"Here we keep all our floral goods, dried petals, ground stems... If you ever need a plant that isn't in this shed, you can notify me or any of us and we shall fetch it for you, no need to do it yourself sir Park" the apprentice said as he gave him a tour of the area. 

It was Jimin's first day in the palace as the Crown Prince's pharmacist and he was already so excited to start working. This area of the palace was a dream to him, full of all the the ingredients he could ever think of, making him curious as to what he could possibly create. 

He had his first meeting with the palace pharmacist sir Lee earlier that day to discuss the logistics for making the teas and soaps. They agreed on the different kinds they will be producing and even added new custom ones for the other members of the royal family. 

Jimin was pleased to know that Queen Linha specifically asked for an assortment of her own and didn't talk to the King for a week because he didn't gift her any. Sir Lee said he was jealous his teas weren't loved as much, but that he also fancied one of Jimin concoctions so he couldn't disagree. Smiling to himself, Jimin walked around the garden, exploring the palace and getting used to where everything was. 

So far, he was treated very well, fed delicious food, given a nice comfortable room to rest in, the only thing left is to get to know the people around here. He would love to maybe make a friend he could talk to whenever he wasn't on duty. That would also be useful if he ever brought his sister over, they could offer her company if possible and keep an eye on her if needed. 

Who should I befriend... Court ladies? That would be a good idea for Mina. A guard? They are generally too busy. Could I possibly meet Jungil again? I should make sure I don't overstep my boundaries and approach a royal. That could cost me my title... Perhaps I should hold off until I get to know who everyone is-

Pulling him from his trance was a short cough surging from behind. He quickly turned around and was met by none other than the Crown Prince. But as much as Jimin would love to ignore him, he would rather stay alive, at least until getting his revenge. 

So he bowed.

"My Prince. I hope you had a radiant morning" he said with a polite smile on his lips.

"I hope the same for you sir Park" he simply replied.

Jungkook kept his expression stoic as he walked past him, signalling him to walk together. Of course, Jimin stayed about half a step behind since it was seen disrespectful to walk at the same level as the royals. 

Their arms behind their backs, they wandered further towards a balcony with a view on the court, where Jungkook could see his brothers play. He finally let his straight expression break with a small smile and cleared his throat. 

"Allow me to ask you how your meeting with sir Lee went" he spoke.

"It went very well, sir Lee is very knowledgeable. I'm glad to be working with him" Jimin replied, paying attention to every detail of Jungkook's expression.

"That is good to hear. I wouldn't want my pharmacists on bad grounds, who knows, you might end up poisoning one another" he taunted. 

"Oh I wouldn't dare bring such ruin to the palace, putting the royal family in harm's way would cost me my life" Jimin said, again, playing with words to avoid complications. 

"I am rejoiced to be in your care then... Now, as my pharmacist, I trust you received a prescription from the royal doctor" Jungkook started and he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Indeed, the herbs for itchin-"

"Sir Park, I would like to keep the matter hidden for now. I know that asking for this in such an open setting is a bit discrediting, but really. I don't want word to reach my father about it" the Crown Prince interrupted, his words spoken with finality.

Oh? What is he suffering from? Please something deadly. Jimin thought.

"I hope it's nothing dangerous for your health my Prince. I understand your concerns and will try to meet your expectations as best as I can" he said. 

"Since I do not wish for word to spread, I also don't want the royal pharmacist to know about it" Jungkook tried, a bit embarrassed that he threw a fit the other day about Jimin not using his own store, yet here he is now, asking for the exact opposite.

"Say no more my Prince" Jimin smiled, amused with the turn of events.

"Thank you. Well then-"

"I do have to ask for permission about one thing though" Jimin requested and the other raised his eyebrows in anticipation. He didn't know what to expect, he now believes Jimin has an unknown ulterior motive, and he's afraid he would be granting permission for something to be used against him.

"Let me know what it is and I'll see what I can do"

"Can I have permission to innovate? My specialty is tea, I do quite a remarkable job with intrinsic medicine, will it be okay for me to make you a tea instead of ointment. I am sure it will be less bothersome and less suspicious too" he said. 

I can see the mischief hiding behind those light brown eyes, but I can't put my finger on the answers I want. What would he possibly achieve by making tea instead. Am I reading too much into it?

Jungkook let out a deep breath and gave in, nodding to him. "If that's what will let you do a good job, I wouldn't stand in your way. I'm only benefiting from your expertise" he said and watched the Jimin's lips curve up slightly. "I have a feeling you are never comfortable around me, sir Park. Correct me if I'm wrong" he chose to point out. If he needs to get personal in order to figure him out, he will. 

It's not that I'm uncomfortable, it's just that every time I see you, I want to hurt you.

"I rather wish to enlighten you, please understand. It is my first day in the palace, and here I am talking to the Crown Prince of my kingdom, I am meant to be a bit nervous that's all" Jimin excused himself, letting out a shy smile as his eyes turned into crescents. 

How come your smile is so innocent though you are up to no good, Jimin.

"No need for that sir Park, you will hopefully be here for a long time, better get used to it now" Jungkook simply said, looking away at the children below them.

"If I may ask, who are those kids who held your attention during our conversation" he asked, wasting no time in starting his next task. Jungkook, oblivious, smiled at the mention of his siblings and pointed his finger towards the older one.

"I apologize if I did not seem focused enough. That one is Prince Kyungsoo, son of Queen Linha. The younger one is Prince Byunho, son of Queen Sunmi" He replied, waving curtly when the teenager looked at him.

"Oh I see, do you know about any of their preferences, I would like to make them a little something one day" Jimin suggested. He genuinely did want to make them presents but they were young and probably weren't interested in what he does.

"That is very kind of you, although I don't know what could possibly suit them. They don't exactly drink a lot of tea or need medicinal herbs" The Prince chuckled and he joined.

"I like foamy soaps" a voice suddenly came from the left and both turned towards it. Jimin immediately bowed and Jungkook sighed.

"Soo, didn't I tell you not to eavesdrop on people's conversations" he scolded half-heartedly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, young Prince Kyungsoo" Jimin greeted him and the other waived his hand to dismiss the formalities.

"You needn't bow to me sir, I am no adult" the teen said making Jimin smile. "I would still prefer to bow my Prince, I hope you are not too bothered" he added before standing back up.

"Well, whatever makes you comfortable" he replied.

"Soo, did you leave your baby brother alone to come here?" Jungkook asked when he didn't see the child anywhere. "No, he left with Queen Sumni a few minutes ago, and I just so happened to be here when you talked about gifts. That said, I like foamy soaps." he explained, repeating his point and looking at Jimin expectantly. 

The older chuckled before accepting "I shall do my best then, young Prince". Kyungsoo mirrored the expression "That would be a delight, sir...?" he realized he didn't ask his name yet.

"I'm Park Jimin, the Crown Prince's Pharmacist" Jimin introduced himself and he gasped, turning to his brother one more time "You have your own pharmacist?" he asked in disbelief.

"Yet you don't believe when I say I'm the favorite child" Jungkook replied with a smirk.

"There he is! Aren't you late for you lesson young Prince?" Another man joined their discussion. He was tall and fair skinned, his face a bit long and quite dashing. Was he another prince Jimin didn't know about?

"Jin, I heard this little man was giving you a hard time" Jungkook said as the man bowed.

"Excuse my rude interruption, sir Park, Jungkook." the man said and put a hand on Kyungsoo's shoulder "But I need to take this boy with me, we're very behind on schedule" he added.

He addresses the Crown Prince by his name? He knows mine? Who exactly is this...

"Sir Jin, I believe? It is very nice to meet you" Jimin bowed and waited for the other to properly introduce himself. He learned that Jin was responsible for the heirs' education. He teaches them about various subjects and has been doing so for years now. Crown Prince Jungkook was his first student 8 years ago, when the previous teacher resigned from the job due to health reasons.

"It was good talking to you, if you'll excuse us..." he last said before walking away with the teenager.

"The young Prince is quite a handful" Jungkook found himself remarking. 

"He's young as you said, he is only enjoying his life before he is given the heavy responsibilities awaiting him" Jimin said looking far at the two who disappeared around a corner. 

"You have a sister, is that correct?" 

"I do, she's younger than me. Her name is Mina" Jimin answered, "She a handful too, even if she doesn't like to admit it" he reflected.

"She sounds lovely, do invite her over she will have a nice time in the palace" Jungkook last suggested, deciding to cut the exchange short. "I will meet you again in a few days sir Park, with the herbal mixes ready for my troops, right?" Jungkook inquired to confirm his schedule. 

"Absolutely. I will be in the palace even before to deliver your new tea and have it approved by the royal doctor. Please do send for me if you ever need me that day" Jimin informed and he hummed.

"Very well, this concludes our meeting. You can go back to your home or stay if you wish" the other said before greeting each other a polite goodbye.

"Have a blessed evening my Prince"

Parting ways, Jimin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding; he was glad the day was over. Walking home, he pulled out the prescription from his pocket and smirked 'Herbal remedy against skin irritation, itchiness and contact sensitivity: Made with Alkalas and Vertur'. He was in possession of the plants specified in the card, but of course he would be adding a couple more for good flavor. 

---

With a hand on his chest and eyes drifting off into space, Jungkook laid in his chambers as he wandered in his thoughts. He pulled his arm up and extended it above his face. The light from the sunset shining through the object in his hand and reflecting everywhere in the room, painting specs of colors on his walls every time he rotated it.

A work of art, truly. Jungkook thought as he analyzed the crystal sakura.

"Crown Prince Jungkook" he heard the voice of a court lady call. He sat up straight and fixed his attire stepping out see what it was about. At his door were two ladies bowing to him.

"We apologize for disturbing you. Queen Sunmi has asked to see you" they said and he raised an eyebrow. 

Her? What could it possibly be this time... 

"Alright" Jungkook spoke before tucking the glass flower into his sleeve and stepping past the court ladies. He was dressed in a black and white Hanfu, simple but elegant, seeing the thin silver embroidery on his sleeves. Fancy enough for her, he thought with a shrug. Stepping past the court ladies, he headed to the Queen's quarters hoping for the best.

"Crown Prince, I see that the palace didn't have that big an effect on you" She said, her voice high and nasally, that voice he hated most. She was talking about his attire not being fitted for a royal visit, but he didn't care make any effort for her specifically.

"Queen Sunmi, it is such a... Pleasure... Seeing you again" he replied instead, greeting her with the fakest smile he could muster. He walked into the room, took his seat ahead on the cushion and waited as she sipped on her tea.

"As polite as ever. My prayers are with the lady who will ever marry you" she said with fabricated sadness. She did not like Jungkook, and it was mutual. She would always find something to say about him even when he's done nothing wrong. Her efforts in ruining his day are never put to waste and only lately did he decide to start doing the same. 

"The person I will marry is none of your concern my Queen. Now that I have graced you with my presence, would you amiably tell me what I'm here for?" Jungkook inquired, unbothered by any of her remarks, focused on finishing this conversation and going back to his restful time.

"Be careful with what you say Jungkook, have you not been taught any manners?" her eyes were sharp, obviously not taking the comment very well.

"Doubting the King's upbringing is never a smart move, you know." It was an eye for an eye with her, you can never be too comfortable.

"I've had enough of this banter, be respectful for once. You're here because I want your pharmacist to make me an assortment of teas as the one for Queen Linha" she said with her arms crossed across her chest. Jungkook mentally scoffed. It looks like she needs me, how unfortunate is it that I can't offer my services today.

"I am very sorry to announce that my pharmacist is currently very busy with more important matters my Queen, he does not have time to make gifts" he chuckled, clearly showing his nonchalance towards her wishes.

"This is an order Crown Prince! I want my assortment, how dare you refuse the Queen" she fussed.

What Jungkook will not do, is let her scream at him as if he owed her anything. He barely came to this meeting and was not going to let it ruin his mood. Standing up curtly, he was ready to leave. 

"Where do you think you're going like that? You are not yet excused" she spoke, waving her fan in front of her face.

"I hope you are aware that you have no authority over me. Anything I do for you is out of pure civility, I answer to my father alone. Should you want something, you know where to find him." Jungkook collectively answered.

"You should consider yourself lucky our generous King still cares for you. Your barbarism doesn't deserve anybody's goodness" she spat as he was making his leave. There he goes, letting her words get to him again.

"I would like to go about my routine without arguing with you for once" Jungkook simply replied, regulating his breathing to keep his blood cold.

"Routine? What might that be, watch everyone crawl with disgust towards you? Or does their fear delight you" she snickered. 

In the flash of a second, the room warmed up with the extreme heat emanating from Jungkook. He was trying not to lose control but she was making it very hard. He was aware that hurting the Queen would bring severe punishment upon him and he knew she wasn't worth it, but he still hated when she hit that sore spot with her words.

"Crown Prince... C-contain yourself" she stuttered, clearly terrified of his golden eyes. It was the first time he had actually displayed his rage in her presence. He would always wait until reaching the training ground since he usually needed an open space to let loose with no fear of accidentally hurting anyone.

"I promise you... If I ever hear you say that again, it'll be the last words you utter" Jungkook threatened before storming off.

"I will not stand by these threats...." She screamed at the top of her lungs but the Prince was too consumed by his anger to hear her.

He could hear his heart beating in his ears as he stomped to the training ground, I am not a mindless killer, I am not what they think of me, he repeated to himself. His eyes shined bright gold as flames coated his fists, burning his sleeves. 

Pyre fabrics were made to withstand high temperatures, but Jungkook's fire was just too hot at that moment. Hanfus are not battle clothes and they can only resist so much heat. The sides of his silk tunic were tearing in holes and soon enough most of it fell to pieces when Jungkook's whole body took fire.

After his outburst, he sat down on the floor where the ashes and pieces of fabric laid, glad he was left with some to cover his body, although torn and ruined. Suddenly the gleam of leftover embers in the air made him notice the forgotten glass flower he had on him, gasping in worry of it breaking or even shattering. 

Unbelievable... The sakura remained intact, covered in a bit of ash but in one piece nonetheless. You'll stay strong with me. He smiled softly, giving himself time to cool down then deciding to go back to his room.

---

"My King, I sense a singular point of intense fire over in the training ground, should I investigate?" One of the King's counsellors informed.

"A singular point you say?" the old man asked and he nodded.

"Correct. It could be someone training, but it is not a regular fire, it is dangerous." He added.

"Leave it be, I know what it is" the King said and the man bowed.

May the heavens be on your side my boy.

---

New characters have come into play! 

Sir Jin and Queen Sunmi finally made an appearance.

What are your thoughts on this week's chapter?

-Aida-