Chapter Text
One would think that an outstanding ruler is inherently powerful. It's nothing like that. It's about picking your battles. And it is that very thing which Arba is so proficient at, the capacity to seize an opportunity and turn it in her favour. Of course, Judal understands that such an ability is hidden beneath religious babbling and layers upon layers of delusion.
She attributes all wins to her devotion to the God Ill Ilah. Maybe, beneath it all, she realises that it's actually her own doing, not the God's. Or maybe, she simply does it naturally, completely enamoured with her piety. Judal almost wishes he was also a religious fanatic. It seems to give people a different type of confidence. Everything happens for a reason and the universe works in their favour. It is this bullshit rationale that keeps the religious nutcases well and thriving, so that they can drive normal people around them insane.
But alas, it is impossible for Judal to delude himself. He's a non-believer by nature. Few things in this world could win his trust.
And Arba is about to make the deal of her lifetime. She ruthlessly attacked one of the regions at the border of Balbadd, trying to claim it as part of the Kou Empire. The downside is that the army of the enemy was stronger than anticipated. They fought tirelessly defending that region. Balbadd has a smaller army, but that's not the only factor. They keep prolonging the war, wasting precious resources and time. War is not a matter of fighting power and mere aggression. It is more akin to a business deal, if the numbers do not add up it is better to back off. The conflict is less profitable for them the more it is dragged on. The land that they have conquered in such a long period does not give enough yield to compensate for the losses.
Not only is king Rashid unrelenting in his war strategies, he is also cunning and distrustful. The very first time Arba sent a messenger to his camp, king Rashid sent word back in a grim manner: the head of the messenger was returned on a pike. The symbolism was clear to Judal: not only did he not want to negotiate peace, but he was also insulted by the whole situation. To execute the messenger is a grave offense, meaning that nothing is out of bounds in this game. It is uncharacteristic of king Rashid to react like this, an esteemed ruler with somewhat of a moral compass, at least compared to Arba. The exaggerated reaction means that the court of Balbadd is extremely vindictive this time. And honestly? Judal can't blame them.
It takes Arba by surprise as well. She becomes taciturn and ruminates about the situation for a couple of days. They can't hold on for much longer, they need to find a solution for a peace treaty.
Then, Arba comes up with a foolproof plan. King Rashid is not without weaknesses after all. He has a half-son, Alibaba, who's the talk of the kingdom. Taken in because of the sheer obligation that the king felt for abandoning him and his mother, that boy is the black sheep of the court in terms of lineage. She knows that taking him out of the picture fast is the wisest thing the king could do. And oh, Arba has a son to spare as well.
It would be like killing two birds with one stone, really. She knows that Judal is secretly working against her. She also knows that Hakuryuu is in on it. It's the perfect opportunity to get rid of Judal for good. Trapped in a foreign land, he would be surrounded by hostile people and he would never dare make a move against her from such a place far away.
She summons Judal at once. He sighs in anticipation as he enters her tent, a bad feeling wells up in his chest. "Come, my dearest son." She smiles sweetly as she places a palm on his cheek. "After all this time I found the answer I've been looking for" she walks back to her chair and gestures for Judal to sit as well.
"You see, a conflict of such proportions could never end with a mere sheet of paper, I was a fool to believe so" Judal perks up, it sounds promising, she might really manage to end it once and for all.
"We need a clear guarantee of our resolve. A union that will be beneficial for both parties." She takes Judal's hands in her lap and holds them there. The young man raises his eyebrows. "Judal, this is your time to shine. If you keep the union alive and thriving you could be our saving grace."
Judal looks in disbelief for a second before fear creeps on him. "You're...giving me away?" It sounds so cruel Judal feels like he might burst into tears.
"Oh, no, no! I would never endanger you so there is no need to worry. The nature of the settlement makes you protected, because it is in their interest to keep you safe for the alliance to succeed." She is serious. Fear turns to panic.
"It is also the perfect opportunity to find you a match. I knew you could never have a woman due to your position as High Priest. It is better to keep holy men unsullied by such duties as being concerned with progenitors." Yeah, sure. That and the fact that Judal doesn't like women that much. He wants to yell, confess what he really thinks about her plans and put an end to them. But he remains frozen in place. No matter how hard he tries, words won't come out, she has too much leverage over him. There is another issue: having an heir would make him a threat to Arba's reign, that's why it is better to pair him with another man.
"I know I'm asking for a lot, but I'll need you to put your best foot forward when the marriage talks start, alright? We're all counting on you." It's such a soft tone, one that Judal has spent his whole childhood chasing after. He beats himself up for how weak he is to her requests. He wants to protest, but panic settles too deep in his soul. He knows this, there is no room to argue, he is the sacrificed pawn in this game.
And the worst of all is that he'll leave Hakuryuu alone to fend for himself. He can't fathom that thought. The two of them apart, both living in a world surrounded by enemies.
The very next day Arba gives him the rest of the details. He wants to know what man he will be given away to. It's Alibaba, the third son. Judal has to brush off the chill that runs down his spine when he hears that name. He doesn't want to show too much emotion around her.
Judal knows about Alibaba's background. He knows that he's the outcast of the family. But that's not the only bad news for the brunet. Everybody in the Kou Empire court has heard of prince Alibaba. He is not a politician per se, as his brothers, oh no. Alibaba was involved directly in the war, one of the most competent generals that Balbadd has to offer. More exactly, he was a pain in the ass for the Kou Empire, outmaneuvering them at every turn. If Alibaba does not make for a king, he sure makes for a warrior.
A warrior that has watched his men struggle and has fought in the front lines to defend his country. How would he react to having the High Oracle of that enemy nation served to him on a platter? Judal is frightened by his own thoughts, so he banishes them quickly.
Arba has a whole plan laid out for them. What Judal will wear, how he would present himself and all that. At least Arba will do most of the talking.
Judal can barely sleep at night due to the questions that haunt him. What safety measures should he get when he goes to live with his new husband? What sort of man is Alibaba? Would he ever tolerate Judal in his life at least or would he hate him from the start? He wouldn't try to hurt him right? No, the alliance must be succesful for its symbolic importance at least.
He's also met Hakuryuu that night. Told him all about the changes that were about to occur. It's strange, it's him who should bawl his eyes out, but Hakuryuu beats him to it. He's unconsolable and volatile, throwing himself onto his lap and crying like a hurt child. It's the contrast between him and Hakuryuu that makes him man up and stand his ground. He can't fall down so easily. It's Hakuryuu's perceived emotional weakness that has prompted Judal's bravery over the years. If you can't remain strong for yourself you might as well do it for the other. That's good enough.
It's no surprise to him when the messenger actually returns this time with his head intact. It's a letter from the king, he accepts Arba's proposal of setting up a meeting.
And Judal is about to meet his future husband for the first time.
The outfit that Arba has chosen is not coincidental. It's sickening, the attention she has to detail. Judal feels like the starry sky personified. It's a long black hanfu, covered with another layer, a veil of silver sparkly details. Face-framing pieces give him a slightly undone look. The jewelry is minimal, sticking to the same silver shade. The knot arout his waist is tight and the fabric defines the shape of his body. Otherwise he's completely covered, a mix of both sultry and elegant.
The outfit should get the right kind of attention. It was chosen with a purpose in mind. There are reports that Alibaba frequents whore houses, more specifically whore houses with female prostitutes, so Judal is already at a disadvantage here. He hopes the prince will at least appreciate the feminine shape the outfit gives him. All that aside, Judal feels pretty damn good in it, it highlights his ethereal essence.
"Judal, darling! Come join us!"
He jumps slightly when he hears Arba's call. After one last sigh he gathers his courage and enters the tent where the peace talks are taking place.
The king and his son watch Judal attentively as he enters swiftly and takes a practiced bow to both of them. The old man nods in response while the prince stands up and returns the bow respectfully.
The prince is slightly shorter than Judal, his head is mostly covered, two almond-shaped honey eyes peek through. A tuft of blond hair is also visible. Otherwise, the prince is rather modestly dressed. He is wearing red and black clothing paired with and a head cover that keep most of his body hidden. In true Balbadd fashion, he is wearing more layers as dessert dwellers do. A saif is kept in its sheath close to his body. Judal has seen this type of sword time and time again amongst Balbadd warriors.
All sit down and start the negotiations. After Judal's introduction, Arba and king Rashid get down to business. The details of it are all a blur to Judal. He doesn't really care about the territorial dispute or political implications. It's not like he'll ever have a say in that. He sneaks a glance at Alibaba, only to discover that the prince was already eyeing him and he turns his glance away when he's spotted by Judal.
It's understandable, Judal is also curious about the man he is about to marry, but his choice of outfit leaves a lot to imagination. Maybe he wanted to have the upper hand and not reveal himself yet. Anyway, Judal turns his attention to king Rashid, who is as perspicacious as he seemed. The old man is a veritable rival to Arba, he keeps his stand and uses every way to have leverage over her. He also has a sort of emotional intelligence that most leaders lack.
It takes a little over an hour, but they find solutions. The territory will remain under Balbadd sovereignity, but Kou Empire will have trade and transit benefits over it. At the same time, Alibaba and Judal will be married as soon as possible as guarantee of the union, with Alibaba receiving his husband in his home. Alibaba will also receive a dowry for the trouble the Kou Empire has caused.
Same-sex marriages are generally considered out of place for royalty, because there would be no one to inherit the power and wealth of the parents. In this case it's the perfect arrangement to get rid of both of them with subtlety.
The whole ordeal does not sit well with Judal. Even if they are both men the settlement puts Alibaba in a position of power. Judal will live in his home, and Alibaba will be able control his finances. Not to mention that technically, Alibaba will have the right to access Judal's body. But he'll be dead before he lets the prince lay a hand on him. Judal will remind him that he's a magic user if he ever gets any ideas about intruding into Judal's life too much. The prince has bitten more than he can chew, and Judal will make sure that Alibaba knows that.
Chapter Text
The morning of the ceremony is extremely tiring. A lot of servants work on his hair, every strand has to be put in the right place, with beautiful ornaments woven into his braid.
His makeup is simple, as per his own request. He loves a sharp black eyeliner and a slightly red lip, blended messily. It's the classy wedding Kou empire look, paired with red robes.
He meets Alibaba in an antechamber, this time his face is uncovered and he is also draped in royal robes. He has a boyish look brown skin and broad shoulders, but otherwise he has a plain face. The golden honey eyes are staring intensely at him, checking him out. Judal guesses it's natural to want to get a good look at the person you're marrying, he's doing the same thing after all. Warmth encompasses Alibaba's whole being. Blond hair matches perfectly with the golden jewelry, fit for a prince on his big day. Just like in their previous meeting, Alibaba remains mostly covered. He tries to guess the shape of his body but is unable to do so. Judal feels his cheeks turn pink, the two of them have a moment alone before they appear in front of everyone.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like a glorified doll, I think they must have shoved flowers up my ass as well" Judal's way too blunt remark comes out of nowhere, but surprisingly the prince gives a light-hearted snicker.
"Well, you do look pretty. Let us go inside and not keep them waiting, shall we?" Wait, was that a compliment? Judal certainly heard one.
They follow the Kou Empire tradition for the wedding, they serve the parents with tea and later host a party for the royals on both sides of the family. At one point the two crowds blend together and Judal feels the awkwardness dissipate with every glass of baijiu. Alibaba politely declines them but Judal feels that he needs it in his system to keep going. The hardest moment is at the end, when he embraces Hakuryuu and they both say their goodbyes. Judal tries to keep a straight face as he observes a tear slide down his friend's cheek.
"Hey, don't give me that. I can look after myself, you know that, right?" Hakuryuu nods between the tears that keep coming. "Besides", Judal whispers in his year "I'm going to give these bastards a run for their money." The boy gives a short laugh and hugs Judal again. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The not-so-subtle exchange is noticed by Alibaba who waits patiently for Judal to return to his side at once.
Judal's already exhausted by the end of the ceremony. They will also have to get back to Balbadd's capital, which is a couple hours away from where they are. The newlyweds have their own separate carriage, which is large enough to fit them comfortably for the long journey ahead. It's enclosed so they have some intimacy.
Judal plops onto the seat with a sigh as he makes room for his husband to climb in.
"Your lover?" Judal looks at the blond in disbelief for a moment before he catches on. He refers to Hakuryuu.
"The one with the blue hair? No, just a friend." Something tells him that Alibaba will not believe him, but it's worth a try. The other just nods silently and turns his attention to the small window. It's dark outside already, there is nothing to see.
Judal feels around his hair to pull out the flowers and pins that keep it together. A couple of strands pulled out of the braid make him look slightly messier when compared to his impeccable image earlier.
"Can you give me a hand, I can't reach some of them" and Judal turns away from him so Alibaba can get some of the stubborn pins at the back. His calloused hand reaches to feel around Judal's scalp before finding the offending plastic pieces, gently taking them out one by one. He seems kind, Judal thinks. He's been nothing but gentle and accommodating so far. Judal hopes that it's not just an act. He gathers all the pins and puts them away in a small box.
There is a part of him that does not care anymore. His 'mother' signed away his life on a piece of paper and now he is going to move in with a total stranger after a ceremony that he never asked for where he was paraded around like an object. He feels powerless on the one side, but on the other he is overwhelmed by numbness, at least he doesn't have to think too much. Arba did that for him.
At first he wanted to have a strategy of infiltrating the court and making an effort to become one of them. But he slowly stopped caring. If anybody crosses him he will shut it down immediately. Not that anybody has tried so far, besides, plans are more of Arba's thing. He prefers a spontaneous approach.
He decides to drop the appearances and settle more comfortably, curling up on his seat in a sleeping position. He watches a tan muscular forearm peek from under the robes as Alibaba gestures for someone and says some words in Arabic. A servant brings him a soft blanket. He covers the brunet with it so he can get some sleep. Judal whispers a soft thank you and indulges in the warmth, practically tucked away in a makeshift nest.
He has to practice some more Arabic, he is struggling with it more than Alibaba seemed to struggle with Chinese during the ceremony. He'll bring it up later.
He sleeps during the whole journey. It's a bumpy ride, but his exhaustion knows no boundaries by now. He is only awakened by his husband at the end, when he feels a hand on his shoulder, softly trying to bring him back to consciousness.
They make it out the carriage and Judal is informed that king Rashid has parted ways with the rest long ago, his own entourage heading towards the king's castle.
The place where they are now is actually Alibaba's palace. He does not live with the rest of his family, and the castle was a gift from Rashid himself. Judal doesn't know whether to be grateful for not being around Alibaba's family or suspicious of this separation.
The palace itself is on the smaller side, but it seems comfortable to Judal. It's more colourful than he's used to, but done in good taste. As Alibaba shows him around, servants bow down to them as they pass through the halls. Technically, they're Judal's servants as well now.
They finally end up in the master bedroom, which has been clearly decorated with the arrival of the newlyweds in mind. It has an adjoining private bathroom, as large as you'd expect of a royal one.
"I could arrange to have you sleep in a different room if it would make you more comfortable." Alibaba leans onto the doorway with his arms crossed as he waits for an answer.
"No, I'd rather we shared the bedroom. Otherwise, they'll talk." He turns to him, hoping that Alibaba received the message. The people in the palace might realise that there was no consummation of the marriage, thus making it null, it would be safer if the rest of the castle didn't know that.
"I could handle it, I would not allow them to speak against you or the union-"
"It's fine if we stay like this." Judal retorts. "Besides, no one will have to know that the consummation did not actually happen even if we share a room." It's a double edged statement. Judal is reassuring him that the arrangement will work but he does not intend to spend the night together with Alibaba. It sends a clear message of 'back off', if he ever needed one.
Alibaba nods and returns to the servants , telling them to move Judal's belongings to their bedchamber.
It washes over Judal again. The feeling of displacement. The room feels enormous yet suffocating at the same time.
He has dinner with his husband, it's just the two of them while servants move around bringing everything to their tables. If it's one thing that Judal will become accustomed to it's the food. It's delicious and Judal dilligently enjoys every platter that's brought to him. The most exquisite are the sweets. He asks Alibaba about them and the blond tells him everything he wants to know about their cuisine.
By bedtime Judal feels the exhaustion stemming from the previous day creep up on him. He finds himself alone in the large bedchamber, with Alibaba nowhere in sight. He seizes the opportunity, and takes a long bath. He gets dressed for bed and enters the bedroom. Alibaba is not in sight. He flops onto the bed, still sluggish due to the hot water of the bath. He doesn't bother to blow out the candles, his roommate can do it when he returns.
He almost falls unconscious when the door is swiftly opened. Next, Judal hears a sigh coming from the other man. He tenses, paying attention to every move Alibaba makes. He hears the ruffling of clothes, how quickly he changes and then gently lays on the mattress, so as to not disturb his bedmate. He slips under the covers and Judal's body stiffens. Maybe Alibaba misunderstood him earlier and he's going to make a move?
It doesn't happen. Alibaba instead lies back and falls asleep quickly, paying Judal no mind. The brunet feels his body loosen up. He can finally drift off as well, he shouldn't have judged Alibaba so harshly. He seems to not want to invade his personal space at all.
Chapter Text
Judal explores the gardens the next afternoon. Their gardens. It's a luxurious space with a patio to sit down and enjoy some afternoon snacks and tea.
He gets used to the new area until he spots Alibaba coming outside, with a small plate in his hand, with something familiar.
"I know what that is, we were served yesterday with that, too." Judal says, eyeing the white fluffy sweet in Alibaba's hand.
"Muhallebi, you seemed to enjoy it so I figured more would be welcome." He places it on the table for Judal to eat. So that's what it's called. Did Judal really gobble it last night like that for Alibaba to catch on?
"Thank you." They've been mostly conversing in Judal's native tongue since he struggles too much with Arabic. But Alibaba's pronounciation of the name of the dessert is throaty and pleasant.
"Why bring it yourself? You could've asked a servant?" Judal asks.
"To tell you the truth, I didn't want us to be bothered by anyone." He sits on a chair.
Judal raises an eyebrow at that, but he takes the soft white sweet and starts eating it.
"How come you haven't been working lately? Princes are always busy."
"I was allowed a honeymoon period. I'm not expected back to work for two months. Speaking of which, I never asked you if you would like to travel during this time." Speaking of which -the same words echo in his mind- Alibaba's eyes glisten like honey in the sun, interesting...
"I'd rather not." Comes Judal's answer. "Getting used to a new place is enough novelty for now." Alibaba nods, registering his preference. Judal places the empty bowl in the table, then faces away from Alibaba, a discreet smirk making its way on the blond's face.
"This is not enough, what we have between us" Judal breaks the silence.
"What do you mean?"
"We seem like we're cold to each other. It doesn't make for a lasting, secure alliance."
"Oh?" Alibaba supports his cheek on his hand, now fully turned to Judal, an amused look on his face.
"Don't get any ideas...it's just a bad look. And I hope you know this type of information will get back to your father sooner or later" Judal responds.
"So how do you propose we change their perspective? We can jump around on the bed if you wanna make some noise, it will fool them."
"Too childish, we need to make it seem as if we have consummated it already."
Judal hears movement from behind. He turns and there is Alibaba, walking straight to him with a determined look in his eyes. Judal takes a few steps back, putting his hands up "what are you doi- aAH!" He squeals as his feet leave the ground. In one swift motion he is slinged over Alibaba's shoulder, supported by a tan and muscled arm.
He gets carried back into the castle, under the gaze of the innocent servants passing by, who blush and quickly lower their gazes at their display. And Judal is no better. He fights hard to not react, as he is paraded around like a prize. He feels securely held, and Alibaba's body is sturdy under him as he slightly bounces with every step.
They finally reach their chambers after what seems like an eternity.
"Now noone will question our commitment." Alibaba chuckles as a pillow is thrown in his direction.
"Making me look like a fool!" Judal retorts, still embarassed.
"But did it work?" Judal can't argue with that.
"Guess it's better than jumping on the bed like little children."
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They are outside on the balcony of their shared bedroom. It is more akin to a room with a whole wall opened, with a chaise lounge. It's soft and decorated with colourful cushions. Both are seated there. The sun is about to set.
"When I heard that they wanted to give you to me I daydreamed about punishing you for everything that happened, but I changed my mind quickly." Alibaba's words are painfully honest. His tone is serious, yet regretful.
"When I saw you standing there all my ill intent died. I knew you were just a victim too in all this"
Judal understands. He glazes over Alibaba's arms and legs. "Your scars...you got them in the war?" He asks.
"Yeah" he moves the loose cloth covering his chest, revealing a long one, all the way from the middle of his chest and disappearing into his side, way beneath the cloth. It's a white contrast against the golden torso. "This is the worst one, it put me out of comission for a couple of days, but hey, at least it gives me the rugged handsome look, right?" He smiles as if he tries to cheer him up, but his smile falters when he feels a hand on his chest. Now, he's wide eyed, looking at Judal whose palm is right on the scar.
Judal's face is closer too, his eyes slightly downturned "I'm sorry..." it's the softest tone that has come out of Judal ever since he came here. Alibaba quickly scrambles for a response:
"Don't worry about it, it's not your fault" he blushes as he places a hand over Judal's. "Might as well make the most of it now."
He means their marriage. Judal eventually retracts the hand. "Know how I felt when I learnt I was about to be shipped off?"
Alibaba gives him an inquisitive look.
"Awful. I was scared about what type of man you'd be." Alibaba lowers his gaze instinctively, suddenly embarassed at picking him up unprompted earlier.
"Am I at least...tolerable to you?"
"You've exceeded my expectations." Judal's response is quick and comforting to the other.
Alibaba blushes. "You know, you could just wait until all this blows over. Then, if you want the freedom to go and do whatever you want, I'm all for it." Judal perks up at this, more at the blond's attitude than the offer.
"Wouldn't it be weird for me to move away from you?" He asks.
"We'll think of something. Diplomatic visits or whatever. Besides, the court and people will soon focus on something else. Our union will be be replaced by the next big thing in due time." Alibaba's gaze looks kind as he says this. This prince is no fool.
"Also, forget about that crap about the dowry. Everything you brought with you is locked downstairs." Alibaba hands a small key to Judal.
"I haven't touched any of it. Use it as you please, I don't want anything material from you."
Judal's comeback appears instinctively in his mind. He's just built like that. "Oh? Could it be that you want the body and spirit of your wife and not the dowry?" He chuckles, but Alibaba gives him a strange look, a mix of being embarassed and mortified, because he secretly feels caught on the spot. He doesn't confirm nor deny.
The sunset bathes them in a warm glow now. "Do you find me tolerable?" Judal echoes Alibaba's own question.
"I find you more than tolerable."
"Liar." Judal's response is immediate.
"I would never lie about this." Alibaba retaliates.
"You spend an awful lot of time in the brothels of Balbadd for someone who's telling the truth."
The easygoing atmosphere suddenly shifts. Alibaba straightens up and looks towards the black haired one. Judal is against the backrest, one arm hung over it, a sly look in his eyes. This is the real him, sharp tongue and a pretty face.
Alibaba feels indignation and even anger build up inside. The affirmation reveals a lot.
1. Judal had been spying on him before getting married, so much so that he knows about things he keeps hidden even from his family.
2. He thinks Alibaba is straight.
3. He just implied that Alibaba has loose morals. The worst offense of them all.
The response seems to form by itself in Alibaba's mind.
"And you spend an awful lot of time with the Ren prince on your lap for someone who's just his friend."
It's Judal's turn to feel a shiver down his spine. Now they are on a level playing field.