Red String of Fate (Enhypen x Reader)

Chapter 9: Confiding Secrets to a Stranger

~ Niki First Person POV ~

"How are you adjusting to life here?" The queen asks me.

"It's great your highness." I respond with a lie.

"Don't lie to me Niki. If you don't want to talk about it, then we don't have to, but don't lie to me. I do not like dishonesty." The queen says looking at me deeply in the eyes.

"I'm sorry... you've been so benevolent to us. I don't want you to think I am unappreciative of your actions." I say nervously.

"We are having a conversation, and those only work if both parties are honest. I do not want you to feel like you have to talk to me, I am only giving you the option. I am not rash, I will never punish one of my subjects because they say something that may or may not offend me. A good ruler is a good listener, and not everyone bears kind words." The queen assures.

"Well, I just feel like I am just a nuisance to Duke Jimin." I respond back on the edge of tears.

"Why do you think that?" The queen asks.

"Sunoo is so good at assisting him. He always knows what he wants and performs all of his tasks very quickly and effectively. And yet, when I try, I always fail. Nothing I do works, and I always disappoint the Duke." I say trying not to cry in front of the queen.

"Come here." Her highness says patting the small space next to her. I slowly get up and take the seat, as directed.

"Not everyone excels in the same fields, you are unique. You will have to find what suits you, and that takes time. Your brothers have had more time to figure out what they are good at, and not to mention, Jimin is the hardest to work with." Her highness says rubbing my back and comforting me with her words.

"I am just worried I will never be as good as my brothers." I say revealing one of my biggest insecurities.

"It is hard living as the youngest of 7 brothers, especially with how talented they are. But just because your brothers are good at certain things, doesn't make you any less. You are the only one of you. You aren't meant to be 'as good as your brothers', because you simply aren't your brothers. You can't compare the sun to the moon, or the beach to the mountains. They both have their own beauty and their own flaws. So don't compare yourself to anyone other than yourself. You can only work on becoming a better you, not by putting yourself under the illusion of competing with others." The queen spoke confidently to me with a beautiful smile.

I couldn't respond, I could only cry. I couldn't believe that a person who knew nothing about me, could console me perfectly. The queen was there for me, telling me that I didn't have to be like my brothers, when my entire life was consumed with my parents comparing me to them, telling me I was never going to be good enough. She sat their and held me, a stranger, in her arms while stroking my back, trying to bring me comfort. After several minutes of crying with my face in her shoulder, the butler brought in snacks and tea. I tried to jump up when I heard the door, but she held me close and didn't let go.

"Thank you so much Sebastian. I will call for you if I need any further assistance." The queen said to the butler.

I held on a little longer after the butler had left. Once I felt all the tears dissipate, I slowly removed myself from her.

"Let's have some tea and snacks, nothing is a better pick me up." Her highness smiled at me while stroking my cheek, which prompted another blush.

"Thank you." I squeaked out.

"Anytime young one." She said ruffling my hair.

We spoke a little more and she offered to change my assigned Duke, in which I asked for a little more time. I want to see if there is something else, I can do to assist him, instead of continuously trying the things I know are not my strong suit. She told me that I reminded her of a little leopard cub, so she told me from now on she would call me that or honey, since I put so much in my tea. I have never felt so heard, and she had all the patience in the world for me even though I am sure she had lots to do. The queen invited me to join her for her after lunch tea times. I have attended quite a few since then, and she has been nothing but kind and supportive to me when we speak. So, I will support her as well, and do my best to help her, even if it isn't significant.

~ Third Person POV ~

"Niki... is that really how you feel?" Heesung said with sadness.

"Yes, our parents were so hard on me for not living up to you all's strengths. 'Why don't you know politics like Jungwon; why can't you be as strong as Jay; why do you lack confidence and composure, can't you be more like Heesung.' It was always a comparison, and it destroyed my self image. But her highness made me realize that it doesn't matter if I lack things, because I will eventually find the strengths, I have that you guys won't, and then I will be able to benefit everyone." Niki tells the group.

"I am so sorry that our parents told you that. I completely agree with the queen, you cannot compare yourself because you are unique, we all are. So, we will all have our strengths and weaknesses that we will work together on and help each other in places we might be lacking. I am glad you were able to speak to someone about this and realize the truth." Jungwon says with a hand on Niki's shoulder.

"That is why I will not stand here and listen to someone who doesn't know the queen, talk bad about her. She may not be perfect, but she has not warranted your hate. So if you wish to speak ill of her, do so out of my presence." Niki strongly said to Jake.

"Who is this kid! I never thought I would hear Niki so well." Sunoo smiles at the confidence of the boy.

"I am sorry Niki; I will not speak ill of her highness around you anymore." Jake says sincerely apologizing for hurting his brothers' feelings.

"I hope you all will give her a chance like I did." Niki smiles and walks towards his room to go to bed.