wicked • 13
↳ Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince who’s heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trust…But are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?
↳ Pairing: Jungkook/reader
↳ Genre: arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, it’s kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut
Word Count: 9k
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Note: hello everyone!! it seems as though almost everyone was in favor of me posting 13 when it was finished so here it is!! I hope you enjoy it because it’s laying out some ground work for a lot more intense stuff in the next few chapters! in other news if steve harrington dies tomorrow in v2 of stranger things I will not be okay </3 so I figured it would be better to get this out tonight! enjoy!!
“Duck.”
“Ah!”
A dull throb immediately entered your back as you yelped out, dropping the wooden sword instinctively, “Hey…! That’s unfair!” You cried out as you whipped around to glare at Jungkook.
His brows pinched as he waved his own wooden sword at your abandoned one lying on the ground, “It’s not, you think someone is going to play fair during combat? And don’t drop your weapon, you’re defenseless right now, what do you think would happen during your duel at this very moment?”
Your lips quirked into a large pout as Jungkook’s expression grew more stern, “Don’t give me that look, pick up your sword.”
You huffed as you grabbed your sword once more. With your wounds fully healed, Taehyung had cleared you for training earlier this week and Jungkook had been training every morning and then once you finished with him, you’d have a break before resuming with another teacher.
Sometimes it was Hoseok or Jimin, more times than less though it was with your new bodyguard.
“You could cut her some slack,” Yoongi called out.
You had only just been introduced to him just a few days ago, Min Yoongi was one of the top class Knights serving under the royal family and he had just gotten back from a tour which he apparently served at right hand of Areum.
He was now however your personal knight and therefore followed you just about everywhere you went and attended everything you did. This included, and dare you say, it seemed as if it was his favorite part of the day.
He had been sat on a large bale of hay, lounged out as he had been watching mildly entertained for the last half hour as you got whacked left and right from your ruthless husband, “She does come from a pacifist nation, I’m sure this probably violates at least several Eunoian laws.”
“If she’s to stand any chance against Seohyun then she can’t be babied.” Jungkook grunted, slashing his sword dangerously close to your upper body as you yelped, jumping back, “Good, but you can’t dodge every attack.” He sighed before pausing, “You’ve been dodging all morning, you’ll have to try offensive eventually.”
“Against you!?” You cried out, “No offense but I’m already more bruised than an apple thanks to you. I don’t want anymore to match.”
This made a tiny smirk tug on Jungkook’s lips, “Bruising can be attractive.”
“What’s that supposed to mean!?” You leaned back at the expression on his face, mildly flustered.
“Wow.” Yoongi whistled out before chuckling.
You glanced at your personal knight before back to Jungkook, somewhat defensive yet totally lost as to what he meant, the sight of this only made Jungkook chuckle, “Nevermind that, try a few swings on me, I’ll be gentle, after all it’s your first time.” It came out like an ushered innuendo and you knew damn well it was!
“Jeon Jungkook!” You reprimanded, smack your sword against his, “You stop that!”
You weren’t sure when this started up, but ever since two weeks ago when Jungkook gifted you your pup Fenrir, you had noticed the massive uptake on ruthlessly teasing you constantly, and it was often in sexual innunedo’s that constantly made you flustered.
“Well you aren’t gonna get very far swinging like that.” Jungkook whistled out with a chuckle before he managed to twist the blade right of your hand with his own.
“This isn’t fair Jungkook!” You whined out once more, now pouting again as you crossed your arms, “I can’t even properly hold a sword and you’ve only been training the moment you could hold one.”
“I was a beginner once upon a time y’know?” Jungkook replied amused, “Maybe a lot younger than you but I was also not good with a sword either.”
“Mmm yeah I remember that actually!” Yoongi called out with a chortle, “Your maid servant flattened him to the ground, several times might I add.” Jungkook glared at him but he only kept laughing, “She was a prodigy in the making that one, it’s a shame they wouldn’t let girls participate in the academy.”
You chewed against your lip before you turned to Jungkook, “What if Wheein taught me how to swordfight?”
“Am I that bad of a teacher?” Jungkook cocked his head to the side.
“No!” You ushered out before feeling a dull ache in your back, “You’re just…very strict.” You frowned as you rubbed the sore spot on your lower back.
This made Jungkook snort, “To answer your question I wouldn’t say no, but ever since the incident with me, chances are she would decline your request. She’s very shy of the guardsmen these days.”
“Was it that bad?” You frowned, you had hard of this supposed incident a few times now but you didn’t realize it had left such a distaste in Wheein’s mouth.
This made Jungkook frown, “I don’t know, I didn’t get to witness it, just that I heard the old captain of the guard had really frightened her. She hasn’t held a sword around me since.” He nodded to Yoongi, “But if she had been allowed to train alongside us from that age on she’d easily be a prodigy.”
“Better than you?” You asked.
This made a small smile tug on Jungkook’s lips, “Perhaps. I suppose we’ll never know. Now, sword.” Jungkook gestured to your sword once more as you pouted but did as told. He then began demonstrating different ways to hit offensively.
It started out as just following his lead but he eventually led his way in doing the motion against him, it was almost like a dance, you step forward and take a hit, he’d take a step back and block, and then he’d do the same to you.
“Well, well, what is going on here?”
You both paused at the deep, pleasant voice of Areum, Jungkook’s aunt, a smile tugged on your lips as you waved to her, “My duel with Seohyun is arriving soon so…we’re trying to get as much practice in as possible.”
Areum nodded at this, “Ah yes, I’ve heard of this duel. The odds are quite against you but you seem rather determined here.” She smiled as she waved to your sword.
“More like Jungkook is determined,” You smiled back weakly, “I’m simply trying my best and to be quite frank I’ll be ready for when the duel is over.”
“It’s not much,” Jungkook sighed as he glanced at his aunt, “With her injuries having taken precedence to heal we’ve lost a lot of time to train. But it’s better than nothing, that’s what you taught us after all.”
This made Areum smile in delight as she nodded, “Even the slightest chance of victory, is still a chance.” It sounded almost like a quote as she walked closer before taking a seat on the hay bale next to Yoongi who nodded in greeting of her, “Spar with her, I want to watch.”
Jungkook frowned, “We haven’t really progressed as far as a real spar.”
Yoongi nodded, “Even an informal one, she’s still flailing quite a bit.”
Areum shook her head firmly, “Spar, I want to watch.” She stared Jungkook down before he broke contact with her, sighing.
You had become nervous meanwhile, watching them both before you replied, “Um…Does my word count for anything? Because I already have a collection of Jungkook related bruises.”
“It’ll be over quick at least.” Jungkook said but it was hardly any consolation to you as you glanced back at Areum who seemed amused but nodded encouragingly to you.
You sighed before you straightened up lifting your sword as you tapped your blade against his before backing up, but before you could even fully get into stance Jungkook had already attacked. You yelped out, barely dodging his quick agile blows as you, the very opposite of him, gracelessly jumped back.
“It’s like her body is completely rejecting the primal urge to fight.” Yoongi shook his head, watching you barely duck under Jungkook’s ruthless swing as you both switched places before jumping back once more.
Jungkook heaved a breath looking mildly annoyed, “Stop running from me.” He extended his sword back out.
“Stop trying to hit me!” You cried back as you cowarded away from him.
He immediately swung at you once more but this time even more fierce than before, only this time he managed to knock the sword from your hand, grabbing it only to yank you close, an arm wrapping around you waist and the taunt wood of the faux blade met with your neck and Jungkook’s warm breath tickling your face, “I didn’t even hit you.”
“Yeah you were only trying to take off my head.” You ushered back, this made him snort however as he let you go lowering his blade before he stuck it into the ground while looking at Areum.
She hummed in thought as she grabbed her chin, “Well, dodging is her strong suit for sure.”
This made Yoongi cover a laugh as Jungkook sighed pressing his hand to his forehead.
You rubbed your neck bashfully as you shrugged, “I don’t want to hurt you or anyone else.”
“Y/n…” Jungkook sighed once more, “I don’t think you could hurt me even if you tried.”
“Ugh can someone help me with this?” Jimin had just appeared from down the slope where he and Hoseok seemed to have been trying to hit a knife into a tree rather high up with a rope attached to it.
They had been there all morning and Jungkook had quickly told you to not be distracted by them so you had since been ignoring them.
“Can you not do one simple task Jimin?” Jungkook asked, whirling around at him in annoyance.
“Why must god always choose his strongest soldiers for their hardest tasks.” Jimin lamented dramatically, “It’s hardly simple my Prince, have you seen this pitiful knife?” He showed it off and it was indeed small, “And have you seen that tree? It’s awfully big.”
“Isn’t that just a clothing line to dry the guards clothes on?” Yoongi asked while rubbing his head.
Jimin glared at him sharply as Yoongi put his hands up in surrender, “Nevermind me.”
“What are you trying to do?” You asked, peering out from behind Jungkook.
Jimin, delighted, held out his hands to you, “Are you volunteering Princess?”
“Jimin.” Jungkook growled out lowly, planting a firm foot in front of you.
Your lips quirked a little as you looked up at Jungkook before you replied, “I’d love to help of course, you just have to tell me what it is you can’t accomplish.”
“You are still training.” Jungkook crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing down on you.
You quirked a brow, “And I am taking a break to help a friend.” You stepped out from behind Jungkook as Jimin clapped his hands in glee before he excitedly gestured you down the hill, offering a hand out to you to help you down.
You gladly took it as he walked you over to Hoseok who sighed, “This is embarrassing.” He muttered.
“It’s not! Tell me, what’s had you both troubled all morning.” You smiled as you clasped your hands together, thin bandages wrapped around them, concealing your newly healed skin, you didn’t have to wear these. But truthfully you just weren’t to let everyone see all the damage that had been done to your hands.
“We can’t get the knife to stick into the wood,” Hoseok sighed, rubbing his neck, “And it’s not that it won’t stick but more like…we just can’t get the aiming quite right. I don’t know why Jimin brought you, I asked for specifically for Jungkook.”
“The Prince was giving me a hard time,” Jimin complained, “Besides our Princess here offered to help, who was I to decline her?”
You shrugged, “Give it to me.” You gestured as Hoseok somewhat hesitant handed his own knife to you, you noted the hole at the base of metal, a rope looped into it, “And, can you show me how to throw it?” You looked at Jimin who nodded.
He took a few steps back as you mirrored him, the tree was quite tall and round but all of it’s limbs were high up, making it unclimbable which is why they must only have the choice of throwing.
“Alright m’lady, throwing 101, normally you’d hold the blade end of the knife like this,” Jimin demonstrated it to you, “The weight of the butt of the knife is what gives it the momentum and power it needs to stick into its target. However, you noticed the rope here.” He tapped it as you nodded, “Which means we can’t do that, so instead we um…we’ve just been trying to do it like this.”
Jimin shrugged as he gestured to Hoseok who cleared himself out of the way, choosing to stand behind you both before Jimin held the knife back, throwing all of his power into the throw. The knife shot more like an arrow but it seemed to land too low.
And rather then stick into the bark it bounced right off.
This however made you thick of something, “Say…” You gently elbowed Jimin for his attention, “Perhaps this is a stupid question but um…have you both thought about just using a bow?”
Both Hoseok and Jimin looked at one another wide eyed before Hoseok groaned, “I’ll be right back.”
“Welp,” Jimin clacked his tongue, “This was a wasted morning. You can still give it a go if you want.”
You let out a small laugh as you held the knife examining it before you shrugged, mirroring the way Jimin held it before giving it a powerful throw. Jimin’s lips parted immediately before he looked at you, before back at the tree, then back to you once more, “You’re a hell of a shot Princess.”
You felt pride fill your chest as you crossed your arms at your handiwork, you had managed to hit it right in the knot that Jimin had attempted too, you have the rope a good tug but the knife wouldn’t be falling out anytime soon.
Hoseok had just come back out with the bow when his lips parted, “Seriously!?” He complained at Jimin.
“Don’t look at me!” Jimin cried out, “The Princess was the one that did it, her first try too!” He boasted for you as you waved your hands at him to stop talking, now feeling shy under the attention.
It was just beginner's luck!
Areum from a distance hummed out with a pleased expression as she stood next to Jungkook, “There you go, you found her strong suit.”
Jungkook shook his head reluctantly, “Good aim won’t help her in a sword duel.” Jungkook sighed as he ran a hand through his hair with a mutter, “What were the odds that she’d be good with a bow?”
“Apparently enough that she’d actually be good with one.” Areum replied as she looked down at her nephew amused, “Just because it’s not a conventional skill doesn’t mean it can’t be utilized.” She smiled cunningly, “Think of my words little nephew, you’re smarter than this.” She continued in a sing song tone as she walked away.
Jungkook only sighed, running his hand through his hair. He could only hope his aunt’s faith wasn’t misplaced.
“Archery?” You whirled around, gathering your cloak to fully wrap it around yourself, the tree’s had been turning hues of oranges and red’s these days as Autumn had fully arrived and truthfully, autumn just might be your favorite season in Penumbra.
The air had arrived with a cool nip these days and so you had begun dressing more warmly to keep the cold at bay, this was new to you however, winters in Penumbra were cool but never cold.
“Yes,” Jungkook replied, throwing the stick, a very large one far as Fenrir chased after it with a loud bark, “Sword training will continue of course, but you clearly show good promise with a bow, beginners luck doesn’t exist on something like that.”
You thought of his words but you were interrupted by Fenrir who dropped the stick in front of you, bright blue eyes perked at the sight of you looking at him as he barked again, panting as he stuck his tongue, eager for another throw.
Laughing a little you grabbed the stick before throwing it, Fenrir immediately chased after the stick, disappearing into the field of wheat that had filled the meadow.
“Well…I suppose if you think I’d be good at it,” You replied, still pondering on his words, “I still don’t get it though, shouldn’t I be focusing solely on swordsmanship? It was you who said I need only be good at it, but the best at it.”
Jungkook sighed as he shifted his weight, “Yes I know what I said.”
“But…?”
Jungkook glanced away from you, “I’d rather you focus on something you’re naturally good at in case a time for self defense might be needed, I know your duel is important, and we’ll continue to work on swords work. But if war ever breaks out again-”
“It won’t,” You cut him off as you shook your head, he said nothing though as your gaze hardened, “Our marriage was to ensure that didn’t happen, within our lifetime at least.”
Fenrir dashed back through the field once more, blissfully unaware of the more somber tone in the air as Jungkook heaved a breath stepping closer to you as he spoke, “We agreed to that yes, but I don’t know…” He shook his head, “There’s been a lot of stirrings from the West and with what happened at Mabon afoot still…” Jungkook’s gaze hardened, “The last thing I want is war, but more than anything I need you to be prepared and safe if it happens. I won’t be able to stay by your side if the war cannons go off.”
Just him talking about this had your hands trembling in anxiety, the distant memory of the mourning bells being rung, the bodies…”That would be a war crime if they broke the rite of peace.” You whispered out.
Jungkook smiled mirthlessly as he nodded with a whisper of his own, “It wouldn’t be a first for them.” He frowned, “I’m not saying war will break out, it most likely won’t. But still, in Penumbra we’re always prepared.”
“I…I understand.” You lowered your gaze sadly, “I just hope you’re right, that war doesn’t break out again.”
“We all hope,” Jungkook answered solemnly, “The people can’t go through the five year war again. They would rise to the occasion if needed but we’re just entering an era for peace, where they feel they can enjoy their lives. It wouldn’t be fair to take that from them.” Jungkook stared out over the valley where the capitol expanded in the distance.
You shuddered a little as you tightened the cloak around yourself, Jungkook’s eyes trailed to your figure as he sighed, “Let’s get you back into the castle, you’re cold.”
“I’m okay.” You replied, “But it is a bit brisk out here,” The wind was what made it feel so nippy out today, “How cold does it get in the Winter here?”
“Have you ever seen snow?” Jungkook had a small smile as he asked, kneeling down where Fenrir had laid down out of boredom, he quickly popped back up however, grabbing his stick and dropping it in front of Jungkook.
Fenrir however quickly forgot about the stick though as Jungkook stroked his fur with a good pat.
“I’ve heard of the snow.” You smiled sheepishly, “Oh…! I remember one Yule we spent at Kimhae, it started flurrying and I kept chasing the snowflakes trying to catch one on my tongue. None of it stuck though.”
“It all sticks here,” Jungkook replied as he rubbed Fenrir’s head, “By the feet, we’ll be buried in snow by the time Yule is close…” He stood up, “Speaking of…have you given any more thought to going to Kimhae for Yule?”
You raised your brows in semi surprise, “You’d be willing to go?”
“Had I not made that clear to begin with?” Jungkook titled his head, somewhat confused by your surprise.
You let out a wry smile, “Well it’s just…given your…distaste for Seokjin I would’ve thought you wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him.”
Jungkook snorted, rolling his eyes, “Truthfully I could care less about him, but I’m asking you what you want to do.”
You had given the situation a lot of thought and weighed what the pro’s and con’s would be, because you knew if you went, you’d have to face Seokjin again and…well…You had changed a lot. You weren’t sure if you were ready to talk to him yet.
“Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind, then I would like to go,” You smiled gently, “I really do miss my mother and I just heard back from her that she would be attending with my father.” You had ended up writing a letter to your mother and it was originally to ask her about Yule.
But well, it ended up being a very long rambling letter detailing your experiences in Penumbra and how greatly you missed her, and you just barely remembered to ask about the Yule ball.
Jungkook nodded, “Then we’ll go,” He offered his arm out to you as you hooked your own around it as he called for Fenrir who quickly began to trot ahead of you both, “I’ll start planning our travel arrangements.”
Making your way back to the stables Fenrir whined at the sight of his pen, circling back around behind you making you pout, “I know you don’t want to but I’ll be back out later.” You pressed a kiss on his snout as he whined once more but followed the gesture of your hand into the pen, tail between his legs before he curled up in the small pile of blankets you had brought out for him.
“With how dramatic he acts you’d think we hurt him,” Jungkook scoffed as he shook his head at the admittedly pathetic sight before he closed the pen gate.
“He is hurt!” You pouted, “I still don’t understand why he can’t be in the castle with us- in Eunoia-”
“He’s an ashe wolf Y/n.” Jungkook chided in.
“But in Eunoia-!”
“Yes I know in Eunoia,” Jungkook placed a hand on your waist, pulling you from the pen and towards the gates, “But he is an ashe wolf.” He emphasized, “You saw his mother, and he’s only going to grow bigger than her in time. He can’t be in the castle.”
This made you sulk as you crossed your arms as you mumbled, “We could make him fit…”
Jungkook was about to make a snarky comment as you both stepped inside the courtyard but his words seemed to be lost at the sight of what looked like a rush of people all about.
You looked at Jungkook in mild concern but his eyes only hardened at the sight from the main doors where an older man waved off three maids that fled from him in fear and shrieks.
Hoseok had appeared behind him, trying to say something to the man but he only flailed him away with a snap, “I don’t give a damn about decorum boy, I have a job to do!”
“Who is that?” You asked as you shifted a little closer to Jungkook.
His eyes narrowed on the elder man as he spoke, “Han Di Jin, the Wolf of the West.” Jungkook shook his head, “He was the old captain of the guard, but since he retired he took to bounty hunter work, that's how he earned his title.”
“...Then what is he doing here?”
Jungkook frowned, “Well, clearly they’ve decided to make your assassination as a priorty.”
“It’s been nearly a month since the assassionation, what’s the meaning of this father?” Jungkook’s eyes burned into his father’s as he sat across from him at the war table.
Due to you being in charge of heading the operation for rebuilding the Market district, you usually met up with Jeong Dae- much to your displeasure, as the King had anointed him as your mentor and overhead of the project.
Any concerns would be brought to him rather than the king himself. What you hadn’t expected was to find both your husband and father in law already in the War Room with Jeong Dae, but rather than shoo you away Dae Seong only gestured you to sit.
And so here you were, awkwardly waiting for them to be done with this as you folded your hands, looking anywhere but at the two men staring one another down.
“We finally have the resources to give to the investigation.” Dae Seong shrugged off his son’s brewing expression, “You should be happy, after you threw such a tantrum last month I thought this would please you.”
Jungkook’s lips twitched and this made you shift in your chair beside him, he looked anything but happy at the moment.
“The assassin has had a month to leave this kingdom,” Jungkook replied with a low sneer, “You wanted to chastise me about wasting resources last time we discussed this but you choose to do this a month later?”
Dae Seong stirred in his chair and he mirrored the very same expression as Jungkook, the only difference being you had slowly begun to find out that the king had a much bigger temper than his son.
“The boy has a point,” Jeong Dae had cut in methodically, leaned back in his chair and for once he hadn’t seemed to be butting into the conversation until now, “If we wanted to catch this assassin then we should have struck whilst the iron was hot. But alas my brother, you choose to have us focus on the pest of a beast.”
Your lips twitched, just barely at the comment.
Dae Seong also seemed annoyed by this comment but not for the reason you were, “Yes, and who decided to botch my kill?” He sneered back as he glared at Jungkook who chose to not reply to that, making the king relent, “Nobody leaves this kingdom without my knowledge which means the assassin still resides here and Da Jin will find him.”
Your gaze met Jungkook’s in silence and neither of you said anything for a long moment. Partly because Jungkook had told you that the assassin had already made his escape, two weeks ago. Why he had chosen to not let this information reach his father was a question you hadn’t even thought to ask.
Partly because you assumed the king had known this.
“Well what is with those looks?” Jeong Dae called out the exchange making you both break eye contact.
Jungkook shook his head, “Very well. But I don’t want Di Jin snooping about the castle and disrupting the servants daily activities, he already caused a stir this morning.”
“He will do his job as he needs.” Dae Seong replied firmly, “As I believe the killer could be residing within these very walls.”
This made your brows raise in surprise, you didn’t realize the king had the same line of thought as Jungkook…or he did a month ago. Jungkook said nothing before he finally nodded as he ran a hand through his hair, “Very well.” He muttered. “If that is all I have duties I must attend.”
Dae Seong stood up along side him as he waved him off, “Yes that is all, and I will have you both know that Di Jin will be having family dinner with us on sundays as he is a guest in our castle, so be on your best behavior.”
He eyed you in particular as you gave a weak smile and nod.
“Yes, yes they aren’t children,” Jeong Dae shoo’d his brother, “Now I must talk to the Princess about the rebuilding project so if you both don’t mind…”
You dimmed at his words, ah yes that was right, that was the reason you were here to begin with, after all.
You had begun working on hiring for the project to rebuild the market just last week, unfortunately your supervisor for this was Jeong Dae, so any questions you had or arrangements had to be passed by him.
You cleared your throat as you shifted upright in your seat a little more, “We just finished hiring the last of the men for the project we’ll be starting next week as planned on construction, I just need to start meeting with some of the business owners and discussing what needs to be where. If all goes to plan we should be finished by the end of Spring.”
“Good,” Jeong Dae replied with a nod, “Speak with the court businesses first, since they are patrons to our family they will get first pick of their spaces.”
You nodded at this, it made sense and so you began making notes with the spare paper that was on the table, “Is there a particular last name I should do first? I don’t want to step on anyone's toes whilst doing this project.”
The project hadn’t even been started and yet you had received several letters from various court members requesting many different things, extra space then what was originally given to you to work with, extra budget for their own compensation lost in the fire. Three aristocrats had even went as far as to give you a detailed list of flooring, chandeliers they wanted, and various other things that made your head ache.
You looked down the list with a sigh, while some of these things were very helpful to you so you could estimate how to manage your budget, many of these things were not what you considered necessary for their shops.
Jeong Dae sat on your words for a long moment before he replied, “It matters not, though some are more pushy than others. Mistakes are not easily overlooked in this court however so be on your best behavior girl.”
This made you sharply inhale as you looked up at him, his tone not appreciated, you were just trying to make sure to not offend anyone, “I’ll keep that in mind,” You resisted the urge to bicker however, you just wanted to be done with this so you could get back to work.
Ever since the king had put you in charge of this project, and with your upcoming duel, it seemed your days of wandering about and free time were over, it felt like you never had a moment to yourself anymore.
“And,” You paused, feeling this was a stupid question but you just wanted to make sure, “How much of this is actually necessary to a building? Many of the court business are requesting…” You shook your head in disdain, “Rather lavish items…”
“Such as?” Jeong Dae replied.
You handed the list you had written down, neatly sectioned off the supplies requested under each surname, Jeong Dae skimmed through the list before he replied, “None seems that awfully lavish.”
Your brows raised in surprise at this, “Really…?”
You were a Princess, to say you hadn’t lived a life of certain privilege and luxury in itself would be a lie, but you had also been taught your whole life that these things were never a need but a blessing. Not to mention they were never prioritized if something in the villages was of higher priority.
“Bit of advice girl,” Jeong Dae leaned in, his eyes darkening a little, “If you want to be accepted into this court, then you must be willing to extend your hand as a friend to the court. Let them have their little luxuries, and they will in return give you theirs.”
You frowned at this, “I understand but it’s hardly fair to all the other-”
“Are they the court?”
“...No..” You didn’t like this one bit, shifting in your seat as you refused to look at him any longer. So much of your budget would be thrown out though when it could be used to help those more in need. Could the aristocrats not afford their own luxuries? Because it looked as if they could.
“Correct. You are the Crowned Princess of Penumbra,” Jeong Dae nodded with a stern look, “You care for my nephew yes?”
The question made your head snap back to meet Jeong Dae’s eyes as you flailed a little, flustered by his words, “I…Um…Yes?”
It came out a little uncertain but Jeong Dae didn’t miss a beat, “Then don’t make a fool of his name. Our meeting is concluded, meet with me once more after you’ve made your arrangements with the court businesses.”
And with that Jeong Dae left the room leaving you still sitting as you groaned softly, sinking deep into your seat. You had been trained for the duties of a queen growing up, it happened naturally but still, nothing could have ever prepared you for this.
“It is quite the predicament.” Wheein hummed as she prepared you for bed.
You had asked her opinion on what Jeong Dae had told you, as it had been bothering you all day that you had spent rearranging and playing around with the budget to see if there was any way to cut corners.
And as it would turn out, you could but…With the way it would be done, you had a feeling they wouldn’t be happy about it.
“I don’t know if it would be appropriate to give how I feel on the matter though Princess,” Wheein frowned softly, looking at you in the mirror reflection, “Other then you must do what you think it best, and truthfully it would make me happy to see you integrating into the court better.”
You slumped in your seat a little at this, “Even if it means unfairly elevating the court members.”
Wheein gave you a brief scolding look as you crossed your arms, “That’s how the world works unfortunately m’lady, you know this just as well as I do…”
“Yes I know,” You replied, trying to not sulk about it, “I still don’t like it though.”
Eunoia wasn’t perfect by any means, if your kingdom’s past was anything to go by your people had once upon committed grave sins, and your family was by any means not always perfect, you knew the court always had slight favor over the people, this was how it had always been. But then again you couldn’t really compare the two.
Eunoia viewed materialism very differently than any other countries, luxuries crafted of fine wear and materials weren’t seen as musts or needs by your people, and most often let go of materialism altogether to transcend their human side to tune into the dryad nature.
“Perhaps you’ll find a solution that fits everyone's needs,” Wheein offered a small smile however at your glum expression, “I have faith in you m’lady, the right course will come to you.”
“You truly think so?” You asked meekly as you looked up at the mirror once more.
Wheein now smiled brightly as she nodded firmly, “Of course, I don’t have a doubt about it.”
She just finished with your hair before standing you up to get you changed as you asked, “How has your mother been? I’ve noticed you’ve been at the castle more lately.”
Wheein smiled a bit shy this time, “She’s recovering well! I think by next week I’ll be able to fully return to my duties, I can’t thank you enough for giving me so much time to tend to my family. My brothers…” She sighed before sadly shaking her head, “They’re still touring with the Eastward movement, so I’m all my mother has left.”
You frowned softly at this, “What about your father?”
Wheein’s expression dimmed, “He died during the war. After he passed my eldest brother Yeonjun ended up enlisting since the military promised grain and oil to the families who did, the rest of them followed right after. I went to the castle for work to help pick up slack as well.”
“I’m sorry.” You ushered softly.
“It’s not your fault m’lady,” Wheein offered a weak smile, “It’s just the world we live in. But I do thank you for being so understanding, many in the court are…” She frowned, “Rather callous. It often has the maids not wanting to linger anytime they aren’t serviced to a certain person.”
You thought on this, remembering back to when you first arrived. Anytime you’d thank any of the maids of staff they always had a certain look of surprise on their face before hurrying away. Back then you assumed it was because nobody here liked you but now…
“It doesn’t surprise me, unfortunately.” You hummed out, “I’m just glad to hear your mother is doing better, I do miss your company.” You offered a meek smile at this.
“As do I m’lady.” Wheein gave you one last smile as she finished changing you, “This should be it, is there anything else you might need from me before I go?”
“No, this is fine, thank you.” You nodded with a smile, dismissing her as she gave a curtsey before departing.
You had made yourself comfortable in bed before you began your nightly reading and Jungkook had come in not too long after you started with Taehyun in tow behind him, “It’s annoying.”
“Well he is your father Sire.” Taehyun rubbed his head making you snort quietly as you watched the two squabble.
“Doesn’t make him immune to stupidity,” Jungkook rolled his eyes before looking at you, “Di Jin was mucking about with all the court ladies. Apparently under bounty hunter business. Unbelievable.”
“What does your father have to do with that?” You asked.
Jungkook flared his nostrils as if just the thought infuriated him, “Because I was somehow the one that got scolded for interrupting his business, when he didn’t even have any to begin with!”
Taehyun began changing him as he spoke, “Well they are old war veterans, it’s probably why he gives him so much leniency.”
“Yeah,” Jungkook huffed, “I’m aware. Still doesn’t make it anymore annoying, just the very fact that he chose to do this a month after the assassination is like a slap in the face.”
“Well at least he isn’t trying to waste your time anymore with it and hired Di Jin instead,” You offered a weak smile in consolation.
Jungkook only gave you an expression making you frown, “...Right?”
Taehyun spoke up instead, “Sire has been requested to relinquish any information he has to Di Jin and to help with anything he might request need of.”
Jungkook groaned at the words once more as he closed his eyes, pulling the fine silk top over his head revealing the muscle glad skin beneath. This made you clear your throat, eyes immediately dropping to your book.
This had become a nightly routine and you had become acquainted with this side of Jungkook over the course of the last few weeks, much to your surprise he was actually quite a lot more opinionated than he ever actually spoke.
You supposed this shouldn’t have surprised you as much as it did, but it couldn’t be helped you had noticed since knowing his thoughts that he actually holds his tongue a lot during meetings with the court, but it always looked like he had to bite it back when you paid close attention to his expressions.
They were always so subtle in shift that if one didn’t know him well, they wouldn’t even be able to tell.
“Relinquish all information…?” You frowned, knowing the obvious discrepancy here.
Jungkook only shook his head, “How would they know that I know more?”
This made you frown, “Jungkook…”
“How would they know?” He asked, defending himself as he had clearly not told Di Jin that he discovered the assassin had escaped a long while ago, “They won’t, don’t give me that look.”
You crossed your arms at this, “Is he always like this.” You looked at Taehyun.
“Well don’t bring me into this,” Taehyun complained, not liking both sets of eyes on him like this, “But to answer your question, yes, he’s always-”
“You’re dismissed Kang.” Jungkook cut through his words like paper.
Taehyun sighed before shaking his head, giving a bow to you both before he departed.
“So what did you tell Di Jin then?” You asked as you watched the door close before turning back to Jungkook who had been rolling up the sleeves of his sleep shirt to his elbows before he sat down in bed beside you, “What he already knew, which was we had no leads.”
“But perhaps it would be better to tell him that the assassin already escaped…I mean, that’s the only person who would have breached the border right?” You asked.
This made Jungkook frown, “I can’t say for sure, but that would be the only person I could think of that would go to that length to leave the country. It’s not that I don’t want to tell him, but I’m still uncertain.”
“Of what?” You asked.
“Of who sent the assassin,” Jungkook shook his head, “Who’s to say Di Jin wasn’t summoned here to try and make things worse?”
This made you frown before you looked down at your book which had been abandoned in your lap, “So many things are uncertain right now…I thought us getting married was supposed to fix everything.”
This made Jungkook briefly smile as he shook his head, “It’s never that simple princess, even you knew that.”
“Yes, I just didn’t think I’d live this long afterwards truthfully,” You puffed a breath, somewhat pouty, “What a mess.”
“A mess indeed,” Jungkook nodded before grabbing your book, “How about we not talk this over for the thousandth time though, how is the project coming along? I heard from Jeong Dae your having some difficulties.”
“Oh, did you now?” You frowned, not pleased with Jeong Dae running his mouth about you, and this didn’t surpass Jungkook as he raised a brow, “...It’s not a difficulty more like…Something I’m just having to accept.”
You shifted a little before you sighed and explained to him what you were struggling with, “And I have to start my meetings tomorrow with the court businesses so I need to make a decision tonight on what I want to do.”
Jungkook hummed as he crossed his arms, “It is a difficult position to be put in,” He shifted, “But truthfully, I don’t think it matters what you do.”
“...You don’t?” You frowned, somewhat confused.
He nodded, “The court is a fickle sort, they’ll find a reason to make things difficult for you regardless, I know this because I work with them every day. So, I’d advise you do what you want to do because it won’t matter.”
“But Jeong Dae said-”
“He says a lot of stuff,” Jungkook rolled his eyes, “Don’t take his words too heart, he means well but he’s dated in his opinions.”
You sighed as you fiddled with the edge of your blanket, “I just don’t want to mess up…”
“Messing up is part of learning,” Jungkook replied, “Embrace it, don’t fear it, you’ll do just fine.”
You could only hope Jungkook was right.
The door shut with a resounding click and you could hear laughter on the other side as you sighed deeply. Slumping in your chair as you pressed your hands into your face.
“Do you think that was the right choice?” You asked, afraid to even look up at Yoongi.
He had stood behind your chair the entire morning, having not even complained once about how boring this had to be for him to accompany you with.
Yoongi frowned at this scratching his cheek, “Personally? I don’t think you could’ve done much better Princess, the court can be particularly cold to outsiders. Especially given you’re apart of it now.”
You had been meeting with the royal businesses all morning and it had gone just about how you expected it too, most were outright furious when they had read off the list you’d be willing to provide for them and some of the things they had said to you was simply outright cruel.
You however had stood your ground with the whole lot of them, saying that either they would accept this, or find business within another district.
Some however, had still found a way to get the last laugh just as those ladies had, snidely dropping a line about how they had seen your husband with Seohyun just this morning, and clearly the look on your face was enough of a pay off for them after you broken the news that you’d only pay for half of the luxury renovations they wanted.
“You shouldn’t let their words bother you either,” Yoongi spoke once more at the sight of your somber expression, “I’m sure if the Prince was with Seohyun, it would have been in concern for the duel.”
You wringed your hands in worry as you nodded, “Yes, yes you’re right. I just…” You sighed as you shook your head, “They have much history together…” You mumbled, you didn’t want to sound insecure, but it was true they had much history together and you weren’t sure where Jungkook stood on his feelings when it came to her and well…his feelings when it came to you.
Something had certainly grown inside you whenever you thought of him these days, something that buzzed with a warm fuzzy glow and it made you nervous.
You had originally wanted to simply get along and be his friend, but you were now beginning to fear that he had somehow managed to corrupt even that simple want you had. It was in the little things, how you’d both sit together but just a hair too far apart for your liking.
How when you stood next to him your fingers would twitch in want to hold his hand, or hook your arm around his, it was like an insatiable itch.
And so whenever Seohyun had come up in conversation in relation to Jungkook, you had found yourself a bit more sensitive to it these days than you used to be.
“They do,” Yoongi hummed, “But not a good kind in my humble opinion.”
You shook your head with a frown as you glanced down at your ring finger, a beautiful shining onyx- what Namjoon told you was the stone of Penumbra, adorned it. It was your wedding band, you hadn’t bothered to wear it for a long while.
But you had stumbled across it in your jewelry box last week and couldn’t resist the urge to wear it proudly, even if the delicate lace gloves covered up your hands, you hoped maybe one day this ring would give you the courage to freely show off the scars that now stained your skin.
“Sometimes, we cling to bad history because it’s familiar,” You mumbled once more, perhaps a bit sulky, “I’m sorry Yoongi, I don’t mean to bore you with all of this.”
You decided to stir the conversation away from Jungkook, “I’m sure a knight of your status would do much better with Jungkook and the others right now.”
This made Yoongi chuckle as he shifted beside your chair, “Truthfully m’lady I am very tired of that work, politics aren’t my strong suit but I do enjoy being away from manual labor for once. You shouldn’t worry about me. Was that our last business of the day?”
Glancing down at your list you nodded, “Yes I believe so, arrangements have been worked out though so now I’ll need to head over to the library and start working some more numbers and then putting in orders for supplies.”
You had just stood up from your chair when there was a knock on the door making you glance at Yoongi in semi surprise, you were almost certain you had no more meetings with anyone else.
Yoongi frowned at this as he stepped up to the door, opening it before spoke in surprise, “Di Jin, I didn’t expect to see you lingering about here.”
The elder man moved forward in an attempt to step into the room, “I’m here to speak with the Princess, boy, so if you don’t mind leaving us for a moment.”
Yoongi’s expression dropped into something much less friendly, “I’ve strict orders to not leave the Princess alone.”
“Under whose orders?” Di Jin challenged him.
Yoongi’s lip twitched in annoyance, “...The Princes.” He looked away as if knowing something.
This made Di Jin laughed, “Then I do believe my orders from the King supersede yours. Now, if you don’t mind.”
Yoongi looked as if he was ready to argue with the older man but you had walked over, graciously holding up a hand, “It’s okay,” You gave him a timid smile, “I’m sure Mr. Han won’t be too long…?”
You glanced at Di Jin who gave a sharp smile, “Certainly not Your Highness.”
Yoongi shuffled in his spot, his eyes narrowing on Di Jin, “Very well.” He turned to you, his eyes brimmed with concern, “I’ll be waiting outside the door if you need anything m’lady.” He gave you a small bow before stepping out of the room and closing the door.
You cleared your throat, trying to not let the tall man intimate you as you turned around, offering a small smile, “Well, let’s have a seat shall we? What can I help you with Mr Han?”
Di Jin sat across from you, his expression having gone cold making you do a double take as he spoke gruffly, “This will not take long girl so let me be frank with you,” He leaned forward in his seat, “If I catch even the slightest of evidence that you’re conspiring against our nation, I will not hesitation to let the King know.”
Your lips parted for a full second, trying to comprehend what he just said to you- not just said, but threatened! Anger quickly replaced confusion as you scoffed, “I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t play dumb with me girl,” Di Jin sneered as he leaned forward in his chair, pointing an accusing finger at you, “Your little kingdom may have helped our predecessors, but lets not forget the savage nation of Celestial that once devoured their own kin. The very same that had been conjoined with Kimheavan before they split. It’s well known even after the nation split they still kept good terms, is it not true?”
Your lips twisted in disgust, “That was a long time ago.” Your nation didn’t have the prettiest history, that was true, but to be immediately accused for something your ancestors did and conspired was atrocious at the very least, “And I’ll have you know Mr Han that if I was conspiring against Penumbra I certainly wouldn’t have had my own assassination planned out!” You snapped.
Di Jin was about to speak but you cut him off immediately, “I may be considered an outsider and you may have your orders from the king but that does not make me less of a royal family member, no less the royal Crowned Princess, so heed my words and get out of my sight. Now. Or shall I go consort with the King to make sure these were his orders for you to threaten me?”
Di Jin’s glare could rain hellfire and yet your glare didn’t cease on him as he gruffly stood up, “Watch yourself girl.” Was all he said before exiting.
Yoongi quickly stepped back inside, brush the thick black strands of bangs from his eyes in concern, “Is everything okay Your Highness?”
You stood up from your chair as you sighed before shaking your head, “Something is certainly afoot, that is for sure.”
Yoongi frowned at this as he crossed his arms, “Shall we report this to the Prince then?”
You shook your head, “No…” You sighed at the confused expression Yoongi had at your words, “Jungkook is dealing with enough as it is, this will surely send him over the edge.”
“I do hope you plan to tell him eventually, his Highness will not like it whenever he hears of this.” Yoongi asked.
“Of course,” You gave him a soft smile, “When the time is right.”
“You’ve been awfully quiet this evening.”
The words were ushered out soft as you glanced up at Jungkook who hadn’t met your gaze, his eyes still on the letter he had been reading, but despite his focus you were beginning to learn that he was quite the observant person.
You had been reading in bed the whole evening and had kept to yourself, attempting to relax and let yourself rest well before tomorrow came.
“I’m trying to not let myself feel anxious.” You finally spoke after a long moment, shifting from under the covers of the bed, “The duel is tomorrow morning and I’ve hardly had any training.”
Jungkook didn’t reply for a long minute, finishing his reading before he set his letter down, he had spent the evening buried in work that he had been lacking on finishing the whole week, and therefore you hadn’t wanted to bother him.
“That may be true but you’re stronger than you think,” Jungkook finally answered, leaning back in his chair as he looked at you from across the room, “Surely in Eunoia you have some form of fighting tactic.”
Jungkook stood up before making his way over to the bed, taking a seat beside you as he sighed, “I admit, your kingdom baffles me. I don’t understand how a nation could willingly lay down arms and trust that another nation won’t seize the opportunity to destroy them.”
You shifted in bed to face him, thinking on his words and how to describe Eunoia the best way you could, “Well, perhaps it would be best to maybe explain how our kingdom once was. Do you know of it?”
Jungkook shook his head, “I know very little of it truthfully,” He admitted, “When I was a boy my father didn’t permit me to learn much else other than what pertained to our kingdom.”
“Before we became Eunoia, we were once known as Celestial, self named after the King Devourer late Queen Celestia the Forth. When the Dryad’s first disappeared our kingdom…” You shook your head somberly, “Our kingdom spiraled into madness, and many rose up, hungry for power. It was said that Queen Celestia believed to restore our blood to that of a full dryad, we must devour our own kin.”
“Devour…?” Jungkook frowned at this.
You lowered your head in shame as you nodded, “Yes, she believed that once we devoured our kin, it would restore our blood to anew….” Your nose wrinkled at the thought, “...It’s how she became the late queen and earned her unsavory title…”
“And how did that era end?” Jungkook asked curiously.
“Well by the lower people,” You replied, thinking back to when your mother had first explained your kingdom’s history to you, “Though everyone’s blood ran the same, the Aristocrats believed those who deserved to be devoured where the lower class and so a revolt started and the people fought back. It was a war zone from end to end in my kingdom, flesh being severed and ate as if we were nothing more than animals. Eventually the civil war ended when the low class dragged Celestia from her hold and executed her.”
“It was as if she put the entire kingdom under a spell, because once she was killed, it’s said that it was as if everyone woke up from a deep slumber and realized what they had done.” You stared at your hands, marred and skin discolored from scarring, “They anointed Galadria their new Queen, she had lead the revolt against Celestia and was the one to execute her. Disgusted by what the nation had become Galadria had made a promise to our ancestor king, the Dryad’s, to return our homeland to what it once was. Focused on that of our inner selves, combined into one with nature, and Eunoia was born from that bloody war.”
You folded your arms as you continued, “Weapons were discarded because back in the Age of Celestia they were often used to dismember others in preparation to be devoured. It’s been only a little more than a hundred years now, so the wounds are still fresh, people who lived through that horror are still alive today. It’s not that we refuse to use weapons, but they still leave a distaste in everyone’s mouth.”
“I see,” Jungkook hummed as he absorbed the information, “But surely there’s criminal activity in Eunoia, how would that be handled then?”
“Well there is in any kingdom,” You smiled wryly at this, “But in Eunoia they are apprehended without the need for a blade. When they’re caught they’re put into indentured service, working for the community out in the fields, but during this they also get put into a housing lot where they can still slowly make their living, have the opportunity to learn skills.”
“Criminals are still people, they have a reason to act out the way they did in the first place. It’s our duty as the royal family to provide them an alternative to that, to help them. Not punish them.” You answered, “It’s not perfect, sometimes people are just too far gone to help. In that case we have no choice but to banish them from the premise of our lands.”
You thought of your words for a moment before speaking once more, “Oftentimes Kimhae had no problems stepping in if it was ever needed, but that was rare more times than not.”
“Well,” Jungkook hummed out, “That does give some perspective. I didn’t realize Eunoia once had its own fall from grace.”
You frowned at this. “Everything changed after the Great War though, didn’t it?”
The war that changed everything. what advancement civilization had made since The Fall what been completely ruined when all of the Kingdoms went to war, it was what caused Seoul to fall, how Celestia came into power, it shaped the very being of the world you lived in now.
There was a somber tone that took over and something happened that you didn’t expect, Jungkook gestured you closer as you scooted to him, your thigh touching his and an arm unexpectedly wrapped around your shoulder in a…comforting gesture?
“Enough of that,” He replied, hushed, “Tomorrow will come and go just as any other day.”
Your lips tugged into a pout, but you said no more before resignation filled you, sulking as you dropped your head against his shoulder.
You could only hope that the Dryad’s would be watching over you tomorrow and give you the determination that you would need to end this once and for all.
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