The halls were silent as Hongjoong walked down them, Yunho following beside him quietly. It was early in the morning, a few nights since his father had returned and he was called into yet another spontaneous meeting.

"I want you in there with me this time Yunho," Hongjoong said firmly, his tone leaving no room for disagreement. Not that Yunho would disagree though, as his job is to protect Hongjoong and he needs to keep updated with what issues and dangers there are.

"Of course your Highness," Yunho said with a nod. Hongjoong paused outside the door to the meeting room. He took a deep breath and schooled his face, standing up straight, making sure his posture was strong and powerful. Yunho frowned slightly as he watched how much effort Hongjoong needed to put in to please his father. He hated it, but there was nothing he could do about it, so he held his tongue. Hongjoong grabbed the door handle and swung the door open quickly, the two of them walking in. Hongjoong's eyes immediately found his father's as the man was sitting at the head of the table. He quickly ran over a checklist in his head, making sure he wasn't doing anything that he could pull him up for. There were four other people in the room. Maddox, San and Mingi; three of their best Knights and Eden; the Captain of their Knights and one of Fantasia's best strategists. Just from the first look into the room, it doesn't look like there's any good news. Hongjoong walked in quickly and sat down on the seat beside his father, Yunho sitting across from Hongjoong. Yunho glanced over at Mingi and the other's face looked grim. Something has happened and this something doesn't seem good.

"I'm glad you decided to finally show up Hongjoong, you took your time," the King said with a frown of displeasure on his face. Yunho continued to look over at Hongjoong, clenching his fist closed to keep himself from reacting to the harsh words from the King. Mingi glanced over at the King, biting his tongue to keep himself from saying anything. Everyone knows how harsh the King is with his sons. One can never be good enough, no matter how hard he tries, and the other one may as well not even exist.

"Forgive me father. I'm here now, what is it we need to discuss," Hongjoong asked, keeping his face neutral.

"Lee Sungjae has declared war against Valkyrie," the King said. Hongjoong was shocked at his words, not having expected Balhae to go to war with Valkyrie. There are four Kingdoms, Balhae, the second biggest Kingdom, ruled by a blood-thirsty man named Lee Sungjae. Valkyrie, the most peaceful Kingdom of the four, ruled by Hwang Hyunwoo. Abracia, the smallest of the Kingdoms, ruled by Jang Sanghoon. And Fantasia, their Kingdom and the largest of them all, ruled by Kim Kangdae. Given that Valkyrie is the most peaceful Kingdom, Hongjoong was not expecting Balhae to declare war on them, instead thinking it would be Fantasia.

"What has King Hwang said about it," Hongjoong asked.

"They have asked for aid to help them in their fight," the King replied. Hongjoong nodded, as it was expected given that Fantasia has a much bigger army than Valkyrie. San could tell Hongjoong was prepared to go out and fight to protect their neighbouring Kingdom and braced himself for the Crown Prince's reactions to the Kings decision.

"We have declined and will not be aiding them if Balhae attacks," the King said. Hongjoong's strong façade dropped and before he could stop himself, his face was filled with shock.

"Father, you can't be serious? Valkyrie are our ally and do not have the appropriate resources to defend themselves against an attack from Balhae. They will be invaded and conquered," Hongjoong said.

"Then so be it. Fantasia will not waist our resources unless we are under threat," the King said. Yunho was shocked as well, not expecting the King to abandon an entire Kingdom so desperately in need.

"Father, they won't survive. They have asked for our help, we must help," Hongjoong said, standing in outrage. San glanced at the Prince beside him and chewed on his lip nervously as the King doesn't usually take too kindly to his authority being questioned, even if it's Hongjoong.

"You will do as I say and that is end of discussion boy. When you are King, you can make the decision," the King said, standing as well. Hongjoong couldn't believe what his father was saying. Abandon their allies in their time of need? What is the point of having allies in the first place.

"They need help, we can't just -." Hongjoong was cut off as the back of his father's hand collided with his face, slapping him harshly. Hongjoong stumbled back to his chair with a gasp, his elbow colliding with the table and he held back a cry. Yunho seethes angrily and clenches his hands on the edge of the table to stop him from attacking the King as he knows there's nothing he can do. San is too outraged and goes to jump up but Hongjoong knows exactly what the younger was thinking and grabs his hand, holding it tightly to stop him from reacting. San is fuming, prepared to risk it all to punish the King for putting his hands on Hongjoong but he keeps quiet as Hongjoong links their fingers together under the table. Hongjoong's heart is pounding, fear racing through him as he thinks San might still attack his father, but he let's out a small breath of relief as the younger stays quiet and holds his hand tightly. His father is still watching him, so he looks down at the table, to show his submission.

"Pathetic," the King spat and San squeezed Hongjoong's hand tightly, looking over at Yunho, seeing anger reflecting in the elder's eyes. He knows that the minute they get somewhere safer, all of them are going to be in a rage.

"We are not going to Valkyrie, we are staying right here and protecting our Kingdom as we should. If I hear another word from you about going to their aid, I will be paying a visit to the little bastard," the King said. Hongjoong clenched his jaw tightly, stopping himself from reacting as he doesn't want his father to do anything to his brother.

"I understand father," Hongjoong said, keeping his tone level.

"Good. You are dismissed. Eden, Maddox, remain here, the rest of you can go," the King said. Hongjoong stood up, his hand slipping from San's as he knew the younger would be in trouble if his father saw them holding hands. Yunho, San and Mingi all stand as well, and the four of them leave the room. Hongjoong deflates as the door closes and the other three look over to him.

"I'm fine. You all have duties, tend to them," he said quietly.

"Lunch time, special place," San said quickly. Mingi nodded while Yunho glanced at Hongjoong and raised an eyebrow.

"We'll be there," Hongjoong said quietly. He and Yunho quickly turned and walked off down the hall, leaving Mingi and San alone. San quickly grabbed Mingi's arm and pulled him away from the doorway, moving quickly so they would be able to talk. They got to the training rooms and looked around, making sure there were no other Knights before turning to each other.

"I want to kill him," San said angrily.

"We can't do anything about it San, he's the King," Mingi said. San groaned in frustration and kicked a shield that was on the ground.

"All Hongjoong ever wants to do, is to make that man proud of him, to do something right. He speaks up for the rights of a Kingdom and get's beaten for it," San said in frustration. Mingi frowned, worried that his friend was losing it too much.

"You need to calm down San, there's nothing we can do about it," Mingi pointed out.

"Mingi, he's going to condemn an entire Kingdom to their death. Valkyrie can't defend themselves well enough, not against Balhae. Balhae's pride is their army, their ferociousness and Valkyries is peace. They need our help," San said.

"I know that, but there's nothing we can do. The King has spoken and he decided we aren't going to help. We have to listen to orders," Mingi said, trying to calm the slightly older boy down.

"They're wrong though Mingi. They are so wrong," San said in frustrated.

"I know San, I know. But they are orders and committing treason isn't going to help anything," Mingi said.

"They're people Mingi. They're p-."

"I know Sannie, but there's nothing we can do about it. We're Knights, we follow orders," Mingi said, cutting him off. San sighed in frustration, knowing what Mingi was saying was right.

"Why don't you go tell your brother what's going on. Keep him updated," Mingi said.

"Any idea where Yeosang is going to be right now," San asked, knowing Jongho would be with him as it's his job to look after the youngest Prince.

"I think he was going to be heading to the archery fields," Mingi replied.

"Wooyoung will probably be there as well," he added. San nodded and took a deep breath to calm himself down. I'll go let them know what happening and let them know about the gathering at lunch," San said. Mingi nodded and watched as San walked off, hoping he'd be able to control his temper and not get himself into trouble.

San walked from the practice rooms and out towards the other side of the castle where the archery fields were. He was furious and disgusted. They are supposed to follow their King without question, but how are they supposed to do that if their King is blatantly disregarding thousands of lives. When he got to the front archery fields, he saw that they were empty. That didn't stop him though, as he knows that they usually use the farthest field so that no one else will watch them. It allows them to be more open and free, given that it's Yeosang so no one will worry about watching what he's doing. He was walking for around 10 minutes before he finally saw the three of them on the last field. Jongho was helping Yeosang with his archery, while Wooyoung was running around and bouncing up and down energetically. San felt himself calm down, his heart lightening as he fondly watched Wooyoung run around happily. He quickened his pace, arriving to the other's quicker. The others didn't seem to notice him, except Jongho, ever the vigilant guardian Knight, but he didn't say anything and continued helping Yeosang. San waited until Wooyoung was about to run past him, completely oblivious and he stepped forwards, hugging the youngers waist and trapping him between his arms. Wooyoung screamed when he felt arms around him but relaxed almost immediately at how familiar they felt. He turned around and grinned as he came face to face with San.

"Sannie," he said softly, looping his arms around his neck.

"Hey baby, you having fun," San asked, brushing his nose against the youngers softly.

"Yeah. It's really nice out here. Relaxing," Wooyoung nodded.

"When do you next have a free day," he added softly.

"Supposed to be sometime next week, but who knows. Why? You wanna go out for a bit," San asked gently.

"Mhmm. Can we have a picnic," Wooyoung asked him.

"Of course baby. Whatever you want," San nodded. Yeosang glanced over, seeing the two boys embracing and cuddling each other and lowered his bow.

"I still can't believe how long it took for them to realise they were in love with each other," he told Jongho quietly. Jongho glanced over at the Prince beside him, holding back a sigh at his words.

"Some people are just too oblivious and never notice when some is in love with them," he said with a shrug.

"They're cute, I'm glad they have each other," Yeosang said, watching his best friend fondly. San leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to Wooyoung lips, pulling away quickly and making the younger whine.

"You call that a kiss," he huffed. San chuckled and unwrapped his arms from around him.

"As much as I would love to just stand here and kiss you all day, I need to talk to the three of you about something that has happened," San said. Wooyoung could see the seriousness on San's face and quickly pulled away, nodding and walking over to Jongho and Yeosang. Jongho grabbed the bow and arrows from Yeosang and placed them on the ground turning his attention to the other's.

"Everything ok," he asked, noticing how his brother looked a bit tense.

"We just had a meeting with the King," San said. Jongho's eyes flicked over to Yeosang beside him, beginning to get worried about what could possibly have happened. Chances are it might affect the second Prince.

"Balhae declared war against Valkyrie," San rushed out. Jongho frowned, unsure how to react. That means Yeosang won't be put in danger, however some of the other's will be put in harm's way. Valkyrie will need help, which means many of the Fantasian Knights will go there aid them. Wooyoung froze at San's words, his breath catching in his throat. It's a war, which means San is going to go help fight and he's going to be in danger. He's been so scared about Yeosang, he totally disregarded that San will most likely be on the front lines. San saw Wooyoung tense up and noticed the way his hands started to shake. Yeosang also noticed, and saw Wooyoung eyes begin to water, understanding he was about to start panicking and knowing why.

"Youngie, it's ok," Yeosang said quickly, hurrying over to him. Wooyoung shook his head and whimpered, breathing quickening. San was talking about going out together, but now he's saying he's going into war? San quickly wrapped his arms around Wooyoung and hushed him softly.

"We aren't going to war baby, Fantasia isn't helping," San said quickly, rubbing his back to try and console him. Jongho was blindsided by San words.

"What do you mean Fantasia isn't helping," Jongho asked quickly. San placed a gentle kiss on the top of Wooyoung's head and looked over at Jongho.

"Valkyrie asked for aid and the King denied it. He's forbidden us from helping," San said with a sigh, his eyes darkening as he thought back to it.

"Dad said no," Yeosang asked in shock. San frowned, thinking about just how naïve Yeosang still is.

"You're kidding me right. Valkyrie will be slaughtered without our help," Jongho said in disbelief. Wooyoung quickly pulled away from San, calming down and wiping his eyes knowing that San wasn't going out to fight. Now he was more concerned about the other Kingdom.

"He was very adamant," San nodded.

"Hongjoong wouldn't have taken that well at all," Jongho said, shaking his head. San clenched his jaw and shook his head as he remembered what happened.

"He was upset and tried to convince his Majesty to change his mind," San said with a sigh. Jongho could tell there was something else upsetting San, on top of the King's decision.

"What did King Kim say," he asked slowly.

"Basically told him not to undermine him, in different words," San said.

"Oh and he backhanded him for good measure, just to get his point across," he added with a scoff. Yeosang's heart clenched at the knowledge that his father had striked his brother and he wished there was something he could've done to help him, to stop him from getting hurt. Jongho was furious, knowing it wasn't the first time the King has settled something with the Prince by force.

"He's an asshole. Is Hongjoong ok," Jongho asked.

"I think so. He just wanted to get on with things. We'll see at lunch though. We're meeting up in the special spot," San told them.

"Is everyone coming," Wooyoung asked.

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure Hongjoong or Yunho will let Seonghwa know," San said with a nod.

"Alright. I'll make sure the three of us are there," Jongho said. San nodded before turning to Wooyoung.

"Can we sit down and talk for a bit," he asked softly. Wooyoung sighed and nodded, knowing San just wanted to check in, given his reaction just before.

"The hay over there isn't being used," Jongho said, nodding to a pile of hay that's used to fill the bags for the targets. San quickly slipped his hand into Wooyoung and gently pulled him over to the hay, sitting down and pulling Wooyoung down with him. Wooyoung quickly sat down in his lap, straddling him and facing him so they'd be able to talk.

"You ok," San asked softly, resting his hands on the youngers hips.

"It scares me, the thought of you going out to fight. It scares me that you'll go out and never come back," Wooyoung admitted quietly. San sighed sadly, running his fingers through Wooyoung's dark hair.

"I know it does, but it's my duty and if it ever comes down to it, I need to protect the Kingdom," San said softly. Wooyoung sniffled, bringing his hands up to cover his eyes as he nodded. He tried desperately to wipe the tears that fell, but they fell too quickly. San's heart broke and he wrapped his arms around his back, hugging him tightly. He doesn't like seeing his lover cry, even more so when it's because of him.

"I'm sorry Youngie. I would stop if I could, but I've been training to be a Knight since I was child. It was Jongho and I's dream and we can't back out now, we aren't really allowed. I love you more than anything in this world Wooyoung, but being a Knight is how we met, and the only way I can keep seeing you," San said sadly. His own eyes welled up with tears as he continued to hug Wooyoung, keeping a tight grip around him.

"I d-don't want you to d-die," Wooyoung said, clinging tightly to the older boy. He's become rather attatched to him over the years, especially since he realised he was in love with him and he doesn't know how he would live if San was killed.

"I won't, I promise. I won't leave you," San said, turning his head to kiss Wooyoung's cheek.

"I can't live without you," Wooyoung cried.

"You can Youngie, but you don't have to. I'm gonna be here with ok. And even if the time comes where I have to fight, I will always come back to you," San reassured him. Wooyoung nodded and leaned back, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. He knows that San's duty as a Knight is to protect Fantasia and the throne, but he also knows just how much San loves him and how hard he would fight to get back to him. San quickly lifted his hands and wiped the tears from his eyes.

"We're gonna be ok Woo, we have each other, and we have the others," San said softly. Wooyoung nodded and moved his hand up to cup San's cheek gently, looking down into his cat-like eyes. San smiled softly, and Wooyoung's heart felt lighter as he saw the soft dimple pop out.

"You're beautiful you know that right," Wooyoung said softly, rubbing his thumb over his cheek gently. San grinned and trailed his hand down his back, resting them back on his hips.

"I've heard it a few times. Although given the company I keep, it's a wonder anyone notices me," San said with a grin. Wooyoung blushed shyly and rolled his eyes.

"You are such a smooth talker," he giggled, leaning down slightly. San smiled and shrugged, rubbing gentle circles in the smallers hips.

"Only for my baby," he whispered. Wooyoung chuckled again before leaning down the rest of the way and slotting their lips together softly. Wooyoung relaxed against San, kissing him softly as the other just held his hips and let him take control. There was nothing rushed or heated about their kiss, it was just gentle and loving. They pulled apart after a few seconds, Wooyoung leaning down to rest his head on San's chest. San hugged him softly, kissing the top of his head and rubbing his back.

"I love you baby," he whispered.

"Love you too."

~~~~~

"You doing ok," Yunho asked as he and Hongjoong walked through the forest, heading towards their special spot that only they know of.

"I'm fine," Hongjoong said, letting out a sigh.

"Does your cheek still hurt," Yunho asked quietly. Hongjoong shrugged, but stayed quiet as they continued to walk. Yunho glanced over at him as they walked, worried about how nonchalant he's been acting. He knows that Hongjoong is just trying to act fine to not escalate things further. They walked for a few more minutes before they finally made it to the clearing. Hongjoong's mood lifted slightly as he saw all of his closest friends talking together in the little chairs they had built, outside the hut they also built together.

"Hongjoong and Yunho are here," Wooyoung called out happily. Seonghwa turned around and looked over quickly, his eyes landing on Hongjoong. He could immediately tell that something was off, and he stood up, walking over to them. Hongjoong could tell that Seonghwa was worried, given the look on his face.

"I'm ok," he said quietly when Seonghwa got to them. Seonghwa's eyes widened as he saw the mark on Hongjoong's face, his hand immediately lifted, brushing lightly over it. Hongjoong stayed still and let him inspect it as much as he needed before he dropped his hand down.

"Yeah, I'm gonna kill him. Please tell me I can do that. Cos then you'll be the King and we'll be able to aid our allies," San said, tightening his grip around Wooyoung's waist from where he was sat in his lap. Hongjoong fought back a smile and shook his head, grabbing Seonghwa's hand and pulling him over into their little circle.

"You can't kill my father Sannie, that's treason," Hongjoong said as he sat down. San pouted and shrugged.

"So? When you become King, you can just give me a full pardon," he said. Jongho rolled his eyes at his brothers dramatics, but deep down he wouldn't mind San doing exactly what he said.

"Tempting, but no," Hongjoong said, shaking his head.

"I still can't believe he's just going to leave Valkyrie to perish," Mingi said, wrapping his arm around Yunho's shoulder as the other Knight sat down next to him.

"I'm just as shocked as you are. I wouldn't expect him to stoop that low," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"Is there anything we can do that won't involve committing treason," San asked. Yeosang held back a small smile at San's words. He's always the first to step up and try to do what's right.

"Unfortunately not. They're on their own," Hongjoong said, rubbing his face in frustration. Seonghwa could tell he was getting frustrated, so he gently placed his hand on the Princes thigh. Hongjoong sighed and placed his hand on top of Seonghwa's, squeezing it gently.

"I don't feel right with this," Yunho said sadly. He couldn't understand who could be so heartless and abandon people in need, people who asked for help.

"None of us do, but we can't change anything," Hongjoong said, clenching his hand over Seonghwa's, but being careful not to squeeze too hard.

"He's right. Which is why we're here. I didn't call this catch up so we could all be so down, it's to make us feel better. So let's just enjoy each other's company without the fear of half of us being thrown in a dungeon," San said, kissing Wooyoung's neck for good measure. Wooyoung giggled and turned around, chomping down on San's shoulder. Seonghwa turned to Hongjoong and squeezed his hand to gain his attention.

"You sure you're ok," he asked gently.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just feel horrible for what's going to happen to them," Hongjoong replied, turning his body to face Seonghwa.

"It's not your fault Joong. You aren't your father, he's the one that's made the decision," Seonghwa said softly. He doesn't want Hongjoong to have anymore guilty and hardships than he already has.

"I know, but it's still hard," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"Did your father do that," Seonghwa asked, nodding up to the bruise on his face.

"He wasn't happy that I was questioning him and wanted to prove a point," Hongjoong said quietly. Seonghwa frowned angrily, wanting nothing more than to punch Kangdae in his stupid little face. Hongjoong doesn't deserve to be hurt, especially not by his father who is supposed to look after him.

"I'm alright Star," Hongjoong said, noticing that Seonghwa was upset about what happened.

"Is it ok if I say I hate him," Seonghwa asked quietly. Hongjoong chuckled and rubbed the back of his hand.

"It's fine. I'm not sure I like him much right now. I thought he was better than this," Hongjoong said with a sigh. That says a lot, everyone knows that Hongjoong idolizes his father, Seonghwa had heard him rave about him many times. That was when he was younger though, before he became more involved in the Kingdom.

"Guys, stop being downers, we're relaxing and spending time together remember. Our whole little unconventional family," Wooyoung said. He had left San's lap when he noticed the two eldest talking and looking grim. He swiftly sat down in Hongjoong's lap, leaning his back against his chest. Hongjoong chuckled and slipped his arms around the youngers waist.

"What happened to that shy little boy I met all those years ago," Hongjoong asked.

"He grew up," Wooyoung said with a shrug. Seonghwa smiled at the younger boy and decided to let the conversation drop, turning around to face the other's and join their conversation. It's calm in Fantasia for now, despite what's happening, but how long will the calm last?

A/N

So here is chapter 3 everyone, I hope you all enjoyed it!

What did you think about this chapter? Anything specific you liked and would like to see more in other chapters?

Thank you so much for reading everyone and I hope you're all doing ok