forced marriage - jaesung

[five]

To say he was nervous would be an understatement.
Jaemin was never one to let his feelings take over. This event however had his knees feeling useless and his head spinning. With every step he took in the direction of the hall his head began to fill with more and more scenarios, all of them having a not so good outcome for his family and kingdom.

Finally, he arrived at the big doors.
Multiple guards stood around them, protecting whoever was inside and keeping an eye on everyone around. Two of them opened the doors for him, revealing the gold and white hall. Everything was decorated in green and blue: floral wreaths were laid out on the white tablecloth of the big golden table in the middle of the hall, candle holders with blue and green jewels on each side of the table.

The colors of both kingdoms were largely represented - everything was prepared.

"They should arrive soon", his father said from the stool on one end of the table. He sounded just as nervous as Jaemin felt, which was surprising, considering that they were surrounded by multiple knights and royalty. Usually, his father was never one to show his emotions in a situation like this.

It was at this moment Jaemin realized how important this event truly was. It could change everything for their kingdom, for the worse or the better. It was the first meeting the kingdoms had since the start of the war and it could finally end it. End the pain and sacrifices.
Jaemin decided that he would stand by his father and support him in every decision he makes, for their kingdom.

"Jaemin, there is something I need to talk to you about before they arrive." He was pulled out of his train of thoughts by his fathers now serious voice. Jaemin walked towards him, taking the seat besides him at the table,"What is it, father?"

"We've actually already come to an agreement between the kingdoms."

For a second everything went blurry.

He tried to look into his fathers eyes, unsure of what to read out of them and what to feel.
Had he really left him out of the most important part of this whole thing?

"The heirs to the thrones of both kingdoms are to marry and thus, unite them and settle for peace."

Jaemin had trouble translating his fathers words.
"What?"
"You and the prince of Nora will marry and unite our kingdoms."
The king was no dumb man, he knew all too well which consequences this action had and how it would heavily influence his relationship with his son. But he wanted to secure the safety of his kingdom and most importantly, his family.

The prince just nodded, lowering his gaze from his fathers face to the table. Even if all he saw was blurry.

Suddenly a knight who was a little out of breath entered the room.
"They arrived at the castle and will be here in a matter of seconds."

The king nodded and stood up, adjusting his vesture. A deep breath calmed his nerves and he felt ready to do whatever he must do to ensure the safety of his family and kingdom.
However, one look at his son told him that he was not ready. His shoulders were slumped and his eyes rested on something on the table and seemed so far away..

He could not blame his son, considering he had made an important decision concerning his future without his consent.

A hand was placed on Jaemins shoulder, awakening him from his trance.
"I'm sorry Jaemin. I hope you understand that this is for the best. Do it for your kingdom."
His mind was still trying to process the changes this decision brought with it for his future.
He felt betrayed.
"I know, father", he managed to say, raising his gaze to meet his fathers eyes, "I'll do what is best for the kingdom."
He had made a promise to himself and the kingdom. As the heir to the throne he should act like it, even if it meant a future without love.

Just then, the doors to the hall opened.
The prince stood up, readying himself for what is to come.
The guards from the kingdom of Nora remained standing before the doors as their king entered the hall, along with a young blonde almost grey-haired boy: prince Jisung.

There they stood. Those who where enemies for ages now willing to make peace.
"Welcome to the kingdom of Fores!"