The Royal Concubine

Part 13

"Hyung!", Taehyung was taken aback. "You may be the King, you have power. But guarding you is our responsibility. We never know, who is who", Namjoon said, strictly.

"Hyung, that's a bit-", Jungkook said. "You stay away from this Jungkook", he said. You honestly regret coming here. You didn't want to be accused of being the center of attraction.

"Why should a Concubine practice archery? Whom are you trying to take down?", he asked his arms crossed. The information reaches lightning speed.

Jungkook looked at you concerned. Namjoon was testing you. You need to pass the test in order to win his trust.

"I just like it. It makes a person seem more powerful and confident", you said. "Why do you want to be like that?", he shot another one.

"I was always seen as an object, but when I saved Prince that day, I felt different. For the very first time, someone genuinely spoke to me", you said. Jungkook's heart was beating fast.

He explained to Taehyung but kept his crush part within him. "How will we know that you are not from the enemy's side?", Namjoon asked. You didn't know what to answer.

"I swear, I will never betray my own country no matter what, nobody chooses a courtesan as a spy because they can be easily doubted or get caught", you said.

"Fine, I will let you in now, but if something suspicious happens, you know the consequences", he said. You thanked him multiple times. Taehyung smiled a little.

Jungkook was excited about nothing. The day went by spending time in the library. You were going back to your room.

"This wench covered all the three princes by herself", a concubine said. "It's just a matter of time, they will throw her out, once they lose interest", another said.

They purposely said loudly. You wanted to be quiet but you decided not to take insults.

"Yes, yes, they may throw me, just like how they threw you once", you spat back. "What did you say?", One of them raised her hand to hit you. You tackled skillfully and defended yourself well. The commotion started.

But thankfully Jiya came. "What do you think of yourselves?", she was angry. Everyone quietly left. "Y/n, just because you were given special freedom, doesn't mean you can act recklessly", she said.

"But, I-", she cut you off by saying, "Follow me to my room." The other girls smirked at you. Once you got in, "I didn't-"

"I know y/n, I know that it's not your fault, but you need to be careful. You may not know, but you are already under the eyes of royals", she said.

"Queen mother, queen or princess, anyone would try to take you down", she said. You understood your situation. "Also, you can't deny if anyone from the royal family asks you to serve them", she said.

You looked bewildered. "You may be special, but there are certain rules, even the King can't do anything about it. So if they want to torture you, they will do anything", she said.

"The King will not come to protect you", she added. She truly didn't want you to end up like her. You gulped and nodded slowly.

While you were about to go out, she said, "Stay away from The King, especially in broad daylight", she warned.

You nodded slowly and went out. You sat beside the pond, digesting the information you received. You were under too much pressure, you were free but caged. There is no going back now.

Your stupid heart believed that Taehyung loved you. Jungkook saw you sitting alone. "What are you doing here, y/n?", he asked. You immediately stood and greeted him.

He gestured to you to sit and he sat beside you. "I just came out for fresh air", you said. He just nodded. You both sat in comfortable silence.

"By the way, your archery skill is extraordinary", you complimented. "Want to learn?", he asked. You nodded but immediately declined.

"I don't want to catch anyone's attention", you said. "I can help you, if you want to, Don't worry, all they can do is talk behind your back", he said.

"You are a prince, what would people say if you teach me, just give me a tutor", you said. He chuckled. "At least, you don't get involved with the royals, they speak whatever they want to", he said.

"They can do whatever they want to", you whispered. He understood that you were threatened. "You are safe with me", he said.

It was plain to you, but his words held a promise. You just smiled at him. "Prince", someone called him. It was Jong Mi. You bowed at her. She didn't even consider you.

"Yes! Princess", he gave a formal smile. You excused yourself leaving them alone. You saw how her eyes were soft for him and fierce for you. "I need to go to town tomorrow, I want you to accompany me", she said.

"I will send you the guards", he said. "No! I want you to come with me, please", she pouted. "Why do you need to go to town?", he asked. "For buying stuff", she said.

"You can bring here, anything you want", he said. "I am suffocated here, let's go to the marketplace in disguise. Only us", she pleaded. Even though he was avoiding her, he had a soft spot for her.

"Fine, I will take you but not tomorrow", he said. She happily nodded. Honestly, she thought that she would be rejected harshly.