"Jimin!" He shouted his only trusted brother's name which fell to deaf ears. Even though he was right front of him. Outside the bars. "Jimin, you... You can't do this to me!"

"It's you who caused all of this Taehyung." Jimin replied, his tone calm compared to the other yet firm. "You're the one who made a mess out of all this and nearly submitted our region to the Bastard King of Siam! And you still dare to talk?"

He took a deep breathe trying not to burst out into his emotions. He knew his beloved brother or not, Taehyung deserved it. He didn't just mean to take the throne but also to ruin their happy lives. He didn't want all that. He wanted everyone to smile in his country though he never intended to rule but he always well wishes for his country people, for his family.

Taehyung had always been his favourite out of all his other brothers. Maybe because of sharing the same age? They both have the same thoughts and Ideas.

But to Jimin's unknown, Taehyung's mother never failed to full his ears with venom, venom about the new king, venom about his brothers and venom about the whole kingdom.

She made him see the world through her own eyes. Those eyes which holds nothing except Hatred. She was married to a old man aka the King with already three wives present and later she find out the person she loved back in her home town was killed for desiring the Bride of King. No one ever asked her opinion. They forced her into a marriage she never wanted. They killed her lover. She had to bear the pain of sharing a man with hundreds of other ladies. Six wives and uncountable concubines.
She gave birth to two children. A boy and a girl, hoping atleast they'd get the love she never got.

But to her disappointment.

She hated the sight of other children especially the Crown Prince, Seokjin.

She decided to turn her son against everyone. He will be her one and only pawn.

Even though Taehyung grew up a lovely child, her mother never failed to whisper things to him that a child should never heard. She didn't even feel an ounce of guilt while filling him with her white lies. He never ever believed her mother till he saw how the king, his respected older brother, behaved with her mother.

The vegenance was painted on his heart since that day. Since that day he decided to make everyone repay how her mother is treated.

"Jimin-ssi..." Taehyung voice trailed down, now much lower than before. Jimin turned to look at his brother. He was injured. A scar on his cheek he got during the fight. His knee was bleeding. The scenario made Jimin want to break the bars and free his brother, embrace him in his arms and tell him everything will be the same. But he knew that isn't possible anymore. "Do you not want to take revenge after what happened to your mother?"

Jimin momentarily paused before his fist clenched. His jaw tightened and eyes darkened at the mention of his Mother.

Jimin's mother was the prettiest among the six wives of the King. She was known for her Beauty and the gentleness of her manners. Since the beginning she was loved by everyone and treated right even by the king. Both her children, Chaeyoung and Jimin were positive and innocent children as everyone's liking.

Though when the king discovered her in bed with a mere knight he quickly announced her demise. The same king who promised to love her the most, who cherished her mother to no ending, their father stole his mama away.
He begged for days even starved himself until he fell sick but no one heard the screams of a mere six year old. His sister Chayeong Park became his mother figure. She was the one to take care of him, aid him and play with him. His brothers who made him laugh and taught him how to fight, how to grow strong. His bestfriend and best brother Taehyung, who always supported him with his boxy smile.
Jimin wasn't a type to go to a war and come back winning. He didn't like violence and he would never choose a path with so. That's why him and Taehyung are now in this situation.

"Don't bring my mother into this" his voice amazingly came out low, as if he was trying to conceal himself from lashing out on Taehyung. "Whatever happened to my mother...  Has nothing to do with my brother!"  He shouted,  holding the bar. Tears were threatening to spill as those horrific moments flashed through his mind. The scream of his mother's pleadings.

But he knew.

He knew his brothers have nothing to do with that incident. Afterall, it was all the King's fault who called himself an emperor, a lover and a father. Though he was none.

Jimin glared at Taehyung as he was ready to give him a blow but not with his actions but words,"I cherish Yoongi hyung and I'm sure you're petting a wrong theory. You could've just talked with hi---"

"Get lost." Taehyung eyes pierced through Jimin's, glaring back with pure venom,"GET OUT BEFORE I FORGET YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND"

Jimin flinched and backed away by Taehyung's animalistic behaviour. He sighed as he acknowledged the fact that he was now far from coming back to the person he used to be. The brother he used to be. "I hope the dungeons suits you well, Tae" even after his thousands of bitter some words he can't forget the love he has for Taehyung. With a goodbye, he walked away. Leaving Taehyung behind in the dark.

Taehyung clenched his fist harder onto the bars, his fingers trying to dig in the steel.

He clenched his teeths.

Jimin too is now leaving his side? He a roamed a hand through his hair. He knew he had to get out of here anyhow. Even if it's mean to break the walls, he had to do that.

He can't the bastard keep sitting on the throne after insulting his mother. He will make everyone cry in this kingdom. Every. Single. One.

He grinned wickedly when the black robbed person stood front of the bar.

Cutting the onions while crying helps to get less attention as no one could find out if the tears are shedding because of your misery or the onions.

She kept on cutting the onions until someone rushed towards her with heavy foots.

She looked up and slightly moved back by her friend's appearance, she was sweating hell and breathing with her mouth after running a kilometre non stop.

"My, my, I-junahh what's wrong?" Myeong asked scanning her facial expressions, while the tears continue to drop from her eyes.

I-jun after catching her breath immediately embraced Myeong, clutching her into her hold. She sobbed while holding her closer,"I know... I know how you feel right now, Myeong! But you don't need to cry, I am still alive"

Groaning in her bone breaking hold Myeong tried to break free,"I-JUN YOU GONNA SMASH ME TO THE BONES-"

She immediately let go of her friend apologizing while Myeong breathed.

"I wasn't crying" she spoke before pointing towards the Onions.

"Then cry now. I know you want to cry. No girl can be happy after hearing that she's getting married to an old man." I-jun spoke placing her hand gently over Myeong's shoulder.

Myeong sighed before looking down at her feet. She can't argue with that. She was entirely annoyed by the fact that the old hwg decided to set her marriage. She was already stuck in this Time come that it wasn't enough, she now had to deal with such kind of marriage.

Truth to be told, she hated the thought of marriage.

After getting cheated on, she even thought to give up. But nowadays she was too busy to even remember her hatred towards that. Too devoted to serve the "King".

"Do you want me to talk with Jin-"

"No need of that." Myeong placed a hand over her forehead frustrated. "He is Deakin with enough right now. He also have to convince Min Yoongi for your marriage and you want to depress him even more?"

I-jun huffed,"You think he will be happy to hear about your marriage with that old widower fish faced?"

"Lower your voice, anyone can hear you." Myeong reminded. Even though they are alone, they are still talking about a minister. Who seem to hold more authority than mere maids.

"I've a plan" Myeong inched I-jun to come closer before she purred everything into her ear.

"Stop moving Jungkook, I am trying to stick this to your face" I-jun groaned in annoyance trying to stick the false beard on Jungkook's face while he couldn't stop moving or itching himself.

Both Myeong and Jin laughed out seeing them,"I-jun, he is a prince" I tried to remind her while she grunted in return.

"Huh!? Prince? He got zero attitude to introduce himself as one." She mentioned while Jungkook glared at her.

She wasn't wrong. Jungkook is the Only  person in this palace who doesn't act high and mighty. He also got zero attitude which is not good for someone who's supposed to act like a "Royal Prince" though Myeong & Jungkook's brothers always appreciated his innocence even after growing up in such a tension filled palace.

Jin nudged Myeong's shoulders breaking her castles of thoughts. "We will gonna try our best. I even asked the others to bring you some help."

Myeong raised her brows in confusion,"Others? And what kind of help they gonna bring?"

Jin just smiled in return

Bowing infront of the king's throne on his both knees San looked helpless. And the only one who could've helped him was the King himself.

"Your majesty..." He uttered, his voice pleading yet a sense of unexpected vulnerability from the commander general of the King's knights.

Yoongi himself was amazed that how the brave general was suddenly bowing infront of him in the hall full of subordinates.

"I need your help." He begged, hid throat dry. Suppressing the humiliation he's feeling right now. "My sister, Myeong, Please save her."

Yoongi bluntly looked at him as he watched him beg silently without uttering a single word.

He  leaned his face over his palm as he stared at him from his throne. His eyes empty. "And who set this up?"

San looked up meeting the eyes of the emperor, his cat like eyes were holding an emptiness as if blaming him for the demise that has been caused to her.

"I said who had set up the marriage?" Yoongi spoke his voice now more authoritative than before desperate for an answer.

"O-our father..."

"And why did he do that?"

Yoongi waved his hand in a manner to indicate San to stood up on his feet. San did before he averted his gaze away room Yoongi to the ground. "Since when me & my sister's birth our dad became a destitute. Not to mention our mom also passed away by the wide spreaded outbreak at that time. Still he managed to survive by sailing goods, toys and even worked as a porter to raise us. But it wasn't easy so he became heavy indebted and because of that he have to give up on his own daughter. They even bribed father with money so he couldn't deny" he finished. He never wanted to sound so vulnerable infront of someone especially the king knowing how much he hates the thought of Soft things. Then his voice changed from the vulnerable one to a fuming one* "And I can't do anything as the creditor is a noble. Someone from high society with both power & money. A person who's wife was kil-died and known for his dirty eyes.... I can't give hand my sister to them as a bait that's why I came running here, to beg you your majesty. Will you help me?"

Yoongi was about to open his mouth when his brother's who were just seating on their respective places a moment ago also knelt beside Han (Namjoon, Hoseok). Yoongi's brow twitched at the scene.

"We beg for your mercy on that poor girl" Hoseok spoke up, keeping his head bowed.

"She is like our sister, your majesty" Namjoon added.

A faint groan was heard from the up butt none of the three held their head up. Yoongi looked at the rest of the people who were seating on their seats in Royal hall and glared at them silently. "I don't think any of you hold enough position to seat while the head of our military & two princes are lowering their head" everyone froze hearing his tone and his cat like sharp gaze,"Leave or I will sentence you all to death because of your audicity to held your head that high" and in an instant the hall freed up. Some ran away while some tried not to show their fear leaving silently.

When everyone was out of sight he glanced back at his two brothers and his military head. His chin placed over his palm as he looked at them before sighing,"Heads up you idiots"

They obliged without a second thought.

Yoongi stood up from his throne before walking down until he was Right infront of them.

"Your Majes-" before Hoseok could speak Yoongi held him by the hem of his Kimono with a glare.

"Have you guys forgotten about your status? Think twice about your actions when you are in a place full of people lower than your position. You guys are PRINCE. Did that man-Father not teach you both how to keep up with your dignity and never bow Infront of anyone? And because of such a simple  reason you guys.." he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just because I threatened them or otherwise they'd spread weird rumours across the country. Would that been respectful towards San? Or his sister?"

"Hyung we really didn't mean to.." Hoseok's voice trailed off as he understood his blunder. He kept his eyes lowered on the floor.

"And I expected better of you Namjoon" Yoongi crossed his hands looking at his other brother whom he respects the most. He is the most mature one out of all according to Yoongi. He even believes he would've been a better king compared to him.

Namjoon sighed before he looked at Yoongi. "I know what we did is real flawed but you have to understand the thickness of this matter."

Yoongi's eyes suddenly turned cold,"Why are you guys obsessed with a common maid's marriage? She is just a... maid" Yoongi looked away, a flicker of vulnerabilities crossing his face for a second as he spoke that. He knew better to call Myeong "just a maid" more than anyone else.

Hoseok frowned. "Yes, she is a maid but she is close to all of us. She shows interest in the dance I perform on classical music and always supports me which no one has ever did. She helps Namjoon with his poetry even though she's of no help, she has a very good mindset and a pretty taste in literature. She listens to Jimin when he's singing and encourages him to sing more. She has gotten along with all the maid in our palace and also the knights." Hoseok's eyes twitched as he added,"-and she is also very close to his majesty-"

"Enough."He shot glares at both of them for bringing that up before moving his gaze to Han who was still on his knees,"You... tell me where is she now?"

"Where is my bride?" Clicking his tongue in mild annoyance the middle aged man tried to peek through the small rooms of the jahyeon* house. Then his eyes shifted to the closed door of one of the rooms before trailing them back to the old man sitting front of him anxiously waiting for his stubborn daughter to arrive. "Look you old geezer, you have no status to be my father-in-law... Just because you're indebted to me and I am generous enough to spare you by considering marrying your daughter doesn't mean I will silently receive the malice attitude you're showing to a respectful man of the society like me."

(*The Jahyeon house was a simple, one-room dwelling with a thatched roof, typically made of natural materials like clay, wood, or straw. It had a small door, few windows, and a floor made of compacted earth or clay. Furnishings were minimal, with basic items like a low table and a mat. Heating was provided by a simple fireplace or portable brazier.)

The old man kept his head low soundlessly listening to the absurd things of the man, keeping his anger in check for his darling. The moment she will arrive he will burst out.

And soon the long worn out smooth wooden door started to creaking & cracking like a twig with the force of someone from the other side. The father finally felt relieved that he didn't have to hear the nuisance of this hypocrite sitting right across him.

The moment the door opened in half revealing the girl in her mid twenties in a pink floral kimono embroid with a special material and a touch of natural make up the old bald started rambling,"Where were you! A young girl like you shouldn't-"

The door fully opened revealing a man with her. Except for the beard and his big clothes the guy didn't look much old. Not even close to the age range of any of the two men already present in the room.

The woman's father started panicking feeling like her daughter has set up a plan to ruin her engagement and surely this time no one will save him getting beheaded by the general minister of the country Kang Hu-jin.

"What is this Bae Haeshion!? Who is that  sangnam beside your precious unkempt daughter?" Minister kang glared at the guy who has already settled his sharp gaze at him while Myeong's blood boiled. Though she kept her composure and decided to speak with grace instead of stating everything in haste.

"Such a bellow level words aren't appreciable for a man of higher society like you Minister Kang." Myeong calmly stated with a smile catching both Jungkook & Her father off-guard. Since when she learnt to talk so gracefully like a noble lady?

They watched her taking a seat beside her father while Jungkook sat a little far away from both the sides.

The minister gritted his teeth but he decided not to leash out as cleared his throat,"Now a daughter of a lowly meat shop owner gonna speak to me about manners Lady Myeong?"

Myeong only chuckled in return. "My father maybe is a mere meat shop owner but you were the one to state the proposal of marrying his daughter despite her being... Half of your age, no Minister Kang?"

Minister's patients thinned at her words, eyes shooting daggers at her. Jungkook was just looking at her with widened eyes, his respect for Myeong upgrading by every second passing by.

Nevertheless she could not speak more as her father gripped onto her folded thighs. She looked to meet his eyes only to find him looking at her with a gaze that spoke- "open your mouth and I will rip your tongue out"

Myeong frowned and lowered her eyes to her lap despite the wish to show the arrogant bitchy minister his place.

"What is your introduction hwanglu guy?" The minister said making Myeong's father curiosity to rise as well.

Both Myeong & Jungkook exchanged glances before he spoke up "I am... Myeong's lover."

A minute of silence took place while Myeong silently cursed I-jun for choosing Jungkook for such a vital role. She should've asked Namjoon or Jimin to do this.

Myeong's father's eyes widened,"Excuse me?" He death glared at the head of his daughter which was hung low before looking back at the confused minister. "There is n-nothing like that Minister Kang... S-she-they are just playing around! Kids now days... Haha..."

While the minister just sneered. He would've taken their assets instead of taking the daughter of a lowly meat shop owner as her bride though she is also the sister of the general of Royal Esquires of the kingdom. He can have that on his beneficial side.

"Don't worry Bae Haeshion. I won't break off the marriage just because your daughter is in love with a low birth bastard child." He smirked while Jungkook's eyes turned dark.

"Who said he is a low birth Minister Kang?" Myeong spoke up, keeping her hands together over her lap. "My lover is an High status Aristocrat for your information."

A look of amusement crossed over the jerk minister's face,"High status? Though I have never seen your so called lover in any social gatherings." His eyes shifted over Jungkook with a mocking stare,"So Mr. Nameless aristocrat would you like to share your lineage and state of business in the society?"

Jungkook took a deep breath before holding his head high and running his hand through the long fake beard added to show him older than his age and enough for the locals to nor recognise him as a prince. "i have a jewellery business running and I have to visit countries far away from our continent for that business purpose...." He continued to ramble the script he memorized before he came here. Jin has provided him all the information regarding his character.

'Slay Jungkook, Keep Going' Myeong thought to herself before smilling as I-jun's plan was working perfectly fine.

The minister suddenly stopped Jungkook, eyes full of suspicion and pride,"If you are that famous how come I not know you? Care to tell us your name?"

Jungkook tensed up. What was his name again? Jin has clearly told him NOT TO forget the most important thing. There were many famous aristocrat who have never shown their face in the society and kept on working from the dark. Jin managed to tell Jungkook those names but Jungkook, being careless, wouldn't remember any of them.

Myeong helplessly looked at Jungkook indicating him to say something.

Feeling so pressed up Jungkook tried to straighten himself 'You see M-minister Kang I-" well shit. Jungkook, who was shifting his sitting position accidentally tripled on his wrinkled hanbok wore by most of the commoners, fell on his face over the ground.

Myeong's eyes widened,"Jung-" and she shut her mouth immediately before his name slipped of her mouth.

Minister Kang raised his eyebrows in a judging manner before smirking,"Jung? But there's no namely aristocrats with that name." He looked over the old father,"Did you taught your daughter to lie so that you could avoid the marriage and you don't even have to pay off the debt?",Rage coursed through him. "I think I've been very merciful to you Bae Haeshion. I shouldn't have given you a choice from the start. Now it's either your life or your house & daughter."

"Noo!" Horror flared over Bae Haeshion's face as he can't let go of the only asset left over from lineage going under a royal hypocrite. "Please Minister Kang, he generous over the poor..."

He bowed on his knees and indicated Myeong to do the same thoughts she crossed her hands instead with a scoff looking at the pathetic old and his embarassing behaviour.

Jungkook who has fallen over the ground finally managed to rise only to earn a gasp from the Minister.

"Prince J-j-jungkook...!?" Jungkook's eyes widened.

"How..." As he touched his face and the fake beard was gone. The natural gum not being enough to stick it the whole time.  "Oh no...."

Immediately the Minister rose up a storm of expressions coursing though him,"So all along... All along you guys were mocking me huh? Bae Haeshion, his whore of a daughter and Prince Jungkook..." His eyes trailed over to Jungkook,"Did Royal family too has considered the Kang family as a source of power? I will have to speak with the King Min then."

Jungkook immediately spoke up along with Myeong,"No-Not his highness-"

"There is no need of that." The door opened revealing the king himself with I-jun & Jin behind with three others.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!" Jungkook, Myeong, Minister Kang & Myeong's father  all shouted with different different emotions as Myeong's father immediately laid his head over the ground.

"I've finally accomplished something and lighten up the name of my liners by earning the dust of Your highness feet in my poor hut!" He shouted out causing Myeong to face palm herself out of embarassment followed by San who was standing behind the King.

Minister Kang clenched his fist on his sides,"Your highness what is this?"

"I am sorry but I think you should probably give some time to Bae San to pay off the debts of his father instead of taking his young sister as your bride Minister Kang" Yoongi spoke, his hands crossed under his hanbok sleeves.

But unexpectedly the Minister didn't even flinch. "But why should I, Your Highness the glorious king?"

Yoongi's cat like eyes pierced through him,"Can you please repeat what did you just said Minister Kang?"

Everyone in the room shivered at the cold undertone of the voice. Minister Kang have to rethink his words before speaking. "I m-mean to say your highness I've completely obliged the law of debts. It's been two years that I've been nudging Bae Haeshion to pay of his debt and by the agreement he himself agreed to let me do anything I want with his property or with him if he's unable to pay of his debt"-takes out the agreement paper,"Here, he has signed the contract with his thumb mark."

San glared at his father for his stupidity and foolish habits of drinking for which their family is under debt.

Minister Kang smirked at the silence of the king as if he's finally winning the game,"So I don't think so even a royal can enter into our contract-"

"I will pay off the debt." Myeong froze in her place. Did Yoongi just say that? She looked straight at him trying to find if he's in his right mind or not."then you'd let the Baes live in peace Yes?"

Minister Kang's eyes narrowed,"I am fine with that but Your highness won't it be seen low of you to do so much for the daughter if a mere low life?"

Yoongi looked up at him with a smile,"Low live? I am sorry Minister Kang but how dare you address Bae Myeong as a  Low life?" He takes a couples of steps towards him before standing right front of him, meeting his eyes before whispering loud and clear. "The one you called low life is soon to be the empress of our Kingdom"

Everyone's breath was caught in their throat hearing Yoongi's statment. Myeong's eyes snapped at Yoongi burning hole on his head.

Yoongi glanced back at her while speaking to Minister Kang-

"I am marrying her."
______________________________________________

HOW HANDS ARE PAINING😭 (kinda deserve it for updating after two freakin' months)

So how was the chapter? Be fr. Was it predictable? I sometimes hate my own writing skills. Doesn't matter how much I try I always think there is something lacking with my presentation.

Btw a reality check: I HATE WINTER!✋