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empyrealix · 4 years

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stolen crowns and weddings | lmh

pairing: lee minho x reader

genre/warnings: medieval au, vikings, blood, gore, slavery, murder, death, violence, mentions of not eating, graphic descriptions of murder and execution (blood eagle), character death, established relationship, yn is a side character

synopsis: it’s based on a norse poem, trymskvida. minho is a king, along with changbin and changbin steals minho’s crown (in trymskvida it’s thor’s hammer). changbin says that he’s going to give minho his crown back on one contidion: marrying yn, minho’s wife.

words: 3 646

1-2

Minho smirked into his goblet. Chan was standing before him, telling him some story about what had happened at Lindisfarne. Minho did not care what happened at Lindisfarne. He interrupted the skald.

“Do you have anything else to say? That is not Lindisfarne,” Chan stopped. His eyes widened.

“Your majesty,” Minho cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Well, do you? You’d be a lousy skald if you didn’t know any stories,”

“I have a poem about Eric Bloodaxe, if that would satisfy his majesty,” Minho nodded, taking a sip of his mead. Chan began reciting the same poem Minho had heard millions of times before. Somehow the skald made it seem like it was the first time Minho heard the story. He slammed his goblet on the wood table.

“Thank you,” The king stood from his chair, whispering something to the thrall by his side. The thrall nodded. Minho left the room. The thrall turned to Chan.

“The king gave you permission to stay until tomorrow,” The thrall motioned for Chan to follow her. He did on unsteady legs. The thrall opened the door for him at the end of the hallway. She bowed before leaving.

Chan woke up to yelling, and screaming.

“WHERE IS IT? I WANT TO KNOW WHO TOOK IT, AND WHERE IT IS!” Chan flinched at the sound, peering out of the slim opening in the door. Minho stood red faced before his throne. He banged his fist down on the table beside his throne. He took a deep breath, his chest heaving.

“Call Felix,” He slumped down on his throne. The thralls scattered.

Minho sighed, rubbing his eyes. He was furious that someone had stolen his crown, possibly his most prized possession. He had a kingdom to rule, he did not have time for other people’s insolence. Minho had half a mind to give the task to Seungmin.

Chan stepped out of his room. Minho’s brown eyes bore into him as he walked. Chan bowed in front of the king.

“I should take my leave,” Minho held out a hand to stop him. Chan noticed his sword leant against the side of his chair, it gleamed in the sunlight streaming in through the window.

“Stay. I want you to write a kvad out of this,” Chan nodded, he stood awkwardly by a pillar. He mouthed the words to the beginning of a poem.

Before long a blond boy appeared before Minho. Chan looked up from the same spot he had been staring for the past thirty minutes. The blond boy bowed.

“Your majesty,” Minho laughed heartily. He embraced the boy.

“You don’t have to address me as your majesty, Felix. You can call me Minho, as I’ve told you so many times,” Felix nodded. His eyes gleamed with mischief.

“You wouldn’t call for me unless something happened, so what happened?” Minho laid his arm around Felix's shoulder.

“Someone stole my crown,” Felix’s eyes widened in horror.

“That would mean the end of your reign,” Minho nodded solemnly.

“Yes, which is why I need your help,” He led Felix over to a table in the corner of the room. They sat down. Chan followed them. He committed everything that happened to memory, his brain creating verses to a poem. “Who do you think did it?”.

Felix tapped his fingers against the hardwood, “King Changbin i believe,” Minho’s expression soured.

“He has always wanted more land, this would be a perfect way to get it,”

“And a wife,” Felix mumbled. Chan barely caught it. Minho hissed. He pulled a dagger from his belt, stabbing it in the table. Felix cleared his throat.

“I will go speak to him,” The younger of the two got up from his seat, he bowed at Minho before leaving.

3-4

Minho stepped out of the throne room. He had told Felix to wait until he returned.

He found you by the river behind your house. Minho sat down beside you, the grass was still damp from the frost. He removed his cape from his shoulders draping it over yours. In your lap laid an abandoned half finished flower crown.

“You should finish that,” Minho nodded towards the flower crown before looking at your face. You hummed pulling the cape tighter around yourself. “My crown was stolen,” Minho broke the silence, you looked at him with wide eyes.

“Do you know who it is?”

“No, but Felix thinks it’s Changbin,” Minho let out a sigh, running his hands through his hair. One of his hands rested on the grass, you grabbed it, running your fingers over his knuckles. A soft smile curved his lips upwards.

“What are you going to do?”

“Felix said he was going to visit him,” Minho entwined your fingers with his. “But to do that, he has to borrow your horse,” You squinted.

“My horse? Doesn’t he have his own?” Minho shook his head, bringing your hand up to his lips.

“No, it was killed in battle,” You smiled at the sensation of his lips on your hand.

“Of course he can borrow it,” The king stood up, he bowed at you before leaving.

Felix’s hair rustled in the wind, he smiled. The wind hit his face. Before he left the head cook had packed an apple, she insisted that if he needed help he only had to take a bite of the apple, and the gods would send help. His horse traversed through woods, there the singing of the birds and the rhythmic tramping of his horse being the only thing he could hear.

Minho had tried to get Chan to go with Felix, but the latter had declined. Saying that if he brought Chan Changbin would not be likely to give back the crown. Felix did not believe Changbin would give up the crown, he would want something in return.

The castle loomed over the horizon. It was built of tree, and one could not really call it a castle. It was more a big house. The house had a straw roof. Felix stepped off his horse, petting its neck before tying it to a column.

He was met with thralls once he stepped inside.

“Is King Changbin here?” The thrall nodded.

“Do you wish to see him?” Felix pulled his cape tighter around himself. He nodded. The thrall led him through a dark corridor. They had carved drawings into the wood. There was no light, spare from a faint flicker from the hearth. The thrall stopped in front of a throne. It was empty.

“His majesty isn’t here, I am so sorry,” The thrall fidgeted nervously with her apron. Felix shook his head, pursing his lips.

“Do you know where he can be?” Felix stood with his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger.

“There's a hill behind the house, it overlooks a river. He sometimes goes there,” The thrall hesitated, “If you would like I could ask his majesty’s brother to take you,” The corners of Felix's lips turned up into a smile.

“Thank you for the offer, but I believe I can find it myself,” Felix bowed at the thrall before leaving. She looked after him, Hyunjin stepped out of the shadows once the door closed behind Felix.

“What did he want?” He queried, the thrall gasped. She turned around clutching her heart over her shirt.

“He wanted to see King Changbin,” Hyunjin sighed, he punched the column he was previously standing against. The thrall jumped again.

“Make sure no one enters,” Hyunjin sneered, retreating back into the shadows he came from.

6-9

The wind had grown stronger in the time Felix had spent inside the house. He looked around, lush hills met his eye wherever he looked. To the south was the forest he rode out of a mere 30 minutes before. To the north was a hill, on the top of the hill was a lone tree. Felix assumed this was the hill the thrall was talking about.

He patted the head of the horse before beginning his trek up the hillside. A short stocky man sat with his back leant against the tree. He had his eyes closed. Felix snorted, it would be easy for someone to sneak up and kill the man. Felix walked closer, he had wrapped his hand around the hilt of his dagger.

“King Changbin,” The man jolted awake at the sound of his voice. He squinted against the bright sun.

“What are you doing here, Felix?” Changbin’s voice was gruff as he spoke, no doubt from just having woken up. His body stiffened, and he wrapped his right hand around the hilt of his sword.

“King Minho’s crown has been stolen. Do you know anything?”

“I stole it, I would assume I know something,” Changbin smirked, “You won’t ever find it, except if you bring me yn to wed,” Changbin shifted in the grass, he leant against the tree, the grip on his sword loosened.

10-14

Felix met a distressed Minho walking briskly towards him. Minho’s hair was messy, it was like he had run his hand through it a million times.

“What did he say?” Minho was stressed, his back was straight, and he clenched his fists at his sides.

“He said that he stole it, and that you won’t get it back until you bring yn to him so he can wed her,” Felix looked anywhere but Minho’s seething face. Minho threw his dagger at the red painted wall of the stall. The thrall walking by jumped, her eyes widened and she scurried away, not wanting to be victim to Minho’s outburst.

“No, I’m not letting him marry my wife,” He stalked over to the stall, yanking his dagger out of the wall. He pointed at Felix with it. “You have to figure something out,” Minho slid his dagger back into its sheath.

“Why do I have to figure something out? She’s your wife, if anything you should figure something out,” Felix sighed, his gaze ran over Minho’s disheveled form. His hair was messy, he had bags under his eyes. His clothes, usually pristine, were wrinkled and tucked into his trousers. The laces of his brown leather boots were untied.

Minho looked towards the corner of the house, you walked out. Your dress flew behind you as you walked, and you had tucked a flower behind your ear. Gravel crunched under your feet as you walked.

“You should tell her what he said,” Felix suggested. He followed Minho’s gaze. You smiled at him, raising your hand to wave at them.

“yn,” Minho called your name, you stopped halfway across the courtyard. Minho walked over to you with brisk steps. The courtyard milled with thralls, they carried baskets and walked in different directions based on what they were supposed to do. Felix grabbed a green apple from one who walked past, she stopped to glare at him before beginning to walk away.

“Darling,” You squinted at the dishevelled man standing in front of you. Said man shifted his weight from one foot to another.

“You never call me that unless something is wrong, or you want something,” You took the flower out of your hair, fiddling with it. Minho cleared his throat.

“Well, as you know Felix went and talked to Changbin, and he said that he would give me my crown back if he could marry you,” You ripped your elbow out of Minho’s grasp.

“No, absolutely not,” You glared at him before opening the door to the house. It slammed behind you. Felix sniggered, taking a bite of his apple.

“That went well,” Minho glowered at Felix. If looks could kill, Felix would fall dead the moment Minho’s gaze landed on him.

15-19

Voices filled the air with life, though the matter they were discussing was anything but lively. Minho glanced at Felix sitting by his side, the blond male had his gaze fixed on Chan, who was sitting in the corner of the room. Minho banged his hands into the table.

“We are here to discuss a grave matter, my crown has been stolen,” Minho fixed every person in the room with a piercing gaze. “This, if it leaves these four walls, would mean the end of my reign,” The room had gone quiet, no one made a sound. “Which again would have severe consequences for all of you,” Minho took a break to glance out the window. Felix snorted quietly at his friend's dramatics. “Felix has visited King Changbin, and he admitted to stealing it. He said he would give it back on one condition. Marrying my wife,” Minho’s presence demanded attention, and respect. Felix assumed that was why he made such a good king.

“We have to find a way to get it back,” Minho’s knuckles turned white from how hard he was holding the hilt of the dagger.

“Your majesty,” Minho’s head snapped towards the voice. His eyes were wide. His breathing was ragged, and his normally composed figure crumbled as he met Seungmin’s eyes. “You clearly don’t want to give him your wife,” Minho hissed at him. “I propose dressing you up as her. There’s no way King Changbin is going to give up the crown without her majesty,” Seungmin looked at the others, gauging their reactions. Minho let go of his dagger, he flexed his hand as he did so.

“If I do this, this ludicrous proposal of yours, I am going to lose every ounce of respect I once had,” He hissed at Seungmin. Seungmin winced backwards, bowing his head in embarrassment. He slumped down in his chair at the same time Minho did.

“Minho,” Felix called his name softly to gain the attention of the king. Minho’s blood boiled in his veins. “This is the best option we have, and think about it. If this spreads, you will lose everything, including your wife,”. Minho nodded curtly before leaving the room.

20-21

Felix sat smirking in the corner of Minho’s room as the thralls helped him into the wedding dress he had borrowed from you. The dress was blue, it was somewhere between a cobalt blue and midnight blue. Flowers were embroidered along the hem of the skirt, they climbed up stopping just below his knees. The shirt under the dress was white, and the waistcoat had embroidered flowers like the skirt. The thralls handed Minho a silver belt before bowing and leaving the room. He fastened it around his waist, a scabbard hung from it. He substituted the blue embroidered purse for his dagger.

Felix rose from the chair he was previously sitting in, the old floorboards creaked under his weight. He placed a veil over Minho’s face.

“There, that’s perfect,” Minho turned to face Felix, he lifted his veil. His face was pulled into a sour grimace. “You look so pretty that no one is going to know it’s you,” Felix snickered.

“The only reason I’m continuing to keep you around is because you’re useful sometimes, that does not mean I will accept those comments,” Minho sneered at the younger, who flinched back.

“I’ll join you to see King Changbin, then we’ll be two,” Minho gestured to a grey dress thrown over a chair. Felix recognised it as the one thralls often used.

Minho often looked distant, Felix found himself wondering what he thought about more than he should. If he knew it would be easier to plan his betrayal. He rid himself of his robes, leaving them in a heap on the floor.

“If you’re ready we’ll leave,” Minho’s voice cut through the silence. Crows cawed outside the window. Felix tightened the waistband of the dress.

Their trip to Changbin’s house was silent, Felix kept glancing at Minho every five minutes, he never said anything.

22-33

A thrall led them into the banquet hall. Changbin sat on his throne, a goblet in his left hand. He looked at his guests over the rim of it as he took a sip of the liquid. Felix assumed it was mead.

“You’re bringing me yn to marry. I never expected Minho to agree to my terms,” Changbin laughed before jumping off his throne. Minho clenched his fists at his sides, his knuckles turned white and his nails dug into his skin. They left crescent moon shapes.

The throne was made of wood, drawings of Ragnarok was carved into it. The middle of the room had a hearth, and along the far right wall was a table. It was set for a wedding celebration. “Let’s sit down, Minho will get his crown once I am wedded to yn,” Changbin gestured to the table with his hand. It was calloused, no doubt from fighting. He had a fresh wound along the tip of his pinky and down to his wrist. It looked ugly. It looked as though it would get an infection, if it was not already. A thin green layer laid above the cut. It looked slimy. Felix never asked how he got it. It did not matter.

Changbin poured Minho his fifth goblet of mead, Minho took another piece of the reindeer heart placed in front of him.

“I have never seen anyone drink so much mead, or eat that much food,” Changbin remarked. Minho giggled. It was a foreign sound, Felix had never heard him giggle.

“Well, yn hasn’t eaten since the news,” Minho glared at Felix, “she was so excited to get here and marry you,” Felix smirked, he enjoyed the pained look on Minho’s face too much. Changbin smiled, Felix only now noticed that his canine teeth were sharp.

“Oh well then, please eat all you want yn. You must be starved,” Changbin pushed a bowl of mashed potatoes towards Minho. He huffed. Felix felt the burning stare Minho pierced him with. No doubt he would be scolded for this once they returned. Felix only hoped that Minho would not be too harsh, that he would be shown some mercy since he helped him retrieve his crown.

Changbin jumped backwards when he lifted the veil. His lips quivered, and his eyes filled with horror. Felix snickered. “Her eyes are red and filled with anger. What is wrong?” Changbin clutched Minho’s hand.

“She hasn’t slept since the news, she was too excited to do so,” Felix took a sip of his mead once he had answered. Changbin seemed satisfied with the answer, he turned to caress Minho’s cheek.

Hyunjin stepped out of the shadows before Changbin’s hand could make contact with the burning skin stretched over Minho’s cheek. Hyunjin’s fingers danced over Minho’s dress, Minho tensed under Hyunjin’s touch. He sat down in the chair beside Felix. He put his feet on the table before grabbing an apple and a knife from a silver bowl.

“It’s custom to give the sibling of the groom a wedding present,” Hyunjin cut off a piece of his apple, “Where’s mine?” He cut off the rest of the peel, Hyunjin ran his tongue over his bottom lip. He looked smug. Minho clenched his fists in his lap, he had ripped his hand out of Changbin’s the moment Hyunjin stepped out from the shadows.

“Hyunjin won’t you retrieve King Minho’s crown and give it to yn? They fulfilled our conditions, it is only fair that we give him his crown back,” Hyunjin threw the half eaten apple on the table. It rolled, Felix stopped it with his dagger. It glistened menacingly in the flickering light from the candles.

Hyunjin returned a minute later, he balanced Minho’s crown on his head. Minho clenched his jaw. He grabbed the hilt of his dagger, and he was about to pull it out of the leather scabbard hanging from the waistband of his dress. A gold ring around Hyunjin’s wrist glistened as Hyunjin placed the crown in front of Minho. He had to have sworn loyalty to some king, Felix assumed it was Changbin. Minho sneered at the carelessness Hyunjin treated his crown with.

Minho pulled his dagger out, he slashed it across Hyunjin’s throat. Instead of gifts, like Hyunjin had hoped, Minho gave him a deep bloody cut. The cut was clean, Felix remembered that Minho spent three hours yesterday sharpening his dagger. It cut Hyunjin’s windpipe. He gasped for air before he started coughing up blood. Blood ran down his neck from the cut, it soaked Hyunjin’s shirt. He continued to cough up blood, it ran from the corners of his lips. It looked as though he wanted to call for help, but he could not.

Minho laughed at Hyunjin’s misery. He turned to Changbin, he had paled. He was not yet as pale as Hyunjin. Minho twirled the dagger in his hand.

“I want to kill you blood eagle,” Minho seized Changbin’s arm. Changbin stood frozen in place as he was bent over the table. Minho traced a line from the bottom of Changbin’s neck to the bottom of his torso. Changbin whimpered. He pushed the knife into the sketched line, he cut Changbin’s back open. Changbin screamed. Minho ripped the flesh off Changbin’s back, his ribs were exposed. Blood splattered onto Minho’s face as he ripped Changbin’s ribs off his spine. He laughed at Changbin’s misery. He ripped Changbin’s lungs out, folding them so he looked like an eagle. Felix took Minho’s bloody crown from the table. Changbin whimpered in pain.

“Are you ready to leave, your majesty?” Minho nodded, taking his crown from Felix’s grasp. He placed the crown on his head.

“Yes,” His dress was soaked in blood as he left the house. The only thing left after him was two corpses.

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