MY CROWN PRINCE | JEON JUNGKOOK

Episode 3: The Crown Prince's Discontent

The boy slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"A-Aboji," he mumbled.

The King smiled back and nodded. "What's this, son? You are a prince and the future king. You must be strong. Understand?"

A tear rolled down the edge of the boy's eye, but he fought to control his emotions despite the fever.

"Ne, Aboji. I won't be sick next time," he promised.

The King nodded and began to stand up.

"Aboji?" the boy called.

The King turned.

"Ne? Jungkook?" he asked.

"Can you please stay by my side for the night?" Jungkook requested.

"You need to face this alone. You must be strong, as I've told you. You are the Crown Prince," the King responded.

Queen Eun Mi clenched her fists, knowing that the King's words were hurting their son.

Then the King left.

Queen Eun Mi sat in front of her ailing son, placing her hand gently on his head. "Jungkook-ah, don't worry. He really loves you," she reassured him.

"Ne, Eomma, I know he does. Don't worry," Jungkook said.

"Hm." She kissed his forehead.

He remained silent for a moment. "Eomma," he said.

"Ne? Son?" she asked.

"Please loosen your left fist," he requested.

She smiled, recognizing her son's perceptiveness. "You little..." she laughed.

***

A week later, Jungkook was being prepared by several eunuchs—dressing him in his national attire, robe, and scarf.

"Eunuch Shin, you always do this for me, but I'm old enough to dress myself," he said.

"Daari, it is our responsibility. These little tasks are part of our service," Eunuch Shin replied.

Jungkook knew there was no point in arguing.

"You're ready, Daari," Eunuch Shin said, his head bowed, surrounded by other eunuchs.

Jungkook sighed. "I want to go to my Eomma," he said.

"Arasseo, Daari. Let's go," Eunuch Shin replied.

"Can't I go by myself? I want to walk alone. You don't need to follow me," Jungkook insisted.

"Just come, Daari. You know His Highness will punish us if we don't ensure your safety. Your security is crucial," Eunuch Shin said.

***

"Eomma, can I ask you something?" Jungkook asked, resting his head on his mother's lap.

"You know, Jungkook-ah, that's—"

"I know, Eomma. You'll say the same thing. I'm tired. My peers get to play with friends and go wherever they want, without anyone following them. I study constantly and practice with swords. It's really difficult. I want to be alone sometimes. No one understands me," he said.

Queen Eun Mi looked at him. "No one?" she asked.

"Anniya, Eomma, just you understand me!" he said.

"I don't believe that," she joked.

"Eomma, you'll stay by my side always, right?" the boy asked.

Eomma hesitated for a moment before nodding and smiling. "Ne, but I can't always be there," she said.