Ember Burning

Part 6

All too soon, you arrived at the castle courtyard. Landing in the open space by the gates, you realized a search party had already gathered. Sliding down from Nemrys, you barely paused to give thanks before hurrying on.

Midway to the castle, you saw Jimin break ranks as he jogged to greet you. Scanning your frame, his silver-blonde hair blew haphazardly in the wind. Coming to a sudden stop, Jimin glanced past, his eyes widening when he realized you'd come from Nemrys.

Before he could speak, Namjoon skidded to a stop beside him.

"Y/N," he gasped, lowering both hands to his knees. "By the veil, you scared us."

Guiltily, you turned. "I am sorry," you told him. "I am fine, though. I promise. I apologize for making you worry."

Jimin continued to stare at Nemrys. "Your Majesty. What –"

"It was my fault," Jungkook interrupted, striding into the circle. He came to a stop alongside you, as though he belonged there. "I saw Her Majesty injure herself while out flying and insisted on escorting her back to the castle."

Namjoon looked at you in alarm. "Is this true? Are you hurt?"

"Only a dislocation," you assured him. "Nothing to worry about."

Although Namjoon nodded, Jimin continued to frown.

"A dislocation," he said slowly, his gaze flicking to yours. "While flying?"

"Momentarily blinded by the sun," you explained. "Hit a cliff and was forced to shift back to human."

"And... Jungkook saw?"

Both Jimin and Namjoon glanced at Jungkook, who jumped into the story without missing a beat.

"Nemrys has excellent vision," he said with a shrug. "Better than I, that is for certain."

Jimin still seemed suspicious, but he eventually nodded. "We are glad to see you safe, Your Majesty," he said. "I will go and tell the search party to stand down."

"Thank you," you said quietly.

Jimin began crossing the courtyard, leaving you alone with Namjoon and Jungkook. You fully intended to tell Namjoon and Jimin the truth, but now was not the right moment. Too many ears were listening.

"Is Yoongi furious?" you asked lowly. "How many meetings have I missed?"

Namjoon gave a rueful smile. "He will get over it. Your meetings for the morning have been postponed. The afternoon remains."

"Good," you said, stepping forward. "I will just –"

"Your Majesty," Jungkook said, and you paused. "I did hope you would see the healer on my staff before returning to duty."

He stood to your side, looking at you earnestly. Namjoon glanced between you; his surprise further increasing when you eventually nodded.

"His Majesty is correct," you admitted. "I do feel fine, Namjoon, but it is better to be safe than sorry. I will have things to discuss with you after."

Namjoon slowly nodded, seeming to understand. "Anything I need to know now?"

Glancing around, you ensured no one could hear. "A Mor patrol," you said quietly. "Barely fifteen miles south. They were the true cause of my injury, but they are no longer a worry."

Namjoon's brow creased even further. "Are you certain you are alright? If it was a Mor patrol, you may have–"

"I am fine," you cut in, quiet.

Namjoon hesitated before he nodded again. "Alright. I will have Jimin send soldiers to search the surrounding mountains."

"Thank you. Tell Yoongi I will be up as soon as I can. And have Amara send me new clothes," you added as you walked past. "I believe it sends the wrong message to wander around in His Majesty's leathers."