"Sir Park could you be a darling and take this to doctor Kim?" Queen Linha asked, handing him what looked like letter. She was standing right out of the King's chambers, not even closing the door behind herself properly, and if Jimin wasn't as cautious as he was, she may have noticed him peeking behind her to see the King sitting on his bed.

Surprising, he thought to himself. The only reason Jimin was even walking around the corridors of the King's quarters was because he had a meeting with him in less than an hour, and now he comes to know that his Majesty hadn't yet started his day.

"Of course my Queen" he bowed and did exactly that. 

Knocking on the doctor's office, he remembered their last interaction at the garden, conversing about the dead Gema he'd picked up. Since then, he hadn't crossed path with the fellow Liquis but his curiosity about the man's alliance or hostility didn't subside. 

"Come in" sir Kim allowed.

"Good morning doctor" he greeted.

"Sir Park, it is a pleasure to see you after so long. You spend your days here and we never fall upon one another isn't that strange" he thoughtfully said.

"Indeed it is sir Kim, but I assume your duties are getting the best of you" he politely smiled.

"Oh they are. Please have a seat, what can I do for you?" he asked, setting his pen down on his open notebook.

"I am not here on my own agenda in fact, I was intercepted by Queen Linha who asked me to relay this to you" he began, handing him the sealed paper slip in hand and watching him take it with an expression akin to reluctance.

"I assume her Grace didn't say anything about it?" he inquired while opening the wax seal.

"You'd be right" Jimin replied as he observed the man carefully. 

"Should I leave the room doctor Kim?" he asked out of courtesy, this was after all a matter to do with the King, and he wasn't insolent enough to overstep. 

"You can stay, I will need to you take something back to her actually if you don't mind" he said, briefly looking up to find the pharmacist nodding, "You can occupy yourself with the books on the shelves, this may take a few minutes" he smiled.

What a perfect opportunity to investigate, Jimin pondered. He was sure he wouldn't find magic related books in a palace office, but he might see a clue or two as to his position on the Allura's existence. A hint was all he needed.

"You have many books about rare plants" he pointed out, "Are you perhaps interested in pharmacy as well?"

"It isn't my forte, but a doctor must know a bit about the medicine they prescribe to their patients"

"Of course, especially those being the respected rulers of you own country" he chuckled, "It must be a lot of pressure" 

"You know, it shouldn't make any difference for me, I'd be trying just as hard to help a neighbor or stranger on the streets, but in some cases..." he trailed, looking at the letter he just received, "It's the personal relationship with the people that puts pressure" he nodded pensively, "You must know a lot about this too"

"Why so?" he asked, his ears perked with interest at the sudden assumption. Why should he know about this? In doctor Kim's eyes he is but a pharmacist, unless he knew more than he let on.

"You are the Crown Prince's pharmacist, but from what I know, you are also someone special to him. You'd surely do your utmost best to guarantee his wellbeing if need be" he said, his words seeming to hold deeper meaning.

"I needn't be someone special for that to be true"

"The question is, will you be the person he needs you to be when the odds are against you" doctor Kim countered, making him look up suspiciously. 

"I serve my Prince and ought to be diligent with him at all times. What is this about?" 

"All to say is that the grief from failure is usually harsher when it comes to the people close to us" he reiterated his point.

"Here, please take this letter back to Queen Linha, along with this" He added, sliding him a small bento bag containing glass vials across the desk. 

"I will" the pharmacist nodded, taking them into his hands and excusing himself. 

That doctor knows something, he definitely knows about the Gema and its link to me, but does he also know who the Allura is?

"My Queen, I am back with effects from doctor Kim" he announced himself at the door of the King's chambers, seconds before said door opened and the Queen took what's hers.

"Thank you dear. Oh, and your meeting with the King was postponed until tomorrow" she informed, "His Majesty is feeling a bit under the weather this morning" 

"Of course, my best wishes of recovery" he bowed.

The King had likely been overworking himself lately as his eldest son was out of the palace. It was now the Prince's second week in Tehin city, which means it wasn't long before his return, but he indeed left at a time where the palace was receiving a lot of people. The King's schedule was full to the brim and barely did he find time for Jimin himself.

He headed to his workshop and sat on his chair, twirling one of the thyme twigs between his fingers as his let his mind take him elsewhere, unsuspectingly to the memory of an infamous Pyre he looked forward to seeing again. 

He wondered if Jungkook kept his promise and thought about him too as he said in his note. He wondered if he ate and slept, what kind of work he was sent to do, unable to shake the thought of the King using his son as mercenary from his mind. 

"The Crown Prince? I really doubt it" a feminine voice pulled him out of his trance while a court lady whispered to somebody else. He lazily turned his head to the direction of the sound, staring at the shelves of herbs and goods separating them.

"It's what I heard, frankly I don't want to believe it but it may be true" the other replied, piquing his interest. Was something wrong? Did something happen to him?

"Well he's returning in a few days, we'll see what he says about the rumor" he heard. Curiosity was almost going to get the best of him until he reminded himself that in the life of a Prince, rumors sprouted like unwanted weed. He shook his head and let it go.

However, life had different plans for him because it seems everywhere he walked the whispers followed. Were these rumors in any way related to him? Seeing as the people of the palace were told of a courtship between them, maybe this had to do with another insight on their relationship. Might as well shut it down now if it was the case.

"Could anybody please tell me what it is you're all muttering about?" he asked the artisans chatting in the back of the room. 

"Oh sir Park, it's nothing" he replied.

"I heard mention of the Crown Prince" he pried.

"You know how it is, this tittle-tattle in the palace is what keeps the help entertained. His highness has gathered a lot of stories to his name" the man chuckled bashfully, "Please don't preoccupy yourself with this, it will be forgotten in days time, not even long enough to reach his ears" he assured. 

Jimin chose to believe that it truly was irrelevant, people loved to talk and maybe things get a little boring here with everybody minding their business. At least it'll take their minds off of the courtship for a while.  

"Ink? That would be scandalous"  

He was walking back to his room at the end of the day, and the guards charged with watching over him stood in front of the guest house chatting. Ink. Why would two guards directly under the Crown Prince's command be talking about tattoos, such a taboo topic, in a place like this.

"Sir Park welcome back" one of the them greeted, taking note of his stoic expression, "Is anything the matter?" he asked. 

"What ink?" Jimin simply responded.

"Ink? Whatever do you mean?" the other guard nervously said.

"I heard you talking about tattoos and how that would be scandalous, does this have anything to do with the rumors I've been getting a whiff of all day?" he inquired further, needing to get to the bottom of this because of how risky it sounded.

"We apologize for indulging in the gossip. We shall ask for forgiveness from his highness upon his return" they bowed. 

"I could let it slide if you tell me what the rumors are. As you may presume, I care quite a deal about him now, and I've only been given crumbs" he negotiated. 

"I'm afraid the rumor is quite offensive, which is why we must apologize for even discussing it" they bowed again, keeping their lips tight at the expense of Jimin's patience. 

"What is it already" he demanded.

"Rumor has it, the Crown Prince carries an ink mark on his chest" one of the guards gave in, making color melt off his face. 

"You should be ashamed. Associating such disgrace with your future King's name is treason, how dare you help spread these accusations, are you not aware of the consequences?" he berated, able to maintain his composure and keep at bay the panic in his mind. 

"We promise we didn't take part in spreading it, we both heard it in different places" they defended fearfully. 

"Do people not value their necks anymore" the pharmacist huffed in frustration. 

How could something like this reach the help, what may have happened? It was too specific to be a wild guess, nobody would have the gut to say such a thing without proof. Was Jungkook not careful enough while bathing, was somebody spying on him? I specifically told him to keep a flame on his chest unless it was covered, why didn't he?

If only the rumors were about their relationship because he definitely couldn't do anything about this, he just really hoped Queen Sunmi doesn't hear of it, she would make everything so much worse. 

Meanwhile, he attended his postponed meeting with his Majesty the next day, planning to talk about his activity in the palace and answer any of the King's questions, but he was left making questions of his own. The man didn't look very pleased this morning, perhaps was it related to yesterday's ordeal with the doctor. 

"My King, how is this morning treating you?" Jimin asked politely kneeling before the throne. 

"Like a sip of bitter tea" the man sighed. 

"Saddened to hear that, is there anything I can do to make it better?" he asked. 

"It has come to my attention that the people were speculating again" he shook his head and Jimin's eyebrows arched in surprise. He didn't think it spread so fast.

"Please do not mind them my King" he tried, "They are but rumors"

"I was going to tell you that" the man replied. 

"Pardon?" Jimin asked confused.

"People talk about the Crown Prince all the time, saying all sorts of things on his subject and there's nothing I can do about it. Sometimes addressing rumors just fuels the fire" he explained.

"Of course, I wasn't meaning to say anything if that's what you wish to warn me about" Jimin responded. 

"Trouble is, such rumors reach people we don't want them to reach" the King added, "The Crown Prince is not the person some paint him to be, I hope you've come to find that out yourself" he said.

"I have" he nodded.

"Best believe whoever made this ink rumor will be punished, nobody is to put such dishonor on my boy's name" he promised, "I just hope what you hear doesn't change anything for you" he said and Jimin shook his head.

"I know better my King" he confirmed as he felt blood rush to his ears. It was the first time the King addressed their relationship and he almost melted in embarrassment. He was never good at dealing with heartfelt conversations. 

"Very well, may I ask if you know where it originated?"

"I'm afraid by the time it reached my ears it had already found a dozen of other people" he denied. 

"I see. A few days until the Prince returns, I will definitely need to talk to him before he deals with this in his rash ways" the old man chuckled, lightly up the mood and stretching the corner of Jimin's lips. 

"I'll try to preach some reason on my side as well" he nodded agreeably.

Later that day Jimin decided to investigate and find out who started this gossip, but since everyone knew how close he was to the subject of it, they were all somewhat reserved to tell the truth, either afraid for themselves or the person who told them. The workers of the palace left him without answers for the most part, with only a few having given away fruitless information.

"Prince Kyungsoo, it's a pleasure to see you today" Jimin greeted.

"Sir Park, I hope everything is well, you seem troubled" the young teenager replied. 

"I'm sure you've heard of what's being said about the Crown Prince" he sighed, "I am currently on the search for any loose ends" he added.

"Sir, I know you care for my brother and thus you wouldn't want his name soiled like this, but in years of living in this palace, I learned to let these things go unfortunately. Rumors about him never cease to come up no matter the examples set of other culprits" he explained, "Jungkook feels the same way as sad as it sounds" 

"I would still be very happy to know how you've come to hear it" Jimin insisted.

"It was sir Jin actually, of course telling me was his duty and nothing more" he responded.

"Thank you very much my Prince" he bowed.

"Good luck" the young boy said and watched him take his leave to the teacher's study room.

"Good morning sir Kim" he greeted, walking into the man's office and seeing him sitting ahead of the youngest prince, practicing his writing. 

"Sir Park, what brings you here?" the handsome man asked, standing from his cushion and approaching him.

"I crossed paths with Prince Kyungsoo today, we mentioned a certain rumor that's been going around-"

"Oh"

"And he might have said that he heard it from you" Jimin finished.

"Right, I couldn't keep the Prince in the dark so I told him of it indeed. I myself heard Queen Sunmi's hand ladies whisper about it after escorting Byunho here" Jin said, making him clench his teeth subconsciously. Of course she must know by now.

"And when was this?"

"Yesterday"

"I see, thank you for telling me sir Kim, I'll be out of your hair now" Jimin smiled and was ready to leave when he caught something from the corner of his eye. He walked to the youngest Prince and crouched by his little table. 

"Hello Byunho" he greeted, his dread concealed in the false enthusiasm he displayed.

"Hello" the boy replied briefly, engrossed in his parchment paper, or rather what he drew on it. 

"Byunho, I told you not to mix your paintings with your writing" Jin sighed disapprovingly, "This kid, art seems to get the best of him" he chuckled. 

Jimin looked at the drawings in question and tightly smiled, his eyes fixed on one of them, traced amongst the other doodles and only far enough not to mess up his writing practice.

"What is this one Byunho?" he sweetly asked.

"Do you like it mister?" the boy asked, "It's my favorite" he smiled.

"What is that even, a flower?" Jin asked, cocking an eyebrow at the odd shape.

"It's the power of the great warrior!"  Byunho stood up suddenly and assumed a combat stance to illustrate his words. 

"Alright strong man, what does this great warrior do?" Jin entertained his fantasy.

"He fights the enemy to protect his country" Byunho informed, "Brother Jungkook showed it to me" he added with a bright smile. 

 Jungkook, what have you done. Jimin worried.

"The Crown Prince was already a bad influence on Kyungoo and now he's filling the youngest's head with stories, sometimes I miss when these two didn't talk" Sir Kim jested with a fond chuckle, which he returned with a somewhat nervous one. 

He left the teaching room with a heavy heart and a busy mind, running his thoughts over the possible ways to deal with this with the least damage. Since Byunho was the one to see the ink, it is safe to assume Sunmi was the author of the rumor, and she will likely not let it go easily. 

Does she know what it means? He hopes not. As long as the Crown Prince puts on his best act and refutes all accusations there is no way anybody would doubt him again. 

Today was Jungkook's planned return. Finally, Jimin would say. The palace has been crawling with whispers and looks, it seemed the people were more and more curious, even breeding other fabrications and bargaining for the best entertainment value. The sooner they shut this down, the less risk there is for anybody to dabble too close to the truth.

The rumbling of the drums signalled the arrival of the Crown Prince and his designated help aligned at each side of the gate, welcoming him and tending to his party's needs. 

Jungkook looked around searching for one face in particular until he found it, relief washing over him at the thought of finally being home again, home to the man he loved. He unmounted his horse and advanced towards his pharmacist.

"Sir Park, what a sight for sore eyes" he smiled, taking his hand and bringing the back of it to his lips, before everyone's eyes.

"My Prince, welcome back" Jimin shyly greeted with a sprinkle of color across his cheeks.

"Your Highness, a warm bath has been readied for your convenience" a court lady announced after a polite bow. 

"Thank you. Sir Park, would you please walk with me there?" he requested.

Jimin obliged and began on his way besides the taller, matching his slow step towards his bathing house and wondering what he could start off with. As much as he wanted to indulge in small talk, he knew there was a much more pressing matter to discuss, but he didn't know if it was appropriate yet. 

"I was hoping this walk would be a bit more talky" the Pyre chuckled. 

"Oh, I was lost in thoughts, my apologies" Jimin smiled, but it seemed forced.

"You seem tired love. Did they drown you in work as soon as I left?" he asked. The endearment name making Jimin realize how he longed for the Prince in his absence.

"It's something else" he replied.

"I'm all ears"

"It can surely wait some more" he shook his head, "You deserve some alleviation after your long trip back Your Highness" he added.

"You're no longer calling me by my name, were these few days enough to make me a stranger again?" the Prince raised his brows playfully.

"Far from that" he chuckled.

"Hm?"

"Far from that, Jungkook" Jimin repeated, looking away.

"I really wish you could go in with me, you know" he sighed, making the shorter's eyes widen.

"Have you some decency, good lord" Jimin bashfully whispered. 

"Are you sure?" he offered again.

"Yes" Jimin clicked his tongue.

"No doubts?"

"Go already" Jimin giggled, pushing him gently. The Prince disappeared behind the sliding door and left him smiling to himself before deciding to find something to do of his own.

Not long after the taller relaxed in his hot bath, Jimin had finished changing his attire for the slightly colder night. Then headed back to the Crown Prince's quarters to have dinner together. They sat on opposite sides of the table and shared a drink during the meal, accommodated by the court ladies available at the simple call. 

"Try some of this" Jungkook asked as he took big bites of his dishes. 

"I'd much prefer not putting myself through that" Jimin declined.

"Still against spicy food?" he asked, making him stop his movements and look at the man ahead of him. 

"You left for a couple weeks, not a year. Besides, why would that ever change?" he smiled.

"Well I was thinking I might want to prepare a meal for us one day, but I really don't know the measurements of things when spice isn't involved" he claimed, "It would be easier if you'd just gotten used to it" he added.

"There are no measurements Jungkook, just don't put the spice in, or maybe only a tiny bit" he chuckled. "So you fancy yourself a cook?" he inquired curiously.

"I believe the activity is quite rewarding" the Pyre nodded.

"Excuse me if I doubt your skills, my Prince. You've grown around specialized help and never had to make a single dish for yourself before" Jimin pointed out.

"That doesn't mean I never tried. My cooking may not be anywhere on this level" he admitted, pointing at the several foods on the table, "But it can fill a hungry man" he chuckled.

"It would be my pleasure then" Jimin smiled, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. 

"You're barely eating even now" Jungkook pointed out, a hint of worry in his voice.

"I think I've had my fill already" the shorter politely explained.

"Would you like some more?" Jungkook offered, holding the wine carafe up ready to serve him. 

He wants to, he would indeed like to continue drinking with the sweet Prince, talking about anything and everything while the midnight moon shined upon them. It sounded like a peaceful night, but he knew there was nothing peaceful about their lives right now, everything could change in the blink of an eye. 

"I think it'd be best not, I have something to tell you and I believe it needs all the concentration you have left" Jimin he said, his tone slowly dropping back to its pragmatic sort.  

The Prince pondered over his words, noticing the nuance in atmosphere and wondering what the matter could be. Jimin had been pensive ever since he returned, barely able to hold a conversation without spacing out or staying silent otherwise. This must be something that has been on his mind for a while, making him wonder just what he missed during his travel. 

"Is it something we could mention here?" he cautiously asked, insinuating to the relatively open space they sat in.

"Best not, my Prince" Jimin curtly answered again, watching him nod in recognition. 

The taller settled the carafe down and placed his hands on his lap. "I think I've had my fill as well" he stated, "What do you say we take this to my chambers sir Park?" he quietly suggested and Jimin looked down to his lap.

"You know how is it Jungkook..." he dragged.

"I've spent the night in your room already Jimin, it is nothing out of the ordinary in a courtship" he reasoned, "My chambers are the most private rooms in the quarters" he added, seeming to convince the Liquis more.

"But my attire..."

"I can lend you something of mine" the Prince offered, "It may be a little big on you but it'll do the job" he smiled.

As much as that makes blood rush to his face, he needed to discuss the rumor as soon as he could, in the most secure place possible. There was strictly no room for mistakes.

"Sure" he nodded, the knot in his eyebrows truly making the other grow nervous.

They headed to the said chambers, then Jungkook invited his pharmacist inside. He walked ahead to his large dressing room with Hanfus and different clothing items neatly folded on the shelves, before picking out his most comfortable sleeping set to hand his guest.

"The last time I was here..." Jimin spoke, reminiscing the unfortunate day, "...You almost destroyed the room" he mentioned.

"It's been more than a dozen of weeks, hasn't it" Jungkook sighed, "We've come a long way since" he added.

"We have" Jimin agreed, smiling up at the Pyre as he handed him his changing clothes. 

Sitting on one of the armchairs by the large book collection, Jungkook waited for him to come out of the dressing room so they could finally address the unknown topic. He quickly lit up the fireplace to make the space a little cozier for the naturally colder Liquis, then saw the door slide open and the latter walk out in his ill-fitting attire.

It was his first time seeing his silver hair untied, not in a topknot or a ponytail or a low bun, just delicately hooked behind his ear and gently falling over his shoulders. 

"You look beautiful" he heard himself say, to which Jimin responded with a closed-lip smile. 

"What is it that's been troubling you?" Jungkook asked. 

"During your absence" he began, "There have been rumors spreading around the palace, perhaps even beyond the walls"

"Not again" The taller sighed, "Please don't listen to any of it, it's all nonsense. One time, people were saying Byunho was my child with Sunmi" he mentioned, hoping to discredit whatever the it was. "You have no idea how angry that make her-"

"It's about the ink on your chest" Jimin cut to the chase. There was no need to beat around the bush, they needed to start thinking of their response.

"What"

"You've shown Prince Byunho your ink haven't you" Jimin questioned and noticed the knot forming on the Pyre's eyebrows.

"Maybe"

"Maybe?"

"I might have indeed, but he was scribbling on it so much it looked like nothing by the end, nobody could see it through all the paint... I don't understand-"

"I saw him doodling your mark on his writing paper. He must've talked about it with his mother, and being the cunning woman she is, she immediately thought to use it again you" Jimin explained.

Jungkook was speechless, this is not a light accusation. Was Sunmi really putting that much trust in her son's words? Her uncles would never let her act so rashly with so little evidence, too much was on stake if she was ever caught for slander. 

"They know" he concluded.

"Who knows?" Jimin's eyebrow twitched.

"The Changs, they must know what the symbol means. Jimin this is extremely serious you should've told me right away" Jungkook let out a long breath, his frustration and dread heating up his skin. 

"This was a good time too"

"No it should've been sooner-"

"Well excuse me if I thought you've ridden your horse the entire day and deserved some slack" Jimin huffed, "I've been around these rumors for four days without the ability to do anything about them so please" he chided, not appreciating the Prince's misplaced irritation. 

"I know. I'm sorry" Jungkook sighed, shutting his eyes to recollect himself again. "Thank you" he said to the pharmacist.

"If they know about it you need to deny the accusations once and for all, you cannot leave room for doubt" Jimin advised.

"I agree, but nothing I say is airtight when it comes to my people, there are always those whose hate keeps them digging into any and all of my faults" he shook his head in dismay, "If they don't see it, they won't believe it" he added.

"You are Crown Prince, you have no obligation to expose yourself to anybody" Jimin disagreed.

"In their eyes? I'm barely even a royal" he mumbled, making the Liquis expression soften.

"Jungkook, I know how hard you have it with your people but you cannot be discouraged" he tried to lift him up again.

"Of course, don't worry I'm fine" he nodded, "Should I just scare them? Threaten their lives to stop them from talking about this?" Jungkook suggested, always at the end of his wits when it involved his father's subjects.

"Ruling with fear is never the answer, it may fuel their suspicion even more" Jimin shook his head, "Had you been closer to them, they would believe you at your word, but it is because they hate you that they won't" Jimin reiterated with an apologetic look on his face for his bluntness. 

"I'm not trying to hurt you with my words my Prince, but I do think it is prime time for you to start rebuilding the trust between you and your folks" the pharmacist said, reaching with his hand to hold the Pyre's. "You've won mine haven't you? Maybe you'll go about it differently for everyone else but it can work. It is a cumulative effort" he encouraged.

"Jimin, they... My people are afraid of me, but I'm afraid of them even more" he confessed, "They make me face the part of myself I hate most, I see the things I'm scared to become every time I look into their eyes" he gulped, "They don't know the power they have over me" 

Jimin listened patiently, absorbing every word and giving him his undivided attention. He thought he's seen the Prince in his most vulnerable but he was wrong,  this was a much deeper wound in his heart, unhealed, untreated, tearing wider everyday.   

"Do you know why they always speak ill of me as though there were no repercussions? It's because that's true" he chuckled bitterly, "I was never able to punish anybody for slander, nothing severe at least, because I always believed they were only telling the truth" he shrugged. 

"I did kill in cold blood, too many to even feel remorse anymore" he said, "Can you believe I couldn't even understand your feelings after that assassin attacked you" he scoffed in disbelief.

"I keep taking away their families and getting them killed, then coming back with not even a word of condolences to say" he pursed his lip, "I'm too out of touch with my humanity at this point"

"So I let them say what they want to let out their frustrations because it's the least I could do" he finished finally looking at the shorter, whose hand was still clasped on his own, before leaving a rift of silence between them.

"Why are you looking at me as if you're expecting me to agree with you?" Jimin inquired curiously.

"Because you should"

"Well I don't" he asserted.

"Please, Jimin. I know you mean well but don't lie to me" he shook his head solemnly.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat anything for you Jungkook" he replied, "Being able to take a life so easily is nothing to be proud of, not paying your respects to the lost soldier's families is most definitely insensitive on your part, but taking all of that hate alone and willingly was the biggest mistake you made"

"You say you're unable to feel remorse but what do you think all these feelings represent? You've been trained not to look back after killing someone and so you kept bottling it all up, you can't look at the families in their eyes because you blame yourself for not protecting their loved ones better. You value people, you value life" Jimin corrected, "You're still full of humanity, Jungkook"

"One person shouldn't carry the pain of an entire nation, it's too large a burden. I was furious with you once for the same reasons everyone else is, so I understand where they're coming from, but they need you to change that mindset for them. They won't just wake up one day and decide to move on, they need a reason to" he explained.

"They need to know that you cared, you need to show them. All you've done so far is hole-up in your quarters and take the stabs as they come-"

"It's the only way to protect father from the backlash" the Prince defended.

"Jungkook your father is King of Goryeo. This is part of his reign and you have no such responsibilities towards him. He must've said this to you before" Jimin argued, convinced the King was disapproving of Jungkook's self-deprecative methods.

"He doesn't understand..."

"No, you don't understand. Being the best heir you can be is what's going to protect your father. Giving people hope about the future ruler of their country is what's going to make them loyal to the crown" he rectified, seeming to knock some sense into the other man when he noticed his brows arching in acknowledgement.

"I know you don't think you deserve their love and respect, you don't think you're a good person, but I'll remind you. I'll keep reminding you" Jimin promised, his warm expression giving the Prince all the hope and support he needed.

"You are a blessing, my love" Jungkook sighed, intertwining their fingers and pulling the smaller hand to his lips.

"Don't get too comfortable, we still have a problem to solve" the Liquis smiled.

"Do you think we can lay together as we brainstorm?" he proposed, hoping to hold him in his arms soon. 

"As you wish my Prince, so long as you don't fall asleep" he replied.

"I won't" he chuckled while walking to the short platform where the king-sized bed was, surrounded by elegant semi-sheer curtain panels hanging from the high wooden ceiling.

He went into his bed first and saw Jimin somewhat hesitantly stare at the other side, now uncovered for him to slide into. The Pyre extended his hand for him to take, slowly inviting him in as he kneeled on the mattress, then followed with his other leg until sitting fully under the covers. 

"Don't be shy to lay in this bed, we ought to do much more in it someday" Jungkook teased and felt Jimin snatch his hand away before clicking his tongue. 

"You are shameless, Crown Prince. Shameless" he huffed with his face turned away, trying to hide his blush, if only it hadn't reached his ears already.

"I'm jesting" the Prince giggled, "Come" he said, wanting him to lay his head on his chest as they did a few times.

As they stayed listening to each other's breathing and heartbeats, their minds scavenged for answers to their current issue. It was one thing to deny rumors but another to do it effectively, but since Jungkook was not known for heartfelt and engaging speeches, he had to be factual.

Jimin rested his hand on the taller's chest, right where his mark was, and pondered over ways to convince a nation. Unlike Jungkook, he is part of that crowd, he grew in it and shared its pain, he knew how they'd react to different arguments. 

But he also knew nothing Jungkook says would be enough, because he wouldn't have believed him either if they were still strangers. 

"What if they don't see it" Jimin broke the silence. 

"I was never meaning to show it..." Jungkook replied in confusion.

"No, what if they actually don't see it on your chest" Jimin suggested.

"I've tried getting rid of it but- it healed itself. Remember when I told you about the mass of water? It was on my skin healing me" he responded. 

"Then what if we hide it?" 

"With what?"

"You said Byunho scribbled on it so much it didn't look like anything, what if we use the color of your skin and paint over it" Jimin nodded looking up at the Prince, feeling like he figured it out.

"That sounds promising, but the paint quickly dried up and started cracking everywhere" Jungkook informed.

"I can do something about that, I work with pastes and ointments all the time, I can surely find a good consistency for you" the pharmacist claimed. 

"How long would that take you?"

"An hour, maybe two" he estimated, "I can go right now" he volunteered.

"No. With these rumors and the nature of our relationship to the public, seeing you scurrying around in the middle of the night would make it worse" Jungkook shook his head. "How about in the morning. You could go to the pharmacy while I start my day per usual, then when you're ready I'll act as if I just got word of the rumor and decided to address it" he suggested.

"I will need you to be available for some time so that I can color match the mix to your skin" Jimin requested.

"Sure. No Prince would decide to expose his chest on a whim, I'll make it look like it took some amount of thinking" he nodded. 

"But Jungkook, you may want to consider what I said earlier, you should see this as an opportunity to show them a change in yourself" Jimin reminded, seeing him nod before pressing a peck on the top of his head. 

"I will" he whispered. 

The morning, they executed their plan perfectly. Jimin tested his mixture against equally hot surfaces and as soon as it wasn't altered or ruined, he took it to the Prince's office and waited for him to finish his act. He mixed herbal dust from different plants into it to get the perfect shade, and covered Jungkook's mark enough not to be seen from a safe distance. 

"Make sure to keep your temperature stable your Highness" Jimin cautioned.

He watched Jungkook silently dress himself again, careful not to smudge the paint while certainly thinking of what he'd be saying. He went up to the mezzanine and opened the balcony, watching people walk by before speaking up to get their attention. 

"Everyone, give me a moment of your time please" he started and waited for more workers to gather, "It has come to my attention this morning that there are some serious allegations about me floating around the palace, maybe even outside, originating from one vile rumor" 

"It says that I'm sporting an ink mark on my chest, and despite how ludicrous it sounds, many have taken a liking to it, making it a playground for their imagination" he shook his head disapprovingly. 

"Listen to me well. I have heard many a rumor to my name, I'm no stranger to my own people creating all sorts of vilifying stories about me. I even allowed it when I believed it was your way to grieve. I am no demon, I am no imposter in the palace, but I let you say those things at the expense of my reputation, because I knew I had a big role in your losses"

"I am nowhere near perfect, but I was doing what I thought was right to support you. I am to serve my country and my King. It was never my goal to antagonize the very people who give me purpose, but I must admit that I've made mistakes in that regard, and so I apologize"

"Look for yourselves" he said as he began untying his hanfu, the ladies in the court peeking through their fingers at the Prince's exposed torso in all its glory. "There is no such ink on my chest or anywhere on my body" he claimed confidently, looking for any of Sunmi's court ladies in the bunch.

"It will take time for me to redeem myself in everyone's eyes, but both the past and the future are beyond our reach; so I hope you can give me a proper chance to right my wrongs in this present" he added, covering himself again and bowing to his audience. "That is all I wanted to convey, please carry on with your activities" he said before shutting the door and walking back inside.

He let out a long breath of relief and smiled at the Liquis who clapped for him.

"That was not bad at all" Jimin commented. 

"All thanks to you" he smiled before placing his hands on the shorter's waist.

"Was the paint uncomfortable?" he asked quietly as the proximity imposed.

"Nothing I can't bear for a few minutes" he shrugged.

"I should let you clean it off then" Jimin muttered as he stood on the tip of his toes and pressed an audacious peck on the taller's cheek.

"Ohh" Jungkook grinned, "Was that a reward for my courage?" he asked.

"Don't mention it" Jimin rolled his eyes. He turned around to walk away, but felt the Prince curve his arms around his middle and pull him back against himself. 

"You are adorable" the Pyre enthusiastically giggled, swaying from side to side.

"Get away from me, you smell like a horrible mix of herbs" he complained, laughing as well.

"And whose fault is that" 

"Yours. It's your skin I was trying to match" Jimin confidently responded as they parted away.

"Okay I'll go wash it off" the Prince conceded, "What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"I have to meet Queen Linha for her workshop, then lunch, then I have a medicine order for your men's reserve" he listed, "What about you?"

"I have to meet my father for a comprehensive summary of my trip, then he'll probably shame me for stripping in front of the palace workers" he sighed, "But let's have lunch together later" Jungkook invited.

---

"Before you say anything, you both agreed to it" 

"What are you talking about Sunmi" The man asked when his niece barged into the office as she always did. 

"He doesn't have the mark, my girls saw his chest and there was nothing on it" the Queen announced.

"Oh it's there" the other uncle reassured.

"And I'm telling you-"

"He hid it somehow, maybe it's part of his magic" Chang Yeonwoon guessed, taking off his glasses and settling them on the desk. 

"Where are you with the Gyeonji?" he asked his brother.

"After the dam incident, the Imm family wants nothing to do with us" Kangsin replied, "They are the largest Liquis family in the state, without their support I doubt we can raise an effective movement" he shook his head disapprovingly. 

"So... what do I..." Sunmi interrupted, unsure what her next task is. 

"Sunmi there's nothing left for you to do, we'll take care of the rest. Go about your puny Queen life and take good care of your son" they dismissed crudely as per usual, bruising her pride and ego once more.

---

Hello hello! How are my favorite readers doing? I hope you're having a nice start of November.

How did you find this chapter? Do you have any predictions as to what will happen next? I'd say you're in for an adventure, without revealing too much. 

Please leave as many comments as you can, about specific parts of the chapter or in general, I love to read your thoughts and opinions! Love you ❤️

-Aida-