The King's Arrangement (BTS X Reader)

Chapter 22

YN:

As Jungkook left the library, I clutched the fabric swatch to my chest, my mind filled with the words he had just uttered. He had called me beautiful! As much as I wanted to dance around the library, I forced the hopefulness from my thoughts. "Pull it together YN," I mumbled aloud. "He's in love with someone else."

"Wow! With all the people in this place, you still choose to talk to yourself," came a voice that I recognized as well as my own.

I looked up to see Emira standing near me. I had been so caught up in my thoughts of Jungkook that I hadn't even noticed her return. "I didn't know you were back," I stated, trying to control the heat I could feel creeping across my cheeks.

Emira gave me a grin then waved a hand at me. "Don't act like I don't know your habit of talking to yourself," she said, but then her eyes grew worried and her voice changed. "But you only do that when something is bothering you. What is troubling you?"

I sighed, but then finally blurted out. "It's not fair. Why would he tell me I'm beautiful when he's clearly in love with someone else," I demanded. "It's not fair. Why can't I have the one I want?" I couldn't help the tears that welled up in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks.

Emira kneeled down at my feet, taking my hands. "Oh my sweet friend," she soothed. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise you that. You just need to trust me. Do you trust me?"

Sniffling, I nodded my head. "But how is everything going to be okay?" I questioned, my voice coming out weak. "Jungkook is in love with someone. How can that be okay?"

Emira squeezed my hands, her face creasing in a smile. "Please just trust me. Have I ever let you down? Have I ever steered you wrong before?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

I shook my head, knowing Emira was right. In all the years I had known her, not once had she ever given me bad advice. She was the one who convinced me to attend college, to have a life outside my kingdom. "I just don't know what to do," I whispered. "I... I love him."

Emira pulled me into her arms, hugging me tightly. "Oh sweetheart," she murmured against my hair. "I know you do. But please. Trust me on this like you have all along." After a moment, I pulled back from Emira and she sat in the chair next to me, picking up the book Namjoon had brought me this morning.

Nodding my head, I wiped my tears, embarrassed at having broken down the way I did. "How was Chef Jin this morning?" I asked, changing the subject. I smiled when Emira blushed, immediately knowing she had visited him before returning.

Emira suddenly turned bashful, her attention focused on her hands. "Jin... is doing well," she said, her voice soft and filled with the love and adoration I had wished for in my own life. "I love him YN."

I reached over and patted her hand. "I know you do," I replied. "And I'm so incredibly happy for you." Truer words had never been spoken before. The woman sitting next to me was my best friend, my sister and I wanted her to experience love even if I couldn't. Although I knew she felt a little guilty about it all, I could never begrudge her the happiness that she so deserved.

Emira and I stayed in the library for another hour before deciding we needed to leave the palace for a bit. I agreed when Emira suggested a quick walk to the stables before lunch. I had not seen my beautiful mare in several days and was looking forward to visiting with the incredible animal for a few minutes. We passed Mina in the corridor and I didn't miss the dark purple bruise on her collarbone. Once we passed her, I rolled my eyes in disgust at her behavior, but strangely the feelings of hurt were gone.

Although it was turning to fall, the weather was still unseasonably warm. As we walked, I was glad to have left my sweater behind. The sun was warm on my face and the slight breeze stirred my hair. Emira laughed when a strand of hair blew into my face and I grabbed the offending strand, tucking it behind my ear. As we approached the stables, we heard a shout coming from inside. Emira and I looked at each other and hurried through the double doors.