The Stormbringer (Starlight #1) - Kim Taehyung/ BTS Fanfic (#SerendipityAwards)

2

                              Neva

The ensuing silence was palpable, with most faces around the table drawing a blank as Helia’s words sunk in. I felt Jimin blink twice while Mikael’s lips curled in a tight line.

And then several voices broke out at once.

“The crown PRINCE?”

“No freaking way-”

“I’d have to agree that deploying Neva and Jimin might be-"

“No shit! Westerra’s got the best defences-"

Helia clanged her goblet against the tinted surface of the table, the loud sound subduing the flurry of excitement mingled with disbelief.

“Thank you all for your opinions, especially when they aren't needed, but if you’ve learned anything at all during your time here,” she shot a steely glance around us, “then you know better than to question my wishes.” She looked directly at me now, her eyes boring through mine like a lance. “And those of our client’s.” she finished with an air of finality.

“One who chooses to remain anonymous in spite of the daunting task that he or she, has assigned to us.” I cocked my eyebrows, refusing to avert my eyes and nod in acquiescence as was expected. “One would think some kind of explanation was in order for a job this high profile.” I met her gaze steadily and ignored Jimin’s warning glances that indicated I shut up. I was surprised at my impudence too, having never before, in any way, questioned Helia’s direct orders.

And I didn’t really comprehend why I had picked now to do so.

“I mean, he is the crown prince.” I smiled, knowing it would rile her. Jimin sighed beside me and even Ralph looked concerned.

Helia merely looked at me with mild disdain and proceeded as if I hadn’t just attempted to rebel before a table full of experienced and cold-blooded killers.

“And since this is a high commissioned mission, it will require quite a bit of prepping.” she said, still eyeing me while she swirled her finger around the edges of her wine-stained goblet. “You and Jimin will have to disguise yourselves and infiltrate Westerra without drawing any kind of attention whatsoever.” Helia turned to Jimin, a rare smirk forming on her face. “And, naturally, that means that the silver hair needs to go.”

Jimin groaned as he ran his fingers through his silky hair. “Can’t I just wear a wig? I’ve been told this color looks really good on me!” he complained as the rest of the table nervously chuckled.

Helia’s smirk disappeared as she studied him. “I doubt it’ll look as good when your head is spiked on a pike outside the gates of Westerra’s castle after your hair results in you being discovered and beheaded for trying to assassinate the crown prince.” she deadpanned.

I almost chortled on my wine and patted my partner whose face had gone an unhealthy shade of white.

“That wouldn’t do now would it? I quite like him with his head on his shoulders.” a velvety voice chimed from the end of the table.

Jimin instantly grinned as he turned in her direction. “Why thank you Maze! At least someone cares.” he said in reproach. Helia ignored him while I rolled my eyes, first at Jimin and then at Maze who simply smiled in return, a playful glint in her grey eyes.

Mazikene Reye was the only other girl here my age, though she had always had more in common with Jimin rather than me. She shared his penchant for experimenting with different hair colours, much to the chagrin of Helia. Currently, it was a shade of purple which complimented her sun-kissed skin.