The Kingdom of Us
Chapter 1
pairing: kyungsoo x OFC
genre: Royal!AU, nonidol!soo, crownprince!kyungsoo, romance, drama
theme: arranged marriage, modern royalty, enemies to lovers, war, betrayal, eventual smut
word count: 4,735
description: Princess Alina of Mariposa arrives in the Kingdom of Seoul to meet her betrothed, Crown Prince Kyungsoo. It doesn’t go as she suspected it would.
warnings: mature themes, mentions of sex, mentions of anxiety, minors DNI
Author’s Notes: hi! Thank you for reading the first chapter of The Kingdom of Us. I wasn’t expecting such a positive response. I also wanted to add that the photos at the headers of each chapter are not mine and all credit goes to the owners, dividers by @saradika-graphics . No significant warnings this chapter, please enjoy (:
ALINA
The day had finally arrived that I had been preparing for my whole life.
Today, I would be meeting my betrothed, Crown Prince Kyungsoo the First of the Seoul Kingdom for the first time. Our betrothal had been headlining news since it was announced 15 years ago when I was 5 and the Crown Prince was 10. It rocked the world scene, two Kings promising an alliance by way of their children marrying. Not only that, I was also fifth in line for the Valencian throne, the obvious choice would be for the Crown Prince to marry one of my sisters, second and third in line which is much more desirable than me politically. As soon as I turned 20, the preparations were set and my entire life was packed up to start my life in Seoul as the wife of the Crown Prince.
That is, if he approved of me.
Well, not so much approve, but in our betrothal agreement set forth by our fathers, the Crown Prince and I were to “court” for 90 days until our wedding. It was a pure PR move to make our kingdoms seem much more progressive than they really were. Neither of us had a choice in this matter. In reality, our wedding was to take place at the end of these 90 days and the entire world was counting down the days until we met face to face. Our arrangement was the first of its kind, not once has a Valencian Royal married a Royal from the Eastern part of the world, and a Seoul Royal never married a Royal from the Western part of the world. Rumors circulated in high society’s closest circles over our betrothal, both for politics and for entertainment and gossip. Mami and my tutors told me to pay no mind, but I couldn’t help but read every single piece of gossip from the magazines and newspapers.
Bad politics for Valencia to marry off the furthest from their line to the Crown Prince of Seoul?
Is this wedding a distraction from the tensions between Seoul Kingdom and the Azteco Nation?
End of Line Princess Marrying Crown Prince? The Politics of Betrothal Alliances
The Kingdom’s Husband and the People’s Princess to be Wed in January: Is this a pure political move?
On the other side of the media, bloggers and influencers gushed at our impending marriage, bringing only our looks to the forefront. Crown Prince Kyungsoo was known as the “Kingdom’s Husband”, an ideal man because of his kindness, manners and gentle demeanor. Not only that, he was also the Chief Commander of the Seoul Military. Every woman in the world swooned over him. I admittedly did too, the idea of him seemed lovely, he was lovely. Him and I were a “perfect match”, or so the bloggers said.
The media started calling me the “People’s Princess” as soon as I signed up for Medical Military service during the Nordic Nations Conflict 4 years ago. It was not even a question, I was of age to volunteer and healing people was my way of showing I care about my people. I didn’t do it to gain the affections of the world, I did it because I wanted to do what I could to help. Before I knew it, my name was all over the news and so many outlets compared my efforts to my sisters, Maria and Ana. It wasn’t fair that they pinned them against me. Maria has long been married to King Daniel of the Azteco Nation, and Ana was just married to Prince Seth of the Nordic Nations. They lived different lives than I did, we contrasted each other in so many different ways that it was unfair for the media to persuade the public that I was better than them or that they were better than me in any way.
Maria was bold, she never took no for an answer. Once she had her mind set on something, there was no changing it. I once admired that about her, now I am unsure if she has any sense. Her marriage to King Daniel caused ripples in our alliances, and uncertainty in our family. With the entire world turning against the Azteco Nation, it’s no surprise.
Ana was blunt, outspoken and opinionated. She loved debating and seeing all sides to every situation. She excelled in law school, even though as a Royal there was no need to attend university. Her wedding was beautiful, and she got to live in the Nordic Nations, a place she grew fond of as a teenager.
As for me, I was to be obedient, demure, agreeable. I am the only daughter that was betrothed to a Crown Prince. My brothers, Crown Prince Ignacio and Prince Santiago, had wives chosen for them. That was seen as customary, almost a requirement. Majority of my life was spent with Seoul tutors that trained me on etiquette, politics and the Joseon language. It felt like I knew more about the Doh Dynasty than the Doh Dynasty knew about themselves. I was to be molded to be the perfect Crown Princess, the perfect wife and doting mother to future heirs. However, I couldn’t lose who I truly was. I had a need to be free, and that went against everything the Seoul tutors molded me into. Sometimes I wondered if I’d ever meet the marks they set for me.
I replay every memory up until this moment in my head as I watch the Seoul skyline appear from the plane window. Trying to remember years and years of training proved to be difficult when my mind was filled with anxious thoughts. My heart aches knowing my beloved Valencia is behind me, but excitement and wonder fills me as right in front of me is my new life in the Seoul Kingdom. I hope I can live up to the expectations they have for me. I take a deep breath, centering myself. You will be great. You will do good. They will love you.
They’ll love me, right?
I do my best to breathe through my anxiety. The Crown had sent this jet for me so I could be comfortable during the moving process, their hope was a seamless transition. Crown Prince Kyungsoo entered my mind, my heart skipping a beat as I pulled his latest photo from my purse. What would he be like besides the obvious, devastatingly handsome looks he possessed? He truly is a beautiful man, both outside and more importantly, inside. I’d studied his interactions from afar with Ana, it was as though Crown Prince Kyungsoo bled kindness, humility and grace. He never had a scandal, unlike the many princes across the world. The questions that sat with me were would he be pleased with me? Would he be just as kind to me as he was to the public? Some royals put on the best of shows for their subjects, I hoped it wasn’t the case with him.
"Your Highness?" a Seoul Royal Guard appeared from the back of the plane to greet me with a deep bow. "We have arrived in Seoul. The Royal Family is awaiting your arrival as promptly as possible."
"Thank you, sir. Do you happen to know if we are late?" I respond softly. The nerves were wrecking me. The negative voices were tugging at me in all directions.
"No, Your Highness. We're on time, if not early. It is the Crown Prince desiring for you to arrive, he is anxious to meet you. Please, watch your step Your Highness."
Perfect, I smile to myself. I step off of the plane and onto the runway. My eyes lifted to the thousands of people that were waiting for me. I offer a formal bow to the Royal Guards and turn my attention to the people. I smile and deeply bow to as many of them as possible, they surrounded the barricade. Camera shutters fill my senses and I am escorted to the town car waiting to take me to the palace.
This was it.
There is no more preparation.
I’m about to meet my husband.
We pull up to the palace and my eyes are met with the amazing, awe-striking structure. I felt small as I looked out of the window at the walls built around the patio. Marble columns support the pilaster with vibrant red and yellow paintings in beautiful shapes. The entire building was in a rectangular shape with an opening in the middle for the palace garden, I had done my research before leaving and the palace was much more beautiful in person than in pictures.
Behind the walls guarding the palace was a driveway that wrapped around a small garden fixture, a fountain made of marble sat in the middle in a large oval. Rose bushes and wild flowers sprouted from the ground in full bloom. If this is what the entrance looked like, I could only imagine what the palace garden in the courtyard looked like. That’s what I really wanted to see. The car pulls to a stop and the door opens, a Royal Guard bows his head and offers his hand to me. I take it and step out of the car, feeling the nerves once again in my chest.
"Princess Alina, welcome to our Kingdom's Royal Palace." the Royal Guard bows. I mindlessly curtsy, a sudden lapse in my cultural judgement. I quickly correct myself with crimson cheeks, mentally scolding myself for forgetting they don’t curtsy in Seoul. The Royal Guard smiles kindly. "Princess, there is no need to bow to me. I am your servant.”
“Sir, you work hard to protect the Royal Family of Seoul. Your daily sacrifice must worry your family when you come to work. Please accept my gratitude, as I give it to every servant of this kingdom and my home kingdom.” I offer happily. The Royal Guard is taken aback from my kindness, but warmly accepts it. I clasp my hands together and notice that my future in laws saw this entire interaction. I see the line of dukes, duchesses and their families awaiting me. The three highest regarded Dukes come into my vision: Dukes Chanyeol, Baekhyun and Yixing, the Crown Prince’s cousins.
"Your Highness, welcome to the Kingdom of Seoul. I am Duke Chanyeol. It is a pleasure to meet you." the tallest man smiles with a formal bow. "At my side are Duke Baekhyun and Duke Yixing. We are under the direct command of Crown Prince Kyungsoo."
"We will be at your command when you and the Crown Prince marry." Duke Yixing adds, bowing next.
"Please accept our welcome." Duke Baekhyun bows.
"Thank you for your kind and warm greetings, I hope to become further acquainted as we spend more time together." I bow to each of them individually. Duke Chanyeol’s eyes follow me as I walk away. I smile and nod at his kindness and greet the rest of the family. His eyes don’t leave me as I bow and shake hands with the Doh family. I hope that this won’t be a problem, especially with how Duke Yixing whispers in his ear and he finally looks away like a scolded child. I focus on the path ahead to the Throne Room where King Bonhwa and Queen Hyunae are waiting for my formal greeting.
"Announcing the arrival of Princess Alina the Second of Mariposa, Kingdom of Valencia." a Royal Guard bellows. I walk forward and make eye contact with King Bonhwa and Queen Hyunae. A soft smile spreads across my face and I formally greet them with a deep bow. When I meet their eyes again, I take a deep breath to try and center myself. This has to go perfectly. There’s no other option.
"Please accept the formal greetings of King Ignacio and Queen Evelina of the Kingdom of Valencia. It is my greatest honor to be in your presence, your Highnesses." I say in a warm tone, trying my hardest not to show how nervous I am. As long as the King and Queen are pleased, I did well.
"You are so rehearsed." Queen Hyunae comments. The words of the Queen take me aback, I was expecting something a bit more centered on the Kingdom alliance with Valencia or at least an extension of a proper greeting. I wasn’t prepared for this, the tutors swore up and down that the Queen approved of me, she chose me for her son after all. Now, I have no idea where she stands and I could have very well lost her favor. I can’t falter, I can’t show any weakness. I bow again and turn my attention to Queen Hyunae.
“My apologies, Your Highness. I have been eagerly awaiting the day we would meet. It has been well over 15 years.” I hope that covers it. What that enough? The Queen’s cold stare chills my spine, but I maintain my composure enough to earn a small nod.
"My Queen, mind your manners," King Bonhwa chuckles, squeezing his wife’s hand as he tries to hide is irritation. "Welcome to our kingdom, Princess Alina. We are overjoyed for this betrothal. The Crown Prince has been anxiously awaiting your arrival."
King Bonhwa gestures to his left, I turn and see the reason why I’m here in the first place.
Crown Prince Kyungsoo.
He stood at attention; his black decorated military uniform tailored to fit his body nicely. From my standpoint I can only see the Crown Prince’s side profile and it was a beautiful one. He is mine, my betrothed.
Crown Prince Kyungsoo turns on his heels and walks toward me. His beautiful, coy smile brightens everything around him. My heart pounds in my chest as the Crown Prince approaches, his presence in itself demanding. I lower my head to bow but he stops me by resting his fingers under my chin. I obey his non-verbal command to meet his eyes, my cheeks reddened at our eye contact. He places my hand on his chest and bows his head, when he comes up his lips press onto my knuckles.
"Princess Alina, we finally meet." His deep voice awakens feelings that are foreign to me. Sure, I heard him speak before on TV, but it's another thing to feel his tone reverberate in my chest, rest in my bones. I attempt to bow before my future husband politely and he allows me to. I’m growing accustomed to his hand holding mine, it felt so right to have his fingers laced with mine.
"It is an honor, Your Grace." I manage to reply.
"You really are a beautiful woman," Crown Prince Kyungsoo dreamily comments. "I had become acquainted with your face in photos, but they do you no justice."
"Thank you, Your Grace." My red cheeks deepen in color, I know it. I remember to lower my head as respectfully as I can without giggling like a schoolgirl.
“Why don’t the two of you get better acquainted? Show the Princess our lovely palace, her new home.” King Bonhwa suggests.
“Yes, your Highness,” Crown Prince Kyungsoo bows to his father. He turns his attention back to me and offers a sweet smile.
“It is an honor to be betrothed to the Crown Prince, Your Highness. I am forever indebted to Your Graces.” I bow to King Bonhwa, just as I practiced. We leave the Throne Room and the Crown Prince places his hands in his pockets. My heart threatens to burst in my chest, my betrothed is next to me and not far away or a dream.
“Welcome to your new home, Princess.” Crown Prince Kyungsoo says sweetly. I clasp my hands behind my back and fall in step with him, listening to his explanations of the history of the palace, every art piece that hangs on each wall, and a view of the massive garden from a balcony at the top floor of the palace. The architecture made it feel both modern and historic, remnants still remain of the old palace before King Bonhwa decided to remodel everything to have a more “chic” look to it. It honestly looked like he picked up a copy of Architectural Digest and went nuts on the mix of wooden and marble textures. The interior starkly contrasted what I saw around me, except for the garden area. It still had its original structures. The design suits the Crown Prince very well, it can be assumed he had something to with the minimalistic details. I felt his eyes glancing at me with a craving of approval and his eager hand reaching for mine. He takes me down the stairs and to the first level of the palace, we stop at double black metal doors.
“This is my favorite part of the palace, Princess. This is my personal library and music room. Do you enjoy reading and music?” The Crown Prince inquires as he opens the door for me. I look around and instantly fall in love. I could get lost in this library and be found in bliss. I skim the vast library, careful not to touch any of the books that are settled neatly on the shelves. The musk-woodsy smell of old books soothed me, easing the tension I’m creating in myself. Across from the bookshelves are endless shelves of vinyl records, some on display and others in a row on lower shelves. A magnificent record player sits in the corner of the room next to a sofa. I imagined the Crown Prince reclined playing a soft blues record and reading one of his many books… The thought occurs of us together in that couch, cuddled up together and reading as he listens to music. Ahh… what a dream…
“I do, Your Highness. I greatly adore poetry and music.” I softly respond. I turn to the Crown Prince and meet his eyes. We’re away from the guards, he could sneak a kiss, an embrace, but not once does he invade my space. The only thing of his that is on me is his eyes, not his hands or his lips. God, his eyes were gorgeous. Fatigue hits me like a tidal wave, I quickly cover my mouth to hide my yawn. The Crown Prince chuckles to himself, reaching for my hand. “Oh, my apologies, Crown Prince.”
“Princess, you must be tired from your travels. I will escort you to your chambers so you can rest.” At the first touch on my back, my guard goes up, discomfort halting the warm feeling flowing in my veins. I don’t want to be alone with the Crown Prince just yet. I shy away from his touch and nod, hiding my panic. Not a word is spoken, the only thing speaking is the nervous tension between us. The entire mood shifted as soon as he touched me, my body coursing with adrenaline. I make note of every exit I can find just in case I need to make a quick escape. We enter my chambers, but I grab the Crown Prince’s arm to prevent him from going any further.
“Finally, we can be alone, Your Highness.” He steps closer but I take a step back.
“Crown Prince, I want to stay here in the common area.” I blurt.
“Relax, Princess. I understand you’re nervous. I just want to talk. I am more than happy with staying here.” Kyungsoo agrees with an audible sigh. I study him and watch his smile fade into a stoic glare, replacing the once jovial glow on his face. “Alright, now we can discuss the reality of this… Situation."
"I'm sorry?" my anxiety builds in my chest. What is he talking about?
"Princess, Princess… Don’t be foolish. This is an arrangement for our countries to survive an impending war. It is purely a public declaration of our nation’s alliance in a time of uncertainty caused by your father. Not to speak ill of your father. He’s a great man, very kind, Princess." The Crown Prince mockingly grins. I stare into the eyes I just seconds ago adored, growing mistrust with each moment that passes. Was our afternoon together all an act? He chuckles to himself, crossing his arms. “Ah, did you really think I was actually interested in you? You’re so naïve, it’s pitiful. I knew marrying a girl five years younger than me wasn’t a good idea.”
I remain composed, holding back the urge to cry… Or slap his annoyingly handsome face. Irritation bubbles underneath my skin, mocking my foolish heart. I tap my heel on the ground in frustration, unwilling to let him win. “Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?”
"No, Princess, who do you think you are to speak to your Crown Prince with such disrespect?"
"If I am not mistaken, Your Grace, I am nothing but another nation’s princess to you until we are wed. You are not my Crown Prince. You disrespected your betrothed, I did nothing of the sort to you." I stare directly in his eyes, terrified of what will happen next. The man before me was just a mask. How can he stand there so unaffected? I narrow my gaze but it doesn’t work, he challenges me. He won’t look away, he won’t budge. "I deserve an apology."
"You believe that you deserve an apology? What kind of princess was I promised? You are unbelievably disrespectful. Your Highness, I don't care how you feel. In fact,” Kyungsoo turns and puts his hand gently on the side of my face, his thumb grazing my cheek as he stares deeply into her eyes. I startle at the sudden touch, my body stiffens in disgust. Is this all I’ll be good for? Treated however a man wants to treat me? Threatened, I back away and the Crown Prince scoffs. "This betrothal is only an agreement our fathers made over Soju when we were children. There are loopholes to every law and agreement."
What a sadistic creep! He’s really enjoying hitting every weak point and watching me crumble before him. I bite the inside of my lip to stop myself from crying, I can’t cry in front of him. Now, I’m angry. I take my hand, reach up and pull Kyungsoo’s hand away from my face, settling it at his side. Not even in my mind did I want to properly address him. I create space between us and take back the power in this struggle. He can’t win, I won’t let him. He must be so used to getting his way and calling the shots, but not anymore.
"I am aware of the loopholes." I nod. "And if you plan on hurting me every single day of our lives, you'll have to do much better than pick at my insecurities."
Kyungsoo’s eyes widen as I take the upper hand, to his surprise. He’s losing his edge, and I am losing my own mask in faking this confidence. "I would not waste my time on your feelings every single day, that is where you are wrong. Let me make this abundantly clear to you. The whole world is watching. As far as anyone knows, we are a match made in heaven. We are the textbook love at first sight match, the one this stupid alliance hoped for. I do not want to hear any nagging from my parents, or even worse, yours. Be a good girl and I will reward you."
"Reward me?" I scoff. He steps into my space again but does not touch me. The closeness makes my body shiver. He knows this is all a façade, he has to. I’m still stuck on how he told me to be a good girl. Why did I like that?
"Really? Come on, Princess. Think about it, I'll buy you whatever you want. All you have to do is name it and it will be yours. I will send you wherever you want to go, anywhere in the world. If there ever is a physical need, Princess, I can satisfy your body to perfection. I know you wore this lovely outfit to impress me. It would be foolish of me to deny that you possess an intoxicating beauty. It will make it all the more enjoyable for me to give in to your cravings, desires… Everything can be yours. Play along, let me do what I want, and you can have the same freedom." Kyungsoo smiles and my thoughts dizzy me. Physical need? Satisfy my body to perfection?
Suddenly, I know what this is all about.
"What is it you really want? You want other women?" I cross my arms. "Am I just going to be the image? The one that gives you heirs?"
Kyungsoo laughs and paces in front of me. “You… You are the physical manifestation of my chains that shackle me to a destiny I never wanted. I refuse to succumb to a life my parents arranged for me. We can have a beautiful, platonic relationship with the added benefits. This between us is a business transaction, nothing more, nothing less. I never wanted to be married, Princess. You’re just another addition to my annoyance."
"So, your thoughts on me are based on a choice that didn’t belong to either of us. It’s not like I asked for this, either. I figured we’d face this together, not like this. Just be honest with me and with yourself, Your Highness. You would not be the first or last Prince to… Court… Multiple women."
"That is not my purpose. Just behave, be the Princess I was told you were. Out of all your sisters, you're the most obedient and willing to please, are you not?" Kyungsoo leans in and I take another step back. I’m defeated, he won.
"Fine. This will be a loveless marriage as you wish. But I refuse to be disrespected."
Kyungsoo clicks his tongue and crosses his arms. He leans forward again, lifting my chin with his fingers. "Good girl. Of course I will respect you, you just needed to know where I stood. I will see you at dinner. And by the way, never accuse me of being an adulterer again.”
Kyungsoo turns and leaves me in my chambers. As soon as the door closes, I break. I am a fool, and I’m sure everyone knows it. How was I so blinded by him? He’s no different than anyone else in our world. Kind to his subjects, rude to everyone else in private. A business transaction? As if I’m a good that can be sold. Even worse, I know I’m just a pawn in a grand scheme plan to keep the world together. I drag myself to the bedroom, taking my dress out for the dinner tonight. If Kyungsoo wants this to be a game, I am now a willing participant. I cry myself to sleep, needing a nap from this horrible afternoon.
"A gift from the Crown Prince, your Highness."
“Thank you, sir.” I bow my head politely and takes the box from the Royal Guard, my fingers running across my name that’s handwritten on the perfectly wrapped gift. I wipe the sleep from my eyes and set the box on my bed. I rip the paper and see a cell phone lying in a box with accessories in my favorite colors. In Valencia, I wasn’t allowed to own a phone, this pleasant surprise was another freedom I never knew in her home country. A note falls out of the packaging addressed to me.
For when I need to get ahold of you. You need to answer if I call or text. My number is already programmed in your contacts. I heard you liked gold, so I got you this model. Don’t be late to dinner. – DKS
A gift? From the Crown Prince?
How kind…
How suspicious.
I press the phone on and immediately a text filters into my message app.
Handsome Husband
Let me know you got the gift,
Princess.
Alina
…Thank you, Your Grace.
Handsome Husband?
Handsome Husband
Yes, Princess.
Don’t change it.
I read it’s romantic.
Alina
Your Highness, if I may…
I would not call you that.
The internet shouldn’t tell you
what is romantic.
Your heart should.
Handsome Husband
Hm.
Fair.
What would you call me,
Princess Alina?
Alina
Crown Prince.
You do not want to know.
Thank you for the gift.
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