Beyond the Borders of Love

CHAPTER 2: THE LIFETIME DUTY

The air in the Central Palace crackled with a nervous energy. Sir Hoseok, his face pale with anxiety, burst into the Queen's chambers, his voice echoing through the halls. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Bad news, Your Majesty!"

"Sir Hoseok, what's with the commotion?" Queen Bang asked, her voice calm despite the tremor in her hand.

"Queen Bang, greetings, your highness," Hoseok bowed, his voice trembling. "There is bad news, and I need to report it to the King immediately... It's about the attack at the Royal University this morning."

"Tell me what happened!" Queen Bang demanded, her eyes wide with concern.

"Everything is already handled, no need to worry, Mother," a voice said from the doorway.

Hoseok bowed again, his gaze meeting the calm, resolute eyes of Prince Chan. "Prince Chan..."

"Channie, is everything really alright, son?" Queen Bang asked, her voice laced with worry. "How about the students? Are the Royals and Nobles safe?"

Chan's gaze softened as he looked at his mother, his heart aching at her concern. "Everything is already taken care of by the royal guards, Mother. Changbin mind-linked me that they're on their way here to report something. Also, I'll go discuss something with Father. You go and take rest, and I'm sorry for Sir Hoseok; he probably disturbed your rest."

Queen Bang smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "No worries, I'm used to his loudness. After all, he's been serving our family since me and your Father got married. Go ahead, you two. His Majesty is probably waiting for news."

"Yes, Mother," Chan said, nodding. "Madam Summer, please guide Her Highness back to her chamber to rest and also serve her some chamomile tea for her to relax."

"Yes, Prince Chan," Summer, the maid, said, curtseying.

Chan nodded, his gaze meeting Hoseok's. "Sir Hoseok, let's go."

The two made their way to the North Wing Hall, where the meeting room was located. Even from the corridor, Chan could hear the raised voices and the tense atmosphere inside.

"Your Highness," Hoseok whispered, his voice filled with concern. "I think we should retreat. The ministers are here, and judging from the yells, the situation inside is already tense."

Chan nodded in agreement, but before they could turn back, a familiar voice called out to him. They turned to see the three princes, along with Changbin, running towards them.

"Channie Hyung!" Jeongin exclaimed, excitedly throwing his arms around his oldest brother.

"You guys are here," Chan said, his eyes widening in surprise. "Who led you here?"

"Dummy, of course, I'm the one who led them here," Changbin said, approaching Chan and punching him playfully on the shoulder, making the older prince wince in pain while chuckling. He loved teasing his cousin. "Talking like I'm not part of the Royal Family."

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Chan said, laughing. "But let's discuss this matter in another meeting room. Everything is a mess inside."

"Since the Princes and Young Master are here, it looks like it's time for me to shut the mouths of those noisy dogs inside," Hoseok said, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "His Majesty will be in your meeting place within minutes, Prince Chan."

"Thank you, Sir Hoseok," Chan said, nodding.

"It is my duty," Hoseok bowed and entered the room, leaving Chan and the four princes standing in the hallway.

"Let's go," Chan said, leading them towards a study two rooms away from the noisy meeting room. The moment they settled down, they began their discussion.

"So what happened there?" Chan asked, his voice filled with concern. "Is everyone safe? Did someone get injured? Or any bad occurrences during the attack?"

"Nothing much," Hyunjin said, shaking his head. "We weren't able to witness some of the events since we were locked up with the other students inside the classroom, but the royal guards did catch a few of the infiltrators who attacked the university. And also..." he looked at Jeongin.

"Also, when I checked while flying, the explosion damaged half of the university grounds, and even the newly built hospital and dormitory on our campus were inflicted," Jeongin said, his voice filled with a mixture of shock and anger. "These guys are no joke, hyung. They can eliminate the whole kingdom within seconds of attack. As for the injured, we're still waiting for Sir Jinyoung's report, but judging from the damage left, I'm sure there are."

Hearing their reports, Chan's heart sank. He wasn't worried about the Royals and Nobles studying there; it was the normal students, the ones who didn't have powers to protect themselves, that filled him with worry.

"And another thing," Minho said, pulling a ziplock bag from his pocket. "Sir Jinyoung gave this. It's a piece of evidence that can lead us to the whereabouts of this group's camp or their leader."

Chan took the cloth and dagger from the ziplock bag Minho gave him and examined the symbol painted on the cloth. It was a strange, intricate symbol, unlike anything he had ever seen before.

"Hyung," Changbin said, his voice laced with a hint of suspicion. "What if these infiltrators come from Khisfire?"

"Khisfire?" Hyunjin asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You mean the kingdom across the sea of darkness?"

Minho smirked, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "Yes, or it's properly called the Kingdom of the Outcast, Exiled, the land filled with dark creatures from your nightmare."

"That's impossible," Chan said, shaking his head.

"What do you mean by impossible?" Changbin asked, his voice rising with frustration. "I mean they are the ones who started the Six Year War decades ago. It's possible they're about to start another one."

"I said it's impossible," Chan insisted, his voice firm. "They are the ones who retreated back then, and their King himself was the one who put up the Magic Barrier around their kingdom so no one will be able to enter or exit the kingdom."

"Isn't that way too cruel?" Jeongin asked, his voice filled with concern. "I mean they refuse to let everyone out of Khisfire. How did they survive or live their lives inside? From what I remember back in our history lesson last week, our professor showed us the Historical Map of All the Kingdoms existing."

"Right!" Hyunjin said, nodding. "When Professor pointed at Khisfire's territory, the land is brownish-red."

"Brownish-red? That's odd for a soil color," Minho said, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Prof. said that Khisfire is called the Kingdom of the Outcast and Exiled, just like how Minho hyung put it," Jeongin explained. "They said all the outcast and exiled people from our kingdoms were being thrown behind the border. Some stories say a few will be able to survive if they reach the Barrier before nighttime, or else..."

"Or else what?" Hyunjin asked, his voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

"They will be killed and eaten by dark creatures," Chan said, his voice somber. "The most notorious man-eating creature known roaming the land 30 meters away from the Barrier is the Rock Goblins."

"Oh! I know those creatures," Changbin said, his voice filled with a mixture of fascination and disgust. "They live up to their name, Rock Goblins. They have solid, hard skin as hard as a rock. It's impossible to kill them with just handheld weapons like swords because they will break with one strike. They have sharp teeth that can rip a human flesh with one bite. Some said they're shapeshifters; they use it to lure their victims. That's why their soil is colored brownish-red, because of the blood from numerous people who died there."

Hyunjin shivered, his eyes wide with fear. "I will never ever going there."

Chan's gaze hardened, his voice filled with a newfound determination. "Well, I think soon we will."

The four princes looked at Chan with disbelief. Changbin stood up, ready to oppose his cousin's idea, when the doors swung open, revealing King Bang.

"Your Majesty," Changbin bowed, his voice laced with respect.

"What Chan said is really going to happen," King Bang said, his voice firm.

The four princes bowed, their faces filled with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. King Bang took his seat next to Chan and Changbin.

"Uncle, are you really going to let the Khisfire Kingdom enter the Capital?" Changbin asked, his voice filled with concern. "It's dangerous! We can't risk everyone's life."

King Bang sighed, his gaze sweeping over his nephews. "If you mean by risk that we will let that group of rouges grow way larger than our Palace army, that might endanger the Central Kingdom and all the kingdoms surrounding it... As King, I'm ready to risk my life just for the safety of the throne and the people. Those rouges are way too strong to fight with. They are not only strong physically, they have good control of their powers and have weapons way advance than ours. And the kingdoms all together will not be able to stand them, especially with the tension between Albagard and Ravaryn. Do you think fighting all together will work?"

Minho nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Your Majesty has a right point, but do you think the other kingdoms will agree? And just like King said, Albagard and Ravaryn are not in good terms. Knowing the two Kings' pride, they won't agree. And also, my Father..."

"King Lee already agreed to this, Prince Minho," King Bang interrupted, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Really? How?" Minho asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Yeah, when did King Lee agree to any matters concerning Khisfire?" Hyunjin added, his voice filled with confusion. "From what I remember, the two kingdoms have been enemies since their First Generation."

King Bang chuckled. "I know that part, but this concerns the safety of every kingdom in Theolia, so every misunderstanding should be set aside. Your fathers agreed to this and are ready to help during the investigation. You should talk to them about this matter once you get home. I also heard that you're close to the princes of Albagard and Ravaryn. I hope you youngsters talk about the problem and try to persuade the two Kings before we tell them this matter."

Just as King Bang finished, Hoseok entered the meeting room.

"Your Majesty, the Kings of Albagard and Ravaryn seek your audience," Hoseok announced, his voice filled with formality.

King Bang's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Looks like you don't need to persuade them. The devils are here," he said, a playful smirk spreading across his face.

The five princes chuckled, unable to help but laugh along with the King.

"Do let them in," King Bang instructed, his voice firm.

Hoseok stepped back and opened the door, allowing the two Kings to enter the room. He closed the door behind them and moved to stand beside Chan.

"Greetings to Your Majesty," the two Kings bowed, their voices filled with respect.

The four princes and Changbin stood and bowed to the new arrivals before taking their seats.

"Is there another problem that I need to fix on behalf of the two of you?" King Bang asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

The two Kings exchanged a look, then burst into laughter.

"There's no need to fix anything, my friend," King Choi said, his voice filled with a warmth that belied the tension that had existed between the two kingdoms. "You know the two of us ever since university years. It's just a quarrel between friends, am I right, King Kang?"

"Yeah, no need to stress about it, King Bang," King Kang agreed, his voice echoing King Choi's sentiment. "It's nothing serious."

King Bang sighed, shaking his head. "Nothing serious, I see? When the two of you almost start a war between the two kingdoms! Nothing serious, when this quarrel started only because of an apple that fell between the border of Albagard and Ravaryn! Well, let me tell the two of you, I've known you since we were still in diapers, and this 'Nothing Serious Matter' of yours adds to the hundreds...no, Thousands of useless matters you two fought all these years. Good Goddess, we're grown-ups now, and by far the most Kings of your kingdoms. You will be a laughingstock of your ancestors and descendants in the future."

The two Kings hung their heads low, embarrassed by the fact that the future Kings of other kingdoms were sitting with them.

King Bang took a deep breath. "Do you reflect on your mistakes and promise to not do it again?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the two Kings said in unison, their voices filled with remorse.

"Good," King Bang said, his voice softening. "Boys, can you spare us a moment? I will discuss the situation this morning with these two."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the five princes said, bowing their heads in respect.

The five princes left the room and walked to the corridor. It was silent at first, then they burst into hysterical laughter.

"How I wish The Choi siblings and Taehyun are here," Hyunjin said, his voice choked with laughter.

"Yeah, I'm sure they will enjoy seeing their dads being scolded like kids," Changbin agreed, his laughter echoing Hyunjin's.

"Oh! Looks like I need to go now," Jeongin said, his voice filled with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. "Appa and Dad might panic if I stay out for a long time. Bye, hyungs!"

"Bye, Innie! Be careful on your way out!" Chan said, his voice laced with concern.

"I will," Jeongin said, turning to leave. He ran to the left corridor, only to run back to the right side when a guard told him where the main exit was, making his hyungs laugh at his clumsiness.

The four princes continued to walk to the west wing of the palace towards Chan's study, which was connected to his room and library.

"So about that plan of yours to go to Khisfire," Changbin said, his voice filled with concern. "You know that's dangerous, right? And who knows what those people will do to you once they found out that a prince from the neighboring enemy kingdom comes to their kingdom for what reason?"

"I know you guys will be against this," Chan said, his voice firm. "But guys, we're in 2023 now, the era of technology. I know our kingdoms are already using technology to make their lives easier. But our enemies are using them in a way we can't defend ourselves. Khisfire is our only hope. I heard they're good at making technology-based weapons but still observe tradition and culture, which can help us in this raging war between us and the rouges. Trust me with this. It's all for everyone's sake."

"Looks like we cannot change your mind now," Hyunjin said, sighing. "Fine, I go with you if needed. My Dad already agreed to this. He will probably ask me later. How about you, Changbin?"

"It's not like I have a choice," Changbin said, rolling his eyes. "This lunatic who probably wants to end his life is my cousin after all. And Auntie might kick me out of here if I don't go with her precious son in this matter of life or death mission."

"Thank you, Changbinnie," Chan said, pulling his cousin into a hug.

"Yeah, whatever," Changbin said, trying to push Chan away.

Now everyone was looking at Minho, who had been quiet throughout the whole exchange between his friends.

"Fine, I'll go," Minho said, sighing. "But I have to talk to my Father first. I'm still confused why he agreed to this."

"So it's final," Chan said, his voice filled with excitement. "The last one will be Jeongin..."

"I'm in!" Jeongin shouted, bursting through the door, his face beaming with excitement. He ran towards his boyfriend, who was sitting on the couch in Chan's study.

"I thought you were going back home now," Changbin said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, Dad came and saw me, and he said he had something to tell King Bang, and we'll go home together after," Jeongin explained, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"Are you sure about your decision in going with us? It will be a long journey. You might get bored," Chan said, his voice laced with concern.

"I won't get bored," Jeongin said, shaking his head. "And come on, between the five of us, I'm the one whoenjoys journeys like this. And also, Khisfire is the most mysterious one of all kingdoms. I want to know its hidden secrets."

Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing King Bang and King Yang. The two Kings looked at the four princes and young master, their faces etched with a mixture of concern and anticipation.

"Boys, looks like your journey to Khisfire will be moved very early," King Bang announced, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

"What do you mean, Father?" Chan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"The King of Khisfire passed away two months ago," King Yang explained. "The new King is eager to form an alliance with Theolia...through marriage. We received a response from the new king, former Crown Prince Kim Namjoon."

"WHAT!?" Hyunjin exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. "Marriage? Wait... Chan is the Central Palace Crown Prince, so he will marry off to Khisfire?"

"Father, I..." Chan began, but King Bang cut him off.

"Listen to me, boys," King Bang said, his voice firm. "It's true that there will be a marriage alliance, but Chan will not be the one to marry off. And before the four of you panic," he looked at the others, "none of you will marry either. Someone already volunteered to marry off his heir." He looked at Hyunjin, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Hyunjin released a sigh of relief, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, I thought none of us would be married off? Why are you looking at me, Your Majesty?"

King Yang chuckled. "Chill, young man. I will not let my precious son be heartbroken by you being married off. It's your half-brother, Young Master Jungkook, who will be married off to Khisfire's first heir."

Hyunjin released a sigh of relief, immediately hugging Jeongin from behind, who also released a sigh.

"But did Young Master Jungkook agree to this?" Minho asked, his voice filled with concern. "I mean, unlike Hyunjin, Young Master Jungkook grew up outside of the royal palace. Away from strict royal rules, he might get overwhelmed by this."

"Yeah, also, Hyung is very stubborn," Hyunjin said, nodding. "I'm sure there will be flying objects and many curse words left and right once I got home later."

King Yang chuckled. "Still, whether he liked it or not, our nation is in chaos now, and peace is what we need. And Young Master Jeon is the key towards our peace with Khisfire."