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Chapter Text

The steam continued to build up until the whole room was a hazy blur. The air had a strange mix of strong floral fragrance and metal which the monarch lazily submerged in the hot tub found funny. In fact everything around him amused him greatly. He felt his life had now become one big joke without a punchline.

In the golden lacquered bath tub filled with roses and water hot enough to sooth any aching muscle, he was the perfect image of a spoiled Royal yet the maids that cowered in fear at the far corner of the room saw only a monster. A heartless tyrant who killed five men then took a bath as if their blood had not stained the pristine floors red. Their blood still warm and fresh as it slowly creeps closer towards the quivering servants shoes.

As the maids whimper and press their bodies even further against the cold wall, all Yoongi could think about was how the hell is he going to leave this stupid game.

Two months ago...

“Minji! Stop playing your stupid game and let’s go!” Yoongi calls out from the front door as he watches his younger sister slowly move down the stairs with her eyes glued on her mobile game. “Can you at least look where your going!”

“Geez mom you don’t have to yell. Oh wait it’s just my idiot brother.” Minji took a second to look up away from the screen to roll her eyes at him before immersing herself back into the game. “Also your head looks small in that scarf and seriously all blue? Boring much.”

Yoongi huffed as they left the house, he liked his comfy blue and white scarf that draped warmly around his neck, plus what was wrong with his dark navy trench coat and jeans? He had a white shirt underneath and black boots. Plus his hair was dyed mint. He wasn’t boring.

“Next time take the bus to school. I’m not driving for you anymore.” Yoongi complained.

“I wish! But mom and dad won’t let me because I’m their princess” Minji flips her short ebony hair and smirks at her brother before getting in the backseat of the car. The loud slamming of the car door caused Yoongi to feel physical pain. The black Hyundai was a gift from his parents that he worked extremely hard for. Maintaining top marks in high school and getting into the most prestigious and difficult university all so his spoiled baby sister could slam it like it was a cheap toy. Yoongi wanted to cry. Minji wasn’t only his parents princess but his as well yet she drove him crazy ninety percent of the time especially now that she was in high school. Sometimes he wished he could turn back time and never introduce her to video games.

“Breath in...breath out...breath in...out...let it go.” Yoongi chanted and gets in the driver seat. From his rear view mirror he could see Minji tapping away excitedly at her game and shakes his head. He then decides to turn on the radio as they leave the driveway knowing from experience that it was going to be a quiet ride with her obsessing on finishing her game and him concentrating on the road.

“NOOOOOO!” Minji shrieked so loudly that Yoongi slammed his feet against the breaks and worriedly looks at his sister. “What’s wrong? What happened? Are you okay?”

“I’m not okay! I lost the magical item! I’ve played the pub owners route for hours and I still can’t get the bonus item!” Minji whines and kicks her feet underneath the seat. “I want it!”

Yoongi had forcefully placed mental images of eating tangerines and adorable pets in cute outfits to stop any other thoughts invading his mind. He blankly stared at her then turned around and went back to driving as if she wasn’t in the backseat.

“Oppa~”

“....”

“Can you do the mini game for me? Pleeeeease~” Minji leaned forward and cutely rests her chin on Yoongis shoulder.

Yoongi clicks his tongue and tries to shake her off but she grabs hold of him and starts making her eyes wide like a lost puppy. Yoongi tries not to look at them since he gets weak to her pleading. After all this wasn’t the first time she’s asked him for help. Whenever there was a mini game in which she couldn’t score the highest mark she’d ask him to do it. Apparently the game gives magical items or artefacts that help progress the main characters back story.

“Pleeeeeeeeeease!”

“Fine but only after school.” Yoongi rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop a small smile.

“Thank you thank you thank you!” she hugged him tightly.

“Why are you still playing that game though? I thought you finished all routes?” Yoongi turns down the volume of the radio.

“I did but my friends told me there was additional storyline and bonus scenes with the male leads if I acquire all their item rewards from getting the perfect score. And get this! If I unlock all the romance options full story after acquiring all the bonus there is another ending available! A HAREM ENDING!” Minji clenched both fists and squeals excitedly. “Its all over the social media! Plus the bonus scenes aren’t CG pictures but smut animation!”

“Wait what!?” Yoongi quickly turned his head but found himself compelled to look at the road when his sister forcefully placed her hands on his cheeks.

“Eyes on the road!”

“I’ve got it! I’m an excellent driver now stop diverting. What’s this about smut? I didn’t know the game was R rated!” Yoongi groaned and tried to shake Minji off him.

“I can’t exactly tell you my game has these types of scenes. The first thing you’d do is delete it then go tell mom and dad.”

“You’re too-“

“Don’t say I’m too young! Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can use your age against me. I’m already seventeen and I can make my own decisions.” Minji scowled and roughly leaned back on her seat.

“Old?! Seriously!? I just turned twenty-one.” Yoongi scoffed, from the rear view mirror he could see his sister sulk. He really didn’t want to be so hard on her but his parents relied on him to be the responsible adult especially now that they were busy with the restaurants expansion. Plus with his older brother Jun, leaving Daegu to start a small business in Seoul, it placed even more pressure on him to be the good son and look after Minji.

Minji shifts her focus on her phone, tapping away rapidly with her eyebrows almost touching in the middle. Yoongi could only guess what complaints she spouted to her friends and them replying to her in hyper speed as usual. He wouldn’t be surprised if he saw them waiting at the school gate ready to scowl at him too.

“Look I’m not going to tell mom or dad. I’m not going to delete your game just...” Yoongi sighs, looking back at the mirror to see that his sister had stopped typing but still kept her head down. “I just worry sometimes you know. I can’t help it and it’s not going away. I’ll always worry about every single thing because I’m your older brother. Even if it can be over bearing at times...I won’t always be by your side so just cut me some slack okay?”

For a short moment Minji felt a chill run down her spine and she worriedly looks up. Her eyes meet with Yoongi’s own in the mirror before he looks away to focus on the road. “What do you mean you won’t be by my side? Are you leaving just like Jun?”

“No of course not. I’m staying in Daegu to help with the family business. What made you think I was leaving for Seoul?”

“You made it sound so ominous like I wasn’t ever going to see you again.” Minji scoots closer to Yoongi again and rests her chin near his shoulder.

Yoongi chuckled at the change of her behaviour. “Not that we won’t ever see each other again but eventually I’ll be busy with work and you’ll go to college. Even after that you’ll probably be too busy building your career to even talk to me.”

“Ugh!” Minji playfully rolled her eyes, “Why do old people get so sappy?”

“Hey! I’m not old! And at least my emotions come from real life experiences and not from fictional characters in video games.” Yoongi teases. Minji tries to look as offended as possible but breaks out into giggles when Yoongi stick out his tongue.

“Oh! Looks like we’re nearly there.” Yoongi stops the car as the traffic lights turn red. He turns to see his baby sister smile brightly at him, the warmth spread all over his chest. In that moment, he felt at peace and it only took a second for that disappear as Yoongi felt his body being lifted up, his whole world turned, and a deafening scream as something sharp pierces him before everything turned black.

Present time...

Why me? Why?

Yoongi stared blankly at the window from his study. His head laid on top of the pages of some old book he thought would have answers to his questions but yet again another dead end. He tried multiple times to escape from the “world” he was in. The first three days he searched for his sister like a madman, and he realised he was no longer in Korea. The placed looked foreign and medieval which made him think he was in Europe. He thought about kidnapping but his family wasn’t that rich. They were comfortable and could afford a stable lifestyle but nothing too over the top. He had then panicked at the idea of human traffickers and went even more ballistic looking for his sister. When no one could give him the answers he was looking for he tried to think more rationally. However, the more he tried to understand his surroundings the more confused and scared he got.

For starters, his reflection in the mirror looked slightly older and taller. It was still him except a few years older and his mint hair was now ebony and his dark brown eyes had become black as the night. It was strange and it freaked him out at first. The second strange thing was the extravagant Palace he was kept in. It reminded him of the castle his family saw during their vacation in Bavaria. He could never pronounce the name...Neuss..neuschwa..stin...something like that castle. He remembered how Minji loved it. She kept calling it the fairytale castle. It only made Yoongi’s heart ache even more.

Lastly, he noticed how everyone around him refused to look at him in the eye...more like they were afraid of him. He could sense their fear, something he didn’t notice until he calmed down. A fear of death like they had been cornered by an extremely dangerous wild animal with nowhere to run. Yoongi didn’t understand the cause of their distress around him until he finally paid attention to the castle’s banners and the large crest in the middle. In a field of black a two winged serpent with teeth and claws bared circles the golden sun, yet others could interpret it as the serpent devouring the sun. A sign of power and arrogance that nothing was above them. It was all too frighteningly familiar. He knew that symbol. Stared at it countless of times. It belonged to the Kingdom of Vhóel or as its enemies called it the Kingdom of death.

A Kingdom that was part of the popular video game his sister was obsessed with. For a week he tried desperately to logically explain his situation. He thought of a head injury that might have caused him to see things differently, his reality being distorted by the last thing he remembered. A fantasy becoming reality. It was crazy yet for days he desperately looked for answers from every doctor the Kingdom had. Unfortunately, all of them had the same answer. He was perfectly healthy and there was nothing wrong with him.

Of course Yoongi didn’t believe them. How could he when their hands trembled in fear during the examination. They were afraid of him...of his reputation. In everyone’s eyes Yoongi was the newly crowned King of Vhòel, the main villain of this game. A sadistic man even during his crown prince days. His strength and cunning was vital in conquering lands for his father’s Kingdom during the Expansion Wars when he had been only a teenager. A master with the sword and born with the gift of dark magic, he brought his family great pride and for that they turned a blind eye to any unlawful acts he committed. He killed anyone who irked him and took possession of anything that caught his fancy whether it be a person, land or an object.

Before the third week ended an assassin had snuck in his room and tried to murder him but failed horribly...by accident. Yoongi tossed and turned in his bed, rare are the nights when he actually slept, and in that particular night the assassin had come to take the Kings life only to trip on a goblet that Yoongi had thrown earlier, and somehow landed neck first on the sharp edge of a conveniently placed fire poker. Yoongi hadn’t even sat up from his bed and the man was already dead. Naturally the knights guarding his door came in to the site of a dead man and news quickly spread all over the Kingdom how the King brutally killed an assassin. It would have been funny had Yoongi not freak out. More attempts at his life were made yet all failed without him doing anything. He simply stood there or somehow turned the other way and the assassins or mercenaries end up dead.

Eventually both the paranoia of people wanting him dead and the great desire to go home drove Yoongi to rush the storyline to its end. It was all a game after all so what better way than to end the game than die by the heroes hand. He frantically searched and found the strongest one. Jungkook. His character in the game is the second son of a Duke whose family had help build the Kingdoms military power. So naturally Yoongi had his whole family imprisoned on false charges of treason then made Jungkook fight him to the death for their freedom. And ever so swiftly Yoongi let the sword go through him only to wake up the next day in his bed like a reset. Jungkook’s family were safely at home, there was no memory of any charges or imprisonment, and life went on. Like he had started the game all over again. Which made Yoongi even more depressed.

Hence his current situation of staring blankly at the window.

Maybe this is purgatory...or hell. Only Minji would see this place as heaven. Yoongi’s chest tightened at the mention of her name. He had been counting the days since he arrived and recalling memories of his family for fear that one day he’d forget who he was.

“Please don’t drool on the books.” a stern voice echoes in the large study room followed by a click of a door closing.

Ah~ Namjoon. One of the six main leading men for the heroine of the game. A romance option the player can choose to pursue. The childhood friend of the main villain and a son of a wealthy merchant. He had taken over the family business after his father died of a heart condition two years before the games storyline. Before I came here. Hmm...if I remember correctly Minji said he dies saving the heroine if any of the other romance options were chosen...Well he does look like the do gooder type with the way his silver hair is neatly kept and not to mention his clothes. So prim and proper. Not a wrinkle in sight. I wonder how he survived being friends with the villain for so long?

Yoongi grunted back a response and lazily lifted his head up to see Namjoon scowl at him. “I heard about the incident earlier. The maids were traumatised and naturally I have to deal with it.” A loud sigh and arms folded together made Yoongi know he was in for a long lecture so he did the smart thing and stayed silent. “You could have at least told them to leave while you killed those five men.”

Or not. “I didn’t kill those men. It was an accident plus how would I know the maids were still there. I’ve told them countless times I can attend to myself.” Yoongi huffed and pushed the book away harshly to get a kick out of the twitch in Namjoon’s eyebrow.

“Right an accident. They happen to slip on something slippery and just so conveniently impaled themselves on sharp objects and slammed their skulls on anything hard and blunt.” Namjoon's sarcasm is one of the few things Yoongi enjoyed since he arrived. Namjoon walked towards him and closed the book Yoongi had been using as a pillow. “The power of bloodlines. Why are you reading this? Every child in this Kingdom knows this.”

Except me. I’m practically a toddler still learning about this place.

“And that’s exactly how it happened! I knew you’d get it!” Yoongi grinned at an even more irritated Namjoon. “Also no harm in relearning the basics.” Actually I was hoping to find clues on how to tap into my body’s mana. Ever since arriving here I haven’t been able to use magic which I’m sure people around me will notice sooner or later.

“If you are looking to enrich your mind, I can find better books in this library that are more beneficial than this.” Namjoon smirked and skims through the bookshelves.

Yoongi’s grin falters knowing full well Namjoon was going to place a huge pile on his desk. “You know Namjoon, the servants have been talking a lot lately about you.” Yoongi paused to see Namjoon not reacting at all to what he had to say so he continues. “They say you’ve been coming more often to the castle this month. More often than you usually do.”

Namjoon’s shoulder tense for a short moment before he continued his task of piling more books on one hand. “I think your servants have more free time in their hands if they are able to make idle gossip.”

“I thought I was keeping them busy with cleaning up after the assassins which again as I stated were all accidents.” Yoongi placed both hands up defensively when Namjoon slammed the heavy books on the table.

“Yes of course. I’d never doubt the word of my King especially when he has told me of his eagerness to learn.” Namjoon’s dimpled smile would have been adorable had Yoongi not seen the glint of hate in his eyes.

ah there it is again. I’m the villain after all so naturally the main characters of this game is set to hate me. Yoongi brushed it off with a smile. Despite how Namjoon felt towards him, Yoongi had grown fond of him. He was the only one he could have a proper conversation with so he didn’t mind how Namjoon would look at him. Yoongi picked up the book at the top of the pile, “The history of the Four Kingdoms.” He’s not very subtle with his dislike for me. The fourth Kingdom was taken over by Vhóel after the Expansion Wars making the new maps show only three.

“Where else to start but from the utter most basics of history.” Namjoon nonchalantly answered and sat on the sofa at the end of the room. He held a book in front of him, flipping through the pages carefully before finally stopping. The small “aha” that escaped his lips made Yoongi smirk. It was cute how Namjoon held his books so preciously when everything else he touched seemed to break. From teacups, kettles, doors, even the sword handles did not escape unscathed from his clumsy hands. Yoongi always found those deep dimples that show whenever he was embarrassed to be adorable. It made Namjoon the full grown adult that he is, to come out looking so small and precious. Yoongi always felt the urge to poke at it whenever they were together.

“What?” Namjoon’s raised eyebrow stopped Yoongi from staring and he quickly clears his throat.

“Nothing. Just checking the book your reading. Looks different from the last time.”

Namjoon stared blankly from the corner of his book and Yoongi continued to try making their conversation last longer for the fun of it. “Same horror genre as the last novel?”

Yoongi still kept his smile despite the silence from Namjoon. He wondered if Namjoon was going to ignore him completely but finally the younger male shifted in his seat and held up the cover of the book.

“No, this one is actually an autobiography about one of my ancestors. How he grew the family fortune from ground up.”

“Didn’t your ancestors found a gold mine?”

“That they did but only because he persevered. He was left for dead by robbers and dumped inside a bear cave which he was lucky enough that it was empty. He never gave up and fought against the forces of nature to survive.”

“Forces of nature?” Yoongi smirked but quickly kept his lips together after Namjoon gave him a stern glare.

“As I was saying, his struggle to live was rewarded when he found gold in the cave. He fought to survive, to live and for that he got the life he deserved.”

“That he did. From gold mines to trading ships then owning ports all over the world. Definitely a happy life for him and his family.” Yoongi rested his chin on his right hand. Fought to survive for his family. Good for him...a happy life because he lived...lived until the end...

Yoongi’s dim eyes slowly brighten as the embers of hope slowly rise up within him. If my death resets the game then that means if I reach the end alive then I’d be free. I’d finally...finally be home.

Chapter Text

Yoongi waited until nightfall to start planning. He could barely contain himself earlier that day with Namjoon looking at him suspiciously. Now that he was alone in his room for the night, he was free to show his excitement.

He sits near the fireplace with a blank notebook and a pen. This way if anyone comes in unexpectedly it would seem like he was merely doing some late night writing and toss it all into the flames.

Okay let’s start with the basics. Try to remember everything Minji forced you to listen about this game and from those books Namjoon made you read..

Yoongi begins scribbling down what he knew. “There is the villain which is me. Doesn’t have a name in the gameplay and is only known to players as The Tyrant or the Dark King. His goal is to gather more power for his dark magic and gain control of all three Kingdoms. Goes after the heroine for her light magic so he could harness its energy to make him even stronger and gain immortality. And that is where the male leads come in to stop him.” Hopefully I can find a way to stay alive.

He proceeds to write the name of the three Kingdoms and the main characters. First, the northern Kingdom of Nolla. A mountainous region that gets its riches from mining precious gems and ores. Vhóel had initially wanted to conquer them during the Expansion war but settled for the western region when they found the terrain to be at their soldiers disadvantage.

Northern Kingdom...two main leads start from here. Yoongi makes a two lines to connect the names to Nolla. He then writes two names, Seokjin and Taehyung. Making sure to put spaces between the two for notes underneath each name.

I remember Minji telling me Seokjin is a doctor. If his route is chosen, he makes plans to travel to the Southern Kingdom and just so happens to come across the heroine in her time of need. They end up travelling together and fall in love. Even get married in the end after defeating the villain. However, if his route is not chosen then Seokjin gets caught and killed when he poisons the villain for the heroine. The poison doesn’t kill the villain but becomes vital in weakening him enough for the heroine to defeat him during the final battle.

Next character is Taehyung. I think Minji played his route first...what was it about him...oh right! He’s a fortune teller. A psychic of some sorts. He grew up in some religious temple. From what I remember if his route was chosen, he meets the heroine when she comes to his shop to hide from bad guys chasing her. He believed they were destined to meet and decided to aid in her quest. They fall in love and marry in the end after he uses his ability to help predict the villians next moves and provided a opportunity for the heroine to strike at his most vulnerable moment. If any other route is chosen, he dies after exhausting all his energy in predicting the different outcomes of the final battle to help save the heroine.

Yoongi’s lips set on a thin line as he re read his notes so far. When he was satisfied knowing he didn’t forget any crucial detail, he continued to scribble.

Second, the Kingdom from the South, Aëte. Land of eternal summer as the locals love to say. Blessed with rich soil, they focused more on agriculture. Widely known to be the only place to find rare valuable herbs and flora. Yoongi drew a line again and wrote down only one name, Jimin.

Prince Jimin, fifth son of the King from his second concubine. Skilled archer and has wind magic. Has a habit of sneaking out of the Palace and partying with the commoners, which is how the heroine bumps into him. She gets into trouble and he saves her. They fall in love, helps with her quest, Jimin becomes the new King after killing the villain, and they get married in the end. In other routes, he sacrifices his life by taking an arrow to the heart to save the heroine.

Yoongi’s eyebrow arched slightly higher. They all seem to die for the heroine if their route is not chosen. He shook off the odd feeling and flipped to another page.

Lastly, Vhóel, the Kingdom he currently resided in and the place where most of the main storyline happens. Territories expanding from all West and East regions of the map, making them the biggest. A Kingdom in the middle that divided the other two. Controls almost all trading routes in both land and sea. Any transaction between the North and South, Vhóel was the first to know. If taxes weren’t paid then any merchandise they were trying to move to the other would mysteriously vanish. This caused Vhóel to be in even more bad terms from both Kingdoms but they could do nothing because of Vhóel’s strength and influence. Fearing the dark magic that the Royals posses, they dared not to provoke another war.

Yoongi drew three lines and wrote down the names of the remaining heroes. Namjoon, Hoseok, and Jungkook.

Namjoon, the tragic childhood friend of the villain. In his route, he meets the heroine when he goes out investigating a corrupt official over taxing the merchants by the border. He admires her quest to stop the tyrant and they fall in love as they make their plans. He uses his wealth and influence to aid her, and in the end they get married. In other routes he gets killed for treason but not after he sent vital information in stopping the villain. I can’t recall if Minji said anything about their younger years, all I remember was Namjoon despised cruelty and injustice. He hated the tyrant King and no longer saw him as a friend. Which still makes me wonder why he visits me so often...

An ink blotch forms on the paper as Yoongi mindlessly taps away at one spot. If Namjoon wanted to kill him then he’d have plenty of opportunities to do so. If he was there as a spy then there definitely wasn’t anything useful he got from being around him. Well the current him anyways. All he did was run around like a crazy person looking for his sister. It was strange...even the remark by the servants made him think this was something new in Namjoon’s usual pattern.

Odd...What else was there-!!! Yoongi quickly stops tapping at the notebook. “Shit the ink!” He groaned and tore off the ruined pages, tossing them to the fire. Another disgruntled groan as he rewrites everything. This time he places more spaces in between in case of mistakes.

“That should do it. Now let’s see after Namjoon there was the pub owner, Hoseok. He was the last route Minji played. She said his items were harder to get when she was replaying the game for the additional content. What else did she say about him?” Yoongi tried to recall the conversation he had with his sister but the image of her bright smile before everything went black made it too painful to continue.

Ugh! Screw it. I’m sure he helps the heroine and they get married like all the others if his route is chosen. Last male lead is Jungkook. He’s the only one I’ve met aside from Namjoon although, he has not seen me yet in this time since it restarted after he stab me. Not a very smart plan but had to try. Let’s see...in his route he uses his influence over the military to sway a majority of them in his favor during the last battle with the villain. Helped the heroine and as usual they get married. If any other male lead is chosen then he dies in battle.

“Hmm...I think I got their information right. Now that the easy part is done, it’s time to tackle on the hard part. The heroine.” Yoongi draws a large question mark. “I have no idea what her name is or even how she looks like since the game let’s the players customise the heroine. She could be literally anybody at this point. Not to mention the countdown to my demise begins the moment she interacts with any of the male leads.”

Troubled, Yoongi gets up from his chair and walks over to the map spread across his desk. He examines it carefully. Since I do not know where the heroine starts then I’ll have to gather all the male leads to me.

His fingers tap on the edge of the wooden table, uneasiness settles in his chest from the thought of having all six heroes near him. All six who’d want him dead. Or not yet. Most of them don’t actually want to kill me until they join the heroine's quest. Sure they all don’t like me because of my reputation but what if I can change their minds. Make them see that I’m not who they think I’am and then once they finally meet the heroine they’ll convince her that I’m no longer the bad guy. I couldn’t care less about her light magic so I’m literally no threat to any of them.

A thrill of excitement makes him feel highly energised for the late night. Motivation keeps him up even longer as he made his plans, the map filled with marks and pins, the notebook scribbled to its last pages with penmanship only Yoongi could read, and ink bottles spread so close to the edge of the table just waiting for an accident to happen. By the time Yoongi felt like he had accomplished the greatest plan, the first ray of sunrise crept underneath the thick drapes of the bedroom. It was satisfying to finally have a goal. To have purpose. But as the seconds pass after staring over his remarkable plan the initial drive, the excitement had started to wane.

“This is going to be so much harder than I thought.”

The maid pours piping hot black coffee onto the Kings fourth cup for the morning. She knew better than to say anything and diligently does her job. The Kings friend on the other hand hasn’t stopped sharing what he thinks.

“What do you need Celandine for?” Namjoon’s voice rose slightly higher when he rolled down a long list of herbs that Yoongi ordered. “Echinacea, mandrake, nightshade, golden ginger, balisse fruit, belladonna, vanilla, white myrtle, even hellebore petals!? A thousand year old ginseng root!? Are kidding me! Are you trying to cure, poison or cook? And put that coffee cup down unless you want to be a neurotic mess later.”

Yoongi was halfway through finishing the cup of coffee when Namjoon snapped at him. The servants used to gasp and cower in fear when it happened, waiting for the mad King to lash out, but after Yoongi did absolutely nothing towards Namjoon’s behaviour, they learned to accept it as it is.

“It’s not that long of a list, plus I merely want to replenish the castles supplies.” Yoongi nonchalant answer only made Namjoon more suspicious.

“What are you talking about? The castle’s storage is filled to the brim.”

“If I may interrupt I can explain that.” The head butler cleared his throat loudly to gain Namjoon’s attention. “His Royal Highness has so graciously donated medicinal herbs and spices to the less fortunate in the Kingdom.”

Namjoon stared dumbfounded at the old butler. “What? When? This is a first I’ve heard about that.”

“It happened quite early this morning. The sun had not even rose and his Highness had eagerly sent crates away saying that it was a waste to keep them stored for so long when his people needed them. Especially the children.” The butler had a genuine proud smile that Yoongi couldn’t help but feel his ego swell.

“The children.” Namjoon responded in disbelief. There was no way this man, this bloodthirsty being, would suddenly do something like this unless he was planning something.

“You don’t approve? I thought you’d be happy considering you do a lot of charity work as well.” Yoongi smiled brightly as he received his fifth cup of coffee.

“Of course I’m happy with this. The supply your family hoard-ahem! Stored safely away is more than enough to help the Kingdom’s less fortunate. That was very generous of you my King. May I know what made you suddenly want to do this?” It was hard for Namjoon to hide his scepticism towards Yoongi.

“I’am the King after all. My duty is to my people. What’s the point of having power and wealth when I can’t even help those in need.” Yoongi answered honestly when he suddenly felt all eyes on him. Time had stopped for a split second as Namjoon and the servants held their breath in shock. He couldn’t tell if they were happy with him or upset. They all looked at him as if he was a stranger.

Not good. They might realise I’m not the original King.

Yoongi bangs on the table and stands up abruptly, startling everyone around him out from their earlier trance. “You know what I don’t even have to answer to you! I’ll do what I like without your permission! Butler!”

“Yes Your Highness?” The head butler maintained his upright posture yet his hands shook as he turned to the King.

“I want everything on that list immediately! Everything!” Yoongi dramatically flipped his long black cape with gold trimmings and walked out of the dining hall. Namjoon was left in utter disbelief while the servants quickly regain their composure and started to clean the dining table.

“Sir Namjoon, may I please have the list?”

“Huh? Oh! Yes! Yes of course...the list.” Namjoon was about to hand the list to the head butler when he noticed the writing at the bottom. “A fortune teller? Why does he need a fortune teller?”

Chapter Text

When a King leaves the palace it usually causes great distress to both the nobility and the commoners. With the Kings unpredictable nature, the risk of someone dying was relatively high especially among the less fortunate. The servants in waiting panic, the royal guards do their best to cover up the mess, and the nobles stress levels raise even higher. The only good thing their King has done is made the country rich and crime free. Or at least a relatively low crime rate compared to the other Kingdoms. Every citizen knew that the moment someone is thrown in jail, they never come out alive. What the King does to them is anyone’s guess and everyone guesses the worse. Which is why Yoongi ditches the formality of parading in the capital city with his legion and goes out alone dressed as a commoner. In secret of course or both the head butler and his guards would tail him. His guards may be a whole better in blending in but he doubts the head butler would keep his distance from him.

Yoongi does one last check on his disguise. He had chosen the plainest outfit he could find, a long sleeved dark green tunic with a belt to match and dirty beige trousers. He made sure not to look too clean or people would think he didn't work. He even wore a shoulder length blonde wig for extra measure. There was nothing he could do for the color of his iris, so he kept telling himself not to meet anyone’s eyes. He knew the risks of going out alone but he was confident that one of those risk was not dying. One thing Yoongi learned was that the game wont let him die in the hands of an extra character. As long as he kept his head down low then he should be fine. The goal today is to strike up a friendship with Hoseok. He owned a tavern in the capital which made him a lot more easier to talk to compared to the other three who lived away from the Kingdom. His plan to get Seokjin and Taehyung was in motion while Jimin's was still up in the air. There was still no response or reaction from the Southern Kingdom so while he waited, Yoongi thought he might as well approach Hoseok now.

The street lamps had only started to light up by the time he reached outside the tavern. From the outside it looks enchanting and folksy. Sandstone bricks and hardwood make up most of the building's outer structure. It's near impossible to see inside with the dusty windows, but the noise from within can be felt outside. He paused and took time to appreciate the clean surroundings and the old architecture. Well old on his perspective since everything was far from the modern world he came from. His hands reach over to inspect one of the street lamps, he liked the craftsmanship of the metal work, how the vines twisted and turned in a whimsical manner. Architecture had always fascinated him but he chose not to pursue it so he could help his family in the restaurants.

Exhaling loudly, Yoongi stepped back and looked up into the sky. "Maybe in a different life."

"That was a heavy sigh. Did you lose something?" a voice that sounded too cheerful made Yoongi put his guard up. His hands reach for the dagger hidden at the back of his belt but he quickly lets go as he spots a familiar face.

"Sorry I didn’t think someone was listening. Do I really look like I lost something?" Yoongi smiled at Hoseok. The pub owner was standing beside a barrel that Yoongi has not seen earlier. He realizes that Hoseok must have come out while he got distracted. He had a smile that never quite reached his eyes. His chocolate brown hair was playfully tousled with small curls at the top giving him a youthful boyish charm. The sleeves of his light grey tunic were rolled up above the elbows and he looked more like the tavern's employee than the owner with the dirty apron.

"Kind off." Hoseok brushes of the dirt on his hands and smiles brightly. "You look like someone who could use a drink."

Yoongi maintains his smile despite his cheeks starting to ache. He didn’t have to smile so much in the castle so it was proving to be a challenge. He'll have to get used to it though. Political smiles, laughter, and small talks are part of his life...for now. Hoseok doesn’t wait for a reply and walks back in, leaving Yoongi to wonder if his cover was blown. He combs over the blonde wig with his fingers and ties it in a loose ponytail. When Yoongi felt satisfied that Hoseok had not recognized him, he walked forward and stepped into a tavern for the very first time. Squared, wooden beams support the upper floor and rustic lamps hanging from above. The walls were almost bare aside from a few old paintings hanging on the wall. The smell of oak and stale beer was the first thing to greet him. It took him a second to adjust to the overwhelming aroma and when he finally composed himself, he saw Hoseok looking at him with a smile from behind the bar. Yoongi forced another smile and walks towards an empty bar stool. The tavern itself is packed. Round tables occupied by old men who had probably been there since the place opened, several long tables filled with young men and women out for a drink after a hard days work, and smaller tables occupied by couples in the farthest corner too absorbed in each others company to care about everyone else around them. Yoongi was half tempted to announce his presence just to see the their reaction.

"You look to be in a much better mood than earlier." Hoseok casually mentions as he placed a large pint of ale in front of Yoongi.

"Is that so? Maybe your tavern has that effect on me." Yoongi playfully replies and takes a sip from the pint. The rich malt gave it a bitter taste yet there was hint of fruity sweetness and a tinge of lemon that sits at the tip of the tongue. Yoongi licks his lip, enjoying the taste and downs a mouthful. The thrill of hiding his identify was giving him a sense of rush he did not expect. It made him feel like he was in one of those spy movies he loved to watch.

"How did you know I was the owner? New comers always assume I’m a mere bartender." Hoseok arched an eyebrow, his smiling never faltering.

Crap! Am I busted? Yoongi puts the pint down but doesn't let go of the handle. "I've heard from the locals. And what makes you think I'm a new comer?"

Hoseok chuckled and leaned forward. "I've worked here since I was strong enough to carry a serving tray. I know every person that walks through those doors. From the people they know down to the names of their pets. And you..." Hoseok rests his chin on top of his hand and smirks, "I've never seen you before which means you either came from across the Kingdoms borders or you work in the palace."

Yoongi swallowed hard and felt Hoseok's piercing gaze cut through his disguise. A small drop of sweat trails down his spine adding to the rush of his beating heart. Yoongi admired Hoseok's keen eye and grinned. "Wow! You're good. I'm actually travelling from Aëte to accompany my master. He's here on business."

"Hmm...your skin is not as tanned as those form the South." Hoseok's curiosity gave Yoongi the impression that the soft persona from earlier was a mere disguise. Hoseok's nature was far more complex.

The warm air in the tavern suddenly closed in on Yoongi. "Ah...yes. Common mistake by others. Not all of us from Aëte are tanned. After all there are those from Nolla with honey colored skin despite the long nights." Yoongi's voice went slightly higher and he hastily takes another chug from his drink. All the times he went out drinking with friends has prepared him for this moment.

"I suppose-"

"ANOTHER ROUND!" a loud roar followed by boisterous laughter and cheers cut their conversation off much to Yoongi's relief. He got what he came for by talking to Hoseok but the conversation was not going in the direction he wanted which could complicate his plan.

"Duty calls." Hoseok hums and walks away to pour more drinks. Yoongi drinks more ale as he ponders on what to do next. The tavern was much too loud for him to think but he couldn't risk leaving.

"Hey have you heard! That Tyrant bought a bunch of expensive rare herbs and spices from Aëte! Took almost all of the southerner's supply!" One of the locals mentions loudly, the drunken red flush on his skin made him look like an angry grape.

"Don't go around calling him a tyrant!" his companion angrily hushes him as he looks over his shoulder.

Yoongi, now extremely curious, turns his body slightly to the side to see where the commotion was coming from. From where the two drunks were looking at, he could see five heavily built men in plain clothes drinking. He wonders if a pub fight was going to happen. He highly doubts the two could win against the five. Even one of them was enough to take out the two.

"We don't care what you call him! We're off duty!" One of the five breaks the silence with a rowdy laugh and raises the massive beer mug on his hand. He couldn't care less that his drink was spilling everywhere.

"Then tell us what the King's got plan for those herbs! Doesn't he have enough in the palace's storage?" An elderly female patron calls out from the other end. Everyone's attention is now at the five soldiers. Yoongi swear he could

"Heck should we know what his highness has planned. He gave them away to infirmaries and orphanages. Some sick houses as well from east to west. Emptied every crate doing so." A light brown haired soldier shrugs and downs the rest of his ale. The people listening suddenly fall silent and look at each other in disbelief. The uncomfortable silence stretched on that even the lovers in the far corner had noticed.

"That...that can't be right. He must be planning something horrible. Those herbs were probably poisoned or stale." A male voice finally breaks the silence and a few people start to murmur in agreement.

"That's true! He would never give away something for free!" Another voice breaks out among the chatter and the rest of the people start to join in. The tavern gets even more noisier than when Yoongi had stepped in.

Poisoned the herbs? Really! To children even. How low do they think I'am? Yoongi sighed and turns away to finish his drink. His goal was to change the minds of the main leads. He shouldn't be bothered to worry about the extras.

"Refill?" Hoseok's cheerful voice caught Yoongi by surprise. Before he could say anything Hoseok had already poured more ale into the glass.

"Thanks?" Yoongi forced a smile.

"You’re welcome. It's my job after all to make sure my customers always have a full drink in their hand."

Yoongi raised his glass to Hoseok and took another mouthful of the rich ale. He was growing fond of the taste and wonders if he can have it stored in the Palace. Hoseok kept himself busy wiping down washed glasses while the rest of the people debate on the King's intentions. With the crowd busy and barely taking notice of the bar area, Yoongi took the opportunity to know more about the pub owner.

"So...what do you think about the King? Do you think what their saying is true?" Yoongi glanced for Hoseok's reaction from the corner of his eye. Hoseok continues on his task of wiping every glass clean and merely smiles. Yoongi pressed on. "Is he capable of poisoning those people with the herbs?"

"Maybe. You'd be surprised what people are capable of." Hoseok replied in his usual cheerful tone which made Yoongi realize that Hoseok was going to be a whole lot harder to get close to. He wonders if he made a mistake approaching him with so little information. He can't remember what Minji told him about Hoseok's back story. There was an item involved like the others that would greatly help in opening up more of their story. Should I have tried to gather those items first? But wont they find it strange that I suddenly present it to them? Namjoon's already suspicious of me so how much more with those I have yet to meet.

"How about you? What do you think of Vhóel's famous King?" Hoseok asks while he places the glasses back on the shelves.

"Me? Well...I think he is trying to help. Maybe not in the way that others view as normal but he was never given a chance to be more than what was expected of him. After the war, people around him saw him as a beast so he became one." Yoongi shrugged his shoulder, unaware that Hoseok had shifted his gaze toward him. The smile on his face was gone.

"That's an interesting opinion. It's almost like you know him." Hoseok had walked closer and stops in front of Yoongi, causing him to cough and choke from the ale that stuck on his throat. Yoongi patted his chest in a desperate attempt to come out less suspicious and sputtered out a weak reply. "O-Of course not-kaff-how could I know the King? I'm just a commoner."

The small smirk that formed on Hoseok's lips made Yoongi know that he no longer believed him. Crap! I'll have to find a different way to approach him.

"Y-you know this ale is really good! Who's your supplier?" Yoongi pulled at the corners of his tunic.

"I make my own batch." Hoseok chuckled yet it did not sound amused in Yoongi's ear.

"That's amazing! You should really think about expanding your brand." Yoongi let out a nervous laugh and shifted his gaze away from Hoseok.

"I'll think about it." Hoseok leaned closer and Yoongi leaned backwards, pushing him to the edge of the bar stool. "But I think you should call it a night." Hoseok takes the glass pint from Yoongi's hands.

Somewhat confused, Yoongi tried to take the glass back but Hoseok places it behind the bar counter. "I still want another drink after all the night is still young."

Hoseok scoffs and folded his arms, "I think not. You've had your fun mingling with the commoners so it's time for you to go back to your marble house."

"What marbled house?" Yoongi chuckled and coolly rested both elbows on top of the counter. Hoseok's blank stare made Yoongi rack his brain for more excuses. "Oh! You mean my master's house. Right! Yes there is that."

"Cut the bullshit. I know you're a noble. Calluses on your hand is from sword practice not from hard labour, fingernails neatly trimmed and not a speck of dirt underneath, plus you smell of roses and sandalwood." Hoseok leaned close enough for Yoongi to notice the freckle on his upper lip. It was making it harder for him to think of an excuse. "So do you want to leave on your own or do you prefer to be escorted?"

The crowd of customers grew even more rowdy and opinionated, now shifting their topic on nobles abusing their status and the arrogant way they walked down the streets.

"Um...I uhm...” Yoongi cleared his throat, his eyes still downcast at the freckle on Hoseok’s lips, “I can go by myself.” Hoseok’s smile grew wider, back to the cheerful pub owner persona he had on earlier. He distanced himself from Yoongi and went back to cleaning the counter and clearing used pints.

“Thank you for the company.” Yoongi says under his breath as he leaves money on the table and gets up. Before he can move away from the counter, Hoseok catches his attention and smirks, “Next time you decide to mingle, ditch the wig. It doesn’t suit you.”

Yoongi’s jaw drops at the so called advice. He’s partly impressed and worried about Hoseok’s eye for details. Yoongi wants to ask how much Hoseok knew of his identity but the pub owner is now in the middle of the crowd pouring drinks and chatting with customers. Yoongi wants to stay longer. Wants to know more about Hoseok but he sensed his stay was no longer welcomed. He doesn’t want any trouble tonight so he leaves quietly.

The fresh cold air stings his cheeks the moment the door closed behind him. The cold night breeze made Yoongi regret not bringing an extra layer of clothing, he couldn’t find any cloaks that weren’t flashy or screamed money in his wardrobe so he didn’t bring one with him. Rubbing his palms together for a little spec of warmth as he begins walking away. Tsk! I hoped Hoseok would be easy to get to know. I wonder if all the others are this difficult as well. I really thought bringing them to Vhóel was the biggest challenge but looks like I’m wrong. Yoongi quickens his steps to where he tied the reins on the horse earlier that day. It was a twenty minute walk from where the tavern was located. He couldn’t risk leaving the horse too close by especially in a area where drunks could steal it.

“Jewellery NOW!”

Yoongi’s head whips to the direction of where he heard the gruff angry voice. He thought it was aimed at him yet there was no one in the street but him. It was quiet and the street lamps were doing its purpose of lighting up the streets but there were still dark corners and alleyways that it couldn’t reach.

“Are you deaf!” The same impatient voice can be heard close to the direction Yoongi was going. He looked back and wondered if he can make a run for it back to the tavern. It wasn’t his job to save people. All he had to do was keep his head down and reach the ending alive.

“No! This was from my grandmother!’ Yoongi could hear the other person. His voice was deep and it sounded fearful yet determined in fighting for what belonged to him.

“GIVE ME THAT!” A loud smack resonated making Yoongi cringe at how hard that hand collided with the other person. He could hear a small plea and it pierced at Yoongi’s conscience. Screw it! Yoongi runs toward the alley where the noise came from. As soon as he turns the corner he comes face to face with the mugger. The assailant was startled to see someone else in that place, his hands clenched tightly around his victims neck. The poor man was gasping as he weakly clawed at the hands squeezing the air out of him.

“Let him go!” Yoongi pulled out the dagger he had kept hidden and brandished it in front of the mugger. He stared blankly at the shine that reflected off the steel and roughly tossed the other man onto the ground. His body had gone limp and Yoongi dreaded that he was too late.

“You expect me to be afraid of that toothpick?” The mugger laughed menacingly as he moved dangerously close. Yoongi grit his teeth and stood his ground despite not knowing how he was going to fight off the clearly more experience ruffian. Yoongi regretted not learning basic moves with the dagger or even a sword, all because the main villain was known to be a swordmaster it would be extremely strange if Yoongj had suddenly joined the novice class.

“You better be afraid! Don’t you know who I’am!” Yoongi threatened and held the blade steady, silently applauding himself for not choking on his own words. Unfortunately, the mugger only scoffed and before Yoongi could even blink, he grab hold of Yoongi’s wrist, twisting it enough to make Yoongi drop the dagger from the pain. The mugger catches the dagger with his free hand and grins smugly at the shocked expression on Yoongi’s face. He moves his elbows back, ready to thrust the dagger into Yoongi’s stomach when Yoongi quickly kicks his shin. It momentarily loosens his grip on Yoongi’s wrist, just enough for him to break free.

“For that I’ll make sure you suffer!” The mugger spat and charges towards Yoongi.

Fuck! FUCK! FUCK! Why did I have to get involved! Yoongi runs out of the alley and onto the empty street. He looks back and sees the mugger’s hand stretch close enough to touch his face but fortune smiled upon him and the mugger ends up tripping and falls onto the ground with a loud thud. Yoongi continues to run at full speed, daring not to look back until he sees his horse. The black steed made a noise, somewhat irritated at having made to wait. Relief washes over Yoongi and he rushes to untie the knot he made, an easy task had his hands not been shaking uncontrollably. Come on! Why did I tie it so hard! Come on! The cold air only made his chest heavy with every laboured breath he took. That’s it! Just a..little...more... “HA!” Yoongi triumphantly lifted the leather reins and doesn’t wait another second to get on the horse. His grip tightens as the horse impatiently wants to leave. Yoongi was ready to bolt out the place when he realized that the mugger was nowhere to be seen. It was odd and his instincts told him to run yet the image of the mugger’s victim left lying on the cold alleyway did not sit well with him. There was a huge chance of the mugger waiting back in the alley, he might end up finishing his job of killing them both and Yoongi knows it would mean another reset but if he left he knows his conscience would never let him sleep. Minji wouldn’t hesitate to help.

Yoongi pulls at the reins of his steed and rushes back to the alley. Travelling with the horse was faster and he hoped he wasn’t too late. As Yoongi got closer, he slowed down at the sight of the mugger lying on the ground. Cautiously, Yoongi got off his horse and slowly approached the man. It was hard to see his face but Yoongi could tell he was no longer breathing. He’d seen it so many times, he declared himself an expert in corpses. Yoongi grunted as he turned the body over, the daggers hilt stood upright from where the blade pierced the side of the neck. Yoongi attempted to pull the dagger out but more blood began to spurt out so he pushed it back in making even more of a mess, and hastily stepped away from the body. Deciding it was best to leave it alone, he jogs towards the alley to find the other man. In the dark pathway he could see the person still lying on the floor, the closer he got he could see why the mugger had chosen this man to be his victim. He wore a hooded long red cloak with small black gems, embroidered satin shoes, and his fingers were decorated with multiple rings. Yoongi took a deep breath to calm himself. Great! A stupid noble begging for trouble. He crouched down and placed two fingers on the man’s wrist, it was cold to touch and Yoongi couldn’t tell if it was him or the other guy. The steady pulse made Yoongi smile, his conscience was safe tonight, and he tried to wake the man. Shaking his shoulder and calling out to him did not seem to work. Yoongi could tell from his hands that he was young but he couldn’t see his face from the hood blocking his view and the darkness. I can’t leave him like this. I might as well bring him back with me.

Yoongi goes down the floor on one knee and carefully lifts the unconscious man's upper body before placing his other hand under the man’s knees. In one swift motion Yoongi carries him off the ground, the man’s hood falls back at the same time, finally revealing his face to a surprised Yoongi.

“Taehyung?”

Chapter Text

The feel of soft silk sheets on his aching muscles is enough to tempt Yoongi into a long deep slumber. A satisfying grunt and sigh echoes in the empty bedroom as Yoongi stretches, sprawled like a starfish taking advantage of the bed space enough for four grown adults. He pushes back questions creeping in his thoughts about Taehyung’s sudden appearance or even how he was going to approach Hoseok, and even more on how he was going to answer the curious gazes of the Palace guards and servants. He did not want to think about it at all.

KNOCK KNOCK

Yoongi’s tired eyes spring open yet he doesn’t move an inch from his comfortable position. He opens his mouth, ready to tell whoever it was to go away but the heavy oak doors are alreadt pushed open. Extremely annoyed and tired, Yoongi merely groans and stays rooted. If it was another attempt at his life, he honestly couldn’t care less now. Restart all you want!

“Your Highness, I apologise for coming so late but you were...um...well we’re here now.” there was a slight hesitation despite the speakers attempt to sound monotonous. Yoongi recognised the voice, it was hard to miss considering it belonged to the old man who insisted on following him around for his safety. Yoongi worked extremely hard to finally get the butler to give him his space. Yoongi had planned to ignore it but the small whimper that came from the same direction as the butler was someone Yoongi did not recognise. Curiously, he lifts his aching body up enough to sit comfortably in bed and have a good look at the two people standing by the door. An unfamiliar girl stood behind the butler, she was young, most likely within the range of seventeen and nineteen, her long ginger hair was unkempt like she had been in a struggle, then tried to comb it with her fingers but eventually gave up. She looked extremely scared, her brown eyes red and puffy from all the crying she must have done before stepping into the Kings bedroom. He could tell she was no noble from the way she dressed and stood.

“What now?” Yoongi did not hide his annoyance, making the two flinch. Keeping up the appearance of a villain is much easier when feeling exhausted.

“I found another replacement Your Highness. She will serve you tonight.” The butler sternly eyes the young girl making her bow her head low.

Yoongi found it strange that the butler would introduce a new maid to him this late in the evening. He doesn’t even know who she replaced or what happened to the previous maid, he could have sworn the same servants had served him earlier in the day. Normally he would have dug deeper, asked more questions, but not tonight. Tonight he was tired and fed up of finding answers. Tonight he just wanted to sleep and think all about it in the morning.

“Fine. Whatever.” Yoongi waves his hand and goes back to lying down flat on the soft cloud that is his bed.

“I’m glad you’re pleased with her.” Yoongi could hear the pride coming off the old man and can already see him standing straight with his chin up. “Ah! Before I leave Your Highness. About the young man you brought earlier, who-”

“A guest! Leave him alone.” Yoongi snaps, hoping his sour mood would make the butler stop asking and leave him in peace.

“Y-yes of course Your Highness. I’ll leave you now to replenish your energy.” The butler finally retreats, closing the door behind him. The silence was music to Yoongi’s ears. It stretched out for minutes, his eyes getting heavier and finally he felt like the night was finally going to claim him.

“Hic...”

What the? Is that...is that the girl? Yoongi opens one eye and tries to focus on the sound of someone sniffling. Why is she still here? Begrudgingly Yoongi lifts his head and sees the girl still standing where the butler had left her. He doesn't remember Minji mentioning this kind of scene in the game.

Yoongi clears his throat causing the girl to put her arms around her defensively. “Um...what are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you leave with the butler?”

The girl stays silent, focusing only on her feet and trying her best not to move. Yoongi sits up again in his bed, lazily slouched on the bed frame, crossing his legs as he scratches the back of his head. It felt like the night was never going to end. “Look I don’t know why you’re still here but clearly you can do your duties tomorrow morning. I’m sure the other senior servants will teach you what to do. So can you please leave? I’d really like to get some sleep before the sun rises.”

“I’m...I...” she looked cautiously at the door, like she was afraid someone was listening or ready to haul her out of there. Her hands gripped tighter around her upper sleeves as she speaks again, “I was told n-never to leave this room tonight. If I do...” she hiccups and falls on her knees. “Please I don’t want to die!”

Taken aback by what she said, Yoongi straightened his position and gave her a proper once over. She was frail with a pale complexion, most likely from being kept somewhere where sunlight could not reach, and it only made the red marks on her thin wrists even more noticeable. Yoongi pondered on calling back the butler to further explain what was going on but from the frightened expression on the young girl, he felt that it would not be in her best interest. If the butler thought she was troubling him then he’d take her away with another replacement and who knows what will happen to her.

“No one is going to die. I’m just confused as to what is going on. Can you calmly tell me what they told you?” Yoongi spoke as softly as he could as to not scare her further.

The girl became uneasy and Yoongi had to gently coax her even more until she finally stopped crying and spoke. “I was told to serve you, Your Majesty. U-until I’am no longer of use to you.”

“Is this the first time you’ve served me? Have there been others before you?” Yoongi asked. If the head butler brought her here without batting an eye then that must mean this is part of the original Kings routine.

“It’s my first time to serve you and yes there were others b-but I don’t know what happened to them.” She answered as best as her trembling voice could.

The original King was known for his temper so they were probably sent far far away. Like work in some mine or some other form of hard labor. Yoongi exhaled deeply and massaged his temples, he tried desperately not to think about the third option of them being killed. His eyes were starting to sting and a headache was creeping in. “What’s your name?”

“H-Hana...Your Majesty.” She kept her gaze at the ground.

Hana? Minji's never mentioned her name before. “Hana how were you chosen? I don’t want to bring back any horrible memory but those marks on your wrists are from being tied together aren’t they.”

Hana stiffened and gripped harder at her dress, “You’re correct Your Majesty. I was caught stealing and imprisoned.”

“So female prisoners are made to serve me?” Yoongi found it odd that they would let convicts serve the King.

“No, it’s a mix and not all prisoners. I-I don’t know how we are chosen but I overheard from the guards that it had to be within a certain standard...y-your standards.” Hana was scared she could no longer hear the King from the loud pounding on her chest.

“I see. Well no point on letting this drag on. I’m extremely tired and I’m sure you are as well so why don’t we call it a night.” Yoongi lifted his hand to signal her to leave like he normally does when dismissing the servants but quickly remembered what she said about not being able to leave. “So...there are some thick blankets and extra pillows in one of those large cupboards. Use as much as you want and feel free to move the furniture by the fireplace to give you enough space to sleep.”

Hana shakily stood up, she looked lost as she looked from the fireplace to the Kings bed. “Um...pardon my boldness my King but I...I was told to serve your needs tonight.”

“My needs?” Yoongi’s eyebrow scrunched together as he struggled to stay awake but suddenly the meaning behind her words hit him, his eyes grow wider and he panics. “OH! OH! Serve me in that...No! I’m good! No serving tonight. Or any other night! No!”

Hana’s eyes mimicked Yoongi's own wide eye stare. She was half filled with relief and dread. “If I’m not to serve you then I have no purpose.”

“Is it because you're afraid of going back to jail? I can offer you a full pardon and let you go. I’m the King after all so it’s not that hard.”

Hana bit her lower lip and held her hands together. “Not after they cut off my hands for stealing. It is the law even if you are to release me your Majesty.”

“But I-“

“My King are you willing to pardon all those prisoners who stole or broke the law. If you give me a full pardon then the others will be pleading for it as well. If I’m the cause of unrest then surely my family and I will not be safe.”

Yoongi wanted to convince her that it was going to be alright but no words came out. Every decision he now made had consequences, he was no longer the college kid whose biggest decision was what subject his term paper is going to be, now as Vhóel’s ruler the majority of the decisions he makes could affect the people around him. Yoongi after all was already planning on changing his fate. “I’m...I’m sorry for putting you in this situation.”

Hana caught her breath and looked at Yoongi for the first time. She could not believe what she heard, there was no way the King himself apologised to her. Not even a noble had the decency to admit their mistake. She must have heard it wrong.

“Look. Why don’t we pretend that something did happen tonight? You’ll be safe here and tomorrow I’ll instruct the butler to no longer bring anyone as I’m satisfied with...um...your service and want no one else.” Yoongi smiles at Hana for the first time and it makes her blush. She quickly looks away and keeps her gaze on the floor. “I can make you my personal maid. At daytime you serve me like the other servants and at night you serve me as well, naturally nothing happens. Your charges will be dropped since you’ll be working to pay off whatever you stole and when that’s done, I can help you find work in town if you no longer want to stay in the castle.”

“That’s...” tears start to well up in her eyes and gratefully bows down to Yoongi, “Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you!”

“I’m glad you agree with this arrangement. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d really like to get some rest before I collapse so please feel free to make yourself comfortable. I believe we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” Yoongi wiggles under the thick covers and wraps himself in a cocoon, finally exhausting the last remaining energy he had to stay up for the night and not hearing the soft good night from Hana.

“This is a first. Are you sure, Your Majesty?” the butler was surprised by the Kings decision. The longest one that lasted was a week so it was strange for the King to immediately announce that he wanted no other.

“Yes I’m sure and next time don’t ever question the decisions I make.” Yoongi sternly states as he stares at the mirror, patiently waiting for Hana to clip the last golden brooch on his outfit. He could sense the butler looking at Hana to see if she had done some kind of witchcraft. Yoongi took his silence as acceptance to his demands.

“All done my King.” Hana steps back and bows her head. She had woken early that morning to store away the blankets and pillows she had used, and placed the furniture back to its original place to avoid suspicion.

“Good.” Yoongi admired his reflection. He wore a black tunic with gold trims, beautiful jewelled brooches, white pants and black boots that showed off his long slender legs, and underneath the fur trimmed cloak had a ombre design from pitch black going to red, almost like flames dancing around him. Clothes really do make the man. “Is my guest up?”

“Yes, he is having breakfast at the dining hall as per your request.” The butler mentions still lost in his thoughts. Yoongi did feel sorry for the old man having to cater to his strange behaviour.

“If there is something you want to tell me then do so.” Yoongi glanced at him.

“Your guest...well...the servants find his behaviour to be somewhat odd.”

“The servants will always find something to gossip about.” Yoongi states flatly and walks out from bedroom. Hana and the butler follow silently behind.

Honestly I don’t even know why Taehyung is here already. I made a plan for the butler to find him, well technically find a fortune teller using a massive reward and have Taehyung appear among the other candidates but now he just showed up and I don’t know how to approach him. Should I cancel my search? Wouldn’t that be more strange? Ugh! My head.

Yoongi steps into the dining hall and sees Taehyung seated at the farthest right side of the table. Farthest from his seat. We haven’t even been introduced and he already makes sure to keep his distance. Yoongi felt disappointed. He had thought that by saving him last night, even though it was by mere chance, that maybe they would be on the right track to not becoming enemies. Yoongi took his seat and noticed that Taehyung had not even acknowledged his presence, too busy munching on a croissant and grabbing more strawberries from the bowl. The servants looked like they were going to have a heart attack if he didn’t say something to the King. Yoongi merely smiled and sipped his coffee, taking the time to fully notice the other mans appearance. Taehyung’s rose gold hair was cut short at the back but his bangs were quite long, giving him a childlike demeanour as he merrily wolfed down one pastry after another despite his lean built. He no longer wore the heavily gem embellished clothes from last night and instead wore a crisp white cotton shirt with long sleeves, forest green waistcoat, and dark brown breeches. His dark green coat hung on the arm rest of the empty seat beside him, like he couldn’t be bothered with it which is probably why the servants found him odd which Yoongi found amusing, plus Taehyung was easy on the eyes. No wonder Minji played his route first.

The butler cleared his throat rather loudly, not able to take the guests rudeness any longer. Taehyung finally stopped chewing down the freshly baked scone with jam and cream and shifted his attention to Yoongi’s direction. Bits of cream had stuck in the corners of Taehyung’s lips that Yoongi felt obligated to take a napkin and gestured for him to wipe his mouth. Despite the distance, Yoongi had least expected him to understand what he meant. Taehyung smiled brightly and Yoongi nearly slide off his seat. It wasn’t a small shy smile or one of those ‘thank you for saving me but ill be leaving now’ smiles, it was a full blown boxy happy smile. For the first time since Yoongi was brought to this world, someone finally genuinely smiled at him. This person, this beautiful person was actually happy to see him. Yoongi froze. Taehyung said something yet he could not hear a single word. When Yoongi still did not respond Taehyung got up from his seat, taking the plate with him much to the bewilderment of the servants, and to their horror he marched up to sit beside Yoongi. The butler nearly choked on air.

“Thank you for saving me.” Taehyung repeated the words, positive that the King did not hear him earlier because of the distance so this was much better.

Yoongi was still staring blankly when he felt Hana nudge him as she refilled his coffee. “Oh that...I’m glad to see that you’re feeling much better.” Yoongi’s somewhat calm response let the staff know he allowed Taehyung to sit near him and they were safe from any table hurled towards them. The butler however still looked determined to reprimand the guest...once the King was no longer in the room.

“I was shocked when I opened my eyes this morning. I did not expect that the King himself had come to my rescue.” Taehyung spoke rather lively for someone who nearly died.

“It seems last nights attack did not damper your spirits.” Yoongi’s gaze lingered from the bruise on Taehyung’s left cheek to the dark red marks on his neck. His stomach twisted at how stupid he was for taking so long to save him.

“I don’t dwell in the past.” Taehyung tries to cover the bruises with his hands, suddenly reminded that he had them.

“Sorry, I did not mean to upset you. Please continue with your breakfast. I’ll have one of the servants fetch a physician to check on your wounds.” Yoongi smiled at him to ease his discomfort but Taehyung shook his head, saying that he had already done so much for him. “I insist.” Yoongi gave no room for argument and instructed one of the staff to fetch a well known doctor. When Taehyung no longer protested, Yoongi went back to having his coffee and reading the mail neatly piled up beside his plate, unaware of the blush that formed on Taehyung’s cheeks.

After an hour, Taehyung had gone back to the room to rest, although if he had it his way he’d much rather go for a walk with the King but the butler was having none of it and reasoned that he should wait for the doctor that the King so graciously sought after for him, in the guest room like a good quiet and out of the way patient. Yoongi on the other hand stepped out for the walk to clear his head and hopefully come up with a plan. He was getting easily tired for the past days and he thinks it might be from stress.

“My King, are you feeling alright? Should we rest for a moment?” Hana’s voice was filled with concern and Yoongi realised he must look as tired as he feels. He looks around at their surroundings, they were still within the castle grounds but walked much further in the gardens. Less staff were seen moving around and it was much quieter as well.

“It seems I was too absorbed in my thoughts. Let’s take a break here.” Yoongi walks up to a large oak tree and sits on the shaded area underneath. Hana tried to place a handkerchief down for him to sit but Yoongi quickly dismisses it and instead tells her to use it so she can sit beside him. Reluctantly she does as she’s told while her eyes roam from side to side in case someone from the Palace sees them.

“Tell me something to take my mind off my current worries.” Yoongi leaned back against the oak tree and closed his eyes. If the butler saw him completely defenceless like this he’d lose twenty years from his life.

“Huh? Ah...what do you want me to say?” Hana did her best to sit comfortably with her uniform, making sure to tuck her skirt neatly under her ankle to stop the wind from revealing what should not be revealed.

“Anything. You can talk to me about...how about your family?”

“...I have two younger siblings...twins, Ara and June. They turned ten years old earlier this year.”

“How about your parents?” Yoongi sensed the longing in her voice, something he understood all too well.

“...my mother died when the twins were born and my father left four years ago. He had a gambling problem and we were constantly hounded by debt collectors until eventually they took the house and my father ran away. He could be in another city or country for all I know. Probably has a new family by now.” Hana laughed pathetically at the end. A part of her had long given up on ever seeing her father, her priorities had changed over the years.

Yoongi opened his eyes and looked at her. She was so small sitting there beside him, doing her best to not take up anymore space. “That must have been hard. Where did you stay afterwards? Do you have any other relatives?”

“I have an uncle and aunt somewhere far west but I couldn’t afford to pay for the trip much less for all three of us so we wondered from one street to another. I somehow managed to get by until well...I was caught stealing and my siblings we’re sent to an orphanage.” Hana chuckled softly, trying to pass off the last part like it was not a big deal. She quickly turned away so the King can not see her expression but Yoongi knew from the sniffle that she was becoming upset.

“How about you bring your siblings here? You have your own room so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Hana hastily wipes her eyes and nose, “Your Majesty I know you mean well but that would only cause more problems.” She finally turns to face Yoongi, cheeks flushed and eyes still watery, “My siblings are extremely protective towards me so with our arrangement they will try to come with me during the nights I have to spend in your chamber. I’m worried about the fuss they’d make. The head butler would definitely have them punished.”

Yoongi scratched behind his ear, a sigh escaping his lips, “That is true. It seems even I the King can be of no help to you.”

Hana gasped and bowed her body low onto the ground, “Please don’t say such things Your Majesty! This servant of yours would never dare to make his highness feel that way.”

“Whoa! Stop that! Lift your head up!” Yoongi grabs hold of her shoulders and lifts her upwards so they were facing each other. Hana panics from the close distance and the touch, jerking her body backwards and accidentally pulling Yoongi down on her. The sudden tumble had him lying down on top of her, his elbows served as a break to stop his forehead from hitting her. Hana lay stiff as a board while Yoongi, completely and utterly flustered at nearly hitting a young girl in the face, pushes himself off her. He can only imagine the rumors that would spread if anyone his new personal maid with a bloody nose.

“Hana I-“

“Am I interrupting?” Namjoon cleared his throat, his arms folded together as he stood closer. His eyes threw daggers at Yoongi.

“Namjoon!” Great! Now he probably thinks I attacked the maid.

“I heard you had a guest?” Namjoon’s gaze shifted towards the young girl as Yoongi helped her stand up.

“Yes but how did you know. He only came late last night?” Yoongi curiously asked while Hana brushed off the dirt on his sleeves.

“News travels fast especially when it involves the Royal family.” Namjoon continued to give Hana a wary look. “I see you have found a replacement from the last one.”

“Right let me introduce you to my new personal maid. Her name is Hana.“ Yoongi glanced at Hana who also looked at him with equal uncertainty.

Namjoon shifted his gaze back at Yoongi. “You asked for her name? You’ve never bothered with the others before.”

Yoongi watched the angry glare in Namjoon’s eyes turn to shock and confusion. So he is aware on the original Kings arrangements with the previous servants. Is that why their friendship crumbled? Does Namjoon truly see the King as a abusive tyrant?

Sensing the tension between the two, Hana bows her head and interrupts, “Your Majesty, I believe it is time to head back to the castle. Your guest may be looking for you.”

Yoongi nods back in agreement, his thoughts still lost on the new information he acquired. He wonders if Namjoon had ever tried to stop the arrangement before. In the original story he joins the heroine side because he couldn’t stand the villains cruelty. He wonders if there was any hope left in convincing Namjoon he was no longer that person.

“STOP!” a loud commotion disrupts the serenity of the beautiful garden. Namjoon and Hana saw the head butler shouting angrily while the guards follow closely behind, yet all Yoongi saw was a bright boxy smile before his vision is covered by the man’s chest. The sudden jump nearly made Yoongi fall back so he desperately dug his heel on the ground and grabs hold of Taehyung to steady them both.

“Here you are!” Taehyung laughed as he wrapped his arms and legs around Yoongi.

“Mmph!” Yoongi tried to speak but it proved harder with his mouth squished against Taehyung chest. Yoongi wiggled his head and managed to get Taehyung to loosen his hold enough for him to look at the others. The butler had already fainted, Hana shyly looks away, and Namjoon was ready kick him onto the ground, king or no king.

“Your guest?” Namjoon said vehemently, it was no longer a question but a statement. He shifted his stare down then back up at Yoongi. “How long do you intend to hold him?”

“I...!!” Yoongi realised then why his palms felt something soft. In his haste what he grab hold was not Taehyung’s thigh but his butt. One cheek per hand. Yoongi felt the heat rise up within him to the tip of his ears all the while Taehyung was not bothered and merely blushed when Yoongi looked at him. He seemed to enjoy a flustered King.

“I-It was an accident!” Yoongi let’s go and lifts his hands up, much to Taehyung’s disappointment. He still refused to let go and clung to Yoongi, giving Namjoon an irritated glare.

“I don’t care if you’re the King’s guest, if you don’t let go if him this instant I’ll have you thrown in jail.” Namjoon gritted his teeth and glared back. He wasn’t one to be made fun off especially by someone who just appeared out of nowhere. The head butler slowly woke up and was being helped to his feet by the guards. He heard what Namjoon had said and agreed with him. Repeatedly.

“Whoa! There is no need for that.” Yoongi pulled at the legs wrapped around him to pry them open, and after a few protests from Taehyung, he managed to get him to let go. His feet were now firmly planted on the ground but his arms were still wrapped around Yoongi’s shoulder. It surprised Yoongi how he smiled at him like they had their own little world. It was hard for him to look away.

“My King!” Namjoon firmly called for his attention. “Who is this person?”

“My name is Taehyung. I'm from the Sun Temple in Nolla.” Taehyung responds on Yoongi’s behalf, giving Namjoon a quick glance before placing his attention back to Yoongi. “I was met by a robber as soon as I arrived in Vhóel but was heroically saved by his Majesty.”

“Sun Temple...Predictions from there always come true.” The head butler muttered.

“Ironic that you couldn’t see the robber in your future.” Namjoon dryly added. He could tell Taehyung heard him from the twitch of his eyebrow but was clearly choosing to ignore him.

“His Highness is searching for a fortune teller.” Hana mentions in hopes of helping the King.

“Ah! Yes! Yes I’am! Call off the search.” Yoongi instructs the head butler who still looked like he had a thousand questions. He wanted the issue to be over with, another headache was making it hard for him to think calmly.

“Would you like to at least continue with the auditions to check their legitimacy?” The butler was still being stubborn and refused to put his guard down around the Taehyung.

“No need. The reputation of the Sun Temple is greatly known and I’m not going to start challenging it. He will do.” Yoongi made a gesture to dismiss the matter entirely. His head felt like it was being split open. Taehyung beamed at Yoongi’s confidence in him while Namjoon was ready to protest against his decision but stopped when he noticed Yoongi’s complexion becoming paler, beads of sweat formed on his forehead despite the cool breeze.

“Your Highness, are you feeling alright? Let him go! You! Summon the Royal Physician!” Namjoon strongly pried away Taehyung’s hands from Yoongi’s shoulder, pushing him away and barking orders to the royal guards. Hana grabs hold of Taehyung’s arm to move him aside for the butler to rush over and assist the King back to the Palace.

Chapter Text

Ever since Yoongi was a child, he hated it when people would make a huge fuss over things that he thinks were simply uncomplicated. A scraped knee? wash it off and go back playing. A fever? sleep it off by long naps. A flu? More naps and lots of oranges. A breakup? one night of pity drinking and ranting and you're all set to drown it out by work the next day. It has worked for him all these years. His easy approach to life problems have gotten him this far in his young adult life so he has never felt a need to change anything.

His family on the other hand had a different approach to dealing with life’s problems. A scraped knee? disinfect wound, shower child with immense support and love, then bubble wrap everything that can cause injury. A fever? doctor appointments, ginger rice porridge, and immense support and love. A flu? doctor appointments, chicken noddle soup, and immense support and love. A breakup? hangover medicine and hangover soup ready the moment he wakes up, and immense support and love.

Yoongi loves them dearly but being smothered constantly has made him downplay any condition he felt. He knew how busy his parents were at the restaurant and managing it lessened the time they had for him and his siblings, which made Yoongi feel that every minute they spent with him could have been used to rest their tired bodies or spending family time together. He never thought of himself as a martyr, completely far from it, he simply felt that it was part of his responsibility as their child. His duty to help ease their burden. His older brother helped around the house when he was old enough to hold a broom and eventually as he grew older, he took care of their meals as well. Yoongi then helped around the restaurant when he was old enough to wash plates and eventually, he too took care of the family meals whenever his brother was busy at school. Their parents never forced them to do it, but Yoongi simply felt that it was what he had to do.

So now that he was surrounded in bed by an anxious doctor, a weeping maid, a panicking butler, a worried childhood friend, and a guest who would stop asking if he was okay, it all seemed too much for Yoongi. Memories of his parents hovering over him and telling him everything was going to be okay flooded his mind. His chest hurt remembering how much he missed them and how many times he took their presence for granted. His eyes burned from holding back his tears. A new wave of servants' rush in the room and it causes Yoongi to lash out.

“GET OUT!” Yoongi clenched his jaw as the severe throbbing pain on his head worsens with his movement.

“B-but Your Highness we need to fully exa-“

“NOW!” Yoongi bared his teeth at the trembling doctor and they all back away except for Namjoon who had remained silent since the King was brought to the room. Yoongi clutched the side of his head and fell back down to his pillow.

“Everyone leave the room now and come back later after he rests.” Namjoon calmly spoke. The butler and doctor wanted to protest but he shakes his head and opens the door for them. Hesitantly they walked out but not after the doctor reminds him to immediately call should the Kings condition worsen. Namjoon then instructs Hana to take a reluctant Taehyung away, ignoring the stubborn look thrown his way. All the servants quickly left the room until all that was left was him and the King.

What is he doing? Yoongi watched as Namjoon walked over the bookshelf. He was too tired to say anything and pulled the covers up to his shoulder as he rolls to his side, trying to make himself comfortable. By then Namjoon had picked out a book and sat on one of the armchairs by the fireplace. Yoongi could only see a part of his silver hair and ear, the armchair concealing most of Namjoon. He lay silently watching until his eyes became too heavy for him to stay awake any longer. The room falls silent with only the sounds of wood slowly consumed by fire and pages of a book being turned.

Pitch black.

It was all Yoongi could see.

The darkness stretched all around him.

He lifted his hand up in front of him, yet he could not see even a small tip of his fingers. He didn’t panic nor did he feel scared.

But he felt hungry.

Extremely hungry.

A persistent gnawing that radiated all over his body.

The abyss reflected his hunger and the longer he stared the more unquenchable he became.

A faint sound of someone...something called to him.

It felt strange.

He felt alone yet not at the same time.

It continued to call out to him. The sound was unfamiliar and too faint for him to make out the words.

It only made him grow impatient.

His insides twisting as his body yearns to consume.

Yoongi slowly opened his eyes. He felt rested yet his body still ached. The throbbing sensation on his head persisted but it was no longer as severe. As he sat up from his bed, he saw Namjoon folding a thick blanket and leaving it on top of the chairs arm rest.

“H-hey...” Yoongi’s voice came out scratchy. His throat sore and dry.

“Here.” Namjoon takes a jug of water and pours it into a glass for Yoongi. “You were asleep since yesterday so you must be parched.”

“Thanks...wait since yesterday?” Yoongi massaged his aching temple. A heavy feeling weighed on him, a gnawing at his core. Like he forgot something important. His stomach growled before he could ask Namjoon anything else. Yoongi’s cheeks turned red as he avoids Namjoon’s eyes.

“I’ll go tell the physician your awake and have the servants bring you something to eat. The last meal you had was yesterday's breakfast and knowing you it probably was just coffee.” Namjoon sighed disapprovingly and walked out of the room.

Left alone, Yoongi felt the hunger growing worse. He clutched at his stomach and tried to distract himself until the servants came. Scanning the room, he spots the thick blanket left on the chair. That blanket looks really cosy. Did Namjoon stay the night? Should I ask him? Would it be awkward? Or would it be rude to not even acknowledge what he did? Am I reading too much into a blanket?

“My King!” The butlers relieved cry stops Yoong's thoughts. The old man rushed to stand by his side but kept a distance. He was still after all a commoner. “We are so relieved you’re awake.”

“I was simply tired. Nothing to worry about.” Yoongi shows a small smile as the servants place a bed tray in front of him. The aroma of the hot meal was tempting but for some reason Yoongi felt it was not enough.

“It would still be a great benefit to have the Royal Physician do another check-up.”

“Ugh! Another check-up.” Yoongi groaned and pushed the bed tray away from him.

“Please Your Highness. You’ve become paler since yesterday and...” the butlers side glances the other servants who quickly leave. He then leans closer to Yoongi. “If the other Kingdoms find out of your moment of weakness they may try to take advantage.”

Yoongi massaged his temples to think it over. He wonders if his body was simply reacting this way due to the main heroine. Could she have already formed an alliance with another main lead and his downfall was already starting?

“The butler is right. You need to recover if you don’t want your enemies to think you’ve gotten weak.” Namjoon comes in and places a cup of herbal tea in front of him. Yoongi thanks him and takes a sip, the ginger taste was quite strong, but it helped him think clearly.

“Fine. Call in the doctor.” Yoongi nods much to the delight of the butler who looks like a weight had lifted off him. He turns to leave when Yoongi stops him. “Oh! And call Hana. I haven’t seen her since yesterday so she must be worried. Also...um...the fortune teller.” Yoongi shyly takes another sip of his tea. He didn’t want to come out eager to see Taehyung.

The butler’s joyful expression immediately changed. “Your Highness, I’ve placed them both under arrest.” He stood firmly ready for the whatever the King may throw at him.

“What!” Yoongi drops the cup harshly on the bed tray making Namjoon flinch from the sound of banging porcelain. “Why? They have done nothing wrong! Where are they?”

“Please calm down Your Highness.” The butler attempts to stop Yoongi from getting out of bed. “Think of your health. The servant was meant to help ease your burdens yet clearly she has not done her role properly.”

Yoongi gritted his teeth and pushed the butler away from him. Namjoon clenched his fist and stepped back as Yoongi stormed out of the bedroom. The butler calls after him but he ignored it completely. His body on autopilot as he heads down to the Palace dungeons, pushing past every person that stood on his way. He used his menacing aura to get them to back off and turn the other way. Heading to the dungeons was no easy task especially for someone who felt like his insides were being chewed apart.

“My King!” one of the four guarding the doors to the dungeon's calls out in surprise. Before the others could respond back, Yoongi gesture for them to shut up.

“Open this door now!” Yoongi commanded. The guards looked confused and at loss, their King after all had showed up suddenly in a foul mood and only wearing his night clothes. It was a sight they had never seen before from their cold regal monarch.

“OPEN IT NOW!” Yoongi grew impatient and more irritable. His eyes darkened and the guards scrambled to do as he commanded. The butler runs up too late as Yoongi heads further inside.

“Hana! Taehyung!” Yoongi calls out with a trail of guards following him from behind. “WHERE ARE THEY!?” The guard's panic-stricken expression only made Yoongi angrier. He pulls out one of the guards sword from its scabbard and swings the tip dangerously close to their throats. “Tell me or I’ll start cutting bits off your flesh.”

“My King?” a meek voice calls out to Yoongi. He stops and listens again. “Is that really you?”

Yoongi hastily follows the voice to the cell at the corner where no light could possibly seep in. “Hana!”

The young girl was trying her best to see the King through a small barred window on the heavily bolted oak door. Yoongi could see the tip of her forehead as she struggled to stay tiptoed. “My King! I’m so relieved you’re alright!”

“I’m getting you out now!” Yoongi gestured at one of the guards to open the door. The guard doesn’t hesitate and quickly unlocks the prison door. At the moment their King was merely throwing verbal threats and has not acted on it...yet. Hana immediately bawls when she sees the King standing outside her cell. “I’m so sorry! I should have known you were not feeling well and not have gone on that walk!”

“Nonsense! None of this is your fault.” Yoongi let out a relieved sigh and pats her wild unkempt hair. The poor girl must have been distraught after getting thrown back in jail. Yoongi looks at her cheeks and wrists and was happy to see no bruises or marks. He then searches behind her. “Do you know where they are keeping Taehyung?”

Hana wipes her tears at the back of her sleeves and nods. “In the guest room. He is still your guest and a member of the Sun temple so they could not throw him in jail."

“I see. Come. Let’s leave this place.” Yoongi smiles at the sniffling teenager.

“Your Highness, I don’t think that would be wise.” The butler finally caught up to them and blocks Yoongi’s path.

“That is not your decision to make. I will take Hana with me, and I want Taehyung to be immediately released.” Yoongi sternly spoke back, and grab hold of Hana’s hand as they walk past the butler and the guards. The butler tried desperately to get the King to listen to his reasons, but Yoongi was having none of it. The walk back to his chambers was deathly quiet. Any Palace staff that crossed their path quickly hide or made themselves as unnoticeable as possible. If they could be absorbed into the walls they would have done it. Yet despite the silence Yoongi could feel all eyes on him. More gossip to throw around. Yoongi would’ve rolled his eyes had he not felt another migraine.

Yoongi exhaled deeply the moment he steps foot inside his bedroom. It had become a safe space for him despite the previous assassination attempts. Now if only I can figure out what is wrong with this body. Yoongi thought about getting changed when he sees that Namjoon was still standing near his bed. Except this time Namjoon had his arms folded and a scowl on his face. Yoongi felt an urge to defend himself when he realised he was still carrying the sword he took from the guard earlier and Hana, poor beet red Hana, was still in his grasp. The meek girl looked like she’d faint any second now. Yoongi released his hold on her and she quickly bowed and made herself scarce in the corner of his room.

“Hmph! You’ve always done whatever you wanted. Since you have no intention of listening to what others have to say then I’ll be off. Good day Your Highness.” Namjoon bluntly stated and walked past Yoongi. Yoongi’s hand moved and his fingers brushed against the tips of Namjoon's hand. He stopped for a heartbeat, finding a reason to stay while Yoongi fumbles with his words. Yoongi wanted to express his gratitude for him staying the night however he could never tell if Namjoon enjoyed his company or was acting out by obligation.

“Your Highness!” Taehyung’s cheerful voice distracts Yoongi and Namjoon promptly leaves before anyone could stop him. Taehyung jumps, ready to engulf Yoongi in a hug, but is stopped by Hana. She pulls Taehyung towards her and reprimands the annoyed fortune teller. “His Highness just recovered! Don’t put any strain to his body!” the petite maid was willing to go up against a man who could have easily thrown her out the door.

“But I was just so worried! No one would tell me anything and I couldn’t even leave the room. I was so scared.” Taehyung whined. The old bruises on his skin made him look even more vulnerable that Yoongi couldn’t stop himself from comforting him.

“Sorry you also had to go through that. You haven’t even fully recovered, and you were blamed for something you did not do. Has a doctor been to see you yesterday?” Yoongi pushed back the throbbing pain in his temple and smiled as warmly as he could towards the younger man. Taehyung smiled back and nodded.

“Your Majesty.” The butler enters Yoongi's room with the Royal Physician Yang Sung-hyun beside him. The old doctor and his family had long served generations of the Royal family since the Kingdom was established. The previous King had once joked that the Yang’s were the only ones who knew how to handle their temperament and lived long enough to get rich off them. Yoongi realised it wasn’t a joke at all and rather a testament of how much influence the Royal Physicians family had over the medical practice in the country. Anyone who wanted to become a licenced doctor in Vhóel had to gain the Yang’s approval first.

“Your Majesty.” The Royal Physician bows as he greets Yoongi. “Please allow me to continue looking after you.”

“You have done that yesterday and I honestly don’t know what more you can do for me.” Yoongi dryly replied. He did not intend to be rude towards the doctor but his bitterness towards the butler's earlier actions came rushing back when he entered the room.

The Royal Physician straightened his back and side glanced at both Taehyung and Hana before looking back at Yoongi. “Your Highness, I’ve treated this before, and you’ve always been in peak condition afterwards. I believe what went wrong was the choice of...well...I have another person ready who is much stronger.”

Yoongi’s eyes widened in surprise. He’s treated me before? That means this illness has been ongoing but for how long? Does this mean there is no cure? Does Namjoon know what it is? Is that why he stayed last night? Yoongi stops himself from rashly saying anything. Clearly the butler and the doctor are both supplying the villain with night companions, which means they know more about his life than even himself. This could mean that if he asked too many questions, they’ll know he’s not the real villain and could possibly have him killed which would only reset everything again. Yoongi calmed his nerves and sternly glared at the doctor. “Hana is staying. It’s not her fault. My needs have changed.”

“How...I...” The doctor looked confused. Even the butler kept silent as he contemplated the Kings words.

“I don’t want to discuss this anymore. Prescribe me something to help me sleep later tonight.” Yoongi commanded the doctor then snapped his fingers to get the butlers attention. “Taehyung and Hana will be keeping me company tonight. Meals will be brought up to my room beforehand. I don’t want any disturbances.”

“So the appetite has grown...” the doctor mumbled to himself which only made Yoongi even more curious of what he knew.

“As you wish Your Highness. The Royal Physician will have the sleeping aid ready and sent to you tonight.” The butler bows his head and leaves the room with the doctor who was still lost in his thoughts. Yoongi thought he caught glimpse of someone familiar when the door opened but the person quickly disappeared, so he paid it no mind. Yoongi waits for a few minutes after the door closed, listening intently to check if they had truly left.

“Your Highness?” Hana who had stayed perfectly still earlier had finally spoke.

“Are you commanding me to stay in your bed tonight?” Taehyung flatly asked. His warm expression long gone; his eyes stared coldly at the bed.

“No of course not! I said all those to get them to leave me alone and so they can stop trying to put you two in jail.” Yoongi quickly explains.

“Great thinking Your Highness!” Hana clapped her hand in approval however Taehyung remained silent. His body was no longer rigid, but he was still keeping his distance.

“And there is another reason why I want to keep you both here.” Yoongi grinned sheepishly. “I’m going to sneak out and I need you two here as my cover.”

“You’re the King. You don’t need to hide. If there is someplace you want to go to then no one will stop you.” Hana tilted her head to the side. It reminded Yoongi of how young and innocent she was.

“You plan to go to the records room.” Taehyung’s response had the two look at him in surprise. He was not as lively as he had been and the serious tone of his voice made Yoongi wonder if he was hearing the real Taehyung.

“Yes, I’am but how did you know that?”

“I saw it in a vision. I didn’t know what it was when first saw it. You were going through a large book that held your family history and stacks of papers, both old and new, but what they contain I have no idea. You were flipping them so quickly as if you were searching for something specific.”

“Is that why you came here? But that doesn’t even make sense. Why would I appear in your vision?” Yoongi rubbed at his temples to ease the constant pulsing. Shouldn’t it have been a vision about the heroine instead? Wasn’t that why Taehyung opened a tarot shop to finally meet her?

“It happens sometimes whenever I practice with the cards. Sometimes I would get visions of random people and when I saw you I got curious. It's not every day we’d get a vision of Vhóel’s King in the Sun Temple. Plus, I saw the advertisement for a fortune teller. I was going to find answers and gain money on the side as well.” Taehyung shrugged his shoulders with a huge smile on his face. His playful persona was back and although Yoongi found his smiles refreshing, it now made him think there was more to what Taehyung was telling him.

“If your vision is true then I may be in the right track to finding the answers I need. Hana, bring out clothes that would help me go unnoticed tonight.”

“...”

“Hana?”

“...”

“Hana?” Yoongi glanced to see Hana staring wide eyed at Taehyung. Yoongi had no choice but to place his hand under her chin to close her mouth.

“This normally happens the first-time people find out I can see visions.” Taehyung chuckled at her bewildered expression.

“Looks like Hana will be out of it for a while so we might as well get comfortable. I’ll go and have them bring some refreshments.”

The moment the sun had set, Yoongi started to make his way to the records room which was in another building. It wasn’t easy scaling down from the balcony of his bedroom with blankets tied together. Movies always made everything look easier. Heck all of Yoongi’s plan to sneak into the records room was from a spy movie he saw. It all sounded so cool, even Hana and Taehyung were amazed by how daring and smart the plan was. It boosted Yoong's ego and confidence.

Until he had been crawling on the cold ground by the bushes trying to get past the guards who never seem to take any breaks. Yoongi grumbled as he pushed himself further up to a safe place. He felt like he was moving at a pace of a snail and wondered if he’d ever make it to the other building before the sun rose. Thin branches stuck at the fabric of his trousers, pulling at him and making him go slower. It was frustrating but Yoongi could only grit his teeth and bear with it. He was lucky enough that the two had agreed to cover for him. He hadn't realised how skilled Hana was at dressmaking and helped create a disguise for him to blend in with the night. Taehyung had already perched himself comfortably in Yoongi's bed with a tray filled with pastries and fruits before Yoongi had even left the balcony.

More patrols walked past him as he continued to crawl further away from the garden area and onto the next building. It would have been much easier had he taken the route from inside the castle but guards were stationed outside his room so there was no way he could sneak past them unless he could become invisible.

“Finally.” Yoongi muttered under his breath when he was finally in the clear. He gets up from the ground, not bothering to brush off the dirt and leaves that stuck on his clothes, and hurriedly walks to the open window in the records building. Hana had overheard that one of the records keepers has a smoking habit, so he always kept a window open to prevent the smell of smoke from sticking in the room and on the papers. Yoongi had considered talking to the person responsible, after all smoking when your surrounding by paper is a bad idea however it got him inside so he can’t truly say anything. Yoongi huffed and groaned as he pulled himself up the window and ungraciously jumped inside. It was much higher than he imagined and a lot darker inside. The only light he had was coming from the moonlight the shone through the window. Yoongi takes his time to look for the lamp, his fingers carefully touching the surfaces until he comes across something soft. Soft and slender. Yoongi couldn’t quite pinpoint what he was touching. Curiosity taking over, he glides his hand further up and suddenly felt the soft thing move. Not wanting to lose it, Yoongi grabs hold and pulled it towards him by the window. A squeak and a bang of a book falling echoed in the room as Yoongi comes face to face with a flustered man with beautiful almond eyes and broad shoulders.

Chapter Text

Soekjin! Yoongi stared intently at the wide eyed blonde doctor. After the initial shock and confusion had subsided, caution and paranoia kicked in. Yoongi couldn't fathom the reason for Seokjin's presence in the Kingdom. He had not made any moves to contact the male lead yet as he was taking his time with establishing a connection with those who were already near him. Even Taehyung's presence was earlier than planned.

"Oh ho ho! Looks like I entered the wrong building. Silly me!" Seokjin laughed boisterously, and stepped backwards while trying to shake his hand off Yoongi's grip. Unfortunately, Yoongi wasn't laughing along to his act and kept a firm hold on his wrist. Seokjin's loud laugh nervously came to a stop. "I-I should go now. I must have made a wrong turn out there and um...yeah I need my hand to do stuff so if you could just..." Seokjin used his free hand to pry Yoongi's fingers off his wrist but it only made Yoongi tightened his hold.

"What are you doing here?" Yoongi blurted out without masking his displeasure at how his plans were continuously met with unexpected encounters. The hunger grew once more at the pit of his core.

Seokjin flinched and felt his heart on his throat. The King of Vhóel stood imposingly before him with the glow of the moonlight draping over him. Seokjin would have admired the majestic appearance had he not felt the sting of the twist of his wrist. Vhóel's ruler was not known to be a forgiving man. Once he held you in his grasp there was no escaping. Seokjin grew conscious of his breathing, shallow breaths as he tried to stop his hands from trembling.

"Do you know who I'am?" Yoongi spoke once more in a deeper tone. His piercing eyes bore into Seokjin, making it harder for him to look away.

Seokjin inhaled sharply and willed himself to speak with as much confidence as he could muster. "Of course Your Highness! I dare not to offend you by pretending not know the ruler of this powerful kingdom." Had his hand not been held by the King, he would have bowed to him. Yoongi’s silence made him more anxious. "How lucky am I to be in the presence of Vhóel's wondrous King." Another nervous laughter escaped Seokjin's mouth and he tries once more to pull his hand away.

"What is Nolla's famous doctor doing here?" Yoongi inquired suspiciously.

Shocked that the King was even aware of where he came from and what he did for a living made Seokjin more fearful of the King's reach. His heart pounded loudly against his chest but he refused to let it show. Steeling his nerves, he stops fidgeting and forced another confident smile on his face. "Famous? My King you are too kind. I'am merely a humble doctor and not worthy of your time."

"Yet here you are in the Royal families records room. What purpose does a doctor have here?"

Seokjin knew there was no way out of this alive if he did not tell the truth. His wide bright smile softens when he responds, "I do not mean to deceive you Your Highness. My original journey was to the South to buy rare medicinal herbs but I was told they were all gone since they had all been bought by you. I then came to Vhóel searching for where you stored those precious herbs only to find them scattered in hospitals and orphanages that needed them the most."

Yoongi's hold on Seokjin's wrist loosens slightly, tempting Seokjin to pull away and run but he decided against it. He heard numerous stories of the King's ruthless behavior and whims yet when he discovered what he had done with those extremely expensive herbs, it made him question what he knew of Vhóel's so called tyrant. It was a gamble and Seokjin took the chance, "In my travels I overheard some physicians mention that you were unwell. I tried to inquire about it further but no would speak to me about it. I thought I could help figure out what was wrong and offer my services to you."

Yoongi finally let go of Seokjin's wrist. He looked conflicted and took a step back. How could he trust Seokjin's words when in the original storyline he poisons the King. He ponders if he should take a leap of faith. There was so much to lose. Having to restart all over again if he dies was a huge risk. But on the other hand, Seokjin’s sudden appearance was a mystery he wanted to figure out. He had mentioned he had gone south which was how it went originally. Has he met the heroine already?

"I must seem crazy to you." Seokjin awkwardly smiled as he rubbed his sore wrist. His actions did not go unnoticed by Yoongi.

“Apologies. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Yoongi softened his gaze towards the red mark that formed on Seokjin’s wrist. “You caught me by surprise and I’m in a rush to acquire what I need here.”

“Let me help you Your Highness. I know I made a mistake of coming here unannounced but it was the only way I could think of. The royal Physicians are extremely cautious and strict towards outsiders.” Seokjin folded his arms together in contempt. He never understood the sense of competition doctors had towards others.

“I’m sorry but I’d rather do this on my own.” Yoongi replied, one hand gesturing to the empty space beside Seokjin which in the darkness he hopes is towards the door.

Seokjin’s eyebrow scrunched up in the middle, “Your Highness I won’t tell anyone I saw you here so please let me stay.”

“What made you say that? This is my kingdom. I can go wherever I please.” Yoongi responded rather hastily for his own liking. It wasn’t like he was covering up a murder.

“I saw jump down from the window. If you did not mind being seen by the guards outside then you should have used the door.” Seokjin replied with a smile.

Yoongi set his lips in a thin line as he thinks about what to do next. If he forces Seokjin out he may alert the guards, even though they won’t arrest him or anything, they would talk thus any chance of trying to find information about the villain before he came will become harder. He can’t exactly ask the butler or the royal physician about things that he should have already known. Yoongi then looks at Seokjin properly for the first time. His broad shoulders accentuated his slim waist in a good way. The black vest snuggly showing off his figure making it hard for Yoongi to think of something else. He realizes just how much the main leading men stood out in beauty and physique compared to the rest of the people in this world.

“How about I prove my usefulness to you.” Seokjin finally spoke to end Yoongi’s long pause. “First let me find some light for this room.” Seokjin steps away and goes back to the dark area where Yoongi had pulled him out off. Yoongi squints his eyes trying to make out the figure moving in the dark as Seokjin searches for lamps. A triumphant noise alerts Yoongi that Seokjin found what he was rummaging in the dark for. A flick and twist of a metal knob produced enough light for Yoongi to see Seokjin’s upper half body in the dark corner. The doctor walked closer and hands one of the lamps to Yoongi.

“Thank you but I still don't know how you can help me.” Yoongi said as he gratefully takes the lamp.

“I’m guessing that the reason you’re here is to find out more on what ails you. You want to know something that the doctors at your disposal aren’t telling you. Hence why you’re sneaking into your own records room. I, on the other hand, can help translate any medical terms used and answer any of your inquires. I won’t keep any information from you.” Seokjin spoke proudly and bowed his head.

Yoongi bit his lower lip. Seokjin got most of it right, the only thing he missed is that the Royal Physician was not holding back information but rather Yoongi couldn’t risk asking for fear of him being exposed. He also couldn’t argue with Seokjin’s logic on helping him. There was no internet for him to look up on any medical terms. He’d have to go through every medical book which will consume too much of his time. With a defeated sigh, Yoongi reluctantly nods his head, “Fine. Help me search for anything about a genetic condition.”

“I, Kim Seokjin, won’t let you down Your Highness!” Seokjin winked at Yoongi making the latter blush. Yoongi cleared his throat and nearly fumbled with the lamp while trying to look elsewhere. He eventually settled for a bookshelf at the right, turning his back to Seokjin. He lifts the lamp up higher to read the spine on the thick books. Each with an initial and date. Some were dated by a single year, while some were within a certain time frame. None consistent with its range. Could the initials indicate a single royal? Yoongi takes a random book with the letters JH, it’s leather cover was old and creased. Carefully balancing the lamp, he opens the book and reads the recorded details. King Ji Hoon...so I was right they are arranged by names of the royal family. Probably by year of reign. Good thing Namjoon placed those history books in my study table. Even if he meant for it to annoy me. Yoongi chuckled softly at the image of Namjoon pilling up books in his table. His scowl only made cute because of those dimples.

“Did you find something interesting?” Seokjin asked while peeking over Yoongi’s shoulder. Yoongi jerked sideways and nearly dropped his lamp.

“I got lost in my thoughts. It’s nothing interesting.” Yoongi dismissively shakes his head and turns away from Seokjin. Good thing it was dark enough to cover his flushed face. “The records are marked by initials of the royal family and most likely arranged by order of reign. We’ll have to look through all the shelves here to find mine.”

“Most of these rulers have records filling up more than one row.” Seokjin stated. His long fingers graze over the books. “Ugh. Most of them are covered in dust.”

“We’ll have to hurry if we want to leave before daybreak.” Yoongi flips through the record in his hand. If he can figure out how they organize their information then he can skim through the other records faster. Looks like Ji Hoon’s time on the throne was when Vhóel ruled the east. Way before the expansion. Not much about him...wielded dark magic like the rest of his family, entries on his achievements, had two children, four concubines...nothing really useful...oh wait, he died in his late thirties. Ruled a heart attack. “Huh..” Yoongi wasn’t sure if it was useful information but he decided to take note of it. He then places the book back on the shelf and takes another one with a different initial. He flips through the records, details of succession, marriage, children, then date of death. Died young as well. Collapsed during horse riding. Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed. He moves on to another bookshelf, then one after another until he stops on one record book which belonged to the villains second great grandfather. In it he died of old age. Yoongi searches for his successor and looks up the cause of death. Old age as well. However all the others prior had died before they reach the age of 50. Strange...I wonder if Seokjin found a similar pattern. He turned around to find Seokjin and saw that the doctor had moved on to a different area much farther at the back. Yoongi placed the book back and walks over to Seokjin, carefully following the glowing light of the lamp in the dark.

“Find anything useful?” Yoongi asked in a hushed tone.

“Maybe.” Seokjin smiled and tilted the book in his hand, “It says here you broke your left arm when you were only eight years old after falling off a horse. It also says you were extremely stubborn and got back on the horse as soon as your arm healed.”

Yoongi smiled back in response. It was all he could think of. He doesn’t know anything about the villains childhood so like Seokjin, he was knowing all this for the first time. “Is that the only record book of me?”

Seokjin shakes his head then looks at the half empty shelf, “Nope. There are more records there.”

Yoongi walks over and takes the latest one with his initials. He flips through it and finds more than half blank pages. I shouldn’t be surprised. My story is still being written after all. Nothing is written about what happened yesterday. Either they haven’t wrote it yet or they skipped it. Yoongi reads the earlier pages and notices that there was no entry about Hana being brought to him. He takes another record book from a previous year and tries to find anything about his symptoms and having prisoners brought to his room. Nothing. Yoongi takes another older book about him and finds that it contained detailed accomplishments and victories during the Expansion wars but nothing about migraines and this pain...this hunger. Yoongi cursed and pushed the book back harshly.

“Your Majesty?” Seokjin looked at him with a worried expression.

Yoongi let out a deep sigh and pressed his head against the wooden shelf. “Ignore me. It’s only a migraine.”

“I have some medicine in my satchel.”

“No thank you. I’ve taken the best medicine money could afford and it made no difference. It will pass so continue on with your search.” Yoongi flatly stated as he closed his eyes, allowing the cold surface of the wood to cool him down.

“Then maybe something else might help.” Seokjin spoke softly and walked closer to Yoongi. He then lightly presses his fingertips on Yoongi’s temples. It startled Yoongi that he harshly grabs Seokjins wrists and abruptly turns around to face him. Yoongi glares at him, his whole body tensed and alert. Seokjin could only describe it as looking at a wild animal.

“What are you doing?” Yoongi sternly asks. The pain that coursed through his body was starting to make him agitated and irritable.

“I-I merely wanted to give you a massage! I’m sorry for touching you without your permission, Your Highness!” Seokjin explains in a rush. The Kings face was near him, their noses nearly touching as those piercing dark eyes stare back at him. Seokjin couldn’t breath and the bare skin where the King touched felt like it was burning. For what felt like an eternity, Yoongi lets go of his wrists. Seokjin gratefully pressed his hands together on his chest but does not move away. Yoongi’s gaze keeps him in place for a moment longer until Yoongi released him from his trance by looking away.

“Sorry, I’ve been on edge lately.” Yoongi rubbed his temples and walks away from Seokjin. “I’ll look at the other records on the other side.”

“Why would someone so powerful be on the edge?”

“You’d be if your life was constantly on the line.” Yoongi spoke without thinking. Too focused on soothing his migraine and walking away.

Seokjin had heard what he said and it got him thinking if the Royal Physicians had anything to do with the Kings life being in danger. He wondered if there was more to this illness than something that was passed down from the Kings ancestors.

Having walked further away, Yoongi leans against the wall and ponders what to do next. He really had been too optimistic in his venture tonight and didn’t take into account that he may come up with a dead end. And Seokjin showing up had also made him feel more frustrated. He had hoped that when he met the main leads it would be within an situation he controlled, a chance of a good first impression, instead he most likely scared Seokjin with his behavior. I’m such an idiot. Yoongi groaned and sat on the floor. Have the wheels towards my death be turning already? Is there really nothing I can do to change my fate? “Where did I go wrong?” Yoongi whispers to himself and after mulling over on his situation, he decides to call it a night and leave the place. He gets up from the floor and pressed his hand on the bookshelf for support. He then felt a light draft on his hand when he stands up. Finding it odd, he pressed his hand again and feels more of the draft. Curiously, Yoongi steps back and stands in front of the bookshelf. There was nothing out of the ordinary from its appearance. It looked exactly like the others in the room, although as he looks down he notices marks on the floor, almost like the bookshelf had been moved constantly from left to right. The idea of a secret room or passage excites Yoongi and he starts pulling one book after another, hoping to pull a secret lever. The noise of the records dropping onto the floor gets Seokjins attention.

“Your Highness?” Seokjin calls out to him softly. He walks over to Yoongi but stops before getting close and watches in bewilderment the King throwing record books on the floor. He starts to wonder if the King was venting his frustrations and maybe it would be a good idea for him to leave.

“Ha!” Yoongi’s triumphant shout startles Seokjin. The young doctor watches in amazement as the bookshelf moves out of the Kings way to reveal a opening. Yoongi strides inside without any hesitation, something Seokjin finds alarming. The King shouldn’t just enter an unknown room. Who knows what’s lurking inside. Seokjin looks around worriedly as he thinks about whether he should follow him or wait outside.

The secret room had enough space for three adults to move around inside, two large bookshelves were at the left side of the room, and on the right side was a desk and a single chair, the wall to the right had shelves containing different books on magic, herbs and crystals. Once inside Yoongi wastes no time and grabs two of the thickest books he saw. The leather used is the same as those outside but the pages were old and stained with a heavy scent of ink and dried herbs. He flips through the pages and finds that the book was about the villains great grandfather. “That’s odd. Why would they have two records of him and why hide it here?” Yoongi murmured to himself and set the heavy book down on the table, not caring for the papers that got crumbled underneath. Yoongi doesn’t even bother sitting and hastily reads the contents of the records. This mentions about symptoms of dizzy spells, migraines, mood swings...hunger! This is it! This is what I’m feeling. So its hereditary then...is there a remedy written somewhere? I don’t remember Minji ever mentioning this detail about the villain. Yoongi moves his lamp closer to ensure no small detail was missed.

It says that my great grandfather was not content with the solution passed down by his grandfather of prolonging their life so he chose a different method which was just as effective. The old method of consuming took a much longer time of preparation and concentration that it became inconvenient as the Kingdom grew. There was also risk of devouring the supply when the hunger became unbearable.

Yoongi’s fingers delicately trace the intricate symbols drawn on the page. What stood out the most for Yoongi was a circle shaped symbol painted in blue ink, it had a X mark drawn inside that looked like an hour glass and different written runes surrounded it. An odd sensation came over him, the symbols felt familiar yet he did not understand it, it was as if some part within him wanted to burst out and speak the incantation. The air around him had gone thin as he turns the page. He pulls at his collar so roughly that three buttons pop out exposing his collarbone. Yoongi inhaled sharply as he continued to read.

The Kings new method was quicker and the supply lasted longer. One could last a month of constant vigorous use. But with proper care, it could merely half the supplies’ lifespan. Yoongi reread every word as he tried to make sense of it.

While Yoongi is absorbed with his reading, Seokjin cautiously stepped inside the room. If he was being honest, he’d say it was a bad idea. What if they get locked inside? What if there was poison gas? What if a fire started? Too many possible outcomes yet here he was stupidly following the King inside. Yoongi was too busy to notice him and Seokjin did not want to interrupt so he takes a look at the other record books. His fingers glide over the spines and stops at the one without an initial printed on it. He notices as well that the book did not have any dust on it like the others which meant it was either still new or it was frequently used. Seokjin takes one glance at Yoongi, who was still occupied, then proceeds to open the book. Seokjin could tell from the first few pages that what he had in his hand is a medical record about Yoongi. He found this confusing since he swore he had just read the current Kings medical records outside. He starts reading every detail and the more pages he turns, the more his eyes grew wider from shock.

“Supply? Is it...no...it can’t be.” Yoongi continued to mutter to himself while going through the other older record book of the villains second great grandfather. A sense of dread filled him as he thought about what the supply is. “Hopefully this has more answers.” Again Yoongi reads about the illness that plagued the villains ancestors and he paused at the page with the same blue symbol. This time the symbol was in the floor of what looked like a drawing of a room. The room looked like one of many rooms in the Palace used to entertain guests. One page contained only the image of the room and its symbols while the image on the next page contained two people inside the circle, one standing and the other lying down. This must be the old method they used... Yoongi reads the rest of the entry to figure out what it all meant.

Once magic is used too often, the body begins to be consume from within causing the Royals body to wear down, eventually driving them to madness before death takes them. The only solution found to stop it from happening is by transferring the essence from one body to another. Once inside the circle, the life of the supply is consumed by the Royal to replenish their mana. There is no limit to how much they can consume.

Yoongi’s eyes stared in disbelief. He puts together all the information he had gotten so far and adds it to what he has been feeling plus the butler and the doctors insistence on giving him someone else when they felt Hana failed at her duty. “No way! No fucking way!” Yoongi chuckled as he covered his eyes with his hand. He couldn’t believe how long it took him to figure out what was going on.

This is an R18 game! Minji told you this in the car. You just had a argument with her over this! That’s why Hana was sent for night time duties. I’m so embarrassed! I should have known!

“Your Highness?” Seokjin softly calls out to him. When he heard him laughing in a way that did not sound amused at all, it worried him.

Yoongi stopped at the sound of Seokjin’s voice. It sounded so sweet and the slight fear in his voice only made Yoongi hungrier. His stomach twisted and his mouth watered. For the first time ever, Yoongi knew he had to control it. There was no other option for him. He closed his eyes and dug his nails on the table top. His heart raced with every step Seokjin took towards him.

Cautiously, Seokjin reached out and placed his hand on Yoongi’s shoulder. “Are you alright, Your Highness?”

“AAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Yoongi screamed.

Seokjin screamed back in a much higher pitch and stumbled backwards away from the screaming King until his back hit the bookshelf.

“...” Yoongi abruptly stops screaming and so does a bewildered Seokjin. It pained him to raise his voice. Never in his life had he made his voice THAT loud. He exhaled deeply and turns around. “We’re leaving now!”

Seokjin’s mouth is left hanging open as Yoongi walks past him in a hurry. Seokjin could feel his heart in his throat and he wonders, just who is this Tyrant of Vhóel?

Chapter Text

Yoongi found himself staring at Seokjin’s blonde hair from behind as he followed the good doctors recommended route instead on crawling on the ground as Yoongi had done earlier. The look on Seokjin’s face when he mentioned it was between appalled and pity that a King had stooped so low to sneak around his own castle grounds.

Hence, here he was following a couple of steps behind, oddly fascinated by a small strand of stray hair that curved up on one side of Seokjin’s hair. It was all he could think about to endure the painfully awkward silence as they walked. He stormed out first but ended up having to wait for Seokjin which made the whole interaction uneasy. It did not help that the route was much longer since they had to go through the Palace gardens to reach the back of the castle where one of the servants entrances is located. Since it lead to the kitchen, Seokjin told him earlier, it is usually left open for the delivery men to use. Who knew fresh vegetables were the key to breaking in his own castle. He really wanted to ask Seokjin how he even got in the castle in the first place, or how he even knew to take this route to the records room. He hated not knowing but he missed the opportunity to ask the moment they left the records room. But nonetheless he will ask him...eventually when it was not too awkward between them. Now it was just him wondering how that strand of hair was defying gravity.

“We’re almost there.” Seokjin spoke. A first since they left the records building. It caught Yoongi by surprise and all he could manage was a affirmative hum which was either not heard by Seokjin or not enough to confirm that he was listening because Seokjin spoke again. “It won’t be long now. The doors just up ahead after this path.”

“Okay.” Yoongi replied. His gaze was still fixated on Seokjin’s stray strand that he had not anticipated the doctors sudden turn and he ends up staring at Seokjin’s face. He stops abruptly and stood close enough to see those curious eyes staring back at him. It was strange to see someone look at him up close, those eyes looking within him as if searching for answers. It makes Yoongi uncomfortable and he shifts his gaze elsewhere. “What is it?”

“I...I hope you don’t think ill of me your Highness. I did not mean to yell back there...I was merely startled.” Seokjin explained rather shyly despite his confident posture.

If Yoongi was being honest he would compare Seokjin’s startled yell to a strangled shriek but since he was the cause of it, he kept his mouth shut on the matter. Feeling embarrassed about his behavior, Yoongi cleared his throat and kept his line of vision at the space behind Seokjin. “I did surprise you, not in a good way, and for that I’m sorry. It was rude of me. I have not been in the best of conditions these past few days.”

Seokjin quickly looked down at the leather satchel that draped across his body. His lips parted but he couldn’t find the words to say what was on his mind. He glances back up to the King and notices Yoongi’s fixated stare at something behind him. “Is there something wrong?”

“It’s a guard. Come here!” Yoongi replies too fast for Seokjin to react and grabs his hand. He yanks him towards the back of the stone bench, forcing him to crouch down. Seokjin wanted to complain about nearly having his arm ripped off but held his breath when he realized how close Yoongi’s face was to him. Yoongi faced the other way, listening and watching out for the guard, unaware that Seokjin was having a mini panic attack. Seokjin tried desperately to hold his breath, he knew it was illogical and utterly useless thing to do, but there was no way in all three Kingdoms was he going to be breathing down so close to the Kings cheek. From the day he was born, hygiene is extremely important to him and he knows he brushed his teeth diligently, yet for the life of him, he can’t remember the last meal he had, if garlic was involved or not, and if he brushed well enough not to smell. Then he remembers he couldn't possibly have garlic in his meals because he is allergic to it. Onions, definitely that was in his meal. Do onions make his breath smell bad? At this point he was feeling dizzy.

“Guard is getting closer. Tsk! Not much place to hide. Hopefully he doesn’t see us.” Yoongi whispered. He intently watches the guard approaching the pathway, as the steps get closer, Yoongi casts a side glance at Seokjin. “What’s wrong with your cheeks?” worried, his free hand touches Seokjin’s cheek, “Are you cold? Your lips are starting to turn blue.”

“PHWA!” Seokjin unceremoniously fell onto his left side as he gasp loudly for air. Gasping and avoiding the Kings concerned gaze at all cost. He could feel the tips of his ears burning from embarrassment. At this point he wonders if jail was a better option than explaining his behavior to Yoongi.

“HALT! TRESSPASSER!” the guard shouted and blew his whistle loudly to alert the others out on patrol. Within seconds more guards swarmed the area, making it impossible for escape.

Seokjin was still catching his breath, and he tried to get the words I’m sorry out but only ended up coughing from how dry his throat felt. He still couldn’t look at Yoongi’s direction for fear that what may be staring back at him is rage. If he was allowed to say his opinion, he’d put the blame on the King touching him without warning. Royalty would never touch other people so recklessly. Even greeting with other nobles they’d at least wear gloves. Royals were just different. They are meant to be different. That’s what makes them stand out above the rest. Yet in here the King seems to do what he pleases. This definitely was not (100%) Seokjin’s fault.

“WHY ARE YOU ALL SO FUCKING NOISY!”

Seokjin felt his body tremble from Yoongi’s raised voice. He could have sworn he heard a low angry growl but he was too stunned to even think fully. Before he knew it, his body was roughly pulled off the ground by his arm and he finds himself staring at a group of patrol guards who all looked like they wanted to be anywhere else but there. The fear in their eyes was enough to let Seokjin know just how ruthless the King is. Seokjin felt Yoongi’s grip around his arm, the space just above his elbows, tighten. Yoongi stood unapologetically in front of his men and the angry scowl suddenly turned to a smug expression. “It seems I can’t have any fun around this place without someone peeping in.”

“What! No! Don’t say foolish things!” Seokjin yelled or at least he did in his mind. In reality he said nothing, mouth gapped open like a fish out of water, which only made him look even more guilty. He couldn’t even say anything afterwards when Yoongi dragged him away and ushered him inside the castle. He remained silent, too stunned to speak, and simply let Yoongi lead the way. The guards exhaled loudly when they were no longer within ear shot, relieved for living another day, and collectively agreed that the tiger had caught another prey.

“I panicked back there when the guard spotted us and blurted out inappropriate words without thinking.” Yoongi finally spoke up and Seokjin realizes that they had stopped walking. Yoongi had let go of his hold but for how long he doesn’t remember, and looking back he doesn’t even remember walking past the kitchen area or even entering a large extravagant room. Seokjin blinked back at Yoongi as he processed what was happening.

“I know its sudden but please stay here for the night. It won’t be good if the staff catch you wondering around and I'd really appreciate it if we talk more in the morning.” Yoongi had continued talking and all Seokjin could manage was nod his head. He did not fully register how much of what Yoongi was saying but he did take notice of the way Yoongi rubbed his temple. Exhaustion plain to see in the King's features.

"Your Majesty..." Seokjin's hand went up by habit to check the King's temperature but Yoongi brushed him off and turned away from him. Seokjin felt a prick in his heart when he saw the Kings look of disgust at being touch by a commoner.

"I'll see you in the morning then." Yoongi repeated. He willed himself to start walking towards the door, his head pounding with a maddening urge to wrap his hands around Seokjin's neck. It frightened him. It was nothing he's ever felt before. The more he fought it the more his steps became staggered and his breathing labored until finally as he reached for the doorknob, his vision turns pitch black and the last thing he hears is the sound of Seokjin's scream.

Seokjin panicked.
He had every right to.
The King fainted right before his eyes and rather than calling for help, he had to calm himself down and drag the King across the carpet floor and non so gracefully put him on the bed. Seokjin was a doctor, not a weightlifter. The task alone had him out of breath. But he did give himself a pat in the back for still accomplishing it and finding the composure to check the King's condition. He thinks he did remarkably well compared to anyone in his situation. Not that Kings made it a habit to faint in front of people.

"All I can do now is wait." Seokjin spoke to no one but himself. He sat on the other side of the bed to keep a close eye on Yoongi's health. A part of him wonders if he did the right thing about not informing anyone in the castle. This was the King, if something happened to him, not only Seokjin but everyone in his family will be executed. The risk weighed down on him however Seokjin remained rooted in his spot. The King had snuck out to the archives for a reason and trusted Seokjin with this. He did not want to ruin that trust. Or at least he thinks the King trusted him. It was too early to tell. Vhóel's ruler was known to be temperamental after all.

"How could the Royal Physicians not notice his deteriorating health..." Seokjin sighed and reached out to brush the King's hair. His fingers still when he realized he'd been doing it more than once. It was vain of him to think that the King's complexion improved slightly whenever he touched him. "Focus!" Seokjin scolds himself and pats his cheeks, turning them into an even more darker shade of pink.

Seokjin turns to grab his bag and opens it, he stops to glance at the sleeping King before pulling out his notebook, a pen, and a few papers he had taken from the archive. He made sure to take papers that were written drafts to avoid raising an alarm. He had read the current Kings records and now was the perfect time to write down everything he learned before he forgets any detail. After licking his middle finger, he caught the blank page he was looking for and began to write.

The King's dark magic is fueled by their own blood and life force. If not replenished, their bodies begin to deteriorate from inside out. Soon their mental stability wavers and the madness takes over until death finally comes for them.

"Is this what they call cosmic balance?" Seokjin mumbled. Vhóel's royals are the strongest magic wielders among the three Kingdoms. The fact that they had over powered one country, absorbing it as its own, and nearly the north kingdom had the other two countries not agree to Vhóel's terms. However, no one truly knows the reason why the Expansion war ended. Vhóel had the upper hand yet they suddenly agreed to peace talks. Seokjin shook his head, this was not the time for him to think about that. He had a more pressing matter to finish. He balances the notebook on his lap and continues writing.

The King had started receiving another persons energy when he was seventeen. His ability to control dark magic was unstable and constantly leaked out even as he slept, which then made him more susceptible to consumption. Growing up he vigorously trained his body physically to prevent over reliance on magic. Seokjin paused again to take a glance at Yoongi. He knows he shouldn’t pity him, this person is the tyrant who destroyed multiple lives for the sake of conquering land, but somehow Seokjin couldn’t stop his heart from aching. He chastised himself and takes the papers he had stolen hoping to refocus. Seokjin tries to make out the runes written inside a drawing of a circle, which he did not fully understand. Parts of it had been crossed out and some of the blue ink had faded but Seokjin still did his best to copy it down on his notebook. “It must be important if it was kept hidden in that room. I’ll have to do some research on this.”

“Minji...” Yoongi groaned, his face contorted in pain and his hand stiffened into fists at his sides.

“Your Highness?” Seokjin leaves his notebook to the side as he hurries to Yoongi’s side. He knelt in the bed beside Yoongi and placed his hand over his forehead. His eyes widen from worry, “You’re burning up! I need to get cold water to cool you down.” Seokjin turns away to get off the bed when suddenly Yoongi grab holds of his wrist. Seokjin flinched and nearly fell on his side from shock, “Are you awake?”

“Ngh!” Yoongi groaned and twisted in pain. His eyes remained shut as he murmured the words, “Don’t leave me.”

Seokjin’s heart pounds so loud, he swears all he could hear is ringing. He desperately tried to swallow down the lump on his throat but it only makes his throat hurt more. He’s scared. For the first time since he became a doctor, he is reluctant to try a treatment that could save a patient. He watched as the Kings complexion becomes pale and his chest rapidly rising and falling as he struggles to breath. It ate at him. He had to help him but the method...the transfer of energy...it was all too much to ask of him. He’s a doctor and not a...not a...

“Don’t go.” Yoongi harshly grit his teeth, splitting open a cut on his dry lips. A small amount of blood seeps out making Seokjin reach up and wipe it with the corners of his sleeve. He couldn’t bear to continue watching him in pain. Seokjin decided then and there that the rational thing to do is save the King. Even for tonight. After all if the King dies while he was in the same room, then Seokjin and his family would be in line for the executioners block.

“I need to survive first.” Seokjin said under his breath before leaning down to plant his lips on Yoongi’s own. It was a clumsy attempt, his presence of mind clearly not there, and if he was being honest he trembling like a leaf caught in a rainstorm. Seokjin kept his eyes closed, he couldn’t believe what he was doing but he tried to improve his efforts. Seokjin moved his lips, slowly and gently. The kiss was soft and careful. The taste of blood was unpleasant but he ignored it and surprised himself when he licked Yoongi’s lower lip before he broke the kiss to check on the Kings condition. Yoongi was still out cold, however his cheeks had started to have a little bit of color to them and his breathing was much better. He no longer groaned and his facial features were back to being expressionless. His hand still held on to Seokjin but his grip was loose and Seokjin could have easily pulled his hand away but he lets it stay that way. Seokjin slid his fingers on Yoongi’s wrist and checks his pulse. “Good. It’s steady for now.” Seokjin exhaled deeply and hangs his head low. He can not tell if he was feeling light headed from giving his energy or from the anxiety attack when it finally sinked in that he kissed the King. How was he going to explain this to him? What if he gets mad...should he keep it a secret instead?

"Ah! What did I get myself into!" Seokjin groaned and falls to his side. He complaints more about his luck and buries his face onto the plush pillow, tossing around one side of the bed, clearly lost in his thoughts that he did not care that Yoongi was still asleep or that his notebook was crushed underneath him. Seokjin went on moaning until the energy to complain leaves him completely and he just lays still. He closes his eyes and let time slip by, not fully drifting off sleep. His mind too busy overthinking.

Suddenly, a movement sends Seokjin on high alert. His body tips down on the mattress as he feels someone put their body on top of his. Seokjin's eyes fly wide open and looks up to find Yoongi looking down at him. His knees were at each side of Seokjin's thighs, pinning the shocked doctor in place. Seokjin parts his lips to speak but Yoongi bends down and silences him with a kiss. Stunned by what was happening, Seokjin held his breath and pressed his lips together when Yoongi's tongue snaked across it. He nudges Seokjin's plump lips to open up and when Seokjin doesn't respond Yoongi's right hand slid down to the small of Seokjin's back and pulled him closer, their crotches grinding against each other. Seokjin's mouth opens in surprise, letting Yoongi slip his tongue in and deepen the kiss. Seokjin's mind goes blank from the pleasure he was feeling. Yoongi was doing things with his tongue that Seokjin never thought was possible even in his wildest dreams. It made him breathless and wanting more. Seokjin pressed his hands even tighter on his chest as he lay there and let the King take his breath away. It did not help that the grinding of their lower body was making it even harder to find an excuse not to continue.

When Seokjin was beginning to wonder if this was what it was like to be passionately kissed by someone, Yoongi abruptly breaks the kiss and lifts his head up to stare back down at Seokjin's flushed face. Breathless and dazed, Seokjin looks up and notices the glaze look on the King's eyes. Before Seokjin was given a chance to come down from his entranced state, Yoongi's hand glides downwards from Seokjin's waist to his thigh, sending goosebumps on the skin underneath the clothes that he touched, then smoothly glides back up to Seokjin's hands that were feebly protecting his chest. A moan escaped Seokjin's lips, his eyes still locked on Yoongi's hungry gaze.

"Your Majesty, are you going to eat me?"

Chapter Text

Seokjin felt the air around them get hotter with every second that passed. Yoongi hasn’t said a word, yet his hands were more than enough to give Seokjin a reply. Yoongi cupped Seokjin’s jaw in his hand as his other hand came to the small of Seokjin’s back and pulled him against him, and then he kissed him again. Yoongi's mouth settled on Seokjin’s with intent, firm and insistent. This time Seokjin closed his eyes and parted his lips in anticipation, and Yoongi’s tongue slid between and teased him until he moaned. He kissed as if he meant to conquer Seokjin. His hands moved over Seokjin, gripping his thigh as the other slides up to hold the nape of his neck as Yoongi’s mouth travelled down his jaw. Seokjin whimpered when Yoongi’s teeth grazed his earlobe, and gasped loudly when Yoongi’s hand brushed his chest. The fabric of his clothes were only making his skin sensitive and Yoongi’s fingers continued to tease, his thumb rubbed over his nipple, over and over until it became fully erect. Seokjin shivered in ecstasy as Yoongi pinched the hard bud. Yoongi pulled Seokjin again hard against him, until their hips met and Seokjin felt the unmistakable arousal. Yoongi’s mouth was hot and wet against Seokjin’s neck, marking him as his hands eagerly undo the buttons of Seokjin’s shirt. Seokjin was far too lost in Yoongi’s kisses that if Yoongi had chosen to rip off his clothes, he’d let him.

“Your Highness!” Seokjin gasped loudly and arched his back when Yoongi’s fingers touched his bare chest. Seokjin bit his lower lip as Yoongi’s tongue slides down from his collarbone down to his chest. With half-lidded eyes, Seokjin lifts his arms to wrap around Yoongi, when he notices a figure by the door. Seokjin craned his neck and saw a maid staring at him. Her hand was still at the doorknob and she silently walks backwards, closing the door and clearly intent in pretending she saw nothing. Like ice cold water thrown at him, Seokjin’s mind clears and he pushed Yoongi, not giving a damn if he was the King, off him and screamed. Yoongi hit the bedroom floor with a loud thud, waking him from his trance state.

“Ow! W-What’s going on?” Yoongi groaned and rubbed his head.

Seokjin ignored him and hits the pillow with his fists, “How can you lose control! Idiot!”

Confused, Yoongi stumbled on to his feet to look at what was happening to Seokjin. He doesn’t know if Seokjin was scolding him or himself. Yoongi puts one knee on the bed and reaches over to touch Seokjin’s shoulder. Seokjin stiffened and hiccups.

“Hey...look at me.” Yoongi softly spoke to him. Seokjin’s heart pounded against his chest, every inch of his skin that Yoongi touched and kissed felt like it was on fire. When Seokjin remained silent, Yoongi gently moved his hand to touch Seokjin’s chin and tilts his head to face him. Yoongi inhaled sharply at the alluring sight of Seokjin’s red lush lips and flushed cheeks. The sight of him brings back the memories of what he had just done to the doctor a few seconds ago. It was Yoongi’s turn to blush crimson.

“Seokjin.” Yoongi whispered his name as his thumb softly rubs Seokjin’s lower lip. Seokjin parts his lips once more, suddenly lost again in Yoongi’s gaze.

“HIS HIGHNESS IS FINE! YOU MUST NOT GO IN THERE! STOP! STOP!”

Before Yoongi and Seokjin could react to the loud commotion, the door opened with a bang of someone kicking it open. The yelling maid was suddenly silenced from shock and more footsteps can be heard coming.

“Your Highness!” Taehyung calls out to Yoongi then stops to glare and point at Seokjin. “Let go of him!”

“Oh my!” Hana chimed in from behind Taehyung. She quickly covered her face with both hands but cheekily moved two fingers for one eye to peek on what was happening.

“Forgive me Your Highness! I tried to stop him!” the maid from earlier brushed past Hana and Taehyung to plead to the King. More servants clamour outside the bedroom as another person steps inside.

“Your Highness!” the head butler calls out with a relieved look in his face, “I was so worried! We could not find you this morning but it seems-ahem! Your safe.” He casts his gaze to the ground to avoid looking at the two in bed.

Yoongi stares blankly at them with his mouth open while Seokjin had already buried his face on the pillows. Yoongi moves his mouth to say something to all the people looking at him but nothing comes to mind. He takes another look at Seokjin for help, which he was not getting, then back at all the curious faces with still nothing to say.

Suddenly Hana steps forward and speaks, “Should I have your breakfast brought in the room Your Highness or would you be having it in the dining room as per usual?”

“Dining room as usual.” Yoongi responds, thankful towards Hana, sweet little angel Hana, for saving him. He has to remember to reward her later on.

“Yes of course!” the head butler claps his hands together once to get the servants attention, “Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Everyone back to your work! His Highness needs a moment to get ready. Out! All of you!” he shoos the other servants away and even pulls a reluctant, still scowling, Taehyung away from the room with Hana’s help.

When the door finally shuts, leaving just the two of them again, Yoongi clears his throat and asks, “Do you want to have breakfast with me?”

Yoongi realised that eating breakfast in silence was bad for his digestion. Nothing he ate was going down smoothly and any tiny morsel that managed to make its way down to his stomach seemed to only make it hurt. He doesn’t know how much more he could take. Even drinking coffee was difficult. Yoongi looked around the dining room and saw the tension on everyone’s faces. The head butler was scowling, mostly due to the seating arrangement, he did not take it well when Taehyung took his plate from the far end of the table and placed it on the empty space at Yoongi’s right side. Hana then made it worse by innocently thinking it was the King’s order and moved Seokjin’s plate for him to Yoongi’s left side. Taehyung was not happy about it at all and so was the head butler who wanted to change it all back but the King’s attitude on letting it slide only made it harder for him to accept two commoners sitting so close to the King.

“Ya! Can you stop staring at me?” Seokjin finally broke the heavy silence with a stern voice towards Taehyung. The two were seated across each other and it didn’t help that Taehyung had been glaring at Seokjin ever since they met.

“How dare you embrace His Highness! Who do you think you are?” Taehyung dropped the fork in his hand and folded his arms together.

“Wow! You rude brat! You don’t even introduce yourself properly and then you barge in someone’s room without knocking! Don’t you have any manners at all? I should be the one who is offended not you!” Seokjin huffed and straightened his broad shoulders. He wasn’t going to let someone younger than him intimidate him.

Taehyung scoffed, “If anyone should introduce themselves first, it has to be the one who lured the King into his bed.”

“About that Tae-” Yoongi tried to get in between but Seokjin slapped his table napkin hard on the table, rattling the fine porcelain plates, and pounded his chest with one hand, “Ya! You say it like I did something criminal! For YOUR information the King climbed on top of me first!”

Yoongi sputtered and choked on air with both hands up in his attempt to stop the two, who at this point had stood up and were having a face off. A panicked Hana and a very angry head butler rushed to offer Yoongi a glass of water, unfortunately downing a glass of water in a hurry to speak up only made Yoongi cough more when it went down the wrong way.

“You expect me to believe that! Ha! Don’t you know I can see the future?” Taehyung laughed and smugly pressed his hands on his hips.

Seokjin blew a raspberry then spoke mockingly, “Cleary not a good one since your visions came after the King gave me these.” Seokjin pulled his collar down and tilted his neck upwards to show off the hickeys Yoongi left on his skin.

“Tha-that-I-” Yoongi turned beet red looking at the marks. Standing beside him, Hana and the other servants blushed staring wide eyed at the marks, while the head butler shook his head disapprovingly at how the two were behaving in front of the King.

“You!” Taehyung brazenly pointed at Seokjin as he spoke, “You will only bring harm to His Highness! Leave at once!”

“Who are you to tell me what to do! For all we know that so called vision of yours is made up! What harm are you talking about when I helped stopped the Kings migraines and made sure he is in good health!” Seokjin spoke with his head held high.

Taehyung opened his mouth to retaliate but is stopped by the guard loudly announcing the presence of the Royal Physician Yang Sung-hyun. The doctor steps into the room with all eyes focused on him. “Good morning Your Highness.” He bowed first to Yoongi before walking closer. “I was going to wait until you had your breakfast but I overheard what this young man had said about your health and I think it’s best that I check your condition now.”

“Yes, I do believe that would be wise Your Highness.” The head butler chimed in. Yoongi could tell from the look on his face that if his health had not improved, the head butler would use it as a reason to kick the bickering two out of the castle.

Yoongi exhaled and nodded, “Very well.” He too was curious if kissing Seokjin did anything for his health. Yoongi sat back down while everyone remained standing, the royal doctor steps beside Yoongi to start the examination, and the room goes silent.

“Hmm...” the royal physician’s expression remained unreadable as he conducts the check up. Up close Yoongi observes the older man’s physical appearance. The Royal Physician always reminded Yoongi of his old high school principal. He walked and stood in a authoritative manner and always dressed sharp, even his grey beard was always neatly trimmed. Yoongi never really took the time to properly see any of the Palace staff’s faces or bothered with their names since he felt everything was temporary and he’d be going home soon. But now he wonders that maybe there is no harm in learning about the people that will be constantly be around him during his stay.

“It seems choosing someone with a stronger energy is the best choice.” Yang Sung-hyun spoke up with a smile. He looked proud of himself like he had just solved all of Yoongi’s problems. “Your Highness, I suggest you continue tonight as well to ensure your body fully recovers.”

“Tonight?” Yoongi asked, puzzled momentarily until it hit him. He turns around and makes eye contact with a blushing Seokjin. Even Seokjin struggled on what to respond.

“That’s great news!” the head butler’s anger disappeared and is replaced by relief.

Hana clapped her hands together and let’s out a grateful cry, “I’m so happy your in good health Your Highness!”

“Hmph!” the Royal Physician did not hide his disappointment towards Hana. She was after all chosen by them to help the Kings condition yet she had failed, so he believed that her weak body was not enough to replenish the Kings lost mana and ended up making him collapse. Hana noticed this and quickly shifted her gaze toward the ground. Yang Sung-hyun then turned his attention towards Seokjin, “May I know who you are? I’ve never seen you in the Kings company before nor in the Palace grounds.”

“Sorry, where are my manners.” Seokjin straightened his posture, "My name is Kim Seokjin. I run a clinic in Nolla and currently I’m travelling in search of herbs to restock my supply which is how I ended up here in Vhóel.”

The royal physician arched his eyebrow suspiciously at Seokjin, “A doctor? Why would a doctor from the North be in the Kings company?”

Seokjin’s confident smile falters when he realised how everyone’s eyes were now on him. He was after all from the Northern Kingdom. They were not known to be in good terms with Vhóel. Civil would be the best and safest word to describe the two kingdoms current fragile relationship. The guards by the door seem ready to make a move at any mistake he makes. “I...um...I was-”

“I brought him to my castle.” Yoongi speaks up before Seokjin could say anything else.

“I don’t understand Your Highness.” The Royal Physician questioned further, still suspicious of Seokjin’s presence in the castle.

“What is there to understand.” Yoongi shrugged as he stood up and faced Seokjin. A playful smirk formed on his handsome face and he grabs hold of Seokjin’s hand. He held on tighter when Seokjin tried to shake him away. “I saw him in town, I wanted him and so I took him.”

“You mean you!” the Royal Physicians stumbled on his words from shock at the Kings shameless admission.

And while Yoongi found the royal doctors reaction to be expected considering he just openly admitted to kidnapping, the reactions of the others around him were alarming. One, Yoongi did not like how the butler had an expression that looked between That’s to be expected and Not again. Sure Yoongi was happy that he can get away with it because no one would dare question him but at the same time if no one questions him then how much of a bastard was this villain!? Two, the rest of the servants and the guards were not shocked at all. Unfazed was the best way to describe their easy acceptance of what their King had done. Three, Hana, sweet angelic Hana, had a few seconds of shock written on her face when her lips pursed in deep thought and then she did a subtle nod of her head like she actually believed the idea of him lusting after Seokjin and carrying him off to his bed. Hana of all people!

Lastly, Taehyung. He simply left the room. Yoongi wanted to call out to him but his name gets stuck on his throat and he can only watch as Taehyung disappears from his sight.

“My King, I don’t believe it is wise to have a stranger from Nolla so close to you.” Yang Sung-hyun spoke up again. His stern glare towards Seokjin only made Yoongi want to protect him more.

“How can you say that when it was you who suggested merely seconds ago that I should keep him by my side. Also how can you ignore the fact that I’m currently in good health because of him.”

“Your Highness-”

“Enough! I grow weary with this nonsense. Seokjin will remain by my side and I don’t want to hear another word about this.”

"But Your High-"

"Not another word!" Yoongi snapped back. The anger he felt within resonated around him causing the windows behind to vibrate. Unknown to Yoongi, the servants had left the room in a hurry, frightened of what the King would do in one of his outbursts. The Royal physician took a step back, his eyes fixated on the windows that threatened to shatter all over them. Both Hana and the butler stepped forward in hopes to quell the King's tempter but Seokjin had beat them to it. Carefully he slips his fingers around Yoongi's own hand and leaned his body against Yoongi's arm. He smiled affectionately at Yoongi and whispers softly in his ear. Yoongi stiffened and blushed but doesn’t make a move to pull away from Seokjin. It surprised the butler to see the King's hardened features suddenly go soft. Like a school boy with a crush, Yoongi shyly refused to look at Seokjin but still kept him close. The windows stopped vibrating and Hana sighed in relief. She had never seen the King use his dark magic before and she'd prefer it remain that way. The stories she'd heard were enough to scare adults to behave.

"Everyone leave us." Yoongi commanded and this time the royal physician stayed silent. Yoongi did not know that the servants had long left the room, nor had he known what he had done, and had merely thought they were quite quick on following his orders. The guards left the room but remained outside the door in case he needed them.

"Very well. I will have the servants clear out the dining table after you leave." the butler bows and leaves the room with Hana. She makes a quick clumsy bow towards Yoongi as she curiously glanced at Seokjin before leaving. There was no mistake she found him incredibly handsome but the words Taehyung said made her cautious towards his intentions.

When they were finally alone Seokjin leans away from Yoongi, removing his hand from his and steps away to lean back on the table so they could face each other. "Wouldn't it have been easier had you told them the truth on how we really met?"

Yoongi was still reeling in from the loss of Seokjin's weight against his arm and ended up stalling for a few more seconds before finally answering. "If I did that then you'd be thrown in jail for trespassing. The worst that could happen to me is a couple of weird stares and rumours of the eccentric king sneaking around his own castle."

Seokjin pursed his lip in thought. Yoongi was right about him being imprisoned. He did after all sneak in to learn more about this mysterious illness that plagues the King. To others, his actions could be viewed as a spy for Nolla. Something Seokjin greatly wished to avoid.

“During your travel to the South did you meet other people?” Yoongi blurted out suddenly. He was curious to know if Seokjin had met the Heroine already.

Seokjin’s eyebrows met slightly to the middle, finding the question odd. “Well it’s a long journey from North to South, so yes I did meet many of people along the way.”

“No I meant um..did anyone stand out?”

“Not really but maybe if you give me a description of who it is you think I might have meet then maybe it would be a lot easier for me to answer you.” Seokjin tilted his head slightly to the side.

Yoongi pressed his tongue against his inner cheek to stop himself from saying too much. Currently he is in the dark on how the heroine looks like in this world and if Seokjin did meet her then he might alert her if he thinks Yoongi is a threat. He knew he had to be careful with his words. “Forget it. There is someone dear to me that is currently out travelling. I’m merely curious that’s all.”

“Does this person have a name?”

“Its fine really. Forget I said anything.” Yoongi spoke hastily then glanced at the door, “We have much more important matters to discuss.”

Seokjin would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious at all about this dear traveller that concerns the King but for now he needs to sort out his current situation. “Right...thank you for defending me earlier. You had no reason to lie on behalf of a stranger but you did to help me, so thank you.”

“You might regret thanking me once the rumours start.” Yoongi lightly chuckled, “Plus you did help me regain my energy. My body feels so much better and the migraines are gone.” He flexes his fingers over and over.

Seokjin felt his cheeks burn when he remembered how it happened. “Oh that. I-I...about tonight-“

“You can continue to stay in the guest room. No one will force you out since you are my guest. I’ll be sleeping in my own room tonight.” Yoongi said with a calm smile. He did his best to hide the butterflies raging inside his stomach.

“Oh.” Seokjin said without realising how disappointed he sound. Even he did not know why he should feel that way. If anything he should be happy, “Are you truly feeling alright? I don’t know how much energy was transferred considering I still feel fine.”

“That’s okay. I’ll do my best not to overexert my body.” Yoongi said with confidence despite his mind racing on how he was even going to figure out how to use magic in the first place.

Seokjin was glad he could help but a feeling he’s never felt before lingered and he spoke again without thinking, “Will Taehyung be sharing a bed with you tonight?”

Yoongi’s eyes widen from surprise by the question. It was something he never considered before and doesn’t think that they were even in that kind of relationship despite Taehyung openly showing him affection. His sudden appearance has also made him wary of Taehyungs true intentions.

“Never mind. I don’t even know why I asked. Its the doctor part of me that is curious.” Seokjin laughed it off. He saw Yoongi’s hesitance as a sign he was considering it. For some reason he didn’t want to hear the words.

Yoongi smiled thinly in response. He reminded himself again to be careful with his words. The first thing he needed to do was figure out where he stood with the male leads, and then he’ll try to forge a friendship with them in hopes to let them stop the heroine from killing him. Or ordering them to kill him.

“The herbs you were looking for...if you still need them then put it on paper and give the list to Hana. She’ll get them for you first thing on harvest season. It could take some time but you’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like.” Yoongi said shyly. His eyes gaze over the space behind Seokjin to avoid looking back at those pretty eyes.

“Oh! Thank you Your Highness! That’s very kind of you. I won’t refuse your offer since there are many people in Nolla who would benefit from them.” Seokjin stopped leaning against the table and straightened himself. “My earnings are enough for a few bundles but if there is any way I could repay you for the rest.”

Yoongi blushed and looked even further away from Seokjin. He scolded himself for letting his mind wander towards indecent thoughts. Seokjin’s flushed face and parted lips were forever stamped in his mind. “No. Think of it as my gift to you for helping me in my time of need.”

“I don’t think I’ve done much but if you’ll allow it, how about I offer my medical services to you? I mean I know you have the Royal academy of medicine at your beck and call but I’m pretty sure I’m much more knowledgeable and skilled than half of them.” Seokjin spoke with determination. “You, of all people did call me famous.”

The cheeky grin on Seokjin’s face was enough to make Yoongi laugh. He found the doctor’s confidence and stubbornness to be almost child like and adorable. Yoongi nodded and smiled brightly, “Very well then. You are familiar with what ails me so it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”

“About that. Does Taehyung or anyone else besides the Royal Physician know?” Seokjin asked, curious again about the Kings situation.

“The butler knows but aside from that I don’t think anyone else truly knows what’s going on with this body. I think people around me believe that their King is merely a giant pervert.” Yoongi shrugged. It did not bother him as he thought of it as a preset reputation on the villain before he even came. He plans to leave soon anyways so he did not care. Although he did wonder if Namjoon knew the truth about his condition? Yoongi decided to keep it to himself until he was sure.

“But they are wrong! Your body is-”

“Taking energy from people who I’m a hundred percent sure were unwilling.” Yoongi interjected. Seokjin is a male lead he needed to befriend but he wasn’t going to hide from him the truth about the villains actions.

Seokjin fell silent. There was sadness in his eyes when he looked at Yoongi. Had he not read about the Kings illness he too would have called him a abusive tyrant. “There must be a way to permanently stop your magic from harming your own body.”

Yoongi sighed and turned away to look out the window. A small sardonic smile formed on his lips, “The Royal families magic runs deep within our bones. It is in our blood. Our birth right. It is what differentiates us from commoners. Even the nobles themselves have only a handful that can use magic. But even their abilities are nothing compared to that of a royal. To stop a Royal from using magic you’d have to dig out our bones and bleed us dry.”

Seokjin shuddered at the thought.

“But enough of this depressing talk. You must still be adjusting to everything that’s happened and not to mention, we should keep an eye out for possible side effects from last night. You might not feel tired now but we should still be careful from the energy transfer.” Yoongi mentions while ringing the service bell for a maid to come in. “Settle in your room and maybe avoid walking around the castle today. The head butler and other people around me are suspicious of you so at the moment keep a low profile. If there is anything you need just ask the servants.”

Seokjin pursed his lip as one of the maids come inside the room. He wasn’t please at cutting their conversation short but Yoongi did make sense. The energy transfer is a new experience for him and he does not know if there would be any lingering backlash. Seokjin decided he’d best use his time to record any changes in his body and write more notes on the Kings condition. He stepped closer to Yoongi and bowed, “I will do as you say Your Highness. Should you experience another migraine then know that I’am here to help you.”

Yoongi blushed and cleared his throat. He scolds himself again, reminding his brain that Seokjin means it in a professional manner and nothing like what happened in the morning. He needed to refocus on his next steps in achieving his goal of returning back home.

On the other end, Seokjin quickly left the dining hall with the maid to hide the redness in both ears when he realised what he said to the King. He wanted to just curl up in bed from embarrassment. Vhóel's King is definitely not what he expected.

Chapter Text

Yoongi couldn’t focus at all.
His day went by without him truly doing any of his duties. The meeting with the nobles was tedious and boring. His mind constantly wondering back and forth between Seokjin’s flushed cheeks to Taehyung’s cold back as he left them earlier. Even while trying to read documents presented to him, his mood was up then down then up again depending on who’s face flashed in his mind. The servants were quick to look the other way and keep their distance from his erratic mood. Something they’ve all learned to do if they wanted to continue living.

And naturally, Yoongi being Yoongi, he remains oblivious to this. Or any of his surroundings for that matter. So he ends up staring at a heavy piece of shiny metal as the sky begins to turn orange.

“Your Royal Highness, shall we continue?”

“Huh?” Yoongi finally lifts his head and looks at the older man standing a few feet across him. He held a strong aura of authority and was built like a mountain. It didn’t help that the armour he wore made him even more intimidating. His beard and tied back hair had gone grey but Yoongi could tell he had more stamina than people half his age.

“Shall we continue with the training?” the mountain spoke again, growing impatient with the Kings disinterest.

“S-sure.” Yoongi responded without truly comprehending the situation he was in. He looked around his surroundings and found himself in the soldiers training grounds. Some had gathered around them to watch while others chose to watch from the safe distance of their barracks. The balcony filled with on lookers who expect a good show. It was then Yoongi realised how much he screwed up. The man before him clearly had the experience and attitude of someone who had trained the King. The sword in Yoongi’s hand becomes even heavier.

“It has been a while since you’ve stepped foot in the practice arena. It’s good you listened to the head butlers advice and came to clear your mind.” The mountain throws a heavy scabbard on to the ground and swings in front of him a large sword which Yoongi swears is bigger than his arm.

“Ah yes. He’s really good at being attentive to what I need.” Yoongi grits his teeth as he smiled and sort of swings his sword. A poor mimicry of the strength displayed in front of him. If I survive this I’ll never let my mind wonder again!

The mountain arched an eyebrow at the Kings stance, “Yes, well..let us start.”

Great! We haven’t even started with practice! How long does this last? Does it end if I drop my sword or if I let the opponent drop his sword? Yoongi had to push back a snort. The last part of his thoughts was clearly wishful thinking. If he survives this then it would be a true miracle.

The mountain stepped forward much to fast for Yoongi to see and swung his sword high up. Yoongi’s face is overshadowed by the sword blocking out any hint of light and swings down before he could blink. Before his feet could even move an inch to dodge his arms had moved up on its own and clashed his sword upwards, blocking the hit and pushing the mountain backwards. The godawful sound of hard metal scrapping against each other triggers a memory in Yoongi’s mind. The mountain had stood before him like he did now but he was younger. His hair was cut short and the grey in his beard was still few. Yoongi looked up to him. He thought he was down on the ground but he then realised that he was in a child’s body. His small hands were bleeding and bruised yet he held on the sword with determination. To the side he could see a middle aged man, standing in full regal gear and a scrutinising gaze. The head butler remained passive beside him but his eyes showed worry towards the child. Yoongi felt a urge to prove himself. A burning anger raged inside him. A childhood memory?

CLANK! CLANK!

Yoongi comes back to his senses and is shocked to see his body move on its own. Expertly dodging and landing hits against the mountains armour. The mountain was breathing heavy and so was Yoongi. He could feel his heart pounding but not from fear. No, it felt exhilarating. The sword on his hand suddenly felt familiar and right. He could feel a burst of energy surge within him. It was unreal.

CLANK! CLANK!

Yoongi’s vision changed to a battlefield. He was no longer a child but a teenager overlooking the carnage in front of him. The black and gold armour he wore felt heavy on his weary body. All he could smell was metal, wet soil, and shit. The bodies on the ground stretched on as far as his eyes could see and he stood there, unable to move. He wanted to lie down. Not in his plush bed but here. In this very soil that had been stained by the blood of his soldiers and his enemies. His insides twisting and gnawing. He no longer felt anything.

CLANK! CLANK!

“UGH!” the mountain grunted and spat out blood on the stoned floor. His armour had become dented at the chest and Yoongi immediately stopped. His panicked expression must have been clear since the mountain merely chuckled and shook his head. “If you start telling me again I’m too old and need to retire I’ll throw horse shit at your throne room.”

Yoongi stayed silent unsure what to say. The memories and the rush of emotions inside him was too much. The sword had become heavy again in his grasp and all he wanted to do was drop it.

“Stop with that expression.” The mountain’s gruff voice was much closer now. “Your soldiers are looking. They can’t have a King with a weak heart.” The mountains face goes back and forth from his younger self and the present. “Remember. You have to always be perfect.”

Cold sweat drips down Yoongi’s back as the visions of old clash with his present. Yoongi stared intently at him. This older man who knew the villain from when he was a child. Yoongi was too afraid to say anything for fear that he may realise he was not really the King.

“Hmph.” Yoongi sheathed his sword with every ounce of strength he could muster to lift his arm and walked away with his back straight, chin up high. The armour he wore gleamed with the setting sun and he leaves the training ground with the soldiers staring in awe. The head butler reappears shortly behind Yoongi and sings praises on his skills but Yoongi hears nothing but the sound of his own heavy feet as he makes his way back to the castle.

A heavy sensation kept Yoongi’s body still. He felt cold and damp. He couldn’t see anything in the darkness. He tried to lift his arms but it was like his body was pinned down by an unforeseen force. Gravity pushing down on him with every attempt to move a limb. It was suffocating. Yoongi felt water drip down his face, going into his nostrils, making him panic as he finds it harder to breath. Yoongi struggled to even turn his face to stop more water from blocking his airway. He manages to open his mouth to gasp for air but water starts to pour in and he chokes. Yoongi desperately tries to lift up his arms to grasp his throat as breathing becomes even more painful. SPUTTER! A sick gurgle escaped his lips as Yoongi sits up and forcefully coughs. A wet cloth falls on his lap and Yoongi grabs it, disoriented and anxious on what was happening to him. He clenched the cloth harder in his grasp and angrily throws it against the wall. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!”

“Hic!” A startled noise alerts Yoongi that he’s not alone in the room. He turns to see a scared Seokjin carrying a basin. His long slender hands trembled causing some of the water to spill on the floor.

“fuck...” Yoongi groaned remorsefully and wiped the water from his face. He recalled how exhausted he was after the sword fight and had immediately slumped into bed after changing into his pyjamas.

“Sorry! I’ll leave right away!” Seokjin looks away and hastily walks towards the bedside table to leave the basin.

“No don’t.” Yoongi’s hand quickly reaches out to stop Seokjin from leaving, but stops his hand from grabbing Seokjin’s sleeve. The slight tremble made Yoongi worry. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped like that.”

“I-I’m at fault. I shouldn’t have come in your room without permission.”

“It’s fine, it’s just that today has been...exhausting.” and strange. Yoongi groaned when moving his shoulder. His whole body felt heavy and sore. It was excruciating for Yoongi, who’s only workout involved serving dishes in the restaurant and running away from his sisters tantrums. Yoongi suppressed another groan as he moved his body slightly to Seokjin’s direction. He wasn’t sure if the pain was the after effects of going up against the mountain or if he had unconsciously used magic and was feeling the backlash.

“What happened? I thought you were taking it easy today?” Seokjin chided him but quickly remembered who he was speaking to and added, “Your Majesty.”

Yoongi chuckled. He preferred if he dropped the Your Majesty part but he was too tired to argue. “That was the initial plan however I got distracted and somehow ended up in the practice arena.”

“Distracted? Did you have migraines again?” Seokjin asked and placed his palm over Yoongi’s forehead. “Thankfully your body temperature has gone back down to normal. You were sweating earlier as you slept. It made me worried if the pain had come back.”

“Actually..” A mischievous smile formed on Yoongi’s lips as he takes Seokjins hand and presses it against his cheek, “You were my distraction.”

Seokjin flushed and pulled his hand away, “Please don’t tease me Your Highness!”

“Sorry! Sorry! You’re too cute and I couldn’t resist.” Yoongi laughed and put his hand up when Seokjin’s hands balled into fists. “It won’t happen again.”

Seokjin looked away embarrassed and crossed his arms. “Can you be serious. I was really worried when I saw you grimacing as you slept. You looked like you were having nightmares and I didn’t know what to do.”

“...” Yoongi paused and stared at the handsome doctor before him who looked so vulnerable in his oversized pink dress shirt and white fitting pants. The laces on his top were mostly undone and a few were crooked making Yoongi think that he was rushing to help him and didn’t care about his appearances. Yoongi felt his heart beat faster. “Thank you for taking care of me...again.”

Seokjin felt the heat rise up from his cheeks so he turns away to cover them with his hands. “It’s what I do after all.”

Looking at Seokjin’s back, Yoongi could see the outline of his broad shoulders and slim waist, making him stare more intently, “How did you feel all day? After...you know. Did you feel weaker?”

“Somehow I felt fine. I was expecting some kind of lethargy or body weakness but nothing.” Seokjin responded as he remembered how he spent the day documenting his findings and reading medical books to try and figure out more about the Kings condition. All of which proved futile.

“That’s good then.”

“But it could be because the kiss was short!” Seokjin spoke up and turned back to face Yoongi. His eyes shined brighter as he felt a rush of finding answers, “If it was longer then the energy exchange would be greater and then I’d have felt the effects of it. But how long and how much energy is transferred is something I still haven’t figured out.” His gaze lowers and his hand touches his lower chin in deep thought. “How about holding hands? It is still skin to skin contact so will it work? How is it decided what type of contact is required and for how long? Or does it only involve the exchange of body fluids?”

Yoongi silently watched Seokjin drone on, adding more questions to his own answers which he found both amusing and fascinating how someone can be so fixated that they forget where they are. Wait that happened to me too. Yoongi’s smile grew wider.

Seokjin catches a glimpse of Yoongi’s gummy smile and he stops rambling. He shyly covers his mouth and apologises but Yoongi’s smile brightens and Seokjin thinks its the cutest smile his ever seen and he wants needs to protect it at all cost. “I want to kiss you again.”

Yoongi freezes the same time as Seokjin. They stare at each other and Yoongi watches again, fascinated at how fast Seokjin’s complexion become pale to beet red. Seokjin covers his face and steps back, “I-I meant for experiment t-t-to assess how quickly your body heals and um...find answers to...to...”

“Okay...” Yoongi blushed and felt his own cheeks getting hot.

Seokjin remained still and silent after hearing Yoongi interrupt him from his sputtering. It felt like his heart rose up and lodged itself at the throat. He could not dare himself to move even an inch towards Vhóel’s ruler. How could he. A commoner dare to touch a royal so brazenly. He must have lost his mind.

“Seokjin.” Yoongi called out to him. His deep soft voice lulls the doubts away from Seokjin’s mind and he finally goes to him. Slow steps while butterflies flutter inside him. Seokjin stops in front of the bed before a sitting monarch who looks at him with a shy smile.

“Well...to validate any of my theories I thought maybe I could um...” Seokjin tucks a stray stand of hair behind his ear showing the redness at the tip. “Kiss the areas of your body that ache.”

The young monarch flushed at the image of a beautiful blondes plump lips all over his body. It was too much for Yoongi to speak so all he could muster was a nod.

Seokjin hesitated for a second before climbing on top of the bed and positioning himself behind the King. With trembling hands he reached up to touch Yoongi’s back. His long slender fingers caress the thin layer of the King’s silk shirt. The slow soft touches was agonisingly but Yoongi dared not to move a muscle for fear of Seokjin changing his mind.

“Should I remove the garment for you or would you like to do it yourself Your Highness?” Seokjin asked in the sweetest voice Yoongi’s ever heard him use. It surprised both of them.

Yoongi straightened his back and cleared his throat, “I can do it.” He thanked the heavens he was facing away or else Seokjin would have seen how flushed he was. The top was quick to loosen and Yoongi managed to remove it despite his fingers trembling. He places the silk shirt on his lap and patiently waits. Seokjin stayed quiet but Yoongi swears he can feel him behind him.

“I’ll um...” Seokjin doesn’t know what else to say and falls silent. Even Yoongi thought it would be even more awkward had he said the word start. Yoongi then feels a slight dip then the sound of hands rubbing together. He had to bite his lower lip to stop a foolish smile from forming. It was too much knowing Seokjin was warming up his hands before touching him. It was silly but considerate of him and Yoongi doesn’t know how much more his heart can take.

“Your Highness.” Seokjin whispered and gently touched Yoongi’s bare back. It surprised the doctor that there were no scars considering Vhóel’s King had participated in numerous battles. He wondered if this was another benefit of the dark magic he possessed. Seokjin’s fingers glided downwards to check for any traces of old wounds unaware that his actions were making it even harder for Yoongi to sit still. Seokjin finally stops and tilted his head closer to the Kings ear, “Where does it ache?”

Yoongi had a answer. Not a gentleman’s answer. Far from any decent answer. But he was raised by his parents right and he knew how to keep his dirty thoughts in check. He held his tongue to compose himself then answered in the most composed voice, “My shoulders.” Yoongi wanted to pat himself in the back for being so calm.

There was another pause in Seokjin’s movements and Yoongi wonders if he was regretting his request. He was about to tell him to stop when Seokjin pressed his palm on his bare back and the feel of something soft touch his left shoulder. Yoongi held his breath. Gaining a bit more confidence, Seokjin kissed Yoongi’s left shoulder one more time. His lips stayed a second longer before moving down to kiss near the shoulder blade. With each kiss, Seokjin gained more confidence and he continues to plant soft kisses until he reaches the tip of Yoongi’s right shoulder.

“Your Highness, does it feel much better?” Seokjin whispered close to Yoongi’s right ear. Unfortunately the young monarch couldn’t utter a word back in response. How could he when he forgot to even breath.

“Your Highness?” Seokjin asks again.

“I-it feels good.” Yoongi managed to mumble a reply. He blushed and held on his shirt tighter. The cloth had been reduced to a ball in his hands. He feels flustered and doesn’t know how he can face Seokjin after this.

“That’s good. Is there anywhere else?” Seokjin asked. Unaware to Yoongi, Seokjin’s ears and cheeks had turned red. He shyly gazes down to see his own hands on Yoongi’s back and wonders how far he can explore the Kings body.

“My hands are quite sore.” Yoongi murmured. His hands did ache from swinging around the heavy sword but it was his own desires that got the best of him. The image of Seokjin gently touching his hands, pressing his lips against them, carefully and meticulously every inch of his skin.

KNOCK KNOCK

“AH!” Seokjin panicked and pushed Yoongi off the bed. Yoongi lands on the carpet right shoulder first giving his body a awkward slant while his legs were halfway up on the bed.

“Your Highness, I brought you some snacks since you haven’t eaten.” Hana cheerfully enters the room with a large tray. She uses her leg to push the door to a close then walks further inside the King’s bedroom. “Your Highness?” Hana stopped as soon as she sees the King on the floor while the doctor had his face hidden on the pillows.

“...” Yoongi was too stunned to speak. This was the second time Seokjin threw him off the bed.

“...” Hana continued to stare at him. She wasn’t sure if she should leave the tray on the floor and leave or walk past the two, leave the tray on the table and then leave. “Ah!” Hana suddenly remembered she had a message to deliver to the King. She takes a deep breath and bows her head. “Apologies for disturbing you my King but I have a message from the head butler.”

Yoongi snaps out of his trance and lifts his leg of the bed to sit on the carpet. He gestures for Hana to leave the tray at the table. “What is it?”

“Oh this one is fresh bread that the chef baked and he’s put in a platter of assorted cured meat, sausages, cheese, and- oh! You meant the message. Yes of course! He said that the noble families have all received their invitations and all of them will be coming.” Hana smiled and chatted, choosing to mentally ignore whatever was happening in the monarchs bed. She felt it was safer that way.

“Invitations?” Yoongi questioned. He tried to remember events in the game.

“Yes, for your upcoming birthday.”

Hana’s words took Yoongi by surprise. He remembered a event for the heroines birthday but nothing for the villain. How can he forget when during the event, his baby sister had been saving up her allowance to buy the special birthday outfits for both the heroine and the love interests, he even did the events mini games just for her to reach a high score for additional prizes.

“Well then, please excuse me Your Highness.” Hana curtsied and hastily left the room.

“Wait- oh...she’s gone.” Yoongi wanted to ask for the date. He can’t remember when the villains birthday is and it started to make him anxious. He got up from the floor and heard a rustle on the bed, prompting his thoughts back to his current situation. Seokjin had poked his head out from under the sheets and pillow he used to barricade himself in.

“I-its going to be your birthday soon?” Seokjin shyly asks after sensing that the maid had left the room.

“Mmm.” Yoongi murmured as he quickly tried to think of a way to stop Seokjin from asking more questions about something he himself is still trying to figure out. My right shoulder actually hurts more now after the fall...Ah! Yoongi’s eyes light up, “I’m feeling better now.” Seokjin pushes the pillow against his chest and Yoongi knows his diversion has worked. He’ll have to figure out a way to get more information tomorrow on this upcoming birthday celebration.

“That’s a relief.” Seokjin’s shy reply was almost not heard fro behind the pillow covering his mouth. They both stay silent for a moment and Yoongi puts on his shirt. Both unsure what to say next. Finally Seokjin decides to break the silence, “Um...I think I should stay here for the night to make sure you’ve fully recovered.”

Yoongi pressed his lips together to stop a grin from forming. He had hoped for Seokjin to stay and couldn’t find the right way to say it without him sounding like a pervert. “I’d like that.”

A small smile formed on Seokjin’s face as he fixes the pillows and blankets that he had pulled all over him earlier. Once satisfied, he settles into his side of the bed, blanket pulled up to his chest and he waits for Yoongi to get on bed. Yoongi scratched the back of his head trying to gain the confidence before getting on his side of the bed. Yoongi moved to get comfortable, conscious with every movement on how Seokjin was going to react.

“So...” Yoongi smiled shyly.

“So...” Seokjin smiled back.

They gaze at each other and a small laugh escape their lips. It dispels the tense air around them and they lay down on the bed more comfortably. Yoongi chose to lay his back flat on the bed while Seokjin turns to his side to face the young King.

“Hey...um...” Yoongi’s deep voice catches Seokjin’s attention, “How about we hold hands...for experiment purposes.”

Seokjin looks down to see Yoongi’s hand extend from under his blanket. It makes his smile brighter and he reached over to hold Yoongi’s hand. “Okay.”

Yoongi covers his face with his other hand, butterflies raging in the pit of his stomach and he wonders if he will get a wink of sleep tonight.

To his surprise, Yoongi ends up having the best sleep since arriving in the new world.

Chapter Text

This was not how Yoongi imagined his meeting with Seokjin would be like. He had worked very hard to come up with his plan on how to get the male leads to not kill him. One whole night of planning to be exact.

Step one, buy all the precious herbs from the South Kingdom and then along with his own supply, give it all away for free. Therefore causing a shortage.

Step two, Seokjin will come to the city looking for medicinal herbs but due to no supply, he will come seeking an audience with the King.

Step three, Yoongi would make him witness his generosity by providing for the less fortunate and offer a helping hand to Seokjin by giving him the newly harvested herbs for free. Therefore, Seokjin will not see him as a villain and decide to spare his life when the heroine shows up.

It was extremely simple yet somehow the steps got messed up and Seokjin showed up in the one place he did not expect. Everything was becoming complicated and he should be upset, he should be trying to find a way to fix it, but instead, Vhóel’s great tyrant of a leader was grinning from ear to ear with giddiness. Hana smiled knowingly as she helped put on his jacket while the other maids looked at him oddly. It was one thing to see his usual sadistic smile but one of pure joy was making them uneasy. Naturally, Yoongi paid them no mind as his head was still replaying the image of Seokjin sleeping soundly beside him, his soft slender fingers held within his grasp. It was a shame Seokjin was an early riser and Yoongi did not get a chance to greet him in the morning...yet. He’s currently looking forward to the day.

“Hana, have you seen the doctor this morning?” Yoongi asked while looking at his reflection in the mirror, pulling at his black and gold vest to make sure no wrinkle appeared. He never really cared about his appearance as much but somehow he wanted to look good before seeing Seokjin.

"Pardon the intrusion Your Majesty but you have an important meeting to attend this morning with the nobles from the business sector.” A stern older woman spoke up before Hana. She stepped closer inside the bedchamber, her long skirt gracefully swaying with every step, her ebony hair with white streaks tied up to a neat tight bun, her back stiff and chin upright making her look even taller, and despite her age, she maintained a slim figure. She was strict with herself as she is with those under her. Yoongi could see her from the mirror and recognised her as the Kings' governess, Mrs Beaton. She once took care of the King's schedule when he was a child but now that he was an adult, she switched to taking care of the maids' schedules and disciplining them.

“Governess how nice to see you. Looking lovely as always.” Yoongi smiled charmingly. Normally he would be cautious with his actions and words, especially around those who were with the villain during his childhood years but today he couldn’t care less. “I have not forgotten about the meeting. I’m merely doing a quick visit along the way.”

The governess’s eyes narrowed when her gaze fell upon Hana, “I’m sure your maid agrees with me that you should go to the meeting without any detours.”

“Y-yes that is correct.” Hana meekly agreed.

Yoongi looked back at Hana standing behind him and found her behaviour odd. He then heard the other maids whispering amongst themselves, most of them giving Hana a look of contempt, while the rest avoided looking at her. The governess clears her throat and the maids go silent.

“My King, I believe you’re fully dressed and ready to see your important guests.” The governess tilts her head low and shifts her body slightly to the side to make way for the King to leave.

“Well then, I best be on my way. Hana let us go.” Yoongi did not like the idea of leaving Hana in such a situation.

“Apologies Your Highness. I cannot accompany you today, I'm of no use to you during the meeting and find it best that I finish my chores.” Hana politely declines and curtsies before rushing out to leave the room making Yoongi worried.

“I normally don’t ask but what has gotten into you today?”

Yoongi blinks out of his thoughts and notices Namjoon looking at him curiously. He looked handsomely dressed in a silver blue vest and jacket with white trousers, which made Namjoon look more of an aristocrat than a merchant. Had Yoongi’s mind not been too occupied again he would have complimented him.

“What do you mean?” Yoongi let go of the pen he absentmindedly kept twirling back and forth in his hand.

“You were not focused at all today. Normally you nitpick everything the nobles have to say especially during quarterly reports on the Kingdom's earnings and spending, but today you were...agreeable.” Namjoon fumbled with the last word as he struggled to describe Yoongi’s strange behaviour.

“Was I?” Yoongi looks at the pile of reports on the table and lets out a sigh as he leaned back on the chair. “I was listening I promise. I’ll go through all the reports before the day ends.” Namjoon looked unconvinced and wanted to test him but Yoongi spoke up again, “Do you think talking could improve someone’s situation if you knew they were being bullied?”

“What?”

“If someone you know is being bullied, do you think talking to the bullies would make them stop?” Yoongi clarified.

“What?” Namjoon repeated, not because he did not understand but because he could not believe what he was hearing.

“I said-“

“I know what you said. What I don’t understand is why you said it.” Namjoon’s eyebrows met in the middle as he tried to make sense of what was happening. “Who is being bullied and why do you care?”

“That’s harsh,” Yoongi murmured but could not argue. He had a long way to go if he wanted to untarnished the villain's reputation. “It’s Hana. I think the governess and the other maids are bullying her.”

Namjoon pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed like he was tired from berating a child. “And you think threatening them would help improve her situation?”

“I said talk not threaten.”

“To you, that is the same thing.”

Yoongi's mouth set in a thin line, “I mean it when I said ill just talk to them.”

Namjoon finally looked at him, eyebrows arched suspiciously, “Fine. Let’s say you had this talk with them in hopes of getting them to stop but then they ask you for proof that they did what you say they did, can you provide it?”

“Proof?” Yoongi instinctively reached for his back pocket where his mobile phone used to be but remembered he no longer had it when he came to this world. “I don’t have any physical proof but Hana can tell you all about it. Plus I witnessed it this morning.”

“So you expect people to trust the words of someone who's been in jail against the word of the governess and the maids simply because you saw it and say it so.”

“Why would you say it like that?”

Namjoon shook his head and leaned against the table. “I’m saying it from another person’s perspective. Have you stopped to think that instead of jumping to conclusions, it might be better to look into the reason why they are treating her differently?”

“So you think it’s because she has a criminal record that they are bullying her?” Yoongi asked.

“Look at it this way. Your maids have been carefully chosen by the governess. They have undergone strict training and learned all the rules within the Palace, and then suddenly out of nowhere, a thief is sent to your bedchamber and instantly becomes your personal maid without even undergoing any training or the proper recruitment process. In their eyes, they view it as unfair treatment.”

It never occurred to Yoongi to look at it from that perspective and it made him realise how similar the situation was to corporations back home. Recruitment can be unfair, especially with applicants who have connections. Yoongi exhaled, as much as he hated to admit it, he did not think it through. “You’re right...but what should I do then?”

Namjoon was surprised to hear Yoongi admit he was wrong. He stared at him for a moment, wondering if he was up to something. When Yoongi’s gaze met his, Namjoon quickly looked away, embarrassed at catching him staring. He cleared his throat, flicked an invisible lint off his coat and made a turn to pick up pieces of paper from the table behind him until finally, he decided to speak up, “Its best not to interfere. Let Hana prove them wrong and show them that she can pull her own weight. If you intervene all the more they will find ways to make it harder for her.”

Yoongi stopped tapping his fingers on the table and sighed in defeat, “I see. It’s hard not to do anything but ill do as you say if you think it is for the best.”

Namjoon had been ready to retaliate but instead he held his tongue when he heard Yoongi agree with him instead. It made him feel...complicated.

“Hey...are you...feeling much better?” Namjoon hesitated when the first word escaped his lips but then went on with it and glanced at Yoongi for a reaction.

“Hmm?” Yoongi briefly looks up from the reports set on his table, “Oh yes! I’m much better thank you for asking.” Yoongi smiled warmly at Namjoon before going back to his task of going through paperwork. The smile lasted for a brief moment. Like something you see when two busy people who know each other cross paths in the street. A small sign of acknowledgement and warmth which normally would not be a big deal. But for Namjoon it gave him a delightful shiver. His arms tingled and he felt a weird sensation on his chest. The need to find answers beckoned him to push further.

“No more migraines or is it still there but manageable?” Namjoon asked while trying his best not to look interested.

“No migraines but my body is sore after yesterday’s sword practice. That workout was way more intense than I imagined.” Yoongi responds without looking away from his work.

Namjoon’s eyebrows twitched at hearing the King complain about practice. He’s never uttered a word of complaint before or even a mention of his body aching...at least not to him. Namjoon looked at him once more hoping to figure out what made him different. He’d been more open lately with him and during the past few months, he’d been calmer and easier to talk to. Of course, Namjoon kept himself at a safe distance in case it was another one of the King's foolish games yet Namjoon found himself in the King's castle more often than needed. He’d come up with excuses even though he knows no one in the castle would actually question him but it seemed like he needed to make excuses for himself. He wasn’t ready to accept that he’d wake up in the morning thinking of his childhood friend. They had grown apart when Yoongi chose to spend more time with the sword than reading books in the Palace garden. The years had been cruel to them both and Namjoon became bitter and angry.

“You should have the royal physician prescribe you a tonic for the soreness considering he helped with the migraines.”

“Nah! Seokjin helped me with that but I’d rather not push him for something small like a post-workout ache.” Yoongi continued to speak casually to him.

“Seokjin?” Namjoon stilled.

“I forgot you haven’t met him.” Yoongi tapped his forehead with the documents on hand and looked at Namjoon, “Seokjin is a doctor I met two days ago and he’s been helping me since. I’ll introduce you two next time.”

“Why not now?”

“Now?” Yoongi curiously looked at Namjoon. The two of them finally lock gazes while trying to figure out each other's thoughts.

“Yes now. I mean I’m free now so why not.” Namjoon insisted. It did not sit well with him that the King was surrounding himself with new people he barely knows about.

“Well, the thing is I don’t know where he is at this very moment. He could be in town so I’ll introduce you next time.” Yoongi responds with a clipped smile. The feeling of keeping Seokjin safe after yesterday’s breakfast fiasco remained fresh in his mind so he thinks it is best not to get Namjoon involved until he fully knows how much the young merchant knows of the villains' condition. Yoongi’s thoughts are plagued with questions, does he know about the rituals? Is he in cahoots with the royal physician and butler? Who else is involved?

Namjoon scoffed, “You act as if I’d throw him out the moment I see him.”

“You tried to throw Taehyung out.”

“I find him suspicious and see no purpose on why he should remain by your side.” Namjoon remained unapologetic towards his views.

Yoongi leaned back against his chair, “Give him a chance.”

“Which one? The mysterious doctor or the so-called fortune teller?” Namjoon folded his arms together in contempt.

Yoongi couldn’t help but smirk at Namjoon’s stubbornness. He found it strangely cute. “You know what I mean, Joonie.”

Namjoon felt a cold burst from the pit of his stomach, “What did you just call me?”

“Joonie. I just thought calling people by a nickname would-”

“Don’t call me that!” Namjoon snapped.

“S-sorry, I didn’t think it would upset you.” Yoongi apologised and straightened himself on the chair. Looking at Namjoon’s change of mood made him wonder if he took his casual approach towards him too far.

“You haven’t called me that in years,” Namjoon mumbled to himself.

“Look I don’t want you to be upset. It was foolish of me to use nicknames.” Yoongi spoke up again in hopes to put ease on how Namjoon was feeling. He had stood up and looked at Namjoon’s eyes despite the glare he was receiving.

Namjoon scoffed, “Is this another one of your games? I should have known. I thought I learned my lesson after all these years, especially after Dosun. I can’t believe how foolish I was to let my guard down for even a second.”

“Wait I think we’re going in a completely different direction here. Can we back up for a second?” Yoongi panicked. His goal was to make the male leads his friends not encourage animosity between them and the villain.

“Seriously?” Namjoon fumed and shook his head as he proceeded to walk out the door.

“Namjoon wait!” Yoongi called out as he got up to follow him. The heavy oak door slams shut in front of him but Yoongi doesn’t stop and yanks the door open still calling out to Namjoon. The young merchant walked even faster to get away despite the servants looking at him like he had lost his mind. The closer he could hear Yoongi’s steps the farther he’d want to be. Namjoon turned away from sections with the Kings guards knowing they stop him from the King, he went up flights of stairs, down different stairs, turns in corners he’s never seen just to avoid Yoongi and he ends up in the kitchen. Namjoon was out of breath and wanted nothing more than to leave the Palace even if he had to get through all the kitchen staff staring at him. Namjoon huffed, ready to make his exit when his arm is forcefully pulled to make him turn in the other direction, his eyes widen as Yoongi stared at him. Yoongi pushed him against a table, pinning him in place so he couldn’t escape.

“Out! All of you!” Yoongi ordered, his deep voice resonated within Namjoon and he felt compelled to stay while the kitchen staff immediately stopped their work and left to leave the two alone.

“What do you think you’re doing?" Namjoon seethed and looked away from the stare down Yoongi was giving him. He refused to look into those eyes that reminded him of the dark winter sky, it was cold and unpredictable but there was beauty in it, a mesmerising pull that made him think of endless possibilities and hope.

“You ran away without giving me a chance to redeem myself. How am I supposed to just let you go after your meltdown with a nickname.” Yoongi answered as calmly as he could despite being nervous about confronting Namjoon. He did not have a plan and acted purely on his emotions.

“Meltdown!?” Namjoon repeated in utter disbelief, turning to bravely stare back at Yoongi, “You only use that stupid nickname to torment me when we were younger! You haven’t said it in years since you trained for your bloody campaign and now suddenly I’m supposed to think it's all innocent! I don’t know what sick game you have planned but I don’t want any part of it!”

It shocked Yoongi how much anger and fear Namjoon felt towards him that he let’s go of his arm and steps back. He felt lost for words that even as Namjoon pushed him aside and runs out the back door he stays rooted to the ground. The damage was done years before he even came to this world and he doesn’t know where to even start in fixing it, if it can even be fixed. With their fractured relationship how can he even hope to reach the ending alive? If Namjoon met the heroine now and helps her then it would be game over for him. He’d be stuck reliving everything for the rest of his life. An endless loop of pain and defeat. A never ending life of suffering.

“Well that can never be salvaged.”

“no...no...” Yoongi stammered and shook his head, “No! I refuse to believe that!”

“Its burned to crisp.”

“No it can still be fixed. I can find a way. I can...” Yoongi answered back with conviction only to realise that he had been talking to the governess who stood opposite from him behind the kitchen table. The smell of burnt cooking oil filled the air. “You were talking about the meat. I knew that.” Yoongi coughed and faced the source of the smell which had been quite close to where he was standing.

“Your Highness please leave the kitchen while I call the staff to handle this situation.” The governess asked while gesturing for Yoongi to go to the door. The fire started to get dangerously bigger and you’d think that working in a restaurant for nearly all your life would make you more equipped to handle fire safely yet with a muddled mind and heart Yoongi was not thinking straight and walked towards the source, picked up the scalding hot iron skillet with his bare hand and set it aside. The governess rushed towards him, scolding him like a child as she douse the fire.

“Do you really think it can never be salvaged?” Yoongi absentmindedly asked while staring at the charred remains of what was in the skillet.

The governess stopped her scolding and looked at him. Rare were the moments when he’d asked for her opinion. Even as a child he tried to solve his problems on his own. The governess exhaled lightly and grabbed a clean dish towel. She walks towards the sink and puts it under running water. “This is about Lord Kim isn’t it.”

Yoongi mumbled a response that sounded like maybeIdon’tknowyes. The governess turned the faucet off and wrings out the excess water from the towel and walked back to Yoongi. She gets him to face her but when she tried to lift the hand he used to hold the skillet he pulled away. She sighs and hands him the cold dish towel so he can put it over the burn. “Here. Use this for now before I call for the royal physician.”

“Thanks.” Yoongi takes it with his other hand and doesn’t bother using it.

Despite wanting to reprimand him for being so reckless, she decided to answer his question, “You can not expect a change to happen overnight. There is a lot of history between the two of you and it is something that can stop a person from being able to move on. You both experienced wonderful days together and sadly the horrible days too.”

“What should I do?”

“Don’t give up and approach him slowly. Do small gestures that you know he would like and it will gradually lower down his guard. Lord Kim has always valued sincerity and hard work above all else.”

This would be easier of I had any past memories of him, Yoongi thought as he turned and pressed against the kitchen counter. The marble was cold against his back but he felt he needed it to feel anything else than how he was currently feeling.

“You both took very different paths when you each embraced the roles you were born for. It has lead to many misunderstandings especially during the time when you trained to defend this country. It helps to be honest with each other about things done in the past.” She spoke in a stern voice however Yoongi felt her compassion and worry towards him. It caused a pang of pain in his heart when it reminded him of his mother and it rendered Yoongi silent. She then glanced down at the burnt hand he had balled into a fist, “Think about it Your Highness while I go and fetch the doctor for your hand.”

“You know Namjoon kind of said the same thing. Well more about how you are with Hana. He said I should give it time and put in more trust.” Yoongi finally managed to respond and lightly smiled towards her.

“Lord Kim is wise. You should listen to his advices more.” She stated as she walked towards the door, “Also next time you want privacy please don’t use the kitchen and don’t make the staff leave unless you wanted to burn the castle to the ground.” The governess gave Yoongi a playful smirk before leaving the kitchen. Yoongi couldn’t help but laugh back at the older woman. It was truly out of character for him to be so reckless. He would have never chased another person like that back when he was home and he definitely would not have grabbed any burning object like he just did. Yoongi lifts up his hand and looks down at his badly burnt hand only to see that it had already begun to heal.

Chapter Text

Yoongi had bolted out of the kitchen the moment he saw the burned flesh heal. He needed to be alone to collect his thoughts. Just when he thought he was beginning to understand how the dark magic within him worked it gave him another surprise. He knew that when he dies he would be resurrected back to the moment when he arrived in the castle but never had it crossed his mind that his wounds could heal. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t trigger a slight morbid fascination within him. Yoongi found a empty spot in the Palace garden and sat underneath a statue of a King riding a horse and looked again at his hand, now fully recovered and not a single hint that it had ever been injured. He turned it side to side, inspecting every inch of his skin, trying to see a flaw or a small spot that didn’t belong yet he found nothing. Then it occurred to him how sore his body was after the sword fight he had with the mountain. It seemed that the dark magic heals only serious injuries, or at least that’s what he’s thinking currently. It was hard to come up with a definite conclusion without a proper experiment.

“My body will heal. I’ll be fine. I’ll be fine.” Yoongi chanted as he unsheathed his sword. The blade gleamed with the sun making it look even more intimidatingly sharp. “It’ll be fine. Nothing but a scratch. I probably won’t even feel it like when I just lifted the scalding skillet. I’ll be fine.” Yoongi shakily lifted the sword and hovered the sharp tip over his other palm. He took deep breaths, debating to himself if it will be easier with his eyes closed or open.

“Your Highness?”

Startled, Yoongi clumsily lifted the sword away from his palm and pointed it to the ground and looked to see the source of the voice. “Oh! Hana! What are you doing here?”

The young maid curtsied then shifted the weight of the basket in her hands to her hips. She was no longer in uniform and had worn her ginger hair more loosely with one blue ribbon tied at the back. “I’ve just finished my chores and I’m going out to visit the twins.”

Yoongi glanced at the fading colors of her old dress and decided he’d buy her new clothes. It didn’t feel right to him to leave a girl her age wearing something so shabby when he has all the resources to help her. Sheathing back his sword, he smiled at her and spoke, “I’ll go with you. I want to explore the shops in the city and get a bit of exercise out of the Palace. Plus they dont need me, Ive finished my duties for the day. No more boring meetings lined up.”

“But what if you get caught?” Hana lowered her voice and quickly looked around them.

“I can leave as I please.” Yoongi laughed at how panicked she looked. “Don’t worry! I’ll cover up with my cloak and keep my face hidden so I won’t cause a commotion.”

“My King...” Hana sighed as she found the cloak a horrible disguise and decided she would find better disguises for the King. Her mother had been a seamstress who taught her the trade plus years of mending her families clothes have made her skills adept.

“Don’t argue with me. I really need to get out for a change of scenery.” Yoongi said with a tired look that made Hana give up on convincing him otherwise.

“Very well your highness but can we change the cloak? The gold lining alone will not fool anyone.”

“Really?” Yoongi spread the black cloak in front of him and examined the linings as Hana mentioned, “I see your point. What do you suggest then?”

“This is really good.” Yoongi praised for the fourth time as he walked down the cobblestone road in the city center.

“Its hardly worthy of such praise your highness.” Hana spoke shyly. The King had not stopped complimenting her on the disguise she picked out for him since they left the Palace.

“Have you seen a single person here recognise me? Nope none. Not even the guards at the Palace knew who I was because of this amazing costume.” Yoongi energetically waved his hand up and down his outfit which consisted of a loose shirt in the shade of cedar, a brown vest, dark grey trousers, and brown colored boots that rested just below his knee. He still had a cloak on but instead of the Kings signature colors it was a modest dark brown made of cheaper fabric which can be found in almost every household. The long blonde wig he wore was new since the one he wore previously was thrown away by Hana since she found the long thin ponytail “sad” and said it was a crime for him to be seen wearing such a cheap looking wig. He now boast a thicker blonde wig that was tied in a half ponytail.

“Please stop your highness. People are starting to look.” Hana pleaded quietly when a couple walked past them with a weird stare.

“Oh right. Sorry. I’m just so excited at being able to walk freely.” Yoongi chuckled and walked much more calmer beside her. He then found the place he was looking for and pointed, “That store there. I want to go inside.”

Hana looked at where he pointed and wondered what the King could possible want from there, “Your Highness, are you sure? That’s a dress shop for women. If you are looking for new clothes, I can inform the governess and she’ll have new garments brought up to your closet.”

“First off, stop call me that since I’m in disguise. We already agreed to use my code name. Secondly, its not for me. I want to buy gifts.” Yoongi spoke like he was lecturing a child which he greatly enjoyed since he gets to flick his long hair.

Hana’s lips set in a thin line. First of all she did not want to call the King so casually even if it was his idea and secondly, she had a strong feeling that those dresses would end up in her room which would only cause problems with the other maids. “Your-er...um...lets not go in there. If you need gifts sent to a noblewoman you can ask the head butler and he’ll take care of it.”

“What’s wrong if I pick out the dresses? You don’t think I have an eye for fashion?” Yoongi frowned. This reminded him of the time Minji told him he dressed liked a grandpa whenever they went shopping.

“Its not that Your..” Hana sighed remembering she was not allowed to say highness and spoke up, “Tell me the truth. Do my clothes bother you?”

Taken aback by the bluntness, Yoongi stammered on his response, “What no! I wouldn’t say that. I mean do they look worn out? Yes they do BUT the dress is still in style. Are the colors nice to look at? Kinda but the fabric is good. Sturdy. Exactly what a dress should be. Sturdy.”

“You hate it.”

“What no!” Yoongi made a puff noise and looked away but he could feel Hana staring intently at him and he gives in, “...okay a little but only because you made me say it. Is it so bad if I buy you new clothes?”

“Yes! Especially from that dress shop where only noblewoman can afford. Have you seen that dress by the window?” Hana points at a beautiful emerald green dress adorned in lace and ribbons, “Not only is it impractical for me to have since I would never use it, it also is a pain to clean. Can you imagine the amount of time I’d have to spend if I get even the hems of that dress dirtied?”

“I see your point but I really want to buy you new clothes. There must be a shop here that you like.”

“I appreciate your concern but I’m happy with my clothes and I really need to go see my siblings.” Hana said firmly despite her hands shaking for fear that the King might get angry at her. She did want those pretty clothes. She wanted new things. Beautiful things. But she knew her place. Her limits. She had recently made one friend from the Kings maids and it felt a step closer to being accepted by the others. If she showed up in fancy clothes bought by the King she could risk being alienated again. Yoongi tried again and again to convince her but Hana stood her ground and eventually he reluctantly agreed to let it go.

“Very well. I’ll drop you off at the orphanage then go have a walk around the city before heading back to the castle.” Yoongi said with very little joy at having to give up persuading Hana.

“You don’t have to! I can go on my own.” She waved one hand in protest.

Yoongi reached out and softly ruffled her hair, “Indulge me on this okay.” he smiled at Hana to let her know he wasn’t angry with her.

“Okay.” Hana blushed and softly replied. She walked ahead of Yoongi, showing him the way in roads less crowded. She was careful not to bump into anyone and avoid having to engage in small talk while the King was still behind her. It was an hour walk from the town centre, far into the outskirts of town, when they finally reached the orphanage. Yoongi had wanted to suggest multiple times that they rent a carriage or a horse but Hana walked much to fast for him to say anything. He stopped by the large iron gates, hands on his hips and looked up at the massive brick mansion as if to inspect the old architecture and overgrown vines covering half the building when in reality he was desperately catching his breath. Hana opened the gates lock with ease, having come here often, and held it open so she can see the King off before going inside.

“Since I’m here, I’ll have a look.” Yoongi inhaled deeply in between words and walks past Hana and goes to the front of the building. He was in need of water before his knees collapse. Had they taken their time for a leisurely walk then he’d be fine but instead he was speed walking, knees barely bent as he tried to catch up to Hana. For a petite girl she walked fast. Too fast.

“Your Highness!” Hana called out as she followed him, “They don’t know about you coming here. It would cause a panic!”

“Then don’t say anything. I’m merely a friend from work whose gone out for fresh air.”

“Your Highness!”

“Hana!” a woman calls out from behind, “The twins will be so happy to see you!”

Hana nearly jumped out of her skin and covers her mouth. They both turn at the same time to look behind them and see the smiling face of a plump old woman, her white hair tied in a loose braid that reached her lower back, and she wore a white long-sleeved blouse and a simple brown skirt that reached the tips of her shoes. In her hands, she carried a basket full of vegetables that still had dirt stuck on it.

“Lady Kim!” Hana quickly composes herself, “I’m so sorry for not noticing you!”

“Its alright my dear.” The elderly woman says with a fond smile towards Hana. “You have company?”

“Oh! Yes!” Hana responded nervously and lifts both hands up in front of Yoongi as if to hide him, “He works in the castle as well. He’s merely out for a walk and will be leaving.”

“After coming all this way I insist he stay for tea and cake. Natalia has baked a wonderful carrot cake and it would be very bad manners not to let our guest have a slice or two.”

“Thank you. That sounds absolutely divine.” Yoongi said with a grateful smile. He was dying for water after their long walk.

“Then lets not linger out here any longer. Come! The children will be glad to see a new face.” Lady Kim says as she walks past them. Hana casts a worried glance at Yoongi which he chose to ignore and promptly follows the elder inside.

“Your Highness!” Hana angrily whispered under her breath at how reckless he was being but nonetheless she follows after the two.

The moment Yoongi stepped inside the orphanage, he felt surprisingly calm and warm. There was an inviting aura to the place. It felt nostalgic and homey. The wooden floors with toys lined up, the columns decorated with colourful childish drawings, and the large antique furniture’s that become part of a make believe world for the playful children. It was nothing like Yoongi had imagined. He felt bad for stereotyping orphanages as sad old places. He looks ahead of him, the elder guiding them to the dining room, and asks “This place is a lot bigger on the inside. It looks amazing.”

“Thank you! This home was turned into a orphanage by my great grand uncle when he realised he could not have children of his own. He decided to help those in need and the family has been helping him run the place over the years. We have other volunteers as well who help keep the estate in good shape.” Lady Kim proudly mentions while showing him the portraits of groups from different decades that hung on the wall. She then lead them to the dining hall where they were served tea and cake, much to Yoongi’s delight, and she continued on discussing the orphanages long history and the different struggles they had to overcome.

“Is there anything I can do to contribute?” Yoongi asked while taking another slice of cake.

Lady Kim tapped her fingers on the hardwood table as she thought about his offer, “We could use more volunteers especially during harvest season.”

Hana, who had remained silent the whole time for fear of revealing her companions true identity finally spoke up, “No! I mean he meant to say financially contribute since his work at the Palace keeps him much too busy for any volunteer work.”

Yoongi caught sight of Hana’s intense stare and realised what he said, “Ah! Yes! That’s what I meant. I can even put in a request to the King.”

“The King...” the elder mused over his words not noticing the wide eyed stare Hana was giving a very apologetic Yoongi. She then smiled brightly and responds, “Oh, don’t trouble yourself my dear. The King has already donated a huge amount of herbs that will last us for a year or two. However, it is a shame that none of us here know how to use it for medicinal purposes and have been using only those that we know are safe for the kitchen, which frankly is very little. I fear we may be wasting such precious ingredients.”

A light bulb lights up in Yoongi mind and he confidently offers a solution, “I know a doctor that’s currently looking for work!”

“Oh! That would be great!” Lady Kim beamed at the idea but just as quickly frowned when she realised another problem, “But I fear we don’t pay as high as those in clinics which is why we don’t have one.”

“Then what happens to the children if they become unwell?” Yoongi asks.

“The children only get a general check up once a year by a local doctor and when they become sick we pay for a doctor out of our own funding.” Lady Kim spoke sadly. Hana nodded along knowing about the situation from visiting so often.

Yoongi patted his chest and boasted, “Don’t worry Seokjin has a kind heart and he would not mind the pay at all. He puts helping others above all else.”

“He sounds wonderful! Please do ask him for me.” Lady Kim said gratefully and held Yoongi hands.

Hana stood up abruptly as she saw the elder touch the King, her chair nearly topping over as the other two stare at her in confusion. “I-I think we’ve taken much of your time Lady Kim. We best be heading our way back to the castle before it gets dark.” Hana said in a rather louder tone than intended.

“Will you not see the twins before you go?”

“I think she meant that I need to be going now. I still have much to do tomorrow and I fear there may be others looking for me back in the Palace.” Yoongi interrupts before Hana could say anything and gives her a sheepish smile, knowing full well the anxiety he’s caused her. “Hana will stay and see her siblings. She’s come so far it would be a shame if she doesn’t spend the night her with them.”

“That is true. They would love to spend more time with you. Your last visit was much too short.” Lady Kim said with a hopeful smile.

“...okay. I actually was hoping to spend the night.” Hana shyly responded. The blush in her cheeks and the way she nibble at the nail of her right thumb served as a reminder to Yoongi at how young she is and needs to take a break from the stress of working in the Palace.

“Well then Lady Kim,” Yoongi gallantly bows his head to her, “I’ll be off. Thank you again for the tea and cake. I fear if I don’t go now I’d finish the whole thing.” As the elder is charmed by Yoongi’s manners, he then turns to give Hana a playful wink. Hana had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at the playful King.

“Hana, why don’t you go and find the twins and I’ll escort...heavens! I don’t even know your name!”

“Its Agust D.” Yoongi blurted out before his brain can catch up to his mouth. He quickly looks at Hana, whose wide eyed stare of disbelief makes him look back at the elder.

Lady Kim’s nose scrunched up at the odd name, “Dee? I’ve never heard of that surname before.” She repeats the last name over and over.

“I meant Lee! It’s Lee! Ha! Ha! The carrot cake was so good it made me forget my name!” Yoongi bursts out laughing and Hana forces out a laugh to follow along.

Lady Kim doesn’t laugh with them but thankfully she accepts his words and smiles back when she responds, “August Lee? My what a name. I’ll definitely remember that.”

Yoongi and Hana laughed nervously while giving each other side glances. Their laughter stops when Lady Kim gets up from the chair and gestures for Yoongi to follow her. Hana who had decided to stay says her goodbye to Yoongi and walks off to a separate direction yet constantly looks behind her in hopes that the King doesn’t do or say anything foolish. Yoongi casts her a I know look and walks further away from her line of site. He follows the elder down the hall, listening to her small talk about the children’s activities and how different things were from her younger years. He politely responds with more questions to keep her talking and to keep her from asking questions about him, which the elder doesn’t mind as she grew fond of telling him stories. By the time they had reached the gate, Yoongi worried he wouldn’t be able to leave since she had just started talking about renovations done to the old home, but as luck would have it, they were spotted by one of the staff who needed Lady Kim’s advice.

“Its a shame our talk has been cut short. You did not even get a chance to see the rest of the place or even meet the children. Tell me you’ll visit us again?” Lady Kim requested. Her motherly voice was hard for Yoongi to turn down and he nods.

“I will come visit soon and I'll be bringing Seokjin with me. The doctor I mentioned earlier.”

“Yes, of course. I look forward to meeting him.” The elder happily says and pulls Yoongi in for a hug. She pats his back and wishes him a safe journey back to the castle before she pulls away and holds one of the gates open for him. Feeling rather shy and giddy from the warmth he felt with the elder, Yoongi nearly trips on his own feet as he walks past the gate. He turns back to wave Lady Kim goodbye, when she suddenly says, “If you ever see my grandson in the castle please tell him to take a break and visit this old woman once in a while. He’s been constantly going to there to give financial reports.”

Yoongi chuckled, “I will. What’s his name?”

“Namjoon.” Lady Kim says his name with pure adoration as she closes the gate and waves one last time before leaving. Yoongi could only stand still with his right hand still up and waving mechanically as he watched the old woman go inside the orphanage, his only thought was how Namjoon was going to react when he finds out what he’s done.

Beads if sweat trickled down Yoongi’s forehead despite the cool soft wind brought upon the setting sun. The walk back felt much longer when he no longer sped up to catch up to Hana. It also didn’t help that the wig, despite how glorious it is, was making his head feel hotter which made him produce more sweat, and is now making him incredibly itchy. He stubbornly soldiers on until he reaches the city centre and finds a area with less people.

“Ugh!” Yoongi grunts and roughly takes off the wig. The cool air finally hits his scalp and he breaths out a sigh of relief while massaging his scalp and fixing his hair. He decides to lay low for a while to cool down before continuing on his way back to the castle. He sorely wished he had asked Namjoon’s grandmother for a horse on the way back. “Crap!” Yoongi groaned when he remembers their connection again, “She’s his grandmother. How am I suppose to bring it up? Actually maybe I shouldn’t say anything. She doesn’t know who I’am so what’s she going to tell him? A blonde worker from the castle came for tea and cake and suggested a doctor who so happens to be living in the very same castle a job. It sounds completely simple and in no way connected to me.” He says quite proudly to himself despite walking nervously back and forth. He can already feel Namjoon’s scrutinising stare. It made him sweat more. Yoongi stopped his pacing and leaned against the stone wall, tucking the blonde wig underneath his vest and proceeds to wipe his forehead. Lying low in a back alley was not how he intended to spend his free time especially after what happened last time. He thinks about what to do next when the rumbling sound of footsteps and voices calling out in unison surprises him. It sounded like they were dragging something heavy. Curiously, Yoongi walks closer to the source for a peak and he ends up at the other end of the alley and is surprised to see different wooden stalls being set up at the centre of merchants strip. The source of the noise earlier were a group of men repositioning a four tiered bench. The area was still bare, hardly any decorations, and the stalls had no display yet, making the massive fountain in the middle stick out.

Farmers market?, Yoongi thought as he hid his hair under the hood of the cloak and stepped closer to get a idea of what they were doing. A woman carrying a wooden sign board with fresh paint walked past him and Yoongi suddenly blurted out, “What’s going on here?” within her ear shot. She stops to look at him from head to toe, finding it odd that he wore his hood up as the sun had set, but nonetheless she answers him, “We’re starting the preparations for the Kings one week birthday celebration. Its always a competition on getting the best spots to set up shop.”

“His birthday is tomorrow?” Yoongi blurted out in a slight panic. If he remembers all the anime and manga he’s seen, the Kings birthday was always massive and grand. There has been no rehearsal dinners or whatever it is that rich people do to prepare for super fancy life changing events. Yoongi felt robbed of time. He needed more time. Everything was going so fast. What if the birthday party triggers a event in the game he has not even prepared for? What happened to the heroines own birthday event? Is there even going to be another birthday event?

“What?! No! His Majesty’s birthday is in the middle of the week. We celebrate before and after, making it a week long festivity.” The woman corrected him rather sternly which helped Yoongi cut his train of panicked scenarios.

“Middle of the week...so tomorrow is the start of the festival?” Yoongi asked while recalling what the middle day of the week was.

The woman looked offended and surprised at this point and huffed, “Tomorrow is not the start of the festival! It is still in three weeks time. How do you not know this?”

Finally sensing the woman’s suspicion, Yoongi coughed up a “I’m from far south.” excuse in hopes to get her to leave.

“Did you live under a rock down South? Everyone from Aëte kingdom knows of our Kings birthday. Even those from far north despite not having any good relation with our Kingdom.” She asked sceptical of Yoongi’s excuse and moves closer to see his face clearly under the hood.

Yoongi stepped back and laughed, “Ha! Of course I know! I was just testing to see if you knew! Which you clearly did! So you pass the test!” Yoongi continued on laughing while dodging the woman’s gaze and hurriedly walks away from her. He could hear her call out to him which made him walk even faster to avoid the strange stares the others were giving him. No longer concerned with where he was going, Yoongi turned uninhabited corners and walked down cobbled paths as far as it reached until he was sure he was not being followed and no eyes were on him. He huffed and bent over, hands on his knees, as he tried to steady his breathing. The cramping on both his calves made him aware that he’s walked far enough. Yoongi stretched to ease the ache then hobbled towards a empty bench to sit down. A groan escaped his lips when he finally sat down and took the weight of his tired feet. That feels so much better, Yoongi thought and leaned back against the wooden bench, “But where am I?”

He pulled down his hood and looked around his surroundings. He realised that the sky had darkened and his source of lights were the street lamps and the light reflected from within the windows of the far houses. The place was not familiar to him and there in front of him was a fork in the road leading towards opposite directions. Both ends pitch black. If he was being honest he really hoped the butler would have found him by now so he can get a ride back to the palace. The sudden cold gust of wind made Yoongi shiver and he knew then he couldn’t waste anymore time. At the middle of the divided roads stood a tall post with two street signs pointing the way. Taking the chance that one of them will lead him back to the palace, Yoongi gets up begrudgingly and walks closer to inspect the signs.

Going left is Garnet Lane and to the right is Aevon river. Yoongi read the signs and pictured the map of the capital city to figure out which road to take. He should know this by heart after all the studying he did but for some reason the memory of his sister talking about the game invades his thoughts. “That’s right” he snapped his fingers, “Aevon river has a female only inn that provided safe refuge for the heroine when she was in hiding. They made it difficult for the villain to search the place. I wonder...”

Yoongi stares at the long dark road. The river is located farther away from the Palace and is known to have pubs that catered to a much more rowdy and wilder crowd. The area is also rumoured to host black market dealings but no official could find proof and no one from the area speaks of it. It remained a dangerous place to venture at night for those unfamiliar with the place. Yoongi knows it’s foolish of him to go alone especially when he is unprepared yet he felt a strong urge to see the Inn. To see if she was here. To see for himself the heroine that would lead him to his death.

His feet slowly walk down the path to Aevon river, the night grew colder and quieter down the road. It reminded Yoongi of late night drives down the long empty tunnels back home. It left him with a sense of calm despite the eeriness the emptiness can bring. Yoongi then heard a small noise and he knew then he was near the end of the road and onto the riverside. Street lamps begun to light his way which he was thankful for while walked further down to look for the inn. It had the same name with the river if he remembered it correctly. He carefully dodges two drunkards being thrown out of a bar, quickly walks past a group of women who he thinks were trying to get solicited by him, and jumps over a drunk man who suddenly fell asleep on the road while other people either laughed or ignored him completely. Yoongi began to wonder of his memory was wrong when suddenly a hooded person in a dark blue cloak runs past him from behind, hitting his left shoulder in the process.

“Watch it!” Yoongi scowled and gripped his shoulder. The offender did not even look back and continued to run away. Tired and angry, Yoongi opened his mouth to vent out his frustration when six more people in black cloaks ran past him at great speed. Yoongi felt the malice in their aura as they chased after the first one. He told himself it was not his concern. He told himself not to get involved. He told himself to walk away.

Yet couldn’t let go of the hostile aura he felt earlier. It didn’t feel right to ignore it. Yoongi dashed after them without even thinking of a plan. He only had a dagger with him and had it been the true villain, it would be enough to dispatch six people but this was Yoongi. The one who only ever used a knife to cook food.

“Hey!” Yoongi yelled when he saw the black cloaks circling their target. Two of the black cloaks turned to stare at him and Yoongi got a glimpse of their faces. One had a new broken nose, which Yoongi wonders if it was the cause of this chase, and the other had a busted lip, which definitely confirmed the cause of the chase. In the middle he could see the blue hooded figure holding up their hands defensively. Their height was shorter than the black cloaks and the small slender wrists had Yoongi deducing that the blue cloak is female. His eyes widen and his heart raced at the possibility she could be the heroine.

“FUCK OFF!” the busted lip growled at him.

“THE FUCK DO YOU WANT?! GET OUT OF HERE!” busted nose yelled at Yoongi.

Yoongi felt his palm sweat as he help the dagger tightly, “Leave that person alone! If this is merely a brawl gone wrong then don’t you think you’re going overboard with six against one?”

“So you want to play hero then eh?” busted lip snarled and charged menacingly towards him with a knife in his hand. He swings the knife and Yoongi jumps back, but the sharp tip still catches him on the arm, striking painfully as blood drips on the ground. “You’re going to die hero!” the man laughs. Yoongi clenched his fist and lunged forward with his dagger. The man, who clearly had more experience with face to face combat would have easily dodged Yoongi’s attack and stab him back without breaking a sweat, but a sudden weight befell his limbs. It stopped him from moving and before he could even blink, Yoongi slashed him from cheek to jaw, missing the vital vein that would have been fatal. He screamed in agony and falls down on the ground, clutching at his injured face.

“Asshole!” the broken nose man shouted and lunged towards Yoongi with a dagger. Yoongi steps back and parried against the blows with own dagger. It was hard for him to block the attacks with the smaller blade but another person’s life depended on him. Sweat trailed down Yoongi’s cheek and neck the farther he was being pushed back by the other. He could feel his arm getting heavy as he desperately tried to stand his ground. His injured arm began to sting and more blood stained his clothes. Broken nose sneered as Yoongi’s movements began to slow down. He taunted viciously and swung even more wildly. A loud clash of metal pushed Yoongi’s hand upwards, exposing a opening for the other to slash his chest. Yoongi cursed and held his breath but his attacker suddenly froze still for a second before falling face first on the ground with a knife lodge at back of his skull. Yoongi felt his heart race.

“FUCK!” the bruised lip man screamed, still clutching at his bleeding wound which had gotten much worse. His target had been Yoongi but the knife he threw ended up in the wrong person.

“You idiot! He had him! Why did you interfere?” one of the black cloaks left behind yelled.

“ACK!” blue hood had stabbed one of the black cloaks chest while they were distracted and jumped over him as he fell to the ground. The remaining black cloaks quickly ran after their target.

“No!” Yoongi called after them and followed. Only three remained and Yoongi hoped the dark magic within him awakens for him to use...or at least trigger his memories at sword fighting like he did with the mountain.

“You!” one of the black cloaks spat out when he saw Yoongi tailing them. He stops and turns his attention to Yoongi. In his hand was a club that had dried blood stained at its handle. Yoongi waits for the other to make a move, despite the agitation in his heart for the blue hoods safety. If she was the heroine then she’s in great danger. None of the main leading men were nearby. There is no one to help her but him. The man lifts up his club and charges towards Yoongi, ready to take him down with one hit. He swings and misses, just as Yoongi ducked down. The club hits a street lamp, leaving a dent from the amount of force the man possessed. Yoongi looked up and a image of a smashed watermelon flashed before his eyes. He swallowed hard and dodged out of the way before the man could take another swing at him. Yoongi steadied his stance and threw his dagger, aiming for the man’s legs to stop him from chasing them but instead it hits the man directly at his left eye. The man roared in pain while Yoongi grimaced. Screaming in agony the man turns in circles with a dagger sticking out. Yoongi grit his teeth and wanted to tell the man not to pull it out however it was too late and the dagger was pulled out harshly, spurting blood all over the walls and pavement, the screams grow louder until finally he falls limp on the ground. Yoongi had never been the squeamish type especially after all those failed assassinations attempts on his life when he first arrived but that sight made him queasy. He doesn’t know if it is due to the amount of blood loss or the pained screams or maybe it was both. Yoongi shook his head and slapped his cheeks to pull himself together. You’ve seen worse! Those memories in the battlefield was much more gruesome! Pull yourself together!, Yoongi scolded himself and continued down the patch to where the other two where chasing the blue cloak.

“Please let me reach her in time.” Yoongi muttered as he pushed himself to run faster. He caught up to them just in time when one of them had the blue hood slammed against the stone wall. The blue hood coughed from the impact and fell to the ground. Angered, Yoongi yells to get their attention and rushed over.

“Who the fuck are you?!” The taller of the two black cloaks snarls back in frustration.

“Shit! I thought it was you screaming in pain earlier.” The shorter one, who had pushed the blue hood violently against the wall, cursed at Yoongi. Both their attention was now on Yoongi, finding him much more of a threat than their initial target. The shorter one unsheathed his sword while the other held a heavy axe with both hands.

Where are my royal guards when I need them!? Yoongi groaned when he realised he had no weapon of his own. He told himself that if he gets out of this alive he’ll spend more time in the training grounds. And somehow this feeling gave him a sense of déjà vu.

“You must be so desperate to die, hero.” The taller man taunted as the sharp edge of the axe glinted from the moonlight.

Yoongi saw they were surrounded by closed shops which would make the possibility of anyone coming to help him slim to none. “Ha! Big talk from someone whose down four assholes.” Yoongi taunted back with a smirk.

The tall man growled and lunged towards Yoongi. Taking advantage of the reckless action, Yoongi side steps away fast enough to knee him in the stomach. The tall man coughed and winced to the side. Yoongi cursed under his breath, hoping that he hit hard enough for him to fall in the ground but instead he recovered fast and was even more angry at Yoongi. He charged again, this time bringing his axe downwards to cut down Yoongi. Yoongi dodged just as the axe hits the ground however he does not see the smaller man behind him who strikes his sword down, slashing his back. Yoongi didn’t have time to react from the pain when the axe swings upwards and cuts his left thigh. Blood stains Yoongi’s lips as he coughs and staggers away from the two. The wounds are deep and the blood loss starts to make his body tired. Yoongi refused to die now and restart. He knows this is not his end and reincarnation would make him more prepared yet a part of him wonders if everything will be the same when he wakes up. Will he meet everyone just as he met them now? Yoongi shakes his head and stands up straighter. He clenched his jaw from the pain and refused to give them anymore satisfaction from seeing him suffer.

“End of the line hero.” The smaller man teased with a wretched grin and the tall man laughed.

Yoongi’s breathing becomes short and shallow. His vision blurs as the two move towards him. Yoongi could hear laughter. Everything goes pitch black. His senses dull and when the light returns, he finds himself standing in the middle of his throne room. Not a single candle lit. Not a single light turned on. The empty room was cold and dark as Vhóel’s banners swayed despite the closed windows. The only source of light came from the sword that floated in front of him. Yoongi recognised it immediately. It was his. The very sword that grew heavy in his hand and at the same time light as a feather when he sparred against the mountain. The bloodstone shone bright at the pommel and black leather tightly bind the grip. At the centre of the black cross guard is the dragon representing the symbol of Vhóel’s sigil, the quillons edge curved downwards which made it look like claws gripping down to trap enemy blades. Etched on the blade are insignias from the ancient tongue from Vhóel first ruler. Yoongi reached out and took the sword. The grip was cold against his skin but it felt right. Like this was how it should be. The blade started to shine too bright for Yoongi to handle and he closes his eyes instinctively. Memories flood his mind too quickly for him to grasp. A young Namjoon smiles at him. A woman dressed in royal garments stares blankly at the white roses. An dark abandoned temple. The old King setting fire to old paintings. A horrified young Namjoon. The embrace of his governess. Him running in fear in a forest. The screams of people in burned down houses. The mountain striking him over and over with his broadsword. The frightened look from a dying soldier.

“STOP!” Yoongi bellowed in anguish. He felt his lungs burn with every breath he took. Yoongi gasps for air and staggered backwards until he losses his footing and falls on his behind. Panting, he tries to calm himself and lifts his arm to wipe of the sweat that blurred his vision when he was surprised to see that he was holding the sword in his right hand. Blood dripped down to the ends of the blade and onto the ground. Shocked, Yoongi looked up to see the dead bodies of the two men from earlier. They lay in a pool of blood, limbs separated from their bodies and their eyes frozen in fear. “What?! What the fuck!?” Yoongi trembled. The blade grew heavy again but Yoongi does not let go. He holds on tighter. Trying to find answers. Trying to get his memory back.

“Ngh..” the blue hood groaned while their consciousness returned.

Yoongi snaps out of it and looks behind him to see the blue cloak slowly sit up, unaware of what had happened. He gets up on his feet and is surprised again to find that his injuries had healed so quickly. The blue hood winced in pain when standing and Yoongi brushed away his questions to help the other first. He went to stand by her side and offered his arm for support, “There is a safe place nearby for you to stay tonight. No one will bother you there and you can get the first aid you need.” Yoongi softly said and encourages her to trust him. Still in a daze with a throbbing headache, the blue hood could only nod back. Delighted that she did not argue with him, Yoongi walks her away from the area, making sure to block her sight from the dead bodies and walks further away. Yoongi anxiously looks up at the different signs hoping to find the inn.

“FIND WHOEVER DID THIS!” Yoongi looked back behind them as the shout of rage disturbed the quiet night. No one was following them yet but if he didn’t hurry they would soon be in their backs.

“They had more companions?” Yoongi groaned and saw the blue hood nod weakly. Sighing, Yoongi holds her tighter and says, “We should hurry!”

They both walk faster until they reach a three story building by the edge of the river. The sign board Aevon Inn was a shining beacon of light to Yoongi. He excitedly tells his companion who unfortunately loses their footing. Yoongi catches the blue hood before she falls and pulls her close. He then lifts her up and carries her towards the inn. The blue hood panics and covers their face in embarrassment. Yoongi quickly glanced and thought, Tiny waist and light built. She must either be the same age as Hana or just petite. Shame I cant see her face. I’ll have to deal with those pursuing her first then go back to talk to her.

A bell rings signalling the arrival of a guest. Yoongi carefully sets the blue hood down on one of the chairs and takes out a pouch filled with silver coins. A middle aged woman comes down the stairs in a hurry to greet the guests but eyes Yoongi curiously. She was not bothered at all that he carried a blade or that his clothes were stained in blood, most likely it was not the first time she saw this, but he could tell she was ready to throw him out of he insisted on getting a room. “Hello madam, I’d like one room for my companion. She needs a place to stay the night and if its not much of a bother, a hot meal and bath.” Yoongi charmingly says as he drops the heavy coin purse on her eager hands.

“My my! Yes of course! I’ll make sure she gets what she needs.” The innkeeper smiled brightly. Two younger woman with unsheathed swords came down shortly and stood protectively behind her.

“Well then I’ll be off.” Yoongi says much to the delight of the innkeeper who did not want to have to argue with him. He walks towards the blue hood and smiled rather confidently, “This inn only accepts female guests and they will refuse entry to anyone looking for trouble, especially men. Rest easy here tonight and recover from your injuries.”

The blue hood stood up and wanted to speak however Yoongi had already rushed out the door to confront those that were looking for them before they could find the inn.

“Now my dear. Let’s get you to your room. You’ll be safe here tonight. We have hot water in the bathtub faucet and ill fix you up a hot meal.” The innkeeper says as she pulls out a set of keys from the pocket of her dress. The blue hood nods and follows her up the stairs while the two younger women stay downstairs to keep guard for the night. The innkeeper opens a vacant room at the second floor and leaves the guest.

The room was decorated with the bare necessities. It was simple and clean. The bed was big enough for one person to rest properly and the sheets smelled of lavender. A vanity table and a wardrobe to store belongings, both antiques but well kept and sturdy. All would have been wonderful had the blue hood not been in a foul mood. The door closed and the blue hood came off to reveal pink luscious hair. With clenched fists, the blue cloak was harshly thrown down on the floor and stomped on.

“Did that jerk mistake me for a woman?!”

Chapter Text

Yoongi walked at a slower pace than he normally would inside the castle. Arriving at the dead of the night provided him the solitude he needed after what he went through. The royal guards say nothing as he walked past them, knowing full well to keep the Kings business in secret. The head butler gasps when he saw the King enter his chambers and quickly follows behind him. He keeps his mouth shut but couldn’t help but worry at the state the King was in. Yoongi had a blank stare in his eyes and his clothes were caked in blood and dirt, it was hard for him to figure out if the King had any injuries that needed treating.

“Make sure no one enters my room.” Yoongi spoke in a deep tone that held no room for questions.

“Yes of course, Your Highness.” The butler says as he continues to follow behind him.

Yoongi leaves his sword in the table and walks towards the bathroom, slowly dropping his cloak and shirt on the ground. The butler silently picks the discarded clothes off the floor before the blood stains the carpet and the marble floor. Yoongi gets inside the massive tub while the butler turns the levers to let hot water flow. Yoongi then leans his head back as the water fills the tub. He can hear the butler opening the wardrobe and taking out what he believes are clothes for him to change into.

“Leave me.” Yoongi instructs loud enough for the butler to hear, “I don’t want any of the maids in my room tomorrow. No one.”

“As you wish, Your Highness.” The butler takes the rest of the dirty clothes and doesn’t blink an eye when he takes the blood stained blonde wig. Yoongi knows he’d throw them away and doesn’t say a single word to stop him. They were damaged beyond repair anyways.

“Before I forget, instruct Hana to bring Seokjin to the orphanage in the morning. She will know what I’m talking about and...” Yoongi adds and the butler stops to listen, “Make sure they take a carriage with them. It’s a long walk.”

“It will be done.” The butler says and leaves the room. Yoongi sinks further into the bath, letting the hot water do its work in relaxing his muscles. He tilts his head back and stares at the ceiling, recalling the events of the night. He never got the chance to go back to the inn and check if she was alright. Five more men had chased after him when he diverted their attention away from the inn. Foolishly thinking he could shake them off, they had caught up to him in shortcuts he was not aware off. Clearly those men were much more familiar with the layout of the place than he was. Every corner he turned or space he hid, they always seemed to find him. Eventually he had to fight them to get away. Yoongi lifts up his hands. It amazed him how his body moved during the fight, how fast he felt he was going and the strength he had. He turns his arms slightly then looks down on his chest and torso, remembering the wounds inflicted on him yet healed as quickly. A deep exhale escapes his lips and Yoongi sinks further into the water. He wonders if she is worried about him too.

“nngh..” Yoongi groans with one eye slightly open, peering at his surroundings. The room remained dark save for the small line of sunshine seeping in at the bottom of the dark heavy velvet curtains. The thin line was much too bright for a morning sunrise and Yoongi suspects he may have slept till the afternoon. It looks like the butler did what I asked him., Yoongi thought as he pushed the blankets down and stretched. His back ached, mostly from staying in one position for so long, and he also felt his stomach growl. It was definitely time to get up.

“I wonder how he dealt with my absence today?” Yoongi spoke to himself, wondering about all the work he had left behind for the head butler to deal with. He moves to the edge to plant his feet firmly on the carpet, bracing himself for a migraine or dizzy spell, but he was surprised to see himself standing tall without any problems. After what his body went through last night, he was positive the dark magic within was used yet he did not feel any repercussions. At least not yet. If all he’s read about how it feeds off his own body as compensation then he’d be due a backlash soon.

“I wonder if I should say anything to Seokjin?” Yoongi muttered but quickly shook his head, “No, I shouldn’t. I could end up hurting him.” Yoongi walks over to one of the windows and opens the curtain halfway. His eyes squint from the sudden invasion of bright light and he turns his back to the window. Seokjin and Hana should still be at the orphanage, and I highly doubt Namjoon came to visit me today. Yoongi let out a long yawn, contemplating if he should go back to bed, however his hunger won him over and so he walked towards the bathroom. Maybe I can quickly stop by the inn to see her. If it is the heroine then I might secure my safe ending sooner than planned. Plus the upcoming birthday makes me nervous. I don’t remember this event in the game.

Yoongi momentarily stops his thoughts and takes a brisk wash in the bathroom then chose to wear the first set of clothes he can find. It wasn’t too hard for him since the majority of his wardrobe consisted of black. Any additional colors he wore were the result if his maids dressing him up to look more stylish. Yoongi without his maids, is basically him wearing black trousers, a loose black long sleeved shirt with a deep vline since he was too lazy to figure out how to tie the laces, and knee high black boots. He did not bother to comb his hair back and let his bangs hang down freely. Overall, it was a look that would make the head butler and governess foam in the mouth. Had it been night time they wouldn’t bat an eyelid but in the middle of the day with the possibility of a high ranking noble visiting the castle, it was unacceptable. The King is perfect after all.

Yoongi fastens the leather sword belt on his waist and secures the sword in its scabbard. He noticed the shine in the blade and wondered if the head butler cleaned it last night while he slept. Ggroowlll “Yes yes, we’re getting food.” Yoongi said with one hand pressed on his stomach. After experiencing the hunger that twisted him from the inside, he can safely say this was not it. After having a meal, he knows he will feel better.

He steps out of his room, silently walking past the guards outside his room, and continues heading down to the dining room. He thought about going to the kitchen to grab coffee and bread but thinking about the mess he did yesterday it was best he steered clear.

“Is he at the greenhouse again today? Do you think he’ll read my future?” a maid walking just ahead of Yoongi asks her colleague, both unaware the their King was behind them.

“If you beat the other servants waiting a turn then yes.” The other maid giggled. “I just want to go and stare at his gorgeous face.”

The two girls swooned and Yoongi immediately slowed his stride to put more distance from them. Future? They must be talking about Taehyung. Yoongi felt a pang of guilt hit his chest. I never did get a chance to ask how he’s been since that argument with Seokjin. He might think I don’t care about his wellbeing...I should see him to say hello before heading back to the inn. Making up his mind, Yoongi walks a different path towards the greenhouse. It was easy to find considering it’s massive size and glass casing that shimmered like crystals under the sunlight, but what impressed Yoongi the most was the crowd of Palace staff blocking the entrance. His curiosity peaked and he walks towards the crowd. At first, a few of the staff by the entrance that recognised him quickly left, then slowly the whispers grew and the crowd dispersed, bowing a hasty greeting to the King before leaving, until it was only Yoongi, Taehyung, and a unsuspecting maid, left in the greenhouse. The young maid stared eagerly at the tarot cards while Taehyung spoke to her. He wore a loose fitting white cotton shirt with green embroidery at the hems, light brown trousers, and his hair slightly ruffled and wavy. His long slender fingers delicately trace the edges of the card, his head tilting slightly to one side making the dangling earring sway, and his lips form a mischievous smile. Like a secret was shared for only the two of them to hear. Yoongi felt drawn to him...and a hint of jealousy.

Taehyung meets his gaze but continues to speak to the maid. He finishes her reading, much to the maids delight, and smiles when she thanks him over and over. In her excitement she reaches over to touch Taehyung’s hands but is quickly pulled backwards by Yoongi. The maid, initially thinking it was one of the other maids in line, opened her mouth to curse but immediately felt her throat seize when she saw the face of the King. She yelped, knocking the chair down and bows repeatedly, apologising profusely to Yoongi then quickly runs away before Yoongi could say anything.

“Are you here for a reading, Your Majesty?” Taehyung asked as soon as they were alone. He still had the same mischievous look from when he did the maids reading.

Yoongi picks up the fallen chair and sits across him. “Sure, why not. Who isn’t curious about their future.” He responds casually, playing along while he tries to figure out Taehyung's true feelings.

Taehyung doesn’t speak, the same smile remained on his face as he shuffles the tarot cards and then puts them in one pile in front of Yoongi. He rests the palm of his hand on top of the deck, concentrating in silence which made Yoongi feel uncomfortable. Taehyung then lifts his hand away and rests it on his lap, “May I ask that Your Highness reshuffles the tarot cards then divide them into three? Please keep them face have down.”

“Sounds easy enough.” Yoongi says, taking the deck in his hands and doing as instructed. He sets the three in a uniformed line on the table and patiently waits for Taehyung to talk to him. If he was being honest, Yoongi was curious about his future especially now that he believes he met the heroine. He patiently waits while Taehyung flips one of the decks up to reveal the card. After a full minute of silence, Taehyung flips the other deck then the next. No word was uttered and Yoongi grows anxious especially since he doesn’t know what any of the cards design mean. He sees a tower in one card and the other had a angel blowing a horn while the other had...seven cups? Yoongi was thoroughly confused but he still waited for Taehyung to explain. He watches Taehyung's smile slowly fade. His eyebrows knit in silent concentration. Taehyung’s gaze shift from one card to the next and back. In Yoongi’s eyes, he looked as if he was struggling.

“Oh! My stomach!” Yoongi said loud enough to break Taehyung’s concentration. He dramatically placed one hand on the table and the other on his abdomen, “I haven’t eaten since yesterday! I’m so hungry!”

“Your Majesty?”

“Its best I go eat first or I won’t be able to hear your words clearly.” Yoongi said with more pats on his stomach.

“Ah...as you wish.” Taehyung replied despite the bewildered look on his face.

There was a moment of silence again as Taehyung picked up the tarot cards. Yoongi watched how carefully he puts them together in one deck and wraps them in a silk scarf. Yoongi wondered what Taehyung saw when he read the tarot cards laid on the table. He worried if it showed him that he was not from this world or if it showed him that he was the villain that a male lead must kill for the heroine to live.

“You’re making me nervous with the way you stare so intently.” Taehyung spoke to break the awkward silence.

“Oh! I did not realise I was doing that.” Yoongi said, shyly looking away and rubbing his palms on the top of his thighs, “I was wondering...well I don’t like eating alone, so if you’d like to join me...I’d really like the company.”

Taehyung was surprised by the request and held the tarot cards tighter. “Just us?”

“Yes. I can instruct one of the guards outside to get the kitchen staff to bring the food here.”

“Here?” Teahyung repeated.

“The weather is nice today and it reflects from how well lit the greenhouse is today. Don’t you think that the flowers seem more vibrant?” Yoongi explained and smiled as he looked at the rose bushes, one of many flowers that grew in the greenhouse.

Taehyung looked around and saw what Yoongi meant. The sunlight made the glass sparkle like gems and flowers were at full bloom, showing off their colors in all their glory with healthy stems and lush leaves. He couldn’t help but smile brightly to the King, “Yes, Your Majesty is right.”

Yoongi blushed. He was only speaking the truth about the greenhouses beauty but now he thinks Taehyung stood out more. Get it together Yoongi! These male leads are no joke! Yoongi reprimanded himself.

“Excuse me, Your Majesty, I’ll step out for a moment to inform the guards about your desire to eat here.” Taehyung said, standing up from his seat and bowing his head slightly before leaving.

Yoongi could only nod back in response. There was still an air of awkwardness between them. Even after the food had been served and they were eating, it still lingered. They both ate silently while viewing the flowers but once in a while Yoongi glimpses at Taehyung. For him, Taehyung looked lost in his thoughts. Yoongi hasn’t spent much time with him and he finds it difficult to read his expressions. It was easier with others. Seokjin showed how he felt with expressive facial expressions and the way his voice sounded, and Namjoon never tried to conceal his frown or stern glare. He thought about how tricky it was to figure out what Taehyung was feeling but then he realised that there was another person whom he too felt was difficult to read especially behind his smile. I wonder if Hoseok met the heroine?

“Your Majesty.” Taehyung spoke suddenly, breaking Yoongi’s trail of thoughts.

“Hmm?”

“If you’ll please excuse me. I’m coming down with a headache from the reading I did earlier and would like to rest.” Taehyung says, placing his knife and fork down on the barely eaten food.

“I apologise. I didn’t think about your health and made you sit with me. You must have found my company uncomfortable.” Yoongi couldn’t hide the disappointment in his voice.

“!” Taehyung’s eyes widened and he shook his head, “No I don’t. I actually liked that you wanted me to join you.”

Yoongi set the fork down on the table and asked with a sad smile, “Are you upset with me after what happened two days ago?”

“No! How could I be so bold, Your Majesty.” Taehyung responded with his head low. He dared not to look at the King after he heard what happened after he had left the dining hall that day. The servants had been gossiping about it, how the King nearly shattered all the glass in anger at the royal physicians words towards Seokjin. It was scary to learn of the Kings temper but a part of him wondered what it would be like to have someone defend him so passionately.

Bold? Didn’t you move your chair beside me during breakfast and then that time you jumped on top of me despite the head butler’s protests. Yoongi wanted to say out loud but instead he calmly says, “Speak freely with me Taehyung. No one in the greenhouse will bother us and I won’t be upset. You have my word.”

Taehyung remained quiet and still kept his gaze fixated on the ground.

Yoongi tried again, “I didn’t mean to dismiss your concerns but please try to get along with Seokjin. He has helped me with my migraines and I’ve been feeling better. However, I’am curious what you meant by he will only harm me? Since you did not have a chance to explain further last time, I will listen to you now.”

“I-I don’t want to talk about it. I was merely being petty.” Taehyung said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

So he is still upset with me. Yoongi sighed and stood up. He looked at Teahyung who still kept his head low, “I’ll walk you back to your room.”

“There is no need, Your Majesty.”

Yoongi felt saddened by Taehyung’s sudden cold behaviour but he knew not to give up, “I need a walk after eating all this food and I don’t want to let go of your company just yet.”

“Very well.” Taehyung replied and got up. There was no point in arguing with the King. Whether he was happy with Yoongi’s company or not, it was hard to tell.

“You’ve been here for quite some time and I never got the chance to know you.” Yoongi smiled and slowed his steps so he was walking closer to Taehyung.

“What would you like to know?” Taehyung asked, finally lifting his head up but still avoided Yoongi’s gaze.

“Well I already know where your from so...how about you tell me something about your home?” Yoongi asked, this time he looked up ahead of him to try and make Taehyung comfortable. It was a strange feeling when he wasn’t so lively. He wonders if maybe Taehyung did have a headache and it wasn’t merely an excuse he made to leave.

“The temple?”

“Yes, any stories from your childhood or anything really that you’d like to share. I would like to know you better.” Yoongi smiled in hopes to show him he was being sincere.

It was difficult for Yoongi to keep the smile on his face while Taehyung stared intently without uttering a word. Even when they had reached the doorway and Yoongi had finished giving orders to the guards to have a staff clean up the dishes they left behind, he still did not say a word. At this point Yoongi wonders if he should just take it back and tell him they can walk in silence.

Once outside in the open air, Taehyung shifts his gaze to the sky, his expression showed that he was thinking, trying to figure out if he should say anything. He thinks that maybe it’s not so bad to talk to someone outside the temple, especially to someone who risked his life to save him. “I have two brothers and three sisters.” Taehyung spoke softly. It felt strange for him to share a part of his life.

“Wow! That’s a lot! Even with two-” Yoongi stopped himself from mentioning his siblings. Everyone in this world knows the King is an only child. He clears his throat and spoke more calmly, “It must be challenging for your parents to raise so many children.”

Taehyung lightly chuckled when he saw Yoongi’s shocked expression and explains, “The temple is one family even if we are not of the same blood. We are raised by the elders who no longer have the sight and when we get older we will do the same for the next generation.”

“So your abilities are taught and not passed down by blood?” Yoongi asked. He was curious considering the books he read on magic states that it is passed down from one generation to the next. If two parents wield different magical attributes then the one with a stronger bloodline will be inherited by the child. This is why for those of royal blood the successor is always the one who inherited the magic from the original bloodline regardless of who was born first.

“Yes that is correct. Before the elders completely lose their abilities, they are given a vision of the next generation and they will then seek the children to bring them to the temple to receive the goddesses blessing for the cycle to continue.”

Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed when he looks at Taehyung, “What about your birth parents? It must have been strange having someone come to their home and ask for their child.”

“Your Majesty is quite curious about me today.” Taehyung lightly laughed and smiled playfully.

Flustered, Yoongi looks away and replied, “It’s because we haven’t had an actual conversation since I brought you to the castle. I sometimes wonder if you only felt obligated to stay here.”

It was Taehyung’s turn to be surprised, “Of course not! I want to stay. I want to be able to repay you somehow. The head butler mentioned that your birthday is coming up soon and that you’ve searched for a fortune teller to entertain guests, so I told him I’d take on that role if it helps pay the debt I owe.”

“Debt?”

Taehyung stopped and looked at Yoongi to explain, “You saved my life so I’m in your debt.”

Yoongi felt disappointed. Taehyungs words only proved that he was right in thinking he stayed out of obligation. Yoongi sighed, “Nonsense. Anyone would save a person in danger. You don’t-”

“Your Highness, you’re awake!” A door had opened, revealing a surprised head butler who excitedly calls out. His smile falters when he sees the casual outfit the King had put on. It definitely was done without the help of the maids.

“Ah..yeah...” Yoongi smiled at the butler, he felt guilty for having to leave most of his workload for the day to him. Yoongi then saw a familiar frame stand behind the butler, “Namjoon...”

“Your Majesty, I want to go to the room now to rest.” Taehyung spoke loudly and wrapped both hands around Yoongi’s arm. For a split second, Yoongi saw a glare directed towards Namjoon before Taehyung’s expression becomes giddy and his words becomes sweeter. “I really enjoyed watching the beautiful flowers at the greenhouse while having a meal. I’m so fortunate that you thought of me today.”

Namjoon huffs, throwing a disgusted glare at the two and promptly walks past them. He doesn’t wait for Yoongi to say a word and refused to even look back when the head butler calls him.

“I apologise Your Highness. I will reprimand the young viscount for his behaviour.” The head butler quickly says and bowed his head low. As much as he respects Namjoon for his work ethic, he felt extremely upset that a mere viscount did not even greet the King properly before leaving.

“No need.” Yoongi stated flatly.

“Very well.” The head butler nodded despite his disappointment, “If you’d please excuse me, I still have to file these documents for Your Highness to go through later in the evening.”

Yoongi dismissed him and waited until he was left alone with Taehyung. When Taehyung made a move to remove his hold, Yoongi quickly grab hold of his hands and pulled him towards the now empty meeting room. Yoongi slammed the door shut, still holding on a startled Taehyung, and turned him around so he can pin him against the door.

“Your Majesty!?” Taehyung panics at the dark stare Yoongi gave him. His back hit the heavy oak door uncomfortably.

“What are you up to? I don’t understand you at all!” Yoongi growled low, his hands grip Taehyung’s arms to keep him in place.

“!?” Taehyung’s eyes widen.

Yoongi hated raising his voice to anyone. He hated the look of fear people he cared for would give him whenever he got angry enough. And Taehyung was no exception. It pained Yoongi to see the scared expression on Taehyung but he needed answers, “You kept your distance from me, telling me you’re only staying for the birthday to repay me but then whenever I’m with someone you cling to me and act hostile towards the other!”

“Hostile? I’ve not hurt anyone since I’ve been here.” Taehyung defended himself.

“Not physically but the way you look at Namjoon is filled with disdain even during the time when you first met him, and not to mention how you fought with Seokjin! For what purpose are you doing this?” Yoongi asked, staring at Taehyung’s eyes, hoping to find a way to finally understand him.

Taehyung nibbled at his lower lip, “I-I don’t know.”

“Lies!” Yoongi snapped.

“I said I don’t know!” Taehyung snaps back, “The feeling overwhelms me and I can’t stop myself! I become protective towards you and I can’t stand those two even though I just met them! It’s so stupid! I don’t know! I just..I..” Taehyung begins to cry. He struggled to get the words out while large drops of tears flow down from his eyes.

Yoongi softens and releases his grip. Another thing Yoongi hated was making people cry. It was how Minji always got her way with him.

“I shouldn’t have yelled like that. Please don’t cry.” Yoongi gently spoke and pulls Taehyung into a embrace, “I’m just so confused by your actions.” He rubs his back while the younger male cries on his shoulder.

“Please don’t be mad at me.” Taehyung hiccups and nuzzled even closer to Yoongi’s neck.

Yoongi felt his heart being stabbed by guilt for making him cry, “I’m not. I was merely caught off guard by the sudden change in your behaviour. Just...don’t do it again okay?”

Taehyung nodded and hiccupped, making it even harder for Yoongi to stay mad. He still doesn’t fully understand why Taehyung does what he does but for now he’ll let it slide. Yoongi can only hope Taehyung is being honest with him and not turning him into fool.

The sky had turned dark by the time Yoongi entered his room again. It took sometime to calm Taehyung and escort him back to his room. The younger male had invited Yoongi in for tea but he had to decline the offer until he was sure of how he felt towards Taehyung’s actions. There was disappointment in Taehyung’s eyes but he did not push for it and let him go. A heavy feeling weighed on Yoongi as he walked away. His thoughts muddled. He had lost his way a few times trying to get back to his room, growing even more frustrated by the massive castle, and eventually he finds his way after following one of the guards on patrol.

“Mmph” Yoongi huffed as he flopped down on the bed, belly first. His stomach churned and twisted, and he wondered if what he ate did not digest well since he was in a sour mood.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

One of Yoongi’s eyebrows twitch up and he groaned at the noise. Reluctantly he sits up to speak, “Come in.”

Hana enters the room with a bright smile and a tray on her hands, “Your Highness! I brought a slice of cake from the orphanage and freshly brewed coffee to your liking.”

Yoongi smiled. It was hard to be in a bad mood when Hana was so excited with what she brought him. He watched her set it on the table by the fireplace, carefully removing a stack of paper, which Yoongi deduced was the files the head butler wanted him to read tonight, and she then places the documents on his study table by the window. By then, Yoongi had gotten up and walked towards the freshly brewed coffee. He takes a sip, enjoying the warmth and rich taste, momentarily forgetting his worries, and then glances at the cream cake topped with strawberries. I thought she said a slice not half a cake. I don’t think I can finish this. Yoongi takes another sip of his coffee before he asks the question that’s been on his mind, “So, how did the good doctor fair at the orphanage? Did he take the job offer?” Yoongi asked without trying to sound too excited. He initially hoped to be the one to bring Seokjin to the orphanage but he felt too drained to do anything today.

“They adore him! He’s very good with the children and the other volunteers said he’s easy to get along with.” Hana seemed more excited about telling the news that Yoongi wondered if she’d have told him regardless if he had asked or not.

“Your Highness?” there was another knock on the door followed by a slow opening to reveal the shy blonde doctor. Seokjin stood by the door and stared at the King. Yoongi looked much younger when he was not covered in layers of royal garments and jewelled accessories.

“Come further inside. Hana was just telling me about how your day went at the orphanage.”

Seokjin caught himself staring too long and shyly replied as best as he could, “Ah! Yes! It was wonderful. All the volunteers were helpful and the children were lovely. A few have not opened up to me yet but that is to be expected since its only my first day.”

“That’s good to hear.” Yoongi smiled contentedly and sat down on the arm chair by the fireplace. His coffee was finished and Hana had stepped out to bring another. “I’m positive the rest of the children will warm up to you. You have that effect on people.”

Seokjin’s ears turned red from the compliment and he tries to hide it with his hair, “Thank you for recommending me. I initially thought about finding work somewhere in the city so this came at a perfect time.” He walks closer to the King and takes a seat in the other arm chair. The small coffee table in between them with the untouched cake made Seokjin think that Yoongi did not have a sweet tooth.

“Are you getting bored inside the castle?”

“No, of course not. The library has kept me occupied for hours and there are medical books here that I would not have had access to outside. But...I feel that I should be doing more than relying on your hospitality. I told you that I’d find a solution to your condition but all I have are dead ends. It made me feel inadequate as a doctor.” Seokjin's fingers clutch around his knees.

“You were worried about that?” Yoongi chuckled. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. This is something even the legions of doctors the royal family has couldn’t even find a permanent solution too. You’re a great doctor but I think you’ve set an impossible task to achieve in a few days.”

“But if I’m no help to you then I’m nothing more than a free loader.”

Yoongi sighed deeply, “Stop putting yourself down. You’ve helped me twice already and even kept my secret. Its my decision for you to stay in the castle for as long as you want. This place has too many empty rooms for just me and the staff but, if you are feeling restless here then you’re free to leave whenever you want.”

Seokjin tucks a loose strand of hair behind his ear and contemplates for a few seconds before responding, “I did think about finding lodging in the city while waiting for harvest season but I was scared that if I left I’d never be able to return here. After all the castle is not someplace for people to come and go as they please.”

“That’s easy. I can grant you access to the library so they’ll let you in without any trouble.” Yoongi said rather confidently. He was beginning to like having such authority when it helped others.

“I wasn’t concerned about the library.” Seokjin lowly muttered as he looked down.

“Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that?” Yoongi curiously looked at Seokjin.

“It’s nothing.” Seokjin looked up and forced a smile.

“Alright...but should you decide to leave, I can ask Hana to help you find a comfortable place in town.” Yoongi scratched at his lower jaw, “However I’d miss you. I’ve grown quite fond of talking to you and I would prefer if you stayed.”

Seokjin's cheeks flushed as he turned to stare at Yoongi. “I think I’ll stay longer then.” Seokjin shyly looked away and covered his mouth. He still couldn’t figure out how he got the confidence for his brazen speech.

Yoongi rested his chin on his closed hand in a attempt to hide the huge smile on his face. They both were fairly pink in the cheeks when Hana had entered the room with a refreshments.

Hana sets the warm drinks down, coffee for Yoongi and chamomile tea for Seokjin, then bows her head towards the King. “Your Highness, if you’ll excuse me early, I’d like to retire to my quarters to rest. I had quite the day today and need to be up early tomorrow.”

“Of course you may go. We’ll talk more tomorrow.” Yoongi smiled as he relieved Hana from her duties that night.

Seokjin thanked Hana for the day and watched as the young maid left the room. When they were alone once more, Seokjin glanced at Yoongi but could not let his gaze linger long. Instead he looked towards the steady rise of the flames in the fireplace. “Did something happen yesterday? I couldn’t find you and no one would tell me where you were. Not even Hana. I...I was worried about you.”

Yoongi’s eyes widened when he saw the sad expression on Seokjin’s face. He wasn’t used yet to having people in this world worry about him aside from the head butler. Yoongi had gotten used to doing things knowing no one was going to look for him. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to make you worry. I had been caught up in work that I had lost track of time.”

Receiving a apology from the King made Seokjin’s hear beat faster but it wasn’t enough for him to let go of his concerns. “Is that really all? Why did you skip breakfast this morning? Why was no one allowed to enter your room?” Seokjin asked more sternly this time.

Yoongi realised that Seokjin tried to enter his chambers in the morning and was stopped by the guards. He doesn’t want to lie to him but he can’t tell him everything yet. If it was truly the heroine that he saved yesterday then he’d need to be a hundred percent sure he would defend him against a bad ending. Yoongi let a deep breath out then smiled sheepishly at Seokjin, “I did not want you to worry. The truth is last night there was an attempt made on my life.” It is partially true. I did have to fight for my life.

“WHAT!” Seokjin abruptly stood up and stared at Yoongi, “Why are you telling me this now!? Are you hurt?” Seokjin rushed to Yoongi’s side.

“I’m fine! I don’t have any injuries. See.” Yoongi stood up and extended his arms to show Seokjin he wasn’t lying. “I was exhausted mentally from the ordeal and did not have the energy to deal with business today but as you can see I'm feeling better.”

“How can you say that so casually! Someone tried to kill you yesterday and I’m only finding this out now! No one in the castle is talking about it! The guards are still the same! No one is on high alert! What is your security even doing!?” Seokjin was baffled by it all and refused to back down.

Yoongi laughed it off in hopes to calm a hovering Seokjin, “Ah well its not like this is the first time. I’ve lost count at this point.”

Unfortunately it doesn’t calm Seokjin and Yoongi realises he should have used better word choices.

“How can you just laugh about it?” Seokjin looked horrified, “Why do you treat it so lightly?”

“It’s alright. I’m fine.” Yoongi spoke calmly and reached over to hold Seokjin’s hand. He tried to firmly hold them against his chest but Seokjin tore away from him and stepped back.

“What’s the point of figuring out a way to reduce the after effects of dark magic when you don’t even care about your own life!” Seokjin snapped. The look of disappointment in his eyes made Yoongi upset.

“Of course I care about my life! You don’t even!” Yoongi stopped himself from arguing any further and deeply sighed. How could anyone understand him. No one is more determined to live than he is. He looked away from Seokjin and stared into the fire, “Let’s stop here. I don’t want to argue any further.”

Seokjin’s clenched fists tightened, his mouth ready to say more of his thoughts out loud, and yet nothing comes out when he sees Yoongi’s cold gaze. He had seen a flicker of what Vhóel’s King was capable of and he wasn’t bold enough to challenge him further. Seokjin huffed and left the room without uttering another word. The door shuts and Yoongi is left all alone again.

Chapter Text

It wasn’t easy falling asleep when your mind kept coming up with imaginary comebacks to conversations that had ended ages ago. Yoongi huffed and puffed underneath the thick blankets. Every word he wished he had said would rile him up even more. No matter how he fidgeted he could not get comfortable in the plush bed. This only soured his mood even more. It frustrated him so much that they all had no idea how much he valued his life. The lengths he willed himself to go through just so he can go back home. His home.

“How could I treat it so lightly he said!” Yoongi cursed and kicked under his blanket, “If you only knew how scared I was when I first came here!” Yoongi cursed again and pulled the blanket over him in a cocoon. “He’s even one of the causes of my impending death.”

CREAK

Yoongi’s muttering abruptly stopped as he listens to the sound of his door opening. Any other night he would have got up to look but tonight he didn’t give a damn even if it was another assassination attempt on his life. He couldn’t even care less to wonder what happened to the guards posted outside his bedroom. Yoongi closed his eyes and thought of changes he’d make if he went back to the starting point.

“Your highness...”

Yoongi’s eyes sprang open. It was Seokjin.

“I-I was...um...c-can we talk?”

Yoongi frowned. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to face him again so soon. Both his mind and heart was in turmoil.

“Please...”

The sound of Seokjin begging pierced through his heart and he felt it squeeze. It hurt.

Not wanting to give up his pride, Yoongi exhaled loudly to show him he was annoyed and then sat up with a stern expression. He looked at Seokjin directly to make the other fidget from where he stood.

Seokjin shifted his gaze from between Yoongi’s cold expression to the empty side of the bed. He stood just by the bed side and hoped Yoongi would talk to him. The tips of his fingers rub at the hem of his cotton pyjamas while he tries to find the courage to speak again. “I...I-Im sorry about what I said earlier a-and how I behaved.”

“...” Yoongi watched Seokjin struggle to make the words come out. The anger he felt stopped him from helping the young doctor.

Seokjin’s heart pounded so loud he could barely hear the words coming out of his mouth when he spoke again. “When you said you were attacked I just...I...” Seokjin voice cracked, “I was so worried.”

“Why?”

“!” Seokjin finally looks up at Yoongi. The Kings cold gaze made it almost impossible to answer.

“We barely know each other. Why would you be worried?” Yoongi asked further. He told himself he’d keep his mouth shut but the words poured out without thinking.

“Because...” Seokjin bit his lower lip as his gaze falters away from Yoongi’s.

Yoongi impatiently watches how Seokjin struggled to form a sentence. He doesn’t think he can wait any longer and scoffs, “I don’t need your pity-”

“I like you.” Seokjin said at the same time Yoongi spoke.

Startled, Yoongi’s mouth remained slightly parted while Seokjin’s cheeks begin to heat up. He wasn’t sure if he heard it right and if it did then he could mean in it in a general like sense and nothing more.

Seokjin stared with bated breath at Yoongi. The young King’s silence only made it harder for him to breath. He felt his knees go weak and his palms grow cold. He takes another chance and repeats himself, “I said I like you.”

Yoongi flushed. His heart raced and his pride falters. It was hard to stay mad when Seokjin looked determined.

“I said-”

“I know!” Yoongi cuts Seokjin’s third declaration. It was his turn to be embarrassed. He looks away to hide the redness of his skin. “I heard you.”

A small smile formed from Seokjin’s lips. Initially he had been afraid of the Kings rejection but with the Kings current expression and behaviour, he may feel the same or at least he wasn’t upset by him. Seokjin realised how shy the King was to matters of the heart and decided that he should be the more expressive of the two. “My King, can I stay the night?”

Yoongi’s back jerks upright as he stared questionably at Seokjin. Before he could refuse or ask further, Seokjin cuts him off this time, “I can’t sleep thinking about our argument and the thought of someone wanting to harm you. I’d feel at ease if I can stay with you tonight. We can also talk and get to know each other better. That is if you’re not feeling tired.”

He was feeling anything but tired. Seokjin’s boldness took him by surprise. This was something he expected from Taehyung with his mischievous way of teasing him but not from Seokjin. Not from someone as gentle and soft spoken as Seokjin. It confused him. He didn’t know how to interpret the words he just spoke. Did he mean he liked him as a man or did he mean he liked him as a friend? But you wouldn’t share a bed with a friend...no wait that’s actually called a sleepover.

“My King?” Seokjin’s sweet voice causes Yoongi to panic even more. Even the way Seokjin tilts his head slightly was too much for him. Yoongi huffed and laid back down on his bed. He turns to the side away from Seokjin, pulling the covers up to his cheek and remained silent.

Seokjin waits patiently and decided that since the King did not voice out any word of protest against him staying the night then maybe this was his prideful way of agreeing. Seokjin carefully slides into the empty side of the bed, watching carefully for any signs of discomfort from the King. When Yoongi doesn’t do anything, Seokjin slips under the covers and positions himself behind Yoongi’s back. He curls to his side and keeps his hands at his chest, trying to hold back from touching Yoongi. He could see the small movement of Yoongi’s breathing and matches it with his own. Finally he breaks the silence once more, “My parents own a apothecary back home.”

Yoongi’s breathing stills for split second before it resumes normally but it was enough for Seokjin to know that he was listening to him. “A small one. My father had it built beside our home so my mother did not have to travel. It was easier for them to keep an eye on the business and take care of family.”

Seokjin’s eyes continued to follow Yoongi’s breathing. He waited to see if the King would say anything but when there was nothing, he continued, “My father had this patch of garden at the backyard with different medicinal herbs. He was always so strict with us whenever we played nearby. It worried him that we’d ruin the expensive herbs. As you know, up North they are a lot more difficult to grow due to the soil and buying from the South can be pricey if demand is high.”

“We?” Yoongi asked in a gruff voice. He still refused to look back or even lower his blanket.

Seokjin smiled when Yoongi finally spoke to him. A sense of relief washes over him and he wants to reach over and touch him but he keeps his hands together and tells himself not to rush. He answers Yoongi with a small chuckle, “My older brother. Since my parents were busy with the apothecary, we only had each other to play with. It wasn’t easy though. He’s my best friend and my worst enemy at the same time.”

“Mmm.” Yoongi murmured. He knew all too well what Seokjin meant. He was like that too with his own brother before Minji was born. The restaurant was still growing and so it had mostly been just him and his older brother to care for each other. Reminiscing about family made his heart ache.

“He’s still back home running the apothecary. He decided to continue the family business while I pursued a different path.” Seokjin spoke with fondness in his voice. Yoongi could tell he grew up in a home filled with love and happy memories.

“Did you not want to own a apothecary as well?” Yoongi asked. Not that he was overly curious. It was more for the sake of continuing the conversation.

Seokjin beamed at Yoongi’s show of interest. He leans close enough for his forehead to touch Yoongi’s back. Yoongi stilled again for a fraction of a second at the sudden touch yet said nothing. Seokjin blushed and continued talking. Yoongi listened to his stories of how he became a doctor, the interesting patients he’s had over the years, and more stories about his own family. It went on through the night until Seokjin could barely keep his eyes open and falls asleep holding onto Yoongi’s shirt from behind. The young King doesn’t mind and lets the tired doctor sleep undisturbed while he himself rests his weary heart.

“There must be something you want for your birthday?”

Yoongi blinks and notices a remarkably tall woman standing in front of him. She wore a beautiful yet heavily embellished dress with her back towards him as she cuts white roses and hands each one to a maid beside her. The sun shone rather too brightly and it made it hard for Yoongi to keep his eyes open.

“Well?” her gentle voice catches his attention again and he stares back at her. She seemed rather amused that he was taking his time and continued to cut more roses while she waited.

“A puppy.” Yoongi was surprised by a voice of a child appearing suddenly until he realised it came from him. The woman before him wasn’t tall as he initially thought but rather he was in a child’s body. He looks up again to try and see the woman’s face but she kept her back to him. Her hair was dark as night and on the top was a small crown. It was hard for Yoongi to see it clearly however he guesses that the woman was his mother.

“A puppy?” she sounded surprised. She stopped cutting away at the rose bushes and thinks about his request. “Are you sure? It is a huge responsibility and you can’t let the staff do all the work.”

“We can do it!” Yoongi sounded so sure of himself.

The Queen laughs, “Very well since you sound so determined.” She then puts away the large shears in the maids basket and turns to face him, “But who is this we?”

Yoongi wakes up back in his room. Another memory?, he tries to remember more details but he couldn’t remember the woman’s face. He had woken too soon. Yoongi could see the sun shining from underneath the heavy curtains. He suspects the maids will be coming in shortly to help him get ready. Groaning, he moves his arms to stretch when he felt something over his chest. Yoongi looks down and sees an arm draped over him. Startled, he sits up much too quickly for his memory to kick in and ends up pushing Seokjin awake.

“Mmmph...” Seokjin groggily stirs awake only to roll back down to the other side of the bed and go back to sleep.

Yoongi stares at him, suddenly aware of what happened last night and thinks that a cold shower would be perfect right now.

“Good Morning Your Highness!” the maids pop inside in a straight line and greet him in unison.

“Shhhhh!” Yoongi quickly shushed them and gestured to keep their voices down. Hana who entered in last looked at him questionably until she saw the young doctors beautiful sleeping face. She covered her mouth and nodded. The maids go on their usual routine but had to move slower and more carefully to avoid waking the King’s guest.

Yoongi gets out of bed and unties the bed curtains to conceal Seokjin. He decided it was best to let him sleep. He knew all too well how shy he was when there were other people in the room. Yoongi’s been pushed off the bed far too many times.

“Your Highness the bath is ready.” One of the maids say to him in a hushed tone he almost didn’t hear it. Yoongi nods and goes on with his morning routine. By the time he was fully dressed, the head butler arrives to discuss with him his schedule for the day. He merely spares a short glance at the bed, seeing it occupied, then proceeds to talk to the King about work. The head butler's behaviour made Yoongi wonder if this was something he had been used to seeing.

Before Yoongi leaves the room, he stops and looks at the senior maid and instructs her, “No one disturbs him. If he wakes up then attend to his needs. If he looks for me, tell him I’ll be busy all day but l'll see him again tonight.”

How Yoongi managed to say those words with a straight face and not stutter like an embarrassed fool was beyond him. He was merely glad he could still function this early in the morning. Yoongi decided to skip breakfast, he’d take the coffee in the meeting room, and go on his day to make up for his absence yesterday. One day of absence was already enough to make the nobles gossip.

That reminds me, I’ll have to find a way to get more information about this upcoming birthday., Yoongi takes a mental note to talk to the head butler after the meetings. It was a topic he preferred to ask when they were alone.

“Your Highness!” a loud voice fills the hallway.

Yoongi stops to see who called him so loudly within the castle halls. Even the head butler huffed in disapproval. A noble man with jet black hair neatly parted on one side approaches them with a wide grin which Yoongi found rather smug for a face that looked gentle. He felt it didn’t suit him at all. Even the man continues to walk closer Yoongi doesn’t say a word of acknowledgement due to the fact that he did not recognise the person calling him and secondly, it was best to avoid making a mistake of greeting someone by their wrong name or rank.

“Your Grace, may I advise that you maintain proper decorum within the castle ground. Especially, in front of His Highness.” The head butler reprimanded in his usual monotoned voice that gave no other emotion except displeasure.

The nobleman’s lips twitch in annoyance at being scolded by someone of lesser status however he chooses to laughs it off knowing full well who had the head butlers back. There is a saying among the nobles that its better to be scolded by a palace servant and keep on breathing than to be scolded by the King and lose your head.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I have been away too long and have forgotten my manners. Thankfully I made it back on time before your birthday celebration.” The nobleman cheerfully says. He was a foot taller than Yoongi and much older. However, he keeps his head low and maintains his distance, which gave Yoongi the impression that he knew the King’s nature well and they were not close. The familiarity he seems to have towards the King suggested that they knew each other for a long time.

“That is fine.” Yoongi flatly replies. He thinks he’s seen him somewhere before.

“Why don’t you continue this discussion inside? I’m sure the others are waiting.” The head butler interrupts and signals for the guards to open the door to the meeting room. The chatter of the other nobles can be heard the moment it opened.

“Ah yes of course! I’ll be seeing you inside, Your Majesty.” The nobleman apologises with a hasty bow and quickly walks inside the room to greet the other nobles. Yoongi stays behind to give himself a few more minutes for the others to settle before he walks in.

“I apologise for Duke Jeon’s behaviour. His father had him train in one of the military garrisons up in the mountains for two years. It seems he has only recently returned.” The head butler clicked his tongue at the last part.

“Duke Jeon?” Yoongi muttered in surprise. Now he remembers where he saw him before. It was only a short glimpse from when he had the Jeon family rounded up and branded as traitors. “Jungkook.” Yoongi absentmindedly touches his sternum, right where Jungkook had stabbed him.

Having misheard him, the head butlers thinks the King was searching for the younger Jeon. “I believe his grace’s younger brother will not be joining any of the meetings. The Duke is quite set in the old ways of having the first born inherit his title...despite the older sons lack of achievements.”

Yoongi glanced at the head butler in amazement. He definitely needs to sit him down for tea and get him to spill everything he knows about the noble families.

“But enough of my ramblings. We must get you inside for your meetings before they get restless, Your Highness.” The head butler coughs once and bows his head.

Yoongi pursed his lip. He’d rather talk smack about the nobles dirty laundry than listen in to another boring meeting but sadly there was no escaping his duties. Yoongi sighed and straightened his posture before walking inside to listen to a group of nobles who loved the sound of their own voices.

Another migraine settled just between his eyes by the time the last nobleman left the room. The meeting droned on for hours and Yoongi wondered how any of them could functioned without him making all the final decisions. They practically needed his opinion and say from the most trivial of issues to the more personal ones. He wondered if they were all bored with their huge mansions and six meals a day that they kept finding unnecessary drama.

Well everyone except Namjoon.

He ignored Yoongi when possible and only spoke to him if there was absolutely no choice of passing it on to someone else. It stung. Yoongi wasn’t going to deny it. It left a bitter taste in his mouth when Namjoon acted like he wasn’t there. And he still couldn’t figure out what he did wrong. He highly doubts Namjoon is going to tell him. He’d be in a even worse mood if Yoongi asked.

Yoongi slumped back in his chair and breathed out deeply. The migraine wasn’t showing any signs of improving and he wonders where the head butler is now that the meeting was over. Sensing the pain only getting worse the longer he sat, Yoongi gets up to find him instead. As he walks down the hallway, he thinks about Jungkooks older brother and how they greeted each other like old friends. They sat beside each other, which Yoongi did not like. Namjoon always sat beside him during meetings but today he sat opposite from him. Yoongi could hardly keep up with all the nobles talking since he was too distracted keeping an eye on the two. He’s certain he doesn’t like the older Jeon.

A trail of servants carrying small covered silver plates towards the dining room catches Yoongi’s attention and he decides follows them. Curiously he walks inside and sees both the head butler and Hana. The head butler directs them on where to place the plates and at what order. Hana was the last to put her plate down. They remained engrossed in their task that only the guards were aware of Yoongi’s presence. The head butler removes the cover to reveal a slice of cake.

“Are all those cake?” Yoongi couldn’t help but ask. He had moved closer at this point much to the shock of the servants. The head butler nearly drops the silverware and bows his head in greeting. The others quickly follow.

“Yes it’s all cake Your Highness!” Hana beamed as she presented the different assortment of cakes.

“This is merely a taste test for your birthday cake Your Highness.” The head butler answers after a reproachful cough directed at Hana. The young girl sheepishly grins and apologises.

“A taste test?” Yoongi stared in awe at the variety of colors and flavours. “So I have to try all of them then.” His hand reached out to grab the fork but the servants audible gasps and collective whispers made Yoongi stay still. He glanced at the head butler by his side and saw a conflicted expression on him. Only Hana shared his confusion.

“You want to take part in choosing?” he asked sceptically.

“It is for my birthday so it would be nice to know what flavour I’ll be eating.” Yoongi shrugged it off. He already committed to tasting all of them so he wasn’t going to back down now.

“You’ve never had any interest before.” The butler remained sceptic of the Kings behaviour.

“Oh...well I’m interested now. Plus I’m bored.” Yoongi quickly added the last part to lighten the mood. He doesn’t wait for permission and takes one of the plates with a slice of dark chocolate cake. It looked fancy with gold flakes decorated beautifully at the top. Something Yoongi would never try in his world because frankly anything with gold flakes was too expensive to waste money on.

The head butler sets down a glass of water while Yoongi cleans the plate off. He actually enjoyed that slice and was now ready to try the next one which looked like a cloud. The head butler clears his throat, “Your verdict?”

Yoongi stops mid chew from the cloud cake which surprisingly tasted like honeyed milk. The servants gaze at him and the head pastry chef, which Yoongi felt embarrassed at not even seeing her there, had a clipboard in her hand as she eagerly waited for his review. Yoongi swallowed the soft fluffy cake and took a sip of the water to clear his throat.

“The first cake had the right balance of sweetness and bitter taste of cocoa. The gold flakes were a nice touch but they gave no additional flavour which is a waste. This one...” Yoongi placed the plate with half eaten cake down on the table, “Nice and fluffy. Easy to chew and I like the honey taste but its too sweet.”

The head pastry chef scribbled on the papers on her clip board then signalled for a servant to give the King the next plate. Hana then pulls one of the chairs close to the King, “Your Highness, I think it would be best to sit down. There are still forty eight more flavours to taste.”

“What!” Yoongi stared at her in disbelief. He only knew eight flavours off the top of his head. He actually thought the other cakes were just different designs. “Forty eight! You mean there are fifty in total?!”

“Yes! Isn’t the head pastry chef amazing!” Hana cheerfully responded. The other servants nodded in agreement which only made it harder for Yoongi to back out. He had already committed to this so he had to see it through. Even if it meant dealing with a major sugar rush and belly ache at the end. He forced his shocked expression into a neutral poker face of unbothered state and sat down with his back regally straight.

“Carry on.” Yoongi said which made the butler rather happy to see him enjoy himself.

The servants served plate after plate of different cakes in all shapes, designs, and flavours. Yoongi could only take a spoonful before they all stare at him for a verdict and once he was done talking a new plate appeared before him. By the time he ate the peach and brown sugar round cake, Yoongi barely managed to put his hand up to signal them to stop. He just finished swallowing flavour thirty two and he was ready to hurl. He doesn’t think he can continue. Yoongi chugs down the remaining water and it only makes him even more full.

“Dr. Kim!” Hana calls put before Yoongi could say anything to the head pastry chef. Instead he looks towards the door and sees Seokjin shyly waving. Whether it was towards him or towards Hana it didn’t matter. He felt a rush of joy to see him. Seokjin was well dressed in a crisp white cotton shirt, layered with a pink printed silk waistcoat with gold buttons and white trousers. He looked absolutely divine. Yoongi quickly instructed Hana to bring him closer which the young girl was more than happy to oblige. Seokjin smiled shyly at him and walked to his side with Hana. Yoongi pulls one of the chairs for him to sit.

“Thank you.” Seokjins soft voice made Yoongi smile.

“Apologies for leaving you alone this morning. I had work to attend to.” Yoongi did his best not to sound too eager. The palace servants were all around them after all.

“Please don’t apologise. I understand how demanding your schedule must be.” Seokjin replied. He was too embarrassed to tell Yoongi he had been fully awake from the moment Yoongi woke up. Every ounce of courage he had left him completely when he saw Yoongi looking down on him while they were in bed. Pretending to sleep while waiting for Yoongi to leave was his only option to not ruin the moment. The maids had a fright when he jumped out of bed so suddenly when he knew Yoongi was long gone.

“Should we continue, Your Highness?” the head butler leans over Yoongi’s side. Seokjin then looked at the table curiously.

Yoongi chuckled when he saw Seokjin’s expression, “I’m taste testing different cake flavours for my birthday.”

“So many! Have you chosen a favorite?” Seokjin asks while he eyes the empty plates.

“Not yet. I have to finish all before I can give the final verdict.”

“Your Highness.” A kitchen staff places a cup of dark coffee before the King.

The head butler arches his eyebrow at the servants boldness, “His Highness did not ask for this.”

“Its fine. I was about to ask for some refreshments and this will help cleanse the palate.” Yoongi dismisses the servant from the head butlers gaze and drinks the coffee. It was slightly more stronger than what he normally takes.

“Your Highness if you wish for a palate cleanser I suggest wild bergamot and red clover tea instead of coffee.” The head pastry chef quickly speaks up after quietly scolding the staff for being so reckless.

“Very well. Serve a cup for the good doctor as well. I’d like to hear his opinions on the cakes.” Yoongi instructed as he puts a plate decorated with wild berries closer to Seokjin. One of the servants hands Seokjin a silver fork.

“Are you sure?”

“I need all the help.” Yoongi grins. He could tell from the way Seokjin kept eyeing the cakes that he wanted to taste it all. Yoongi takes the first bite and encourages Seokjin to do the same. When he does, Yoongi couldn’t help but smile brightly. The servants blush at the sight of their King’s handsome smile and those serving the cake slices try hard not to fawn over as the head pastry chef gives them a stern look to behave.

Yoongi finishes his cup of coffee by the time they reach flavour thirty eight. Seokjin on the other hand takes sips of the palate cleanser in between and has been encouraging Yoongi to do the same.

“The flavours come out more if you drink this. Its better than coffee.” Seokjin gushes after taking another sip.

“Nothing is better than coffee.” Yoongi chuckled. He hasn’t touched the wild bergamot and red clover cleanser and chose to tease Seokjin more by trying to lick the last drop of black liquid from his cup.

The head butler had to stop the servants from getting the King more. He knew the King was greatly enjoying the company.

Seokjin rolled his eyes and took a bite of the elderflower cake, leaning closer to Yoongi and teasing him back with a subtle lick of his lower lip. Yoongi inhaled sharply and leaned closer. Without breaking eye contact, Yoongi gently removes a small speck of frosting from Seokjins plump lips using his thumb and then licks it, “I think I like this one.”

Seokjins breathing hitches and the servants all look away. Even Hana struggled on where to look and how to remain standing.

“You think or are you positively sure?” Seokjin asked as he commits to memory the way Yoongi’s tongue moved.

Yoongi smiled mischievously and takes a small portion of the cakes frosting. He planned to feed it to Seokjin when suddenly a sharp intense pain hits his chest. “URGH!” Yoongi groaned and dropped the fork. Seokjin panics when Yoongi pushed himself away and clutched at his chest.

“YOONGI!” Seokjin rose up in alarm.

“MY KING!” the head butler calls out and puts himself in between the two. Yoongi grimaced and stepped even further back. He felt his throat close up and his chest felt like it was burned from the inside. The guards enter the dining room and move everyone except the head butler away from the King.

“Let me go! I need to help him! I need to help him!” Seokjin yelled and tried to push away the guards that held him and the servants back. Seokjin continued to call out to Yoongi but abruptly stopped when he sees Yoongi’s face.

Yoongi felt the burn spread down to his arms and when he looks down he saw his veins bulge and turn black. It looked liked black roots spreading all over his body. The excruciating burn became ice cold and unbeknownst to him his eyes had turned completely black. From the iris to the sclera. Pitch black. The black lines gradually faded. His breathing returned to normal and finally so did his eyes. Yoongi stared at his arms which were back to normal and it frightened him not knowing what happened.

“His Highness was poisoned!” the head butler declared with ferocity. “Summon the Royal Physicians and the head of the Kings guards! No one leaves this room until they are cleared of suspicion! No one touches anything! Everything the King has touched, ate, and drank will be tested!”

Seokjin stared in horror. He had only been sitting a few inches away from Yoongi yet someone had dared to kill him and he saw nothing. Could do nothing. His feet moved on its own to run to Yoongi but he was harshly pushed back into Hana’s arms by the King’s guards. In front of him Yoongi stood unmoving with an unreadable expression. The head butler had tried multiple times to get a response from the King yet Yoongi remained silent which only scared Seokjin more.

Poisoned? Me? How...I...what the fuck!? Yoongi struggled to think clearly. Once the black roots in his arm and burn in his chest disappeared, he only had a second of relief until he felt the gnawing deep inside his stomach once more. The migraine hit him soon after and he could barely hear the head butler talk. Suddenly everything around him was making it difficult to calm down. His insides twisted again and he wanted nothing more than to rip his stomach open to make it stop. Yoongi grit his teeth and ran out of the door. His expression so dark no guard stood in his way.

“Yoongi!” Seokjin calls out desperately but it was too late and Yoongi was far gone from his sight. All he could do now was get answers from the one person who knew him well. “What’s going on? How could you have known he was poisoned so quickly?” Seokjin demanded answers from the head butler. Hana shivered behind him but still did her best to support him when he nearly fell from the guards push.

The head butler finally looks at him and spoke in a matter of fact tone, “This is not the first time it has happened. His Highness has learned at a young age to filter out poison from his body with the magic that runs through his veins. Only a fool and a coward would dare harm him this way.”

Yoongi nearly fell over the stairs when he went down on his knee from the sharp stabbing pain on his stomach. He knew he was due a backlash but he did not expect it to come back twice the pain. Without his control he had been using dark magic too frequently. “UGH!” Yoongi winced and forced himself to get up. The only safe place now is somewhere he can be alone. He clenched his jaw and continued on walking to find the closest place to hide.

“Fuck! It hurts so much!” Yoongi seethed. He hated not knowing how to control dark magic. It was a double edged sword that saves and kills him at the same time.

Finally! Yoongi was relieved to have reached an open door. He rushed to get inside not bothering to shut the doors. He barely had time to register where he was when the migraine worsened and he felt as though his skull was being split open with a sledgehammer. Yoongi banged his upper body against a hard wooden table and raked his nails over it until the wave of pain temporarily eased.

“Yoongi?”

Yoongi’s eyes widened and when he looked to his side he saw Namjoon standing a few feet away from him, books in his hand and an expression that showed both worry and fear.

“Are you alright? Is it the migraines again?” Namjoon asked as he walked closer.

Yoongi suddenly felt hungry. The sharp pain shifted to a gnawing sensation all over his body, from the pits of his stomach to the tips of his fingertips and to the edges of his mouth, he felt absolutely ravished. He wanted to bite him. To possess him. He wanted to carve his bones and imprint his soul.

“You stay here and I’ll call for help.” Namjoon informed him and dropped the books to fetch a doctor.

Yoongi didn’t hesitate, he pulled Namjoon roughly into his arms his lips claiming the other violently. Namjoon’s hands tried to push Yoongi away but a throaty moan rose up within him when Yoongi pushed him against the table. Yoongi’s hands groped around Namjoon’s neck, his mouth searingly hot. He consumed him eagerly, searching with his tongue, licking deep into the kiss. Wild quivers of pleasure went through Namjoon, weakening his knees and slowly loosing his will to resist. Their kiss deepened becoming a demanding possession of both body and soul. Namjoon’s body pulsed with a need so profound he felt suffocated by it. He used all his strength to free himself from Yoongi’s hold and pushed past him to bolt out of the library as fast as we could. He could still taste the need, the dark eyes that burned for him. Namjoon shuddered at the intensity and kept running.

The ache deepened inside of him. Yoongi had momentarily gained control of his desires and rooted himself to not grab Namjoon and pin him down the table. He let him run as far as he could away from him. Away from this madness. The migraine had improved slightly thus enabling him to think clearer. He realised that attempting to find his way back to his room in his current state could cause problems especially if he ran into anyone. And with a well staffed Palace that was bound to happen. His only option now was to keep the library door sealed and hopefully sleep it off like he did last time. Taking deep breaths to keep his control despite the gnawing pain in his chest and stomach, Yoongi walked towards the door...only to find another person standing by the doorway.

FUUUUUUCK! Yoongi cursed internally at this intruder. He opened his mouth to yell at them to get out but instead a groan of agony escaped his lips when the migraine worsened again.

“Your Majesty!” a pair of long slender arms wrap around his shoulders for support. “Are you alright? The castle is in utter chaos! They said you were poisoned!”

“Taehyung...get-ugh!” Yoongi grunted and balled his fists so tightly together his nails dug deep into the skin. With Taehyung practically beside him, the need to consume grew even stronger. Yoongi stared at Taehyung’s striking features and wanted to devour him completely. He attempted to speak again and focused on the pain in his palms, “Leave before you get hurt.”

Taehyung looked conflicted once more. It was the same look he had when he had the tarot reading with Yoongi. He steps back and Yoongi sighed in relief, but realises something was wrong when Taehyung looked at him guiltily.

“I saw this happen yet I couldn’t prevent it. I should have tried harder to save you like you did for me that night but I failed!” Taehyung’s guilt stricken voice only fuelled Yoongi’s need to bite deep into his flesh and watch him bleed. The thought frightened Yoongi and he steps backwards. Taehyung’s expression changes to worry when he takes it as a sign of anger.

“W-we'll talk about this tomorrow...” Yoongi trembled and staggered away from Taehyung, “I want to be alone.”

The pain was only getting worse and Yoongi wonders how long he has left before one of his organs shuts down from the dark magics decay. He walked even further back into the depths of the library to hide his pitiful self, until the sharp pain in his gut forces him to lean hard against a bookshelf causing a couple of books fall down from the impact.

“Your Majesty!” Taehyung called out and rushed to him. He had followed Yoongi silently behind and looked to be in the verge of tears.

“Please...” Yoongi strained himself to plead with Taehyung to leave. His body itched to grab the young fortune teller and rip him apart.

“It will be alright Your Majesty.” Taehyung reassured Yoongi and slowly undid the bow of his white satin shirt, “Let me help you this time.”

Yoongi breathing became unsteady. He could see the tremble in Taehyung’s slender fingers as he removed his top, exposing to him his bare chest. “How did you find out?” Yoongi’s voice was gruff.

“You’ll scold me again but I had a look at Seokjin’s notebooks about you. He was gone for most of the day and it wasn’t hard to enter a room without a guard.” Taehyung explained without looking at Yoongi.

“So you broke in his room.” Yoongi chuckled despite the struggle of keeping his pain and his hunger in check.

“I wanted to know what he was doing to you! What his plans are!” Taehyung defended himself.

“You shouldn’t-Ugh!” Yoongi groaned and slid down to the cold floor. The idea of ending it all again felt like an extremely good idea.

“I don’t want to see you suffer! Your Majesty, please!” Taehyung knelt before him. He shivered from the cold.

“I’ll only hurt you.” Yoongi tried to reason with him.

“I know you wont.” Taehyung gently places his hands on Yoongi’s chest and slowly slides it down towards his trousers.

Loosing all reason, Yoongi took Taehyung in his arms. His mouth claimed his in a deep, lingering kiss, and the heat of this new sensation gripped Taehyung, his thoughts spun out of control. Yoongi found his body warm, his lips soft and sweet, his eyes filled with endless possibilities. Now that he held Taehyung in his arms there was no doubt that he’d take him.

Taehyung’s hands found their way up to Yoongi’s neck as the young King laid him down on the floor. Taehyung shuddered and moaned against the kiss as soon as the cold hit his back. With Yoongi’s unwillingness to break the kiss, Taehyung could only hold on to Yoongi for warmth. In turn, Yoongi put his hands to work, rubbing Taehyung’s sides and sliding down to his trousers. Yoongi’s fingers deftly undid the buttons and slipped underneath the fabric to fully strip down Taehyung.

Taehyung gasped and finally broke free from Yoongi’s deep kiss, his bare body felt too cold on the hard floor. He tries to sit up but Yoongi firmly hold his thighs and pulls towards him. Taehyung’s right hand presses on the floor to keep him steady as Yoongi spreads his legs and puts himself in between. Taehyung’s skin exploded into goosebumps when Yoongi’s thumb traced circles over his bare thighs, and when he lowered his head to place his mouth over an erect bud, the fire inside flared to new heights. Taehyung’s hands held on Yoongi’s dark hair as he eagerly sucked. His groin felt hot with each pull of his skin and Taehyung had unconsciously began slowly rocking his hips.

“Your M-majesty!” Taehyung moaned. His erotic voice only enticed Yoongi’s dark desires more. Yoongi let go of the abused bud after a hard tug, causing Taehyung to cry out wantonly. Yoongi cut him off to resume their kiss. Taehyung tasted the burning desire and closed his eyes once more. He felt every caress as Yoongi touched his tender skin, teasing him until he wanted to scream. Taehyung then felt fingers slide in between his butt cheeks, entering deep within him.

“Ngh!” Taehyung winced, mouth still occupied with Yoongi’s tongue. He felt one finger loosening him up, slowly at first then gradually going faster until a second finger joins in. The shock was replaced by an earnest desire to be explored. Taehyungs hips moved, unable to sit still as Yoongi searched deep into his body, sending waves of pleasure rolling up his spine. Both Yoongi’s kiss and touches were only making the ache grow until it became all-consuming in its intensity.

With one free hand, Yoongi undid his own trousers and let his hard cock free. Taehyung felt the fingers pull away from within him and he breaks the kiss with a pant. In a daze he looks down to see Yoongi’s thick manhood slid between his legs. He began to breathe deeply in preparation as Yoongi’s hand glided down his thighs to align himself. The tip slid inside slowly and Taehyung braced onto Yoongi’s shoulders while biting his lower lip. His toes curled as Yoongi pushed more inside. It felt completely different from when Yoongi had used his fingers and Taehyung found it harder to breath with the bigger invasion of his inner most part.

“Wait!” Taehyung pleaded but Yoongi does not listen, over taken by his desire to satisfy the hunger, he rocked his hip hard and pushed his cock deeper. “NggghH!” Taehyung screamed and dug his nails deep into Yoongi’s shoulder, halting his movement. For a moment it seemed like Yoongi stopped to let Taehyung adjust however it was far from it as he began to rock his hips to test his hold. Taehyung gasped to feel him move inside, his eyes remaining firmly shut. Yoongi’s hand wrapped around Taehyung’s arm, holding him firmly as he began to drive himself deeper with every thrust. Yoongi moaned against Taehyung’s skin, finally tasting the sweet ambrosia that eluded him for so long. He left a trail of greedy kisses all over Taehyung’s chest and neck.

“Haaahhh...” Taehyung’s breathing gradually became steady as Yoongi found his pace. He let out a long, drawn-out moan. His skin was alive with sensation as he rocked in rhythm with Yoongi’s own fast thrusts. With overwhelmed senses, Taehyung’s body offered no resistance, eagerly accepting Yoongi into the deepest recesses of his being. Laid bare he surrendered completely to a rhythm meant to deliver deep, long strokes that caused his body to quiver in excitement. Yoongi’s desire for him only made Taehyung want to reach ecstasy together.

Yoongi’s breathing became more laboured, his body hot from his efforts. In the heat of the moment, he pulled away and pulled at Taehyung’s waist, turning and hoisting him to his knees before coming to kneel between his legs. Taehyung complied readily as Yoongi hoisted his waist higher and leaned into him. Taehyung felt Yoongi’s firm hold of his waist as his cock filled him again.

Yoongi began to pull him back as he thrust forward, driving his body to new depths inside Taehyung. He shook with every impact, he felt Yoongi inside like he was a part of him and wished he always would be. Taehyung’s mind couldn’t conceive anything but the need to reach release. He moaned and begged, each thrust faster and deeper than the next. Taehyung struggled against the motion and rose to his hands.

“Yoongi!” Taehyung cries out with half lidded eyes, his body shook with intensity. A growl escaped Yoongi’s lips at sound of his name from those wanton cries. Yoongi became more aggressive. Driving him mad with the need to satisfy his hunger as his release was close. Yoongi tilt his head back, his thrusts becoming shorter, faster and harder. Taehyung clawed at the floor, his moans echoed loudly in the vast library, while his own erection began spilling underneath him. Yoongi could not hold it any longer and with one final plunged he unloaded deep inside Taehyung’s crevices. Taehyung let out a guttered moan as he felt the hot liquid gush inside him. Strong hands came to his hips, a satisfied deep moan let him know that Yoongi was pleased with him, and Taehyung could not resist but look behind him despite the drain he felt. Taehyung smiled when Yoongi reached over and brushed his hair to the side, the longing still deep in his eyes.

“nghaa...” Taehyung groaned as Yoongi pulls his cock out, white fluid spilling out and making a mess in his thighs. He turns Taehyung’s body towards him and makes him kneel, his legs spread over Yoongi’s semi erect cock. Yoongi pressed his face on Taehyung’s stomach, taking in the scent of lavender and breathes it in. His body still ached with hunger but the pain, the excruciating pain he felt earlier was gone and he felt a need to hold on to Taehyung.

“Your Majesty?” Taehyung’s voice was soft, his throat still sore from earlier. He stroke Yoongi’s hair, suddenly growing shy with his gentle hold on his bare skin. Yoongi moves just enough to look into Taehyung’s eyes as his hands came up to his back. Taehyung understood then what Yoongi wanted. He gently cradled Yoongi’s face and bent down to kiss him. Their lips locked with burning need to feel each other again. Taehyung lowered his still sensitive body as he reached down and took Yoongi’s hard cock in his hand, guiding it inside him as he slide himself down until he was sitting on Yoongi’s lap. Taehyung sighed with delight at the fullness he felt once more. Yoongi’s hands went down to Taehyung’s waist as he slowly rocked his hips in a grinding motion. Their tongues reached hungrily for one another. Taehyung began to lift higher, eager to feel more movement inside and the passion that came with it. Taehyung was in charge of the rhythm now, and his pace was needy.

Minutes later, Yoongi pulled his lips away, their breathing fast and deep. Taehyung knew he couldn’t hold on much longer, moaning with every thrust, clutching Yoongi’s head to his chest to hold on. The need grew stronger, diving him to lift higher so that each thrust was longer and ended with a firm shake. Taehyung pulled at Yoongi more tightly, their voices becoming one as they felt the inevitable climax.

Yoongi’s hands clutched at Taehyung’s back, fingers pressing into his skin. Taehyung felt his legs go tight, his body struggling to hold on. He trembled in anticipation as his pace never slowed, proud of himself for knowing he made the King stay underneath him. He began to grind hard, driving Yoongi in as deeply as he could, rising in quick hops only to drive him in again. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure pulsing through their bodies. Taehyung’s loud voice echoed, rising and falling with his motion.

Their bodies went wild as orgasm pulsed, grinding thrusts never slowed even as Taehyung shook and twitched in the spasms of their frenzied lovemaking. Taehyung thought he was going to faint as his world was consumed in ecstasy. Yoongi was the only thing holding him up, and he realized that Yoongi was still thrusting. His low growl stirred the fire in Taehyung and he came down to grind as Yoongi thrust upwards, their bodies deeply connected.

Yoongi hugged him tightly, pressing himself in as his orgasm finally came, pulsing into Taehyung’s body with a hungry need. The sensation drove Taehyung to new heights, and he struggled to stay upright.

Exhausted, Taehyung leaned over Yoongi, their bodies still firmly connected, and breathed out in utter satisfaction. Yoongi wrapped his hands around Taehyung’s waist and pulled him down as he lay on the ground, Taehyung resting on his chest. They closed their eyes, listening to the beat of their hearts in the quiet place, lulling them to sleep in each others arms.

Chapter Text

It was too dark to see clearly. His palms were wet with something hot and sticky. The air had a familiar scent of sickening rust.

“My dear boy.” A voice so sweet, so angelic called out to him. A lullaby to his ears. A voice he could never turn away from.

Yoongi looks up and sees her once more. The jewels that adorn her shone brightly in the dark, reminding him of starlight. It shone too brightly yet all too beautiful to look away from. Despite his efforts her face continues to elude him.

She bends down and kneels before him. The scent of roses takes over. In her hand a silk white handkerchief. Pristine and delicate. She takes one of his small hands and wipes it. Gentle strokes, from top to bottom, repeatedly, until the dark shade of red spreads and not a single speck of white can be seen.

“What have you done?”

Yoongi is suddenly jolted awake, sitting up from the hard floor he used as a bed last night. He squints his eyes from the sudden brightness and groaned. He was glad to be rid of the dreaded migraines and his insides no longer twisted in anguish. Yoongi deeply exhaled and tilts his head up, letting his eyes adjust as he thinks about the dream. There was something about it that did not feel right.

Come to think of it...Minji never said anything about the villains backstory or if he even had one in the game. Should I start looking into it?, Yoongi wondered. At least for a minute. The moment his eyes gazed down, a pair of slender and very naked legs were beside his own bare self.

“!!” Yoongi felt the heat rise up to the tip of his ears when he remembered all that he had done. How relentless he was towards Taehyung. How after only a moment of rest, he was on top of him again...and again...and again. Yoongi had to take deep breaths to settle down before it stirs up again inside of him. The pain was gone for now but the hunger remained. Looking around, Yoongi found his underwear and trousers beside him and puts them on, careful not to startle Taehyung awake.

“Tae...” Yoongi cleared his throat before calling again, “Taehyung?” Yoongi kept his voice low.

“Mmm?” Taehyung muttered groggily. He too found the bright light uncomfortable and squinted before he opened them fully.

“Morning.” Yoongi said as he reached over and gently strokes Taehyung’s hair away from his eyes.

Taehyung smiles warmly from the touch. He tried to respond with a greeting but coughs instead due to a sore throat. Yoongi helps him sit up but then is quickly taken by surprise at Taehyung’s skin. From his chest to his neck then down to his shoulders were filled with love bites.

Did I do that!? Yoongi felt dizzy as the blood rushed to his head.

Taehyung doesn’t notice the Kings dilemma and shifts his body to sit up more comfortably due to the throbbing pain on his hips and waist. It didn’t help that his clothes were scattered and his efforts of reaching for it only made the discomfort worse. Yoongi noticed Taehyung wince when he tried to reach for his shirt and helps him.

“Let me.” Yoongi reached over Taehyung and grabs the crumpled white shirt. He tries to smooth it down before handing it back when he noticed red blotches. “Blood?!” Yoongi panics and drops the garment. He turns his attention on Taehyung, his hands touching his arms, his waist, his back until finally Taehyung stops him by firmly holding his hands.

“Did I hurt you? Where are you bleeding? Oh! God! I hurt you didn’t I!” Yoongi said while condemning himself.

“No no! I’m alright! Please calm down...it must have been from last night.” Taehyung explained and let go of Yoongi’s hands. His gaze shifts to his knees and he shyly adds, “During the first time we did not use any lubricant so...I must have lay down on my shirt at some point last night.”

Yoongi was mortified. He was an absolute villain. How could he be so rash? So careless? So ruthless to someone as innocent as Taehyung?

He hung his head in shame and took Taehyung’s hands, kissing them softly, “I’m so sorry. I’ll have one of the royal physicians see you immediately. If I hurt you in anyway I’ll take full responsibility. Ask of me anything you need.”

Taehyung’s heart raced when Yoongi’s lips touched his skin once more. A part of him never wanted it to end. They had only each other to focus on within their space. However he knew it wouldn’t last long. The person before him was someone who’d have people looking for him. People who relied on him. Taehyung wanted to be selfish for a while longer.

Yoongi was surprised when Taehyung leaned over and pressed his lips on him. Short and sweet. Just enough to leave Yoongi in a daze while he still held on Taehyung’s hands. Taehyung giggled at Yoongi’s expression. No one would believe him if he said Vhóel’s King had a adorable side.

The thundering sound of footsteps fast approaching them alerted Taehyung that his time was up. He pulls his hands away from a reluctant Yoongi and leans back, taking the shirt to cover his bare chest.

“My King!” the head butler’s voice was the first to be heard the moment the footsteps stopped.

Yoongi placed himself in front of Taehyung, shielding him protectively, and stared at the group that arrived. Behind the head butler was the Royal physician Yang Sung-hyun, two maids, and six guards. Yoongi wanted to roll his eyes at their sense of urgency towards his situation.

“Your Highness how are you feeling?” the head physician asked. He doesn’t bother to spare a glance at Taehyung and focuses mainly on Yoongi.

“I’m fine but can someone tell me why there are so many people here? That many guards, really?” Yoongi groaned. He still could not get used to all the attention.

The head butler steps closer, his expression solemn, and explains, “Someone has made an attempt at your life and that person has not been caught yet. They are here for your protection.”

“My protection? Wouldn’t that have been more helpful before I got poisoned and not after?” He chuckled and dismissively shakes his head, “Forget it. I know you mean well but I will not have guards following me around.”

“My King.” The head butler sighed deeply. In his heart he wanted to argue more and insist on having more security around the King but he knows that now was not that moment. He remembers all to well the last time the King lashed out. Instead he gestures for the maids to tend to the King.

The maids walked closer to Yoongi, one of them handed him a long thick black cloak and the other placed before him a clean set of clothes, “Do you wish for us to assist you, Your Highness?”

Yoongi took the clothes and shook his head once more, “No that will be fine. I prefer to have a bath first so I’ll be heading to my room.” He wears the shirt with a high collar which he doesn’t bother to button up and shifts his attention to Taehyung. Yoongi uses the cloak to cover him up despite Taehyung’s refusal.

“Your Highness, I couldn’t possibly use this! I’ll dirty it!” Taehyung panics and tries to stop Yoongi from wrapping the cloak over his shoulders and around his body. The maids looked at each other then to the head butler on what to do. The head butler merely shakes his head for them not to interfere.

“Don’t say such things! I will not leave you here unattended.” Yoongi lifts Taehyung off the cold ground, one arm under his knees and the other at his back. Taehyung gasps and covers his face in embarrassment as everyone’s eyes were on him now.

“Your Highness.” One of the guards approached them and puts both hands in front, gesturing for Yoongi to place Taehyung in his arms. This earned the guard a deadly glare from Yoongi and he immediately backs away. The head butler gives the other guards a stern side glance. A warning to stay away from the Kings possessions.

Yoongi walked past them while Taehyung wrapped his hands around his shoulders, his face buried at one side of Yoongi’s neck. Walking behind them are the royal physician and the head butler, followed by the guards, and lastly the maids who had picked up the rest of the clothes on the floor. No one says a word as they left the library, which makes Taehyung anxious.

“Where are you taking me?” Taehyung asks for only Yoongi to hear.

Yoongi thinks about it before answering, “Well...my room so you can have a bath and be seen by the doctor. That is if it’s alright with you?”

Taehyung’s eyes widened for a second before shifting his gaze down, “Actually, I’d like to rest in my own room. I wish to have some time alone to recover.”

“Oh...” Yoongi couldn’t hide the disappointment in his voice, “Very well if that is what you want.”

"Are you upset with me?"

"Don't be silly." Yoongi replied then proceeded to walk in silence. Only the sound of whispers can be heard from the hallways as servants move out of the King’s way. Once in a while Taehyung would look at Yoongi, hesitating and waiting for the right moment that doesn’t seem to come.

“We’re here.” Yoongi announces before gently lowering Taehyung until his feet steadily touched the ground. Once he felt confident that Taehyung can stand on his own, he lets go of his waist. His hands linger a second longer before dropping them to his sides. Yoongi felt responsible. He wanted to help with the after care. Leaving him so abruptly felt wrong.

Taehyung faces Yoongi then bows his head, his hands tightly hold the cloak wrapped around his body, “Thank you Your Highness.”

Yoongi lifts Taehyung’s chin up and looks into his eyes, “I want you to focus on your health. If you feel anything strange or any discomfort you tell me immediately. Understood?”

“Your Highness need not worry about me.” Taehyung replied with his cheeks burning from Yoongi’s gaze.

Yoongi points at one of the maids behind them, “You.”

“Y-Your Highness?” The young woman stuttered in fear. Her short curls bounce as she looked at the others for help.

“You will serve him. Until I personally dismiss you, you are to take care of him.” Yoongi orders and beckons her to come forward.

“Y-yes!” she stuttered a hasty reply and shoved the dirtied clothes in her hands to the other maid.

“Your Highness this is!” the royal physician retorted as the maid walks past him to be by Taehyungs side.

“There is no need!” Taehyung was shocked by Yoongi’s decision.

Yoongi ignored them both and turned towards Yang Sung-hyun, “Also call for one of the doctors. I want one to see Taehyung immediately to ensure his health is taken care of. Any medicine he needs will be provided.”

The royal physician did not hide his emotions well and felt the need to remind the King that the royal families doctors do not attend to any one from the outside, unfortunately his well rehearsed speech was cut short when Yoongi placed his hand firmly over Sung-hyun’s shoulder and leaned close enough to whisper on one ear, “You will send a doctor and not just any doctor but a damn well good doctor. And if I hear or even suspect that this good doctor touches Taehyung inappropriately or even speaks to him without an ounce of respect, I will have his head and strap it around your neck to carry around for weeks until the smell of rotting flesh never leaves you. Do you understand?”

“!!” Sung-hyun trembled as he nodded. The quick change in his attitude was enough for the head butler to know that the King greatly favoured Taehyung.

“Your Highness please don’t concern yourself with me. I’ll be fine.” Taehyung pleaded with Yoongi when the other servants stopped and stared at them.

“I insist.” Yoongi replied with a gentle smile as he turned away from the physician, “I want to take care of you.”

Taehyung felt butterflies flutter inside him and shyly covers his smile with the cape, muttering a soft “okay.” Which greatly pleased Yoongi.

The head butler steps forward to be close enough for the King to hear a small cough to get his attention, “Your Highness I apologise for interrupting but the other nobles will be arriving shortly and I know you’d prefer to be well dressed by then.”

Yoongi mouth set into a thin line. Dealing with other people was the last of his priorities, plus he’d much rather spend the day making sure Taehyung would be fine after taking his energy to replenish his own. He still had more to learn about the magic that resided within him. However, as more curious servants had their eyes on them, Yoongi knew he couldn’t stay long since it could affect Taehyung’s reputation.

“Very well.” Yoongi sighed. He really wasn’t pleased at leaving Taehyung and he showed it much to Taehyung’s amusement.

Taehyung chuckled, “I’ll be fine. Believe me.” He held on the cloth tighter to stop himself from touching Yoongi.

“Alright! Alright! I can take the hint. I’m going. Just...tell me if you’re not feeling well okay.” Yoongi sighed and scratched the back of his head.

“Do not worry yourself too much. The maid will report any concerns back to you, Your Highness.” The head butler pointed out in hopes to get the King moving.

“Y-yes of course!” the maid hastily bowed her head low.

“I get it. I’m going.” Yoongi muttered and took a step closer to lean towards Taehyung. The fortune teller had been caught off guard mid giggle and froze when he felt the young King’s lips on his cheek. It was short and light. Too light. Taehyung barely had time to let it sink in by the time Yoongi withdraw and stepped back.

“Go inside first.” Yoongi spoke to him but Taehyung still stood there in a slight daze. He felt heat coming from the area Yoongi kissed. Taehyung wanted to cover it. To keep it from disappearing. He wanted it to linger within him longer.

“This way.” A soft spoken voice breaks Taehyung’s short moment of contemplation. He looks down and sees the maid gesturing for him to go inside. The bedroom door had been opened and they were all waiting for him.

“Ah yes of course. I’ll be taking my leave then. Thank you, Your Highness.” Taehyung shyly bowed his head and walked inside with the maids support.

Yoongi had been barely keeping it together as he watched the door finally close. He did not know what came on to him to kiss Taehyung on the cheek. It was like his body acted on his desires before his brain could stop him. Yoongi quickly walked back to his own quarters much to the relief of his entourage. Once they reached his room, the maids prepared the bath while the royal physician lets him sit down and does an assessment of his health.

“There are no lingering effects from the poison ingested, which is to be expected with your conditioning. I know it has never bothered you before especially once you replenished your mana, but I suggest you take it easy for today.” Sung-hyun advised after closing his medical bag. He then glances at the head butler to see the other nod in agreement to minimise the King’s work for the day.

“Very well. I see no problem doing that.” Yoongi shrugged in agreement which surprised the two older men as they were used to having to deal with a headstrong King. Yoongi walks over to the bathroom door then stops and turns to face the doctor. “Oh and make sure you don’t forget to send a doctor to Taehyung.” Yoongi grins brightly as Sung-hyun nods his head hastily. Satisfied with the response, Yoongi leaves them.

“Ah~” Yoongi moaned when the hot water touched his skin. His muscles weren’t sore and there was nothing aching from his body yet the feel of the water was still satisfying. Plus the bath smelled of roses and orange, helping Yoongi’s mind and body relax. He submerged up to his chin and closed his eyes. For a brief moment there was nothing. He thought of nothing...

“Damn it I’m going to hell!” Yoongi grumbled and splashed the water with his hand. Memories of last night replayed in his mind. He can vividly hear Taehyung’s moans, the touch of his tender flesh, and the feel of every thrust. “Fuck!” Yoongi felt himself go hard. He sunk all the way down to the bottom of the massive bath. He remembers it all too clearly now. Especially the brutish way he thrust into him for the first time. Taehyung begged him to wait but the villain that he is, he ignored it and chased his own pleasure. Yoongi wanted to drown from shame. Its official! I’ve become the horny bastard of a villain! I’ve defiled someone so pure! I’ve really messed up!

Bubble rise up as Yoongi’s body fights for air. He tries to stay down longer but he feels his body being push out. “Pwah!” Yoongi gasps the moment his face reaches above water, gulping down air as he holds to the edge of the bath. He wipes rose petals from his face and steadies his breathing. “So much for dying in shame. I guess I can’t simply undo what has been done.”

For a brief moment only the sound of Yoongi’s breathing could he heard. He’s a male lead...what will happen now? he thinks of the events that has happened that led him to this moment. He wonders what he could have done differently. Yoongi closed his eyes and thinks of Seokjin. Come to think of it I was flirting with him as well and he’s a male lead as well. Yoongi sighed deeply, “What am I doing?”

Yoongi gives in to the gentle caress of the water and the silence offered during his private time. He knows he has to do something before everything spirals out of control but he felt overwhelmed. Nothing was in his control. He couldn’t even use the villains dark magic at will. Even his body moved on its own when he fought with others, and then there were those flashes of memories that he still needed to figure out. It was too much to think about at this very moment. Yoongi decided he’d do all that thinking and finding solutions after he had his bath. For now it was time to enjoy the relaxing rose bath.

“...”

“...”

“Fuck! Namjoon!” Yoongi groaned and submerged his body once more to the bottom.

A huge cloud of steam surrounded Yoongi as he emerged out of the bathroom. A unnecessary grand entrance that announced he was remarkably clean, fresh, and smelled of roses reaching a 10 mile radius. The effects of soaking his body for hours in the bath as he battled his own thoughts and relived every anxiety inducing moment. Yoongi’s body sparkled while his mind wanted to press the reset button.

“Your Highness.” Three maids say in unison as they approach him, “We will help you get dressed.”

Yoongi was positive he had worn clothes before coming out. He looked down to check and saw that he was indeed wearing his black trousers and a slightly loose black long sleeved shirt with laces at the top that he refused to tie properly, so part of his upper chest was exposed.

“Your Highness, I was beginning to get worried that you would not come out.” The head butler expressed his concern. There had already been a recent attempt at the Kings life so he grew even more impatient with the Kings relaxed nature.

“I’m fine. I wanted to enjoy the soak.” Yoongi reassures him while one of the maids tightly secure a black vest with gold embroidery around his waist. Yoongi had to hold in a gasp when she tightened it even more. It surprised him as his maids know how he prefers to be dressed. Yoongi turns to get a good look at the two maids while he puts on the black coat they had prepared for him. The third maid was kneeling on the floor waiting to help him put on his boots, which was another surprise for him because his maids knew he prefers to do that himself. Plus the clothes they dressed him in were all black with hints of gold, no other colour at all. His maids had been adding at least one item of colour which made him dress more of a regal King and not a grim reaper.

“None of you are my maids.” Yoongi points at each one, positive that he never saw their faces before, then turns to face the head butler, “Where are my maids? Where is Hana?”

Sensing the King’s confusion and worry, the head butler responded in a calm manner, “Your Highness please do not concern yourself. We have everything under control.”

“That makes me worry even more when you use words like that! Where is Seokjin?” Yoongi huffed and took his shoes from the maids hands to do it himself. The maids try to help him but the butler quickly signals them to back away.

“The culprit behind yesterday’s attempt at your life has not been caught yet. A thorough investigation must be done to ensure they do not escape punishment.” The head butler explained in hopes to calm the now agitated King.

“That doesn’t answer my question! Where. Are. They!” Yoongi growled and stomped his boot on the ground. The maids huddle together when the windows began to vibrate.

The head butler knits his eyebrows together when he felt there was no calming to young King. They were both stubborn but he needed to relent if he wants to minimise the damage a angry King will do. Reluctantly he answered, “They are at the prison cells.”

Yoongi’s eyes widen from shock. He felt angry at himself for only realising the severity of yesterday’s incident. This went beyond his own personal problems. Yoongi secured his sword by his side and marched out the door. The head butler rushed after him to try and stop him but his pleas fall on deaf ears.

The servants and guards stay out of the Kings way as he makes his way to Palace dungeons. Yoongi never thought he’d be back there again.

“SEOKJIN!” Yoongi calls out despite the strain of trying to catch his breath from rushing towards the castles dungeons, “HANA! SEOKJIN!”

“Your Highness please!” the head butler attempts again to stop him but Yoongi brushed him off and goes even further down until he hears a familiar voice.

“Your Highness?” Hana’s soft voice came from on of the prison cells with a small barred opening to see inside.

“Hana!” Yoongi calls out and looks through the steel bars to see Hana and his three other maids. They all had tear stains down their cheeks, eyes red and puffy from having not slept at all.

“Your Highness!” Hana replied with a choke. She tried her best to stop the tears from falling but she fails and cries out in front of him. The other maids rush to Hana’s side and call out to him as well, “We’re innocent Your Highness!”

“Don’t cry! I’m here now! I’ll get you all out of here!” Yoongi reassured them. He looks around their cell and doesn’t see Seokjin. “Hana where is Seokjin?”

“They brought him to the interrogation room. He was in the cell across from us when we saw them take him away.”

Yoongi looked behind him to see a empty cell and to his surprise the cell beside it contained the pastry chef from yesterday. Did they imprison everyone who was there from the incident? But why my maids? Hana was there but not them.

“Your Highness please.” The head butler blocks Yoongi line of sight.

“Show me the interrogation room.” Yoongi ordered. His expression was grim and reflected that no questions were going to be tolerated.

The head butler exhaled and nods defeated. He walks to another section of the dungeon, down the stairs to a deeper, darker and colder section. Yoongi sees two burly guards watching the door. His hand grips the hilt of his sword, ready to fight if they refuse entrance, but to his surprise they opened the door as if he’d frequently visit the place.

Inside was a heavy oak table with two chairs at opposite ends. One side of the table had metal braces which to Yoongi’s horror, Seokjin was cuffed to. The rooms stone walls were decorated with different metal instruments, both sharp and blunt, used for torture, which thankfully, Yoongi did not see any blood or wounds on Seokjin.

“Seokjin! Are you alright? Did they hurt you?” Yoongi asked as he rushed to his side. His hands immediately grasp at the metal cuffs. “Get this off him!”

“Yoongi! You’re alright! I was so worried!” Seokjin cried out. He had remained strong and held back his emotions while they interrogated him but the moment he saw Yoongi his tears flowed out uncontrollably, “I’m so glad you’re safe!”

“Your in this mess because of me and you’re still thinking about my health.” Yoongi couldn’t help but chuckle as he caressed Seokjin’s hair and pressed his forehead against his, “I’ll get you out of here.”

“That would not be wise. This is an ongoing investigation so unless the culprit is caught none of them leaves.” One of the guards earlier speaks up as he approached them. He stood close and was ready to put himself between them.

Yoongi grit his teeth and turns to face the guard. He knew the guard towered over him and could throw him out of the room without breaking a sweat but he wasn’t going to back down. “Release him now!” Yoongi seethed.

The guard stood unwavering, “Your Highness should let us handle this.”

“I’m giving you an order!” Yoongi was ticked off by the guards blatant refusal to do as he was told.

“He is a suspect and will be treated as such.” The guard sneered at Seokjin, arrogant with his speech despite the Kings presence. He even dared to move closer to reach over and grab Seokjin.

“Don’t touch him!” Yoongi bellowed in anger, a strong force within him surged forward and threw the heavily build guard across the room. His body slammed incredibly hard against the wall making the head butler grimace at the sound of bone breaking.

“Yoongi stop!” Seokjin begged.

The guard fell unconsciously onto the floor, his arms twisted in a unnatural way. Yoongi was shocked by what he had done. It was the first time he used his abilities consciously and although he had his doubts before, this was truly a scene to behold. He could still feel the strong energy flowing within him just waiting to be released. Not wanting to loose his momentum, Yoongi grabs the thick metal cuffs binding Seokjin to the table and breaks it in half with ease. Seokjin’s mouth hung open in shock while Yoongi who was just as equally surprised had to struggle to keep his feelings bottled up and keep his angry expression for everyone to see. It was extremely difficult to keep himself from freaking out and screaming. He had to look in control.

“My King I do not think this is wise.” The head butler speaks up despite knowing the risk of provoking a already furious monarch.

“They are innocent! There is no need for this!” Yoongi spoke back, fuming that the head butler still insisted on leaving Seokjin and the other locked up. He helps Seokjin stand up, careful with his bruised wrists.

“Then they have nothing to fear from the interrogation then.” The head butler firmly stood his ground.

“You!” Yoongi growled and wanted to use his power once more to move the head butler away from the door.

“Please don’t.” Seokjin pleaded and gently places his hand over Yoongi’s chest to make him look at him, “He is right. The poisoner has not been caught and they are only doing their job to protect you. Until your safety is guaranteed, they have to do everything they can to find the culprit.”

“But you’re innocent! You shouldn’t be here.” Yoongi stood firm in his belief and held Seokjins hand tightly.

“Please listen to me. Everyone that was there yesterday is here. They made no exceptions and have to be thorough in their investigation. Its even harder on the younger staffs like Hana but it must be done.”

“He was going to hurt you.” Yoongi spoke so softly it made Seokjins heart ache to go against him.

“Probably but there is also a possibility it was merely an intimidation tactic to get a confession. If you look I’m fine despite these.” Seokjin flicks his bruised wrists, “It doesn’t even hurt.”

“Seokjin.” This time Yoongi pleaded with him to leave the place.

“I do appreciate what you want to do but I’m alright. Once the culprit is caught then we’ll be free and your life will no longer be in danger.” Seokjin smiled and touched Yoongi’s cheek. The young monarch leans in to his touch.

Yoongi sighed in defeat as he knew Seokjin is right. He turns to the head butler and asks him to find a medic to attend to the fallen guard. Two guards shortly come in and lift the unconscious guard out of the room to get treatment. Yoongi then, still holding Seokjin’s hand, leads him out of the cold room.

“By the way, how are you feeling after using your abilities? Are the migraines back?” Seokjin curiously asked as they walked hand in hand up the stairs.

“Now that you mentioned it...” Yoongi touches the side of his head with his free hand, “I feel perfectly fine.”

“Really? That is a good then.” Seokjin sighed in relief. He looked at Yoongi as if there was more to be said but he merely smiles at him and stays quiet.

It bothers Yoongi so he speaks up instead, “But?”

“Huh?” Seokjin looks at him when they stop at the final step out of the lowest section of the palace dungeons.

“You clearly have something else in your mind.”

“That is true.” Seokjin laughed, “You know me so well despite the short time we’ve spent together.”

Yoongi felt his palms sweating. That’s because Minji talks about this game a lot.

Seokjin hesitated before speaking, almost as if he already knew the answer and did not want to confirm it. “I was merely wondering how you recovered last night. After the...poisoning...you became pale and you left in a hurry. It looked to me that you were in pain and you had used magic to counter the poison but you experienced a backlash didn’t you?”

Yoongi’s adams apple bobbles down before he answered, “Yes I did. I think the poison pushed it to the edge and I...” Yoongi couldn’t look at Seokjin when he spoke.

“You were with someone.” It came out flat from Seokjin’s mouth.

“Seokjin I-”

“Your Highness, you don’t need to explain. Your life was in danger and that is what is important. There is no need for you to worry about me.” Seokjin cuts Yoongi off with a rather over the top cheerful tone.

“Seokjin.” Yoongi grimaced at the fake smile Seokjin flashed at him. He knew Seokjin was upset but refused to let his emotions cloud his judgement. He was a doctor first and above anything else.

Seokjin pulled his hand away from Yoongi’s hold and spoke again loudly, “You shouldn’t linger down here in the dungeons any longer. This is no place for a King.”

“Seokjin.”

“We should catch up to the head butler so he can escort you out of here.” Seokjin cheerfully declared and walked past Yoongi.

“Seokjin!” Yoongi caught him by his arm and pinned him to the wall. Seokjin’s smile began to falter and he refused to look at Yoongi. “I’m not leaving until we talk about it.”

“We don’t have to.” Seokjin’s words almost sounded like a plea.

Yoongi leans in and tilts Seokjin’s chin up so he’d look at him as he spoke, “It happened so fast and I lost control but I’m not making excuses and I’m taking responsibility for what I’ve done. I just need you to know that I did not want to hurt you in any way. I care about you. You’re not simply a doctor to me. You’re more than that. You’re special to me. And maybe it’s all in my head, maybe I’m reading too much into it but you care about me too...more than someone you want to cure.”

Seokjin stared back at Yoongi, uncertain if his words were true. His eyes lower to gaze at Yoongi’s lips and wonders who was it that he spent the night with, "Last night...if I was with you...would you have been with me instead?”

The words came out so small that if had Yoongi not been leaning so close he would not have heard them. He swallowed down hard and moved his thumb to press Seokjin’s lower lip, how he wanted to kiss him again. “Yes.”

A shiver goes down Seokjin’s back as they stare into each others eyes. Yoongi waits for Seokjin to give him permission, however there is still doubt in Seokjin’s heart and their shared moment is cut short when the loud footsteps of returning guards come closer.

“Your Highness?” a unison of worried guards call out into the dark hallway.

Yoongi moves away to compose himself while Seokjin looks away at the staircase they had ascended from to help gather his thoughts. By the time the guards had reached them, Yoongi had already started walking back with Seokjin behind him.

One of the guards at the front lowers his head, “Your Highness! We wondered what happened to you when you didn’t return with the head butler so we came back.”

“There was no need. I merely took my time.” Yoongi shrugged and waved hands to shoo them away.

“It is good that you’re here to escort his Highness out of this damp place. He has only recovered from yesterday’s incident and will need to rest in a well ventilated area.” Seokjin’s cheerful voice fills the hallway and the guards all nod in agreement.

Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed but he can’t force Seokjin if he didn’t want to talk to him. Yoongi walks out of the dungeons with a heavy heart. When he tried to speak with Seokjin again before leaving, the young doctor had already walked back to his prison cell with his back turned.

“Your Highness?” Hana’s meek voice could be heard nearby. Yoongi remembered his promise to get her out and walks to her prison cell where the other maids wait to be released.

“Ahem!” The head butler cleared his throat loudly to get Yoongi’s attention. “I know you worry about them being here however as I mentioned before this must be done while the investigation is ongoing. If we let an attempt at your life slide then many more will become bold enough to harm you.”

Yoongi grimaced at how helpless he felt. He looks at Hana’s hopeful eyes and shakes his head, “Until the culprit is caught, they-no...I can’t have them release anyone yet. I’m going to find the those responsible for yesterday’s attempt on my life and put them behind these prison walls instead. Just stay strong for me.”

Hana looks at the other maids before smiling at Yoongi, “We understand. We believe in you Your Highness so don’t worry about us.”

“Oh! Um...” one of the maids near Hana hesitantly attempts to get Yoongi’s attention. Her pigtail braids were crooked which made her look even more pitiful.

“What is it?” Hana asks.

“I’ve heard from the other workers that there is a local tavern that specialises in gathering information. It doesn’t come cheap and at times some requests aren’t accepted.” She informs Yoongi without looking at him or that Yoongi couldn’t see her properly due to the small opening in the wooden door.

“How can they guarantee that this place isn’t scamming people?” Yoongi asks while trying to see if she heard him.

“Its all word by mouth. No one ever mentions being directly involved since they want to keep their reasons a secret however its been a never dying gossip within the locals especially those who’ve seen affluent members of noble houses visiting the tavern.”

“His Majesty has no time to deal with gossip.” One of the older maids scold her.

“No its okay. That could be helpful if their investigation here goes nowhere.” Yoongi rubs hid chin in deep thought. She might be talking about Hoseok’s tavern. In the original game he helps the heroine with his connections, however Minji mentioned there was more to his character when she played his route in hard mode and unlocked an item for him. If only I can remember what item it was. Or was it items? “Do you know the name of the tavern?”

“No but the place is made of sandstone and hardwood, and the current owner is a young man. Not much older than you, my King.”

Chapter Text

Another over the top exasperated sigh irritated Yoongi’s ears. One foot had only touched the ground past the Palace gates and already the head butler let out his silent frustrations.

“Can you please stop that?! I’m going out and this is not up for discussion. If you try to stop me I’ll just leave without you knowing.” Yoongi responded with equal frustration. He had wasted nearly half the day arguing with the head butler that he needed to go alone and no guards were to follow him. Even his disguise was met with the head butlers disapproval, which Yoongi found unfair considering the effort he put. He managed to salvage the old blonde wig that Hana disapproved of and wore it as a high ponytail, even the plain clothes he wore and the cloak were more common looking than his previous disguises.

“If I may-”

Yoongi lifts up a hand to cut him off, “No! It is already late in the afternoon and I refuse to waste anymore time. I’m going and that is final. I will find more information by myself and I even brought my sword protection. For the time being if anyone looks for me, tell them I’m out training or whatever would normally keep me out of reach.”

The head butler sighed heavily again.

“Make sure Seokjin is comfortable and bring him more thick blankets if it gets cold and also bring him some fresh fruits and if it does get cold then bring him a heater.” Yoongi rambled on how the doctor hated the cold while he checks on the horses saddle.

“It will be done.” The head butler replied with his usual monotonous voice. He had already done all he can to stop the King but clearly he wasn’t going to listen.

“Oh and Hana and the maids too. Make sure they are well fed and comfortable...” Yoongi lingers for a moment then adds, “And Taehyung. He likes pastries so be sure they bring him freshly baked ones...Make sure the maid is serving him properly and that a doctor has gone to see him. I want a detailed report when I return.”

“I will do as you ask.”

“Thank you.” Yoongi grinned. He took a mental note to give the old butler a break from his whims as soon as he catches the culprit.

The head butler’s eyes widen upon hearing the words. He looks up to see the King had already gotten up his horse. For a moment he sees an image of the young boy who used to struggle staying upright on a horse much too large for him. It goes by so quickly that he did not get a chance to tell the King to be careful.

There was a nagging feeling at the back of Yoongi’s mind by the time he stood outside the tavern owned by Hoseok. It felt like he was forgetting something. During the ride he kept trying to remember words that his sister had said to him before about Hoseok but he couldn’t recall anything. Yoongi didn’t like the feeling. It made him realise how he never truly listened to Minji when she shared with him something she loved. Yoongi’s chest tightened uncomfortably. I need to be better. Yoongi promised before stepping inside.

The place had a few patrons scattered in different tables. A few had only begun their drinking session while the others looked to be well over their alcohol limit. What surprised him more was how quiet it was. Completely opposite from when he came here before. Most of the people seated took one long look at him before turning away. It made Yoongi conscious of how he moved despite looking completely unbothered as he walked up to the bar.

“What can I get ya?” an elderly man greets Yoongi from behind the counter. He had a hunch which made him look smaller and his thick spectacles covered more than half his face.

“er...” Yoongi hesitates and looks around to see if Hoseok is nearby. Unable to find him, he turns to finally answer, “I’m looking for the owner of this place. Do you know where he is?”

The bartender laughs heartily, “I may not be as pretty to look at but I can still serve you a decent drink considering I taught him how to run this place. Now what would you like?”

Yoongi smiled awkwardly, “I’m sorry for dismissing you like that but there is something urgent I’d like to discuss with him.”

“I’m sure it is.” The old bartender smirked and shook his head, “He’s currently out.”

“Do you know when he’ll be back?”

The bartender adjusts his glasses before turning away from Yoongi to wipe the counter, “Whenever he likes.”

Yoongi opened his mouth to ask again but stopped himself before he could say anything. He grit his teeth and tried to think of what to do next. He did not want to waste time waiting for Hoseok to return...if he’ll even return before the tavern closes. He also can’t run around the place looking for him. Yoongi rubbed his temple and sat on the nearest barstool. Try to remember something. What was it in the game about Hoseok? Yoongi repeatedly told himself as he closed his eyes. The customers around him started to take notice of odd behaviour.

"Clock tower"

Minji!! Yoongi’s eyes sprang open, That’s right! I remembered she mentioned how romantic it was when Hoseok brought the heroine to the clock tower. It was important to him to show the heroine the place. It was a sign of trust he had for her.

Yoongi abruptly got up which startled the old bartender. The old man fixed his glasses and tried to ask him if he was alright but Yoongi had sped out the door. The old man chuckled and shook his head, “What an interesting lad.”

Deftly untying his horse, Yoongi can’t help but feel a rush of excitement from finding a clue. He wondered if this was how Minji felt whenever she unlocked a part of the male leads storyline. The clock tower was not far from the tavern especially with a horse. Yoongi definitely felt the huge difference compared to walking and told himself to never leave the Palace without one ever again.

Yoongi rides past the square, carefully avoiding the stalls being set up and the noise of people chatting away as they worked. He saw a majority of the stalls had already been finished and were painted in vibrant colors.

The villains birthday must be near if their almost done with preparations. I’ll have to work fast in finding the person responsible for trying to poison me before the celebration starts or else the security is going to be even tighter and I’ll lose the chance to free Seokjin and the others., he worried.

“Whoa!” Yoongi pulls at the reigns to stop the horse. He can see the clock tower nearby and decided to walk the rest to get a better lookout of the area. If Hoseok wanted to be found then there wouldn’t be any need for secrecy back in the tavern.

Yoongi leaves his horse in a waiting area, making sure the place was safe before leaving. He walks down a busy street to blend in then slips into a small alleyway the moment he got close to the clock tower. Yoongi leans on the brick wall and pops his head at the corner to look for guards.

The tower is closed off to the public so it would be suspicious if I suddenly walked up to it. There is only one guard at the front...I don’t know if he works for Hoseok or does Hoseok sneak in the place without him knowing?...!! Yoongi snapped his fingers when it hit him, The heroine got inside from underneath! During her escape from the villain’s guards, she stumbled upon Hoseok and he lead her to safety, which was how she found out about his other line of work. Yoongi smirked proudly at himself for figuring it out but before he can fully celebrate he remembers one crucial detail, “Where is the secret entrance located?”

Yoongi groaned and rubbed his temples. It would be impossible to go around house to house looking for a secret passage or even checking every street for an underground entrance. He realised the sun will be setting soon and it will only make his search harder. A deep frown formed when he couldn’t remember anymore details about the secret passage from Minji’s stories. Yoongi leaned again to take another look at the clock towers entrance. Should I just go straight to the main entrance?, he thought long and hard as he watched the guard leisurely sitting near the doors entrance. For a few minutes the guard gets up to do a short walk around the place then spend more time sitting and waiting for his shift to be over. This made it hard for Yoongi to simply make a mad dash for the door. There was also the problem of the door being locked. The guard might have the key with him but how was he going to take it from the guard. Ugh! Even if I managed to get past all that, is there even a guarantee that Hoseoks still inside? Yoongi tapped his forehead, There has to be a way... he stayed still, tapping away impatiently when finally he stops and stares at his hands, That’s it!

He shakes his hands excitedly and moves his shoulders to loosen up then positions himself in a safe distance. He felt a warm sensation bloom across his chest and it spread towards his limbs. Yoongi inhales and lifts his right hand palm up towards the guard. You got this. You managed to throw that hulk of a guard from before towards the wall so this should be easy. Just stay focused, control your power, and don’t overdo it., Yoongi exhales until the last word, then ever so gently he flicks his hand. A soft nudge startles the drowsy guard and he gets up on his feet confused at first then on high alert. He spots Yoongi and points at him suspiciously, his voice getting louder as one hand unsheathes his sword. Yoongi flicks his hand again, much more forceful this time due to panic, and the guards body flung backwards and hits the clock towers stone wall, knocking him unconscious.

“Crap!” Yoongi hurriedly ran to check on the guard and thankfully still breathing on the ground. “Sorry. I really meant for it to be much gentler.”

“What’s that noise!?” the door opens to reveal another guard stepping out, “Hey!” He immediately spots Yoongi and reaches out to grab him by the neck.

“No!” Yoongi puts his hands in front of him defensively and causes a black energy wave to hit the guard on the chest, propelling his body away until he slams hard on the ground.

Yoongi rushes over when the guard did not move, “Don’t be dead! Don’t be dead!” he leans down and checks the guards pulse, “still alive!” relief washed over him. He looks around him to be sure there was no one else coming out of the tower then drags the two guards by their feet towards the alleyway to ensure no one finds their unconscious bodies lying by the entrance. Yoongi had to work fast before they wake and hurriedly checked their pockets to grab hold of the clock towers iron keys. “Time to see if Hoseok is inside.”

Upon his initial inspection the clock tower was empty on the inside. Yoongi cautiously stepped further in, making sure no one was waiting to ambush him, before he uses the keys to lock the door. He knows it was not a good idea to lock his only exit but he needed to be sure he can buy some time should the guards or anyone else try to come inside after him. Taking a full scan of the area, Yoongi found the place to be not as impressive as how it looked from the outside. The space was small due to a large part taken over by the circling staircase leading to the top and surprisingly down to a basement. The only furniture’s inside the place are three chairs and a square table with empty used mugs. Yoongi goes down the stairs first to inspect and sees a workshop for those in charge of keeping the clock working. Tools and mechanical parts lay scattered on two work benches and shelves.

“The secret passage should be here...” Yoongi tries pulling and pushing the books lined up in the shelves thinking that maybe its similar to how he found the secret room in the archives. He flips the pages hoping to find a clue but the only thing the pages had was information about the clock tower, from its history to maintenance. He then tries pulling and poking the lamps on the wall and on the table for some kind of lever and when that failed he started tapping the walls. “Come on it has to be here!” Yoongi struggled as he made sure not an inch of the room was missed in his search.

“Ugh!” Yoongi groaned as he crouched defeated on the floor, “Did I get it wrong? Am I simply wasting time here?”

Yoongi gazed at the room he was in, trying to think of places he might have missed. “There is only one clock tower so it has to be here. What am I not seeing?” He tilts his head down and stares at the floor. It was bare, there were no carpets to hide a secret entrance nor any strange lines that looked out of place. “The workbenches are bolted on the floor so there is no way it can be moved...wait a minute!”

Snapping his fingers, Yoongi gets up to test his hopeful theory and inspects the workbench that had more empty space around it. He meticulously runs his fingers through every inch until he felt something cold at the back of one leg. Yoongi crouched down on the floor and reached further until he felt something similar to a button. “Please don’t let this be gum.” Yoongi mumbled and gave it a hard press. Almost immediately both him and the workbench were moving backwards. The floor beneath him moved and when it stopped it revealed a opening to a underground tunnel.

“HA! I knew it!” Yoongi raised his voice triumphantly but quickly covers his mouth when he remembered he was trespassing, “Okay enough celebrating. I need to find Hoseok before he discovers I got here without his permission...actually come to think of it, those guards must be working for him or taking bribes. There is no way this workbench can be accessed without anyone noticing. Even with a hidden button, it is still too obvious when it opens up. I’ll have to investigate this further after I find him.”

Yoongi proceeded to carefully climb down the ladder and noticed that the passage was dark just as he anticipated. The space was wide enough to fit two medium built adults closely walking side by side and the only other object in the tunnel were unlit lamps decorated on the wall, “It’s much to dark to blindly walk through so it’s probably a good idea to turn these on.” Yoongi inspects the one near him which is visible due to the light coming down from the workshop above. “That’s odd.” He doesn’t see a switch or a knob to light it. It looked old so he thought maybe it had kerosene and had to light it manually but it was empty. The lamp was hallow and it had carvings on the iron that held it in place.

Don’t tell me he walks in the dark? I don’t remember him having a special ability like that. Minji would have talked about it like she did with the other magic wielding main leads., he wondered how Hoseok used this place and where it lead to. He sees a lever designed to look part of the lamp, “What’s this?”

As soon as he pulled the lever the floor above moves and seals him in. “Fuck!” Yoongi cursed in the dark. He pulled the lever again and nothing happened. “Am I locked in?!”, he tries again yet the floor above him does not budge, “Tch! Only way out now is to go forward.”

Yoongi extended his right hand in front of him, palms up and tries to picture a flame hovering his hand. He concentrates, trying to stay focused and even felt hopeful when the same warmth feeling courses through his right arm. He stayed still for as long as he could until his arm grew heavy. No matter how hard he tried, he could not conjure a flame. Yoongi exhaled and gave up, “Worth a shot. It would have been awesome if I had that ability.”

A small orange glow flickers from the wall lamps, catching Yoongi attention. It lasted for a few seconds before fading. Curious, he inspects the wall lamp once more, this time pouring the magic onto his right hand and touching the wall lamp. It was as if a spark had ignited and the wall lamps orange glow grew brighter one after another until the whole tunnel was brightly lit. Yoongi looked at his hand then the wall lamp, “So it needed magic to activate all along.”

Yoongi flexed his right arm, there was a slight soreness on his shoulder down to his wrist and he wonders if the magic used to light the lamps took much from him. He had only just recovered and replaced what little magic he had left with Taehyung’s own energy. “I should be careful when I use it. There is still a part of the dark magic inside me that acts on its own to keep me alive. I need to learn how to control it before it causes problems again.” Yoongi mused while rubbing his shoulder. The tunnel no longer held a atmosphere of doom due to the lights and Yoongi starts walking down the path before the lamps die down and want more of his magic.

It turned out to be a longer tunnel than he anticipated and it surprised how it remained one line. He had an idea that it would be filled with different passages all connecting to different areas from the city above yet he was proven wrong. The long pathway made him uneasy however it was too late to turn back, plus the entrance he used no longer opened. To keep his anxiety at bay, Yoongi starts humming to a song he remembers from the restaurant, and it works since by the time he reached the end of the tunnel he had belt out karaoke songs he sang with his friends.

“Finally! I thought that walk would never end.” Yoongi huffed. He looked up to see the closed hatch and realised that the end of the tunnel looked exactly as the entrance. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Yoongi climbs up the ladder and pushes the hatch but it doesn’t budge. He tries again, this time letting the magic flow onto his left hand, and pressed it against the hatch door. Immediately it slides open to reveal his exit.

“That was easier than I thought.” Yoongi grinned while climbing further up. Excitement bubbled in his chest as he thought about the progress he made towards solving the mystery of his poisoning. This temporary bliss caused him to fail hearing the commotion at the surface and the first thing Yoongi saw the moment his head was above ground was Hoseok’s startled face before his butt slammed into Yoongi’s face as they both fall down the tunnel.

“Mrmph!” Yoongi flailed as he was pinned to the ground while Hoseok tried to get off.

“Stop moving!” Hoseok spat when he finally regained his balance and stood over Yoongi.

Yoongi looked up and caught a glimpse of Hoseok’s flustered face before the hatch door closed and the darkness engulfed them both.

“The lamps!” Yoongi gets up but immediately felt the brush of cold steel against his adams apple.

“Don’t you dare move!” Hoseok commanded. His blade remained steady against Yoongi’s flesh despite his own movements. Yoongi could hear the sound of a hard object hitting metal, and soon after the lamps began to light up. He could see a red tear shaped stone being placed back inside Hoseok’s breast pocket. It looked like amber but Yoongi wasn’t certain.

“Who are you? How did you get inside this tunnel?” Hoseok asked while keeping a safe distance with his sword at Yoongi’s neck.

I need him to trust me somehow. Yoongi puts both hands up in the air in surrender, “I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m simply looking for information that can save someone close to me and I heard you were the right person to approach.”

Hoseok arched his eyebrow while observing the way Yoongi moved and talked. “Then how do you explain finding this place? Only a handful of people know about this tunnel.” the blade remained steady against Yoongi’s throat as he spoke.

Crap! I was hoping to find him before he realised I used the tunnel. Too late now. I’ll have to wing it somehow. Yoongi cleared his throat, “I see your point and I do look suspicious right now but it’s really all by chance. I was looking for you all over town out of desperation and saw you enter the clock tower-!!” Yoongi flinched when Hoseok pressed his blade harder against his skin to make him bleed a little, “L-let me finish. I’m not a stalker. I’m someone whose on a extremely short deadline to save someone dear to me so I took my chances and searched the clock tower for you and that’s how I stumbled upon this tunnel.”

“You still haven’t given me your name.” Hoseok narrowed his eyes making Yoongi wonder if he believed his lie.

“I’m...Agust.” It almost sounded like a question as Yoongi extends his neck to get some space away from the blade.

“August like the season?” Hoseok’s mouth formed a triangle, “Your parents weren’t very imaginative were they.”

“...” Yoongi wondered how he was going to respond. He needed Hoseok’s help so there was no point getting in a argument about his chosen fake name.

“You know you look familiar.” Hoseok tilts his head slightly to get a better look at Yoongi. He lifts his blade away from Yoongi’s neck and moves it higher up to Yoongi’s cheek until the tip touches a loose strand of blond hair on Yoongi’s forehead, “I remember now! Your the nobleman from Aëte with the ugly blonde wig.”

“That’s rather harsh.”

“So it really is you.” Hoseok broke into a smile which made Yoongi shiver, “Now tell me again how did you end up in this tunnel.”

Yoongi did his best to show that he wasn’t intimidated by him, “ I’ve already told you how I came upon this tunnel. That’s not going to change no matter how many times you ask. I’m here taking a huge risk because I need your help. Was it stupid of me to come inside this tunnel? Yes. Am I desperate enough to still do so even if I might get killed? One hundred percent yes! So you can either kill me right now and get nothing or we can stop wasting each others time and sort out a deal.”

Hoseok’s smile faltered for a split second before he pulled his sword away from Yoongi’s throat but does not sheath it. He smiled brightly, “I’d rather not waste my night finding ways to hide your body. You nobles are worth more alive than dead in my line of work so let’s see how much this precious person of yours is to you.”

Chapter Text

Yoongi pressed his hand against his neck and was relieved to see a smudge of blood. He used it to stain the top of his shirt collar when he pulls it higher up to cover the wound, or at least where the wound should have been. Hoseok was too busy figuring out how Yoongi got inside the tunnel to take notice that it had already healed.

“Walk faster.” Hoseok commanded from behind. He still kept a tight grip on his sword while walking, careful to keep a safe distance between the two of them.

“Alright! Alright!” Yoongi repeated as he wiped his hands on the cloak. This was the third time Hoseok asked him to hurry only for him to continue on his steady pace. “Why are you in a rush? We haven’t even discussed the terms for your service. You haven’t even asked me what it is I need you for.”

“We can discuss it when we’re above ground.”

Yoongi could hear Hoseoks impatience yet he continued to take his time, “This place is practically the safest place to make a deal. No one can eavesdrop on the conversation and its also quiet so no outside noises to make things difficult to hear.”

“Above ground is better. This whole place will go pitch black soon when the magic imbedded in the lamps run out so move faster.” Hoseok warned.

“You can always use that shiny stone you had earlier. What is it by the way? Some kind of fire stone?”

Hoseok stops for a second to stare at Yoongi’s back, “First of all, the shiny stone is nearly depleted and doubt it will be enough to light the lamps again. Secondly, how do you not know what it is? Don’t nobles in Aëte use rune stones? How did you even light up the lamps when you entered the tunnel?”

Damn it! Open your mouth more without thinking why don’t you!”, Yoongi scolded himself. He doesn’t stop walking in hopes to avoid looking suspicious.

“Don’t tell me your...” Hoseok lingered and Yoongi swore he could feel Hoseok’s intense gaze on his back.

“Oh well...I happen to...um...” Yoongi stammered in trying to come up with a lie.

“You are one of those nobles who can use magic!” Hoseok snaps his finger in delight at figuring out the nobleman’s secret, “It’s quite rare to see a noble with magic strong enough to light up the lamps so I’m surprised. Are you related to the royal family?” Hoseok’s voice pitched higher at the end. He can charge more for his services.

“Oh um-yeah...kind off...distant relative. Extremely distant relative.” Yoongi goes with it since it made more sense than any excuse he could think off, “But that’s not important! I have more pressing matters at hand and I need you to look into it!”

Hoseok huffed in pride as he caught up to Yoongi’s walking pace, “Well finding information about people is what I do best after all but like I said, I’d rather we talk business when we’re out of the tunnels.”

“Fine.” Yoongi grumbled. It was hard to tell how much time had passed since he’d walked the tunnels. “By the way, you’re not in any trouble are you? When I opened the hatch to the surface, you literally threw yourself in a hurry without any care.”

Hoseok flushed when he recalled the feeling of Yoongi’s face on his bottom, “T-thats none of your business!” Hoseok huffed and pushed the hard tip of his sword handle against Yoongi’s back, “Walk faster!”

“Ow! Geez!” Yoongi sped up a couple of paces before slowing back down. “I was only concerned. Who knows? I might be able to help you.”

Hoseok laughed, “You? The one who needs MY help is offering to help ME. Don’t be ridiculous.”

Yoongi pressed his lips together to stop himself from talking. If what he remembers from Minji is correct, then the one causing problems for Hoseok is Maher, a merchant who deals with the black market. Minji mentioned that the heroine helped Hoseok fight against the greedy merchant who tried to muscle in his territory and killed some of his contacts. After all, information is valuable especially when it can be used to blackmail nobles. Yoongi wondered if it was wise to reveal what he knows in hopes of gaining Hoseoks trust.

Hoseok pushed him again, “Move faster. The sooner we leave this place then the better for the both of us.”

Yoongi did as he was told and decided to keep his mouth shut on what he knew. He had a name but he realised he did not know how the man looked like. Minji only mentioned what he did and where he frequented. Not once had he bothered to search it in the games website or look at the screen long enough when Minji waved it in front of him. Yoongi mentally groaned, realising that this was going to be another things to do added to his already long to do list.

“Good! We’re finally here.” Hoseok perked up at the sight of the ladder. The lights began to flicker, a sign that the magic used to light them was fading. “Hurry up and open the hatch before the lights go off.”

Yoongi stopped and looked at Hoseok, “You want me to open it? I don’t know how to open it.”

“You’re telling me you went inside here without doing your research first? What would you have done if you were trapped in here?”

Use my magic to blow up a exit. Yoongi wanted to say but instead shrugs his shoulders.

“Nobles.” Hoseok swore under his breath and made Yoongi climb up the ladder.

“What am I-”

“Just do as I tell you.” Hoseok impatiently waves at him to go higher. “Since you came through here the magic barrier around it is locked to your presence. Meaning only you can open the main door.”

Yoongi looked completely lost, “I tried opening this door before but it would not budge.”

“Because you did not put in the words to open it. Look! You’ll see for yourself once you do as your told.” Hoseok inhaled sharply and rubbed his temples when Yoongi gave him a blank expression. “Place one palm flat on the middle of the hatch for five seconds until you see it glow. When it does don’t move and let the lines form.”

“Lines?” Yoongi curiously placed his left palm flat on the wooden surface and waited until a bluish green glow lit up from his palm and moves around, lines after lines form until finally it stops, forming equally shaped nine by nine squares.

“You can move your hand away now.”

Yoongi carefully lifts his hand and he sees markings scribbled on each square. Some identical, almost like they came in pairs. He tries to commit it to memory but it was unfamiliar for him to fully grasp.

“Don’t touch any of those without me saying. If you mess up, it will lock for eight hours and we’ll be stuck here in the dark.” Hoseok warned.

Yoongi looked down at Hoseok as he mouth the words eight hours in utter shock.

Hoseok snaps his fingers to get him to focus, “We must make sure that no column, row or box can have two squares with the same symbol. Each symbol moves by tapping on it once and tapping again at the square you want to swap with. So don’t do anything without my instructions. Make a mistake and the symbols will turn white which means it sealed the exit.”

“Hold up.” Yoongi stares at the puzzle, “So this is basically Sudoku except the numbers are symbols.”

“What are you talking about?” Hoseok narrowed his eyes at Yoongi. He was becoming impatient as the lights became dimmer.

“Don’t worry. I got this.” Yoongi smugly proclaimed and proceeded to tap away at the symbols much to Hoseok’s horror.

“AUGUST STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? NO!” Hoseok screamed and hurriedly got up the ladder. “YOU’RE GOING TO TRAP US IN HERE!”

“Done!” Yoongi put both hands in the air until he realised that was a bad idea considering he was on a ladder and quickly held on again.

“What are you smi-” Hoseok became speechless when he heard the sound of the heavy workbench moving, “How did you?”

Yoongi smugly smiled with complete pride and opened the hatch, “All you need is faith.”

“YOU!” The two guards bellowed in unison as they look down on Yoongi from the opened hatched. Without second thought, one grabs Yoongi by the collar and yanks him upwards while the other brandished a sword.

“Oh hello! Glad to see you’re not hurt.” Yoongi sheepishly smiled at the guard with a bandage wrapped around his forehead. The guards teeth grinding was loud enough for Yoongi to hear.

“Put his head on the table!” the other guard impatiently swings his sword. He locks eyes with Yoongi and makes a gesture of cutting off his head.

Normally Yoongi wouldn’t care about dying since he’d be resurrected back to the beginning but this time he wanted to see through this lifetime. He couldn’t start again knowing what he’s done to Taehyung, Namjoon and Seokjin. It didn’t feel right.

“Stop! Put him down!” Hoseok’s stern voice halted everyone’s movements.

The guard refused to let go of Yoongi while the other that had his sword near Yoongi’s neck began to complain, “Boss he attacked us! Look at what he did to Rafi’s head!”

Hoseok gestured for the guard to step back, “If you kill him now we’d lose a client, plus August here belongs to a noble family in Aëte. I don’t want that kind of trouble messing with my business. Instead we can charge him double for the trouble he’s caused.”

“Agust without the extra u.” Yoongi mumbled.

The two guards were reluctant. They glared at Yoongi before finally letting him go but not without pushing him to the ground first. Yoongi grunted from the shove and let the other two guards walk past him to block his only exit. He was more relieved his blonde wig remained intact.

“Yes well, sorry about attacking you two earlier. I really needed to get inside and simply waltzing in was not going to be a option.” Yoongi tried to reason as he got up from the floor.

Rafi, the guard who had sustained a head injury, sneered at him then turned to speak to Hoseok, “Triple the price.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure our client will be able to foot the bill.” Hoseok smiled brightly, “Now let’s discuss the details of this very urgent matter of yours.”

Yoongi did not feel comfortable with Hoseok’s smile, it looked well rehearsed, overly pleasant and cheerful, something Yoongi had gotten familiar with when working in the restaurant. It was clear to him that Hoseok was not comfortable having him in his hideout and there was no reason to delay any further. Yoongi leaned against the workbench, “Finally! As you are well aware this task has a deadline. I need you to find someone before the start of the Kings birthday celebration.”

“That’s in three weeks.” Rafi blurts out, even more annoyed at Yoongi, “Why the deadline? What’s so important about that?”

Three weeks!? Yoongi thought he had more time. “A possible execution.” he grimly answered.

“I need more information than a deadline. Who exactly are we trying to locate here?” Hoseok eyed him suspiciously.

Yoongi stared at Hoseok with a serious expression, “I need you to find the person responsible for poisoning the King.”

“WHAT!” Hoseok’s mouth hang open in shock.

“Is the King dead? Who? How?” Rafi looked confused.

“HELL NO!” the other guard cursed, “We do not do business involving that tyrant! Plus they have their own militia to sort that out!”

Yoongi waved his hands to calm them just enough for him to speak, “No, the King is not dead and yes, the royal family has their own team investigating the matter. However, they think they have the culprit’s accomplice already in custody and won’t hesitate to use any means necessary to get them to confess.”

“So you think they have the wrong person and you want me to find the culprit to save this innocent person.” Hoseok huffed and looked at Yoongi like he had lost his mind.

“Yes.” Yoongi replied. Despite the other guards loud opinions on why this was a stupid request, he still remained calm and kept his focus on Hoseok.

“How do you know that person is even innocent? What if their guilty and is only making a fool out of you?” Hoseok asked.

“Believe me I know. He wouldn’t hurt anyone. He was merely at the wrong place at the wrong time. Plus there are others involved that are innocent as well. Merely caught up in the rush to find someone to blame.”

“You can’t be considering this! If they find out an outsider is poking their nose in the royal families affairs then we’re the next ones up the executioners block!” the other guard protested loudly.

“He’s right boss! The deadlines tight and for all we know the culprits already left for the borders.” Rafi added. The two looked ready to throw Yoongi out in a heartbeat.

Hoseok remained silent. A dangerous request from a noble who boldly attacked his men and broke into his hideout. He knew nothing about him except from the superficial information he managed to squeeze out. Hoseok pondered if he was worth the risk. The money he could get out of him would help him get the upper hand against his rival, Maher. He had lost contacts because of him and he needed to find a way to stop him from taking over his area before he loses more. But his request involved the tyrant and it made him worry that he’d lose more than he’d gain.

Yoongi stared at Hoseok. He could tell he was weighing the risks involved should he take on his request. It did not help that the villains reputation may have made it harder to accept. Yoongi wants to give his word that none of them will be harmed or hunted by the royal guards but they are not going to believe a word he says and would most likely ask for a proof of some sorts. Yoongi cleared his throat and tried to plead his case “I know I’m asking for a lot and in all honesty I would have preferred to solve this myself since getting outsiders involved would only complicate things but I’m really desperate to save him. I wish I had more time and I only approached you because I was told you were the best.”

The two guards had a smug look of pride but Hoseok remained unconvinced. Yoongi leaned away from the work bench, lightly slapped his thigh as if he’d given up then let out a sigh, “But if this job is too much for you I can take my business elsewhere. I heard of merchants guild by the docks that sells information like you.”

“Don’t you dare compare me with those hacks!” Hoseok spat.

“I’m not. I’m just saying that if you don’t want the job then I can go elsewhere. I know they aren’t as good as you but like I said I’m desperate.” Yoongi sighed once more in defeat despite wanting to smile brightly at the possibility of luring Hoseok to take his request.

“I never said I wasn’t going to take job. I merely needed time to think and I have decided to take it.” Hoseok huffed as he crossed his arms together.

“Are you sure about this?” Rafi worriedly asks. He looks to the other guard with uncertainty.

Hoseok ignores him and continued to make his demands, “You’re paying triple my service fee on top the information fee and my guards medical fees.”

“Done! Its a deal!” Yoongi immediately agreed before Hoseok could change his mind. He extends his hand eagerly to seal the deal.

“I need more details for me to work with. It better not involve just mere gut feeling.” Hoseok says while dismissing Yoongi’s attempt at a handshake.

“I’ll tell you all that I know.” Yoongi smiles and pulls back to hide his embarrassment. He then glances at the two guards, “Just wondering, are you two actual guards or merely dressed up as one?”

“Why do you ask?” the other guard placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

“I’m merely curious. You both were upset that this job involved the royal family yet you two wear the uniform of a royal guard so...just wondering.” Yoongi shrugged.

“No one wants to be involved in anything that has the royal family at the centre of it. The only good soul that ever existed in that wretched castle was the late Queen.”

“The late Queen?” Yoongi wondered if this was the woman who kept appearing in his dreams.

“The tyrants mother! How do you not know this?” the other guard looked even more annoyed of Yoongi’s presence.

“Of course I knew who it was. I did not say the late Queen in a questioning manner but in a tone of lament. I was sad to reminisce such a wonderful Queen. You misheard me that’s all.” Yoongi said defensively when he noticed Hoseok eyeing him suspiciously again. It was one thing when a noble did not know the basics of a magic stone but not knowing who the late Queen of a powerful Kingdom was already pushing him towards getting his cover blown.

“Whatever. We may be guards of this clock tower but our loyalty lies with our boss.” Rafi grunts and tilts his chin upward to Hoseok.

“Thank you but I think that’s enough questions from our noble client. Now tell me more about this culprit I need to find.” Hoseok impatiently tapped his fingers against the sleeve of his forearm.

“Right! Deadline!” Yoongi refocused on Hoseok, “So I believe the person who poisoned the King was one of the kitchen staff or pretended to be one.”

“How sure are you? If the King was indeed poisoned then the first thing the royal guards do is lock up the kitchen staff for investigation...or torture.”

“I know but they have the wrong people imprisoned. That person who served the King slipped out during the commotion. The culprit brought him coffee which was laced heavily with poison, coffee that the King nor the head pastry or head butler ordered.”

“And the King was stupid enough to drink it despite the fact that it was handed to him by a random person which as you said he did not ask for?” Hoseok asked in disbelief.

“.......yes. He drank it without hesitation.”

“Why?” Hoseok frowned, still in disbelief that a tyrant would simply drink something so suspicious.

“Because...cake.” Yoongi muttered.

“What?”

“There was cake. Lots of cake for his birthday and it was too sweet so the coffee...ahem! He drank the coffee without suspecting anything.” Yoongi blurted out defensively.

“The tyrant is paranoid and keeps a close eye on everyone and everything around him. If he drank the coffee then it must be because he knew the person serving it and has most likely worked in the castle for a long time. This can narrow down our search if we focus mainly on employees who served the royal family for at least five years.” Hoseok thought out loud while the two guards agreed on his plan.

Yoongi felt a bead of sweat running down his spine, “Actually...he did not know the server.”

Hoseok’s eyebrow arched, “How do you even know that? Also how did you get so much details? Were you there when it happened?”

“No I was not but the person I care for was there and he told me everything.” Yoongi lied again.

“They allowed you to visit a prisoner?” the other guard asked. His hand never left the hilt of his sword.

“I...snuck in.”

“Bullshit! The Palace is heavily guarded, including the dungeons! This is a trap!” the other guard yelled and unsheathed his sword.

“What!? No! I’m telling you the truth! I got through your secret tunnel.” Yoongi backed away and pointed at the now closed entrance to the underground.

“Put that away before you poke your eye out!” Hoseok sternly scolded the guard, “I believe him considering he got this far despite the two of you guarding the clock tower’s one and only entrance.”

The guard shamefully sheathed back his sword and apologised to Hoseok. It gave Yoongi a sense of relief knowing he could avoid using his abilities in front of Hoseok. He needs to stay hidden for now until he frees Seokjin.

“So tell me. Did this person that you care for oh so deeply, give you a description of the culprit? Anything that can help us identify this mysterious staff that vanished?” Hoseok inquired further to the task on hand.

“Um...” Yoongi stared wide eyed at the floor when he realised he did not stop at all today to spend time to recollect his memory of that day, “The staff was...um...” Yoongi trailed off as he desperately attempted to recall something useful. He remembers the coffee being placed down in front of him and then...nothing. His attention was towards Seokjin so he barely spared a glance to look at the person who served him. Yoongi thinks again. Back to when the coffee was put on the table. The teaspoon made a sound which made me look. White sleeve like the others in uniform, the hand was...!, Yoongi excitedly looked at Hoseok, “The culprit did not wear gloves. All the kitchen staff who were assigned to serve wore them but the culprit did not. The skin on their hand was tan.”

“Tan skin is not much to go on with. Your culprit is either from Aëte or anyone living here with natural tanned skin or works under the sun on a daily basis.” Hoseok shot down Yoongi’s eureka moment, “Do you have a gender? A scar, mole, anything that would make this person identifiable?”

“Um...” Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to recall again. I remember the head butler scolding the staff, then I spoke up to the butler to let it slide. I did not want to ruin it for Seokjin. Then we were offered the palate cleanser and the kitchen staff was pushed back to stand behind them.

“Well?” Hoseok impatiently asked.

“Medium built and the uniform fit fine, not too loose, not too tight. I think culprit was male. Dark brown side burns but mostly covered with the kitchen staff head wear. I can’t remember the eyes, he looked down most of the time...that’s all I remember.” Yoongi rambled.

“You can’t remember? I thought it was your precious person who was there at the time and not you?” Hoseok narrowed his eyes at Yoongi.

“I wasn’t. I’m repeating what he said to me. Its the best way for me to recall.” Yoongi quickly explained.

“Hmmm...fine. But how does he know the culprit is male?”

“Adams apple.” Yoongi touched his own neck when he said it.

“Well then, good for us that this your friend is very attentive to details.” Hoseok sarcastically mentions. He felt the information was too little to work with but he’s dealt with worse.

“I’m sorry that’s all I can provide you with. If I get more information then is there anyway for me to contact you?” Yoongi inquired and took a step forward towards Hoseok.

“There is a tailor six houses down east from where my pub is located. We communicate from there. Speak to the tailor to get updates on the job and you can leave a message as well, but only once a week or it will be suspicious. No one needs to see a tailor more than that, even if you are a noble.” Hoseok explained. His gaze shifted towards Yoongi’s sudden approach.

“Sounds reasonable. “ Yoongi nodded and pulled out a heavy pouch that jingled delightfully when he presented to Hoseok. The smile on Hoseok’s face was confirmation alone that the down-payment was sufficient. Hoseok took it and began counting the gold coins inside. Yoongi then walked towards the two guards blocking the door, “Well then I think our business is concluded for tonight.”

The two guards look at Hoseok first and when he gave them the thumbs up, only then did they move just enough for Yoongi to squeeze through.

“Oh by the way August.” Hosoek calls out from behind once Yoongi was fully out of the door, “Don’t ever come back here.”

Yoongi flashed his adorable gummy smile and waves before one of the guards slams the door shut.

Chapter Text

There was a sense of relief finding the horse he had left for hours to still be waiting in the same area. Yoongi had no intention of walking all the way back to the castle especially when the sun had set and risk the possibility of the head butler sending out a search party for him. The last thing he needed was causing a commotion which could alert Hoseok to his real identity.

“Three weeks...” Yoongi uttered on the ride back, “I hope that’s enough time to find the culprit. For Seokjin and the others it must feel like a lifetime. I’ll need to check on them again tomorrow.”

He wondered if there was more he can do for them. It wasn’t enough to simply make them comfortable. He tried desperately to recall more during the day he got poisoned yet no matter how hard he tried, nothing new came to him. It bothered him even after he had entered the castle grounds. The guards were surprised at first to see the head butler rushing to greet a blonde stranger coming up the castle gates and then they quickly realised it was the King in disguise so, they held their tongue and looked the other way. It was a rare sight considering their King was too proud to ever hide his presence yet here he was dressed as a commoner.

“Your Highness, did your venture prove to be fruitful? Did the time you spent finding clues lead you closer to finding the culprit?” The head butler asks the moment they were inside the castle walls.

Yoongi thinks that the elderly man is being sincere with his question however a part of him feels like a child who had a massive tantrum and was now being passive-aggressively checked on by the parent. “Yes and no. I will tell you more once I have something concrete. I don’t want to say anything out of rumours.”

“That’s very wise of you, Your Highness.”

“I’m glad you agree?...” Yoongi replied with uncertainty. He waited to see if the head butler had more to say about his behaviour but surprisingly the elder said nothing else. This made him wonder if it would be the best time to discuss the villains upcoming birthday. No ones else was around as they made their way to his room. No one else but the two of them and Taehyung in a long dark green night robe.

“Taehyung!” Yoongi calls out to the fortune teller who had snuck around the corner. Even the head butler was surprised by his sudden appearance.

“Your Highness!” Taehyung nearly toppled over a large porcelain vase, “Its late. Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“I should be asking you that question. What are you doing up so late?” Yoongi questioned and glanced at the direction Taehyung came from, “That corridor leads to Seokjin’s room. Don’t tell me you! Did you sneak inside Seokjin’s room after I told you not to do that ever again?”

Taehyung hesitated. The look on Yoongi’s face showed no patience at being lied to. Taehyung bit his lower lip and nodded.

“Why would you do that again!?” Yoongi stopped himself from saying any more and sighed deeply. It had been a long day and he began to feel the start of a migraine. He had used his powers carelessly today in a attempt to better control it and now it was taking its toll.

“Your Highness, please don’t be mad. I only wanted to learn more.” Taehyung explained.

“Perhaps this is a conversation better continued in the morning after a full rest to clear the mind.” The head butler interrupted when he noticed the King looking pale.

“Very well.” Yoongi agreed while he rubbed his forehead, “Taehyung you are to remain in your room until I say you can leave. The maid I assigned you is to stay with you at all times is that clear?”

Taehyung’s eyes widen, “You're locking me up over this!?”

“I’m grounding you in the comfort of your room and not a cold jail cell where Seokjin is right now!” Yoongi snapped. He instantly regretted losing his cool and his heart sank when Taehyung looked like he was going to cry.

“Do not question his Highness. I will have one of the guards escort you back.” The head butler sternly reprimanded.

Yoongi interrupted the head butler from calling a guard, “No need. I will bring him back to his room. I should...I have to deal with this now or we’ll both not get any rest tonight.”

The head butler was surprised yet again by the Kings maturity to face the problem in a more diplomatic manner compared to his usual threats or acts of aggression. It felt strange but nonetheless he bids the King a good night and leaves them.

Taehyung quickly approached Yoongi as soon as the head butler left, “Your Highness please! I only wanted to read more from the medical notes to help you!”

“That is no excuse. How would you feel if someone snuck into your room to go through your personal belongings?” Yoongi reprimanded.

“That’s...this is for your safety!” Taehyung stubbornly stood his ground.

“Do not use my health as an excuse to break into someone’s room! I won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour, especially under my roof. I have a lot to deal with right now and I can’t have you adding in to my problems!” Yoongi scolded as the migraine grew worse. He felt a sharp throb at the back of his eyes and it frustrated him that the pain caused him to speak carelessly. There was a moment of silence between them and Taehyung remained stubborn. Yoongi took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. When he spoke, his voice was softer, “Look Taehyung, I appreciate that you want to help me and after last night I...I really want to get to know you. We never had a chance to do that and I simply don’t want you to do anything that will get you in trouble.”

“Your Highness...” Taehyung murmured. His gaze shifted to the ground, a moment of hesitation before his expression softens, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

Yoongi smiled softly at him, “Its late. I’ll walk you back to your room.”

Taehyung looked at him earnestly, “Do you need me tonight?”

This caused Yoongi too blush at the sudden forwardness, “What do you mean?”

“Oh um! I-I just thought...I mean...I thought you were up this late because you were looking for me. I feel ridiculous having asked you. I’m so sorry...I’m not thinking properly.” Taehyung flushed from embarrassment.

“I had matters to attend to and only returned. I didn’t mean to confuse you. I wanted you to rest. Did the doctor come to see you? Has the maid been treating you well?” Yoongi quickly changed the topic to ease the awkward conversation.

Taehyung’s hands fidgeted with the belt of his night robe and nodded as he replied, “Yes he has. He was very thorough.”

Yoongi’s expression turned sour and he moved closer to Taehyung, “Thorough? What do you mean?”

“Not like that!” Taehyung lightly laughed as he tried to explain, “He behaved professionally and the maid stayed with me the whole time. She watched over his movements like a hawk. To be honest I think she made him sweat.”

“I see.” Yoongi’s cheeks lightly turned pink.

“Are you jealous that another man touched me?” Taehyung teased.

Yoongi stuttered at Taehyung’s bold question, “T-th-that’s not why I asked! I’m merely concerned if he did something inappropriate.”

Taehyung chuckled, “I know, Your Highness. I’m only teasing.”

“You shouldn’t tease a King. An-anyways it is late so we should get going.” Yoongi insisted and walked away to hide his embarrassment.

Taehyung smiled and caught up with Yoongi’s pace. He was careful to stay three steps behind, there are guards patrolling the castle and with them being on high alert for any threats, they would certainly not take it kindly to see him walk too closely beside their King.

Yoongi felt a throbbing pain on his left eye that spread through the top of his skull. He took a deep breath and pushed through the pain. They walked in silence for while until Yoongi stops to look at him. “Are you sure you feel fine? Do you need to rest?”

“What do you mean? I’m fine.” Taehyung replied in confusion why the King looked concerned.

“Then why are you walking so slow?”

“I’m not.” Taehyung was taken aback. He looked down and made sure he maintained his distance while they walked.

“Yes you are.” Yoongi took a step closer and grab hold of Taehyung’s right hand, “Come on slow poke.”

“Your Highness!” Taehyung’s breath hitched when Yoongi held his hand. He stared at their joined hands while they walked down the hall.

“For someone with long legs, you walk really slow.” Yoongi had a smirk on his face when he teased. The migraine remained but Taehyung’s adorable ‘I’m offended’ face made it all better.

“I do not. My sisters complain all the time that I walk too fast for them to follow.” Taehyung protested.

Yoongi suddenly remembered how Minji used to follow him around when they were younger, “That’s cute. Your three sisters must be missing you right now.”

“You remembered.” Taehyung smiled brightly.

“Well you only shared so little about your five siblings. Are you the eldest?” Yoongi asks further.

Taehyung titled his head slightly with one finger pushed softly on his bottom lip, “No, one of my sisters is the eldest by six months, then one of my brothers by five months, then another brother by eight days before me.”

“Does this mean that all six of you were born on the same year?”

“Yes, that is correct. It is the same as the previous seers who had raised us.” Taehyung chuckled, “I suppose it can be a shock for those who don’t know much about the temple.”

“Do citizens of Nolla know all this? Are all the previous seers still in the temple?” Yoongi probed further. His interest piqued since Minji had not mentioned any of this before.

Taehyung gave it some thought before answering, “Not everyone. It is not common knowledge and those from the temple prefer to keep our business private. As for the previous seers, one had died before I was brought into the temple, another passed away a year ago due to a weak heart, and the other four remain in the temple. Aside from the training, they help take care of the temple and will spend the rest of their lives doing so just like their predecessors.”

“You can’t leave the temple? But you’re here. You’re not in any trouble are you?” Yoongi worriedly asks. His hold on Taehyung’s hand becomes firmer.

Taehyung stopped and smiled playfully, “Your Highness is quite curious about me but sadly we have made it back to my room.”

“Huh?” Yoongi looked in front of him and noticed the oak doors, “Oh! Yes of course. I didn’t realise.” Yoongi lets go of Taehyung’s hand but was surprised when Taehyung quickly held his hand again.

“Would...you like to continue our conversation inside? I mean...you said we should get to know each other more so...”

“!!” Yoongi was caught off guard and didn’t know what to say. He noticed Taehyung looking at him, determined yet the slight tremble in his hands made him aware that Taehyung was just as nervous as he was. Yoongi interlaced his fingers with Taehyungs and smiled, “I’d like that.”

Taehyung beamed and had a huge smile that made Yoongi momentarily forget about the persistent migraine. He let Taehyung lead him inside the room, closing the door with a swift push from his foot and taking in his new surroundings. Despite being still inside the castle, Taehyung’s room was completely unique from any of the other regular rooms. It reminded Yoongi of how games would create a background to match the characters role or personality for players to get a better grasp of the different characters. Taehyung’s room was adorned with soft shades of yellow that evoke a sense of warmth and tranquillity, while deep green accents add an earthy and enigmatic touch. Lush plants and foliage are strategically placed throughout the room, their vibrant leaves breathing life into the space. A golden-framed mirror reflects the room’s botanical charm, while delicate curtains add a soft touch to the room, and a tapestry with intricate patterns hangs on one wall, displaying an unfamiliar symbol that Yoongi had never seen before. The antique wooden table was draped in a vibrant cloth, adorned with ornate yellow and green accents. Crystals and candles of different sizes and colours rest on surfaces, illuminating the space and infusing it with mystical energy. The air is scented with the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers. An abundance of trinkets and shiny objects decorated every shelf that left Yoongi staring in awe. It made him wonder if the other male leads rooms were unique like this. Last time he was in Seokjin's room, he did not get a chance to take note of how it looked.

“Your Highness.” Taehyung had that confident smile he once showed Yoongi before he jumped him in front of Namjoon and the head butler.

Yoongi cleared his throat and looked behind Taehyung to find a armchair covered in discarded clothes. The other armchair opposite of the wooden table had a pile of books and coats carelessly thrown over. “Oh um...I’ll just clear one of those chairs.”

“No need.” Taehyung giggled and pulled Yoongi down with him on top of the bed.

“Taehyung!” Yoongi’s cheeks flushed crimson when he realised how close Taehyung was to him. He tried to get up to leave but Taehyung hugs him and pushed him back down. Taehyung rests his head on Yoongi’s chest, arms wrapped around the King to prevent him from leaving.

“Please stay. I’m not used to being alone.” Taehyung requested from Yoongi as he snuggled.

Yoongi’s heart pounded against his chest, his cheeks felt hot and uncomfortable yet he couldn’t move. His migraine only made it worse so he gave in to Taehyung’s request. “Did you not sleep alone in the temple?”

Taehyung’s smile widened when he realised Yoongi would stay, “My siblings and I all stayed in one massive room. It wasn’t cramped and we all had our space but it was still inside one room so none of us was ever truly alone. We did almost everything together.”

“Then why did you leave?” Yoongi asked while keeping his focus on the ceiling.

“Because of you.” Taehyung murmured and pressed his cheeks even closer to where he could hear Yoongi’s heart beating.

“Me?” Yoongi finally turned his gaze towards Taehyung.

Taehyung hummed, “Yes. I saw a vision and it called out to me.”

“Vision? Of me? You saw a vision of me?” Yoongi repeated. The confusion he felt made his heart beat faster which only amused Taehyung.

“I saw Vhóel that once was covered in darkness, shine bright like a morning star and at its core was you. Everywhere you walked, it caused the shadows to slither back into the corners and cracks until it could no longer be seen. You were an enigma I did not understand. I’ve heard of you during the expansion war and when the elders locked us in the temple to keep us safe, they told us stories of your monstrosity. I was so scared and frightened that you’d one day show up and burn down our temple that I couldn’t sleep. But then I got this vision and I was so confused. I didn’t know what else to do except find you for answers.” Taehyung answered and tilted his head up slightly to gaze at Yoongi.

How’s that possible?, Yoongi felt conflicted, Everything is a mess. In the game Taehyung saw a vision of a maiden who was born with rare powerful light magic. He did not know how to find her so he sets up shop in town using the clues from his vision. If the player chooses his route then he is the first one the heroine encounters. However, what Taehyung is saying does not make sense. Why would he have a vision of the villain and not the heroine? Should I head back to the Inn I last left the heroine in? Maybe there’s a clue left behind that I’ve missed.

Taehyung shifted so he could get a better look at the King’s expression. “Your Highness, is everything alright? You’ve been silent.”

Yoongi stared into Taehyung’s eyes, “Are you telling me the truth?”

Taehyung’s eyes widen as he’s taken aback by Yoongi’s question. His eyebrows knit in the middle and he was ready to retaliate but just as quickly his expression softens and he lays his head back down on Yoongi’s chest, “You don’t believe me?”

“I...” Yoongi’s chest tightened and the migraine made him close his eyes, “Its a lot to take on. I’m merely trying to make sense of it all.”

A heavy silence fell upon them. Taehyung holds on to Yoongi even tighter while the young King remains impassive. Finally Taehyung decided to break the silence. He clears his throat and speaks up, “During the war many of the citizens of Nolla came to us for answers. They wanted to know how to stop the war, how long it would last, and why we did not see it happen. They wanted answers that we could not provide. It came to a point that some became aggressive so the Royal guards had to step in and push them out.”

“They were scared.” Yoongi answered.

Taehyung nodded slightly, “We know. Our elders held no ill will. They even opened a part of the temple for sanctuary to those who did not feel safe in their own home. It was overwhelming to see so many citizens and soldiers in one place.”

Yoongi opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling, “But did you see what was going to happen then? Did the elders even have a clue that Vhóel would start a war?”

“...the elders...” Taehyung spoke with a soft sigh, “One day the elders were summoned to the Queens castle to inform her of what they saw. We did not fully know why but we suspected that they had predicted a war was coming.”

“I thought seers loose their gift once the next generation is born?”

“Not instantly. It fades away with time. I was told that the vision they saw that day was their last but no one truly knows when the goddess will take back her gift.” Taehyung murmured and closed his eyes to feel the gentle rise and fall of Yoongi’s chest.

“Did they know before the war started? Does that mean it could have been stopped?” Yoongi curiously asked. His interest peaked as this was all new to him.

“Would you have stopped the war from happening if the seers came to you? Would your father, the late King, have stopped if anyone had told him that they knew what he was planning?”

Yoongi remembered the flash of broken memories that came to him when he had sparred with The Mountain at the soldiers barracks. The carnage on the battlefield and the old Kings hardened gaze. Yoongi shook his head, “No...nothing would have changed.”

The silence began to stretch uncomfortably again so Taehyung quickly speaks up, “You know, sometimes I detest how the people in Nolla think that seers know everything. We’d have requests for almost every single decision and I find it ridiculous. We can see glimpse of the future but nothing is ever certain. If I were to tell someone that their business will fail then they lose all will and stop trying. They forget that nothing is truly set in stone because human nature is unpredictable. It is not always easy to know which path one will take.”

A grunt came as a response and Taehyung looked up to see if Yoongi had fallen asleep. Instead, he saw Yoongi still staring up the ceiling with a pained expression. “Your Highness?” Taehyung calls to him however Yoongi remained lost in his thoughts. Annoyed, Taehyung lifts himself on top of Yoongi and pins him down with his thighs, demanding for attention, “Your Highness, look at me!”

“Huh?” Yoongi blinks and sees Taehyung looking increasingly irritated at him.

“We can do something else if you’re bored of talking.” Taehyung pursed his lips and planted Yoongi’s hands on his thighs.

“Taehyung...” Yoongi exhaled and moved his hands up to grab hold of Taehyung’s slender waist. For a brief moment Taehyung thought Yoongi would turn him over and pin him down on bed but instead Yoongi lifts Taehyung off him so he could get out.

“Don’t go! You said you wanted to talk to me! You said you wanted to know me better!” Taehyung huffed and wrapped his arms and legs around Yoongi to stop him from getting up.

Despite being taken aback by Taehyungs behaviour, Yoongi’s expression softens and he rests his head on Taehyung’s shoulder. The migraine remained yet it did not bother him as much. He breathed in, taking in the scent of lavender and ylang-ylang, and hugged Taehyung. It seemed to calm them both. “I know and I really do want to know you better. Its just...its been a hectic day to say the least and I'm tired.” Yoongi answered.

Taehyung loosened his hold and gently ran his fingers through Yoongi’s hair, “Your mood changed when I told you about the previous seers. Did it upset you that they may have foreseen the war?"

“I’m trying to make sense of it. If they really had foresaw the upcoming war, then why did they not tell the citizens of Nolla so they may prepare or even warn the other Kingdoms. What did they see that they decided to keep it to themselves?”

“The Royal family knew or at least I believe they did. But no one really knows what happened that day since this was merely a rumour within the temple. The seers never told us themselves what the vision contained.”

Yoongi closed his eyes and exhaled deeply as he thought to himself, The seers were supporting characters with a small role in the game. Merely mentioned in the background as part of Taehyungs storyline but nothing was ever mentioned of their visions. Only Taehyung had a vision of the heroine, plus the only time he and the villain cross paths is when the heroine is with him.

“I lost you again.” Taehyung moved slightly, his hands rested on Yoongi’s shoulder as he stares at the young Kings serious expression.

“Sorry...” Yoongi opened his eyes and with a look of regret he could barely look at Taehyung, “I lost control and ruined everything for you.”

“Your Highness...” Taehyung gently caressed Yoongi’s cheek. He looked so vulnerable underneath him and it made his heart ache. He never thought they’d be together like this. Once, the sound of the tyrants name made him fearful and angry, but he has changed greatly since leaving the temple. Now he holds the very same tyrant freely and boldly, and had even felt the burning desire of his embrace. Taehyung leaned forward and kissed Yoongi’s forehead. Surprised, Yoongi calls out his name, making him happy. He looks at Yoongi and smiles brightly, “You did no such thing. I came here on my own accord and was rescued by you when I was too weak to defend myself.

His words did nothing to ease Yoongi’s heavy heart, “Is that why you stay by my side? What if someone else had saved you then? Would you be following that person around? Would I remain the villain to you?”

Using both hands, Taehyung managed to get Yoongi to look at him properly, “Why must we put ourselves in moments that never happened? There is no what if. There is only you and that is all that matters to me.”

“I don’t want you to stay simply out of obligation. I have no intention of trapping you here just because I saved your life.”

“Stop being so stubborn! If I felt trapped I would have left a long time ago. I wanted to stay! You’re the one who keeps pushing me away! Do you not want me here? Do you want me to leave? Do you regret spending that night with me? Did you wish it could have been Namjoon or Seokjin?” Taehyung angrily retorted.

His words shook Yoongi out of his messed up thoughts and he finally sees Taehyung in full clarity. His beautiful eyes staring at him on the verge of tears, “No, I did not mean it that way.” Yoongi apologised and held Taehyung’s hands, “I’m only trying to understand why you’d choose to stay with me. It can not be simply because I saved your life or you saw me in a vision. There are many ways for you to repay me for saving you that day that does not involve risking your life in return. You knew me before as the tyrant that placed Nolla in constant fear and after what you have read from Soekjin's medical notes then you now know that I could have easily took your life that night had I lost control...I...why?"

Taehyung's lips trembled and he gently held Yoongi on his chest. He wraps his arms around him and cradles him, his voice cracked when he spoke, "Why can't it be something so simple as wanting you."

A burning ache seared across Yoongi's chest, his stomach twisted and the hunger grew again. He could not tell if his own muddled emotions made it worse or if the dark magic within had a distorted sense of humour. Yoongi inhaled sharply and finally responded, "Its not easy for me to trust people especially when my life is in constant danger.”

“You trust Seokjin and Namjoon so why not me?” Taehyung nuzzled against Yoongi's soft hair.

Yoongi held back a response. He wanted to say he knew them but somehow he realised that maybe he did not know them as well as he thought. When he became determined to reach the games ending, he thought he was well prepared since he knew everyone's background, abilities and even their roles in certain key points of the games main storyline yet nothing was ever what it seemed. He met Taehyung and Seokjin in places they were not supposed to be in. The affection he felt for them grew stronger when it should never had happened in the first place. His upcoming birthday which had never been part of the game and then pursuing Hoseok in a path completely out of his original plan. The bursts of memories that made no sense. The blackouts that ended in him covered in blood. Namjoon's outburst and the forced kiss. And now he's been told of some vision that did not exist in the original game's storyline. How was he going to move forward from it all. How was he going to gain control again.

"Your Highness?"

Yoongi spiralled. His thoughts were a whirlwind of whys, hows, and what ifs. His breathing became short and laboured. His vision blurred and his heart ached in such agony he wanted to rip it out of his own chest just so he can restart everything.

"My King!" Taehyung called out as he pulled away to make Yoongi look at him. His slender fingers firmly held Yoongi's face, forcing him to snap away from his inner turmoil. "My King please! Look at me!"

"Taehyung." Yoongi breathed out. It felt as if air had re-entered his lungs after being submerged in water. "I...I can't stay. I need to leave."

"My King!" Taehyung protested but he could not hold on to Yoongi as he turned him to the side. Yoongi left in such haste that Taehyung could only look on as the door closed, leaving him alone once more.

Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting a warm glow upon potted plants that line the room, their lush foliage adding an earthy vitality. Yoongi felt the warmth of the sun on his skin. He gets up from the bed but is stopped by a pair of hands that squeeze on his chest. He laughs. A light laugh of both fondness and humour. He looks behind him to see a sleepy Taehyung pouting and rests his head on his shoulder.

"Its time to get up sleepy head." Yoongi kissed his hair. The smell of fresh lavender and ylang-ylang calmed him.

Taehyung looks at him. His lips parting to say...

"LET ME THROUGH!"

Yoongi bolts up from the chair he had slept in. He blinks a few times before it sinks in that it was but a dream. Save for the screaming outside his door.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

"This is uncalled for! Behave yourself!"

"The head butler is coming!"

The voices. Yoongi walked closer towards the bedroom door and could hear the maids panicked voices, guards unwavering stand, and...Namjoon. What is going on!? Yoongi unlocked the doors and opened it abruptly it caused all of them to stop and stare. The head butler had only arrived and called out for the King. Baffled, Yoongi looked at the one person who he was most curious about.

Namjoon met his gaze and in one swift motion, he walks to Yoongi and slaps him hard on his left cheek. Yoongi felt a second of searing pain until his own body makes him forget it by twisting his insides once more. Reminding him that the hunger will never truly be gone.

Loud gasps and cries echoed as the head butler rushed to his side. The guards seized Namjoon by his arms and the maids panic even more.

Yoongi blinks at Namjoon. Wishing it was just another dream. Yet he remained. Standing in front of him was someone who looked as distraught as he was. Namjoon who prided himself with his pristine appearance was now the image of reckless abandon. His platinum blonde hair had not been slick back, his eyes showed signs of sleepless nights, and his clothes were much too casual from what he would usually wear inside the castle. It was as if he gave it no second thought and rushed to the castle.

"How dare you strike the King! Guards take him away!" the head butler commanded. It shocked everyone, especially the head butler, that the Viscount would dare to do something so bold and out of character. He had always been a voice of reason whenever the King had his tantrums yet it was as if the tables had turned.

"Stop! Let him go." Yoongi ordered. The guards hesitated and glanced at the head butler.

"Your Highness, what Lord Kim had done is unforgivable."

"Am I not your King! I ordered you to let him go!" Yoongi ignored the head butler and glared at the guards. They quickly released Namjoon, who did not even put up a fight when they captured him.

"Your Highness! This cannot go unpunished!" the head butler beseeched as the other servants began to gather to see what was happening.

At that moment all Yoongi could see and hear was Namjoon. Everyone else became a blur of muffled sounds and background noise. They maintained eye contact and Namjoon finally spoke to him, "Why did you do it? Does it please you to see me struggle? Do you hate me that much that you have to play this twisted game of scarring me emotionally over and over again."

"Namjoon, if this was about the night before-"

"You must find it hilarious to see me stoop so low. I kept telling myself to stay away yet like a fool I hoped it would be different each time you smiled at me. I'm such an idiot. I deceived myself into thinking you changed and that you would not hurt me again." Namjoon laughed sardonically at himself.

"That is not my intention!" Yoongi tried to explain but saw a large crowd gathering. He lowers his voice, "Please come inside so we can talk privately." Yoongi pleaded.

Namjoon stepped back in response. The look of fear and anger stopped Yoongi from reaching him. For a moment they stood in stand still. Uncertainty and pain plagued their already fragile relationship.

A loud clap took everyone's attention, "Everyone back to your respective stations. I better not see those who do not belong in this section of the castle to still be standing here in the next 5...4...3...2." the governess stern voice had the staff scrambling away and disappearing out of sight until all that remained was the King's personal maids and royal guards.

"Governess, please speak some sense to the King." the head butler implored as she walked closer. She does not utter another word until she stops beside Namjoon.

The governess curtsies towards Yoongi then turns to gently smile and place a hand on Namjoon's elbow, "My child, come with me. I have a fresh pot of tea that will help calm the nerves."

"What? I-"

"Hush now. It is much too early in the morning to be causing such a ruckus in the castle. Come with me." The governess gentle voice soothed Namjoon and he drops his guard. He lowered his head and lets the older woman guide him away.

The head butler opened his mouth to protest but a stern gaze and smile that held no room for argue made him keep his silence. He watched as the governess walked away with Namjoon then looked to see the young King doing the same. He noticed that the King had not slept properly at all last night, even still wearing yesterdays clothes, and became worried that he may be in pain again.

"Very well. Everyone back to work. Let's help the King get ready today." the head butler calls for the maids to enter the room. They scramble to enter the bedroom, doing their best not to glance at the King, and begin their tasks. The guards go back to their respective posts and the head butler sets his own emotions aside to speak calmly to the King, "Your Highness, may I suggest a warm bath with lavender and ylang-ylang to start your day."

Yoongi glanced at him and sighed deeply, "Seriously?"
The young King walked back inside his room, leaving a confused butler by the door.

Chapter Text

The governess gently sets a teacup of valerian tea in front of Namjoon and urged him to take it. She had brought him to her private study room in hopes to better understand what caused his sudden outburst earlier.

Namjoon blankly stares at the porcelain cup then looks up to meet the older woman’s concerned expression before covering his face with both palms. “I’ve really messed up.” he groaned, “My family is going to be blacklisted because of me.”

The governess sits across him and takes a small sip of her tea before responding, “Do you truly believe our King would punish your whole family like that? Being blacklisted is as good as a death sentence for nobles. Rather harsh don’t you think.”

Namjoon sets his hands down firmly on the table, “Of course he’s capable of doing that! He’s called a tyrant for a reason!”

“That’s true but if he truly was one he’d have cut off your hand then and there as punishment and not ask the guards to let you go.” she replied unbothered by his sudden burst of emotion.

“!!” Namjoon’s mouth set in a thin line and he looks down at the cup in front of him. The steam coming from the teacup was slowly fading away.

The governess sets the porcelain cup in her hand down on the table and gazes at Namjoon. It saddened her to see him looking dejected and lost. She had watched him grow up along side the King all these years and became this remarkable young man who continued his fathers business for the sake of his family. She sighed and looks out the window, “I know of the roles the King had to be growing up in this place. The person he had to become for his parents, for his soldiers during the war, for the nobles who all wanted something to gain, and for his people who relied on him.”

Namjoon grit his teeth. He knew all that. He had seen first hand how easily Yoongi changed his mannerisms depending on who he was talking to. It was hard to tell where the real him began and where it ended. He really thought he knew him well but after Dosun...it was like waking up from a dream and living in a nightmare. Yoongi had become distant and cold towards him whenever other people were around them, especially in the presence of the royal family, but when they were alone in the grand library, it was like a switch had been flipped. The cold demeanour instantly disappeared and in its place was this charismatic, mischievous person who could talk absolute nonsense yet he’d still be so engaged in everything Yoongi did and believed that everything was going to be okay. But Namjoon knew better. Or at least he thought he did. He told himself he’d never let his emotions get swept up by Yoongi’s charm but he couldn’t stop himself and at the end of the day he’d end up in tears when Yoongi gives him the cold shoulder.

“You two were inseparable since the moment you saw each other as children. Thick as thieves, you two caused so much mischief that I’m sure you both were the reason the head butlers hair thinned.” The governess lightly smirked, “Nothing could keep you two apart. You even had to take your lessons together in the castle because he’d refuse to pick up a book unless you were there. It was quite adorable despite my headaches in dealing with two mischievous children.”

“That was just an excuse. He only wanted to manipulate me. He never wanted a friend, I was merely a toy for his amusement.” Namjoon scoffed.

“Lord Kim, I-”

Namjoon interrupted the governess with such ferocity, “You wouldn’t understand! You’ve all turned a blind eye to his increasing erratic and violent behaviour! I’ve seen the real him while you all coddle him! I know what he’s capable off since we were children! I’ve always been at the receiving end of his sick games! And I did try so hard to be understanding, to be patient but he just takes and takes and takes! I’m so tired of it all!” Namjoon abruptly stands up, knocking the chair down with a loud crash to the floor causing one of the governess maids to look inside.

The Governess waves a hand to let her leave them in private. She gives him a moment to calm down before speaking, “Is this surge of anger because the King chose to be intimate with the seer?”

Namjoon’s eyes widened before quickly turning away to hide his disdain towards the governess accusation, “I’m not that petty! He’s had others in his bed before. Once he’s bored, he’ll cast him out like the others.”

“If its not that then...” the governess paused just long enough for Namjoon to finally look at her curiously. She then smiled softly, “This bitterness and anger inside of you started because of what happened with Dosun.”

Namjoon inhaled sharply. He tried so desperately hard to forget but he still had nightmares.

“So I’am right. You were both only children then.” The governess breathed out. She felt relieved at finding the root cause of his anger.

“He killed him. We were only kids but he...he killed him for practice.” Namjoon’s voice trembled and his hands balled up into tight fists, “We had so much fun playing together then suddenly one day he stops. He said he needed to spend more time with sword practice and then next time I visit Dosun’s dead. I cried so much and stayed away from the castle for as long as I could but the fool that I ‘am, I came back to see how he was doing, thinking he might have felt remorseful for what he had done but he acted like Dosun never existed and I was just another nobleman’s child. He smiled and chatted but his eyes were so distant. I...I finally saw the real him that day.”

“Is that really what you believe?” The governess stood up and walked towards Namjoon, “Come with me. It is time for you to know the truth.”

“Nothing you say or do will change anything.” Namjoon scoffed and turned away.

The governess grabs his hand and puts herself in front of him. He tried to pull away yet she was determined. “Give me a chance. If what I show you is truly a waste of your time then I will formally apologise to the King on your behalf and make sure you and your family will not be blacklisted.” She urged.

Namjoon hesitated but at the mention of his family’s possible fate because of him, he relents and follows her.

They rode a carriage to the outskirts of the city. Namjoon fidgeted at first but eventually he let himself be lost in his thoughts throughout the long journey. It was midday by the time the carriage stopped at a small farming town. He curiously looked out the window and saw an elderly couple coming out to greet them. The governess steps out of the carriage first, followed cautiously by Namjoon, who now wished he dressed more appropriately and at least combed his hair. The couple greeted the governess with familiarity which made Namjoon even more curious as to why he was being brought here. He looked around his surroundings, nestled amidst rolling green meadows and surrounded by vibrant wildflowers, the house emanated a sense of serenity.

“Come inside. There is someone waiting for you.” The governess gentle voice pulled him back from his daze and he stared at her confusion.

“Who are you talking about?” Namjoon asked. He was positive he knew of no relative living in the area.

The governess smiled and beckoned him to follow her inside the couple’s home. Namjoon slowly followed behind noticing the red brick exterior of the house was adorned with climbing ivy, but his attention switched the moment he stepped inside. Immediately, the lively buzz of laughter and conversation enveloped him. The house pulsated with energy as the couples three children greeted the governess and him. He greeted back, unsure what to say since he did not know if they even knew who he was or why he was there. The eldest daughter smiled brightly before rushing back to the kitchen to finish whatever she had left behind in the stove, the second son nodded towards his parents before leaving out the back door, while the youngest daughter would not stop staring at Namjoon.

Namjoon uncomfortably smiled at her and tried to get the governess to help him, however she had walked ahead towards the living room. Politely, Namjoon smiled again at the young girl then hastily followed after the governess. He hears a whine, it was unfamiliar yet it still made him walk further to the centre of the living room until he stops just a few steps behind the governess, who seemed to be looking down at something at the corner by the fireplace. She turns to smile at Namjoon before moving away for him to finally see what she had been keeping from him.

An elderly dog laid on a soft bed, with grey fur and soulful eyes, he had seen his fair share of adventures in his long years and was now barely able to keep his head up. His tail wags ever so slightly and his eyes lit up with a spark of recognition at the sight of Namjoon.

“D-Dosun?” Namjoon faltered. He glanced at the governess, the words how stuck in his throat as his emotions swell.

“His Highness ordered to keep him safe with a loving family and asked us not to speak about it ever again.”

Namjoon fell on his knees to embrace the old dog, tears welling up in his eyes at the sight of his old friend. He stroke his velvety ears and buries his face on the dog’s soft fur, “Dosun...I’ve missed you.”

The elderly dogged whined and tried to move his paws the best he could but his old bones could no longer permit too much movement. Namjoon gently cradled him and lifted his head to speak with the governess. As tears rolled down his cheeks, the dog whined again and licked the tears off his face. In response, Namjoon stroked Dosun’s fur and let the dog rest over his lap.

“I-I don’t understand...Why would he do this?...I saw him that day with blood stained clothes and a sword in his hand. He told me he killed him...he said he killed him...” Namjoon rambled at the governess.

She takes a seat in the closest armchair and watched the old dog resting contently in Namjoon’s presence. She exhaled lightly, as if finally lifting a burden she carried. “His father wanted him to get rid of Dosun. It was an order he gave the prince when he turned eleven and it tore his young heart. Ever since the Queen gave him the puppy as a gift when he was seven, the two of you took care of Dosun for years until the late King decided it was time for the young prince to focus more on his sword training and royal duties than playing in the garden.”

“But he could have given Dosun to me.”

She shook her head, “The late King saw the both of you as a weakness for the young prince. Something no royal should have. If the prince had not shown him that he was capable of removing such emotions then the late King would have taken care of it for him and that would have led to a tragic outcome. Simply giving you the dog to take care of and not seeing you would never be enough to prove himself to his father.”

Namjoon was shocked by her words, “The late King...he didn’t want me near Yoongi? I’m a weakness? B-but the late King was the one who suggested to my father that I visit the castle often.”

“I believe he never anticipated that the prince would be attached to you. His behaviour towards the prince became even more distant and cold after the Queen gifted the puppy. It was only a matter of time when he’d push the prince towards the barracks to train.”

Namjoon’s lips pressed into a hard line. His heart ached from both sadness and joy. He was overwhelmed with happiness seeing Dosun alive yet her words weighed heavy on his chest. “I-I didn’t know...” he murmured as fresh tears rolled down his eyes.

“You may have grown up with the prince and think you know him better than everyone else but you will never know what it truly means to be a royal.” The governess sadly pointed out.

Yoongi stared at the tray of food in his hands. He wants to tell himself he’s made the right choice but even the little things made him doubt. The tray contained a plate of spicy stir fry chicken, a bowl of rice, chocolate mousse, and cold drink; all catered to Seokjin’s tastes.

This all began when he had stepped out for fresh air after being cooped up in his study, sorting out paperwork after paperwork while his head felt like it was going to be split open, and saw two servants going at two opposite directions carrying a food tray. Curious and looking for a distraction from the throbbing pain, Yoongi asked where they were going and one replied that he was delivering Seokjin’s lunch down to the prison cells while the other was delivering Taehyung’s lunch to his room since Yoongi had forbid him to leave until he says so.

Yoongi did not expect to find himself in that situation. It reminded him of choices presented in games, when the player needed to choose which path to take, and in his case he had three choices: Go to Seokjin, or Go to Taehyung, or pick neither. It worried him if seeing one and not the other would affect how they see him and how they will respond once they meet the female lead. In the end, Yoongi picked to go see Seokjin and asked the other servant to inform Taehyung that he was no longer grounded. It stilled weighed heavily on Yoongi to pick one over the other when both of them needed him to sort out the mess he brought upon them.

He closed his eyes and exhaled. He needed to appear calm or else Seokjin will know something is wrong and will only start to worry. Yoongi puts on his poker face and walked inside the holding area where the suspects of his poisoning case were being held. The guards open Seokjin’s holding cell door and Yoongi saw an untouched breakfast tray left on the table.

“I brought you lunch.” Yoongi did his best to sound cheerful and placed the tray on the already crowded table. He was at least slightly pleased that he used the thick robe he had sent to help keep him warm in the prison cell.

Seokjin gets up from his chair, pulling the long knitted robe tightly against his waist, and bows his head low, “Your Highness, you shouldn’t have. The kitchen staff take care of all this.”

Yoongi wasn’t comfortable by Seokjin’s sudden formality and turns away to lift the cover of the cold breakfast tray, “Did you not like what they served for breakfast? Should I tell them to bring you something else tomorrow?”

“I merely have no appetite. I will try to eat some of the lunch since you brought it down yourself.” Seokjin kept his head low when he replied.

“Can you stop being so formal. If you are mad at me then I’d rather you tell me now.” Yoongi clicked his tongue and impatiently gestured for a servant to take the cold tray away.

Seokjin finally stood up straight but still refused to look at Yoongi, “I’m not mad at you.”

“Then why are you so cold towards me? Is it because you’re still stuck here? I told you I’m doing the best I can to get you out but it will take time so I wish you’d have some faith on me. If it comes down to it, I’d exercise my power to take you away from here.” Yoongi explained in a huff.

“Please don’t misunderstand me.” Seokjin implored and walked towards Yoongi to hold his hand, “I simply don’t want you to see me here in this place. This is no place for a King and to have you visit me down here...it pains me.”

“Seokjin...” Yoongi breathed and pulled him close into his arms. “I shouldn’t have been so insensitive. After how we left things yesterday...I did not mean to upset you. Its pains me as well knowing that you are here and I feel completely helpless.”

“Your Highness, you are doing plenty already. I trust you when you said you would find the real culprit so please don’t worry about me.” Seokjin reassured and hugs him back, noting the scent of ink and coffee, “Did you have a busy morning? I hope you didn’t sneak away from the head butler.”

Yoongi grunted as the migraine came back and buried his face at the side of Seokjin’s neck for comfort.

“Your Highness, that tickles!” Seokjin giggled.

“I missed you.” Yoongi murmured and kissed Seokjin’s temple, “I miss our talks.”

Seokjin blushed and smiled brightly. He lightly taps Yoongi’s shoulder, “Your Highness this is not appropriate. What if the guards see?”

Yoongi chuckled, “I’m pretty sure my outburst yesterday was enough to convince them of my feelings towards you.”

“Don’t tease me.” Seokjin pouts and Yoongi thinks its the best cure for his migraine. He completely forgets about his worries and doubts and impulsively leans in to kiss Seokjin.

The rest of the world seemed to fade away, Seokjin was surprised at first but then he tilted his head slightly and leaned in, and melted. Taken by the kiss, they moved with a deliberateness that he’d never felt before. Yoongi’s tongue lightly pressed at the opening of Seokjin’s mouth and he surrendered access without a thought, letting Yoongi roam into him. They grip each other tighter, pulling deeper into the kiss, and Yoongi’s hands roamed down Seokjin’s back and grabbed his buttocks. He squeezed and somehow pulled Seokjin even tighter into his chest as Seokjin’s hands explored the back of Yoongi’s shirt, then down to his firm butt which he grabbed and squeezed. The kiss began to heat up, building in passion and intensity as Yoongi grabbed the back of Seokjin’s head with one hand and moved his tongue and lips with increasing urgency.

Finally, they began to run out of air, the kiss slowed down until, after one last deep moment, they broke apart. The cell room began to be filled with the noise of outside chatter. Yoongi turned in time to see a slack-jawed prison guard and a kitchen staff staring at them before swiftly disappearing out of sight.

“They saw!” Seokijn covered his flushed face but his pink ears were still clear for anyone to see. It was adorable that Yoongi had been tempted to lean down and gently nibble one ear.

“Your Highness!” Seokjin squeaked and quickly covered his ears. He angrily huffed at Yoongi who still found it all amusing.

“Sorry, I couldn’t stop myself.” Yoongi flashed his charming gummy smile. Seokjin hated that he couldn’t resist his smile.

“Please no more teasing. My heart can’t take it.” Seokjin still kept his ears covered.

Yoongi chuckled and pulled him back into his arms for a tight embrace, “No promises.”

“Your Highness!” Seokjin protested half-heartedly and let himself be taken in the warmth.

“Your Highness.” The head butler cleared his throat loudly as he stood by the door.

Seokjin pushed himself away from Yoongi and shyly looked the other direction.

“What?” Yoongi asked, visibly irritable and tried to pull at Seokjins robe to make him come closer.

“There is a urgent matter that requires your immediate attention and cannot be delayed.” The head butler explained. He remained stoic and kept his stance towards the King to let him know it was not something up for a debate.

Yoongi frowned but Seokjin quickly soothes him by rubbing his shoulders, “Your Highness mustn’t neglect his duties.”

“But...” Yoongi wanted to argue however Seokjin smiled and promised to eat the meal he brought so he wouldn’t worry. Not wanting Seokjin to skip another meal, Yoongi relented and pulled Seokjin close to kiss his forehead before he left. “Fine, I’ll go but once I get more information on the culprit, I’ll come back to see you.”

A part of Seokjin wanted to hold on to the King and beg him to not go but he had always been good at keeping his own desires locked deep inside him. So Seokjin nodded and kept a well maintained smile as he watched him leave.

The head butler closely follows the King from behind. Despite the urgency, he waits for the King to finish checking up on the other palace staff locked behind their jail cells. He had become used to the Kings recent change in behaviour. Much calmer and more curious about everything. He suppose its been the influence of the peaceful years they had since the end of the Expansion war. No teenager should be thrust at the front of a battlefield.

“So what is this urgent matter that can’t seem to wait.” Yoongi asked the moment they were ascending the stairs to the exit.

Shaking his head slightly, the head butlers is reminded of the Kings impatience which has not changed over the years, “Apologies Your Highness, however there is a guest waiting just outside your study room. He has come to deliver an urgent message from the Governess.”

“The Governess?” Yoongi repeated and began to worry. She was last seen with Namjoon and he wonders if something had happened. His stride quickened and makes a beeline for this messenger.

Yoongi spots a tanned young man standing outside his study room, chatting away with one of the guards. His clothes seemed rather too rustic compared to the messengers employed by the Palace or by any noble. As Yoongi got closer, he felt a overwhelming sense of familiarity towards him. The messenger finally sees him and bows his body low in greeting.

“Your Highness, thank you seeing me. I apologise for coming so suddenly without any notice but the Governess had requested that I come in person to escort you. She said you’d understand once I show you this.” The messenger lifts his hand to present a small worn out handmade doll. It was old and badly made yet it looked as if someone had cherished it for so long.

The head butler reached for it first, inspecting the old toy before handing it to the King. Yoongi curiously holds it in his hands and heavy ache builds up in his chest. It felt familiar yet foreign at the same time. It was as if something was pushing him to remember but he couldn’t for the life of him figure out how. He lets his fingers feel the old fabric, the odd stitches that were barely hidden, and somehow at a certain angle the doll almost looked like him.

I don’t really know what’s going on but if I don’t leave now, I feel as if I’d regret it for the rest of my life., he told himself as he holds the doll tighter. Yoongi faces the head butler, “I’ll leave the other matters in my study under your care until I get back.”

“I understand.” The head butler nods his head slightly and instructed two of the guards to go with the King.

Yoongi was surprised the head butler did not try to stop him or that he didn’t attempt to convince him to let him go with them. Yoongi decides not to argue about the guards, he felt lucky enough that he sent only two and not a whole army to escort him to some unknown place.

“Very well. Let us go.” Yoongi informs the messenger who springs upright, quite happy to leave the Palace grounds.

Yoongi felt sick from the whole ride to some far off farmhouse. He still could not get used to carriage rides especially on uneven roads. If it wasn’t for the two guards and the messenger guarding outside the carriage on their horses, he’d have jumped out and walked the rest of the way. His only relief was that he was alone inside so no one could see him turn pale. The hammering in his head was of no help in distracting him of the nauseating ride.

“Your Highness, we have arrived.” One of the guards announced and opened the door for him.

Taking deep breaths, Yoongi forced the unsettling feeling down and stepped out of the carriage. Thankfully, the King was known not to smile so Yoongi didn’t have to put in the extra effort. He looked around the farmland, letting the fresh cool breeze calm him, then followed the messenger inside a house which Yoongi guessed belonged to the young man considering how at ease he was in simply entering the place without knocking. One guard followed Yoongi closely while one stayed outside.

“Over here.” The messenger bowed and lifts his hand towards the direction of the living room.

Yoongi stood at the entrance of a spacious living room exuding an air of comfort and warmth coming from the fireplace. His gaze scan the room for the Governess but she was nowhere to be found. Instead, Yoongi hears the sound of an excited whine. Again, this makes his chest hurt but this time the sound also gave him a sense of joy and relief. Yoongi walked past the family sized sofa and peers down to see an old dog trying desperately to get up despite the pain in his joints.

At that moment, a sudden wave of memories flooded Yoongi’s mind. He remembered the first time he held the puppy in his small hands. The feel of his soft fur against his body and the overwhelming feeling of excitement as he rushed to show Namjoon the puppy despite the Governess telling him to keep the dog outside the study hall. The argument they had in choosing a name until finally they both agreed on Dosun. All those years the three of them spent playing together and making plans come rushing back to Yoongi. Yet not all were happy memories. He could hear the stern voice of his father clearly as if he was hovering over him like he did all those years ago. The cruel words that made him choose between dealing with the weakness by himself or letting his father do it for him. Yoongi recalled the plan he made with the Governess, a child’s plan which she helped perfect and executed. He could feel the moment of hesitation before he plunged the sharp blade deep into his forearm and used his blood to stain his clothes. He remembers waiting for the cut to heal before timely walking past a corridor to ensure his father had seen him all bloody, and unfortunately for Namjoon to see as well. They were both only children yet Yoongi was forced to grow up. The cold words he threw at Namjoon rang vividly through his ears. It was like a part of him died that day. Even when the Queen tried to soothe him, he felt completely numb.

“Dosun!” Yoongi rushed to kneel down in front for the dog as soon as the memories stopped, “I’m sorry I haven’t visited you even once. I couldn’t risk it and I was too scared.”

The old dog sniffed at Yoongi’s coat and weakly wagged his tail in excitement. Yoongi takes out the old doll from his pocket and places it beside the dog. “Looking for this?” Yoongi chuckled when the dog licked his jaw happily. Tears threatened to pour out but Yoongi did not have the heart to make Dosun worry about him. Instead, he gently hugs the dog and strokes him. If he had the magic ability to heal others, he would pour it all out onto Dosun. “Did you have fun running outside in all this open field? You must have made so many friends out here. I hope you weren’t lonely.”

“He wasn’t.”

Surprised by the sound of another voice, Yoongi turned and saw Namjoon standing close by with a thick blanket in his hands. Yoongi could only stare blankly at him as part of the memories that had been buried in the villains mind came much too suddenly for Yoongi to fully process. Images of both Namjoon as a child and the current one at present overlapped his vision which made it difficult for Yoongi to keep a straight face.

“The family that raised him told me many stories of his adventures here. He easily made friends with the other farm animals, even with the neighbours cat, and everyone in town. He was...is loved by so many...so he wasn’t lonely.” Namjoon did his best to stop his lips from trembling as he remained standing. Ready to leave if Yoongi did not want to see his face.

Yoongi looked down at the old dog that had his head resting on his thigh. He gently strokes his fur and smiled, “That’s good hear.”

Namjoon’s grip on the blanket tightens as he hesitates. There is more he wants to say but couldn’t find the right words. They both stayed quiet and let the silence drag on. The dogs rhythmic breathing harmonizes with the gentle crackle of embers.

“I couldn’t tell you...even after the King died...I couldn’t bring myself to tell you the truth.” Yoongi’s voice was soft and calm as he continued to gently stroke the dogs fur.

Not wanting to startle the dog awake, Namjoon walked towards them and knelt on the carpet so he was close enough for Yoongi to hear him. “I’m sorry I was not strong enough to be someone you could reply on. You were only protecting us and yet I held on to that grudge after all these years. I thought I was more mature than most people but it turns out I’m still stuck at the moment from my childhood.”

“Don’t blame yourself, you were a child. You did not know what happened and then I was suddenly cruel towards you so it is only reasonable that you would come to hate me.”

“I do not hate you.” Namjoom added quickly.

Yoongi lightly chuckled as he continued to comb the resting dogs fur with his fingers, “Then that slap was a good morning greeting?”

“No! I-!!” Namjoon quickly covered his mouth to stop himself. He waits to see if his loud voice had woken Dosun but the dog remained unbothered. Namjoon sighed and moved his hands to cover his face in shame, “I should not have done that...it was impulsive and stupid. I would understand if you do not want to see me anymore.”

Yoongi tried to look at Namjoon but his vision kept overlapping between Namjoon and his younger self. It only made his migraine worse so he had to shift his gaze back towards the dog before he replied, “I’m not mad at you so don’t feel that way. I understand why you did that and I have no intention of making you feel guilty about it. After all I was of no help in helping you figure out what happened between us and I let you suffer for it emotionally all these years. You did not deserve to be treated that way. If anything I should be the one to tell you that I understand should you wish to have nothing to do with the royal family anymore.”

“I...um...” Namjoon shifted uncomfortable in the carpet, his fingers digging at the blankets thick fabric as he steels himself to ask another the King about a certain incident that had plagued his thoughts. “I will need time to process all of this...so many years wasted and filled with bad memories that I...I just need time to focus on what I want...and I’d appreciate it if you’d be honest in answering my questions.”

“Ask away..” Yoongi replied, his gaze still fixated on the dog as the repeating motion of stroking the dogs fur help calm the migraine.

“That night in the library...why did you kiss me?”

Yoongi froze.

“I found out the next day that you slept with that seer in the library. You once told me that the library was our safe space but you...did you kiss me because you only wanted a warm body to spend that night with?” Namjoon felt out of breath as soon as the words left his mouth.

Yoongi’s throat felt extremely dry. He wasn’t sure what to say or if there even was a right answer. Suddenly sensing that Yoongi had stopped his movements, Dosun wakes up from his nap and looks around to see that Namjoon had returned. The old dog wags his tail happily at seeing the two them again in the same place.

“Never mind.” Namjoon speaks up before Yoongi could even say anything. “There is too much for me to process right now and I do not want to upset Dosun. The family here had informed me that he does not have long to live. All he should have are happy memories. I don’t want to ruin that by ruining the mood.”

“Dosun...” Yoongi muttered while he affectionately rubbed behind the dogs ear until the dog resumes his nap. The lights in the living room grew brighter as the sky grew darker. Yoongi decided then that he needed to know exactly how much Namjoon knew of the villains condition. He glanced to the side to face him but regretted it immediately when an vision of Namjoon as a child stares back at him. Yoongi grimaced and turns away before Namjoon could see his expression. He takes a deep breath in when a sharp ache spreads through the left side of his eye.

“Are you alright?” Namjoon shifted from where he sat.

“There is something I’ve been wanting to ask you.” Yoongi asked, “What do you know about my headaches?”

“What do you mean? Are you having one now? Should I call for a doctor?” Namjoon reacted with worry and got up from the floor.

“No! No! Nothing of sort.” Yoongi quickly gestured for Namjoon to sit back down before he caused a scene. “I’m merely asking out of curiosity because the last time I felt unwell you already knew what to do.”

“The last time?...oh that day! I’ve merely gotten used to your behaviour whenever you weren’t feeling well. You’ve always hated people crowding around you as it made you feel helpless. I remembered that one time the governess had to drag you back to bed herself when you refused to miss one day of lecture because of a head cold.” Namjoon lightly chuckled when the memory crossed his mind.

“If you’ve gotten used to it then I must have been sick one too many times.” Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed at the centre.

“Not when we were children.” Namjoon sat back down and continued, “I believe it started when you were thirteen. Mostly fatigue at that disappeared after eating or sleeping but when you turned fifteen that’s when you got pale more often and you became even more...irritable. The governess said it was the effect of exhausting your mana during magic lessons and it didn’t help that you threw every free time you had into extra hours of sword training. You hated being touched and lashed out quite frequently...but it all changed when you turned seventeen.”

“I changed?” Yoongi repeated. He tried to remember those days but the villains memories remained locked away. All he had now were the memories of the villains childhood years with Namjoon up until the day Dosun was taken away.

“You suddenly became more in control. I’m not sure how to describe it but during your birthday celebration, you walked down those stairs with an air of confidence and finesse. It was like you’ve never struggled with your abilities. To be honest, that day when you went pale in front of the seer was the first time in many years since I’ve seen it happen again.”

“I see.” Yoongi muttered to himself once more and became lost in his thought, Does that mean he does not know anything about the true extent of the villains magic? I mean...he’s not wrong in thinking it has something to do with using magic but he doesn’t seem to know the method the royal family has been using to recover.

“Oh and you became a raging horny teenager.” Namjoon flatly mentioned.

“Pft! What!” Yoongi nearly choked.

“During your seventeenth birthday celebration, you were flirting left and right. You practically had all the teenage nobles flocking in your arms and fake laughing their way into your bedroom.” Namjoon added with a bitter sound of distaste at the end.

“Oh...right. Its been so long that I forget how hard I liked to party.” Yoongi did his best to laugh it off. He can’t see those memories but he does believe the original villain was capable of doing something like that.

Namjoon raised an eyebrow at him, “Why are you asking me about something you already know?”

“Um...its nothing.” Yoongi replied while scrambling for an excuse, “I have a lot on my mind lately. My birthday is around the corner and there is a lot of work to sort out, plus the attempt on my life then my fr-my servants are thrown in jail and no one knows what’s happening. Then now I’ve been told about Dosun’s current condition and I have to say my goodbyes properly. It’s just been chaotic to say the least.”

Namjoon bolted upright, eyes wide with horrid realisation that nearly made Yoongi leap up had the dog not slept on his leg, then Namjoon quickly got on his knees and bowed low, “I’m deeply sorry! You were poisoned and I’ve been completely focused on my feelings that I never even asked if you’ve recovered! I’m a horrible person!”

“Stop that and please raise your head! You are not a horrible person. Look at me, I’m fine. I would not be here if I was not well. Even the governess knows this, she would not have asked for me to come here otherwise.” Yoongi assured him repeatedly until Namjoon finally lifted his head and straightened his back.

“I feel horrible. My emotions have become difficult to control. I...I need to take time off my duties to reflect on them...I’m sorry Your Highness. I have to get away for a while...my heart feels heavy...” Namjoon trembled when he spoke. For a proud man, admitting his inner most feelings was a stab at his pride and Namjoon loathed it. He hated feeling weak and incompetent. People relied on him, not the other way around. “I’ll send someone else from the family to attend the meetings in the castle on my behalf.”, he added.

It pained Yoongi to hear him speak so sadly. Namjoon had been the first main lead he met since arriving in this new world and had since grown fond of his company. Namjoom had also helped him understand this foreign country whenever he was in the mood to share his vast knowledge on history. Yoongi frowned at the possibility of never seeing Namjoon again in the castle. He had gotten used to their routine and meetings, dealing with the other nobles, that it would not be the same without him.

“About the library...” Yoongi’s voice remained low so only the two of them could hear, “I’m sorry.”

Namjoon’s eyes widened. He was not used to the King apologising to him.

“I shouldn’t have done what I did there. It was our space and I shouldn’t have violated it. I hope I have not ruined it for you especially since I enjoy our talks and long silent reading time.” Yoongi spoke sincerely and kept his gaze on Namjoon. The vision of the child slowly fade away until all he could see was Namjoon’s flushed expression.

Unable to bear the King’s longing gaze, Namjoon looks away and pulls the blanket even tighter around him, “Do you mean that you regret kissing me or that you regret sleeping with that seer?”

“I regret forcing myself onto you and hurting you. But I don’t regret being with Taehyung that night because if I did then I would be the biggest asshole there is.” Yoongi answered truthfully despite the risk that Namjoon may never speak to him again.

Namjoon’s heart grew heavier and he tells himself to stop before he hurts himself more yet couldn’t help himself. “Do you love him?”

Yoongi’s mouth parted slightly in surprise, the question caught him off guard and it made him think. There was no denying he found Taehyung extremely attractive and enjoys his company despite the uncertainty he felt about his motives. Then there is Seokjin, who he had actively sought after and flirted with constantly despite the risk it may bring once the heroine meets him. Yoongi felt troubled which caused the silence to stretch on uncomfortably between them.

“You do love him...” Namjoon muttered as a deep frown formed.

“I...I don’t know. I care about him but I’ve only begun to get to know him...I want to know him better and I’m still figuring out my feelings well, not just towardd him...It’s probably not what you want to hear but I’m also trying to sort out my emotions.” Yoongi replied while thinking of the two. Their bright smiles were etched in his memory.

“You’ve never been this way with the others. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the same person more than twice by your side.” Namjoon hated how bitter his voice sounded.

“I don’t know what more to say. I can’t make excuses for my past but I’m taking responsibility for my current actions.”

Namjoon finally looked back at Yoongi. He could see the determination in his eyes and somehow felt happy at how much he’s matured as an individual. It still pained Namjoon to know that Yoongi had someone else in his mind and possibly his heart.

“You don’t need to explain to me why or for how long you need time for yourself. I only want you to know that should you return, I’ll be there waiting.” Yoongi softly smiled at Namjoon. It was all he could offer for now. A small olive branch in hopes of mending their delicate relationship.

“Thank you.” Namjoon returned the smile and gently moved closer to avoid waking Dosun. The sleeping dog’s breathing started to become shallow and they both look at each other knowingly. Namjoon takes part of the blanket from his shoulder and drapes it over Yoongi. The familiar crackling and popping sounds of burning wood create a soothing symphony that lulls the old dog into a peaceful slumber with his two best friends by his side.

Chapter Text

The carriage swayed lightly when it finally passes the last of the uneven ground and back onto the smooth road into the city. The early morning dew slowly falling down from the leaves as the sky grew brighter. It had been a long journey in absolute silence between the King and his viscount. Namjoon had held Yoongi’s hand throughout the ride, it was his only way to find comfort after what they had been through.

Yoongi had taken it upon himself to dig Dosun’s grave. The family had asked if he was going to be buried in the castle grounds but Yoongi decided that he should be buried close to those who had raised him with love all these years. The family were grateful and had marked the grave with a handmade carved stone tablet. It made Namjoon smile and they both lingered a moment longer before finally making their way back to the city. The Governess had long left for the city before Yoongi had a chance to speak to her. He wondered how many of the villains secrets did she keep hidden and if she would ever reveal them to him.

“I'll be going then.” Namjoon’s voice disrupts Yoongi’s thoughts and makes him aware that the carriage had stopped. He feels Namjoon’s hand letting go of his and impulsively he holds it tighter.

“Your Highness?” Namjoon breath hitched in surprise when Yoongi refused to let go of his hand.

“Ah! Did I startle you?” Yoongi apologised and let go of his hold. “I was lost in my own thoughts and suddenly felt you pull away...I think a part of me is afraid that if I let go then I may never see you again.”

Namjoon’s cheeks turned pink as the blood rushed from his racing heart. It makes him want to stay and grab hold of the hand that is a mere inch away from his own. He feels the air around him grow hotter, the space around them smaller, and when he looks at Yoongi’s calm and cool expression, he wants to slap him again. He could not understand how Yoongi could say something so heart wrenchingly sweet and still be perfectly calm. Even his hair remained immaculately in place while Namjoon had a glimpse of his own reflection from the carriage glass windows and was absolutely mortified he was ready to jump out in shame.

The carriage door opened in perfect timing as Namjoon was completely tongue tied and had absolutely nothing remotely coherent to retort with. His servants bow in greeting towards the King, perfectly in time for Namjoon to hastily get off the carriage and retreat to his home. He doesn’t look back nor does he answer any of the servants following behind him.

Yoongi was exhausted from their trip so watching Namjoon’s energetic long strides quickly made him reach the front door had him staring in awe. Yoongi doesn’t even know if he can even walk up the steps to the castle entrance and he’s half tempted to ask the head butler to carry him.

“Oh...come to think of it...” Yoongi murmured to himself as soon as the carriage door closed and he placed his hand on his head, noticing that the migraine wasn’t too bad the whole time Namjoon held his hand. It wasn’t a cure but it still made him comfortable during the journey. Now that the connection was gone, he began to feel the pain creeping back.

“Your Highness.” One of the castle guards that had accompanied him calls out from outside the carriage, “Do you wish to depart?”

“Yes.” Yoongi answered and leaned back onto the plush cushion. He had much too many questions and thoughts swirling in his mind but he pushes them all back for at that moment all he wanted to do was grieve silently.

Two weeks had gone by and both Yoongi’s anxiety and migraines grew worse with each passing minute. It did not help that the castle was at its busiest with his upcoming birthday ball, a reminder of how little time he had left to clear Seokjin and the other innocent staffs from the accusations. It only made Yoongi restless and it did not help that for the past fourteen days he had not visited Seokjin nor Taehyung. He had tried again and again with Seokjin but the doctor was adamant that he stop going to the prison cells and demanded he respect his wishes which the other staff including Hana agreed with after they had told him it pained them to see their King come all the way down to such a place, so Yoongi begrudgingly relented. On the other end, Taehyung was a different situation. For a week Yoongi had gone to the greenhouse whenever he was free to see if the seer was in his favourite place and reading the staffs fortunes but he was never there. Eventually, he then found out that Taehyung had never left his room and had not been out ever since that night Yoongi left his room in a hurry. Yoongi had attempted to see him but overhead the maids conversation that Taehyung left instructions not to be disturbed since he was conserving energy for the readings he would be doing during the Kings ball. It bothered Yoongi that he had not explained himself properly to Taehyung after what he did, yet whenever he decided to go see him there would always be a new problem that he needed to sort out. Eventually days became weeks and Yoongi did not want him to think he was looking for him merely to use his body.

Another matter that occupied his thoughts was the elusive Hoseok. On their first scheduled meet up, Hoseok had failed to show and simply left him a message about following up a lead, then on the second week he had left him another written message requesting to meet up in his tavern after three days before the sun sets. Those days had gone and Yoongi had to come up with a plan to go to the city later to meet Hoseok without alerting the head butler and the guards.

Yoongi let out a deep heavy exhale and leaned against his chair. It didn’t go unnoticed by the head butler who had placed a new stack of documents on his desk.

“This should be the last one, Your Highness.” The head butler responded as he poured a fresh cup of coffee and sets it neatly to Yoongi’s right side.

“That’s what you said about the last document I signed.” Yoongi groaned and massaged his temples. Without Namjoon, Yoongi’s workload increased significantly and the so called replacement was just like every other nobleman who only wanted to hear the sound of their own voice. Yoongi sighed and held the cup on his right while his other hand flipped through the new documents.

“There are over a hundred pages!” Yoongi groaned and dropped the documents on the table and rubbed his temples again as the migraine made his vision blur. The butlers voice fades out and Yoongi’s thoughts begin to wonder. Fragments of memories float around him like a puzzle he needed to solve. The only memories that were made clear to him were the childhood memories of the villains time with Namjoon and Dosun. Everything else was...a headache. He sees again the shattered memories of the villains time in the battlefield. He could almost feel the crack of his dry lips and the heavy weight of his armour. The blinding light as the setting sun reflected on the swords of fallen soldiers, who under the carnage of blood and mud, proved difficult to tell which were his men and who were his enemies. Yoongi wondered if anyone had survived the gruesome battle aside from the villain. It made him suddenly think about home and the stories his grandfather used to tell him about his time during the war, and how few of his friends had survived only to struggle with how little help they received from the government.

“I do believe that it is important we add more protocols to the checks.” The head butler continued talking, unaware that Yoongi had zoned out.

Suddenly Yoongi’s eyes sparkled with an idea to keep the head butler busy. He clears his throat and interrupts the head butler, “That reminds me. After I finish with this last document I have a important task for you to do and it must be done before my birthday. You can use the guards and the other staffs to help you if you like.”

“What do you require of me, Your Highness?”

“Take all the presents sent over by the nobles and have them converted to gold. Every gold statue, jewellery, and whatever rare and extremely expensive materials or fabric they sent over, I want them gone. I only need gold coins. And include any new gifts that arrive.” Yoongi instructed.

“Gold? Do you wish to have it added to the Royal treasury?” the head butler asked to be sure he heard the King properly.

“No. Divide the gold and distribute them to the soldiers who fought during the war. Especially those who became disabled and the families of those who died. However, don’t include the nobles who had titles and ranks bestowed upon them even though they have never stepped foot outside their luxurious tents. They’ll survive without any compensation.” Yoongi explained while flipping through the documents. “If they have a problem with it then they can make their complaints directly to me.” Yoongi added with a mischievous grin.

“Your birthday is in four days time...” the head butler looked troubled by the complicated task, “May I ask why you are doing this?”

“This is simply my small way of giving back to those who had fought along side me during the treacherous campaigns. I’m able to celebrate another year of existence yet there are those who are not so lucky. It is not much, that I know, but I should at least start somewhere if I want to be the King that my people can rely on.” Yoongi answered.

The head butler stared silently at Yoongi. Contemplating the Kings words to make sure it wasn’t a jest. When the long pause made Yoongi stir, the head butler quickly bows his head to prevent the King from seeing his expression. “It will take time but I will not disappoint you, Your Highness. It shall be done before the celebration ball.”

The head butler leaves the room, finally giving Yoongi time to properly think of a way to get out of the castle without being seen. He thought about using the same path he had used to reach the Archives building and figure out from there which way lead to some back door he could use...if there even was one.

Yoongi tapped away at the desk until he could no longer come up with any ideas. It proved difficult to plan when he did not have a full picture of the castles layout. In video games he had access to maps which he sorely missed and now had to rely on his own memory.

“No point staying here and wasting time. I might as well go for walk and get a good grasp of the castle grounds.” Yoongi spoke to himself and walks out of the study room. He dismissed the guards to stop them from following him then proceeded to walk towards to the gardens. It felt strange leisurely walking the path towards the Archive during the day and not on the ground crawling painfully slow to avoid detection.

The light cool breeze brings Yoongi’s attention to the rose bushes that had been carefully trimmed to maintain its beautiful shape. The rose buds had not yet bloomed and looking at their sizes, they would be as big as his palm once it is ready to show off its vibrant colours. Yoongi approached one of the rose bushes, it reminded him of the faceless woman from the villains memories. The deceased Queen...the villains mother... Yoongi thought to himself. He gently touches one and wonders if there is a way to help trigger more of the hidden memories. Since that day in the farmhouse, he had no new memories flashing before his eyes or haunting his dreams. It bothered him how little he knew of the very body he possessed.

“AH!” a maids panicked voice interrupts the peaceful ambiance of the gardens. “Your Highness, we did not know you’d be here! I’m so sorry!”

Yoongi looked behind him to see the maid throw herself on the ground with her head and hands touching the cobbled path. And there standing beside her, to Yoongi’s surprise, was Taehyung.

“Your Highness.” Taehyung bows his head low in greeting.

“Please rise up from the ground. There is no need for that. The gardens are open for everyone.” Yoongi instructs the maid yet his eyes never leave the seer. “Taehyung...it is good to see you outside of your room. I’ve heard you have been meditating in preparation for the ball.”

Taehyung lifts his head to get a glimpse of Yoongi before turning his gaze away and helps the maid get up, “I’ve only taken a short break because the maid insisted I get some fresh air. We are heading back now.”

It seems he is upset with me. Hells I don’t blame him after storming out that night...come to think of it, maybe I can brighten his mood and do my business in the city at the same time... Yoongi’s lips formed a smile as the idea came to him. He stops the two from leaving and approached them, “Actually, I think more fresh air will do you good. Plus you’ve been cooped up in that room of yours because of my birthday celebration so in return I want to gift you with a new outfit to wear to the ball. Go and take one of the carriages and make a trip to the city. Buy what you like. See the best tailor the city has to offer.”

Taehyung frowned, “There is no nee-”

“YES OF COURSE! Your Highness is most gracious! I shall see to it that it shall be done!” the maid loudly talks over Taehyung and grabs hold of his arm to pull him away as quickly as she could. The Kings smile frightened her. She dared not to refuse nor stay close by. She had seen the King smile many years ago and that was before he grabbed a man’s head and smashed it repeatedly on the wall. Her hands had gone raw from scrubbing the wall clean.

“Wait I-!!” Taehyung sputtered as he was dragged away.

Yoongi’s eyes shone brightly now that a opportunity had presented itself. As soon as the two were out of sight, he quickly leaves to make his preparations to depart to the city.

“This shop has all the best accessories and we must hurry before all the best ones go. The festivities tend to loosen purses.” The maid cheerfully informs Taehyung as they stood in front of a crowded two storey shop.

Taehyung doesn’t respond. He looked around, distracted and annoyed.

The city was crowded, more than usual, with the Kings birthday celebrations. It goes on for three weeks and ends on the day after the Kings birthday. The event attracts visitors from outside Vhóel, so guards are doubled, making it even harder to spot a specific one.

“Is something wrong?” the maid asks while trying to see what he was searching for.

“Mmm...That guard...where did he go?” Taehyung mumbled. He felt something off with that one guard.

“The two guards are here with us.” The maid mentions as she points out the two standing close to them.

“There was a third one. The one with the black cloak and hood that concealed his face. He rode at the back while the these two were at the sides of the carriage. He also walked with us to the first tailor shop but I have not seen him since.” Taehyung tried to explain.

“Huh?” the maid stared at one of the guards. “Was there a third one?”

“He had been tasked with an important matter to attend to while in the city. We do not need to wait and we shall return to the castle without him.” One of the guards finally speaks up.

“I see. Then it is not for us to pry.” The maid claps her hand once and takes hold of Taehyung arm, “Come! We must buy you accessories for the ball. The King will be most pleased!”

Taehyung frowned but allowed himself to be dragged inside. There was something oddly strange about the third guard that bothered him.

Yoongi had slipped away rather smoothly which stroked his ego. He quite liked the idea of stealthily blending in and hiding amongst the crowd. His plan going smoothly. It was easy enough for him forge a letter about an important errand he had to do and seal it using the Royal stamp. The guards didn’t even look twice as soon as they saw the seal.

The stalls that he had seen being set up before were now fully opened and in business. The decorations filled the streets and up on the rooftops. It was a glorious sight to see during the day. The buzzing sound of merriment filled his heart with glee as he continued to walk down the streets. It tempted him to stop and take time to enjoy all that the people had to offer however Yoongi had to hurry. He walked past the vendors and avoided the playful children until finally he made it to Hoseok’s tavern. He removes his hood, revealing long locks of blonde hair tied in a loose ponytail, then walks inside. As expected, all the seats were taken and some of the customers were standing while chatting and drinking away. Yoongi squeezed his way towards the bar until he spots a glimpse of Hoseok.

Hoseok sees him and for a split second Yoongi saw an irritated glare directed at him before a bright smile takes over. Hoseok mouth the word Agust then signals for him to follow and the older man from before takes over Hoseok’s work. Yoongi waves, which the older bartender acknowledged with a warm smile, and then pushes himself in between small spaces as he manoeuvres his way in the crowd and towards the back area. A waiter spots Yoongi and opens a door for him to get inside. It lead to a cellar which Yoongi was not too happy about. He tries to converse with the waiter that this looked like a bad idea but the waiters blank expression was enough for Yoongi to know there was no way around it. He carefully walks down the long stairs until he spots Hoseok waiting for him.

“Why are we meeting down here?” Yoongi asked while looking around the cellar. He was half expecting to see a tied up man in a chair but there were only large barrels of ale and caskets of wine.

“Have you lost your mind! I said come here before the sun sets not early afternoon! Half the people upstairs are still sober and will wonder why some suspicious man walking around all covered up is looking for me in my tavern!” Hoseok scolded. He had his hands on his hips as he stared at Yoongi irritably.

“I’m not covered up. This is just a cloak.” Yoongi explained and extended his arms. It was a feeble attempt to hide his mistake at the time. He initially thought the maid would take time to get both Taehyung and the carriage ready however it happened so fast Yoongi barely had time to get ready.

Hoseok looked at him like he was biggest idiot in the world. “By the Gods!” Hoseok huffed and pinched the bridge of his nose before exhaling deeply, “Good thing you are rich enough to pay me.”

“Look I apologise for making a mistake with the time however do know that I’m in a anxious state. I have yet to receive any results on finding the culprit and the deadline is near.” Yoongi explained. He hoped for Seokjin to be freed before the birthday ball but Hoseok’s secretive ways make him worry if he’d chosen the right path. Without the quest guide that the game provided it was hard to determine what he should do next.

Hoseok studies him silently, his expression still showed his annoyance towards Yoongi for not doing as he was told. He huffed and folded his arms together, “Fine. I’d appreciate more trust in my skills but since this is our first transaction together, I’ll let it slide. As for results, I do have the answers you are looking for. I found the person who poisoned the King.”

Yoongi’s eyes lit up and the heavy weight on his chest lifted as he heard the words. A smile of relief showed on his face as he rushed towards Hoseok and held his hands, “Where is he? I have to take him back with me immediately!”

“Wwh-what are you-Let go!” Hoseok sputtered angrily and pried his hands away. “Don’t touch me so brazenly!”

“I’m sorry! I lost myself...I’m just so relieved and happy!” Yoongi smiled brightly. His boyish charms made Hoseok blush and stepped away from him.

“Well control yourself! You might not be as happy once you see him.” Hoseok warned as he walked towards the wall near three large oak barrels.

Yoongi watched him curiously as Hoseok turns his back to conceal what he is doing. He could hear stone grinding then a switch which made the noise of gears moving, it then made the barrels to move to the side to reveal a hidden passage behind it. Yoongi mouth gaped slightly at the secret room.

“Don’t be completely amazed. You saw the hidden passage in the clock tower. This is much simpler.” Hoseok scoffed with smirk which made Yoongi think that he is actually proud of his simple hidden passage.

“Is the culprit inside?” Yoongi asked and was about to walk inside the room before Hoseok blocks him.

“He’s not inside but I will bring you to him. It will be easier to show you.” Hoseok had a grim expression when he answered.

Yoongi frowned but nodded.

“Good. I have a fast way for us to get there and since you are a noble, I’m sure you won’t have any long lasting side effects.”

“Side effects? How far are we travelling?” Yoongi asked as he felt his stomach lurch and churn. The unpleasant carriage ride he had towards the farmhouse still made him queasy.

“Boss!” one of the waiters calls out as he descended down the stairs, “We found this one trying to sneak in from the back.” He harshly pushed a young man forward for Hoseok to see, his blade ready to strike should the other try to run.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?” Hoseok asked as he pulled out a dagger on one hand.

“Taehyung!” Yoongi spoke before he could think. Shit!

“Sugar muffin!” Taehyung called out and leapt into Yoongi’s arms.

“S-Sugar muffin?” Yoongi mouth hung open in a daze. His mind swirled with questions on how Taehyung recognised him since he is one hundred percent sure he is still wearing the disguise, and more importantly how on earth did Taehyung even know where to look for him. Did he follow me this whole time?

“What is going on?! Who is he and why is he here?! This was not part of the arrangement! You were meant to come alone!” Hoseok seethed and armed his dagger, ready to strike at one wrong move or word. Another waiter comes down and blocked the stairway, while the other who had caught Taehyung stood ready to attack at Hoseok’s command.

“Wait! Wait! Everyone just calm down! Let me speak!” Yoongi pleaded as he pulled Taehyungs reluctant hands off him and pushed him behind so he could shield Taehyung if any of the two decide to attack them.

Hoseok doesn’t say a word and only continues to glare at him. Watching their movements intently.

“First of all, your note said nothing about coming alone.” Yoongi explained and quickly held a finger up to stop Hoseok from interrupting, “Secondly, I did come alone and my companion was meant to wait outside. I apologise that he did not do as he was told and followed me here unexpectedly. We pose no harm and simply want this transaction to finish smoothly so we can all be on our merry way.”

Hoseok eyed Yoongi with caution. The blonde noble held his hands up to show that he was no threat yet his body stood defensively to shield the stranger behind him. Hoseok glanced at this unknown companion who dared to sneak in his territory. He stood rather confidently behind the noble, as if he knew no harm would come to him. By looking at his youthful appearance, Hoseok determined that the stranger was another noble and younger than him. His rose gold hair shined with a healthy thickness which could only be achieved by using expensive hair products and his nails...well trimmed and not a single speck of dirt. Another rich spoiled brat. Hoseok huffed and caught the eye of the stranger. He was expecting him to look away or at least look scared at getting caught but no...Hoseok was surprised to see the stranger glare at him menacingly. A warning of sorts. Normally Hoseok would not even think twice to attack anyone who dares threaten him yet somehow he was intrigued by this mysterious person. Hoseok looks back at Yoongi and wonders if he is even aware of his companions true nature.

“Well? Are we going to finish this deal peacefully? I’d much appreciate it if we can all walk out of here alive.” Yoongi implored once more to Hoseok. If this darkness inside him feels threatened it will attack and Yoongi knows facing against a main lead will only lead to his death.

“Fine.” Hoseok finally responds and sheaths back the dagger. He then gestures for the two waiters to stand down.

“Thank you.” Yoongi sighed in relief and turns around to face Taehyung. The seer had not an ounce of remorse for nearly getting them killed. Yoongi frowned and crossed his arms, “We’ll talk about this later. For now don’t say or do anything that will get us in trouble. Do as I say and behave.”

Taehyung pressed his lips together. He wasn’t happy that Yoongi scolded him but nonetheless he kept silent...for now.

“Alright let’s get this over with. Follow me.” Hoseok called out to Yoongi then quickly added, “Know that this little incident is going to cost you extra.”

Yoongi wearily smiled back. I had a feeling you’d say that.

Taehyung then followed Yoongi as he walked towards the hidden room.

“Stop right there!” Hoseok ordered as he blocks the two from entering. “I said I’d take you there. That offer did not include extra baggage.” He then pointed at Taehyung to make absolute sure Yoongi knew what he was referring to.

“I go where he goes!” Taehyung declared and held tightly on Yoongi’s arm.

“Hey!” Yoongi was taken aback by Taehyungs actions just after he had told him not to do anything rash. He’s normally quite calm and carefree yet when we’re with other male leads he gets angry and clingy. He hates them as if they’d met before. Yoongi frowned at his own thoughts.

“No you are not! He’s coming with me and you’re staying here where my men can keep an eye on you until we return.” Hoseok scolded him like one would scold a child.

Taehyung grit his teeth and held on tighter. He wasn’t about to let go without a fight.

“hey...” Yoongi gently stroked Taehyungs hand and smiled softly, “I know you’re worried but I’ll be fine. I’ll be back before the sunsets and we’ll head back home okay.”

Hoseok’s eyebrow twitched at the word home. He thought the words ‘sugar muffin’ was merely a show but now with those soothing words and caress, he thinks these two are actually lovers which then makes him wonder who is this ‘precious’ person he is trying to save from prison.

Taehyung hesitated before loosening his hold. He then tilts his head to whisper in Yoongi’s ear, “Don’t trust him.”

Yoongi gave him a questioning look but Taehyung doesn’t say more than those three words.

“Well? Are we going to finish this deal?” Hoseok used Yoongi’s words back at him.

Yoongi takes Taehyung’s hands and gently pried it away from his arm. “I need to do this. This is important to me. I have to find the real culprit and if you really care about me then you’ll let me do this.”

Despite not agreeing with Yoongi’s decision to go alone, Taehyung relented and nodded. He takes a step back so that he’ll wait by the hidden rooms entrance.

“Thank you.” Yoongi gratefully smiled at Taehyung before turning to face Hoseok’s impatient stare. “I’m ready.”

“Finally.” Hoseok rolled his eyes, ignoring Taehyungs glare, and walked further inside the room for Yoongi follow.

The dimly lit room contained three large oval shaped frames made out of stone that were attached on each side of the room. Each frame had a different set of carvings. Hoseok stood in front of the one on the right wall and took out a small bottle that glowed a bright golden orange hue. Yoongi stood behind, curiously studying the carvings on the thick frames.

Runes perhaps? Yoongi thought silently and watched as Hoseok poured half of the liquid onto the lower frame. The runes at the bottom start to glow then slowly, as if it had a life of its own, the golden liquid spreads to the other side of the frames until the whole oval is covered and the markings come alive. Hoseok steps back and Yoongi does the same. A metallic liquid pours from the frame, covering its empty space in the middle until it fills completely and becomes completely still.

“Watch your step as you enter.” Hoseok mentions just before he walks directly to the middle of the oval frame. The still metallic liquid comes to life again as ripples disturb its surface, absorbing Hoseok until he is completely out of sight. The liquid goes still once more, leaving Yoongi staring silently in fascination. He doesn’t know what will happen or what should happen. He doesn’t know if he too should pour some strange liquid at the bottom or if that one pour covered them both. He looked at the glowing runes, still lit up with magic, and wondered what they mean. He remembered Hoseok saying that nobles should not experience any long lasting side effects.

Is this the method of travel he spoke of? Is this some kind of teleportation device? Like a portal? Yoongi thought to himself as he stepped closer and hesitantly touch the surface with the tip of his fingers. The metallic liquid rippled and surprisingly warm to touch. Yoongi tested putting half his hand in and after not feeling anything unpleasant, he pulls it back out and looks at his hand for anything strange. “fascinating...” He mumbled and once more he puts his hand back in but this time he slowly submerged more until half of his arm was inside.

“This is fascinaaaaaaaaaaa!!” Yoongi screamed as he was yanked harshly from the other side and went through the oval frame. Yoongi felt his feet touch a solid surface but the force caused him to slip and instead he lands roughly on the hard floor. Yoongi groaned and turned to lie on his back, only to see Hoseok’s annoyed expression looking down on him.

“About time you showed up! And what were you doing with your hand?!” Hoseok scolded while showing a weak mimic of a hand going through the wall.

Yoongi blushed from embarrassment and got up on his feet as quickly as he could. “That was for me to make sure everything is in working order.”

“Working order? Seriously you nobles...” Hoseok shook his head and walked away.

“Wait for me!” Yoongi quickly made sure his wig still stayed on while Hoseok had his back turned then followed after him. He looked at his surrounding and noticed they were in an underground passage. It wasn’t the same as the one he had been in before. This one was bigger and not as dark, making it easier to walk in. Plus now that he thought about it, he did not see the oval frame from where they entered.

“By the way, I noticed that the portal is gone. How are we going back?” Yoongi asked as he jogged up closer to Hoseok.

“Its not gone. I merely concealed it. I’m not stupid enough to leave it exposed.” Hoseok answered with a look that showed he thinks Yoongi would be stupid enough to do such a thing.

“Oh right. Of course.” Yoongi smiled sheepishly. He knew then that he needed to brush up his knowledge on this worlds magic and basic runes before he makes an even more fool out of himself.

“You are a weird kind of noble. I don’t know if it’s because you grew up spoiled so you became ignorant or if your naturally an idiot.” Hoseok flatly tells Yoongi just as they reached a spiral staircase. “We get up from here. This will lead us to a shed which is not too far from the town but far enough from prying eyes.”

Yoongi nodded and followed Hoseok up the staircase. The wooden hatch opened with a key that Hoseok kept hidden from Yoongi and just as he said they were inside a shed. Hoseok made Yoongi move out of the as he covers the hatch door with bundles of hay.

“Where are we?” Yoongi asks. The windows were sealed shut, preventing him from seeing outside and the shed itself looked abandoned. Or at least was made to look that way.

“We are in Fen. A small town that was once part of Thaya.”

Yoongi froze at the mention of the lost Kingdom. Thaya had been the Western Kingdom before the war happened. Now it has been erased from maps and is no longer mentioned by the people. It is said that Vhóel moved its capital to the centre to keep an eye on any rebellion from the former Kingdom. They keep the boarders heavily guarded that no one could go as they please.

“Are you upset that I mentioned a Kingdom that should never be spoken of again? You nobles after all are extremely patriotic to your own countries.” Hoseok teased as he unlocked the door.

“Wait! Shouldn’t we prepare ourselves? I heard that the lands of the fallen Kingdom had been tainted beyond repair as a result of the war. The resources from this land had been bled dry and it has become a lawless place since the people who remained had to fight to survive.” Yoongi asked as he remembered the conversations the nobles had during the meetings. Naturally they were more concerned of bandits crossing the boarder and stealing from their lands but Yoongi remembered it because Namjoon never argued with them or said anything that said their claims were untrue.

“Don’t get too excited. It will be easier to show you.” Hoseok took out the last heavy padlock and opened the door wide enough for Yoongi to see what was waiting for then outside.

“Is this...how? I thought...” Yoongi mumbled on and kept walking until he was outside the shed. The so called tainted land was no where to be seen. Yoongi stood on lush green land and the wind carried the smell of a town holding a feast. Yoongi did not understand why the stories told of this place were not true.

“I know what you want to ask and even I do not have the answer. I did not even know it would be like this here if not for me searching for this culprit of yours.” Hoseok had a genuine smile on his face as he took in the fresh air and the smells of a town that thrived after the war.

“The poisoner led you here? But why here?”

Hoseok had a troubled look when he replied, “He did not say. He’s been quite stubborn since we caught him. He admitted to poisoning the King and even told us what toxin he used which matched the toxin report from Royal physicians notes.”

“How did you get access to the Royal physicians notes?” Yoongi asked, completely surprised with Hoseok’s abilities.

Hoseok smirked, “That is only for me to know. Now, the reason I brought you here is for you to see and speak with the culprit so you can be at ease. I intend to transport him back to Vhóel to pay for his crime but as you know crossing the border comes with certain difficulties. I can get the job done but it will most likely take me another week.”

“I see. That is fine then. I will cover the extra costs to get him across. At least ill be able to speak to him now and ask him who is behind this.” Yoongi spoke with determination. Finally he was going to uncover the truth and set Seokjin and the others free.

“Good luck with that. He confessed to doing it all alone however I don’t believe him. He is either working with someone or for a group. The ingredients required to make the toxin is not cheap nor easily accessed without the right connections.” Hoseok stated. He felt there was more than what the culprit was telling him and that poisoning the King was part of something bigger. “Anyways, no point thinking about our theories here. We better start walking down to the town before we lose light. It will be easy for us to blend in since the festivities for the King’s birthday have begun.”

They celebrate the Kings birthday? Why would they do that when he forcefully took over their Kingdom? Yoongi thought to himself as he walked closely beside Hoseok. He wondered if Namjoon knew anything about the real situation happening in the Western region and why it is being kept a secret.

“I don’t normally pry on the personal affairs of my clients but does he really call you sugar muffin? I’m sure there are a million better pet names than something so...tacky.” Hoseok blurted out and interrupts Yoongi’s trail of thoughts.

“Ah ha ha...yeah...” Yoongi awkwardly laughed it off.

“So this precious person that you are trying to save from prison, does he know about sugar muffin? I mean clearly sugar muffin knows about him because he let you come with me here but does precious know?” Hoseok almost sang the words from all the fun he was having teasing and gauging Yoongi’s reactions.

“Can please you stop saying sugar muffin.” Yoongi groaned and walked faster. He’d rather avoid Hoseok’s inquisitive stare.

Hoseok laughed as he watched Yoongi get away from him. “Alright I’ll stop...sugar muffin.”

Yoongi rolled his eyes while Hoseok’s laughter continued behind him.

The two walked the rest of the way to town in silence aside from Hoseok’s occasional hums. Yoongi felt a sharp pain at the back of his eyes but he wills himself to ignore it and tried to distract himself on how he was going to question Taehyung after all this.

“Do not fret! I will not pry into your personal relationships. After all I’m getting paid to finish a simple job and that’s what I do for my clients.” Hoseok reassured Yoongi and proceeded to walk ahead of him, “It is not far now. Follow me.”

Yoongi silently nodded and followed closely as they were greeted by merriment from the towns people. Music and laughter filled the air, people dancing, eating and drinking as tables were joined one after another for everyone to enjoy the feast. The decorations and lights were no where near the grand extravagance of the capital but it gave Yoongi a sense of warmth and joy. It reminded him of the festivals held in provinces back home.

“Stay close.” Hoseok reminded as he led Yoongi across the town centre where the majority of the townspeople had gathered.

“Don’t worry. I’m right behind you.” Yoongi responded despite his gaze constantly looking at the people happily celebrating the tyrants birthday.

“This way.”

Yoongi felt the pull of his sleeve and looked down to see that Hoseok had grab hold of him. They walked closely together in between the crowd until finally they made it to a quieter part of the town. Hoseok still held on and pulled Yoongi towards a small gate behind a closed shop. After making sure they weren’t followed, Hoseok released his grip on Yoongi’s sleeve and opens the gate silently. Yoongi watched and even mimic Hoseoks head movement when he looks to see if anyone is watching them.

“Hurry inside.” Hoseok whispered urgently and nearly tripped Yoongi when he shoved him forward so he could get in to quickly lock the gate.

“No need to push.” Yoongi whispered back and looked at his surroundings. They were standing in the shops backyard. It was not a large space and there were empty crates piled up. “Is he inside?” Yoongi asked and pointed at the closed back door.

“Not in there.” Hoseok replied and moved the crates around to reveal a wooden hatch to the basement.

“What is it with you and underground places?”

Hoseok shrugged and opened the hatch. “He’s...” Hoseok froze then quickly stepped back, his dagger pulled out and ready to strike. “Stay back!”

Yoongi felt his heart race when the heavy scent of blood filled the air the moment the hatch door swung open. His hands instinctively reach for the handle of his sword. Yoongi cast a glance towards Hoseok and from the expression he held, Yoongi knew then that this simple job just became complicated.

Chapter Text

The sky had started to darken making the festive lights brighter even from where they both stood. Yoongi takes the first step towards the opened hatch.

“Stay back! You don’t even know what is waiting for us down there!” Hoseok scolded and blocked him from going further. “Let us get out of here now and come back with more of my men.”

“You go back. I’m staying and heading down there to get my answers.” Yoongi stubbornly declared and pushed past Hoseok. If there was an ambush waiting for him downstairs then he would have a higher chance of survival due to his dark magic. Plus if he did die tonight then it will only be a matter of resetting the game.

“Have you lost your mind!”

Yoongi stops to look at Hoseok, “I will be fine. Now go and wait for me by the portal.”

“You’re crazy if you think I’ll change my mind and stay here with you.” Hoseok found his calmness to be odd.

Yoongi smirked, showing his pearly white canines. “I don’t expect you to. I want you to go somewhere safe and I’ll come and find you when this is over.”

“You!” Hoseok grit his teeth. It did not sit well with him to be given orders and to be spoken to in such a way but he wasn’t about to throw his life away simply because a noble wanted to play defender. Hoseok worked hard to be where he is now and he still had much to accomplish. People who still owe him had debts to be paid. He set aside his ego and held his tongue. “Do what you want!”

Hoseok scoped his surroundings before hastily making his way out of the backyard and back to the abandoned barn. Yoongi waited until Hoseok had left the premise then turned his attention back to the basement. He held his sword out in the open, the blade gleaming beautifully under the darken sky. It would be easier for him to fight if he did not have to worry about his disguise in front of Hoseok.

Yoongi inhaled deeply and let out a short exhale. He steadied himself as he cautiously descended into the dark basement, his hand tightly gripping the hilt of his sword. His heart began raced with each step he took.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, a sudden flash of movement caught Yoongi’s eye. His instincts kicked in as he swiftly drew his sword, ready to defend himself. But before he could even fully react, four assassins leaped out from the shadows, surrounding him. Yoongi’s eyes narrowed as he assessed his opponents, they were skilled, he could tell by the way they held their weapons and their movements. Without a moment’s hesitation, the assassins attacked, their swords clashing against Yoongi’s with lightning speed.

Determination and adrenaline coursed through Yoongi’s veins as he engaged in the fierce battle. Despite being outnumbered, he fought with exceptional agility and skill, using his sword to block and strike his opponents with precision. The longer they fought, the more Yoongi felt at ease with his bodies movements. It was as if something within him was awakening and the skills that had been buried deep was resurfacing.

The basement echoed with the clash of metal and the grunts of the combatants. Blood was shed from both sides, but Yoongi’s wounds healed faster than the assassins next strike.

One by one, the assassins fell to Yoongi’s sword, their attacks becoming weaker as he expertly countered them. In the end, only one was left standing, his eyes wide with fear as he realized he was no match for Yoongi. With a powerful strike, Yoongi disarmed the last assassin and held his sword to his throat. As the adrenaline slowly subsided, Yoongi’s heart raced with triumph. Yoongi realised he had defeated four highly skilled assassins while being fully conscious of his actions. No blackouts that resulted in waking up in a bloody mess or convenient accidents that saved him at the right moments. This time, to his surprise, he was fully engaged.

“Who are you? Who do you work for? What have you done to the prisoner that was being held here?” Yoongi demanded answers, his intense glare made it clear he’d not tolerate being lied to.

The assassins gaze shifted to the far end of the basement. Yoongi turned his head to see what he looking at but it was shrouded in the dark.

Using the momentary distraction, the assassin takes out a hidden blade and yelled, “DIE!”

Yoongi had only managed to move a step back when the assassins foot slipped on the blood of the other dead assassins, and his throat got skewered on Yoongi’s blade. The gurgling noise he made as his life came to a painful end caused Yoongi to drop his hold of the sword and turn away from the sight. It never gets easier.

Once it became silent again, Yoongi turns back to see the last of the assassin lying dead on the ground. He knelt down and pulled the sword out from the lifeless body. A sudden throbbing of his head stopped him from getting up. He remained kneeling as he waited for the pain to pass.

“Dear gods!” Hoseok blurted out as he stood at the last step.

Yoongi sprung to his feet with the sword up and ready to attack before he even realised it was Hoseok.

“Wait! I came to help!” Hoseok calls out as he took a few steps back.

“What are you doing here? I thought you’d be by the portal.” Yoongi asked and sheathed his sword. He eyed Hoseok curiously. It was hard to see in the dark with the only light coming from the open hatch.

“I did make my way halfway there but then realised that if you died then I wont get paid. Plus I have a feeling sugar muffin would make my life difficult if I did not return with you.” Hoseok explained with a heavy sighed and took out a colourless oval shaped gem from his pocket. It was half the size of his palm and when he pressed his hand over it, the gem began to glow brighter until it filled the room with enough light for both of them to see the assassins clearly and unfortunately the dead poisoner that was left tied up in the chair.

“We were too late.” Hoseok swore under his breath.

Yoongi walked closer to inspect the body. The poisoners throat had been cut deeply and his tongue was removed, which explained all the dried up blood on him.

“Old blood. Must have been dead hours before we even came.”

“That explains why I haven’t heard from them.”

“Them?” Yoongi looks back and sees Hoseok blankly staring at two dead bodies that had been thoughtlessly shoved at a corner of the basement. “I didn’t even notice. I’m sorry. Were they meant to look after the poisoner until we got here?”

Hoseok nodded, “Occupational hazard. They knew the risks that come with the job.”

“You can tell yourself that but at the end of the day you’ll only blame yourself for it even if this was not your fault.”

Hoseok’s eyebrows met in the middle as he gave Yoongi a angry stare, “Tch! Don’t spout nonsense. How about you focus on finding another way to get your precious person out of jail now that the actual culprit is dead and wont be confessing to anyone.”

The mention if Seokjin weighed heavy on Yoongi’s heart. He looked at his surroundings once more and with the help of the bright light emitting from the gemstone in Hoseok’s hand, Yoongi had a second look at the assassins.

“Their black cloaks...I wonder if...no that’s too...I’m probably overthinking it...” Yoongi talked out loud as he remembered those thugs chasing after the heroine that night.

“Can you make sense of what you are yapping about it?” Hoseok asked as he walked closer to see what Yoongi was fixated on.

“Their cloaks...I think I’ve seen them before.”

“Of course you have seen them before considering its common. More than half of the population own at least one black coloured cloak.”

Yoongi ignored the sarcasm and further shared his thoughts, “There were these thugs near Aevon River who wore black cloaks...but you are right. It could be a coincidence since it is a common colour.”

Hoseok eyed Yoongi curiously, “What would a noble like you be doing near Aevon river?”

“Ah! Merely a wrong turn. I left immediately when I realised my mistake.” Yoongi quickly told a tale of getting distracted by the shopkeepers preparing for the Kings birthday celebration and getting lost. Hoseok remained silent while he listened and Yoongi thought he saw through his lie, however Hoseok shrugged and nodded along saying that it was not the first time nobles got lost and end up in Aevon river.

“Well those thugs were most likely Kang Woo Koo’s underlings from the black market. Are you saying that these assassins here could be working for him? Why would the owner of the underground black market be involved in anything related to the King? It’s practically suicide if that tyrant decides to go after him.”

“Kang Woo Koo...I’m not quite sure. They had nothing else on them that can serve as a link and the assassins here may not be affiliated at all.” Yoongi ponders on the name and remembers that Minji mentioned him before. He kidnapped the heroine when he found out about her white magic and tried to sell her to the villain for a hefty sum. The cause of his death changes depending on which mail lead is chosen. There was also another person who helped him but he only shows up if Hoseok is chosen as the main lead and that person is Maher, Hoseok’s rival in the information and retrieval business.

“Nasty piece of work that one. I barely managed to escape them the last time I went looking for information. Normally I’d avoid their territory like the plague but they keep stolen and rare valuables that some clients want back.” Hosoek shared as he bent down and inspected the deceased assassins. He then went through their pockets for anything useful.

Yoongi began to wonder if on that night it wasn’t the heroine he saved but instead it was...

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Hoseok asked as he deftly hide something in his pocket.

Yoongi closes their gap and before Hoseok could stand up and back away, Yoongi lifts him up. Bridal style.

“What are you doing! Put me down!” Hoseok flushed in confusion and anger.

“Hmmm....” Yoongi remained lost in thought.

Hoseok couldn’t help but blush at the close proximity between them especially when Yoongi pressed him closer. He could feel Yoongi’s strong arms around him and his warm breath on his skin. He never thought of him as anything else but a walking gold mine. However, as Yoongi carried him, Hoseok couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked and how long his lashes were.

Yoongi, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to what he was doing and remained dead set on solving the mystery of the hooded person that night. He had convinced himself that it was the heroine but now he had his doubts. He didn’t even realize how close they were nor did he hear Hoseok’s heart racing.

Suddenly returning to his senses, Hoseok pushed at Yoongi and demanded once more, “Put me down now! Are you deaf!”

“You’re heavier.” Yoongi flatly stated still lost in thought. He gently let Hoseok's feet touch the ground again before finally letting go. He mumbled the words not the one under his breath and walked towards the dead culprit.

“Is this bastard crazy?” Hoseok said with gritted teeth. He slapped his cheeks to make sure all his earlier thoughts about this obnoxious man disappeared. “How dare he complain I’m heavy! I must have been contaminated by his craziness to be even thinking about such useless thoughts.”

“What are you doing this time?” Hoseok huffed and clenched his fists as he watched Yoongi untying the rope used to keep the dead culprit in the chair.

“I have a plan.”

Hoseok pursed his lips in disbelief, “What plan? That man is dead. Unless you can bring him back from the dead then there is no way we can prove he was the culprit.”

Yoongi’s jaw clenched. His plan could ruin the reputation he tried to salvage within the castle and the chances of Seokjin hating him afterwards is a high risk...but it would be better than seeing him executed.

Yoongi wrapped the dead man using one of the assassins cloaks and lifted him over his shoulder. Hoseok stared at him like he had lost his mind.

“What are you doing! Don’t tell me you are going to bring that corpse back with us?” Hoseok demanded answers and blocked Yoongi’s path.

“Trust me. Even with this corpse I’ll manage to prove Seokjin’s innocence.”

Seokjin? Is that the precious person his desperately trying to save... Hoseok silently repeated the name.

Yoongi impatiently walked past Hoseok, “Now lets head back before the locals finish with the festivities and reduce our chances of getting out of here unnoticed.”

“Wait!” Hoseok ran up to block the stairs and held up his hands to stop Yoongi, “Just stop! You’re not making sense! I still don’t understand this plan of yours! There is no way you’d be able to sway the Kings guards in believing you simply by handing them this dead guy.”

Yoongi stepped close to Hoseok and looked him in his eyes when he spoke. “Please trust me. I know what I’m doing. I’ll pay you in full since you have completed your task. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Hoseok’s eyes reflected his doubts and internal dilemma of bringing a corpse back with them. He wanted to stop him and assure him that there had to be another way but no matter how hard he tried he could not come up with a better plan.

“Fine.” Hoseok spoke with gritted teeth and moved aside to let Yoongi pass, “But I’m charging you more after all this trouble you caused me.”

Yoongi nodded and proceeded to walk up the stairs. Each step he took, he felt a gnawing sensation in his stomach. The backlash from his use of the dark magic within was slowly getting stronger and Yoongi could only silently hope that he makes it back to the castle before Hoseok realises who he is.

Chapter Text

There was nothing harder than getting the truth out of someone and actually believing the words that come out of their mouth.

It was easier for Yoongi to suppress the pain his body went through as the dark magic within him slowly decayed an organ.

It was easier to convince Taehyung with a single look to play along while they were in Hoseok's tavern to avoid their true identities from being discovered.

It was easier to sneak inside Vhóel’s castle while carrying around the dead body of the poisoner and reaching his room safely while Taehyung lead the guards away on some goose chase about a intruder from the opposite end.

Everything else was much easier than having to confront Taehyung and dreading the answers.

Taehyung closed the bedroom doors and walked towards Yoongi as he asked, "Your Highness, those guards will only be gone for a short time so can you please tell me who this man is? Why is he so important to you that you had to bring him in your room?"

Yoongi set the corpse down on the floor. He got rid of his own blood stained cloak and dirty wig, something he had been wanting to do since they left the tavern. A sharp stabbing pain cuts through him and he stops to breath and close his eyes.

"Your Highness you look rather pale..." Taehyung’s concerned voice was too much for Yoongi, especially when he did not know if he could trust the words that he spoke.

He walked towards Taehyung and quickly pinned him against the wall to prevent him from leaving. His hold on Taehyung’s hands grew tighter as the pain inside him grew stronger.

"Tell me how did you know to find me? How did you know it was me under the disguise?" Yoongi asked in a low serious tone. His mind flooded with questions one after another and it took most of Yoongi’s willpower to stop himself from screaming.

"You're hurting me!" Taehyung began to tear up as he struggled to free himself from Yoongi’s hold.

"Answer me!" Yoongi demanded. Thoughts of Taehyung meeting the heroine made Yoongi even more suspicious. The idea that the villains pathway to death had already started. His death. It made him lose control of his emotions. "Are you working for someone?"

"What!? No! I'm not a spy! I saw the tavern from the reading that day!" Taehyung explained as he held back his tears.

"Reading? You mean from that time in the greenhouse? But you never told me anything about that reading! You said nothing to me about what you saw! How am I to believe you now?" Yoongi barked in frustration. A part of him wanted to believe it all but Taehyung never gave him any explanations. At best it all seemed too well timed.

Taehyung’s eyes grew wide at Yoongi’s suspicions towards him. His chest began to hurt from the way Yoongi looked at him. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke, "I'd never do anything to hurt you...I-I knew it was you under the disguise because nothing had changed aside from your hair colour. When I concentrated on your face, I knew then that it was you. When you disappeared earlier I took a chance and went to that tavern that I had a glimpse of from the tarot reading. I couldn't say anything then because I could not make any sense from it."

Yoongi clenched his teeth to stop himself from pushing Taehyung even harder against the wall. His mind and body yearned to bully the young fortune teller over and over until his violent cravings were satisfied. Yoongi’s chest burned and his stomach lurched and twisted in agony as his body was being slowly consumed. He hated it. He hated how savage his thoughts became. How depraved his mind became when his body starved.

"fuck..." Yoongi let go of Taehyungs hands and step back to collect his thoughts. He kept himself rooted when Taehyung pushed passed him to escape the room. He doesn't trust himself to not run after Taehyung and waits even longer before moving to ensure Taehyung had managed to lock himself in his room or maybe...even leave the castle for good just to be away from him.

"Ughh..." Yoongi leaned against the wall and closed his eyes to get his pain under control. He still had a plan to execute and if he delayed any further then it will be ruined. He decided he should at least save someone before he truly does die.

Yoongi forced himself to walk towards the corpse of the poisoner and stoop over him. He rolled up his sleeve and with one hand he takes his sword and cuts deep lines on his arm, making sure to get the blood on the body and on the carpet, so it would look like a fight had happened. Once satisfied with his work, Yoongi waits for the cuts to heal, much slower than before but this had been something he was expecting considering the magic within him is near its limit.

"so tired..." Yoongi grumbled as he staggered towards the bedroom doors. He took and deep breath then shouted out loud, "GUARDS!"

Within seconds the guards came running towards him. Yoongi doesn't wait and walked back inside so they would not see him struggling to walk. By the time they got inside, Yoongi managed to sit comfortably on the arm chair by the fireplace. He kept his expression cold and unbothered.

"Your Highness what has happened here?" One of the guards who had first entered rushed towards the bloody body lying on the King's bedroom floor. Another came to inspect the body and two more checked the Kings bedroom for any signs of another intruder.

"Your Highness!" The head butler came rushing to Yoongi’s side. "Call the Royal Physician at once!"

"No that won't be necessary. I'm not wounded at all." Yoongi sternly dismissed the head butlers worry and then gestured at the guards captain to come closer, "You. Make sure to free the prisoners falsely accused of my poisoning. The true culprit had boldly dared to come back for another assassination attempt. I want this mess sorted immediately."

In unison the guards and the head butler look at the dead body. Shock and disbelief were clear in their faces.

"I do not think we should be so rash as to free the prisoners. We have to investigate whrrkkKk!" the guard who had been inspecting the body began to choke and claw at the invisible grip on his throat. His face began to change to different shades of red.

"Do you dare question my order?" Yoongi vehemently responded as his eyes locked on the guard who challenged his behaviour. It sickened Yoongi to hurt the guard who was only doing his job so harshly but he needed to play the part of the tyrant if he wanted his plan to work.

"We do as you command Your Highness." The captain of the guards kneel in front of Yoongi and is quickly followed by the other guards who pledge the same words.

The head butler kept his head low, fully aware on how to deal with the Kings vicious mood swings.

Yoongi released his hold on the guard who coughed and hacked as he gasped for air. The colour of his face started to go back to normal yet he had to be helped on his feet since the dizziness made it impossible for him to stand.

Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose to help with the stabbing pain of his right eye and temple. He found it scarily easy to inflict pain on others than controlling the dark magic to let go of the poor guard. His mind twisted with thoughts of prolonging the guards agony, to inflict to all those who knelt before him the same amount of pain he currently suffered.

fuck... Yoongi realised he could not let them stay any longer. It took too much to keep himself under control and exhaustion began to weigh heavy on his eyes.

"Then what are you all still here for? I gave my order yet no one seems to be moving!" Yoongi spoke harshly and watched the guards scramble to their feet to carry the corpse out. The captain of the guards bowed once again to Yoongi before leaving the room to carry out the task.

"Your Highness, I shall call the maids to come and replace the dirty carpet and clean the mess before you retire for the night." the head butler mentions before he leaves.

"Wait..." Yoongi beckoned the head butler to stay for a moment, "Leave it for tomorrow. There is a pressing matter that I require you to do. Hire a sketch artist to make a drawing of the poisoners face. I want it shown to everyone in the castle and see if anyone recognises him. I doubt he worked alone. He must have a connection within the castle if he managed to get pass the guards inspections."

"I will see to it that it shall be done." The head butler replied in his usual calm tone however his expression showed a hint of confusion.

"What is it?" Yoongi grimaced when he moved in the armchair to get a comfortable position as the right side of his rib felt like it had been kicked repeatedly.

Thinking that the King was angry towards him the butler kept his gaze on the ground when he answered, "I'm not familiar with this sketch artist that you seek however if it is a portrait of the culprit that you require then I can acquire the services of a well known painter."

"No don't...Haa.." Yoongi breathed out as he massaged the back of his neck, the pain suddenly shifting to his nape, "Look I do not require some well known painter who knows more than half of the noble families and gossip about this. I need someone discreet. Someone quick and efficient. I do not require a full body portrait, just the face and have the guards inspect the corpse for anything unusual. If there are any distinguishable markings, I want those drawn as well to see if anyone recognises it. Whatever they think is relevant or not relevant I want to know. Full report of everything. If any information is held from me then I will not be so merciful as I was tonight."

"That is very wise Your Highness. I shall personally attend to this task to ensure there are no mistakes."

Yoongi nodded and gestured for the head butler to leave him.

"Your Highness, I know you requested to leave the cleaning for tomorrow however..." the head butler grimaced at the sight of the blood stained carpet, "But please reconsider."

There was a long pause while Yoongi stared at the ceiling. His mind now only wanted to curl up and sleep the pain away. The head butler shifted slightly, worried that the King would have another fit.

"Fine! But do it quietly! I'm going to sleep." Yoongi grumbled and got up to walk to his bed. He removed his belt then dropped it carelessly on the floor, he then removed his waist coat and dirty dress shirt, tossing it all in a pile on the the floor, then removed his boots and finally he crawled under the covers of his luxurious bed and drifts off to sleep.

"Good night Your Highness." the head butler softly mentions as he closes the Kings bedroom doors.

wake up...

...wake up...

"WAKE UP!" a yell followed by a heavy blow to the stomach awakened a startled Yoongi. He groaned and struggled get the weight off him.

"Get up already!"

"Wh-what?" Yoongi groggily sat up the best he could to see who was talking to him.

"Mom's been calling. You sleep too much you know." Minji teased and smiled at Yoongi as she lifted herself off him. "Also I need your help later with the game. There is this quest I can't seem to complete."

"Minji?" Yoongi called out in disbelief. His earlier exhaustion and pain had all faded away.

"Come on and hurry up! Mom said you can't miss another meal just because you have a paper due." Minji had her hands on her hips as she scolded him affectionately.

"It is really you! Minji!" Yoongi abruptly gets up and tried to hug his baby sister but she deftly avoids him and stood by the door.

"Are you still half asleep!? This is why you have to stop starving yourself you weirdo." Minji stuck her tongue out and leaves the room.

"Minji wait! Come back! Wait! Minji! Minji!" Yoongi called out desperately as he ran towards the door that remained out of his reach no matter how hard he tried. The once small room had transformed to a elongated hall. The sun lit walls grew darker until all there was left was darkness and the fading door.

"No!" Yoongi called out in cold sweat. He awoke back in the villains bedroom, his breathing laboured and he felt weighed down by the blankets. He shoved them off him as he sat up at the edge of the bed, the pain came crashing back, twisting and churning, bringing him back to reality.

"Bad dream?"

Startled, Yoongi gets out of bed and instinctively reaches for his sword but stopped when he sees Seokjin sitting on the bed and looking back at him with concern. He wore a night robe that was tightly wrapped at the side of his waist.

"Why are you here?" Yoongi asked as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"I briefly saw the guards carrying a bloodied body towards the lower section when we were escorted out the prison cells. I was told that you had caught the real culprit so I rushed here to check if you had been injured."

"If I had been injured then the royal physicians would attend to my wounds. There was no need for you to come here." Yoongi flatly pointed out. It pained him to be rude towards Seokjin but he did not trust himself that he'd be able to hold back in hurting him the same way he did Taehyung.

Yoongi’s cold response surprised Seokjin but it does not deter him in leaving. Instead he holds his hands up and beckoned Yoongi to come to him. "You must be in a lot of pain. When was the last time you shared your bed to replenish lost essence?"

Yoongi hesitated before finally answering when he realised Seokjin would not budge, "Since that time with Taehyung."

"Was this recently or are you referring to that night...after the assassination attempt?"

"hmmm..." Yoongi breath out through his nose. He'd rather not talk about it with Seokjin. Guilt washed over him at the thought of what he did to Taehyung and how their relationship had become only more complicated.

"Its been almost a month since that night! If you continue down this path you'll kill yourself!" Seokjin gaped and sat up on his knees to plead to Yoongi, "Your Highness please! Why are you doing this? If not Taehyung then you should have found someone else!"

"Stop! You do not understand how difficult this is to me! I hurt him! I couldn't control myself...these urges that make me go mad! I can't undo what I've done!" Yoongi placed even more distance between them. A sharp pain seared through his stomach and his desire to inflict pain came rising up.

Seokjin noticed the dark circles underneath Yoongi's eyes, the grimace he made whenever he moved, and the stubbornness and pride he had to not show anyone his pain. It hurt Seokjin that Yoongi did not come to him when he had been suffering as the dark magic within him slowly consumed him. He had witnessed Yoongi using his abilities on multiple occasions but did not think to how much extent the backlash would have on him since Yoongi never shared those thoughts with him.

"Could it be that the urges grow more uncontrollable the longer you deny replenishing your essence?" Seokjin's gentle reply made Yoongi stop huffing and look back at him.

"These urges have always been strong." Yoongi dismissed him and rubbed his temple with one hand.

Seokjin smiled softly and took a small round shaped bottle that he had left on the night stand. This again caught Yoongi's attention and he watched him curiously. To his surprise Seokjin undo's his night gown, letting the soft fabric slide down his shoulder, and he spreads his knees, he reveals his naked body to Yoongi.

"W-what are you doing?" Yoongi gulped down hard at the sight of Seokjin's smooth skin and slightly erect manhood. His eyes grew wider, refusing to blink in case this was another dream, when Seokjin dipped his fingers in the bottle, covering it with oil. Then before Yoongi could even catch his breath, Seokjin reached behind and started massaging himself. His mouth opened with a silent moan when the first slick finger pushed inside him. Yoongi saw Seokjin tense up from the first penetration. It was clear that he had no experience with this at all.

"Ah!" Seokjin tried to relax when he moved his finger deeper but the sensation was too much and he bends down to steady himself with one hand. He tries again and again, pushing it deeper then pulling out and repeating until he thinks he can place the second finger in. His lips raw from when he bit down his lower lip.

"Seokjin stop. Don't force yourself." Yoongi pleaded when he saw the flash of pain on Seokjin's face when the second finger went in.

Seokjin looked up at Yoongi, face flushed with red plump lips and teary eyes, "Do you not want me anymore? You used to shower me with kisses and sweet words of wanting to hold me. Has that changed?"

"Fuck!" Yoongi's arms went around Seokjin and kissed him. Seokjin kissed back as Yoongi pushed him onto the bed and lay on top of him. Yoongi moved his hand down between Seokjin's legs and started pushing them apart.

"Open for me." Yoongi whispered huskily on Seokjin's ear and he obeyed.

Seokjin felt Yoongi massaging the oil around his hole then slowly started to push one finger inside. Seokjin groaned and opened his mouth, begging for Yoongi to kiss him again but Yoongi licked his lips and relished on the image of Seokjin underneath him. Especially the sweet reaction Seokjin made when Yoongi found his sweet spot and started to massage it with his finger. Seokjin gasped and held on Yoongi's arm tighter.

"That's it. Breath. Open up more for me." Yoongi pushed Seokjin's legs even further apart and inserted two fingers.

"Y-your highness I-I-" Seokjin's mouth remained parted when their eyes met. They stared into each other lovingly as Yoongi continued to fuck him with his fingers. Seokjin's back arched and his hips bucked with every stroke. A third finger joined, stretching and preparing Seokjin properly. Yoongi pushed down the depraved thoughts of forcing himself repeatedly on Seokjin. Thoughts of pushing him face down on the bed and using his body for his own pleasures. Yoongi kissed Seokjin to calm himself. He refused to let the darkness within him take control.

Yoongi felt a jolt of pleasure run up to the pit of his stomach when Seokjin's hands brushed against his erect cock to undo his pants. Seokjin panted when he broke off the kiss and looked down between his legs to see Yoongi's bulging cock head. His ears turned a complete shade of red.

"Have you ever touched a man's cock?" Yoongi asked quietly.

"No..." Seokjin gulped as he rubbed Yoongi's cock with his hand. It was hot and somehow grew even bigger the more he touched it. "Will it fit inside me?"

Yoongi flashed a devilish smile, "It will even fit inside your mouth."

"How-mmph!" Seokjin's curiosity is cut short by Yoongi's tongue. They kiss again wrapped in each others arms.

Pleasurable goosebumps crawl up Seokjin's thighs when Yoongi pushed himself in between them. Yoongi guided his cock into Seokjin's oil soaked hole and pushed the head against it. As he pushed more of himself inside, Seokjin began to tense. Yoongi eased up and lifted his head to see Seokjin's reaction. If he told him to stop now then he'd have to do so now while he still controlled his urges. Seokjin closed his eyes as if to concentrated on his breathing and Yoongi continued to slowly rock back and forth until all of his cock was buried deep inside of Seokjin.

"It hurts." Seokjin sobbed.

"Should I pull out?" Yoongi caressed him gently and kissed the tears that rolled down his cheeks.

"No," Seokjin was awash with new emotions and sensations, "I want you."

Yoongi nearly came from the sight of Seokjin's lustful face and voice. He took a pillow and positioned it underneath Seokjin to give him more support, then pulled his cock half way out before pushing it back in more intensely. Seokjin cried out a moan and Yoongi repeated his actions, rocking his body back and forth. Seokjin's butt was lifted in the air as Yoongi's thrusts became more faster. The pain lessened and the pleasure heightened making Seokjin move his hips, sliding Yoongi's cock deeper with each thrust.

"More...ah! more! My King!"

Yoongi grabbed Seokjin's hair with one hand and thrusted harder, hitting Seokjin's sweet spot with every push. It made Seokjin a incoherent mess. Seokjin's cock was pressed against his stomach so when Yoongi alternated between grinding and trusting his hips, it sent an electrifying sensation through Seokjin's cock, ass and up his spine. Seokjin moaned over and over. The sound of his voice had surprised him at first but he no longer cared and could not stop himself from his lustful cries for Yoongi.

"I'm going to-ah! there! yes! AHhhh!" Seokjin felt Yoongi's thrusts more deeply and rapidly. His feet up in the air as Yoongi rammed his sweet spot even harder until Seokjin came hard, his cum squirted between their stomachs. His hole clutched around the fat cock and it was all that took to make Yoongi climax. Seokjin felt the pulses with each cum coating his insides. Exhausted, all he could do was lay there as Yoongi rocked back and forth, riding his orgasm inside him. After one last thrust Yoongi rolled to the side, his cock sliding out of Seokjin.

The sensation of the hot liquid sliding out of his sore hole suddenly made Seokjin embarrassed and he tries to cover himself with his night robe.

"Was I too rough? Does it hurt?" Yoongi softly asked as he sat up and brushed the sweat from Seokjin's forehead.

Seokjin shook his head, "No that was amazing." A blush and a shy smile made Yoongi's cock twitch again.

"Oh! Its up again."

It was Yoongi's turn to blush and shyly cover his bottom half with a pillow. "Do not worry about me. I'll help you wash up so you can rest properly."

"But..." Seokjin shyly nibbled at his lower lip while he stared at Yoongi's manhood.

With a mischievous grin Yoongi bends down to capture Seokjin's plump lips. His tongue worked hard in making Seokjin breathless yet again and when his hand groped and fondled Seokjin's breast, he felt the brush of Seokjin's own erection. He parted from those sweet lips and looked lovingly down Seokjin's fucked out face once more.

"Shall we continue?"

Seokjin could only nod back in response and once more they were held up in each others arms.

Chapter Text

"I can't...ngaah...take much more...ahhh..."

"Gonna cum...you feel so good...squeezing me so greedily...Ugh!" Yoongi pressed his palm on Seokjin's back and thrusted his cock deep as he climaxes again.

"Ngaaaaahhh!" Seokjin orgasms in unison, watery white liquid squirted out of his spent cock and stained the dirty sheets from their continued lovemaking. Seokjin gasped for air as he lay face down on the bed, his eyes blurred from the rush of sensations.

Yoongi pressed against Seokjin and left a trail of kisses from his nape to his shoulder.

"Too much..." Seokjin shuddered, "still sensitive...pull out..."

Seokjin was breathless from every electrifying touch that made him shiver in delight. He barely had time to come down from the highs of ecstasy when Yoongi had fucked him again and again. It was getting too much for his mind to even make a single coherent thought.

"If that is what you want." Yoongi smile mischievously and pulled his cock out painstakingly slow.

Seokjin's body jerked and his toes curled from the overstimulation. He babbled wordlessly as his eyes flickered.

"Still sucking me in. I don't think you even want me to pull out." Yoongi teased and rocked his snug cock head by Seokjin’s rim hole.

"No...ngahhh...too mu-mmuchh...ahhhh!" Seokjin had a dry orgasm as Yoongi plunged his cock back in and just as quickly pulled himself out. Seokjin’s body twitched and shivered as thick flows of cum spurted out of his abused hole.

"fuck..." Yoongi grinned brightly at the sight before him. He felt his cock starting to rise for another erection but before letting his intrusive thoughts win, he moves away from Seokjin to stop himself especially since Seokjin looked completely out of it.

"I'll clean you up first so you can rest better." Yoongi mentions to Seokjin as he gets out of the bed. He walked to the bathroom and soaked one of the smaller towels in a basin with warm water then grab one dry towel and placed in over his shoulder. He felt energetic and rather pleased with himself. It was a strange happy feeling. Almost as if he was drunk. With a slight spring in his steps, he puts on the silk bathrobe and walks out of the bathroom.

knock knock

Yoongi’s eyebrow raised at the soft knocking coming from the bedroom door. He decided to ignore it at first but then it happened again. Not wanting anyone to come in suddenly, he sets the basin by the night stand and covered the sleeping Seokjin with the blanket before heading to answer who ever dared interrupting him.

"What is it?" Yoongi coldly asked as soon as he opened the door. To his surprise it was Hana and the two other maids meekly waiting outside.

"Your Highness!" Hana happily blurted out but quickly covered her lips and lowered her voice, "We have come to attend to our morning duties."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, "Did you say morning?"

"Yes Your Highness...unless you'd prefer we wait out here until you're ready to permit us to come inside?" Hana responded with a non subtle wink. The two maids behind her tried to hide their blushing faces.

There was a short pause while Yoongi’s brain tried to piece the information together. He finally responded with a look of disbelief, "Wait out here. I'll be back."

Yoongi could hear the maids giggle from behind the closed doors. He swears under his breath and pulled back one of the curtains only to be momentarily blinded by the brightness of the sun. "Damn it!" Yoongi grumbled and staggered as he pulls the curtains to cover back the window.

"Oh I fucked up..." Yoongi groaned then turns to see a worn out Seokjin asleep on his bed, "I really fucked up."

He quickly goes to Seokjin and cleans him up before the maids come inside. When Yoongi was finished, he puts on a clean sleeping robe on Seokjin and carries him gently out of the bed. He stands farther away by the window then cleared his throat and calls for the maids to come inside.

Hana is the first to enter, eyes closed then slowly peeking to see if it truly was alright to enter, then followed by the other two maids.

"Change the bedsheets quickly." Yoongi ordered without meeting their eyes. He had turned his back to them to prevent them from seeing Seokjin’s sleeping face.

Hana and the maids acknowledged his order and rushed to change the sheets. They did so rather quickly and efficiently considering the weight of the sheets and fabrics used on the beddings and pillows. Yoongi would have praised them if it had not been embarrassing enough for him to have them change dirty sheets.

"The bed ready Your Highness." Hana informed him.

"Would you like us to prepare your bath and a set of clothes for today?" The other maid mentioned while the other had already begun preparing his clothes.

Yoongi carefully placed Seokjin on the bed and pulls up the blankets to keep him warm. "Yes, that is fine."

The three maids set off to do their duty while Yoongi checks Seokjin’s complexion. He places two fingers on Seokjin's wrist and felt a slow steady pulse. Feels weak...did I overdo it?, Yoongi frowned at his thoughts.

"Your Highness, my apologies for being tardy this morning." The head butler had opened the doors and made his way to Yoongi.

Yoongi quickly unties the long heavy curtains from the bed posts to cover Seokjin.

The head butler stopped and understood that the King did not want anyone disturbing the current occupant in his bed. "I see that the maids have only started with their morning duties. I shall wait until you are dressed more appropriately for today's meetings before I show you the portrait that you had requested."

This caught Yoongi’s attention and he excitedly held his hand out to the head butler, "Where is it? Show it to me now."

"It is in your study, Your Highness. I was not sure if you had wanted me to carry it within the castle without your inspection first."

"Mmm...I suppose that's right."

"Your Highness, the bath is ready." One of the maids interrupts the two.

"Ah right..." Yoongi waved his hand to dismiss her but then stops and looks at Hana, "Come to think of it weren't there four of you who normally attended to my morning routines?"

Hana stops tidying the fireplace and replied, "Yes that is correct, Your Highness. Siu had gone to visit her family. She was shaken up after being released from the cells yesterday so we suggested she take today off."

A wave of guilt hit Yoongi like a ton of bricks. He realised that he failed to take in that they were also people with feelings and not just background characters in a game. They had spent several days in a cold cell thinking that they would never see their family again. Yoongi felt guilty for not realising this sooner. He looked at the three maids before him, noticing for the first time since they entered his room, that they looked rather pale and tired. The younger maid with pigtails who had informed him about Hoseoks tavern had lost weight and her uniform hung loosely on her slim frame, the older maid who used to have her thick brown hair on a neat tight bun looked like she too exhausted with all the loose strands sticking out, and there was Hana who despite her bright smile had dark circles under her eyes.

"Do you all require time off to see your families as well?" Yoongi asked.

Hana and the two other maids stopped. They looked at each other as if the answer was written on one of their faces.

"Your Highness is too kind. We do not require time off and are happy to be of service." The older maid finally speaks up.

Yoongi was not convinced and swore he saw a glimmer of hope and eagerness on the maids at the mention of time off. He had a feeling Hana would prefer to see her siblings as soon as possible.

"No, this is a order. After you all have finished with your duties here then you may take a couple of days off to recover. I'm sure the governess can arrange for a temporary cover, after all they had managed to do so during this past weeks." Yoongi said and looked at the head butler to see if he would protest.

"That is very generous of you, Your Highness. I will see to it that it shall be done." The head butler responded with a short bow. He knew better than to argue with a King who was known to hold extremely long grudges. He still thinks that King is upset with him for placing the maids in the prison cells during the investigation and replacing them without his approval.

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you!" Hana repeated over and over as she got on her knees. She had been worried about her siblings and hated herself for not seeing them as soon as she was free.

"There is no need-"

"Your Highness, thank you!"

"You are most gracious, Your Highness!"

"Ah..." Yoongi fumbled, suddenly feeling embarrassed and shy with all the bowing and words of gratitude. He wanted to pick Hana up and get her to stop kneeling since the others had followed her example. He can see the head butler watching him from the side and Yoongi had to act regal when dealing with this situation or he'll be suspicious of him. "Well then," Yoongi cleared his throat and held his head up high, "finish up here and the head butler will sort everything else out." Yoongi made a beeline for the bathroom and shut the door to avoid further questions.

Yoongi tapped his fingers on the dark wooden desk while one guard held up a portrait of the deceased poisoner. The portrait itself was remarkably done and vividly showed the features of the man staring back at him. The painting was more than what he expected when he ordered for a sketch of the culprit. So much more that the portrait itself was sixteen by twenty inches in size.

"I guess I should be glad that there are no frames."

The guard shifted uncomfortably from the Kings sarcastic tone. It also did not help that he had been holding the portrait for half an hour while the King silently stared at it.

"Apologies, Your Highness." The head butler speaks up, "the painter tasked with the work had been too enthusiastic in pleasing you that he had out done himself."

Yoongi exhaled and leaned back on the chair. He had a hunch the painter must have been terrified when he was asked to make a portrait of a deadman overnight and went over the top in fear that the King would kill him next.

The guard glanced at the head butler and the guard captain to check if he should still be holding the painting up as his arms began to shake. When he got no subtle response back from either of the two, he had to suck it in and hold on the canvas tighter. It did not help that the King held his dissapointed stare at the painting which felt like it was directed at him.

"Tell me," Yoongi leaned forward, both elbows resting on the table with his hands pressed together, "how do you find culprits? Am I missing something? How does one go around searching for someone?" Yoongi was still not over the fact that a simple request for a sketch like the ones he sees in true crime shows became a full blown work of art that was worthy of display in an art museum.

The guard felt beads of sweat build up on his back as he shifted uncomfortably once more to see if the question had been directed at him. Thankfully the head butler spoke up again.

"Please do not be further troubled by my error, Your Highness. I had failed to instruct the painter properly and it has made you feel anxious about the investigation. I can assure you that a much smaller and simpler one had been made and will be brought in shortly."

Noticing that the Kings eyebrows knitted even closer together, the captain of the guards stepped closer and added his own reassurances, "Yes, please do not be concerned of this small error, Your Highness. I can assure you that we will not be delayed in conducting the investigation within the castle staff."

Yoongi sighed and waved a hand to dismiss the guard holding up the portrait. "Has anyone said or heard anything?"

"None of the prison guards nor the royal guards recognised him. We have yet to check with the soldiers in the barracks and those who are assigned to different locations from within and outside the castle grounds. Once we have finished with them, we will then check the other castle staffs, both old and new." The guard captain laid out his plan.

"He definitely was not working alone. The poison he used was not a simple one and I doubt he would have gotten it on his own." Yoongi pointed out to make sure they do a thorough job.

"You are correct in that assumption, Your Highness. The ingredients used to create the poison are rare and not easy to acquire without the proper connections and gold." The head butler agreed and placed a stack of paper on the table that had been sealed with the Royal Physicians stamp.

Yoongi opened it and read the pages, each containing details of the ingredients needed to have created the poison used on him. This must be the toxin report that Hoseok had access to. Yoongi was reminded of yesterday's chaotic events. "Have someone discretly look into this. I want to know how any of these ingredients can be acquired, how much they cost, which noble families or businesses have access to them, and if they are grown in anyones backyard. I want to know every small detail."

"We have a small elite team that can-"

"On second thought," Yoongi interrupted the guard captain and placed his palm down on the list, "I will personally see to this."

The head butler shook his head in disapproval and spoke up, "Your Highness should not trouble yourself with a task that can be done by the royal guards. You have other pressing matters to deal with and have far too important meetings to attend to."

Yoongi clicked his tongue and was ready to stubbornly argue with the two when suddenly one of the royal guards came inside the study carrying a rolled up parchment.

"Your Highness." The guards greets Yoongi and bows before placing the rolled parchment on the table.

"Hmm?" Yoongi curiously opens it, "Ah! Much better." The culprits portrait was indeed smaller and simpler. And much lighter to carry around. "This is what I wanted."

Yoongi was finally pleased which made everyone in the room internally sigh in relief. He rolled the parchment back and gave it to the guard captain. "Take this and continue with the investigation. There is more to this culprit and I want every connection found."

"We will not disappoint you." The guard captain bowed his head then walks out of the room followed by the other two guards.

Once they were alone, the head butler placed another pile of documents in front of Yoongi.

"What are these for?" Yoongi lifted the stack, feeling its weight then immediately putting it back down.

"The paperwork for the soldiers compensation during the war. I have successfully acquired the funding and it now needs your seal of approval." The head butler explained, a hint of pride in his voice at completing the task within a day.

"This..." Yoongi placed his palm on top of the stack, "is marvelous work. I knew you would get it done." Yoongi saw the proud expression that the head butler tried desperately to hide and did not want to ruin it. "Let's get to work then."

"And Your Highness," the head butler quickly added before Yoongi took the first page. "Your personal maids have been given three days off. I know you would have preferred if they took a longer one but it will be extremely busy during and after the celebration ball. It was a surprise that the governess even allowed them to leave on such a short notice with your birthday only three days away."

"I see. That is fine then." Yoongi remembered the governess help in giving him and Namjoon a chance to heal old wounds so he decided not to argue.

"And one last thing," the head butler coughed lightly, not happy with himself for interrupting the Kings work, "the maids had left instructions with the kitchen staff to bring a food tray to your bedchamber once your guest wakes up."

Yoongi blushed lightly and suppressed a smile, "Good that they did not forget. Be sure to inform me once Seokjin is awake."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Yoongi felt his lips twitch as he picked up first few pages of the document. He did his best to hide his smile all morning despite feeling completely light and fuzzy. He no longer felt a single ounce of pain and his head felt clearer than ever. He felt like a fool. A extremely happy fool.

And this went on until the early afternoon when he saw Taehyung walking towards the greenhouse and Yoongi felt uneasy once more.

He knew he should not delay their talk for later or another day. He had to make everything clear that very moment or he'll only continue to suspect Taehyung.

"Why can't I have a save point to reload if I say the wrong things?" Yoongi complained to himself and shook his arms to relax himself before heading inside the greenhouse.

He walked past the ornate stone pillars adorned with intricate carvings, past an array of exotic plants from far-off lands, past the bees that hum lazily among the more vibrant blooms on the second floor, and still he could not find Taehyung. He wondered if he had mistaken him for someone else. Yoongi makes another round through the greenhouse when he suddenly remembered the stairway that led to the small nursery for seedlings.

Going for one last check, Yoongi reached the nursery and stepped inside. He immediately spots Taehyung leaning by a open window, sunlight filtered through the translucent panes, creating a soft, diffused glow that bathed the small space in warm light. The gentle wind softly brushes against Taehyungs rose gold hair making his beauty even more ethereal. Yoongi could only stand still in appreciation.

"Your Highness!" Taehyung stepped away from the window but made no move to get closer to Yoongi. He looked frightened which made Yoongi feel even worse.

"I did not mean to startle you. I only want to talk." Yoongi quickly explained.

Taehyung frowned.

"Look I'll get straight to the point. I don't want to make this conversation even more complicated than it has to be." Yoongi spoke calmly and took a step forward but upon seeing Taehyung’s visibly uncomfortable expression, he decided not to take another step.

"What's the point? You won't believe in anything I have say." Taehyung flatly stated.

"I need you to understand that yesterday incidents had me on edge."

"You do not need to concern yourself with me anymore. I will be leaving as soon as I finish my role of reading fortunes for your birthday. It was all you wanted me for so I will do as you ask and leave." Taehyung angrily spoke up and turned his back to Yoongi.

Yoongi inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. "Stop that." His voice got low, sending a shiver down Taehyungs spine.

"Stop what? I already said what I needed to say. I don't think there is anything else for us to discuss." Taehyung refused to be affected by him and continued to stare out the window.

"This is why I struggle to believe in you. You never give me a straight answer and whenever I confront you about your actions you either cry and make me feel guilty or you close off and isolate yourself making me feel guilty. I'm trying to put my faith in you but you keep doing things that make me anxious." Yoongi scolded in a way that he did not have to raise his voice. He no longer felt the dark impulse from last night that urged him to be physically violent yet Yoongi still chose to keep himself in a safe distance to protect Taehyung should it suddenly rise up.

Taehyung scoffed, "Your Highness is merely paranoid."

"Of course I'm paranoid! I've been dealing with assassination attempts since I got here and if you failed to notice I was recently poisoned then almost killed by another group of assassins which by the way are somehow connected to the person that just tried to kill me with poison!" Yoongi snapped at him. He felt tired of having to tiptoe around him simply because he felt guilty for what he did to him that night but enough was enough.

Taehyung felt his heart beat strongly against his chest it was almost deafening. His hands shook as he held on the window pane for support. He hated that they were arguing and if he was being honest he did not want to leave at all.

Yoongi closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking again. "Taehyung look at me."

The sound of his name coming from Yoongi’s deep commanding voice was enough to make him turn around. It surprised him how his body acted much too quickly before he could even think about it.

"Look me in eyes and tell me everything about the reading you did on me the last time we were in this greenhouse."

Taehyung kept his lips shut despite the flutter coming from the pits of his stomach as Yoongi walked closer towards him.

"If you lie to me then I'll know you never believed in me, and that story about how you saw me in a vision that made you want to come here and all those times I thought were genuine conversations with you will be no different from false flattery that people use just so they can use me."

"I never-" Taehyung’s voiced hitched as Yoongi stood in front of him. His dark eyes peer into him and his heart ached when he realised they gaze at him in such sadness when he had once seen them look at him so tenderly. "I never lied."

Yoongi’s eyes widened slightly in surprise then expressed his disbelief and dissapointment. Yoongi stepped away and eventually turned as if looking at Taehyung hurt even more. "I see that this was a waste of time. I will respect your wishes and arrange for your safe travel back home at once."

Taehyung felt his heart break when he saw the deep sadness in Yoongi's eyes and how tired his voice sounded. A feeling of dread went through him as Yoongi turned away. A strong feeling that if he left now he'd never see Yoongi ever again. Even if he came back to Vhóel, he just felt as if he'd be gone forever.

"Don't go!" Taehyung blurted out and grab hold of Yoongi's waist from behind. "Don't go."

"Taehyung,"

"I never lied! I...I merely left some information out." Taehyung confessed as he buried his face on Yoongi’s shoulder.

Yoongi kept silent and waited for him to say more.

"That day when I read the tarot cards, it showed me more of what I had already known before I came to find you."

"What do you mean?" Yoongi asked. Does he know I'm not from this world?

"When I mentioned about the vision I saw of you walking through the streets of Vhóel, there was more to it. It came to me in fragments and one night as I slept, I dreamed of you dying by someone's sword."

"Whose sword?"

Taehyung’s voice came out shaky, "I-I don't know. He had fair skin and dark hair, and he had a brooch with a family crest...griffin with a shield."

Yoongi's eyes widened. That’s Jungkook!

"And then I saw him," Taehyung's voice got deeper and Yoongi could feel the anger in them, "Namjoon. I did not know who he was at the time and it was my first time meeting him when I arrived here but there was no mistake that it was him I saw. He gave documents away that placed your life in danger. You were fighting as everyone around you left. I had no other premonition after that night and I became restless thinking that it may have happened already so I rushed to come to Vhóel completely unprepared."

He saw the villians destined death endings caused by the male leads. Yoongi realised as he listened to Taehyung.

"Then when we had that reading I saw more. This time clearer than before. I saw Seokjin poison you, then another vision showed the young prince from Aëte waging war against you and beheads you after a long gruesome battle, and then there was another where that man from the Tavern kills you by trapping you in a basement and burning you alive..."

Hoseok does what?! Yoongi’s thoughts were plagued by how horrible he had to die by Hoseoks hands if he decided to kill the villain for the heroine.

Taehyung voice grew softer again as he pressed himself even closer to Yoongi, "I watched you die over and over again in the hands of these people...some of them stand so close to you and who don't deserve your trust. I wanted to protect you but I'm weak and all I do is mess up."

"Taehyung," Yoongi softly calls his name and loosened Taehyung’s hold on his waist so he could turn around to see him, "You did not have to keep this burden by yourself. Why didn't you tell me from the start? We could have avoided all this misunderstanding."

"You wouldn't have believed me." Taehyung looked away.

Yoongi gently cupped Taehyung’s cheeks in his hands and made him look at him, "I'd believe you because I know you're not making this up."

Taehyung lifted his hands and held Yoongi’s wrists. Yoongi thought he'd pry himself away from him but instead he just holds him and looks at him, "Liar. You're only saying that to make me feel better."

"I'm not."

"What King or any person would believe the words of a random stranger telling them that they will die five different times?"

Yoongi knew he was right. The him now would believe Taehyung in a heartbeat because he knew the story of this game. He knew the male leads and their different endings based on the heroines choice. So there was no doubt it would be easy for him to accept it all as true. But had he been the original villain or even any other person who knew nothing of this games storyline or who the male leads were and what they did then Taehyung would have been thrown out of the castle long ago or imprisoned. He would have been branded insane for his visions even if he was a seer, simply because who in their right mind would believe that a person could die multiple times by different people. Specifically a tyrant of a powerful Kingdom.

"I know it's hard to believe but I would and I still do because I know you meant everything you've said to me right now." Yoongi spoke warmly and gently caressed Taehyung’s cheeks.

"You really believe in me even after I told you that you are going to die five times?" Taehyung had a hopeful look in his eyes.

Six. Yoongi wanted to tell Taehyung that he forgot to include himself.

Yoongi smiled, "Yes, I believe you and I also believe that the deaths are more of a warning and can be avoided."

"That does make more sense than dying five times. But how are you so calm after everything I've said. I mentioned Namjoon, Seokjin, and that man from the tavern yet you don't seem even a little bit concerned." Taehyung tilted his head slightly as he intertwined his fingers with Yoongi.

"Ah yes..." Yoongi averted his eyes and looked out the window behind Taehyung, "I've been dealing with death threats and countless attempts at my life that I've become numb to it all." Yoongi lied but it was the only way he could explain why he wasn't shocked at all by what Taehyung had said.

"Your Highness..." Taehyung murmured and suddenly Yoongi felt something wet go down his fingers. He looks back at Taehyung who had began to cry.

"Why are you crying? I said I believe you! Please don't cry!" Yoongi panicked and attempted to wipe Taehyungs tears but his hands were held tightly by Taehyung.

Taehyung pressed his hands against his cheeks and tearfully cried, "You must have felt so alone..."

Yoongi’s mouth slightly parted but he couldn't find the words to reply. He did feel alone when he first came to this world. He was afraid and angry. He even tried to end it all and got pulled back to the harsh reality of his current situation. At times he feels as if he's merely floating by and one day he'll wake up and forget everything.

Watching Taehyung cry for him made him feel...glad. Glad that he had someone who he can talk to about his impending death and not look at him like he'd lost his mind.

Yoongi leaned forward and kissed Taehyung’s forehead. When Taehyung stopped crying, Yoongi then left soft gentle kisses on his cheeks and nose. Taehyung hiccups, a faint blush forming on his cheeks and nose.

"You must have been so scared when you found out I was poisoned. Is that why you snuck into Seokjins room again that night after I told you not to? You were looking for evidence weren't you because of the vision?" Yoongi asked as he pulled their hands onto his lips to kiss them gently before looking back up to see a blushing Taehyung staring back at him.

"I...I couldn't tell you that time because you two had become close and you defended him from the others that I knew you'd never take my side had I told you."

Yoongi broke his hold on Taehyung’s hands and pulled him in a tight embrace, "I'm sorry I made you feel that way. You must have been anxious and lonely. You even took a risk coming to me that day knowing I could have hurt you badly."

Taehyung nuzzled on the crook of Yoongi's neck and wrapped his arms around him. "I was afraid I'd lose you that day."

It was Yoongi's turn to blush. "Tae...about these feelings of yours..."

Taehyung huffed and pulled away with a serious expression, "What I feel for you is genuine! Stop insisting that it's only because you saved me that day. Stop explaining my own emotions to me!"

Yoongi was stunned. There was an intense determination in Taehyungs eyes that made it difficult for Yoongi to argue further.

"You're right. I'm sorry." Yoongi smiled apologetically, "everything that's happened between us had gone too quickly that we never even talked about it properly and it is probably why I still feel anxious."

Taehyung stared at Yoongi curiously as he stepped back and took one of his hands into his.

"I've told you before that I will take responsibility for what happened that night and I have no intention of using you against your will. I've enjoyed the small talks we've had and I also want to be more open towards you to avoid more misunderstandings in the future."

"Your Highness, I-"

Yoongi held a hand up to stop Taehyung for interrupting and continued, "That being said, I want you to know that I've been intimate with Seokjin and I fully intend to start a relationship with him. I know how you feel towards him because of the visions but I can guarantee that he was not behind the recent attempt on my life."

"Do you like him that much?" Taehyung had an expression that nearly broke Yoongi’s resolve.

"Yes, I do. He doesn’t make me feel lonely and he does not try to use my status for his own gain." Yoongi smiled brightly thinking about Seokjin in his physician robe treating the children in the orphanage, "I'd be lying if I said I was not attracted to you but I refuse to be some two timing bastard if I were to start a relationship with Seokjin. I know you'd feel the same way if it were the other way around. I don't want you to think that I'm playing with your emotions simply so I can use you. I value your friendship and all that you've done for me. I truly enjoyed our talks and look forward to getting to know you better. However..."

They looked into each others eyes and Taehyung could see the sincerity in Yoongis eyes.

"I will understand if you still wish to go home and if you no longer want to speak to me. You have my word that your reputation shall not be tarnished." Yoongi paused after he said what he wanted to give Taehyung time to decide on what he wanted to do next.

Taehyung looked down and stared at his hand held by the King. He wondered if he pulled his hand away, would Yoongi hold on tighter or would he simply let go...

"Taehyung?"

"I want to stay. I won't accuse Seokjin or break in his room again if that's what your worried about." Taehyung said flatly but there was a clear pained look in his eyes as he continued to avert his gaze.

Is he sulking?, Yoongi wondered. He smiled and ruffled Taehyungs soft hair then pulled him in a embrace. "All I do is make you sad. I'm sorry."

Taehyung’s eyes began to blur as tears threatened to fall. He hugged Yoongi back, closes his eyes and softly murmured, "Its not your fault."

Yoongi did not know how to define their relationship but for now he was content that they had cleared up the misunderstandings between them. Its the little victories that made Yoongi believe he'd somewhat progressed towards an ending that did not involve him dying.

Chapter Text

"You're finally awake!"

Seokjin groggily opened his eyes and saw a worried Yoongi looking over him. He felt too tired to say anything and instead tried to get up.

"I was about to summon one of the royal physicians to check on your condition." Yoongi stressed as he helped Seokjin sit up on the bed.

"Why would you cause such a commotion over something as silly as fatigue from...from..." Seokjin stuttered and turned bright red as he remembered the reason for his exhaustion.

"It is not silly especially because you have been asleep since yesterday." Yoongi fussed and placed a food tray on the bed, "Eat all of this. Drink all of this."

"Huh?" Seokjin was speechless at the amount of nutritious food presented before him. "Surely you are not asking me to finish all this."

Yoongi picked up a spoon, "I can assist you if you feel too tired to move."

"Don't be ridiculous." Seokjin blushed as he snatched the spoon from Yoongi but immediately regretted it when he suddenly became dizzy.

"Seokjin!" Yoongi quickly held his shoulders for support.

The dizzy spell subsided and he lightly touched Yoongis hand, "I'm alright. I moved too quickly. My sugar level must be low since I haven't eaten...Did you say I've been asleep since yesterday?" Seokjin looked over Yoongi’s shoulder and saw the dark sky. "I've been asleep most of today too?"

Yoongi nodded solemnly, "Yes, I tried to wake you when you remained asleep until evening but you just slept and I got worried. Had it not been for your steady pulse I...I over did it. I should have retrained myself. I could have killed you."

"Well I don't particularly like the idea of my headstone saying I died after one passionate night with the King." Seokjin teased and laughed.

"I'm being serious." Yoongi snapped and turned away. He rubbed his hands over his face and hunched over as he sat on the side of the bed. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."

"Your Highness..." Seokjin pushed aside the food tray and leaned down on Yoongi's back. He wanted to hug him but his body was too weak to move properly. "I did not mean to jest. I know how you feel about not being able to control yourself when consuming another person's mana but how are we suppose to know your limits if we do not test them."

"Test? Your life is not something you should easily gamble with!"

"I'm not!" Seokjin voiced raised slightly before pausing and proceeded to explain in a calmer tone, "I'm merely stating that we have a better idea now on how much mana you take from another person and how this can affect the other physically. By looking at you, I'd say that you no longer feel any physical pain since that day."

Yoongi turned to face Seokjin, "I understand your logic but it is still hard for me to accept that I've hurt you."

"But I'm not hurt. Physically I'm not able to move much and I'm tempted to fall back to sleep once I've finished this mountain of a meal, but this is mere exhaustion. I will recover after I have rested. I feel no other ill effects nor do I feel any other physical ailment. So please stop worrying about it and feeling guilty. If you keep sulking then I'll start to feel guilty since I'm also responsible for initiating..." Seokjin's ears became bright red as he struggled to find the right word.

"I believe you called it a passionate night." Yoongi grinned as Seokjin hastily grabs the food tray and placed it between them.

Seokjin eats a spoonful of the aromatic abalone porridge then points at Yoongi with the tip of the spoon, "If you are making fun of me now then I'll take it as a sign that you understand my side and stopped feeling guilty."

Yoongi sighed and nodded with a smile. He leans his head down and kisses Seokjins shoulder, "Let's talk more after you have eaten."

"Will you stay and talk while I eat?" Seokjin asked after taking another spoonful of the porridge. He had his eye on the roasted chicken and the grilled sea bass, but decided to start slow first.

"You mean just talk while while you listen?"

Seokjin nodded, "If its not too much trouble...my home was lively during meal times. Since my parents worked long hours, meal times were the only way we would all be together and everyone shared stories on how their day had been...I'd like to know how your day has been."

Yoongi rested his forehead on Seokjins shoulder to cover his blush, "I'm not much of a talker since-" My siblings were the talkative ones.

Seokjin quickly chimed in, "You don't have to go into full detail. I know as the King you can not simply discuss things but maybe just...um...sorry! It was stupid of me to ask. You don't need to bother. I'm probably still half asleep and don't know what I'm saying."

"..."

Seokjin silently takes another spoonful of the porridge.

"I had a nice walk in the garden in between meetings today." Yoongi shyly spoke up.

Seokjin smiled.

"A few rose bushes have started to bloom and maybe by next month all of them will be. The tulips though are quite a sight. You should go see when you're feeling better."

"That is a lovely idea. I'd like that." Seokjin lightly patted Yoongi's hair but quickly stopped when he remember he's the King.

Feeling slightly more confident, Yoongi tilted to the side so his cheek is pressed against Seokjin's shoulder, "My regular maids are currently on extended off days to recover after the ordeal. Hana had sent word that the children at the Orphanage miss you terribly."

"I miss them too." Seokjin comments while he sets his half eaten porridge to the side and pulled the plate with roasted chicken closer. He turned slightly away to hide a yawn.

Yoongi noticed it, "Her siblings are doing well in school and so are the other children. It seems some of the herbs I had donated had helped make their meals more nutritious."

"Not some but all the herbs. I have used the medicinal ones to help treat the children's ailments and together with the meals, they have recovered quickly. They no longer fear health check ups." Seokjin happily added to the conversation after finishing half of the meal.

Yoongi sat up and was pleased to see Seokjin eating most of the meal. He could see that Seokjin was beginning to feel sleepy but was determined to stay awake, "Did they give you a hard time when you first started?"

"They were hesitant as any person would when meeting someone for the first time. I knew it would happen so I did my best to make them trust me. I even made jokes just for them even though they told me I wasn't funny at first."

Yoongi perked up, "I want to hear those jokes."

Seokjin started picking at the sea bass, "It is between me and the children."

"Why? I want to hear it."

"No."

"Just one."

"No."

"Please."

"..."

"I won't make fun of you."

"...........no."

Yoongi pouted which then caused Seokjin to choke. He was not prepared to ever see a pouting King look completely adorable or even pout at all. His brain made every part of him stop functioning for a split second.

"Drink!" Yoongi handed Seokjin a glass of water which he gratefully downs.

"T-thank you..." Seokjin coughs lightly and quickly changes the topic, "I've been wanting to ask how you managed to catch the culprit? We were released with hardly any details."

"I had a feeling you'd ask about it." Yoongi answered as he takes the food tray off the bed when he noticed that Seokjin had pushed it away, "I had help from outside the castle. I was able to get information to track the culprit."

"Help from outside? Who?"

"I'd prefer to not say. At least not now. It involved the black market and the fewer people who know the better." Yoongi grimaced when he spoke. He knew Hoseok would not take it kindly if his name was spread around and Yoongi still had another job for him.

Seokjin had a disappointed expression however he then smiles and takes Yoongi's hand into his. "Alright but please don't do anything reckless. Nothing good ever comes from the black market."

Yoongi kissed Seokjin's slender fingers, "Thank you for understanding."

Seokjin smiled but turned away to hide a yawn.

Yoongi chuckled, "You must still be exhausted. Don't fight it and allow your body to rest."

"But I still wanted to ask you a few questions." Seokjin frowned when Yoongi fluffed his pillows and encouraged him to lay down.

Yoongi lifted the blanket and snuggly tucked Seokjin in, "I'm sure it can wait till tomorrow."

Seokjin grab hold of Yoongi’s hand and made him lay down beside him. Yoongi’s bright smile made his heart flutter.

"I still have duties to attend to but I will stay until you fall asleep and will be back before you wake up." Yoongi reassured and pulled Seokjin close to him.

Seokjin snuggled underneath Yoongi's chin, taking in the warm musk of sandalwood and hugging him closer.

"Have you experienced any pain or migraines since yesterday?" Seokjin murmured as he closed his eyes.

Yoongi grinned, "None at all. I feel great. Its hard to describe the feeling but if I had to compare it to something remotely close then it felt like I was drunk. Not blurry and unable to function limbs drunk. Its a strange feeling like being completely sober and drunk at the same time. I don't know if I'm making sense."

"Mmm...I sort of get it..." Seokjin murmured back a response, "Have you used your magic since?"

"I had no need to. So long as I can avoid using it then I should be fine."

"Mmmm...but that's-" Seokjin yawned and mumbled the rest of his words incoherently.

"We'll continue tomorrow." Yoongi kissed the top of Seokjin's hair, "I still haven't showed you the surprise."

Yoongi felt extremely out of place sitting in the lavish room when wave after wave of headless mannequins in extravagant clothing were ushered in the room. The lovely bright sunshine coming from the high windows only made everything sparkle even more. At that point he realised how much he preferred sparring until his hands blistered in the barracks even after he thought he was going to die after this morning excruciating exercises.

His only saving grace was that he did not have any meetings with the nobles today or documents that needed his attention. The perks when his birthday is tomorrow. Not that it stopped Yoongi from feeling nervous considering none of this was ever mentioned in the games plot.

"Your Highness!" A sandy brown haired man bows his head low as he knelt on the floor, "I'm honoured to present to you my new line for this season."

One after another in well timed flawless unison, the tailors assistants presented different outfits with matching accessories and shoes. Not that Yoongi felt he needed more shoes. He was quite happy with the array of black boots and black dress shoes that he had. He even had a pair in brown which he was quite content with.

"First one comes in his Majesties favoured color." The tailors lively voice draws Yoongi's attention to a set of robes in rich, velvety black, their surfaces adorned with delicate silver embroidery. Yoongi couldn't help but murmur in appreciation at the intricate patterns. The beautiful outfits reminded him of the time his sister would beg him to get a high score from a mini game just so she could win game points to purchase outfits for the heroine.

Next, the assistant brought forth a ebony cutaway tailcoat in gleaming gold, its intricate brocade shimmering like molten metal, a matching silk waistcoat encrusted with semi-precious stones as buttons, a silk scarf and black trousers. The head butler hummed in approval.

Then came a bold black and crimson ensemble, the vibrant hue a striking contrast to the more subdued tones of the previous outfits. It made Yoongi think of Hana and the other three maids who seemed to enjoy picking out his outfits everyday. He has noticed more color added in his usual all black ensemble.

Two more outfits were ushered to the front, the color choice was not something Yoongi nor the head butler expected. The mannequin in the left had a crisp white cotton shirt paired with a printed silk waistcoat in a delicate, ethereal shade of lilac with gold buttons, and a black velvet tailcoat paired and black trousers. The one to the right wore a midnight purple cashmere wool coat, a white dress shirt paired with a soft lilac waistcoat with delicate embroidery in shades of silver and white fitted trousers.

"Lilac is all the rage this season. The nobles fawn over such a romantic and dreamy ensemble that I had to close shop just to ensure his Highness would be the first to see my creation." the tailor proudly spoke.

Yoongi flicked two fingers to bring the head butler closer. The head butler bows his head low enough for Yoongi to whisper in his ear, "What is all this? I've only asked for one additional set of clothes to be made and don't I have my outfit for tomorrow ready? This had been sorted by the governess weeks in advance."

The head butler nodded and whispered back, "That is correct, Your Highness. These are simply new clothing items to add to your wardrobe. If you do not like any of them then you can have the tailor remake everything or we can find you a new tailor."

"Hmm.." Yoongi waved for the tailor to continue. It was his second time seeing the famous tailor that all the nobles line up for. Unfortunately, Yoongi barely remembered the first time they met. The tailor had brought in new set of clothes yet it was at a time when Yoongi had recently arrived and was still wrapping his head around what happened to him that he quickly dismissed them all without even looking.

"Lastly, I present to you the outfit that you had requested for. I believe the measurements are perfect." His green eyes lit up as one of his assistants brought the mannequin forward. The colorful rings on the tailors fingers distracted Yoongi for moment. "This," the tailor paused to add effect, "is the crowning achievement of my life's work. To have created such beauty in the shortest time I have ever been commissioned to do. Behold the grandeur of the heavens, captured in the finest silks and threads." Yoongi, the head butler, and the maids leaned in, captivated with wonder at the sheer beauty of the garment before them. The long formal coat, the ruffled dress shirt, the waistcoat, the silk cravat, and the trousers, all these pieces come together made a vision of white and gold that seemed to radiate with an otherworldly elegance.

Yoongi stood up and walked to the outfit. His fingers lightly traced the outfits lining, embroidery, and every button that had been delicately carved with a rose design. While he stood silently before the mannequin, everyone else around him held their breath, waiting to see if he would give his approval or tear it apart in disapproval. The tailor felt a cold sweat drip down his neck. He had been suspicious when for the past months the King made no fuss on the last set of clothes that he personally created for him, especially those that were not plain black. He had waited and waited for weeks for torn and burnt clothes to be sent back to the shop as was his usual way of showing disapproval, a behaviour he kept even after ascending to the throne. Yet somehow none came and to his surprise the nobles suddenly began requesting for outfits similar what the King had worn.

"Perfect." Yoongi said with smile, his focus still occupied with the feel of the fabric.

A moment of silence hung in the air. The tailor and his assistants could not believe their ears. They had never heard a word of praise from the King.

The head butler cleared his throat, "His Highness is extremely pleased." He then walked to stand in front of the tailor, "I will have one of the staff bring you the payment in full. Please follow me for some refreshments while you wait."

"Huh? Oh! Yes, thank you." The tailor blushed when he finally found his words. He felt strangely ecstatic and even his assistants were smiling brightly.

One of the maids opened the door and the tailor with his team stepped out of the room. The head butler turns to the King, "Your Highness, the maids will bring the new clothes to your wardrobe. Is there anything else you require before I leave?"

Yoongi raised a finger up like he suddenly had a brilliant idea, "Yes, have one of the maids escort Seokjin here. He should still be in the garden."

"It will be done." The head butler bows and ordered the maid closest to him before leaving the room. The rest of the maids began to carefully undress the mannequins.

"Leave this one here for now." Yoongi instructed and let the maids leave the room. He was feeling rather excited considering it came out much better than what he had anticipated and wanted to be alone with Seokjin. His fingers glide through the soft fabric, his gaze lingered on the rose design until suddenly a piercing sound dulled his hearing until all he could hear was a single high pitch note. His head throbbed in agony causing him to bend over and clutch his head. Memories flooded his mind once more.

Through the eyes of the villain, he saw the King and Queen arguing in the Kings study, unaware the young prince had snuck inside and hid. Their voices were muffled from the high pitch ringing. Their argument became more intense as they shouted at each other, the King throwing the books on his desk, papers and pens littered the floor. The Queen refused to back down and points a finger at him, a warning. This stops the Kings outburst yet his expression remained livid as he watched her leave. Yoongi felt the young prince curl up.

"URGH!" Yoongi grit his teeth and felt his skin grow cold. It took the breath out of him to simply move and open a window. He tried taking in deep breaths to calm down as the ringing in both ears died down but another wave of memories flooded his vision. This time they were memories from when the villain had lessons in both academia and sword training from his childhood up to his early adult years. The overstimulation of skills and knowledge learned and acquired from years all condensed to that single moment was too much for Yoongi and he fell on his knees.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!" Seokjin shouted in panic and rushed to Yoongi side, the maid quickly following him.

Yoongi grit his teeth and pushed Seokjin's hand away. His whole body felt like it was on fire. His bones ached to the point that Yoongi had thought they cracked.

"Please let me help!" Seokjin begged and when he saw Yoongi’s nose bleed, he immediately ordered the maid to call the Royal Physician and the head butler.

"No!" Yoongi growled and the door slammed shut with such force that the maid stood shaking before it. Had she walked a second faster it would have slammed against her body.

Seokjin flinched but refused to leave. "Your Highness please!" He begged once more.

Yoongi leaned forward and rested his sweaty forehead on the cold hard wall. His breathing remained ragged despite the barrage of memories finally stopping along with his nose bleeds. He began to feel the sensations of his limbs coming back to him, the pain fading away as he attempts to get up.

"Your Highness." Seokjin calls out to Yoongi and readily helps him off the floor.

"I-Im fine." Yoongi muttered as he lets Seokjin drag him towards the sofa.

"How is this fine!" Seokjin held back his emotions to avoid angrily scolding Yoongi in front of the maid. "I strongly advise that you let us call the Royal Physician."

"No..." Yoongi stubbornly insisted and wiped the blood off his face with a handkerchief. The white cloth slowly turned red.

"Why must you be so stubborn!" Seokjin scolded and stood up, hands on his hip, finally not caring if the maid was present.

"I'm not..." Yoongi smiled weakly, "This sometimes happens and it goes away just as quickly..."

"That's not-" Seokjin held his tongue and sighed deeply to show Yoongi how upset he was before changing the subject, "I did not realise that nose bleeds were one..." Seokjin cuts off when he remembered the maid was staring at both of them. "The King needs a wash cloth and basin. Please fetch one quickly."

Yoongi turned to the maid and adds, "Do not inform anyone outside what happened here. Not even the head butler. Understand?"

The trembling maid nods and hastily left the room without asking if they needed anything else.

"As I was saying, I did not know nose bleeds happened to you during the...consumption." Seokjin hesitated on the last part as he himself did not know what to call Yoongi’s condition.

"Not often. I haven't had a nose bleed in a while." Yoongi lied. This was the first he'd ever experienced it since coming to this new world. When the villain's childhood memories with Namjoon came to him before it was not as agonizing.

"How many times has this happened? I thought after that night you'd be in better form..." Worried for the King's health, Seokjin sits beside him and checks his pulse.

"I thought so too..." Yoongi held back a chuckle when Seokjin placed his hand on his forehead.

"Well I'm glad you seem to be enjoying this."

"Hey..." Yoongi gently takes Seokjin's hand in his, "I didn't mean to upset you. I can't control when this happens and I would prefer if you never have to see me in such a state."

Seokjin breathed out softly and rests his head on Yoongi's shoulder. "I...had hoped you were getting better."

"I've learned to live with it and have developed quite an endurance to the symptoms. I'll be fine so please do not worry about it." Yoongi reassured Seokjin and kissed his soft hair. He smelled of sweet strawberries and cream. "Have you had dessert?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Are you still upset with me?" Yoongi murmured against Seokjin's hair.

Seokjin shook his head slightly, "No...I'm just...disappointed at myself...I've been unfocused and have not done any time for my research. I promised you that I'd find a permanent solution but I haven't even touched any of my notes."

"I don't think my condition is something that can be cured. I've come to terms with it so don't carry this burden with you." Yoongi wrapped his arms around Seokjin as he spoke but the doctor still had a defeated expression. Remembering his surprise, Yoongi quickly changes the subject, "I have a gift for you."

Seokjin tilts his head slightly to Yoongi but doesn't say anything.

Yoongi lets go of Seokjin and stands up with a bright smile on his face. This time Seokjin looked up at him curiously.

"Ta daa!" Yoongi proudly presents the mannequin wearing the white and gold outfit. "I had this made for you to wear to my birthday celebration tomorrow. Do you like it?"

Seokjin's mouth parted in awe at the most beautiful clothes he's ever seen. "This is for me?"

"Yes. I'll be wearing similar colors tomorrow so we'll match." Yoongi declared rather proudly.

"We'll...match? I do not understand, Your Highness"

Yoongi blushed as he explained, "I'm not one for couple outfits and I wasn't sure if you already had one prepared but I thought I'd give it a try. Especially since its with you."

"Couple?" Seokjin began to ponder and was lost in thought as he processed everything Yoongi was saying.

"Is something wrong?" Yoongi knelt in front of Seokjin and held his hands, "Do you hate the idea of matching outfits? I can wear black and gold."

"Your Highness that is not...I..." Seokjin's ears turned a bright shade of red as he avoided Yoongi's tender gaze, "I'm not attending tomorrows ball...more specifically I'm not allowed to attend such an extravagant event."

"What do you mean? Who forbid you to go? Tell me who it is and I'll punish them!" Yoongi angrily cursed and wondered who among the castle staff was rude to Seokjin. He started to think of ways to torture said person once he gets his hands on them.

Seokjin caressed Yoongi's cheek and explained, "No one specific. Its...something everyone knows. It is the same in Nolla and Aëte. I'am a commoner. We do not mingle with nobles especially in celebrations held by the royal family."

Yoongi huffed, "That's ridiculous. You are my beloved and I want you there."

Seokjin's blush went all the way down to his neck at Yoongi's bluntness. "Your Highness please...my presence will only bring you problems among the noble families."

"Do you not feel the same way? Are the opinions of strangers more important to you?" Yoongi pressed his hand against Seokjins.

Seokjin leaned and pressed his forehead against Yoongi, "I do love you. I love you so much that I'am ashamed I cannot be someone who can proudly stand by your side. Those strangers are your people and you need them."

Yoongi looked wounded, "I've never showed you that I was ashamed of our relationship. I do not understand why you would think that way. Do you not trust me to protect you from nobles who have nothing better to do than create silly gossips?"

"Please understand my situation. I've accepted the reality of our relationship that all I'll ever be is one of your lovers and nothing more."

Yoongi leaned away and looked into Seokjin's eyes, "One of my lovers? Is this about Taehyung?"

"Your Highness please it is not about that."

"What then?" Yoongi scoffed as he stood up.

Seokjin bit his lower lip. He hated upsetting Yoongi further but he needed to make his feelings clear. "Eventually you will have to marry someone of the same upbringing to become this countries future Queen. I'am not that person. Even to be one of your consorts is not a possibility for me due to my status."

"All I asked is that you come with me to the ball. I don't understand why we are discussing all this." Yoongi rubbed his eyes then brushed his hair in frustration.

Seokjin stands up and hugs Yoongi, "I do not want to argue anymore and make you upset with me."

Yoongi tilts his head slightly to look up in the ceiling hoping another attack from his body will simply knock him out now. It would be less painful the stab in his heart.

"...please..." Seokjin pleaded.

Yoongi closed his eyes and breathed out. He knew he'd cave at the sound of Seokjin's sad voice. "Fine." Yoongi muttered and kissed Seokjin's hair then down to his cheek, "Let's not argue anymore."

"Thank you." Seokjin smiled at the kiss.

The door opened slowly signalling Seokjin that the maid had returned with the basin he requested so he takes Yoongi's hand and makes him sit back down on the sofa.

"Apologies for the delay." the maid hangs her head low and brings the wash cloth and water basin towards Seokjin.

"Thank you. Please set it down by the end table." Seokjin smiled as he takes the cloth. The maid carefully placed the basin down and takes a step back. She hesitates for a moment before speaking again, "Your Highness, I'm afraid the head butler will have questions about this later. I did not say anything to the other maids but they have given me curious looks as I carried this on the way here. I'am positive the head butler will hear about it soon."

"That is fine. He has other important matters to attend to so it will be some time before he hears about it." Yoongi dismisses while Seokjin gently washed his jaw. Yoongi thinks it was not necessary since he cleaned the blood off with his handkerchief earlier but he quite enjoyed Seokjin fussing over him.

"Your Highness!" the head butler bursts in the room followed by the royal physician.

"Ugh..." Yoongi made a face that caused Seokjin to giggle.

"Your Highness, why did you not summon the royal physician sooner?" the head butler quickly approached Yoongi and noticed the bloodied handkerchief. The head butler then quickly dismissed the maid and brings it to the royal physician's attention.

"I'm fine. I don't need medical attention. Its only a nose bleed." Yoongi sighed and held Seokjin's waist as he sat beside him. The royal physician hesitated to say anything while Seokjin was in the room however the head butler signals for him to attend to the King, making it clear that Seokjin was not going anywhere unless he wanted to argue with the King.

The royal physician walked closer to Yoongi, "Your Highness, the last time you had a nose bleed it was followed by fits of coughing up blood and then you were unconscious for two days and was as pale as the moonlight. It is important that we attend to you as quickly as possible to prevent any long lasting effects on your body."

This made Yoongi think about the villain. He thought the villain was quite active in keeping the symptoms under control from how Namjoon described him so what happened that made the consumption worse to the point of nearly killing him.

Seokjin was surprised by this new information and gazed at Yoongi who looked completely unbothered by what the royal physician had to say.

"Your Highness, I insist that I must do a check up." the royal physician implored to the King's stubborn nature.

Yoongi groaned however he allows it after Seokjin gives him a pleading look. "Go ahead."

"Very wise, Your Highness." the head butler's relief was clear from his voice.

Yoongi then turned to the head butler, "You came rather quickly than what I had predicted. I thought you'd be busy throughout the day."

The head butler swiftly glanced at Seokjin and the royal physician before looking back at the King, "The guard captain had recently informed me that he would like to report to you about tomorrows security plans so I had already been on my way here when I heard about your condition."

Security plans for tomorrow?, Yoongi pondered on the head butlers message when he realised that the guard captain has more information to give regarding the culprit from the poisoning. "Very well. Once I'm done with my health check up, I'll meet him in my study."

Seokjin noticed that Yoongi had become tense and wondered if he was feeling unwell again. Seokjin frowned and decided he needed to come up with a better solution to helping the King with his condition.

The sun had set by the time Yoongi had made his way back to his room. The meeting with the guard captain gave him a lot to think about and the new intel he got about someone buying information on the castles layout and tomorrows guests means that another attempt on his life could happen tomorrow.

It's not like the poisoning was the first time someone has tried to kill me since I arrived. The only difference is that I now know that this body's dark magic instinctively activates on its own and protects me. I wonder if any of the guests coming tomorrow are involved? In the games storyline some of the nobles had to approached by the heroine to gain the upper hand against the villain. Yoongi lets the thoughts go through his mind as he stops in front of his bedroom door. The guards greet him and open the door. Yoongi was still lost in his inner thoughts that he failed to immediately realise that he was not alone in the room.

"Your Highness." a greeting of two voices brought Yoongi out of his thoughts.

"Seokjin? Taehyung?" Yoongi looked at the both of them, "Did something happen? Are you both alright?"

"We are fine. We came here to discuss something with you." Seokjin reassured him and gestured for him to come closer.

Yoongi's eyebrow arched in confusion but he walked closer nonetheless. Seokjin was dressed modestly while Taehyung wore a thin silk dressing gown that left little to the imagination.

"Seokjin told me about what happened to you earlier today and we are both concerned about your health." Taehyung was the first to speak as soon as Yoongi stood before them.

"So we came to an agreement considering we both hold you close to our heart and do not wish for you to suffer." Seokjin quickly added before Yoongi could say anything.

"An agreement?" Yoongi was still trying to wrap his head around it.

"Unfortunately, I do not have the stamina to keep up with your bodies needs. I'd be selfish in making you wait for me to fully recover and not to mention I'd be putting your health at risk." Seokjin explained further.

Taehyung glanced at Seokjin, "The doctor is right. I hate to admit it but even I cannot do so by myself. I experienced exhaustion though not at the same level as Seokjin...which we both came to the conclusion that it could be attributed to the fact that I contain a higher level of mana in my body than him."

Seokjin nodded along, "The staff had mentioned that you used to have multiple partners and rarely did they come to your bed more than twice. It dawned to me that most of them must have been similar to me who held no ability to control magic."

"That is what dawned to you after what the staff had said?" Yoongi was in disbelief at how casual they were discussing their agreement with him.

Seokjin coughed, "Yes well...rather than having multiple partners who can only help you once, I've looked at it from a practical angle and decided that having someone with an abundance of mana would be the best partners in keeping your health under control."

"And since we both know the about your body's true condition then we'd be able to accommodate you to the fullest. You no longer have to seek a temporary cure elsewhere from random strangers." Taehyung continued in a matter of fact tone like he had just concluded a business proposal.

"This would also reduce the chances of someone trying to kill you at your most vulnerable form." Seokjin chimed in like he had added some kind of bonus to the deal.

Yoongi had a dumbfounded look in his face as they waited for his response. He wanted to tell them that this was not normal at all and the only ones that could actually kill him was them. Not some stranger with a assassination plot. Them! The male leads of this game that can literally kill him and make him restart everything!

"my head..." Yoongi groaned and rubbed his temple, "How are the two of you okay with this set up?"

Seokjin and Taehyung glanced at each other before reaching out and each holding one of Yoongi's hands. Yoongi stared at the two who smiled warmly at him.

"Believe me it was not something we decided on without thinking it through. I know this came as a surprise but we want you to understand why we are doing this." Seokjin spoke to him tenderly and held Yoongi’s hand against his cheek.

Taehyung had then placed Yoongi's hand over his chest so he'd feel the beating of his heart. "You know how I feel about you and that won't change even if I'm not the only one by your side. I simply hope that you'd be willing to give me a chance."

There was no denying that Yoongi got weak on the knees at their combined attack towards his heart. He'd have to be dead inside and down below if he did not feel anything for the two. Never in Yoongi's wildest dream would he have thought to get a free pass to have two beauties at the same time and not get hanged.

"Your Highness?" the two spoke in the sweetest honey coated voice that completely destroyed Yoongi's stubbornness.

"Alright...but..." Yoongi inhaled sharply, "I just don't want anyone to regret this and get hurt."

"We know." The two said in unison and kissed Yoongi's cheeks which started to scare Yoongi at how in sync they had become.

"Well Im glad this is settled...I'll be going then." Seokjin tucked his hair behind his ear and gently kissed Yoongi in the lips, "Good night, Your Highness."

Yoongi looked confused but quickly remembered that Seokjin had already mentioned that his body still needed time to recover.

"Ah...right...good night then." Yoongi was slightly flustered at kissing Seokjin back while Taehyung remained standing by his side.

Seokjin smiled and left the room which made Yoongi feel even more panicked and flustered.

Thankfully Taehyung took the lead.

"Your Highness." Taehyungs velvet voice calls out to him as he holds Yoongi's hands and pulls towards the bed. His dressing gown slips down one shoulder confirming that he was completely naked underneath. Yoongi swallowed down hard.

Taehyung lounged back onto the large bed and despite his earlier show of confidence, Yoongi could tell he was nervous of how to proceed.

Yoongi brought his hands to Taehyung's knees and waited to see if he would change his mind. When Taehyung blushed and remained still, Yoongi moved his fingertips slowly and inched nearer to Taehyung's inner thigh. Taehyung's heart raced as he stared longingly at Yoongi, not wanting to move in case Yoongi would change his mind.

Yoongi's cock twitched, a gentle pulse that came from seeing Taehyung's adoring gaze towards him. The heat rising with each pulse. His fingers run further up Taehyung's thigh until finally his right hand graze the side of his Taehyung's semi hardon. Yoongi shifts his hand over Taehyung's manhood and moves his hand slowly up and down, gently caressing as Taehyung got harder.

"Your Highness...you don't...have to..." Taehyung responded in between breathy moans.

"Are you not enjoying it?" Yoongi teased as he slowly stroked Taehyung's cock, pushing the foreskin up then back down, precum seeped from the head. He wanted to take his time with this beauty, so kept his movements slow and was soon rewarded with a quiet, stifled moan from Taehyung, along with a pronounced pool of precum forming at the tip and slowly seeping down.

"Ah..more..." Taehyung let out a groan as Yoongi kept working his hand from base to tip again and again. It wasn't long until Taehyung was squirming, ready to cum. Yoongi wanted to savour the moment so he removed his hand and brought Taehyung to the edge. Taehyung watched, his mouth open wide and eyes pleading for him to continue.

"You look even more sexy when you're like this." Yoongi smirked and using his tongue he worked his way up Taehyung's body, kissing his stomach and nipples on the way up towards his mouth. Taehyung moaned and stuck his tongue out impatiently. Yoongi grab the back Taehyung's head and brought their lips together, kissing passionately.

Wanting to feel him more, Taehyung pulled Yoongi's body against him until he could feel Yoongi's own fat cock against his own. At last Yoongi let's go of Taehyung to come up for air, wiping the drool from Taehyung's lips with a sly smile.

He then began to get fully undressed and Taehyung impatiently helps him take his clothes off, thankful that all he wore was the dressing gown.

Yoongi then slid both hands behind Teahyung, "I can't wait to get inside you," he whispered, squeezing and caressing Taehyung's soft buttocks. He slid his tongue back in Taehyung's mouth and Taehyung moaned into Yoongi's as their tongues met, their bodies slowly grinding against each other. Yoongi pushed his body closer, forcing Taehyung's thighs wide open so he could grind between his legs. His hand slid down Taehyung's body and took his cock in his hand, his long fingers completely circling his shaft. Yoongi knew it wouldn't take much to make Taehyung cum now.

"Ahhh...I-I'm close..." Taehyung moaned.

Yoongi pulled Taehyung's legs up so he had more access to his entrance, then without breaking eye contact, Yoongi gently licked and sucked two of his fingers making Taehyung even more hot and bothered. Using his saliva coated fingers, he slowly penetrates Taehyungs eager hole, making sure he took his time, all the while Taehyung was moaning at the feel of Yoongi pleasuring him.

Yoongi steadily worked his finger inside, probing and adding another finger inside. Taehyung's hips pushed downwards onto Yoongi's fingers, and as Yoongi started to insert a third finger Taehyung could feel precum ooze from his cock, and he gave himself over to the pleasure.

"Ah! please don't stop." Taehyung continued to fuck himself on Yoongi's fingers but Yoongi stopped and turned Taehyung over onto his stomach. Starting from the base of his spine he delicately licked upwards to the back of Taehyung's neck. Taehyung moaned loudly and responded by lifting his butt to meet the grinding of Yoongi's groin. Yoongi reached over the bed for the lube, put a generous amount on his fingers and continued to finger fuck Taehyung's tight hole. He then applied more lube into the groove of his own cock and smeared it teasingly against Taehyung's hole.

"I want more!" Taehyung could feel the weight and heat from Yoongi on his back as he pushed himself in time with Yoongi's thrusting cock. He tilted his hips higher so Yoongi's cock nudged his opening, the pressure as the cocks broad head inched into his waiting hole made him gasp, half in delight and half in pain. He reminded himself to breathe deeply, relaxing to adjust to the impressive girth.

Sensing the struggle, Yoongi bent his lips to Taehyung's neck again, kissing him as he pushed just over half of his cock into his tight hole. Taehyung cried and turned his head to be greeted with more passionate kisses. Yoongi moaned as he pulled his cock back slightly then plunged forward, entering deeper inside Taehyung with each thrust.

"You're tight...fuck!" Yoongi groaned in pleasure.

Taehyung could feel Yoongi completely inside him. A sense of pride washed over him and he rocked his hips, getting the double pleasure of Yoongi's cock and the friction of his own manhood against the bedsheet. Yoongi's hands grip the side of Taehyung's waist and he continues to fuck him slow and deep. Taehyung moans and begs for more, feeling his own release close. They continue on the same position for several minutes until Yoongi stopped his movement, cock buried balls deep inside Taehyung's hole, and huskily instructed for Taehyung to ride him.

"Anything you want." Taehyung licked his lips and kissed Yoongi once more before he felt strong arms hold him in place as they switch positions. Yoongi's cock almost remaining inside him but easing out at the last moment. Taehyung leaned forward and continued kissing Yoongi whilst reaching behind himself for his thick cock. Taehyung sat up and steadily lowered himself down, his hand guiding the head then the shaft back inside. His head went back and he let out a moan as he reached the base and his weight settled onto Yoongi's hips. He felt completely filled and was pleased that he was able to take all of Yoongi's cock better than the first time. Every time he eased himself up to the tip of the cock he felt closer to the heavens. Unable to hold back, Taehyung lets out loud wanton cries of pleasure as he rides Yoongi.

"Fuck...you feel so good." Yoongi praised and gripped Taehyung's hips, his fingers splayed out his lower back and buttocks, holding him firm as he took control. The loss of control brought Taehyung to the brink and within a few hard deep thrusts Taehyung was spurting his cum all over Yoongi's chest.

"Aahgn! Ah!" Taehyung couldn't stop himself. He leaned down and his tongue sought out the warmth of Yoongi's mouth. Taehyung could feel Yoongi's still rock hard cock thrusting inside him, long stokes which switched to a forwards and backwards grinding motion. Yoongi pulled Taehyung closer to deepen the kiss and at the same time rolled Taehyung once again underneath him. Yoongi fucks him hard in this position, varying speed and depth, then eventually slows to a deep grinding motion as he knew he was close to his own release but it felt too good to stop.

Despite his body's sensitivity from just cumming, Taehyung holds onto Yoongi and spreads his legs wider, letting Yoongi have his way with his body. His lustful moans only made Yoongi grind deeper and harder inside him.

"I'm gonna cum," Yoongi moaned in Taehyung's ear as he rode him over the edge. Taehyung could feel the hot burst of thick liquid shooting into him, the throbbing of Yoongi's cock as he emptied his balls inside him. The sensations pushed Taehyung to his second orgasm and he let out a loud gasp. They both felt sweaty and exhausted, their bodies pressed together.

"hahh..." Taehyung was breathless but kept his arms wrapped around Yoongi. He knew this was not enough to satisfy the King and they would both have a long night ahead of them.

One room remained well lit in a manor who's occupants had long gone to sleep. Clothes littered a luxurious bed, jewelry scattered on the vanity table, boots piled up on the floor, and an old maid nodding off in a corner.

"No not this! No! No! Maybe?......No!" a pretty pink waist coat flies across the room and misses the bed. "Ugh! Why did I bring any of these! Nothing is good!"

The maid is brought back from her slumber and straightened her back. "My prince, you have been dissatisfied with every outfit that was brought for tomorrows ball. I do not understand why you’ve put in so much effort to this when you never bothered before."

"This is for my dignity! How dare he make such a mistake!" Jimin clenched his jaw and clutched his hands tightly around a baby blue silk dress shirt. "I will embarass him in front of all his guests in an outfit that will put his to shame!"

Jimin rummaged again from one outfit to another as the maid stared at the young prince like he had lost his mind.

Chapter Text

Since the day Yoongi came to this new world he had to learn to adjust his behaviour and manner of speaking especially since his day to day activities involved meeting multiple people from different social ranks. Ranks he had only heard about in movies and history class from school. The nobles expected him to be regal and flawless at all times, the soldiers expected him to be strong and level headed at any situation, the castle staff expected him to be meticulous and constantly busy so they follow in his example, and the rest of Vhóels citizens expected him to be a wise and fierce King that puts the country first...or the tyrant that puts his country first.

Yoongi likes to think he's perfected this persona of him as the King.

"Happy twenty sixth birthday, Your Highness!"

"We wish you good health, Your Highness!"

"And prosperity!"

"May your days be filled with the finest pleasures life has to offer!"

"To Vhóels continuing rise under your rule!"

"Twenty six! Your Highness must start thinking of future heirs. My child has recently graduated from their studies."

"Your Highness, you must let me introduce you to one of my lovely children."

And after extended interactions, Yoongi doesn't even know if the social smile he wore at the start of the birthday celebration was still showing since his cheeks and jaw had long become numb.

He initially thought nothing about the celebration and viewed it as another meeting with nobles since he had other pressing matters for the past month but when he stepped into the room and descended those extremely long staircase with all eyes on him, Yoongi thought he'd collapse from not breathing.

It made him feel overwhelmed and emotional. He now understood why romcom transformations always made people excited and giddy. There he was in a tailored sleek black and gold outfit, a cape that flowed elegantly at perfectly timed movements that made him seem ethereal, and enough sparkling jewellery to blind anyone who was brave enough to gaze too long. It put every man and woman's outfits to shame, so much so that they paled in comparison whenever they came close enough to formally greet the King with their well wishes.

Yoongi thanked them politely, one after another. It was a endless cycle on repeat but he had to play his part. It felt even more taxing when a delegate from Nolla had come with lavish gifts and long colourful tales of why Nolla's Queen and crown prince could not yet again attend the King's birthday celebrations. Yoongi suspected that they are in fear of him keeping them as hostages. It was also entertaining to watch the middle aged balding man with thin wisps of hair sticking down from sweat as he tried to get as many winded words out so that the King would not kill him. When the delegate and the rest of the nobles realised that Yoongi was seemingly unbothered by this, they went on to enjoy themselves with the endless flow of alcohol and exquisite food.

Yoongi was thankful that he did not need to walk around and mingle with the crowd. As King, he had the comfort to sit on the high throne and let his people come to him. It proved to be at Yoongi’s advantage since it gave him a view of the whole room and a perfectly good sight of Taehyung reading tarot cards for the nobles.

He would glance ever so often towards the fortune teller. His back was partially exposed due to his outfits diamond shaped backless design which immediately made Yoongi assigned a guard to watch over him in case any of the nobles got handsy. Not that he wouldn't be the first to come to his aid.

Yoongi never imagine he'd one day be hosting a lavish birthday party with people paying their respects towards him nor did he ever imagine he'd be bathing together with someone who reminded him of those unattainable models in art books. Taehyung had laughed at him this morning when he mentioned the guard. They had finally gotten dressed after spending too much time in each others arms while in the bath. Yoongi had even insisted that his maid be by his side at all times but Taehyung refused and assured him that he felt fine. Yoongi knew that wasn't the case when Taehyung tried to hide another yawn. He later found out that Seokjin had visited Taehyung’s room to check on his health.

A deep sigh left Yoongi’s mouth as he rests one side of his cheek against his right hand. His line of sight still fixated on Taehyung as he wondered if the seer was truly alright or if he was just good at acting. Despite Taehyung’s reassurance that he would not be exhausting more of his mana for simple tarot readings, it still made him worry.

"Bored already? You used to enjoy parties like these or at least make it halfway before you disappeared with someone in your arms."

Yoongi looked up to see a familiar face. "Namjoon!" Yoongi stood up abruptly and smiled his sweet gummy smile, "I thought I'd never see you again."

Namjoon flushed at the sudden closeness of the King. He did not even get a chance to bow down and say his birthday wishes since he was caught off guard by Yoongi’s smile. "Ww-what are you saying? I only said I'd take some time off. I never said I wouldn't come back. S-stop smiling like that! Sit back down!" Namjoon scolded loud enough for only Yoongi to hear. He could sense the other nobles looking at them curiously. The King abruptly standing up to greet him would definitely be talked about among the social circles for days to come.

Yoongi naturally ignored him and remained standing. "I'm glad to see you again. Your replacement was...well not you." Yoongi kept a polite tone since the person who stepped in for Namjoon’s work was his cousin. Unfortunately, sharing a last name was the only thing they had in common.

Namjoon’s lips pressed together. He hated how happy he suddenly felt knowing that the King was not faring well without him.

"Will you be coming back or..." Yoongi let the question hang in the air since he was worried Namjoon may have already made his mind up on leaving for good. In the game, Namjoon encounters the Heroine when he temporarily left the Kings service to do his own investigation on the villains corruption.

"That...well I-"

"ugh!" Yoongi grimaced and pressed his hand against his chest. He rubbed slowly to help ease the sudden sharp ache. It wasn't painful enough to make him sit down and it was not the same to the usual symptoms he experiences, instead it felt strange and more of a inconvenience.

Namjoon stepped closer, gossipers be damned, and worriedly fussed over Yoongi, "Your Highness, are you not feeling well? Should I call for the royal physician?" He glanced the crowd to see if the head butler was nearby.

Yoongi moved his hand away from his chest and smiled despite the pain to put Namjoon at ease, "That wont be necessary. I do not want to cause a scene plus it will go away shortly. Must have been too much champagne."

Namjoon was not at all convinced with Yoongi’s excuse especially since he had not seen him touch another drink since the one he had earlier during the welcoming toast.

"Your Highness." a deep cool voice interrupts their conversation causing Yoongi to look away from Namjoon. There stood an older gentleman with a dark oak cane fitted with a silver cap and polished stones elegantly inserted in the handle and his dark navy suit was heavily decorated with medals. He stood tall and waited to be acknowledged by him. The ache on Yoongi’s chest spreads deeper and he finally realises the cause of it. Staring back at him from behind the older noble was none other than Jungkook.

Yoongi breathes in as the ache starts to ease again. He takes in the beautiful doe eyes that gaze at him curiously, a sharp contrast to the time when those eyes glared at him with burning rage as Jungkook plunged his sword into his chest. It was a slow agonizing death that made him realise he could not escape this world so easily. Yoongi resisted the urge to rub where he had been stabbed in his previous life. He now understood his parents when they complained of old wounds aching whenever it rained. Jungkook's presence was his rain.

"Duke Jeon." Namjoon says his greeting as he managed to compose himself while Yoongi looked away and sat back down on the throne.

"Namjoon! It's been a while since I last saw you within these castle walls." a familiar face and voice that Yoongi was not at all fond of stepped forward.

"It is good to see you as well Jong Suk." Namjoon smiled politely at the Dukes eldest son. He then glanced slightly at the younger brother, noticing how the King had showed interest in him.

The Duke cleared his throat, throwing a look of displeasure at his older son for stepping ahead of him. Jong Suk quickly steps aside as the Duke walked passed him to get closer to the King.

"Your Highness, I apologise for interrupting your conversation with the Viscount. I wanted to give you my well wishes before the other nobles take up the rest of your time tonight."

"That is fine. Lord Kim and I can easily resume our conversation for later." Yoongi casted a hopeful look towards Namjoon.

"Yes of course. I shall take my leave then." Namjoon bowed to Yoongi before leaving to mingle back with the rest of the guests.

Looking rather proud that the King had now focused his attention on him, "It is good to see you well, Your Highness. I trust that my son has been doing his duties properly on my behalf."

Yoongi notices Jong Suk's expression shift to annoyance before quickly masking it back with a carefree expression. Yoongi wondered if there is trouble within the Jeon household.

"Ah yes...I suppose. He does as he is told and I have no complaints." Yoongi smiled behind the remark. He wanted to gauge the reaction between father and son. The head butler had told him once that the eldest Jeon was set to inherit his father's title and properties and yet he had somehow been sent away to toil on hard lands to train with the military. An act most noble families would never do with their heirs.

Jong Suk laughed, "His Highness is much too kind with the praises. It is only because you lead by example that I, your humble servant, strive to meet your expectations."

Duke Jeon's eyebrow twitched as he did not appreciate his soon to be heirs carefree demeanour but nonetheless he does his best not to let it show. He is after all known to be the most stubborn and prideful man in Vhóel. A military man to the core who felt more at home in a military stronghold than his own estate.

Yoongi ignores Jong Suk and notices that Jungkook had been staring at him the whole time. He stood there silently, waiting to be acknowledged.

"I see two of your children but where is your daughter?" Yoongi asks to distract himself from the discomfort coming from his sternum. At the moment he doesn't know what to say to Jungkook since they never had a interaction from when he was resurrected back into this world.

"Hye-rin had wanted to be here but alas her ship had been delayed. She will not be back until four days time. I do hope you can forgive her for not attending, Your Highness." the Duke bowed his head when he explained his middle child's absence.

"Think nothing of it. I only wish her well on her travels." Yoongi waved a hand to let the Duke raise his head. The original villain may have thrown a fit merely for fun at the expense of the Duke but Yoongi was not concerned. From what he gathered listening to the servants gossip, the Dukes daughter was well travelled, educated and better at handling the family's business and money compared to the eldest son. She is well liked by the Jeons servants who only sang praises about the young lady of the house. Yoongi remembered the fight she put up when he had them captured for treason during his previous life.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I will not take more of your time as the other guests have been waiting for a chance to greet you." The Duke glanced at his sons, "Well?"

"I wish you good health and prosperity, Your Highness." Jong Suk bowed his head low before flashing a bright smile that looked rather smug on his face. Yoongi does not bother to utter a word of thanks and merely hummed to dismiss him. Jong Suk's smile faltered for a second before stepping away to let his younger brother say his greeting.

Jungkook bowed his head when he stepped forward but paused when he looked up again to meet Yoongi's gaze. There was something in his mind that he had wanted to say yet he hesitated which made Yoongi even more curious.

"Come to think of it, it has been quite some time since you both last met in the battlefield." The Duke comments when he observed the two silently staring at each other. "Four...no...five! Five years now since the war ended and the treaty had been signed. My how time flies. You might not even remember my son during those years in the battlefield."

Yoongi had hoped the villain's memories would come to him so he knew what to say to the Duke but the only memories from the war he had were of burned down buildings and soldiers lifelessly staring back at him with clouded eyes. He concluded that if Jungkook had been one of the soldiers during the war time then like the rest of the nobles who joined, he would have been safe in a luxurious camp far away from the actual battle.

"Father I do not think it is appropriate to mention the war during the King's birthday." Jungkook finally spoke up.

"It's fine. It does not bother me at all." Yoongi quickly dismisses the notion since he knew the tyrant loved to hear praises from his battles.

Duke Jeon seemed rather pleased with this and took it as a sign that the King had wanted to relive the glorious moments during the Expansion War. So rather than leaving, he ended up staying longer to talk more about the past which did not seem to please any of his sons. The eldest left as soon as he found a excuse to and while Jungkook lingered longer, he to eventually left when he could not find the opportunity to interrupt his father. On the other hand, Yoongi sat quietly as he listened to the Duke, finding the opportunity a chance to learn more about the war time that was not written down in books.

In time, with perfect timing as always, the Duke leaves satisfied with reminiscing about the glory days after the head butler politely informed him of other guests waiting to meet the King. Yoongi nods gratefully at the head butler since the conversation had then moved on to the younger days of the villain's late father and subtle hints dropped in between conversations about his single daughter.

"When will this meet and greet end? Surely there cannot be this many nobles in this country." Yoongi groaned as he leaned against one side of the throne.

"Only one important entourage remains, Your Highness."

Yoongi gave a face that showed he no longer cared and was ready to leave.

"The entourage is from Aëte. The King could not come this year to greet you personally so he had sent the Crown Prince in good faith and accompanying him is the fifth prince."

Yoongi's interest suddenly peaked. Fifth Prince...that means Jimin is here. Another male lead. Yoongi gets lost in his thoughts, This means all but one male lead is in the same place as I'am...should I be wary of what happens next? Will the heroine show up tonight or...maybe she's here already... Yoongi stood up to survey the area for anyone that stood out when just in time the head butler had loudly announced the arrival of Aëte's Crown Prince Chan-yeol and Prince Jimin.

"Your Highness, I deeply apologise for our tardy greeting. We would have been here sooner but..." there was a split second hesitation in the Crown Prince's voice before he continued, "we had some unforeseen delays on the way here."

Yoongi's lips parted when Jimin confidently strode to stand beside his older brother. The dark rose waistcoat greatly drew Yoongi's attention to Jimin's cinched waist.

"I do hope his Highness can find it in his heart to not be upset with us." Jimin's innocent smile and soft voice was like icing on a cake. His golden locks shined brightly and the light pink suit he wore had all eyes on him.

The Crown Prince resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his brother's oh so sweet expression considering he was reason why they were late in the first place. The mountain of clothes he left piled up at the estate they currently stayed was enough to make the maids cry in agony at having to clean it all.

"Think nothing of it. Today is a day to celebrate and my wish is for all my guests to enjoy tonight." Yoongi managed to pull his gaze away from Jimin and smiled politely at the Crown Prince.

"I'm relieved to hear that. My father would be upset with me if he knew we had arrived late. He had always prided himself with his punctuality." the Crown Prince lets out a rich chuckle and Yoongi joins in which seemed to irritate Jimin since the King was not giving him the shocked and embarrassed expression he wanted. The King was supposed to have a dumb look on his face the moment he saw him and realised his grave mistake but instead it was but a fleeting moment of surprise that made it look like he had only met him for the first time.

"Ahem!" Jimin coughed and interrupted the two, "I'm sure Your Highness remembers me."

Yoongi blankly stares at him before smiling his usual political smile, "Yes of course. How does one forget the young prince. Your father talks about all his children in full detail whenever one is willing to listen."

"I believe that is the main reason why most nobles try to avoid us during parties." The Crown Prince and Yoongi lightly laugh which only irritated the fifth prince more.

Yoongi was merely glad that his first meeting with the two did not start off with them throwing daggers at him. Without the villain's complete memories, he had no choice but to rely on what the head butler mentioned about his relationship with both Nolla and Aëte's royal families. At the moment, they were diplomatic and civil in keeping with the treaty but unlike Aëte's Royals who had taken the first step in entering Vhóel's Kingdom, Nolla had continued to keep a distance. Most likely due to the fact that they were the ones who had been nearly taken over had the treaty not been formed.

"Your Highness, I was hoping that we may discuss other matters in relation to our respective countries future but I will not bore you with the dull details now. As you mentioned, today is a day of celebration. I intend to stay in Vhóel for the next two days so should you still be interested then please call upon me."

"Very well. My head butler can arrange for this meeting before you leave." Yoongi glanced at the head butler who bowed his head in understanding.

"I appreciate this." the Crown Prince smile quickly became a frown when he noticed that his younger brother was giving the King a deadly glare. He nudged Jimin's shoulder while Yoongi was discussing details with the head butler. Jimin pouted but put on a smile when Yoongi's attention was back on them.

Jimin was about to talk when the sound of glasses breaking pulls their attention elsewhere.

"I'm so sorry! It was a accident m'lord!" a maid bows her head multiple times as a irritated wispy haired man angrily wipes a stain from his coat.

"You stupid girl! Do know how much this costs!"

Yoongi recognised the man as the delegate from Nolla and the head butler hastily walked over to deescalate the situation. Yoongi frowned at the situation. Everyone had their eyes on them and it irritated him how some nobles seem to delight at the frightened maids position.

"My Lord, we apologise for the mess and would greatly compensate you for the damaged." the head butler placed himself in between the maid and the fuming delegate. Another maid arrives to help clear the broken glasses and spilled wine from the floor.

"You better and I want that reckless servant to be severely punished!"

"Please pardon her mistake." Taehyung's voice cuts through the shouting, "It was a accident after all and not done for the sake of ruining your night."

"Who dares!" The delegate's flushed face only made the blotches on his neck worse. He stops to leer at Taehyung from head to toe, a slimy smile forms on his face. "You're from the Sun Temple aren't you...I've always been curious about your kind...Well I'm a man of reason. I will pardon that silly girls mistake if you compensate me greatly tonight." He tugs at his waistband and crassly licks his lips as he stared at Taehyung.

"That will not be necessary My Lord." the head butler moves to block the delegates line of sight.

"SHUT UP! You're only a servant so keep your mouth shut or I'll have you punished as well! Do you not know who I'am!"

"We all know who you are and that matters very little to me. Rather I'am curious as to how you suddenly had the authority in my Kingdom to punish my people." Yoongi's calm voice silenced everyone in the throne room. The delegate's eyes widened as he felt a menacingly aura slowly walk past him.

Jimin's mouth gaped in surprised that the King had slipped past him without his notice.

Watching from a corner, Jungkook felt his breath hitch at the King's sudden appearance and the strong magic that flowed out of him.

Namjoon watched curiously on what Yoongi would do next as he had never intervened before unless it amused him.

"Y-your H-hhhighness, I was m-merely-"

"Hmmm?" Yoongi narrowed his eyes at the sweaty man before him.

The delegate looked at the maid who was now helped to her feet by Taehyung and he suddenly had a burst of arrogance, "Its the servants fault! Look at what they have done! I should be well compensated for this embarrassment! As Nolla's delegate-"

"As a representative you should know well that your actions reflect greatly on Nolla. Should I take your over stepping of my authority as a sign that Nolla has no respect of me as Vhóel's King?" Yoongi's deep voice hung over the delegate like noose ready to hang him. The rest of the nobles held their breath in fear of what the tyrant would do next.

Nolla's delegate stuttered and flailed his arms like a man drowning "NnNo! Ooo-Of course not! I meant no disrespect!"

"Ah! A misunderstanding then." Yoongi chuckled which held no humour, "A honest mistake just like the maid accidentally spilling the wine."

"Y-yes! Yes! A mistake! That is all!" the delegate swallowed hard.

"Good that this has been cleared. My head butler will send you the payment for the ruined suit and I'll ensure my letter to Nolla's Queen mentions nothing of this slight lapse of judgement. The alcohol does tend to go straight to ones head if you are not used to drinking something so refined." Yoongi smiled brightly yet his eyes still had a deadly glint in them.

The head butler stands by the delegates side with another staff. "My Lord, if you will please follow this servant to a one of the guest rooms and I shall bring you a change of clothes."

The delegate could only nod back in response as he wiped the sweat off his face. The maid is led away with the help of the other, the floor clean of any broken glass and spilled wine.

Yoongi clapped his hands once and everyone suddenly inhaled sharply like they had been holding their breath all this time. "Dear guests do not let this dampen tonight's mood. Please continue to enjoy yourselves." Yoongi spoke to the crowd as he gestured for the orchestra to play.

As the music began to fill the air once more so does the chatter amongst the guests. Yoongi turned to face Taehyung and this time he genuinely smiles. A gesture that did not go unnoticed by the other three male leads.

"Are you alright?" Yoongi asked as he closed the distance between them.

"Yes, thank you." Taehyung smiled back. "I hope this does not harm your relations with Nolla."

"Had he touched you then yes."

Taehyung blushed, "Your Highness is teasing me."

Yoongi chuckled lightly, "I'm glad you are feeling alright after what happened. If someone bothers you, I want you to call for me immediately."

Taehyung giggled and nodded, "You should not worry too much. I'm capable of defending myself."

"Well considering how we met..."

"I was caught by surprise that time...and he had a knife."

"Knives are part of a muggers ensemble after all. I don't think that should come as a surprise."

"Your Highness!" Taehyung playfully put on a shocked expression but laughed when Yoongi grinned at him.

For a moment they stared at each other lovingly until Taehyung had to cover the lower half of his face to try and hide a yawn. The effects of using his abilities tonight when he had not fully recovered had begun to take a toll on him.

"Do not fight it. I will walk you back to your room."

Taehyung shook his head lightly, "I appreciate your concern, Your Highness, but I can walk back with the maid and the guard you have assigned to me. I believe your guests will be wanting to talk to you now more than ever."

Yoongi exhaled, "I'm sure. I must be the only one in all three Kingdoms to constantly give them something to gossip about."

Taehyung smiled, "I'll see you in the morning?"

Yoongi reached over to gently caress Taehyung's fingers, "I'll see you in the morning."

Taehyung blushed as he walked out of the throne room with the maid and guard. Yoongi lingered for a moment until Taehyung was no longer within his sight. He then sees one of the waiters approach him.

"Your Highness, should we let tonight's entertainment start earlier than planned?"

"Hmm? Ah yes...go ahead." Yoongi waved his hand to let the waiter do what he wants. Yoongi thinks about making a beeline for the throne so that he wouldn't be caught in a circle amongst the crowd but a familiar silhouette catches his eye.

"Is that?" Yoongi murmured to himself as his eyes follow a young waiter slipping away from the crowd and heading the same direction the delegate had left.

It can't be...Hoseok? Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed.

"Your Highness!" Jimin gleefully greets as he blocks Yoongi’s line of sight.

Yoongi craned his neck to the side to see that Hoseok had disappeared. Was that really him? Is he following the delegate?

"You must be in shock after seeing me. After all I've dyed my hair pink the last time we met." Jimin smirked as he let his fingers glide through his luxurious hair.

"The colour suits you. Excuse me." Distracted, Yoongi hastily excuses himself and walked past Jimin to chase after the man he thinks is Hoseok.

Jimin stood dumbfounded by the sudden brush of indifference from Vhóels King. His cheeks suddenly flush a bright shade of red when he realised he'd been ignored yet again.

Sensing that he was alone, a noble approached Jimin and tried flirting with the still salty prince. Jimin gave the noble a look of disgust that immediately crushed their soul before marching back towards his older brother. He had half a mind to chase after the King...after he's had a chance to gain some liquid courage first.

Yoongi sped past the hallways in search for Hoseok. There was one guest room that was slightly nearer to the throne room compared to the others so Yoongi went to check as he thinks it would be where the head butler kept the delegate. He only hoped he doesnt walk in on the delegate changing clothes or he'd willing poke his own eyes out.

If it truly was Hoseok then does that mean all the male leads are in the castle right now...what does this mean for me...am i...going to die tonight? Yoongi thought to himself.

As he got closer to the guest room, his hand instinctively reached for his sword belt but felt nothing. Yoongi remembered that he left it since it would not look good towards the guests. He looked behind him to see an empty hallway. The noise from the party was barely audible from where he stood and yet he could have sworn he felt someone following him. After standing in absolute silence, he decided to shake the feeling off and proceeded to the guest room. He was worried that he may miss the opportunity to confirm if the mystery waiter was truly Hoseok.

Yoongi stopped by the guest room door and glanced at the light shining through the thin opening, a positive sign that this was the correct room in which the head butler brought the delegate. He looked behind him once more before slowly opening the door to make sure he did not walk in on something horrendous.

The small opening allowed him to peak inside to see the delegate sitting on the sofa, his back towards the door and thankfully fully clothed. The head butler had generously left an array of small cakes and a pot of tea to sober him up, which the man clearly ignored as he helped himself to the desserts while rambling to himself on how Vhóel is the country of savages and how he'd never been so disrespected all his life.

I don't see Hoseok. Could I have been mistaken? Yoongi wondered as looked around the room and found no one else inside.

Just as he was about let it go and close the door, he spots a shadow emerging from the far corner of the room, hidden from behind the oak shelf. At the same time, the delegate stands up and walked towards the balcony's glass door. Yoongi watched as the face of the shadow is revealed clearly to him.

Hoseok! It is him! In his shock he almost burst through the door. He held on the door handle tighter as he waited to see what would happen next.

The delegate tried to open the closed glass doors to go to the balcony but he struggled to get them open as the cream on his fingers made it slippery. He cursed and became fixated at trying to break the handle. Unbeknownst to him, Hoseok had slowly made his way towards him. The two men unaware that they had a spectator by the door.

Yoongi's eyes widen when he sees Hoseok pull out a concealed dagger and gets ready to strike.

"Stop!" Yoongi cursed and burst through the doors. His grand entrance surprises the two and the delegate, still unaware of Hoseok, had turned pale white at the sight of Vhóels tyrant running towards him.

Hoseok’s shock is quickly replaced with desperation as he refuses to miss the opportunity. Seeing the delegate still distracted, he strikes forward to plunge the dagger in him. He feels the steel pierce through flesh, warm blood flowed down his fingers, and to his horror he sees Vhóels ruler stand in front of him.

Yoongi grimaced as he got stabbed in stomach. His heart races when he realises that Hoseok could kill him right there and then if he wished. As powerful as he was, a villain was no match for the heroic male leads of the game.

"What-you!?" Hoseok stared at Yoongi's face as he lets go of the dagger and steps back.

"Ww-what is going on here?! What is a waiter doing here?!" The delegate shouted, unaware that the King had just saved his life.

"I demand-AHHHH!" the delegates shouting is replaced by a scream as the glass doors shatter before them.

"Ugh!" Yoongi pulled the dagger out and turned in time to kick the delegate put of the way as three assassins crash through from the balcony.

The hooded figures stood menacingly before Yoongi, their movements swift and precise. The assassins wasted no time in attacking him as they tried to use the ambush to their advantage, their blades flashing with each strike. Despite the pain on his stomach, Yoongi fought back with the dagger clutched tightly in his hand. He can only hope that his wound heals fast enough.

The first assassin boldly stepped ahead of the other two, aggressive in his movements and he attempts to back Yoongi into a corner. Yoongi stands his ground to defend Hoseok behind him and with a flick of his wrist, his dark magic puts the assassin in a choke hold, giving him the opportunity to land a fatal blow on the assassins chest, sending him to the ground in a pool of blood. The other two assassins spread apart to surround Yoongi as they quickly attack him from both sides. Yoongi deftly blocks their attack while Hoseok retreats farther from them. Sensing an opportunity, one of the assassins strikes down hard on Yoongi to keep him distracted as the other grabs Hoseok in one swift movement and held a blade to his throat.

"Drop your weapon, or this one will die!" the assassin hissed, his eyes filled with malice.

Momentarily distracted, Yoongi gets hit by strong wind blades casted by the other assassin. Thin deep cuts slash through his back like ribbons.

Yoongi clenched his jaw as he unleashed a dark force which slammed against the assailant and propelled him across the room, knocking him out and dispelling the wind magic as the stone in his hand shattered. Yoongi turned his attention to the cold steel against Hoseoks throat, the deep cuts on his back slowly healing.

"DON'T MOVE OR I'LL KILL HIM!" the assassin barked out when he realised the danger he was in. He was all that was left and desperation set in.

Yoongi's knuckles whitened as he held on the dagger tighter. He thought about using his dark magic but the idea that he may not have full control and end up hurting Hoseok stopped him from moving.

"What makes you think I'm defenceless?" Hoseok huffed in annoyance, completely unfazed by the man threatening his life.

"SHUT UP!" the assassin pushed the blade higher up against Hoseoks neck.

Yoongi sees a red light coming from Hoseok's palm and within seconds the assassins arm bursts into flames. He screamed and dropped his sword as he tried to put the flames out. Taking the chance, Yoongi throws his dagger and hits the assassin right in the heart. His body flops down on the floor just as the flames disappeared.

"How did you?"

"Behind you!" Hoseok warned as the last assassin lunged towards Yoongi with a wild fury.

But Yoongi was ready, his reflexes now honed from acquiring the years of training and battle that the villains body endured. The memories that flooded his mind from all those excruciating days had finally made it easier for him to fight without blacking out. With a swift movement, he dodged the assassin's attack and wrestled the dagger from the assassins grasp. He used the very same dagger to ruthlessly slice the man's throat, ending his life with a final, decisive blow.

Yoongi stood still as the last threat fell before him. His breathing had become ragged yet what shifted his focus was the sudden familiar ache on his chest.

"Still the same."

"What?" Yoongi was surprised to see Jungkook standing before him. The blood from the assassin had splattered across his chest and neck making it look like he had been the one who got slashed by Yoongis dagger but what shocked Yoongi more was the expression on Jungkook's face. He smiled at him in a strange way. Almost as if he was fascinated by him.

"This is self defence. They were assassins and-" Yoongi nearly bit his tongue when Jungkook rushed to hug him tightly.

"Ww-what are you doing?!" Yoongi was completely flustered and ninety nine percent scared that Jungkook had stabbed him again. He really did not feel like restarting from the beginning once more.

"Your Highness!" A loud burst of guards came rushing inside the room followed by the head butler, Namjoon, Jimin, and worse of all Jungkook's dad.

"My son!"

Yoongi immediately dropped the dagger and raised both hands in the air, "I didn't touch him!"

"My King." Jungkook smiled, cheek rested against Yoongi as he stared at him in what Yoongi found to be strangely close to adoration yet it did not look completely innocent at all.

"ASSASSINS! KILLERS! SAVE ME!" the forgotten delegate bawled as he crawled towards the guards.

"Call for a physician at once." the head butler commands one of the guards.

"YOU KICKED ME!" the delegate screeched and pointed at Yoongi as two guards helped him up from the floor.

"To save your life. Had I not done so then those assassins would have killed you." Yoongi explained while trying to push Jungkook's arms away with his elbows since his hands were still held up to show the Duke he was technically not touching his son.

The delegate turned completely pale and began rambling, "Yyyou're right! These thugs wanted me dead! Me! I'm far too valuable to be left unprotected! I-I demand guards to escort me back home! I'am the Queen's confidant...so many lesser people are jealous of me! I must be kept safe!"

"I don't believe you were the target." Jimin scoffed as he placed both hands on his hips.

"Ehem!" Yoongi cleared his throat loudly, "This attack on our dear delegate shall not go unpunished! You are a guest in my home and guards will be assigned to you immediately to ensure your safety. They will personally see to it that you are escorted safely out of the castle and to a secure location until you are ready to depart for Nolla."

The head butler gave Yoongi a confused look but after a strong unblinking eye glare, the head butler quickly nodded along and called for additional guards. "Your Highness is benevolent as always."

Jimin had a expression that showed he was not convinced at all and wondered if they were hiding something or just plain stupid.

"Jungkook, explain to me what is going on here at once!" Duke Jeon demanded as the end of his cane hits the floor.

"Better yet why not explain while you are not grabbing me." Yoongi suggested while stepping back and using the palm of his hands to peel Jungkook away from his body. He manages to successfully put some distance between them which only made Jungkook try harder to push himself back to Yoongi.

"Your Highness, are you hurt?" Namjoon finally speaks, his gaze was at the bloodstain on Yoongi's abdomen and the torn clothes on his back.

"Oh this...it's not my blood." Yoongi looked down and saw the tear in his clothes and the blood that turned half his white dress shirt to crimson. His gaze shifts to Hoseok whose focus was fixed at the delegate being led out of the room in the company of two guards. The anger in eyes did not go unnoticed by Yoongi.

"It is as how it looks father. I heard a commotion coming from this room and when I went to investigate, I saw the King was fending off assassins. I rushed inside to help but the King ended up saving me instead."

Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Jungkook curiously, wondering why he would omit the truth from his father. Jungkook instead gave Yoongi an innocent expression.

"Your face is not familiar to me." the head butler mentions as he walked towards Hoseok.

Hoseok suddenly realised that he had been distracted and looked completely lost.

"He's with me!" Yoongi quickly blurted out as he manoeuvred away from Jungkook. The Duke grabs hold of his son while Yoongi stood by Hoseok's side.

"If he is a guest then why is he wearing a waiters uniform." The sceptical head butler eyed Hoseok from head to toe.

The color from Hoseoks face had completely drained as he stared at Yoongi standing beside. His eyes lowered at the spot where he had stabbed him. Recognition, surprise, and fear was all he felt at that moment.

"I requested for him to do so since I had employed him to carry out a task which is of a personal matter that I shall not divulge here." Yoongi lied as he placed himself between the head butler and Hoseok.

"A task?"

Yoongi moved closer and turned his back to the rest of the crowd so only the head butler could hear him, "I hired him to investigate on the recent poisoning since he is someone I trust. He came here today to warn me of another assassination attempt, which as you can see had just happened. I do not intend to share this information while the investigation is ongoing so for now we must use the delegate as a cover."

The head butler nodded in understanding, "Very well, Your Highness."

The Dukes voice overlaps the conversation between the two. "How is it that the King needed to save you when your skill with a sword is clearly superior to these assassins!?"

"I did not have a sword with me." Jungkook calmly stated and lifted both hands up. The Duke's lips formed a thin tight line as he was not impressed by his youngest sons reply.

Yoongi had turned to see the scene unfold and did not want more questions coming from the others. He instructs the head butler to escort the other guests out so that he may speak with Hoseok in private.

"You can't possibly ask me to leave when the Royal Physician has not yet attended to you." Namjoon stubbornly huffed at Yoongi when the head butler had kindly ushered for them to leave the room.

"I'm fine plus this is not a request. I'am asking all of you to leave this room." Yoongi dismissed his concerns.

Namjoon had a hurt expression when he promptly left the room. The head butler then continued to show everyone else out, the Duke had tightened his hold on Jungkook's arm as he pulled him away from the room, and Jimin had the most annoyed look in his face as he glared at Yoongi before leaving.

"The guards will be stationed outside the room until you are ready for them to enter." the head butler bowed his head before closing the door to leave Yoongi and Hoseok alone.

Once they were alone, Hoseok quickly stepped away from Yoongi until his back hit the wall.

"You...you're August..you...you are..." Hoseok rambled, "You're the King."

Yoongi kept his distance to avoid frightening Hoseok even more, "I did not mean to lie to you but there was no way you'd accept my request if you knew who I was."

Hoseok's eyes darted down to Yoongi’s stomach. "I-I stabbed you! I....stabbed you...I'm going to die..."

"You're not going to die." Yoongi reassured him while he slowly took a step forward, "Deep breaths."

"I think I'm going to be sick." Hoseok felt the cold wall behind his back and wanted to simply disappear.

"I'm not going to hurt you."

Hoseok scoffed. "You expect me to believe you after you lied to me about who you are. I don't think so." A wave of his hand caused a sudden burst of flames to combust in the space between him and Yoongi. The heat caused Yoongi to flinch back, giving Hoseok time to bolt for the balcony.

"Wait!" Yoongi called out and he felt a sudden pull in gravity as the dark magic within him made a barrier to block Hoseok's escape. The sudden impact against the barrier hurled Hoseok across the floor.

"Shit! I didn't mean for that to happen. Are you alright?" Yoongi worriedly rushed to Hoseok's side and reached out to help him but was harshly slapped away.

"Agh!" Hoseok grimaced as he pulled himself off the floor.

Yoongi rubbed the stinging pain from his hand, "Look I promise you I'm not going to kill you. If I had wanted to then I would have done so when we first met. Plus what reason could I possibly have to want you dead?"

Hoseok continued to glare at him suspiciously as he placed more distance between them. "I don't know but why would a King need me to prove someone innocent when you had the power to do so in the first place. You approaching me that day in he tunnels was some kind of ruse for something bigger? Were you even poisoned or was that just a excuse?"

"Okay. We're sort of calmly talking so that's a good start. I can explain if you promise to listen to me without trying to leave before I finish."

Looking around, Hoseok realised that another attempt head on could cause the guards outside to come rushing in plus the King's barrier was not something he could break through. With an uneasy heart, Hoseok nodded and gestured for Yoongi to keep his distance. It did not help that Yoongi was standing in the middle of the room with the bodies of the dead assassins surrounding him. Hoseok shuddered at how eerily similar this was to the night they were at the basement.

Yoongi kept his hands on the air to show Hoseok that he would not do anything, "Firstly, I was poisoned. It was not a ruse. I couldn't free the person wrongly accused since it would mean condemning other innocent people who just so happens to be in the same room. I needed to find the person responsible and I heard you were the best at this line of work so I wanted to hire you but I know you'd never work for me if you knew my true identity."

"You don't know that." Hoseok interrupted.

Yoongi arched his eyebrow knowingly.

"F...fine. I wouldn't work for you and that's because royals are messy work." Hoseok huffed and folded his arms.

"And I knew I trusted the right person for the job because you found the poisoner. It was unfortunate that he died before he could give us any valuable information but at least with a face, I could conduct a proper investigation and search for the true culprit behind all this."

"So you truly believe this runs deeper and someone else is the mastermind?" Hoseok asked curiously.

Yoongi sighed and ran a hand over his hair, "Yes. This isn't the first time I've had attempts on my life and normally I'd brush it off but this one had caused people dear to me to be indirectly involved and I can not let that pass. I've seen how it has affected them both mentally and physically so it is time that I find the true culprit and I would very much like to continue working with you on this investigation."

Hoseok mulled over the words Yoongi said. He still thinks getting involved would only make his life even more complicated than it is however he can't deny the resources he could tap if the King was one of his patrons.

"I still think this is a bad idea...and I don't think tonight's assassins were after the delegate at all..." Hoseok reluctantly looked at Yoongi, "But I'm not the type to leave a job half finished."

Yoongi flashed his gummy smile that made Hoseok blush.

"Y-You can't do that!" Hoseok scolded.

"Huh?" Yoongi slightly tilted his head to one side.

Hoseok huffed, "I have conditions for continuing this job and one of them is that you can't ask me about tonight."

"Why did you try to kill the delegate?" Yoongi blurted out the same time as Hoseok finished talking.

They both stared blankly at each other.

"That's none of your business!"

"It happened in front of me. How am I suppose to ignore that?"

"Shut up!"

"But!"

Hoseok's hands balled up in tight fists and Yoongi quickly dropped the subject, "Okay I'll stop. I never liked him anyway and I can wait until you're ready to tell me."

There was a distant look in Hoseok's eyes that looked as if he remembered something horrible but he quickly pushes it away, "If we're done here than I'd like to leave."

"Actually before you go, there is something I was hoping you'd look into for me. I had originally intended to find you tomorrow to discuss it with you."

"Oh? Do you want me to find out where these assassins came from and if they work under the same organization that attacked us last time?"

"Actually no. It is regarding a different matter. Do you remember informing me of the list of ingredients that the poisoner used? Well, I've gotten hold of that same list from the Royal physicians and I'd like you to look into it further. Since some of those ingredients are only accessed by prominent families, there is no way my guards can go near them without sparking suspicion."

Hoseok nodded in understanding, "I can do that. Just know that your rate has gone up now that I know you can afford to pay me more."

Yoongi grinned, "Well I did hire the best."

Hoseok felt his cheeks warming up again, "Is there anything else because if not I'd like to go before the guards outside become impatient and come back here asking questions. I'd also like to avoid your inquisitive head butler so I'll take my chance out the balcony."

"No that should be all." Yoongi smiled and focused on the barrier he had created. After a few seconds, his smile faltered when he felt a sharp pain on his left eye as the barrier slowly disappeared.

"You alright?" Hoseok looked at him curiously.

Yoongi forced back his practiced smile, "Yes of course. Barrier is gone now so be careful on the way out."

"I managed to get in here without any of your guards noticing so I'll be fine." Hoseok confidently strode past Yoongi.

"And Hoseok," Yoongi added just as Hoseok was about to climb down from the balcony, "Do not make another attempt on the delegates life. He has more security now and I don't want you to get hurt."

Hoseok stared at Yoongi like he just said something utterly ridiculous before disappearing out of sight.

Yoongi sighed and wondered if he did the right thing keeping Hoseok under his services especially now that events not from the original storyline are happening. His sister never mentioned Hoseok's involvement with Nolla's delegate nor does he remember the delegate being mentioned at all. Tonight's birthday celebration had brought all male leads under his roof and he doesn't know if this could mean that the heroine is close.

"Your Highness." there was a knock on the door from the guards who had grown worried at being kept out for too long.

Yoongi brushed away his thoughts for now and called for one of the guards to fetch him a change of clothes.

Somewhere further away from the castle, Hoseok looks back with a sudden realisation that he never had checked on Yoongi's wounds. A bubble of guilt and worry spread across his chest but he quickly dispersed the feeling. He had more important matters to attend to and refused to let silly feelings get in his way.

Yoongi was relieved that the birthday ball had finally come to an end and he was free to crawl back to his bed and recharge. His social battery had depleted hours ago but he remained strong and somehow got through it. It did not help that Jungkook followed him around like a lost chick while Jimin followed him around like a angry duckling. He did not understand the two and when he attempted to talk to them, Jungkook merely gazed at him while Jimin acted like he should already know what he had done which only gave Yoongi a headache. Without more of the villain's memories, Yoongi was completely helpless against the two. He even tried to stay by Namjoon's side to see if he could shed some light about the twos behaviour but Namjoon was constantly in the company of other nobles and had eventually disappeared before the ball came to a close.

"My head..." Yoongi groaned and rubbed one side of his temple. The guards were about to say something but he gave them a irritated look since he was in no mood to hear any more news and just wanted to go to bed. The guards kept quiet and opened the doors for Yoongi.

Yoongi let out a deep sigh as soon as the doors closed behind him and began to undress his top half, throwing the discarded clothes carelessly on the floor. Unknown to him he had an audience.

"Is this something you normally do as soon as you enter your bedroom chamber?"

"Wha-Fuck!" Yoongi swore as he nearly lost his balance tripping on the discarded shoes with half his trousers down to his knees. "What are you doing here Namjoon?" Yoongi hurriedly pulled his trousers back up.

Namjoon cheeks flushed despite the look of calm and composure as he sat on Yoongi's bed. "Are you disappointed that I'm the one here?"

"What do you mean?" Yoongi asked, the look of confusion evident on his face.

"I had them send away those two who were to be brought to your room tonight."

"Two? You mean Jungkook and Jimin?"

Namjoon was flustered, "I can't believe you were going to have the Dukes son and the fifth Prince on top of the other two you were planning on spending the night with."

"What no! I...wait...what is happening right now? Which two are you talking about?" Yoongi rubbed his head as the headache persisted.

Namjoon frowned and looked away from him almost accusingly, "Those two young nobles that the head butler was escorting to your room. I know noble families are eager for your favor but that is rather vulgar don't you think."

"I did not ask for them." Yoongi explained. He took a mental note to remind the head butler again to stop doing such things. He had reprimanded him before when he had brought Hana to his room and thought that the matter was dealt with.

Namjoon narrowed his eyes at him.

"I'm telling the truth. I did not even expect anyone here in my room tonight."

"Liar. You always spend the night indulging in your depravity especially during your birthday celebrations." Namjoon pointed out flatly.

Yoongi was annoyed at being accused all night. Even though he did lie to Hoseok and the others, he still preferred not to hear it especially when he was feeling drained. "That's not fair. I haven't even done anything and if that is the case then why are you here then."

Namjoon blushed red and pulled at the collar of his dress shirt. "I..."

A little devilish fun creeped up on Yoongi. He walked towards Namjoon and leaned close, "Oh...is this why you sent those two nobles away."

Namjoon's eyes widened as his cheeks grew even redder. He wanted to retort but the close proximity of Yoongi's face made him tight lipped. His heart raced when he felt the mattress dip slightly when Yoongi placed his palms down to cage him in.

"Did you want to commit those act of depravity with me tonight Joonie?" Yoongi's deep sultry voice teased Namjoon to a frozen state.

Maybe I've gone to far. Yoongi thought to himself when Namjoon merely stared at him completely flustered. Yoongi admitted to himself that Namjoon looked cute at that very moment and also knew to keep it to himself if he did not want to experience another slap from him.

"...yes..."

"Hmm?" Yoongi thought he heard Namjoon talk but when he said nothing more, Yoongi shrugged it off and lifted his hands off the bed but suddenly he felt Namjoon's hand grab the back of his head.

Namjoon's lips pressed against Yoongi's own. Despite his eye's closed tightly, his lips found the other easily. Namjoon felt something in his stomach dance. A hundred flutters filing him up and down and all around his stomach. His heart beating so hard he can almost feel it bouncing in his chest.

Yoongi's eyes remained open. The initial surprise numbed him for a second before his senses kicked in and he registered the feeling of being kissed by Namjoon. His mouth stayed still as Namjoon held him. He peeked underneath him and could see Namjoon's closed eyes twitching nervously. cute

When Namjoon pulled away there was a hint of shyness as he looked at Yoongi.

Yoongi's hand reaches behind Namjoon's neck and pulls him back in. The tip of his tongue press into Namjoon's soft lips and he felt his mouth start to open, slowly and tentatively. Yoongi gently deepens the kiss, their tongues reach out and tips touch. The sensation made Namjoon moan softly. Surprised, he pulled apart suddenly and nervously smiled. Yoongi could see his dimples deepen, the corners of his eyes crinkling upwards as his smile expands. They find each other once more as Namjoon's hand on the back of Yoongi's neck beckons him in again.

This time, Namjoon's mouth opens without hesitation and Yoongi's tongue delved ever deeper. Namjoon lets out another moan and his hands begin to play with Yoongi's hair. He felt so warm in his hands.

Yoongi breaks the kiss to let Namjoon breath and plants kisses on his face, cheeks, chin, and down his neck. Namjoon wrapped his arms around Yoongi's bare shoulder and moaned with each tender kiss left on his neck. He then pulled Yoongi on top of him as he lays down on the bed.

Yoongi stops and looks down on him from above, resting his elbows on the mattress. "Joonie are you sure? We can stop now if you want to."

Namjoon shook his head and craned his neck to kiss Yoongi. "I want this."

Yoongi's hands roamed to Namjoon's waist as he kissed him more passionately against the bed. His hands roam Namjoon's tone body until the delicate touch of his hand against Namjoon's buds made the other moan loudly.

"Ah!" Namjoon quickly covered his mouth as his face turned a bright shade of red. He looked down to see Yoongi's hand groping his chest like it belonged there.

"Looks like I found one of your sensitive spots." Yoongi teased and planted kisses on Namjoon's jawline and neck while hand massages Namjoon's well endowed chest.

"It feels...weird...ahh!...stop..." Namjoon whimpered as he watched Yoongi fondle him.

"You seem to be enjoying it." Yoongi smirked as his free hand softly caressed the bulge that formed in Namjoon's pants. "You like having your chest played with, don't you?"

Namjoon blushed and closed his eyes from the new sensations, "I don't know...you're...the first one to touch me like this..."

Yoongi felt his trousers getting tighter and more uncomfortable with each passing second. Too cute!

Yoongi lifted Namjoon's top, exposing his erect nipples. "I want to kiss you more." He groaned against one of the erect buds before taking it in his mouth.

"That feels...ah...feels..." Namjoon moaned and ran his fingers through Yoongi's hair, letting the monarch suck his sensitive bud. Namjoon felt an uncomfortable moisture build up at his lower half and he started to grind against Yoongi.

A devilish grin flashes on Yoongi's face as he finally lets the abused bud go and moved to kiss Namjoon again. Long and passionately as his hands continued to fondle Namjoon buds. The air grew hotter and unbearable around them causing Namjoon to take his top off, exposing more of himself to Yoongi.

With deft hands, the sound of buttons popping open can be heard in between kisses.

"You wont hurt me right?" Namjoon asked when he realised Yoongi was removing his pants and exposing a lot more skin.

"It will hurt at first but it should subside. I'll take it slow and gentle so don't be afraid." Yoongi answered sliding his hand along Namjoon's underwear band.

Yoongi leaned down and kissed Namjoon deeply while sliding his hand down slowly and gently caressing Namjoon's growing bulge.

"Yoongi!" Namjoon moaned and hugged him tightly as they kissed. Namjoon widened his knees slightly letting Yoongi's hand slide down to another sensitive spot right between his legs.

Yoongi began fingering Namjoon's hole and felt him slowly loosening up for him. "You can touch me too..." Yoongi licked his lips and brought Namjoon's hand to his crotch.

"It feels so hot in my palm..." Namjoon blushed while his hand moved slowly along Yoongi's stiff cock. Namjoon outlined the feel of Yoongi's cock as Yoongi dipped his index finger deeper inside him.

"Ah...ngah..." Namjoon squirmed into Yoongi's hand as he loosened him up more.

Yoongi lovingly gazed at Namjoon who had his eyes closed. One hand continued to fondle Namjoon's right chest while the other hand was inside fingering his virgin hole.

"What...is it...ah...ahh..." Namjoon asked breathlessly when he noticed that Yoongi had been staring at him while he continued to push another finger to stretch him out.

"You're adorable. Its making me even harder." Yoongi's husk voice felt like a electrical current on Namjoon's skin. He arched his back and squirmed even more.

Yoongi then stopped to remove the rest of Namjoon's clothes, leaving Namjoon naked and feeling more vulnerable.

"Stop staring..." Namjoon ordered as he nervously tried to cover himself with his arms.

"I can't help it." Yoongi smiled and kissed Namjoon softly to get him to relax. Namjoon's arms move up to wrap around Yoongi's shoulder leaving his bare self exposed once more. He lets out a surprised moan when Yoongi lifts him up from his waist and moved him slightly higher up the bed.

"That's better. You can spread your legs wider with better back support." Yoongi shamelessly smiled when he pulled away from the kiss.

"You! D-dont say such vulgar words..." Namjoon scolded despite the deep crimson on his cheeks and neck.

Yoongi grins brightly. His pearly white smile lowered Namjoon's guard enough for him to spread his legs and push his fingers back inside him.

"ah!" Namjoon mouth in surprise and tilted his head back into the bed.

Namjoon heard the sound of trousers dropping on the floor and he knew Yoongi was getting ready to go further with him. He swallowed nervously knowing he was in a very vulnerable position, but made no attempt in moving. And finally confirming his thoughts, he felt Yoongi pull out his fingers and this time something hard pressed against him. Namjoon bit his lower lip as he felt Yoongi's cock prodding against his entrance.

Yoongi then lifted Namjoon's left leg higher and rested it on his shoulder while his right hand pressed on Namjoon's right thigh to keep them steady. Namjoon felt Yoongi's cock pressed deeper but not fully penetrating him yet. The anticipation made his hole clench around the cock head, almost as if urging it to enter. Yoongi then moved his hand to Namjoon's hips slightly above his smooth round buttocks. Holding tight he pushed into Namjoon. Tears welled as Namjoon watched Yoongi hovering above him. He was suddenly gasping for air realizing that he was surrendering everything to Yoongi.

"Joonie don't cry. Do you want me to stop?" Yoongi tenderly asked as he stopped pushing himself inside Namjoon. His hands go to caress Namjoon's cheeks and wipe the tears from his eyes. "Its okay. We can stop here." He then kisses the tears away.

"Don't stop...I want to do this with you...just..." Namjoon felt his heart pounding so loudly it was almost making him deaf to everything else.

"Just?" Yoongi asked as he continued to leave pepper kisses.

"Tell me you wont think low of me after this...that I'm not another one of your conquest and be ignored afterwards..." Namjoon nervously asked.

"Of course not. I'd never think little of you."

"I'm not a fool." Namjoon averted his gaze, "I know of the doctor and the fortune teller that frequent your bed...I have no intention to demand that I be the only one...instead all I ask is that you continue to treat me respectfully and not belittle my feelings for you...I...really like you...even if you're a scoundrel..."

Yoongi felt a stab at his heart with Namjoon's sort of love confession. A small part of him wanted to ask how he knew but that was a conversation he can revisit the next day.

"I'll always treat you with respect and I'm sorry if I've made you feel uneasy." Yoongi sincerely answered to help ease the doubts in Namjoon's heart.

Namjoon blushed and pulled Yoongi back for another kiss. He liked the feeling of being able to do so as many times as he wanted.

"Oh! Its gone harder." Namjoon blurted out when he felt Yoongi's eager cock. He shyly gazed at Yoongi, nervously waiting for him to continue.

With a kiss on his forehead, Yoongi then moved his hand down to support Namjoon's thigh and hip as he pulled Namjoon towards him and simultaneously pushed forward. He pushed past the slightly loosened entrance and deeper into the warmth of Namjoon's inner depths. Namjoon felt it, his cock. His mouth hanged opened when Yoongi pushed even further until his full length was buried deep. Yoongi stayed still for a minute to adjust to the tight feel before he started pulling out slowly and diving back in. Slowly rocking his hips as he repeated his movements over and over again until Namjoon was a moaning mess.

"So full..." Namjoon whimpered, his hips quivering at the invasion yet the pain was somehow mixed with a foreign feeling that welled up in own manhood. The build up of the sensation made him forget every doubt he had and all he could think about was the pleasure that Yoongi was giving him.

Namjoon never imagined it would be like this. He thought sex with Yoongi would be rough, fast and painful, something similar to how he was in the battlefield, yet Yoongi was gentle and intimate. He had a tight grip on his hips and was driving repeatedly but he made sure to focus on giving Namjoon the pleasure of being fucked by him and when he hit a sweet spot that Namjoon did not know he had, it made him arch his back and spread his legs even more lewdly. He crassly begged for Yoongi. Not even knowing what he wants but somehow he doesn't stop moaning and calling out for Yoongi.

"More...I want...I want...please Yoongi..." Namjoon cried out when Yoongi picked up the pace and went even faster. Short fast pumps in and out of him. The sound of flesh against flesh echoed the bedroom walls.

"Feel full...gonna...I'm gonna...nghaa...don't stop! don't stop!" Namjoon felt himself close to the edge.

"I'm close!" Yoongi held Namjoon's knees higher up as he mercilessly drove his cock balls deep. He continued relentlessly getting progressively closer to their release.

"Yes!" Namjoon loudly moaned and held against the bedsheets as his body moved in time with every thrust. "More!" He begged as his hole tightened around Yoongi's cock.

Yoongi let out a deep groan as Namjoon felt a hot surge deep inside him. His own release spurted out into his abdomen in sync with Yoongi. Yoongi's thick cock throbbed shooting semen deep into Namjoon's core. Yoongi pushed even deeper, loving the feel of his cock spasming bareback inside a tight hole. Namjoon cried out in pleasure as his vision blurred with new tears forming from his first orgasm. Yoongi continued withdrawing slightly and then pounding deep into him as Namjoon moaned wantonly. Namjoon surprisingly found himself loving the tight grip Yoongi had over him, giving him complete power to push deep and cum as much as he wanted. After what felt like eternity, Yoongi and Namjoon both came down from their collective high and was absolutely breathless and tired.

Namjoon swallowed down air as he felt himself gasping from the rush he just felt. He suddenly felt Yoongi's cock still buried inside him move slightly and he weakly opened his eyes.

Yoongi smiled against Namjoon's skin as he kissed his thighs and gently let them rest on top of his own. He then leaned down to gently kiss Namjoon and caress his hair.

"Feeling sleepy?" Yoongi asked as he wiped the sweat away from Namjoon's forehead.

Namjoon tilted his head while still keeping his eyes on Yoongi, his fingers playfully running up and down Yoongi's arm, "Hmm...not really...I feel sort of tired but not sleepy...is this feeling normal?"

Yoongi nodded with a sly grin, "Yes...well we did engage in strenuous exercise."

"Ugh! That mouth of yours." Namjoon slapped Yoongi's arm but the playful smile on his lips made Yoongi's heart melt even more.

"Ah!" Namjoon's eyes widened when he felt the cock inside him hardened and surprisingly grow bigger. "Why are you hard again? We just finished."

Yoongi sheepishly smiled, "Its because you turned me on."

Namjoon became flustered and pushed Yoongi's chest but the action only made Yoongi's hips thrust into him, causing a sweet electrical current to go up his spine and leave his mouth gaping open with pleasure.

The reaction Namjoon gave him made it harder for Yoongi to stop himself. His hands roam up and fondle Namjoon's chest, "Joonie...can we go for another round?"

"Nngh..." Namjoon moaned at Yoongi's touch and with half lidded eyes he nodded.

Chapter Text

"You have to win all the games to get the bonus item." Minji whined in Yoongi's ear.

"This would be a lot easier if you stopped breathing down my neck and shaking me." Yoongi retorted while his eyes were focused on the screen of his sisters gaming device.

"Don't miss! Don’t miss!" His sister bounced on her knees, making the sofa dip on one side thus making it even harder for Yoongi to concentrate.

"Stop that." Yoongi warned when he nearly missed the bullseye mark. He was close to achieving the perfect score to win the mini game from the games event. Minji had begged him nonstop to win all the mini games with a perfect score in the game that she was obsessed with just so she can get the hidden item.

"The left! Left! LEFT!" Minji excitedly pointed out while looking behind her older brothers shoulder.

Sweat dripped down Yoongi's forehead as he felt his thumbs starting to cramp. He'd been playing the mini games for over three hours and had regretted it within the first half hour. He only continued because he had a hard time saying no to his baby sister.

"I need that bonus item! I've reached so far in his route. I can't do it all over again." She whined while watching the scores on the top right corner of the screen gradually go up.

"How many mini games are there in this stupid festival event? And didnt you already finish this guys route?" Yoongi grumbled when he had to switch to using his right middle finger to press when his thumb completely cramped up.

"Its not stupid! This bonus item was not released in any of the games official posts because it is meant to be a hidden event for only die hard fans to figure out. Thankfully true fans of the game were kind enough to share how to get the bonus item."

Yoongi would have rolled his eyes if he wasnt fixated on winning, "What is this bonus item? A new set of fancy clothes for your character or hair dye?"

Minji slapped Yoongi's shoulder but quickly apologised when he nearly missed hitting the mark in the game.

"It is a locket which will open up more story events and the true ending for this route."

"True ending?" Yoongi asked just as the mini game ended and the perfect score flashed on the screen.

"Ahhhhhh!" Minji squealed in delight and grabbed the gaming device off Yoongi's sore hands. "YOU ARE THE BEST!"

Yoongi plopped his exhausted body down the sofa with a soft smile as he watched his baby sister giddly racing up to her room to finish the rest of the game. His question had gone unanswered and at that time he never even thought about it again.

"mmm..." Yoongi stretched lightly as he slowly opened his eyes. He stares at the high ceiling, recalling the memory that suddenly came to him. He thinks about his baby sister and what had happened to her. Wondered if his parents and older brother are looking for him and how worried they must be. He thinks about his home and all that is familiar to him, missing the routine he had and the things he took for granted, his university, his friends, and even the family restaurant. A part of him that had hoped to wake up and find it all a dream still remained within his heart.

"What's wrong?" Namjoon groggily asked as he looked at Yoongi with sleepy eyes. He rubs at them in an effort to stay awake.

"Its nothing. Did I wake you?" Yoongi smiled and pulled Namjoon close to kiss his forehead.

Namjoon wrapped his arms around Yoongi and snuggled closer, "You looked like you had a bad dream."

"Did I?" Yoongi's gaze shifted slightly above Namjoons head.

Namjoon could see the faraway look in Yoongi's eyes and it always worried him whenever he did that. He gently places his hand on Yoongi’s cheek, softly caressing him back to him. When Yoongi finally meets his eyes, he leans forward to kiss him lightly, "Its fine if you don't want to tell me now. I'll wait when your ready." Namjoon whispered when their lips parted.

Yoongi smiled and wraps his arms around him for a tender embrace. He doesn't utter a word but Namjoon knew it was his way of saying thank you.

Knock Knock

"...must be the maids..." Yoongi mutters and pulls the blanket higher up to cover Namjoon, "they are quick and discreet so they will not linger long in cleaning the room."

Namjoon’s eyes widened, "Wait! Don't let them in yet. I have to go bathe and be decent."

"Are you feeling shy now?" Yoongi teased.

"This isn't funny." Namjoon abrubtly sat up but immediately regrets it when he felt the room spin and his vision go blurry.

"Don't push yourself." Yoongi managed to support Namjoon from his back and helped him lay back down on the bed. "Rest. I must have took more of your energy last night than intended."

Namjoon closed his eyes to help ease the dizziness. "I know you held me multiple times last night but I did not realise it would have this effect on my body."

Yoongi rubbed his nape nervously, "About that...there is something I should have told you last night before we had sex."

Namjoon turned beet red at the mention of the word.

"Do you remember when you said I used to get easily fatigued, irritable, and suffered from terrible migraines?"

Namjoon glanced at him curiously, "Yes I remember but what does that have anything to do with us now?"

Yoongi hesitated. He was afraid Namjoon may not want to be with him when he finds out the truth but Yoongi decided he should know. He combed his hair with his fingers and exhaled, "Well...the reason you feel exhausted and will most likely still feel that way for the next couple of days is because my body replenishes lost mana by taking it from others."

"So...you're telling me that you've taken my body's energy...to replenish your lost mana?" Namjoon asked as he tried to process the new information.

"Yes."

"Like a parasite?"

"..." Yoongi felt the slap of those words deep inside his core and turned his body away from Namjoon to reflect on what he's become. "I'm a monster."

Namjoon panicked, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it that way. You surprised me thats all."

"I'm trash..." Yoongi blurted out completely deflated from having his soul crushed.

"Stop that and look at me!" Namjoon ordered as he sat up and shakes Yoongi's arm.

Yoongi rolls on his back and looks up at Namjoon, "Only one thing can make me feel better."

"What is it?"

Yoongi smiled mischievously as his hand rested nicely on Namjoon’s thigh, "A kiss."

"You!" Namjoon quickly shoved a pillow on Yoongi’s face, "How can you ask for such a thing when I'm being serious!"

"I'm sorry!" Yoongi apologised while trying to contain his laughter, "I couldn't resist teasing."

Namjoon shoved another pillow on top of Yoongi to prevent him from seeing the blush on his face. All the extra movements he had done was making him even more tired but he refused to back down.

"Your Highness!" A cheerful voice interrupts the two and Namjoon turned to see Taehyung rushing inside the room.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Namjoon scolded as he pulled the sheets to cover him, "You cannot simply enter this room without permission!"

Ignoring the words and glare directed at him, Taehyung smiled while he made his way to Yoongi.

Yoongi sat up and curiously watched Taehyung climb on the bed to place his arms around his shoulder.

"Good morning." Taehyung cheerfully greeted before kissing Yoongi on the lips.

Namjoon stared in shock at the branzen behaviour displayed in front of him.

Yoongi was just as surprised but he couldn't help but smile back at Taehyung when their lips parted and they were now staring at each other.

"Apologies for the intrusion. We had thought you both would be dressed by now." Seokjin apologised when he entered the room.

"Why are you here as well?" Namjoon questioned Seokjin who also walked towards Yoongi's side of the bed.

"We wanted to check on His Highness health. We heard about last night's assassination attempt and got worried." Seokjin answered while his gaze shifted to Yoongi, trying to find any visible injuries that may have remained.

"I simply want to know if he put his cock inside your mouth." Taehyung answered as he adjusted his hips and straddled on Yoongi's thighs.

"WHAT!" Namjoon's complexion turned purple as he sputtered at the ridiculous notion.

"T-t-taehyung why would you ask something like that?" Yoongi felt the heat rise up to his cheeks.

Taehyung pursed his lips and bluntly answered, "Because Seokjin asked if that happened to me but it didn't. He said you told him that your cock could fit inside his mouth so I became curious."

Seokjin quickly covered his face from embarrassment while Yoongi tried to come up with a response but was failing tremendously.

"Y-You! Saying something so...so...Just get off him!" Namjoon scolded and attempted to push Taehyung off Yoongi but immediately became dizzy. "ooohh...this...feels worse than earlier..."

"Joonie," Yoongi gently lifts Taehyung off him and moved to comfort Namjoon, "lay down...it'll be alright. You just need to rest and not fight it if you want to sleep more today."

"So this is what you meant by taking my body's energy..." Namjoon could feel his eyes getting heavier but he fought against it since he still wanted to know more on what was happening.

"Since we were born without the ability to use magic, our bodies do not store a large amount of mana nor do we replenish it quickly hence the after effects of giving it away is much stronger." Seokjin explained.

"The doctor is right. You should listen to what your body needs if you want to continue to stay by the King's side." Taehyung chimed in from behind Yoongi.

"Then the two of you knew about his condition? Since when?" Namjoon asked while holding on to Yoongi's hand.

"I knew of it from reading the doctors notes." Taehyung shrugged with a smile and back hugs Yoongi much to Namjoons annoyance.

"I learned of it while..." Seokjin stopped and glanced at Yoongi, remembering that their chance meeting at the royal archives had been in secret.

Yoongi quickly spoke up, "Seokjin helped me when I had an episode. It was mild enough that he first thought it was a simple migraine but when it got worse I had to open up to him on my condition."

Namjoon forced himself to stay awake and looked at Yoongi, "Worse? How?"

"Why don't we continue this conversation when you're well rested." Yoongi suggested as he softly stroked Namjoon hair.

"I'm not a child. Tell me now." Namjoon insisted but did not push Yoongi's hand away and let him continue stroking his hair.

Yoongi sighed, "Very well but after this no more until you're fully rested."

Namjoon’s lips pressed together when he stopped a yawn from forming.

Yoongi shook his head slightly from Namjoons stubborness, "When my mana runs low, the dark magic within me becomes harder to control and starts to consume me from the inside."

"Consume...what do you mean by that?"

"My body starts to decay from the inside."

"What!" Namjoon tried to get up but Yoongi stops him when he nearly topples over to his side.

"This is why I'd rather have this conversation when you're feeling better." Yoongi reprimanded Namjoon while making sure he was comfortable.

"His Highness is right. You are exhausted and you may fall asleep mid conversation like I did." Seokjin encouraged him the best that he could seeing the struggle Namjoon had with fighting off sleep.

Namjoon frowned as he was deeply annoyed at constantly being told to sleep when all he wanted was to better understand the condition Yoongi had been suffering with.

"Please Joonie...I'll be right here when you wake up. We can talk more then, okay?" Yoongi pleaded gently while lightly kissing Namjoon’s cheek.

"..........fine....." Namjoon pouted as he relented. His eyelids had become heavier and he knew he was losing the battle with sleep.

Yoongi found Namjoons stubborness cute and continued to stroke his hair until he was finally sound asleep. He then asked for Seokjin and Taehyung to wait for him at the dining room while he cleaned and changed Namjoon.

"Do you think he'll be asleep for more than a day or two?" Taehyung asked curiously.

"Yes thats...likely..." Seokjin watched as Taehyung took a huge bite from a heavily creamed scone, the corners of his mouth were coated in cream and jam yet he did not seemed bothered at all.

"What is it?" Taehyung arched an eyebrow.

"You have..." Seokjin gestured to the corners of his mouth.

"Hmm?" Taehyung stuck his tongue out and licked the corners of his mouth but it made more of a mess.

"Here let me." Yoongi chuckled at how adorable Taehyung can be and used a napkin to clean his mouth.

Taehyung grinned, "I'm glad you weren't harmed."

"Yes well...this dark magic of mine is a double edge sword. I may have defeated the assassins from last night but if Namjoon had not been with me I'd still be suffering from pain by now." Yoongi sighed and took his seat at the head of the table.

Seokjin, who had sat on the seat to Yoongi's left, got up slightly and leaned forward to kiss Yoongi, "I'm glad you're safe my King."

Yoongi smiled when their lips parted, "I could really get used to mornings like this."

Seokjin blushed as he sat back down, "I wanted to greet you properly earlier however I think the Viscount was much too overwhelmed by everything that had happened."

"Are you saying that he doesn't know about our arrangement with His Highness?" Taehyung asked but held no regret for his earlier actions.

"No he knows...in a way..." Yoongi dismissed the servants waiting by the corner of the room. He preferred they discussed his condition in private.

"What do you mean by that?" Seokjin looked at Yoongi curiously, "He obviously knows about the type of relationship Taehyung and I have with you or he'd have been livid...well even more so with Taehyung's behaviour earlier. He clearly understood this and still chose to stay in your bed last night."

Yoongi set his cup of coffee down and exhaled lightly, "Yes, that is not an issue with him. It is more on the reason why. I believe he initially thought it was a matter of physical attraction that made me keep you two by my side despite being from another country. He had no idea about the depths of my condition and that shocked him this morning."

"He'll accept it no matter what." Taehyung shrugged and helped himself to another serving of cream and jam.

"Is this something you saw in the future?" Seokjin asked as he placed the serving plate of freshly baked scones closer to Taehyung.

Taehyung lifted a scone and started layering the toppings, "I do not need to see the future to know that the Viscount is madly in love with His Highness. Now that he's heard about His Highness condition then all the more he'd do everything to help him even if it means sharing him with us."

Yoongi couldn't stop the blush from forming on his cheeks. It felt strangely embarrassing yet at the same time made him happy upon hearing those words.

Seokjin smiled and tilted his head slightly to the side, "It seems you are more perceptive than I thought. Then again you did break into my room to read my notes on His Highness condition."

Taehyung froze.

"I never did reprimand you for that."

Yoongi took his coffee cup and became extremely fascinated by it.

Taehyung turned to Yoongi and whined, "Your Highness, I already apologised."

Yoongi smiled warily as he felt Seokjin's stare from the corner of his eye, "You should say you are sorry to Seokjin and promise that you won't do it again. It is only right that he hears this from you."

"Your Highness~" Taehyung whined and pouted, pulling at Yoongi’s sleeve.

Yoongi did his best to console Taehyung but when he heard Seokjin clear his throat he felt a cold sweat roll down his spine.

"Your Highness, I do need help in the orphanage. I think it would be wonderful to have Taehyung come with me to help with the chores since it has been a while since I had gone back and my work has definetly pilled up." Seokjin spoke with the brightest of smile which only made Yoongi sweat more.

"Ah yes...that is a wonderful idea." Yoongi refused to look any of the two in the eye.

"No!" Taehyung complained and tugged Yoongi's sleeve.

"It is settled then." Seokjin took a sip from his tea, ignoring Taehyungs pleading.

Yoongi reached over and patted Taehyung to try and console him, "You'll be fine. You may even enjoy it."

Taehyung made a face and mumbled fine under his breath much to Seokjins amusement.

The three enjoyed a short lived blissful moment to themselves when the head butler arrived to interrupt.

"Good morning Your Highness." the head butler greeted with a half bow, "I apologise for interrupting your breakfast however Duke Jeon's youngest son has come to seek an audience with you."

"Now? This early in the morning? What for?"

The head butler looked troubled, "He refused to say. I have done my best to keep him contained in the visiting room until you were ready but I fear he may leave and wonder the castle halls searching for you."

Yoongi was silent for a moment, wondering if there was something else the head butler was refusing to say in front of the others.

"Is this related to the assassination attempt last night?" Seokjin spoke up when he noticed the serious expression the King had.

"He has refused to give me an inkling on why he is here so I unfortunately do not know if he wishes to speak to His Highness about last night's events." the head butler kept his head low, avoiding Yoongi's eyes.

"Who is he?" Taehyung asked while shifting his gaze from the head butler to Yoongi.

"Lord Jungkook is the youngest son of Duke Jeon. They are one of the prominent families of the elite nobles that support the royal family." The head butler explained.

"I'll go see him then. I'm rather curious on the reason behind him coming here." Yoongi got up from his chair and placed a hand on Taehyung's shoulder to stop him from standing up, "I need to see him alone."

Taehyung was not happy but did not protest. The King had his own affairs to deal with and he knew the head butler would not appreciate him getting in the way especially while a recent attempt on the King's life remained unsolved.

Yoongi glanced at Seokjin, "I'd prefer if you could look after Namjoon while he recovers. I do not want any of the royal physicians to see him in such a state and I think he'd appreciate it as well."

Seokjin smiled, "You can leave him under my care. I'am quite curious afterall to see how long it will take his body to recover and what symptoms he will feel afterwards. Plus Taehyung had already agreed to help so if I'm busy with Namjoon then he can help out at the orphange."

Taehyung groaned and slumped against the table.

"I'll leave it to you two then." Yoongi thanked Seokjin for being understanding and gave Taehyung a gentle rub on the head which made him feel better.

Seeing the butler act strangely, Yoongi waited until they were walking further down the corridor before bringing it to his attention.

"Is there something else you wanted to say to me?"

The head butler's usual stoic face showed worry and he expressed it to Yoongi, "....it's the young lord...he brought a rather large trunk with him and refused to have me or any of the guards inspect it...he insists it is his birthday gift to you and that you'd be happy..."

This peaked Yoongi's curiosity more, "I thought the security had tightened so I'm surprised you let him keep the trunk without an inspection."

The head butler became solemn, "Forgive me Your Highness...the young lord is well known by the guards due to his achievements during the Expansion wars. They trust him fully and believe he would not bring something to harm you...In addition the Duke acts as the second in command for the Royal Family with the militia especially those from the borders. The soldiers and guards hold their family in high regard."

That's right...In the games storyline, the military and royal guards easily betray the villain when the Duke choose to help Jungkook's rebellion for the sake of helping the heroine. The Duke's title was a gift bestowed upon them centuries ago when they had helped the Royal family build Vhóel when it still ruled the East. The Jeons were originally soldiers and take pride on their prowess., Yoongi began to wondered about Jungkook's strange behaviour.

Yoongi sensed that the head butler was still hesitating from saying how he felt, "But you don't seem pleased that this gift had slipped passed inspection."

"It is not that. I do trust the love he has for his country however...there have been multiple attempts on your life recently and you have more than once come back covered in blood therefore I can not help but feel suspicious of everyone and their sudden need to be around you."

"..." Yoongi was surprised by his words. He supposed that the King the head butler knew and watched grow into adulthood is completely different to Yoongi's own personality and behaviour. Yoongi admitted he did try to keep up with the personality the original villain had to make those close to him not think he was an imposeter but the more he interacted with the male leads and everyone else in the castle, he gradually let his guard down and began showing more of his true nature.

The head butler stops before the guards could open the door to where Jungkook had been waiting. The head butler cleared his throat and looked slightly embarrassed, "Please pardon the ramblings of this old man. I will continue to trust your judgement and will follow as you command."

"You do not need to apologise. I appreciate you speaking your mind considering not many will do so in front of me. Thank you." Yoongi genuinely smiled at the head butler before walking past him to face Jungkook.

Slightly flustered, the head butler cleared his throat once more and followed the King as he entered the visiting room.

"Your Highness!" Jungkook gleefully called for him. The sunlit room enhanced the silver engravings on his dark blue waist coat, his white dress shirt looked pristine and despite its loose fitting, it fit perfectly on his lean musculine physique. His innocent smile and the adorable way his eyes perked up as he stared at Yoongi was enough to make any give in to anything he wanted.

Stay strong! Stay strong! Yoongi mentally chanted while calmly making his way to sit on the sofa across from Jungkook. The long rectangle shaped coffee table was the only thing dividing the two. One of the servants had already set a fresh pot of tea and delicate mini desserts for Jungkook.

"I was not expecting to see you here this early in the morning. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Yoongi asked using his political tone. He noticed that the pot of tea and desserts had remained untouched all this time. He doesn't know if this was Jungkooks way of saying he did not trust the Royal family.

Jungkook seemed to bounce. His whole body radiated a cheerful but energetic energy that made it hard to look away. When he moved, Yoongi could not help but follow his movements.

"I got you a present." Jungkook excitedly announced and pulled a large trunk forward towards Yoongi. It was made of dark oak yet Junhkook pulled the metal handles with such ease like the trunk wasn't heavy at all.

Yoongi arched his eyebrow and craned his neck slightly while Jungkook unlocked the trunk. With one last twist of the key, Jungkook opened the lid and revealed the contents of the trunk which made Yoongi stand up abruptly, eyes wide open in shock.

"Ta da!" Jungkook proudly showcased his "gift" and grabbed a fist full of Hoseok's hair to show his face to Yoongi.

"Mmph!" Hoseok glared at Yoongi as he struggled to speak with a cloth tied tightly on his mouth. His movement restricted by magic bindings that tightened whenever he tried to forcefully break free.

"What is the meaning of this?! Explain yourself!" Yoongi demanded.

Jungkook's smile does not falter and he continued to look confidently at Yoongi, "I know you mentioned that this man worked for you however it had come to my attention that he had been frequently visiting areas known for blackmarket dealings so I had him followed and I was right to do so." Jungkook pulled Hoseoks hair harshly backwards making him tilt his head to look him in the eye, "I caught him leaking information to spies from Nolla and attempted to hand them a blueprint of the castle had I not interevned."

Yoongi could hear the audible gasp from the head butler. The old man had mentioned before about rumors that blueprints of the castle had been sold from the blackmarket. He just did not realise that it was Hoseok who had them. Yoongi does not remember his sister ever mentioning Hoseok's connection with Nolla or even having a this encounter with Jungkook.

"Let him go. I want to hear what he has to say." Yoongi ordered and kept his expression calm despite his heart racing.

"Your Highness, surely you would not continue to trust this man. He has been caught red handed and my guards have gone to search for those spies who had slipped past us when I had subdued this one." Jungkook scoffed yet released his hold on Hoseoks hair which earned him a deadly glare.

Yoongi became irritated but kept his cool when questioning, "Then how did you know they were from Nolla if you had not even managed to seize one of them? Did Hoseok tell you this himself?"

"The engravings on the hilt of their swords spoke volumes. Only knights from Nolla carry them and we both know those engravings are not something easily forgotten."

A memory flashed before Yoongis eyes. A battlefield covered in snow and the bodies of fallen soldiers, the villain fighting for his life as a new wave of soldiers in silver and blue rush towards him. Their swords engraved with a bear, a symbol of Nolla's royal crest.

The vision dissapears as quickly as it came and Jungkook noticed the discomfort in Yoongi's eyes.

Yoongi shook off the feeling and stood firm, "Regardless of what you saw, I still want to hear what he has to say."

Jungkook's jaw clenched but he does as he his told and removed the cloth from Hoseoks mouth.

Hoseok spat and glared at Jungkook, "You crazy bastard! How dare you keep me locked up in a trunk!"

Jungkook ignored him and kept his focus on Yoongi which only made Hoseok even angrier.

"You crazy son of a-"

"That's enough!" Yoongi intervened and placed himself in between Jungkook and Hoseok despite the young Dukes protest.

"Your Highness, I was not selling information! I'm not a spy! You had asked me to do a job and this blockhead ruined it!" Hoseok quickly explained.

"You really want us to believe that the King ordered you to give blueprints of this castle to people who may have been responsible for the assassination attempts?" Jungkook scoffed at the ridiculous idea.

"You don't even know anything! The King trusted me-"

"Why would my King trust someone who does dealings with low life's from the blackmarket!" Jungkook spat back and had to be restrained by Yoongi when he attempted to grab Hoseok by his collar.

"Lord Jeon, I strongly advice that you behave yourself in front of the King." The head butler's stern voice cut through the arguement between the two.

Jungkook flushed and crossed his arms to maintain his composure while Hoseok saw it as a opportunity to strike at his hurt ego.

"Do not be angry with me simply because the King had entrusted me a task with utmost importance that only those he regards within his close circle know about it." Hoseok smirked as the words flew gleefully from his lips.

Jungkook grimaced and was ready to argue again but Yoongi stopped him once more.

"I said enough! Both of you! Or I'll have you two thrown in jail for wasting my time!" Yoongi reprimanded, letting the tyrant persona in him out to control the situation.

The two stopped and held their tongue.

"Let's start over." Yoongi bends down to break the magical bindings with his bare hands. He felt quite proud of himself for managing to contain his dark magic in his hands and using it properly with ease.

"I do not think that is wise, Your Highness." Jungkook complained and kept his guard up as Hoseok sighed in relief to finally be free and stretched his aching limbs.

Yoongi held a hand up to silence Jungkook and kept his eye on Hoseok, "Explain to me why you were seen talking to knights from Nolla."

Hoseok had a feeling that the King did not see him as a threat if he tried to hurt him in an attempt to escape. He'd seen how the King ruthelessly killed the assassins and how easy it was for him to snap the bindings that would have drained a man's mana before it even loosened. Hoseok smiled at the King.

"To get information from them. The blueprint was a ruse to get them to trust me. The knights know everything that goes on in the Kingdom they serve but are trained not to speak of anything they see or hear...unless you give them the right motivation." Hoseok explained and even calmly accepted Yoongi’s hand to get off from the trunk.

"What information were you after that is in relation to the task I'd given you?" Yoongi asked curiously while Jungkook and pushed Hoseoks hand away.

The head butler felt a headache coming at how childish the two were acting while in front of His Royal Highness.

"Are you sure you wish of me to speak of it here?" Hoseok smirked towards Jungkook.

"I'm sure you'd say nothing but lies. Do not be fooled Your Highness." Jungkook urged Yoongi to see reason.

"Can you two please let me finish?"

"There you are!" Jimin bursts in the room followed by guards and servants who tried to stop him.

"We apologise Your Highness! The Prince kept using his wind magic to keep us at distance."

"Using magic withing castle grounds without the King's permission is forbidden!" One of the royal guards came rushing in, his hair and uniform looked like he had been blasted away by strong gusts winds more than once.

"What is happening..." Yoongi groaned and rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hand.

"I have come with useful information on last night's assassination attempt and you all had the audacity to stop me from meeting the King!" Jimin huffed.

Yoongi sighed as he watched the head butler intervene between the fifth prince and the poor guards. Jimin stood confidently, head held up high with his hands on the hips, looking like a spoiled child. It did not help that his golden locks reminded Yoongi of beautifuly princely characters on old shouju mangas his sister loved to read.

"Does the Crown Prince know that you are here?" Yoongi questioned when their eyes met.

Jimin flicked his hand as if that was something completely irrelevant and moved close enough to stand in front of Yoongi. "Those assassins from last night were from the same group that chased us last time."

"..." Yoongi stared blankly at him.

All three male leads looked at Yoongi, waiting for a reply or atleast a reaction. When the silence stretched on, Jimin spoke up again.

"I understand that this information requires time to process but you must know that my source is reliable and I would not lie to you regarding this matter."

"..." Yoongi had no inkling on what Jimin was referring to. His only encounter with the prince was during his birthday party.

When Jimin noticed that Yoongi had a lost expression on his face, he became flustered and upset. "Don't tell me you don't remember! You saved me that night from those assassins and even brought me to that Inn to hide for the night."

Yoongi stared blankly but his expression changes when it dawned on him that the person he saved that time was in fact Jimin and not the heroine as he initially thought.

"I thought you were-mmph!" Yoongi's mouth was quickly covered by Jimins hand.

"I can't believe you forgot!" Jimin accused him before being pulled away by Jungkook.

"How dare you touch my King so easily!" Jungkook scolded and stood protectively in front of Yoongi.

"My King. My King. My King." Hoseok mocked Jungkook which only sparked more arguments between the three.

Yoongi and the head butler watched the three bicker amongst themselves, making Yoongi regret ever getting out of bed while the head butler had begun constructing a perfectly worded letter of disapproval to both Duke Jeon and the Crown Prince of Aëte.

Soon the noise grew louder and the three had started to delve into threats of physical violence which Yoongi could no longer stay silent on the corner.

"ENOUGH!" Yoongi commanded as a dark energy burst forth from him and expelled across the room. The head butler and the guards immediately fell on their knees from the strong effects of the magic while the three male leads remained standing but had gone quiet.

Yoongi loathed that the head butler and the guards had suffered from his outburst but he kept his focus on the three male leads. To see them still standing tall only reminded Yoongi of the power male leads had in this game.

"Hoseok," Yoongi called out in a deep stern voice making Hoseok flinch, "follow the head butler to my study. We will discuss the findings of your investigation there and I will judge for myself if you are telling the truth."

Both Hoseok and Jungkook had wanted to say something but they felt compelled to keep silent as Yoongi stared fiercely at them.

Hoseok managed a weak nod and followed the head butler who had been recovered.

Yoongi then gave another order, "Jungkook, the servants will have a carriage ready for you to go back to the Jeon estate."

"Y-your Highness I don't want to!" Jungkook protested but felt as if a hand held on his throat and he could no longer speak.

"Do not argue with me. Go. Home." Yoongi sternly ordered and for a split second he thought he saw a flushed smile on Jungkook.

Not wanting to be sent away, Jimin quickly spoke up, "Your Highness, I do not think it is wise to send me home prematurely when we have more to discuss!"

Yoongi held a hand up to calm the young royal, "I wasn't going to. What you have said has peeked my interest and I want to discuss this further as soon as we are alone."

Jimin felt oddly relieved and satisfied at being chosen to stay. The smug confidence he had earlier came back when he watched the Duke's son dragging his feet as he walked out the door accompanied by the castle servants.

Yoongi plopped down the sofa with a huge sigh. It drained him mentally to deal with the bickering and he wished that he did not leave his bed. He then combed through his hair and stared back at Jimin, "So...you're telling me that those assassins from last night and the one from when I save you, come for the same...organisation?"

"Yes." Jimin let out a sigh in the end as if he had been trying to convince Yoongi of this for the longest time.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, "How do you even know this? I've personally checked their clothing, weapons, and even marks in their body for any connection but there was none. They all used common items that can be found in every store or household."

"Did you check the inner lining of the cloaks?" Jimin made it sound so obvious.

"Nothing there."

"Did you check the inner lining of the cloaks with a revealing spell?" Jimin repeated with added flare.

Yoongi tried to think back if Hoseok had done so on those he had encountered in the basement.

"I'm going to take a wild guess and say you have not." Jimin confidently smiled with his hands on his hip. "The linings reveal a tracking spell which is used their leader to keep tabs on them. Each tracking spell is unique to the person placing it. Regular spellcasters would not have been able to reveal it since it had been created using high grade magic however, if your Highness had used his powerful dark magic to cast a revealing spell then you would have seen it."

Crap! I never thought of that and completely forgot the many ways magic is used here. I only recently tapped into the original villains memories from when he learned to use his magic and swordfighting. I should remember to study more on this. Yoongi mentally scolded himself.

"So do you know then who created the tracking spell?" Yoongi kept his cool and casually leaned against one hand on the sofas arm rest, hoping that Jimin would not realise that he knew very little of this worlds magic and was failing horribly as a detective.

Jimin had a small pout and crossed his arms. "Ugh...that is where I met a dead end. All I know is it is definitely someone from the black market since that was where I was before those thugs chased after me."

"What were you doing at the black market in the first place? Come to think of it...what were you doing in Vhóel back then? I was not made aware of any visits from Aëte's royal family."

"Aah...yes about that..." Jimin felt his throat dry up and ge nervously looked away from Yoongi.

"Surely you are not a spy sent by your father." Yoongi added to check Jimins response. A part of him wondered if Jimin had been there that night because of the heroine.

"I...I'll tell you why under one condition." Jimin spoke up with a determined gaze at Yoongi.

"How do I know you won't simply lie to me? I could after all simply go ask the Crown Prince."

"No please!" Jimin stopped himself before his voice caught the attention of the guards outside, "Please do not get my brother involved. He knows nothing of what I had been doing...I promise to be truthful to you. I...I have no reason to lie to someone who may be able to help me."

Yoongi stared at Jimin, who looked vulnerable standing before him. It was a strange sight that made him want to protect him.

"Very well. Tell me of this condition."

Jimin beamed and rushed to sit beside a Yoongi. "You must let me stay here."

"What?" Yoongi was in shock at how close Jimin sat.

"Tell my brother that you have given me my own room in the castle and I'am free to stay for as long as I want. Send it via a messenger or say it to him in person, it matters not to me so long as you make sure that I remain by your side." Jimin smiled brightly as he ordered Yoongi on what he should do. He spoke in a haughty manner yet his face looked absolutely innocent and adorable that all Yoongi could do was nod back.

It was from that moment on that Yoongi realised how dangerous male leads were.

Chapter Text

The instinct to protect family is something Yoongi knows all too well. His parents had always reminded him and his siblings to always look out for each other and he'd do anything to keep them safe. So, he understood perfectly well why Aëte's Crown Prince stared at him with deep suspicion and mistrust, while placing himself protectively in front of his younger brother.

Yoongi also had no intention of ruining the ties Vhóel had with Aëte, especially when it took years to rebuild after the peace treaty was formed. Vhóel vowed in writing that they would not invade Aëte for as long as Aëte would not do the same and both countries will respect the borders and the laws they had in place. Which also meant that merchants and businessmen from Aëte suffered a huge loss from paying Vhóel's tax when they had to cross the vast country to reach Nolla. As much as they complained, they could do nothing due to the fear of another war and so they kept quiet over the years until the Royal family could find the perfect opportunity to make a deal with Vhóel.

And that time should have been two days after the Kings birthday when Aëte's Crown Prince Chan-yeol planned a business proposal to lower the business and travel tax imposed by Vhóel for his people. He prepared a well rehearsed speech for months and perfected plans that took years of brainstorming that would have benefitted both countries. But now all that planning and drafted contracts that he had brought to show the King had been pushed aside when he heard that his younger was to remain in Vhóel with a tyrant known for keeping then throwing people away like used objects.

"Your Highness, I do not think I fully understand what you are asking of me. Apologies, but could you repeat that again?" Crown Prince Chan-yeol requested with a fake polite smile.

Yoongi felt nostalgic from that smile. It was the same smile he used when some punk was branzen enough to ask his sister on a date. A huge part of him wanted to pat Chan-yeol's shoulder and tell him he was getting the wrong idea and he understood his older brother instincts all too well but unfortunately he could not casually walk down from his throne and be friendly since it could be taken the wrong way. His actions would most likely be misinterpreted as mocking the Crown Prince.

Yoongi remained composed and returned the smile, "No need to apologise. As I mentioned earlier, I have invited Prince Jimin to extend his stay here in Vhóel as my guest. He mentioned that it had been a shame that the duration of your stay is much too short and he had no opportunity to see this great country of mine. So I was quite pleased by his interest and have decided to offer him one of my guest rooms to stay for as long as he desires."

Thr Crown Prince struggled to keep the smile plastered on his face and Yoongi guessed that if he could scowl at him he would.

"Brother really! You are making a huge fuss over nothing." Jimin rolled his eyes impatiently.

The Crown Prince quickly turned to look in his brother's eyes and spoke quietly enough for only their ears, "Blink twice if he's threatened you to stay."

Jimin rolled his eyes again.

The Crown Prince scowled, "I'm not joking. If you are in any danger tell me now and we'll leave immediately."

"Ugh..I'm not. Stop. I'm fine. Trust me."

Yoongi silently watched the two brothers argue. They did their best to conceal their voices but the body language and facial expressions were a dead giveaway that they were currently at odds. Yoongi held a hand up to stop the head butler from interfering and let them make a decisions themselves. After all this was Jimins idea. Yoongi had already played his part so it was up to him now to help convice his brother if he wanted to stay in Vhóel.

It felt strange having Jimin involved with his investigation. Even Hoseok was not happy with him getting more people involved after Taehyung's unnanounced visit last time. Yoongi thought back to their conversation the other day after the incident with both Jungkook and Jimin. Hoseok informed him that he had been successful in gathering information on the ingredients used for the poison. Apparently one of the most poisonous out of the eight used in the mixture is only found in Nolla while three of the ingredients are found in Vhóel, and the other four from Aëte. Hoseok explained further that the blueprints were used as a ruse to get information and that he had no intention of actually giving it away. Yoongi chose believed him since he did provide results and did not see any reason why Hoseok would lie about it. Even the head butler was impressed by how much Hoseok could gather in a short amount of time.

Yoongi had then called for Jimin to join them in the study to share what he knew about the tracking spell placed on the assassins cloaks. The discussion could have gone well however Hoseok remained livid that he had been shoved in a box and wanted nothing to do with working with another noble since he's convinced all nobles are crazy. It led to another heated arguement with Jimin who defended nobles and only ended when Yoongi slammed his hand on the table causing his magic to backlash and toppling down bookshelves.

This was unintentional on Yoongis part as he had only planned on hitting the desk to stop the arguement and nothing more but to the others in the room it was a tyrant displaying a glimpse of what his powers can do if provoked. The head butler quickly found another reason for the King to be elsewhere and had the two escorted to seperate guest rooms while the servants cleaned up. This only made Yoongi upset with himself at still not being able to control his abilities.

"Well then I think that's settled!" Jimins cheerful voice snapped Yoongi away from his thoughts.

The Crown Prince had retained his polite smile towards Yoongi while his younger brother walked away from him and closer to the throne.

Yoongi offered a sympathetic smile to the Crown Prince from one older brother to another as he offered reassurance, "At any moment your brother tires of this place then he may leave to go back home with gifts from my Kingdom. He is my guest after all and will be well looked after."

"Thank you for your hospitality. I do hope the fifth prince does not cause any trouble while he is under your care." Chan-yeol bowed his head slightly as he gave his younger a silent warning through stern eye contact.

Naturally Jimin chose to ignore him and inspected his nails instead like he had seen a flaw on how they were trimmed.

Feeling the need to change the awkward atmosphere, Yoongi spoke up towards the Crown Prince, "By the way, what was it you wished to discuss with me?"

The Crown Prince perked up. He had almost forgotten about it since he had been distracted when his brother had the servants pack up all his belongings. He had sent a urgent letter to his father to prepare in case Vhóel's tyrant refused to let them leave or if Jimin was being held against his will.

"It sounded rather important considering you had wanted to schedule a meeting a day before you made your way back to Aëte."

"Yes about that." Prince Chan-yeol had one of his servants bring forward a stack of documents, "Is there someplace private we can discuss this?"

"We can do so here. Everyone else leave now." Yoongi announced and signalled for the head butler to order a servant to escort Jimin to the guest room prepared for him. The rest of the servants and Aëtes people left the throne room until all that was left were Yoongi, the Crown Prince and his guard, the head butler, and the castle guards.

"Most generous of you, thank you." The Crown Prince smiled as Yoongi stood up from the throne and walked closer to him.

"I'm surprised you did not ask for the fifth prince to stay."

There was a tired expression on the Crown Prince face, "There are certain responsibilities that I must shoulder on my own before I succeed my fathers throne. I'm sure Your Highness understands."

Yoongi nodded along. He actually did not know considering he woke up and was already the King of a Kingdom.

"I had hoped to discuss this with you." The Crown Prince mentions as he takes the large stack of documents from his guards hands and presents it to Yoongi, "It is regarding the amount required by Aëtes merchants to pay to do business in Vhóel or travel to Nolla."

Yoongi could hear the head butler's disapproval from behind.

"I understand that it is not something you wish to discuss so soon after your birthday celebrations but I'd appreciate the opportunity to delete onto this further."

Yoongi found no reason to refuse, "Very well. It does not seem to be a light read so why dont we sit by the window and you can tell me more."

The Crown Prince's tired features had gradually improved as he explained his ideas with the young King. He had dreaded that he'd not be heard should the King live up to his fickle reputation and Chan-yeol was more than happy to be proved wrong.

The sun had started to set by the time Aëte's Crown Prince and his people left the castle. They plan to depart Vhóel tomorrow and with uneasiness they leave the fifth Prince behind.

"You think this is a bad idea don't you?" Yoongi sighed and kept walking down the castle hall. He did not have to turn to know that the head butler had a troubled expression.

The head butler's lips tightened in a thin line, "First the fifth prince then now this demand for lowered taxes."

"He did not demand...more of a suggestion. I think he's proposal was quite good and reasonable."

"Hmm..." the head butler remained unconvinced. "I'd like to make a suggestion if I may, Your Highness."

"Go on."

"Speak to the young Viscount about their proposition before making a decision. This is afterall part of the responsibilities he oversees." The head butler advised while maintaining a step behind Yoongi.

Yoongi felt the weight of the documents on his right hand. "I suppose that is the right thing to do. Namjoon would have my head if I made a decision without giving him a chance to look at the proposal."

A soft chuckle can be heard from Yoongi which made the head butler's heart feel lighter. To see the King in such high spirits and becoming less irritable for the past months had been a hope he never thought would happen. Although it still made him worry that more people had started to come into the young Kings life. Especially those who were not from the Kingdom.

"Your Highness, is there a particular reason you wish to keep the fifth Prince?"

Yoongi laughed, "Are you worried I'd cause a scandal over this? Possibly another war?"

The head butler became flustered, "Please do not jest about that Your Highness." He quickly looks around to see if anyone had heard the King.

"I'm only teasing. I did not choose to keep the fifth Prince like some animal. It is nothing like that. He wanted to stay here of his own free will and I believe we could be of use to each other. He has information I need that can help find the person or people behind the attempt on my life and in exchange he has a safe place to stay while finishing up what he started the last time he was here." Yoongi explained to stop the poor old man from worrying too much.

"I do not think it is wise to be involved with matters from Aëte. The fifth Prince has yet to inform you of his reasons for being here yet you've let him be a part of this investigation. I must insist that Your Highness be careful on what information you give him."

Yoongi could already picture the grave expression on the head butlers face. He knows to be careful especially since Jimin is one of the games male leads. Plus Aëte's King was not going to sit idly while one of his sons is under a tyrants roof. Yoongi suspects that he'd send a guard in disguise to watch over the fifth Prince aside from the one maid and a royal guard that the Crown Prince insisted on staying behind with his younger brother. So Yoongi knows to be careful of what he says in case someone else is listening.

"Your Highness, are you not going to retire for the evening?" the head butler's question popped Yoongi out of his own thoughts.

"Hmm?" Yoongi stared blankly at the path before him. He thought he was walking towards his bed chamber and did not realise he had gone to a different wing.

"Your Highness." A lone guard bows his head in greeting.

Yoongi was surprised to see the guard that Crown Prince Chan-yeol assigned to watch over his brother. His eyebrows furrowed as he wondered how he got there. Did I unconsciously walk to Jimin's room because I was thinking of him?

"Your Highness?" The head butler curiously stared at the King's confused expression.

"I think I...it's nothing...I will speak to him tomorrow." Yoongi quickly dismissed the strange feeling he had and turned his heel to leave.

"Who's out there?" Jimin calls out loudly as one door flings open just avoiding the guard who had stepped out in time. "Your Highness! Did you come to see me?" Jimin beamed when he saw Yoongi’s back.

Yoongi stopped and turned to see a barefooted Jimin waving at him. He wore a relaxed fit white trouser and baggy white dress shirt. The quiet halls echoed with the cheerful voice of a very energetic Prince. Behind said Prince was a very apologetic maid.

Before Yoongi even realised it, he had a hand up as well and waved at Jimin before it dawned on him how ridiculous he must look. He quickly put his hand down and stifly made a excuse, "It is nothing urgent. We can talk more in the morning."

"Nonsense! Why wait when you're already here." Jimin flung both doors open and walked back inside with his maid.

Yoongi stood still and glanced at the head butler who looked quite astonished by the fifth Prince branzen attitude.

"Well?" Jimin called out from inside his room.

"I suppose...since I'm already here." Yoongi shrugged.

"Then I shall wait out here unless you intend to stay the night then I shall take my leave and trust his Highness will be discreet." The head butler mentions just before Yoongi entered the room.

Yoongi was shocked, "Stay night? No it is not like that. I do not intend to stay the night. My relationship with Jimin is similar to a business transaction."

"If you say so, Your Highness."

"I just said so-"

"What's taking so long?" Jimin huffed and stuck his head out to show his annoyed expression to Yoongi before going back inside his room.

Yoongi exhaled deeply as he gave up trying to explain to the head butler and walked inside.

The double doors closed shut as the maid left to wait outside, leaving Yoongi alone with Jimin.

Yoongi curiously takes in the surroundings of the room, the fresh scent of powder and citrus entices him to walk further in. He notices that the walls were painted a soft blush pink, with intricate white moldings framing the edges, and a grand chandelier hanged from the ceiling, its crystal droplets reflecting light and casting a warm glow over the room. In the center, a lavish canopy bed is draped in plush white linens with gold accents, topped with an array of pink silk pillows. A velvet pink headboard, embellished with golden embroidery served as a regal backdrop. This made Yoongi wonder if the bed had been in the castle all this time or if it was brought in along with the rest of Jimins belongings.

He passed by a large, gilded mirror, a white and gold vanity, and a plush area rug which added warmth underfoot. Yoongi was now convinced that Jimin brought his own furniture since he doubts Vhóels castle staff would actually furnish a room this way.

"So did you come to speak to me about those thugs from the blackmarket?" Jimin hummed and seemed rather pleased with himself.

"Well..." Yoongi walked towards an empty ornate armchair across from the one Jimin sat on. Behind Jimin, the delicate curtains in sheer white fabric billow gently at the tall windows, allowing moonlight to filter in softly, giving the young prince a ethereal glow.

Yoongi blushed slightly. It was not easy to ignore such beauty.

"You should try these. I had my maid prepare them but she made too much and I can't possibly finish it all. You are fond of sweet citrus desserts are you not?" Jimin spoke, not noticing that Yoongi had been staring at him.

"So tell me why you were in the blackmarket that night and why those men were trying to kill you?" Yoongi looked away and quickly changed the subjects as he takes the small plate with a slice of lemon drizzle from Jimin's hand.

"Straight to business." Jimin playful replied and leaned back on the armchair with his legs crossed.

Yoongi doesnt touch the dessert as he goes into character of the games villain in hopes of getting useful information, "I did my part of the deal so talk or I'll send word to your brother that you'll bs on the first carriage back to Aëte."

Jimin was slightly annoyed at how difficult it was for him to read Vhóel's King. One minute he couldn't hide his expressions if he tried and the next he was completely devoid of emotions. It was a scary thought that the rumours of his volatile nature might be true.

"Well," Jimin cleared his throat and took a small sip of tea before continuing, "I was conducting my own investigation."

"Investigation on what?"

"There had been a series of fires in herb farms all over my country. At first, it was thought to be accidents since the first two incidents were from different locations and were over five weeks apart. But then another fire started and then another until it was almost back to back. Our farmers lost all their harvest and only the herbs that was already being sold in stores and those stored in my fathers storehouse were all that remained." Jimin let out a soft sigh at the end.

Yoongi set the plate down as he curiously asked, "All the herb farms? That's rather excessive. Why were they all burned to the ground?"

Jimin shrugged, "No one knows. At first I thought that someone was trying to weed out competition however all the farms were gone and both the farmers and merchants suffered heavy losses."

"Did you catch the person responsible?"

"No, but I came close to finding out. Which was how I ended up in the blackmarket." Jimin set his now empty teacup down and placed his hands gently above a knee, "My father is convinced that the culprit is still in Aëte but I believe that the culprit had fled my country and came here. Unfortunately, I was forbidden to investigate the matter further when I insisted it had something to do with..."

Jimin paused when he realised he sounded like he was accusing Vhóel's King. "W-what I meant to say was that the culprit had help from the blackmarket or they wouldn't have been able to disappear without a trace."

Yoongi was silenty listening while in deep thought. When Jimin was done he then replied, "You think someone from the blackmarket would burn up herb farms? Surely you did not immediately think of the blackmarket merchants when you saw those burnt plants so what made you decide to travel all the way to Vhóel in secret to investigate despite your fathers orders not to?"

Jimin leaned his head against the back rest, lips pursed as he explained his motives, "The first four farms that were burned down were growing poisonous herbs and the rest that followed were medicinal ones. I'm convinced it was done to cover up the real plants that they wanted destroyed and to confuse us."

"Poisonous herbs..." Yoongi muttered as he remembered that four out of the eight ingredients in the poisonous concoction used on him were grown only in Aëte, "Night orchid, oleander sage, foxglove, and water hemlock."

"How did you know?" Jimin couldn't hide his surprised expression when he asked.

"It was in Hoseok’s report." Yoongi mentions but realised that Jimin still waited for him to further his explanation on how he knew.

Yoongi then decided to tell him about the assassination attempt but kept the details of his time with Hoseok during their investigation and how he actually came to find the culprit. He doesn't fully trust Jimin since he still doesn't know if his reasons with the black market were true and if he had met the heroine.

"You survived that!" Jimin stood up and hovered over Yoongi in disbelief, "You survived ingesting eight different poisonous plants in some weird cocktail and not even have one side effect!? How? No way thats-how!?"

Yoongi patiently waited for Jimin to calm down from his pacing and flurry of questions. When Jimin finally stopped to take a breather, Yoongi then spoke up, "The Royal Physicians take their work seriously and have accumulated centuries of knowledge to help the Royal family in these types of situations. I'm sure you've had your far share of assassination attempts while growing up."

"No." Jimin looked at Yoongi like he'd lost his mind.

"Oh...well...maybe your father can relate." Yoongi shrugged. He was quite convinced royal families had atleast one assassination attempt. He remembered learning about it in school during history class. It was either their own siblings or a relative or enemies from another country.

"No! What kind of environment did you grow up in?" Jimin frowned as he asked. He simply could not fathom the idea of growing up in constant vigilance in case an assassin may make their attempt.

Jimin's eyes widened when he realised what he had just said and covered his mouth with one hand, "I'm sorry! That was rude of me!" Jimin quickly apologised, "I wasn't thinking! I'm sorry!"

"Its fine." Yoongi assured him and gestured for him to sit down, "I suppose your reaction is perfectly normal when you never experienced something like this."

"But...how can you be so...so calm?" Jimin remained standing as he still needed time to process.

Yoongi chuckled, "You're not the first to tell me that. I even got quite a scolding for it."

Jimin noticed a fond smile on Yoongi. He sensed that the King was remembering someone dear to him and he wondered if it was that fortune teller from the birthday ball or if it the Viscount who grew up with the King. Jimin became even more curious on Vhóel's tyrant.

"Well I'd like to go back to our earlier discussion." Yoongi cleared his throat and shifted slightly in his seat. He was starting to feel an ache down below when he thought about Seokjin. "Once you suspected the blackmarket to be involved you then came here against your fathers wishes to investigate. Am I correct?"

"Yes that is correct." Jimin answered as he folded his arms together.

"Did you manage to find proof of their involvement? Is that why they were chasing you that night?"

Jimin frowned as his gaze moved to the floor, "Yes and no...when i made it inside the blackmarket den, I overheard two merchants discussing their product being confiscated by a Mr. Kang. They had a stock of poisonous herbs that his men took away under the guise of owed tax towards the blackmarkets protection. Thankfully they were upset enough to let me join in their conversation and provide me with more information. They pointed out who in the crowd worked for Mr. Kang directly and so I set out to follow one of them."

"So they found out about your suspicious behaviour and chased you."

"No...maybe...let me finish." Jimin huffed as he sat down and continued, "As I was saying, I followed one of them until he lead me to their leader. He was in a meeting of sorts with five masked people covered in white robes. It was easy following one person but to get close enough to eavesdrop on someone surrounded by his own personal army was a difficult task. So, I managed to get just close enough to see one of the masked people holding a wooden box filled with precious gems and gold in exhange of bags filled with poisonous herbs."

Yoongi leaned closer from his seat, "Did they say anything about their plans for the herbs or if they mentioned a name I can look into?"

Jimin sighed, "Unfortunately, I was too eager and one of Mr. Kangs men spotted me. Hence, the reason why you saw me running for my life."

"Hmmm...that is unfortunate..." Yoongi leaned back on the chair, "Masks and white robes? I don't think I've ever come across them. Did you by any chance recognise any of them? What kind of masks did they wear?"

"No. They had worn different animal masks. I had looked into it after that night and they are common masks you can buy from markets during town fairs or festivals. As for their white robes, it had golden markings at the sleeves and at hems, it was nothing I've ever seen before. I could not find it in any book, scrolls, and tapestries."

"We have an extensive library here. I may be able to help. What did the markings look like?" Yoongi offered.

"Mmm...it looked like this..." Jimin picked up a fork and scribbled on the soft icing on top of the lemon drizzle.

Yoongi stared into the scribbled lines and shapes until his vision slowly became blurry as the runes took shape. Jimin's voice fades into the background and runes come into focus. The symbols floating up in front of him while something wraps around him.

Yoongi felt his body being constricted. The arms that wrapped around him held tighter and room around him began to sway. The Queens jewels dig into his soft skin as the wails of a frightened mother prevents him from hearing anything else. He sees the King staring at him with a bloodied sword, his eyes mad with rage, and at his feet a lifeless body in a white robe, its golden runes shone brighter as the cloth turned red.

The sharp sound of a fork hitting a plate ungraciously snaps Yoongi back to his senses.

"That's about it. It simply repeats all around the hem and the sleeves." Jimin explains as he observes his work.

Yoongi shifted uncomfortably in his seat and rubbed his nape. He still felt the fear from looking in the old Kings eyes. His head began to throb and his chest ached like something heavy pushed against it.

"So have you seen anything like it?" Jimin asked and glanced at Yoongi.

Yoongi shook the feeling away and forced himself to focus on the markings. The more he looked at it, the more it reminded him of the memory he experienced. It was the same exact markings yet he does not know what they mean. Both the King and Queen had long been gone so he could not simply ask them for answers.

"Are you feeling alright? You look rather pale..." Jimin worriedly asked. He moved closer and placed a hand Yoongi’s shoulder which was quickly pushed aside.

"I'm merely tired...I did not realise how late it is. I will look into this more tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this with me and once I have more information on my end, then I'll share them with you." Yoongi explained in a slight rush as he stood up. The heavy dull ache on his chest persisted.

Jimin rubs the hand that was pushed aside earlier, not that it hurt but more that it surprised him to be rejected in such a manner, and despite Yoongi's reasoning, he remained unconvinced so he asked again, "Uh...okay...are you sure you are feeling fine?"

Yoongi put on a polite smile despite the throbbing at the back of his eyes, "Yes, Im quite sure. It had been busy all day and I lost track of time yet again. I promised the family physicians I'd rest at a reasonable time but you know how it is for us Royals."

"Right..." Jimin stared curiously like he was trying to study him.

Sensing that Jimin would pry into his odd behaviour the longer he stayed, Yoongi set out to make a quick exit. "Well...ah, thank you for tonight. I look forward to this again. We should catch up more often." Yoongi babbled on as he made his way to the door, "Good night."

"G-good night!" Jimin had to raise his voice in the end as Yoongi was already out the door before he could finish.

"Shall I clean this up, Your Highness?" The maid came in as soon as Yoongi left and started cleaning the table.

"Catch up? Catch...up often? What is he talking about?" Jimin repeated to try and make sense of what Yoongi said.

"Vhóel's King speaks rather too casual towards His Highness." The maid spoke her mind as she did not like the manner of which the King spoke towards the Prince. She had hoped he'd realise that the King was rather rude in his familiar way of speaking towards him.

"So he looks forward to doing this again...in a less formal setting."

"Most likely to know more about you, Your Highness." the maid warned thinking that the King merely wanted to know Aëte's weakness and that the young Prince should remain vigilant.

"He wants to know more about me..." Jimin suddenly felt his skin erupt in a hot flush and heart raced like he had ran to the top of a mountain.

"Are you feeling alright Your Highness?" the maid noticed that the Fifth Prince had not moved at all.

Jimin shook his head, cheeks flushed pink, "No...I...I think I might be coming down with something."

Chapter Text

The sheets pull ever so gently underneath Namjoon when Yoongi slowly and carefully slide himself on the bed to comfortably lay by his side. He pulled the cover over them and embraced Namjoon from behind. The soft breathing of the young Viscount let Yoongi know that he did not disturb his peaceful slumber.

Thankfully he was familiar with how long the drain can affect non-magic wielders due to his experience with Seokjin but that still did not stop him from worrying. Teahyung was stronger due to his excess mana and the training his body endured when learning to harness his abilities, however it also did not make him immune from the after effects and he still required time to recover.

A deep sigh escaped Yoongi’s lips when he leaned on Namjoons hair. He doesn't want to think about it but he worries if the time will come when he can't control himself. He wondered if the male heroes of this world would eventually be lead down to the path of his death once the heroine presents herself.

"What are you worried about?" Namjoon murmured softly while keeping his eyes closed. He moves his hand slightly to place it on top of Yoongi's hand.

"Sorry, I did not mean to wake you. It is nothing." Yoongi planted tender kisses on the side of Namjoons neck and pulled him in a tighter embrace. "The maids tell me that you managed to finish one meal today before feeling tired again and returning to your slumber. Tomorrow ill have them bring something more nutritious and light so you can finish at least one more meal in a day."

Namjoon folded into the embrace and felt a spark on his skin linger from where Yoongi kissed. "I'm not some hibernating bear. I already feel stiff from all the time I've spent sleeping to recover. That doctor advised me to do some light movement tomorrow to help recover faster so I told the maids I'd have lunch outside in the gardens."

"That doctor." Yoongi chuckled, "I'm glad you are taking Seokjin's advise."

"Well he is basing it from his own experience so it is hard to ignore." Namjoon flatly explained.

Grinning at the hint of jealousy in Namjoons tone, Yoongi responded by nibbling on Namjoons earlobe.

"What are you!" Namjoon's eyes pop open as he tries to pull away from Yoongi’s attack, "Stop that!"

Yoongi chuckled and pulled Namjoon back to his loving arms, "I'm only teasing. I'll stop so don't over exert yourself."

"Hmph!" Namjoon allowed himself to melt into Yoongi’s hold but refused to let him know he was happy to be held so tightly.

For the rest of the night Yoongi forgets his worries. He forgets his thoughts of the heroine and the possibility of dying. For the rest of the night Yoongi felt safe holding someone he deeply cared for.

It wasn't until the eighth day when Yoongi finally had the chance to show the contract from Aëte's Crown Prince to Namjoon. He waited patiently for him to fully recover before letting him go back to his duties. There also had been no new information since Hoseok left to investigate the remaining four poisonous herbs and despite Yoongi's efforts in finding more information from what Jimin had given, he met with dead ends. He had even gone to the archives building again but there was no record of the runes inscribed on the robes of those mysterious figures.

"Hmph!" Namjoon did not hide his feelings of annoyance at all. He glared at the contract with such intensity that Yoongi worried it would suddently catch fire.

Yoongi did his best to remain courteous and polite, afterall he was sitting across a guest in the drawing room. Of course a guest is the polite word to describe a uninvited visitor who refused to take no for a answer.

"You are certain your father is aware that you are visiting...again..." Yoongi asked each time he was paid a visit to avoid earning the irk of the Duke.

"Yes he is aware." Jungkook smiled brightly at Yoongi and remained completely oblivious that Namjoons sour mood was due to him and not the contract he was trying to focus on.

Yoongi smiled then downed the coffee in one shot. Jungkook had been coming unannounced for the past eight days with no reason at all but to see him and Yoongi truly wanted to believe that the Duke, who is old fashioned and a stickler for rules and proper decorum, is aware of it all and is completely fine with his youngest strolling in and out of the castle as he wishes.

"So what do you think of the contract?" Yoongi shifts to Namjoon to get the pressure off him from the intensity of Jungkook's smile and bright doe eyes. The painful ache in his chest which had alerted him of Jungkooks arrival earlier had finally eased.

"I do not think this is proper to discuss in front of the Dukes youngest son. If we were to get anyone from the Dukes family involved in making a decision on this matter it would be Jong Suk." Namjoon huffed as he neatly gave the the contract back to Yoongi. The head butler nodded in agreement simply because he too did not understand the purpose of the young Dukes frequent visits.

"My brother is currently away on an errand for my mother. Our sister's birthday is in two days so she's been fussing over every small detail so you will have to wait after the celebration if you wish to speak to Jong Suk." Jungkook chimed in with a slight shrug.

"Ah ha! So you've been coming here to avoid running errands for your mother." Yoongi teased with a light laugh. It reminded him of his older brother and younger sister who used to find ways to avoid their mother when she was on a spring cleaning frenzy.

"No. I simply wanted to see you everyday." Jungkook answered with a charming smile that made Yoongi’s heart skip a beat.

Slightly fazed, Yoongi had brought the empty cup to his mouth forgetting that he had already drank its contents earlier. To help save his King's dignity, the head butler quickly offered a freshly brewed cup of coffee which Yoongi took gratefully without a second thought.

Namjoon rolled his eyes, "I still firmly believe that the best decision is to discuss this in our next meeting with the others."

Yoongi’s lips tightened. Telling himself he'd have to study more on this current world's tax system and economy if he'd want to be prepared for the onslaught of questions and oppositions from the nobles whose pockets would be greatly affected from it. Even though he had acquired the villain's memories from when he had lessons in both academia and sword training, Yoongi felt he still needed to personally brush up on it.

"That will be done however I'd like to know you're personal opinion of the contract." Yoongi asked to check if the current Namjoon who has been by his side would have changed in any way from the original story.

"Of course I'm for it. I've been telling you for years that the imposed tax on merchants and travellers from the other countries were ridiculous and cruel. It prevented newly formed businesses and low income earning vendors from expanding their business to other areas." Namjoon expressed his thoughts openly.

It was a relief to Yoongi that Namjoon remained the same with his values. In the game, he had met the heroine while he was investigating the corruption in the borders. Ah! A thought popped up in Yoongi's head and he wondered if this was going to bring Namjoon directly onto the heroines path.

"Whichever you decide on regarding this my King, I'd like you to know that my family will support you." Jungkook quite proudly declared and puffed up his chest when Yoongi smiled at him.

"I hardly think you speak on behalf of your father. Your older brother makes decisions for house-"

Jungkook interupts Namjoon, "I'll stop you right there since you are clearly misinformed. My brother may express his opinion on what he thinks is in our families best interest since he is the next in line but my father is still the current Duke and will make the final decision."

Namjoon huffed and the next thing Yoongi knew the two were having a stare down. Namjoon serious and unrelenting while Jungkook's cocky smile and playful demeanour only made the tension worse.

"Look there is no need to argue about this now. A date for the meeting has been set and we can take it from there Namjoon." Yoongi attempted to calm the atmosphere.

"So tell us the real reason why you have been showing up to the castle uninvited?" Namjoon pressed.

Jungkook maintained his overconfident smile, "No other reason than to see my King."

"That's is the biggest lie if I ever heard one. Not once had you visited the King on your own before."

"I've been busy."

"That's absolute nonsense."

Yoongi sat in silence, ignored, and left out by the two arguing. His focus occupied by trying to keep the peace that he had not noticed Jimin sitting beside him.

"More refreshments Your Highness?" A maids voice momentarily takes Yoongi's mind away from the two.

"No Im-!" Yoongi nearly lost his posture and balance when he saw Jimin sitting beside him holding a cup up for the maid to refill.

"This is quite entertaining. Who is winning?" Jimin asked in amusement. He was after all no stranger to nobles bickering and gossiping since Aëte had its fair share.

"No one is. When did you get here?" Yoongi asked and glanced at the head butler who looked just as confused. The older man had thought the King had summoned for the fifth Prince to join them to discuss the contract.

"Not that long. I only finished one cup of tea. Oh! This is good. The Viscount looks ready to strangle him but my money is on the young Duke due to his strength. He fought with you during the war did he not? I overheard his father boasting about it during the party." Jimin casually chatted while having his tea and taking a fruit tart from the tray.

"Yes-wait-no there won't be any strangling. Also why are you here? Do you need something? Is it in relation to what we've discussed last time or are you here for the contract the Crown Prince had left with me?" Yoongi asked. A small fear had crept up on him when he wondered if he may have accidentally requested to see Jimin but forgot about it.

Jimin pouted, "Well I would like to have my say to support my brothers proposal but that is not the reason why I'am here. I was getting bored waiting for you to visit me again during the night. You've been too busy these past couple of days that I hardly ever saw you."

"Oh...um..."

"You've been to his room?" Namjoon interrupted, the direction of his stern glare was now at Yoongi. Namjoon had heard about the fifth Prince staying at the castle yet he had brushed it aside as a political reason due to the contract despite his insticts telling him it wasn't.

"He has a room here? I want a room as well!" Jungkook demanded.

"I'm a visiting prince from a neighbouring country so naturally I'd have a room here." Jimin shrugged and leaned back to be comfortable.

"I had matters to discuss with him." Yoongi tried to quickly explain to Namjoon.

"So when are you visiting me again? I'll have the maid prepare a different type of dessert...something light...something from Aëte for you to try." Jimin smiled as he lost himself in thinking about which sweet treat from his country would be best.

"And what urgent matter did you have to discuss in his room at night?" Namjoon crossed his arms.

"It was regarding the assassination attempt on his life. Apparently this happens so frequently here! I was shocked! I've never known a single member from my family that had so many attempts on their life. Not one." Jimin made a zero shape with his hand to make a point.

"Stop talking to my King so casually! And get up! How dare you sit beside him!" Jungkook scolded.

Jimin rolled his eyes and continued enjoying his tea while ignoring Jungkook. The head butler shook his head in dissapointment at the scene in front of him.

"This is not helping..." Yoongi murmured and held a hand up to gesture at Jungkook to sit back down.

"You are personally investigating the assassination attempt? Why? When have you started doing this?" Namjoon asked as a familiar feeling of being left out resurfaced inside him. The concern on his face was a stab at Yoongi’s conscience.

"I've been working on this for quite some time now. I need to do this Joonie. They used to target me alone but now they began involving the people around me and I refuse to let that slide. I do not want anyone innocent getting accused again."

"The Royal family have qualified people with an abundance of experience and skills to handle these situations! You do not have to do this!"

"I have to! I don't know how deep this goes and I want to see this through." Yoongi reasoned.

"Why are you putting yourself at the center of it? Why are you always taking risks with your life? Why do you always have to be the one!?" Namjoon stood up from anger as he questioned Yoongi. He felt completely pushed aside and kept in the dark like all those years ago. He thought he meant more to him. Namjoon had finally thought that Yoongi had been opening up more to him after everything but it seemed that he never wanted to share everything with him.

"If you haven't noticed I'am at the center of it all! I'm the one that has assassins breaking my windows and getting knives thrown at or some freaking magic spell! I'm the one who gets their drink or food poisoned not you! And I've learned to deal with it because if not I'd be vomiting blood from anxiety!" Yoongi responded with the same intensity but as soon as he finished he felt more angry at himself. "I-I didn't mean to...I just...can we talk about this calmly please..."

"Well..." Namjoon regained his composure and straightened his vest, "Your Highness, I shall take my leave and return to my manor. I had been gone far too long and I fear that my family may think I've disappeared. I shall see you again during the meeting to discuss the contract further. Good day." Namjoon did a quick bow, his eyesight blurred as he hastily marched out the door.

"Joonie!" Yoongi tried to stop him from leaving but was blocked by Jungkook.

"Apologies Your Highness but I suggest you give the Viscount time to cool down. He'll come to his senses soon enough."

Feeling conflicted, Yoongi bit his lower lip. He wanted to argue and run after Namjoon however Jungkook made sense and it was sensible to let their emotions cool down before they can have a proper discussion. The last time they discussed anything at the height of their emotions he got slapped.

"You're right..." Yoongi sighed exhausted. A part of him knee that if the topic had been brought up he may have never talked about it with Namjoon. All he wanted was to sort the mess out quickly and never have to think about it again.

Jungkook then smiled brightly and moved closer to Yoongi, "Your Highness, I'd very much like to have a room in the castle."

"Um..." Yoongi took a step back, "I highly doubt your father would approve of such a notion plus the Jeon estate is not that far from here so I do not see why you insist on this."

"You're quite the character." Jimin pointed out towards Jungkook. During the height of tension between the King and the Viscount, Jimin had kept his mouth shut enjoying the scene before him and just when he thought the drama and excitement was over, the young Duke had rekindled it.

Jungkook gave Jimin look of annoyance, "Stay out of this. You are only here because you are currently useful to my King."

"And if you had been useful you'd have gotten your own room here." Jimin teased with a sad pout.

"Enough!" Yoongi scolded and held his arms out in between the two. "If you two can't get along then I'll ban both of you from stepping foot in this castle! I don't give a damn about the drawback from my investigation." Yoongi sternly looked at Jimin then turned to face Jungkook, "And your father would agree with me once I've informed him of your behaviour."

Both Jimin and Jungkook fell silent much to the relief of the head butler.

"I..." Jungkook meekly looked away from Yoongi’s angry glare, "I merely want to be of service to you again. You saved me back then in the battlefield and I never had a chance to repay you."

This made Yoongi feel like he had kicked an adorable bunny with the way Jungkook spoke. Feeling his conscience getting poked at again especially since Yoongi had no access to the memory of the villains encounters with Jungkook during the war or even saving him.

"When you were attacked by those assassins I knew I had to step in and find their master for you. So please let me help." Jungkook's sweet expression suddenly became fierce, "If you don't then I will conduct my own investigation! And if you want me to stop then you'll have to tie me down and hold me captive."

Yoongi was surprised by the last part and had to make a fist on his right hand to stop himself from rubbing his temple. He knew there was no point arguing. The more he pushed Jungkook away, the more determined he came back. Yoongi figured if he can keep Jungkook busy then he can stay out of trouble.

"Fine." Yoongi saw the excitement in Jungkooks eyes, "You can help with the investigation. You have contacts and influence that may prove to be useful."

"My room-"

"No. No room." Yoongi sternly stood his ground and gestured for Jungkook to sit down. He could hear a snicker coming from Jimin.

"I had feared this place would be dull, so happy to be proved wrong!" Jimin gleefully leaned back on the sofa and made himself comfortable again when Yoongi sat down. It was an added bonus when Jungkook glared at him.

"Is there any progress in the investigation? What would you like me to do, my King?" Jungkook asked while doing his best to ignore Jimin.

"Actually there is some new information that came to light." Yoongi shared about the white robed people who wore animal masks and how difficult it was finding more information. He then showed Jungkook a drawing of the patterned runes on their robes in hopes of checking if Jungkook had seen it before.

Jungkook looked at the runes from different angles, "Hmm...I've never seen these runes before. They are nothing similar to the ones taught in the academy or on any of the books my family owned."

"I suspected as much. I have checked the library here as well and have not found a single book or written paper on it." Yoongi shared his annoyance and leaned his head back. Curiously, he caught sight of the head butler staring fearfully at the runes.

"I've checked the libraries and even my families personal collection before I came here with my brother and I found nothing. None of my contacts seems to know what they mean or the runes prupose." Jimin shrugged, "All that was left was to ask my father but I'd rather avoid answering his questions."

The head butler composed himself and looked stoic as usual which only made Yoongi even more intrigued. It dawned on him that he had completely forgotten that there were other people who worked closely with the previous King and Queen that were still alive. The head butler, the governess, and the mountain.

"Actually," Yoongi paused and curiously stared at the head butler. He thought about asking him at that moment however he remembered that the head butler had expressed distrust and uncertainty regarding the motives of Aëte's fifth prince and the Duke's son frequent visits. Yoongi doubted he'd be honest in front of them and would more likely speak his mind if they were alone.

"Well?" Jimin interrupted the silence and looked from the King to the head butler then back to the King.

Yoongi turned away from the head butler and smiled at Jimin, "I was thinking that I should involve Seokjin and Taehyung to this discussion. They both are from Nolla and may have information on this."

Jimin was caught off guard and blushed at how close Yoongi was to his face, "F-fine...do what you want..."

"Are you sure that is wise? They are both from Nolla which makes them just as untrustworthy as that one." Jungkook huffed and pointed at Jimin.

"Excuse me! I had more useful information-"

Yoongi quickly cuts off Jimin to stop another argument, "They are both aware that I'm conducting an investigation seperate from the royal guards. Although I may have to update them on what I know so far."

"But-"

"This is my decision." Yoongi declared to stop any further protest.

Jungkook's lips tightened, "As you wish."

"I shall have the maids summon them here." The head butler added in. His hand moving upward to get the maid to come closer.

"Dont call for them," Yoongi stopped the head butler, "I will inform them first of new developments. Once that is done I will set another meeting with everyone present."

It bothered Yoongi that Namjoon had been upset at not being told what had been happening so he decided to inform Seokjin and Taehyung before they hear it from anyone else, particularly the two currently with him. Now that all the male leads have gathered around him, it would be much harder to sneak out of the castle without running into one of them. It also did not help that they seem to have started spending more time with him and may lead to complications, so Yoongi decided on the path that would be the safest and less messy.

"Hopefully Hoseok would be back by then..." Yoongi muttered.

"Hmm? Did you say something Your Highness?" Jimin asked after he had finished drinking his tea.

"No...I...actually I need to leave. It is time for my sparing session so this concludes today's...meeting..." Yoongi felt slightly strange saying that. It sounded much too stiff and forced, especially since it wasnt even a meeting to begin with.

Jungkook perked up, "I did not realise you had practice with the General today. I will come too."

"Oh...I'd rather practice alone...clear my thoughts and so forth...really good for my mental health..." Yoongi babbled while his brain tried to come up with an excuse. The reality of the situation was that Yoongi had no sparing session with the mountain at all and he made that up so he could leave and spend alone time gathering his thoughts on everything that had happened.

"Sword practice is good for your mental health?" Jimin muttered then looked at Yoongi as if he were inspecting an object, "Hmm...I suppose it is with you."

Yoongi wasn't sure if he should thank Jimin or ignore the strange remark.

"The General won't mind. We've fought together during the war and I've been training the new recruits that are sent to the garrison by the western border." Jungkook persisted.

Jimin grimaced at the mention of the war. It felt surreal to him to be sitting down and having afternoon tea with the people who had nearly invaded his country. He was only fifteen when the war started and he had to help protect the borders along side his older siblings. Had a treaty not been signed on the fourth year of Vhóel's military campaign then Aëte would have been next the moment Nolla falls.

"I'll go ahead and meet you there. We may even get a chance to spar." Jungkook excitedly suggested and left before Yoongi could stop him.

A headache came to Yoongi and he knew it was not due to the consumption. He'd been careful not to use his magic.

"If you wanted to you could have stopped him."

Yoongi glanced at Jimin, "He is quite tenacious."

"Heh," Jimin smirked, "He is your subject. If you gave him an order he'd have to obey and if he refused then you can punish him and his family for it. What power do they have against the King of a mighty Kingdom."

The remark left a bad taste on Yoongi’s mouth. A part of him wanted to tell Jimin he was wrong yet he decided to be careful with his reaction. He had a feeling that the young Prince was studying him and possibly testing him.

Yoongi chuckled, "That is true but as you said if I really wanted to I could have stopped him. I suppose deep down I wanted to test his skills and it has become quite boring sparring with the General."

"Hmm." Jimin smiled. His eyes narrowed slightly and Yoongi wondered if he was trying to find a flaw.

"I'm off." Yoongi declared to show that he was indeed the King and he does need to make excuses. He marched out of the doors followed closely by the head butler.

A maid quickly entered the room as soon as Yoongi left. Her cheeks were flushed from anger yet she stopped to take a deep breath before speaking. "Your Highness, I'am terribly sorry for only attending to you now. The guards outside refused to let me in. These savages-"

"Hold your tongue!" Jimin snapped.

The startled maid quickly bowed her head low, "Apologies Your Highness! I let my emotions get the better of me."

"I do not want to hear such words again. We guests in this country and so far they have treated us kindly so be mindful with what you say." Jimin reprimanded, leaning his head back on the sofa and looked up at the ceiling, "There is more for me to learn from this place so dont say anything that will cause trouble to me."

"It won't happen again." The maid promised despite the uncertainty she felt on the fifth Prince motives. She still could not comprehend why they had to stay in the tyrants castle.

Yoongi walked faster than he had ever walked before, determined to catch up to Jungkook before he reached the training ground.

The head butler desperately trying to catch up breathlessly called out, "Your Highness! Please slow down!"

"Not now. I'm in a hurry."

"I've sent message...a message to the General...earlier on...so he knows...he knows..." the head butler explained in a rush between breaths.

Yoongi abruptly stops to the head butlers relief.

"There is no need to rush...I had sent word earlier that you wished to spar today..." The head butler mentioned as he finally catches his breath.

"What would I do without you." Yoongi breathed out a relieved sigh. He was glad that the head butler quickly caught on to his made up excuse and saved him from embarassement if Jungkook found out he lied.

"It is hardly worth any praise." The head butler mentioned while keeping a blank expression to hide the pride he felt.

Keeping a steady pace towards the training ground, Yoongi glanced at his surroundings and noticed that the hallways and corridors were busy with guards and servants on their daily routines. The need to find answers strongly bubbled up inside him but he reminded himself that they were not alone and his questions would most likely attract unwanted listeners. It still annoyed him that he did not think before to ask the head butler. There were four people in the castle that had been in service long enough to know both the King and Queen. The Head Butler, The Governess, The General, and The Royal Physician.

"Make way! His Highness has arrived!" An overly eager soldier announced the moment Yoongi took one step into the training ground.

The sun beat down on the ground, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Yoongi put on his usual stoic expression to show his disinterest in their commotion. His chest stung again, letting him know Jungkook was close by. The soldiers nearby lined up and bowed their heads quickly as he walked past them while the others from a distance began clearing the way. Normally Yoongi never took notice at any of the soldiers yet somehow he found himself walking past batches of them. He was used to them hiding from him and only watched from a distance during his training sessions yet now they had all come out to greet him.

"Have I walked in on their training session?" Yoongi asked the head butler.

"I think not, Your Highness. I believe they are here to greet you." The head butler answered.

"I see now," Yoongi caught sight of Jungkook talking to the General while a handful of soldiers surrounded them, "They must have all come out to greet Jungkook."

"The Duke's youngest son had trained and fought along side your army. He is respected by them and the younger soldiers look up to him." The head butler pointed out as they walked towards the training platform.

"My King!" Jungkook called out excitedly, shifting the soldiers attention from him to Yoongi.

The soldiers quickly bowed their heads and scattered further away leaving only the General and Jungkook standing.

"Your Highness." The General's reply was clip and Yoongi wondered if his stern expression was just him or if he was irritated at the impromptu sparring session.

"Well I can see that you are ready so let us started." Yoongi steps up onto the stone platform where countless training sessions had occurred and tossed his coat aside which had been caught in time by the head butler before it touched the ground. "I need to clear my head and these sparring sessions have always been a good release." He unsheathed his sword and waited.

The General, used to the Kings erractic whims, nodded and was about step up when a overly eager Jungkook boldly stepped forward, his eyes alight with confidence.

"I'll be your sparring partner today." Jungkook's bright smile and overly familiar approach caused a ripple of unease through the assembled onlookers.

The head butler felt that the Dukes son's audacity was unprecedented.

"I do not think that is wise." The General warned and took a step forward to replace Jungkook but he was too late. Refusing to miss the opportunity, Jungkook made the first move and brought his blade down on Yoongi.

Yoongi had barely registered what happened when his body reacted on instict and blocked Jungkooks attack with his sword.

The clash of steel that followed was less a sparring match and more a furious storm unleashed. Jungkook moved with a terrifying grace born from years of hard training while Yoongi's every parry a testament to years spent fighting for survival.

It didn't take long for Yoongi and the Villain’s memories to overlap. The ravaged land swarmed with soldiers all desperate to kill him, wave after wave, his calloused bleeding hands barely holding on to the hilt of his sword. Jungkook who smiled at him with every step shifted to the Jungkook who glared at him with deep hatred and brutally plunged his sword on Yoongi’s chest, causing the overwhelming pain from dying and fear that the male leads can kill him to resurface once more.

Jungkook, initially triumphant with a few well-placed strikes, soon found himself overwhelmed. Yoongi's movements, once controlled, became frenzied, a whirlwind of deadly precision as the dark magic within take over in desperation to survive. A low growl escaped the King's lips, a sound that chilled the soldiers to the bone. It wasn’t just the skill; it was the raw, untamed fury in his eyes, a chilling glimpse into the brutal battlefield trauma he carried. The air crackled with an almost palpable energy – a black, shimmering light pulsed around Yoongi with each swing of his blade, reflecting the chaotic dark magic within him. Jungkook, sensing the deadly shift, stumbled, his breath hitching in his throat as the King’s blade flashed dangerously close.

With a flicker of clarity, Yoongi lunged and disarmed Jungkook, the shimmering light vanishing as suddenly as it had appeared. Yoongi stood panting, his face pale, the echoes of battle roaring in his ears. The silence that followed was deafening, the relief palpable among the onlookers was almost as intense as the fear that had gripped them seconds earlier. Jungkook sat on the ground, unharmed but shaken to his core.

The General momentarily closed his eyes knowing that this was a valuable lesson etched onto Jungkooks soul and for every soldier that witnessed the Kings abilities.

Yoongi, visibly shaken himself, retreated silently with the head butler, the combined weight of his and the villains past pressing down upon him. The sparring match was forgotten, replaced by an unspoken understanding to leave the King alone.

The General approached Jungkook to offer him a hand to stand up but instead he sees a smile form on a visibly shaken Jungkook. It was not fear but excitement that made him shiver in delight. The General had known the young Dukes son ever since he was a child sent by the Duke to train with the other soldiers and not once had he seen him this fixated over anything. Everything he did, he did out of duty for his country and for his family's honor. Not once had he ever expressed wanting anything. This made the Genernal concerned for both Jungkook and the Kings future.

Chapter Text

Yoongi dry heaved over the toilet, his stomach spasmed and his chest ached painfully making it difficult to stand up. Cold sweat dripped over his eyes making his vision blur as he tried to get comfortable on the bathroom floor. Yoongi had his fair share of drunken nights spent in the toilet after indulging with friends but that experience was but a small fraction to the pain he currently felt.

"fuck..." Yoongi groaned when his body hit the ground. At that point he knew the maids meticulously clean the bathroom every single day so he did not mind laying there on the floor. Somehow it helped cool down the heat he felt all over his body.

"Your Highness?" Seokjin and Taehyung called out in unison from behind the door.

"I want to be alone...please..." Yoongi weakly replied. The words were difficult to say and the effort it took him to ease his breathing was steadily taking a toll on him.

"Please let us in." Seokjin begged.

The door handle made a noise signalling Yoongi that they were determined to get inside. Thick black vines spread out more, preventing the door from ever opening. The use of his dark magic was not the wisest decision since it only made the pain worse but Yoongi being the stubborn person that he is, persisted and refused to give in.

He closed his eyes and drowned out the voices from the other side of the door. His hand moved up to feel his heartbeat thumping wildly. It reminded him that he had been close to death. Jungkook could have easily killed him again and he'd be back at the beginning. It felt strange considering that the idea of reliving everything used to never bother Yoongi whenever he faced near death situations since his logic was that he'd be better prepared for next time but now it hit him differently. Everyone he'd ever spent time with would not remember him while he'd have to live with the memories.

"Your Highness!" Taehyung called out loudly but his voice sounded far away in Yoongi's ear.

Yoongi had thought he could live again restarting the villain's life. It was all a game after all and he felt trapped in it when he first arrived. It should have been as simple as that.

"You're scaring us! Please open this door!" Seokjin banged harder on the door.

"...this is too much..." Yoongi’s voice cracked as he covered his face with both hands. A sinking feeling of dread made him feel sick again. Unwanted thoughts of made up scenarios flood is mind where in Seokjin ends up disgusted by him, Namjoon avoids him for good, Taehyung runs away from him, Hoseok never trusting him, Jimin declaring war, and Jungkook killing him over and over again. A part of him knows it is all in his head but he can't seem to get out.

Fear and loneliness make him sink even deeper in despair.

"...damnn...it...ugh!" Yoongi grimaced and coughed out blood as he writhed in pain. His stomach felt like it had been poured with battery acid.

"PLEASE!" More banging and shouting from the other side as the two desperately try to break the door.

Yoongi winced and forced himself to stand up, gripping on the sink for support. Breathing and standing upright was becoming more and more a burden to him.

"I'm so tired..." Yoongi murmured as he walked to the door. The black vines slowly slip away and blend with his own shadow.

"Your Highness!" Seokjin and Taehyung nearly fell in their haste to open the door.

"I'm...fine..." Yoongi breathed every word. Talking was becoming difficult. It made him want to laugh at the idea of him actually dying again just when he started living.

"Let me help you." Seokjin quickly held Yoongi’s arm and walked with him towards the bed.

Taehyung followed and held Yoongi’s other arm, "I have fully recovered so please take as much energy as you need."

Yoongi sat at the side of the bed and shook his head. He gently moved their hands away and softly smiled. It was the best he could do to calm them since they both had the expression of wanting to cry and yell at him.

"Not tonight...I simply want to sleep..."

"B-but you are not well!" Seokjin argued.

Yoongi held his hand up to stop them, "I'm exhausted..."

"What?" Both Seokjin and Taehyung watched hopelessly as Yoongi got under the covers and lay his weary head down to rest. He closed his eyes and wished for nothing more than a dreamless sleep. He didn't think he had anymore energy to figure out the fragments that come to him.

Seokjin unclenched his fist. He didn't realise how tightly he had dug his nails on his palm just to stop himself from arguing with the stubborn King. He wiped away the tears that threatened to fall from his eyes and climbed on top of the bed to stay by his side.

Despite being upset with Yoongi’s decision to disregard his own health, Taehyung followed Seokjin and lay beside Yoongi on his left side.

The two cuddled closely to the sleeping monarch. Taehyung kissed him goodnight while Seokjin placed his hand on Yoongi’s chest so he could feel him breathing. Seokjin wanted to grab him by the collar and shake him vigorously until his anger was fully satisfied but he'd have to wait until Yoongi was fully recovered to do that. For now, he'll silently remain by his side and pray he makes it till the morning.

The feeling of something weighing down on his chest made Yoongi stir uncomfortably. His whole body ached and he felt stiff. Incredibly stiff. It was like a boa constrictor had wrapped itself around his body.

"Mmmm..." Yoongi groggily opened his eyes. At first his vision was slightly blurry but it slowly cleared up and in the dimly lit room he sees both Seokjin and Taehyung using his upper body to rest their head. Yoongi then tried to move his legs but Taehyungs arm and leg had swung over his lower half and firmly kept him in place.

Normally Yoongi would do everything he can to avoid waking them up but the ache he felt all over his body was overwhelming and he simply wanted to turn to the side. Offering a silent sorry, Yoongi tried once more to move his body, slowly turning left and right until he had slightly more strength to pull one of his locked arms free from their grasp.

"your highness...?" Seokjin groggily muttered when he felt his head shake. He yawned as he lifted his head up and looked at his surroundings. He saw Taehyung still sound asleep then glanced at the closed curtains, "Is it still dark out..."

"Probably...hard to tell with those long curtains."

Seokjin's eyes widened as he turned to see a smiling King looking at him. "Your Highness!" Seokjin nearly jumped on top of him, "You're awake!"

"Y-yes, I'm just incredibly stiff." Yoongi lowered his voice to avoid waking Taehyung.

"How do you feel? Are you still in pain?" Seokjin placed one hand on Yoongi’s forehead to feel his temperature and the other on his wrist to feel his pulse.

"I'm feeling fine...I'd really like to move though." Yoongi wiggled his other arm out from Taehyungs grasp.

"Liar." Seokjin glared at Yoongi, "Your heart rate is higher than normal, your cold to touch, and I'm certain you look pale if there was more light in this room."

"mmm...what is happening?" Taehyung yawned and lifted his head to find the source of what woke him.

Yoongi smiled sheepishly, "Didn't mean to wake you as well but I'd really like to move."

"You're finally awake!" Taehyung smiled brightly as he flung himself on top of Yoongi, "I was so worried!"

"Sorry," Yoongi grunted, "Did not mean to make you two worry..." Yoongi gently turned Taehyung to the side so he could stretch yet it only made the ache worse, "Ugh...I had hoped the head butler would not inform you of what happened."

Seokjin frowned as he watched Yoongi trying to hide the pain. "He'd be foolish not to tell us and frankly I'm still upset with you! How could you push us away when you were in pain? Do you know how helpless that made me feel?" Seokjin grit his teeth after scolding Yoongi. He had to stop himself from getting even more worked up and swear at him.

Yoongi softened his expression since he understood Seokjin's feelings. It was the same for him whenever he had to take their mana to replenish himself. Their eagerness to give him their mana even if it could cost them their life was something Yoongi could never be comfortable with.

"Don't be too hard on him. His Highness has not recovered and is still suffering." Taehyung wraps his arms around Yoongi's shoulder and kisses his neck.

"Tae!" Yoongi let out a startled moan. He was glad it was still dark or they'd see his cheeks turn bright red.

"You fool..." Seokjin muttered and planted his lips on Yoongi. The deep kiss slowly made Yoongi relax. Seokjin cupped his cheek when they parted, his eyes softer than they had been in quite some time, "Never doubt us."

A shuddering sigh escaped Yoongi as he felt Seokjin and Taehyung embrace their body against his, closing his eyes to savour their touch.

"I heard you were unwell!" Jimin frantically burst open through the bedroom doors. The gush of wind that followed him and flowed inside the bedroom was enough to let Yoongi know how the young prince managed to get past his guards.

"What hap...pened......" Jimin's mouth remained parted as the words left him. The shock of seeing two half naked men on top of the King was not what he expected at all when he heard from his maid that the head butler had a grave expression of worry the moment he left the Kings chambers.

"..." Seokjin stared blankly at the Prince. His ears were turning red however he refused to let the feelings of embarrassment get to him.

"It is rude to interrupt and enter His Highness bedchamber unannounced." Taehyung scolded Jimin.

"Rude!? Me!? How dare you! I'm supposed to be the rude one when you're the one scolding me while doing...that!" Jimin sputtered as he pointed at Taehyung who had nonchanantly placed Yoongi's hand underneath the slip of his nightgown so Yoongi could feel his thighs.

"Can you two not fight..." Yoongi grimaced when he attempted to sit up and was quickly forced to lay back down by Seokjin to avoid letting Jimin see Yoongi's current state. It may be dim but the Kings pale complexion and pained expression could trigger the Prince's curiosity.

Taehyung let his nightgown fall down to his waist and smirked at Jimin, "Can't you see that you are disturbing His Highness's fun. If you were not summoned to join us then leave before you ruin the mood."

"I-I...Hmph!" Jimin scowled, face red as a beet, and promptly left the room.

The dishevelled guards who had faced the fifth Princes winds of fury had managed to stumbled in to close the bedroom door for their King.

"Ah! My heart!" Seokjin exhaled and buried his blushed face on Yoongi’s chest, "We should remember to lock those doors."

Yoongi chuckled and patted Seokjin, "You battled your instincts well. I thought you'd have shoved me off this bed when the Prince came in."

"So that was the fifth Prince from Aëte." Taehyung ran his hand up Yoongi’s arm, enjoying the slight shiver in Yoongi's reaction, "I heard he was staying in the castle but I never had the opportunity to meet him. Also, I did not expect him to boldly enter your room."

"Yea-...", Yoongi swallowed when he felt Seokjin's hand roam down his pants.

"I'm going first." Taehyung insisted.

"Very well." Seokjin permitted and leaned back, allowing his nightgown to slide from his slender shoulders, revealing his top entirely as he watched them.

Yoongi felt a flutter in his chest from aroused fascination. He'd never experienced a threesome before and containing his excitement was becoming unbearable.

Taehyung removed his undergarment and eased on top of Yoongi, allowing his night clothes to fall away as he parted his legs. He ran a finger over Yoongi’s chest down to his manhood. "We'll take turns until you are entirely satisfied." He then undos Yoongi's pants and caresses the hardened cock.

Seokjin bit his lip, "Hurry up or I'll take over."

Taehyung chuckled and slowly began rocking his hips, letting the pleasure build up in between his thighs, slick starting to pool, until Taehyung found himself panting as he seductively called Yoongi's name.

With the last thread of patience snapping, Yoongi grabbed Taehyungs waist, making him gasp, and pinned him underneath him. In one swift motion he buried cock deep inside Taehyung making his hips rock against his.

"Aah!" Taehyung moaned, gripping onto Yoongi's arms. Never did Yoongi’s movements slow, making Taehyung's eyes clench shut until he cried out in bliss. Hips bucking, he drenched their abdomen with his cum.

"You always know how to rile me up." Yoongi said between deep breaths, caressing Taehyung's chin lovingly. He then glances at Seokjin, "Now it is your turn."

The doctor's arousal was obvious upon his face, watching Yoongi made him ache between his soft thighs.

Yoongi reached to caress Seokjin as he moved atop him, feeling his cock hardening at the touch of his bare skin.

"Slide inside me...ah...ngah..." Seokjin whimpered and moaned when Yoongi's hips sank as he pushed inside, as gently as his manhood would permit. Seokjin's toes curled, head falling back as Yoongi pushed into deeper depths.

He began to move in rhythm as if they were never apart. Seokjin held him close, his hands running over his skin. Taehyung watched them impatiently.

Yoongi's deep thrusts became faster, pumping his hips, minute after blissful minute slipped by until they were both at their limit.

"Y-yes...let it out...inside me...ah!" Seokjin moaned as he felt Yoongi spill his seed inside him. Yoongi kissed him gently, tasting his lips before sliding his cock out, soaked by their enjoyment.

Yoongi could feel his body becoming stronger. The pain he had felt had slipped away and replaced by his carnal desires. He turned to his side, making room for Taehyung who eagerly accepted his embrace and kiss.

They switched again, thrusting, moaning, before another switch. It was a balance Yoongi did not realise he could do, satisfying both his lovers and pacing himself to avoid absorbing too much of their mana.

Light had begun seeping through the slits between the curtains when they had . Yoongi stretched his arms, feeling completely refreshed and energetic, while both Seokjin and Taehyung were fast asleep by his side.

Feeling a thousand times better, Yoongi decided to bring Seokjin and Taehyung to the bathtub rather than cleaning them in bed with a wash cloth. He first brought Taehyung who slept like a log the whole time he washed and clothed him. Seokjin had been in deep sleep until he felt the water touch his skin. He groggily woke up but quickly went back to sleep when he saw Yoongi’s face.

By the time Yoongi had finished, the maids had already replaced the bedsheets and cleaned the room.

"I should give them a raise." Yoongi embarrassingly walked towards the neatly made bed and gently lay Seokjin and Taehyung down. He then pulled the bed curtains down to cover the two and allow them to rest undisturbed.

"Your Highness," The head butler cleared his throat, "May I enter?"

Yoongi looked down and saw that he was only wearing a bathrobe, "Not now."

"Very well. I will inform the Viscount to wait in the drawing room until you are ready." The head butler retreats away from the door until it is silent once more.

"Namjoon?"

This was not what Yoongi expected considering Namjoon had been prideful with his emotions and would willingly go through great lengths to avoid him if need be. This made him wonder if he only came because the Head Butler may have sent word to him.

Yoongi entered the drawing room with a steady pace. He avoided rushing or even speeding up in the corridors since it was un-royal like to do so and it also makes the people around the castle anxious. He had painstakingly taken the time to get dressed as quietly as possible to avoid waking the two that slept soundly in his bed and by the time he was finished he was worried that he may have upset Namjoon further. It could have gone quicker if he had allowed the maids to come in and help him dress but he had already felt embarrassed by the mess they had to clean in his bed.

"I hope I did not keep you waiting." Yoongi smiled while checking any signs of annoyance from Namjoon's expression however the young viscount had kept his head low. Choosing to focus on a spot on the carpet than look up, he remained still as he leaned against the desk for support.

When Namjoon remained silent and the awkward way Yoongi stood there became unbearable, he then spoke again but this time taking a few steps back. "If you have nothing to say to me then I shall take my leave."

"No wait!" Namjoon called out and finally looked at him. His cheeks had gone red and his lips were chapped from the amount of times he had bit them as he nervously tried to gather the courage, "Don't go...I wanted to apologise...my behaviour yesterday was...too emotional. I shouldn't have reprimanded you that way. It's just sometimes I think I don't really know you."

Yoongi's eyes widened slightly.

Namjoon moved away from the desk and walked to Yoongi, "For the longest time I had felt myself to be above those who were near you simply because I felt I knew you best and for so long, all my hunches about what you would do next had always been right but after yesterday...after learning what you had been doing and that there were other people who were involved and helped you...I just," Namjoon stood before Yoongi and embraced him, "I feel like I never truly knew you at all and I'm afraid I'm losing you."

The words took the breath out of Yoongi. He was at loss for words to say. He hugged Namjoon back and the latter relaxed in him arms, but Yoongi felt conflicted. He wanted to comfort Namjoon but he did not know what words to say. How could he tell him that he was not the man he grew up with. That he was an imposter forced to play the role of a villain in a some childish video game. How could he tell him everything after what he had done to him. After what they shared. Yoongi held him tighter and he felt Namjoon smile as he mistakes his guilt for affection.

I'm sorry...I'm so sorry for everything...I'm sorry... Yoongi repeats in his head over and over again until finally words form in his mouth, "I'm sorry."

Namjoon lightly chuckles, his smile radiates as he pulls back to face him, "I'm the one apologising not you. You did nothing wrong and I made my own assumptions without thinking about how you must have felt."

"It's not that." Yoongi shook his head and brought Namjoon's hands to his lips, "When I said I'll take care of you, I want you to know that I mean it. I will not back down on my word and I shall remain by your side until you decide you no longer want me."

Namjoon's lips pursed in amused confusion, "Now you are being silly."

"I'm serious."

Seeing Yoongi's unwavering expression, Namjoon lightly sighed and smiled, "I believe you." He wrapped his arms around him again and breaths easy thinking that Yoongi may have felt he was wrong to have kept him out in the dark with his plans and was in his own way trying to reassure him.

"Joonie..." Yoongi looked out the window to see the reflection of his own guilt expression. He silently promised to keep Namjoon safe and should the day come that he discovers the truth and wants to kill him then he'd gladly give him his life.

"I know what I saw that night. It would not make any sense for the head butler to look so worried and anxious if he was merely calling for bedwarmers." the maid looked at the mirror in confusion. The Fifth Prince stared back at her irritably.

"Well I can assure you the King was as healthy as a horse with those two..." Jimin's cheeks were a shade darker when he recalled the image of the two scantly dressed men, "They even had the audacity to reprimand me! Me! A Prince! Getting scolded by...by..."

"Bedwarmers."

"Stop saying that word!" Jimin flew off his chair startling the maid who ended up dropping the brush from her hand. "Say companions! It sounds less annoying to my ears!"

"Please do not be upset, Your Highness! I apologise but..."

"I get it!" Jimin waved his hand to make the maid stop talking, "What you saw did not make sense. I heard you the first time" He exhaled and placed his palms on the vanity table, "If the head butler truly was anxious about something then it does make sense why they tightened the security around the area."

The maid nodded along.

"But what I saw did not make sense...unless," Jimin turned to face the maid, "the two were a diversion to what was actually happening."

"Did you by chance get a good look at their King?"

Jimin shook his head, "No, I did not. The room was poorly lit and those two companions blocked my view of him. He did speak to me but they quickly took over...then I left,"

"That is quite suspicious, Your Highness." the maid agreed with the hairbrush back in her hands.

"It seems I will have to find a way to speak to him alone if I want answers." Jimin contemplated and sat back own on the cushioned chair.

"But how? There are eyes everywhere in this castle and their King is constantly accompanied by the head butler, maids, guards, or by one if his companions. Or both...or all."

Jimin smiled mischievously, "Don't worry about that. With the information I have even the King himself will find ways to make sure I'm alone with him."

The maid smiled back knowing full well of her masters capabilities. "Is there anything I can do for you to make sure this plan is a success."

"Yes. Dye my hair pink again."

Chapter Text

It took all of Yoongi’s willpower not to dramatically lean against the tall glass window in his study. The temptation to stare blankly outside and let all thoughts leave his head was especially strong by the time his work had finished. He felt mentally drained from when Namjoon had left. All the words he could have said and chose to keep to himself weighed heavily on his conscience.

"I believe this is all of it. Very well done, Your Highness." The head butler neatly stacked scattered papers on Yoongi’s desk and took them. "As for tomorrow, the maids have finished preparing your outfit for the Grand Duke's daughters birthday. I have also set aside the gift and it will be promptly delivered to the Dukes estate."

Yoongi felt exhausted by simply thinking about attending a crowded party. He'd prefer to skip it but the head butler had gently reminded him of the importance of solidifying connections with high ranking nobles especially one that oversees the military strongholds at every border.

"Will you be going together with the Viscount tomorrow evening?"

"I did not think of that..." Yoongi could see the glint of approval from the head butlers eyes.

"I can send an invitation to the Viscounts manor tonight. I'am sure he will be most delighted to be your escort for the evening."

"I would hold off sending that invitation." The governess interrupts as she walked inside. "Forgive the intrusion Your Highness, but one of the Dukes servants had personally handed this invitation."

Curious, Yoongi took the dark navy coloured envelope from the Governess outstretched hand. The silver seal of a griffin with a shield, the Dukes crest, was enough to let them know it was not a hoax.

"I don't understand. I've already received an invitation." Yoongi asked while opening the envelope.

"Is this some mistake?" The head butler wondered, unsure why they would send two invitations.

They stood silently while Yoongi read its contents until finally he spoke, "oh...I don't know what to make of this."

"Does it contain troubling news Your Highness?"

Yoongi shook his head, "I suppose you can say that. This letter is a request for Jungkook to be my escort during the birthday party."

"The Duke himself is requesting this?" The head butler could not believe it after all the Duke was not someone who'd use or offer his children for personal gain. On the other hand, had it been directly from the youngest son then he'd not be so surprised considering the amount of times he had appeared in the castle unannounced.

"I do not think it came from the Duke himself. The only other person who can use his seal is the Duchess and I believe this request came from her." The governess shared.

Yoongi felt troubled by the request. "If I refuse then I may earn the Dukes disapproval but if I agree then Namjoon will be upset."

"If only it were that simple," the governess clicked her tongue, "This is bigger than the mere emotions of who did not get the Kings invite. If you accept then you shall be showing the other noble families that you favor the Duke above all of them and the same can be said if you went with the Viscount. This could lead to the other noble families feeling scorned and possibly losing their support. Especially now that they are competing to wed one of their children to His Highness after your recent birthday."

"Marriage!?" Yoongi felt flustered. That idea never even crossed his mind since he arrived in this world. "Surely this request is not that deep. They must have asked simply because it is their daughters birthday and do not want me showing up without a date."

Both the head butler and the governess looked at Yoongi like he was a naïve child.

"Forget it. There is a third option which is to show up alone and I will do just that." Yoongi declared and tossed the letter on the table.

The governess tilted her chin up slightly as she scolded, "Your Highness must take this matter seriously. Eventually you must start courting a potential spouse because I can guarantee you once the other nobles find out that the Duchess had sent this request then they will follow and flood your table with their invitations. The late King and Queen were wed much younger than you are now. It is because of your fathers recent passing that I had not pushed for the matter but now the time to stop coddling you has come."

"The late King would have wished for it so. You must make your intentions known to who you will marry."

The head butlers nodding made Yoongi even more at loss for words to say. The late King had passed away two years from when Yoongi had awoken in this new world. He eventually learned that it was due to a heart condition but Yoongi later had suspected it may have to do with the Royal families dark magic once he too began feeling the effects of it.

"Come to think of it..." Yoongi looked at the two standing before him, "How did the Queen die?"

The two stared at him in utter shock. "I beg your pardon?" The governess was taken aback by the bluntness in Yoongi's tone.

"My...mother..." it felt unnatural for Yoongi to say the word, "I want to know the exact cause. I could not find anything in the records and all that is written is that she had passed away twelve years ago."

"Three years before..." the head butler went silent and Yoongi knew he was going to say three years before the war began.

"I do not see how discussing this has anything to do with the matter at hand."

The governess deflecting made Yoongi even more curious. He wondered if she had been close to the Queen. They were side characters whom his sister had never mentioned so he knew nothing of their background.

"It would really help in making a decision whether I should pursue a marriage candidate. I've never understood the concept of marriage and felt that it may stem from losing my mother at a young age." Yoongi did his best to sound hurt and lost.

The governess softened her expression, alerting Yoongi that the gamble he took at using the governess soft spot towards him had worked.

"Its like she had been erased. No portraits or records of her. Even my father refused to speak to me about my mother since her passing and it had left this emptiness in my heart." Yoongi felt the cringe at the last part but he had to say it to get the information he needed from the two.

"The late King was much too stubborn..." the governess mentioned under her breath. Normally the head butler would have reprimanded anyone that spoke ill of the late King however this time he agreed silently.

"Very well." The governess sighed in defeat, "I will answer His Highness questions however I must let you know before hand that even I do not know the exact cause of the late Queens death."

Yoongi became sceptic, "I do not understand. You've been in service under the Royal family before I even existed so how can you not know? Surely you must have heard something?"

The head butler spoke with a slight tremble in his voice, "Please forgive us Your Highness but the late King had forbidden everyone from entering the Queens chambers when she fell ill. The only two allowed inside were His Highness and the Royal Physician. We were instructed to keep the other staff away and to ensure no one talked about the Queens condition. Those who questioned or even mentioned it to anyone outside the castle grounds were met with severe punishment."

"It may be extreme but we were told it was contagious therefore we had a duty to ensure it did not spread within the castle. It was also the reason your father had sent you away to train with General Nam."

General Nam? Is that the mountains name?" Yoongi momentarily thought before pushing it aside and refocused.

"I can understand why you are seeking answers considering you were training at the furthest barracks the late King could place you when the Queen had passed away. By the time you had returned here, there was nothing left of the late Queen. All her portraits, all the items she had ever owned, and every single staff that had served her had gone. You must have felt robbed at the chance to find closure." The governess sympathetically added.

Yoongi wondered if the last words were coming from the governess own personal feelings.

"It seems we may not be the best people to give you the answers you seek." The head butler apologised.

"The Royal Physician that time...was it Yang Sung-hyun?" Yoongi asked. He was not particularly close with the physician but if he needed to make an effort to get the answers he needs then he will.

"No. It was his predecessor Kei. He had left the night after the Queens passing."

"Where can I find him?"

The head butler and the governess shared a glance.

Yoongi had a feeling what it meant, "He's dead isn't he."

"That remains uncertain." the head butler hesitated.

The governess let out a weary sigh, "No one knows where he is or if he is still alive. He had left informing no one but at that time there were rumours circulating that the King had killed him for failing to save the Queen. However, there is no evidence of this and no one had even seen the body. It is hard to say which is the truth. Believe me, I had tried to uncover what I can but the late King took his secrets to the grave."

"Did he have family? Surely someone must have tried looking for him."

The head butler had a grave expression, "The previous physician was from...Thaya. Any family or relative he had all resided there."

"I see..." Yoongi remembered the small town in Thaya he and Hoseok had visited. Thaya was taken over by Vhóel and is no longer spoken off but it was not the wasteland that people were made to believe. He felt foolish for forgetting to find answers as to why it is being kept hidden and why its citizens have done nothing to rebel against it.

"Is there anything else you wish to know?" The governess asked as she opened one of the windows to let the fresh air in. The night breeze helped her breath within the stuffy room.

"Do you think my father started the Expansion War out of spite and grief?"

The governess was quite surprised to hear this and shook her head, "Goodness no! The late King had his flaws however he would never do something impulsive and allow his emotions to dictate his actions. Even under crisis he had always remained logical and rational in his decisions."

The head butler quickly agreed, "Whatever reasons the late King had, it was not out of vengeance against the physicians failure. Especially since Thaya is the birth place of the late Queen."

Yoongi was surprised to hear this but kept his expression calm. He was not sure if this was knowledge that the villain had already known and did not want to seem completely lost in front of the two.

"So," Yoongi cleared his throat, "you believe then that Expansion was simply the late King's need to claim more territory and since the Queen was gone then he had no reason to not take over her birth country."

The governess bowed, "Apologies Your Highness however we cannot say what the late Kings true motives were. You of all people are the only one who can answer that since your father had trusted you the most with his plans. We can only tell you what we know from our perspective."

Yoongi's head hurt even more. Every time he thinks he untangled a line more knots appear. It does not help that the memories he sees from the villain come at him randomly and at different timepoints of the villains life.

"I suppose you are right. To be frank, I do not think the late King trusted me that much. There are still too many unanswered questions and I feel as if I'm constantly running towards dead ends." Yoongi exhaled and picked up the invitation, "I do not even know what to do with this. I'm completely lost right now."

Both the head butler and the governess felt pity for the young orphaned King. The governess huffed, "Do not fret Your Highness! I will make an excuse on your behalf. I shall come up with something that will not offend any of the noble families. That way you will be attending without an escort as you wish and be at ease."

"Yes, please do not worry about this trivial matter regarding the escort. We shall take care of it." the head butler smiled gently, still thinking that the King's low mood was because of the late Queen.

"I would be most grateful if that can be done." Yoongi thanked as relief washed over him at the temporary stall in their marriage talks.

As he watched the governess and the head butler get ready to leave, he quickly remembered one more thing he needed to clarify. "Wait," Yoongi called as he began scribbling at the back of the invitation the symbols that Jimin had showed him, "What do you know about this?"

The governess looked at it with a puzzled expression while the head butler's eyes widened in recognition for a brief moment before pretending not to know.

"That is all then. I shall let you carry on with your task Governess. The head butler and I have a few more paperwork to go trough before I retire for the night."

The head butler's expression remained stoic but the slight tremble in his hands was enough to let Yoongi know he was hiding information from him. Yoongi waited for the door to close behind the governess before he confronted the older man. "I know you can read this so tell me what it is."

"Your Highness.."

"Tell me!"

The head butler flinched and hesitated until he finally relented, "I can not read it but I do know where those symbols originated."

"Where?"

"Thaya. Specifically from the ancient language."

"Ancient language?"

"Long before Thaya became the country it was, it had been divided into eighteen tribes that had been in constant war with each other for resources and land. Each tribe's magic wielders had their own version of runes and symbols. When they finally realised they were stronger together, they selected one ruler and united as one Kingdom. Their way of writing runes were then reconstructed to ensure they used one that was understood by all which is now been called the ancient language. As time went by the ancient language had slowly changed and adapted along with its neighbouring Kingdoms own, and eventually the runes used by all became universal so that everyone in the world understood each other. However, it is said that there are those who preferred to use the ancient ones as they believe it is more potent and stronger."

This made Yoongi even more curious, "Are there any books one these? How is it that you recognise them?"

"It is considered a dead language and no longer used in texts. I have only seen it from the reports of the late Queens maid." the head butler replied with a slight tremble. He wished for the King to stop asking.

"A maid knows of the ancient language?"

"Only from serving the late Queen. The maid had noticed the late Queen writing these symbols and going through great lengths to conceal them. She had been concerned with the late Queens behaviour and copied what she could and gave them to me to investigate."

Yoongi's eyebrow furrowed, "That is strange. Did you find out what the runes were for?"

"Sadly, I do not know. When I brought this to the late King's attention, he merely brushed it off and had the papers burned. He was the one who informed me that it was the ancient language from Thaya and that the Queen was merely practicing as to not forget her heritage."

Yoongi felt the King's excuse was weak and likely done to conceal what those runes meant. After all why would the Queen try to hide what she was doing if she merely wanted to not forget her heritage. In addition, it didn't add up to Yoongi as to why the King would burn the papers and brush off the head butlers concerns. "This maid...do you think I can speak to her?"

The head butler frowned, "Unfortunately, that would not be possible since she had passed away in an accident not long after."

"What!? How?"

The head butler looked away as if hoping not to remember, "She was trimming the white roses from the Queens garden to place in the her Highness's bedchamber when she lost balance and fell on the shears."

Yoongi stared dumbfounded as his mind screamed Murder.

"That was rather convenient don't you think?" Yoongi blurted out. He found the timing rather too suspicious.

"What do you mean by that Your Highness?"

Yoongi ignored his question, "Are there no more copies of what the maid had written?"

The head butler seemed to struggle with the young Kings sudden interest on matters long buried. However, he had a duty to his current King so he answered, "The late King had confiscated them all and I had watched him throw them into the fireplace in his study. I did not see any left behind."

That annoyed Yoongi even more. More knots. More dead ends.

"May I ask where you came upon those symbols?"

Yoongi frowned as he pocketed the paper, causing the head butler to shift unsteadily on his feet, worried that the King would throw a fit.

"Once I gather more information I'll let you know. For now I want you to keep this between us. Do not speak a word of this." Yoongi warned.

The head butler nodded, "As you wish Your Highness."

"Oh and one more thing. Anything to report from the guards investigation on the poisoner?"

"Ah yes! Apologies for not informing you on a timely manner. The captain of the guards had managed to find the places where the poisoner had frequented and people he had been in contact with. However, he had some trouble acquiring more information from those connections." The head butler regretfully informed.

"What do you mean?"

"It seems that the poisoner had spent a great deal of time at the black market and whenever the guards come around the marketplace disappears. It is as if they are informed ahead of time and are able to prepare. They know not to challenge the guards head on so they stay hidden and have been avoiding capture."

Yoongi recalled that Hoseok had connections with the black market and wondered if it's time for him to pay him a visit.

"Another thing as well is that they have found records of the poisoner travelling to and from Nolla. He had been using an alias but the border patrols remembered him when they showed the portrait. They said he claimed to be a herb merchant employed by Viscount Kim."

"Impossible!" Yoongi clenched his fist.

The head butler calmly replied to ease the King, "We know the Viscoint would not be involved so we suspected a forgery. The captain is having the border passes the poisoner used inspected."

Yoongi paced slowly from one end of the desk to the other, "It definitely is a forgery and judging from Namjoons conversations with me he does not know of this yet."

"No. The captain wanted to leave that decision to you since it involves the Viscount." The head butler responded as he watched the King.

"He'll find out sooner or later since they have to question him for the seal used on those passes." Yoongi sighed and stopped pacing, "I will inform him. It has to come from me since he's family name and reputation had been used on multiple occasions."

The head butler felt the King's worry, "Is there anything you wish for me to do to help ease the burden?"

Yoongi shook his head, "No, leave Namjoon to me. As for the black market, have the captain look for any moles planted in his team or anyone suspiciously having more money in their pockets. Markets don't simply disappear unless someone is warning them in advance."

"It shall be done." The head butler said nothing more after.

"If there is nothing else to add then you may leave. I'd like some time alone to gather my thoughts." Yoongi mentions as he walked towards the windows.

The head butler bowed his head slightly, "Very well then. I shall take my leave and liase with the captain of the guards."

Yoongi walked to the opened window to feel the breeze but was dissapointed that there was none. He exhaled deeply and leaned his head against the panel. He knows Namjoon would be angry and most likely try to take charge of the investigation.

Yoongi doesnt know yet if he should let him. Recalling the original game, Namjoon had come across the heroine when he was investigating by the borders. Yoongi couldn't help but feel upset by this. He knows eventually the heroine will show up in their lives. He just did not want to be the one who pointed them to that direction.

"Ugh! This is a mess." Yoongi groaned and ruffled his hair. "Should I speak to Namjoon now? If I take too long and he finds out from someone else then I'm dead."

THUD!

"Huh?" Yoongi felt a smack of wind hit his face when he peered down the window to see where the noise came from. He rubbed his eyes and manged to spot a blurry pink spot making its way farther from the castle grounds until it disappeared.

"Is that..." Yoongi did not continue his sentence as he quickly jumped down from the third floor and conjured a black jellylike cushion to soften his landing. The black cushion disperses as soon as Yoongi took off running after the pink blur.

Chapter Text

The moon, a sliver of silver in the dark sky, cast long, dancing shadows the cobblestone path. Yoongi felt the weight of urgency bearing down upon him as he moved with a practiced silence, skills he had honed for moments such as these. The palace guards, loyal but unaware of the king's clandestine mission, stood at their posts, oblivious to the chase that was happening. Yoongi slipped through the seldom-used side entrance and became a phantom in his own kingdom.

Vhóel's capital city, usually a vibrant tapestry of illuminated windows and hushed conversations, was now cloaked in a profound silence, a silence that amplified the frantic beating of Yoongi's own heart. It was then that he spotted again a flash of a familiar shade of pink, a stark contrast to the darkened surroundings. He noticed that Jimin was dressed in civilian garb and moved with an air of mystery that piqued his curiosity. Without a second thought, Yoongi pursued him through the streets and bustling night markets, where merchants hawked their wares under the flickering lantern light.

Yoongi then caught a glimpse of his own attire and realised with a pang of regret that in his haste to pursue Jimin, he had forgotten to change. Anyone with a discerning eye would immediately know his outfit screamed royalty. From the silk cloth, vibrant embroidery, and gleaming buttons. Yoongi was a walking target. His eyes landed on a merchant’s unattended cart, a jumble of simple tunics and breeches piled haphazardly. The merchant was deep in negotiation with a potential buyer, his attention fully absorbed. It was a risky move, an act of thievery, however Yoongi was desperate due to the necessity of the situation. With a silent apology, Yoongi approached the cart. The rough fabric of the tunics felt coarse against his fingers but he could not be picky and quickly selected a simple, dark tunic and a long thick brown cloak that had patchwork done at the sleeves. In the same instant, Yoongi left gold coins, placing it precisely where the merchant can see it later.

Donning the rougher garments, Yoongi felt an immediate sense of relief that he would no longer be recognised and adjusted the hood of his cloak, further obscuring his features. He rejoined the flow of the marketplace, his senses now fully engaged, his focus narrowed once more on the elusive figure of Aëte's young prince. Yoongi was more determined than ever to catch him.

He followed him as they slipped into the underbelly of the city, a secret black market where shadows reigned and secrets thrived. The one place his guards could not reach. It was the sound of life, of commerce, of a world operating just beneath the surface of polite society. The air grew thick with the mingled scents of exotic spices, incense, and something else, something vaguely metallic and dangerous, like blood on iron. Watchful enforcers, their faces hidden behind grim, unreadable masks, patrolled the illicit trade routes, their eyes scanning the throngs with a practiced vigilance that missed nothing. Yoongi knew that brute force would be a fatal mistake here. Any overt display of aggression, any attempt to enter without subtlety, would immediately draw the attention of these ever present guardians, transforming his pursuit into a full-blown confrontation and make them tighten security even more which will only hinder his investigation.

Yoongi stopped and watched Jimin summon his wind magic within and with a flick of his wrist, he created a diversion that sent the goons guarding the entrance to leave their post and investigate. As they investigate, Yoongi quickly slipped through the shadows after Jimin, his eyes locked on the elusive prince.

The merchants of the black market make an effort to hide their identity, their features obscured by the flickering lamplight and the hoods of their cloaks. Their voices a low drone that barely cut through the din. The goods on display were a testament to the market’s illicit nature: shimmering silks of questionable origin, potent-looking vials filled with thick liquids, intricately carved amulets that pulsed with a faint, arcane energy, and weapons of all shapes and sizes, their blades glinting menacingly in the dim light.

It was easy to get distracted by the allure of it all but Yoongi did his best to avoid looking anyone in the eye. After all, such behaviour was common in the area and no one bat an eye as he walked past the stalls with purpose. He caught a fleeting glimpse of pink hair as the prince ducked into a narrow, unlit alleyway. Yoongi followed, his heart pounding a rapid rhythm against his ribs at the thought that Jimin may have connections with the people who ran the place.

The alley was little more than a dark fissure between two imposing buildings, its walls slick with an unidentifiable dampness. As Yoongi stepped into the narrow passage, the sounds of the black market receded, replaced by an unnerving silence, broken only by the scrabbling of unseen creatures in the darkness and the echo of his own hurried footsteps. He saw Jimin standing at the far end of the alley, his back to him, seemingly examining the rough brickwork of the wall. Yoongi saw this as an opportunity to confront the prince.

“Jimin,” Yoongi's voice, though strained, carried a regal authority that cut through the silence of the alley. “Tell me what you are doing here.”

Jimin turned, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and a touch of playfulness. But before he could respond, the sound of heavy, purposeful footsteps echoed from the mouth of the alley. Two burly figures, their faces obscured by similar dark, unreadable masks to those of the market enforcers, blocked the entrance, effectively trapping Yoongi and Jimin within the confined space.

“Well, well,” one of the masked figures rasped, his voice a low growl. “Looks like the rat we were looking for came back on his own accord. And look at that, an unexpected… addition. You must be the one who helped him escape last time and killed the others.”

Yoongi's mind raced. He had wanted to avoid a fight so close to the black market and for his true identity to be exposed by them.

“You mistake us for someone else. We were just leaving so move out of the way.” Yoongi demanded, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword only to realise that he had forgotten to secure it in his haste to not lose sight of Jimin.

“Looks like we have a jester in our presence,” the other masked man mocked, while the other sneered and moved closer. “You two have made quite the mess for us.”

The situation had escalated with alarming speed. Yoongi had to protect Jimin, not just because the prince had yet to give him an answer, but because innocent bystanders, regardless of their origins or potential affiliations, were not to be harmed. The dark magic coursed through Yoongi's palm as he readied himself for them to move in. He needed for this to end quick.

Jimin stepped forward, his small frame surprisingly resolute. “Leave him alone!” he called out, his voice surprisingly strong, “If you want a fight then I'll be happy to oblige and beat you down like I did last time.”

"Why are you making them even more angry!?" Yoongi reprimanded Jimin in a hushed tone.

The masked men exchanged a look, a silent communication passing between them. Then, with a guttural laugh, the first one lunged at Jimin, his dagger glinting in the scant light. Yoongi reacted instantly, the dark magic surging to his defence. He pushed Jimin behind him, a protective instinct overriding reason. A torrent of shadow, woven from his very will, erupted from his hands, slamming into the attacking masked man and sending him staggering back with a choked cry.

The second masked man, advanced with a dagger imbedded with fire magic, his movements surprisingly swift. Jimin met his attack with his own dagger and parried a vicious thrust, the clang of steel echoing unnervingly despite the suffocating confines of the alley. Jimin's speed allowed him to anticipate the masked assailant’s moves. But the enforcers were skilled. The first assailant recovered quickly and activated a magic infused wrist band which created an ice shield. He joined in the fight, their attacks coordinated and undeniably lethal.

As Yoongi engaged the first attacker, he heard Jimin cry out, a sharp intake of breath. Turning his head slightly, Yoongi saw that the second attacker, seized Jimin from behind, his arm clamped around the prince’s throat, the gleaming red dagger held precariously close to his delicate pink hair. Jimin struggled, his eyes filled with rage and defiance.

In the moment of distraction, the first attacker tried to plunge the dagger into Yoongi's back but a blast of dark magic, a concentrated wave of shadow aimed at the masked men was unleashed from Yoongi. The force of the blast was immense, ripping through the alley and slamming into the assailants. The first enforcer tried to use the ice shield to protect himself but it shattered to dust and he was slammed against the wall so hard an audible crack could be heard. The second man cried out as he felt his eyes burn, black liquid poured down his cheeks, his grip loosened, and Jimin stumbled free, gasping for air.

However, the moment of respite was short-lived. The sounds of approaching footsteps, a growing chorus of them, filled the air. Whether they were masked figures or curious bystanders, they both knew they had to escape. Yoongi quickly picks up the dagger from the floor.

“We have to get out of here," Jimin said with urgency, "Follow me."

Jimin used his wind magic to push the rough brickwork on the wall that he had been examining earlier causing a hidden entrance to reveal itself much to Yoongi's surprise. Jimin grabbed Yoongi's arm, his grip firm but gentle, and pulled Yoongi towards the deeper recesses of the building. “Stay close to me,” he commanded and Yoongi could only comply. Despite the danger they found themselves in, they plunged further into the passageway, the sounds of pursuit disappearing behind them as the entrance seals once more. Jimin lead the way, his other hand held a circular stone that glowed orange red, giving them a small amount of light to see where they were stepping. Yoongi could tell from Jimin's movements that this was not the first time he used this passageway.

“You must be wondering why I know of this place.” Jimin's voice broke through the silence, his hand still held on Yoongi's arm.

“That is one of many questions,” Yoongi stated, his gaze locking on Jimin's vibrant pink hair, “Your presence here tonight, your… familiarity with this place... there is more that you have not told me.” Yoongi stopped and in an instant he grab hold of Jimin's arm and makes him face him. Their eyes lock as Yoongi's face comes close. Jimin's lips parted as if to speak, but then he hesitated, his gaze dropping to the concrete beneath their feet. A faint blush bloomed on Jimin's cheeks. It was a peculiar reaction, one Yoongi couldn’t quite decipher. Was it guilt? Or embarrassment at getting caught? But Yoongi swore he saw the playfulness in Jimin's eyes when he had confronted him earlier.

"Are you playing games with me?"

“Of course not...” Jimin began, his voice soft, “I… I wanted to show you this place. I knew you'd follow me.”

"You could have simply asked." Yoongi could not hide the annoyance in his voice.

Jimin playfully smiled, "But it would not have been as fun."

Yoongi felt his nape ache, "You nearly died earlier had I not intervened."

"But I didn't though." Jimin's vibrant energy was back as he had fun teasing the serious royal.

"Can you just tell me what is this place you wanted to show me."

"Follow me. We are nearly there." Jimin held Yoongi's hand and lead the way out of the passage way. They carefully snuck out from behind well placed discarded furniture.

Suddenly, a chill washed over Yoongi. He felt a subtle shift in the magical currents around them, a faint tremor that resonated with his own dark energy. It wasn't the same raw, chaotic energy he had, but something more refined, more... powerful. His gaze swept across the section of the black market square that they had come out of, and his eyes landed on a dark velvet tent set up at the far end, its entrance draped with silver tendrils. From within, a faint, almost imperceptible pulse of power emanated. Yoongi's instincts screamed for him to leave.

Jimin, following Yoongi's gaze, also turned towards the tent, his expression one of curiosity tinged with caution, "You felt it didn't you. That feeling of oppressing power."

“What is that place?” Yoongi whispered, his eyes fixed on the tent.

“I don’t know,” Jimin admitted, his voice low. “I had tried to approach it once but it is like its shielded. There is some kind of protective layer that suffocates me whenever I get close.”

Yoongi felt a strange pull towards it, a magnetic force drawing him closer.

"I had seen those white cloaked masked men from before go inside there. And if you noticed there are no guards posted by its entrance. It seems as if the people who run the black market know to avoid them." Jimin continued while making sure to keep an eye on the people going about their business.

Before Jimin could suggest a closer investigation, Yoongi's curiosity had already gotten the better of him and found himself walking towards it. Despite the oppressing aura surrounding the tent, it was not the same feeling Jimin had described happened to him. It resonated to him more. It was as if it held a piece of the puzzle, a missing link in the intricate chain of events that had led him here.

Jimin tried to call him back but his words fell on deaf ears. Yoongi pushed aside the heavy flap, expecting a small space, but stumbled into an impossible vastness. The tent's interior was not canvas and poles but a cavernous, opulent chamber, lit by strategically placed orbs of cold blue light and ornate tapestries depicting forgotten sigils adorned the walls. Yoongi quickened his pace, the unsettling nature of his surroundings gnawing at his resolve. A low murmur of voices echoed. Before him, a dozen figures, all robed in pristine white and cloaked in animal masks, converged around a long, polished table. Yoongi covered the lower half of his face as he slipped silently behind a massive, carved screen, his heart thrumming with a grim anticipation. At the front of the table stood a person wearing a detailed rendition of a snarling wolf. Everyone around seemed to have their attention fixated on this person.

Yoongi strained his ears, trying to catch snippets of their low voices. The cloaked figure with a tiger mask spoke first, their voice a low rasp, "The arrangement is confirmed. The shipment will arrive with the next lunar tide."

The bear replied, "And the other matters? Has the culprit disrupting our routes been caught?"

The fox chuckled, a dry, humourless sound. "Soon. A trap has been set and now we wait."

A trap? The words struck Yoongi. Who was the trap for?

Yoongi edged closer, he wanted to make out who these people were. If they were part of his court or if they were from neighbouring countries... or both. Their leader seemed uncharacteristically composed, their posture radiating a quiet authority and aura that Yoongi had never witnessed before. He found the source of the pulsating energy that pulled him. The same oppressing magic that shielded the tent to stop people from entering.

The snake leaned forward, their voice dropping even lower, "The King survived again the last attempt. Blades, sorcery, and even poison! Everything we had done yet that monster still walks."

The bull who stood closer to the person at the centre responded, "Do not worry. He will be dealt with and once he is gone, the path will be clear and Q will cleanse this world."

Yoongi's blood ran cold. They were speaking of his impending demise. This was not just a meeting about smuggled goods; this was a conspiracy.

The snake's head turned slightly, his eyes catching the torchlight like a wild flame, "I'am eager for it to be over. This waiting, this… uncertainty..."

The lion sneered, "Patience. If you lack faith-"

"Do not question my faith!"

The wolf simply reached across the table, their gloved hand briefly resting on the table and suddenly the bickering stopped. No words were spoken yet all obediently fell silent.

Yoongi's mind reeled. He found the leader and the conspirators. He needed to act, but how? If he revealed himself now, in the middle of the culprits tent that is in the black market were enforcers were roaming then he risked being overwhelmed. Plus, Jimin would be caught in the middle. If their identities were to be revealed now there is no telling how long the culprits will stay hidden. He needed proof, concrete evidence of who these masked people were. Yoongi then felt the subtle shift in the air, a prickling sensation on his skin.

"We have a rat." The fox's menacing snicker sent a chill down Yoongi's spine.

With a guttural roar, the tiger lunged wearing a pair of gloves with a trio of sharp blades gouging out the knuckles, breaking the carved screen as he attempted to apprehend whoever was hiding. Yoongi had barely managed to move out of the way and only a small part of his sleeves got ripped.

The air crackled with the sudden surge of malicious intent, the masked figures all on high alert. In a blur of motion, Yoongi made a run for it, hands shot out behind him, fingers splayed, aiming to seize him and bring him down. But Yoongi's body moved as if on autopilot, anticipating the move, or perhaps guided by some unseen instinct, twisted with surprising agility. Their grasp found only empty air, the rough fabric slipping through their fingers like mist.

Just as the Yoongi was about to run through the tent's entrance, an invisible force slammed into his back. It wasn't a standard magical assault, nor the crushing impact of a physical blow. Instead, it felt like an hot, invasive tendril unspooling within him, directly targeting his core. A pained groan tore from his throat as the very essence of his dark magic was being siphoned away. Yoongi stumbled forward, powered by sheer adrenaline and the sudden, terrifying understanding of what had just happened. This was no ordinary magic. Yoongi burst out into the night, gasping, the cool air biting at his face yet he could not rest. Without explaining, he grab hold of Jimin's hand and ran as far away from the tent until he could no longer see its silhouette. Jimin held his tongue for all the questions he wanted to asked and obediently followed. By the time they stopped running, they were both out of breath and found refuge in a darkened alcove, a space tucked away between two derelict buildings.

Yoongi collapsed and sat on the dirt ground without care. He was free, but the lingering absence within him, the strange, unsettling lightness where his power once thrummed, was a chilling reminder that his encounter with the cult leader had changed everything. His dark magic had not completely been drained, but enough to leave him reeling, hollowed.

"What happened...back there?" Jimin asked between breaths as he steadied himself against the wall. Normally he would not have dared to lean against something that had unknown stains but he was too tired to care.

Yoongi removed the covering from his face and tilted his head back, exhaling deeply before pushing himself to get up from the ground. "I found the masked figures hideout but they found me as well."

Jimin's eyes widened with worry, "Did they recognise you?"

"I don't think so...they were talking about capturing a rat that had been disrupting their trade routes. I believe they mistook me for that same person..." Yoongi then looked at Jimin, "Could they have been referring to you?"

"Excuse me!" Jimin looked appalled at being called a rat, "I have nothing to do to with their trade routes. If I had known about those I wouldn't have even come here to this filthy place."

A trio of enforcers, their faces obscured, emerged from the shadows. Their movements were purposeful, their eyes scanning the area with a practiced, predatory gaze. They were not merely passing through; they were actively searching, their presence a palpable threat. Yoongi felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

In that split second, as Yoongi's mind raced through potential exits, Jimin moved. It was a movement so swift and unexpected that it momentarily stumped Yoongi. Jimin’s hand shot out and clamped around Yoongi’s arm. "Oh, darling," Jimin purred, his tone laced with a saccharine sweetness. "Must we truly do this here? In this… charmingly rustic locale?" his grip tightening ever so slightly, a subtle pressure that spoke of a carefully orchestrated charade. "I thought we had agreed to discuss our… differences privately. Away from prying eyes."

Jimin's words painted a picture of a lover’s spat, a mere lovers’ quarrel erupting in the unseemly confines of the black market. The enforcers, their initial assessment of the situation clearly shifting, slowed their pace, their eyes flicking from Jimin’s exaggeratedly affronted expression to Yoongi's own stunned silence.

Yoongi, catching on, played his part. He drew his arm back, as if resisting Jimin's advances. He met Jimin's gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, "This is hardly the time or place for your dramatics," his voice a low rumble, carefully modulated to convey annoyance, "I have told you a thousand times to stop impulse buying when all you do is throw them away as soon as you get bored."

"Impulse buying?" Jimin scoffed, his voice rising in volume, the perfect performance of a slighted lover. He even managed a dramatic sigh, puffing out his chest in mock indignation. "Simply tell me you're broke rather than saying I'm the problem!"

The enforcers were now only a few paces away. Their gazes, which had initially been sharp and assessing, now held a flicker of something akin to amusement. A quarrel in the black market was hardly a novel sight, but the sheer melodrama of it was enough to spark momentarily interest. One of the men with a scar bisecting his eyebrow, grunted and nudged his companions. He then gestured for them to look elsewhere. They had no interest in interfering, no reason to linger. Their own business clearly took precedence over this minor public spat.

Yoongi matched Jimin's intensity. He stepped forward, his movements imbued with a controlled fury and pulled Jimin's body against his own. "The depth of my pockets are not the issue here. Your behaviour is. You are making a scene." He lowered his voice, "And I will not have it."

The three enforcers continued their progress, their footsteps fading into the general din of the market. They passed them without a second glance, their mission apparently unaffected by the drama. As soon as they were a safe distance away, their retreating forms swallowed by the throng of market-goers, Yoongi's facade disappeared and he let go of Jimin.

"That was close," Yoongi breathed, his voice barely a whisper.

The prince’s chest heaved, the adrenaline surge leaving him trembling. The intimate, almost desperate proximity of their staged quarrel had been… unsettling. Yoongi's touch, though feigned, had sent an unexpected jolt through Jimin, a strange mixture of euphoria and a flicker of something far more dangerous, something he refused to name. "Close indeed," Jimin echoed.

"We need to leave before more come this way. Do you know a way out?" Yoongi asked while keeping an eye out for any enforcers or the white cloaked figures.

Jimin nodded, finally composing himself, "There is an opening I used before. It is the only one I know that is closest to here."

"Lead the way then."

Jimin lead him straight through the marketplace. The air grew thick with the scent of burned metal, cheap spirits, and spices. Every shadow held a potential threat, every hushed conversation a hidden agenda.

"This way," Jimin murmured, walking them further into the labyrinthine of stalls and alleys. They threaded their way past stalls overflowing with stolen goods and dubious antiquities. Just as the narrow passage opened into what seemed to be a dead end, a ripple of quiet fell over the immediate vicinity, a silence more unnerving than any noise.

From behind them, a figure emerged. Tall, draped in a pristine white cloak that seemed impossibly clean in the grime-ridden place, they wore a fox mask that was eerily life like. Behind them, six more figures materialized, cloaked in charcoal grey, their movements fluid and silent, like wraiths. Assassins.

"Trouble finding your way out?" the fox-masked figure's voice was a low, sibilant whisper, devoid of inflection, yet dripping with menace.

"Looks like it," Yoongi's hand was already on his dagger, pulling it free in a single, practiced motion. His eyes, dark and flint-hard, assessed the threat. Six bodies, each armed with short swords or daggers. The masked figure maintained a curious distance, orchestrating.

"Stay close." Yoongi ordered. He moved first, a blur of dark motion, sidestepping the initial lunge of an assassin on his left. His dagger flashed, a gleam of silver, parrying the blade and then thrusting upward, finding purchase beneath the ribs. The assassin gasped, collapsing without a sound. Yoongi felt more at ease now with his bodies movements. He just hoped it would be enough to stop them without having to rely on his dark magic.

Jimin, for his part, did not hesitate. He had been taught to fight, yes, but his true strength lay elsewhere. He raised a hand, and the very air around him seemed to hum. A sudden, violent gust of wind erupted, catching two of the incoming assassins. They were lifted off their feet, surprisingly light, and slammed against a stacked pile of crates with bone-jarring force. One lay still, the other groaned, clearly out of the fight. Jimin didn’t wait, with another flick of his wrist, a focused blast of wind struck the third, sending him sprawling into a murky puddle, his head hitting the cobblestones with a sickening thud. Three down.

Yoongi, meanwhile, was a whirlwind of calculated violence. He spun, blade a deadly extension of his will, blocking a downward strike from one assassin before pivoting into a low sweep that took another’s legs out from under him. As the man fell, the dagger found his throat. He parried a thrust from the final assailant, his body shifting with the practiced grace of a seasoned warrior. He moved with a brutal efficiency, his dark eyes never leaving the masked figure, who merely observed, a silent conductor of death.

With the last of the assassins dispatched, only the fox-masked figure remained. Yoongi's chest heaved, but his stance was still ready. The air crackled with a silent challenge. The masked figure moved then, not with the brute force of the assassins, but with an unnerving, almost supernatural speed. They drew a slender, wickedly curved blade that seemed to drink the light.

The clash was immediate and brutal. Yoongi, using his dagger, parried, dodged, and sought openings. The masked figure's movements were fluid, unpredictable, almost dancing. It was a macabre ballet of death, each participant moving with a deadly precision. Despite the original villains years of experience flowing through Yoongi, he found himself pushed, his defence strained. The masked figure seemed to flow around his every move, their blade a humming blur.

Jimin unleashed a flurry of calculated air currents that momentarily distracted the fox. Yoongi sensed his chance, as the fox feinted left, he dropped into a low crouch and thrusted his dagger upward with all his might, aiming for the unshielded area beneath the arm. The blade found its mark, sinking deep.

A guttural cry, more animalistic than human, tore from the masked figure. They stumbled back, clutching the wound, the white cloak rapidly staining crimson. Yoongi, breathing heavily, stood ready, his dagger still extended. Jimin rushed to his side, relief washed over him as he saw the masked figure slump against a wall, their weapon clattering to the ground.

"We have to go up from here," Jimin whispered, his voice hoarse with adrenaline and exhaustion.

"Up?" Yoongi questioned, his gaze following Jimin as he watched him climb the dead end using strategically placed foot holds. From the front they were not visible but as he looked to the side, he could see the small protrusions on the wall.

"Sure why not, I haven't had enough exercise already." Yoongi murmured a low complain and willed himself to climb after Jimin. Carefully following the others movements.

But as they nearly reached the top, a chilling sound stopped them. A wet, tearing sound, like flesh knitting itself back together. The fox masked figure, who moments ago had been bleeding profusely, was slowly, agonizingly, rising. The wound closing, skin and muscle rejoining with an unnatural speed. The fox tilted, and even without seeing the eyes, they felt a cold, predatory intelligence fix on them.

"This isn't over," the sibilant voice was back, angrier now.

"That's impossible!" Jimin cried out.

"Hurry! Move!" Yoongi roared and helped lift Jimin's foot up the final ledge.

The fox picked up its blades and crouched down, ready to jump up and attack them. In desperation, Yoongi unleashed a surge of volatile shadow energy, throwing back the fox masked figure and momentarily disoriented them. The blow back however had caused Yoongi to loose his balance from the top and fell down the other side of the wall at an alarming speed. Thankfully, Jimin had been quick enough the soften the landing with his wind magic.

"Thanks." Yoongi groaned as he felt his insides gnawing. He had reached his limit for the night. Any more use and he'd be dead weight for Jimin to carry.

They could hear the shouts of people behind the wall, enraged roars as they realized they had escaped. They ran away as far as they could, the darkness seemed to welcome them. Yoongi felt his side throbbed with renewed intensity, and his lungs burned with every ragged breath. He knew he had made a choice, a difficult but necessary one but in doing so, he had exposed himself, leaving him vulnerable and weakened. The fight was far from over, and Yoongi knew, with a chilling certainty, that this was only the beginning of a long struggle. The cost of his power was a constant companion, and tonight, it had demanded a significant portion of his very being. He stumbled forward, his shadow dissipating behind him as they vanished into the night.

They had reached familiar streets, a temporary sanctuary, now that patrols frequented them. The sounds of revelry from the taverns and the distant cries of night vendors offered a stark contrast to the black market they had just escaped. Yoongi knew they needed to find shelter, somewhere they could rest if only for a short while. He thought of Hoseok. His knowledge of the city’s hidden pathways and forgotten secrets. He was the only one who could help him back to the castle without detection.

Yoongi stopped Jimin and gestured for him to follow him, "I know a place nearby where we can stay until it is safe to return to the castle."

Too exhausted to ask, Jimin followed without question.

As they neared Hoseok's tavern, the air began to change. The comforting scent of roasted meats, of brewing ale, and of aged wood began to fill the air, a stark contrast to the acrid tang of fear and the metallic scent of spilled blood. Yoongi pushed open the heavy oak door and was greeted by the murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, the rhythmic thump of a stool being set down. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the patrons. They were a mix of weary travellers, local artisans, and a few gruff-looking workers, all exuding an aura of quiet contentment. No one paid him and Jimin attention, their gazes not lingering, their conversations flowing uninterrupted. This was the discretion Hoseok cultivated.

Yoongi made his way to the counter, his steps faltering slightly as a sharp pain shot up his side. He gripped the edge of the counter, leaning into it, trying to appear nonchalant. Jimin quietly sat beside him, observing the place and noting possible exits should they need it. Hoseok had been wiping down the counter with a practiced ease when his gaze met Yoongi. There was a passing look of shock that quickly shifted to a silent question in his eyes.

"A late arrival," Hoseok said, his voice a low rumble. He did not offer a boisterous greeting, nor did he draw attention to both Yoongi and Jimin's dishevelled state, "I have the parcels at the back."

Yoongi managed a weak smile, the effort causing his ribs to protest. "Rough night." He paused, considering his words carefully.

"It always is. Follow me then," Hoseok replied, his gaze holding Yoongi's for a moment longer than necessary. He then walked away from the counter and another staff swiftly took his place.

Yoongi slide his hand onto Jimin's own to signal him to move. They walked together hand in hand, which Hoseok found quite unpleasant.

The moment they reached the safety of Hoseok's basement, Yoongi and Jimin sat down on the nearest seat. The worn leather of the bench was surprisingly comfortable, a welcome contrast to the cold, unforgiving stone they had been navigating for hours. Yoongi closed his eyes for a moment, trying to help ease his migraine as he recalled the faces of his attackers, the subtle nuances of their fighting styles. The masked figure whose strength and speed seemed almost unnatural. He had felt a faint aura coming off them that was similar to that emanated from their leader. It was a chilling realization. They were wielding powers that were ancient. This was not a mere political power play or a territorial dispute. This was something far more profound, a talk of cleansing. The masks, the enchantments woven into their cloaks, the unnerving synchronicity of their attacks – it all pointed to a single, terrifying conclusion. He was targeted by a cult, a force dedicated to serving a power far older and far more sinister.

"Would you mind explaining to me what is going on?" Hoseok demanded as he stood before the two, "And why is Aëte's prince running around with you this late in the night?"

"For starters, we barely escaped the black market." Yoongi breathed out and shifted to the side to ease the sharp stabbing pain on his lower back, "But I did find a cult that is definitely behind all the assassinations attempts."

Jimin turned to Yoongi as he finally remembered one of the many questions he'd been wanting to ask, "How did you manage to get inside that tent?"

"What were you doing in the black market? What cult? What tent?" Hoseok shifted his confused angry gaze from Yoongi to Jimin then back to Yoongi, "Someone start making sense!"

Yoongi began explaining, "Well I was informed by the head butler that my officers were met with resistance during their investigation of the black market and while I did think of you and your connections to the place, I spotted Jimin and ended up following him to the black market. Which worked out since I've been wanting to dig around the place for more information and ended up finding the culprits but they also found us so we had to run for our lives."

"You still haven't told me how you got inside that tent." Jimin demanded once more.

"Did they recognised you?" Hoseok asked with a pang of worry considering Yoongi had not worn his usual disguise with the blonde wig.

"Initially I'd say no but after I had to use my dark magic on one of the more persistent attackers then...probably." Yoongi sheepishly smiled at Hoseok's wide eyed stare.

"How did you get past the tent's barrier?" Jimin whined.

"Shut up about that wretched tent for one minute!" Hoseok snapped at Jimin which only made the young prince roll his eyes, "Did you at least recognised any of the masked figures?"

Yoongi's silence made Hoseok's head hurt. "You have got to be kidding me."

"I did find out that their leader's name is Q and they wore a wolf mask. The others were a bear, snake, bull, tiger, lion, and a fox. And before you ask, I did not get any evidence on any of this since I was the only witness to their meeting." Yoongi sat upright and leaned slightly forward as he spoke to stop the nauseating feeling of bile building up to his chest and throat.

"Oh that fox masked figure had a weird healing ability." Jimin chimed in.

Hoseok scoffed, "Impossible. No one has that kind of magic. Not even the highest priest or priestesses can wield that kind of power."

"Then it might have been some powerful amulet or could have been the runes on the cloak. After all none of us know what those runes stood for so maybe..." Jimin shrugged.

Yoongi stayed silent. He knew one person that had the ability to heal others and that was the heroine of this world. Yoongi's wounds only healed itself out of survival and even he had to take the mana from others to replenish his own loss. The heroines abilities were far greater since she used the mana that flowed from the world and harnessed it into the healing light that can be shared to others. Yoongi then thought to himself, "But if the heroine's abilities were being used then that could mean that she was captured by this cult. It would also explain why none of the male leads have met her and why the original storyline of the game has not been followed."

"So, you are telling me that you both risked your life and only barely escaped yet have nothing to show for it." Hoseok had his hands on his hips as he scolded the two reckless fools. The anger he felt for their hubris made him forget the royal status of the two.

"As if you would have been able to do what we did." Jimin scoffed and lazily stretched his arms.

Yoongi stood up to stop himself from retching but it only caused an intense tight feeling in his chest.

"You've gone pale. Are you hurt?" Hoseok grab hold of Yoongi's arm and hand to help steady him, "You're cold as ice!"

Jimin quickly moved closer and slipped his fingers under Yoongi's sleeve, "He's right!"

"I'm fine." Yoongi dismissed them and moved his hand away. He knows he can't keep it up for long. He had used too much right after he had his own mana drained by the cults leader and is now suffering for it.

Jimin bolted to his side and held on his sleeves, "You are not fine! I did not see you get injured earlier so I had assumed you were fine. You should have said something.", he forcefully removed the dirty worn out cloak, "Where are your injuries? Show me!"

"I will go and call for a doctor." Hoseok mentioned as he heads for the stairs but is quickly stopped by Yoongi. Hoseok felt his arm pulled towards Yoongi and when he looks up he sees a face of someone who would not take no for an answer.

"You will do no such thing." Yoongi commanded, "I'am not injured and only require sleep to recover from this long day. Would you be able to arrange a safe passage to the Viscounts manor? It is some distance from here however it is still closer than the castle."

Jimin grimaced at the idea, "Do you think you can travel in that state? Plus, those people chasing us earlier might be around lurking."

"I hate to admit it but he is right." Hoseok agreed and gently placed his hand on top of Yoongi's grip, "If you only require a safe place to rest for the night then my tavern can offer that. They would not dare enter here to look."

Yoongi wanted to argue that they both did not understand yet they both were determined to not listen to whatever excuse he had to say considering they both made sense when it came to the risk of going back outside. He had thought to take refuge with Namjoon and replenish his mana but it looked like he'd have to spend this night alone. With another sudden painful squeeze at his chest, he relented and decided to grit his teeth and bare for it for the night...or at least until the break of dawn when he can safely make his way back to the castle.

Relieved, Hoseok offered Yoongi help on one side while Jimin stood on the other side.

"I can still walk." Yoongi protested however he does not push them away and continues walking together back up to the tavern and up again to the second floor where the rooms were located. Hoseok's staff made sure to block the path so no one can disturb them and kept the customers entertained.

Hoseok led them up a narrow staircase, the wooden steps creaking underfoot. At the end of the corridor, he opened the door to a room that exceeded Yoongi’s expectations. The chamber was neat and tidy, adorned with simple furnishings. A large window overlooked the street below, and the bed was inviting, draped in soft linens.

“Not much in this room,” Yoongi said, a hint of curiosity on who the room belonged to due to the lack of personal items.

“I like to keep it that way.” Hoseok answered as he watched Yoongi sit on the edge of the bed.

“I did not mean to offend,” Yoongi replied, though he felt a pang of guilt.

“There are spare rooms down the hall that I'll show you,” Hoseok ignored the comment and handed a key to Jimin. “It is modest, but it will serve well for the night.”

Jimin's lips parted as if wanting to protest but realised he did not know why he should be insisting on staying in the same room with the King. Finding himself confused, flustered and annoyed, Jimin mumbled thank you and followed Hoseok without sparing Yoongi another glance.

As Hoseok led Jimin away, Yoongi felt a twinge of loneliness despite all the pain his body was putting him through. He longed for company tonight, yet he understood that was not a possibility considering the circumstances he was in. Hoseok would slit his throat if he even suggested it and Jimin could blast him out the window for even making the smallest of attempt. The heavy price for such strong magic is a burden he needed to cope with.

The tavern filled with the sounds of merriment softly began to fade. Yoongi found himself laying still in the bed while staring out at the window, gazing at the vast dark sky. He does not know how many hours had passed. Sleep has evaded him for the night and he finds himself lost in his thoughts to distract him from the pain. He thought of the people in this world, those who viewed him as their King, their hopes and dreams resting upon his shoulders. Perhaps, in the quiet of the night, he would find clarity amidst the chaos and think of a plan on what to do next.

"I had a feeling you'd not be asleep." Hoseok sighed softly as he entered the room. He had changed into his night clothes and had a long shawl draped over his shoulders and arms.

"Ah, did not mean to keep you awake. It must be strange not being able to sleep in your own room. How about we swap? I can take the spare room instead." Yoongi offered and sat up.

"I still would not be able to sleep since the room is not the issue." Hoseok answered and stepped even closer to Yoongi, "Are you seriously not injured? I could have sworn the dagger I..." Hoseok grimaced as his fingers lightly touch the part of Yoongi that he had stabbed.

Yoongi smiled brightly to stop Hoseok from worrying, "That healed already. Do not fret about it."

"Lies. No wound that deep would heal so quickly."

"I'm not lying." Yoongi declared and confidently lifted his shirt to show Hoseok his unblemished skin, "See."

Hoseok's eyes widened, "Not even a scar!" He ended up pushing Yoongi down on the bed as he hands roamed around his abdomen, "How is that possible?"

It then dawned on Yoongi that he made a mistake and should have thought about his actions carefully. He grips Hoseok's wrists to stop him from touching his bare skin and to focus on what he had to say. "Healing myself is part of my magic's capabilities. Not many know of it so I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it to your self."

"Wait...so that fox masked person mentioned by the prince.."

Yoongi shook his head, "Not the same. They did not posses dark magic however I did feel something more powerful surrounding them...possibly ancient magic."

"I see.....hold on," Hoseok stared intently at Yoongi, "Why haven't you healed yourself then? You're still pale and cold to touch."

"About that..." Yoongi did not know if he should tell Hoseok the truth of his abilities. His weakness can be used against him if he's not careful.

"Don't tell me you are not able to heal if its too late?" Hoseok panicked and got on top of Yoongi.

Startled by the sudden movement, Yoongi lets go of Hoseok's wrists and plants his hands on Hoseok's waist to stop him from moving even more, "Oof! I'm not dying...yet."

"Yet! That's rather ominous." Hoseok huffed, "You must tell me why you are not healing."

"That is...rather personal. I'am fine...truly." Yoongi blushed. Hoseok's presence was making it even harder to control. Now that a warm body had pressed against him, his instincts are telling him to act quickly to replenish his lost mana and survive.