The Crown Prince

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Author's POV

Everything was peaceful that morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace, somewhere in northern Goryeo. The weather was breezy, flowing those dead brown leaves beautifully decorating the palace's garden. The waves of the sea could also be heard from afar, not too harsh nor too audible; just enough to comfort whoever hears it. 

Comforting enough for a prince to be in his deep slumber. He was lying on the bed, chest facing the ceiling as his hands placed on top of each other. You see, even in his unconscious state, he applied the royal regulations flawlessly. 

Like a sleeping beauty, you could see the closed pair of hazel doe's eyes that obtained double eyelids with a pair of full dark brown eyebrows. His plush bottom lips and his tanned skin appeared to be glowing when the rays crossed through his room’s curtains, highlighting a part of his face. His button-shaped nose perfectly pointed upwards followed by a scar on his right cheekbone could be seen from the side. 

Knocks could be heard coming from the door, waking him up from his sleep immediately. “May it be by your will, Your Highness, for us to enter?” A lady spoke out from outside the room, patiently waiting for his approval as nobody could enter the prince's chamber except for the royal members. And even then, only the King and the Queen applied to those authorities. 

“Granted.” He uttered flatly and sat up on the bed, revealing his masculine tanned naked body as his long hair fell over covering a few parts of his wide chest. 

The door opened without a noise followed by a high court lady and multiple maids entering. He noticed they brought not only his breakfast but also his formal clothes; the gujangbok, and a few accessories that he needed to wear only during official ceremonies. Confused, but he didn’t make it noticeable as he watched them place the clothing on his bed neatly. Not that he would talk to them if it was not necessary though, his pride was higher than anything in the palace. 

He would never even look at the maids.

Albeit his facial structure shows that he was supposedly a soft, kind-hearted, and humble individual, in this case, the prince was anything but that. 

“At the behest of His Majesty, kindly adorn yourself with the provided attire and join him in the Sajeongjeon Hall…” The high-court lady said as the maids stayed still in their place, bowing just enough to not see him as it was forbidden to look at the prince directly. The women who resided inside the palace compound were comprised of the queen, court ladies with official ranks, and female servants who performed miscellaneous jobs in the palace. 

Court ladies were responsible for various palace chores depending on their position and sometimes might work in the royal chambers, kitchen, or even laundry. The highest one, which is a high-court lady, is the only woman who has the authority to attend to the king and the crown prince. Their baths, what they consume, their medicines, and even their hair were done by the high-court lady and would be under supervision by her properly so things wouldn’t go wrong both for the ruler and the future ruler. 

“You’re dismissed, court lady Oh.” He affirmed as he watched her taking tiny steps backward while bowing without turning around her back to him. Leaving the room, the maids followed the same movement and soon he was left alone in his chamber. It was big yet there were barely any things around, just a table and a chair for his study period along with a mirror. However, he believes it was because most of the time he was outside the palace. Either going to archery training or just simply strolling in the woods with his horse. 

Or yet… hunting enemies silently. His favorite thing to do. 

Furthermore, he was never a dirty person, he wanted everything clean and neat. Hence, a few objects in his room do a lot of justice. Otherwise, there would be a lot of dust around and he would hate to see even a little. 

Remembering what happened earlier, his eyebrows knitted together in questioning. “What might be so important…” He asked himself but then decided to no longer waste any time and started to get prepared. As a crown prince, he was serious regarding his position and always found solutions to crises that occurred in Goryeo. Whether it’s a big matter or the opposite, he took those things in his hand properly.

Not knowing later that day he would meet the first problem he couldn't solve.

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Holding the last thing he needed to wear, he stood in front of the 4ft mirror and put up the heungnip; a traditional hat, on his head. There he looked at the reflection and hummed agreeing; satisfied with his newly knitted gujangbok. It was black with a few red and golden floral embroidery. Elegant is the word for it. Adding the golden juyeong; a decorative string with beads attached to the heungnip, everything was coming together and completed the magnificent look. 

Without further thought, he left the room and went straight to the Sajeongjeon Hall where the king used it to carry out his executive duties and held meetings with the top government officials. To his surprise, there were a few other people too which he guessed were just another royal family that was not important enough for him to know deeper regarding it. 

“Ah, there he is…” His father, the king; worded informally as everyone in the hall stopped talking and looked towards him. Confident in his blood, he stepped forward to the king adequately while ignoring the stares he received. He bowed and positioned himself on his hands and knees as a greeting. “I apologize for my delayed arrival, Your Majesty…” The prince muttered, only sitting up after hearing the king hum in acknowledgment.

“Introduce yourself to them, son.” 

Receiving the command, he stood up and turned around to face the guests. “Greetings, I am Jeon Jeongguk, the crown prince…” Jeongguk announced properly, though, the pride and arrogance could still be heard loud by how he talked. The short words were enough for all of them to understand he wasn’t a fan of talking and certainly not a friendly person. 

“Greetings, Your Highness. We are pleased to welcome you.” The guests said in unison, making him further convinced it was another royal family. Nodding, he left his spot earlier and walked over to his seat, beside the king as he spared a glance over his mother; the queen, who was smiling brightly at him. 

“It is with great pleasure that we convene here to announce a royal matrimonial accord…” The king, Jeon Hyun, announced as Jeongguk grabbed the teacup in front of him and took a sip. How is this even related to him? He thought he had made it clear to his father that he didn't want to attend these kinds of gatherings that were not important to him. 

Moreover, declaring a royal marriage. It’s a waste of time. 

He didn't even try to look interested in the matter as he looked around, the crowds were all happy and smiling. How hypocritical, he thought. All of them know that those smiles were fake and only for the sake of so-called ‘friendship’. Marrying their children to other royal families to supposedly strengthen their lineage while silently planning to attack them to take over the power. 

Jeongguk mentally scoffed, he’s not stupid. He knows that the palace is not a place to trust anyone, even your own family. He could see it in their eyes, greed for power. 

“The upcoming matrimonial event will bring together Jeon Jeongguk, the designated heir to the throne, and Park Jimin, the oldest Park descendant, on the morrow.”

Jeongguk snapped out of his thoughts after hearing his name being mentioned in the proclamation. He glanced at his father and saw that the elder already looked over him, probably expecting that he would say something. “Father, I cannot abide by the notion of getting married.” The prince stated, no confusion nor panic could be heard in his voice. Just simply against the arranged marriage.  

It was clear and loud, there should be no question nor confusion. Hence, Jeongguk didn’t waste his time in his shock phase and protested immediately. But what his father replied after made his body slowly drenching in bitterness. 

“Then, are you determined to embarrass me in front of the Park?”

“Why hadn't you communicated this matter to me prior?” He snapped, still maintaining his manners and voice to not make a scene. Hearing the laughter and clappings all over the hall, Jeongguk felt like he wanted to burn them all. Their screams would be like music to his ears. 

“Marriage is an inevitable outcome for you, regardless of your preferences. The conversation on this topic concludes here.” The king remarked, leaving no room for Jeongguk to respond as he chose to stay silent. There’s really no running away from this, sooner or later it will happen. He just does not expect it to be early considering he was still young and not yet ready to be a father. 

‘I guess… I could keep it formal.’ Jeongguk thought to himself, slowly accepting the marriage even though he still hadn't seen the bride. He sighed and straightened his back, pushing aside the news and focusing again. No wonder his father invited him to come, he should have known better and taken the hint. It is related to him. 

“Step forward and present yourself to the crown prince, Park Jimin.” Jeongguk heard one of them speak as he watched carefully over the crowds, wondering which one of them ladies would he wed. Analyzing the faces, he admitted they were all attractive so he wouldn't mind marrying any of them. 

Suddenly, a young man walked forward from the crowd. It caught Jeongguk's attention as he raised his eyebrows in curiosity and tried to see the face but it was blocked by the heungnip the male wore. He was wearing a red gujangbok with black and golden nature embroidery. ‘A prince…Maybe that was her older brother.’ Jeongguk thought to himself before darting away, patiently waiting for his bride to present herself.

However, his breath hitched when he remembered what his father said earlier. 

‘The oldest park descendant’

‘The… oldest…’ 

Jeongguk's heart stopped beating as he finally connected the pieces of the puzzle. He glanced over at the young man earlier only to feel anxiety rush in his blood veins when there was no lady following behind the stranger. Things became worse when the other held out his hands to the front to place himself in a greeting position.

No… 

No, it can't be… 

Casually, he stated Jeongguk's nightmare. 

“Noble Greetings, Your Royal Highness. I’m Park Jimin, the eldest.”

The crown prince immediately stood up and voiced out loud, disagreeing was the only thing that could be heard in it. “Your Majesty, the behavior you are exhibiting is senseless and incomprehensible.” Anger seeped throughout his whole body, seeing the crowd applauded for Jimin who was still standing and hiding his face from Jeongguk's view. He scoffed mentally at the arrogant behavior, who does Jimin think he is? The disrespect. 

Using all the sanity he had left, he sauntered down from his seat while still maintaining his demeanor as the crowd went dead silent. He then walked away without further thought of the consequences, turning his back to his father. The crown prince halted his step by the time he reached beside Jimin, making the other look up at his face. 

Jeongguk glared deep into Jimin’s eyes, no action nor words spoken but the stare was enough to show how infuriated he was. 

But Jimin’s face didn't go unnoticed by the crown prince. He was… good-looking, if that even makes sense. His facial structure is sharp and his skin is pale white, the opposite of Jeongguk's brownish-golden skin. His phoenix eyes obtained double eyelids with a pair of properly trimmed eyebrows that gave him a grave look. Though he has plump lips and a button-shaped nose, the aura he reflected was certainly not the same. It was cold… and threatening.

Jeongguk thought he would look away but unexpectedly, the Park's eldest son stood strong in his place. Nothing but stoic facial expressions were plastered on the face, showing no signs of being intimidated or uneasy that the crown prince was glaring at him. Instead, Jimin returned the stare with cold eyes.

Before Jeongguk could say anything, the other looked down making him smirked mentally. He took that as a cue to leave as he walked away from Jimin, leaving the hall silent.  

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“Hyah! Hyah!” Jeongguk continuously whipped the bridle, making his horse run faster. They were in the middle of the woods, and the prince was riding like a madman as he felt his body drowning in frustration. 

After leaving the hall, he went straight to the stable and decided he needed some time alone. Hence he took his horse out of the palace. The name was Jin-Woo, he was a 6.4ft stallion and a Shire, the biggest horse breed in the world. His black fur shined beautifully as the light reflected how properly he had been taken care of. Jin-Woo was not only a pet to Jeongguk, but they had been through many things together starting from his first ride until his first war before Goryeo was founded by his father. 

The wind harshly brushed his face, making it feel like a knife sliced his skin over and over again. It hurts, but he couldn't care less. Let it be hurt until it does not anymore because he was too deep in his mind. Yes, he had anticipated an arranged marriage ever since he was a child. Growing up, he knows that the type of wedding is normalized between the royals. He doesn't have a problem with it…

What he does have a problem with is the fact he will marry a man. 

A rude one. 

He hates it. 

Marrying a man not only means he won’t have an heir- unless he marries another woman- that will rule after him. But it also means there is a chance for him to lose the throne to the other because both of them are fitted into the title. That is completely a threat to Goryeo's future along with the residents. Oh no no no, that’s the worst thing that could ever happen. Seeing the greed in those eyes earlier, he would never wish to give up the throne and let it fall in the wrong person's hand. 

“This is not working.” He mumbled to himself before pulling the bridle towards him, making the horse slow down. He hopes that the ride will calm him down, but the deeper he goes into the woods, the deeper he considers everything. He wondered what his father thought while making this decision though, doesn’t he realize he was jeopardizing the throne? 

After a while, Jeongguk decided to stop his ride as he stepped down from Jin-Woo. The crown prince did not forget to also bring his sword and started to aggressively slash the big tree in front of him. Nothing could be heard other than the iron swinging around. He was furious… demoralized… and this was the only place he could let out what he wanted to. 

Just when he thought he was about to feel good, a similar voice interrupted him. 

“Are you always stupid or is today a special occasion?” 

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[A/N: Let me know how is it... Should I continue? Don't forget to read the second chapter, I posted both of them today!] 

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