A Royal Mess || Taejin

Chapter 3

The rulers of both kingdoms were having a private meeting at the Banquet Hall while the guests from Gyeongsong were being shown around the palace by the princes of Nahae.

Jennie and Lisa were being escorted by Jimin, who, Seokjin had learned, was the third-born son of the King of Queen of Nahae. Seokjin particularly didn't like the idea of his sisters wandering alone with a foreign prince in a foreign palace, but the duo had assured him that they had taken private lessons from their royal trainer at Gyeongsong; the scary gleam in their eyes at the mention of breaking necks was enough to convince Seokjin that his noonas were more than capable of looking after themselves.

Rose was too exhausted from the journey, hence she went straight to her appointed chamber, led by a middle-aged maid. Yoongi, the first-born kitty-faced son, also excused himself to lay down even though Namjoon, the dimpled prince and second-born, had said something like But didn't you wake up two hours ago hyung?

Jisoo was being shown around by (surprise, surprise) Taehyung, and it definitely didn't bother Seokjin. Definitely not.

Atleast Seokjin got to spend time with the second brother, Namjoon, who had toppled three antique ceramic vases by then. Seokjin tried to control his laughter as best as he could but the blush on Namjoon's cheeks showed how embarrased he felt.

"And this is the Royal Arena of Nahae. It was first built a hundred and forty nine years ago by King Dogyeong. The annual games are held here and the entry is entirely free! A lot of sports are held here, for example, fencing, archery, horse race, foot race and so many more!"

Seokjin must say that he completely loved the arena. A tremendous circular field was lined by rows of rising stands. There was a tower at one side which was were the Royal family and their noblemen resided while they spectated the games.

"Are you a partaker of these games, Prince Namjoon?" Seokjin asked politely.

"No, Prince Seokjin," Namjoon replied while he shook his head, "I do not like involving myself in such sports. They are too violent and noisy for me. Prince Yoongi and I prefer remaining in the part of the palace farthest from the Arena when the games are held."

Seokjin was a tad bit surprised. He thought how the King and Queen permitted their sons, the elder prince's that even, to excuse their presence on such an important event. Perhaps, things were quite different in Nahae.

"The younger princes are participants then, I assume?" Seokjin said.

"Prince Jimin just partakes in archery. Most of the time he's just there to cheer on our maknae, Prince Taehyung. He is seen in each and every game. He, along with Prince Jimin, are fine sportsmen, I tell you." Namjoon said, his tone having a hint of pride.

"In fact, there he is! I reckon he is trying to impress the princesses."

Indeed, there was Prince Taehyung in all his sweaty glory as he knocked down a swordsman by striking him on his forehead with the hilt of his sword. Seokjin's sisters (minus Rose), who were all gathered up on the stands clapped at the prince's triumph. He wondered where Prince Jimin had gone to.

Seokjin and Namjoon, who had been walking wound the third landing of the palace, descended down three flights of stairs. The entrance of the Arena was adorned with old purple banners, a colour Seokjin found odd for sports. The air downstairs was so freezing that Seokjin had to clench his jaws to stop his teeth from clattering in his mouth. He made a mental note to dress himself in his heaviest apparel once he went to his chamber.

Whatsoever, they entered the place and was greeted by a boisterous Prince Taehyung.

"Did you see that, princesses? To be quite honest, that was just a peek of my skills. No warrior has ever been able to defeat me till today." The golden haired prince bragged as he helped his competitor to get up.