#bl6

Pairing: Park Jimin x Reader (princeBTS!au)

Genre: Angst

Warnings: Language, mentions of nudity, mentions of death, grief, conspiracy, mentions of violence

Words:  7,740

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“Did someone gave a look at your injuries? I have to say, the ballroom glass door has a pretty big crack.” Changkyun's voice pulled Jimin out of the depths of his prayers, and he looked up confused at the younger, that had just got out of the bedroom where you were being taken care of. Jimin felt his body ache, but didn't put any thought on it, being too focused on you inside of that room, unconscious in that bed, fighting for both of your lives. Without Y/N, I...  

“Ouch!” The prince frowned and jerked away from the other man's touch, as his fingers prodded his scalp till finding a big bump on his head. As he retired his hand noticed some blood staining the healer's skin. Reaching towards the now throbbing spot, he too felt the wetness of his own blood and hissed once again. He didn't notice when that happened.  

“Yeah, sorry for being rough Majesty, but I hope that makes a point for you to take care of your body too,” Changkyun smiled sheepishly and Jimin only sighed in return, nodding. His eyes went again to the door where you were being treated, hesitating to move. “Look, we have your General stabilized, she's sleeping and out of danger. I'm going to be called in any case of any occurrence... And your Majesty too, of course.” The healer reassured, seeing the dilemma on the prince's eyes. Clenching his jaw - the immediate sharp pang at the back of his head made him regret that action - Jimin nodded, getting up and walking towards the direction Changkyun pointed.  

Worry still ate at him while he walked to the other man's room, where he said the other medicines were. Jimin knew what the protocol said, that in case of a foreign attack, he would have to flee the kingdom immediately, provided a safe trip home by that same kingdom - if that one wasn't at fault, of course - and access the situation from the safety of his own castle, together with his father, the King, and their counselors. But he couldn't even think of leaving you there, even if it meant putting himself in danger all over again. You were more important to him than his life, and he needed to personally make sure you'd get back in your feet. I would never forgive myself if something happened to her while away. I need to be here.  

Inside of his chest, a strange feeling of knowing hit him, and breaking the protocol definitely the best decision to have made.  

Changkyun settled him in a chair, and only then Jimin really noticed where he was. Focusing on the badly lit room around, he could make out the shapes of diverse glasses, most with some weird concoctions and random objects. What exactly this boy does here? Frowning, he reached out to a transparent one that had an X symbol and a sort of blue water inside. 

“Oh, I'd rather not touch that particular flask. It's poison.” The raven-haired man explained, hurriedly taking the cup from his hands. Eyes widening, Jimin rubbed his palm on the silk shirt he was still wearing, snorting. 

“If you were smarter, you'd have just told me to drink it, and would make your king's life easier,” he joked and even if it was kind of offensive, the other still laughed, while putting away the poisonous substance in a shelf nearby before heading to somewhere behind Jimin, fumbling as he searched for something.  

“I don't think it would, even if he had really asked for it to be done. One look at General Y/N and I knew it would be a very hard task for my King to get what he wants.” Said and a smile crept on the prince's face at the accuracy of the boy's perceptiveness. He meant every word he said to Kihyun earlier that night, you were your own person and it was you that had the decision at hand to let someone walk beside you. “Thought that with you on the scene, Kihyun doesn't stand a chance.” The mutter wasn't low enough for Jimin ignore, but as he was about to ask what he meant, a very wet cloth was pressed on the back of his head, just about where his bump was, making the prince hiss loudly and jerk forward. At first it ached on his wound, only to then get sort of warm, then numb. 

“Whoa, what kind of magic is this?” Jimin muttered, while having his hand guided to the cloth to hold it still as the distinct smell of herbal paste filled the air.

“Don't insult me, and don't try to get me killed please. The people in this country abominates witchery,” Started Changkyun, tearing some other pieces of white fabric - with a very sharp knife, Jimin observed - to make strips that would tie the medicine saturated dressing to Jimin's head. “And this is just an extract of goldenrod, just to decrease the bump and prevent any infections. I'll also be giving you a willow bark tea so your head doesn't hurt so much. Besides that, rest and you'll be okay,” Instructed the youngster.

“So you're treating Y/N with that too?” He asked, waving off the last of Changkyun's advice. If there was anything he wasn't able to do at that point was sleeping, his head was working in full speed between his worries for you and trying to figure out who exactly could have been the commander of that attack, and with what intent. 

“Oh no, I'm actually using a blend of mashed yarrow and gotu kola on her stab, so she will...” The healer's voice slowly faded out as Jimin got stuck with what he had just thought. The Commander. A soft scoff left his lips as his hands felt numb, head throbbing with the sudden discovery. Not the current one, but the previous one. Only Sonhyun could have a real reason to plot against Y/N like that, he's always been keen on diminishing her. The one thing I don't know is why would he try to kill me? He could have definitely tried to take this kingdom king's life and strike a better deal, having the war he wants so much, unless...

“Changkyun, what has been done to that assassin's body? Tell me you haven't get rid of it yet!” Jimin jumped out of the chair, startling the boy as he descanted about the properties of the herbs he used. If I'm right I'm going to find that damn mark... 

“Wha- Uh... I think we're keeping him in the Soldier's room-”

“Where is that, I need to see it right away, it's extremely important!” He felt himself shaking, tense and scared. If Jimin was right, it meant that everyone was in danger, and his kingdom was in the imminence of a coup d'etat, so he needed to act. And soon. 

Practically running behind Changkyun, they burst inside the Soldier's room, where the Generals and the King himself were in a meeting. 

“Prince Jimin, why such ruh? Did anything happened to Y/N or yourself?” The King walked towards them, deep frown between his brows. Jimin breathed out, ignoring the throb of his head, eyes searching frantically around the room, only finding an empty table at the center.

“First I need to see the assassin's body, then I'll explain. It's really important, King.” maybe his face was desperate enough, because after just looking into the prince's eyes for a long second, he just turned to one of the - big - men under his command and nodded. 

“Follow me, we have him in interrogation room.” The bulk man clad in light protective gear nodded back, and turning to Jimin he made a gesture as to be followed. Interrogation room? Why is the body... 

“So he did survived this long? I've got to take notes of that. Have you got any information from him?” Changkyun piped in amused, fumbling with his vest, taking out a small piece of paper and a tiny baton of coal. The other two men side-glanced him, then quickly looked at the prince, that had a confused - if not shocked - expression on his face. The man's alive? But Y/N stabbed him in the throat, and I'm sure I saw him die... 

Jimin opened his mouth to ask, but then the white-haired man leading the way moved open the heavy metal door connected to the room they were previously in, revealing another chamber with stone walls and void of windows - looked more like a torture chamber, if he took in consideration the numerous tools scattered around. In the center of it, the man that had attacked you and Jimin hours prior sat strapped to a chair, bandages around his neck as he breathed raggedly. Heartbeat picking up, he felt all the blood leaving his face as recognition hit him.

“You son of a-” If the other soldier didn't hold the prince back, surely he'd make sure that time the assassin - no, he was sure the man was a spy - was really properly killed. By my own hands I'm going to rip him a new one!

“You know this man, prince Park?” Kihyun stepped in front of him, blocking the smirk the spy slowly threw back at him as he accessed his surroundings. Before he could nod, the spy coughed, clearing up his throat and calling the smaller's attention again.

“Prince Jimin, such an honor be in you presence again... It's been long, you grew a lot, Majesty.” The voice made Jimin clench his teeth, and he tried to shrug himself off from the General's grasp. 

I knew he was a bad person, but I'd never expect him to commit treason, and work for Sonhyun of all things.

“And you... You've proven to be the piece of garbage I've suspected you to be, bastard!” He spat, having Kihyun's hand press into his chest so he'd pay attention and calmed down. “King Kihyun please execute this man, you have my total consent for it!” growled Jimin, angry eyes turning to the ruler. 

“Hyunwoo, let's step away with prince Jimin for a minute, he needs to take a breather.” Kihyun ordered his General with a sigh and apart from his protests, Jimin was dragged out of the room, not ignoring how the spy barked a laugh, telling he'd send his regards to you when he went to hell. 

“What is going on, why- How is that man alive?” Jimin inquired, as who he then got to know as Hyunwoo freed him. They were back at the Soldier's Room, and the king walked to the table nearby, leaning on the edge of it. 

“That is classified for now, prince. It's a study Changkyun is holding, though it's still on initial stages.” The man started explaining, and then Jimin realized the younger was still there with the other soldier in the neighbor room. “Who is that man, prince?” Calmly he asked again, but Jimin could see his patience wasn't going to last much. Expected, since the attack happened in his own kingdom. He needs to access the situation as fast as I do. 

“Won Hanjae. He was part of the council before we had a corruption scandal and placed Sonhyun, the former Commander and right hand of our late General Gun,” sighing, Jimin closed his eyes, the throb on his head making itself noticeable again. “I had an idea that Sonhyun was behind all this, but would never expect this man, of all things.” 

“Wait a minute, you knew this was going to happen? I'm not following.” Kihyun frowned, as did the Genereal Hyunwoo, coming with pottery cups filled with water for all. Downing his cup of water, the prince bit the inside of his cheek. He felt like somehow he was running against time, but this king needed to know what was going on. 

“Look, I'm going to explain all from the beginning. But first I need your Majesty to get something from Hanjae, and it's really important.” slowly Kihyun nodded, waiting for him to ask for whatever he needed to. “At his back there's a tattoo, it's a pierced heart. I need to have that cut out, independently if he's alive or dead. It's valorous proof and I'll tell you why.” at the request the king's eyes went wide and he swallowed hard. Still, he turned to the soldier beside him, nodding softly.

“General Son, ask to switch places with Hoseok, and help Changkyun have this done.” 

One of your eyes fluttered open, and immediately you felt like someone had bashed your face with a wooden rod. I don't remember being hit thought? Frowning slightly you tried to roll to your side, only to have a sharp pain shoot through your whole body, irradiating from your hip. 

“What the actual f...” Holding the curse you then looked down your body, chucking the covers off your torso the best you could, even through the numbness of your hands, only to be greeted by the sight of your lower abdomen wrapped in cloths, some paste pressed to your skin - you could see it leaking from the edges of the bandage - with an unpleasant smell, but that must have been doing a good thing, since you were still alive. I was stabbed after all... 

Oh lord, what about Jimin? Is he okay? Despite the pain, the thought made you sit up with urgency, grunting from the pain as you looked around. The last thing you remembered was his face, his desperate eyes and hands pressing your wound as he tried to shush you till someone would come to help. 

“General, you shouldn't be moving!” even if meant to scold, Changkyun's voice was actually soothing, and his hushed tone made you grin softly as he rushed inside the room, placing the things he was carrying by the table next to you, pushing your shoulders back down so you'd lay again. “Your wound is fresh, and was really hard to stop the bleeding.” Explained, while also covering you up almost to the neck, since you were only in the flimsy and thin undergarments that were placed under the dress. 

“Where's Ji... The prince? Is he unhurt?” You managed to ask, noticing how your tongue was dry, and more yet by the sight of a water bowl beside the bed. As if reading your thoughts, Changkyun embed a thick square of gauze in the small bowl he brought, bringing it dripping to your lips, just like a mother would do to an ill child. 

“Your prince is having a talk with our king about the whole situation. Besides a big bump in the head he's fine, so don't worry General,” You wanted to roll your eyes at the "your prince" quip, but had no strength for it, so just settled for nodding lightly, face scrunching at the bitter taste of the liquid the healer was squeezing into your mouth. “Now now, you took a stab like it was nothing, surely you can drink this potion, even if it's bitter.” Chuckling at your reaction he then switched gauze to squeeze some pure water. Swallowing you grimaced before clearing your throat. 

“I have to be informed of what is happening too. I can only recall the prince telling me something about a plot, then we were attacked.” You explained, and Changkyun nodded, sinking the respective gauze once more in the acrid medicine. 

“You will once you recover. Meanwhile the king, our generals and your Majesty are taking the necessary measures. Now drink up.” The boy sternly asked, and breathing out frustrated, you opened your mouth to receive the remedy. 

After you had finished the whole bowl - it wasn't so big but still was very unpleasant to the taste -, Changkyun instructed to keep still, as he'd go order to have some food prepared for you and notified the royals of your awakening. But not half an hour after he left the room you pulled yourself back up again, shaking your head at his illusion that you'd stay on the bed. 

Throwing your legs off you supported on the nightstand to get up, holding your stomach as to not start bleeding out. Your legs trembled as you tried to stand, telltale that the amount of blood you lost was really big. You knew you should just lay back in the bed, but in this situation you should actually be moving in your position as General and taking action. You weren't so hurt that it was impossible to move, so might as well do something. Reach Jimin and understand what was going on. I don't think the security of this kingdom could have been breached this easily, so I'm sure this is a well-orchestrated mission, and probably wasn't bound to fail like this.  

First though, you had to find some clothes. Looking around, you quickly noticed a black coat laid in a chair at the other side of the room, blood stained and crumpled, anxiety dooming over you when recognizing the clothing as what the prince was wearing at the party. Slowly, you dragged your feet - trying to be as silent as possible - through the wooden floor, and taking purchase of the coat you put it on and closed it - being instantly enveloped by Jimin's scent, a mix of sandalwood and musk, something soothing and at the same time unique -, successfully covering your whole exposed torso - Changkyun's previous care in covering you made you realize that your breasts were perfectly visible behind the thin cloth. Now I should be fine to walk around and find the men. Nodding to yourself you twirled in your feet, wondering what the hell that medicine had, since you felt a little hazy. That kind of pain was supposed to jolt your whole senses awake, but since you drank that potion of his, each hit of pain was like a thud, a dull punch that spread numbing on your flesh. Anyways, if it's letting me move, I'm not complaining. 

Stealthily slipping out of the room, you looked to each side, trying to figure where exactly you were and the direction to the Soldier's Room, recalling how Hyunwoo commented the previous day that the King spent most of the time with them at that room, chatting or even doing some actual work, and that was why he didn't really needed counselors, as he worked directly with the main forces of his kingdom, almost like they reigned together. That is actually really wise of him. 

As you chose a pathway, you made the wall your support, knowing that at least you should try to not bleed out while on your way, since it seemed to have taken a lot of work to keep you alive. While you padded slowly through the hallways - following your instinct through that unexplored maze that was the floor you were in - you took the time to look at the walls, some decorated with paintings, but most had at least a little vase of delphinium, in any range of the blue hue that it sported, receiving the tinted light that came through from the stained glass in every other window. Another thing that caught your attention was how empty the halls and rooms were, not even on that floor, but mostly in the castle itself. Sure, it was a new kingdom, but the king should at least have some close relatives and people of the court living in the castle with him... Right? 

Finally reaching stairs, you knew you'd find Jimin and the others once you reached the bottom floor. The challenge was: getting down to it. 

“Seems like we're bound to meet each others at the top of stairs, huh?” A sigh followed the weirdly familiar voice as the person spoke to you, and as you turned around, slim fingers gripped your arms steadying your staggering body. 

“Mr. Chae, surely you're bound to startle me every time,” you quipped back at him as you were freed of his grasp, breathing out tiredly. The walking around was taking a toll on you and the medicine wasn't helping much in terms of quickness - though it provided painless movement -, but you were keen on the task of reaching the Generals and your prince to know what the hell was going on. The lack of knowledge and action from your part was going to drive you insane. “Thank you for the support, I'm afraid I'm not in my best shape.” You still managed to show courtesy, bowing your head slightly. The man - looking strangely sleepy, if you took in account it seemed to be midday approximately - in front of you snickered softly.

“My apologies for that, General. I was informed of your injuries a little late last night, and was actually about to go ask of your state right now, among other things. I didn't expect you to be in your feet yet though?” Hyungwon tilted his head, looking genuinely surprised, and you smiled back at him sheepishly. 

“Officially I'm not allowed to be out of bed, but...” You trailed off, having the king's best friend - as he had said himself - nodding along in understanding. You, for some reason, knew that the man was a player, even worse than Jimin could ever be, but still had the sense that Hyungwon didn't represent any danger to you or to the prince. No one close to the King does anyways. The feeling in your gut confirmed that, also telling you that something had been misplaced even before this trip to Yoo was made. 

“As a General you need to know, and you're the only protection of Park's prince, I understand.” He pondered for a second, then walked up to you, and as he did hours prior, offered the curve of his arm for support. Seeing your amused head tilt, he shrugged. “Well, I could always tell you to obey to what Changkyun said, but I have a feeling it would fall in deaf ears, and you'd try to head downstairs anyways... So I figure that is better to at least help you.” Explained with a nonchalant flick of his hair and an indulging smile. 

True to his word, the man guided you carefully down the stairs, and reached the Soldier's Room in a mild pace, cracking some light jokes along the way and making you chuckle, reminded you of Seokjin back at Park, and his love for that sort of diversion. I wonder how's the situation there, I know Jin is really responsible and efficient but I can't help to worry. 

Arriving to the Soldier's Room you frowned, finding the quarter empty. 

“Wh... The others should be definitely here?” Hyungwon turned is head and body around, searching for the people that were supposed to be there, as a bad feeling started to prickle at your skin. “Maybe they're eati-”

Hyungwon wasn't able to finish the sentence, as a pained scream interrupted him, coming from the corner of the current place they were in. It was the man's turn to frown while you both turned towards the source of the sound, you hand clutching his arm, before you decided to stumble forward and follow to where you could barely see a door slightly gaped open. Your companion hissed for you to stop, rushing to grab you, but in some way you managed to dodge his hands and push the door open as another shrill echoed through the hallway. Hyungwon reached you the next second, and was about to say something to get you out of there, when the apparently suffering man started talking. 

“Okay, okay! Please stop!” Supporting yourself to the wall, you could clearly see Jimins' back turned to you - head bandaged and still dressed with his party clothes minus the coat your were currently wearing - as he leaned on a wall, looking distressed, while the Generals Wonho and Hyunwoo were in front of the man probably sat in a chair before them, blocking your vision as to whatever they were doing. “Sonhyun trusted me with this mission, but I guess that I'm good as dead right now, so I'll speak. He had all handed to him till now, might as well drag him down with me.” At the mention of King Park's counselor, your blood ran cold, and you almost moved to enter the enclosure. Once again, Hyungwon's hand reached for your elbow, this time capturing it securely. Glaring at him, you noticed his eyes were also glued to the scene in front of you, and he motioned to keep quiet and listen. 

“Sonhyun is a very ambitious man, and has been planning on climbing to the very top, even more than you all could figure. See prince, your current General wasn't put in the spot by pure fate. Sonhyun was expecting to replace late General Gun, that's why he ordered for the natural process to be...  Hasten. For his surprise Park's foolish king named the daughter for the position.” the spy scoffed, and Jimin turned to growl at the offense against his father.

 “Prince, calm down. Hasten, you say? Word told General Gun passed away from a very high fever that took place after a storm...” Kihyun came into view, arms uncrossing as he placed a hand on Jimin's shoulder. His stance, even thought Yoo's king wasn't too tall to begin with, showed he was completely calm and controlling the situation. 

“Yes, do you really think a man like Gun would have died from a simple fever just like he did? Sonhyun ordered his death. His Commander, no less. It seemed to be in vain when little Y/N was put in place, but even then he had a plan,” the man stopped to breathe for a second, grunting as one of the Generals hurried him to resume talking. “Pray, what would you, King Yoo do, if discovered the woman you've been wanting as your Queen had to do with your family's death?” you felt dizzy and your head buzzed, but had time to see the way Kihyun's mask of tranquility crumbled, a soft ‘what’ leaving his lips. The assassin coughed a laugh, tilting his head as the other shuffled on his feet, and only then you could see who was the one blurting out truths through a busted lip and swollen face, voice strained as his neck was wrapped, probably because you had stabbed him earlier on. Hanjae. How the fuck is this man alive? 

“That is right, Sonhyun had everything orchestrated. In this trip the Park prince was supposed to be killed, since convincing him of  marrying any other princess to make an alliance didn't worked... Due to the obvious infatuation he has on his precious General. At the same time it would make way for the war he always wanted to happen, since after General Y/N supposedly killed herself after being unable to do her duties and protect her beloved prince, Sonhyun would take place as General like he wanted, only to command the army in a mission to take Park's throne to himself.” Turning his glance from a livid Jimin he then looked back at Kihyun, a smirk playing on his lips. “Of course, not before taking possession of this feeble kingdom, and finish what he started with the murdering of Yoo's royal family.” He talked like ruining several people's lives was amusing, and you couldn't doubt he actually did thought it fascinating. You trembled, be it from exhaustion or pure fear and sadness. 

“Good thing you're as bad assassin as you were a counselor. I don't know what Sonhyun promised you, but I hope it was worth it, because you will rot in Park's dungeon for what you'd done to Y/N. I'll make sure of that.” If you hadn't snapped your eyes away from Hanjae to look at Jimin, you'd never figure the rage-filled and honestly scary voice belonged to him. You kept staring as he walked forward, this time having no one to stop him due to the permanent stupor set on the room from the prisoner's words. In a fluid movement the prince drew his arm back, swinging his fist forward violently and hitting the man square on the nose. He was about to just turn and probably leave - check on your state and perhaps tell you some half-truths about the whole situation - when realized you've been audience to that part of the discussion, face falling and eyes widening greatly. “Y/N, what are you...” 

Only then you realized that his eyes staring back at yours would always be your breaking point. Legs giving out under you, the other people present in the room had little time to catch your figure as you fell, sinking back down into unconsciousness. 

Worried was an understatement, when applied to what the Park prince was feeling. It's been two days already.

Two days of constant worry and making sure Chasgkyun had stabilized you, that your bleeding didn't start again... Two days of praying - Jimin never was really religious - at the foot of your bed and watching over you the whole night, mostly because he couldn't catch a wink of sleep after all he heard. Two days of waiting, but he'd wait a hundred years having the certainty that you were still alive. 

“Being quite honest, I was expecting General Y/N to not abide to Changkyun's recommendations, she looks stubborn like that. I just... Wished she didn't have to find out some things like that.” Kihyun scoffed by his side, running a hand through his hair in distress. Jimin only nodded beside the king in acknowledgement, not feeling exactly chatty, stomach churning as he waited once again for the healer to come out of the room where you've been carried back a couple of days back, and didn't give any sign of waking up since. Must have been quite a shock for her.

“Still no changes?” Hyungwon - as the man that was accompanying you that afternoon introduced himself - muttered, rising from the wall where he was supporting himself previously and talking to the healer that tilted his head to the sides as he left the room, closing the door behind his back. 

“She's been talking on her sleep more frequently, and has no signs of fever. Must really be stress and the loss of blood hadn't helped her case at all. The general needs to eat as soon as she wakes up.” Changkyun explained, and three sighs were heard afterwards. It irked Jimin to see Hyungwon worrying as much as him and Kihyun about you, but he surely had other matters to worry more about than his jealousy. Of course, it's a lot to have Kihyun pinning for Y/N, I didn't needed another man wanting her attention too. 

“That is good then. We need to get back to what we're doing. There's a letter from your Commander, prince Jimin.” Wonho called their attention, walking up the hallway towards them, envelope in hand. Breathing out in relief, Jimin picked the mail from the Marine General's hands, opening it quickly - fumbling as he discovered two pages together, not from the same sender - as the others gathered around him. 

‘Dear Prince, the news of your injuries and the General's death were received with deep sadness here in Park's kingdom. It pains me to see your parents this way, your mother is inconsolable. Though I am aware that the secret must prevail till further notice. 

Commander Kim is already in action after receiving the package, as he will explain in the attached letter in this one. I can completely understand why he is your General's right hand, he surely thinks fast and is efficient. 

Sonhyun fakes his displeasure well, but I heard word that he's planning a small celebration - the word used was tribute, but we all know his true meaning - in favor of the General's death. I send my wishes and pray that she recovers fast and well, and hope you maintain your well-being. 

                                Always your dear friend, Tok Mina.

Ps: I've probably discovered something about Commander Kim that interests us, but will only tell you once I make sure to be right and you're here safe in Park again.’ 

A small smile tugged at his lips hearing form his friend, nodding to himself as he finished the letter. I knew I could trust Mina with this. Jimin had sent a letter a day ago with a package attached to it for Mina, instructing her to hide it till she found an opportunity to talk to Commander Seokjin, so he could help. She's the person Sonhyun would least expect to carry a secret for me, since he - and apparently everyone else - thinks she's just a playgirl of mine. 

Shifting the letters he then went to look at the next, paper so thin her could see the shadow of his fingers behind it and reveled on the Commander's intelligence, because he did so to make the letter almost unnoticeable to the eye. 

‘Your Majesty, I've received the letter from Miss Tok's hands, and the package attached with it. Dare I say I've never thought I'd see that symbol this up close. But I can tell you that our General and I have been doing some research on it before, and as you suspected, the symbol on the skin piece is what the followers of the counselor Sonhyun have branded into their skin. 

They are a secret sect that apparently - most certainly since what Your Majesty has informed me - has plans of dethroning your father and rising as Kings themselves. 

You must be very careful with whatever you are planning, since the General's death caused a lot of havoc among the court, and we have Grief State in Park for the week. Still, my font has said that Sonhyun is planning to try and take her place as a first step, since having the army by his side would be ideal for corrupting the throne efficiently. 

About Hanjae, he was a man that was disposable. Hoseok My font also discovered he was to be killed off either way, since he was an alleged corrupt in the kingdom. It was going to serve as proof that the King had himself been corrupt and deceiving the people all this time. 

I will be waiting for further orders, but meanwhile will keep as Your Majesty promised. 

Commander Kim SeokJin.

Ps: Please take care of her, Prince. We both wouldn't survive.

Pps: I shouldn't be asking this, but... Is Miss Tok by any chance Lord Ken's daughter?’ 

His heart was aching with anger so much Jimin almost ignored the last postscriptum, making a mental note to confirm that fact later. Maybe he found out something about Mina being his correspondent? Scoffed. He knew, of course Jimin knew, but keep it to himself and let them both find each other was much more interesting. 

“So, good news?” Kihyun asked, looking anxious. Sighing, Jimin nodded slowly, passing the letter to the king. 

“Apparetly Sonhyun will cooperate with our trap. He's acting just like we predicted, even more excited than we thought. I think he had the idea that Hanjae wouldn't make it, and for sure had we paid a little more attention, he wouldn't have.” Jimin stated, as the king nodded, eyes reading through the Commander's letter. 

“I'm really sorry about that, our guards were practically all securing the ball.” General Hyunwoo apologized once again, but the prince dismissed him with a wave. 

“Don't worry about it, I understand perfectly. Perhaps if I hadn't took so long upstairs...” He trailed off, feeling his face grow hot at the memory of why he had came down later to the ball. “Either way, in the future, don't hesitate to send a letter to our kingdom when in need of more man.” Clearing his throat he shot a small smile at the general, that nodded, mimicking his gesture. Kihyun breathed in deeply, handing the letter back to Jimin. 

“Well I have the intention of merging our kingdoms soon one way or another, so perhaps with time we'll have a more prepared army than Park.” The implicit insinuation wasn't ignored by Jimin, even if the chuckle he gave indicated that. He didn't have the heart to argue or be jealous, he just wanted you to be okay and wake up. Either way, Hyungwon lightly bumped his side to cut his silliness, and General Hoseok pinched his nose a little embarrassed. 

“What out king meant is: Thank you prince Park, we'll surely contact if the occasion appears,” With a small bow, the white-haired man sighed. “And be sure that even if our forces are still little, we also offer our forces, if needed.” Completed, and Jimin bowed back, solemn. By his side, Changkyun cleared his throat. 

“Well then, if you all excuse me, I'm going to get back to the room. I've got to keep an eye for the General and stop her from getting up this time. Once I deem okay for her to take visits, only then I'll call you Majesties.” The last sentence was said pointedly, the healer's eyes widening towards his king. Kihyun pouted but then nodded, glancing to the floor rather embarrassed for the silent reprehension.

“Since we'll be having this extra time, I think it's better for all of us to retreat for a bit and rest,” the king then announced, turning to Jimin, that had a scowl forming on his face, a little stuck on not having much authority in the kingdom so he could at least demand for them to hurry and help him. “Prince, I understand you must he in a rush to work things, but I think we're all no good without proper care, and the two of us had our fair share of lost sleep. You need to recharge as much as I do.” A smile was shot towards the smaller, and with a sigh the prince felt in the obligation to agree.  

Still, Jimin couldn't help the anxiousness eating at his insides, even when he sank on the warm water tub that had been prepared for him, with an infusion of relaxing herbs on the water - with Changkyun's regards. The urge he had was to run back to his kingdom and slice Sonhyun's throat for what he was planning, but also knew things couldn't be handled that way, even if he was a prince. He must be judged by the people too. 

Getting out of his bath, he dried and headed for bed, but since it was still early and sleep hadn't arrived for him yet, he decided to give a headway for his plans. Not having further orders for Seokjin he then decided better to write to Yoongi, since the prince was unaware of all that happened till there, and having him knowing of the events was really important for the case of needed men power. Then after, he wrote for Mina, sounding as casual as he could with the letter, almost as if nothing happened, but warning clear in between lines or pure and unfiltered rant, pouring as much as he could while having Mina as his most trusted confident at the moment.

Jimin still had a lot on his chest, even after writing three pages of feelings and coded messages - back and front . He wanted to write for his mother too, to ease her of the grief, but knowing the importance of having his parents with genuine pain for the time, even if it hurt him to think of them crying over your death. It almost made him cry too, the pain inside his heart almost unbearable. 

Without thinking much, he then decided to write a letter for you. It was an old habit, where he would try to put into words whatever he thought about you, usually how wonderful it was the ache he felt while loving you but being so far. Like the others he wrote he didn't deliver it, keeping the pages in a small chest under his bed. It had been a long while since the last time he wrote, and it was made noticeable after Jimin finished the back of a fifth page and realized he had no more paper to write with. Clicking his tongue, he dropped the feather and closed the writing desk, deciding better to seal the letters by the morning. 

As soon as his head hit the pillow, even if he didn't deem himself tired at all before, Jimin's eyelids got as heavy as if weighted a ton. Relaxing his muscles, he breathed out resigned and let himself fall asleep soundly, lulled by the light rain that decided to grace the summer's night on Yoo, the pit pat of raindrops completing the spell. 

Sleeping dreamless was usual for the prince, being the only exception that afternoon on Min almost a week back. Still, he found strange to be awaken deep into the night, heart racing by the feeling of being observed. One eye peeked around, trying to see anything without making any moves, but found nothing in the visible expanse of the room. 

“Is it true?” The whispered words didn't feel real, mainly because of how aware he was of them being said in your voice. Still, Jimin turned his body around slowly, more prepared to face the void space beside him on the mattress and confirm his mind was playing tricks on him. 

“Y/N? What are you-” He tried to croak, but had the words stuck in his throat, frown taking over his expression as he locked eyes with your distressed and quietly sobbing figure and sat up as fast as he could, trying to also preserve his own modesty. You were sitting at the head of the bed by his left, using a nightgown and hair loose, tear-stained face flushed - or so he saw, since the only source of light was from the moon, light coming from a window by the other side of the bed - as you looked at him.

“My father, Jimin. Is it true what Hanjae said, that Sonhyun m-murdered him?” The sobs broke your sentences, and your eyes glanced down in embarrassment of being seen like that. The prince's heart tightened and he tried to reach out for you in an attempt of soothing you but stopped midway, hand dropping back in the mattress again. I don't want to have her take it the wrong way. 

“I... That is what he said Y/N, but we can't know for sure. But it is most likely to be true, the whole circumstances of your father's death...” Jimin wasn't able to look you in the eye as he spoke, not bearing the sight of such pain in your face. It had been so long he'd seen you cry - or demonstrate any other emotion in front of him besides indifference - that it made the prince feel raw. 

He only felt the heat of your body a second later, and for a moment was scared you had collapsed again, but your uneven sobs against his chest and fingers clawing at arms made him realize you had indeed leaned for comfort. Hesitantly, he placed his hands on your back and head, looking down thunderstruck to have you seeking him for comfort. For the second time. Thought years ago, when we received the news, Y/N didn't shed a single tear, rather asking me to make her forget... If only I knew it would be the last time. 

“I'm calling his sentence.” You decided with a shuddering voice, dry mouth even thought you were crying so much. You twisted your body, as to sit in a position that still let Jimin's arms hold you. “My father said that if he was to die, to not waste tears. He made me promise, because he was sure he'd die from old age, even if not so honorable for a man in his position, according to him. I didn't even had the chance to say goodbye but still... I didn't cry. You remember that, don't you?” Teary eyes looking up at his face and with a hard swallow the prince nodded quietly, trying to stop his head to go into detail about that day.

“You can cry those tears now, if you wish. I'll also make sure you're the hand holding the sword, once we get a hold of Sonhyun. I promise.” Your lip trembled at his proposition, but a grin still tugged at the corner of your lips. 

“If you lend me your shoulder I will, my prince. But I don't wish to kill him, even if your father decides fit. I rather have him rot in the dungeons and die forgotten by everyone, as he so much fears. Still I do ask this favor, to be the one to read the verdict.” Explained and with a sad smile, Jimin agreed. It was a simple demand and could be arranged easily, but what impressed him the most was how mature you sounded, even in your pain. He hadn't stopped loving you for a single second before, but at that moment he started to love you even more. A small 'thank you' left you, before your lips quivered once more, and your face was once again flush against his naked chest, while you resumed sobbing, all the tears you weren't able to and the ones you had held for all those years. 

Episode 298 — Black Friday & Light Beer

Photos by Max Fischer from Pexels & Tembela Bohle from Pexels

With the recent launch of the new Sony and Microsoft gaming consoles, it’s no wonder that other companies wanted to get in on the fun.  Bud Light and Miller Light provide the subject for Michael, Michael and Andy to talk about to start up this week’s episode.  For those that are under travel restrictions, whether self-imposed or not,…