"Like this," Jasmine demonstrated how to properly braid hair on Tallulah. She was about three or four years older than the latter, probably the oldest in the bunch. She didn't speak much, but Jasmine declared her as her best friend.

"Woah," Taehyung sounded out, genuinely impressed.

"Thanks Lu," Jasmine said to her model who nodded with a small smile. "Now you try," she said, ready to unbraid the hair for Taehyung but he stopped her.

"Wait wait– I'll need a reference."

Jasmine nodded, taking her hand off and instead tying the end with a piece of string. "My hair's too short to braid though. Lu's the only one with long enough hair."

Taehyung hummed, scanning through all the kids to confirm that it was true. His eyes then brightened as they landed on someone. "Jeongguk!" he called out, grabbing the elf's attention.

Jeongguk stopped in the middle of the field, trapping the ball in between his feet, panting as he yelled back, "Yeah?"

"C'mere!" Taehyung shouted with a big smile, motioning the younger to come over with his hand.

Jeongguk eyed the prince suspiciously before tossing the ball to one of the young ones and telling them he'll be right back and to continue. He jogged over to where they were seated.

"Is something wrong?" Jeongguk asked with folded arms.

Taehyung patted the patch of grass beside him, telling him to sit down. "Let me braid your hair!"

Jeongguk raised a brow at that. His hair was currently just a bit above his chin. It was short compared to all the other elves in the palace, and he actually had the shortest until Jimin and Taehyung returned. He just thought it was a nuisance to grow out and put up everyday.

"My hair isn't that long," Jeongguk said, but still taking a seat because his legs were aching.

"I'll just do a tiny one here," Taehyung said, scooting over so that he was behind the elf. He didn't even let Jeongguk protest against he and began to grab a small section of hair hair and began to part it in three as instructed.

"Lu and I will make a grass crown for Googie!" Jasmine said and was immediately up on her feet. Jasmine grabbed onto Tallulah and ran off to find long pieces of grass.

"Wait but my reference–" Taehyung started but the two had already run off. He sighed and turned back to Jeongguk.

"Googie?" Taehyung questioned with a chuckle.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes. "It just stuck. And hey, I like it!"

"Mhm, you're so sweaty, Googie. "

Jeongguk could only let out an airy laugh. Taehyung continued in his attempt to braid, restarting numerous times, very concentrated. By the time the girls had gotten back, he was only able to finish one braid.

"That's looks so good!" Jasmine praised, giggling as she hovered a hand over it. "Lu, show them what we made!"

Tallulah came closer to Taehyung and stretched out her arm with the flower crown. The two had been able to find some kind of white flowers to add in. Taehyung carefully took it out of her hand and thanked her. He turned his gaze back to Jeongguk who was curious to see the creation.

"You ladies worked very hard on that!" Jeongguk cheered, amazed.

Taehyung delicately placed it on top of Jeongguk's head, getting closer so that he'd get it just right. The two looked into each other's eyes and Taehyung pulled away his hands, some kind of unspoken message trying to relay through.

"Googie's so pretty!" Jasmine changed, clasping her hands together.

"Yeah... Googie's very pretty," Taehyung repeated. Jeongguk lips slightly parted, freezing up for some reason. Taehyung adjusted the crown a little, sweeping a strand of hair out of the way and tucking it behind his ear. His finger lingered over his ear, eye contact remaining to be broken.

The sound of horses was what snapped them back. They all turned to see where it was coming from as they came to a full stop just where they were.

"Where's the daughter of Michael and Natalia?" one of the two elves asked, his raspy voice sounding loud and scaring all the children. They little elves immediately looked at Tallulah, unknowing that they just gave her away.

Jeongguk placed the flower crown to one the ground and stood up, stepping in front of Tallulah, hiding her behind him. "Who are you?" he asked.

The two elves laughed and the one that spoke jumped off. He approached Jeongguk, his walk menacing and dominating but that didn't have any affect on Jeongguk.

"And who are you?" he asked, squinting his eyes.

"I asked first," Jeongguk replied, putting his chin a little higher, making sure his eyes pierced through him.

The elf scoffed, his eye twitching. "What a nuisance. Give me the child and get out of my way," he growled. "Or else."

"Or else what? I won't do either," Jeongguk said, matching his tone.

His mouth opened, a little astonished that the younger was still standing in front of him. He looked behind at the other elf and they just smiled at each other.

Although Jeongguk had quick reflexes, the close proximity favoured the other. He grabbed some kind of bottle from his pocket and smashed it on Jeongguk head. Now it wasn't the bottle that hurt, but whatever was inside, because in just an instant, he felt his limbs go week and his entire body felt paralyzed.

Taehyung was fast to react and catch the younger before his fall. He'd been spectating this whole time, not sure if he should interfere and even if he did, he didn't know what to do or say.

"I can't feel anything," Jeongguk mumbled, his words coming out slurred and a little wonky, lips not being about to move properly.

"What'd you do!" Taehyung exclaimed to the elf-man.

He only smiled and grabbed Tallulah's hand. "Don't worry, it'll wear off."

"Lu!" Jasmine cried, wanting to do something. Taehyung laid Jeongguk on the ground and sprang up to get a hold of Tallulah.

The elf scowled as he stopped abruptly. "Now what?"

"What do you think you're doing?" Taehyung asked, his grip on her hand tightening but not enough to actually hurt her. She looked so scared but didn't have it in her to even scream.

"Hey, why am I suddenly the bad guy? Her parents didn't pay what they owed us so now we have to find other ways to get paid back. We just want everything to be done fairly, don't you, lad?"

Taehyung's jaw clenched. "And what exactly do you plan to do with her?"

"I'll have her work, clean, cook, anything." A nasty smirk formed to his lips as he took a better look at her, hovering his other hand over her jaw. "Or she could be our little entertainment."

"You fucking asshole–" Taehyung started, his fist working faster and hitting the elf square in the jaw. The man loses his grip on the girl and stumbled a back a bit, his hand coming to cover his jaw. He felt the never before had gratefulness for all those days with Jeongguk in the gym.

He raised an arm, stopping his friend from getting off and coming for support. "Oh bloody hell! You shouldn't have done that." He decided to strike back, but his punch was a lot stronger that it had Taehyung in the ground. His grasp on Tallulah getting lost too.

"Someone go summon the chief!" Jeongguk tried to yell, but they all knew getting an authoritative wouldn't help be an immediate solution.

The elf began dragging her to his horse. Taehyung propped himself on his elbow. He groaned at the pain that shot through his core, but it all disappeared when he saw the tears spilling out of Tallulah's eyes as she struggled to escape from him.

"Stop! I'll pay it back!" Taehyung yelled.

"Yeah, that's what they all say," the friend finally talked.

Taehyung's blood boiled as each second passed. He was breathing at a rapid speed, anger clouding his vision. In a voice so loud it could probably be heard throughout the whole village, Taehyung raised and arm and with his eyes shut, he yelled again, "I said stop!"

He opened his eyes slowly again, looking at where the two were, now no longer there. He then saw Tallulah looking up with a new look of terror. He followed her sight and to where his hand pointed. There they were, in the sky, gripping onto their own neck trying to free themselves from whatever is holding on, a barely visible white smoke swirling around them.

Taehyung pulled away his hand and stumbled back, shocked. Both men came falling to the ground, groaning loud in pain and coughing. It must've been Jeongguk. The white smoke had to be created by the younger.

Taehyung turned around to look at Jeongguk who was just as shocked, and he just shook his head lightly still somewhat paralyzed, saying it wasn't him. It surely wasn't any of the kids. That only left one other elf.

"What the hell? Fucking hell. Barnes, just take her and let's get out," one of them muttered, trying to be quiet but Taehyung heard.

"Don't you dare lay your filthy hands on her again!"

With the anger resurfacing, he turned back and did whatever he just did before, getting them up in the air again. Except this time, as Taehyung began to bring his his finger more inwards, their eyes would pop out more, face get more read, lose voice and air. Taehyung kept going, not even trying to test his limit.

Just a little more and they would be goners.

"Tae!" Jeongguk yelled, tackling him to the ground which caused him to release his hold. The two elves were much smarter this time, just getting on their horses and riding away in hopes of saving their lives.

The sat up on ground. Taehyung ducked his head down and tried to control his breath. "W-What was that?"

Jeongguk smiled wild. "That was you! You did that!"

"So I almost killed them!?" he yelled, eyes watering.

"Hey, hey, look at me," Jeongguk said, cupping the older's face and bringing up so their eyes met. "Look at me."

Taehyung didn't blink, just nodded. Jeongguk continued, "You did the right thing. You helped Tallulah. She's safe, okay? They're fine too. You're okay. Everyone's okay."

His breath became a little more steady. "Okay, okay," Taehyung repeated.

Jeongguk bobbed his head. "Mhm. And would you look at that, your true power came out."

Taehyung was a little surprised at how soft Jeongguk's voice could go and how warm his eyes could be. He could tell the elf's words were truly genuine.

They would've stayed in that same position if it weren't for all the little ones running up to them, all giving the prince a hug. They all cheered, some even cried from the scene they had just witnessed, and Taehyung hugged back feeling a lot better. Tallulah came through as everyone parted for her. She hugged him tightly, none of her usual hesitation.

"T-Thank you," she managed to squeak out. Taehyung smiled and patted her head.

Jeongguk got up as he saw the Chief come flying in. An air elf. He landed in front of them and Jeongguk approached him. They shook hands and Jeongguk filled him in one everything that was going on, including that the Prince was in disguise.

He requested him to escort Tallulah back home and assure her and her family's safety as an official order. As well as reporting the two elves who most likely were running this as an illegal business. The Chief agreed without another question, he couldn't go against someone representing the royal family.

"Alright everyone, get back home before the sun sets. I think it's time to leave," Jeongguk cut off one of the elves re-enacting and explaining what just happened all excitedly, Taehyung listening with his undivided attention like everyone else.

Everyone groaned but Taehyung and Jeongguk promised to come back soon, whenever that will be. Now that Taehyung's regained the ability to use his gift, there was a lot to be done.

•—•—•

"You little fu– your majesty," Hoseok started but did a 180 and greeted the Prince. He then lowered his voice. "You made everyone in the palace think I have a thing for Yoongi! You're lucky it's just a rumour among the guards. I would've made sure to make a permanent goblin mask for you both!"

Jeongguk and Taehyung looked at each other and immediately cracked up, but did their best to stop laughing and look more serious. They remembered asking the guards for love advice for "Hoseok" and if they knew what and elf like Yoongi would like. I mean, it's not their fault the guards believed them instantly. It all made sense, why else would they be constantly bickering if it wasn't love?

They couldn't help but let a couple laughs slip through as Hoseok stood there with his arms crossed.

"Yeah yeah, c'mon," Jeongguk said, patting the older's shoulder then waking past him with Taehyung. Hoseok stood there, mouth hanging open as he looked at the two elves laugh and go. He shook his head and followed after them.

They entered Leonava's room and was glad to see everyone including Namjoon and Jimin already there. They all seemed to be in the middle of their own work as they came in.

"We have some very good news!" Jeongguk beamed as he leaned against the table getting everyone's attention. They haven't seen Jeongguk this joyful in a couple weeks. Jeongguk pointed at Taehyung with this arm. "His royal Highness is finally able to use his gift."

"Really?" Jin exclaimed getting excited like everyone else. Taehyung nodded in response with a shy smile. Everyone got out of their seat to approach the prince except Namjoon. The elf went beside Jeongguk.

"Good job," Namjoon said, patting the younger's shoulder. Jeongguk's body tensed up, he couldn't help it. He looked up at the other finding Namjoon to be looking at him too. When their eyes met, Jeongguk didn't get the same feeling as before, not the the usual sadness Jeongguk would feel when he realizes that he could never be his. Something changed.

Maybe time had healed his heart, maybe he wasn't that in love with Namjoon as he had thought. Maybe it was just a different kind of love. It's as if they made a silent agreement to move on from whatever had happened when they both smiled at the same moment.

"I didn't really do anything. It was all Prince Taehyung," Jeongguk replied.

"But still, you worked hard," Namjoon praised some more. "I know how much effort you put into this, and I know it wasn't easy for you, seeing him after all these years."

Jeongguk didn't know if he was referring to Taehyung or Zorock, but he shook his head. "It's the least I could do for all that Taehyung and his family have done for me."

Namjoon nodded and patted his shoulder again before walking to Taehyung who was getting bombarded with questions from the four. They quieted up and made way for Namjoon

"You should go rest," Namjoon said.

"What? But he should use his power more. What if he forgets?" Jimin questioned.

"Prince Taehyung already looks tired. He won't forget, don't worry. Go rest, Taehyung," Namjoon repeated.

It was true Taehyung was feeling a little worn out. He was ready to pass out on the nearest bed he sees. So he agreed with Namjoon and excused himself making way to his chamber. On his way he forgot the flower crown he had safely put in his robe's pocket to give to Jeongguk. He wanted to give it to him before he forgets and again so Taehyung turned back.

"Where's Jeongguk?" he asked opening the door of Leonava again. He saw that only Yoongi and Hoseok were in the room now, both in a different corner working.

"Namjoon took him and Jimin to the main hall," Yoongi answered. Taehyung quickly thanked the elf and went to find the elves. As he was approaching, he couldn't help but stop and listen.

"You're telling me he was strangling them to the point of death?" Namjoon asked, clearly shocked.

"No. He wouldn't have," Jimin said quickly. "He can't hurt a fly!"

"I agree but... he was so out of it. I screamed his name so many times but he didn't stop. And when I did, he didn't even realize what he was doing," Jeongguk said. "It was very unlike him."

"Well at least we got something good out of this. We know he could use his gift," Jimin then said.

Namjoon sighed. "But we still have an unanswered question."

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk asked.

"Nothing. Can you go make sure the Prince is feeling alright?" Namjoon averted the question.

Jeongguk nodded and left the room, Taehyung quickly hiding behind a pillar so that the younger wouldn't see him. Once he made sure Jeongguk was out of view, he walked back closer to the hall.

"I don't think this is his first time," Namjoon said out.

"Hmm?" Jimin hummed back.

"His meeting with General Jones. The cup. It was him." Another sigh. "What if it's what I think it is, Jimin?"

"We just have to hope for the best."

They went quiet after that. Taehyung was as confused as ever. He wanted to go in and inquire on what they were talking about, but he knew that if Namjoon hadn't told him already, there wasn't much chances now. He also couldn't stay for any longer. Jeongguk would start looking for him.

He left it at that for the day, but he could definitely tell something was being hidden from him now. Perhaps Zorock wasn't spouting nonsense. Taehyung now wants to uncover the truth more than ever.

—•
Djdkkdslls I ended the chapter at such an awkward spot BUT FRICK I NEED TO UPDATE MORE

I've been writing this forever I STARTED THIS CHAP WHEN JK STILL HAD HIS LONG HAIR THATS HOW LONG ITS BEEN (RIP JK'S LONG HAIR BUT HIS CURRENT LOOK IS FABULOUS!!)
I'm about to tattoo this on forehead

Okay, time to be honest with y'all. These updates are not going to get faster, especially that my school life is getting more and more busy (+ I've got another fic that I'm also tryna write). I'm not going to be making updating promises that I can't keep, but there's one promise I can make. I will complete this book!! I love writing this fic and everything I have planned for it too much to do that!! So please bare with me!!! Thank you 💖

Bye<3