Fanfic💛❤️
[The King, His Son, and a Young Master by SleepieZie
What,” Cale asked incredulously.
“My father, the king, wishes to have tea with us… trust me, I’m as confused as you are,” Alberu sighs. This was the last thing that Cale had expected during his stay at the capitol.]
Tcf Violan sipped her tea, her expression calm as ever, though her eyebrow twitched ever so slightly at Tcf Cale’s incredulous reaction. “The king inviting them for tea?” she murmured, setting her cup down with a thoughtful look. “Interesting.”
Tcf Rosalyn, chuckled. “Oh, I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Cale looks like he’d rather face a battlefield than sit for tea with a king.”
Tcf Tasha laughed, crossing her arms. “That’s because he would rather face a battlefield. I bet he’s thinking about how to escape already.”
Tcf Taylor leaned forward, watching Tcf Alberu sigh heavily . “Alberu looks just as done with this as Cale does.”
Hong snickered, curled up next to On. “I don’t blame him. A royal invitation sounds like a lot of work.”
On nodded wisely. “And it’s suspicious. Why now?”
Raon, sitting beside them with his wings twitching in excitement, suddenly flapped them hard. “But this is amazing! Maybe the king finally acknowledges our human’s greatness!” His tail thumped against the floor. “Maybe he will reward him!”
Tcf Cale’s groan echoed, and the group watching collectively burst into laughter.
Tcf Bud wiped a fake tear from his eye. “I swear, the moment Cale hears something remotely troublesome, you can see his soul leaving his body.”
Tcf Violan simply sighed, shaking her head. “He really should work on his reactions.”
Tboah Choi Han inquired“ Why do you think that the king would ask for the two of them”
Tboah Alberu’s tired voice rang out "Trust me, I’m as confused as you are."
Tcf Rosalyn smirked. “And there it is. Alberu and Cale, both suffering together. Truly a sight to behold.”
Tcf Cale, still groaning while rubbed his temples as if already regretting his entire existence.
Tcf Tasha grinned. “I think the real question is: how long before Cale tries to run?”
The group erupted into laughter once again, fully invested in the drama unfolding before them.
[“And you have no idea as to the reason for said tea?” Cale asks incredulously, the only ‘interaction’ Cale had ever had with the king was before the bloodthirsty mage Redika attacked and even then, it was a silent and common acknowledgment.
“Dongsang, I have no clue as to what thoughts pass through my father's mind and clench the idea it creates.” Alberu informs him, rubbing his forehead to massage away an oncoming migraine.]
The tension, the confusion, the exasperation it was all so entertaining.
Tboah Violan sighed, setting her teacup down with a small clink. “He really doesn’t have any patience for surprises, does he?” she mused, watching Tcf Cale’s incredulous expression.
Tcf Rosalyn smirked. “Not at all. But, to be fair, I’d be suspicious too if the king suddenly wanted to have tea with me.”
Tboah Tasha leaned forward, watching Tcf Alberu massage his forehead. “Poor Alberu,” she chuckled. “The man already looks exhausted, and the conversation hasn’t even started yet.”
Tcf Taylor nodded, his lips twitching in amusement. “It’s honestly impressive how Cale and Alberu always end up in situations that make them both miserable.”
Hong snickered, nudging On with his tail. “Alberu really said ‘I have no idea what goes on in my father’s mind, and I don’t want to know’.”
Tcf Ron hummed in agreement. “Smart. Overthinking can be dangerous.”
Tboah Violan shook her head, watching as Tcf Alberu continued rubbing his temples. “At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if Alberu’s migraines are entirely Cale’s fault.”
Tboah Rosalyn smirked, watching as Tcf Cale’s incredulous stare remained fixed on Tcf Alberu. “And there it is the moment Cale regrets ever asking for clarification.”
Tboah Bud crossed her arms, a grin forming. “Bet you all five gold that Cale is already planning how to get out of this tea meeting.”
The group exchanged amused glances, fully invested in the unfolding chaos. Whatever happened next, one thing was certain watching Tcf Cale suffer through a political meeting was almost as entertaining as watching him try to avoid them.
[“He wishes to see us right away; it is impolite to keep the King waiting.” Alberu says before leading himself and Cale towards the king in his gardens.]
The room fell into silence for a brief moment before a collective wave of amusement and curiosity washed over the group.
Tcf Violan let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head. “Well, at least Alberu still remembers his etiquette,” she remarked, her tone dry. “Cale, on the other hand…”
Tboah Rosalyn chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. “He looks like he’s being led to his execution rather than a tea party.”
Tcf Tasha smirked, crossing her arms. “That’s because, to him, there’s no difference. A royal meeting is just another battle in his eyes.”
Tcf Taylor raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. “I suppose it is unusual for the king to call for them so suddenly. This isn’t just a casual invitation.”
Hong grinned, resting his chin on his paws. “Cale must be dying inside. He’s probably already thinking of ways to escape.”
Tcf Choi Han nodded sagely. “But he won’t. Alberu won’t let him.”
Cale’s clear reluctance was obvious, and it only made the situation even more amusing to watch. The entire group knew one undeniable truth Cale Henituse had no problem facing death, destruction, or disasters, but sitting through a polite conversation with a king? That was a nightmare in its own right.
[Gazing upon the young Henituse, the king's heart races, “Young Henituse, son, please have a seat,” Zed Crossman greets. Alberu and Cale subtly glance at one another before taking a seat in the offered chairs.
“Young Henituse, pardon me for being impolite, but you look exactly like your mother.” Zed Crossman says before taking a quick look at his son’s face and sipping at his tea “And by the looks of things, you act like your mother as well.”
Tboah Rosalyn raised an eyebrow, intrigue flashing across her face. “For King Zed to make such an open remark…” she trailed off, tapping a finger against her chin. “It’s not just an observation. It feels deliberate.”
Tcf Tasha let out a low whistle, exchanging a knowing glance with Tboah Eruhaben. “Well, that explains a few things,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “I’ve always wondered why Cale had that particular face when in the presents of the king.”
Tboah Eruhaben sighed, rubbing his temple as though he had long suspected something like this. “That man is bold, I’ll give him that,” he muttered. “But I wonder what he’s aiming for by saying it outright.”
Tboah Choi Han’s expression darkened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his gaze. “I don’t think this is just a casual statement,” he said quietly. “There’s something behind the king’s words.”
Tboah Bud let out a chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. “Well, of course there is! Royals don’t just throw out comments like that for no reason. He’s testing the waters, I’d bet.”
Everyone could sense the undercurrent of tension beneath the king’s words. A statement like that wasn’t made lightly especially not from Zed Crossman. Whatever this meeting was truly about, it was already clear that it wouldn’t be a simple one.
Meanwhile both Zed’s watching felt a bit offended at their words.
[“Pardon me your majesty?” Cale asks, only his town revealing his shocked response. Only ever having been told that he looks like his mother.
“Your Mother Jour Thames… She never actually took your father’s last name you know,” Zed says amused. “That woman… Did you ever get that book?” He inquires with a knowing raised eyebrow.]
Tcf Ron’s ever-present smile didn’t waver, but his eyes, sharp as ever, glinted with something dangerous. “Oh my,” he murmured, voice deceptively light. “What an interesting thing for His Majesty to reveal so casually.”
Tcf Beacrox, standing by his father’s side, said nothing, but the subtle clench of his jaw betrayed his thoughts.
Tcf Rosalyn brows furrowed slightly before she leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping against her armrest. “Jour Thames,” she repeated softly, as if testing the name on her tongue. “A noblewoman who never took her husband’s last name… How intriguing.”
Tboah Eruhaben let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That fool of a king,” he muttered. “He’s playing a game with that boy, and I don’t like it.”
Tboah Choi Han’s expression darkened, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. “It feels deliberate,” he said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. “ Like he wanted Cale to hear that.”
Tboah Tasha crossed her arms, her expression serious. “I don’t like this,” she muttered. “Why bring it up now? Why even mention some book?”
Everyone felt the weight of the revelation settle over them. This wasn’t just some casual remark from the king this was a deliberate move. One that hinted at secrets yet to be unraveled.
And in the center of it all was Tcf Cale, once again, unknowingly tied to something far greater than he had anticipated.
[“…Yes your majesty...” Cale responds, trying to hide his suspicion.
“Your Mother… you never heard of her after her passing, correct?” Zed asks, as though he already knew the answer.]
Tcf Violan’s grip on her teacup was firm, her composed expression barely wavering, but those who knew her well could see the tension in the way she held herself. What is the king trying to imply? she wondered. She had always respected Jour Thames, but there was little known about her past.
Tcf Deruth, on the other hand, had gone rigid. His face remained neutral, but his knuckles turned white as he clenched the armrest of his chair.
Tboah Ron, ever the observer, let out a quiet chuckle, though there was an undeniable sharpness behind his eyes. “What an interesting way to phrase that, Your Majesty,” he murmured to himself. Zed Crossman isn’t just making conversation.
Tboah Beacrox stood silently at his father’s side, his face unreadable, though he subtly adjusted his grip on the knife he had been cleaning. A habit, perhaps, but those who knew him well recognized it as a sign of unease.
Tcf Alberu’s royal siblings, seated at another table, exchanged glances. The eldest, Adin Crossman, frowned slightly. “For Father to mention something like this…” he muttered, voice low. He had never cared much for Cale Henituse, but he could sense that this wasn’t a simple remark.
“We’ve never heard much about Lady Jour Thames,” another noble whispered to her companion. “She was always a mystery, wasn’t she?”
“I thought she was just a noblewoman who married into the Henituse family,” another commented. “But the way the king is speaking…”
Tboah Rosalyn, listening quietly, narrowed her eyes. “A king doesn’t ask questions he doesn’t already know the answers to,” she said, her voice filled with understanding. “This isn’t small talk. He wants Cale to think about it.”
Tboah Tasha hummed in agreement, arms crossed. “That means whatever he’s leading to isn’t going to be simple.”
Tcf Choi Han sat stiffly, his fingers twitching slightly. “There’s something deeper here,” he muttered under his breath. His instincts, honed through countless battles and hardships, told him that this conversation was about far more than a simple family history.
Tcf Bud leaned back, rubbing his chin. “Never heard of her after her passing? Hah. That’s an interesting choice of words, isn’t it?” He smirked, though there was no humor in his eyes.
The other nobles remained tense, listening in with barely concealed interest. Some were merely entertained by the unfolding drama, while others those who understood the weight of words in politics realized that the king was guiding this conversation somewhere intentional.
There was no doubt about it now.
Tcf Zed Crossman wasn’t merely reminiscing. He was revealing something. Something that had been left untouched for years. And Tcf Cale, as always, was caught right in the middle of it.
[“…No your majesty.” was the reply that Cale gave. Alberu just looks at the two, trying to compartmentalise what was happening.
“Damn Deruth…” Zed mutters in a sigh\
“Well… Simply putting it, your mother was a pain in my ass.” Zed says simply, both Cale and Alberu spit out their tea at the king using such a crass word in such a frank manner.]
A stunned silence filled the room, followed immediately by an eruption of reactions.
Tboah Deruth, on the other hand, looked as if he had been physically struck. His jaw tightened, and his fingers dug into the armrests of his chair. “Damn Deruth…” The way Zed sighed his name, as if exasperated, only added to the growing storm of emotions swirling in his chest. “Jour…” he murmured, his mind racing through memories of his late wife, of the woman who had always been more than what she seemed. Just what did she do to make even the king speak of her this way?
Tboah Ron’s usually calm expression didn’t falter, but his eyes glinted with interest. “My, my,” he murmured, voice smooth as ever. “To hear a king speak so plainly about Lady Jour … Now that is something.” He carefully poured more tea, as if this were just another casual afternoon conversation.
Tboah Rosalyn, who had been watching intently, burst into laughter, unable to contain her amusement. “Oh, now I really want to know what kind of woman she was,” she said, a smirk tugging at her lips. “It’s not every day you see a king break decorum like that.”
Tcf Choi Han, still processing, rubbed his temples. “I… don’t think I’ve ever seen Cale-nim and Alberu react that way at the same time.”
Tcf Tasha snickered. “They spit out their tea. A prince and a nobleman, completely losing their composure. That alone tells us everything we need to know.”
The nobles in the room whispered amongst themselves, completely drawn in.
“The king himself called Lady Thames a pain? What kind of woman was she?”
“And Count Deruth… Look at him. He looks like he’s been hit with a revelation.”
“Whatever this is, it’s not just gossip. The king is revealing something important.”
The royal family members, seated near one another, had varying reactions.
Tboah Adin Crossman sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Of course. Another headache in the making.”
Tboah Alberu who was still from the shock, he was so still that he could pass as a statue was letting mumbled words fall from his mouth.
His younger sibling, the third prince however, looked intrigued. “If Father remembers her so well, she must have left quite an impression,” he murmured.
The Whales, seated quietly but listening keenly, exchanged glances. Tcf Witira smiled knowingly. “Anyone who can get under a king’s skin like that must have been truly something.”
Tcf Paseton, beside her, nodded. “I wonder how much of her Cale inherited.”
Meanwhile, the Dark Elves, Tcf Gashan in particular, looked deep in thought. “Something about this… feels like it’s leading to something bigger,” he muttered to Tcf Tasha.
Tcf Tasha hummed in agreement. “That’s because it is. The king wouldn’t speak this way unless it was important.”
Through it all, one thing became clear Jour Thames was no ordinary noblewoman.
And with the king himself speaking so candidly, the mystery surrounding her only deepened.
[Zed chuckles to himself “The first time we met was when she climbed through my private Quarters window,”]
A stunned silence stretched across the room before chaos erupted.
“She what?” Tboah Rosalyn her usual composed demeanor vanishing as disbelief overtook her features. “Did I hear that correctly?”
Tcf Tasha blinked before letting out a low whistle, a grin spreading across her face. “Climbing through the king’s window? Now I see where Cale gets it from.”
Tcf Eruhaben groaned, massaging his temples. “Of course she did,” he muttered under his breath. “Why am I even surprised anymore?”
Tcf Violan, ever the composed noblewoman, only raised an eyebrow. Though her expression remained impassive, the slight tightening of her lips betrayed her thoughts.
Tcf Deruth, however, was entirely frozen, his mind unable to process the image of his wife sneaking into the king’s private chambers. “…That can’t be right,” he mumbled, almost as if trying to convince himself.
Tboah Choi Han, still reeling from the revelation, muttered, “Just what kind of person was she?”
Tcf Bud smacked his knee, laughing heartily. “That’s amazing ! Sneaking into a king’s quarters like it’s nothing Jour Thames must have been legendary!”
The nobles, seated around the room, broke into hushed discussions.
“Lady Thames snuck into the king’s private chambers? What in the world…”
“Who was she before marrying into the Henituse family?”
“First, the king says she was a pain, and now this? Just what is he trying to tell us?”
Among the royal family, Tcf Adin Crossman let out an exhausted sigh. “Every time I think I understand Father, he throws something like this at us.”
The third prince muttered, “I don’t know whether to be impressed or worried.”
Tcf Witira smiling. “If she could bypass royal security, then she wasn’t just bold she was just incredibly skilled.”
Tcf Paseton nodded. “It makes me wonder what kind of life she led before settling in Henituse territory.”
The Dark Elves, too, looked intrigued. “If she had that kind of ability… was she really just a noblewoman?”
Meanwhile, Tboah Alberu, who had simply been trying to compartmentalize everything thrown at him, ran a hand down his face.
Tboah Cale, mirroring him exactly, groaned. “I don’t even know why I’m surprised.”
“That just Sounds like something mother would do right” Kim Rok Soo Whispered to Tboah Cale.
One thing was clear Jour Thames wasn’t just an ordinary noblewoman. And with each new revelation, it became increasingly obvious that there was far more to her story than anyone had ever imagined.
[Cale is still at that, not expecting similarities to have been that deep. Alberu notices Cale’s frozen stature and looks at him questionably.
“How she got through all the magic and past the guards still baffles me,” the King admits. “Honestly… and then with your mother Alberu,” the king sighs, exasperated. “You have no idea how many times I’ve walked into both of your mother’s plotting to commit treason by burning down the Mogoru Empire…. I still have their plans written in Crayon.” He chuckles.]
A stunned silence blanketed the room as the weight of the king’s words sank in. Then ..
Tboah Bud nearly doubled over in laughter, gripping his sides. “Burning down the Mogoru Empire? Treason? And in crayon?” he wiped at the corner of her eye, grinning. “I think I just found my new idols.”
Tcf Choi Han sat frozen, trying to piece together what had just been revealed. He had already been surprised by what little he had learned about Cale’s mother, but this? She and Alberu’s mother worked together to commit treason? He glanced at Cale, who unsurprisingly looked absolutely done with everything.
Tcf Bud slapped his knee, roaring with laughter. “This is incredible! Not only was she fearless, but she actually roped in the queen consort? That’s next-level!”
Meanwhile, across the room, the royal family was frozen.
Tcf Adin Crossman coughed awkwardly. “I uh did not expect to hear that today.”
Tcf Third prince leaned toward him, whispering, “So Alberu’s Mother was like that?”
The nobles, however, had completely descended into hushed whispers.
“The queen consort and Lady Thames were plotting against the Mogoru Empire?”
“And the king still has their plans?”
“In crayon? They were writing treasonous documents in crayon?”
Tcf Witira and Tcf Paseton exchanged glances, their amusement barely contained.
Tcf Paseton finally broke the silence between them. “I… don’t think I’ll ever hear a better story than this.”
Tcf Witira smirked. “If anyone ever wondered where Cale and Alberu get their reckless ideas from, I think we just got our answer.”
Tcf Gashan finally muttered, “I see… so the queens of their generation were just as chaotic as their sons.”
The truth was undeniable now. Jour Thames and Queen Consort Lilia weren’t just powerful women they had been absolute menaces to society.
And, unfortunately for Cale and Alberu… they had inherited everything.
[Alberu looks shocked at his father mentioning his mother, and even more shocked at the additional information he’d been given. With a quick glance to Cale, Alberu pales, a sharp grin had overtaken Cale features accompanied with a wicked gleam in his eye.
“Jour was an incorrigible little shit, mini Thames,” the king says, falling into memory, not realising his slip. “A ballsy headache that woman was,” Zed continues to chuckle to himself reminiscing on memories of the past. “She was a nightmare in human skin…. There’s a reason why nobody truly knew of the Thames, your mother was the perfect example of what a Thames heir is.” He says with a hint of pride in his tone.]
Tboah Ron his eyes gleamed with newfound interest. “How fascinating,” he murmured. A hidden family, unknown even among nobles? The implications ran deep.
Tboah Rosalyn let out a low whistle. “A nightmare in human skin?” She smirked. “I think we just found out where Cale gets it from.”
Tcf Choi Han said nothing, but his gaze flickered between Tcf Alberu’s pale face and the sharp, dangerous grin overtaking Tcf Cale’s features. He swallowed. That was not a good sign.
Tcf Tasha chuckled under her breath. “Ballsy, huh?” She glanced at Tcf Cale. “Yeah, sounds about right.”
Tboah Bud let out a booming laugh. “She really was a menace! No wonder the king still remembers her so vividly!”
On and Hong exchanged looks.
On flicked her tail. “Cale’s planning something.”
Hong nodded. “And it’s going to be fun.”
Meanwhile, the nobles whispered amongst themselves, eyes darting between the king and Cale.
“The Thames…? A hidden family?”
“And why does His Majesty sound fond of them?”
Tcf Witira and Tcf Paseton remained quiet, but Witira smiled knowingly. “It’s rare to hear a king speak so freely.”
Tcf Gashan muttered, “A family built on secrecy… yet their heir was known to a king?”
[“My mother seemed to have been quite the handful,” Cale notes, hiding his grin behind his teacup. Alberu begins thinking over his own relationship with Cale, seeing the similarities between the two made him more curious and exasperated.]
Tboah Alberu, who had been quietly observing, felt a strange sense of familiarity in the way Tcf Alberu looked at Cale. He knew that look all too well he had spent years feeling the same way about his own troublesome people. But there was something different about this. Tcf Alberu trusted Cale deeply, something Tboah Alberu couldn’t quite comprehend.
Tboah Eruhaben observed quietly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “A handful indeed,” she murmured. “Though I’d argue he’s even worse.”
Tcf Ron chuckled lightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Ah, but of course. Young Master Cale has always been exceptional at causing trouble.”
Tcf Rosalyn sipped her tea, her crimson eyes gleaming with mischief. “I’d say we’re looking at a second coming of Jour Thames.”
Tcf Choi Han, watching the way Tcf Alberu’s expression shifted between understanding and dread, had to stifle a laugh. He’s realizing it too.
Tboah Choi Han, however, had a different reaction. His fingers curled slightly as he watched Tcf Cale, feeling an odd twist in his chest. He had always seen Tcf Cale as someone who had everything under control, but hearing about his mother’s nature made him wonder how much of Tcf Cale’s behavior was instinct, and how much was heritage?
On and Hong exchanged glances, their tails flicking in sync.
On nodded. “Cale is just like her.”
Hong grinned. “Maybe worse.”
Raon, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. “Of course! My human is amazing! He must have inherited his mother’s greatness!”
Meanwhile, the nobles whispered among themselves, some amused, some nervous.
“The resemblance isn’t just in looks, is it?”
“This explains so much.”
Tcf Adin Crossman sighed, rubbing his temple. “I feel sorry for my brother.”
Tboah Alberu crossed his arms, watching the scene unfold with deep thought. ‘Jour Thames was the perfect example of what a Thames heir is’. The king’s words echoed in his mind. He didn’t know much about the Thames.
Tcf Witira and Tcf Paseton exchanged amused glances, both seeing how truly alike Cale and his mother were.
Tcf Gashan murmured, “Fate repeats itself in the most interesting ways.”
Tcf Alberu, still staring at Tcf Cale, finally let out a deep breath. “Cale.”
Tcf Cale, his sharp grin still hidden behind his teacup, hummed in response.
Tcf Alberu narrowed his eyes. “You’re just like her.”
Tcf Cale finally lowered his cup, smirking. “What gave it away?”
Tcf Alberu groaned, already regretting everything.
Tboah Alberu, on the other hand, could only stare at the two of them, feeling more lost than ever. Is this what having your full trust in someone looks like?
[“I see, so the behaviour that my sworn brother exhibits is simply a byproduct of his genetics,” Alberu says as a teasing remark towards Cale. A smirk settled on Alberu’s face, his amusement clear at the fact that his father had suffered a similar fate with Cale’s mother. “What a pity father, how did you ever deal?” Alberu asked, still amused.
Zed’s eyes twitched at his son’s attitude and amusement, however he kept his calm “Well son, she would only arrive once every month, however it seems as though young Thames has made himself quite comfortable in your private quarters.” Zed said with a raised eyebrow, enjoying as his son spat out his tea… the perfect revenge for his attempt at being snarky.]
A stunned silence filled the room. Then.
Cough!Splutter!
Tboah Alberu choked on his tea, coughing violently as his composure shattered in an instant. The smug amusement that had been on his face only seconds ago had completely disappeared, replaced by a mix of shock, disbelief, and sheer horror.
The Tcf group barely held back their laughter.
Tcf Rosalyn covered her mouth with a hand, her shoulders shaking slightly. “Oh, that was perfect,” she murmured in delight.
Raon, on the other hand, looked confused. “Of course the human is comfortable in his quarters! That is where he stays!” he declared proudly.
On and Hong snickered, watching Alberu’s flustered expression with undisguised amusement.
Tboah Alberu, who had been quietly observing, looked utterly bewildered. His worlds Cale he doesn’t really know him that much but he doesn’t seem like that kind of person.
He turned to Tboah Cale, raising an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t just… move in somewhere without saying anything, right?”
Tboah Cale shot him a flat look. “I have no idea why you’re even asking me that.”
Kim Rok Soo, who had been quietly watching, let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is exactly why I keep my distance from people,” he muttered. “The second you let them in, they start living in your house without permission.”
Tcf Tasha leaned toward Bud, grinning. “Alberu thought he was being clever, but the king got him good.”
Tcf Bud burst into laughter, slapping his knee. “Did you see his face?! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that flustered!”
The nobles, who had been whispering amongst themselves in amusement, were barely holding in their laughter.
Tcf Adin Crossman sighed dramatically. “This is the best day of my life.”
Tcf Robbit Crossman princes leaned toward him. “So that’s why Alberu always looks so stressed…”
Tcf Witira and Tcf Paseton exchanged grins.
Tcf Paseton smirked. “Looks like Cale is more than just an ally he’s a problem Alberu has to live with.”
Tcf Witira chuckled. “And it seems the king approves.”
Tcf Gashan shook his head in amusement. “It appears that Alberu has met his match.”
Tcf Alberu, still recovering, turned slowly to glare at Tcf Cale, his expression murderous. “Dongsaeng,” he said through gritted teeth. “You could at least pretend to be embarrassed.”
Tcf Cale took another sip of his tea, completely unfazed. “Why would I be? I am comfortable.”
Tcf Alberu groaned loudly, dragging a hand down his face as laughter erupted all around him.
[“Father!” Alberu exclaims, shocked at his fathers brazen words. Cale chooses to ignore the following conversation, just enjoying the tea he was given.
“I'm not judging son, you could certainly do worse,” Zed hums, looking between the two.
Alberu sputters in embarrassment at his fathers words “It isn’t like that,” He raises his voice, face burdened with a flush the same colour of Cale’s hair. “We aren’t in a relationship!” Alberu cried out abashed.]
Tcf Rosalyn, ever the instigator, let out a delighted laugh. “Oh, this is priceless,” she said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Alberu, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this flustered before.”
Tcf Choi Han blinked, glancing at present-day Tcf Cale and Tcf Alberu before back at the memory. His lips twitched. So this was how things were before…
Tcf Tasha grinned, nudging Bud. “Look at him! That’s the face of a man in denial.”
Tcf Bud, wiping a fake tear from his eye, cackled. “I think the best part is that Cale is just drinking his tea like none of this is happening.”
Raon, confused, tilted his head. “Human and the crown prince are in a relationship though, why is the cookie prince acting like this?” He flapped his wings.
On, watching with amusement, flicked her tail. “Because he didn’t know yet.”
Hong snickered. “He fought so hard against something inevitable.”
Kim Rok Soo, watching from the side, crossed his arms, unimpressed. “Denying things that are obvious just makes it worse.”
Tcf Adin Crossman, overhearing, smirked. “Oh, absolutely. And I plan to remind him of this moment forever.”
The nobles were barely containing their laughter, whispering among themselves.
“The king really didn’t hold back.”
“Alberu is still trying to argue, but his reaction says everything.”
Tcf Witira and Tcf Paseton exchanged glances before Witira chuckled. “It’s strange seeing Alberu so rattled. He’s usually so composed.”
Tcf Paseton nodded. “It’s almost refreshing.”
Tcf Gashan hummed in amusement. “Fate has a way of forcing people to confront what they refuse to acknowledge.”
Meanwhile, present-dayTcf Alberu buried his face in his hands. “Cale, I hate that you’re just watching this.”
Cale, sipping his tea, smirked. “I’m just enjoying my drink.”
Alberu groaned. Past him had been so insistent how was he ever going to live this down?
[“Sure you aren’t son,’’ Zed nods along almost condescendingly. “Just make sure the staff are aware not to walk in,” he says, giving his son a teasing wink. Alberu just places his face in his hands groaning, mortified. Meanwhile, Cale watches over the interaction with a glint in his eyes, happy that Alberu gets to have a relatively normal conversation with his father for once in his life.
“This is awfully entertaining,” Cale chuckles, finally finishing his tea, relishing in the fact that it wasn’t lemon tea that Ron would typically make for him.]
Tboah Rosalyn, on the other hand, was absolutely delighted. “Oh, this is gold” she said between bouts of laughter. “The mighty crown prince, reduced to a flustered mess by his own father.”
Tboah Tasha smirked, nudging Tboah Bud. “I take back everything this is officially my favorite moment.”
Tboah Bud wheezed. “Alberu’s always so composed, but this? This is beautiful.”
Raon, tilting his head, looked between present-dayTcf Cale and Tcf Alberu. “But they are together now! Why was the cookie prince embarrassed, was he embarrassed of my human?”
On, flicking her tail in amusement, answered matter-of-factly, “It’s not that it’s because back then, he wasn’t ready to admit it.”
Hong grinned. “And because the king doesn’t hold back.”
Meanwhile, Tboah Alberu, who had been watching with increasing unease or that’s what it felt like to him, turned to Tboah Cale, his expression conflicted. “…We wouldn’t ever end up in a situation like this, right?”
Tboah Cale, barely sparing him a glance, replied in a deadpan tone, “I highly doubt it.” After a brief pause, he added dryly, “And if we ever do, don’t expect me to acknowledge it.”
The nobles, whispering among themselves, could barely contain their laughter.
“The king really knows how to get under Alberu’s skin.”
“And Cale? He’s just sitting back and enjoying every second of it.”
Tcf Witira and Tcf Paseton exchanged grins.
Tcf Paseton smirked. “It’s rare to see Alberu flustered.”
Tcf Witira chuckled. “It’s even rarer to see him lose.”
[ “Dongsaeng, the position of prime minister is still open,” Alberu threatens with an annoyed smile. Cale pales and puts his hands up in surrender, keeping quiet was the easiest way to avoid that outcome, Cale just wants his poor slacker life.
Zed watches the interaction with a chuckle, he and jour were similar to their sons, and yet so different from one another, it’s astonishing. Joy is clear in the kings eyes as he watches his sons interactions with Cale.]
From his seat, Tboah Zed chuckled as he watched Tcf Cale and Tcf Alberu. The resemblance between his past dynamic with Jour Thames and the current relationship between his son and Cale was uncanny. Yet, there were differences ones that astonished him. The fondness in Alberu’s exasperation, the ease in Cale’s surrender it was a relationship built not just on respect, but trust. His son had someone he could push and joke with, and for a man like Alberu Crossman, that was rare.
Meanwhile, Tboah Alberu was having an existential crisis.
Why did that look so comfortable? He swallowed, suddenly feeling warm. The way Tcf Alberu spoke to Tcf Cale so casually, the way Tcf Cale just accepted it it was strange. Foreign.
Would it be like that if he had someone like that? The thought made his stomach twist.
His gaze flickered toward Tboah Cale for half a second before he violently shoved the idea from his head. Absolutely not.
Unfortunately for him, Cale’s kids were far too perceptive.
On, simply stared at Tboah Alberu with narrowed eyes before sighing. “You’re overthinking something unnecessary.”
Hong, grinned, his tail flicking. “Are you panicking, Your Highness?”
Raon, the most direct, flapped his wings. “Tboah Alberu! You keep looking at that human!” He pointed a paw dramatically at Tboah Cale. “Do you like him?!”
Tcf Cale, who had just finished taking a sip of tea, choked. “Raon.”
Tcf Alberu, watching Tboah Alberu practically short-circuit, let out a low chuckle. He smirked. “I don’t think he was ready for that question.”
Tboah Alberu’s face twitched. “I do not..!” He cut himself off, realizing any denial would just make it worse. Instead, he took a deep breath and refused to respond.
On simply sighed again. “Too late. Now Raon won’t let it go.”
Hong snickered. “Good luck, Your Highness.”
Raon, beaming, flapped his wings again. “It’s okay! You should stay true to yourself, Tboah Alberu! Like how my human and Alberu Hyung-nim did!”
Tcf Cale groaned, leaning back in his chair. “I really don’t need my past arguments with Alberu being used as examples of romance.”
Tcf Alberu smirked. “Too late, dongsaeng.”
Tboah Alberu, still frozen, had only one thought. I need to leave.