Hanuel's chocolate doe eyes studied Minjae’s body as he ordered the alpha to strip naked for him. The queen did not mean it in a perverted way, he simply wanted to help clean up the wounded wolf. The way his muscles flexed as they peeled off each torn, bloody layer of clothing. A frown was plastered onto his face as he noticed that some wounds weren’t healing at all, regardless of how long he had them. 

“Minjae.” The queen called, concern laced in his soothing voice, the alpha snapped to look at the omega who stood a few feet away, arms folded and eyes piercing daggers. He stood there shyly in his boxers, dried blood on his skin, dirt and mud clung to his sweaty body. “There’s wolf’s bane on your body, I can smell it. That’s what prevents your wounds from healing.” Hanuel explained through clenched teeth, anger seeping through his veins as he couldn’t seem to imagine which bastard could hurt their own kind like this. Never in one million years the queen would ever punish a soul like this, perhaps based on the crime they’ve committed, but otherwise, he can never be so heartless.

“I hadn’t noticed.” Minjae mumbled, feeling embarrassed that he couldn’t even pick up on the poison that was affecting his healing abilities. As he peeled off his last piece of clothing, the queen took a step forward and Minjae suddenly felt his cheeks get warm, face and ears scarlet. “I can clean up myself.” The alpha uttered, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sudden level of attention he was receiving by a stranger and the queen’s brows shot up. Heading titling to the side as he was not expecting such a disrespectful statement from the alpha who stood there, if anything the omega could simply kill him with the strike of his hand if he wanted to.

“Who do you think you are speaking to? I don’t recall sharing secrets with you under the moonlit skies as children.” Hanuel questioned, words filled with irritation. His eyes no longer chocolate but instead a deafening brown, dark and authoritative. Minjae flinches at the sudden change and he redirects himself immediately. The underlying mockery in his question seems to scare the alpha.

“I am capable of cleaning up myself, Your majesty.” Minjae rephrased, and Hanuel hummed in satisfaction, he was satisfied with the respect, but not the rejected offer. As the alpha stood there naked, Hanuel neared, until their chests met. Almost the same height, the omega placed his hand on the alpha’s chest, wanting to feel his rapid heartbeat that echoed in his senses. The alpha’s breath hitches as he felt the queen drag his fingertips lower to his stomach, feeling the muscles beneath his touch. 

Minjae swallowed harshly, raven eyes staring into the queen’s who were unaffected by the proximity. Minjae knew that if he moved an inch away from the omega, he’d be a dead man, and he doesn’t want that. So he stood his ground, fearful but brave. Cowardly but confident. 

“I didn’t ask for your opinion, get in the tub.” Hanuel whispered, his voice low and demanding, and Minjae swore to the Moon Goddess that his lips brushed against the queen’s. “Don’t make me repeat myself. Unless you want my words to be the last thing you hear before you feel a blade to your neck.” Hanuel murmurs quietly, eyes peering at Minjae innocently.

Minjae’s ego and pride was a mere crumb. He felt ashamed that he was unable to catch onto his own body’s lack of healing, and wolf’s bane? He was surprised that he was alive for quite some time. The alpha nods slowly, obeying the queen’s orders, he simply could never forget the queen’s words, the tone he spoke in, the feelings he evoked and the terror he has brewed;

You are in my kingdom, you bow to me, you obey me, my word is law.

-

“Your majesty.” Everyone greets in a monotone voice as the queen enters the courtroom. His head held high, gold and diamond studded crown sitting beautifully on his hair, chocolate eyes forward as his lace covered and silk folded, pastel blue dress dragged behind him, footwear clacking against the tiles as he made his way towards his throne. He sat down, eyes forward before he lifted his hand to signal for his advisors to sit down in order for the meeting to commence. 

“I’d like to apologise for requesting a meeting so late into the night.” Hanuel starts, peering apologetically to his men and women, yet no one minded it in one bit. They all smiled back reassuringly to their queen who felt at ease who witnessed the synchronized action. “However, we do have a matter to discuss, we’ll make it brief, and tomorrow morning we’ll have another to confirm our facts, is that clear?”

Everyone nodded along at the queen’s words, agreeing to his gamble as they knew he was being considerate to everyone, including the rogue wolf who was taken care of. Hanuel called in a beta servant to patch up Minjae’s wounds, he ensured that he ate and now he was currently sleeping due to the sedatives the physician prescribed due to Hanuel’s request. Not to mention, the queen insisted that Minjae slept in his chambers as he wanted to keep a close eye on him. Even if the alpha doesn’t know whose room he was staying in, he definitely does not know that there are two knights standing outside the chambers keeping guard of him.

“Your majesty,” Seon, the royal guard spoke loud enough to catch the advisors’ and queen’s attention as he was the one in charge of the report, clearing his throat, he continued, “The rogue wolf, Ryu Minjae, was found approximately thirty feet away from the south-east borders. The patrolling squad and myself have reasons to believe that he must’ve been exiled from one of three kingdoms. Kingdom Eldoria, Kingdom Goldmere, and lastly-”

“Kingdom Vornhollow, where the bastard King Lee Kang-ryeol reigns.” The queen’s voice trembled, each word venomous on his tongue. His grip tightened on the hand rests until his knuckles turned bone-white. The council room buzzed with unease, advisors exchanging wary glances. Their murmurs grew louder, too loud for the queen to bear.

A sharp crack shattered the tension.

Hanuel’s fist slammed down hard, splintering the armrest beneath his hand. The broken wood tumbled down the marble steps, the sound echoing through the chamber like a death knell. Silence fell swiftly, so thick it choked the air. No one dared speak. The queen’s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, the weight of his fury pressing down on the room.

His head bowed low, strands of dark hair falling over his eyes. Shame seeped into the cracks of his anger, settling in his heart like lead. He hated this, this loss of control, the raw vulnerability exposed before the very people he was meant to lead.

With a sharp inhale, Hanuel rose from his seat but did not return to his full height. Instead, he descended the steps, his footfalls soft against the stone. Kneeling before his council, he pressed his palms flat to the cold floor, lowering his head further in submission.

“My actions were unbecoming of a ruler,” he said, voice strained but steady. “Forgive me for allowing my wrath to blind my judgment. You deserve better from me.”

The words lingered, hanging heavy in the quiet. His vulnerability bled into the room, transforming the silence from fear to reverence. It wasn’t just an apology, it was a plea for understanding, one laced with the unspoken burden he carried alone.

Of course, it was accepted. “Your majesty, please rise. Your apology was not needed, we understand the difficulties you are currently going through. Keep your head high, and believe that your council members, guards, knights and your people will be with you every step of the way.” Kwon Minseo, a beta governess spoke out, her kind words reassuring the queen who shaky returned to his position to resume the meeting after his unwanted outburst. No one would ever judge the queen, he is far too compassionate and comprehensive to even question.

You’d never understand the difficulties I face everyday, but I’m forever grateful that you attempt to comfort me when I am unable to reassure myself.

“Thank you Lady Kwon Minseo.” The queen smiles sluggishly, the fatigue seeping into his bodies, and he observes the way his council members were also battling their inner tiredness as well. “Now, to resume. Due to the information Royal Guard Jang Seon has revealed, I do not fully trust this rogue that resides in my chambers. However, I will be taking precautions. Seon, I want twelve of your strongest men to look after the rogue when I am not in his presence. Four will be on rotation, is that understood?” 

The royal guard proudly states that he understood his orders, his mind already racing with the names that he will write and submit to the queen the next morning. The queen further explains that he wants another guard to be around him and the rogue at all times unless they are requested to leave by the queen himself, and this too, shall be on rotation.

Hanuel hesitates before he states his final request for the royal guards and his knights. “I wish to send two knights each to the listed kingdoms. Kingdom Elordia, Kingdom Goldmere and Kingdom Vornhollow. I want to know what their situations are like, I know that I wouldn’t fully trust or believe the rogue’s words when we question him tomorrow, so I’d like to have the details at hand when I need it the most.” He uttered, his voice steady but was filled with uncertainty. 

Will he retrieve the information in a timely manner? What if Minjae isn't from those kingdoms at all? If anything were to happen to his knights, how will he obtain the information that he needs? And the knights? Their families, their loved ones, how will they survive, their incomes, their standard of living and quality of life? How will they view their Queen? As a heartless person who didn’t care about his knights, putting their lives at stake like that. So many worrisome questions filled his head as he was unsure if he wanted to even send his knights, but he knew that something needed to be done in order to find out the truth about the rogue.

“Your majesty, I will send my men on their journey tonight.” Seon states proudly, knowing that he has created the best knights ever produced. Strong, reliable, agile, fearless, confident and selfless. The queen’s lips parted slightly, for a moment he doubts himself, truly wondering if this was the right decision to make. But before he confirms the decision he reassures Seon;

“If we send them off tonight, I would like to ensure their safety. Daggers, swords and wolf’s bane as weapons in case the mission is ever compromised. Plenty of rations to keep themselves satisfied, not only for themselves, but their horses as well. They are to request anything they desire. They will be worried about their families, but everyone will be heavily compensated as I know this is a difficult task to achieve.” Seon couldn’t help but bow in respect for his queen. He agrees and lets his queen know that he will handle the task, Seon exits the room, on his feet to assign his men the tasks and ensure that they are ready to die for their queen.

-

Hanuel slips off his gown, watching it fall to the floor, he couldn’t but wonder if he’s doing the right thing. He can simply kill the rogue that resides in his bed, but this situation is far more difficult that it seems. Rogue wolves were not uncommon in Lunareth, yet they were never beaten to a bloody pulp, they weren’t injured with wolf’s bane nor unable to pick themselves up again. 

The situation doesn’t seem to sit well with the queen yet there is nothing much he can do until the next day. 

He carefully removes his crown and places it on his dresser. His slender finger traces the diamonds that were carefully crafted onto the piece of gold that held it tightly. He stares at it, the jewels, the way they sparkled under the moonlight. He sighs quietly before turning on his heels, walking to his bed where Minjae slept peacefully, or was forced to as it was the sedatives that were working. He peered at the alpha, admiring his features.

His long lashes fanned delicately against his skin, casting faint shadows in the soft light. The constellation of moles dotted across his face seemed almost intentional, like the stars aligning just for him. His nose curved elegantly, and his lips, full, pink, and inviting, parted slightly with each breath. Even in sleep, the alpha carried tension, his brow furrowing as if caught in a restless dream. Hanuel’s gaze lingered, tracing every detail as if committing it to memory.

Hanuel brought his hand up to Minjae’s face, his long, slender fingers hovering, but instead of touching his forehead, he caressed his cheek, his finger paying extra attention to the faint scar that decorated the side of his dainty face. The queen removes his hand, and walks over to his side of the bed, too tired to even slip on his nightgown, for now, his silk and lace undergarments will do him justice. He doesn’t care if Minjae sees his body half-naked, he would enjoy the sight if he does. 

Regardless, Hanuel turns on his side, back facing Minjae, head swirling with doubts, fear and worry about his kingdom, people and himself.

Moon Goddess, give me signs if I am making a mistake of welcoming this alpha into my kingdom.