#vampwritesstuff

But as they navigated their royal obligations, Y/n couldn’t help but feel like everything had been going too smooth. The princes, unaware of her lurking anxiousness, engaged in friendly competitions and playful debates, but she remained vigilant, her eyes scanning the surroundings, always alert for signs of trouble.

The day passed in a blur of meetings and laughter, but Y/n’s unease grew as night descended. After dinner, she returned to her quarters, pouring over plans to fortify the palace’s defenses. She studied the maps, noting the weak points in the castle’s layout—those areas where shadows lingered too long, where escape routes were not clearly marked. 

The library would be a vital place to secure; it was a hub of knowledge and strategy. She jotted down ideas, her mind racing as she considered various threats. Just as she finalized her notes, a distant commotion broke the serene atmosphere of the castle.

Her heart dropped. The feeling in her gut intensified, urging her to act. Y/n grabbed her dagger, not wasting time strapping it to her side and rushing out of her room, her senses heightened and her heart racing with adrenaline. Her grip on the hilt of her blade turned her knuckles white.

As Y/n sprinted through the dimly lit hallways, she could hear the muffled sounds of laughter and discussion from the library. The princes had chosen to stay up late, discussing matters of the castle and how their day had gone.

Bursting into the library, Y/n was met with an unexpected sight— Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho were gathered around a table piled high with books, Mingi and Wooyoung were on the floor, seemingly tussling with each other as San and Yunho cheered them on as the other four watched, well except Yeosang who had his nose in a book. The atmosphere shifted instantly as Y/n’s arrival interrupted their fun.

“Is everything alright? I heard a commotion.” she demanded, her voice sharp and authoritative as she stalked closer, vigilantly checking the library, startling the princes who had just been messing around with each other. No danger in sight.

Seonghwa glanced up, confusion clouding his features. “We were just talking and messing around, Viper. We—”

But before he could finish, the air in the room shifted, a chilling presence that sent shivers down Y/n’s spine. A sudden, loud crash echoed through the library, and the heavy wooden doors burst open, revealing a group of masked assailants, each one brandishing weapons that gleamed menacingly in the flickering candlelight. It seemed that there were around ten of them, but Y/n couldn’t be sure if there were anymore that were waiting to show themselves and attack.

“Get down!” Y/n shouted, instinctively pushing Seonghwa and the others to the floor as she drew her dagger, her heart pounding in her chest.

The attack was swift and brutal. The intruders moved like shadows, their faces obscured, their intentions clear. Y/n fought against the rising tide of panic, focusing on the immediate danger before her. 

With one powerful thrust, she plunged her dagger into the chest of the nearest attacker, the blade slicing through flesh with a sickening squelch. He fell to the ground, eyes wide in shock, as she spun to face another assailant. 

“Stay close!” Y/n shouted to the princes, her voice cutting through the chaos. “We need to regroup!” Y/n didn’t want them to get involved in the fight, however she was far too outnumbered to be able to take them all on by herself. She would have to trust the small bits and pieces she taught them during training would stick and that they’d use it.

The room erupted in chaos as the princes scrambled to their feet, instinctively grabbing nearby objects to defend themselves. Mingi and Wooyoung teamed up, their playful banter from earlier replaced by a fierce determination to protect their brothers. They fought with raw energy, dodging strikes and countering with their own, but the masked attackers were relentless.

Y/n ducked beneath a swinging sword, narrowly avoiding a blow aimed at her head. She retaliated with a swift kick to the man’s stomach, sending the attacker stumbling backward. Just as she gained the upper hand, another assailant lunged at her from the side, a wicked knife glinting in the dim light.

In a split second, she reacted, disarming him with a fluid motion and driving her dagger into his side, twisting the blade as blood poured out onto her hand and the library floor, spraying her clothes with the thick crimson. The man gasped, a sound that echoed in the library before he collapsed to the floor, lifeless.

Y/n fought her way toward the princes, her heart racing as she checked on each of them. Seonghwa was holding his own against two attackers, his movements precise and calculated. Yunho struggled to fend off another assailant who was much bulkier than him, and Y/n rushed to his side, dispatching the enemy with a swift slice of her dagger across his neck from behind, the blood that rushed from the wound soaking Yunho’s clothes. Y/n would have felt bad about ruining his clothes if she weren’t moving onto her next target.

“Stay together!” she urged, glancing over her shoulder to see San and Yeosang battling their own attackers. 

With her instincts guiding her, Y/n moved fluidly through the chaos, dispatching attackers one by one. She felt a surge of adrenaline, a primal instinct to protect those whose lives she had been charged with. Each life she took felt justified in the heat of the moment, but a part of her grimaced at the violence. Despite all the years of bloodshed she had caused, every drop she had spilled, she had never truly delighted in the feeling of the red liquid.

As she turned to assist Hongjoong, she saw him pinned against a wall by two attackers. Immediate anger and worry surged through her as she charged forward, a pang of fear shooting through her chest,Y/n tackled one of the men to the ground, taking down the assailant as she plunged her dagger into his skull. Hongjoong’s eyes met hers, gratitude mingling within them as well as the fear of the situation.

“Thank you!” he called out, determination and gratefulness etched across his features.

“Keep fighting, don’t thank me yet!” she shouted back, her voice firm. The fight still was not over.

The battle raged on, each moment stretching into what felt like an eternity. The library was filled with the sounds of clashing metal and grunts of effort, the scent of blood mingling with the musty aroma of old books, the smell nearly made her want to throw up just as much as the thought of a place she considered a sanctuary being tainted by the violence did. Y/n felt her muscles burning as she ducked, rolled, and struck, each movement honed by years of training and experience.

Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her side— a dagger had sliced through her side and she could feel blood soak through the fabric and trail down her side. She gritted her teeth, refusing to allow the pain to distract her. The world around her became a blur of motion, and she continued to fight, her dagger a flash of silver against the dark fabric of the attackers’ cloaks.

Jongho was grappling with one of the attackers, his strength evident as he wrestled for control. Y/n moved in to help, delivering a swift kick that sent the assailant crashing into the shelves, books tumbling down like rain. The intruder groaned, incapacitated. She left Jongho to deal with him.

“Watch your back!” Y/n shouted, keeping her gaze scanning the room. 

In the midst of all the chaos, she spotted Seonghwa fighting fiercely, his eyes narrowed with focus. Just then, another attacker lunged at him from behind, and Y/n’s instincts flared. She sprinted toward him, adrenaline surging through her veins as she lunged forward and into action.

“Your Highness!” she cried out, desperation lacing her voice as she pulled his attention towards her.

With a swift motion, she threw her dagger, the blade spinning through the air and embedding itself in the assailant’s chest, causing him to stumble back, dropping his weapon. He fell to the ground, lifeless, just as Y/n reached Seonghwa.

“Are you alright?” she panted, her heart racing.

Seonghwa nodded, but the fear in his eyes was palpable. “I— I think so. But we need to get everyone out of here!”

With renewed determination, Y/n and the princes fought together, each movement synchronized as they formed a protective circle around one another. The attackers began to fall, one by one, but the fight was far from over.

“Where are the guards?” Hongjoong shouted, frustration lacing his voice as he parried a blow.

“Most likely trying to reach us,” Y/n replied, her voice steady despite the chaos. “We need to hold on until they arrive.”

Just as hope began to flicker, a loud crash echoed from the entrance of the library. A group of guards burst in, weapons drawn, their presence a welcome sight. 

“Protect the princes!” Captain Chan barked, moving with a purpose as he now worked to ensure the princes’ safety as well.

Y/n felt a surge of relief as the guards joined the fight, quickly dispatching the remaining attackers. But as the dust began to settle, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come. 

One of the masked assailants, larger than the rest, stepped forward. He was unlike the others— more composed, more menacing. His eyes glinted with a cold malice, and he wielded a sword with deadly precision.

“Step aside, boys,” he taunted, his voice low and dripping with menace. “Let me show you how a real fighter handles this.”

Y/n felt a chill wash over her as she locked eyes with the leader of the attackers. This man was not just a common criminal; he was a threat that demanded her full attention. 

“We’ll take you together!” Mingi shouted, positioning himself alongside Y/n and the princes, ready for a fight.

“No,” Y/n interjected, her voice firm. “This one’s mine.”

“Are you sure?” Seonghwa asked, concern flashing across his face.

“I can handle him,” she assured, her eyes never leaving the leader, she couldn’t risk any of the princes getting hurt. 

With that, Y/n stepped forward, her dagger gripped tightly in her hand. The leader smirked, a challenge igniting in his eyes. 

“Just you? How quaint.” 

With a sudden surge, he lunged at her, sword slicing through the air. Y/n dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade, her heart pounding in her chest as she heard several gasps come from behind her, presumably the princes who watched with bated breath. She retaliated with a swift strike, aiming for his midsection, but he blocked her with ease, the clash of metal ringing out.

“Is this all you’ve got, little girl?” he taunted, pushing her back. 

Y/n’s blood boiled at his arrogance. She was not just a mere assassin; she was a guardian— a protector, but also one of Erelia’s most skilled assassins. Channeling her anger, she lunged again, this time feinting to the left before quickly spinning to the right. The movement caught him off guard, and she managed to land a solid hit on his side, causing him to stagger.

But the leader quickly regained his footing, a snarl twisting his features. He swung his sword  again, and Y/n barely managed to duck, feeling the rush of air as the blade missed her by inches. 

“Impressive,” he sneered, “but not enough.”

The room erupted into chaos once more as the guards engaged with the remaining attackers, but Y/n’s focus remained on the leader. She could sense the shift in the air, the tension building to a breaking point.

With every exchange, Y/n felt her strength waning. She was agile and skilled, but the leader’s experience was evident. He fought with a ferocity that nearly pushed her to her limits, each blow forcing her to dig deeper within herself.

“I’ve seen your type before,” he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. “Always thinking you can protect them. But they’re just princes— nothing but pawns in a game they don’t understand.”

Fury ignited within Y/n, a flame that burned hotter than before. “You don’t know anything about them,” she spat, launching herself at him once more.

Their weapons clashed, the sound echoing through the library as they fought for dominance. She could hear the distant sounds of the remaining assailants being overwhelmed by the guards, but she had to finish this fight herself.

With a burst of adrenaline, Y/n found an opening. She sidestepped his thrust and lunged forward, driving her dagger deep into his shoulder. He howled in pain, staggering back as she pressed her advantage.

The leader’s expression shifted from arrogance to disbelief. He looked at her, his eyes wide with shock. “You—”

Before he could finish, Y/n followed through, twisting the dagger to create more damage. With a final thrust, she buried the blade into his chest, a decisive blow that ended the fight. The man crumpled to the ground, his breath escaping in a harsh gasp.

With the leader defeated, the remaining assailants faltered, their resolve crumbling. The guards quickly moved to subdue them and dragged the ones who hadn’t been killed to the dungeon where she was sure Chan would not be forgiving in his questioning, and the library fell silent, save for the ragged breaths of the princes and Y/n.

As Y/n stood there, panting and bloodied, the adrenaline began to ebb, replaced by a deep weariness. She felt the weight of the night pressing down on her, the enormity of what had just happened sinking in. Taking in the sight of the library that now looked like someone had rampaged through it, tables were overturned, stools and chairs laid on their side with cracked wood and books, now with blood stained pages, lay on the ground as the shelves that held them were broken and knocked over.

It was then that she felt Seonghwa’s presence beside her. “Viper, are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and filled with concern.

“I’m fine,” she replied, but the sharp pain in her side reminded her otherwise, she placed a hand over the wound.

“Fine? You’re bleeding!” Seonghwa exclaimed, his worry palpable.

“I said I’m fine!” Y/n snapped, but the pain was becoming harder to ignore. 

“You’re not fine,” he insisted. “You need to be treated. Please.”

As the guards began to secure the area and assist the injured, Y/n relented. She could see the sincerity in Seonghwa’s eyes, and despite her instincts to brush off her injuries, she knew he was right.

“Okay,” she murmured, allowing him to lead her away from the chaos of the library and toward the palace’s infirmary. 

—

The journey to the infirmary was quiet, the weight of the evening’s events hanging heavily in the air. Y/n focused on her breathing, trying to steady her racing heart. 

Once they reached the infirmary, Seonghwa pushed open the door and guided her to a bed. “Sit,” he ordered gently, his voice filled with authority. 

Y/n complied, wincing as she settled down. Seonghwa rushed to gather supplies, his movements quick and purposeful. As he returned, he began to clean her wounds, the sting of the antiseptic making her flinch.

“Viper,” he started, his voice low. “What you did back there… It was incredible. You saved all of us.”

She met his gaze, her heart fluttering at his sincerity. “I just did what I was hired to do, your Highness.”

“Seonghwa, to you. And you did more than that,” he insisted, applying a fresh bandage to her side. The way he told her to call him by name caught her very off guard and she looked at him in shock. “You’re not just a protector; you’re one of us now. You saved my life.”

Y/n felt her breath catch in her throat. “I appreciate that, Seonghwa, but I’m an assassin, not some—”

“That doesn’t matter,” he interrupted, his tone earnest. “What matters is who you are now. You risked your life for us, and that means something.”

His words struck a chord deep within her, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you, Seonghwa. I’m just glad I was there in time.”

As he finished tending to her wounds, Seonghwa’s hand lingered on hers, a moment of connection that felt profound amidst the chaos of the night. 

“I want you to know,” he said quietly, “that we trust you now. I trust you.”

Warmth pricked at Y/n’s chest, a wave of gratitude flooding through her.

“Y/n.”

A look of confusion washed over Seonghwa’s features before realization. She had just told him her name, not an alias, but her true birth name. Seonghwa couldn’t explain the feeling that spread through his body at that moment, to know that she trusted him enough to be the first to know such information. She had been heavily guarded when she arrived at the castle and honestly, Seonghwa didn’t think they would get anywhere close to breaking down the walls she had built around herself. There had been a shift in the dynamic between the assassin and eldest prince, and Seonghwa could only hope that it would continue to change for the better. For everyone’s sake. For Y/n’s sake, as well.

For now, Seonghwa would keep her name to himself, just between them.

Previous // Next

Hongjoong, the heir to the crown despite not being the eldest, stood at the forefront, demonstrating a new sword technique to his brothers. He was the heir, a natural leader with an intensity that radiated from him. As he moved, his focus unwavering, Y/n felt a strange tug at her heart—an inexplicable connection to a man she had just met.

“Come on, Jongho! You can do better than that!” he called, his voice filled with encouragement.

Jongho, the youngest, responded with a fierce determination, lunging forward with his sword. But in his excitement, he lost his balance and stumbled, falling onto the grass. Laughter erupted among the brothers, a sound so full of warmth it sent a pang through Y/n’s chest.

“Get up, Jongho! At this rate, you’ll be a target before you even draw your weapon!” Mingi teased, his deep laughter echoing through the courtyard.

Y/n watched as the brothers rallied around Jongho, their banter playful and light. Each prince was unique, their personalities shining in the twilight, and it stirred something long buried within her—a desire for connection, a longing for family.

“Are you going to stand there all day, or are you going to join us?” Wooyoung called, his mischievous grin inviting.

Y/n pushed herself off the wall, shaking off the hesitation that clung to her like a second skin. “You seem capable enough without me,” she replied, masking her own uncertainty with a casual tone.

“Come on! We need all the help we can get,” Yeosang insisted, his earnestness cutting through her defenses.

“Alright,” she relented, stepping into the light, her heart racing. The moment felt surreal, and as she approached, their laughter faded into silence, each brother's gaze turning to her, curiosity dancing in their eyes.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, assassin,” Hongjoong said, crossing his arms with an amused smirk.

With a nod, she faced him, her instincts sharpening. They sparred, her movements fluid and precise as she guided him through techniques, their blades clashing with a satisfying ring. The air between them crackled with intensity, and for a moment, the outside world faded away.

“You’re skilled,” Hongjoong admitted, breathless as they broke apart. “I’d expect nothing less from a legend.”

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere,” Y/n shot back, though she couldn’t hide the small smile creeping onto her lips.

As the sun set further, they trained, and Y/n felt herself falling into a rhythm, the brothers eager and determined to learn. There was a palpable bond among them, a shared understanding that ignited something in her heart—something she had long suppressed.

When the training session ended, they collapsed onto the grass, panting and exhilarated. The evening air was cool against Y/n’s skin, and the laughter that echoed around her felt like a balm to her weary soul.

“Not bad for a day’s work,” San said, his voice filled with satisfaction.

“Tomorrow we’ll show you just how much we’ve improved,” Jongho added, a fierce determination glinting in his eyes.

Y/n felt a warmth spread through her, something foreign yet comforting. “You’ll have to keep up, then.”

As the brothers continued to joke and share stories, Y/n leaned back, allowing herself a moment to simply breathe. Their camaraderie was intoxicating, but as the shadows lengthened, she felt a familiar chill creeping in—reminders of the darkness that had haunted her for so long.

A voice broke her thoughts. “Why do you hide in the shadows?” Seonghwa asked, his gaze piercing as he studied her.

“I’m not hiding,” she replied defensively, though the truth echoed in her mind. “I prefer to observe.”

“Observing isn’t living,” he countered, his tone gentle but firm. “We’re all in this together, and you’re part of our family now. Let us in.”

The weight of his words lingered in the air. For a moment, Y/n felt her defenses waver. The brothers had welcomed her with open arms, but she was still haunted by her past—a past filled with betrayal and loss.

Dressing swiftly, she donned her uniform. It was different from what she normally wore, but its dark colors still allowed her to go about unnoticed as she always had. Her fingers lingered briefly over the insignia stitched into the fabric. It felt strange to wear something so… official. She took a steadying breath and stood, ready to begin her day, feeling a small but sharp flicker of excitement tempered by her usual guardedness. Despite the king’s wishes for her and his sons to become acquainted, she couldn’t allow personal feelings to be added into the mix and cause a mess if she were to somehow fail. She couldn’t become attached.

—

The schedule for her first day required her to accompany the princes during their daily routine of attending court meetings, and as she walked through the winding corridors toward the main hall, she ran through what she knew about each prince in her mind. Hongjoong, was the crowned heir even if he wasn’t the oldest, known for his leadership skills and sharp wit. Seonghwa, calm and composed, was the analytical mind, offering a balance to his brothers' often fiery personalities. Yunho, the most approachable and charismatic, often took on the role of peacemaker. Then there were the younger princes: San and Yeosang, known for their charismatic personalities and knack for strategy; Mingi and Wooyoung, the spirited brothers who could turn any room lively; and finally, Jongho, who, despite his stoic exterior, held a fierce loyalty toward his family and an interesting strength. He demonstrated that much when he had split an apple in half with his hand in the dining hall the previous night.

As she arrived in the main hall, she spotted the brothers standing in a loose circle, engaged in conversation. Their voices echoed through the hall, lively and carefree. The sight was a reminder of what her duty entailed: these weren’t just royal figures; they were brothers, each with distinct personalities, bonded by a shared history and love. And now, she was responsible for ensuring their safety.

She straightened her posture and approached them quietly. As she drew closer, the conversation halted when Yunho caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye and greeted her, and the princes turned to face her as he did so.

“Ah, Viper!” Yunho greeted her warmly, flashing a broad, friendly smile. “We were wondering when you’d get here. Thought you might be hiding in one of the tower rooms, planning your escape!”

The lighthearted comment drew chuckles from the other princes, and Y/n couldn’t help but smile back, despite the slight tension she felt in her chest, despite knowing she couldn’t risk attachment. Yunho was just that naturally inviting, she supposed, knowing that her resolution to be strictly professional would be difficult to uphold.

“I assure you, I have no intentions of abandoning my post,” She replied, a faint smile gracing her lips as she spoke. “But if I did, it would be well-planned and untraceable.”

The brothers laughed, and Wooyoung, ever playful, gave a mock gasp. “An untraceable escape? Sounds like we’re in capable hands, indeed.”

Hongjoong stepped forward, his expression more serious but no less welcoming. “We’re grateful to have you here, Y/n. I understand this role is new for you, as it is for us, so let’s work together to make this transition as smooth as possible.”

“Of course,” she replied, meeting his gaze. “My priority is your safety, and I’ll do everything in my power to fulfill that duty.”

Seonghwa gave a small nod, his eyes appraising her. “Do you have any thoughts on how you’ll proceed? We have our routines, and I imagine your approach to security might shift things a bit.”

“It’s possible,” she replied carefully. “For now, I’ll be observing each of you and the palace’s layout. I may suggest adjustments where necessary to ensure your security.”

Mingi leaned in, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “Are we allowed to know what you’re thinking?”

Y/n offered a slight, reserved smile. “Some things, yes. But for others, I’ll need to maintain discretion.”

Jongho crossed his arms, studying her with a slight tilt of his head. “So, basically, you’re watching our every move from now on?”

“In a sense, yes,” she said, her tone neutral but professional. “But only to keep you safe. I’m not here to intrude on your lives.”

“Let’s give her some time,” Hongjoong interjected, his voice authoritative but kind. “We’re all adjusting, but in time, we’ll find a rhythm.”

Y/n appreciated Hongjoong’s understanding. These were young men with their own lives and aspirations, and she was determined to respect that while fulfilling her duty. They didn’t need her to be in the way as they went about their lives, all she was meant to worry about was keeping them alive and weeding out the threat to their lives.

As the morning wore on, she followed the princes through their routines, accompanying them to meetings with palace advisors and walking with them through the gardens, it was a nostalgic feeling to witness the inner workings of a royal court again, only this time she wasn’t a child being shushed or ushered out of the room when she asked questions or topics became to heavy for a child to be present for. Each step through the palace allowed her to assess the surroundings, noting potential vulnerabilities. The castle itself was grand and ancient, and with its size came a natural complexity that created both hiding places and blind spots. This wasn’t a simple assignment, but she was used to challenges.

After accompanying the princes back to the main hall, she excused herself, noting she had a few concerns to bring to the captain of the guard. Navigating the winding corridors, she eventually found the captain’s quarters, tucked away near the training yard. She knocked, and the door opened to reveal Captain Christopher, or Chan, as she’d heard some of the guards call him.

He was a sturdy figure with a calm, calculated air about him, his uniform pristine yet worn in a way that hinted at years of experience. He greeted her with a nod, his eyes sharp and observant.

“Viper, is it?” he asked, his tone straightforward. She recognized the same accent that tinged Felix’s.

“That’s right. And you’re Captain Chan,” she replied, returning his nod with a slight smile.

“You’re here to discuss security measures, I assume?” he guessed, motioning for her to enter his quarters.

“Yes,” she confirmed, stepping inside. The room was minimalistic but filled with maps, plans, and a well-used sword leaning against a nearby table. “I’ve had a chance to accompany the princes through some of the castle today, and there are a few areas I think we should address.”

“Go on,” he said, gesturing for her to sit as he took a seat across from her.

“There are several blind spots in the upper corridors,” she began, referring to areas she had noticed earlier. “Anyone with intent could use those areas to evade detection. Additionally, the guards in the south tower seem more relaxed than the rest. They may need more rigorous training if they’re to handle potential threats.”

Chan listened attentively, nodding along as she pointed out various security weaknesses. “You’re thorough, I’ll give you that. Most people don’t notice such gaps until they’re exploited.”

“Experience has taught me to look for these things,” she replied, her tone level. “If we can address these vulnerabilities now, it could save us a good deal of trouble later.”

“I agree. I’ll make arrangements to bolster the guard rotations in the identified areas,” he said, his respect for her judgment evident. “I’ve heard of your skills, Viper. The king wouldn’t have appointed you to this position without reason.”

Her gaze softened slightly. “Thank you, Captain. I only hope to live up to his expectations— and my own.”

He gave her a reassuring nod. “If you keep up this level of vigilance, you’ll do just that. The princes are fortunate to have you watching over them.”

They continued discussing strategies and patrol adjustments, each point solidifying Y/n’s confidence in the captain’s abilities and the collaboration they’d have moving forward. By the end of their conversation, she felt a newfound respect for him. Chan was a capable leader, one who prioritized the safety of those under his protection. It was a relief to know she’d be working alongside someone so dedicated to his work.

As she left Chan’s office quarters, Y/n felt a sense of purpose settle in her chest. The conversation had reminded her that she wasn’t alone in this mission. There were others equally devoted to keeping the princes safe, and with each passing day, she would become more deeply integrated into their lives and the fabric of the palace’s lively routines.

The afternoon passed swiftly as Y/n continued shadowing the princes after her meeting with Chan. As the brothers moved to the training grounds, she was surprised to find herself invited to join them. Yunho, grinning widely as he tossed her a wooden practice sword to which she looked down at with a skeptical gaze. He couldn’t be serious.

“Care to join us?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with a hint of challenge. Oh, he was serious.

Y/n arched an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “I wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone,” she teased, swinging the sword deftly in her grip, assessing the weight of it in her hands.

The other princes gathered around, intrigued by the prospect of sparring with their new protector. Seonghwa, ever the strategist, observed her stance with interest.

“If you’re as skilled as the king says, this should be… enlightening at the least,” he said, nodding to her with a quiet respect.

“It could certainly be beneficial to learn something from a trained assassin.” Yeosang chimed in, finally making Y/n secede and opt in to spar with them, at least then she would be able to gauge how well each of them could protect themselves and allow her to know who she would need to focus more on protecting if it came down to any of them having to hold their own against an attacker. She would do her best to make sure they would be able to survive long enough for her to reach them.

One by one, the princes took turns sparring with her, each offering a different approach and level of challenge. Wooyoung’s unpredictable movements kept her on her toes, while Jongho’s strength forced her to focus on speed rather than brute force. As the sparring session continued, Y/n found herself relaxing, caught up in the thrill of the exercise and the camaraderie that blossomed in the heat of competition.

When it was Hongjoong’s turn, he offered her a respectful nod before adopting a stance opposite her. Their duel was a test of precision, patience and their own wit, with each strike carefully calculated. The intensity of his gaze was matched by his determination, and Y/n found herself fully focused, he was determined to match her skill.

After a few rounds, the sparring came to an end, and the brothers clapped and laughed, pleasantly surprised by her skill. Yunho clapped her on the back, grinning. “You’re going to fit in here just fine, Viper. You’re tougher than you look!”

She chuckled, a genuine warmth filling her at the casual, almost familial atmosphere. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged somewhere— more than just a passing shadow in a series of jobs, but as part of a team. A family, even. No. She had to stop feeling like that. She wouldn’t— couldn’t— risk it. They were not her family.

As the day drew to a close, Y/n found herself walking back to her quarters after making her rounds with the guards, feeling exhaustion creeping in. But it was a good kind of tired, a feeling of satisfaction mixed with anticipation for the days to come. She had only been in the palace for a short time already, yet each interaction with the princes and Chan had shown her that this role was more than just a job. It was a chance to protect something— someone— that mattered. A chance to be part of something bigger than herself, she couldn’t fail because she let herself become attached.

She took a deep breath, letting the cool evening air fill her lungs. The palace was starting to feel less foreign, the weight of her responsibilities balanced by a sense of purpose and need to succeed.

As she reached her quarters, she took one last glance out at the sprawling gardens below, silently vowing to protect these young men, not just out of duty but from a newfound sense of loyalty.

This would be her life for now. A new chapter, filled with challenges and camaraderie, trust and vigilance. And as she closed her door behind her and lay in her bed, Y/n knew she would face whatever lay ahead with unwavering resolve.

—

In the quiet hours of the night, long after the castle had fallen silent, Y/n's sleep twisted into turmoil. Shadows crept into her mind, coiling around old memories— terrifying memories she wished she could forget but only came alive whenever her guard was down.

She was small again, barely ten years old, sitting on the edge of her bed in the large chamber she had once shared with her little sister who now slept down the hall, bathed in the moonlight coming through the window as she waited for her parents to come tuck her in. It was a soft, familiar light, casting long shadows across her room. But then, the shadows seemed to stretch, growing darker, more ominous. A muffled crash from the main hall broke the stillness, and she heard faint, hurried whispers just outside her door. A sinking feeling, deep and sickly, grew in her stomach as she tiptoed to the doorway, hands trembling as she pressed her ear against the wood.

Footsteps— many of them— echoed through the hallway. Her father’s voice, low and tense, reached her ears, but before she could make out his words, there was a thud, followed by a strangled cry. Her heart pounded painfully, the blood rushing in her ears as she listened, terrified, to the chaos erupting beyond the safety of her bedroom door.

She cracked the door open, peering into the hall just in time to see a flash of silver—a blade, gleaming wickedly in the moonlight. She stifled a gasp as a man, cloaked and masked, drove the sword into her father’s chest, the nobleman’s eyes wide with a mixture of pain and defiance. Her mother, standing a few paces behind, screamed, her face a mask of horror as her eight year old sister hid her sobs against their mother’s leg. Y/n’s body froze as she watched her mother reach for her father, only to be pulled away by another assailant who struck her across the face as another grabbed her sister who screamed and thrashed in the unknown man’s arms.

Tears stung Y/n’s eyes, and she clamped a hand over her mouth, desperately trying not to make a sound. She stumbled back into her room, but the floor creaked underfoot, and one of the masked men looked up, his gaze locking onto her door. His eyes were cold and unfeeling, and she knew in that moment that if he found her, she would not survive.

Her mother screamed again, shouting for Y/n to run, but she couldn’t move. Fear kept her rooted to the spot. She watched, helpless, as the men dragged her parents and sister down the hallway, out of her sight, their desperate cries fading until there was nothing but silence. The only sound left was her own rapid, shallow breathing.

The nightmare twisted further, her vision blurring, and suddenly, she was standing in a strange, dark void, the faint echo of her mother’s screams ringing in her ears. She could feel a heavy hand on her shoulder, pulling her back into the memories, but it was too late— the darkness had her, and she woke with a gasp.

Her eyes shot open, and she sat up in bed, clutching the covers as her heart raced, her skin clammy and cold. Her chest heaved as she tried to calm herself, but her mind was still in the nightmare, trapped in the helplessness and fear of that awful night. She buried her face in her hands, trying to chase away the lingering images, but they clung to her mind like shadows.

Realizing she wouldn’t be able to sleep again anytime soon, Y/n slipped out of bed, wrapping a cloak around her shoulders before quietly leaving her quarters. She needed to walk, to breathe, to remind herself that she was here, in the safety of the castle, not in the nightmare of the worst night of her childhood.

The dimly lit corridors of the palace stretched before her, silent and empty. She walked slowly, her footsteps echoing softly as she wound her way through the newly familiar paths, letting the cool air calm her racing heart. Without realizing it, she found herself at the entrance to the library, the large oak doors looming before her. Libraries were one of her favorite places, a sanctuary of sorts, and as she pushed open the door, the faint smell of aged parchment and leather-bound tomes filled her senses.

She slipped inside, letting the stillness settle over her like a balm. She walked among the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of books, drawing comfort from their silent presence. But as she turned down one of the aisles, she caught sight of a familiar figure sitting at a nearby table, his face illuminated by the soft glow of a single candle.

Prince Yeosang sat alone, his gaze distant as he thumbed through the pages of an old book. He looked peaceful but troubled, his brow slightly furrowed as if he were lost in thought. Y/n hesitated, unsure if she should interrupt him, but something about his quiet presence eased the remnants of her fear.

She cleared her throat softly, and his gaze shifted, his eyes meeting hers. He seemed startled at first, but recognition softened his expression, and he offered a small, weary smile.

“Viper,” he greeted her in a low voice. “I didn’t expect to see anyone here at this hour.”

“Nor did I,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped closer. “I couldn’t sleep.”

He nodded, as if understanding perfectly what she meant, without her having to even utter a work of the nightmares that plagued her mind. “Neither could I,” he admitted, closing the book and setting it aside. “I find myself coming here often on nights like this. It’s quiet… comforting.”

She took a seat across from him, allowing the silence to settle between them. For a moment, they simply sat there, each lost in their own thoughts, bound by a shared, unspoken understanding. In the flickering candlelight, Yeosang looked contemplative, his usual guarded expression softened by the intimacy of the late hour.

“Do you… ever have nightmares?” she found herself asking, the words slipping out before she could stop herself.

His gaze flicked up to meet hers, a shadow passing over his eyes as if he were remembering the hauntings that plagued his own mind in the late hours of the night. “More often than I care to admit,” he replied quietly. “Memories have a way of haunting us, don’t they?”

She nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief in his words. “Yes,” she whispered. “They do.”

They sat in silence once more, the weight of shared understanding settling comfortably between them. Yeosang’s presence was calming, a quiet reassurance that reminded her she wasn’t alone in her struggles. She hadn’t expected this, hadn’t anticipated finding solace in the presence of one of the princes she was sworn to protect, but in that moment, she felt a flicker of peace. A long forgotten feeling.

After a while, Yeosang leaned back in his chair, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “Thank you for being here, Viper,” he said quietly. “I know we’re the ones who need protecting, but… sometimes, I think we’re all in need of someone to share the silence with.”

A small smile tugged at her lips, and she nodded, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. “You’re welcome, Your Highness,” she replied, her voice soft but steady as she stared out the large window at the moon as it lit the clear night sky and illuminated the inside of the library with its tranquil gaze.

In the quiet of the library, surrounded by shadows and the soft glow of candlelight, Y/n felt her heart settle. The memories still lingered, but for the first time in years, they felt a little less heavy, softened by the gentle presence of someone who understood.

“Just Yeosang is fine.”

Previous // Next

Taglist: @kaitlinrsmall69 @shotaswife @paralumanniluna

—

Y/n sat at the bar of a tavern in the capitol’s bustling square, idly sipping a mug of ale as she observed the comings and goings of drunkards and whores alike. The assassin scoffed as she watched the grimy men feel up the barmaids, hoping to get lucky for the evening and have a woman to warm their beds for the night. Typically, Y/n wouldn’t be caught dead in a tavern like this, but unfortunately it was the preferred dwelling of a target she’d been hired to kill.

Like a hawk, the woman watched the man from across the tavern. He sat at a rounded booth in the far corner, surrounded by men who all held playing cards–the same as he was holding himself. To everyone around him–drunk out of their minds– the man just had good luck in his hands, but to Y/n’s trained eye it was obvious he was counting cards and cheating.

This was the reason her client had hired her. Quite a petty reason to hire an assassin, besides, her client had the money to hire her, why would he spend more than he lost just to take out a man who wronged him? Y/n could care less, payment was payment. She didn’t know this man and he didn’t know her, it wouldn’t keep her up at night when she’d follow him to the back alley and slit his throat only to leave him to the disease infested rats as he gurgled and choked in a puddle of his own blood, without a second thought. Or perhaps an unfortunate soul would find his body before the rats could.

She had to wait a few more hours before the man finally got up to leave, taking the door that led to the back alley like usual–as she had learned from watching him closely for days prior. Waiting some time before she stood up and exited the tavern through the same back entrance as her target, slipping her mask over her mouth and nose as she did so. Normally he would be slumped over at the entry to the alley, emptying the contents of his stomach onto the cobblestone path, however that was not the case this time.

Y/n’s eyes narrowed and frowned from behind her mask as she surveyed the alley, the atmosphere shifting tangibly as she rolled out of the way from an attack above her. The sound of boots hitting the ground and a grunt from Y/n echoed in the alleyway as she looked up to face her attacker with narrowed eyes. Unexpectedly, she met the eyes of the man she was hired to kill. He had a confident smirk on his face as he kept a cautious eye on her. “I was wondering when you’d finally make your move.” His voice was deep, an accent to his annunciation that clearly wasn’t Erelian. Outside of the dimly lit tavern, Y/n could make out the man’s features better. His blonde, shoulder length hair being swept around his face from a breeze and rays of sunlight peeking through the alley highlighted the freckles on his face. 

“You knew I was following you?” Her question was skeptical, Y/n knew she was skilled enough that her targets often never saw her coming until she was in front of them with her dagger spilling their blood. “Well, of course I’d know, I was the one who hired you to kill me after all.”

Now that was new. Her client and her target were the same person, she had never had this happen before. The revelation was shocking enough to cause Y/n to chuckle, disbelief and confusion bubbling up in her chest. “Now why would you hire an assassin to kill you? Are you that cowardly, you couldn’t do it yourself?” A beat of silence before the man in front of her lunged at her, pulling his dagger from his belt.

Y/n reacted quickly by unsheathing her own dagger and swiping at him to send him off balance, however he recovered quickly and approached again. He aimed for her side, Y/n moved with just enough time that he only cut through her shirt and grazed her side. However, this gave her a moment to see the crest that adorned the dagger, making her curse.

“The royal guard, huh? For what do I owe the pleasure of meeting someone of your rank?” She taunted as she put some distance between them, keeping her dagger up in case he decided to lunge for her again–but a follow up attack never came. She watched as he stepped back and relaxed his stance enough to show he wouldn’t attack again. “The king wishes to inquire about your services, he’s heard much about you.”

Y/n’s eyes narrowed at such information, did the king want to have someone killed? Who would the king want dead so badly that he’d hire an assassin? Y/n wasn’t allowed much time to mull it over as the guard tossed an envelope to her, glancing at the royal seal that kept the letter stamped closed.

“A formal invitation to the palace so that the king may explain his reasonings for requesting you. Think it over, you’ll be expected at the palace by the end of the week should you choose to acknowledge the contents of the letter.” The man spoke as she studied the piece of paper, she watched as the man walked out of the alley, disappearing into the crowd of the square. 

Y/n looked back down at the letter in her hands one last time before shoving it into her pocket. She’d read it later once she wasn’t in a damp, cramped alleyway. Composing herself, Y/n made her way back to the inn she had been staying at for the past week and a half.

She sat on the worn bed as she tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter, ignoring the sting of the wound on her side in favor of learning the reason for the king’s summons. There, in neat handwriting, was a request she would have never expected to see.

“What the hell.”

// Next