Oak Prince 

The breakfast had already started by the time Jungkook spotted both the Stone and Laurel Princes entering the large hall doors together. Jungkook would be lying if he said that the sight of the two of them walking together didn't upset him a little bit. 

Ever since the nightmare about the Stone Prince wearing his family's symbol of Oak, Jungkook felt wary about Park Jimin. Something that he couldn't completely trust--something in the clandestine portions of his true nature. After all, Jimin did not hesitate to kill that man in the alleyway. He didn't pause to think about his actions, he just stabbed and murdered. Would Jimin betray us just as fast as he decapitated that man?

For his own safety, Jungkook made a mental note to exercise caution around Jimin until he knew more about the strange northern prince. Even though Taehyung had drugged him a few weeks ago, Jungkook felt more at ease around Prince Kim's presence than the gray male. Something in their body language was different. Whereas Taehyung was open, his emotions clear on his face--his sincerity in the apology for muddying up Jungkook's head...Jimin was quite the opposite. His reactions were diluted, emotions not present through his facial features. And for someone like Jungkook, who tries to educate himself about the world and its people--Jimin's closed-off nature irked him. I can't figure him out...why would I dream of Jimin like that? Is it a sign?

When the other two princes spotted Jungkook seated at the high table with two empty spots at his left and right, they headed toward him. Prince Kim approached amicably smiling and waving. Prince Park with a blank, unreadable face that unnerved Jungkook. No wave. No smile.

"Good morning, Taehyung." Jungkook nodded towards Prince Kim, hoping that Taehyung wouldn't mention the crown incident between the two of them. 

"Mornin'. Smells so good." Taehyung took a seat at Jungkook's left side and placed a lace napkin delicately on his lap. He raised his sharp jawline, dark eyes measuring the younger. "By the way, thanks for the clothes."

Jungkook definitely did not miss the sheer navy shirt that Taehyung wore, showing off his fine figure. More than a few of his own court paused what they were doing to get a look at Taehyung when he entered. People knew who he was instantly. The great looks, great body, shining confidence. It made Jungkook feel stupid for not immediately putting two and two together weeks earlier at Prince Kim's own party. How did he not see it?

It was probably the alcohol then. 

Jungkook smiled warmly at the attractive man to his right. "Oh, no problem. I tried to pull together my finest clothes for the both of you...I'm sorry if they don't match your individual tastes very well. I'm sure I can arrange something different if you want-"

"No, it's fine. The clothes are fine." Jimin butt in from Jungkook's left side as he took a seat. "We shouldn't be worried about menial things such as clothes when the fate of the kingdom is in our hands." Wow, okay.

Taehyung gave Jimin a strange look from across the table but said nothing. Jungkook bit at his lower lip before thinking of a proper reply. 

"I agree with you Jimin...I just want to make sure my guests are treated well. When people find themselves in unwelcome environments, they tend not to think as clearly as if they were in a place suited to their own comforts." The slight twinge of venom in Jungkook's voice was hard to miss.

Jimin tutted, clearly upset with Jungkook's bitter answer. Jungkook could tell that the gray-haired male was a stubborn one, by the way he softly shook his head and tilted his head to the side. Almost as if he was arguing with the younger in his mind. Jungkook's safe answer, instead of cooling down Jimin's irritation, only fueled it. 

However, Jimin did not respond to Jungkook. He simply picked up his knife to begin to cut into his morning venison. Taehyung did the same. Tension lay thick in the air between the three princes. Shit. Why did I have to say that...?

Despite the panging hunger in his stomach, Jungkook suddenly wasn't feeling too hungry. His appetite seemed to get up and leave the moment his two counterparts arrived. He knew he had to eat something though--he couldn't just sit there.

Jungkook picked at his venison, forced one sweet roll down his throat, and drank lots of water. It was the only thing he could down without feeling nauseous. Usually, Jungkook was very good at dealing with stress, as he had upkept the kingdom for such a long time practically by himself. But this time was different. 

This wasn't just trade deals or small skirmishes. This was bordering on war. 

And Jungkook could only hope that his uncle would call it off before it got to that point. 

Taehyung must've noticed that Jungkook wasn't eating too heartily, as he placed his tan hand firmly on Jungkook's shoulder. The younger raised his brown eyes to be met with one of curiosity.

"Feeling okay?" Taehyung measured his expression. Jungkook blinked over at Jimin, who completely ignored the two, already on his second plate of food and not stopping anytime soon. 

"Yes. I feel...alright." Jungkook picked up another roll and slowly brought it to his lips. However, he stopped when he still felt Taehyung's eyes on him, burning into his face. It was as if Taehyung could read the lie and was waiting for him to give in and tell the truth. Setting the roll back down on his plate, Jungkook sighed and stood up. Jimin didn't look up.

"I think I'll excuse myself to use the restroom." He gave one last glance over his shoulder at Taehyung and Jimin resuming their meal. Taehyung watched him leave the dining hall, worry twisting his pink lips. I can't stand to sit there by them...it's so tense. I wouldn't mind if it was just Taehyung, but Jimin? He clearly isn't taking a liking to me.

Jungkook walked in the direction of the restroom, his mind buzzing with various thoughts. On a whim, he suddenly took the turn to go outside into the Oak Garden. Maybe a bit of fresh air and blooming gardenias would clear his mind. 

As he stepped into the morning sun, he was met with the cacophony of birds tweeting a sweet tune. The morning bush trimmers exchanged chatter, speaking about this and that happening with their children. As he walked down the light brown path, he was greeted by many members of Taehyung's court who bowed low as he passed. From their dolled faces and laced Laurel Outfits, they said things like "good morning, your highness Prince Jeon," or "health be with you, glorious Oak Prince." It made Jungkook wonder what kind of strict rules the Laurel Court was kept under to say such flowery things. Does Taehyung wake up to this every morning?

Jungkook inhaled the tangy air of freshly-bloomed flora and sped up his pace down the brick path. He made his way over to his favorite crabapple tree--the one he liked to lounge under whenever he was questioning something. Jungkook dutifully cleared the dust off the bench with his hand and plopped down, checking the time on his pocket watch. He could only be out there for a few minutes or else he would draw suspicion from the other two princes who thought he was only going to the restroom. 

Jungkook lazily glanced up at the sky, a few clouds floating here and there. A bee droned past his calf, buzzing to another bright flower. There weren't many people out on the trails winding around Jungkook's garden, but the few that were mostly belonged to Prince Kim's court. 

In fact, two men from the Kim court were admiring some flowers nearby the crabapple tree. They seemed to be discussing something important, their faces serious and attentive. Jungkook couldn't quite make out their full conversation, but he picked up some words and phrases as he circled his pocket watch around in his palm. 

"...used to be horrible in front of people...changed a lot...father...shameful..."

Jungkook found himself curious to know what the two men were talking about. He stood up and sauntered down the path towards their figures, keeping a safe distance from the men gossiping around a flock of blooming orchids. 

"Prince Kim...been there for ten years...grew up..." Prince Kim? They're talking about Taehyung. What are they saying?

Jungkook moved with more urgency at the mention of the Laurel Prince. There was still a lot he had to learn about the "Greek God," and he wasn't about to miss his chance at some free information. He stepped over a bush and hunched behind a tree, pretending to observe something on the ground. His ears perked up. 

"Yeah, now that you mention it, he was a lot different when we were younger. He would hide in his room for hours without eating or getting a breath of fresh air...he also wasn't too charming either. Remember that time when he embarrassed himself in front of the Earl of Broesh by tripping over his father's cane? That was miserable. Embarrassed the whole court, the lad did."

Jungkook was fully enveloped in the words exchanged by these two men. He couldn't picture a young Taehyung being so shy and uncoordinated as a child because he was so outgoing and graceful as an adult. Jungkook gaped in disbelief, listening to the voices that continued their tale.

"...glad his father died when he did. I mean, if you think I didn't know what was going on...you're wrong. I was his closest servant, saw him every day as he grew up. It was obvious to me. So obvious. I saw the evidence. Plus...the way Prince Kim acted around his father...I've been on enough savage-chasing missions outside of the castle to spot a victim."

Jungkook took a few steps away when the men got up from their spots and approached the area he hid behind. He masterfully shuffled back toward the bench near the crabapple tree to mull over what he had just heard. So Taehyung hated his father? Why? Victim of what? 

Jungkook didn't know how sensitive Taehyung was regarding that topic, so he decided to put off mentioning it until later. For the moment, all he could do was think of two problems in his life. 

Jihoon and Jimin. 

Jimin's role in Jungkook's dream still severely bothered him and made him wonder why his brain had construed such a thing. In Noirwood, dreams with possible messages or predictions weren't taken lightly. Generally, nightmares were bad omens of future events. He always trusted the signs in his dreams before, and they typically paid off in the end.

But Jimin possibly taking his place? Never. 

Jungkook was so mindfully adamant about keeping his grasp on the banner of Oak that he gripped the bench until his knuckles turned white. His pocket watch sat off to the side of him, ticking away at the time which he had completely forgotten about. Anger built in his system, and he didn't know why it was so strong.

A breeze softly tousled his hair and a couple butterflies happily flew past him. Jungkook was biting his lip at an alarming rate, drawing little beads of blood out of the pink skin. He couldn't even taste the iron in his mouth, for his thoughts of negotiation, trust, planning, and the fate of the kingdom were pounding against his skull ferociously. 

Laurel Prince 

It had been some time since Jungkook left his spot at the breakfast table to "go to the restroom." Taehyung knew something was up; ever since Jimin brought Jungkook's strange behavior to his attention that morning, he had been closely watching Jungkook. There was definitely something bothering the younger male--unsurety was written across Jungkook's face in lip bites and furrowed brows.

After wiping his mouth off with the lace napkin, Taehyung cleared his throat loudly. He stood up from his spot at the table. "Hey Jimin. I'm going to go check on Jungkook to make sure he's okay."

Jimin briefly glanced up from his plate to acknowledge Taehyung's statement before stuffing his face some more. The look that he gave Taehyung was a bit defeated, yet curious at the same time. Taehyung thought that Jimin must be upset and perhaps a bit worried by Jungkook's behavior. Or maybe he's still disturbed by me dropping my robe earlier. I don't know why I did that.

Taehyung cringed inwardly at the thought. When Jimin visited his room earlier, he had no problem undressing in front of the other male. While doing so, he surprisingly felt shameless. It wasn't something Taehyung did regularly, or at all for that matter, but for some reason Jimin's presence didn't scare him as much as it should have. It just felt comfortable--just made sense to get dressed in front of him. It was no big deal. Taehyung's hands had removed his robe before he even knew what he was doing. 

Taehyung smiled to himself at the memory. He was really losing his sense of self in this castle, or maybe it was because of the situation they were all in. He had never shown his bare body to anyway before, save for a few servants. I guess Jimin is the first. 

As the blonde walked down the hall towards the restroom, he had some sort of feeling that Jungkook wouldn't be in there. Instead, Taehyung walked to where he would go if he were feeling a bit ill. Toward the open door that led out to the courtyard. Towards the fresh air, bright sun, and flowering plants.

Taehyung strode into the sunlight, cheeks warming as the light dappled onto his skin. He was gazed at by almost everyone around him, but he paid them no mind. He was used to the attention. 

The sun hit his thick eyelashes and he had to squint to see where he was going. The brightness lit up his sheer navy shirt and the rings on his hand shone with glamor. Taehyung walked aimlessly around the garden, admiring the tasteful arrangement of flowers that lined the winding paths.

Not as intricate as his own garden, but delicate and noteworthy nonetheless. 

Taehyung walked for quite some time before he decided to ask one of his own court members if they saw the Oak Prince pass by them at any point. One of them explained to Taehyung that he had seen the other prince walking by some pink flowering trees some five minutes ago. Taehyung thanked the man and turned his head in the direction of some rosy flowering crabapple trees in the distance. 

Pink. A color he particularly liked. 

As Taehyung wove his way along the paths, he thought about what the trio of princes would do  to secure Noirwood from Jihoon. In his mind, Taehyung was already preparing for a war. He did not believe that Jihoon would be stopped by any attempt of reconciliation from his nephew. 

Also, Taehyung was in the mood to fight...to command a group of soldiers towards a messy, exciting war. To finally get his hands dirty as he leads men to victory, to the symbol behind the laurel. Success. Victory. Honor.

And although Taehyung liked to believe others thought he was careful in his decision-making, most people understood Taehyung acted erratically. His behaviors operated on impulse.

But Taehyung couldn't help it. Whenever he was interested in pursuing something or had an urge to get something, he got it. But when he got it, he never felt truly satisfied. He always wanted more always felt unpredictability and extravagance might help him feel better. Taking risks was Taehyung's forte.

And that risk-taking behavior might've been the exact reason that he was drawn to Jungkook. Someone who froze all of his churning, fleeting desires and flattened them out to something solid. Something stable. Someone who made him feel strangely comfortable despite the fact that they had just met. Maybe it's just because we're both princes? Maybe I just feel comfortable because I have an equal now?

Taehyung wasn't sure anymore. All he knew was that he needed to help Jungkook win this war...so that he might win Jungkook over. He liked the idea of the challenge.

Taehyung's boots softly clapped against the brick path towards a lonely bench in the distance which sat a very familiar ravenette lost in thought. For a second, Taehyung thought Jungkook was meditating. It wasn't until he got closer that he noticed the tenseness of the muscles in Jungkook's shoulders and the bit of blood dribbling down his chin that he realized Jungkook was seriously troubled. 

"Jungkook?" Taehyung approached the bench slowly, worried that he might set off whatever was brewing behind Jungkook's glazed eyes. 

Jungkook's head slowly lifted from his stupor and both pairs of eyes met. However, it was as if Jungkook was looking right through Taehyung, until something snapped and Jungkook shook his head lightly. 

"Taehyung? What are you doing out here?" Jungkook wiped the back of his palm on his lips, not reacting to the smear of maroon on his pale skin. 

Taehyung moved Jungkook's pocket watch off to the side and took a seat next to the ravenette who was now bouncing his leg up and down. 

"I noticed you were gone from breakfast for too long...I thought you would be out here and not the bathroom. I don't know why." Taehyung brushed his blond hair out of his eyes and glanced at Jungkook's chewed up lips.

"Oh." Was all Jungkook replied as he picked up his pocket watch and attached it back onto his hip. What the hell is wrong with him? He's so...so anxious.

Taehyung placed his hand on Jungkook's knee and looked into his eyes. "Something is clearly bothering you...I don't know if you want to share it, but just know that I'm here to listen. We're all in this together, Jungkook. Don't feel as if this is all on you. I know it's your uncle and I know that you may be putting the blame on yourself..." Taehyung shook the royal's knee a little. "But we all played a part in pissing off Jihoon, yeah? So we'll either all win together-"

"Or all burn down together." Jungkook finished, nodding his head solemnly.

"If it comes to that...then at least we tried our best." Taehyung removed his hand from Jungkook's leg and looked away to watch some of the pink flower petals flutter around them in the wind.

They sat like that for some time, admiring the beauty of the blooming tree. They listened to the soft hums of bugs and wildlife, trapped in their own bubble of silent ponderings. Until Jungkook decided to speak up, which took Taehyung by surprise. 

"I had...had a dream last night." Jungkook resumed his lip biting to Taehyung's dismay. "There was an army from the north approaching me, chanting my name, demanding for my death...then I realized after they passed right through me that I wasn't really all there--I mean, I was invisible to them or something..." Jungkook scratched his eyebrow. "And when I turned to see who they were calling Jeon Jungkook...it was Jimin on his horse with my banner of Oak on."

Taehyung sat upright, listening closely to Jungkook's story. He finally put the pieces together about why Jungkook was so angry with Jimin. Ahh...it was his dream. That's why he's been acting so cold to the Stone Prince.

"Are you thinking..." Taehyung fiddled with the ring on his pinky finger. "That Jimin might betray you? That he might take your spot just to fight against the north?"

Jungkook nodded. 

"Well, that's not a given...it was just a dream..." Taehyung said, not fully believing his own words. Dreams were considered sacred in parts of the kingdom, and although his dreams were usually nightmares about his past, he would get the occasional dream about something that was bound to happen in some form or another. Kind of like deja vu. Perhaps it was just a prince thing?

Jungkook stood up and brushed his pants off. "You're right, Taehyung. I just can't get that sight out of my mind...I don't know how we're going to go about fixing this problem."

Taehyung also stood up. He wrapped his arm around Jungkook's shoulder, causing the younger to stiffen a bit before relaxing into the friendly gesture. 

"I think we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it." Taehyung gave an encouraging smile to Jungkook who seemed to be in better spirits already. "But there's a bridge we have to cross now, and it's getting you to stop biting your lips off!"

Taehyung laughed then, a smooth, clean sound that highlighted every part of his princely face. Jungkook was enraptured, but also embarrassed that Taehyung brought up his bad habit. His cheeks tinted pink.

"Bad habit." Jungkook got out as the two walked back to the castle alongside each other. 

As they passed by members of his court who eyed the pair curiously, Taehyung pondered to himself with a sense of joy. He didn't want Jungkook to bite his lips, but it wasn't because he was queasy at the sight of a little blood.

Why would Jungkook want to ruin such perfectly kissable lips?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I actually have a bad habit of biting my lips... :P

Man! That dream! Am I right! Any clairvoyants out there who end up predicting their future in dreams? Count me in. If I see a person in my dreams, the next day something happens with them. No joke!

Anyyywayy, I hope you find Taehyung's lovely obsession with the Oak Prince a little endearing, but is good intent there? Also, is Jimin just being moody or is his irritation linked to something else? :))

Have a fun day! 

Izzy <3