Chapter Text 正文
The ship rocked less docked at the marina. If Seonghwa wanted to, he could look through the dark, up the hill, at the lights of his palace and imagine the way everyone would look at him. The way they looked at him after the wedding. With judgmental curiosity. Inquisitive superiority. Or disgust.
停泊在码头的船身摇晃得不那么厉害了。如果成华愿意，他可以透过夜色望向山坡，凝视宫殿的灯火，想象众人将如何打量他——就像婚礼后那些目光：带着审判般的好奇、居高临下的探究，或是赤裸的嫌恶。
His older sisters might look at him with shame. His younger sisters might titter behind their fingers and guess at how many times Seonghwa nearly died at sea.
他的姐姐们可能会用鄙夷的目光看他。妹妹们或许会掩着嘴窃笑，猜测成华在海上究竟死里逃生过多少次。
Seonghwa didn’t look forward to his return. He dreaded looking his father in the eye. Dreaded the harsh words that would undoubtedly come when Hongjoong acted too familiar and it became unavoidably obvious that Seonghwa liked the physical familiarity. Dreaded the lecture on responsibility and poise. Dreaded the stiff dinners and the pointed glares.
成华并不期待归程。他害怕与父亲四目相对。害怕当洪准表现得过分亲昵时，那些必将降临的尖刻言辞——毕竟谁都看得出他沉溺于这种肢体亲昵。害怕关于责任与仪态的训诫。害怕那些令人窒息的晚餐和意有所指的瞪视。
Seonghwa lit a candle at the small table Jongho helped him carry to Hongjoong’s quarters. Foolishly romantic, he knew. But he needed a moment of foolish romance before he faced his princehood head-on.
成华在忠浩帮他搬进洪准舱房的小桌上点燃蜡烛。他知道这浪漫得愚蠢。但在直面王子身份前，他需要这片刻愚蠢的浪漫。
A plate of hardtack, another plate of the remaining dried pork, and a dish of potato mush didn’t make a feast, but Seonghwa uncorked the very nice port wine Wooyoung brought him and poured two glasses.
一盘硬饼干、一盘剩下的腌猪肉，再加一碟土豆泥算不上盛宴，但成华还是拔开了宇灿送他的上等波特酒，斟满两只酒杯。
The door opened as Seonghwa took his seat. “Are you ready to talk?” Hongjoong asked - a little brash - with that aggravatingly confident swagger in his steps. “I thought you might have decided you didn’t like me after all.” But he looked too smug to have really been worried.
成华刚坐下，门就开了。"准备好谈谈了吗？"洪钟问道——语气略显唐突——迈着那种令人恼火的自信步伐。"我还以为你最终决定不喜欢我了呢。"但他脸上得意的神情，显然并非真的担心。
And yes, Seonghwa withdrew after the skirmish with the red navy warship. He needed time to sort himself out. To come to terms with shooting a gun. And leaving the admiral tied to the mast in his smallclothes, gagged with his own uniform jacket, and bleeding from a large “HJ” carved into his thigh. It was a lot to process.
没错，与红色海军战舰的小规模冲突后，成华确实退避了。他需要时间整理思绪。接受自己开枪的事实。还有把海军上将只穿着衬裤绑在桅杆上，用他自己的制服外套塞住嘴，大腿上被刻了巨大的"HJ"字母正汩汩流血这件事。要消化的实在太多了。
Seonghwa took a drink of his wine. Beautifully sweet. Wooyoung did well. “I think,” he began slowly, watching Hongjoong fill his plate. “At some level, I wanted to impress you.”
成华啜饮了一口葡萄酒。甜美得恰到好处。宇晟挑得不错。"我想，"他缓缓开口，看着洪钟往盘子里盛食物，"在某种程度上，我是想给你留下好印象。"
Hongjoong looked up with his eyebrows raised. “Is that so?”
洪钟挑起眉毛抬眼。"是吗？"
“Did it work?” Seonghwa couldn’t keep from asking. “Were you impressed?”
“成功了吗？”星和忍不住问道，“让你印象深刻吗？”
Hongjoong clicked his tongue and continued picking out the largest pieces of pork. “I was concerned more than anything else, darling.” He held a chunk of dried meat between his fingers and considered it, then set it down to look at Seonghwa with such attentiveness it made Seonghwa want to hide. “But you could never disappoint me.”
洪钟咂了咂舌，继续挑拣着最大块的猪肉。“比起印象深刻，我更担心你，亲爱的。”他用指尖捏着一块肉干端详片刻，又放下它，用专注的目光凝视星和，那眼神让星和想躲起来。“但你永远不可能让我失望。”
Seonghwa nibbled at a stale cracker. “I fear I do.” Hongjoong hummed, so Seonghwa clarified, “Disappoint you, I mean.”
星和啃着一块发硬的饼干。“我担心我会。”洪钟发出不置可否的鼻音，于是星和补充道，“我是说，让你失望。”
“No,” Hongjoong said firmly. “You delight me.” He tasted the wine and made a face. “How do you drink this stuff?” He shook his head and pushed the glass to Seonghwa. “More for you, I suppose.” He stood up to find a bottle of whiskey stashed under the bed. “But don’t get drunk on my ship. Even if we’re not sailing.” He shot Seonghwa a winning smile as he draped himself over the chair and drank straight from the bottle. “But you can get drunk in your palace if you wish.”
“不会，”洪钟斩钉截铁地说，“你让我很开心。”他尝了口葡萄酒，做了个鬼脸。“你怎么喝得下这种东西？”他摇摇头，把酒杯推给星和。“看来还是留给你吧。”他起身从床底摸出一瓶威士忌，“但在我的船上不许喝醉——哪怕我们没在航行。”他懒洋洋地瘫在椅子上对瓶吹，朝星和露出胜利般的笑容。“不过在你自己的宫殿里，想喝醉就随你便。”
Seonghwa swallowed thickly. “No. I wouldn’t dare.” Hongjoong waited for him to elaborate, but Seonghwa wouldn’t. “I’m not quite looking forward to returning.”
成华艰难地咽了咽口水。"不，我不敢。"洪钟等着他详细说明，但成华没有继续。"我并不太期待回去。"
“Why is that?” Hongjoong wanted to know. “Don’t you miss your family?”
为什么？"洪钟想知道。"你不想念家人吗？
“I do,” Seonghwa agreed. The thin biscuit cracked between his fingers and he dropped it to his plate. “I’m eager to see my sisters again.” Even if they would tease him to no end. Or frown at the fading marks on his neck and shoulders. Or act superior in that aggravating way family had of finding your worst insecurities.
“我愿意。”成华应道，薄脆饼干在他指间碎裂，他随手将残渣丢回盘中。“我迫不及待想再见到姐姐们了。”尽管她们肯定会没完没了地揶揄他，或是盯着他颈间将褪未褪的痕迹皱眉，又或是摆出那种家人特有的、总能精准踩中你痛处的傲慢姿态。
Hongjoong crossed his legs and took a large bite of a chunk of dried meat. “Then what is there to worry about?”
洪钟翘起二郎腿，狠狠撕咬下一大块肉干。"那还有什么好担心的？"
Seonghwa pressed his lips together and watched his husband chew. "My sisters will ask… what it's like to be with you."
成华紧抿着唇，凝视丈夫咀嚼的模样。"我姐妹们会问...和你在一起是什么感觉。"
Hongjoong grinned. "What will you tell them?"
洪俊咧嘴一笑。“你打算怎么跟他们说？”
"I'd like to tell them the truth.” He took a drink of sweet wine and looked at the burning candle instead of his husband’s face. “But I don’t think I’m ready."
"我想告诉他们真相。"他抿了一口甜酒，目光落在摇曳的烛火上，刻意避开丈夫的脸。"但我觉得...还没准备好。"
Hongjoong ran a hand through his hair and twirled the longer strands at the back around his finger. "Can you explain to me what makes you hesitate?"
洪俊抬手捋过发丝，指尖缠绕着后脑勺稍长的头发。"说说看，你在犹豫什么？"
"I'm afraid," he said very softly.
"我害怕，"他轻声呢喃道。
"What are you afraid of, my love?" And he looked so soft in the flickering candlelight Seonghwa could believe that he'd never hurt a fly. Seonghwa could believe that he married a good man.
“你在怕什么，亲爱的？”摇曳烛光下他的眼神温柔得让成华相信，这人连只苍蝇都舍不得伤害。成华几乎要相信，自己嫁了个温柔的好男人。
He turned his head away. "It hurts."
他别过脸去，闷哼道："疼。"
Hongjoong’s silence made Seonghwa look up to see a pinched expression too close to pain. “My dear, sweet prince,” Hongjoong set down his bottle with a soft clink. “Do you really believe I would hurt you?”
洪俊的沉默让星华抬起头，正撞见他紧蹙的眉间藏着近乎痛楚的神情。"我亲爱的、甜蜜的王子，"洪俊轻轻放下酒瓶，玻璃与木桌相触发出清脆声响，"你真觉得我会伤害你？"
Seonghwa didn’t believe Hongjoong would hurt him. Didn’t believe he could. “But it hurts,” he protested weakly. “Whenever I try- It burns. I don’t like pain like that.”
成华不相信洪宗会伤害他。也不相信他能做到。“可是好痛，”他虚弱地抗议着，“每次我尝试的时候——都像火烧一样。我不喜欢那种痛。”
Hongjoong’s adam’s apple bobbed. “Whenever you try what, love?” His dark eyes threatened to swallow Seonghwa whole. “Talk to me, darling. Tell me how you touch yourself.”
洪准的喉结轻轻滚动。"你想尝试什么，宝贝？"他深邃的眼眸仿佛要将星华整个吞噬。"告诉我，亲爱的...说说你是怎么自慰的。"
Sudden dizziness made Seonghwa lean back in the chair. Probably, he was dehydrated. “I- only twice,” he admitted. “In the bath. After we were married.” He looked down at his hands accusingly. “It hurt. It was better when I had a lot of wine and… and thought about you,” he snuck a glance across the table where Hongjoong looked some confusing mix of shocked, amused, and aroused. “But it still hurt,” Seonghwa finished.
突如其来的眩晕让 Seonghwa 跌坐回椅子上。大概是脱水了。"就、就两次，"他坦白道，"在浴缸里。我们结婚之后。"他低头盯着自己的手，像在控诉什么。"很疼。喝了很多酒...想着你的时候会好受些，"他偷瞄了一眼桌对面的 Hongjoong，对方脸上混杂着震惊、好笑和情动的复杂表情。"但还是疼，"Seonghwa 轻声补完。
“Seonghwa, sweetheart,” his voice dripped honey and Seonghwa found it easy to pretend it never held poison or wrath. “It doesn’t have to hurt. It shouldn’t hurt. You just need patience. And oil.” He went to the drawer beside the bed and held up the small vial he used before. He squinted at it in the light and frowned. “I’ll get more while we’re at the palace.”
“成华，亲爱的，”他的声音甜得发腻，成华轻易就能假装那其中从未掺杂过毒液或怒火。“不会疼的，也不该疼。你只需要耐心点…还有润滑油。”他走向床边的抽屉，拿出之前用过的小瓶子，对着光眯眼看了看，皱眉道：“等到了宫里，我再多弄些来。”
Seonghwa’s chest felt tight and breathing took effort. The oil felt good. So smooth and slick and dreamy. No rough friction, just an easy glide. And Seonghwa wanted. “Hongjoong?” Hongjoong looked up at him, attentive. Seonghwa stood up slowly. “Is there enough?”
成华的胸口发紧，呼吸变得费力。精油的感觉太美妙了——如此顺滑、黏腻、如梦似幻。没有粗糙的摩擦，只有丝滑的滑动。成华渴望着。"洪俊？"洪俊抬起头，专注地看着他。成华慢慢站起身。"够用吗？"
"Enough for what?" His bottomless eyes drew Seonghwa in. "Tell me what you want, my darling."
“够什么？”他那深不见底的眼神将 Seonghwa 牢牢吸引。“告诉我你想要什么，亲爱的。”
Seonghwa looked down at his own hands. "I want you to touch me."
成华低头看着自己的双手。"我想要你碰我。"
"How?" Hongjoong prompted. "Say it, or I won't do it." He meant it. Seonghwa could tell. Something dangerous and hungry in the curve of his mouth dared Seonghwa to back down.
"怎么？"洪俊逼问道，"说出来，否则我不会动手。"他是认真的。成华能感觉到。他嘴角那抹危险而饥渴的弧度，仿佛在挑衅成华退缩。
His mouth worked soundlessly for a moment. It didn't seem fair. When they both knew what he meant, why did he have to say it? "I want your fingers," he whispered after a moment.
他的嘴唇无声地蠕动了几下。这不公平。明明两人都心知肚明，为什么非得要他亲口说出来？"我想要你的手指，"片刻后他低声呢喃道，喉结随着吞咽的动作轻轻滚动。
A slow, indulgent smile spread across Hongjoong’s mouth. “There’s enough for that. Come here, beautiful.”
洪俊嘴角缓缓扬起一抹纵容的笑意。"有的是时间。过来，美人儿。"
The few steps between them felt like a long distance. Hongjoong's hands cupped his face and his lips brushed his cheeks. "Take your shirt off for me, precious."
两人之间那几步距离仿佛被无限拉长。洪准用手捧住他的脸，唇瓣轻擦过他的脸颊。"宝贝，把衬衫脱掉。"
Seonghwa found his mouth in a heated kiss while he shrugged off his jacket and fumbled with the buttons of his waistcoat. Hongjoong seemed especially slow and languid tonight, contrary to Seonghwa's intensity.
成华在激烈的热吻中摸索着脱下外套，手忙脚乱地解着马甲纽扣。洪钟今晚却显得格外慵懒迟缓，与他炽烈的攻势形成鲜明对比。
He broke the kiss with a breathless sigh to pull his shirt over his head. Hongjoong's warm hands skimmed over his skin, light and ticklish. "Don't tease," he pleaded.
他喘息着结束了这个吻，一把扯下自己的上衣。洪俊温热的手掌在他肌肤上流连，轻得发痒。"别闹了…"他低声央求道。
Hongjoong looked at him, hands solidly around his waist. "Do you mean that?" He would stop. If Seonghwa asked him to, he would bend over backward and stop the sun from rising. Power prickled under Seonghwa’s skin, tempered by a warm feeling of safety. Nothing could hurt him in Hongjoong’s arms.
洪炯紧紧搂住他的腰，目光灼灼："你是认真的吗？"只要星华一句话，他连太阳都能为他停驻。星华感受到皮肤下涌动的力量，却又被温暖的安全感包裹——在洪炯怀里，没有任何东西能伤害他。
"No," Seonghwa realized with a shiver. "I want you to tease me."
"不，"成华浑身一颤，突然意识到。"我要你...撩我。"
“Good.” Warm hands traced patterns up and down Seonghwa’s sides. “So good for me, aren’t you?” he spoke low against the edge of Seonghwa’s jaw. “My perfect prince tells me what he wants. Tells me how to make him feel good.”
"乖。"温热的手掌在成华腰侧来回游走。"这么听话，嗯？"他贴着成华的下颌线低语，吐息灼热，"我的完美王子想要什么都会说出来...教我怎么让你舒服..."
The pad of a thumb brushed over Seonghwa’s nipple and he felt like everything burst into flame. He pulled on Hongjoong’s shirt. “I want you to take your clothes off.”
拇指轻轻擦过星河的乳头，他感觉全身像被点燃般发烫。他拽着弘俊的衬衫，声音低哑："我要你脱掉衣服。"
Hongjoong rewarded him with sweet, teasing kisses, and pulled his shirt over his head to toss somewhere on the floor.
洪俊用甜蜜又挑逗的吻作为奖励，一把扯起他的衬衫甩到地板上。
Seonghwa trailed his hands over Hongjoong’s toned chest and stomach. “You always tell me how beautiful I am.” He took Hongjoong’s hand and kissed each of his kunckles. “But I never tell you how beautiful you are.” He pressed Hongjoong’s hand to his neck and cupped Hongjoong’s face when he wrapped his fingers around his throat. He liked the weight of Hongjoong’s hand there. “Or how I lust for you,” he whispered.
成华的手指缓缓划过洪钟那线条分明的胸膛与腹肌。"你总说我有多美。"他执起洪钟的手，逐一亲吻每个指节。"可我从未告诉过你——"他将那只手按在自己颈间，当对方手指收拢时，他顺势捧住洪钟的脸。喉间沉甸甸的触感让他着迷。"你有多令人神魂颠倒，"他喘息着贴近耳畔，"更没说过我有多渴望你。"
Hongjoong stared at him with unmasked awe and desire. “Seonghwa,” he choked. But he didn’t give any other warning before he licked into Seonghwa’s mouth.
洪俊毫不掩饰地注视着他，眼中满是惊叹与渴望。"星华，"他嗓音沙哑地低喃。未等对方反应，他的舌尖已强势侵入星华唇间。
Slow, sensual kisses stole Seonghwa’s breath and filled his lungs with water. He pushed down his trousers and kicked them off his feet as he backed toward the bed. It hit the back of his legs sooner than he expected and he pulled Hongjoong down with him when he fell.
缓慢而撩人的亲吻夺走了成华的呼吸，让他肺里灌满了水般窒息。他一边向后退向床铺，一边扯下长裤踢开。床沿比他预想中更快抵上他的腿弯，在向后跌落的瞬间，他拽着洪准一起倒了下去。
A warm hand trailed up the thin cotton still covering his thigh to wrap around the hard outline of his cock. Seonghwa whined, “Please, Captain.”
一只温热的手掌隔着单薄布料抚上他的大腿，缓缓游移，最终包裹住他胯间硬挺的轮廓。成华带着哭腔呢喃："求您了...队长..."
“So hard for me, darling,” Hongjoong spoke against Seonghwa’s neck where his teeth scraped another mark into the sensitive skin. “Do I make you feel good, precious?”
"我快受不了了，宝贝，"洪俊的唇抵在星河的颈间，牙齿在那片敏感的肌肤上又留下一道红痕。"我让你舒服了吗，小可爱？"
“Yes.” Seonghwa’s hips bucked up into Hongjoong’s hand, seeking friction. “I want you so bad.” He clung to his husband like he needed it to stay anchored to this world.
"嗯..."星河的腰肢向上顶去，迎合着弘俊的手掌，渴求着更多摩擦。"我太想要你了..."他紧紧攀附着丈夫，仿佛只有这样才能将自己锚定在这世间。
Hongjoong purred against his neck and leaned back to look Seonghwa in the eyes and rub a gentle thumb over his cheek. “You’ve got me, love. I’m right here.”
洪钟在他颈间轻哼一声，向后仰头直视成华的眼睛，拇指温柔地摩挲着他的脸颊。"你抓住我了，亲爱的。我就在这儿。"
A sudden sharp knock on the door made Seonghwa clutch Hongjoong tighter, nails digging into the bare skin of his back.
突如其来的猛烈敲门声让 Seonghwa 把 Hongjoong 搂得更紧，指甲深深陷进他赤裸的背脊里。
“Intruder, Captain. Claims to be a princess.” San’s voice from the other side of the door never sounded so unwelcome to Seonghwa’s ears.
“队长，有入侵者。自称是公主。”门外传来 San 的声音，在 Seonghwa 听来从未如此刺耳。
Hongjoong ducked his head and sighed. “What’s a princess doing sneaking onto a pirate ship?” he muttered.
洪钟低下头，叹了口气。"堂堂公主怎么偷偷溜上海盗船了？"他低声嘟囔道。
The door opened and Seonghwa whined openly, scratching Hongjoong’s back as he stood up. “No,” he protested. “Let Yunho deal with it.” He arched his back seated on the edge of the bed, legs spread wide and the outline of his erection obvious in his lightweight undergarments. “Joong,” the drawn-out, audible pout sounded desperate and helpless and Seonghwa couldn’t be bothered to care.
门开了，成华毫不掩饰地哼唧着，一边挠着洪俊的后背一边起身。"不要，"他抗议道，"让允浩去处理。"他弓着背坐在床沿，双腿大张，轻薄内衣下勃起的轮廓清晰可见。"俊——"这声拖长的、带着明显撒娇意味的鼻音显得既绝望又无助，而成华根本懒得在意这些。
Hongjoong didn’t acknowledge him though, the intruder had his attention. A young woman with dark hair and straight posture. She pushed past San into the room like she had every right to be there and froze when she locked eyes with Seonghwa.
洪钟根本没理会他，他的注意力全在那位闯入者身上。那是个黑发笔挺的年轻女人。她像理所当然般从 San 身边挤进房间，却在与成华四目相对的瞬间僵住了。
“Gahyeon?” Seonghwa couldn’t fumble a pillow into his lap fast enough. “What- Why would you- What are you doing here?” Shame heated his face and he trembled with the horror of how his younger sister just saw him act so unabashedly desperate.
“佳妍？”成华手忙脚乱地把枕头往腿间塞，声音都变了调，“你...你怎么会...你来干什么？”羞耻感烧得他耳根发烫，想到妹妹刚才目睹自己那副饥渴难耐的丑态，他整个人都在发抖。
She raised her eyebrows and tilted her head, momentarily speechless. “I’m beginning to think it was a mistake.”
她挑起眉毛，歪着头，一时语塞。"我开始觉得这是个错误。"
“Beginning to?” Seonghwa demanded, “It’s the middle of the night. You snuck through the city in the middle of the night?” A dangerous enough treck for a common girl used to the city streets, much less a princess. “And then tried to weasel your way past pirates?”
"刚开始？"成华质问道，"这都大半夜了。你半夜三更在城里鬼鬼祟祟？"对个普通街头女孩来说都够危险的，更别说是个公主。"还妄想从海盗眼皮子底下溜过去？"
Gahyeon crossed her arms defiantly. “You married one. I thought they must not be that bad.”
佳妍不服气地交叉双臂。"你不是娶了一个嘛，我还以为她们没那么差劲呢。"
Hongjoong laughed and waved to dismiss San before Seonghwa could formulate a response. “A pleasure to meet you, your Highness.” He bowed shallowly and took her hand to kiss the air over her knuckles. “I apologize I didn’t have the chance to make your acquaintance at the wedding.”
洪俊笑着挥了挥手，在成华来得及回应前就打发走了 San。"很荣幸见到您，殿下。"他微微欠身，执起她的手，在指节上方虚吻了一下。"很抱歉没能在婚礼上与您结识。"
Gahyeon looked immensely pleased with herself and that made Seonghwa frown. “And I apologize for trespassing on your ship, sir.” She dipped her own little half-curtsy and grinned at Seonghwa. “I heard you docked and I couldn’t wait to see you.”
嘉妍一脸得意洋洋的样子，让成华不禁皱起了眉头。"擅自登上您的船真是抱歉呢，先生。"她装模作样地行了个半礼，冲成华咧嘴一笑。"听说您靠岸了，人家等不及要见您嘛。"
Seonghwa narrowed his eyes and fidgeted with the pillow in his lap. “You didn’t miss me that much.”
成华眯起眼睛，不安分地摆弄着腿上的枕头。“你也没那么想我嘛。”
“Oh, but I did.” She took a few steps into the room. “Do you have any idea how boring it was without you?”
"哦，可我就是来了。"她款款走进房间，"没有你的日子，你知道有多无聊吗？"
Seonghwa snorted and tried to hide his smile. “They didn’t let you near the kitchen, did they?”
成华轻哼一声，努力憋住笑意。"他们没让你靠近厨房吧？"
Her mouth puckered into a frown. “No. They didn’t. They didn’t let me in your library. They didn’t let me in the herb garden. Sihyeon decided I’m her new project since Gaeul refuses to wear the dresses she picks out. Yoohyeon’s been babying Yujin like she’s just realized there are more of us younger than you. And all Jiu’s baby ever does is cry.” She finally took a breath. “It’s been awful since you left.”
她撅着嘴，眉头紧锁。"没有。他们根本没让我进你的书房，也不准我去草药园。因为 Gaeul 不肯穿她挑的裙子，Sihyeon 就把我当成新目标了。Yoohyeon 整天围着 Yujin 转，好像刚发现我们这些比你小的人存在似的。至于 Jiu 家那个小祖宗——除了哭还是哭。"她终于喘了口气，"你走之后简直糟透了。"
Hongjoong laughed again. “And I’ve stolen him away from you. You must hate me.”
洪俊又笑了起来。"而且我已经把他从你身边抢走了。你一定恨死我了吧。"
Gahyeon waved a hand dismissively. “We don’t hate you.” She paused. “Jiu and Yoohyeon do. But only because they think you’re cruel to Seonghwa.” She looked at Seonghwa again, then at the pillow in his lap, and his face burned. “But obviously that’s not the case.”
佳妍随意地挥了挥手。"我们并不讨厌你。"她顿了顿。"智秀和宥妍确实讨厌你，但那只是因为她们觉得你对成华太残忍了。"她又看了成华一眼，目光扫过他腿上的枕头，成华的脸顿时烧了起来。"不过现在看来，显然不是那么回事。"
“No,” Hongjoong giggled. “He’s much too sweet to be treated with cruelty.”
“才不是呢，”洪俊咯咯笑着。“他那么可爱，怎么忍心对他凶嘛。”
Gahyeon smiled at Seonghwa. “I’m very happy to know you love your husband.”
佳妍对星华微微一笑。"知道你爱你的丈夫，我很开心。"
Seonghwa still hadn’t recovered from his mortification enough to address the nebulous nature of his feelings for the pirate. “How did you sneak out?”
成华仍因羞耻而无法直面自己对那个海盗模糊不清的感情。“你是怎么溜出来的？”
Gahyeon shrugged, kicked at Seonghwa’s trousers abandoned in the middle of the floor, and took a seat in one of the chairs. “Through the window. Same as always.”
佳贤耸了耸肩，踢开圣华扔在地板中央的裤子，一屁股坐在椅子上。"翻窗进来的，老样子。"
Seonghwa scoffed again and turned his head away when Hongjoong sat lightly on the bed next to him, close enough to wrap a comfortable arm around his waist. “Jiu and her husband are still living at the palace?” Seonghwa’s brain caught up to her original update.
成华又轻哼一声，当洪钟轻轻坐在床边挨近他时，他别过脸去。两人距离近得足以让洪钟自然地环住他的腰。"九儿和她丈夫还住在宫里？"成华这才反应过来她刚才提到的消息。
Gahyeon rolled her eyes and crossed her legs in the casual, unladylike way she had around the royal siblings and no one else. “The duke is absolutely daft. He thinks he’ll get to be king if you die so he’s sticking around and trying to make a good impression on father.”
佳妍翻了个白眼，双腿大喇喇地交叉着——这种不淑女的坐姿她只在王室兄妹面前才会显露。"公爵简直蠢透了，他以为你死了他就能当上国王，所以赖在这儿不走，拼命在父王面前刷存在感。"
A short laugh forced its way out of Seonghwa’s throat. “How close is father to kicking them out?”
成华喉咙里挤出一声短促的冷笑。"父亲离把他们赶出去还差多远？"
“About a week by my estimate. If you hadn’t come back.” Gahyeon’s smile held that mischievous twinkle that usually meant she and Seonghwa would sneak into the kitchen for sweets or stay up all night in Seonghwa’s study reading all the terrible poetry they could find. “And Jiu is just as fed up with him.”
"我估计大概一周吧。要是你没回来的话。"Gahyeon 的笑容里闪烁着那种调皮的光芒，通常意味着她会和 Seonghwa 偷偷溜进厨房偷吃甜点，或是整晚窝在 Seonghwa 的书房里读他们能找到的所有烂诗。"而且 Jiu 也受够他了。"
Seonghwa matched her smile. “She’ll try to force him on me to keep him away from father.” He looked at Hongjoong. “Darling, do you think you could have Yunho and Mingi keep my brother-in-law occupied for the duration of our stay?” The pet name was performative, but it rolled too easily off his tongue and he didn’t miss the slight twitch of Hongjoong’s fingers on his hip.
成华回以微笑。“她会想把他塞给我，好让他远离父亲。”他看向洪俊，“亲爱的，你觉得能让允浩和明基在我们逗留期间拖住我姐夫吗？”这亲昵的称呼本是做戏，却如此顺滑地从他舌尖溜出，他没错过洪俊搭在他腰间的手指那细微的颤动。
“Of course, love,” Hongjoong purred. “Only I’m wondering, if he’s really so terribly air-headed, might it be better to have Yeosang and Wooyoung keep him busy?”
"当然，亲爱的，"洪准慵懒地低语，指尖漫不经心地绕着酒杯打转。"只是我在想——"他忽然凑近，温热的吐息带着威士忌的焦香拂过对方耳垂，"既然那家伙蠢得冒泡，不如让吕尚和宇植陪他玩玩？"
Seonghwa hummed, imagining Jiu’s husband trying to win a card game with Yeosang. “Yes, I think you’re right.”
成华轻哼一声，脑海中浮现出 Jiu 的丈夫试图在牌局上赢过 Ye 尚的画面。"嗯，我觉得你说得对。"
Gahyeon looked pleased and re-crossed her legs. “Perfect. There’s one annoyance dealt with.” She looked between Seonghwa and Hongjoong and sobered considerably. “I’m sure you’re aware of father’s feelings about pirates.”
佳妍满意地翘起二郎腿，嘴角勾起一抹冷笑。"完美，总算解决了个麻烦。"她的目光在星和与洪俊之间游移，神色突然凝重起来。"你们应该很清楚，父亲对海盗是什么态度。"
“Yes.” Seonghwa tightened his grip on the pillow in his lap. “But he started this whole ordeal. He can take responsibility for the outcome.”
“嗯。”成华攥紧了膝上的抱枕，“但这一切都是他挑起的，后果自然该由他承担。”
She took a breath. “He won’t be pleased that you’ve fallen in love.”
她深吸一口气。"他要是知道你动了真心，可不会高兴的。"
“I don’t know what he expected,” Seonghwa spat. “I refuse to be miserable for the rest of my life because he wants to appease a group of criminals.” He could feel Hongjoong’s gaze on the side of his face, but didn’t turn to look. “If I love my husband, that’s my business, not his.”
"我不知道他指望什么，"成华啐了一口。"就为了讨好那群罪犯，难道要我搭上一辈子？"他能感觉到洪正的目光灼烧着自己侧脸，却固执地不肯转头。"我爱我丈夫关他屁事。"
Hongjoong inhaled sharply, barely audible. “My darling…” he breathed.
洪俊倒吸一口冷气，喉结滚动着挤出气音："宝贝儿..."
“If I can be happy, that’s better than mother. That’s better than Jiu.” Seonghwa continued, unwilling to address the verbiage of his statement with Gahyeon in the room. He didn’t love Hongjoong. Not quite. Not yet. He could still cough out the water in his lungs, save himself from drowning. But it would drive his father mad if he pretended to be in love. “Better than Siyeon if her engagement goes through.”
“只要我能幸福，那就比妈妈强，比 Jiu 强。”成华继续说道，不愿当着佳贤的面多解释这句话的含义。他并不爱洪俊。至少现在还不爱。他还能从肺里咳出水来，救自己免于溺亡。但如果他假装坠入爱河，绝对会把他父亲逼疯。“也比诗妍强——如果她的婚约能成的话。”
Gahyeon shook her head. “It hasn’t yet. Mother’s still trying to delay it.”
佳妍摇了摇头。“还没呢。妈妈还在想办法拖延。”
Seonghwa nodded once. “Good. Maybe he’ll expire before they have a chance to arrange a wedding.”
成华点了点头。“很好。说不定在他们来得及办婚礼前，他就先咽气了。”
“I hope so.” Gahyeon picked up Hongjoong’s full glass of wine and held it up with raised eyebrows to ask permission. Hongjoong waved a generous hand and she drank deeply. “You’ll never guess what he sent her last week.”
“但愿如此。”Gahyeon 拿起 Hongjoong 那杯斟满的红酒，挑眉举杯示意。Hongjoong 大方地挥了挥手，她便仰头畅饮。“你绝对猜不到他上周给她发了什么。”
“It can’t be worse than the portrait of his shriveled testicles.” Seonghwa didn’t hide his delighted curiosity. “Did he write her a love letter?”
"总不会比他那些皱巴巴的蛋蛋写真更糟吧。"成华毫不掩饰幸灾乐祸的好奇心，"该不会是给那女人写情书了吧？"
“Better.” Gahyeon grinned wide. “Poetry.”
"好多了。"Gahyeon 咧嘴一笑。"这才叫诗。"
“Mary, mother of God. I know you have it memorized.” Seonghwa settled against Hongjoong’s chest, ready to hear all the news and gossip he missed. “Tell me everything.”
"圣母玛利亚啊，我知道你都记在脑子里了。"成华倚在洪俊的胸膛上，迫不及待想听这些天错过的所有新闻和八卦。"给我从头到尾说清楚。"
Seonghwa sat tensely in the bumpy carriage, looking out the window at the passing hillside. They wouldn’t stay long, Hongjoong promised. Probably a week or so. Just long enough to restock the ship and maybe fit it with better cannons. Hongjoong also wanted to discuss Bang Chan’s abduction plan with the king and work out some defense.
成华紧绷地坐在颠簸的马车里，望着窗外掠过的山坡。洪钟承诺过他们不会久留——大概一周左右。刚好够补充船上的物资，或许还能装上几门更好的火炮。洪钟还打算与国王商讨方灿的绑架计划，顺便制定些防御策略。
Seonghwa would likely be brushed to the side in that negotiation, much like he had in Hongjoong’s original proposal. A twisting, heavy dread settled in his gut. But princes did not turn their backs on their fate. And princes respected both their fathers and their husbands.
在这场谈判中，成华很可能会像在洪俊最初的提议里那样被晾在一边。他胃里翻涌起一阵扭曲而沉重的恐惧。但王子从不会背弃自己的命运。王子既要敬重父亲，也要尊重丈夫。
“Seonghwa?” Hongjoong broke the uneasy silence and Seonghwa startled. Hongjoong raised a hand in apology. “You seem troubled, my dear. Will you tell me what you’re thinking about?”
“成华？”洪俊打破了令人不安的沉默，成华猛地一惊。洪俊抬手表示歉意。“你看起来心事重重，亲爱的。愿意告诉我你在想什么吗？”
Seonghwa looked out the window again. “Gahyeon was right. What she said about my father being upset if I’m in love.”
成华再次望向窗外。“佳贤说得对。她说如果我恋爱了，我父亲会不高兴。”
“Are you?” Hongjoong whispered, but he looked only mildly curious. Like he didn’t care one way or another.
“是吗？”洪俊低声问道，但他只是略显好奇。仿佛他根本不在乎答案如何。
Seonghwa took a breath. The air still outweighed the water in his lungs. “We never promised love.”
成华深吸一口气。肺中的空气仍比水更沉重。"我们从未承诺过爱情。"
Hongjoong drummed his fingers on the tight leather seat. “We didn’t.” He smoothed his hands over his thighs and sat back against the wall of the carriage. “Don’t lie to me, Seonghwa. While we’re in your father’s palace.” His mouth drew a tight line across his tense features. “Don’t fake it. Whatever you say to me, mean it. If you touch me, do it because you want to, not to prove a point or show off.”
洪钟的手指在紧绷的皮革座椅上轻轻敲击。"我们没有。"他将双手平放在大腿上，向后靠进车厢壁。"别对我撒谎，成华。尤其是在你父亲的宫殿里。"他紧绷的面容上，嘴唇抿成一条直线。"别装模作样。对我说的每句话都要真心。若是碰我，也得是出于你想要，而不是为了证明什么或炫耀。"
Seonghwa sat up straighter, afraid he offended the pirate. “I apologize if I was too performative last night. I didn’t expect my sister-”
成华坐直了身子，生怕冒犯了那位海盗。"昨晚我要是演得太过了，我道歉。没想到我妹妹会——"
“I don’t want your apology, Seonghwa,” he interrupted. “I want your honesty. Don’t pretend. That’s all I ask.”
“成华，我不需要你的道歉。”他打断道，“我要的是你的真心。别装了，就这么简单。”
Seonghwa wrapped his arms around himself. “Of course, Captain.” He bit his lip, trying and failing to read his husband’s body language. “I do not lie to you.”
成华双臂环抱自己。“当然，船长。”他咬着嘴唇，试图解读丈夫的肢体语言却徒劳无功。“我从不对你说谎。”
Hongjoong scoffed. “Perhaps not, but you don’t tell me anything I don’t ask.”
洪俊嗤笑一声。"也许吧，但我不问的事你从不会主动说。"
Seonghwa didn’t have a reply, so they fell into silence again as the carriage bumped its way up the hill to the palace.
成华没有回应，马车颠簸着驶向山上的宫殿，两人再次陷入沉默。
“I won’t let him hurt you,” Hongjoong broke the silence again.
“我不会让他伤到你。”洪俊再次打破沉默。
“Who?” Seonghwa looked at him, still reclined, still apparently careless. “Bang Chan?” he guessed.
“谁？”成华看着他，依旧懒洋洋地躺着，一副漫不经心的样子。“方灿？”他猜测道。
Hongjoong made a face. “Your father.”
洪钟做了个鬼脸。"你父亲。"
Seonghwa blinked. “My father doesn’t hurt me.” Not in any physical way that mattered. Not since he was a child.
星和眨了眨眼。"我父亲没有伤害过我。"至少没有造成任何实质性的身体伤害。从他小时候起就没有了。
Hongjoong hummed and sat forward. “Then why did you flinch?” He reached out to adjust the ruffles around Seonghwa’s collar. “The day your father summoned me to beg for a treaty.” Seonghwa thought he might fall forever in Hongjoong’s bottomless eyes. “I complimented your brooch. I touched you. You didn’t flinch.” He wrapped his fingers around Seonghwa’s neck and drummed at the skin just under his jaw. “But every time your father moved, or said anything, or breathed harshly…” He drew his hand away. “You flinched.”
洪准轻哼一声，倾身向前。"那为什么刚才要躲？"他伸手整理星华领口的褶皱，"那天你父亲召我求和时。"星华觉得自己快要溺死在洪准深不见底的眼眸里。"我夸赞你的胸针，碰了你，你都没躲。"他的手指缠绕上星华的脖颈，在颌骨下方的皮肤上轻轻敲击。"可每次你父亲动弹，说话，或是粗重呼吸..."他忽然抽回手，"你都会发抖。"
“No I didn’t.” Seonghwa couldn’t fill his lungs. How did Hongjoong notice something like that? And why? “I was frightened of you.”
“我没有。”成华感觉呼吸都停滞了。洪正怎么会注意到这种事？又为什么要问？“我只是...怕你。”
Hongjoong shook his head sharply. “I won’t let him abuse you, darling.”
洪准果断地摇了摇头。"我不会让他再碰你一根手指头，宝贝。"
“He doesn’t abuse me.” But his voice trembled just a little. “He has great expectations because I am to be the next king. He doesn’t raise his hand against me.” An uncomfortable laugh forced its way up his throat. “Or my mother or sisters. He’s always been kind to them. Gentle.”
"他没有虐待我。"但他的声音微微发颤。"他对我寄予厚望，因为我是未来的王。他从不曾对我动手。"一声不自在的干笑从他喉间挤出。"对我母亲和姐妹们也是。他一向待她们很和善。温柔。"
Another hum. “You are not delicate, my prince. There is steel in you.” Their knees knocked together between the seats and Hongjoong tilted Seonghwa’s face with two fingers. “And yet.”
又一声轻哼。“我的王子，你并不娇弱。你骨子里藏着钢铁。”他们的膝盖在座位间轻轻相碰，洪准用两根手指挑起星华的下巴。“可偏偏——”
A moment passed, but he didn’t say more, so Seonghwa had to ask, “And yet?”
片刻过去，他却不再开口，成华只得追问："然后呢？"
Hongjoong sat back and closed off. “You know I would never hurt you. Never let anyone hurt you.”
洪钟靠坐着，神色疏离。"你知道我永远不会伤害你。也不会让任何人伤害你。"
Seonghwa didn’t know how to respond. “Thank you.” The carriage slowed. A glance out the window told him they passed the palace gates.
星和不知该如何回应。"谢谢。"马车渐渐减速。他瞥向窗外，发现已驶过宫门。
Hongjoong took his hand, harsh and insistent. “You are precious to me. I am terribly fond of you.” He meant it and Seonghwa felt inclined to believe him. “Remember that. I won’t abandon you.”
洪俊一把抓住他的手，力道大得发狠。"你对我而言很珍贵。我他妈太喜欢你了。"他说得认真，成华不由信了几分。"记住，我不会丢下你。"
Seonghwa couldn’t figure out what that meant before the carriage jerked to a halt and the footman opened the door. Hongjoong helped Seonghwa out of the carriage and offered his arm before they walked into the palace.
成华还没想明白那是什么意思，马车就猛地停了下来，侍从打开了车门。洪钟扶着成华下了马车，在走进宫殿前，他伸出了手臂让他挽着。
It loomed above Seonghwa, strange and unwelcoming. But a prince does not cower in fear of confrontation, so Seonghwa lifted his chin, clung to Hongjoong’s strong arm, and counted the clicks of Hongjoong’s high-heeled boots until they passed through the doorway.
那庞然大物在星和上方投下阴影，诡异而充满敌意。但王子从不会因对抗而畏缩，于是他扬起下巴，紧抓住弘俊结实的手臂，数着对方高跟鞋踏在大理石地面的清脆声响，直到两人穿过那道雕花门廊。
Everyone stared at them, but Seonghwa felt no shame. The prince who married a pirate. Let them whisper. Let them have their idle jealousies.
所有人都盯着他们看，但星华丝毫不觉得羞耻。一个娶了海盗的王子。让他们窃窃私语去吧。让他们尽情嫉妒去吧。
Seonghwa didn’t recognize the servants, but he knew his way to the hall with its high ceilings and large portraits on the wall. The blue flags and the many narrow tables. Home.
成华并不认得那些仆人，但他熟悉通往大厅的路——高耸的天花板，墙上挂满大幅肖像画。蓝色的旗帜与众多狭长的桌子。家。
His mother ran to him as soon as they crossed the threshold, and Seonghwa wrapped his arms around her. She felt frail, delicate in a way she hadn’t before. He couldn’t be sure if he’d become so accustomed to Hongjoong’s sturdy frame that anything else seemed weak, or if she’d lost weight since he last saw her.
他们刚跨过门槛，母亲就朝他奔来，成华张开双臂抱住了她。她身形单薄得令人心惊，与记忆中判若两人。他不确定是因为自己已习惯洪钟结实的体格，还是母亲确实比上次见面时消瘦了许多。
“My son.” She held the back of his head. “You smell foul. You’ll want a bath as soon as possible.”
我的孩子。"她轻抚着他的后脑勺，"你身上有股怪味。得赶紧洗个澡。
He laughed. “Of course. I’ve been looking forward to it.” He stood back with a wide smile. “There isn’t much opportunity to bathe on a ship.”
他笑出声来："当然，我早就盼着了。"成华后退半步咧嘴笑道，"在船上可没什么机会好好洗澡。"
The queen turned her attention to Hongjoong. “You have no baths on your ship?”
女王将目光转向洪俊。“你的船上没有浴室吗？”
The corners of his mouth ticked up into a smile. “I’ll have one installed, your Majesty.” He bowed with most of the proper respect.
他嘴角微微上扬，露出一抹笑意。"遵命，陛下，我这就去装一个。"他躬身行礼，姿态恭敬却不失从容。
She nodded importantly and fixed Seonghwa’s hair. “My son tells me you’re kind to him.”
她煞有介事地点点头，伸手替成华整理头发。"我儿子说你待他很好。"
Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa in mild surprise. “He is the only one to accuse me of kindness, Majesty.”
洪俊略带惊讶地看着成华。"陛下，他是唯一一个指责我善良的人。"
“He is very kind to me,” Seonghwa said. Their knuckles brushed in the narrow space between their bodies, but Hongjoong lifted his hand to straighten the silk around his neck before Seonghwa could hold it.
“他对我很好。”成华说道。两人的指节在身体间的狭小空隙中轻轻擦过，但还没等成华握住，洪准就抬手整理起颈间的丝巾。
“Still less than he deserves.” Hongjoong bowed his head to the queen and walked past her to where the king waited. “My crew will help your men restock my ship,” he said with a generous sweep of his arm.
"这还远远不够。"洪俊向女王低头致意，从她身旁走过，来到国王面前。"我的船员会协助你们的人补充船上的物资，"他大方地挥了挥手说道。
The king sneered and Seonghwa took an involuntary step toward his mother. “Of course.”
国王冷笑一声，成华不自觉地朝母亲的方向挪了一步。"当然。"
Hongjoong shifted his weight onto one leg and counted off on his fingers. “I’ll want a dozen additional barrels of water, two or three bottles of sweet red wine, a bathtub - as large as you can manage, no splinters - two jars of coconut oil--” he cut himself off to look back at Seonghwa. “Better make that three.” A salacious smile. “And all the ammunition you can spare.”
洪钟将重心移到一条腿上，扳着手指数道："我还要十二桶水、两三瓶甜红葡萄酒、一个浴缸——越大越好，不能有木刺——两罐椰子油..."他突然停下来回头看向星和，"还是准备三罐吧。"他露出一个下流的笑容，"以及你们能匀出来的所有弹药。"
The king turned his attention to Seonghwa, who bowed. “We are very grateful for your generosity-”
国王将目光转向成华，他恭敬地鞠躬。"我们非常感激您的慷慨——"
“We?” The king demanded. Seonghwa flinched, head still bowed. “Are you a pirate, or are you my son?”
"我们？"国王厉声质问。成华浑身一颤，仍低垂着头。"你是海盗，还是我儿子？"
Seonghwa lifted his head with an exhale through his teeth. “I am a prince, father. I speak on behalf of my husband’s gratitude.” Seonghwa stepped forward to join Hongjoong, and almost took his arm, but curled his fingers and held his fist against his chest at the last moment. “I’m glad to see you again,” he lied. “It’s been a long few months at sea.”
成华咬着牙抬起头，呼出一口气。"父王，我是王子。我代表我的丈夫表达谢意。"他向前迈步站到洪钟身旁，几乎就要挽住对方的手臂，却在最后一刻蜷起手指，将拳头抵在胸前。"很高兴再见到您，"他撒着谎，"在海上漂泊的这几个月真是漫长。"
The king frowned. “I’ve heard nasty rumors about you, Seonghwa.”
国王皱起眉头。“我听到了一些关于你的不堪传闻，成华。”
Seonghwa winced. “I’m sure they’re exaggerated.”
成华皱了皱眉。“我敢肯定那些都是夸大其词。”
“I certainly hope so.” The king crossed his arms. “No son of mine would cut off the ear of a foreign diplomat because he coveted a pair of earrings.”
"但愿如此。"国王双臂交叠，"我儿子可不会因为觊觎一对耳环，就割掉外国使节的耳朵。"
Seonghwa turned his head away with a sharp exhale through his teeth. That would haunt him wherever he went. He could still see red blood running through the ambassador’s fingers as he clutched the side of his head.
成华猛地别过头，从齿间狠狠吐出一口气。这一幕将如影随形地纠缠着他——大使捂着太阳穴的指缝间，仍能看见鲜血汩汩涌出的画面。
Hongjoong took a half step forward and tilted his head to the side. “Ah. The oafish ambassador who insulted my sweet prince.” He tucked a strand of Seonghwa’s hair behind his ear and tapped the diamond earring hanging there to make it sway. “I cut his ear off, Majesty. Would have cut his tongue out too if my Seonghwa didn’t stop me.”
洪准往前迈了半步，歪着头说道："啊，就是那个冒犯了我家甜心王子的粗鲁大使。"他伸手将星和的发丝别到耳后，指尖轻弹那枚垂坠的钻石耳环，看着它微微晃动。"陛下，我割了他一只耳朵。要不是我家星和拦着，我连他舌头都该割下来。"
“My son stopped you?” The king narrowed his eyes.
“我儿子拦住了你？”国王眯起眼睛。
“My husband dislikes violence without a cause,” Hongjoong purred, hand settling heavy on Seonghwa’s shoulder.
"我家那位最讨厌无缘无故的暴力呢。"洪钟轻哼着，手掌沉沉地压上星和的肩头。
The king's upper lip twitched. “My son has always had a weak stomach.”
国王的上唇微微抽动。“我儿子一向肠胃不好。”
As if Seonghwa weren’t even there. As if he were just some trophy to be fought over by selfish children. Mine.
仿佛星华根本不存在。
仿佛他只是自私孩子们争夺的战利品。
**我的。**
Seonghwa pushed Hongjoong’s hand off his shoulder. “Since I am clearly not needed for this discussion, I bid you both good day.” He bowed shallowly and turned to his mother. “Where are my sisters? I’d like to speak to Yujin.”
成华一把拍开洪俊搭在他肩上的手。"既然这场谈话显然不需要我，那就祝二位愉快。"他敷衍地欠了欠身，转向母亲问道："我妹妹们在哪？我要找宥真谈谈。"
Yujin sat quietly in the old study, repurposed as an art studio. Watercolor paintings and embroideries covered the walls, bringing waves of nostalgia up Seonghwa’s throat. A few small paintings he’d done as a child peeked between the larger and better artwork.
Yujin 静静地坐在那间被改造成画室的旧书房里。水彩画和刺绣作品挂满了墙壁，勾起 Seonghwa 喉头一阵阵酸涩的怀念。在那些更成熟、更精美的艺术品之间，还夹杂着他童年时画的几幅小画。
Yujin looked up from her calligraphy when Seonghwa rapped on the doorframe. “Hwa,” she smiled so her eyes scrunched and it warmed Seonghwa’s heart. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
Yujin 正低头练字，听见 Seonghwa 轻叩门框的声音抬起头来。"Hwa，"她笑得眼睛弯成月牙，那笑容让 Seonghwa 心头一暖。"你平安无事真是太好了。"
He wrapped her in a gentle hug. Gahyeon, he always hugged tightly. Yoohyeon, Sihyeon, and Jiu he hugged solidly. He always picked Gaeul up just because he could. But he never fully closed his arms around Yujin, careful not to cage her in.
他轻轻环抱住她。对 Gahyeon，他总是用尽全力拥抱；对 Yoohyeon、Sihyeon 和 Jiu，他的拥抱坚实有力；而 Gaeul，他总爱故意把她举起来——仅仅因为他可以。唯独对 Yujin，他从不完全收拢双臂，小心翼翼地避免让她感到束缚。
“I brought you something,” he said, and brushed a fond thumb over her cheek. “Only you, so don’t tell the others.”
“我给你带了点东西。”他轻声说道，拇指温柔地抚过她的脸颊，“只给你一个人的，别告诉其他人。”
“Only me?” She leaned back against the edge of the desk, genuinely surprised. “But I’m not your favorite.”
"只有我？"他向后倚在桌沿，真心实意地露出惊讶神色，"可我不是你的最爱啊。"
Seonghwa pulled a velvet bag from his pocket and dropped it into her outstretched hand. “I don’t have a favorite,” he insisted. “But I needed to give these to you.”
成华从口袋里掏出一个丝绒袋子，轻轻放进她摊开的掌心。"我没有特别喜欢的，"他坚持道，"但必须把这些交给你。"
Yujin held up the stolen pearl earrings and looked at Seonghwa in confusion.
Yujin 举起偷来的珍珠耳环，一脸困惑地看向 Seonghwa。
“I know they’re not very extravagant and they’re a little bigger than you usually wear.” Seonghwa took one from her and fitted it into her ear. “But I’m setting something right.” He repeated the action with the other earring. “Balance. Justice. Or something.”
“我知道它们不算很奢华，尺寸也比你平时戴的要大一些。”成华取出一枚耳环，轻轻为她戴上，“但我在纠正一些事情。”他重复同样的动作，为她戴上另一枚耳环，“平衡，正义，诸如此类。”
Yujin caught his hand. “It’s true then.” She looked somewhere between awed and pained. “What they’re saying.” She touched the earring in her ear. “You cut off the Ambassador’s ear.”
有真一把抓住他的手。“原来是真的。”她的表情介于震惊与痛苦之间，“他们说的那些。”她摸了摸自己耳垂上的耳环，“你把大使的耳朵割下来了。”
Seonghwa shook his head. “Hongjoong cut it off, but I asked him to,” he admitted.
成华摇了摇头。“是洪俊剪掉的，但我让他这么做的，”他承认道。
“Why?” she asked. “为什么？”她问道。
A lump in Seonghwa’s throat made it hard to speak. “Pearls are for innocence.”
成华喉咙发紧，几乎说不出话来。"珍珠象征纯洁。"
Yujin looked at him for a moment, then nodded slowly. She touched his hand again. “Mama says we should leave vengeance to God.” She tilted her head contemplatively. “Maybe Captain Hongjoong does God’s work.”
宥真凝视他片刻，而后缓缓点头。她再次触碰他的手。"妈妈说我们该把复仇交给上帝。"她若有所思地歪着头。"或许洪船长就是上帝的使者。"
Seonghwa smiled thinly. “He does what he can.”
成华淡淡一笑。"他尽力而为。"
She rolled the pearl between her fingers, then wrapped her arms around Seonghwa’s neck. “Thank you.”
她指尖轻捻着珍珠，随后双臂环上成华的脖颈，低声道：“谢了。”
He held her lightly, glad to have her near and well and knowing that the earrings meant nothing, fixed nothing. But he still felt a sense of balance. Innocence returned. Justice.
他轻轻搂着她，庆幸她安然无恙地依偎在身旁，心知那对耳环不过是个无足轻重的物件，改变不了任何事。可某种平衡感仍在他心头荡漾。纯真失而复得。天理昭彰。
Yujin stood back. “So is the rest of it true too?” she wondered, curious. “Are there leagues of pirates after you because they’re jealous you stole the heart of the most fearsome man on the seas?”
有真后退一步，好奇地歪着头："那其他传闻也是真的吗？"她眼中闪烁着八卦的光芒，"是不是有整支海盗舰队在追杀你，就因为你偷走了海上最可怕男人的心？"
Seonghwa laughed. “As far as I know, only one pirate crew is after me, and the reason has more to do with money and power than anything so romantic as jealousy.” She looked a little disappointed, so Seonghwa patted her cheek. “Pirates are really terrible at being romantic.”
成华笑了起来。“据我所知，只有一支海盗团在追捕我，原因更多与金钱和权力有关，而不是什么浪漫的嫉妒。”她看起来有点失望，于是成华轻轻拍了拍她的脸颊。“海盗们真的不太擅长浪漫。”
Except that it was just a little romantic the way Hongjoong said he would slay anyone who laid a finger on Seongwa. And if Seonghwa was honest, he took Hongjoong at his word and didn’t bother to feel frightened of Bang Chan.
唯一有点浪漫的是，洪钟说会剁了任何敢碰成华手指的人。而说实话，成华完全相信洪钟的话，压根没把方灿放在眼里。