Jeon Jungkook never thought the day would come when be married, or more accurately, engaged. The weight around his finger feels unbearably heavy, even greater than the hefty price tag he'd paid for it. In less than six months' time, he'd no longer be the King of Busan, but the king of South Korea.
It had been arranged for a long time. Busan and South Korea were destined to be unified as one nation and now that he was twenty-eight, he knew he couldn't delay it any longer.
Jeon Jungkook feels hesitant.
He wonders whether unity was really the best for everyone, given how different the residents of Busan were from the rest of the country. They had fought hard throughout time to be their own country and learned the art of self-sufficiency.
But it was all written as fate, at least, that was what he was told. Busan would need to learn to adapt to all the changes, and under his leadership and the upcoming reign of the new queen, Jisoo Kim, the two nations would join as one.
Yet, he wonders why there is a constant sinking feeling in his stomach every time their marriage is mentioned, and why he feels an aura of gloom every time he has to think about joining their nations together.
Jeon Jungkook adores her, and they'd been friends for a long time—but deep down, he knows that he doesn't love her.
But Jeon Jungkook is a leader of the people, and he knows his life is not about serving himself, but service for the people.
And so would the marriage.
-
After the long trip to Seoul, Jeon Jungkook breathes a sigh of relief as he finally is escorted from his vehicle to the palace, still in awe of how different it was from his own. To his surprise, the other staff look at him with worry. He turns around to Jung Hoseok, his trusted advisor with ample brows furrowed together.
"What is it?" He questions him intuitively.
The older gentleman looks nervous as they make their way into the grand palace, as staff line up and bow, greeting them in unison.
"Her royal highness, your fiance is unwell," he reports, "... and the grass in the lawn has been whithering, despite the good weather. Some say it's evidence that your marriage is a bad omen."
Jeon Jungkook turns his head quickly, scoffing, "... what does my marriage have to do with grass? Am I responsible for the rain too?"
He is in complete disbelief as the older gentleman coughs, clearing his throat, "... they believe it's a new curse—from the witch of the North."
Jeon Jungkook pauses, freezing on his footing as he turns, almost surprised at his advisor's words. In the 21st century, humanity still believed in such folklore?
"That's a forbidden topic," he almost responds instinctively, suddenly allowing a wave of memories pass through his mind, times when he'd asked his parents about North Korea and the princess, turned witch.
"Apologies, your majesty," he bows in sorrow, "... I'm only reciting what I was advised."
The pair continue to walk, and just as expected, he's greeted by the King and Queen of South Korea—his future-in-laws. He bows politely before greeting them with kisses on the cheek.
"Oh Prince Jeon, we're sorry for the trouble—— but our daughter is unable to leave her room today, she's unwell," his future father-in-law reports to him.
"Has she been treated?" He inquires, wondering what kind of fever it must have been for her to not even be able to greet him.
"Unfortunately, it's not that kind of sickness... something that only a witch can cure."
-
"Your majesty, I really don't think this is a good idea..." Jung Hoseok mutters, not even trying to hide the fear in his tone as the car stops right on the border of South Korea and North Korea, "... even if we manage to come inside——who knows what the witch will do to you? Especially when she finds out that you're the king!"
Jeon Jungkook pays no attention, squinting his eyes as he tries to look through the force field that protected the North from the South.
"Come on, the princess is your friend too—we must at least try, or else her condition won't get any better," he attempts to rationalise before noticing a small opening in the force field, enough to fit a body, "... we can fit through there, you go first, you're smaller than me."
Jung Hoseok pauses for a moment and hesitates, before sighing as he tried to touch the force field only to wince in pain almost immediately.
Jeon Jungkook believes his advisor must be dramatic, and was simply too scared to embark on the journey.
And perhaps he was right, because without thinking, the man pushes his body through the small area, and makes it.
Suddenly, his body is teleported to complete darkness as he hears the sound of a sweet yet angry voice as his body hits the grass.
"Who are you? And how did you get here?"
The voice sounded like honey personified, despite the tone of fury. His eyes look up to see a crowd of men holding guns—pointing them at him. At the centre, was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, dressed in black—the forbidden colour.
Her hair was bright like gold, but there was a darkness in her eyes.
He knew instantly who she was.
The witch.
Standing in front of him was the curse herself, the one his mother dared to tell him about——the sister of Jisoo Kim, who was banished at the age of 8 and that divided Korea forever——the innocent humans and the evil sorcerers.
He'd only ever seen people wear black in fairytales and there she was, blonde hair and all, staring into his soul.
"I won't ask again, who the fuck are you?"
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Note: So let me explain a little (though more will unravel in future chapters) so pretty much there are three countries—north korea, south korea and busan. Previously, north and south were connected but at some point broke apart for the humans (south korea) versus those who allowed magic in their lives or accepted it (north korea) over an incident where an eight year old "witch" was banished forever (chaeyoung). so in south korea, magic and wearing black is banned because it reflects the witch, however, since jungkook is from busan he probably doesn't know the entire story... but perhaps, he'll soon find out what really happened.
