Throne Room

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju /frowns and nods curtly
Good bye then.
I will not change my position anytime soon.
I apologize for making your trip here useless.
/a small sigh escapes me

@♛LuHan-Seoul You are right; no sane man enjoys war.
But this...the situation in which we-and yes, I mean we-are in right now...Politics and imperialism are not matters of sanity.
/nods slowly/
I thank you for your time, lord. And I thank you for your promise to help maintain peace. However, I hope you'll remember my warning-your neutrality cannot last forever. One day, the carnage of Kwangju will prevail, and she will set her sights on you. I suggest that Seoul be prepared for that time.
If Bussan falls, Seoul will stand alone.
/bows and takes my leave, barking orders to head back home/

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju /listens to you, my eyes narrowing as you paint the picture of what Kyungmi may do
/frowns
I never said I do not want to stop the war.
I merely do not wish to take a side so that the other kingdom has a reason to take us on in case that we are on the losing side.
/my eyes turn slightly darker
Do you think anyone enjoys war?
Do you think I am ASKING for a war by saying I am neutral?
You will receive all of my help in order to stop the war but we are by no means participating in it.
/clenches my hands together, the anger getting better of me
I have a child on the way and I do not want it born into war and all of the atrocities along with it.
/looks away, a hand running through my hair
You have my word that we will help in any way possible to stop this war, but that is all.
Seoul is not a fighting kingdom.
/lets out a long sigh
I wish to see no one die.
I merely wish that the two Dominas would try not to flex their muscles and show just how powerful they are by fighting it out.
Seoul has no reason to be drug into such a fight when we have been nothing but good trading partners between the both of you.

@♛LuHan-Seoul /shakes my head, a contemplative frown nestling on my lips/
No...no...It is not so simple. Of course, for my Domina, it is mostly for revenge for the pain that Kwangju has caused us...
However, I doubt it is so simple for Lady Kyungmi. She is young, but she has a terrifying ambition. If she were to risk her men to start a war, it would not be for something so sentimental.
/nods at your reaction/
Yes, she has no evident motives for attack Seoul at the moment...however, you must recognize it as well-when a ruler conquers two out of three kingdoms, she will not stop there.
I mean no insult, for I know without a doubt that your empire is a great and powerful one. But even with your monsters and powers, a long and bloody war would be inevitable if Seoul were alone against the forces of Kwangju after she defeats Bussan. The powers of one kingdom cannot be greater than two.
At worst, it will be a horrible defeat for Seoul; at best, a massacre of a stalemate for both sides.
/eyes are sad and worn/
I may be a soldier, born and bred, but I do not enjoy war.
I came to you, Lord Lu, to ask your assistance in preventing one. Please, use Seoul's influence to dissuade the hostility between us two.
/bows, showing my earnesty/
I beg of you-do not let our people die.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju My question is why are you trying to bring up the years of blood?
This is not the Years of Blood all over again. These are two women trying to fight out their differences by killing their men.
/tenses at the mention of seizing Seoul
She has no reason to take on our Kingdom.
Where are the motives behind her attacking us?
Even if se were to attack us, she would have to make it through the maze and mountains with a massive army, only to meet their deadly fate with our monsters.
/my eyes search yours
Speaking of motives, why are you here?
You never told me your reason as to why you needed a visit.
Are you truly just here to try and find out our side of the war or is there something more?

[post deleted by owner]

@♛LuHan-Seoul If you remember the carnage that resulted from the Years of Blood, then you must remember what caused it to be so.

/frowns and closes my eyes at the memory/
Dominos Jongin and his son Prince Sehun...they were driven mad with power and they were so, so strong. Last time, they conquered just us because Sehun had some sense of honor and refused to attack his own cousin, who was the Seoul Dominos at the time...

/stares at you, a warning in my gaze/
But Heiress Kyungmi is a new type of tyrant. She is more powerful than her father or her grandfather and has none of the compassion that Dominos Yixing has!
She has no honor, my lord. And if she succeeds in conquering my kingdom, there is no doubt that she will seize yours.

/backs off with a sigh/
All i wish to convey is that, though this may seem a stranger's war to you now...in time, it will be one to bleed on your lands.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju /stares you down
I am not denying this.
However though, I want to stress that Seoul is not searching to choose a side.
We simply want to remain neutral and keep trade ties with both countries.
We want no part of the war because as you said, we do not want to see our people dying on the field.
/my eyes turn hard at the mention of the Years of Blood
I was a part of that war. I saw things. Did horrible things. That war was the reason I had made it to where I am and also the reason why I will never see it happen again as long I have any say against it.
I do not wish for any war to happen.
/crosses my arms
We are more than capable of suppressing riots either way. Riots are easier to handle than going to war.
/runs a hand through my hair
I know you came here seeking to know what side we choose but trust me, we do not wish to partake in any of that. Seoul has nothing to do with the current dispute, and that sacrificing our people for someone else's cause is foolishness.
True, there are rumors that Heechul may be friends with Kwangju's Domina but I personally do not think that will influence our decision on what to do with the war.

@♛LuHan-Seoul /doesn't show any hostility and instead sighs/
You and I both know that you are most influential to your Dominos. If by any chance, a war does break out and Seoul is forced to choose sides, what you say as both his war consultant and his partner will have great effect, Lord Lu.

/eyes narrow incredulously and squares my shoulders/
Look onto history as a precedent. During the Years of Blood, the Kwangju invasion of Bussan, Seoul was forced into participation by their allies at Bussan. Do you remember the blood of your citizens that were slayed on foreign battlefields? Now, the roles have changed. No one kingdom can remain impartial during a war involving two others. If my queen declares war on Kwangju, it is inevitable that Seoul will somehow be effected, whether it be direct in supporting one side, or indirect in riots.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju /relaxes my shoulders
/gives you a nod in agreement
Okay. I believe we are both men of equal standing.

/continues my stoic face though as I listen to you.
So then why do you think coming to me will be of any help then?

/meets my eyes strongly with yours, not backing down
Why would Seoul be drug into this war though? Although it is rumored that Heechul may be friends with Kyungmi, it does not mean we will take any side of this war. That being said, we do not want any war either way. I simply wish for my people to be safe. I will fight any threat towards my Dominos.

@♛LuHan-Seoul /joins my hands behind my back/
Let us put away formalities, Lord Lu.
I will be honest with you and hope for you to entreat me to the same respect.

/sighs/
I do not want a war. My queen, however, will do everything to ignite such a war. Even though we are engaged and I am to ascend as Dominos within a few months, it is inevitable that I will only be a figurehead for her and my opinions will mean nothing.

/gazes at you with an understanding, for we are both the lovers of monarchs/
A war would mean the destruction of what fragile peace we three kingdoms hold. It would mean countless, massive death; and most likely, the two that we love respectively...your Dominos and my Domina, as well as Heiress Kyungmi, will be the first ones targeted. So yes, your answer will affect my kingdom as well as your Dominos. However, it will not harm either, for I am here as an emissary for peace.

@♚Seunghyun-Kwangju /returns the bow, my head bowed respectfully to give the familiar gesture
/looks up at you with my eyes on yours
You are welcome, Doctore.
/gives you a smile that doesn't reach my eyes, purely political

/my eyes trial after the attendants, making sure that they leave
Indeed. I would rather discuss the matters at hand with only those whom it concern.
/rests my arms behind my back, standing with my shoulders back as I watch and listen to you
I wish to know something first though. Depending on my answer, will it affect my kingdom or my Dominos?
How can I trust you to not use my words against me?
/my lips form a straight line, showing that I mean business

@♛LuHan-Seoul /bows respectfully with my hand across my stomach in the traditional Bussan way/
It is an honor to be granted your audience, good lord.
Thank you for sparing your time for me.

/nods at my soldier attendants and they leave from behind me/
Wouldn't want them hearing private state matters, would we?
I've asked for a meeting to discuss certain...hostilities between my kingdom and our neighboring one of Kwangju.
It is to my knowledge that your Dominos is friends with the young Heiress Kim Kyungmi; would you confirm my suspicions?

@♛LuHan-Seoul -leans forward a little, smirking as a lock of hair falls out of my bun-
Come now... a Dominos is entitled to some secrets, is he not?
You'll know when it's time, don't worry.
-narrows my eyes at you, clearly displeased-
Much as females are not my preferred bedmates, I'll thank you not to be so crude.
Even if I don't have a domina yet. "Breeding," indeed...

-chuckles and leans forward to kiss your nose gently-
I would apologize, but I'm not particularly sorry.
You'll have to find out later.

-tilts head back and forth, then lets out a contented hum at the kisses, closing my eyes and leaning my head back to expose more of my neck-
Mm... I don't have anyone to dispose of at the moment...

-leans into you and trails my fingers over the scars-
I remember that...
-thinks for a little while, then tilts my head over to look at you-
I'll send you after one of the merchants then.
Heard tell from multiple people that he beats his wife and their children.
He's the fat one with the gaudy purple suit, the one who sells the silks and satins from across the sea.
He's bad business for Seoul to boot, so he won't be missed.
Just leave a sack of coin for the family after the fact, so they can carry on without him. Doesn't matter when, just soon enough so they don't suffer.
And have their eldest bring me some fabric samples. I think I might want a new wardrobe soon.
Something lightweight. Maybe easy to tear...?

-looks down at your hand under the water, then raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing at my face-
Why? Because I want to make sure that you're being treated well.
And because I might plan on visiting you soon.
Of course, if you don't want me in the space that you reserved for yourself...
-shrugs nonchalantly-

@Heechul Care to tell me why you want me by your side then?
/smirks ever so slightly, enjoying the attention from you
/leans back, looking up at the sky
I hear you already have a domina. Congrats.
Have fun breeding her.
/says rather savagely while still smirking

/scrunches up my nose as you tap my nose
I do not like surprises.

/shrugs
They have a reason to be scared of monsters though.
Especially ones like myself.
I am a monster in disguise.

/moves in closer to you now
/boldly kisses along your neck
Just tell me who you want gone and I will do the rest, no questions asked.

/chuckles
I am especially fond of children, considering I know what it is like to be abused.
/absentmindedly runs my hand along the many scars on my body

/stops your hand on my thigh, looking to you
It is better than what I am used to. I like having a space to myself.
I don't mind the slaves as long as they are not underboot.
/eyes narrow
Why do you ask though?

@♛LuHan-Seoul -barely blinks when you cage me in, chewing on the inside of my cheek instead as I keep a level gaze with you-
Mm...
Good. I want you by my side too... and not just because you might be more dangerous away from me.
-smirks a little as our lips brush, and looks down at a spot of marble flooring as you whisper-
Oh?
-raises an eyebrow as you move back-
I have neither the time nor the heart to take on concubines, you know.
Besides which, that would entail me having to procure females.
Or a great deal of potions to render a MALE pregnant, but that's too much trouble.
No, one woman's enough for me.
And I'm glad I have your... support.
There are whispers of things happening around the cities, and I need us to be ready. All of us.

-grins and reaches forward, tapping your nose lightly-
'Cause it's a surprise, my lovely Champion.

-nods contemplatively, watching as the pipes bring in some slightly wilted flowers along with some fresh hot water-
True. Then again, people fear what they don't understand, so I've heard.
ANYthing they're scared of, it's monsters, even if it's the crazy drunk two alleys down.

-smirks a little and gives a quiet sigh at the light massage-
Good, good.
I may enlist your help in cleaning up the streets then...
The criminal rate in the slums is astonishing, from what I hear.

-keeps my eyes on yours and bites my lower lip slowly-
Mn...
Honestly, no.
I think you kill when needed.
Only when you can't help it MIGHT you kill indiscriminately, but it wouldn't really target the innocents.
Women and children and all.

-trails my fingers back up, then runs them down your abs again and down the inside of your thigh-
Now... back to matters... at hand.
How are you liking your quarters as Champion of Sands?
The slaves behaving?

@Heechul moves suddenly so that you're trapped between my arms
/looks into your eyes
Even though I have no loyalty to you, I still do care about you and I wish to remain by your side. You are one of the few people in my life that I can fully trust with my secret and who knows just how to handle me.
/leans in to brush my lips over yours before moving up to your ear to whisper
Not necessarily. As long as it is proven as your child, it is able to take the throne. Like one out of a concubine, no?
/pulls away
Do not worry though. I will never consider harming her.
/moves back to my original position

Why not tell me now?
/pouts like a child

At least you are not branded a monster because that is far worse than a murderer.
/shrugs

/laughs a little and resumes rubbing your thigh
You do not trust me at all.
I may be a murderer but I am not stupid and I do wish the best for Seoul.

/hums to myself, savoring your touch over my skin
/ my lips as you come close to my s
Do you think I just walk around and murder every single person?

@♛LuHan-Seoul -is silent for a few moments, then nods-
Yes, I do.
And as long as you at least pretend to have some loyalty to me, I'll keep treating you the way you like.
-arches one eyebrow a bit coldly-
See that it stays that way.
I'd hate for our relationship to be severed because of some indiscretion on your part.
-smirks a little-
Hey, I need a domina so I can have heirs to the throne, alright?
I'll treat her well, don't worry.
When I do get a domina, I'd expect you to treat her with respect as well, though I'm sure I don't have to tell you that.

-grins and makes a "shh" motion with one finger-
That's for me to know and you to find out.

-smirks-
I've got a few people in mind, yes.
No questions asked anywhere.
And I still had some power before... except this time I'm doing Seoul a great service instead of being criticized as a murderer.
Such a difference a title makes.

-sighs and rubs my temple with one hand-
Please do try to share the play area and toys with the other children, Luhan.
You know if Seoul ever goes to war, the gladiators need to be in prime condition to fight for their country and their dominos.
Besides... even being what you are, having a few allies closer to home couldn't hurt.

-lips twitch a little when I feel your hand on my thigh, and moves over just a little bit more, obligingly-
-trails my fingertips across your side underwater, and lightly traces over your abs before drawing a straight line down with a fingernail and hovering just above your member-
Oh? Please spare the help as well.
The younger ones, anyways, they don't know better.
Constant failures may be disposed of.
Don't know about some of the more simple-minded ones, but... it's up to you.

@Heechul /smirk only deepens when I feel you nudge me
I'm loyal to no one but myself.
I only stay with you because I like the way you treat me and you know it.
/shakes head
I may be a murderer but I'm not heartless like that.
/looks away
It's hard to think of you with a domina.
/lets out a short bark of a laugh

/eyes spark with amusement
My handlers?
What do you need to say to them exactly?

You always know who to ask to dispose of them.
It'll be done readily without any questions.
/crosses my arms
It's quite a difference from what you used to be, eh?

My day never feels right without a little blood split.
/trie sto hold back a giggle
Oh please. They know better than to come near me. The stupid ones usually use a limb or two if they try though.

/uncrosses my arms to reach out and place my hand on your thigh
/sensually and daringly begins rubbing it
I only do that when I feel restless and looking for someone to toy with.
Incompetent slaves are usually the ones that lose their heads first

@♛LuHan-Seoul -smirks and nudges your calf with my toes under the water-
But you'd be loyal to me, and only me.
And you'd protect me and your future domina.
There is truth in what you say, though.
I'd rather not wake up some day with my children dead and my domina dying because you decided to go on a rampage.

- lips slowly and closes eyes as if in thought, then opens them to half mast and peers at you-
I know you do.
Maybe I SHOULD pay a visit to your training grounds.
Have a word with your... handlers.

-clicks tongue-
I worry about what kind of drains they're putting on my resources, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem later on.
All I'd have to worry about is the mess to clean up afterwards.
I'd feel sorry for myself too, if the power wasn't so delicious.

-laughs softly and glides a little closer-
Nothing's ever complete without another body littering the streets, mm?
Please go easy on your fellow gladiators, though... I'm not keen on having to buy new ones.
Go on a trip through the slums and kill the hardened criminals, if you want.
Those should be more fun to play with.

@Heechul Possibly. No guarantees though.
/runs a hand through my wet air
Guard of Loyalty?
/snorts
Don't make me laugh.
A monster like me could never become that.
I'm too much of a loose canon.

Do you not believe me?
Maybe you should come supervise me sometime.
You know I like it hwen I have an audience.

/stretches my arms.
Mhm. Sure you do.
Even for the traitorous bastards.
I feel sorry for you.
/rolls eyes
We both know that it is not possible for me to lose.
/smirks and eyes glint rather murderously
Maybe I have

@♛LuHan-Seoul -snorts softly at the kiss and gently pats your cheek-
You'd probably be worried no matter what.
Then again, you ARE Champion.
May be well on your way to being a Guard of Loyalty.

-lazily sweeps an arm through the water and watches my sleeve float behind me-
Mm...
Mild training...

-arches an eyebrow imperiously-
I worry about all under Seoul's protection, and that includes you.
Champion or not, I would rather not lose you to some petty grudge or fight over lost pride.
Speaking of, you didn't kill anyone today, did you?

@Heechul eyes travel over you as I watch the material soak up the water
Indeed...
I'm glad to hear it.
I would be worried if my liege did not enjoy his life.
/snags a hold of your hand and mockingly presses a kiss to your knuckle with a smirk

/gently lets go of it to resume my reclining position
Of course not.
I've only been doing mild training in prep for my next battle.
/tilts head
Are you that worried about me, Dominos? (

@♛LuHan-Seoul -hums in assent and walks into the bath, sitting across from you in my dark red linen robe, letting the light material soak through and cling to me-
I bet it does.
And yes, I'm enjoying it greatly, thank you for asking.

-pushes a stray lock of hair out of my face, and reties my messy bun-
You haven't been overworking yourself, have you?
I don't want you getting crippled for life because you're too stubborn...

@Heechul /hums softly to myself
/slowly begins to smile and chuckles
/replies with my eyes still closed
It feels good on the sore muscles.
Plus smelling like sweat all the time is not that appealing to me.
/opens my eyes and looks to you with a playful look
Are you enjoying your life of luxury?

@♛LuHan-Seoul -smirks when someone tells me you're settled already, and waves the attendants off, climbing out of the baths and padding quietly down to where you are-

-sneaks up behind you and sits about a foot away, out of arm's reach, anyways-
-drawls out softly, drumming my fingers on the marble benching-
Didn't think you liked this kind of stuff, Champion.

@Heechul /walks behind a slave, being escorted to the baths
/removes my robe and slips into the warm waters once there, handing it to a slave
/waves them aside when they ask if I want anything else
/sinks down and closes my eyes, relaxing

@♛LuHan-Seoul -is relaxing in a private baths room when I get word that a special guest is here, and raises my eyebrows-
Hn... wonder if it's him...

-thinks about going over now, but decides to wait and let you get settled in before surprising you-
-has a massage to get finished anyways-
-lays back and smirks to myself, rolling my shoulders back-