Crown of Broken Promises

Darkest of Nights

Jimin's morning had been nothing less of chaos. Maid's running around him, trying to put him in the most luxurious ensemble for the royal banquet that was to take place tonight. While Jimin felt idiotic having his arms up in a T position as they did their work.

Nonetheless, Jimin was still trying to be bright and cheerful for the women and men who were working hard to make him look good. "How have the preparations been going?" He asked in a very casual manner.

Jimin didn't like using formalities around the staff very often, though, his mother had words to say about it. Yes, Jimin was no more greater than a poor man in terms of worth, but he was still a prince, and his job was nothing less than formal. Jimin didn't like it though.

"Very well, Jimin. Are you excited for tonight?" One of the maids asked, brushing something off of his shoulders and stepped back to look at the crown prince. The whole ensemble was white, with gold embellishments around the collar and the hem of the top, a white cape flowing behind him that stopped near his knees. The prince was stunning, but that was no surprise to anyone.

Jimin, sensing they were finished turned around and walked over to a mirror to admire himself. He looked so regal, he was sure to turn heads tonight. Jimin walked back over to the maid, "I believe so. I'm nervous, but I don't think I have much to worry of." Jimin smiled as he continued, "great job by the way, you're very talented with your seamstress work. I look good."

She shook her head, waving off Jimin's compliments, "my prince, only your beauty makes my work look striking." She walked back over and helped him get changed into something more casual for the rest of the day. "What's your plans before the banquet?" She asked out of curiosity.

Jimin stood behind a wooden divider taking off the suit now that it was easier to with the maid's help. "Self defence training with one of the high ranking royal guards. I've really finished most of my preparations, so my father told me to get some of my coronation requirements done." He said.

The maid placed the clothing on the divider as she listened to the prince speak, "it's a requirement to learn self defence in order to be king?" She asked. She had only been working in the palace for a couple years, it must've never occurred to her.

Jimin chuckled a bit and put the garments on, placing the white banquet ensemble on the divider. "Yeah, my grandmother actually started it during her reign, and when my father's coronation came around she stressed that he needed to learn self defence in case he was ever put in a situation where he was alone with an assailant." Jimin explained.

She nodded her head thoughtfully, finally Jimin walked out from the divider, and she helped him straighten out his clothes before picking up the white ensemble from the divider, "well I suppose we both best be going then. This will be a little more adjusted to your size for tonight." She reassured.

Jimin nodded, "much appreciated, thanks so much for your hard work...." Jimin trailed off, as if waiting for the young maid's name.

She hadn't expected the prince to ask for her name, "oh." She bowed her head, "my name is Aecha, your highness."

Jimin smiled, "well, thanks again Aecha, you've done amazing work."

She returned the smile.

~•~

Jimin paced outside, walking past the beautiful flowers of the palace garden. The outside of the palace always gave Jimin fond nostalgia, his memories of running outside, pretending to be a mage, or an adventurer on a special quest.

Trees and rocks lined the area, Jimin remembered climbing them only to be helped down by a guard so as to not hurt himself. There also was a small pond, it was most often used for praying, but Jimin saw it as the ocean, and the poor nobleman or noblewoman praying would be splashed by young Jimin. He smiled at the memories, he would be scolded so much.