Yeosang fiddles with his fingers under the table as his mother sits next to him along with other advisors at the meeting. The queen stands up, clearing her throat as everyone looks up expectantly.

"I'm sure you are all aware of the reason I have called this meeting today" They all nod, waiting for her to continue.

"I want to get the most important things done first, so before we discuss restoring the country, I feel it's best to eliminate the threat first"

Yeosang's mind races back to the past few months and all the things that happened. It seems like yesterday they were celebrating their lineage and the horrors that came after it. The atrocities that came from les rois. It's impossible for him to think about it without his stomach churning in discomfort, not wanting to relive the moments he wants to forget so badly.

Eden stands up as the queen gestures for him to speak, since he's the one that has been guiding everyone after the disappearances the royal family.

"As of last night, all known members of les rois have been arrested and are waiting to be put on trial. The building has been shut down and is being investigated for further links, we are doing everything we can to eliminate their threat and prevent something like this from ever happening again. As of now, it is important to keep the public calm now that the news has spread that the royal family is back and what happened to them".

Yeosang marvels at the man, he has been working with their family for as long as he can remember. The way he talks so confidently makes him glad that they have someone like Eden on their side, he's a smart man and Yeosang always feels safety in his words and judgement.

"Furthermore, due to a special request by the prince, we have arrested Kim Dongsun, also known as he man who Jung Wooyoung worked for. He's been charged with many cases such as abuse, murder, fraud and much more so he has been imprisoned for life".

Yeosang sighs in relief at his words. He and Wooyoung had been notified about this before and both immediately broke down into tears, Yeosang having to calm Wooyoung down after his breathing got ragged and stopped hearing things. It's painful now but he hopes they can feel safe soon.

Everyone at the table nods and the queen thanks him for the announcement. "As much effort we are putting into the safety of the royal family, I would like to honour those who provided us the safety we now have. Without our team tackling the rebel group and arresting them, we wouldn't be where we are now".

Yeosang furrows his eyebrows. It wasn't them... it was Wooyoung. And Yunho and Hongjoong. He so badly wanted to give them the credit they deserve, everyone must know who his true heroes are, who truly saved their lives through their own meticulous planning and sacrifice. Those three people did more than a whole police team.

Fortunately his mother acknowledges their efforts and Yeosang doesn't need to throw a fit. She looks at his grimace and smiles gently, remembering her first impression of Wooyoung. "Though it's true our team was helpful, the safety of my family would not have been achieved without specific people I owe everything to, brave citizens that shall be rewarded generously for their nobility. I'll leave this for Yeosang to expand on". She turns to him, smiling at his surprised expression.

He didn't think he'd be talking at the meeting too, he doesn't have anything prepared. But still, everyone is staring at him expectantly so with a deep breath, he stands up.

"Jung Wooyoung, Jung Yunho and Kim Hongjoong. These three have been planning for months on how to save me and my family despite the uncertainty of they were alive or not. But they still helped me, got hurt for me, took care of me. They provided comfort and safety and even though I was in danger, I always felt safe with them. These three did all this expecting nothing, they don't work for us, they were just selfless and sacrificed their time and effort to help me. The one and only reason my family is restored is because of them".

So much for not preparing anything. Yeosang just says what is in his head, he wishes he could repay them but he doesn't know how.

Eden suggests to invite them over and give them the reward for returning the royal family as promised but they deserve way more.

"Then it's settled" the queen concludes "we will invite them here as soon as possible to pay for their courage. Even though a price cannot be put for what they have done for my family and I, but it's the least we can do".

As she dismisses everyone, Yeosang panics, this meeting was too short. They need to do more for Wooyoung and the others, paying them isn't enough. He sees his mother leaving but he quickly runs up to her.

"We have to do more for them! Wooyoung... he's not just the person who saved us, he's got nowhere to go and he'll probably feel uncomfortable living here without a reason".

Yeosang had though about Wooyoung living with him in the palace forever but it only recently occurred to him that he might get restless here without anything to do, or even bored. What if he gets fed up and leaves him? He can't have that ever happening so the easiest way to keep him with him is to get a job here.

"What if he works with us?" His mother looks at him with a confused expression "I could ask him, I think he'll like it, maybe work with the guards, he can be my personal bodyguard I know he's capable enough"

Yeosang honestly just wants to be close to him as much as possible so what better job to get than a personal bodyguard? However, the queen doesn't seem to be sold.

"Yeosang honey I know he's your boyfriend but you can't have him working as your bodyguard just because you want him near you, you'll get sick of each other. Also, we have a perfectly capable team with us, we don't need someone who's has no training, it's untrustworthy".

For some reason, Yeosang can't help but feel offended at her words. He knows what Wooyoung can do and it's a hundred times better that what the others can do, he'll just have to prove it to her. How can she not trust him to do a good job when he saved their whole family?

"Fine. I'm the only one who knows that Wooyoung the best at what he does and he needs to be appreciated for that. How about you test his skills? you won't be disappointed because he's got years of training and experience"

The queen considers it for a while and after a moment she agrees to the idea. Yeosang grins widely, shouting a thank you then running to the room where Wooyoung is waiting.

~

They walk around the town (accompanied by five other guards) and Yeosang tries to figure out a way to bring up the topic of working at the palace to Wooyoung.

His mother's voice rings in his head 'you can't have him working as your bodyguard... you'll get sick of each other'. The thought of that ever happening makes him shudder, he can't ever let that happen. If he leaves him, he won't be able to take care of Wooyoung and make sure he has a peaceful life. Yeosang wants to make him forget about his life before they met and start a new one together, a happy and safe life. It's not possible it they get sick of one another so he decides to scrap the bodyguard idea. Maybe being close to him 24/7 is a bit overwhelming. Mostly because Yeosang would not be able to be professional with him and most likely get caught making out on the job.

Even then, whatever job Wooyoung takes will most likely have Yeosang pull him to a corner and make out with him.

"How do you like the palace so far?"

Wooyoung glances over at him, smiling gently. "It's nice, very big. I've always wanted to live in a big house, this outdoes my dreams"

Yeosang's heart swells, glad that Wooyoung is happy now. He just wants to give him a peaceful life, he doesn't deserve anymore pain.

"So... how would you feel working at the palace? You could take on any job you want, maybe with the guards?"

Wooyoung looks surprised at his suggestion, he  was beginning to feel a bit out of place just taking up a room in the palace. He felt awkward just staying there without any reason, the thought of getting a job and earning money rather than stealing it makes him quite excited.

"I'd love to!" Wooyoung has always wanted to get a genuine job, he quickly got tired of the life he lived before. Now he can earn money the real way.

Yeosang smiles at how excited he looks, he knows he'll do an amazing job at whatever he chooses, it's just that he needs to gain everyone's trust that he'll do well. But it's no problem as he's the most talented in the field, Wooyoung would pass the test with flying colours.

The guards can hear their conversation and Yeosang doesn't miss the scoff from one of them. What more does Wooyoung need to do for them to believe that he can work with them? Clearly saving the whole royal family wasn't enough for them. He is about to give a glare to the guard but is halted to a stop when a bullet just about misses his head.

His eyes widen in surprise as he stands still, mind clouded with fear. The guards immediately run, looking for whoever shot the gun and time seems to be moving in slow motion as everyone frantically protects him.

Wooyoung's eyes scan the area as his blood boils. He won't hesitate to snap their neck whoever dared to come near Yeosang. His chest rises and falls slowly as he walks forward, jaw clenched as he sees someone hiding behind a bush. The guards are running around looking everywhere, guns ready to shoot, but they have all left the prince unguarded, and Yeosang, who seems to be blanked out in fear just stands there.

He needs to be quick then, so he grabs the man off guard and he shrieks, struggling against Wooyoung's strong grip. He can't help the tears that fall as he punches the man.

"How dare you come near him" he growls so low it's barely audible. But the man just whimpers, as Wooyoung grabs his collar and swings his fist back.

But is stopped when someone grabs his hand.

He looks back to see Yeosang's 'guards' behind him, looking shocked. "Stop! He's innocent!"

Wooyoung furrows his eyebrows, this is definitely the guy who attempted to shoot Yeosang. He ignores them and swings his fist back again, but the man is pulled out of his grip.

"Wait! This is just a test he works for us, the gun is fake"

The guards seem to be out of breath and slightly intimidated by Wooyoung, trying to get him to calm down. He looks at Yeosang who still seems to be in shock.

He runs over to him and grabs his face, scanning the unfocused eyes. "Are you okay?" Yeosang's eyes are shiny and he takes a deep breath, finally looking at Wooyoung and nodding.

Yeosang was told of the plan beforehand, he was prepared for it, they had gone over it. But he really wasn't prepared. He had gone through a lot the past few months, he should be able to take it. But after feeling the relief of everything being over and feeling safe again, this small thing makes it hard to breathe, it might take a while to get over what happened to him. Having Wooyoung stroking his cheeks and whispering encouraging words to him makes him feel like it'll all be okay.

He can do it.

~

Yeosang is standing next to his mother, both in royal attire. He hasn't felt a crown on his head in ages, it feels heavy.

In front of them are Wooyoung, Yunho and Hongjoong, who were sent invitations to visit the palace to receive gifts. Yunho's expression is mixed with amazement and fear, gawking at the baroque architecture of the room. Hongjoong looks calm and collected by Yeosang can see the slight nervousness in his eyes.

Wooyoung just marvels at the prince, having only seen him in a crown once, but he didn't pay much attention to him back then. Now he can relish his beauty as much as he wants, eyes taking him in. He looks like a prince. His body language, the face, the aura, everything about him screams royalty.

"You are most likely curious as to why I have personally called you here. I am sure you know how grateful I am to you for restoring my family. You have not only done a miraculous deed for me, but for the whole kingdom too and I can not thank you enough for this"

Yeosang smiles at them proudly, all three have changed his life drastically and they deserve the world.

"I know you will be hesitant to accept this but I sincerely insist. You three will be honoured by the kingdom as heroes for your nobility and courage".

It's Yeosang's cue to walk up to them, medals in hand. He puts it around Hongjoong's neck, who smiles shyly at him then bows. Next is Yunho so he has to tip toe a bit and is blessed with a big smile from him. He approaches Wooyoung, who winks at him and Yeosang has to bite back a laugh, he needs to be professional now. He puts the medal around his neck, hands lingering there for a second too long to be sensible but it doesn't matter.

They each receive a very large sum of money as a gratitude gift and are escorted out, Wooyoung stays since he lives with them.

"Wooyoung I was very impressed with your performance this morning" the queen says. The test they had planned only consisted of someone shooting a fake gun then seeing how fast Wooyoung would respond. Even the guards didn't know where the shooter was, it was a race between Wooyoung and the guards.

"I can tell you are passionate in protecting my son, and you have a natural talent in this field that even the best trained could not outdo you, I think you have a good life ahead of you. We would be more than happy to have you on our team. I think you would need to acquire a senior position, it seems like you have a lot to teach, my guards seem to be lacking".

Wooyoung blinks rapidly, not believing what he's hearing. He's always loved the thought of teaching but he also loves fighting. Being given the opportunity to do both is a dream come true, he'd be an idiot to pass up the opportunity.

"I'd love to your majesty"

Yeosang gasps then claps, glad that he chose to work with them. The queen seems to be glad too as she claps along, walking up to him and pats his head.

"Now take good care of my son, he loves you a lot. And do well in your new job!"

He nods enthusiastically "I will!"

~

After weeks of nagging, Yeosang finally manages to get together with Wooyoung, Yunho and Hongjoong. They all are busy with their new lives, as they become very popular after being named the heroes of the kingdom.

The four of them sit in the garden of the palace, as Yeosang has to be accompanied by multiple guards if he left so staying here means he gets some privacy.

"Thank you for finally making time for me" Yeosang says, exaggerating his pout as Hongjoong laughs.

"Yunho and I could never reject your offer to meet Yeosang I don't know what you're talking about" Hongjoong says despite always rescheduling their hang outs.

"I've just missed you all so much" he whines, grabbing Wooyoung and sitting on him. Working at the palace is so boring, too political. And he barely even sees Wooyoung since he doesn't attend meetings, only being able to see him at night.

"Why are you clinging onto Wooyoung? It's us you haven't seen in ages!" Yunho pouts this time and Yeosang laughs at the way Hongjoong smacks him.

As they chat properly for the first time in ages, all four of them become overwhelmed with the love their receive from each other. When Yeojin runs into the garden to play with them, they all cheer and dance with her, hopping around the garden. A beautiful scene.

Wooyoung feels safe and secure. The boy in his lap he loves, loves him back, and he's got amazing friends that take care of him, his job is extremely fun, Wooyoung has never felt his free before.

Yeosang smiles gently at the people around him. The arms around his waist, the two lovers in front of him, the playful shouts. Moments like these are ones he wants to keep forever. These people saved his life and he's grateful that they are his friends now, he'll do anything to protect them and they'll do anything to protect him.

Their hang out time ends as each of them have to get back to their afternoon plans. Yeosang waves at them sadly, watching them leave the palace. Wooyoung had already gone to train other new guards and his own meeting is coming up in a few minutes, having to run there since he spent too long staring off at the distance after his friends left.

Luckily, the meeting ends swiftly and also at the same time as the end of Wooyoung's lesson. He quickly runs out of the room to where Wooyoung is, hiding in a corner so no one could see him.

He knows Wooyoung has another lesson to go to after this but he could spare a few seconds.

He sees the door open and hides out of Wooyoung's sight, catching him off guard when he grabs his hand, pulling him into the corner and connects their lips. Wooyoung doesn't even need to think twice before he is wrapping his arms around his waist, kissing back with equal force. They run out of air but as soon as Wooyoung pulls away, Yeosang is latching his lips onto his again, hands pulling lightly at his hair, making him moan in his mouth.

When Yeosang finally pulls away, he keeps their faces close, both breathing heavily into each other's mouths. Wooyoung's gentle hands slowly caress his back, despite being late for his next lesson. That can wait. He needs to cherish every moment with Yeosang.

Yeosang's mind is always at peace with him. It always had since the beginning, Wooyoung just has this aura around him where you can't help but feel safe. He was never bad to Yeosang. He was never a bad guy.

"I love you"

"I love you more"

~

The end!

I've made this chapter slightly longer to make up for the wait, I hope it meets everyone's expectations! Idk if you can tell but I was having really bad writers block

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I love you all for clicking on this and making it to the end ❤️💕❤️❤️💜💕💜❤️💜

Word count: 48.9k