Chapter Text
Any decent realtor,
walking you through a real shithole, chirps on
about good bones: This place could be beautiful,
right? You could make this place beautiful.
- Maggie Smith
+☀+
Crimson blood coats stone tiles everywhere in the throne room. It drips in rivulets through the indents between each white brick, thick and cloying. What once was a beautiful space with glass chandeliers and golden detailing now had blood sprayed everywhere. Pools of it flow out from the bodies lining walls, staining the crimson drapes until the edge between liquid and fabric is indistinguishable. Bodies of advisors and dukes that Hoseok had seen talking and breathing just minutes ago, their eyes now clouded and empty.
Choking on the iron scent tainting the air, Hoseok shoves himself backward, shaking as he holds up a small dagger. His left palm drags harshly against the ground, leaving painful scrapes that go ignored under the roaring fear in his ears. His muscles ache in protest, breaths coming out short.
Not for the first time, Hoseok wishes he had been allowed to train in self defense.
“Stay- stay back!”
An amused chuckle leaves the person towering over him. Large doe eyes that could be considered beautiful in any other situation meet his own. Despite the deceptively innocent face, Jeon Jeongguk is anything but. His hands are scarred by labor, muscles bulging from heavy training. Tattoos twist up his arm, each drawing a mark of a battle hard-won.
There is not one person in the country who would not recognize the face of the rebellion.
“And why should I?”
Jeongguk stalks closer, sword sheathed but not any less dangerous. Hoseok shrinks backward. His back slams into the marble throne behind him. Trapped.
“Why should I, when you and your supporters have brought so much pain to this country? When countless people have starved to death and lost their homes?” Jeongguk demands angrily.
Hoseok doesn’t know how to explain to him that the deaths in the recent years are not something he wanted. That his uncle runs everything in the shadow behind the crown, and all he is, or was, is a mere pretty face kept to placate the public. Hoseok doubts that Jeungguk would care.
For a former slave, Hoseok’s problems must seem like a walk in the park.
“Well, your royal highness?” The warrior asks. Hoseok has nothing to say back, the only thing leaving his mouth a pitiful whimper that Jeongguk audibly scoffs at. Perhaps this is the price of living so cowardly for the past fourteen years of his life, following along with what his uncle demands in a poor attempt to save his own hide. Even at the cost of many innocent lives.
Despite this knowledge, Hoseok does not want to die. Not in this way. He has too many regrets to go now.
The wooden entrance of the room suddenly slams open, with Duke Kim running inside. He slows down when he notices the state of the room. Duke Kim’s gaze sweeps across the floor, eventually landing on Hoseok.
“Joonie!”
Hoseok can’t stop the childhood nickname from slipping through, even though he should be addressing him a different way. The years of growing up and disagreements between Namjoon-ah and his uncle have caused them to drift apart, but still he can’t help calling out for him.
A small flinch makes its way through Duke Kim’s body, but he quickly steels himself. Instead of addressing Hoseok, he quickly turns to Jeongguk. “Everyone outside has been dealt with”.
Jeongguk lets out a sigh of relief. “Good to hear, hyung”.
As quickly as the hope filled Hoseok’s chest, it leaves in half a stuttered breath. Of course, there can only be one reason that Jeongguk has not lunged to attack another duke. And the way he addressed him too… For the first time this day, Hoseok feels his eyes brim with tears as true hopelessness seeps in.
“How could you…” The betrayal cuts deep into his core. An aching chasm tears into memories of chasing butterflies together and sneaking away from classes, ones that kept him going through all the years he endured. Clearly they are not as valuable to his childhood friend.
“This was a long time coming, your royal highness”.
Namjoon doesn’t even look at him. Won’t even use his real name. Hoseok has been a fool for thinking he would have lingering fondness for him.
The dagger in his hand falls to the floor with a sharp clatter. There is no possible way that Hoseok can make it out alive. Not when only needless risk comes from leaving him alive. Truthfully, he had a feeling as soon as the alarm bells rang throughout the hallways that he would not live to see the next day.
He deserves it, for his cowardice. Hoseok gathers his legs under himself and kneels down as far as he possibly can, head touching the ground.
“Please”, Hoseok begs, “make it painless”. Haemosu, if only he had used his time better. If only he had been more brave, rebelled more. All he has to show for his thirty years is a meaningless crown.
His request echoes in the room. Even the fighting that was outside has now quieted, a sure sign of the rebellion’s victory. Hoseok squeezes his eyes shut. There’s no reason to make his death quick, especially because of all of the pain his family has caused, but he hopes the leader will have mercy.
There’s a desperate, clawing regret inside of him. There’s so many things he wishes he had done differently. So many lives he could have saved. Just one more chance at fixing everything.
Hoseok refuses to look upwards as he waits for Jeongguk’s decision with a bated breath. With the setting sun, a coldness has entered the room, leaving only a sliver of sunlight to slide in through the large windows. Through the gap between his chest and the floor, enough light filters in to catch his golden necklace.
The sun pendant dangling down sparkles for a brief second. Hoseok grips it tight with his hand, seeking comfort from the last relic he has of his parents.
“Do you regret any of it?” Jeongguk asks, his steps echoing across the room as he steps closer.
There’s no hesitation in Hoseok’s voice when he responds. “Yes. All of it”.
A second passes, enough for a decision. The sword swings down.
Instead of the nothingness Hoseok expects, a burning brightness fills his senses.
The light burns his retinas. Hoseok tries to close his eyes, but it barely helps. Looking around for any reprieve, he’s shocked to see that the only thing surrounding his body is an endless expanse of the light. It chips away at him.
Do you really want to go back?
Hoseok startles back, letting out a scream when a black and white figure suddenly pops in front of him. One eye is open and the other is closed. The body of the creature is divided perfectly down the center, with a little horn at the top of it’s head.
“Who are you?” Hoseok sputters, still in shock.
You humans call me by many names. Who I am does not matter. Only what I do.
“What are you doing then?” Hoseok amends. Fear is still present in his mind, but it has subdued a little after taking in how cute the creature is.
Pondering, it answers. It’s mouth does not move, yet Hoseok hears it clearly. You were meant for much more, my sunshine.
Suddenly, Hoseok is all too aware of who he is in the presence of. His kingdom calls it Haemosu, but the name is not enough now for such a being. There’s no visible power, but Hoseok’s soul shakes with a foreign energy.
Tell me, do you truly wish to go back? The life you had was not easy. You are not guaranteed joy.
Just like before, the answer comes without any thought. “Yes, if I can fix my mistakes, all of the pain will be worth it”.
Hmm.
The being floats around Hoseok, inspecting him. It combs his hair with it’s hand (nub?) gently, pokes his palm, prods his legs. Eventually it flies back up.
You do have a lot of willpower.
“I’ll do anything,” Hoseok whispers, daring to look into the being’s eyes. It tilts it’s head in interest.
How fun, sunshine. Go on then, prove I picked the right human.
Between one blink and the next, the burning light disappears, replaced by a familiar ceiling.
Hoseok gasps for air, launching himself up into a sitting position. Somehow, during his time in that weird glowy space, he hadn’t needed to breath at all. The feeling of air filling his lungs again is incredible, a feeling he will never take for granted again.
His hand reaches for his throat just as quickly. His neck is smooth and soft, no marks of a scar or cut anywhere, no matter where Hoseok touches. The only thing present is the necklace that he always wears.
Did he really– what year is it–
In his haste to get out of bed, Hoseok crashes onto the floor. He quickly gets back up again, cringing when a light knock comes from the door. “Come in,” Hoseok calls out as he fixes his clothes.
“Are you alright, your royal highness?” a young maid, Haeun Hoseok recognizes, asks.
“Yes, yes, I am,” Hoseok breaths, blinking hard. Haeun looks young, much younger than the last time he saw her. Her hands haven’t worn down from washing clothes yet, and her face is wrinkle free. There’s no way…
“Do you mind telling me the date, Haeun?”
She frowns, clearly thrown off by his question. “It is the twenty-third of February, the year of the phoenix. It is a quarter till eight in the morning”. Hoseok does the math quickly in his head. That puts him at twenty five years old. Has he really gone seven years into the past? Then the encounter with the deity was not a hallucination…?
“Are you alright, your royal highness?” Haeun asks, clearly becoming more concerned.
“Yes, I am, I just…” Hoseok shakes his head, trying to clear some of the shock with not much success. “I apologize, I seem to not have slept well last night”.
Haeun bows her head, seemingly mollified by his answer. His poor sleeping habits are known by every maid in the castle. “I will take my leave then”, she says, bowing and exiting through the door.
Hoseok sags back onto his bed. Rolls around, appreciating the soft linen, a nice contrast from the hard rocks of before. Breathes in the floral clean scent emanating from the pillows, brushes his fingers against the smooth wooden headboard.
Thank you, Hoseok thinks to Haemosu. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Truly, Hoseok had never thought that this would be possible. He can not let these years go to waste. Taking a deep breath, Hoseok forces himself to leave the comfort of his bed and walks towards his desk.
It’s a sturdy wooden thing, carved out of a brown maple tree his father had cut down months before–
Well, before.
Hoseok traces the mountain landscape carved into it’s side by his mom that runs along drawers and transforms into plains then the coastal cliffs. A reminder of everything he and his sister were supposed to govern over. Now they’re all meant for him. A crown prince given the title by default.
He should be used to this, but somehow time has not made the grief any less. The loss still chokes him anytime he spends too many thoughts on the past. Time just made it easier to get through the day.
He would give anything to see them again.
Taking a deep breath, Hoseok forces himself to stop thinking about them. There’s nothing he can do about it now, not until the second time his soul heads for the spirit realm. Hoseok reaches into his desk drawer and grabs a notebook.
He must start planning and acting now if he wants to make any improvements for his country. Aurelia is his land, holds his people. He refuses to see it crumble a second time.
Hoseok starts writing in his notebook. If he is 25 now, that means the heavy tax raise occurred two years ago. This tax raise, he supposes, could mark the beginning of the downfall of his country. It was such a steep increase that many commoners died from starvation or lost their homes. It would only get worse as the years went on.
All of the money went straight into the duchies pockets. While children starved, golden toilets were being built in summer homes. His uncle is unfortunately an intelligent man, which only feeds his endless greed.
Hoseok would have stopped the tax increases if he could have, but the final decision for these changes depended on the majority vote of the duchies. In Aurelia, there are thirteen duchies governed by different dukes. Aside from Namjoonah and Yoongi hyung Duke Kim and Duke Min, the other eleven are all controlled by his uncle or support him willingly.
Of those eleven, five support him wholeheartedly, and will lead the vote to legalize slavery six years later, if only to make the secret human trafficking ring they shared easier to run. The other six are controlled in some way, though he’s not sure exactly how. If only he understood more about politics…
Hoseok clenches his hand until his nails dig into his palm. His uncle had taken him out of his classes for running the country as soon as he lost his family. Claiming that in order to better deal with his grief and mourn, he could not spend anytime on education. What a fool he had been to trust his uncle so fully back then.
There may be one person that he could trust to help him though…
Though there will undoubtedly be questions, Advisor Seokjin may be willing to assist. The advisor had always been slightly softer on Hoseok, and didn’t follow his uncles orders unless faced with no choice. Hoseok will have to ask him.
A light knock on his door pulls Hoseok out of his thoughts.
“Your royal highness, it is nearly time for breakfast”, a soft voice calls out from behind the wooden doors. In a daze, Hoseok looks at the clock. It is nearly nine, the time has flown by faster than he thought.
Hoseok quickly slides the notebook into a hidden compartment in the back of the desk. It will do him no good for its contents to be discovered. “Come on in”, he answers, already dreading the meal.
This time, his manservant slips inside and bows politely. “Good morning Leejun,” Hoseok greets while already beginning to unbutton his shirt. Leejun greets him back and quickly helps him get dressed in his attire for the day. There’s no plans to head outside so the outfit is more simple thankfully, though still intricate. A simple black and white suit with a red coak draped over one shoulder with gold detailing everywhere and black gloves.
Red and gold, glory to the risen Aurelia.
“Thank you for your help,” Hoseok says once they are all finished.
“It’s my honor to help,” Leejun answers back with a small grin, satisfied with his work. It’s impossible to not grin back at him, despite Hoseok’s nerves. The manservant is still so young and full of life.
He holds the door open for Hoseok and they split up when they enter the hallway. Hoseok takes a moment to admire the red drapings everywhere while walking, filled with gold embroidery. With the sun filtering through the windows, they look even better than they usually do. Though, that may be due to a different reason too.
Before entering the private dining room, he takes a moment to stop before his family portrait. This one includes all of them together, on the day his sister turned eighteen. Gray hairs have just started lining his parents’ hair, and his sister smiles primly while Hoseok grins wildly in excitement for her turning of age ceremony next to her.
He misses that childish innocence, the blind belief that with his noona and parents nothing could go wrong.
Hoseok closes his eyes and lets in a deep breath. Just their painting has him feeling a little stronger. He will work hard so their spirits don’t have to worry any longer.
Gathering his wits, Hoseok enters the dining room. The air instantly feels like it has dropped ten degrees. It isn’t a surprise that his uncle is already sitting at the table.
“Ah, good morning Hoseok-ah,” his uncle grins, already digging in to his pork.
Hoseok grits his teeth and sits down at the head of the table. “Good morning Uncle Eoduun”.
It’s blissfully quiet for a while, though Hoseok knows it won’t last. Just as he manages to finally choke down the eggs, his uncle clears his throat.
“I’m sure you remember but next Friday there will be another vote to increase the taxes. You know what the best vote for our country will be, correct?”
The bread in his mouth has successfully degraded from cardboard to ash. He needs a sip of tea to swallow it down before answering. “Yes I do,” Hoseok answers, hating how his voice shakes a little.
His uncle wipes his mouths and stands up, shifting towards the door. Hoseok almost lets out a breath of relief before he pauses behind his chair.
Uncle Eoduun lays a firm hand on Hoseok’s back. To any outsider, it looks like a reassuring pat, but the way his fingers dig into an old bruise causes Hoseok to stiffen up, biting back a hiss of pain. “And I know you know what will happen if you don’t pick what’s best”.
There’s a cold grin on his uncle’s otherwise handsome face, eyes promising something Hoseok doesn’t want to find out. He knows all to well what will happen if he doesn’t obey.
Forcing a pleasant smile onto his face, Hoseok responds, “Of course I do”.
“Good”.
His uncle claps his back one time hard, forcing him to clench his teeth, and heads out. With that reminder, Hoseok has fully lost all appetite. After waiting a few minutes to make sure his uncle should be far away, he pushes his chair back and also heads out. At least he managed to finish most of the meal.
With a plan in mind, Hoseok heads towards Advisor Seokjin’s office. Despite having only nearly two years of an age difference, Hoseok feels like Advisor Seokjin is much wiser than he is. The man is very smart, always finding ways to work around his uncle’s plans. He also has a heart of gold, constantly showing care to the people and the animals.
It certainly helps too that he has shoulders broader than an ice chest and a face sculpted out of marble. Hoseok often wonders if he secretly has royal blood of another country in his family. The other ladies and men across the land certainly believe so.
The walk to the advisors’ headquarters is nice. Spring is in full bloom, so the flowers are opening beautifully and plants are luscious in the courtyard. Hoseok talks to a few of the staff along the way, relishing in their tales. The state of the recent changes for the country damper their moods a bit, but Hoseok happily absorbs stories of how Jiyoung’s sister has just given birth to twin boys, and how Minjun finds one of the butlers dashing.
Their livelihood is very refreshing, not having been subdued fully by the upcoming years yet. As Hoseok teases Minjun about tripping in front of the butler, he feels even more so that he must do everything he can to protect their happiness.
After a little longer, Hoseok excuses himself and walks towards the Advisors’ building again. Once inside, their offices line the first floor with living quarters on the higher floors. Each room is marked by a wooden sign indicating their name and specific title. Hoseok is not here often, but he still remembers where the room he is looking for is.
Upon reaching the door, Hoseok hesitates. Surely his request won’t be denied? His actions may be out of the ordinary but it is not super strange for a crown prince to wish to better understand the workings of his own country. Well, there’s only one way to find out. Hoseok knocks gently on the door and quickly a “come in” rings out behind it.
Upon entering the office, Advisor Seokjin’s head is still looming over a heavy pile of papers. “Come take a seat in one of the–” he cuts himself off in surprise as he lifts his head, taking in Hoseok’s presence.
“My apologies, your royal highness. How may I help you?” Advisor Seokjin quickly recovers, smoothly standing up and bowing low. His face is eerily calm, showing no further sign of surprise or any other emotion.
“Greetings, Advisor,” Hoseok starts as he takes a seat, “I came in looking for your expertise. I was hoping that you could share with me the details on the relationship the duchies have with the royal family”. The request is odd, Hoseok will admit, but he does not want to beat around the bush.
Advisor Seokjin’s brows furrow slightly, but quickly smooth back out. He sits down as well. “Pardon if I come off as presumptuous, but should you not know better than I do?”. A fair point, under normal circumstances.
“I’m merely interested in hearing about them from an outsider’s perspective”. It’s not like Hoseok can reveal that he knows little to nothing. That his uncle runs everything how he wishes to.
“I’m afraid I do not know much,” Advisor Seokjin answers placidly, which Hoseok knows is a bold faced lie. As of right now, it is a well kept secret that the Advisor keeps tight tabs on all of the actions and movements of the duchies in the castle walls and outside of them too. Five years later though, he is outed as an assistant to the rebellion for spreading information on this exact information.
Going as far as to admit that he does not know anything though is not very believable, especially for his job as an Advisor.
“Any details would help, truly,” Hoseok pushes.
“I’m afraid I have nothing that would be beneficial,” he replies back. Hoseok sighs internally, and smooths out his cloak. Clearly he would get nowhere with this line of questioning.
“Do you have any ideas on how you would improve the country then, Seokjin-ssi?” Hoseok tries instead. If the Advisor has some thoughts, it could give insight on where to begin his efforts.
Instead of helping though, Advisor Seokjin simply lowers his head. “Nothing could be better than how you are currently running the country”. When met with no response, straightening back up, he visibly studies Hoseok’s face, eyes widening a barely visible amount.
Hoseok probably wouldn’t have caught it, if he wasn’t used to being very in tune to how others are feeling. He wonders if Advisor Seokjin can see the visible disappointment on his face. He never really had a great poker face. Maybe he is wasting his time here.
“I’ll get out of your hair then Advisor. Thank you for your time”. Hoseok straightens up. Disappointment brews strongly in his chest. He was too naive, it’s not surprising the Advisor would not help.
Who could he go to for help now regarding these matters? For all of the other Advisors, he is unsure if they are bought out by his uncle and finding out will be complicated.
Hoseok heads out of the door, unaware of the hesitation in Advisor Seokjin’s eyes.
With that a bust, he heads towards the guard training grounds. Hopefully his next endeavor will go more successfully. After his own rather untimely death, Hoseok would prefer to be more prepared to handle any possible attacks coming his way. His uncle had not allowed him to take self defense classes when he was younger, but he said nothing about right now.
There is one person his uncle can not touch easily who would be great for teaching him how to fight, and Hoseok has an incentive he can use too.
As the Head Captain of the Guards, Vante is a force to be reckoned with. Especially as one of the best swordsmen the country has seen in decades.
Hoseok has never met the man directly, but he has heard many rumors of him. With a jawline sharp enough to cut glass, golden honey skin, and a supposedly closed off demeanor, his admirers reach far and wide.
Reality sure does live up to the rumors, Hoseok thinks as he approaches the training barracks. Surrounded by a gathering of guards in the middle of a clearing, a tall man Hoseok can only assume is Vante stands breathing lightly above another guard, who seems to have lost a fight.
Vante is coated in a fine layer of sweat. One bead drips down his neck as he brushes his hair away from a handsome face that Hoseok can’t help ogling. The Head Captain reaches down and helps the fallen soldier back up, brushing off some dust that collected on the other.
“You need to watch your footing more and on that last move switch your weight to the other side faster, but overall an improvement from last week,” Vante advises, and oh wow, his voice is so deep Hoseok can feel it in his soul.
Hoseok is pretty sure that he sees a few of the guards swoon as well.
Of course, such a talented fighter would notice Hoseok’s presence. Vante’s eyes drift to where Hoseok is standing next to a pillar in the pavilion connected to the rest of the castle. His gaze is intense and Hoseok can’t fully suppress a small shiver at having his full attention.
“Your royal highness,” Vante says, intrigued while waving off the guards to get back to training, “to what do I owe the pleasure?”
Now, Hoseok knows he’s by no means short. He’s a very average height for men his age, if a bit slender due to his love for dancing since young. That does not explain why Vante towers him, easily bigger in both height and body. The way his muscles bulge through his T-shirt sleeves with each movement is as delicious as it is unfair.
Unfortunately Vante also notices this difference and smirks smoothly. The Head Captain steps closer, but Hoseok refuses to step back.
“I am hoping that you could train me in the basics of fighting,” Hoseok explains.
He is met with a raised brow. “The basics of fighting? What need could a Crown Prince have for those things?”
“It is not that I do not have faith in the guards. There may be situations where I am alone and forced to defend myself, I can not expect to be surrounded by guards for protection all of the time. I want to be capable of doing so if such a moment were to ever arrive”.
Vante hums in thought. “That is not an unreasonable request. However, I am unfortunately very busy already in my daily schedule, and will not have time to train you personally. I can find one of my Captains–”
“I would prefer you, Vante-ssi,” Hoseok interrupts. “You are the best in the nation at fighting” and he would not be able to be controlled by his uncle, Hoseok leaves out.
The Head Captain is visibly displeased by his response. “Even if you prefer my aid, I do not have the time to train you fully”.
“Please, Vante-ssi”. Hoseok carefully looks around and after making sure that no one is close by, walks deeper into the pavilion. Vante follows after him. “I will direct the Royal Physicians to treat your sister”.
The Head Captain’s younger sister is well known by the castle. He boasts about her constantly, talking about her most recent accomplishments in education and the arts. She is beautiful and strong, but in the recent years has come down with a chronic illness no one has been able to treat. The Royal Physicians have better medicine and treatments than anyone can dream of.
Hoseok knows this is an offer he can not turn down.
Vante breaths in sharply. “Truly?”
“Yes, I will ensure that they see her as soon as tomorrow”. Thankfully the Physicians are one thing Hoseok has full control over. “All I request is that you spend some time training me every other day”.
“That can definitely be arranged,” Vante assents quickly. “Though, with your current physical condition, you should be training every day”.
Horrifyingly, Hoseok feels a blush heat up his cheeks at the sad but true comment. “I’ll follow along whatever plan you believe is best”.
“Oh?” Vante looks surprised. “I must say I am surprised by how willing you are to do whatever it is that I say”. His surprise quickly morphs into a sly grin. The Head Captain shifts closer, until they are nearly chest to chest and Hoseok is forced to arch his neck upwards to maintain eye contact.
Hoseok flushes deeper. Vante leans down until his mouth is close to his ear, breath hot against his skin.
“Are you willing to do what I say in other activities too?”
Fully frazzled, Hoseok flinches backward until he is a much more professional distance away. The nerve of this man!
“I am not,” Hoseok bites back angrily. “I will only see you for training”. The amusement in the other’s face sets off a fire in his chest.
“Naturally. Call me Taehyung-ssi your royal highness, we will be seeing much more of each other after all”.
“The Royal Physicians will arrive before the noon tomorrow, Taehyung-ssi”. With that, Hoseok turns around and walks off. If his pace is slightly faster than normal, well, that is due to the lingering chill of winter.
Infuriating.
The success in this task does not taste as sweet as Hoseok would have liked. He hurries off to the health center. At least the Physicians will be much easier to converse with.
+☀+
After a night of poor sleep, due to constantly waking up from being chased or reliving his last moments over and over, he breezes through breakfast and an update on the nation’s status. Unsurprisingly, riots have begun breaking out against the country in protest of the tax implements. Guards have been deployed to curb the worst of it, but that only caused more rioting. No doubt the rebellion is gaining more supporters with every second.
Taehyung-ssi had also sent over a letter in the morning requesting his presence at the training grounds at seven that evening. Hoseok is mostly excited at the prospect of finally learning how to fight, though he refuses to acknowledge the nerves brimming inside too.
Hoseok walks across the East courtyard, heading back towards the health center. The Physicians had reported back already after meeting with the sister, and Hoseok wants an update on her health. If there is anything he can do to improve her chances, he will.
“Good morning, Yuna-ssi,” Hoseok greets, smiling brightly at one of the older maids he’s run into. She has been around since Hoseok was a child, and now has her own children running around. Two young girls chase each other across the courtyard as she hangs up laundry to dry. “They certainly have a lot of energy”.
“That they do,” Yuna-ssi chuckles. She groans as she bends down to grab another sheet.
“Here, let me hang the rest up, there’s only three left,” Hoseok offers, rushing over to her side.
“This is not what a Crown Prince should be doing–”
“–And you know I’ve never cared about that”.
Yuna-ssi just tuts at him, but accepts the help. “Minjee, Dawon, come here my girls, we need to head back inside”. Both of her daughters come running over, noticing the presence of Hoseok.
“Oppa!” They both call out, too young for Hoseok’s title to fully stick. Hoseok never had the heart to remind them.
Minjee quickly clings to his legs, while Dawon, the younger one, manages to trip over his foot and end up sprawling across the stone tiles. She quickly bursts out into tears.
“Oh Dawonah, show me where it hurts”. Hoseok kneels down next to her and pulls her into his arms, rubbing his hand against her back in soothing circles.
Tearfully, she holds up her palms which are scraped raw. “They burn oppa,” she pouts, bottom lip wobbling.
Luckily Hoseok has some ointment in his pocket. He started keeping a small jar on him at all times a few years ago, when his uncle become more powerful. He reaches down and grabs the container, carefully unscrewing the small tin.
“Let me put some of this on your hand okay? This will help it heal faster, and your mom can kiss the pain away after”.
Dawon holds out her hands dutifully and lets Hoseok spread the ointment across. He blows softly against them to help it dry faster. “There, all better”.
“Thank you,” she smiles shyly, before running to her mother’s side.
“Thank you, your Royal Highness,” Yuna-ssi also says, stooping down to pick her child up.
“It’s no worry, really”, Hoseok reassures. “I must get going, but it was great to see you”. He doesn’t run into her nearly as much as he would like.
“You as well”. Yuna-ssi bows and takes her leave.
Turning around, Hoseok is surprised to see Advisor Seokjin leaning against the wall in thought, just a few steps away. Hoseok moves to walk around him, but the Advisor straightens up and blocks his path.
“Is there something I can help you with, Advisor?” Hoseok asks, confused. He had thought that surely after their conversation yesterday, they would no longer speak to each other.
Instead of answering his question, Advisor Seokjin frowns. Hoseok hates that the action only makes him more attractive. “The staff here all seem to like you”. He seems confused by his own statement, like the information doesn’t match with something in his head. A preconceived notion, Hoseok is willing to bet.
“Yes,” Hoseok huffs, “It is important to talk to and pay attention to my staff”.
“You’re doing more than just paying attention”.
“Is it such a bad thing that I like to care for my staff?” If Hoseok was irked earlier, he is fully annoyed now.
“Not at all,” Advisor Seokjin replies, which only seems to confuse him more.
Hoseok moves to walk around him. “If there is nothing else then–”
“Wait,” the other man says, and it makes Hoseok pause in his step. He turns around, preparing to argue, only to be met with a bashful face.
“Perhaps I was too quick with my answer yesterday, your Royal Highness. If you head to the library, you can find a few articles and books that have more information on the duchies. If there is anything you are unsure on, I might answer a few questions you have”.
The Advisor reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pen and small notepad, scribbling down a few titles. “These ones in particular will be helpful”.
Surprised, Hoseok accepts the sheet of paper, tucks it neatly into his pocket. He did not expect this at all. “Why are you helping me now?”
“Maybe you’re different than I thought,” Advisor Seokjin answers, much more honestly than Hoseok expected. Hoseok has not missed how he said he will only answer some questions, not all. Smart on his part.
“Thank you then, Advisor”. Hoseok steps back and this time the other does not stop him from walking around him.
A safer distance away, Hoseok chances a look backward. The Advisor seems to be heading back in the direction of his office, though there are now two more people walking beside him. They talk in a hushed conversation, hands moving erratically. At the same time, they look back and at him. Hoseok quickly turns his head back around, shocked. He knows those faces.
Duke Kim and Duke Min are talking to Advisor Seokjin. They seem to be on good terms too, as Hoseok is pretty sure he heard one of them call the other hyung, and they walk very closely. But what in the world could they be talking about?
Ice covers his veins. It must be about the rebellion. With his last memory of Duke Kim and what he knows about Advisor Seokjin, that has to be the only reason they’re together. Duke Min’s presence is a surprise though.
A flood of fear runs through. Merely the sight of Duke Kim is enough to throw him back to the cold, unforgiving throne room. Hoseok takes a deep breath. Now is not the time to feel this way.
Soon enough, Hoseok enters the health center. He waves down one of the nurses and after a quick inquiry discovers that Doctor Joohee, who he requested for Taehyung-ssi’s sister, is finishing up with a patient. The health clinic helps care for the royal family alongside the duchy families if their own physicians are not skilled enough, so it is not uncommon to see people milling around.
Hoseok waits inside the physician’s office. Not long after, the office door opens and Doctor Johee slides in. She brushes back a stray strand of hair. “I assume you’re here to hear about Vante’s sister?”
“Correct”.
“Well, to start, I have an idea of what her condition is. She told me she contracted a disease when she was younger, and all of her symptoms started from then. It is unfortunately chronic, but there’s a herb down south that would help her symptoms. It’s very difficult to find, but ingesting the herb through tea often will help her maintain more of a normal life, instead of being housebound all of the time”.
“That’s good to hear. Do you know where I could find the herb?”
Doctor Johee nods her head and pulls out a slip pad. “Here is a letter for Dahyun. He is a merchant that specializes in exotic goods, and he owes me many favors. Just show him this and he’ll give you a herb called the laurus nobilis. You’ll find him in the markets of Taurver. Though…” Her writing slows in hesitation.
Hoseok’s mind also sticks onto the town’s name. It sounds familiar, more than the general knowledge he must have for his kingdom.
“How exactly do you plan on retrieving this herb? It will be… difficult for someone to retrieve it for you”.
A fair question. Doctor Johee is smart, not just in medicine. She catches on to situations quick and has a deeper understanding of the true workings of the royal family than many people. Her intelligence also ensures that she never prods too much.
“I may make a trip down South in the future, when the weather begins to chill. Enjoy the views of the sea a bit”. Luckily, Hoseok has pretty free reign of where he wishes to travel. His uncle allows for this one luxury, if only to keep him more docile.
Doctor Johee continues writing and signs her name at the bottom. “Just make sure to be careful then”.
She hands her note over to Hoseok and quickly excuses herself to help another patient. Hoseok hums in thought and takes his own leave. As efficient as ever. Though he is grateful for her lack of fuss.
Hoseok leaves the health center and begins trekking towards the north side of the castle grounds where the library is. Since Advisor Seokjin gave him that list of books, he should look into them as soon as he can. The sooner he can fix his country, the better.
Soon enough, he reaches the National Archive and pushes inside. No matter how many times he enters the place, it’s beauty always stuns him. Endless rows of books flow in front of him, sitting in shelves carefully carved out of hickory wood. A long dome makes up the ceiling, filled with murals depicting the history of Aurelia. At the end is a large circular window revealing trees and woodland. Smaller windows, some with colored panes and some without, decorate the walls. Small lanterns line the center walkway and desks.
Hoseok walks in, inhaling a deep whiff of the smell of old books. He could never tire of it. Some of the books on the list are found easily enough. A few of the articles though are much more difficult to find, hidden in the smaller alcoves on the second floor circling the open study space in the center.
After successfully finding the last piece of literature, Hoseok chooses a table located closer to the back of the library. All of the tables are within eye view of the entrance, but this one would give him some time before any visitors could reach his table.
He picks up a few of the books, trying to decide on which one to begin with. They range from how the financial system works to the creation of the country. Hoseok eventually slides the one with the least complicated title closer to him. The History and Lineage of Duchies. How riveting.
Hoseok sighs and opens up to the first page. He also opens a notebook, ready to take notes. The time flies by as he becomes more engrossed in learning. The content of the book is thankfully more interesting than he had anticipated, though he’s sure the later ones will be far more complicated.
At some point, a maid brings in his lunch and clears it away. At least a couple of hours have gone by before the door to the library opens again. Hoseok heeds the entrance no mind, expecting another maid or perhaps a scholar hoping to borrow a book.
It is not until footsteps approach his table that Hoseok looks up. Hoseok blinks. He seems to be interacting with a lot of unexpected people lately.
Standing before him with a frown is Duke Min, fully dressed in his dark blue suit. He looks pale and soft as snow despite his harsh gaze. Hoseok notes now that they are closer together that his cheeks have somehow not lost any of the roundness of his youth.
Duke Min says nothing, which makes static run down Hoseok’s spine. Only looks at him cooly. Since a child, Hoseok has not handled silence well. It seems that the Duke has not forgotten this fact either, as he continues to stand there stoically. Unable to take the silence any further, Hoseok breaks.
“May I ask why you are here, Duke Min?”
The Duke huffs, resembling a disgruntled cat. Hoseok wrinkles his nose. Curse his adorableness.
“I had heard that the Crown Prince was interested in studying the country, but I would not believe it until I saw it with my own eyes”.
He doesn’t mention Seokjin’s name, Hoseok notes. Interesting. Hoseok gestures towards the open books and articles on his desk.
“Is this enough proof?”
Duke Min crosses his arms. “Certainly, but it is only stranger that the Crown Prince has truly taken an interest in this”.
“Heaven forbid I wish to learn how to better care for my country,” Hoseok snarks. The older has always had a way of getting under his skin. Even when they were young.
“Some think that you are turning over a new leaf. I wanted to prove them wrong”.
Hoseok clenches his pen hard. “You wanted to prove them wrong so badly you came all the way to the library?”
Duke Min arches a brow, unamused. “Yes”. A man of few words.
Hoseok closes his eyes. Lord, this man. He’s worked hard enough for today and it’s almost time for supper. Thirty minutes early, maybe, but he’ll take any excuse he can get to leave the man’s company. He gathers up the books and his notebook, refusing to look at the other man.
“If you’ll excuse me, Duke Min, it is time for dinner. It seems like you have found your answer anyway”.
Duke Min steps out of the way without any further questions. Hoseok hurries past him, carrying his load. He doesn’t have to look up to know that the elder is studying him with inquisitive eyes.
Thankfully, Hoseok doesn’t run into any one else on the way back to his bedroom or to the dining room. Uncle Eodunn is missing from dinner today, saving Hoseok from more stilted conversation and tense quiet. It has been a while since he has had dinner alone. The steak tastes juicier on his tongue, the wine sweeter.
Hoseok finishes after taking a longer time eating than usual and heads back to his bedroom. Time to prepare for training.
He opens up his closet in search of a training outfit he knows it has. The outfit was more for show than anything else these past few years, but he can finally put it to use now.
After sweeping off a layer of dust, Hoseok puts the outfit on. The pants are a dark brown that run tighter than what Hoseok is normally used to, with a stretchier fabric. The shirt is a cream blouse with a collar and loose sleeves and v line. There’s also a fabric belt he ties around his waist over the blouse to stop it from flowing too much.
Overall, a pretty good outfit. Comfortable as well. Hoseok stands there for a moment, wringing his hands, fiddling with the end of the belt. Even though he looks put together on the outside, there is a growing ball of nerves on the inside.
Hoseok checks the clock and it is nearly seven. He must head to the training grounds now or he will be late. Right. Okay. This will be fine.
Hoseok repeats this phrase to himself all the way until he reaches the grounds. He was hoping to get there earlier to mentally prepare more, but it seems that Taehyung-ssi has already arrived. The man polishes a sword with a cloth, the metal already a perfect mirror. Hoseok’s boots make a crunching sound as he steps onto the rocky ground, drawing the attention of the Head Captain.
“Ah, your Royal Highness,” Taehyung-ssi greets politely, bowing down. Hoseok waves his hand for him to raise, walking closer.
“Thank you for agreeing to train me. Do you have a plan yet?”
“Yes. Since you wish to focus on self defense, I thought the best weapons to train with would be a sword and small knives”. From his side pouch, he slides out two daggers.
Hoseok tests the weight of them in his hands. “Practical and easy to hide”.
“Exactly”. Taehyung-ssi guides him over to a throwing range. “We will start with the knives. They are easier to handle at the beginning and will help build foundational skills. After you feel comfortable moving with the weapon and become stronger, you may move on to the sword”.
He takes one of the knives from Hoseok’s hand. “Hold your knife like so, then you can slash with a large range of emotion. And then later you’ll be able to…”. He smoothly tosses the knife to his other hand and throws it at the target practice. A perfect bullseye.
Hoseok can’t help being enthralled, letting out a small gasp. That was an incredible move with such precision. “You’re just doing that so you can show off,” he smiles, shaking his head.
“Maybe,” Taehyung-ssi admits, grinning wildly. His smile is a bit boxy and his delight in Hoseok’s awe is clear. Hoseok admires his face for a second too long, then ducks down, blushing.
“Show me the hold again”.
Taehyung-ssi does just that, adjusting Hoseok’s hands whenever needed. They go through a few moves together, then flow through different ones in a sequence. Hoseok thanks his years of dancing for enabling him to keep up slightly. His stamina could definitely use improvement.
They practice late, until the sun only leaves behind small rays of pink and purple peeking out from the mountains and lanterns light the floor. Taehyung-ssi has him work through a few workouts too, followed up by some evasive techniques. By now, Hoseok is a sweating, gasping mess while the only sign the other has of working hard is tousled hair. He’s surprised momentarily by how smoothly everything is going.
Of course, that’s when the smooth sailing ends.
Tired, Hoseok doesn’t notice a rock on the ground. He trips over it and instead of balancing back on his right foot like he should have, he tilts onto his left side. Hoseok flails straight into Taehyung-ssi.
“I got you,” the man grunts out, smoothly catching him. His arms wrap around Hoseok’s lithe form, cradling him closely. Once Hoseok feels balanced again, the other doesn’t let him go like he expects. Instead, he remains hugging him. This close together, Hoseok can’t help but notice the firm chest covering his back, the bulky arms.
Hoseok shakily inhales. Tests his arms against the press of the other’s. They don’t budge one bit.
“You know, you’re much smaller than I expected,” Taehyung-ssi says. Hoseok shivers, not expecting him to be so close to his ear.
“I’m not small,” he protests, squirming. “You’re just big”.
“Cute too,” the other murmurs.
Hoseok blushes deeply. “Yah!” He smacks Taehyung-ssi’s arm with limited success.
Taehyung-ssi chuckles deeply and squeezes one time before letting go. A part of Hoseok misses his warmth, though a much larger part is horrified to find that he likes the touch. Likes how Taehyung-ssi towers over him.
“Let’s end the training here for today. You’ve made good progress”.
“Great,” Hoseok agrees, throat parched. Of all people to be devilishly attractive, it has to be him? The interest in his gaze is so obvious. And Hoseok is not strong against handsome men.
“Good night then, your Royal Highness”. Taehyung-ssi takes one last bow and grabs the knife Hoseok is now loosely holding. His fingertip drags along Hoseok’s inner wrist as he does so, teasingly. Hoseok nearly combusts. As he enters the weapon storage room, Hoseok takes the opportunity to make his escape.
Stupid men and their stupid faces.
+☀+