The Duke & The Prince (NamJin)

The Duke

As the first light of dawn broke over the training grounds, Duke Namjoon and Warlord Jungkook engaged in a spirited spar, their blades clashing with a thunderous rhythm. Namjoon's eyes gleamed with determination, matched only by Jungkook's fierce intensity. Each movement was calculated, each strike precise, as they tested each other's skills in the dance of combat.

"You're going to lose today, my lord," Jungkook teased, a grin playing on his lips.

"We shall see about that, Jungkook," Namjoon retorted, swiftly parrying Jungkook's attack and pushing him back.

"That's a foul, my lord," Jungkook protested, returning Namjoon's attack.

"Everything is fair in love and war, Jungkook," Namjoon replied, readying himself for another round.

Their duel was interrupted by the approach of their trusted advisor, Yoongi. "My Lord," Yoongi began, his voice calm yet urgent, "there is a messenger from the king awaiting your audience."

Namjoon lowered his sword, a furrow forming on his brow. "From the king?" he echoed, exchanging a knowing glance with Jungkook. "Lead the way, Yoongi. Let's see what news His Majesty has for us."

They cleaned up and headed towards Namjoon's study, where they were met by Jimin holding Beomgyu in his arms. Behind him, two maids carried Yeonjun and Heesung. Jimin bowed to 

Namjoon and asked, "The breakfast is ready, my lord?"

"I'll have it later, Jimin," Namjoon replied, before he and Jungkook continued to the study. 

Yoongi gave Jimin a kiss on the forehead and greeted his sons with a smile before following the duke and warlord, leaving Jimin to chuckle at his husband's antics.

As they entered the study, Mr. Lee, the royal messenger, greeted the duke with a respectful "Good morning, my lord."

Namjoon returned the greeting, his curiosity piqued. "Good morning, Mr. Lee. What brings you here with such urgency?"

Mr. Lee's expression turned solemn as he glanced at Jungkook and Yoongi, who were about to leave. "My lord, what I have to share is of utmost secrecy."

Namjoon halted their departure with a wave of his hand. "They are my most trusted advisors, Mr. Lee. Whatever you have to say, they may hear."

Mr. Lee nodded and took a seat, his demeanor grave. "The king is preparing to sign a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Sera, my lord."

Namjoon leaned forward, his interest piqued. "And what role do I play in this treaty, Mr. Lee?"

The treaty contains a clause requiring your assistance, my lord," Mr. Lee explained, passing a scroll to Namjoon. "You have seven days to consider your decision. This timeframe is critical, my lord. His Highness awaits your response at the royal palace exactly one week from today."

Namjoon accepted the scroll with a nod, feeling the weight of responsibility settle upon his shoulders. As Mr. Lee departed, he left the scroll on his desk and turned to Jungkook and Yoongi.

"We'll have breakfast first, then discuss this," he decided, gesturing towards the scroll.Both nodded in agreement, following the duke to the breakfast table where Jimin stood chatting with Hoseok and Taehyung, who were setting the table. Heesung and Yeonjun toddled around their mothers, mimicking their movements.

It seemed a tradition since Yoongi joined Namjoon three years ago that his husbands took to cooking, much to Namjoon's delight.

Hoseok greeted them first, "Good morning, my lord, Jungkook, husband," earning nods and greetings in return as they took their seats.

Jungkook couldn't resist the enticing smells, "This all smells so good, Hoseok hyung. What do you have for us today?"

"We have the regulars, but Taehyung made some fruit custard especially today," Hoseok replied, lifting Heesung onto his lap.

Taehyung was already feeding Yeonjun, who was making happy noises. "This tastes great, Tae," Namjoon complimented, receiving nods of agreement from Jungkook and a warm smile from Taehyung.

After breakfast, they returned to the study, ready to face the weighty decision that lay before them.

Namjoon opened the scroll and read, then passed it to Yoongi, who perused its contents. Namjoon stood near Yoongi, reading over his shoulder. They all sighed collectively, but Namjoon's expression turned to one of anger.

[Inside the scroll was a letter addressed to Namjoon, Duke of Arora, from the king]

Greetings to the Duke of Arora,

I trust this message finds you well. It is with great importance that I write to you concerning a matter of utmost significance for our kingdom's future.

As you may be aware, negotiations for a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Sera are underway.

This treaty holds the promise of expanding our kingdom's borders and fostering economic growth through enhanced trade and market opportunities. It is a pivotal moment for our realm, one that could secure prosperity for generations to come.

However, there is a condition attached to this treaty that requires your immediate attention. The King of Sera has expressed a desire for his son, Kim Seokjin, to be married to a suitable partner before the treaty can be finalized. Regrettably, none of my sons are deemed fitting matches for Prince Seokjin. Therefore, after much consideration, I have chosen you, Namjoon, as the most suitable candidate to wed the Prince of Sera.

I understand the gravity of this request, and I do not make it lightly. It is a decision that carries immense weight and implications for both our kingdoms. I trust in your wisdom and judgment to make the right choice for the future of our realm.

You have seven days to consider this proposal. At the end of this period, I await your decision at the royal palace. May your deliberations be guided by the best interests of our kingdom.Yours faithfully,

[King's Signature]

Namjoon's jaw clenched as he absorbed the implications of the letter. The weight of responsibility bore down on him heavier than ever before, and the gravity of the situation settled heavily in the room.

"Is the king serious? No one has ever seen that Prince of Sera, and there are rumors that he is hideous," Jungkook exclaimed angrily, his frustration evident.

Yoongi nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, and what the king's sons are not fit to marry him? That's utter nonsense. He just doesn't want any less than perfect-looking people in his family history. You know how these royals are."

Namjoon sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "Silence," he commanded, his voice low yet firm. "I need time to think about this. Jungkook, if I refuse, the king may resort to dirty tricks to suppress me, and I cannot risk harm coming to our people."

Jungkook seemed poised to argue further, but Yoongi subtly motioned for him to stop. With a shared look of understanding, they both left Namjoon to his thoughts, knowing that this decision would shape the future of their kingdom.

I'll be back with chapter 2 soon, stay tuned (∩^o^)⊃━☆