Royal Flush | pjm; jjk

Chapter Fifteen

"So in general, the assassination might be not needed. If we get the Prince to join our side, he might take half of the palace with him. He could deal with the King on his own." Yoongi explained to everyone in the meeting room. Jimin was standing next to the window, arms crossed, looking to the yard. Hoseok, Taehuyng and Namjoon kept listening attentively, waiting for Jimin's input.

"What if he decides to report on us? What will we do then?" Jimin asked cautiously, never taking his eyes from Nora, who in turn was sitting in the inner yard with Jin, giggling about something he was telling her. Yoongi shuffled a bit, pondering on how he should place his words. "He will not know about us until we're sure that he's on our side." He explained, but his tone was cautious. This made Jimin rip his eyes away from Nora and focus them on Yoongi. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"We will use Nora." Yoongi finished, feeling a bit uncomfortable himself. Jimin had turned his whole body to Yoongi now, his jaw was clenched again, but he stayed composed. "Elaborate." Yoongi sighed. "Once she gets close enough to him, she will tell him that she and some people are planning on overthrowing the King. To help the people, to end this era of terror. And she will ask him to join us." Yoongi stopped for a second, Jimin was standing still. "If by chance.." Yoongi continued, "..by chance he doesn't agree, only her head will roll." He finished barely whispering. Jimin kept himself composed, but the knot in his stomach was threatening to burst. "What makes you so sure she will not betray us?" He asked, searching for any reason not to do this. Yoongi released a half smile. "She will not betray you." He raised his eyes to Jimin, wondering if he'll be able to read into his implication, but Jimin stood expressionless.

Jimin cleared his throat and turned back to the yard. "You know how the palace is. They'll simply torture her for information, and at some point she'll give in." He stated calmly, although his blood was boiling. Hoseok cleared his throat quickly and jumped in. "The last trial for candidates was just that, Jimin. She didn't budge until she passed out." Jimin felt shivers running down his spine. "Well maybe they didn't do it strongly enough." He hissed through his teeth, and Hoseok released a small chuckle. "Jimin, she was the only one to not give the information. Everyone failed. Some held out longer than others, but Nora was the only one that didn't say a word. They kept her there for five hours, Jimin. She will not betray you." Hoseok noted the last word with a bit more volume, hoping to reach Jimin's ears.

"Why are you both saying that? We're all in this together, it's not about betraying me. It's about all of us!" Jimin finally snapped, not comprehending what was the hidden joke between the guys. Namjoon placed his palm on his lips and Taehyung smacked his forehead. "Jesus Jimin.. Honestly.." They both whispered. Yoongi cleared his throat. "So can we call Nora over and tell her of the new plan?" Jimin turned back to Nora and lowered his arms in defeat. It was risky, but assassinating the King was much riskier. "Jin, Nora! Please join us for a bit!"

Nora sat in silence, listening attentively to what Yoongi was explaining to her. She understood his implications very well, if the Prince will turn on her, she will have to go down alone. But if by chance they succeed, she will not need to lie to anyone anymore, she will not need to hurt anyone. She liked this plan so much more, but there were some step backs. "All of this sounds logical, and I am pretty sure that the Prince dislikes the King. Obviously, as soon as I show him the further parts of the capital, he should hate him even more. But all of this, his cooperation, it feels like it's hanging on his attitude towards me. If he doesn't like me, if he doesn't confine in me I'll not be able to do anything." She explained calmly, spinning her tea in circles. Hoseok chuckled a bit and everyone raised their eyes at him.

"I was.. I was on duty a few nights ago Nora." He began slowly, scanning her reaction. She simply looked at him with a puzzled expression, as did everyone else. "Me and other guards were scanning the premises, you know, usual guard stuff. And I couldn't help but accidentally notice a certain.. Prince.. hiding in the shadows and hugging a candidate." Hoseok finished smiling slyly and Nora started to blush. Everyone raised their brows and kept shooting glances between her and Hoseok, whereas Jimin stood there completely oblivious to what he was saying. "I simply helped him hide, he said he couldn't have been caught there." Nora hissed and Hoseok laughed out loud. It seemed that Jimin was finally realizing what Hoseok was talking about and now focused his eyes on Nora.