The King froze in those first few seconds, as Min-jun pressed their lips together. It was a chaste kiss, initially. Min-jun didn’t want to push his luck with the King, or with himself. So he kissed him once, and then twice, quickly, and the King kissed him back and then put his lips to Min-jun’s ear. The hand that had taken the King’s chin was now held in a gentle grip.
“Now, this isn’t enough to satisfy you, my love. Is it?” The King’s lips touched his cheek, and the press of his mouth lingered long after he drew back. A hand caressed the nape of his neck, and the King leaned forward, stopping halfway, giving him a chance to push him away. Min-jun closed the gap, unwilling to lose, unwilling to back away from something he initiated. And the bastard was right, wasn’t he? It would take a lot more to satisfy him. So they kissed, and the kisses were long and left him breathless and always had him tipping his head down for more. Something in him turned needy under the King’s touch. Another part of him was desperate to get away, remembering kisses that were not as sweet nor as gentle as this.
The King’s kiss tasted sweet. Sweet like desserts, like yakgwa and rice cakes and cinnamon punch, and then something that was just him alone. Min-jun darted his tongue inside, though he hated sweets. There was something intoxicating about the King’s kisses. The taste of honey was preferable to the alcohol he was used to anyway. The King’s hands had moved down to his waist, pulling him closer. He was practically on his lap now, the King’s hands resting on his hips. A solid eight out of ten for technique. Even so, something felt experimental in his approach, as if he were testing new methods.
“You’ve never kissed anyone before,” Min-jun whispered against his lips, hating how breathless he sounded.
The King grinned, and Min-jun wished to dive back in and kiss it off. “Not true. I kissed a boy once when I was around fifteen.”
“He must’ve been special.”
“Don’t tell me you’re jealous,” the King whispered, his breath warm against Min-jun’s wet lips.
“You seem to be forgetting where I stand in regards to you,” Min-jun said, just as quietly. The King’s hand came up to push a stray coil of hair back behind his ear, his touch gentle as ever. A breeze ruffled through their clothes and hair, caressing their skin in those final summer winds. The hand came down, the knuckle brushing against his cheek.
“And you,” the King said, his eyes smiling. “You seem to know your way around a kiss.”
I know my way around a lot of things. “I’ve experimented.”
“Oh?” Not quite jealous. More curious than anything.
“How am I to seduce a devilish King if I don’t know a few things in advance.”
The King pressed their foreheads together. “Is that what you thought of me, my love? Some sex-crazed lunatic?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Gave me no reason to believe otherwise. I thought you indulged in all debauchery.”
The King’s lips curled back into a smirk. “I’m rather busy at the moment if you couldn’t tell. Running a Kingdom and all that.”
I should go. He had to go. “I should get back to my quarters. Jeong-eun just ran me a bath and she’ll be quite cross if it gets cold by the time I return.”
Despite his clear desire to part ways, the King held him close, lips at his collarbone.
“What do you want?”
“I’m going on a trip,” the King murmured. “I’d like you to accompany me.”
Absolutely not. “Where are you going?”
A smile curled into Min-jun’s skin. “Wolgwang City.”
Min-jun stiffened. Oh. Oh no. “What business do you have there?”
“Oh, it’s nothing like that. I wanted to spend more time with you in your element. The Palace might be a luxurious place but I understand it’s hard to let your guard down around here.” The King tilted his head to the side. “You are from Wolgwang City, are you not?”
“I . . . am.”
“So it’s the perfect place for us to get to know one another.”
“I’ve already said I don’t want to know more about you.”
Cheol pouted, looking up at him. “But it would be unfair if I was the only one getting something out of it.”
Equal exchange, huh? Min-jun considered it, despite himself. If the King went there on his own, he’d go around asking unnecessary questions and getting unnecessary answers. Even if it put Min-jun in a difficult position, being by his side might be the better option.
“Alright,” Min-jun replied. “I’ll go.”
“Truly?” the King said, excitement in his voice. Min-jun nodded slightly, as the King’s arms tightened around him, bringing him into an embrace. “That’s wonderful to hear, my love!”
“Ah, hey . . .” Oh, nevermind. The King could do as he pleased. Min-jun rested his chin on his shoulder, relaxing in his arms despite himself. He had more important things to worry about anyway, now that they would be left alone for who knows how long.
“Your Highness!” Jeong-eun screeched. Min-jun untangled himself from the King’s embrace, pushing him away with a tad too much force. He wasn’t sure why. After all, the King and Min-jun were lovers. Everyone thought so.
He turned to greet Jeong-eun, a sheepish grin on his face. She stood on the bridge, gazing down at them with her hands on her hips.
“Do not give me those puppy dog eyes. You asked for a bath, and I’m not about to let that water go to waste.” Jeong-eun was usually a kind, cheerful girl but she had a scary side she liked to use on occasion. Taking long steps, she helped him up onto his feet, and then promptly bowed to the King.
“Your Majesty,” she said. “Would you like to join His Highness in his chambers tonight?”
“Jeong-eun,” Min-jun scolded. She ignored him, staring up at the King, honest in her suggestion.
“Not tonight,” the King said. He took a few steps to bridge the gap between him and Min-jun. “We both have an appointment early tomorrow morning. I will come by to escort him then.” A kiss to his forehead, set to linger there. Then he was gone, taking some path back outside only he knew about.
“Let’s go, Your Highness,” Jeong-eun said, talking on his sleeve. He followed her back into the Villa, making plans for the upcoming trip and banishing all thoughts of kisses from his mind.
. . .
In the morning, Jeong-eun and the maids had several days of clothes packed for him. They didn’t ask where he was going, but a few of them seemed on the verge of tears.
“Come now, what are you all so sad about?” Min-jun asked.
“We’re sorry you have to see us in this state, Your Majesty,” one of the older maids said. “It’s just . . . it’s been so long since we’ve had a day off.”
“Oh.” So, they were tears of joy. “Well, I hope you enjoy your holiday. I’ll see you . . . whenever the King decides we can return, I suppose.” A few of the maids blushed. “I didn’t mean it like that.” They blushed harder for being noticed. “Nevermind. Is the King here yet?”
He walked past them in his plain light blue hanbok. It was early in the morning and he’d hardly slept, so wrapped up in his plans for the journey.
Sun stood outside the door, engaged in a conversation with a young man who could only be the King. Min-jun pushed the doors open, announcing his presence. The King fixed him with a charming grin. He wore a simple hanbok the color of spiced apple cider that he pulled off despite all of the odds stacked against him. He could wear a left-over flour bag and look decent. Ah, Min-jun could’ve done without that image.
“Good morning, my heart,” the King said. He stepped closer to Min-jun and took his hand. With his eyes gazing into Min-jun’s, he brought the slender hand up to his lips, kissing it. “You’re overdressed.”
“I like looking my best.”
The King smiled, warmly. “Seems it’s a rather effortless task on your part.”
Shut up shut up shut up. He wasn’t cute. Not at all. This was all very suspicious. The King probably planned to slowly seduce him. Min-jun needed to keep his guard up.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Min-jun withdrew his hand.
“Shall we be off, then?” the King asked.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
How long would they be there? Several days by the King’s side. A perfect opportunity to kill him, and yet, with so many people knowing he was with the King, there would be no chance to escape the pointing fingers when the King didn’t return.
But, perhaps there was a way to avoid being caught. They were outside of the Palace, free from prying eyes. It might be the perfect opportunity. Kill him, blame the food, or an imaginary criminal. Cry a little, make a show of his grief, and then move to the countryside and get on with his life. That plan seemed simple enough. So, why did he feel so hesitant?
omgggggg they finally kissed 😭 my heart wasn’t prepared
Thanks for the chapter ♥️♥️
squints
I’m content.
Seems like the muffin has been traumtized by his past as a courtesan 😭🔪
Eeeee! throws confetti That was so good. Thanks for the chapter!