What the hell! Fall for her? She's not pretty all. Even if she is, there's no way he'd be attracted, because that's one thing his eyes doesn't see. Beauty in women.
"I heard she's a Jade beauty from those birds" he half lied, ready to give another "Her beauty could make the heavens bow, bringing them to her feet. The whole universe would feel weak in the knees, and rather prefer to dine on her ethereal beauty..."
"Zayden...."
"Her intoxicating smell of vanilla, her eyes which contained the galaxy, pulling you deeper..."
"Zayden...."
"Her glowing skin like porcelain, her silky hair and good assets. Her every cute smile melting your heart away....."
"ZAYDEN!" Ryan roared on the top of his lungs, causing the birds to fly away.
"What? I'm just praising this soon-to-be wife of yours" he said. Praising someone whom he has never met! What a joke!
"You should stop that. I don't like it" Ryan said as a matter of fact.
"Fine. I won't say anymore." He kept quiet for a few seconds then said....
"If I were you... I'll protect her with everything in me" with all seriousness, the words came out of his mouth.
"Why should I protect her more than the others?" Ryan asked.
Zayden hesitated before speaking "Demons are after her"
"Why is that?" Ryan asked with furrowed brows.
"Let's just say she's a rare precious gem that needs to be destroyed" he took a sip.
"Crown prince Zayden, could you make your words more understandable?" Ryan said. He barely understands what he's saying. Precious gem? Seriously?
Zayden chuckled "I'm not a crown prince. Just a prince" he clarified.
"You're not?" He asked in shock "Father hasn't crowned you yet?"
"He hasn't. He still waiting for your return" he clenched his teeth.
"Waiting for me?" Ryan chuckled, amused "Did I ever say I wanted the throne?" he laughed.
"Y-You don't?"
"No. Never in a million years." Ryan answered. "Why would I want to rule over demons who despise me? Besides, I have so many disqualifications to the throne. First, I am an illegitimate son as father never married my mother. Second, I know nothing about the kingdom, or how to rule. Third, I'm part human. And there are still many of them. Afterall I've built my own Kingdom here. Han group" he said with open arms and a wide grin.
"But you, you have every qualifications. Legitimacy, knowledge of Kingdom affairs and you're a complete demon. You should rule." Ryan said "Tell father I said he should crown you or else....I'll burn the whole demon world."
Zayden's lips stretched into a tiny smile. At least Ryan wouldn't make him change his mind again. He had thought not to kill him, except he also wanted to rule. Now he wouldn't have to kill his only brother.
"I should send a letter instead, don't you think? That way father would know I truly said it" Ryan said.
Zayden gulped down down his drink. He felt light and heavy at the same time.
"Kang Jimyeong....asked me to kill you" he blurted, gazing at the front. He was willing to free himself from guilt before it starts eating him up.
Ryan gulped down the content in his mouth "What did you say?" he asked.
"He wanted you out of the way so I could get the throne. I had thought killing you would get me what I want, but now I see it's of no use" Zayden said.
"If he asked you to kill me, then why are you telling me?" Ryan asked, his tone becoming something you should get scared of.
"I figured it's of no use, brother" he replied, not wanting to look at him.
Ryan kept quiet for a while, which was so terrifying. If a pin should drop, it wouldn't even make a sound, scared of Ryan's silence.
After what seemed like ages, Ryan said "How could you be so foolish?"
"What?" Zayden turned to him and so did Ryan.
"You thought killing me would give you the throne?" he asked "You thought that power-hungry demon would let you have the throne? Just like that? You must be so delusional. And foolish"
Zayden gritted his teeth as Ryan's words sank in.
"You would also be killed after my death, and Yana's life would be at stake. I thought you were smart Zayden? How couldn't you see?"
Zayden was quiet, his eyes lowered. How couldn't he see things this way? He just wanted the throne that he forgot whom he was dealing with.
"I'm sorry, brother" he apologized
"Save it" Ryan said "Even if I die now it won't mean anything. But if anything happens to you or Yana, I'll kill you in the afterlife. Over and over again" he said menacingly, through clenched teeth.
There was eerie silence after Ryan spoke. Zayden could only gulp from time to time, stealing glances of him. He sat there like a child who was scolded by his mother, not having anything in mind to say.
"What made you change your mind?" Ryan asked.
"Because... I love you, brother" he said with blurry red eyes.
Tears clouded Ryan's vision. This was the first time Zayden said this. He had thought no one would ever love him. But he as a family who does. Damn the outside world. He wasn't alone. He was loved. He looked at Zayden, tears seeping from both eyes. Zayden knew what he was feeling now so he hugged him.
"I don't want to loose you, brother" he also cried. "I'm sorry I almost betrayed you. Please forgive me"
They held each other, pouring their hearts out. For the first time in five hundred and seventeen years, Ryan cried. Ever so deeply. Both wetting each other's clothes.
Finally, after what seemed like ages, they pulled away, wiping each other's face. They burst into laughter at their swollen eyes.
"Damnit! I can't believe you made me cry" Ryan cursed.
"I'm sorry. I won't do it again" Zayden pouted.
"Don't act like a kid in front of me. Don't you know how old you are?" Ryan snapped.
"Not around my brother" he gave a smile and Ryan rolled his eyes cursing underneath.
"Oh, there's something you must know"