Fallen Kingdom || •MYG + KSJ• ✔️

Friends and Foes

Jin was unsure why his kingdom was the one suffering so much, and why it felt as though he couldn't stop it. Regardless, he followed Jungkook through the scenery as if he himself were a galloping horse. Jungkook moved with more grace, his speed high while his form remained nimble. He was moving with an elegance Jin envied despite how Jungkook was trained for this type of thing. Jin wasn't. During his childhood, policy and basic self-defense were higher priorities than learning the 'correct' way to run. Or maybe Jungkook's legs were stronger, and Jin wasn't giving himself enough credit. But that wasn't what mattered.

The horses pulling up to his kingdom were halted not far from it, resting in an identical position to where they were the first time they arrived. Jin was trailing behind Jungkook and observing the way they had no more men than they did last time. That subtle detail brought a minuscular amount of ease to Jin's spine. Regardless of how small the relief was, he drank it in until he drowned in it, his shoulders set to ooze false confidence. He had to be better than last time. His kingdom was on the line too.

The same man from previously was there on his horse, his knight beside him with her helmet off. Her eyes were narrowed on Jin, observing his every movement as he stalked across the land. He folded his hands behind his back and stood tall with Jungkook by his side. Some footsteps pounded against the surface, and Jimin appeared as well. Only this time, he was wearing what he typically would. Dress clothes with a neat blazer thrown on, the patterns resembling gusts of winds. Maybe clouds. The cream colored designs contrasted the dark, navy blue base the rest of it had. And beyond that, the blazer itself contrasted the pale shirt he had on underneath. Even his hair was done properly. Hopefully this time, no insults would come.

"If it isn't the king and his pig," King Sebastian said. So much for no insults. "A new one I see. Care to introduce us?"

"His name is none of your business," Jin said before Jungkook could speak. No. They couldn't hurt Jungkook too. Especially considering Jimin was already deflating beside him, his frown gleaming in the light the sky provided. "Why have you returned? We gave you a clear answer. If you would like to trade, we're willing to give. Otherwise, depart immediately." The confidence he had was forced, and he was sure it was showing in the way his voice was nearing a crack. He strained over each syllable, praying to whatever was watching over them that he was strong enough.

However, his mind twisted and twirled when the man grinned. His teeth flashed, and it blinded Jin with a mask of terror that struck his soul. It brought goosebumps to the crevasses of his skin, the bones residing under the surface of his flesh clattering together to resemble a tremble. He rubbed his arms almost on instinct, the king of the foreign land leaning back on his horse as if his one expression didn't just cause a catastrophe inside Jin's body.

"Say we were to trade," he said, the female knight donning armor that was more elegant than even Jimin stepping forward with her horse. The singular step was a threat, one Jin didn't take kindly to. "What benefits could you possibly bring us?"

Like Jin's confidence, the offer was merely a construct to distract Jin. But distract him from what? He turned to Jungkook and came over, whispering in his ear. "Go into town and find Commander Jung. Have him assemble his team and patrol the kingdom. Every single corner I want searched. Do you understand?" Jungkook, although turning as pale as Jimin's shirt, did indeed accept his task. He dipped his head and scurried away with a spring in his step. By the time he disappeared into the kingdom, the new king had already brought his team of horses a few inches closer.

"It's rude not to answer your guests when they're talking to you, dear prince," Sebastian said, maintaining the grin that Jin knew would haunt his dreams.