Archive of Our Own

dragon whispers (they’ll never catch us up here)

The wind was wild and comfortable at the same time as it hit Baekhyun’s face while he was preparing himself to land. The sky always seemed to be like his home, much more than the Red Keep. He always felt more like himself while he was on the back of his dragon, flying away from all those responsibilities he left at the Red Keep with his older siblings. It has something good about being the twelfth son of King Jaehaerys I; no one ever expected anything from Baekhyun because, well, he was never meant for the throne.

When he was younger, it used to upset him. He wanted to be useful , to feel like he was part of something, but he always had older brothers and sisters who were more important than him. It used to be hard to get even a little bit of attention from his father, having to divide him not only with his siblings but with the realm. His mother, Queen Alysanne, tried to be present and Baekhyun had only good memories with her, but even the queen had some duties that would take her away from her children.

With the passing of the years, Baekhyun left these worries behind himself, accepting that his fate was lighter than his siblings' and that maybe he should be happy about it, enjoy life in the way his older brother couldn't because he was the crown prince and a lot of things were expected from him. Baekhyun was just… Baekhyun, and it was enough for a lot of people, why wouldn't it be for himself?

Of course, it got easier when he got Vhagar.

Vhagar was the largest dragon in the whole continent after Balerion, his cousin Viserys’s dragon. He always heard stories about the Conquest and how the dragons were essential to put the Targaryen family on the throne. Baekhyun always liked to hear the stories, imagining himself on a dragon and what kind of deeds would be expected from him and if people would make songs about him in the future. Oh, if only he could take a dragon to himself…

He saw Vhagar for the first time when he was only eight years old and she was so immense he got mesmerized at first sight. At that moment, he knew; he wanted Vhagar to himself and he was lucky because she was unclaimed since her last dragon rider died. Apparently, it was a big deal to claim a dragon that existed since the Conquest, but Baekhyun, somehow, knew he could do it. 

And he did when he was twelve years old and Vhagar was now his favorite creature in the world. 

Flying across the Crownlands on Vhagar’s back made it so much easier to live in the court. He didn’t need to be present at those meetings of the Small Council, he didn’t need to be around when he knew someone was looking for him for something incredibly boring but good for his education; he could just run to the Dragonpit and take Vhagar and it would be just the two of them in the sky. 

Six years have passed since Baekhyun claimed Vhagar and life has been good enough for him like this. He wouldn’t trade what he has now for anything . He was a dragon rider, he was an adventurer, and he just knew that the world was so big and he had enough time to explore it. 

Well, until that ride. That ride changed everything.

When he was finally on the ground and the dragonkeepers took Vhagar to the Dragonpit, he heard a commotion. It wasn’t common to have a lot of people like that in the Dragonpit, especially looking at him and murmuring among themselves. Baekhyun looked around very carefully, wondering if he had forgotten something before leaving with Vhagar. He was only gone for a few hours, surely nothing important had happened, right?

He saw Ser Park Chanyeol coming toward him and he had a feeling in his gut that yeah, something happened and he was just about to discover what it was.

Ser Park Chanyeol was part of the Kingsguard and had been Baekhyun’s guard for a couple of years. Baekhyun always liked the knight; Chanyeol was tall and handsome and very skilled with a sword. He was even responsible for Baekhyun’s training, the only class the prince didn’t run away from. He was good company and Baekhyun quite liked talking to him about everything. He especially liked that he didn’t need to be the prince all the time around Chanyeol and he could be just… himself. 

But now Chanyeol’s face was dark and Baekhyun didn’t know what to expect. He felt cold pooling on his stomach.

“Good afternoon, Ser Chanyeol,” Baekhyun said when he approached the guard. “It’s not so common to see you here in the Dragonpit.”

“Prince Baekhyun,” Chanyeol said, bowing to his prince in a sign of respect. “I have direct orders to take you to the Small Council as soon as you return, my prince.”

Baekhyun frowned; it was even more unusual to have his presence requested at the Small Council. 

“Something happened to my father?” He asked. “Is everything okay?”

Chanyeol didn’t answer right away and Baekhyun saw how he swallowed hard; this couldn’t be good news. He was starting to feel worried too, with so many people looking at them and continuing to whisper among themselves. What was everything trying to hide from him? Of course, he was just the twelfth son of the king, but he was still their prince. He focused on Chanyeol again, deciding that he was his best shot. Chanyeol was never good at hiding things from him.

“The King is well, my prince, rest assured,” Chanyeol said. “I think it’s time for us to go.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what is happening, why are there so many guards here,” Baekhyun insisted. “Almost no one comes to the Dragonpit besides me. Am I in trouble?”

“I’m afraid it’s not my place to deliver this kind of news to you, my prince,” Chanyeol said with a sigh. “The King wants your presence.”

Baekhyun sighed too, still suspicious about everything. Yes, he always knew his father and mother didn’t like that much the fact that he was always flying across the Crownlands and yes, he knew someday his father would call him and tell him to stop. What Baekhyun didn’t think he would do was put so many guards to escort him to the Small Council. He was eighteen years old now, he wasn’t a child anymore.

He walked side by side with Chanyeol and couldn’t help but notice the way the guard was tense by his side. Chanyeol was more silent than ever and Baekhyun wasn’t used to this; they were always talking, most of the time because Baekhyun couldn’t stop talking and it was very impolite from Chanyeol to not respond to his prince. Now, even when Baekhyun tried to make one joke or another, the guard was still tense, focused on his duty in a way they already had left behind.

“We’re already far away from most people that were with us,” Baekhyun commented, “I think you can already tell me what this all is about.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to hear from your father?” Chanyeol asked, without looking at him.

Baekhyun stopped where he was, making Chanyeol stop too, and look at him. This was all very weird and Baekhyun had enough. 

“You have known me for a couple of years now, Ser Chanyeol,” Baekhyun said. “I used to think I told you that you can say anything to me.”

Chanyeol nodded but Baekhyun could still see the tension on his shoulders. He waited though; he didn’t want to go to the Small Council without any information. He always felt like everyone in that room was expecting just one mistake from him to take all the credit from him. Chanyeol knew about it too and he could see how his guard was battling himself to decide if he should tell him or not.

“Please, Chanyeol,” Baekhyun whispered, in a tone, he couldn’t use if there is even only one person besides them. “If something happened, you need to tell me right now.”

Chanyeol sighed, his shoulders dropping and that was how Baekhyun knew he had won.

“I’m so sorry, my prince, but Prince Baelon died a few hours ago,” Chanyeol said, cautiously, like some words could hurt more than others. Baekhyun couldn’t believe it. “It was very sudden and I think everyone is still trying to understand what happened but the maesters haven’t had an answer. The King had requested to see you immediately after receiving the news.”

The words were just white noise in Baekhyun’s head, still trying to process what he just heard. Now some things made more sense, like the number of people whispering while he landed or how they looked at him. Baekhyun didn’t like the feeling of pity; he was the blood of the dragon and he didn’t need any pity. But now, he was feeling like he was just eight again and Baelon had just shown him what would be his dragon in the future.

And now Baelon is gone.

“Is this all?” Baekhyun asked. 

“I’m afraid it is not, my prince,” Chanyeol continued. “Prince Baelon was the heir to the throne. King Jaehaerys needed a new heir.”

Somehow, Baekhyun already knew where that conversation would lead them, but he didn’t stop Chanyeol. He tried very hard to make the guard break orders and tell him something before he met the Small Council, it wouldn’t be fair to stop him just because he didn’t want to listen anymore before he listened to something he wanted as a child but couldn’t think about it anymore. 

“You were named the Crown Prince, my prince,” Chanyeol said, bowing again. 

“Please, rise, we don’t need this, you know that,” Baekhyun said in a hurry. “How is this even possible?”

“You are the only son the King has alive, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “It is just fair.”

Logically, Baekhyun knew it. He only had sisters now that Baelon was dead and Vaegon was a maester in the Citadel, he couldn’t be king. Still, he couldn’t process the information; he always wanted some kind of attention, and being the crown prince was the short way to get it, but… It didn’t seem right anymore. This wasn’t his life; it was Baelon’s life , he was prepared for his whole life to rule.

Baekhyun didn’t even know where to start.

Chanyeol respected the prince’s silence, understanding that it was too much to process; it was his older brother, after all, and the guard always knew how much Baekhyun liked Prince Baelon. However, he still had orders to follow and Baekhyun was needed in the Small Council as soon as possible. He wished he could give his prince the space and time he needed, but it wasn’t possible right now.

“I’m sorry, my prince, but we should continue,” Chanyeol said. “The King is waiting for you.”

Baekhyun had already forgotten his father waiting and all the lords that made up the Small Council. He nodded though, following Chanyeol in the direction he always knew, but never felt the need to take. They made their way in utter silence, something that was very strange coming from the prince.

Baekhyun knew that everything was going to change the minute he entered the Small Council. Responsibilities would be expected of him and so many people would look at every step he takes, hoping for some downfall. He was very young, he knew that, and he knew that all the lords thought the same. He wished he could stop time and go back to Vhagar, where news couldn't reach him and Baelon would still be alive.

Despite all the wonders the Targaryen family could do with their dragons, this was not one of them.

. . .

Everybody was waiting for him when Baekhyun arrived at the Small Council.

The silence was present too, more abrasive than ever. He couldn’t remember one single time that no one was talking in that hall; there were always some matters that had to be discussed and Baekhyun never paid much attention because, well, he didn’t need to. He would be sent to marry some highborn lady and rule beside her. That was his part in the family and Baekhyun had made his peace with that.

At least he could talk his father into liberating Chanyeol from his vows and the guard could go with him, right? To continue to be his guard. Life would be easier like that, with a reminder of what used to be his home. 

But now he can't do it anymore, right? No more highborn lady in a distant castle to rule. This was his alleged castle to rule now.

And Baekhyun was still processing this information. 

Everyone in that hall rose when he arrived, out of respect for the new heir, even his father. Baekhyun swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure, and giving some nods to the lords as a greeting. He heard some of them saying how sorry they were about his loss, how they were always available if they would be needed and Baekhyun thanked each one of them, knowing deep down that they were only doing their part. 

Baekhyun wasn't sure if he had someone by his side if he was in need.

Well, he had Ser Chanyeol, he always knew Chanyeol would have his back in everything. But even Chanyeol couldn’t attend a meeting of the Small Council and Baekhyun was on his own now, getting closer and closer to his father and even closer to his new fate. 

“Father,” Baekhyun said, with grief. King Jaehaerys gave a nod, in silence. “Ser Park Chanyeol told me you want to see me.”

“I’m sure you had your ways to make Ser Chanyeol tell you what this meeting is about too,” King Jaehaerys said. Baekhyun shrugged; there was no need to pretend when his father knew him pretty well. “Baelon is dead, Baekhyun.”

“How could that happen?” Baekhyun asked. “I knew he wasn’t feeling well for the past few days, but… I thought he would be fine. He was fine just a few days ago, he even went hunting.”

“The maesters don’t know yet,” King Jaehaerys said. “The gods act in mysterious ways and sometimes it’s not up to us to know.”

Baekhyun didn’t think like his father; the gods could be cruel, he knew that pretty well, but taking his brother from him and putting so much pressure on his shoulders at the same time was a joke much crueler than it should be. He needed an answer , from the gods, from his father, from the maesters, from anyone. How could everyone expect him to watch his life change so much in a short period and be fine with that?

The lords kept quiet while he was talking to his father, probably giving them the time and space they needed before the realm was more significant than them and they needed to pay attention to it. Baekhyun’s head was still spiraling; it was like his body was there, listening to everything they told him, trying to make the words make sense in his head, but his soul wasn’t present. He was floating, watching everything in a distance, on the back of his dragon, getting far away from everyone.

He used to think no one could reach him up there. He wished that now more than ever.

“We all agreed on Ser Otto Hightower to be the new Hand of the King,” King Jaehaerys said after a while, bringing Baekhyun back from his thoughts. Well, it seemed like grief time was over. Ser Otto Hightower rose from his seat, giving a nod to the king and the new heir. Baekhyun didn’t like him, for some reason. “And you, Baekhyun, were named my new heir. We will summon all the lords to swear the oath to you.”

Somehow, listening to those words coming from his father, the actual King , made them more real than before.

“I don’t want to be king,” Baekhyun heard himself saying before he could stop the words from slipping from his tongue. “I can’t be king.”

His father’s expression continued to be the same as he was expecting this answer from Baekhyun. Even King Jaehaerys wouldn’t expect his twelfth kid to be named heir with Baelon in this position for the last forty years, he never saw the need to teach Baekhyun to rule and was lenient with his inconsequential behavior, blaming his youth. He thought that Baekhyun would someday realize on his own that some things needed to change and, in that time, maybe Baelon would already be king and his heirs would be his children.

But the gods were cruel.

“On that, we agree, prince Baekhyun,” Ser Otto Hightower said from his seat. “You’re too young and have a lot to learn yet. And this is why we need to act faster .”

Baekhyun didn’t want to listen to that man. He was the Hand of the King for what? The last five minutes and he thinks he could tell Baekhyun what to do. Instead, he continued to look at his father, hoping that the old king could do something. Why couldn’t Vaegon be released from his vows at the Citadel?

“The continuity of the Targaryen dynasty is greater than you or me, Baekhyun,” King Jaehaerys said. “You’ll be king after me and your son will be king after you. The Targaryen family must continue.”

It was all about the name of the family and the legacy they carry, Baekhyun knew. He gulped still, definitely not ready to assume such a position. Baelon was the perfect heir, he made a family and he had heirs of his own and Baekhyun… Baekhyun had none of that. Baekhyun didn’t want any of that. He wanted to live his life, following his wants, not fulfill the empty void his brother left.

“Which reminds us, my prince, that we are a bit concerned about your… Safety now,” he heard one of the lords, he didn’t turn his back to see which one, saying. 

“What about my safety?” Baekhyun asked back. “I have Ser Park Chanyeol by my side from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. And I have Vhagar on those moments he couldn’t be with me in the sky. Nothing will happen to me.”

“We know your dragon is more than capable of keeping you safe, my prince,” the same lord continued, “but you are the only heir the king has now. We can’t bet on your life.”

Baekhyun didn’t like where that conversation was going.

“What Ser Ryan Redwyne wants to say,” his father said, “is that we need you more on the ground than in the sky now, Baekhyun. You can’t be flying everywhere as you want.”

“But this is my life!” Baekhyun complained. He was well aware that he was acting like a child complaining about his duties but this was the only thing he had for himself. They couldn’t take Vhagar away from him. “You can’t expect me to live Baelon’s life . We were not the same.”

“I’m well aware of this,” the king said, calmly. “It doesn’t change the fact that we can’t afford to have you out for so many hours when we can’t know if you’re safe or not. You’re the crown prince now, Baekhyun. Some things need to change.”

“Seems like I don’t have a say about any of those things,” Baekhyun said. "Anything more that I need to be aware of?"

The silence grew in that hall and Baekhyun didn’t like that either. Nothing good could come after a silence so heavy like that, not with the way the lords that made up the Small Council of his father were looking at each other like they were trying to decide without a word who of them would bring the worst to that meeting. What did Baekhyun still have for them to take?

“We still have something to tell you, prince Baekhyun,” Lord Beesmury said. “You need a wife. You’re at the age of marriage and still don't have a betrothal.” 

“I didn’t think it would be urgent to have a marriage,” Baekhyun said. 

“It seems to be now,” Lord Beesmury said. “And we all agreed on a name that would make a good marriage for you, my prince.”

“How am I still surprised that you did,” Baekhyun retorted, bittersweet. Of course, he had something they could still take from him. His own choices.

“Lady Laena Velaryon, the daughter of Corlys Velaryon, the Seasnake,” Ser Otto Hightower continued when Lord Beesmury kept his silence. “We all know how… Displeased Lord Velaryon was when the first heir and his wife’s father, Prince Aemon, passed away and Princess Rhaenys wasn’t named the heir. We think we can make amends with House Velaryon by marrying you to his daughter, so she’ll be queen when you ascend to the throne. This way, his bloodline would be mixed with yours, and both valyrian houses would be in peace.”

It wasn’t as bad as Baekhyun thought it could be. He already saw Lady Laena Velaryon at the Red Keep once or twice and she seemed to be a nice girl, not that he talked too much with her because she was a few years younger than him. Still, she was beautiful and good-mannered and Baekhyun saw the reason why they thought this could be the perfect marriage for him. He would still be marrying a valyrian descendent and could pass his family genes further and keep House Velaryon pleased.

Of course, he wouldn’t be the one to be pleased with his marriage, what he had on his mind to think he could be? How could he think he could be happy, after all? He was now the crown prince. He had the whole realm's expectations on him now.

He thought about Ser Park Chanyeol outside of that hall and wondered what he would think about his betrothal.

Suddenly, everything was too much for him to handle, barely keeping himself with all the lords talking about the reasons and benefits that betrothal could bring to the Crown. Baekhyun knew he had his father’s eyes on him, studying his reactions and he probably was upset with him because he was not paying attention anymore, but Baekhyun couldn’t bring himself to care about that now.

He got up from his seat, silencing everyone that now had their eyes on him. Without a word, he left the table, rushing his steps until he reached the door. He heard some lord, he didn't care which one of them, calling for him, but his father silenced the man right after. Baekhyun was still close enough to hear his father saying “Let him be. He will understand.”

Of course, he would understand, it wasn’t like he had a choice , right? He couldn’t be with Vhagar all the time he wanted, he couldn't have the life he was used to, and he couldn’t even think about his future without the shadow of a betrothal he didn’t want to. Lady Laena Velaryon was beautiful and the perfect betrothed to him, he knew, but she wasn’t who he wanted. She would never be.

And still, Baekhyun couldn’t let anyone know who was the person he wanted by his side because gods forbid anyone to find out, it would be a disaster, his father would hate him, he was sure of it, and it could be the end of his House. It was his little secret, the only thing he had only for himself now that they took everything else, and he would like to make things stay like that.

He passed by Ser Park Chanyeol when he left the Small Council and, as sure as he was about his nomination to the crown, he knew to whom the steps he heard after him belonged.

. . .

Baekhyun only had one thing in mind: to get Vhagar and get as far as possible.

He didn’t want to think rationally; apparently, he had the entire Small Council to do that for him, since he didn't think he had any other choice than to follow what they said. Ser Otto Hightower even dared to say that he was too young to rule. Well, since he was too young to rule but hadn’t any other chance than to rule , he would like to give them some problems to deal with, thank you very much.

Deep in his mind, he knew that it would be unfair to his father. Baelon wasn’t just Baekhyun’s older brother, he was Jaehaerys’ son and the one he was looking forward to for forty years to succeed him. His father was old and probably couldn’t deal with a lot of strong emotions and Baekhyun knew he was going to give the King a headache, but, at that moment, he couldn’t care less.

Nobody cared for his opinion on his own life, so he would be considerate another time. Not now.

Ser Park Chanyeol’s steps were still echoing his own and Baekhyun knew that this one would be difficult to mislead. Chanyeol had been his guard for six years and he knew him very well, enough to know when he was going to do something that he shouldn’t. Sometimes, Chanyeol pretended he didn’t see and let him do what he wanted; other times, he was the strong hand that would put Baekhyun’s mind on track again.

Baekhyun wondered which side of Chanyeol he would see this time.

He didn’t stop though. If Chanyeol thought he could do something to stop him, he would need to do better than this. Baekhyun was still mad and lost in his grief, all he wanted now was to take some time for himself and put his thoughts in order again. He would be back, of course, where else could he go, but needed to leave now.

He wished his mother was still alive. Baelon was her favorite, Baekhyun knew, but she had a soft spot for him too, probably because he was her younger son. She treated him like a precious thing to have until the day she died, with Baekhyun promising her that he would behave, she didn’t need to worry about him. If she was still alive now, what would she tell him to do? Would she want him to be king too, to follow Baelon’s path?

Guess he couldn’t get these answers anytime soon.

He had already left the Red Keep when Chanyeol's footsteps got louder as if he was approaching him at a different speed. The way until the Dragonpit was still long enough to make Baekhyun get caught but he wouldn’t give up. Vhagar was waiting for him; his special bond with the dragon would be enough for her to know that he needed her more than ever.

“My prince,” he heard from behind his back and he hated himself because his step faltered. He always reacted like this when Chanyeol talked to him, whether for something important or just because he wanted to talk. Guess Vhagar wasn’t the only thing he needed. “Wait up, please.”

His lapse was enough to make Chanyeol catch up with him and he felt more than saw the moment the man stood by his side, taking Baekhyun’s hand on his own with a gentle touch. Baekhyun tried to break free, alarmed now that Chanyeol could bring him back to his father — yes, he was his guard before he joined the Kingsguard, but he responded to the King nonetheless — but Chanyeol’s grip got tougher.

“Let me go,” Baekhyun told him, looking from the hand on his wrist to the man who was looking at him with worry in his eyes. “I command you to let me go, Ser Park Chanyeol.”

“I can’t do that, my prince,” Chanyeol said back, choosing carefully his words because he didn’t want to make the prince feel like he wasn’t on his side. Chanyeol would always be on Baekhyun’s side. “I know you well enough to know that you would feel terrible if you go now.”

“You don’t get to tell me how I feel or not, it was my brother who died, not yours,” Baekhyun snapped.

“I’m not trying to tell you how to feel, I can only imagine how hurt you feel right now,” Chanyeol tried again. “I’m just… I just don’t want you to be hurt alone, my prince. I could listen to you if that’s what you want. I wouldn’t mind if you want to scream, to shout at me, I’d be by your side.”

Chanyeol always knew how to make Baekhyun go softer, how to deal with his inconsequential behavior, and, at the same time, to let the prince live his life in the way he wanted. It wasn’t a surprise that it worked again now. The expression on Baekhyun’s face got softer, with the prince allowing himself to show on his face his worries and hurt.

“It doesn’t seem like anyone wants to listen to what I have to say,” Baekhyun said with a deep sigh. “In less than five minutes, they put all my life on the table, only caring enough to inform me what I would have to do, whether I wanted to or not.”

“You’re the crown prince now, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “There are some things that are expected from you.”

“I know about that, I’m not stupid,” Baekhyun snapped again. “I haven’t even seen Baelon yet. Nobody cared to show me my brother before they threw his life on me.”

Chanyeol wished he had power enough to make that happen; maybe Baekhyun would feel better about himself if he could see his brother before the funeral, where part of the court would attend and would be expected him to act like the new heir. Unfortunately, he didn’t have this kind of power and all he could do for his prince now was to show some affection.

“I’m deeply sorry for your loss, my prince,” Chanyeol said because he didn’t know what else he could say. “I know how important your brother was to you.”

“To be king it was all Baelon ever wanted, all he ever lived for” Baekhyun whispered like it was a secret and he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone other than Chanyeol. “What if I just screw everything up?”

Chanyeol was glad they were on a part of the Red Keep that usually nobody comes to. This was also a side of Baekhyun that he allowed very few people to see, Chanyeol being one and the most important of them. A side of the prince that was vulnerable, stripped of the arrogance that his House name brought and to which he allowed little. Chanyeol got closer, leaning his body to the prince’s, telling him without words that he would be there if he needed.

And Baekhyun understood like he always did, and he bent down, resting his face on the knight's shoulder.

They continued to be like this for a while, with Baekhyun breathing on his neck and Chanyeol stroking the prince’s back. He was also aware of their surroundings, ready to pull themselves out of any kind of situation; he wasn’t worried about himself, he never was, but he would protect Baekhyun from everything, even rumors. The gods know how rumors could be worse than an actual fight in the court.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Baekhyun breathed in his ear, his hot breath reaching Chanyeol’s skin and making him shiver. “We weren’t supposed to be still at the Red Keep, we were supposed to be far, far away from here.”

“Some plans need to change, my prince,” Chanyeol answered back, his voice also as low as a whisper like he always told the most important things to Baekhyun. “There are some things that aren't in our hands.”

Baekhyun backed away a bit, enough to look at the knight’s face and check if he was serious. Chanyeol still had that worried look on his face, watching Baekhyun’s every move with the kind of attention he always paid the prince. Baekhyun’s heart melted a little, in affection in the same proportion as fear. What did these words mean, in the end? What was Chanyeol talking about?

“Do you think anything would change between us?” Baekhyun asked right away because he already had a lot of things on his mind, he didn’t need one more fear to eat him alive. “Would you allow things to change between us?”

“Your nomination changed everything, my prince,” Chanyeol answered and Baekhyun hated the sadness in his tone, the way he was already giving up like they couldn’t even try . 

Aside from everything else the Small Council already took from him, this was what Baekhyun hated the most. This used to be his little secret, the only thing he had for himself and that he wouldn’t allow anyone to take from him. What he built with Chanyeol with the passing of years was his and he wouldn’t let it go down. But it hurt to see that Chanyeol didn’t think like him, didn’t think they could make it.

Still, he was a Targaryen. He was the blood of the dragon and he would take what he wanted no matter what; he knew Chanyeol wanted him as well, the last years weren’t a lie. He just needed to… Get enough time to think and take them out of this mess.

Chanyeol was still looking at him cautiously this time, probably thinking how he upset Baekhyun with his words because of the prince’s silence. Baekhyun reached for the knight’s face, stroking his cheek with affection, looking at him like nothing else in the world mattered. To Baekhyun, at that moment, nothing mattered more than them. And he needed to make that sure to his knight.

“Look at me,” Baekhyun asked, but reached Chanyeol as a command. “I’m still your prince, even though now I’m your crown prince. I always liked how you say my prince, you know that.” Chanyeol nodded in silence, placing his hand on top of Baekhyun’s hand on his cheek, knowing that Baekhyun wasn’t finished. “But most of all, I’m still yours and the seven hells couldn’t change that.”

Chanyeol sighed, allowing Baekhyun to get even closer than he already was and, for only this time, allowing himself to not worry about everything else. Of course, he knew some guards were already looking for the crown prince, Baekhyun wouldn’t have the peace he was used to before, but they still have time. Baekhyun has his way to get to the Dragonpit and Chanyeol knows they wouldn't think to look there first. They probably didn't even know about this path, an exclusivity that Baekhyun only allowed him.

And, like this, he allowed himself to be kissed, feeling the prince’s lips covering his own in a gentle but famish touch. It was always like this between them, since this started and Chanyeol couldn’t bring himself to change that; they were always running out of time, always looking over their shoulder if somebody else was coming, always living on stolen moments and burning touches. 

Chanyeol knew he was in love with the dragon and he was more than ready to be burned alive.

He could think about his vows after; he could think about every problem they would have to face afterward because he wasn’t a fool to think everything would be as it was before when they had the luxury to dream of themselves in a castle far away where the crown couldn’t reach them. Right now, he just wanted to make Baekhyun understand that he never belonged to anyone but him too.

. . .

Being with Chanyeol always worked on Baekhyun, leaving him calmer and less prone to cause problems just because he can.

It was an interesting effect, indeed, and Baekhyun couldn’t recall where it had started. It was like Chanyeol has being by his side forever, even when this is not true — the man was knighted when he was sixteen and Baekhyun only nine and it started working as his guard when Baekhyun was already fourteen —, and like he always knew how to deal with Baekhyun in a way that wouldn’t seem like he was trying to take control over him.

The gods know how trying to do that would cause an inverse effect on the prince, just like the Small Council did.

He was kinda troubled still, with his head full of thoughts about how much he convinced Chanyeol to not give up on them, but he was, overall, calmer with the situation. He was already at peace with the fact that he couldn’t say no to the king, even when the king was his father. He was the Crown Prince, whether he liked it or not, and he would fulfill his duties. He just didn’t want to lose Chanyeol in the middle of all that mess.

Baekhyun wished he could remember the exact moment he understood that he was in love with Chanyeol. It seemed to be so long ago and, at the same time, it seemed to be just yesterday. He saw the knight that had so much patience with him when everybody couldn’t listen to him for more than ten minutes straight and, for the first time, he didn’t feel like he was bothering someone. Chanyeol genuinely wanted to listen to him rambling, even giving his opinion on one matter or another, and Baekhyun liked the sensation of being seen.

Of course, he never tried to blame his family for this. His father was the king and his older brother was his heir, they would always be together because they needed to work together. Vaegon was gone to the Citadel to become a maester and Baekhyun kinda missed him; he had other sisters, but they were all gone for marriage or dead; his mother was the most present figure he had in his life, but even she needed to divide her attention to all her children’s demands. 

It was good to have someone just for him, if only once.

He never took himself for bravery or something like that; it was a feeling like this that made his older brother, Aemon, get killed and Baekhyun didn’t want to be like that. He was kinda inconsequential, yes, but never in a real fight, and that should count for something. But when he told his feelings to Chanyeol, expecting the knight to ask the king to change his service duty, he never felt braver in his life. It took a lot of courage from Baekhyun, at the peak of his fifteen years, to continue to look at Chanyeol while the knight tried to understand what he just heard.

It was the best reward he ever received when Chanyeol, struggling with his words and trying to not look at the prince, like he was committing treason just by doing it, said that he felt the same. 

Baekhyun could be a lot convincing when he wanted to and he never wanted anything more than to make Chanyeol understand that they could have their thing without anyone noticing. In the eyes of the court, they would be just the prince and his guard and it wouldn’t be weird for Chanyeol to be with Baekhyun all the time, since this was his job. When no one was looking, they could be them and that would be enough while they were at the Red Keep. Someday, he would be married to some high-born lady and they would be gone. On this day, they finally could be themselves, away from the court’s eyes where Baekhyun’s word would be power.

Some things changed in this plan, this meticulous plan that Baekhyun dreamed of every night, and Baekhyun would never leave the Red Keep anymore, but he refused to let Chanyeol go. 

He just needed to rethink some things and everything would be okay, right? They had been doing this for three years now, how much more troubled could it get?

Baekhyun got his answer when he met Lady Laena in the middle of the Red Keep, walking towards him with a gentle smile.

Lady Laena was stunning, and Baekhyun wasn’t blind. She had this smile that could bring warmth to any room and could make anyone at ease with her presence. Baekhyun knew the girl from a few meetings and she was ever polite and friendly with him. Baekhyun quite liked her, actually, but he never thought about her as his betrothed. It seemed like he needed to change his view about the girl and it would start now because she was getting closer.

“Good afternoon, Prince Baekhyun,” Lady Laena said. “I’m so sorry about your brother. You two seemed to be very close.”

“Baelon was a good brother, thank you, lady Laena,” Baekhyun said with a small smile. 

It never crossed Baekhyun’s mind that Laena was put in this betrothal without her permission, just like him, and it would be pointless to be mad at her. The girl was doing her part, being friendly with him and trying to be by his side on such a tragic day, and Baekhyun felt gratitude in his heart. Maybe this wouldn’t be a complete mess, after all. He could have worse betrothed.

They walked side by side in silence for a moment, Baekhyun couldn’t say if it was five minutes or an hour. They met some people on their way, greeting them and Baekhyun received a lot more condolences, thanking every person that never really tried to talk to him before. Laena was looking at him in those moments like she was trying to study him, and Baekhyun wondered what she thought about him too.

Did she think he would make a great king? Was she happy with the betrothal or thinking about ways to get out of this like him? Would she succeed, taking the weight off his shoulders of trying when he knew he couldn't even try?

Baekhyun didn’t know. Laena never said anything.

Baekhyun could tell just by looking at the girl how nervous she was. He could see how she played with her fingers as if she didn't know what to do with her hands, and how she avoided her eyes for a while as if he could read her soul just by looking at them. He needed to remind himself that Laena was his betrothed, yes, but she was still a fourteen-year-old girl who had been thrown into that mess just like he was. She was probably even more nervous than he was.

“What are you thinking, my prince?” Laena asked him, bringing Baekhyun back from his thoughts. He couldn’t stop but thought that it sounded weird when it was Laena saying my prince . “Now that you’re the heir to the throne.”

“I’m just thinking that I don’t know a fuck about what I’m expected to since this wasn’t my life until I don’t know, one hour ago,” Baekhyun said, not really trying to filter his words, and only after realizing that he should. He couldn’t be careless anymore. “I meant, this was Baelon’s life, he passed all his life training to be king. I was just…”

“Being an adventurer with Vhagar, I know,” Laena said and she had that smile again, making Baekhyun feel a little better about himself. “I always admired the stories about you, my prince. They say that you were very brave to claim Vhagar when you were just a little younger than me.”

“Yeah, I guess. The stories are just too generous, they want to make a good song about princes” Baekhyun shrugged, not knowing what he could say. What claiming a dragon at the age of twelve could help him to rule the seven kingdoms? 

“But yet, you seem to be a little lonely,” the girl continued to talk, looking at him with sorrow in her eyes. “And you don’t need to be, Prince Baekhyun.”

His first thought was about Chanyeol and how he knew he didn’t need to be alone because Chanyeol would be with him even at the end of the world, even if he needed to overcome his fear of Vhagar and join him on her back. Lady Laena was right: Baekhyun felt a little lonely, but he had Chanyeol and he would never be alone. The conversation they just had was enough to emphasize this and the prince replayed in his mind every word, trying to stay calm and not let the situation get over him. He just hated how he needed to think twice about every word he needed to say at the court.

It took Baekhyun two or three minutes to understand that Lady Laena was talking about her. Of course, she didn’t know a thing about his relationship with Chanyeol and it would be better if things stayed like that, but now Baekhyun was kind of messing it up with his silence. If his septa were anywhere near them, she would be so mad with him for not knowing what to say in response to an offered hand.

So, he smiled, trying to bring back that youthful vibe everyone expected from him when he said, “that is what your parents told you to tell me?”

Lady Laena seemed disconcerted, avoiding his eyes and Baekhyun knew, this way, that he was right. Lady Laena’s parents were Lord Corlys Velaryon and his aunt and niece, at the same time, Rhaenys Targaryen — two people Baekhyun knew very well and knew would prepare their daughter to gain a positive view from the prince. Baekhyun continued to smile, trying to tell Laena without words that it was okay. This was the world they lived in, and it had nothing wrong with trying to survive it.

The girl smiled back, stopping in a corner that would lead her to her chambers. Baekhyun didn’t notice how much they walked together but it seemed good for him to lead his betrothed on her way safely, he guessed.

“Thank you, Prince Baekhyun,” Lady Laena said. “It was a lovely walk with you.”

“It was my pleasure, lady Laena, rest well,” Baekhyun said in farewell. “And thank you, too. You’re a good company. I appreciate that.”

She nodded in response, taking her way and Baekhyun watched her until she was gone, only then going his way. Lady Laena seemed to be a good girl, understanding her place by his side and not trying to overstep. Baekhyun appreciated that she was just trying to make him understand that she wouldn’t be just another problem in his life and he was just starting to stop seeing her like that.

He wondered what Chanyeol would say about his walk with his betrothed if he would get jealous or something like that.

The prince just wished he wouldn’t take this as a signal that they couldn’t be together. Baekhyun knew how much Chanyeol struggled with his duties and honor when they started this and he didn’t want him to start doubting himself and his past choices. The gods knew how happy they finally were and how good everything was starting to become when this bomb dropped on their laps.

He couldn’t stop but wonder what it would feel to have the same walk with Chanyeol, not as his guard but as his betrothed, if only this could be possible. How it would feel to intertwine their fingers slowly, subtly, and hide their smiles as a couple in love. How everybody would talk about them as the new Baelon and Alyssa and wondered if some maester would write about how he couldn’t stop smiling around his betrothed. 

Baekhyun knew this wouldn’t be possible, they couldn’t ever find out about them. He sighed then, going to his chambers in silence, wondering if Baelon got the share of happiness destined for that family and if everyone else would need to support themselves with crumbs of what was left.

. . .

Dueling classes were his favorite time.

Baekhyun knew, although he would want very much to stay on Vhagar’s back and explore what the seven kingdoms had to offer, he couldn’t avoid his responsibilities on the court. Even when he was just another prince and nothing really big was expected of him, some classes he couldn’t avoid even if he wanted to. That was how he ended up on endless, boring hours with septa, teaching him languages and the history of the Seven Kingdoms.

Baekhyun used to hate those hours, thinking about all the good, exciting things he could be doing if he wasn’t stuck with that septa, but he knew better than to fight against it. His father wouldn’t be pleased and he could — and would, he was the king and he should give the example — take away from him one of the things he liked doing, just to teach him a lesson. And Baekhyun wasn’t stupid, he knew his father wouldn’t take Vhagar away from him because even the king couldn’t tame a dragon that wasn’t his own.

No, King Jaehaerys would take away his time with Chanyeol from him and the dueling classes. And Baekhyun liked it.

It was Chanyeol who taught him how to fight when he was just fourteen. He had other teachers, of course, but he didn’t like any of them, so he didn’t need to give them easy access. Many of them complained to the King about how the prince was untamable and difficult to deal with and King Jaehaerys spared them the trouble, giving Baekhyun another teacher to give a headache. This cycle continued like this until Chanyeol welcomed him to the training ground with a smile.

Baekhyun knew some moves, he was skilled with a sword and everything his prior teachers tried to teach him was just boring; he was a quick learner and all he wanted was some kind of challenge, he guessed. Maybe all those men didn’t think the prince could take some more complex movements or he wouldn’t need it because he had guards with him all the time.

But not Chanyeol, no, not him. He looked at Baekhyun as his equal on the training field, wielding his sword in defiance. Baekhyun smiled back, suddenly excited and anxious about what was coming, and wielded his sword as well. 

Chanyeol wasn’t some highborn knight and he didn’t fight just in tournaments, Baekhyun learned after the first time the knight disarmed him, pointing his sword at Baekhyun’s chest and smiling at him, victorious. “If you want revenge on me you should try harder, my prince,” Chanyeol said and Baekhyun just knew that that was the challenge he was waiting for all this time. 

He trained harder after that day, giving Chanyeol a hard time each time they fought. King Jaehaerys noticed how Baekhyun started to take his dueling classes seriously, even attending some of them to see how his rebel son was doing. Baekhyun was having fun, mostly, and this was enough to show the king that he found the right teacher. Baekhyun would hate everything he was forced to do, but there… Baekhyun finally found what he was looking for.

And even when Chanyeol went on to give him more kisses than hard times in training, Baekhyun was still excited about his dueling classes.

At the age of eighteen, he didn't know if they could call what they were doing classes . He was skilled enough, just like Chanyeol, and they were evenly matched now. Still, he was adamant when he said that he wanted to continue with the classes and Chanyeol couldn’t say no to his prince even if he wanted to — which he didn’t, not really. Chanyeol quite liked the dueling classes with Baekhyun too and he was glad they could continue with their routine even when it wasn't needed anymore.

It was their thing and no one needed to know what that used to mean for them.

That day, almost one week after Baelon’s death and Baekhyun’s nomination, the prince was especially fierce . 

Chanyeol could still boast his cocky smile while defending himself from Baekhyun's attacks, just because he knew Baekhyun like the palm of his hand and he was the one who taught him most of what he knew. Still, Baekhyun was in a fierce mood today and he chose to show that on the training ground, with a sword in his hands and his thoughts just far away. He had been like this for a while and Chanyeol was still trying to bring him back to their reality.

As fierce as Baekhyun was, he was also careless. Chanyeol could see the gaps in his defense that Baekhyun would never have, not if he had his mind on the right track. He could have taken advantage of those gaps, of course, but something was telling him that Baekhyun needed that time with the sword more than any consoling word, so Chanyeol just let him, knowing well that Baekhyun would thank him later.

And they continued like that, with Baekhyun charging at the knight and Chanyeol blocking his attacks, continuing to smile in the way he knew would piss off Baekhyun and give him even more fire to keep fighting.

Some people were watching them from the beginning and they were never bothered by that kind of audience. To be honest, since the prince started to take his classes seriously, he started to attract people’s attention as well. They used to take bets too, most of them on the prince’s side; some of them, feeling especially courageous that day, bet on the knight. The two of them knew about the bets and they used to joke about it, keeping a private score of their results.

And then, at some point, Chanyeol pointed his sword at one of those gaps in Baekhyun’s defense, making the prince stop at the contact with the steel. On this day, one more victory would be placed on Chanyeol’s side of their score.

“If this were a real fight, my prince, you would be dead now,” Chanyeol advised him. “You’re being especially inattentive today.”

Baekhyun snorted, pushing Chanyeol’s sword away from him with a rude movement of his hand. “And you would let that happen, ser Chanyeol?”

No, Chanyeol wouldn’t and Baekhyun knew that too. Out of duty, out of love, Chanyeol would die before Baekhyun could be harmed. “I’d die trying to avoid it, my prince.”

Baekhyun smiled and that’s how Chanyeol knew he was back in a good mood, and their fight was over. He left the equipment to be put away and accompanied the prince on his way back, seeing him greeting some of the people that were watching them until now. Baekhyun was smiling at everyone but Chanyeol knew better than to believe that; he was just waiting for the right moment so they could talk.

“You’re doing better with the sword, prince Baekhyun,” Chanyeol said after a while. They were finally alone in the corridors of the Red Keep and Baekhyun could drop some of his masks. “I can still remember how you were some years ago when we started.”

Baekhyun looked at him sideways, then snorted again. “You wouldn't let me forget that even if I asked you, would you?”

“Maybe if you command me again to do it,” Chanyeol smiled. “I like it when you act like that.”

“Like what? A spoiled brat like I heard sometimes when people think I’m not around?”

“Like someone who has the power in the palm of his hand and knows it,” Chanyeol corrected him. “You were born to greatness, my prince. You shouldn’t settle for less.”

Baekhyun smiled a little, flattered by the comment. He was a Targaryen and the blood of the dragon ran in his veins; his House name was enough to inspire fear in most men and envy in the rest of them, stupid enough to think they could rival them. Still, he remained long enough hidden behind a succession of names greater than himself, and now he didn’t know what to do to be good enough to succeed them.

But Chanyeol believed in him and that counted for something, on good days. On the bad ones, that was everything he needed. 

"Are you feeling nervous, my prince?" Chanyeol asked him at some point when the silence was filling the space between them for longer than it used to.

“Shouldn’t I be?” Baekhyun retorted. “Sometimes, it just… It just doesn't seem to be real. I still think I would wake up someday and you would tell me that Baelon was looking for me and then I remember I was the one to say the command so his dragon could burn his corpse. Then I remember everything and it seems like I’m just stuck on this cycle.”

“Is there some way that I could help you, my prince?” Chanyeol asked, looking worried about Baekhyun. It pained him to see his prince feeling like this and couldn’t do something to help it.

Baekhyun looked at him again, keeping the silence company. Chanyeol let him and didn’t try to break their eye contact. He always felt like Baekhyun could read his entire soul in moments like that and he didn’t want anything more than to lay all his secrets to his prince and tell him each one with details. He wanted Baekhyun to know each part of him, every detail that made him like this, ready to love his prince and sacrifice anything for him.

And while he couldn’t do it, he was satisfied letting Baekhyun look at him like that, like he didn’t know which words to use to ask for what he needed. Chanyeol would give him anything .

Baekhyun had a lot on his mind, the words fighting against each other, trying to decide which one he would let slip from his lips first. He wanted so many things from Chanyeol, so many things that he couldn’t even start it. He wanted the knight to take him away, to run with him to a land where the crown couldn't reach them and where their names didn’t matter; he wanted Chanyeol to kiss him as he meant it, right there in the middle of the corridor where anyone could walk on them and then act like they didn’t matter because Baekhyun was the only thing he should pay attention; he wanted the kingdom to know about them and cheer about them like they did with his siblings and his parents; he wanted to put happiness over duty and let Vhagar burn everyone that would say otherwise.

He wanted many, many things — most of them, things that would never stop being just dreams.

Baekhyun put his hand on Chanyeol’s face, caressing the knight’s cheek with a soft smile. He knew Chanyeol could understand his silence too, even if this was rarer than his ramblings. Chanyeol understood everything in him, every part of his soul, and that was the only thing that could still bring Baekhyun back to the ground. The knight rested his face on Baekhyun’s hand, letting the prince do with him what he wanted.

And Baekhyun wanted to do so, so many things…

And when he thought about being selfish just for a moment, for a quick moment where nobody was around, and to ask Chanyeol to kiss him just so he could try to forget how the world was crumbling on his shoulders, they heard footsteps.

And just as their bodies were attracted to each other like magnetic magnets, they pulled apart almost as if by a force of repulsion.

“Prince Baekhyun, Ser Park Chanyeol,” the voice of Otto Hightower reached them and Baekhyun had to swallow the bitterness that rose in his mouth. His father, King Jaehaerys, was walking side by side with the Hand and Baekhyun felt his body even tenser than before. “Good to see you two.”

“Good afternoon, Ser Otto,” Baekhyun greeted him with a respectful nod. “Good to see you walking around the Red Keep, father.”

“Ser Otto told me that I was missing a lot of my realm if I only attended the Small Council,” the king said. “I guess he was right. I’m just not used to walking around without your mother.”

“Mother would be glad to know you were doing fine in her absence, father,” Baekhyun said and there was truth in his words. The good queen Alysanne would want each one of them to find closure on her death.

“I guess you are right too,” his father sighed. “And what were you doing here? I thought I was going to find you in the training ground.”

Baekhyun gulped, remembering just what he was about to do if his father didn't stop him. Chanyeol felt tense by his side, each part of his body rigid like steel. Baekhyun knew he couldn’t put that pressure on his lover; Chanyeol was part of the Kingsguard and he shouldn’t lie to the king more than he was already doing. Baekhyun, on the other hand, was his youngest son alive, now his only son. He could afford one lie or another.

“We finished early,” Baekhyun said, “and ser Chanyeol was just walking me to my chambers. I just remembered some texts I swore to read and I… Forgot about it.”

“Seems like you,” his father said with a small smile. “Don’t let us stop you then, son. I’ll see you around.”

“I’ll see you at the Small Council, Prince Baekhyun,” Ser Otto said too, and Baekhyun didn’t like the look on his face like he knew he was lying. He couldn’t know about that, right? “Don’t be too careless in those training sessions.”

They were careless at that moment, Baekhyun could admit that, but it was just a moment. For years they have been careful, with Chanyeol double-checking every time they were together, even when they were in his chambers where nobody could enter without his permission. Ser Otto Hightower could be many things, but he wasn’t omnipresent to see across each lie Baekhyun told to keep his secret safe.

Right?

He was so absorbed at that moment with Chanyeol, letting himself be carried by his innermost desire, that he almost forgot how sinful that could be as well for everyone else. He smiled to himself, bittersweet; how could he expect to give himself even one moment of selfishness?

At that moment, Baekhyun hated the Hand of the King more than every past moment for being a walking reminder about why he couldn’t afford those moments with Chanyeol, even when it was what he wanted the most.

. . .

It's been a month since Baelon's death and Baekhyun still couldn't say he was used to not having his brother by his side.

Truth be told, he was getting used to the idea of being the heir to the throne because, in the end, he realized he didn’t have any other chance than to accept it. He was more willing to cooperate with the Small Council, even attending the meetings and listening to what the others had to say. He heard about how everyone was pleased to see him getting part of that, even his father was looking more proud at him. Baekhyun still didn’t want to, but he accepted that there were some things he couldn’t change.

But still, even occupying Baelon’s place and doing everything he thought his brother would agree to, it didn’t change the fact that he missed Baelon.

It’s been a month and the realm couldn’t wait any longer to celebrate his betrothed to Lady Laena. They respected the royal family’s grief, losing their heir so suddenly, but they couldn’t grieve forever, even though Baekhyun would want to. So, a moon later, everything was arranged for the tournament in honor of his betrothal with Laena Velaryon.

He had other meetings with Lady Laena too, encouraged for his father because it would be good to get to know his betrothed better and House Velaryon would be pleased to see their daughter being well treated in the court. Lady Laena just celebrated the fourteenth day of her name in the middle of the preparations and Baekhyun was by her side, taking charge of making everything perfect for her. Laena was happier than ever that day and Baekhyun finally thought that he was doing something right.

He didn’t need to love Lady Laena to marry her, he even doubted that she loved him. No, he couldn’t love anyone other than Chanyeol and he wasn’t trying , even when it was expected of him to do it, because it was pointless. But it didn't mean they needed to treat each other badly and Lady Laena could be a good friend in the end. The gods know how Baekhyun would need good friends by his side when the crown would be in his head and the seven kingdoms would look at him with the highest expectations. 

His father informed him about the date of the tournament a week before it would happen. He talked about how other lords would attend the tournament and how it would be important for Baekhyun to get to know each lord better because his reign would be smoother if he had help from the great houses. Baekhyun knew the drill, even when he was just the youngest son he was expected to attend the royal tournaments and be polite to everyone — anyone could be a great ally or a deadly enemy, it only depends on how they would be treated.

So, a month after Baelon's death, Baekhyun was sitting in the chair his brother used to occupy, to his father's right.

The place was roaring with so many voices, Baekhyun couldn’t distinguish what everyone was talking about, but he bet it would be about him. He wasn't so sure if he was comfortable with all that attention, but it was time to get used to it, right? As the heir to the throne, all the eyes would be placed on him, expecting for— what ? Baekhyun didn't know. He took a deep sigh, looking to his right and finding Lady Laena sitting there, already looking at him like she knew he wasn’t feeling well.

Sometimes, Baekhyun wondered if that girl knew more than she seemed to know.

“Are you feeling well, my prince?” Lady Laena asked him after a few seconds of silence and looking at each other.

Anyone that saw them from another perspective could say how the prince and his betrothed were falling in love with each other, looking at each other fondly and taking care of each other. It wouldn’t be Baekhyun to tell them otherwise; it would be better if the realm believed in such lies because it would make their lives much easier. Only they needed to know the truth — that Lady Laena was trying to break through his walls but Baekhyun couldn’t let her in. 

“I’m good, you don’t need to worry, my lady,” Baekhyun smiled at her. “I’m only anxious for the tournament to begin.”

Lady Laena smiled back but she didn’t say anything else, looking at her brother sitting by his side and talking about something Baekhyun didn’t pay attention to, but it seemed to be enough to get Laena’s attention away from him. Alone with his thoughts again, Baekhyun looked at the place where the jousts would happen, wondering if he would see Chanyeol there. Of course, he would, he was one of the finest knights the realm had and everyone always liked to see him fighting since he challenged his brother Baelon years ago, being knighted not long after.

When his father rose from his chair, every voice was silenced, looking at the king with veneration. Baekhyun looked at his father too, expecting his discourse.

“Thank you again for attending one of our most important tournaments recently,” his father started to say. “It’s not a surprise to anyone to hear about our loss, Prince Baelon, a month ago. But I'm sure my son would be pleased to hear about his younger brother being betrothed to such an important ally to the House Targaryen. This tournament is in honor of Baekhyun, as my new heir, and Lady Laena and to wish their marriage to be blessed with a bright future, for them and Westeros."

Everyone applauded in respect and Baekhyun rose from his chair, helping Lady Laena to do the same, smiling at her fondly, the way he knew everyone would expect him to act. Lady Laena smiled back and looked at the crowd right after; Baekhyun followed her sight, seeing how everyone was pleased to see them together, hand in hand. Maybe he wouldn’t screw everything up; maybe Baelon would be pleased to see this happening. 

“And now,” his father said again, “let the jousts begin.”

Everyone sat down, waiting for the first knights to begin. Baekhyun never liked the jousts, to be honest; he couldn't understand what was in that show of violence that pleased so many people to watch it. But he never said anything, watching like the others and worrying for Chanyeol in each joust he participated. 

His father wasn’t paying attention either and Baekhyun couldn’t blame him. Since Baelon’s death, his father wasn’t the same as before; he was sadder and more distracted and Baekhyun just knew the thud of Baelon's death was more than he could take. He wouldn’t last much longer and Baekhyun wouldn’t have him by his side to solve each of his doubts about how to rule a kingdom. And the mere thought of being alone with the Small Council was terrifying to him.

“How are you feeling, father?” Baekhyun asked him, getting the king’s attention.

“No need to worry about me, child,” he answered. “This is supposed to be your day, you should enjoy it.”

“I’ll have plenty of days to enjoy it in the future too, but now with my father forever,” Baekhyun retorted. “I couldn’t help but notice how you’re crestfallen recently, father.”

The king sighed, looking at his son with compliance. “You’re a good child, Baekhyun”, he said. “You’ll be a great king and I’m sorry if I put much weight on your shoulders, but I know you’ll do great.”

“No need to say it to me, father,” Baekhyun dismissed. “I’m just following my duty. I know things were expected from you in your lowest point of grief and I’m sorry if I made everything worse.”

"You're made of fire, just like the great Targaryens are," King Jaehaerys said. "You weren't born to follow orders, your mother and I always knew it. But you're no fool and wouldn't let anyone take what is rightfully yours, even when you didn't want it."

Baekhyun smiled, pleased with the praise. “I won’t dishonor our House, father,” he promised. “You can rest assured of it.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything different from you, Baekhyun,” the King said back.

His father’s words hit him in a good and bad way at the same time. He knew he meant no harm; he was trusting the realm in his hands because he knew Baekhyun could do it. But, at the same time, his father's expectations hit harder on him than any other else. The prince just wanted to make everything right and he didn’t have much time to do it. He wanted his father to acknowledge him and know, in his final days, that he didn’t commit a mistake trusting Baekhyun.

However, his attention was scattered back to the jousting where Chanyeol was positioning himself. Baekhyun didn’t know how much time he spent talking with his father, stuck in his world and his thoughts, but it seemed to be enough for Chanyeol’s time to arrive. He got tense on his chair, looking at his guard with concern written all over his face. It was in times like this that he wondered if anyone could see how he never would look at Laena like this.

“Ser Park Chanyeol will fight against Ser Alan Beesbury,” was announced and Baekhyun couldn’t take his eyes away from the knights.

They greeted each other and the fight began, with Chanyeol taking the first advantage, knocking his opponent off balance. Baekhyun continued to look at them, unaware of how he had a lot of eyes on him too. Chanyeol invested again, his grip on the spear strong and sure like he was born with that. Ser Alan Beesbury didn’t have a chance, maybe he knew it too, because he fell from his horse on the second attack, giving Chanyeol that victory.

Baekhyun sighed in relief, smiling to himself.

“Prince Baekhyun is quite fond of his guard, isn’t he?” He heard behind himself, the indulgent voice of Otto Hightower hitting him again. “It’s endearing to see, in fact.”

“Ser Park Chanyeol has been with me for years,” Baekhyun answered, trying to get his voice to sound as nonchalant as possible. “I am expected to care about the people closest to me. Aren’t you, Ser Otto?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t compare myself to you, my prince,” Ser Otto said back. “It seems I still have a lot to learn from you, too.”

“Indeed, it seems,” Baekhyun said, turning his back again to the man, refusing to let him see how bitter he was after that comment.

“Baekhyun is going to be king, Ser Otto,” his father said in his defense. “It’s only expected from him to care about his people. If we don’t care about those who are closest to us, how could we care about anyone else?”

“Wise words, my king, as expected,” Ser Otto said, but Baekhyun could see in his voice that it wasn’t what he meant.

Ser Park Chanyeol approached the place where they were, silencing the conversation about him without noticing. He was smiling, happy with his victory. Baekhyun preferred to pay attention to him, knowing that he was there to ask for a favor. For a moment, he asked himself what would happen if Chanyeol said he wanted Baekhyun’s favor. How would everyone there react to this request? 

He couldn’t help but think about how Ser Otto Hightower was making snarky comments about their relationship since the first time they were almost caught, a month ago. Baekhyun sighed, thinking to himself how he would deal with a Hand of the King that didn’t trust him and he didn’t trust the Hand either. He was stuck on a dead-end.

“I’d like Lady Laena’s favor,” Chanyeol requested, bringing Baekhyun from his thoughts again.

Laena rose from her chair, smiling while she gave her favor to Chanyeol. The knight walked away after a respectful bow; Baekhyun could also notice how Chanyeol was looking at him while receiving Laena’s favor, and he just knew that was the way the knight found to ask for something closest to who he really wanted to ask. Baekhyun smiled at the knight, sharing one more secret amongst all the secrets they already have.

The jousting continued with the next duo, but Baekhyun wasn’t paying attention anymore. He couldn’t stop thinking about Chanyeol and how everything would be easier if they could just be themselves without thinking about what everyone would think about it. He would be king , wouldn’t he? He would rule above all the great houses, above the seven kingdoms and no other man would be more powerful than him. And, still, he couldn’t have the only thing he ever wanted.

He would always be stuck with people like Ser Otto Hightower who wouldn’t mind reminding him every damn day that he was meant to be unhappy for the greater good.

“Father,” Baekhyun asked and his father stopped talking to Lord Beesbury to pay attention to him. “Is it true that our word is the only truth? Is it true that no one could contradict us?”

King Jaehaerys didn’t seem to understand what Baekhyun wanted with that question, looking at him with confusion expressed in his eyes. Baekhyun continued to look at the knights dueling in front of them, not looking at them. His eyes seemed to be lost somewhere. The king stayed silent for a while, thinking of an answer that would please Baekhyun and, at the same time, be wise enough to not give false hopes to his son.

“There are some things that even dragons couldn’t change,” the king said after all. “The gods know better than us, Baekhyun. It is not up to us to go against them.”

Baekhyun nodded in silence and the king continued his talk with Lord Beesbury, giving his son time to think about what he said. Baekhyun was glad that no one wanted to talk to him at that time; he wasn’t sure he could pretend he cared about anything other than his sadness as he realized that, even when his father didn’t know what he was talking about, he couldn’t be more right.

No matter how much he loved Chanyeol, no matter how much the knight made him a better person and made him want to be a good leader to Westeros, just to prove himself and prove to everyone else that he could , it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter because they were meant to be in the shadows of the Red Keep, stealing kisses and promises, gentle touches, and burning looks.

And accepting this fact — that he could never be with Chanyeol, not in the way he wanted, not giving him a crown and a throne to sit by his side and smile at him every day of his life — made him sadder than he thought he would be about it.

. . .

Baekhyun always liked how sacred his room was.

He never needed to pretend to be someone else inside that room, with anyone around him telling him what to do, who to talk with, or things like that. It was a place where he could be himself and let himself be vulnerable as he needed to be. After Baelon’s death, it was the only place he could feel secure, away from the eyes of the court, waiting to see what the prince would do so they could gossip about it.

Even before Baelon’s death, when life was easier, and he got everything in control, his room was his favorite place in the Red Keep. It was a place where he could be with Chanyeol, and no one would dare to interrupt them; no one could trespass that doors without his permission — and even if he needed to do that, it would be easy to explain why his guard was in his chambers.

He had everything he needed there, allowing his secrets to fill those walls and paint them with dreams only he could see.

It was a surprise to no one that Baekhyun had his most precious moments with Chanyeol inside those walls.

It was there that he told him how much Chanyeol meant to him; it was there that he waited for an answer, feeling his heart almost in his throat, beating faster than he thought it could be possible. It was there that Chanyeol leaned on him, kissing him for the first time, hesitant as he could break him; it was there, in whispers, that he told Chanyeol that he would love him forever, with the fire only the true Targaryens could have.

It was there he built a life with Chanyeol, filled with their dreams and night conversations, fingers intertwined and stolen smiles. 

It was also there that both of them allowed themselves to feel the thud of the news of his betrothal, to seek comfort in each other’s touch and reassurance in each other’s eyes. It was there, between kisses and tremors in his voice, that Baekhyun promised to love only him, as he did years before, and asked Chanyeol to promise him the same as if necessary

It was there that Baekhyun chose to tell Chanyeol about his suspicions.

It happened two or three days after the tournament, Baekhyun couldn’t recall. He couldn’t stop thinking about how Ser Otto was persistent with his words, trying to imply something in his relationship with Chanyeol. His father could see no harm in that man, but Baekhyun was no fool; he didn’t know what the Hand had to gain with that, but a rumor was enough to demoralize him and could put his claim to the throne at risk. 

He decided to think about it before talking with Chanyeol. He knew the knight pretty well to know that he would jump to conclusions about how they already know about them and it would be better if they stop with what they were doing before they were caught. Baekhyun couldn’t allow that to happen — breaking up with Chanyeol was not an option and it would never be.

However, he couldn’t get an answer good enough to keep going with this game the Hand was doing with him. He could see that Ser Otto was just waiting to see if Baekhyun would turn himself in at some point, slipping in some conversation. Baekhyun was already tired and the game hasn’t even properly begun. When did his life get so complicated? Why would he have to be part of this? Did the gods hate him that much?

That’s when he thought that it was time to let Chanyeol know.

It was nighttime and nobody was around his chambers anymore, only Chanyeol would be at the door standing guard. Baekhyun waited until he was sure nobody would come at him anymore, for any reason they could find out that he would be necessary. When he was sure, he opened the door, not even containing his smile when he saw Chanyeol with his armor, shining like a knight in the night. 

He reached for his hand, getting him by surprise and smiling mischievously when he saw the confused look on Chanyeol’s face. When the guard checked around and saw that they were alone in that corridor, he allowed himself to relax in Baekhyun’s touch, getting Baekhyun’s hand in his own, and playing with his fingers.

“What do you need, my prince?” Chanyeol asked after a few seconds in silence when he noticed that Baekhyun wouldn’t say anything.

“What I always need,” Baekhyun explained, “you.”

Chanyeol smiled and let himself be carried inside the room, closing the door behind him right after. Baekhyun was still smiling at him, never letting his hand while carrying him into his chambers. Chanyeol was already familiar with that room; In the past, Baekhyun made sure to show him every little bit of the room, saying that he wanted to remember Chanyeol’s presence everywhere.

Baekhyun took him near his bed, sitting on the ground instead of the bed. Chanyeol did the same, sitting side by side with his prince, and waiting until Baekhyun could tell him what he needed that night. Chanyeol was never entirely sure of what Baekhyun needed when he asked for him in his chambers, but he was always ready to fulfill Baekhyun’s needs, whatever they were.

“You can relax a bit, Chanyeol, no one could catch us here,” Baekhyun said after a while, and only then Chanyeol realized that he was tense leaning on Baekhyun’s bed.

Even if he was familiar with that space, he could never allow himself to feel a hundred percent belonging there. It was a dangerous path that could make them forget the precautions they needed to have, and this could be disastrous. 

“Forgive me, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “Old habits die hard.”

Baekhyun smiled, leaning on his shoulder and resting his head there. “I always liked the seriousness on your face when you’re on duty,” he said. “But I prefer the vision you allow just me to see in this room.” 

Chanyeol chuckled a bit because that was true; Baekhyun never failed on his tentatives of taking Chanyeol out of his duty, provoking him when he knew someone could walk on them. But it was there in that chambers that Chanyeol could be himself too, without having to double-check if anyone was coming or if Baekhyun was going too far. It was exhausting to live like that, but he would gladly take the weight if it meant he could relieve some of Baekhyun’s.

But Baekhyun seemed different that night, Chanyeol could tell. He just couldn’t see what exactly made him like that and he could only wait until Baekhyun gives him that answer.

“Things are getting hard and it’s been only a month,” Baekhyun said. “I have a suspicion that Ser Otto doesn’t trust me.”

“Why wouldn’t he trust you, my prince?”

“Who would know?” Baekhyun shrugged, still looking to a point in front of them. “I think he has suspicions about us. He’s been… snarky with me recently, making dubious comments that meant no harm to anyone else, but I can see what he’s doing.”

Baekhyun could also see how Chanyeol’s body tensed up again as if he was getting ready to fight. Still, he continued to be by his side, waiting until Baekhyun finished telling the story, and Baekhyun thanked him in silence. He didn’t want Chanyeol to jump to conclusions with so little. The gods know what he would do with or without Baekhyun’s acceptance.

“I’ve been thinking about what he could obtain if he makes everyone suspicious about me, but I couldn’t reach an answer good enough,” Baekhyun continued to say. “I’m going to marry Lady Laena as they told me to do. I’m going to assume the realm when my father dies as they told me to. I’m taking Baelon’s responsibilities as I’m expected to. What am I lacking?”

Chanyeol chuckled again, this time more bitter than before, and got Baekhyun’s attention with that. Chanyeol had a hard smile on his face as if he knew something Baekhyun didn’t catch yet. Still, Baekhyun chose to wait until the knight would tell him what he had in mind. 

“If they are suspicious about us, all of this doesn’t matter to them, especially to the Hand,” Chanyeol said. “All he can see is that I’m breaking my vows and that you’re committing the worst of sins. He’s a Hightower, you know where he came from.”

Baekhyun knew that Hightower was an Oldtown House, where the Citadel was. He also knew about the Starry Sept and what the Faith of the Seven would say about his relationship with Chanyeol. It wasn't that hard to come up with an answer as to what Otto Hightower would think of them, and he would probably rather have a civil war to get a new King than let Baekhyun rule, just for loving someone different than they expected.

Baekhyun hated him.

“So we need to be more careful,” Chanyeol continued to say. “And I know you don’t like this idea, I know you don’t like to be controlled, but I don’t think we have a choice .”

“I hate them,” Baekhyun whispered. “I’m already doing everything they told me to, not even asked me if I wanted or not, and still I can’t have this one thing…”

“I know you’re upset, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “I know it’s unfair. You would’ve been even encouraged if I were a woman, but I’m not. So we must be careful if we don’t want them to find out about us. Don’t let them trap you. If they badmouth me, let them; you’re far more important than me in this game and I wouldn’t want to be the piece that took you down.”

Baekhyun made a move to disagree because he would never allow them to say anything about Chanyeol, but the knight's gaze was resolute. In the end, he hated having to agree, but he had no other choice. He couldn’t even be playful with Chanyeol around the others because they could see them in another light, and Baekhyun didn’t want to give Otto Hightower what he wanted. He needed to be content to know that Chanyeol would be still his, inside his chambers where anyone couldn't reach them, where they could take off their masks and be whoever they wanted to be.

Baekhyun stood up suddenly, taking Chanyeol by surprise as he sat on his thighs, supporting one leg on either side. Chanyeol reflexively placed his hands on the prince's waist, waiting to see what Baekhyun would do now. However, Baekhyun continued to look at him, their faces on the same level, their eyes never leaving each other. They continued to be like this for some seconds, maybe a minute, telling each other without words how much they cherished what they had.

“When I’ll be king, we won’t need to be as much care as we need now,” Baekhyun promised. “I swear to you. I won’t let them control us like this when the power will be mine .”

Chanyeol put one of his hands on Baekhyun’s cheek, caressing, caring. “You’ll be a great king, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “And I trust you with my life, now and ever. I don’t need anyone to acknowledge what we have, I don’t need them to think better or not about me. All I need is you and I have you here.”

Baekhyun smiled, thankful, and leaned on, capturing Chanyeol’s lips in a kiss. He didn’t need to hide here, so he allowed himself to kiss Chanyeol as he meant it, holding his cheeks between his hands, leaning his body against Chanyeol's as if that could stop him from running away, even if Chanyeol would never do that. Chanyeol allowed himself to be kissed, his hand still on Baekhyun's cheek while the other moved up and down the side of his torso, enjoying the exchange of heat that only his prince's body provided.

Baekhyun broke the kiss, moving away a little, just enough to see Chanyeol's face, and the smile on the knight’s face was enough for him to lean on, kissing him once again. Chanyeol had a look of pure adoration on his face, allowing Baekhyun to do with himself as he saw fit, and he would still be grateful. And Baekhyun would, over and over again, until they both had only the other's name in their minds, where no trouble could reach them.

In that place, they were the ones who made the rules.

“No one will take you away from me,” Baekhyun promised when they broke the kiss again, leaning his forehead on Chanyeol’s. “I’ll pour fire and blood to ensure this.”

And Chanyeol never trusted any words more than Baekhyun’s at that moment.

. . .

His father told him that it would be good if he and Lady Laena get to know each other better.

Baekhyun couldn’t say no to such a request, especially because every lord on the Small Council was looking at him, expecting to see the prince acting rebellious again as if he wasn’t worthy of the throne. Baekhyun knew he had a long way until the Small Council trust him entirely and he wasn’t going to pull a show when he had much more to lose than them. Besides, Lady Laena wasn’t terrible company, he could enjoy talking a bit with the girl.

So, this was how he got himself walking with Lady Laena among the corridors of the Red Keep, talking about pleasantries. Truth be told: he still didn’t know how to act by Lady Laena’s side properly. He wasn’t comfortable thinking he was going to condemn that poor girl to a marriage where she wouldn’t be loved in the way she deserved, but he also didn’t know how to tell her about it. He wouldn’t mind if she’d sought love and pleasure in other arms, but would she?

This whole thing was just so unfair to her, especially. He didn’t know how her parents thought it would be a good decision to marry her to him, but Baekhyun supposed that his relationship with Chanyeol wasn’t a big deal to be a concern to the Small Council and the House Velaryon. Now, it was a matter that he should handle with her and he still didn’t know how to break the news to Laena, but he knew he should do it soon. 

Lady Laena was talking about the last dinner they had together with their parents and how her mother was delighted with the union of their Houses. Baekhyun knew Rhaenys Targaryen was a possibility for the throne and he wondered if she would be the person his father would pick to succeed him if Baekhyun suddenly fleed away. He knew it wasn’t likely to happen; Westeros would burn itself to the ground before a woman could rise to the throne, but Rhaenys still seemed like a good choice to Baekhyun. 

“What are you thinking about, my prince?” Lady Laena asked him, getting him from his thoughts. 

“My apologies, my lady,” Baekhyun said with a small smile. “I was just thinking about how our Houses seemed to be destined to unite.”

Lady Laena smiled at him, graciously. “It seems to be a gift from the gods, indeed,” she said. “I’m glad I was betrothed to you, my prince. I’ve always liked you.”

Baekhyun swallowed thickly, trying to discover if that meant the girl liked him romantically or in another way. He prayed it was in another way; he would hate himself for breaking the heart of such a good girl. However, Lady Laena continued to look at him in the same way, with the same smile, waiting for what he had to say. Baekhyun cleared his throat, smiling back in the best way he could.

“I’m glad too, I couldn’t think of a better girl to be married to,” Baekhyun complimented her. “How are things going with you, my lady? Is King’s Landing treating you well?”

Lady Laena sighed, but she still had a smile on her face. “I miss Driftmark, I’m not gonna lie, I like the sound of the sea,” she said. “But being here is also very pleasant, my prince. The Red Keep is where I must be from now on because it’s your home and it will be mine too.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Baekhyun said. “Let me know if I can do something for you so your stay would be even more pleasant.”

“Thank you, my prince, it’s very considerate,” she said. “I guess it’s also being hard for you, right? You’re not very used to being on the ground for so long. I bet you miss flying.”

Baekhyun chuckled a bit, trying to remember when it was the last time he joined Vhagar in the sky. He bet his dragon missed him too and missed going to the sky freely, where she should be, where Baekhyun should be. Things were going so hard on him with the whole succession problem that he didn’t even have time to see Vhagar. He thought to himself that maybe he should make time for his dragon too; she would be upset for being stuck for so long, and no one wanted to make a dragon from the Conquest upset.

“I’m not going to lie to you either, my lady, I miss flying,” Baekhyun said. “But I’ve got responsibilities on the ground now that need my attention more than I need the sky. I must think about the Realm, too.”

“And that’s why you’re going to be a wonderful king, my prince,” she smiled. “I expect that we could go flying together sometime.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Baekhyun smiled back. 

Baekhyun was having a good time with Lady Laena, he wouldn’t lie, but he couldn’t help but defocus when he saw Ser Park Chanyeol walking beside another member of the Kingsguard on a platform near where he was with Lady Laena. He thought about what they could be talking about, if Chanyeol was with problems because of him; he couldn’t say exactly, but he didn’t like the frown on the knight’s face. 

He followed with his gaze as the two guards passed until he couldn’t see them anymore. He gulped, totally forgetting about the girl beside him. He couldn’t avoid the concern written in his eyes, especially because now Chanyeol was aware of the way they were being seen and he was afraid Chanyeol would do something on his own just to protect Baekhyun. Thinking rationally, Baekhyun knew Chanyeol wouldn’t do something without talking with him, but he couldn’t think rationally when all he felt was fear. 

“My prince?” Lady Laena called him, taking Baekhyun by surprise. He forgot about the girl.

“My apologies again, my lady, I don’t know where my head is today,” Baekhyun smiled while apologizing, hoping she didn’t see much to cause trouble. 

Lady Laena just smiled, accepting his apologies, and they continued to walk together. Baekhyun forced himself to not think about Chanyeol now; he owed Laena at least his attention when they were together because the girl wasn’t focusing on anything else than him. He could think about his lover afterward when he could also reach for him and ask if everything was okay. Chanyeol would tell him, right? They had plans together, none of them would act without the other knowing.

“You know, my prince, I think it’s time for me to tell you a secret,” she said after a moment in silence. Baekhyun looked at her with attention, curious about what that could be. “Since we’re going to be married soon, I think it’s best if we could trust each other. So, it’s time for me to tell you that I know about you and your guard.”

Her voice was so low that Baekhyun almost didn’t hear her but, at the same time, he felt like Laena just shouted out to everyone else to hear. He could feel the fear running across his body, his mind trying to think in ways that could get him and Chanyeol out of this trouble. He could laugh and tell her that he didn’t know about what she was talking about; he could ignore her and talk about something else as if she didn’t say a thing; he could threaten her, as the crown prince, and silence her.

He could do a lot of things, but instead of any of these things, he just stood there, looking at her as if he just saw a ghost.

“And I think it’s very important to have people by our side that care for us,” Lady Laena continued to say as if she knew that Baekhyun wouldn’t listen to a thing she said right after his secret was exposed. “It’s very important to have people that genuinely like us in lands like these.”

Baekhyun felt like it was the first time he breathed, feeling how his lungs expanded with air, bringing relief together. It was like he was drowning in his mind, trying to discover how to make Laena not say a thing to anyone else or everything would be ruined, and then she extended a hand, bringing him back, all with an understanding smile on her face.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” Baekhyun whispered, taking her hands in his cautiously. “I never thought I could be the crown prince, I… I never saw myself marrying anyone, I know this is not fair to you, and I’m sorry.”

Lady Laena continued to smile at him, understanding, and Baekhyun thought he didn’t deserve her. “Here it’s not place nor time to talk about such important things, my prince, but you owed me no apologies,” she said. “There are some things we can’t control, even if we want. I won't say I wouldn't want to be the one you look up to so lovingly, but I'm glad I could be trustful enough to be by your side."

“You are a good woman, Lady Laena, and I’m lucky to have you,” Baekhyun said. “I’ll spend my days trying to make you the happiest I can, but I’d like you to know that I’d also be happy to see you seeking your happiness. You deserve it even more than me.”

Laena nodded but she didn’t say anything else. They continued to walk until they reached the corridor that lead to the lady’s chambers again. Baekhyun said his farewell, watching until the girl was gone before he could make his way back to his chambers too. He didn’t think Lady Laena could be so observant to notice his relationship with Chanyeol, but he supposed he should give the lady more credit.

But that made him think that if the girl noticed, who else could have noticed too? 

Chanyeol was right. Even if Baekhyun hated the feeling of being controlled, they must be careful if they don’t want anyone to find out about them. He sighed, feeling his head starting to ache; he should have expected the game of thrones to be complicated, but he didn’t think that it would be that exhausting.

However, for now, he would allow himself to feel relieved that it was Laena that noticed how he act around Chanyeol and had her support. Baekhyun knew it still wasn’t fair to her, but he would allow himself to feel happy that he still had people around him that he could trust. The gods know how much he needed to know that someone could still be on his side, besides Chanyeol.

In the beginning, he thought about how their marriage would be a disaster, even when he knew that Laena was a good girl and she would be a good wife, understanding, and caring. He fought with his thoughts to decide the right time to tell her the truth and he could expect her understanding, and it turned out better than he expected. He felt like he could finally breathe.

After all, Laena Velaryon was right about one thing: it was very important to have people by your side in lands like these and Baekhyun would make sure that Lady Laena knew that he was by her side too.

. . .

The truth was: Baekhyun was bored.

He was doing his best to be the best heir for the throne and not make his father’s life even harder than it was already, but he couldn’t deny that it was incredibly boring. He couldn’t see how Baelon managed to do his job as Hand of the King, handling such boring meetings with the Small Council and, at the same time, being the fun older brother Baekhyun remembered. He’s been doing this job for a month, maybe two months, and he was already at his limit.

He tried not to complain much, though. He was aware of how much everyone was working to make his succession easier for everybody, making the realm get used to him and stuff like this, and the time to be the rebellious prince had already passed. He had a job to do, and responsibilities to take care of, and he was trying; he was really trying. 

He’s been progressing with Ser Otto Hightower and how to deal with his snarky comments. He had his father by his side and was a lot; when the old King was talking, even the Hand had to silence himself and listen. Baekhyun usually was smiling to himself, feeling a little victorious when he saw his father defending him in some matters, and it was enough to make him try to get on his father’s best side more times.

Most of the time, he was just ignoring the Hand, talking with the other lords present and listening to what they had to say about the realm’s finances or the City Guard. He could see on Ser Otto Hightower that he didn’t like to be ignored, and this made Baekhyun feel even better about himself. He promised Chanyeol to not let them trap him and how could he do it better than not even talking with the Hand?

Although it didn’t change the fact that the meetings of the Small Council were boring as the seven hells, Baekhyun was quite happy with his performance there. Chanyeol would be happy too when he would be listening to Baekhyun’s complaints in his chambers at night. They had this agreement that Chanyeol would be with Baekhyun most of the night and he would only leave when the morning was coming. Baekhyun was known to be a stubborn prince, so it wouldn’t be hard to make anyone who would come for him to believe that he forced Chanyeol to be with him because he was bored. Instead, they would be enjoying the night together, exchanging kisses and secrets in whispers.

It seemed like a good plan to both of them when Baekhyun convinced Chanyeol that it was very unlikely to anyone come for him at night.

However, Baekhyun had other plans for that night and he was about to tell Chanyeol about them.

He was out from another meeting with the Small Council and it was already night when he saw the sky again. He sighed, feeling the exhaustion washing his body over, but he tried not to show it on his face or Chanyeol wouldn’t agree with his plan otherwise. The knight was standing with him inside the Small Council now, a request he made to his father, and the old king thought it was plausible. 

“Aren’t these meetings getting more boring over time?” Baekhyun asked him while they were walking back to his chambers.

“It’s important matters to the realm, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “It’s not supposed to be entertaining.”

“And neither are you but look where we are,” Baekhyun joked. “I have some plans for tonight.”

Chanyeol nodded in silence, waiting for the prince to continue talking. Instead, Baekhyun looked at him mischievously, with that kind of smile Chanyeol always knew was a problem. He took a deep breath, raising an eyebrow while he waited. He wasn’t enough of a fool to even try to suggest something when Baekhyun was like this; the gods know the first and only time he tried Baekhyun found his idea even better than what he had in mind and it was, actually, worst.

“You used to be more fun, Chanyeol,” Baekhyun complained. “Don’t even want to try to guess?”

“I wouldn’t dare, my prince,” Chanyeol said. “What do you want to do tonight?”

“I’ll tell you what we ’re going to do tonight,” Baekhyun corrected him with a wink. “We’re going out.”

Chanyeol blinked once, twice, confused. Baekhyun chuckled to himself, feeling excited for the first time that day.

“I’ll go crazy if I stand even one more day confined at the Red Keep,” Baekhyun explained, “so I want to explore the city before I’m the king, and I’ll be confined forever within these walls.”

“You know the King is not dying for you to justify your concern about being confined here as king, right?” Chanyeol asked.

“The gods know how much I wish for my father to live more and more years,” Baekhyun said, “but do we know what’s coming tomorrow? No, we don’t, so I want to go to King’s Landing. I want to see the people.”

It took some time to convince Chanyeol, truth be told, but he managed to do it, and so there they were, escaping the Red Keep like two teenagers giggling to themselves. Baekhyun was wearing a hood to prevent anyone from recognizing him by his hair and ending his plans. It took a lot of time for him to convince Chanyeol, and he wouldn’t let some small details like this put an end to his adventure. 

They used a shortcut his cousin Daemon taught him to get to the city without anyone noticing, and Baekhyun marveled to see that it did work. His cousin was known for visiting the city and its brothels often, but Baekhyun never felt the need to accompany him. He had what he needed just outside his door, so the brothels seemed pointless to him. Now, it was good that Daemon insisted to teach him the way to the city, just in case he wanted to try sometime.

“Do you really think this is safe, my prince?” Chanyeol whispered when they approached the city. They could already hear the sounds it made and just made Baekhyun feel even more excited than before. He was so absorbed in the realm’s problems that he almost forgot what real fun looked like.

“Trust me, Chanyeol,” Baekhyun said, “nothing is going to happen to me while I have you by my side. Try to enjoy yourself a little bit too.”

Chanyeol still seemed a little tense, but he tried to do as his prince told him to. When they were already near enough to the crowd to be engulfed by it Chanyeol was ready to fight anyone who would recognize the prince and offer danger to him, but, much to his surprise, the people around them not even gave a second look at Baekhyun, passing by them like he was just another citizen enjoying the night.

Baekhyun, of course, was delighted to realize this; his plan was a success, after all.

“Come, my knight, I want to see everything!” Baekhyun said, grabbing Chanyeol’s hand to not lose him in the crowd. 

Chanyeol followed him, ever watchful if anything was going to happen. He wasn't with his sword, as it would show his position and bring suspicion to them, but he was a good fighter still. Baekhyun wasn’t paying attention to this, of course, much more entertained with the options of food he could buy for himself. The seller was looking at him with an amused look as if he never saw someone looking so in doubt at his candies. 

“What do you think?” Baekhyun asked him. “I don’t know which one I should try.”

“Why don’t you try both?” Chanyeol retorted. “It looks very good.”

“That could be arranged,” Baekhyun smiled. “I’d like both of them, please.”

The seller did as he was told, giving Baekhyun the candy after the prince gave him his golden dragons. Chanyeol looked at him with a small smile while Baekhyun was trying the first candy, his face showing a kaleidoscope of expressions. He was first curious, then surprised; then his eyes closed and he let a satisfied moan escape his lips.

“This is so good, why don’t we have this at the Red Keep?” Baekhyun asked. “Here, you have to try this.”

Before Chanyeol could say something or even try to grab the candy and eat it by himself, Baekhyun was already taking it to his mouth, making Chanyeol taste the cake. He felt Baekhyun’s fingers on his lips, and his tongue acted without his thinking, licking his fingertips gently; subtly, but it was still enough to make Baekhyun gasp.

“This is good indeed, you could talk to the staff to see if they could do something similar to you, my prince,” Chanyeol said.

“I could,” Baekhyun agreed. “Let’s see if there’s something more that I could ask for, too.”

Chanyeol followed him again, still admiring that nobody was looking at them, not even a single soul recognizing the prince. The city was as if it was alive, with people appearing from every corner as if it wasn’t crowded enough yet. People were dancing and singing songs about heroes and maidens, enjoying themselves like it was their last day on earth. Chanyeol thought that he was so absorbed in problems at the Red Keep that he almost forgot how things used to be outside those walls.

So he took Baekhyun for dance, taking him by surprise but he relaxed when he saw who was the one holding him, letting his hands be put on Chanyeol's neck. Chanyeol gave him a spin or two, hearing Baekhyun's laugh coming to his ears and making him giggle too. People around were clapping while they were dancing, and it only made Baekhyun even more eager to pull them a show.

“I thought you would never take me to dance,” Baekhyun joked after a spin, his body colliding with Chanyeol’s. 

“I’ve never had the opportunity before,” Chanyeol said. 

“So shall we make this our best opportunity?” Baekhyun asked.

Chanyeol nodded, continuing to dance with Baekhyun while the music was on and people were still clapping, enjoying the show they were giving them. After a while, the music changed the vibe and both of them thought it was their time to stop too, playfully bowing to the crowd that watched them. They moved away, looking for a corner where they could talk without people eavesdropping. Baekhyun knew it was almost time to get back to the keep if they wanted no one to discover they escaped, but he had one more thing he wanted to do.

“This was fun,” Chanyeol said. “I’ve never thought that I could take you for a dance before.”

“Here we can do anything we want to, and nobody would look twice at us,” Baekhyun shrugged. “I’m not a prince here, you’re not a knight. We’re just…”

Chanyeol nodded in silence, looking at his prince, knowing exactly what he meant. They were just a couple in love among the citizens of King’s Landing, just ordinary people that nobody cared for. They could be whoever they wanted to be here, and now Chanyeol was understanding what Baekhyun wanted when he insisted to visit the city. He missed this feeling of having Baekhyun in his arms without having to look over his shoulders all the time, too.

“There’s still one thing I want to do here before we go back,” Baekhyun said, taking Chanyeol from his thoughts again.

“Anything you want, my prince, and it will be yours,” Chanyeol said.

“I want you to kiss me,” Baekhyun whispered. 

It was a dangerous wish, Baekhyun knew, and Chanyeol knew it too. There were a lot of people around them, and they couldn’t confirm that no one recognized them. What they were doing before was harmless and only playful, but kissing the prince… It was a move they couldn’t fake out. If this gossip reached the Red Keep, Baekhyun would meet trouble and Chanyeol didn’t want that. However, he looked at the prince again and the wishful look Baekhyun had in his eyes was enough to convince him.

They were nobodies here. They could afford at least this one desire.

Then Chanyeol leaned over him, covering his body with his own, and kissed him, softly at first, desirous later. Baekhyun responded immediately, his hands moving to Chanyeol's neck, grabbing his hair there and tugging lightly until he could hear Chanyeol moaning low into his mouth. Baekhyun smiled into the kiss, satisfied, and it only made Chanyeol's desire for him grow. He loved so much that man and he just wanted to be with him. 

If only things could be easier…

They broke the kiss when Baekhyun was panting for air, and Chanyeol was still covering his body, not letting anyone see him all flushed. This was a sight that Chanyeol wanted all to his own: Baekhyun flushed, panting, looking at him like it wasn't enough, hungry. Chanyeol would do whatever Baekhyun wanted him to, and the prince knew it. He had the knight in the palm of his hand. 

“We should go back, my love,” Chanyeol whispered. “They will be looking for you.”

“I wish we could stay here,” Baekhyun said. “I wish you could kiss me like this whenever I wanted.”

“I’ve never dreamed of anything more than this,” Chanyeol said. 

Baekhyun knew because it was like this for him, too. Sadly, he knew that dreams could last for only a night and he would need to wake up, eventually. So, he nodded to Chanyeol and grabbed his hand as they made their way back to the Red Keep, letting King’s Landing behind. Some dreams couldn’t last even a full night.

. . .

Although the meetings with the Small Council were boring and Baekhyun couldn’t stand it anymore, he knew it was something he must do.

Most of the time, he was there to learn. He would be sitting there, looking from one lord to another while they were talking about the realm’s problems and taking notes of the suggestions they had to make. It would be good for Baekhyun to participate in it because one day, sooner or later, it would be him to sit at the top of the table where his father was now. So, all the Small Council members agreed with his presence.

He would always wear a mask of nonchalance, keeping his silence as a company while everybody was talking and trying to solve problems. When the meeting was done, he would thank all of them for their good work and bid his farewell, going to his chambers and entertaining himself with Chanyeol until the next day arrives and another meeting would need his presence. 

What Baekhyun never told anyone, even Chanyeol, was that these meetings used to terrify him.

It took a good time for him to get used to the idea of being the new heir, everybody knew that. Still, he made peace with his new position and everybody could see that he was trying hard to be up to the position. However, in the back of his mind, he was terrified; it had so many problems that needed their attention that Baekhyun didn’t even know where to start. What kind of king would he be if he didn’t know what to do?

He knew pretty well that he was there just to learn and nobody expected an answer from him. Sometimes, a lord or two would ask for his opinion, interested to hear what the prince had to say about the matter, and Baekhyun tried to say something useful, but he could never tell how good he went just looking at the other’s faces. And it terrified him to not know if he was good enough.

He heard stories about a king that never made good decisions because he couldn’t decide what he would focus on first. He was the first son of Aegon, the Conquerer, and even he had trouble with the kingdom not accepting him. Baekhyun couldn’t think of what people would say about him that was never trained since childhood to be king. He would try his best, of course, but would it be enough?

He knew Chanyeol would tell him that it had to be enough because he was trying and he would be a good king with time, he just needed to be patient with himself. That was the reason why he never told him about his concerns; he would suffer by himself until he felt he was ready to take the position that he was given.

Until this day arrives, he would be sitting there, trying to learn as fast as possible to be finally useful to his father and realm.

“What do you think, Baekhyun?” His father’s voice took him from his thoughts and Baekhyun looked at him with wide eyes. King Jaehaerys continued to look at him patiently.

“I’m sorry, father, I- I didn’t listen to what was said,” Baekhyun said, feeling a little embarrassed. 

“You’re supposed to be with us to learn, prince Baekhyun,” Ser Otto said. “Where was your mind that was more important than what we were discussing?”

Baekhyun swallowed back the hatred, the bitter taste on his tongue when he looked at the Hand. Ser Otto was looking at him with a smug smile as if he was just waiting for Baekhyun to throw a fit, so he could tell everybody that the prince wasn’t fit for his position. Baekhyun still didn’t know what he had to gain with that but he wouldn’t give him the taste of victory.

“I’m sure prince Baekhyun was thinking about some other important matters, Ser Otto,” King Jaehaerys said when Baekhyun was about to say something rude. “And it doesn’t cost us nothing to remind him about what we were talking about. Lord Beesbury, if you could do us this favor.”

“Sure, my king”, Lord Beesbury said.  “We were talking about the winter that is coming, my prince. We’re a bit concerned about provisions for the people.”

“Don’t we have enough?” Baekhyun asked.

“It may not be enough for everyone that would knock on our doors,” Lord Beesbury said. "The kingdom's finances are already committed to the upcoming royal wedding."

“So it seems a problem that is easy to solve,” Baekhyun said. “We don’t need a big wedding. We need our people to survive the winter.”

“But we have traditions to follow, my prince,” Lord Beesbury tried again.

“We can make new traditions, but we can’t revive the dead,” Baekhyun said. “It’s my wedding, I should be able to have a say in it.”

Lord Beesbury didn’t say anything else and Baekhyun looked at his father, a little worried he overstepped. Instead, he met his father’s face with a little smile, almost approval, and Baekhyun signed softly, feeling a little more at peace with himself. He survived one more day at the Small Council; his father was testing him more often than before. 

He was aware that he didn’t give a solution to the problem, but none of them expected him to do it. His father just wanted to make him a part of them and although it terrified Baekhyun, he was also glad.

“We can continue this matter tomorrow, my lords, the winter is not here yet,” King Jaehaerys said, getting up from his chair. “I think it’s time for all of us to move a bit. We've been here for a while.”

“As you wish, my king,” Baekhyun heard the lords echoing each other.

Baekhyun also rose from his chair, bowing to his father in respect before he left. Chanyeol was following him as usual, but he was not going to his chambers as he used to do. The knight found it strange, but he didn’t say anything, just continued to walk after Baekhyun, attentive to his prince’s movements. It didn’t take much time for Chanyeol to realize the way they were taking.

It’s been a while since Baekhyun visited the Dragonpit, and it was understandable to Chanyeol that he missed his dragons. Still, he had orders to maintain Baekhyun on the ground, safe and sound. He already disobeyed his orders when he followed the prince to King’s Landing, but he couldn’t avoid other people seeing Baekhyun reaching flight. The king wouldn’t be pleased.

“Are you going to see your dragon, my prince?” Chanyeol asked.

“Yes,” Baekhyun answered. “And you’re going with me this time.”

Baekhyun was well aware that Chanyeol was terrified of Vhagar. He couldn’t blame the knight; his dragon was the largest one alive, the only one from the Conquest, and only her sight was enough to put men double his size afraid. Still, Baekhyun wouldn’t let anything happen to his lover and even his dragon wouldn’t be enough of a problem. Baekhyun could manage her; he knew he could.

“I’m afraid I couldn’t accompany you, my prince, not this time,” Chanyeol said, a little hesitant.

“Don’t be a fool; what do you think I would let happen to you?” Baekhyun retorted. He paused, waiting for Chanyeol to be beside him. He looked at the knight, his armor shining in the last rays of the sun, and he sighed. “Please, Chanyeol. I have something important to say, and I don’t trust anywhere else but the sky.”

Chanyeol was not convinced because the dragon made him afraid, but he couldn’t say no to Baekhyun’s eyes when he was like this. He could see that something was bothering his prince, but he couldn’t pinpoint what. So, with no other choice left, he sighed, nodding in silence. Baekhyun smiled a bit, and it was enough to make Chanyeol’s heart warm. 

They continued their path until they reached the Dragonpit. The sun was already setting and Baekhyun always loved to fly on Vhagar’s back in the night sky. He could still sense Chanyeol’s tension beside him, but he claimed for Vhagar nonetheless, waiting until the dragonkeepers brought her to him. His dragon was just like he remembered, but he felt like years had passed until the last time he rode her.

“Hi, girl,” Baekhyun whispered when he approached the dragon, touching her face gently. The scales were still as rough as he remembered, and Baekhyun closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against the dragon's face. “I missed you. I’m sorry I left you imprisoned for so long.”

Vhagar roared and to anyone else, it could sound threatening, but Baekhyun knew his dragon and he could understand that this was her way to show she missed flying too. She wasn’t a dragon to be imprisoned, the Dragonpit was almost not large enough to have her, and this was the time for Baekhyun to compensate her. 

“What do you think about flying again, Vhagar?” Baekhyun asked her, getting another roar from the dragon. “Good. I knew you missed it too.”

The dragonkeepers were already bringing him his saddle and then he remembered he never told them his plans for tonight.

“I’m sorry, but could you bring me a double saddle?” Baekhyun asked. “Tonight is going to be different. I’m not gonna be alone.”

The dragonkeepers exchanged a worried look, but they did as they were told to, bringing the prince a double saddle for his dragon. Chanyeol was still where he stopped when the dragon appeared, looking at her afraid. He never liked the dragons, Baekhyun knew, but Vhagar was part of him and he wanted Chanyeol to divide this part with him too.

“Come closer, Chanyeol,” Baekhyun asked. “I’ll help you up.”

“I heard that dragons don’t like other people but their riders to be near them,” Chanyeol said, hesitant. “Prince Baekhyun, can we-”

“I command you, Ser Park Chanyeol,” Baekhyun said, with a little smile on his face as if he knew Chanyeol couldn’t avoid his command. “Nothing is going to happen to you. Vhagar obeys me.”

Chanyeol swallowed thickly but he did as he was told to. He approached in small paces, looking from Baekhyun to the dragon and way back, his fear still drawing on his face. Baekhyun waited patiently until the knight was beside him, not knowing what he should do next. Baekhyun gave him the rope to help him climb Vhagar and Chanyeol took it cautiously. The dragon looked at him instantly, hot steam coming out of her nostrils. Chanyeol almost dropped the rope.

“It’s okay, Vhagar, he’s coming with us,” Baekhyun said but Chanyeol didn’t understand him since he was talking in high valyrian. Chanyeol didn’t know what was said but it was enough to make the dragon obey and he tried again, slowly taking each step until he was on the saddle and he finally breathed, waiting for Baekhyun.

Baekhyun climbed his way to the saddle with such naturality that anyone would wonder if he was born on a dragon’s back. He took the dragon’s reins and commanded her to reach flying. Chanyeol didn’t need to be told twice to hold tightly to his prince’s waist, afraid he was going to fall and be trampled by the dragon.

Baekhyun missed the feeling of the wind on his face, cutting his cheek softly and making his hair fly in all directions. He never flew with someone else but he was liking the feeling of having Chanyeol’s arms tightly holding his waist, afraid of falling. He laughed out of nothing, feeling happy and free and himself for the first time in weeks. 

Chanyeol, on the other hand, was having a hard time relaxing on the dragon’s back. He knew Baekhyun wouldn’t let anything happen, especially because he was on Vhagar’s back too, but he couldn’t help but feel unease. However, when he heard his prince laugh and saw the freedom on his face, Chanyeol knew some sacrifices needed to be done. He would surpass all of his fears if he could only see that expression on Baekhyun’s face more often.

“Are you ok, Chanyeol?” Baekhyun asked.

“Still terrified as shit,” Chanyeol replied, not trying to filter his words for the first time in a while. “I don’t know how you do this.”

“I belong to the sky, as Vhagar does,” Baekhyun said, shrugging. “Gods, I missed being here.”

“What made you decide that you need to disobey your father and fly again, my prince?” Chanyeol asked.

Chanyeol knew he was in dangerous territory as he saw Baekhyun’s expression shifting. Still, he couldn’t help his prince if he didn’t know what was happening; he could see that something was happening for a while now. Baekhyun knew he could trust him. So why didn’t he say anything?

“I was reminded that the wedding is coming in a few weeks, today in the Small Council,” Baekhyun said.

Now Chanyeol could understand. “We knew this would happen, my prince. It’s nothing new.”

“It seemed far away before as something we could avoid for a little longer,” Baekhyun sighed. “Now I’m going to be married before the month ends.”

“Are you scared?” Chanyeol asked in a low voice.

“I have nothing to fear while I have you beside me,” Baekhyun answered. “But I’d like to have more time, yes. Unfortunately, no one has been worried about what I wanted for a while now.”

Chanyeol would like to do something, of course, but he felt his hands were trapped too. What could some knight do to avoid his lover becoming king? How were his feelings more important than the stability of the realm? He sighed, leaning his forehead on Baekhyun’s shoulder, and they continued like this for a while. 

“I said that I have something important to say to you,” Baekhyun broke the silence after a few minutes, “and I think it’s time for me to finally say it.”

“I’m listening, my prince,” Chanyeol said.

What Baekhyun had to say was nothing new to Chanyeol, that was true, but he couldn’t find a day when he had already told him. He showed him so many times, in different forms and different situations, but never actually told him. And it was time.

“I love you, Chanyeol,” he said, low as a whisper, but sounded louder than a shout. “I’ve been loving you for so long that it feels to be part of me. And it saddens me like nothing else that I can’t give you the life I wanted for both of us, that I’m damned to live with someone else. Every day I dream of the day we’ll be far away from all of this, flying to Essos maybe, and nothing could stop us. I know it’s not possible, not anymore, but I’ll dream of this day for the rest of my life.”

Chanyeol sighed again, his forehead still on Baekhyun’s shoulder. Baekhyun didn’t expect an answer back, he never needed one to know that his feelings were mutual. Chanyeol never needed to tell him anything because he showed him every day. Still, he felt his heart beating faster than before just by listening to Chanyeol’s breath on his neck. Somehow, it sounded louder when was just both of them in the sky.

He felt Chanyeol’s lips on his skin, kissing him softly as a feather, and it was like his whole body was on fire. Chanyeol continued to kiss him, his lips covering every piece of skin the could reach as if he would starve if someone took him away from Baekhyun. Baekhyun never felt more alive than in this moment and never loved this man more than now. He leaned his head back, settling into Chanyeol's body like the place where he belonged.

Chanyeol didn’t say anything. Baekhyun preferred that way. In some way, listening to Chayeol telling him that he loved him too would make things even sadder than it already was and Baekhyun wanted this flight to be their happiest memory.

There, on Vhagar’s back, his favorite place to be in the whole world, with his favorite person, Baekhyun has never felt happier.

. . .

The whole place felt too crowded. 

Baekhyun felt almost suffocated by how many people were there only to see his wedding to Lady Laena. Only the most important people from the realm, all the Great Houses and stuff like that, because it seemed to be a big deal to participate in a royal wedding, especially when there’s a new heir and he’s just fresh. Baekhyun wasn’t used to so much attention, and although it was something he desired when he was a child, it didn’t feel good now.

However, liking it or not, he was expected to greet everybody and smile all night because it was his wedding night, and he was supposed to be happy. Lady Laena was a stunning bride, and was particularly gorgeous this night, using her House’s colors and jewels. Baekhyun was using the Targaryen’s colors, all black and red, the dragon’s adornments jutting out from a distance. Everything was beautiful and perfect like it was supposed to be and, really, Baekhyun was supposed to be happy.

He wasn’t supposed to be looking for someone in particular, but here he was.

He was doing his best to hide his attempts of finding Chanyeol. He knew that as part of the Kingsguard, the knight would be around making guard and assuring that everything was secure as it should be. He only couldn’t understand why Chanyeol wasn’t around because he was his sworn shield; his father wouldn’t take Chanyeol away like this, so he only could think of someone that would make such a move.

He looked around, finding Ser Otto Hightower chatting with some other lords, all polite and with little smiles, and Baekhyun needed to control the urge to snort. Of course, the fucking Hand would try to make his day even more miserable than it was already. 

He couldn’t find Chanyeol on the first tries, then eventually, he just gave up and tried to make his night more bearable. 

This proved to be a difficult task at hand as he was needed around to talk pleasantries with so many people that he lost count after some time. His father told him that it was important to make alliances and that events like this were rare, so he needed to take the opportunity he had and make the most he could. Everybody was used to Baelon, so Baekhyun would need to make them trust him just like they did with his brother.

He had always been told he was a charming boy and that he wouldn’t have a problem charming everyone. His problem, however, was hiding in his mask of contentment and not letting anyone know what he was really feeling because he'd never had to fake it as much as he had in the last few weeks.

Baekhyun could say he was doing a decent job since no one said anything but congratulations on his wedding. 

Lady Laena was being a good help too, and Baekhyun was glad once again she was his bride. It was more bearable when she was beside him, greeting the lords and ladies with a polite smile on her face, and her eyes were sparkling. It was almost like she was truly happy with their marriage, just a couple in love who were lucky enough to be able to be together. She was way better than him at pretending and Baekhyun decided to let her handle this part. It would be better for both of them, after all.

While Laena was talking to Lady Arryn, exchanging pleasantries and courtesies, Baekhyun lost himself in his thoughts again, thinking back to the wedding. He thought about Laena saying her vows to him and how he’d felt horrible when he had to say his vows to her. It didn’t seem as real before as it did now; he never felt his heart breaking as much as when he looked for Chanyeol and found the knight already looking at him, positioned in a corner of the room. He was supposed to be there only to make guard, not someone anyone would need to pay attention to, but was the only person Baekhyun could think of.

He didn’t see Chanyeol after this moment, not when he was officially married to Lady Laena Velaryon and their Houses were celebrating the union of the last valyrian houses.

When he thinks about it, it still seemed to be a cruel joke from the gods. His life changed so much in such a short time that he couldn’t even keep up. How was he supposed to married to someone when less than three months ago he was dreaming of the day he and Chanyeol would run away to never be found again? 

Maybe they could be with Saera. His father would hate him, as he seemed to hate Saera for leaving and putting their family in such dishonor, but he bet she was happier than him now.

“Prince Baekhyun?” He heard someone calling for him, leaving his thoughts for later. 

“I’m sorry, my lady,” he smiled. “I was just thinking about the wedding.”

"Oh, young love," Lady Arryn said with a warm smile. “I still remember when my wedding was. I wasn't as stunning as your bride, but I was as happy as you are now."

“I’m lucky to have someone so beautiful beside me like Lady Laena, as I can assure you Lord Arryn was lucky to have you, my lady,” Baekhyun said. 

“You’re just too gentle, my prince,” Lady Arryn said. “I just wanted to say congratulations on your wedding and to assure you House Arryn wishes for blessings to come.”

“Thank you, Lady Arryn,” Lady Laena thanked her with a smile.

They were left alone once again and Baekhyun sighed in relief, back to feeling suffocated. Lady Laena didn’t miss his change of expression, looking at him with concern written in her eyes. Baekhyun felt a little bad for making her worry about him, but she assured him a few weeks before that she was a friend. He could rely on her, at least. 

“Are you feeling overwhelmed, my prince?” Lady Laena asked him. 

“I’m just… Not used to all of this, I guess,” he said. “It’s my first big event being the main guest, I was just fine before when it was Baelon in the spotlight.”

Laena nodded to him in silence, looking around subtly. Baekhyun didn’t know what she was looking for, as she never told him, but he didn’t pay much attention to it too. He was preparing himself to come back to the event and continued to talk with other lords when Laena grabbed his hand softly and smiled at him. Baekhyun stopped where he was, looking at her with questions in his eyes.

“Dance with me, husband,” she said.

It would be a lie if Baekhyun said he understood what she meant with this request, but he did as he was told without complaining. He grabbed Laena’s hand, guiding her to the center of the room, drawing attention from everybody. He could see satisfied faces everywhere he looked as if no other wedding could be more right to happen than theirs. Laena was smiling at him the whole time but Baekhyun could see that she had something else in mind.

He just couldn’t pinpoint what yet.

But they danced around and, for a while, Baekhyun allowed himself to not think about anything else than his body moving, remembering the time he had with Chanyeol in King’s Landing where no one could recognize them and they could be whoever they wanted to be. He remembered how his body collided with the knight's body while they were dancing, how everyone clapped watching, and how much he was happy.

Laena was a good friend and she would make his days as a married man more bearable than he thought they could be, but she would never make him feel like Chanyeol did with such ordinary things as a dance.

“Life is already so hard for all of us, husband,” she said in a tiny voice as if it was a secret no one else was allowed to hear. “I know you’re trying and I know I don’t need to remind you we have duties to fulfill,” she swallowed hard when she said it, and Baekhyun didn’t need her to say it out loud to understand, “but I don’t want to be another person to make you feel miserable. I want us to have a peaceful and good wedding, as friends if we can’t be lovers.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Baekhyun whispered back. “I’m lucky to have you as my wife, and thankful for you being doing this. You are doing more than necessary, I understand that you are in a difficult position too.”

Laena smiled at him, caring and understanding as Baekhyun was already used to her being. “We’ll find our happiness, my prince,” she said. “You’re only one step ahead of me in this.”

Laena put a hand on his shoulder when they stopped, and Baekhyun smiled at her, thanking her. He saw Ser Laenor Velaryon coming toward them, and he handed Laena’s hand for a dance for her brother. Ser Laenor thanked him and took his wife away, letting Baekhyun alone in a different part of the room. Maybe there he would find some lords he didn’t greet yet. 

Instead, what he found was different. He finally understood what Laena wanted with this dance and what she said before she left with Laenor.

“My prince,” he heard beside him. “Are you enjoying your wedding?”

“I endured punishments more bearable than this,” he answered, looking at the person beside him. “I looked for you and I couldn’t find you.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left your side,” Chanyeol said with a sad smile. “I just needed some time.”

“Something happened? Did anyone come to talk to you?” Baekhyun asked.

“Nothing happened,” Chanyeol said. “I was just enough of a fool to let myself get hit by reality. I needed some time before I could come back.”

Chanyeol’s eyes had sadness, and Baekhyun didn't need more to understand what happened with his lover. He didn't see his sworn shield since the wedding was over and the party had begun; he couldn't run away to deal with the flow of feelings that drown him when he understood that they didn't have a way back anymore, but Chanyeol could. And Baekhyun hated that he couldn’t be with him at this moment.

“I understand,” Baekhyun said. “I wish I could do it too. Everybody is expecting to see me smiling all night. My cheeks are starting to hurt.”

“They don’t get to see your real smile, my prince,” Chanyeol said.

“Of course they don’t,” Baekhyun said. “I already told you it is only yours.”

Chanyeol smiled at him, feeling a little happier than before. He couldn’t help but feel sad for them, for such a tragic fate reserved for both of them, damned to be living apart and so close at the same time. However, he just needed to see Baekhyun smiling at him again to feel his heart warm inside. Baekhyun’s effect on him never failed.

Their bodies were close enough for their fingers to play together, intertwined for only seconds, but enough to make them feel the adrenaline washing over their bodies. Baekhyun made Chanyeol feel more alive than a hundred tournaments; not even Vhagar could make Baekhyun feel as invincible as Chanyeol did.

They looked at each other again, Chanyeol bowing subtly at his prince. Everyone that looked at them from another perspective could only see a knight paying his respects to a member of royalty and Baekhyun was just standing there, with the same smile he was wearing the whole night. But, if someone looked a little closer, they could see that something was different.

But they would never find out, Baekhyun would ensure this. Some secrets were better being said on the back of a dragon and only there they couldn’t be caught.