Jimin thought the worst was over, that he was recovering from the mild potion that put him in a deep sleep, but why was he suddenly suffering badly from the after effects? His chest heaved heavily at night as cold sweat covered his entire body. He was in pain, groaning he called for a maid.
She scurried in his room worried, "Call the doctor, Please." He begged and gasped before passing out from his fever.
He hoped this would end soon, so that he could see her. So that he could see his beloved Queen and unrequited love. He questioned if she knew he was alive, why hadn't she visited him yet? Was she mad at him for deciding such a plan? For betraying her? It tortured him more than the fever itself as his nightmares replayed in his head where the princess didn't need him anymore.
—
Hana jolted awake when she felt a hand atop her shoulder, her eyes widened and gasped at the stranger in her room.
"My apologies your highness, you seemed to be having a nightmare. I didn't mean to scare you."
It was the new general of the army, Min Yoongi. She breathed heavily, realizing she was panting and sweating in her night gown. His hand still stayed firm upon her, warm and grounding.
"W-where's Jungkook?" She looked around seeing that her knight wasn't here.
"He's gone to the barracks to rest, he has sent me to watch over you til he returns." Yoongi stated before gently gliding his thumb over her bare neck, sending shivers through her from his mere gentle touch. "You are perspiring. It is not healthy to sleep in damp clothes, I will call for your handmaiden." He retracted his hand and turned away. Hana was frozen for she didn't realise the serious General was rather caring and soft spoken. But his position only reminded her of Jimin, and it made her heart wrench at the idea of him being replaced.
Hyemin entered shortly, "Your highness, please come to the washroom, I will help you." She called and Hana nodded silently. When she passed the new general on the way, out of the corner of her eye he was really similar to Jimin yet not. He was the same height as him and it gave her nostalgic feelings. It wasn't Sir Mins fault, Namjoon delegated him as the new general and he was just doing his job, she couldn't blame him.
"Your highness is everything alright?" Hyemin asked, worried since this has been the most upset she's seen the princess before.
"I am as good as I can be right now Hyemin." Hana flashed her a small smile before being back to her solemn expression.
Hyemin gave her a sponge bath, quick and easy and changed her into a new night gown. When Hana entered back into the room, her heart sank for when she saw Sir Min, standing by the window, back facing towards her, he looked exactly like Jimin did, except his hair was dark as night, but in the moonlight, it didn't make any difference.
"Do you feel better your highness?" Yoongi asked when he turned around, seeing as she entered the bed with ease in a new garment.
"Much. Thank you Sir Min." She replied simply before turning over to sleep, "Goodnight."
A small pause, "Goodnight your highness."
Yoongi watched her for a moment, prior to waking her up from her nightmare, he noticed a small birthmark of a crescent moon just under her ear on her neck was apparent. It flashed nostalgic memories to his childhood where he saw the same birthmark on a young boy he played with at a young age, but that couldn't be right. It was a peasant boy, much like him in his childhood, and this was the princess, but something in him could see the resemblance and similarities in her features.
Especially that day when she barged into his quarters back at the barracks, he knew of the princess but in that moment where she looked up at him with those lost grey eyes, he was reminded of that time he first met his friend during his childhood days.
He decided to overwrite it in his mind for he knew it couldn't be a coincidence. He was comparing a boy with no status to a princess of the mightiest kingdom of the east. How daft of him, he thought as he stared up at the Cheshire moonlit sky.
—
"Sire, it's becoming rather difficult to delay the announcement of the coronation ceremony. The people are starting to revolt for treason!" One of the advisors announced.
Namjoon sat in his chair with a dark look in his eyes, "we must delay it a little longer, release word of the tyrannous deeds of the King and Queen, the gossip would delay them further."
"But Sire—!"
"Enough!" Namjoon bellowed, "Preparations are already in order, it won't be long til the princess is ready, now you are all dismissed!" He announced and the advisors slowly scurried away.
Namjoon heaved out a heavy sigh and rubbed his forehead with the amount of stress he was going through. "Call the general."
However a knight walked forth, "Sire, General Min is currently watching over the princess."
Namjoon lifted his head, "So where is Sir Jeon then?" He asked.
"He's asleep at the barracks, he sent for Sir Min to watch over her while he rests." The knight lowered his head.
"I see.." Namjoon rubbed his chin. The King knew his Hana well, it seems she has finally calmed for he wasn't hearing anymore fuss from word of the castle. The girl was head strong, and he knew she wouldn't sulk for long. But then his eyes darkened, remembering the previous general she mourned for, even though he was alive. He needed to keep them apart for a little longer, he twiddled with a chess piece in his hand. A habit he had when he wanted to think.
"Tell the servants to arrange lunch for two tomorrow." Namjoon got up from his seat. "Oh and, to make sure there will be peaches and cream. The princess loves those."
"Of course your highness." The knight bowed.
Namjoon finally retired for the night, feeling the weight of the death of his apparent parents still weighing him down. Although he was adopted much like Hana was, they treated him like their own son, but his intelligible mind couldn't see past their tyrannous deeds and the way they treated Hana. He himself started realizing he was only a tool of their grand plan to keep the throne.
He had a funeral for the King and Queen, and he was the only participant member besides the undertaker. They didn't deserve a royal burial as they were not royals to begin with. Namjoon's sole purpose was to restore the Kingdom of Artemis back to its glory days, poverty swept the land and if he didn't become the own King of Apollo, he wouldn't have known anything, but he couldn't rule two Kingdoms.
That is why he's restoring the throne back to its original and rightful heir. Princess Hana, the direct descendant of Goddess Artemis, the goddess of the moon and hunt.
—
Waking up, Hana realised that Sir Min was still in the room with her. He noticed her now sat up in bed and gave her a subtle nod of his head.
"Good morning your highness."
"Good morning to you too Sir Min." She said groggily, rubbing her eyes from sleep.
"Sir Jeon will be here in a moment." He stated as if knowing what she was going to ask, she nodded. "Also, you will be having lunch with His highness Namjoon today."
Her eyes widened, "What!?" She scoffed, unable to believe the audacity of Namjoon to summon her for a meal.
"Uhm— Your highness?" Yoongi asked a little nervously and Hana looked back up at him, his face was a little flushed, avoiding eye contact with her. She was confused, "if you would please uhm—" he gulped, eyes still averted, pointing to his own chest, Hana gasped and looked down as her gown had slipped during her sleep, the sight of her cleavage on display she quickly fixed herself.
"My apologies Sir Min." She bit her lip and looked away in embarrassment.
Thankfully, a knock sounded on her door and Yoongi was relieved too as he exhaled answering it. Jungkook walked in, and saluted to Yoongi, the general then turned back to her one last time.
"Take care, your highness." Sir Min bowed before leaving. Now, Jungkook was back and she felt like she could breathe again. Something about the knight made her feel like herself again as she got out from her bed.
"Did you sleep well last night your highness?" Jungkook asked looking well rested, there were no longer dark circles under his eyes, he smiled at her.
"I slept as good as I could, Jungkook. I'm glad to see you are well rested too." She noted whilst opening up her clothes wardrobe.
"Would you like me to call for Hyemin?" He asked.
"No need." She took the things she needed, "I can dress myself might I remind you Sir Jeon." She sighed and shut the wardrobe.
"Then shall I leave the room?" He asked and she shook her head yet again, he was taken aback for a moment before seeing that smirk on her face.
"No need, for I have another room to dress in." She said before shutting the washroom doors behind her.
Jungkook exhaled, first thing in the morning and the princess was already exciting him. Hana was every bit attractive to him, he's possibly found his ideal type of woman. She was head strong and powerful herself. She knew how to fight, and didn't need a man to fight for her. Not only that, she was intelligent and carried an air of confidence. He was used to having girls cower and beg for him, but he knew Hana wouldn't, at least, it would take a lot for her to and that made him want her more. Yet alas, he grounded himself for he was but a knight, and she was a member of royalty. Their classes didn't align and as a royal knight, he was bound to an oath. But that didn't mean he couldn't admire from afar.
She walked out a few moments after, he was surprised to see that she was not wearing a gown, but instead she had trousers on, with a shirt tucked in and a double breasted jacket atop her shoulders, she wore high boots and her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail. She quirked her eyebrow at his reaction.
"What— haven't seen a woman in pants?" She chuckled, her grey eyes twinkling with mischievousness.
"It's just—"
"—Right. Not the attire a princess should wear." She rolled her eyes and sighed.
"No." He stated a little stern surprising her, "It's just you look beautiful your highness. I feel like this attire suits you more." He smirked at her, and he genuinely meant it.
She was taken aback for a moment before bursting out into a small laughter, it made his heart flutter by her genuine laugh, "You Sir Jeon, are full of surprises."
He perked up at that, "speaking of surprises, I thought I'd return this to you." Reaching behind him, he brought out something long and covered in cloth. Holding it in both his hands, he unveiled it.
Hana felt her chest tighten upon the sight of the rose gold hilt of the sword, it's all too familiar designs running decorating it. She unconsciously reached out to touch it, wrapping her hand, gripping it, the all too familiar feeling of melancholy for she fought in numerous wars with this very blade in hand.
Jungkook watched as her dazed yet saddened eyes raked the beautifully crafted sword he held. "Sir Park had it on him during that night." he stated softly.
She felt her heart ache even more, it was no wonder when she took the blade from Jimin's fallen body that the sword felt so comfortable, so natural in her palm.
"W-why are you giving this to me?" She genuinely asked, looking up at Jungkook, searching in his deep chocolate irises. She was sure that she didn't earn this knights trust just yet, not so soon anyway; but Jungkook had a sad smile on his face.
"Because I believe it would have brought you comfort."
Her heart skipped a beat, hearing him say that. Hana felt guilty to be using Jungkook, he seemed genuinely kind and caring, thoughtful; but she still needed her plan to work. She needed to gain his trust so that she could freely search the palace for answers.
"Thank you, I don't know what to say." She whispered, still honestly touched. She took the sword from him, hugging it close to her as if it was a long lost friend.
"No need to thank me, your highness." He smiled down at her. "I'm just returning a beloved sword to its owner. It's beautiful by the way."
"Thank you." She said again, feeling her heart tremble at the fact that the very thing in her arms was the last piece of Jimin she had. "Truly, I am very grateful." She looked up at him with a genuine smile.
"A pleasure your highness." He graciously saluted her.
Placing the sword back to its rightful place on her room, she decided to ask. "I know I'm technically supposed to stay in my quarters but may I ask for a favor?" She turned to face him. "I have a horse, his name is Ceres, a white stallion at the royal stables. I just want to know if he's being well taken care off." She sighed, missing the feeling of horseback riding, whether it be through a meadow or a battlefield.
Jungkook smirked, "well, why don't you see for yourself. His highness has actually allowed you to explore the grounds again—" her eyes widened in surprise, "but of course, under my watch." He chuckled.
Perfect!
She couldn't believe it, she thought that Namjoon was going to just keep her hostage forever, but that made her think that Jungkook's words were maybe right. Maybe Namjoon wasn't really the bad guy.
"You still have to be back for your lunch with his highness though, so that gives us about—" he hummed looking at the clock in the room, "two hours til then?"
"More than enough time! Lead the way Sir Jeon!" She excitedly said making him laugh, unlocking her bedroom doors, she couldn't wait to be moving again. Hyemin was right, the palace guards were still around as they greeted her with salutes and bows, some of their faces brightened at her appearance and Hana felt like there was definitely more to Namjoon's treason.
But there was one thing she definitely will never forgive him for, and that was murdering her best friend and soulmate, Jimin.
"I was actually wondering who the magnificent stallion belonged to. Ceres is the only pure white one no?" Jungkook asked.
"He was actually a gift from my brother, King Namjoon." She sighed deeply, "I will not ride another horse, Ceres is my one and only."
"Then that makes both of us your highness for I-" he stopped upon one of the stalls as I gaped at the beauty of it, it was a rare black Friesian horse. "Only Ride my one and only Persephone" he caressed her muzzle as she happily neighed.
"She's beautiful." Hana awed at her luxurious mane, she was practically the polar opposite of Ceres. "She's also an incredibly rare breed, how did you get her?" She asked honestly curious.
Jungkook smiled brightly whilst he gently stroked her neck. "She was a gift as well. From a man I look up to greatly." His smile saddened, "however I have not seen him in a very long time, he must still be on his travels through the continents."
"No wonder he's managed to gift you such a rare breed, he must have travelled far and wide to have found you a friesian." She smiled up at him, " I hope to maybe meet this man you speak so highly of someday." She said as she still awed at the gorgeous creature.
Jungkook warmed at her compassionate words, "I'll be sure to introduce you. Would you like to pet her?" He asked.
"If she will not mind. I know horses can be rather temperamental with some people." She states.
"Persephone is a gentle one. She won't bite, I promise." He chuckled and with that Hana let her sniff her hand first, then proceeded to gently caress her soft and silky coat.
Jungkook watched in utter enjoyment to see the princess pleasantly happy in this moment. Once she had her fill of Persephone, not before feeding her a few sugar cubes, she moved on, unconsciously taking his hand to lead him with her.
"Come, I'll have you meet Ceres."
They stopped where Ceres' stall was, he was usually hidden in the shadows but upon feeling Hana's presence, he walked out and Jungkook couldn't help but gasp upon the beauty of the stallion once it came to light.
"Jungkook, this is my one and only, Ceres." She affectionately caressed him as the horse gleefully nuzzled her back making Jungkook let out a chuckle.
"I see the two of you have quite a bond, your highness." He smiled at her.
"I'm not sure about you and Persephone, but Ceres and I have been inseparable since young." She gently pressed her forehead affectionately against the horse, "He was my only friend for the longest time."
Jungkook felt his heart tug, feeling the sadness in her voice. He could hear how lonely the princess was and her eyes betrayed her smile, she was still suffering internally. Gripping his fist tightly he lowered his gaze, "your highness, there's something I should probably tell you, though I've been ordered not to."
"What is it?" She curiously watched him.
"I—" he struggled to speak of the man she loved that was still alive, but then that may mean he wouldn't be able to spend his time with the princess anymore. He internally battled with himself, but his selfishness took over. "It's the lunch today, I believe His highness is finally going to tell you the truth for his treason." he bowed. Feeling the guilt rise in his heart, though he didn't tell a lie, he couldn't tell her the truth.
"Well, I would expect that." She huffed and crossed her arms. "King Namjoon owes me a lot of explanations, not just his treason." She narrowed her eyes, "though I'm guessing he doesn't intend to tell me everything just yet, because that's just how my brother is."
He smiled gently at her, "then til then, shall we have a short ride through the grounds? I heard from your handmaiden that you used to like to escape on midnight rides through the lands."
Her expression instantly brightened upon that, "I'm constantly surprised Sir Jeon, you know me so well already." She opened Ceres' stall and started saddling him up.
"I try your highness." Jungkook grinned, "Now don't go running off on me please. I'd like to keep my head thank you." He rubbed his neck nervously making her laugh.
"I won't Jungkook, here—" she held her pinky up. Jungkook chuckled and connected his with hers in a promise.
"Now I'll have your head if you break it! Meet me at the stable entrance once you're done." He chuckled and walked away to Persephone.
Hana felt good today, and she was starting to really appreciate the young knight. He was kind, bright and thoughtful, he didn't put a damper to her mood with his formalities, for the knight was surprisingly easy going, and she liked that. She felt like she could trust him, although slowly, she was opening herself up to that thought.
"I missed you Ceres." She cooed and caressed her horse who neighed spritely. easily hauling herself atop the horse, she slowly walked her way to the entrance where she could see the young knight looking handsome atop his black mare.
He grinned at her, ushering his hand out. "Lead the way your highness."
She was excited, so instantly she got Ceres to gallop away, laughing as she passed Jungkook surprised by her sudden action. Though he reacted fast and was right on her tail as they galloped through the grounds.
"Might I show you something as a thank you?" She called out to him, as she halted.
"Of course your highness." He couldn't help but smile with her.
"Then let's take a small detour. I promise we'll be back before lunch." She says before tugging Ceres by the reigns to change direction, she galloped off the path through a secluded exit through the garden. Jungkook followed close, admiring the winding vines and flora that surrounded them.
"Believe me, this isn't close to what I'm going to show you." She chuckled and rounded another corner. They rode until they broke out of the maze in a vast field outside the castle. They galloped atop an ascending hill until they reached a lone wisteria tree atop. She dismounted her horse and he did too.
He was already in awe with the expanse field until she grasped his wrist, pulling him with her with a dazzling smile.
"You haven't seen the best part." She said until revealing the land that was on the other side of the hill.
His eyes widened in utter starstruck. He had never seen so many flowers in his life that seemed to go forever into the horizon. The flowers were an icy blue colour, the exact colour of the Kingdom of Artemis, he had never seen the bloom before in his life.
"It's called a Smeraldo lily." She explained. "It stays bloomed throughout the year."
He knelt down and gently touched the delicate flower that slowly swayed by the wind. "Does it not wilt?" He asked, "I've never seen it before, never in the Apollo kingdom."
Hana chuckled, "it's because this flower does not exist in any other kingdom but here. Nor outside of these plains." She glazed upon the field, "Many think that the treasures of Artemis are our ethereal gems and bountiful produce, but I've always felt that this flower." She plucked one of her own, "is our true treasure of the Kingdom." She smiled at it but her expression then became confused, "though, it is said that the flower will live forever until the end of the Royal line. The king and Queen have died, how has the flower continued to live on?" She asked eyebrows furrowed.
Jungkook froze upon her question for he knew the real reason, but it was not his place to tell her. He instead got up and held his hand out for her to take, "I believe it is time to return your highness, thank you for showing me a sight I will never forget." He gleamed.
Taking his hand to stand, she smiled at him gently. "I should be thanking you, Jungkook. For being a good friend."
A smirk appeared on his face, "A friend am I? Isn't it a little soon, your highness?"
His teasing antiques however earned a little scowl on the princesses face, she snatched her hand away, "Well if you don't want to be my friend, you should stop treating me so kindly."
"Oh contrary," he took her hand again, kissing the back of it, he peered up with a cocky expression on. "I do want to be."
She blushed a bright red, instantly taking her hand away from his, she ignored him and mounted Ceres. "Come, else we'll be late."
"Of course your highness." He chuckled and mounted Persephone, following her back to the palace.
—