The King's Pet

Chapter 21: Favourite Part Of Existing

Hyunjin's P.O.V

"I want to be with you forever Hyunjin." Was all I could think of well after Makita and I arrived at the castle in the late evening. Hearing him say such sweet words made my heart skip and nothing would've been able to bring me down after that, I felt on top of the world. I knew he had to have liked me as much as I did him but hearing the words from him filled me with an unparalleled joy. I was so caught up in his words that he could see I wasn't all there during our morning routine and ended up asking about it.

"My King, are you upset with me for pushing you off of me during the night?" He asked as we sat at the breakfast table waiting for King Bheka and Queen Soo-jin to come down. "Mmm?" I turned to him, confused about what he was talking about. "This morning you seemed distracted, I thought maybe you were hurt that I didn't cuddle with you while we slept." He explained, looking at me thoughtfully. Even though that wasn't it, I decided to tease him a little bit. "You're right, when you pushed me off you I thought you didn't like me anymore." I responded, feigning hurt and pouting like a child. Makita giggled at me softly and took my hand. "I'm sorry Hyun, it's just too hot for cuddling here. I still like you." He assured me adorably and I couldn't help the soft blush that crept up my neck to my cheeks.

"I'm glad to hear that Kita." I smiled at him softly, before leaning closer to him and giving him a quick peck. "Finally I get to meet my brother-in-law!" My sister's voice boomed through the dining hall suddenly, giving both Makita and myself a fright. We stood up and I smiled at the sight of my older sister's face. I hadn't seen Soo-jin in a while and the only form of communication we had were letters we sent back and forth on occasion. She was my first best friend, so it hurt when she swiftly avoided my open arms to hug Makita.

"Oh Makita, I've read so much about you, it's so nice to finally meet physically!" She gushed, holding his cheeks and smiling from ear to ear. "I understand your pain, Soo has been ignoring me since yesterday morning because of your arrival." Bheka, the king of the Central Kingdom and my sister's husband, related with a knowing sigh. I chuckled and gave him a hug, happy to see the person that made my sister so happy again after so long. "It's nice to see you again my brother." I expressed. "Mhm, I'm glad to see you with a partner finally. I thought for sure you'd marry the throne if it were possible." He joked, patting my back.

"I was quite invested in my kingly duties wasn't I." I chuckled shortly. "Aren't you still?" He asked curiously. "I still do what I have to with as much effort, but these days my favourite part of existing is Makita." I replied with a soft enthusiasm as I watched Soo and Kita get to know one another. "That's very sweet brother." He smiled genuinely. "Now, shall we eat?" He announced loudly, cueing his chefs to bring out breakfast.

Soon after breakfast, I didn't have Makita to myself again as my sister dragged him off to show him around the castle and surrounding city. So, Bheka and I spent the rest of the day catching up with each other. "I heard you were having some issues with some of the Kingdom tradesmen and women, did that get sorted?" I asked. "Well yes, albeit begrudgingly. It seems more and more people are hearing of your 'Just Rule' and are wanting more for themselves. I see why Jian banned all news from the North-East." He responded with a chuckle. "Well if you'd like I could send some of my legislators to assist in making a step-by-step plan specific to the Central Kingdom to help you further enact 'Just Rule'. Free of charge of course." I offered.

"You must really be so passionate about leading the continent further into your policy to make an offer so generous. I'll accept, but on the condition you allow me to pay for the service brother." He replied with an ever-charming smile. "If you're happy then I am too Bheka. Things will be better with 'Just Rule', if everyone plays their roll and they play it well--every Kingdom will be happier and healthier on all levels." I practically gushed about the idea of equality and equity across the Continent. "You really aspire to make this place a paradise, that is very noble Hyunjin. I spoke with Monarch Arabi two or three weeks ago and they seem the keenest of the rest of us to move along with the policy. And although Kassandra and I drag our feet at times, you do make headway. I'm proud to see how far you've come and in only five years of being a Monarch." He commended.

"Jian on the other hand...well I suppose you would have to wait until he steps down, which doesn't seem to be happening soon." He added. "That's why my focus is on moving the willing monarchs' kingdoms to the policy completely. If we're all following 'Just Rule' Jian won't be able to keep up with his old ways. It wouldn't be economically sound and I'm sure at a certain point he won't be able to isolate his people." I responded. "So you plan to put him in a corner?" Bheka asked with somewhat of a mischievous smirk on his face. "Well...it isn't so much a plan as it is a prediction." I chuckled. "Speaking of Jian, did he say what exactly he called the meeting for?" I asked, changing subjects slightly. "Not at all, just that he had a request that might require a vote from the council to approve." He answered making me sigh. He was going to respond but before he could, Soo and Kita finally returned from their lengthy tour of the city.

"We have returned!" Soo announced with a jovial smile, coming to sit between Bheka and me as Makita sat on the other side of me, latching onto my arm cutely. "How was the tour?" I asked. "It was wonderful, I expect to see more of the two of you." She responded. "You can come visit at any time, you know that." I teased, poking at the fact my sister hadn't been seen in the North-East Kingdom since my coronation five years ago. "Yea yea, I know," She rolled her eyes playfully before turning to Bheka, prompting them both to stand and say their goodbyes as they were off to attend to their duties.

Finally alone with Makita, I suggested we take a walk in the garden which Makita optimistically agreed to. "I missed you today my King." He said as we walked hand in hand. "I missed you too my Love. I hope Soo-jin wasn't too overbearing." I replied. "She wasn't, I really like her. She reminds me of you a lot." He mused, making me happy to hear that he liked my sister. "Mmm, many people have said we're alike. I hope you won't leave me for her" I teased softly, making him chuckle shortly. "I only have eyes for you Hyun." Kita smiled up at me cutely and I couldn't help but stop and kiss him.

He melted into the kiss like ice-cream on a smouldering hot day. He held me intently, sharing his heat with me. Taking initiative in the moment, he deepened our kiss, prompting me to hold him tighter and closer. I revelled in his confidence, wishing desperately to pause the moment. I pulled back so we could breathe which resulted in him hugging me. Then, a question came to my mind, stemming off of his comment in the carriage. "Kita...how long is forever to you?" I asked, cupping his cheek so he would look at me. His beautiful brown eyes met mine, holding all the adoration in the universe.

"As long as you'll have me."

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