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sweetestofchaos · 1 year

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Blackthorn Ch 7 | M.YG

The Announcement - As the Princess' envoy leaves the Min Empire, the young royal is blindsided with shocking news.

a/n: As always thanks to @sailoryooons for betaing (you're fucking awesome for doing this so last minute) and making the banner. Credit to @colormepurplex2 for making the Namjoon edit.

Taglist: @thickemadame

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

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The night before the warriors and the rest of the Princess’s envoy were to travel back to Escistan, Ceyeh knew that the Princess’ cycle was over and she coaxed the sleeping soul to come to the forefront and take control. When Byulyi entered the Princess’ chambers to wake her the next morning, she gasped in surprise to see that Princess Keena was wide awake, perched on the windowsill to watch the sunrise. Wheein quickly told the other handmaidens about the Princess’ awakening and Yongsun was quick to send word to the Empress.

“It is good to have you back, Princess!” The handmaidens all gushed as they rushed around to get the Princess dressed for the day. Since the Princess was seeing a part of her heart off, Yongsun thought it best to dress the Princess in the traditional Iro ati Buba. The colors were bold and the material was a mix of soft satin, cotton and textured brocade. A deep red buba with coral pink and ruby red hexagonal designs started the outfit while a simple burgundy wrapper was tied around the Princess’ waist. The pele around her hips was the same coral pink from the buba and the iborun - the scarf that was draped over the Princess’ left shoulder - was soft and delicate pink that tied everything together.

As Hyejin braided the Princess’ hair, she wrapped it into a tight bun that sat a few inches from the base of the Princess’ neck and carefully situated the soft pink gele - the head piece - on top of her head. Byulyi started on the Princess’ makeup when Hyejin was finished and focused on the Princess’ eyes. Red, pink and gold was patted and swiped on the eyes with a thin line of black to pull it all together. The Princess’ lips were painted a glossy red while golden dust kissed her cheekbones.

Ropes of pink baroque pearls hung from around the Princess’ neck in different lengths, matching elongated golden earrings with pink pearls dangled from her ears while thick golden cuffs with red and pink diamonds sat on the Princesss’ wrists. The ring finger of her right hand was adorned in two rings with thin gold bands and three white scolecite gems on each - the Prince’s gift - while simple chunky gold rings covered the other fingers on her left hand. She was a vision of strength and grace, both soft and powerful as the red embraced the pink.

Yongsun led the Princess to the main door of her room and knocked three times. The door opened and Princess Kenna was greeted by Aga’s wide eyes as he took in her appearance.

“Princess-” Aga cleared his throat and bowed with his arms crossed over his chest, “It is good to see you again.”

Princess Keena eyed Aga as he rose to his full height and clicked her tongue. "Li bon wè ou, Aga." Princess Keena inclined her head as she crossed her arms over her chest and Aga fought the twitch in his lips. “Her Majesty is waiting, lead the way.”

Mingi, Minho, Chan and Jooheon all bowed to the Princess and welcomed her back with smiles. Princess Keena bowed her head in thanks and fell in step with Aga beside her while Mingi and Minho took up the rear.

“How are you feeling, Princess?” Mingi questioned and Princess Keena kept her eyes forward as she spoke.

“I feel as though I have just woken from a very short sleep. My mind is at ease yet my heart is heavy. I do not wish to see my family leave me so soon.”

“You are with a new family now, Princess,” Minho offered and Mingi glared at him.

The Princess’ lips twisted into a sad smile, “Yes…I suppose I am.”

Aga cleared his throat once again and spoke clearly, “I will remain by your side, Princess.”

Princess Keena turned her head and looked at Aga’s profile. He was starting behind? “And what of Izaso? Is she okay with this arrangement?”

Aga grunted and clasped his hands behind his back as he thought of what best to say. “Kèy rayisab yo se renouvèlman lanmou."

Princess Keena smiled softly at Aga’s words. The quarrel of lovers is the renewal of love, it was another saying that her parents often spoke of. Izaso would be hurt but she would take this next chapter in stride.

“The time apart will pass quickly, I am sure. We will not be here for much longer once everyone leaves.”

Again Aga grunted and his hands tightened around each other at the Princess’ words. The rest of the walk to the Empress’ outdoor chambers was silent. Princess Keena took in the sights around her that she missed while Ceyeh protected her. Dark herringbone wooden floors led to the Empress’ outdoor chambers where she was seated with three other women, two of which were very familiar to the Princess. Aga, Mingi and Minho all bowed before they took their leave and blended in with the other guards. Princess Keena bowed before the Empress, like she had learned in her etiquette class and the women all smiled.

“It is wonderful timing on your part to join us, my dear. Are you feeling better?” Empress Eunkyung stared at the Princess and took in her colorful outfit. The Empress wore a plum colored seukan chima with two thick gold bands wrapped around the skirt from the center and the hem. A cyan dangui with dark yellow ribbons and trim completed the outfit as golden dragons rested stitched onto the shoulders.

“I apologize for my sudden absence and I am better now. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Join us for breakfast, dear.” The Empress smiled up at the Princess and motioned for her to sit beside her.

Princess Keena bowed her head and carefully walked over to the table and sat beside the Empress.

“I am sure you remember your tutors? However, you have not been introduced to one of these ladies before you.”

The Empress motioned to a woman with taupe colored skin with a pale pink overlay that seemed to shimmer even when she sat still. Her eyes were round and large like a horse. Lined by thick, dark eyelashes that made the purple, green and pink specks shine brightly in her black galaxy eyes. She had a wide and long face, with plush lips framed by deep laugh lines. Pink hair was twisted into many braids and wrapped into two elongated buns on each side of her head. Eight braids from each bun hung free from the center and grazed the woman’s shoulders while square cut bangs hid her forehead and eyebrows.

Princess Keena bowed her head after the woman bowed her head, “I am Saina and I will teach you civics once your lessons resume. ” Saina raised her head and the Princess noticed that in the center of Saina’s forehead hidden behind her bangs, a two inch circle peaked out. Saina noticed where the Princess’ eyes went and she touched the smooth circle.

“Have you ever seen a unicorn, Princess Keena?” Saina’s question shocked the Princess. A unicorn? Princess Keena remembered reading in a book that the unicorns were slaughtered in ancient times for the power that they held within their horns. She didn’t remember if the book said they were extinct.

“I am one of the few survivors from the Sovurika tribe. We are but a few hundred in numbers and mostly keep to ourselves. Some, like myself, left home for a new life.”

“I am honored to accept your knowledge.” Princess Keena smiled and Saina grinned with a closed mouth.

With introductions out of the way, Princess Keena took a moment to take in Saina’s outfit. It was nothing that she had seen in her time spent in the Min Empire and she wondered if it was from the south or north. Saina wore a silk sky blue jacket that was mixed with cream and gold brocade fabric and had long, wide sleeves that reached just past her knuckles. A wide leather golden band was wrapped around her waist with a sky blue velvet belt and gold buckle over it. The skirt was the same shade of sky blue silk that pooled around her ankles with cream colored lace overlay. It was a fun outfit and the Princess admired it very much.

“Now then, let us eat before the meal gets too cold.” The Empress motioned for breakfast to be served and conversation was light as the morning meal was set out.

The Princess laughed and enjoyed her time with the women before her. Zarrin, Ellarian and Saina were a joy to interact with. They had different opinions and their jokes were different. They were all older and filled with priceless stories of their past. Princess Keena listened to their words and etched them into her memories, she would remember this day always. As breakfast started to be wrapped up, the Empress rose to her feet and the other ladies followed.

“Thank you all for joining me this morning, it was a simple pleasure that I tend to miss.” The Empress bowed her head as she spoke again, “Please enjoy the rest of your day. Princess Keena, it is time for us to depart and say farewell to your envoy.”

Princess said her goodbyes to her instructors and followed a step behind Empress Eunkyung as they made their way to the main courtyard in front of the palace. Servants and warriors alike were lined up to leave for Escistan and the Princess noticed her five handmaids closer to the back. As Empress Eunkyung stood beside Emperor Chungho, who wore his red and gold gonryongpo, on a raised platform. Princess Keena noticed Prince Yoongi as he stood off to the right of his parents. She took in his appearance and her heart beat excitedly in her chest. Prince Yoongi wasn’t dressed in his gangsapo or gonryongpo like she thought he would be.

Prince Yoongi wore black hakamam - wide legged pants - with a black fitted blouse and on top he chose to wear the red and gold silk kenta that the Princess had gifted him. The fabric wrapped around his right shoulder and hung loosely like a toga. It looked wonderful on him and the Princess smiled.

The Prince had his hair piled high on his head, the sangtu replaced with a sleek ponytail that reached just below his shoulder blades. The black manggeon around the Prince’s forehead kept any flyaway hairs from his face as he stared at the people below him. Hoseok walked over to the Princess and motioned for her to follow him as he led her to stand beside the Prince on the platform. Prince Yoongi turned his head toward the Princess at her arrival and bowed his head while the Princess copied his action.

“You should wear Escistan garb more often, it’s very becoming of you.”

Prince Yoongi’s ears flushed red but he gave nothing away of his embarrassment on his face as he stared at the Princess. The smile on the Princess’ face started to fade the more Prince Yoongi looked at her silently and she raised an eyebrow.

“Do you not like it, my Prince?”

Prince Yoongi shook his head. “I like it very much, Princess. Thank you again, for such a thoughtful gift.” Prince Yoongi’s eyes softened as he gazed at the Princess and he licked his lips. “...I have missed you.” His voice was rough, softened by the meaning of his words and Princess Keena looked down at the ground. The Prince’s fingers twitched as he fought the urge to lift her face and force the Princess to look into his eyes. “You look beautiful, Princess.”

Hoseok cleared his throat from behind the two young royals and the Prince turned his attention to the men and women who were bowing before him. Princess Keena crossed her arms over her chest and as she started to bow, from the corner of her eyes she noticed Prince Yoongi had followed her movement. Emperor and Empress Min watched from the corner of their eyes as the Prince and Princess together with their arms crossed over their chest bowed to those lower in rank. Prince Yoongi waited for the Princess to rise before he followed her movements once again and stood tall by her side.

Princess Keena felt her eyes burn as she watched her envoy shift row by row into their bird forms. Those who were not of the Escistan army started to climb into sixteen men litters carried on the backs of giant flying turtles. Aga left his post and the Princess watched as he cupped Izaso’s face between his large hands. Tears were spilling down Izaso's face as they said their goodbyes. Aga kissed her tears away but it was no use as more and more kept falling. The sky started to twist from blue and yellow to many shades of gray as the Princess tried not to cry. They were really leaving and she would have only Aga by her side. The Princess flinched when fingers brushed against her own and she bit the inside of her cheek when Prince Yoongi grabbed her fingers with his own.

They stood by each other, side by side, holding hands as they gave each other silent support. The sky slowly melted into a dull blue with faded white clouds as Prince Yoongi squeezed Princess Keena’s hand every once in a while. Aga stepped away from Izaso and she shifted into an openbill stork. Princess Keena held her head a little higher and as silver bled into the brown, she started to chirp loudly. Aga’s pale yellow eyes burned bright as he answered the Princess’ call and those in her envoy joined in. The air was filled with a heavy promise of hope as the bird song subsided and they took off into the air.

Aga shielded his eyes as he watched them depart into the sunny sky. He brought his hands down to his mouth and shouted loudly, “Zèklè a pral frape!”

“Princess…” Prince Yoongi ran his thumb over the rings on Princess Keena’s fingers and smiled faintly knowing that she continued to wear his gifts. He turned to face her and licked his lips; the Princess’ eyes were slowly shifting back to their warm brown. “Would you like to see one of my favorite places in the palace?”

Princess Keena nodded her head and Prince Yoongi noticed his parents as they watched him from over the Princess’ shoulder. Emperor Chungho waved his hand for the Prince and Prince Yoongi sighed. He started to remove his hand from the Princess and his father shook his head which made the Prince eyebrows pinch together. Princess Keena giggled and poked at his protruding bottom lip without a second thought. Prince Yoongi turned his attention back on the Princess and narrowed his eyes.

“Pallas!”

The smile on the Princess’ face was worth it and Prince Yoongi shook his head. He hadn’t even realized that he had started to pout. “We are being summoned by the Emperor.”

Princess Keena nodded her head and Prince Yoongi tightened his hold on her hand as she turned to stand by his side. Together they walked over to Emperor Chungho and Empress Eunkyung who was at his side.

“Would you hatchlings care to join us at the lotus pond?” Emperor Chungho glanced down at the young royals’ connected hands and held out his own hand for his wife to take. Yoongi stared at his parents confused.

“A new brood of lemming ducklings have hatched and they have made their home in the pond,” Empress Eunkyung further explained as she noticed the confusion and weariness on her son’s face while the Princess’ face lit up. Lemming ducks were only of the Min Empire and she wanted to see if they were as cute as everyone had said. Prince Yoongi looked between his parents and ran his tongue behind his teeth. They were hiding something and he wasn’t sure what it could be. He looked to his side and Princess Keena’s eyes were wide as she silently begged for him to come with.

Prince Yoongi scratched his nose with his thumb and index finger and squared his shoulders, before he motioned with his free hand. “After you, your Majesties.”

The Prince and Princess kept a few steps behind the Emperor and Empress as they followed them farther away from the main entrance of the palace. The lotus pond was located in the northwest section, it was part of the Gildows lake that the Empress had requested to be blocked off. The lotus pond was also part of the fourth garden, better known as the wisdom garden, which housed a botanical garden and one out of three of Namjoon’s arboretums.

Stone pathways were laid out to create an intricate maze in between iris, daylilies, yarrow and cornflower among many other flowers. Five, seven foot arch ways, bloomed with vivid apricot and pink mandevilla and bright white wisteria with deep pink bleed heart flowers tucked along at the bottom, that led to the small peninsula that had the lotus pond at its edge.

Princess Keena's eyes grew brighter and wider as the colors and floral scents around her came together. It was breathtaking, the seamless harmony of the garden around her. Soft quacks caught the Princess’ attention and Prince Yoongi chuckled as he felt the quicken of the Princess’ pulse.

“Come on,” Prince Yoongi tugged at the Princess’ hand and hurried past his parents. Princess Keena easily kept up and once at the water’s edge she squatted down to get a better look at the small creatures in the stone pond. Four lemming ducklings wadded in the water while their momma rested on one of the falter stones. They were tiny, only a little bigger than a tangerine with tan and black fuzzy bodies and cute rounded ears; that’s what made them lemming ducks afterall.

“Oh, they are so sweet!” Princess Keena leaned into the Prince’s side as he squatted beside her and continued to gush about their cuteness.

“Would you like to feed them?” Prince Yoongi offered and the Princess’ smile grew ten times in size. The Prince stood and eyed the Princess as he started to back away but her attention was right back on the ducklings. He turned on his heels and noticed that his parents were sitting in the gazebo enjoying the shade. He clicked his tongue but kept his thoughts to himself as he walked over to the feeding box. It was a four-by-four box that was attached to a wooden post in the ground that held special feed just for lemming ducks. The Prince grabbed the wooden spoon and poured two scoops into his hand before he headed back to the Princess.

“Here you are, Princess.”

Prince Yoongi squatted back by the Princess’ side and motioned for her to hold out her hands. The Princess cupped her hands together and the Prince smiled. Were the Princess’ hands always so small?

“Be careful,” Prince Yoongi spoke softly as he instructed the Princess on how to hold out her hands. Princess Keena did as told and allowed for the Prince to support her cupped hands in his free one and watched as Prince Yoongi closed his fist and started to funnel some of the bird feed into her hand.

Hearing the soft tinkle of the dried fruit, flowers, oats and seeds the lemming ducklings started to paddle towards shore as quickly as their feet would take them. They started to crowd the Princess and she laughed that chime-like giggle that carried on the breeze as one of the ducklings waddled on to her skirt.

Another duckling settled on Prince Yoongi’s shoe and he dropped backwards onto his butt with his knees bent. Together the young royals started to feed the ducklings. They laid down the feed and Princess Keena couldn’t stop smiling as another of the ducklings nipped at her fingers. At some point, Prince Yoongi lowered his knees and stretched out his legs, the duckling on his foot moseyed along farther up his leg until it was tucked away in the folds of his kente.

Carefully, Princess Keena scooped up the duckling that had nipped at her finger and held it up to her face. The duckling stared at her, tiny ink black eyes, unchanging and the Princess smiled once again.

“Hello, sweetheart. Have I upset you?” Princess Keena questioned the hatchling softly and it quacked quickly, its wings flapping at its side as the tiny baby stomped in her hands.

“Can you understand him?”

“Her,” the Princess corrected the Prince softly as she nuzzled her nose on top of the ducklings head before she kissed its beak.

“How do you know it is a female?”

Prince Keena glanced at the Prince and softly jerked her head in the ducklings direction. “She told me.”

The Prince’s eyes widened and Princess Keena laughed. “I can understand all birds, it is the gift of the impundulu; in turn they can understand me as well.”

“That’s-” Yoongi stared down at the duckling in his lap and stroked the top of its head, “Incredible, simply incredible.”

A loud quack filled the air and the ducklings all responded with their own smaller quacks. “Time to go sweetheart. Be good for your mother, all of you.”

The Princess lowered her hands and the duckling toddled off back into the water. She looked beside her and the duckling in the Prince’s lap was sound asleep. Prince Yoongi looked at the Princess unsure of what to do, so she reached out and scratched the top of the ducklings head to wake it up.

“Your family is waiting for you. Hurry along,” she whispered as the duckling shook out its feathers. The tiny thing looked confused and quacked in alarm before it nuzzled its beak into the Prince’s thigh and hurried off into the water as the Princess watched. When the Princess turned around with a smile on her face she startled at the sight of Prince Yoongi staring at her with the softest of smiles. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

The tips of the Prince’s ears heated as he cleared his throat, “Come on, I can feel my parents watching us.”

Prince Yoongi jumped to his feet and held out his hand to help the Princess off the ground. They dusted themself off and again the Prince offered his hand. Princess Keena gently placed her hand into the Prince’s and both of them felt their faces heat from the neck up. Prince Yoongi cleared his throat once more and started to tease the corner of his lips with his tongue as he led the way to the gazebo where the Emperor and Empress waited.

Inside the gazebo, two zabuton mats were on the wooden floor in front of the Emperor and Empress with enough space between them to fit a small table. Empress Min smiled at the young royals and extended her hand towards the seats.

“It looked like you two enjoyed yourselves. Come sit, tell me all about it.”

Emperor Min looked off in the distance and clicked his tongue, the refreshments he had requested were arriving. Prince Yoongi helped the Princess sit first before he took his place beside her and sat with one leg tucked under his thigh while the other was bent. He frowned as the Princess sat with both legs folded underneath her butt.

“You can relax my dear,” Empress Min cooed softly as she reached out and placed her hand over top of the Princess’. Princess Keena bowed her head in thanks and shifted so that her feet were no longer under her but folded off to the side at a slight angle. “I saw you both made some new friends.”

“I think his Highness made a new friend,” Princess Keena teased and Prince Yoongi rolled his eyes. “The duckling went right to sleep in his lap.”

“Oh my!” Empress Min covered her mouth with her hand while Emperor Min smiled. “I knew they would take a liking to you, my son. I was surprised their mother didn’t come say hello.”

“She sensed the impundulu,” Princess Kenna started to explain, “Most birds know I am not a threat to them and those around me are the same unless I say otherwise.”

“What a useful skill to have. Is that due to your bloodline?” Emperor Min questioned and the Princess nodded her head.

“Those with the blood of the impundulu have an affinity with birds of all kinds. It is useful while traveling long distances. The wild birds around us tend to help protect us and warn of any unseen dangers that are around.”

Emperor Min hummed as he clasped his hands together and sat up a little straighter. “It truly is a blessing from those above to have you with us, Princess Keena. We are forever honored by your presence.”

Empress Min copied her husband’s posture and they both bowed forward lightly with their heads lowered. Princess Keena sat frozen while Prince Yoongi’s eyes widened. His parents bowed to no one but the ancient dragons before them.

Before Princess Keena had the chance to recover from her shock, Emperor and Empress Min both sat upright with little to no emotion on their faces. Prince Yoongi heard the footfalls of the servants and he waited to see what would be placed in front of them. He sat with a frown on his lips and it only seemed to deepen once the food was placed in front of everyone.

Matcha cookies, purin, mooncakes, agar agar jelly, candied dates, and other fine desserts were laid out on beautiful hand painted dishes with golden dragons. Four white plates were passed around and the Prince’s brows pulled together as he stared at the Peruvian fire lily that was painted on the plates. The words of the Empress echoed loudly in the Prince’s mind as he watched his parents speak and joke with the Princess. They smiled and laughed, leaned into each other in a way that he had never seen after he turned of age. The sweets in front of him were colorful and perfect, too perfect.

More dishes came out. A bowl of chestnuts and freshly made pear blossom wine caught the Prince’s attention and he raised an eyebrow as he watched his father, the Emperor pour some into four small bowls that had gold and blue fish painted on them. Princess Keena laughed into her hand and turned to face the Prince with a smile on her face but it dropped quickly when she saw the dazed look in his eyes.

“Your Highness?” Princess Keena carefully placed her hand on the Prince’s arm and gave him a light squeeze. The laughter at the table died down and Princess Keena tried again just as softly, “Prince Yoongi?”

The Prince flinched and shook his head as he tried to clear the thoughts in his mind. His mother’s words echoed loudly again in his ears as he looked at everything in front of him. It was used to celebrate one's engagement.

Warmth from the Princess’ hand seeped through the material of the blouse he wore and burned him. His skin started to overheat and sweat collected underneath the headband around his head. His tongue felt a million times too big for his mouth and made of lead. Slowly he forced himself to gaze upon his parents and he saw the way their faces were blank, expressions schooled to not show what they were thinking. True royalty at its finest.

“You are trembling, my Prince. Do you feel unwell?”

The endearment of the Prince’s title wasn’t missed by the Emperor or Empress. Prince Yoongi gulped, his throat dry and scratchy as his parents stared at him with unforgiving eyes.

“When the time comes, I will fulfill my duty to the throne. You do not have to worry yourself with that thought.”

“Promise me Yoongi.”

“Pardon?” Yoongi stares at his mother confused. Promise her?

“When the time comes, you must promise me here and now that you will fulfill your duty to the throne.”

Prince Yoongi carefully situated his legs underneath himself and sat up straight. He turned his head to the Princess and offered her a hand as he forced his lips to curve upward into a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“I am fine, Princess. However, I do believe my parents wish to discuss an important matter.”

Princess Keena placed her hand into the Prince’s open palm and she turned her attention back to the Emperor and Empress who were now looking at their son with the same emotion she saw in her parent’s eyes before she left Escistan. She hadn’t been able to discern that look and even now she still could not. Emperor Min turned his gaze to the Princess and he spoke with power and poise.

“The war with the west has started. Our forces will join those on the battlefield soon enough. We have faith that this will be a victory, however for the sake of Escistan’s future, we formed an alliance with your parents, the King and Queen as you know.” Emperor Min folded his hands inside of his sleeves and continued. “During negotiations your parents stressed that it was of the utmost importance to ensure the survival of the impundulu’s bloodline.”

Princess Keena understood the Emperor’s words, it made sense that her parents had wanted the impundulu bloodline to thrive and survive. Princess Keena did not understand why the Emperor felt the need to discuss it at greater length. Princess Keena glanced over at the Prince and he looked ill. What little color he had to him was replaced with a pale gray green hue. The Princess rubbed her thumb across Prince Yoongi’s knuckles and he squeezed her hand lightly.

“As agreed upon by the Escistan Kingdom and the Min empire,” Empress Min spoke for the first time in a while and her eyes were now golden which put the Princess on edge. Whatever was to be said was important. “First Princess Keena and First Prince Yoongi are to be wed-”

Princess Keena’s body stiffened up while the Prince felt all the air leave his body. Both the Empress and Emperor spoke but their words fell on deaf ears. Suddenly the weight of the Prince’s hand in her own didn’t feel right to the Princess and she pulled her hand into her lap. Prince Yoongi’s hand hit the floor and the priceless rings on his fingers smacked into the wood. The thump was so loud that it cut through the words of the Emperor as well as the Empress and echoed in the air. The warmth of the Princess’ touch had faded the moment she let the Prince’s hand go and goosebumps rose on his skin from head to toe.

The Princess folded in on herself and bowed her head. “Forgive me your Majesties…I am feeling...I-I need-” the Princess didn’t know what she needed but she couldn’t stand to be in the presence of the royal family any longer. She rose to her feet, bowed once more and hurried out of the gazebo.

“Aga!” The Princess’ voice was aghast; it quivered with an unheard of tone full of alarm and disbelief.

Aga rushed to her side having noticed the heavy storm clouds that were formed over the gazebo. He fought every fiber of his being to not pull the Princess into his arms like she were a mere child and hide her away from the world. He longed to ease her mind and see a smile on her face but he knew that would take time. He knew what the royals had spoken about, it had been planned this way before they came to the Min Empire. Princess Keena was betrothed to the First Prince of the Min Empire, Prince Yoongi; it had been this way for over three years since talks of war had first come about. It was a horrible secret that Aga swore to protect until the very last moments when it all was revealed.

“Come Princess, let us head back inside.” Aga waited for the Princess to move forward and when she wouldn’t, Aga picked her up in his arms and carried her into the palace with Mingi and Minho behind him.

Small tremors made the Prince grit his teeth as he pulled his hands into his lap and glared at the sweet treats before him. His parents had yet to speak after the Princess walked off and he wasn’t sure if he wanted them to. He had questions, so many questions but he knew that now was not the time. He was not in the right state of mind and needed to leave before he said or did something he would come to regret later on.

Prince Yoongi forced himself to his feet and bowed his head before he left the gazebo without a glance back at his parents. Hoseok was by his side and remained silent because he had heard everything. The storm above the gazebo was gone but the Prince smelt the lingering scent of heavy rain. A storm would come at some point to answer the impundulu’s call.

“Spar with me.”

It was a sudden request that Hoseok wouldn’t refuse and once they reached the training grounds, he looked at the weapons rack.

“Hand-to-hand?” Hoseok had offered and Prince Yoongi grunted as his eyes started to shift from black to gold. Hoseok’s blood started to heat and his amber eyes blazed as striking carmine red flecks moved around. Prince Yoongi would attack with his all, Agust was just below the surface and Hoseok knew better than to mess around. This was going to be a brutal match for however long it lasted and he was ready. He was there for his friend no matter what.

On the way to the palace, Aga was intercepted by Hyejin who led everyone to the butterfly house. Namjoon was waiting outside of the gate, his dimples on full display and they disappeared when he saw the Princess in Aga’s arms. A guard opened the gate for Aga and Minho followed while Mingi stayed behind and explained to Namjoon that the Princess had been feeling unwell. Namjoon understood and hid his disappointment well behind a kind smile. He could always show the Princess around her new home later on when she felt better. For now he spoke with the royal doctor Hyunwon about visiting the Princess and had a soothing tea delivered to the butterfly house right away.

As the Princess’ main pillar of support, Aga took it upon himself to inform those within the butterfly house of the Princess’ engagement to Prince Yoongi. Yongsun had already known since Empress Min had briefed her on everything before the Princess arrived. Everyone else was shocked but they kept their thoughts to themselves.

Misty blue skies shifted into a whirl of orange, yellow and pink before light faded and the night enveloped the sky in a bleak, black blanket filled with tiny diamonds of despair as on and off rain soaked the ground. Princess Keena sat on the wooden engawa outside of her open window. Her hair was down and braided all together into a single braid that rested against her back and brushed against the floor. The iro ati buba from the morning was replaced by a simple lavender silk nightgown with darker purple lace trimming along the bottom hem that covered the Princess’ toes. She wore a matching iridescent silk robe over the nightgown that had tiny dark colored flowers stitched along the shoulders with wide butterfly sleeves and a two foot train that trailed behind her.

It was a cool night as the Princess leaned against one of the support posts and stared up at the moon. Her eyes were puffy and burned, each blink sent a slow tear sliding down her face. The Princess had swore that she had no more tears to cry but her eyes seemed to prove her wrong as every conversation with the Prince played in her mind. Their friendship that had meant the world to her was brought into question at the forefront of the Princess’ mind. Did the Prince know about the engagement? Had he played his role this whole time to ensure that the Princess wouldn’t fight the announcement?

Princess Keena’s low lip trembled as she pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face in her knees. Her cries were muffled as her body shook. She never thought that Prince Yoongi would ever be the cause of her tears and that realization caused the Princess’ heart to pinch painfully. She inhaled sharply and choked on the snot that had caught in the back of her throat. She coughed harshly and slapped at her chest as she fought to breathe clearly. Each inhale pierced her heart and burned the lungs.

The weight of the betrothal was crushing, an unrelenting force that kept pushing and pushing at the Princess’ mind; determined to shatter all the happy memories that she had created with the Prince. The implications were very real, yet the Princess fought with herself internally as she shifted through the last couple of days.

She had been lied to before, not on this grand of a scale but a lie was a lie. The Prince's eyes were shimmering mirrors of his soul; a warmth so soft and soothing it melted away the icy fear that locked around the Princess’ mind. That gummy smile that made the Prince’s age unknown, childlike and free. His words had supported the Princess long before his hands…could she still lean on them? Could she face the Prince after tonight?

The guards all tried their best to ignore the Princess’ cries as it wasn’t in their nature to abandon someone in need. Mingi chewed at the skin of his thumb as he hid in the shadows closest to the Princess. Minho was on the south side of the hanok, Aga who couldn’t stand to hear the Princess’ cries switched posts with Chan, and Chan was on the east side of the hanok while Jooheon stood guard with Aga at the front inner entrance to the hanok. The Princess’ handmaids were all wide awake in their room, waiting for the moment that the Princess called for them.

Mingi refused to watch any longer as the Princess started to slip into a deeper and darker hole. He emerged from the shadows and his green eyes gleamed in the starlight of the night. His movements were silent as he walked over to the Princess and sat beside her. The warmth from his body broke the chill in the air and the Princess shivered as goosebumps appeared on her skin. Sniffling, the Princess lifted her head and before she could wipe the snot and tears from her face, Mingi held out a yellow handkerchief while he stared off into the distance. Princess Keena took the handkerchief and carefully wiped her face. She winced as the soft fabric touched the raw and tender skin under her eyes and nose.

Mingi chewed at his lower lip in thought before he spoke up, “Sometimes it is better to speak what’s on your mind while another is near. My mother used to say that another body is better than air when you are upset or have a lot on your mind.” Mingi toed at the grass below him and scratched the back of his neck. “She also said that not everybody needs to speak, they only need to listen.”

Princess Keena slumped against the support beam and turned her body more to face Mingi. The brown of her eyes were lined in a thick silver ring that seemed to slowly ebb away little by little. Mingi pushed his damp hair from his face and glanced at the Princess who stared at his profile silently. The Princess’ lips twitched and she clicked her tongue before she kicked out her legs and dug her bare toes under the meat of Mingi’s right thigh. Mingi grunted from the icy chill that seeped through the fabric of his trousers but he kept motionless.

“I don’t want to hate the Prince…” Princess Keena’s words were soft and scratchy as she spoke, “He’s my best friend and I-I would like for us to remain that way.” The Princess wrapped her arms around her stomach and sunk within herself as she continued to speak her mind.

“How does anyone expect me to wed the Prince? Once his parents step down from the throne, the Prince will become the Emperor and that would make me the Empress. I know nothing of this empire. I am not fit to rule beside the Prince nor shall I bear him a proper heir.”

Princess Keena fell silent and Mingi glanced over her way once again. The Princess had a hand over her stomach and a frown was set deep on her face. “I have never heard of two such powerful beings producing such a creature.”

Mingi winced at the thought of the Princess’ situation and licked his lips. “If I may Princess-” Mingi carefully untucked the Princess’ toes from under his thigh and rested them on his hands to spread more of his body heat. “I have known the Prince for a long time. I have seen him defend the weakest of creatures without a second thought.” Mingi started to twist his wrists a little to create some friction between his hands and the Princess giggled as her toes started to warm.

“I truly believe that you and the Prince alike are victims to your titles. I cannot imagine His Highness would ever try to deceive you to gain power, yet alone force himself upon you for the rest of your lives.” Mingi spoke true and sure as he kept his gaze on the tree in front of him. Princess Keena rolled her eyes with a sigh and pulled her feet free from Mingi’s hands.

“...Thank you, Mingi. Your mother was a wise woman and taught you well.” Princess Keena rose to her feet and bowed her head with a soft smile. “Goodnight, Mingi.”

Mingi scrambled to his feet and bowed deeply. “G-Goodnight, Princess!”