Crown of Broken Promises

The Journey

There was a ringing in his ears. The sensation of water running down his cheeks and overall his body felt cold, as the moments prior had finally sunk in for the young prince. It meant he either marry a man twice his age, or see the people he loved gone forever. What other choice did he have? He had to marry the man.

But what would that mean for his kingdom? Would they be worse off? Perhaps, if what just happened was an example of his future with the man.

"Your highness." A deep voice said, hand gripping the prince's shoulder.

Jimin looked up from his hands, and squinted his eyes through the darkness, seeing none other than the palace mage in front of him. "N-Namjoon? How did you..." Jimin wiped his tears.

Namjoon helped the prince off the ground, "I was protected by the protection shield of my hall. Come with me." He said as he began walking towards the banquet doors.

Jimin followed after him, "If you're awake... does that mean you can awaken them?" Jimin stopped to look behind him. Eyes looking at his parents, the people he knew, a small glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Namjoon stopped when he noticed Jimin did as well, "I'm afraid it's not that simple your highness. I attempted, but it seems the sorcerer used an ancient type of magic, one that I cannot break myself. I need to show you something." He continued walking.

Eventually the two made it to Namjoon's hall and into his room. Namjoon rummaged around the room looking for a book. Jimin just stood in the doorway looking down at the floor. Sniffling a bit.

Eventually, Namjoon stopped as he looked through the book in his hands. "Yes, this was it." He said, causing Jimin to look up and stare at Namjoon.

"What?" He asked pacing over to look over the man's shoulder.

Namjoon pointed to the page, "the ancient magic he used is called Netherweaving, a magical script that hasn't been used in centuries. It's a type of dark magic. Something I cannot do with the training I have."

The words seemed to disappoint Jimin more, "so what then... they'll just remain that way until I accept the man's hand in marriage?" Jimin kept his head down.

"I didn't say that." Namjoon countered, flipping the page. Causing Jimin to lift his head. "There is a way you can undo the spell."

Jimin looked over the mage's shoulder again, "how? I'll do it."

Namjoon flipped the pages again, pointing to a sketch of an ornate mirror. "The Celestial mirror." He said, and read out the description. "'A rare artifact, said to have incredible power. The finder can ask of it a single wish and it will be granted, it may undo any curse, or spell, even those involving dark magic.'"

Jimin knew what he had to do, there was nothing else he could do, "where can I find it, I'll pack my things and leave tonight."

"Now hang on, the mirror is held within the ancient city of Auroria, but your highness, that's days outside of Eidoria, not to mention dangerous, you'll have to go through the mystic glade, which even royal guards do not enter due to its danger. Besides, its a long journey, and you'd be in no condition to travel after a few hours without sleep." Namjoon warned.

"Namjoon, with all due respect, I need to go. I don't care how dangerous it is, this is something I have to do." Jimin looked up at the mage. "You could watch over me, can't you?"

Namjoon looked at the prince, he sighed, giving in. "Dawn, your highness, get some rest, I'll get a bag started for you. If you leave at dawn I'll feel more secure about you going." Namjoon insisted.

Jimin was initially hesitant at Namjoon's only request, he worried the more he waited, the worse his situation would get, but Namjoon was probably right, he'd be exhausted by the time he'd get out of the capital, "I will, thank you."