tarac

↻ nineteen

❝You are special, you're apart of the great line of royalty. The strength and leadership you posses never stops to amaze me. I know you have your doubts, but I do believe you can lead this kingdom one day, just like your father. All you need is to believe yourself...❞

Jeonghan remembered those words, everyday he would reflect back to them. After the passing of his parents, that speech had a more of an impact than anything else he grew up with. Since his mother was the one who said it.

Leading the kingdom of Tarac was something he could never have been ready to do at a young age. He was thankful he had his brothers next to him.

Wonwoo being the second oldest meant that he had the responsibility of taking care of the others while Jeonghan lead. It would've been easy if they listened to him. They were usually with their personal guards so Wonwoo did little to taking care of them.

Jeonghan sighed as he looked over the kingdom. It may look perfect from a first glance, but when you look at the details it wasn't the best condition.

He had so much on his mind, Seokmin and Jisoo's injuries, Seungcheol's missing state, and the kingdom's safety. All he wanted was guidance from someone who knew what to do.

❝Mother...father.... I'm sorry you have to see the kingdom like this. I am trying- the new foreigners coming, I thought I had everything learnt. All the maps we had, all the people I got to know, the laws, it doesn't match up..❞

He hung his head down as a tear slipped from his eye, ❝I-I'm lost, no matter how much I want to make you proud, I don't think I can-❞

He heard the door open, Jeonghan froze as he wiped his eyes and took a deep breath. A warmth was felt from behind him, it was Chan hugging him. Jeonghan turned around and lifted his brother's head to see his tear stained cheeks and red eyes.

❝Channie, what is wrong?❞

❝You w-were talking about mother... I-I heard you through the door.❞

❝Chan I-❞

❝I miss her! I-I miss her...❞ Jeonghan caught the younger who turned into a sobbing mess. Seeing his youngest brother like this made him tear up himself.

❝I do too, but she would want us to be strong. We need to follow her example.❞

❝Why did she leave...❞ That made the older think, their parents death was always a true wonder. The king never answered, for he was also asking the same question. He comforted his brother until his sobs ceased into sniffs. They stayed quiet for a bit, just hugging but it never came to be an awkward situation.

Jeonghan took a deep breath before pulling away from the hug. ❝Are you feeling better?❞ He received a nod, he smiled as the two walked out of the room they were in and into the corridor.

❝Uhm Jeonghan?❞

❝Hmm?❞

❝Seungkwan was wondering if the guards have found Seungcheol yet.❞

❝I will ask them, go along and see if Seokmin is feeling better.❞ Chan nodded and started to run down the corridor until Jeonghan couldn't see him any more. The king sighed as he walked down the stairs and into the vineyard.

...

Seungcheol woke up with a bad ache in his head. When he opened his eyes, he saw pitch black. He tried to remember where he was or where he use to be. The last place he remembered being was alone in the forest, just after the rest of the group left him. After that he must have black out.

The prince tried to move around but was restrained by some type of rope that was around his arms, legs, and feet. He tried pulling on them but it was no use, he was stuck.

❝I wouldn't try pulling.❞ A voice called out to Seungcheol. The boy froze in place as he heavily breathed. ❝It shocks me how even your friends didn't care to go back for you...❞

❝What do you want from me?❞

❝The real question is, what do you want?❞

❝I want to get out here! You kidnapped me and tied me up!❞

❝Kidnap is such a strong word. I believe the right word is, saved.❞

❝Saved?❞

❝If I weren't there, you would be dead. Slaughtered by the disgusting beast that tower the forest.❞ The voice continued. The words coming from them sounded harsh and raspy.

Seungcheol flinched when a force tugged him from the front. ❝You are just some pathetic foreigner here, your royal bloodline from Ledi doesn't matter here. Your brothers and guards-❞

❝What did you to them?❞

He heard a pitiful laugh. ❝You ask a lot of questions, they are bad, but they are still unanswered.❞ The stranger shoved Seungcheol unto the floor and kicked him on the side. 

❝Your friends and loved ones aren't in danger...yet. My plans haven't begun, but now since I have you. Heh, I am closer to my plan than I thought I would be...❞

Their laughs grew louder and louder as Seungcheol shivered and felt his ribs start to bruise. He closed his eyes as more kicks and punches were laid.

~

thoughts?