Red roses dripping out of my eyes.

The sun had submerged in the clouds while the horses raced through the green fields. All the princess could think of was her sick king, whom she left alone, and all the prince could think of was his princess, the cousin he betrayed.

They slowed down upon passing a hill, allowing their horses to catch their breath. Jungkook took the opportunity to talk to the girl who took him in his arms a while ago but now felt so distant.

"Inhee, you're still upset with me."

The princess granted him a look, a look he didn't recognize. "Because you still haven't told me why you concealed the truth."

Her tone wasn't accusatory, more of weariness. He knew she couldn't help it, they both were tired.

"I never lied to you." Not even when you wanted me to.

When she was begging him to deny the accusations, he couldn't. He couldn't lie to her.

She was staring at him, giving him all the time in the world to explain or to come up with something.

Does she believe me or does she not care anymore?

"I found the box with the belongings your mother had left. The adults didn't pay much attention to the box, but I was intrigued by its bold color, so I took it."

"You stole my belongings?"

"No, Inhee! Let me finish." She returned to her neutral expression from the furious one. "I had intended to return it, of course, but I was a kid, so I fell asleep and forgot. A while after that I realized what it symbolized. I wanted to tell everyone, including you, but I was scared they might send you back to your real home."

"My home is White Palace, and it'll always be."

"I know. Perhaps, our uncle already knew your identity when he took you in. However, I was scared. I shouldn't have hidden that from you. I apologize."

She reached for his hand, caressing it. "I forgive you because in a way you were protecting me."

"I was. I will always protect you." She smiled, a smile he missed seeing so much. "About, Min Yoongi... The night I was informed that you were getting married to the prince of Black Kingdom, I got furious and ranted to Yoongi about how the deal wouldn't be valid because you belong to the Crimson Kingdom. That slipped out by mistake, and he caught on."

"Why were you furious?" she asked. The wind was twirling her hair while her innocent eyes stared into his. She looked like an angel descended from heaven.

Saying he was mesmerized would be an understatement.

He hummed in confusion, his voice bringing him back to reality.

"Why were you furious with my marriage?" she asked again. This time, something shone in her eyes such as a knowledge of something he didn't want her to possess.

"Because it was an absurd deal."

"Is that all?"

He gulped. He can't lie to her, never.

"No, I-I."

"It's okay. I trust you, Jungkook. I trust you and forgive you, so let's not talk about this anymore."

He exhaled in relief. The unsaid words trapped in his throat were as heavy to swallow as they were to pull out. He was grateful that the matter closed on a good note.

Once again, their horses caught their speed, cutting through the woods of White Kingdom. Just an hour and they will be home.

_______

King Namjoon watched in agony as the dark spirits continued to swallow whoever their eyes landed on.

This cannot go on like this.

Amid the chaos caused by frightened soldiers, his sight focused on the Crimson Kingdom's king, Jung Johan.

Namjoon guided his horse in the king's direction, using his two swords to make way among the enemies. He was getting closer, but then he abruptly stopped his horse when a spirit completely draped itself over the king. Without a fight or cry, the Crimson King vanished in thin air.

Namjoon noticed the king's life was not sucked out of him rather he just disappeared. A roar submerged in the battlefield and the spirits chanted in unison, "Kill all!"

If this continued, nobody would survive. His army was here to fight their enemies but if he didn't make the right decision their death was inevitable.

He looked around, signaling his soldiers to start backtracking. He pointed towards the woods, and his army was quick to change their direction. His enemies, now without their king, also followed his order and advanced towards the trees.

This wasn't a kingdom against a kingdom but the alive against the death he noted.

"Your Majesty. This is not a fair fight. We can't survive. My king disappeared-" the enemy's general spoke.

"Follow your men to the forest. Be quick," Namjoon ordered.

One last look forward and when the ground seemed cleared of humans he followed to the forest. The dead spirits were only a few feet away from catching up.

He guided his men to go to the other side of the forest. When the trees stood tall as a shield between good and evil, he struck his sword in the air. The clouds roared as lightning emerged from within, landing on the army of trees, and the wood caught on fire.

A loud cry followed by animalistic sounds tore out from the spirits.

Fire was their weakness.

Fortunately, the old stories turned out to be true.

_______

Hoseok saw the distress painted on the faces of people who were here ready to sacrifice their lives for someone else.

Prince Jimin for Inhee, Yoongi for him, and Princess Ira for her people.

He felt selfish.

But how does one not want life?

After he realized he had so much to lose, he couldn't pretend anymore to say he was ready to die, not when his sister was not next to him.

Being selfish for your life is what makes you want to live.

This was his kingdom to rule, his people to save, and his responsibility to carry. The now-claimed authority ran through his veins, buzzing confidence in his eyes.

"I'm going to bury this sword in my chest," he boldly announced. Everybody around him froze, except for Yoongi.

"That option was already discussed and shoved aside-"

Hoseok leaped on top of a grave, announcing. "I will drive this in myself."

A roar erupted from somewhere prompting Jimin to drive his sword out. All of them surrounded Hoseok ready to face the upcoming danger.

"Come out before I kill myself." Hoseok's hands were unshaken while holding the blade against his chest.

"That's foolish," a voice hissed from the woods before the darkness revealed itself to them. "You are a coward, not a king."

Hoseok smirked. The edge of his blade dug deeper. "Can a coward do this?"

_______

Author's note: I know I took a long time with this one, I apologize. There are only 2 chapters left. I will try to find time and finish this as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for reading.