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

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The autumn leaves fell gently, painting the palace grounds in hues of gold and crimson.

The air was crisp, carrying the scent of earth and the distant murmur of the court.

A gentle breeze whispered through the corridors, mirroring the quiet turmoil in the hearts of the royal family.

Jimin walked briskly through the hallway, his green hanfu flowing gracefully with each step.

His long black hair, unbound, danced with the breeze, adding to the sense of urgency in his stride.

His eyes, filled with desperation, sought the solace of his brother's presence.

The soft chime of his anklet echoed through the fifth-floor hallway, a delicate sound that contrasted with the heavy silence of the palace.

As he approached the library, the familiar aroma of old books, maps, and scrolls filled his senses.

It was a comforting scent, one that spoke of knowledge and history, yet today it only heightened his anxiety.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Jimin entered the dimly lit room.

Near the window, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, sat the king Jeon jungkook.

His long hair was tied in a neat bun, a golden locket gifted by the Emperor resting against his delicate milky skin—a token of separation and a reminder of the burdens he bore.

The room was cluttered with tomes and maps, the flickering candlelight casting a red hue on jungkook's brown hanfu.

Jimin paused, taking in the sight of his younger brother. Despite the serene mask jungkook wore, the prince could see the turmoil hidden beneath.

The weight of the crown had stripped away the carefree demeanor of the boy he once knew, replacing it with the solemnity of a ruler.

"Jungkook" the crown prince began, his voice gentle yet firm, "you like to turmoil yourself too much, right?"

Jungkook looked up, his eyes reflecting the flicker of the candle flames.

"Hyung-nim, I am trying to understand the tomes. Do not disturb me." He neglected the presence of jimin, crossing his legs.

Hence, he vacated Jimin whenever he sought to converse to him regarding everything that had occurred five months ago.

However, Jimin was getting infuriated and disgruntled, he felt remorsful watching his brother yielding the agony he was about to abide.

How could he not feel penance? Just how?

Conversely today, he would probably will get his answers.

He snatched the tome from the king's hands.

"You might be the present king of the Elsiya, but for me, you are still my younger brother. Get it?" He fumed.

He looked furious yet adorable, his eyes twinkling with the flames of the candle.

Jungkook inhaled, then smiled, he finally stood up in front of Jimin.

"Yes, yes indeed, Your Highness the Crown Prince. I apprehend your concern. You may query regarding anything," he asserted tenderly.

Jimin crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Foremostly, answer me why Father isn't conversing to you. What have you done that hurt him so much?" he pried curiously.

Jimin's smile dulled, usurp by a look of abysmal sorrow.

"I withstood father for the throne, the ascension of your throne, implied, the sacrifice of your beloved, You both love each other, and I spoke words that wounded him deeply. I accused him of the love he had for us."