Broken Shackles [TAEGI]

chapter - VII.

(i think the king's parts deserves a tw. so, there's a part where that mf shows up with his stinky ass, pls be aware.)

The sun is shining brightly in the horizon and birds are chirping happily at a distance. The battle ground is quiet, everything is peaceful.

Except for the inside of Taehyung's head that's currently getting flooded with a billow of implorations.

But who in the devil's name would have guessed that the oaf he brawled with would be a captain of the Duke's troop? If anything, he resembled someone who would be a moneylender's right hand man or if worse, a delinquent...

Now he understands exactly why Yoongi had been so strict with his scolding the other day. He really should've been more careful. Unnecessary conflict, Yoongi was right, that brawl was definitely  the most unnecessary conflict he had ever indulged himself in.

The Duke is indeed very clever, Taehyung had to admit. Planting soldiers everywhere in the village to maintain peace is a very cunning move. Not to mention how they could easily blend in with the villagers.

"Well, well!"The man whose head Taehyung had cracked open with a basket of apple the other day spoke smugly, he had bandages wrapped all over his head, so the wound must still be intact. "What a pleasure to meet you again, your highness!", He smirked. "But, why! You seem to be a little... uneasy?"

Yoongi, who was sitting in the private auditorium of the battle ground, could hear the man's words. His hand twitched, alerted by the sudden boldness of the soldier's.

"I've heard great things about you, sir,"The man said, grinning at Taehyung,"...but perhaps you are not quite versed in the traditional sword-fighting."

That's it. Yoongi sprung up from his seat and advanced towards the ground. "Such provocative remark is—"

"Say, er, what is this situation called?"Taehyung asked Yoongi.

Yoongi faltered his steps and stood at the barricade. "P-pardon, sir?"

"An emergency, a ceremony, a friendly match or total war?"Taehyung turned towards Yoongi,"which is it?"

Yoongi's grip on the barricades tightened. "I would say... this classifies as a friendly match, your highness."

Taehyung turned around and nodded his head in understanding. "Okay, thank you."

"Well? Have you got nothing to say, your highness?" The man smiled arrogantly,"or.. perhaps, don't tell me! Did I hit the nail on the head?"

Taehyung clenched his fists. "Thank you for your concern."

Yoongi flinched back. Taehyung's voice and his stance right now... has he finally started to assert dominance?

"Now,"Taehyung stepped forward, his gaze strong, "...is my opponent ready?"

The man stepped back, a bit intimidated by Taehyung's gaze— even though he wouldn't admit it out and about. He turned to a man with brunette hair,"...of course. Hey! Prepare yourself already!"

The brunette man stomped his way towards the little prince and stood in front of him in a defensive stance.

The captain gazed at Taehyung with a poker expression. To think a scoundrel like him would be the royal prince. What a joke. He may have lucked out other day from the little brawl by using some silly little tricks of his, but in this battle ground, with the Duke watching him, if he tries to pull any of his foul tricks... the Duke would leave without so much as a second thought.

Taehyung stomped his way towards his opponent, clutching the handle of his sword tightly.

... Because 3rd or 30th prince, he's nothing more than a dog  of the king.