"The Second Ruler" {Completed} (Yoon-Min)

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As the royal entourage reached the gates of Elsiya, the palace doors swung open, revealing King Ji-woo with his two sons standing beside him.

A gentle smile graced his lips. The rain had ceased half an hour ago, leaving the air fresh and cool.

The second prince, looked ethereal in his baby pink Hanfu, his lips curved into a fond smile. His hair was tied in a half bun, adding to his serene appearance.

In contrast, the Crown Prince Jimin wore a baby blue Hanfu, his long hair cascading loosely around his shoulders.

Despite the glow on his face, there was a noticeable dimness in his eyes, known to all who understood the burdens he carried. Their crowns gleamed atop their heads.

King Ji-woo stepped forward to embrace Emperor Namjoon of Goryeo.

"Welcome, my friend, welcome," he rejoiced, his voice warm and inviting. Namjoon backed away, holding Ji-woo's shoulder.

"Thank you, Ji-woo. It's great to see you after such a long time," he replied, his tone equally heartfelt.

Ji-woo then turned to greet Emperor Emeritus Seokjin, who stood beside Namjoon, his husband.

"Greetings to our beautiful Emeritus as well," Ji-woo said with a playful smile. Seokjin chuckled, bowing his head slightly.

"Greetings to you too, Your Majesty," he teased back.

Seokjin then approached Jungkook and Jimin, embracing them both.

"Everything will be fine. Have faith in the gods," he whispered reassuringly. As he backed away, Jimin and Jungkook smiled.

Though the crown prince's smile was tinged with sadness. The Emeritus cupped his face and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"What is meant to be yours will be yours," he asserted softly.

Jimin's eyes lowered, secreting his unshed tear's,unable to meet Seokjin's gaze, his heart aching with unspoken emotions.

Meanwhile, Yoongi, standing nearby, did not even glance at the Crown Prince, ignoring his presence entirely.

Jimin, aware of this reaction, had steeled himself for it.

Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged worried glances, concerned for their well-being.

As they all settled in the grand hall, servants began to serve tea and water to the Royals of Goryeo.

Emperor Taehyung, dressed in a striking black Hanfu, looked particularly handsome in Jungkook's eyes.

The second prince found himself unable to look away from the Emperor, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Taehyung.

Catching Jungkook's gaze, Taehyung winked shamelessly, causing the prince's doe eyes to widen in frustration.

Flustered, Jungkook quickly hid behind Jimin, who had observed the entire exchange and shook his head in mild amusement.

Jimin also noticed a sweet and soft ambiance between Lisa and Hoseok.

They seemed shy around each other, a detail that perplexed the Crown Prince. He made a mental note to ask Lisa about it later.

As he gazed around the room, Jimin deliberately avoided looking at the person he loved so dearly.

He knew that if he did, he would be tempted to run into his embrace, forgetting the promise he had made to his father.

The crown prince could feel Yoongi's gaze on himself, yet he ignored it completely.