Park Jimin

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Author's POV

Jeongguk was walking down the corridor, on his way to the stable with his own things and getting ready to go on the road. However, many servants were shocked by his arrival. Maybe they expected him to take a day off and spend time with Jimin instead. 

His nose scrunched in disgust at the certain thought. There’s no way he would stay here with Jimin, he literally despises that man. And all he wanted to do right now was to go where there wasn't him. He had spent last night riding through the woods rather than sleeping. 

Their interaction earlier had ruined his mood again albeit he didn’t say a word to Jimin. Even the older man's face was enough to make him irritated and he did not regret any words spat during their dinner. He meant it when he said another second with Jimin was a waste of his time. He had no intention of spending more than what was already given.

Jeongguk’s thinking was interrupted when a familiar voice called him from afar. He turned around and smiled seeing the sight of his older brother. The man was handsome and well-known among the girls in Goryeo because of his attractive appearance. He had spent most of his days outside the palace too, but unlike Jeongguk who spent it in the woods, the older had spent his time wandering around the city and drawing whatever caught his eye. And at the end of the day, he will report the people’s condition to the King.  

“Tae-hyung…” He stepped forward to the other and bowed just a little as a respectful gesture before hugging him. The older openly welcomed the greeting before releasing Jeongguk. 

Now you must be wondering, if Taehyung was older then why wasn’t he elected as the crown prince rather than Jeongguk? Well, it’s because even though both of them were princes, they both were on diverse levels and were treated differently. Kim Taehyung, the 4th prince- didn't share the same womb as Jeongguk, his mother was the first wife to the King and Taehyung was the second. Technically, he was the youngest because Jeongguk was born later than the rest of his siblings. But he was still considered the firstborn of the first Queen, hence, the position was explained. 

“What brings you here, hyung?” Jeongguk asked as the older one pat his shoulder, it has been a while since the last time they met. Taehyung didn't live near him, each of their siblings had their own residence. Only Jeongguk was the exception in which he lived in the Gyeongbokgung palace; the King's household. 

“I have arrived to see my brother-in-law; could you please direct me to his whereabouts? I extend my sincere congratulations on your wedding, Jeongguk. Regrettably, I was unable to participate in the celebration due to an unavoidable commitment the previous day...” Taehyung conversed and the younger’s smile completely fell off upon hearing the mention of Jimin. 

It took him a few seconds before shrugging it off and putting up a smile again. “What’s with the formality, hyung? Drop it off, it’s weird.” Jeongguk pointed out and Taehyung raised his eyebrows at the obviously purposely ignored query regarding his husband. 

“You dismissed my question, why is it? You don’t go well with him?” Taehyung raised a question and watched the crown prince close his eyes and grit his teeth at it, evidently infuriated by the topic. There was no hiding it. Jeongguk didn’t even try to. 

“It’s nothing, hyung. I need to go.”

“Who are you trying to lie to, Jeongguk? Tell me what it is,” Taehyung pressed further and Jeongguk found himself holding back from drawing his sword. He doesn’t want to talk about it, he doesn't want to talk about anything that was related to Jimin whether it was bad or good. He entirely detested it, why can’t his brother just let it slide instead of forcing him? 

“I said it’s nothing, hyung. Don't fuss…” Jeongguk spoke out and he heard the older sighed at that. He knew Taehyung didn't mean to pressure him, it was clear he was only worried for his younger brother. However, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Jeongguk could resolve it himself, and he doesn't like it when someone tries to put their toe in his shoe. He was twenty-four, not fourteen. 

“I’m just worried, Gguk-ah,” Taehyung admitted and he nodded at the saying, as expected, Jeongguk didn’t entirely blame his older brother for behaving that way. It was totally reasonable, but certain roads must not be crossed. “Tell me if anything, don’t keep it to yourself. It’s not good for you or anyone.” Once again, Jeongguk nodded at the advice indicating that he listened to it. It’s a statement, not a question so he doesn’t feel the need to respond to it. 

“Anyway, I heard you’re going to Shinju, planning to visit Namjoon soon? I heard Seokjin is staying there currently. So you probably will meet both of your brothers.” 

“Ah, yes. I intended to stop by if I finished the meeting with the Ministry of Personnel earlier than expected.” 

“Personnel? Why so?” 

“Unfortunately, some of the workers refused to continue their labor because the person in charge didn’t give them their wages. Hence, His Majesty had asked me to confront this matter.” 

“As usual,” Taehyung scoffed at that and Jeongguk could understand why. They talked a few more before the younger bid him goodbye and turned around to walk away but stopped hearing his brother speak. “Be safe there, and try not to be so hard on Jimin.” Honestly, Jeongguk wouldn’t be that mad if it was about someone else, but it was Jimin. 

And that’s the last person he wanted to hear about. 

“My business is not yours to meddle with, Kim Taehyung.” He emphasized slowly, though he wasn’t yelling or anything, the line itself was enough to degrade his older brother in the worst way possible. “It is unnecessary for me to remind you of your place. Is it not?” He finished bitterly and sauntered forward, leaving Taehyung who looked hurt by the comment and ashamed when the maids were looking at him. 

It doesn’t take long for Jeongguk to reach the stable, stuffing up his sword and a few other things needed throughout the journey. Without wasting time, he rode on Jin-Woo and walked slowly out of the palace entrance, seeing his men already waiting for his arrival. 

He stopped on his track when he felt eyes on his back, it made him turn his head around, wanting to see who could be it. Because as far as he knew, no one could stare at the crown prince. It’s considered discourteous and spying on what he does. His eyes gaze sharply, catching sight of his husband from the window. Jimin was staring at him with a stoic stare, it was impossible to figure out what the older one was thinking. But Jeongguk also didn't care enough to think further.

They maintained a silent interaction for a few before Jeongguk decided to look away. No words, no voice, nor anything. But it means everything. 

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It took two days to arrive at Shinju, and Jeongguk and his men had been exactly 23 hours on the road since he left the palace. Hence, they all begged the crown prince to stop their riding and spend the night in the middle of nowhere. Considering that his men needed some rest and the horses needed to eat, Jeongguk granted their wishes and would continue the ride as soon as the sun rose. 

They all agreed with it.

After setting up the fire and what was needed, they all went to sleep. Jeongguk however, sat beside Jin-Woo who was also sitting down and he soon fell into silence. As soon as he did, he regretted it when a certain someone filled his head again. For some unknown reason, somehow in some way, he never stopped thinking about Jimin the moment he was left alone. Not once did anything remind him of the older, but he naturally thought about his husband. 

Jeongguk gritted his teeth at the title, it seemed like hating Jimin was eating him alive. The older one never goes out of his mind. Even in a busy situation, he would somewhat be at the end and it couldn’t make Jeongguk more frustrated than ever. It was a waste of time to think about something unimportant, but he couldn't help it. 

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before deciding to sleep along with the others. After all, he had not slept last night too, and perhaps that was why his brain had been dizzy. They had a long way to go so it was better for him to take some rest. Leaning over a big rock, he tilted his head upwards to the sky before slowly closing his eyes.  

Suddenly, a familiar scent pierced through his nose. It was too well known for Jeongguk but it was also impossible that he was smelling it here. He groaned and shook his head, deciding to ignore it and try to sleep. His eyes instinctively shot open when he felt a shadow blocking the conflagration from his view and that was when he saw an unknown man holding up a sword, ready to kill Jeongguk.

Fast to take action, he immediately snatched his sword and their blades clashed into each other; making noises that eventually woke up the rest of his men. Before they could do anything, the man took off and sprinted into the woods and vanished in the dark, leaving Jeongguk who was still trying to comprehend what had happened. It was his first time, never had he ever got death threats so directly before. It was attempted murder.

“Your Grace!! Are you wounded?!” Their leader rushed to ask. 

“Hurry! Apprehend the assassin immediately!!”

“Yes, General!!” 

Jeongguk ignored the question as he stood up on his legs and stared over the route the murderer ran into and watched as a few of his men walked right into it. The man was covering his face, only leaving his eyes to be seen. Even then, there was nothing but pure loathing in them. It was so heartless and brutal. But the sword the man used was so familiar, that Jeongguk couldn't remember when and where he saw it. Moreover, his scent, Jeongguk knew he had smelled it somewhere before.

Yet, he couldn't reflect on whom. 

It happened so fast, that he barely could process it. Nonetheless what has been done, is done. He found it useless to be concerned about it further. He just needed to be more cautious now.

“Gather the men. We shall proceed with our ride.” Jeongguk commanded and received a confirmation from the General in charge as he went over to Jin-Woo. But stood in his place when he accidentally stepped on something. He bent over and took it. It was a Norigae— a royal decorative pendant made of long silk threads— which Jeongguk believed belonged to the masked man. 

However, it also meant one thing, whoever he was, came from the royal household. 

He took note of it and put the pendant in his pouch before moving on. First thing first, he needed to settle the meeting. Only then, he would ponder about what had happened. And possibly told his brothers about it and see if they knew who it belonged to. There weren’t many who had it, only the royal ones including the ones that were married to them. But it was also difficult to guess who was the culprit unless they inspected each of them.

Jeongguk decided to set aside the issue as they resumed their ride to Shinju and soon the sun began to rise. It didn't take too long for them to arrive and by the time they reached the border, they were greeted by a few guards who led them to the 3rd prince’s residence; Changdeokgung Palace. 

Jeongguk smiled a little seeing his older brothers standing in front of the gate with a smile plastered on their faces. He then stopped and hopped down from his horse before giving a side hug to both of the male who were equally pleased to see their youngest brother after such a long time. “Hyung…” He greeted, bowing down a bit before receiving one. 

“Ah, the crown prince… It had been a while.” Kim Namjoon, the 3rd prince; stated teasingly before patting his shoulder. 

“Agreed, I miss you, Jeongguk.” Kim Seokjin, the 2nd prince, spoke up and smiled when the younger rolled his eyes at the statement. 

Unlike Jeongguk, Namjoon and Seokjin along with Taehyung shared the same mom. And even then, their status was evaluated based on their birth year. Seokjin, being the firstborn, was merely below Jeongguk- While Namjoon was born two years later. Followed by Taehyung one year after as the last child. And now, all of them are married except for Taehyung. 

Right. He is married. 

It never failed to make him pissed off by the validity. But what’s done is done. There is no use in looking back when the solution is in front of you. 

“Let’s go inside, it’s cold here and I bet you’re tired,” Namjoon noted and Jeongguk only nodded as they all walked inside the building. Soon enough they reached a tiny table and the maids started to pour them their tea. He still had a few hours left to go to the meeting later, so he decided to spend the time catching up on his brothers.

However, it seemed like both of them had something different in mind. 

“So…” Seokjin trailed off and put down his tea before continuing. “How does it feel to be a married man?”

Jeongguk could only sigh at that. 

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[A/N: Maybe will update tomorrow, we will see... Any idea who was the culprit? 0-0]

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