A Royal Mess || Taejin

Chapter 17

"Prince Seokjin, can we talk in private?"

Seokjin turned around to see Jungkook's father, Seojoon, standing next to the luggage pile with urgency etched across his face. Seokjin bowed respectfully to the older male before nodding and leading them into a secluded area of the royal grounds.

"Sir, now we can talk. How can I help you?" Seokjin asked politely.

Seojoon's eyes darted around as if he was afraid someone may be eavesdropping. His fawn eyes seemed to tell Seokjin that he was about to disclose a piece of information that nobody should know.

"Prince, your father must have told you and your family about the conditions of Nahae, am I right?" Seojoon asked with desperate hand movements.

Seokjin opened his mouth to say yes but Seojoon wasted no time.

"I am sure he did. Listen, what I am going to tell you now is crucial and known by none but myself. I told your father that the curse does not work when controllers of fire and water step into the boundaries of Nahae. He told you that, right?"

Seokjin nodded.

"Well- well I lied. I had to. Truth is, the curse is only affected by the presence of the fire benders. I lied to your father because I did not want to reveal your little secret."

Seojoon laughed at Seokjin's panicked face. He took the prince's hands into his and said, "What you possess is nothing to be afraid of, nor ashamed. It is a beautiful gift but prejudiced into a dangerous one because of our history with Nahae. I believe in you, Prince Seokjin. Use it well."

Seokjin wanted to answer Seojoon but words seemed to be so far from his reach. He was baffled, completely thrown off. Not only was his true nature discovered but a very important detail about the legend was revealed to him. He felt immensely burdened.

"I can only thank you for now, Sir. I am just too shocked to even think properly. I time to digest this. But Sir, how did you know about my. . .?" Seokjin did not dare to say it in words.

"I am more gifted than everyone knows, Prince." Seojoon said with an unreadable smile before going off to say his goodbyes to his son who was currently double checking all the supplied for the horses.

Seokjin's stay at Nahae just got much more thrilling.

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"THE ROYAL FAMILY OF GYEONGSONG HAS ARRIVED! HERE COMES KING HANEUL, QUEEN MIYEONG, PRINCESS JENNIE, PRINCES ROSE, PRINCESS LISA, PRINCESS JISOO AND PRINCE SEOKJIN!" The herald proclaimed into the throne room of Nahae where the rulers and their sons got up from their thrones in out of respect and bowed to their royal guests.

They were engaged in a warm welcome. Since none of the nobles were present, they were casual enough to express their joy by initiating more than just bows and handshakes.

The brothers ambushed Seokjin with embraces from all sides and continued squeezing him until his face went red. A month had only passed since the royal family of Gyeongsong departed from Nahae but it felt like years.

Seokjin had to physically restrain from launching himself onto Taehyung and showering him with countless kisses that he was could not so for so long. He had read letters and watched the stars throughout the past month but right then he could enjoy the view of a smiling Taehyung all in his glory.

"Taehyungie oppa, I missed you so much!"

Seokjin's little moment of euphoria shattered into tiny bits when Jisoo painted a lipstick mark on Taehyung's cheek. Taehyung smiled at the princess but his eyes told a different story. Oh, Jisoo should just drop her love-crazed act!