Artemis | BTS

Chapter 9

He heaved out a heavy sigh, taking a gulp of his mead he slammed the cup back down upon the table harshly. He was drunk, slouched upon a chair, feeling emotions he couldn't seem to tolerate without the aid of alcohol. The sound of the door creaked open, as a man stepped into the room.

"S-sir, the Western Kingdom would like to hear news of today-"

"Get. Out."

Taehyung growled, his back facing the man who entered.

"But Sir-"

"I said get out !" Taehyung turned and walked threateningly towards the man til his back hit harshly against the door. He quivered in fear as the general of the western kingdom glowered down at him. "Tell the dearest King to be patient, for if they do not hand over the Princess in a weeks time, we immediately wage war." His eyes were aflame, "now leave."

The man didn't need to be told twice as he scurried out of the Generals quarters for the night. Once the door closed, Taehyung leant his forehead against the wooden door, he clenched his eyes shut tightly as he slammed his fist hard against it, cursing before tears started brewing without letting it fall.

He couldn't believe Jimin was gone, when word had spread of the death of the Royals of Artemis, he didn't pay a single mind and thought good riddance, but when he heard of the death of the general, his heart and soul flared. His dearest friend, dead.

"Jimin, you idiot."

—

First a few knocks, then many were heard as the man groaned in his bed, eyes filled with sleep he managed to carry his body to the door answering it.

"Oh- I didn't think you'd be asleep during midday, Sir Jeon?"

It took a while for Jungkook to blink the sleep away, until he realised who his visitor was, he swiftly straightened up.

"Y-your highness, What are you doing here?"

Namjoon could only chuckle, "not to worry Sir Jeon, it has been known the Princess tends to be a night owl, so finding her personal guard fast asleep at noon isn't something so surprising."

Jungkook could only sigh in relief, he had thought King Namjoon would have assumed he was neglecting his duties, but the King wouldn't exactly visit the barracks without reason, "And how may I help you, your highness?"

"Well, I'd like to personally talk to you Sir Jeon." Namjoon smiled, seeing as Jungkook was still confused, "may I come in?"

"Oh- of course!" Jungkook stammered and scurried out of the way of the door, he quickly shuffled his things around and tried to neaten the place up a little. "Sorry- I haven't exactly settled here fully" Jungkook laughed nervously scratching the back of his neck.

Namjoon couldn't help but observe him, and his room. It was very typical in the barracks to have clothes strewn everywhere but what came to his surprise was to see numerous hobby items.

"I see you like to paint?" Namjoon asked, referring to the easel and oils and numerous canvases filled or empty.

"Ah- I've not found the time yet but it does help with the nerves of battle." Jungkook caught Namjoon staring at a particular piece for a while, "I know, they're not very good but-"

"Jungkook, this is beautiful. Now where in heavens did you learn how to paint?" Namjoon admired a particular art piece that caught his eye, various rough brush strokes in muted grays and blues. So simple yet so, powerful in conveying something, as if portraying a moment in time or feeling, the brush strokes although rough, looked intentional, making a silhouette of a portrait. One of which he was far too familiar with.

"My older brother, he lives back in the outskirts of Apollo." Jungkook answered honestly, feeling proud that his King admired his work.

"Then why did you become a knight sir Jeon?" Namjoon asked, "you could have become a masterful painter with many patrons who would be willing to pay bountiful money for your work. And I'm saying this out of pure honestly."

"I wanted to fight battles for our Kingdom. Not for the sake of war and conflict but for the sake of bettering the lives of our people." Jungkook answered with no hesitation, "my brother too thought I should have not become a knight, but there was an internal urge I just couldn't ignore. I want to be able to keep those I love and care about safe, and I believe that is the main heart and qualities a knight should have." Jungkook sincerely looked Namjoon in the eye. "That is why I became a knight, -sir."  He coughed, nearly forgetting to show his manners.

Namjoon was taken aback but such a pure and honest answer. He knew Jungkook was the right fit to put beside Hana. He smiled gently at the man, "Now, does this allegiance only lie with the Kingdom of Apollo? Or-" he pointed at the painting, "are you willing to lay down your life for the Kingdom of Artemis too."

Jungkook's eyes widened, "Sir-"

Namjoon chuckled, "it's okay Jungkook, I believe you already have your answer, and I have no issues with it." He glanced at the beautiful painting one more time before turning his back to leave, "once you're done with the painting, please show it to Hana, I know she'll adore it." Namjoon smiled widely and waved.

He then closed the door behind him, leaving as quick as he came, Jungkook was still stunned by the intrusion of his own King into his quarters, not only that, he himself didn't realise he had neither accidentally nor purposely painted the silhouette of the said princess in question. His cheeks then began to flare up with heat, quickly he picked the canvas up from the easel and set it against the wall facing away from him.

"She is the Princess, Jungkook. Get a hold of yourself." He ruffled his hair before getting dressed to go back to his duties.

—

A/N: sorry for the short chapter !