The Princes Street Rat

25 - Selfish

𓆩♡𓆪

"Your highness. You called for me?" Jisung asked as he shut the door behind him before approaching Minho, keeping a comfortable distance as he neared his table.

"Yes. We're due for a discussion. Sit."

Jisung sat on the floor, sidebar the table. Legs tucked beneath his body. He did it before he could feel any shame about it.

"That won't be necessary today." Minho said, his eyes darting to the chair opposite him.

Jisung nearly shot into a state of panic. The prince wanted him to take a seat, opposite him. Like a human being worthy of respect. Of course the prince wouldn't say it directly but Jisung grabbed at the chance and immediately took his seat. He sensed if he hesitated for too long, his privileged to a seat would be revoked.

Minho really had him eating off his lap.

"I haven't had the letters sent yet." No other explanation.

"It's been two days." He didn't have to exemplify further to let it be known: why?

"I'm aware. I was..."he searched for his words. "... uncertain of how to go through with this. Unsure. This is a big decision. I'm afraid I did not get approval from the queen about this matter. She's head ruler and although, I'm allowed to make this decision on my own, I have to say the queens opinion matters a lot to me. I was unable to gain her favour so..."

"Is that the reason why you two argued that day in the gardens?"

"You heard that?"

"Just bits. I don't want to cause a rift in your relationships, especially with your parents. I hated that there was a possibility that I was the main cause of it."

"It has less to do with you directly than it is about what you are. I'm sure the news of the delay must be disheartening. But I have no choice but to be thorough. And delay is necessary to ensure the best decision is made. Even if that decision means not going through with this."

"You're afraid right?"

"No. I'm not, I'm just..." He looked so vulnerable.

"It's okay. I'm glad that you're afraid."

Minho lifted a lone quizzical brow at him.

"I'm scared too. This is an unlikely situation, I'm not sure how this will be recieved by everyone, especially people in the forest? What will my brother's think when they read a letter stating that I will be publically announced as the princes consort or concubine. I feel like a traitor."

"Do you wish to reconsider?"

"Do you?" He returned the question.

"Of course. I wish to. I wish I had better options, I wish I didn't have to be here, doing this."

"Likewise. My ideal wish is to not be here, in a place I barely get to feel the sun on my skin. That could just be homesickness talking- I think going back empty handed when I had chance to do something to change our living conditions would be the worst crime. You can break it off, but as far as my distaste goes, I'm obliged to stay or leave at your command."

"I see. We're really far too deep into this, aren't we? Backing out would be a disservice, I gave you my word."

"Yes, you did. But your autonomy is your first priority, right? It's what drove you to bring me here and if my presence obstructs your right to autonomy, you can easily push me out. I understand."