"The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future."
                -Theodore Roosevelt

You shook your head fervently, taking a few disparate steps away from Jungkook and towards the sickly king.

"Your majesty, I-"

The king silenced you with his own words, placing his hand in the air, signaling for you to stop speaking.

"I need no input from you, witch."

Your eyes widened at the kings rude words. How dare he speak to you that way! He had only just met you, and he already treated you like a worthless human being. How could this man be Jungkook and Jimin's father?

You decided to keep your mouth shut, not wanting to get yourself into more trouble than you were already in.

"Father, let me explain." Jimin started softly. "She is not a witch, but a traveler from another land."

Nathaniel released a sarcastic chuckle, taking a step towards the king.

"There are no other lands outside of the Four Kingdoms. What you speak is impossible, boy."

Jimin sent a hard glare to the bearded man.

"Only small minded people could believe that our land is the only one in the entire universe."

Nathaniel frowned, taking a step towards Jimin while puffing out his chest defensively.

"Well, only a fool would permit a witch to live among us." He growled out.

"She is not a witch."

"Then explain her eyes, only witches can see dragon fire and live, you know that son."

The king spoke from the top of the staircase, his intrest piqued .

Jimin  turned to face his father.

"I can't explain them."  Jimin started, "but i know that this woman is no threat to us, and is certainly not a witch."

Nathaniel only seemed to grow angrier at Jimin's comment.

"Have you been enchanted, prince Jimin? Has the witch cast a spell on you? Only witches can see dragon fire."

It was now Taehyungs turn to speak, he stepped forward, placing his hand on jimin's shoulder.

"You are speaking out of turn Nathaniel. Know your place." Taehyung turned towards the lion king. "I know for a fact that she is no witch. I trust her."

You heart jumped a little at his words. He trusted you. You didn't know if it was the way he said it, or the look of pure determination on his face, but in that instant you felt the happiest you had been since you arrived in this magical land.

"Just because you trust her does not mean that she is indeed innocent." The king stated with a sigh. "The people want her dead. You know what will happen if she remains alive. If the maiden truly has seen dragon fire, then the great barrier is broken and every creature of the dark forest will come out of hiding and begin devouring our people. I cannot have the blood of millions on my hands just so you can save one witch."

You were almost at your boiling point, you had gotten so sick and tired of hearing the word "witch" and being accused of trying to kill people. This king didn't even know your character, he didn;t even want to know you, yet he sat all high and mighty ready to kill you.

"I will not permit you to kill her, Richard. She is my subject, and you have no power over her." Taehyung stated , anger lacing his voice.

Richard quirked his eyebrow cockily.

"In order to be your citizen she must be an elf, and as you can clearly see, she is not, therefore since she is in my kingdom, she is under my rule, and i will not have her bringing destruction down on my kingdom!" He roared out.

You'd had enough. You were done listening to this, and being disrespected.

"You will bring destruction upon yourself!" You screamed angrily, earning the attention of everyone in the room. "Your too blinded by your stupid pride and ego, you don't even see that the best way to save your people is to help me get home! I am not a witch and if you would stop being so quick to judge you might be able to see that!"

You finished your rant breathlessly, glaring at the king who stood on the to of the staircase, staring down at you in shock.

Your blue eyes flashed over to Taehyung. A small smile, playing at his handsome features.

"How dare you speak to a king that way!" Nathaniel shouted angrily. "You have no respect for authority, you should be beaten like a dog, witch!"

You began to walk angrily towards the bearded man, fury burning in your eyes.

"For the last time; I am not a witch!" He shouted. Jimin reached out at grabbed your upper arm, stopping you from charging any further. Your eyes snapped to his questioningly.

"It's okay." He stated so quietly that only you could hear it.

All anger left your body as you stared into his soft, golden eyes, specks of light brown and hazel swimming in a pool of dull yellow. They welcomed you with pity and protection, like his eyes were trying to convey a message to you, trying to say "I'll protect you."

You released a sigh and simply nodded at his words, feeling his grip loosen, until he had released you fully.

"If you are so unsure of her objectives, then why don't you ask Hoseok." Jimin said motioning towards the redhead, who perked up at the mention of his name. "He is one of the most powerful sorcerers. If she is a witch, he will know."

Hoseok's orange eyes met yours briefly. You shuddered, suddenly remembering what Jimin had said earlier that day.

"If Yoongi or Hoseok were to find out, they would want to use her to call the dragons, and burn down the wall."

Although, you felt bad for the Eastern Kingdom You most certainly did not want to be dragon food.

Nathaniel released a loud chuckle.

"What makes you think we can trust a dark sorcerer? His Prince and his Kingdom are both cursed, his magic can only be used for evil. She may be working with him, after all dogs congregate with dogs."

Your eyes darkened at his words. Not only was hat offensive to you, but Hoseok as well. He had done nothing, that you'd seen, to earn Nathaniel's spiteful words.

"You should really just shut up." You stated, glaring at the bearded man, who looked shocked by your words. "Hoseok has only been nice and repectful since he got here, in fact the only one behaving like a dog here is you. Hoseok is powerful enough to turn you into a frog if he wants, so if I were you, I would shut up before he decides to do exactly that."

The corners of Hoseok's lips turned upwards in a small smile, barely noticeable to anyone in the room.

"Nathaniel has a point. The two of you may be working together." Richard stated. "We will call in my trusted advisor, Namjoon."

Your ears perked up at that name. Namjoon? We're you finally going to meet the sorcerer you'd heard so much about? Were you finally going to go home?

"I'm here your highness." A soft voice called from the staircase.

Your eyes snapped over to the source of the sound.

A young man, who couldn't be any older than 23 was descending the stairs, a book in his right hand as he read the words inscribed. He wore a loose shirt made of white fabric that was almost see through and tight, black pants. His feet were shod in brown boots, his dirty blond hair was messy, as if he'd been running his fingers through it.

This guy couldn't be Namjoon. He was supposed to be the oldest sorcerer in the land! You had imagined him to have long white hair and a flowing beard, maybe even dressed in robes. The last thing you imagined was for him to look this- well, hot!

His face was very attractive and focused as he closed his book and with a wave of his hand caused it to disappear from thin air.

Your eyes widened.

He really is Namjoon.

Once the sorcerer has fully descended the staircase, he turned to look up at the sickly king who stood on the balcony above everyone.

"You called, my king?" He spoke softly.

The king wore a small smile as he stared at Namjoon, using his hand to motion to your direction, he spoke.

"This woman has seen dragon fire, we believe her to be a witch, however she claims to be innocent of this charge. You are my most trusted advisor and friend, so I would like for you to tell me; is this maiden a witch?"

Namjoon raised his eyebrow in curiosity, turning his body to face you. He eye'd you up and down, offering you a small, dimpled smile of reassurance.

You almost squealed. He had dimples!

Once the sorcerer has finished his evaluation of you, he turned back to the king, his posture straight as he spoke;

"This maiden is no witch, Your majesty, she's merely a traveler, cursed with dragon fire."

The kings smile faltered a little bit. He eyed Namjoon wearily before turning back to Nathaniel.

"Is Namjoon says she is no witch I believe him,"

Nathaniel grumbled under his breath, sending you a glare, which you returned with a smug smile and an "I told you so."

It seemed like everyone in the room released a sigh of relief at the kings words. Taehyung's defensive position had relaxed and Jimin seemed to loosen up his posture.

"However," The king began again. "Witch, or no witch, we cannot allow this woman to live among us. The creatures are drawn to her flame, if they find her they will reign down terror on all of us."

Your heart plummeted at his words, not because of the harshness of his tone, but because you knew he was right.

"Then help me get home." You spoke softly. Namjoon turned to look at you once again, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. You gulped nervously and continued. "I wasn't like this before I came here, so if you send me back, the curse will be out of your land and everything will go back to normal."

The king rubbed his chin in thought.

"What do you think Namjoon? Is such magic possible?"

Namjoon sighed and rubbed his neck in thought.

"If magic brought her here then magic can send her back, however the spell is not a simple task to complete."

Taehyung took a step forward.

"Go on."

"I believe I may know a spell, that powerful, it is relatively easy to complete." Namjoon spoke.

"Great! Then we can send her on her merry way!" Nathaniel stated.

"However," Namjoon started. "the spell requires magic too powerful for even I to posses. In fact the only magic that could compare is hidden in the dark forest."

Everyone in the room gasped in horror.

You raised an eyebrow.

Dark forest? What the heck was the dark forest?

"I won't allow it!" Taehyung yelled defensively. "She would die journeying to that place!"

Namjoon shook his head.

"Obviously it would be just her going. For the spell to work, each Kingdom must send a member of royal lineage on the journey. Without the blood of nobles the spell won't work."

Nathaniel suddenly gasped.

"Blood?! Will we have to give up our lives?!"

Namjoon shook his head.

"No, your majesty, only a few drops."

Jimin groaned in annoyance.

"I thought you said the spell was simple, Namjoon."

Namjoon frowned.

"The spell itself is, the problem lies in the ingredients, all of which are found within the dark forest."

You took a step forward.

"So your saying, the only way I can go home, is to travel to this dark forest, with a member of the royal family from each kingdom, get ingredients which could possibly be life threatening, and then hope to god that the spell works?"

Namjoon nodded, his golden eyes wide at your bluntness.

"To put it quite frankly, yes."

You sighed.

"I still think it's a bad idea." Taehyung stayed darkly. "There's no telling what's out there, and with the barrier down, and the monsters being drawn to her if we blink for a second she could be killed."

Jungkook released a sigh.

"Is there really no other way?" He asked softly, his eyes darting to yours.

Namjoon shook his head.

"No."

A sigh escaped Yoongi and for the first time since the party, he spoke.

"I'm not very busy, so I will be willing to travel with lady Y/N, and give up a drop or two of my blood."He spoke nonchalantly.

Your eyes flashed to his. Sympathy swam in his tangerine gaze. At that moment you began to question all that Taehyung had told you. How could someone so cursed and unlucky be willing to risk his life for someone he didn't even know.

"I will also accompany her." Jimin stated boldly.

Jungkook took a few steps toward you, coming to stand beside your uneasy form. His soft hand brushing yours momentarily.

"I, too wish to go."

Jimin's golden eyes widened at his brothers words and he turned to face him.

"You can't. The journey is far too dangerous!"

Jungkook smiled.

"Which is why you'll need protecting, and as the head of the royal guard, I would be happy to provide my services."

Jimin shook his head.

"Father will need someone to fill in for him when he's sick!"

"He has advisors."

Jimin approached his younger brother.

"I don't want you to come."

Jungkooks smile widened.

"It's not your decision brother."

Jimin opened his mouth to say something, but the king beat him to it.

"Very well, the two of you will accompany the maiden on her journey, however if you both wish to go there is one stipulation." The king paused taking in the curious looks from the two princes. "You must bring your older brother with you."

Jimins face fell immediately.

"Father you can't be-"

"If you have a problem with it, then you can stay in the castle while Jungkook goes, and seeing as how Jin lives here, you'll be around him either way."

Jimin glared at his father, shooting fire out of his golden eyes.

"As you wish, Father."

Your head cocked to the side as you watched the interaction of father and son. If Jimin and Jin were brothers why did they hate each other so much? Shouldn't they be happy and fist bumping all the time?

Nathaniel released a scoff in disbelief.

"I can't believe you are letting your sons go on such a pointless journey, Richard. They're sure to die."

Richard smiled.

"Which is why you will also be going."

Nathaniel's green eyes widened.

"Me- why?!"

The king brought his fingers to his chin.

"You are the only member of the royal family of your kingdom, and of you truly wish for the curse to be lifted, then you will willingly give your blood as well."

Nathaniel grumbled under his breath, nodding to the king in understanding.

"I will accompany the witch."

The king smiled brightly.

"Good. Namjoon, I assume you will also go on this journey?"

Namjoon nodded.

"Of course, your majesty, however I would like to request that Hoseok also join our troop."

The orange eyed sorcerer looked confused by Namjoon's statement.

"He is just as powerful as I am and I cannot do this spell in my own." Namjoon finished.

The king nodded.

"So be it. I am already sure that king Taehyung had already decided to go, seeing his attachment towards the maiden, so that gives us a noble from all the Kingdoms. You will all leave at first light tomorrow. May God have mercy on you."

With those words, the king turned and left the room.

In the silence of the ballroom you couldn't help but think about all that was said and You frowned deeply, rubbing your hand through your (h/c) hair. You didn't want to die in this place, all you wanted was to go home and watch Netflix, maybe even hang out with your friends. Why were you even here? What had you done to deserve being ripped away from your home and family?

Now you had to travel to a dangerous place with a bunch of strangers and just hope and pray that you didn't get killed in the night. The stupid curse in your eyes ruined everything. You could just scream at the top of your lung at whoever's fault this was. None of this was right.

Tears began to spring to your eyes, blurring your vision momentarily before you blinked them away, sending small streams down your cheeks, and for the first time since arriving, you began to cry.

It wasn't fair. You didn't deserve this. One moment you were walking home and the next your in some forest with a curse in your eyes. Now you have to travel to some dark forest and potentially get yourself killed, just to be able to go home.

You sniffled, staring at the marble floor beneath you.

For the first time since being here, you really began to think about your circumstances. You were lost in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people surrounding you, some of whom would rather see you dead than alive. You were about to embark on a journey that could very well kill you, and the possibility of you never seeing you family again was pounding against your brain.

You body began to shake in fear, and sobs racked your whole being. You brought your hand to cover your mouth, the last thing you wanted was to cry infront of strangers, but all you could think about was never seeing your family again.

Warm arms suddenly found their way around your shoulders, pulling you into a strong chest, and comfortable embrace. Your blue gaze trailed up to see Taehyung staring down at you worriedly, his large hand beginning to caress your damp cheek. More tears escaped your eyes, as you hugged him back, wrapping your arms tightly around his body.

Your body began to shake from the tears. You knew that to those around you, you probably looked like a pathetic little girl, but you didn't care. You were frightened and homesick.

Taehyung began to pet your hair softly, allowing his ringed fingers to play with the ends of your (h/l), (h/c) locks.

He began to shush you quietly as he held your sobbing form.

"It's okay," he stated quietly. "It's okay."