Trigger Warning

Violence, Blood, Life-Threatening Wounds

"Hey, Jjongie," Yeosang said as he walked over to the younger male who was sitting on a couch, sharpening his sword. Jongho glanced up and smiled softly, patting the couch beside him for the Prince to sit down.

"How sharp do you need it," Yeosang asked, raising an eyebrow as Jongho continued to sharpen it.

"Really sharp," Jongho said with a chuckle.

"How else am I supposed to protect you if it isn't sharp enough," he asked. Yeosang smiled softly and reached over, grabbing his arm softly and giving it a small squeeze.

"I'm pretty sure you could just choke them to death, or beat them, or even pull them apart," Yeosang mumbled thoughtfully. Jongho laughed and shook his head, ruffling the Prince's hair fondly.

"I'm not sure I could do that, but if someone was trying to hurt you and I didn't have my sword, I would try every single one of those to keep you safe," Jongho said softly. He placed his sword on the opposite side of the couch and opened his arms, allowing Yeosang to quickly slip closer and cuddled up to his side and rest his head on his chest. The two of them have been getting closer over the past two days, able to spend time together and get to know each other better. Jongho loved being able to relax and spend time with the Prince. He never fully let his guard down but he also wasn't as worried about doing something wrong.

"Can we go for a walk Jjongie," Yeosang asked quietly. Jongho glanced out the window, seeing it was still light and probably would be for a few more hours. It's their last night that they will be able relax before they have to go back to the castle.

"Sure, put some shoes on," Jongho said with a nod. The two of them stood up, Yeosang rushing to put his shoes on while Jongho walked down the hall and popped his head into the two eldest room where they were cuddled up on the bed chatting.

"Hey, Yeosang and I are going to go out for a walk," he said.

"Ok, just make sure you're back here before nightfall," Hongjoong replied. Jongho nodded and went back out to where Yeosang was waiting. Jongho quickly grabbed his sword and slipped it into his belt before nodding.

"Let's go," he said.

"Do you really need to bring the sword," Yeosang asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You can never be too careful and I don't want to risk it," Jongho replied. Yeosang nodded and the two of them walked out of the house.

"Where do you want to walk to," Jongho asked the boy.

"Can we take that path over there? I wanna explore the forest a bit more," Yeosang asked. Jongho nodded and the walked to the small path across the clearing that lead into the forest. As they walked, Yeosang glanced at the younger boy, biting his lip nervously before slowly slipping his hand into his. Jongho flinched slightly before a small smile graced his face and he linked their fingers together, holding tightly. Yeosang grinned happily and leaned into the guard, leaning into him as they walked.

"You're awfully clingy, it's not like you," Jongho pointed out, not making any move to push him away.

"Is that bad? Are you uncomfortable," Yeosang asked quietly, receiving an immediately vigorous shake of the head.

"You're fine, I like being close to you. I'm just not used to you initiating so much physical contact," Jongho replied.

"You like being close to me," Yeosang questioned. Jongho looked away from the path to glance at Yeosang who was already looking at him. Jongho quickly looked away, biting his lip nervously and squeezing the youngers hand.

"I do," he replied quietly. Yeosang smiled happily, linking their fingers together and resting his head on Jongho's shoulder.

"I like being close to you as well," Yeosang said happily. Jongho's heart quickened slightly and he tried not to panic too much at having the younger so close and clearly interested.

"I'm glad," he hummed softly. Yeosang bit his lip anxiously, trying to figure out how to continue the conversation. He likes his guard, a lot, he knows that but he doesn't know how to show it or to see if the guard reciprocates his feelings. Why is it so hard? What would Hongjoong do? Now do the opposite.

"Jongho I like you," Yeosang said, stopping and turning to face him. Jongho stopped and faced the Prince as well.

"I kind of hope so. It would be a bit awkward if you didn't," Jongho said, rubbing the back of his neck with an awkward chuckle. Ok, so he didn't properly understand that.

"No, Jongho I like you. Like, you know. Like San and Wooyoung," Yeosang said quietly. Jongho froze and his eyes went wide at the others words.

"You like me, romantically," he asked slowly. Yeosang didn't know how to read the others reaction and he worried that he had made him uncomfortable, moving to tug his hands from the others grasp. Jongho understood what he was doing though, and he quickly held the Prince's hands tighter, not allowing him to pull away.

"A-Are you being serious right now," Jongho asked quickly.

"Um, yeah. I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, I know you have to guard me," Yeosang said quietly.

"What, no! No, not at all Yeosang. Actually, it's like the completely opposite. I've kind of liked you since I first got to know you properly a couple of years ago," Jongho admitted. It was Yeosang's turn for his eyes to go wide.

"You like me," he asked slowly.

"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't notice. I've been trying hard not to show it, but I think it was a little obvious sometimes," Jongho said.

"I uh, I never realised. I was kind of stressing that you didn't like me and I was going to mess everything up," Yeosang said. He doesn't know why but he suddenly begun to feel overwhelmed and his eyes welled up with tears.

"Yeosang? What's wrong? Why're you crying," Jongho asked quickly, tugging his arm and pulling him into his chest. Yeosang started crying fully and buried his head in Jongho's shoulder. Jongho held him tightly, rubbing his back and trying to soothe him.

"Why're you crying my love," Jongho whispered. Yeosang's heart fluttered at the endearing name and he held onto Jongho tighter.

"I d-don't even know why I'm cr-crying. I'm just h-happy," Yeosang cried.

"So they're happy tears," Jongho asked. Yeosang sniffled and nodded. Jongho pulled back slightly and gently wiped the tears from Yeosang face as he calmed down. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss to Yeosang's forehead. Yeosang chuckled wetly and wrapped his arms gently around Jongho's neck, glancing to make sure it was ok. Jongho gave him a reassuring smile and slipped his hands around his waist. The were both quiet, just looking at each other and not knowing how to move forward.

"Since you like me, would you maybe want to be my lover," Jongho asked nervously. Yeosang's face lit up with a radiating smile and Jongho's heart skipped a beat.

"I would like nothing more than to be your lover Jongho," Yeosang said quietly. Jongho smiled brightly, his heart filling with happiness.

"Yeosang," he said quietly. Yeosang nodded, showing he was paying attention.

"I would very much like to kiss you right now. Are you ok with that? Or am I going to fast," Jongho asked him. Yeosang blushed at his words and he giggled shyly.

"You can kiss me if you want," he said quietly.

"Are you positive," Jongho asked and Yeosang nodded quickly. Jongho's breath caught in his throat and squeezed Yeosang's hip gently, building up the courage. He's wanted to kiss the 2nd Prince for over a year now and now that he is faced with the opportunity, he can't believe it. He lifted a hand to gently cup Yeosang's face, gently tucking a piece of hair behind his ear before rubbing his cheek softly with his thumb. Yeosang's heart was pounding in his chest and he would be surprised if Jongho wouldn't be able to hear it.

"You're stalling," he whispered as Jongho paused a few centimetres away from him.

"I've never kissed someone," Jongho said quietly.

"Neither," Yeosang replied softly. Jongho took a deep breath before taking the leap and leaning forwards, placing his lips against Yeosang's lips softly. They kissed for less than two seconds before pulling away again but two seconds was long enough for both of them to want more. Yeosang was the one to close the distance this time, slotting their lips together and tightening his arms around Jongho's neck and leaning into his hold. Jongho tugged him closer so they were flushed together, tilting his head to the side to deepen the kiss. Yeosang slipped his fingers through Jongho's hair, earning a hum of content from the younger. Jongho pulled away before pecking Yeosang's lips again softly. They were both holding each other tightly, their faces still close as they panted to catch their breath.

"I can get used to this," Jongho said with a small smile. Yeosang giggled and nodded.

"You're gonna have to, because I'm not letting you go a day without doing that," Yeosang whispered, making Jongho laugh fondly.

"I think I can arrange that," Jongho nodded.

"Does this mean you'll sleep with me," Yeosang asked, tilting his head with a pout. Jongho went bright red and sputtered slightly, making Yeosang's eyes go wide as he realised what Jongho was thinking.

"I meant sleep next to me, on my bed. You have such a dirty mind Jongho. You're supposed to be the pure youngest, who corrupted you," Yeosang asked.

"I think you're forgetting that San is my best friend," Jongho pointed out. Yeosang nodded as it made sense. Jongho was about to laugh at Yeosang's expression but he froze when he thought he heard something. His head snapped up and he looked around quickly, pulling Yeosang closer to him.

"Jongho? What's wrong," Yeosang asked in confusion. There was another sound, like a twig snapping and Jongho quickly grabbed Yeosang's hand, pulling him behind him and drawing his sword.

"Stay behind me," he said sternly. Yeosang whimpered, hiding behind Jongho's back as his heart started racing again, and not in a good way this time.

"What's going on," Yeosang whispered. Jongho didn't answer, focusing in on listening to all the sounds to find where the danger was. He found it a few seconds later as four Balhaenian Knights emerged from the bushes. Oh this was not good. Not good at all.

"Oh my, what have we stumbled upon here," one of them asked, looking them up and down. Jongho tugged Yeosang further behind him to keep him protected. They had one thing in their favour, the Knights won't know who Yeosang is because he's wearing the clothes of a Knight.

"Looks like a few Fantasian Knights," another one said.

"Youngguk, go back to the others, tell them we've found a few," the first one said. One of them turned around and ran back off in the bushes. Shit, there's more of them. This is really not good.

"When I tell you to, I need you to run back to the clearing love," Jongho whispered, making sure the other Knights didn't hear him. Yeosang was shaking with fear but a quiet ok slipped from his lips.

"For now though, why don't we have some fun," the first one said again. They all grinned and pulled their swords out, their swords that were already dripping with red.

"Go. Sang, go now," Jongho yelled, lunging forwards. Yeosang sobbed but turned around and sprinted down the path, running as fast as he could down the path. As he got closer to clearing, he begun to yell out.

"HELP. GUYS HELP. HONGJOONG," he screamed. When he emerged from the clearing, the door to the house swung open and Hongjoong, Yunho and San ran out, swords drawn.

"Yeosang. Angel what's wrong," Hongjoong yelled out as they ran up.

"Where's Jongho," San asked quickly, noting his brother was nowhere to be seen.

"There were Knights. B-Balhae Knights. He told me to run," Yeosang said. Before he could even finish his sentence, Hongjoong and San sprinted off into the woods, running as fast as they could. They heard the sound of swords clashing and when they finally came into view, there were two dead Knights on the ground, along with Jongho who was desperately blocking a third Knights attempts to stab him with their sword. Hongjoong pulled a dagger from his belt and threw it quickly, embedding it into the Balhae Knights neck. They dropped their sword and clutched their neck, stumbling slightly but San continued to run forwards and slashed their neck, making them drop down, dead.

"Jongho," he cried out, rushing to his brother. Hongjoong was already their and helped the younger stand, assessing him for injuries.

"I'm ok, I didn't get hurt," Jongho said.

"Thank god," San whispered, hugging him tightly but Jongho quickly pulled away.

"We don't have time for this. There's more coming, I think they're invading. We need to get back to the castle now," Jongho said. The other two's eyes went wide and the all quickly ran back to the clearing. The others were all already outside together, trying to console a distraught Yeosang. Yeosang's head snapped up at the noise and his eyes met Jongho's. He let out a sob and at wrenched himself from the others arms, sprinting towards him. Jongho hugged him tightly, leaning down and peppering his face with kisses. Yeosang whimpered and leaned up, kissing him desperately. The others all watched in shock, not expecting the two to kiss at all.

"We've clearly missed something," Wooyoung said quietly.

"Shh, I'm ok. I'm alright love," Jongho said quickly as he pulled away. He grabbed Yeosang's hand and held it tightly as he hurried over to the others.

"We need to leave now, there's more Knights. I don't know how many or how armed they are so we need to go," Jongho said quickly.

"Round up the horses. Grab your weapons but leave everything else," Hongjoong said quickly. They all quickly rushed and got what they needed, grabbing the horses and getting them all set up.

"Same pairs as when we got here," Hongjoong said and everyone got onto their horses. Jongho put Yeosang in front of him on the horse and reached his arms around to grab the reins. If the Balhae Knights have bow and arrows, Yeosang will be protected by him. San noticed what he was doing and understood, quickly doing the same with Wooyoung. Wooyoung took deep breaths, trying to keep himself calm and not start panicking despite how scared he was.

"We have to split up," San said, all the Knights nodding quickly.

"What, why," Hongjoong asked, looking around at them. Yunho sighed, knowing Hongjoong wasn't going to be too thrilled about this, but they have protocols.

"Yunho needs to take you ahead, get you to safety first, the rest of us will follow a different path," Mingi said.

"No, absolutely not," Hongjoong said shaking his head.

"Hongjoong, you need to shut up and listen to us right now. In the situation that we are under attack and possible outnumbered, our first duty is to get the Crown Prince safely back to the castle," Jongho said quickly.

"Seonghwa, Hongjoong and I will go ahead. The rest of you need to look after Yeosang and Wooyoung ok," Yunho said.

"Go, now. We will protect the others, just go," San said quickly. Yunho nodded and grabbed his reins, whistling sharply three times before he started to ride off. Hongjoong went to protest again but to his shock, his horse rode forwards, following Yunho.

"Seonghwa go, you need to stick with them. We don't have enough of us to ensure your safety," Mingi said quickly. Seonghwa hesitated for a seconds before quickly galloping off after the two ahead of them.

"Give them a minute and then we go," Jongho said quietly. San bit his lip anxious and held Wooyoung closer. He desperately wanted to leave, to get Wooyoung to safety, but there are rules to follow and none of them would want to break them, even if there was no punishment. They all would do anything to protect each other. Mingi pulled his horse around so he was position behind the other two, watching the forest behind them intently. It was quiet for a bit before the heard a distant noise.

"Shit, we can't wait any longer," Mingi said. The three Knights quickly spurred the horses on, galloping into the woods in the direction of the castle.

"Sannie," Wooyoung said shakily as they maneuvered through the forest, making sure to try and avoid any obstructions in the way.

"Yeah baby," San said, not breaking his concentration.

"Are we gonna die," Wooyoung asked shakily.

"I'm going to do everything in my power to keep you safe," San said firmly, trying not to break his focus.

"Faster guys, they're getting closer," Jongho said, hearing the sound of galloping behind them.

"They're on horses as well," Mingi groaned. They tried to speed the horses up more but they were already going as fast as they could. The noise kept getting closer and Mingi quickly drew his sword, glancing back. His stomach dropped when he saw at least 10 Knights of Balhae riding up behind them. One of them drew a boy, aiming it towards them.

"GUYS LOOK OUT," he screamed. It was too late however as the arrow was released and flew through the air with a whistle, embedding into the leg of San's horse. The horse came down instantly, bringing San and Wooyoung down with it. San felt the second the horse was falling and he quickly grabbed Wooyoung and threw them off the horse and onto the ground to stop them from getting crushed. He cried out slightly as he landed harshly but he made sure to keep a tight hold on Wooyoung. Mingi gasped and turned his horse around, riding back quickly. Jongho heard the commotion and turned his head, seeing Wooyoung and San on ground and Mingi rushing back as the Balhae Knights got closer. They weren't going to make it out without a fight. He was stuck with a horrible decision, leave and yet Yeosang to safety but risk losing his brother and two friends or go back and potentially save them but also put the love of his life in danger.

"Oh my god. Jongho go back," Yeosang gasped. He ripped the reins from Jongho's hands and spun the horse around. Decision made for him it seems. The first of the enemy reached the others, jumping off their horse but Mingi met him head on, jumping off his as well and getting between him and the two on the ground. San stood up and threw Wooyoung behind him, drawing his sword as another Knight ran at him, their swords clashing. Wooyoung whimpered and stayed behind San, a few metres back. Jongho dismounted the horse, turning to Yeosang.

"Stay back and don't get involved. Stay safe," Jongho said quickly before running forwards. By now 8 of the Knights were on the ground fighting the others, the last two hung back on their horses. San almost got stabbed but dodged it at the last second and sliced the enemies neck open, blood spurting everywhere. Mingi had already killed the first Knight and was defending himself against another two. Jongho quickly engaged another one that was aiming for Mingi, drawing their attention so they wouldn't overwhelm the Knight. One of the enemy ran towards Wooyoung but San quickly kicked back the Knight he was fighting and stopped the other one, stabbing their leg with his sword.

There was a sudden yelp and San's head shot up to see a Knight yanking Yeosang from the horse. Jongho also saw and cried out but he was engaged in a fight and couldn't get there. San left the Knight he was fighting, running and tackling the other Knight, making him let go of Yeosang. They tried to fight stab him, but he quickly lifted his arm and elbowed them right in the throat, making them cough and splutter. He then spun around and kicked them in the chest, sending them sprawling to the ground. Jongho stabbed the Knight he was fighting in the chest and Mingi managed to kill one of the two he was fighting. Jongho spun around and slice the neck of the knight who got hit in the throat before moving to help Mingi.

Wooyoung was too busy watching San, that he didn't realise how exposed and open he was. He was harshly reminded of that fact when there was the sound of hooves and a hand grabbed his arm, yanking him up. He screamed in horror, trying to escape but a sword was placed to his throat. San spun around quickly, hearing the scream from Wooyoung and his heart stopped as he saw him pulled onto a horse with a sword held to his throat. He moved to run forwards but was stopped suddenly by a sharp pain in his stomach as he came face to face with the Knight he had kicked back earlier. He let out a noise of confusion, not really understand what was happening but his ears felt blocked, like he was underwater.

~~~~~

Wooyoung saw it happen, like his worse nightmare coming to life right before his very eyes. San turned to him after hearing his scream and he could see the panic in his lovers eyes when he saw him. But San was distracted, he was busy watching Wooyoung and didn't notice the enemy running up from his side, not noticing as they swung back their sword before stabbing it straight into his stomach. San's mouth opened in a silent scream, his eyes no longer focusing on Wooyoung. Wooyoung felt like it was him who had been stabbed, straight into his heart, his whole world collapsing around him, his worst fear becoming reality.

"SANNIE," he screamed in horror, tears cascading down his face as he begun to sob in shock. San's going to die. He's dying right in front of his eyes. He cried out again when his eyes were suddenly covered by something going over his head and felt himself be carelessly thrown over the horse, his limbs hanging uselessly as he felt the horse begin to move. San's going to die.

~~~~~

At Wooyoung's scream, Jongho looked over and saw him being pulled onto a horse. He went to run towards them but a sword was swung his way, a Knight with San's sword trying to attack him but he ended his life quickly.

"SANNIE." The pure and unhidden pain and horror in Wooyoung's voice made Jongho instinctively turn to look at his brother and felt his heart stop as he saw the sword protruding from his stomach. The Knight who had stabbed him was still holding the sword and could end his life in a second by pulling it out. Jongho whimpered and ran faster then he ever had in his life, flinging his sword so the it pierced through the enemies chest, making them stumble and let go of the sword. They moved back a few steps before falling to the ground. They weren't dead yet, but they would be soon. Jongho lunged forwards and caught San as he fell backwards, holding him steadily in his arms. Yeosang rushed over and gasped, dropping to his knees in shock to see the sword in San's stomach. Mingi finally managed to take out the last night, looking to see another two riding off with Wooyoung. He was about to run to his horse to follow them and get Wooyoung back but he froze when he saw the body in Jongho's arms. No. No, no, no. He ran forwards, bending down beside them. As much as he wants to get to Wooyoung, there's no way to get him back without putting the rest of them in serious danger, especially due to the fact San currently has a sword piercing into his body.

"San," he gasped. Tears sprung to his eyes as he held his brother in his arms, trying to assess the damage as best as he could.

"H-He needs a medic," Jongho said. Yeosang burst into sobs, not knowing how to handle the fact that his best friend had been taken and another had a life-threatening injury.

"Th-They took Y-Youngie," San said, trying to get up. Mingi and Jongho quickly held him down.

"We will deal with that later San, but right now we need to get you help," Mingi said, tears sliding down his face as he realised it hadn't even registered what happened with San.

"H-Help me? N-No, m-my b-baby," San choked out before coughing slightly and feeling a substance dribble down from the corner of his mouth. Jongho held back a cry, seeing the blood trail down from his lips.

"If we don't get him to a medic soon, he's going to die. We need to get to the nearest town," Jongho said quickly.

"You n-need to get that o-out," Yeosang whimpered, reaching out to the sword. Mingi's hand shot forward and he pulled the Prince back.

"We can't take it out, that's the only thing keeping him a-alive," he said.

"If we take it out, he will bleed to death in mere minutes," Jongho added.

"Oh my god. He's going to d-die," Yeosang cried. Jongho wants nothing more than to protect and console Yeosang, but his brother could be dying in his arms so he's going to do everything he can to save him. He quickly pursed his lips and did a short whistle before doing a long one, his horse galloping up quickly.

"Mingi help me get him up onto the horse with me," Jongho said. Mingi nodded and walked gently slipped a hand under his knees, using the other to brace underneath his backside. Jongho sniffled and slipped a hand under his shoulder blades and then his lower back. San cried out as the pain in his stomach increased and he begun to sob, not fully understanding what was going on. Everything hurt too much. It was hard, but they managed to get San onto the horse, resting in Jongho's arms, Yeosang having stepped up to help. Mingi called his horse over and quickly hopped on, pulling Yeosang up as well.

"Where is the nearest town from here, does anyone know," Jongho asked, hoping they'd at least have some sort of idea where they are.

"There's one about a 15 minute ride, Yunho was telling me about it and I know how to get there," Mingi said quickly.

"Go, we don't have long enough to wait. Mingi nodded and spurred his horse forwards, Jongho following quickly. He did his best to keep San stable, stop the sword from shifting too much but it still hurt to hear the small whimpers tumbling from San's lips, seeing the blood slowly soaking his shirt, his eyes squeezed shut in pain. The ride took about as long as Mingi said it would, but it felt like hours to Jongho, the minutes slipping by as San slipped away. The rode into the streets, startling towns people as the yelled at them to get out of the way. Jongho slowed his horse down, pulling up beside someone.

"Where is the infirmary in this town," he asked quickly. The persons eyes went wide as the obviously saw the state San was in.

"Down the end of the street, past the big white post and to the left," they replied hurriedly. Jongho thanked them and rushed off, following the directions and finding the infirmary. Mingi and Yeosang quickly jumped off their horse and ran over to Jongho and San, helping him gently get his brother off before Mingi and Jongho carried him inside, Yeosang opening the door.

"HELP. WE NEED HELP HERE," Jongho yelled out. Within seconds there were medics rushing over, carrying a stretcher. They gently lowered him down and the medics rushed off with San. Jongho quickly moved to follow but someone grabbed his arm.

"Let go of me, I need to make sure he's ok," Jongho said angrily.

"Your friend-."

"Brother, he's my brother, my big brother," Jongho cut in quickly. The mans eyes softened and he nodded.

"Your brother has been stabbed, he needs to be looked treated quickly and we can't afford any mistakes," they said.

"What're you going to do with him," Yeosang asked sadly.

"With a stab wound to the stomach, we need to remove the object and stop the bleeding, then give him some herbs to fight any possible infection. It will take a few hours at least," they said.

"Is he going to be ok," Jongho asked, chewing his lip anxiously.

"I didn't see the full injury, I can't promise you he'll survive. I can promise you that the guys are the best though, they'll do everything they can," the man said.

"Thank you," Jongho said quietly. The man nodded before walking off. Finally having the knowledge that San at least had a fighting chance, Jongho felt the full situation rush over him. He legs gave out but Mingi was quick to catch and stabilize him.

"Sir, is there somewhere we can stay while we wait," Mingi asked one of the staff nearby, holding Jongho tightly. Yeosang came to Jongho's other side, helping hold him up.

"Through those curtains there," the man nodded. Mingi and Yeosang quickly helped Jongho through to the directed room. There was a bed in the middle of it and some chairs. Mingi quickly pulled Jongho to the bed, laying him down and laying down beside him. Yeosang quickly climbed to his other side, hugging Jongho tightly. Jongho desperately wanted to reciprocate and show he appreciated it, but he just felt numb.

"He could die. My brother couple die," he whispered.

"He's strong Jongho. If there's anyone who can pull through with something like this, it's him," Mingi said softly. Yeosang watched sadly as Jongho's face scrunched up and he begun to sob, turning his head and burying it into his shoulder. Yeosang held him tightly, fighting back tears himself as he tried to be strong for the younger. If San doesn't pull through, he doesn't know what will happen with the rest of them.

A/N

Here is Chapter 14 everyone, I hope you liked it

Finally some action. The next few chapters are gonna be pretty action packed and eventful so a change from the last couple of chapters

Let me know what you thought of this chapter. What you liked or didn't like in this chapter

What do you think might happen next? I'm eager to hear your ideas