Eclipse *Minsung*

My name

The dagger flashed in the sunlight. Again and again, faster and faster. The dagger slipped, and the blade cut into flesh as it clattered to the floor of the balcony.

Minho hissed out a quiet curse, studying the cut on his left hand. It wasn't terribly deep and it was on the top of his hand so it wouldn't have much effect on him, but he'd still inflicted the wound upon himself like an idiot. He took the dagger he dropped and tucked it into its place on his belt as he made his way to the washroom.

Three days. Three days had passed without sight or sound of Jisung. When the Moon Prince didn't show up to the training room after that council meeting, Minho let it pass. It's not like Jisung was required to train with him. But now, after having not shown up in three days, it was becoming worrisome.

Several factors played into Minho's worry. He was worried that he'd crossed a line by carrying Jisung that night and that's why the prince was avoiding him. Or could it be something else? Was Jisung sick? Had something else happened? Was he afraid of Minho doing  something to him?

No matter what it was, it had a pit forming in Minho's stomach. He couldn't bear the thought of having ruined the trust that was building between them. That was the only reason he could think of as to why Jisung hadn't come to him.

The festival was set to begin today. Minho had previously been looking forward to it, but at the moment he couldn't bring himself to even think about it. He wanted to find Jisung. He needed to. That was easier said than done.

To begin the festival, the royals joined a large parade that made its way through the city. Minho and his parents were placed on an open carriage so their son could be shown off as the future king, and their armed escort put a great space between their carriage and the one that carried the Moon royalty. Minho could only catch brief, distant glances of the Moon Prince.

The fields just beyond the castle were filled to the brim with small stages of performers, booths selling food and trinkets, and other attractions for small children and adults alike. After a brief luncheon under a pavilion set up for the royalty, Minho and Ida were pushed together to wander the festival together.

Of course, the future king and queen were accompanied by an escort of three soldiers, which made things a bit uncomfortable. And though Minho was distracted by the situation with Jisung, he still wanted to put effort into making Ida comfortable.

He offered his arm to her, which she very hesitantly took, and he allowed her to lead the way. Princess Ida really was sweet and beautiful, he couldn't deny that. He should be looking forward to marrying her, and he might have been if it wasn't for her older brother occupying his thoughts as of late.

It took some time, but eventually Minho and Ida settled into a comfortable space with each other, Ida talking animatedly about certain things she saw throughout the festival and Minho listening with interest. He bought her a few things when he noticed her staring at them, like a deep red shawl that was embroidered with gold swirls and stitched with little blue gems, and a small figurine of a golden horse.

Throughout the day Minho learned more about Ida, and he couldn't help connecting similarities between her and her brother. She loved to collect pretty things, no matter how useful or useless they were. Jisung loved to admire beautiful things but preferred to leave them for someone else. She loved to try new foods, especially desserts. Jisung had a major sweet tooth. Ida was kind and understanding when she spoke with the merchants they passed. Jisung was always gentle with whoever he was speaking to.

Minho needed a good slap. He should not be thinking of another while he was courting his future wife. So for the rest of the day, he put his full attention on Ida.