The King's Arrangement (BTS X Reader)

Chapter 4

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I could not believe the news I had heard. Soobin had invited the Duke and Mina to remain at the palace. Everyone else may have, but I didn't fall for his bullshit excuse about needing assistance to revamp the training program. He had done it simply to dangle Mina under YN's nose. My fists clenched as I thought of what that would do to the quiet but beautiful girl. I did not have many interactions with her, but she had always been polite and kind, even to the servants in the palace. They all adored her sweet nature.

I walked into the breakfast room, still seething in anger, but managed to keep it in as Soobin and YN entered. He looked well rested, but his beautiful wife looked exhausted. There were dark shadows under her eyes, her skin was paler than normal, and her normally enchanting smile was missing.

She took her place next to Soobin as the servants brought out the breakfast dishes. I sipped my coffee and watched the beautiful girl pick at her plate of crepes. I knew they were her favorite and secretly requested that the palace chef, Jin, make them for her. I had known Jin a long time and considered him a good friend.

YN looked up suddenly and saw me staring at her. I raised my coffee cup in a slight toast and she flashed that smile at me. I wanted to dash over to her, sweep her in my arms, and rescue her from her loveless marriage. I would spoil her and treat her like the princess she was. I would love her for the rest of my life. I quickly looked down at my cup. Just thinking about the princess did strange things to me. She had beautiful lips that I had dreamed about on more than one occasion.

Mina walked into the dining hall with her father. She stopped momentarily by Soobin's side to greet him. He took her offered hand and brought it to his lips. Mina whispered something that YN clearly heard if the shock and disgust on her face were anything to go by.

The Duke was waiting to pull out a chair for his daughter. She took the offered seat smoothing out her skirt that was too short and tugging down her top that was already too low. I couldn't help but compare her to the beautiful princess. YN was the embodiment of elegance and sophistication. That morning, she had on slim fitting grey dress pants and a lavender sweater that looked incredibly soft. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and spend the day cuddling her.

Servants brought out covered dishes for the Duke and Mina. As Mina lifted the shining silver dome, her face twisted in distaste. "Excuse me. What is this?" she asked.

YN smiled. "They're crepes. Chef Jin makes the best ones in the entire country. They are absolutely mouthwatering," she replied.

Mina shuddered. "These look horrendous. Your chef should be fired for even daring to serve this to me," she said.

YN's back straightened. "Chef Jin is an amazing cook. We are very fortunate to have him here with us," she said.

I wanted to cheer out loud. Very rarely does the royal family defend any of the staff, but watching YN defend my friend made me so proud. She was as sweet as the day is long and a harsh contrast to the other woman.

YN:

Uhh... that girl is something else I thought to myself. I wanted to reach over and slap her for insulting Chef Jin. He was remarkable.

"Well, I will just have a dish of fresh fruit," Mina replied, addressing one of the servants. "Mango if you have it. Cherries with the seeds removed and orange sections with the rind off."

The servant nodded. "Right away miss," the young girl, Alia, said, bowing and rushing from the room.

I looked to Soobin to see his reaction, but either he ignored the little scene or didn't see it. I hoped he wouldn't be so heartless to try and remove Chef Jin from his position because of this insufferable woman.

Taehyung and Jungkook were sitting drinking their coffee and eating their crepes. I could tell by the looks on their faces that they had witnessed the scene. They looked as irritated as I felt.

Alia came back from the kitchen with another covered dish. She set the dish in front of Mina bowed and quickly left the room again. Alisha was one of the newest servants. She was still learning the ropes and I felt terrible that she had been tasked with serving Mina.

Mina lifted the lid and rolled her eyes. "Your chef is hopeless," she said. "I asked for mango, cherries, and oranges. This is the crap he gave me." Jin had created a lovely fruit platter in a short time: bright red strawberries, plump grapes, and sections of fresh cantaloupe.

Taehyung spoke up this time. "What you have asked for may not be in stock in the kitchen. I'm sure Jin worked with what he had. That platter looks delicious," he said.

Mina sighed. "Well he should be more prepared especially when you have guests," she retorted.

I look at her in surprise. Taehyung may not be the next in line to be king, but he was still a prince. He deserved the utmost respect instead of her haughty attitude.

The Duke turned and placed a hand on her arm before addressing Taehyung. "My apologies on behalf of my daughter, your highness," he said, laughing uneasily. "It's my fault. I always have spoiled her."

Mina laughed. "Yes father. You're correct. I've always gotten everything I've wanted," she said with a smirk as she turned to me.

I ignored her blatant disrespect towards me and did my best to enjoy the crepes. They were exceptionally good this morning and I made the decision to visit Chef Jin and thank him personally.

At the end of the meal, Soobin exited with the Duke to work on the training program with Taehyung and Jungkook following close behind. Mina said she was going to take a walk in the gardens and I escaped into the kitchen before she could say anything to me.

As I opened the kitchen door, Jin turned around in surprise from where he was wiping the stove. "Is everything okay your highness?" he asked.

"Chef Jin? I just wanted to come in and personally thank you for breakfast. The crepes were absolutely delicious. You have outdone yourself once again," I said, sending him a small smile.

Jin blushed and bowed. "You're most welcome your highness. I enjoy cooking for you. If you have any other favorite foods, please let me know," he said.

I lifted an eyebrow in confusion. "How did you know they were my favorite?" I asked.

Jin blushed again and rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhh... I was asked this morning to make them especially for you," he admitted.

"By who?" I asked, immediately thinking of Soobin. Would he have done something so thoughtful?

"I apologize your highness," Jin said, "but I was sworn to secrecy."

I eyed him suspiciously, but then shrugged. "Okay Chef Jin. I admire and respect those who can keep secrets. It is the utmost sign of loyalty," I said with a smile, leaving the kitchen.