice speaks up from his right, and Wooyoung turns to see Yunho smiling at him.

Wooyoung snorts fondly. "I did not get it before. Now I understand."

"Hm? Understand what?"

Wooyoung gives him a soft smile, eyes sad. "I stole something precious from her."

Yunho's brows furrow, confused. "Huh?"

Wooyoung laughs quietly, shaking his head before pulling up and away from the pillar. "Do not concern yourself with it."

Yunho looks to reply before one of the kitchen workers calls his name from the other side, and he gives Wooyoung an apologetic look before running off.

Wooyoung sighs, letting his eyes wonder. Once again his gaze lands on San. The alpha seems to be arguing intensely with his father, his expression serious. King Choi seems far calmer, putting a gentle hand on his son's shoulder in reassurance as he murmurs his words with intent.

Then suddenly San's eyes shift to lock with his gaze, lips pursed. Wooyoung turns his face away, his heart skipping a beat. That expression didn't seem to be the most positive.

Did he find out?

The dread grows in him when he notices San standing from his seat and making his way towards him. Wooyoung wanted to hide, but his feet seemed to be stuck frozen as the alpha approached.

"Wooyoung."

Wooyoung covers his face with his fan, terrified. "Y-Yes?"

San looks troubled, his eyes not meeting the omega's. "Can... Would you spare me a moment? I need to discuss something important with you."

Shit.

"Okay." He squeaks out, hands shaking. He can't make out from San's expression if he found out who Wooyoung really was, but by the fact that San wasn't shouting or glaring at him, he figured it was safe to assume that it was most likely a no.

San glances around them nervously for a moment, wincing. "Not here. Somewhere more... private. It is not something I wish to be overheard by anyone but us. Follow me, please."

Wooyoung's brown furrow in confusion, wondering what that even meant. He follows after San as the alpha guides him across the ballroom and back up the stairs. Wooyoung tries his best to ignore the eyes and hushed whispers that follow them, feeling relieved once they reach the hallway and the doors to the ballroom shut behind them. The fresh air of an uncrowded space allows him to finally loosen some of the tension in his shoulders.

San guides them down a familiar hallway that Wooyoung soon recognizes as the Prince's personal wing, all the way to the end where he opens the door, holding it open for Wooyoung.

Wooyoung glances at him before walking into the dark room, the only visible light coming through the windows on the far side from the moon.

A quick scan of his eyes shows that this is San's personal study. He has a large desk by the window and the wall next to it is covered with rows upon rows of books and files. On the other side was a sofa with a glass table, a vase of white gardenias placed in the center.

The door shuts behind him and Wooyoung glances over his shoulder to see San turning towards him, fiddling with his fingers.

A silence settles between them, the tension evident.

Wooyoung opens his mouth, about to ask, before San beats him to it.

"I apologize."

The omega's confusion only grew further. "What?"

San's expression only showed frustration. "For doing this to you. I know... I know that you must be aware of how our parents were hoping for our union."

Oh.

Oh.

This is what San wanted to talk about. The one conversation he was dreading most of all.

Marriage.

"My father is very adamant that I ask for your hand," San begins, voice quiet. "My mother adores you."

Wooyoung's breathing increases, in complete disbelief. After everything that he had done to prevent this, it was being thrown at him at the very last moment before he could escape freely. Despite everything that happened between San and him throughout these past few weeks, he was still—

"But I will not be able to go through with such a unification, please forgive me."

Wooyoung froze, blinking. "W-What?"

"I cannot ask you for your hand." San states firmly, although his eyes are saddened. "I apologize deeply, it was never my intention to hurt you. But it would be a dishonor to you for me to force myself into such a mating when my heart desires elsewhere."

Wooyoung can only stare dumbly.

"Believe me, it has nothing to do with you. You are amazing, truly. The steps you have taken and the hardships you have faced has aided Omegan Rights more than you could even begin to imagine, and this country would be blessed to have you at rule. But there is someone who I... who I will not be able to cast aside. So please forgive me." San murmurs, genuine. "However, I cannot allow your knowledge and achievements to be wasted. So I would instead like to extend an invitation into my list of personal advisors. You are the most qualified to be a reliable spokesperson in the Court for Omegas and I would hate to not see you utilize your power and influence for the better of Omegas in Ardendall."

Wooyoung is at a loss for words. He was being rejected by Choi San and the poor Prince felt so awful about it that he was willing to give Wooyoung, who had no experience in decision making, a place into the highest status of Ardendall's advisors. San never failed to exceed Wooyoung's expectations of how selfless and kindhearted he was. As if he had anything to owe him... as if it was his place to feel guilty about the rumors spreading that he had no part in.

As if Wooyoung was the only one burden by this.

His heart grows heavy, fists clenching as he opens his mouth to reassure San that he had nothing to apologize for— until his eyes caught something on the far wall behind the Alpha.

He stops.

"I understand completely if you do not wish to speak with me ever again, and whatever decision you make in regards to this, I will acc— Wooyoung?" San cuts himself off with the confused question, watching as the omega ignores him completely by walking past him, all the way to the wall.

Wooyoung stops in front of a large canvas on the wall, his shoulders tense.

San turns to him, slightly worried. "Wooyoung?"

Wooyoung stares at the painting.

"Where did you get this?" He finally whispers, his voice shaky, body trembling slightly.

San watches his stiff back with confusion, before his eyes shift to the painting. "I... I bought it years ago. A vendor was selling decorative pieces in town and said he found the canvas abandoned on the harbor it was painted of. Do you... Do you like it?"

Wooyoung doesn't answer, his body shaking.

San trails his eyes away from the back of the omega's head towards the painting, walking carefully over until he was a few feet away from the other. "It is rather pretty, would you not agree?" San says, a soft smile growing on his face.

The painting is a landscape of the sea, a dock centered with a boy sitting on the edge looking out into the horizon, the mixed hues of oranges and blues of the oil paints leaving behind a stunningly unfocused image.

"I found it rather sad." San continues, staring at the painting. "It was around the time I was a year or two into settling into my status of an Alpha and the pressure of being the future ruler over an entire nation had weighed down on my shoulders. I ran from the Palace, walking around town to clear my mind when I found it. It is hauntingly beautiful... how lonely this canvas reads. It brought me comfort to know that I was not the only one who felt so alone in a sea of people who could not possibly understand how I was feeling. I bought it without a second thought, and now it has become one of my favorite paintings. It disheartens me, however, that the painting is not signed. I would have loved to meet whoever it was that created it."

Wooyoung laughs, tears growing in his eyes. "San."

"Hm?" San turns his gaze from the painting back down to the omega who turns towards him, the hand fan dropping from his hand and crashing onto the wooden floors.

Wooyoung swallows. "Will you do me one favor? It will be the one and only thing I request from you."

The alpha blinks, a kind smile growing on his face, dimples indenting. "Of course."

Wooyoung stares at him. "Close your eyes."

San's brows furrowed, confusion growing in his gaze. "My eyes? Why?"

"Close them, and do not open them until I say." Wooyoung asks, quiet. His eyes are brimming with so much emotion that he tries to contain, watching San stare at him for a moment, before shutting his eyes.

"Alright."

Wooyoung lets out a shaky exhale, simply drinking in the sight of San's relaxed face, his eyes shut. He takes a step towards the other, and then another, taking note of how San begins to grow more anxious in the silence.

"Wooyoung?"

"K-Keep them closed." The omega finally stops, brushing against the Prince's chest as he slowly reaches up and cups the alpha's face in his hands, running his thumbs lovingly over his cheeks. San flinches slightly but doesn't open his eyes. "Do not move." Wooyoung whispers, pressing himself in close as he tilts his face up, their faces inches apart. "Forgive me. I grew too selfish."

Their lips meet in a soft press.

San grows rigid but Wooyoung pays no mind to it, kissing the other softly. The warmth spreads its way down throughout his chest, the pounding of his heart stammering against his ribcage. San's lips are soft, and the heat of them spread small tingles across his own, his heart beating so fast that the pounding of it left a ringing in his ears. One of his hands shift from the alpha's cheek to the back of his neck, fingers curling slightly against the ends of his hair as he presses against him harshly, his lips moving desperately against the other's frozen ones.

San makes no effort to reciprocate or touch him, just letting Wooyoung greedily take from him with shock. The omega brushes his lips against the alpha's for a final time, letting the moment draw out for as long as he can before he pulls back a few inches, his hand sliding from San's cheek down to press gentle fingers against his now bruised lips, breathing shakily.

The Prince is breathing heavily, his heart beating wildly against his chest, eyes still closed as if too afraid to open them and face the aftermath. Wooyoung presses his forehead against the other's cheek for a moment, his entire face flushed and his now golden eyes hazy as he peers up lovingly at the other man.

Wooyoung swallows down the lump in his throat, pulling away and letting his fingers fall from San's lips as he turns away, feeling light and dizzy on his feet as he makes his way to the door.

"Goodbye, My Prince."

San's eyes shoot open, wide.

Wooyoung shuts the door behind him.

-

Wooyoung ran, his feet pounding against the grassy ground as his father called out to him, worried. "Wooyoung! Wait!"

He ignores the calls of his name, weaving his way through the mass of people on the unfamiliar path way. Tears streamed freely down his reddened cheeks as he wiped them away furiously with the sleeve of his shirt.

The taunting names and cruel degrading sneers echoed in his mind on repeat like a broken record, and it's not until he finds himself at the edge of the sea dock that all thought comes to a screeching halt. His mind clears as the sound of crashing waves and squawking seagull rush into his ears, the cooling breeze of the sea ruffling through his hair and clothes.

He stares blankly down at the water. Presenting as an omega had been cruel enough, but to hear all the hurtful and insulting things the other kids were saying about him was too much to bare.

"You are nothing but a useless Omega, Jung!"

"Look, Jung Wooyoung is an Omega! How was your first heat? I would have loved to see you crying out for an Alpha to come save you after bitching about them for years!"

"He really thought he would be a Beta, but the Moon repaid him for all the shit he was saying by giving him the status of an Omega."

"You want to come out? Why don't you beg? We know that is all your kind are good at doing. Beg like a good little Omega and maybe I might open the door."

"A disgusting disgrace of an Omega."

Wooyoung's fists clenched and he grabs his bag, holding it up to throw it into the water when a loud wave crashed in, stopping him.

He collapses onto his knees, letting out a choked sob as his bag fell next to him and causing items to go tumbling out onto the wooden planks. He curses the Moon for creating something as degrading and vile as an Omega... curses the Moon for subjecting him to such an ill fate in which he is walked on for the rest of his life just because of a status.

He looks out, watching where the sea ran out for miles and miles, disappearing in the distance until it blended into the beautiful range of colors that the sky had. His heart calms, the tears on his cheeks drying as he blinks. He sits on the edge for some time, taking in the calming comfort of the ocean waters and the ringing bells on the docks over the hollering bustling sound of life and ships.

Wooyoung looks down at his bag to see that his sketchbook has fallen out, and he stares at it for a long moment before he grabs it along with a pencil, turning to a blank page.

He begins to sketch.

-

Wooyoung walks onto one of the outdoor patios in front of the ballroom, not completely ready to go in yet. So much has happened during his time here and tears of frustration prickle his eyes, leaning over the banister and letting out a shaky exhale, the cold temperatures causing his exhale to puff out in smoke. He glances into one of the windows of the ballroom, the snow clinging to his hair.

Seonghwa and Hongjoong are giggling at the table, whispering softly to one another. Jongho and Yeosang are swaying gently at the dance floor, loving eyes stuck on one another. At the far end of the spread table, Mingi is laughing at a pouting Yunho who holds a plate of sweets, his hands on the omega's waist.

The loneliness spreads in his chest. He turns, glancing up at the Moon that shines down on him brightly. Wooyoung's grip on the icy cold banister tightens, fingertips starting to turn red. "Give me something," he finally whispers, eyes desperate. "Tell me what to do. I... I am so lost and I do not know what to do anymore. Everything I built for myself— this name, this status... was it truly all a waste if my place was meant to be here?"

The Moon of course, doesn't reply. It just watches him from up above, twinkling.

"You have to give me some sort of sign." Wooyoung pleads. "I defied every single oppressive mind that worked against me in order to be proud of this status... just to be chained down in between these walls by the very people I fought against to gain this freedom. I do not wish to lose that liberation, even if it means letting him go. But you have to tell me if I'm making a mistake."

The wind whistles against his ears, swirling around him like a gentle hug of reassurance.

It does nothing to quell his sorrows.

He's interrupted by the doors to the balcony slamming open, people starting to push through and talking excitedly.

"They are about to start the fireworks soon!"

Wooyoung glances forward, and sure enough there are some workers setting up the fireworks, the lights of the town glittering in the distance. King Haneul and Queen Hyejin are on the other balcony, standing with proud smiles as they watch the grounds start to fill with people. Wooyoung feels bodies starting to press against him from how crowded it was getting.

He turns away, frustrated as he weaves around the mass of people that have gathered onto the once empty balcony.

One particularly hard shove sends him tumbling down to the floor on his knees with a yelp, a loud clanking sound ringing in his ears as he winced.

"You alright?" A hand reaches out to him, helping him up to a stand. Wooyoung gives the concerned alpha a forced smile, rubbing his scratched palms slightly. "Thank you, Kind Sir."

Wooyoung sighs softly, walking a bit forward and letting his eyes trail up only to stop abruptly when he sees San standing in the middle of the now empty ballroom with his hand fan in his limp grip, staring at him from where he stood in the doorway with disbelief.

Wooyoung pauses, eyebrows furrowing. "San?"

San doesn't answer, his face pale. Wooyoung feels the dread deep in him start to grow, and he opens his mouth to question the alpha when something shines in the corner of his eye, causing him to turn back to look at the floor, freezing.

His golden mask stares back up at him, abandoned on the marble ground.

Icy cold terror slides through Wooyoung's veins, his eyes widened in horror as his hand flies up to his now bare face, turning back to San's stunned expression with fear, taking a hesitant step back.

San stares at him as if he's seen a ghost, his eyes filled with disbelief and Wooyoung hears the explosions of fireworks bursting in the sky behind him followed by the loud cheering of the crowd, the sound almost deafening but not enough to drown out the sound of San's horrified voice as it rings in his ears.

"Lemon?"

Wooyoung runs.