Arranged | Jinkook ✓

Chapter 23.0

Three dances.

And he tried to make himself appear unavailable for all of them.

It wasn't difficult, considering word had spread incredibly fast, as though the news were a wild fire and their guest the kindling. Suddenly everyone seemed to know about the intimate moment the two had shared, hidden away in some far away corner where only the most prying of eyes could reach them.

He had, supposedly, been off limits before. Something that had already been claimed. Untouchable. But now that knowledge hung heavy in the surrounding air.

Kim Seokjin belonged to the crowned prince Jungkook.

And what belonged to the prince was not to be touched.

Three songs.

They seemed to go on forever. His eyes constantly surveyed the crowed, half expecting the prince to be somewhere among them. Waited until the second began to shift in his seat, as if trying to find a position which would be more comfortable. No one approached him, despite the glances that were constantly being sent his way and the whispered that were carried on the wind.

It was so obviously a love match, but did that truly make him a good choice? Had it been lust that had lead to his being chosen? Certainly there were others that would have been a better fit. Those of some what higher station, who had been granted the gift of luck. Who had lived easier lives.

Was love really enough?

He didn't know. All he could do was hope. Was lift his fears to the gods above and pray for their guidance. Hold the knowledge within his heart that this was his choice. His decision. Made out of love for someone else.

Made out of love for Jungkook.

He almost missed his cue. The ending of the third song came quickly then, and he realized that he had become lost in his own thoughts, trapped within the minefield that his own mind could create.

"Your Majesty?" Leaning over, he closed some of the space that existed between him and the queen. Waited for her to mimic his action, head turning to give him her attention.

"Yes dear?" It was clear that she was pleased with him. With his performance. With how well he had done. Clearly he had made the right and proper impression.

"Would it be alright if I left a bit early? This is all -" Overwhelming. Truly. That much at least wasn't a lie.

"Of course. It's expected for you to retire before everyone else." He was still human, after all. Didn't have their endurance, despite the way he had effectively flipped his normal sleep pattern. He had been awake since early in the actual day, preparing and bathing and dressing. It was only natural that he would be tired.

"Thank you, your majesty. For giving this to us. It was wonderful. Far more than I deserve." What did he actually deserve? What was he actually entitled to in this life?

"You are welcome, darling. You did well. I expect you will be a fine asset to us." An asset. That's what he was. Nothing more than another pawn in their messed up game of chest.

One day he would be where she was. Would sit upon the throne and take the place of queen.

He couldn't wait.

Standing up, he waited until everyone began to notice. It wasn't as if he could simply just walk away. No, he must thank each of them for taking the time to come to a party they hadn't even asked for.

"Thank you all so much for coming and celebrating our engagement with us. Spending this time with each of you has been -" Terrifying. Maddening. "- wonderful. Our hearts swell at the support you have all shown. But for now it is time for me to retire. It is my hope to see all of you again at our wedding."