The Ugly Duckling [Jinkook, Minjoon, Taegiseok]

31: Shift In Responsibility

Ages at the moment:

Seokjin and Yoongi: 21

Hoseok: 20

Namjoon: 19

Jimin and Taehyung: 18

Jungkook: 16

~~~~~

"What do you mean, he's gone?!" The king of Seoul yelled at the frightened young maid named E.

"I went to Prince Namjoon's room this morning to deliver his breakfast, but he wasn't there," E squeaked, bowing down in apology, unable to look either the king or queen in the eyes at the moment. "No one has seen him for almost 24 hours, your majesty."

"That is preposterous! I want everyone searching every inch of this castle! We will find my son, and no one will eat, drink, or sleep until we do!" The king banged his fist down on the arm of his throne, making E flinch.

"Yes, your majesty!" E bowed deeper and ran, too afraid to wait to be dismissed properly.

E spread the king's word and they all got to work looking all around the castle grounds. Messengers were sent to Busan and Daegu to deliver the news of the missing prince, and to ask help in searching for him.

The queen had insisted on going to Daegu herself, almost positive that Namjoon had snuck out to be with that poor servant Jimin.

I mean, she wasn't wrong, but Namjoon was smarter than to be in Daegu while he does it.

E then made her way to Jin's room with the bad news.

"Come in!"

E opened the door and quickly came in, closing it behind her. "Did Namjoon tell you where he was going?"

"Going? What do you mean?"

"I guess I just got my answer," E sighed. "Namjoon is missing. The whole castle is searching for him at the moment. Your parents are pissed."

"Missing?! What if he was kidnapped?!" Jin gasped in horror.

"There were no signs of struggle, but some of his belongings were missing, too. He most definitely ran away," E grumbled. "What a terrible brother he is, leaving you with those monsters as parents all by yourself."

"He is an amazing brother!" Jin insisted. "He has been nothing but supportive and protective of me all these years! I told him to be happy, and now I'm sure he is out chasing his happiness somewhere."

"So your saying he's with Jimin?" E asked, crossing her arms, not impressed. "You know, he always could have just kept Jimin as a concubine or something."

"Jimin would never allow himself to become a concubine," Jin said dismissively. "That's beneath him, and he knows it. He doesn't need a lover that will have him as a side chick when he knows he is worth more than that. Besides, when Jimin marries Namjoon, he won't let him have any concubines."

"If he marries Namjoon..."

"You are so pessimistic," Jin pouted.

"Shouldn't you be the pessimistic one?" E laughed. "How can you still be so optimistic when everyone's always beaten you down?"

"Because we are talking about Namjoon, not myself."

"Fair enough. But then what do you expect to happen to you?"

"My marriage to Jungkook was to secure them as allies, but the royal families became best friends. I'll end up marrying the girl Namjoon was supposed to marry."

"No!" E gasped. "They wouldn't!"

"This is my parents we are talking about. If Namjoon really eloped with Jimin, they totally would."

E pouted. "They better not. You and Prince Jungkook are cute together."

Jin smiled and blushed. "Thank you."

E huffed and slumped onto Jin's bed. "Well, this sucks."

A piece of paper fluttered out from under Jin's pillow and landed on the ground.

"What's that?" E asked.

"I don't know," Jin frowned. "I didn't put anything under my pillow." Jin picked up the paper and unfolded it. "Dearest brother... I wanted to write to you because I know you worry for me. I am doing well. I have gone to the kingdom of China with Jimin..."

"Oh my god, he eloped with Jimin," E facepalmed.

"They haven't married yet, so they haven't fully eloped," Jin shrugged.

"Why are you so passive about this?"

"Because I'm proud that he is fighting for his happiness. I told him not to give up, and he didn't."

"You told him to screw you over?"

"No, but if that's what happens, then I guess it happens."

A sudden knock on the door startled the two of them, and Jin called out for them to enter.

A servant opened the door slowly. "Prince Seokjin, your parents are looking for you."

Jin sighed. "Okay, I'm coming. Sorry E, but I have to go now."

"It's okay. I'll leave you to it," E bowed and left the room.

Jin followed behind and they parted ways in the hall, Jin going to the throne room to find his parents. As he expected, both his parents were waiting for him, sitting on their thrones.

"Father. Mother." Jin bowed and stood in front of them. "You called for me?"

"Yes."