Trigger Warning

Blood, Violence, Stabbing, Death

Hongjoong woke up to the feeling of someone snuggling down in his arms and he peeled his eyes open, looking down slightly to see Wooyoung pouting and looking up at him.

"Good morning Sweetheart, how're you feeling," he asked softly, running his fingers through the younger's hair.

"I didn't hurt you while I slept right," he added worriedly.

"No, you didn't. I'm fine," Wooyoung replied.

"How are you really Wooyoung, not how you think you should be," Hongjoong asked quietly. Wooyoung bit his lip nervously before sighing.

"It hurts and I don't want to talk about what happened but I'm safe now and I don't want to dwell too much on it. I don't think I can. In future I'll address it, but for now I'd like to just be happy," Wooyoung admitted.

"Ok," Hongjoong said with a nod. Wooyoung gave him a grateful smile before resting his head back down on his chest. Hongjoong just held him delicately and continued to run his fingers through his hair.

"I love you Joong," Wooyoung whispered.

"I love you too Sweetheart," Hongjoong said softly.

"And I love both of you," Seonghwa said poking his head over Hongjoong's shoulder and looking at the two of them. Wooyoung giggled and pat Seonghwa's head softly.

"I can't believe you two are together now. When did that happen? Have you been hiding it from us," Wooyoung asked.

"No, we didn't hide it, it's just a recent development," Hongjoong said softly.

"How recent," Wooyoung asked.

"When we got back to the castle, before we realised you guys weren't coming back," Seonghwa said quietly. He bit his lip nervously, worried Wooyoung would be upset that they were kissing while he was being kidnapped and tortured.

"I'm glad you guys realised, we've all been waiting for you to get together," San said suddenly. He had been awake for a while but was just resting and hugging a still sleeping Yeosang in his arms.

"You guys knew," Hongjoong asked in surprise.

"It was obvious you had a soft spot for Seonghwa, that you cared for him a lot more than others. We didn't say anything because we wanted to let you realise it yourself," Wooyoung said.

"I'm surprise there was no meddling from you little gremlins," Hongjoong said, rolling his eyes but smiling fondly.

"We don't always meddle. We just wanted our parents to realise how in love with each other they were," San said with a shrug.

"Parents," Seonghwa questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"What? We know you guys think of us as your kids and we think of you as our parents," Wooyoung said. Seonghwa chuckled and cuddled closer to Hongjoong, nuzzling into his neck slightly. Hongjoong smiled and lifted his hand back, patting Seonghwa's head softly. It was quiet for a few seconds before the door swung open and Yunho walked inside quickly. He had woken up earlier than the other because he had duties to do, to prepare for the King and make sure everything would be in order for Hongjoong when he woke up.

"Alright everyone, time to wake up. Hongjoong, your father arrived half an hour ago and he wants to talk now," Yunho said.

"Alright I'll get up, let the other's sleep," Hongjoong said.

"They can't sleep either. Your father wants all the Knights to go to the main hall," Yunho said.

"Right, he'll want a debrief about what happened from everyone," Hongjoong said with a sigh. Hongjoong put his hands over Wooyoung's ears before whistling sharply. Everyone jolted and those who weren't awake, sat up quickly. Wooyoung just blinked up at Hongjoong who smiled and removed his hands.

"What was that for," Mingi asked with a groan as he let go of Seonghwa and sat up.

"The King is back and we need to debrief," Hongjoong said.

"All of us," Jongho asked with a raised eyebrow.

"The Knights. Wooyoung and Seonghwa will go back to doing their jobs and Yeosang can wait in his room," Hongjoong said.

"I'll go with you. I'm supposed to stay near Jongho anyway," Yeosang said.

"You sure," Hongjoong asked softly. He knows how uncomfortable Yeosang can get around the King when his attention is on him but hopefully he won't focus on him.

"I'm sure," Yeosang said with a nod.

"Alright. Hwa, take Youngie down to the servant quarters and get changed. I want you two to stay together today and if anyone says anything, tell them to come to me," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa nodded and left the bed, helping Wooyoung down as well. Wooyoung waved quickly before they left the room.

"You guys go get cleaned up and decent, I'll meet you down there once I'm ready," Hongjoong said. The others nodded and they all left but Yunho.

"Come here," Yunho said, patting the end of the bed. Hongjoong quickly shuffled down and sat with his feet hanging over. Yunho went to the side table and came back with a brush, gently brushing Hongjoong's hair so it looked more presentable.

"Thanks," Hongjoong said once he finished.

"No problem. Get changed, I'll be waiting outside," Yunho replied before leaving the room. Hongjoong quickly got up and got changed into new undergarments and robes before cleaning his face in the bathroom sink. Once he finished, he put some water on his hair and roughly styled it before leaving his room, finding Yunho waiting outside as said.

"Let's go," he said. Yunho nodded and they begun walking down the hallways.

"What do you think your father is going to say," Yunho asked.

"Probably boast about how good is Kingdom is and how good of a King he is because he stopped an invasion," Hongjoong said with a sigh. Yunho frowned angrily but knew it was probably true. The King always takes the credit from Hongjoong's hard work and even if he was hours away, he'll probably still say it was because of him that the Kingdom is safe.

"We all know who it was that protected the Kingdom," Yunho said firmly. Hongjoong smiled softly and pat Yunho's back gently in thanks. The people who matter to him are the people who support and encourage him and that's all he needs. They walked in silence the rest of the way before they finally got to the main hall and walked inside. All of the Knights were already there, lined up on either side of the hall while the King sat on his throne, a few of his guards beside him, however some were missing. Hongjoong walked down the hall and climbed the steps, stopping on the step below the throne and crossing his arms behind his back, facing his father.

"You requested us Father," he said.

"Yes I did. I was just enlightened on some recent events that I would like to discuss," the King said.

"The attack on Aurora," Hongjoong nodded.

"No, that is insignificant. It has been dealt with and all is well. There is another matter I would like to address, make an example of," he said. Hongjoong was confused and briefly glanced around, seeing the other Knights were confused as well. Everyone thought they were coming here to be debriefed and make sure something like that doesn't happen again. What else could his father possibly think is more important than their Kingdom being invaded?

"Um father, you know we were almost invaded right," Hongjoong asked slowly.

"Yes, I am aware but that doesn't matter. The threat was eliminated and this issue is far more important," the King said. What the hell can possibly be far more important than an entire town being massacred?

"BRING HIM IN," the King yelled out. The doors to the hall opened and Hongjoong turned around in confusion. What he saw made his stomach drop and his breath be caught in his throat. Two of the Kings guard were walking in, dragging Seonghwa in their arms as the servant stumbled to keep up with them. Another guard had Wooyoung's arm in his grasp and dragged the younger along as he cried. Hongjoong desperately wanted to rush forwards but he had no idea what was going on and him moving would most likely put the two boys at even more risk of injury. San cried out when he saw Wooyoung and rushed forwards.

"Let him go you asshole," he yelled. The guard pulled out a sword and placed it to San's throat, making him freeze but glare angrily.

"Let the other one go, he isn't the issue," the King said. The guard removed his sword before carelessly tossing Wooyoung to San. San gathered him in his arms and rushed him back over to Mingi as the younger cried. Wooyoung hugged San tightly and San held him just as tight. San had no idea what was going on but he was confused and scared and he could tell many of the others were as well.

"You are pathetic Choi San," the King said. San didn't reply just held Wooyoung tighter and turned slightly to keep Wooyoung out of the Kings line of sight. Seonghwa was dragged all the way to the bottom of the steps towards the throne before stopping and holding him tightly.

"S-San," Wooyoung whispered. San shushed him softly, not wanting him to get even more hurt.

"S-San he knows," Wooyoung said quietly.

"Knows what," San whispered.

"A-About Seonghwa a-and Hongjoong," Wooyoung said before sniffling and hiding in against San. San tensed at his words, a quiet gasp escaping his lips as his head snapped back up towards the throne. This is bad. This is very bad.

"Do you know this man Hongjoong," the King asked. Hongjoong's heart was pounding and fear was gripping at him. He doesn't understand what's happening but whatever it is can't be good for Seonghwa.

"Y-Yeah. He's Park Seonghwa, my p-personal servant," he said slowly.

"Don't stutter, you sound weak," the King spat as he stood quickly. Hongjoong flinched back slightly on instinct and glanced back at Seonghwa. His loves eyes were wide and it was clear he was petrified but the rest of his face didn't give off any of his emotions.

"He's my servant, why is he here," Hongjoong asked, keeping his voice level.

"He's here to be made example of," the King replied.

"What do you mean," Hongjoong asked quickly. What is he planning on doing to Seonghwa?

"It was brought to my attention that this filthy low-life touched you yesterday, wrapped his arms around you. Now I know you wouldn't have wanted to make a scene so I have decided to deal with it," the King said. Hongjoong's heart stopped and his eyes widened slightly before he caught himself.

"Whoever told you that was mistaken," Hongjoong said.

"Perhaps, but the servants need to know their place," the King said, his eyes drifting over to Wooyoung. San held him tighter and glared at the King. He doesn't care who it is, if they threaten his baby then they're dealing with him.

"Fine, I'll lock him up in the dungeons for a few hours," Hongjoong said.

"Shut up you stupid boy, I make the rules," the King said, his hand flying out and slapping Hongjoong. Hongjoong went silent and looked down, curling in on himself slightly. The King scoffed and turned back to the guards.

"This servant touched the Crown Prince without permission, I hereby sentence him to death," the King said. Hongjoong's head snapped up and he gasped in shock, turning to Seonghwa to see that he had started crying but still wasn't struggling or protesting. He couldn't. His father can't, he can't kill Seonghwa.

"Your Majesty, that's a bit excessive," Yunho said quickly, fear coursing through his veins.

"I make the rules Jeong, know your place," the King said.

"Kill him," he added.

"You can't. He hasn't done anything wrong," Mingi cried out.

"He's a good person Your Majesty," Jongho said quickly.

"Silence," the King said.

"Your Highness, you can't let him do this," Yunho said.

"ENOUGH, ALL OF YOU," the King bellowed. Everyone went quiet, though they were all panicking.

"Kill him, now," the King said. The guards threw Seonghwa to the ground and one raised their sword while Hongjoong remained frozen in shock.

"HONGJOONG," San screamed. San's scream pulled Hongjoong out of his state of shock, the reality of what was about to happen came crashing down on him.

"He won't understand. If it comes down to it, you're going to have to make a choice. I want you to make the right choice, even if it means you have to do something you don't want to do."

Hongjoong lunged forwards quickly, drawing his sword and swinging it forwards, blocking the guard's sword a few seconds before it came down on Seonghwa's neck. He spun around and kicked his foot into the guard's stomach, knocking him over before turning and punching the other guard in the face. He quickly grabbed Seonghwa's wrist and yanked him up, pulling him behind him and facing his father, his sword raised.

"I'm not going to let you touch him," he spat angrily. The King seemed shocked, as was everyone else. Hongjoong has never stood up to his father before but he meant what he said. If his father threatens the love of his life, he will do everything in his power to protect Seonghwa, he will die to protect him.

"So, it's true. You've been consorting with a low-life servant," the King said. Hongjoong remained silent but didn't back down, even as his father slowly walked down the steps towards him.

"How pathetic. How disgusting. If you protect him, you are no son of mine," the King spat.

"If you want to hurt him, then you're going to have to go through me Kangdae," Hongjoong said, gripping his sword tight. The Kings eyes flashed with anger and Hongjoong held back a shiver. Every bone in his body was telling him to step aside, to back down and not disagree with his father but he stood strong.

"You are no son of mine. You are pathetic and weak an-."

"AND YOU CAN'T RULE A KINGDOM. YOU WERE GONE AND WE WERE ALMOST INVADED AND YOU DON'T EVEN CARE ABOUT. THE ONLY THING YOU SEEM TO CARE ABOUT IS THE FACT THAT I HAVE SOMEONE WHO I LOVE," Hongjoong screamed.

"How dare you. Who do you think you are," the King asked, his voice tight.

"I am Kim Hongjoong, the Crown Prince of Fantasia and I'm challenging you to the right for the throne," Hongjoong said firmly. The entire hall went silent at his words. As a successor to the throne, you can challenge the ruling King to a duel to the death, the last one standing rises to the throne. In the past 200 years, no one has ever challenged the King.

"Excuse me," the King said in disbelief.

"You heard me Kangdae," Hongjoong said firmly. The King growled angrily before beckoning one of his guard over. They quickly helped him out of his robes before he drew his sword. Seonghwa whimpered and Hongjoong pulled him closer slightly.

"I need you to go to Yunho," he whispered. Seonghwa let out a sob and clutched tightly to the back of Hongjoong's robes. Hongjoong desperately wanted to console him and take him out of the room but he knew he couldn't. He just challenged Kangdae to a duel to the death and he couldn't just turn his back on him. He knows that Kangdae wouldn't hesitate to kill him, not now so the only way this is going to end is with one of them dead.

"Please Star. If I'm not focused, we're all dead," he said quietly. Seonghwa didn't want to leave him but he knew he was right. Hongjoong challenged the king which means he has to fight no matter what and if he fails, there's nothing stopping the King from killing the rest of them for disagreeing with him. Seonghwa let him go and quickly ran to Yunho who caught him with open arms and pulled him away. All of the Knights backed away down the hall, creating room for the fight, the King's guards instead moving to stay beside the throne. Yunho, Mingi, San, Seonghwa, Yeosang, Jongho and Wooyoung all crowded together, a few other Knights staying close. Jongho was worried they were close to turn on them but one of the Knights whispered to keep Seonghwa and Wooyoung behind them if things go down. Jongho gave them an appreciate smile in response before looking back to Hongjoong and the King.

"You are a foolish boy, challenging me to a duel. Do you really think you can beat me," the King scoffed.

"You don't know me. I'm your child but you barely even know me. You don't know how well I fight, you don't know my patterns, what moves I favour. I've watched you since I was a child," Hongjoong said as they begun to pace around in circles, no one engaging just yet.

"I don't need to know your skills to beat you. I can kill you without breaking a sweat. And once I'm done with you, I'm going to kill those weak, pathetic little friends of yours. I've always thought they'd be a bad influence but now I know they are worse than I expected. I can't wait to separate their heads from their bodies," the King said. Something inside Hongjoong snapped. Any lingering aspects of love he held for his biological father was gone, all that was left was hatred. He was consumed by the hatred towards the man in front of him and the need to protect his family, his real family. Family doesn't require blood, and this blood relative is certainly no family to him.

San noticed the split second when Hongjoong's demeanour changed. Despite making the challenge, Hongjoong had been tensed but after the threat to them from the King, Hongjoong's body relaxed. San grinned as he saw the smirk take over Hongjoong's face, the way his eyes narrowed and his head tilted to the side slightly. It was the look Hongjoong got when he was analysing a target to kill, like a predator ready to take out its prey.

"He's going to kill him," he whispered.

"Who," Wooyoung asked worriedly. The other's glanced at San, unsure why the Knight was grinning so much.

"Hongjoong, he's going to kill him. That asshole made the mistake of threatening all of us. Hongjoong's never been confident around his father, but the look he has now is the look of someone who wants to kill," San whispered. Seonghwa glanced at Hongjoong's face, noticing how at ease he seemed and the smirk on his face. He has faith and confidence in Hongjoong, he can do this. Seonghwa clung closer to Yunho who tightened his hold around Seonghwa's shoulder, trying to keep him as calm as he could.

"You're cocky," Hongjoong said with a dark chuckle.

"No, I'm just better than you," the King replied.

"You've never fought me before Kangdae, you always thought you were too good," Hongjoong shrug.

"You haven't fought in a while, always making others do you bidding while you relaxed in your paradise," Hongjoong said.

"Enough chatting, let's get to it. Is there any last words you have for your pathetic whore," the King asked. Hongjoong growled and lunged forwards. Yunho and Jongho both tensed, knowing initiating the first strike probably wouldn't end well as the King was prepared. However Hongjoong didn't strike. He ran forwards and raised his sword, while the king swiped quickly, planning to slice Hongjoong's stomach and end the fight quickly but Hongjoong was ready. He quickly swung the sword back down, blocking the kings and throwing it back. The King then rushed forwards and swung the sword back at him and he blocked it quickly. Seonghwa gasped and clung to Yunho tightly, Yeosang doing the same and cuddling into Jongho's back, peaking his head over his shoulder. The King and Hongjoong went back and forth, blocking and attacking, not being able to lay a strike on each other for quite some time. That changed when Hongjoong was able to block another attack from the King before swinging back quickly and cutting a clean slice through the Kings cheek. The King stumbled back and growled before lunging forwards. Hongjoong was only just able to lift his sword to block a swing from the King but the force of it caused him to fall and slam into the ground, his sword slipping from his grasp and skittering a few meters away.

"Shit," Jongho whispered, pulling Yeosang behind him slightly. If Hongjoong is killed they will need to run and he doesn't want Yeosang seeing his brother hurt. The King went to strike down where Hongjoong was but Hongjoong managed to roll out of the way even though it made him be further from his sword. He chuckled quietly to himself as he realised this was what San and Yunho had been ranting to him about, being separated from his sword and having to resort to hand to hand combat. At least they managed to guilt him into practicing it for hours on end. The next time the King swung his sword across, Hongjoong ducked under it and grabbed his wrist before using his off arm to swing up and elbowing the King in the nose, making a loud crack as blood begun to pour from it. Hongjoong then had just enough time to kick him in the stomach, making him stumble. He used the time he was unstable to his advantage, running and grabbing his sword before turning back. The King and managed to stabilize himself but he was distracted by wiping blood from his nose. Hongjoong ran forwards quickly, swinging his sword with as much strength towards the King's throat. The King caught on just in time to block the swing but it made him stumble back again. Hongjoong quickly got momentum and spun around, doing a spinning back kick right into the Kings head, making the King cry out and fall to the floor, dropping his sword and clutching his head. Hongjoong grinned to himself, happy that he was able to pull of San's favourite move, something he knows Kangdae never learnt. It's in San's specialities that he learnt for fun. Hongjoong stepped up to the King and twirled his sword in a circle in his hand. He thought he would hesitate, that he would find it hard to take the life his biological father but he remembered all the pain, the abuse both mentally and physically he had received from the man, remembered the threat to his family and he instantly drove his sword down, impaling it into the King's chest. The King's hands fell from his face, his eyes wide and his mouth open in a gasp. His hands came to grasp the sword in his chest, no words escaping his lips as he met Hongjoong's eyes.

"You were a horrible person and a horrible King. The Kingdom's going to be a much better place with you gone," Hongjoong whispered before ripping the sword from his chest. Hongjoong watched as the light left the mans eyes, his hands sliding down and landing on the floor with a soft thud. The hall was silent as Hongjoong straightened up and looked around the room, panting and holding back a wince at the pain in his body from the strain. No one moved for a few seconds, everyone shocked and confused at what happened, not sure what to do. That was broken when Yunho moved from Seonghwa and walked forwards, pausing a few metres from Hongjoong. Hongjoong was still breathing heavily and tilted his head slightly in confusion, unsure of what to do. Yunho gave him a soft smile before lowering down, kneeling on the ground and bowing his head.

"My King," he said loudly, his voice ringing throughout the hall. The reaction from everyone else was instant, all of the Knights moving forwards and kneeling down, murmurs of 'My King' ringing out through the hall. Wooyoung and Yeosang kneeled beside San and Jongho while Seonghwa moved to be beside Yunho once again. The Kings guards kneeled instantly as well, their alliance not being to the man, but the title. Hongjoong's eyes went wide as he looked around the space, seeing all those kneeling in front of him. As the Crown Prince, people merely bowed to him, never kneeled.

Reality came crashing down on him. He killed the King. He's now the King. His family is safe, they can't be harmed. He can make sure they aren't harmed. Seonghwa won't be killed, he can't be. His hand shook slightly as he held his sword before it slipped from his grasp, being unable to hold it anymore. His exhaustion from the back and forth fight hit him like a freight train and his legs gave out, sending him careening to the ground. He never hit the floor though, the strong and familiar arms of his guard catching him. He dropped his head down to his shoulder and drew in a shuddering breath.

"S-Seonghwa," he gasped out. A few seconds later more arms were wrapped around him and he turned around quickly, latching onto the older boy, clinging tightly to him. Seonghwa held him tightly glancing over at the others who moved over quickly.

"W-Wait," Hongjoong choked out, holding out his hand. Jongho quickly grabbed it and pulled him to his feet, holding onto him tightly so he wouldn't collapse again. Hongjoong took a deep breath to muster up the last of his strength.

"You're dismissed, all of you. Go to the training grounds and continue as you normally would. I will schedule a meeting to discuss these change of events. King's guard, remove the body as you leave," Hongjoong instructed. The Knights immediately rose to their feet and bowed before they all left the room, the King's guard following with Kangdae's body.

"What shall we do with the body Your Majesty," one of them asked.

"Burn it," Hongjoong replied. They bowed in response and left the room. As soon as everyone was gone, Hongjoong's legs gave out once again but Jongho was ready and gently lowered him to the ground. Hongjoong started to sob, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. He was instantly engulfed in multiple arms as the others surrounded him. He continued to cry for a while, just receiving comfort from the other who understood he needed a good cry. Once he finally finished crying, letting out a few sniffles, it was silent again.

"I love you guys so much," he choked out. The others all instantly burst into soft chuckles, some coming out slightly wet as a few were crying as well.

"We love you as well Hongjoong," Seonghwa said softly. Hongjoong nodded and leaned back, resting his back against Seonghwa's chest. Seonghwa slipped his arms around the youngers waist, holding him gently.

"Did I really just do that," Hongjoong asked quietly.

"Hell yeah you did," San said with a grin.

"San shut up. I don't think he's celebrating," Wooyoung said quietly. The smile instantly slipped from his lips, concern taking over.

"I-I'm the King now," Hongjoong whispered in disbelief. Yunho glanced at Jongho who looked worried before leaning closer to Hongjoong and grabbed his hand.

"You are," he said firmly. Hongjoong glanced up at him, his eyes clouded with doubt and Yunho squeezed his hand in reassurance.

"I'm not ready to be King, I'm only 23," Hongjoong said.

"You may be the youngest King of the century, but I damn well know you'll be the best one. There have been many great Kings of Kingdoms at a young age Hongjoong," Mingi said firmly.

"B-But what if I mess things up," Hongjoong asked.

"You're going to make mistake Joong, you're human but you'll learn from them. You'll put your people first, not yourself, that's who you are and that is something that makes a great King. The people will love you, they already love you," Yunho said.

"I'm not ready, I need help," Hongjoong said, shaking his head.

"Well that's what we're here for isn't it," San said with a soft smile. Hongjoong glanced around at them all and felt some relief. He does have them, they can help him. He knows what to do as a King, how to make important decisions as he has needed to do it many times throughout the year despite only being a Prince, and he has seen his father make decision, many of which he disagreed with.

"I'm the King," he said.

"You've said that," Seonghwa said with a giggle, placing a kiss to his neck. Hongjoong smiled before remembering what caused all of this in the first place. He spun around quickly, cupping Seonghwa's face gently.

"I am so sorry. I froze and they almost killed you. I promised to protect you and they almost killed you," he rushed out, beginning to panic slightly.

"Shh, I'm ok. You did exactly what you promised you would, you protected me. I don't care if you froze, I wasn't hurt," Seonghwa said gently.

"They were going to kill you for hugging me," Hongjoong whimpered, pulling him into a tight hug. Seonghwa held him back just as tight, squeezing him gently.

"We're all going to be fine," he whispered.

"I'm going to change things," Hongjoong said firmly as he pulled away and turned to face the others.

"I've been doing some research. I didn't think I'd be able to use it anytime soon but things have changed and I'm king now," Hongjoong said. He quickly reached out and grabbed Wooyoung's hand, slipping his other into Seonghwa's as well.

"I'm going to make sure you guys are treated better. You're going to get proper sleeping quarters, there's plenty of empty rooms anyway and proper meals so you can do your tasks better and you'll get days off so you don't overwork yourselves. I'm not sure how long it will take for things to change in the entire Kingdom but they're going to change here. Wooyoung, get a room with San, don't be scared to be around him and be your normal clingy self and if someone has a problem, you tell them to take it up with the King yeah," Hongjoong said quickly. Wooyoung sniffled and nodded, crawling forwards and into his lap, hugging him as tight as he could without causing them too much pain.

"Things are going to change, I'm going to make sure things change," Hongjoong said firmly. He's King now and even if that may be daunting, he can do this, he can rule his Kingdom as he was born to. He'll have his family by his side and that's all he needs to keep him going!

A/N

Here is Chapter 21 everyone, I hope you enjoyed it

I have one more Chapter left everyone and then this story is officially done

What did you guys think of this chapter?

Thank you for reading and I hope you're all happy and healthy