Chapter Text
Past
“Push Madam, push! You’re almost there!”
“Ahhh!”
“Good job madam! You have a healthy-”
“What?” The tired woman asked her midwife as she looked down to see what was wrong. “My baby, is he ok?”
“Oh my…” The midwife said no more but place the infant on the heavily breathing womans stomach and fled the room. The young woman held her baby closely and that was when she felt it before she saw it. She ran her fingers over it and felt its softness. Before any sense of fear got to her it all disappeared once her baby opened his eyes and looked at her. She smiled and held him even more closely.
“Welcome to the world my little one.”
A few moments later after she sat up and wrapped her new born son in a warm blanket, the door opened and she looked up to face her husband, the lord of the land. Walking over to the bed he watched his wife play with his sons small hand.
“My son” She nodded not looking at him and held her baby tighter.
“Yes, your son.” She said quietly.
He walked closer to the side of the bed and looked at his son closely. The little infant suddenly began to squirm in his mothers hold and she quickly tried to calm him down. The child moved so much that the blanket began to shift and that’s when he saw it. From the faint candle light in the room he saw the small pieces of white sticking out from the blanket. His wife was busily trying to fix the blanket and when she moved a certain piece, he saw it all. Taking a step back he stared at his wife and pointed at his son.
“What is this abomination?”
Present
“Lord Jeon, Prince Park has arrived.” A servant announced to his master. The old man got up and made his way to the front door where his guest and party were waiting.
“Ah, Prince Park. It is so nice of you to come all this way. I hope your father is doing well.” He said shaking the young mans hand. He nodded and gave a small smile.
“Yes, my father is doing better but was advised to rest for a few more days. I hope my coming in his place is of no inconvenience to you.”
“Oh, of course not. I know you are more than capable to handle this small business that we have to attend to. But first, why don’t I get you settled in for your stay.” Prince Park nodded and followed the lord as he led him inside. Inside was clean and large but it felt cold and grim as the servants continued to walk around completing their chores. They headed up the stairs and walked down a long hallway finally stopping at the last door on the left.
“This will be your room. We will begin the meeting tomorrow morning so today you can rest from your traveling. I will send a servant up when dinner is served.” Prince Park nodded and gave a bow.
“Thank you for your hospitality lord Jeon.”
“You are welcome. I’ll make my departure now and will see you at dinner.” He nodded before turning and leaving Prince Park alone with his personal servant in the hall. Sighing the young prince turned back to the door and opened it walking inside.
“He is such a suck up.”
“Prince Park!”
“What?” He asked innocently as he walked over to the large bed and laid down on it. “You know it’s true Jin hyung. He’s only sucking up to me because he needs this deal to go well between my father and him.”
His servant and friend, Jin, gave out a sigh and nodded in agreement knowing it was true. The Jeon kingdom was a large kingdom but was not doing too good at the moment. Even upon entering the kingdom the young prince could see how dreary the town and the people were. The skies were cloudy and it looked like the sun hadn’t shined in the kingdom for years. If the negotiating he came here for was completed then an alliance with the Park Kingdom could be formed.
“That may be true young prince but still you should show him some respect.”
“Yes, yes I know Jin hyung.”
Jin sighed shaking his head with a small smile on his face as he began to unpack his masters belongings. His master was a young prince who followed the rules but was very head strong and unpredictable when he was ready. But he admired him for that, he really did. That is why he was truly glad to serve him as his master and have him as a friend. Prince Park suddenly yawned and rolled over in his large bed.
“Wake me up in time for dinner please Jin hyung.” He mumbled into the pillows.
“Yes Prince Park.”
“And stop calling me that…” He said sleepily. “…you know I like…” A yawn. “…Jimin better.”
The older man looked at the now sleeping prince and smiled.
“Yes…Jimin.”
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
Three days had past since Prince Park arrived at the dreary Jeon kingdom. The sky was still dark and the sun barely peaked from behind the thick clouds. It may have been summer but the castle was still cold and bleak making the young prince want to hurry and leave as soon as possible, but the negotiating was taking longer than he expected. Lord Jeon was being difficult and was trying his patience but the young prince refused to give in to him so easily. Now he was sitting in his room going over some paper work for the next days meeting. The door opened and he looked up to see Jin coming in with a tray of tea for him.
“Afternoon tea Jimin.”
He nodded and followed him to the table where he watched Jin set up his tea. Kneeling before the small table he accepted the tea offered by his friend.
“Thank you.” He said softly. Jin nodded as he sat off to the side in front of him.
“Jimin you should really try and relax for a bit. Why don’t you take a walk around the palace and explore.”
“I rather not.” He said simply, thinking about how walking around this bleak castle would surely do anything but relax him. Jin nodded in understanding.
“I understand. This place has a rather…unpleasant atmosphere.” He said slowly trying to find the right words to say. The young prince nodded in agreement. “I asked the servants here if it has always been like this and they said it wasn’t always.” This seemed to peek the young princes interest. Jin came in closer and leaned over the table making Jimin lean in as well to hear what he had to say. “It was said that this place used to be pleasant and lively before the masters wife left.” Jimin raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“Really?”
“Yes. They said that his wife was the most beautiful woman in the land and was very warm and kind hearted.”
“So why did she leave?”
“No one really knows but most of the rumors said that the lord used to beat her.”
“Beat her?”
“Yes,” Jin said nodding solemnly. “but they said she covered it up well and still kept a smile on her face.”
“So then what happened?” he asked. Finished with his tea and now more eager to find out the rest of the story.
“Well, it was also said that they had a son.”
“A son? But I was never introduced to him.”
“That’s because no one knows what happened to him. Some people said that he died at birth and that was also another reason his mother ran away. Others say he’s locked away in here somewhere.”
“Locked away? Why would he be locked away?”
“No one knows. But of course these are just rumors that I heard from the servants.”
“Still, sometimes rumors aren’t very far from the truth Jin.” Jimin said as he looked outside at the dark skies.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
The next day Prince Park found himself walking around the palace exploring as Jin had suggested from the day before. He was more curious now since he had heard the rumors about the lord and his wife. He recalled their meeting and noted how the lord seemed to be getting more and more irritable with his resistance in complying with all his demands for the alliance. He sighed, shaking his head. He wouldn’t back down either and would show lord Jeon a thing or two about playing politics.
He suddenly stopped in front of a door on the third floor. It wasn’t special looking and looked the same as the other doors but Jimin felt drawn to it for some reason. He looked left and right down the long hall and realized he was alone. Reaching his hand out he grasped the door knob and turned it slowly. Pushing it open he was met with darkness. Taking careful steps, he walked inside and let his eyes wonder around as they adjusted to the darkness. The room was small and had very little in it. There was an oak table and a chair in front of a window that was barred by thick wooden planks, a bureau with a mirror, a few boxes on the floor and a book shelf near the door. He walked deeper into the room and knew Jin would scold him if he found out he was snooping around in another persons home. But what Jin didn’t know won’t hurt him right?
Walking deeper into the room he stopped in front of the desk running his hand over the dusty surface. He sat down in the worn chair and let his fingers roam over the cool metal drawer handles. Grasping it lightly he pulled it open and peered inside the dark drawer. It was pretty much empty except for what looked to be an envelope and a necklace resting on top of it. Picking up the necklace he raised it to the light that came from the hallway and saw that it was a simple silver heart shaped locket. He squinted in the light to see words were engraved on it but he couldn’t tell what it said. Reaching back into the drawer he pulled out the envelope and brought it up to the light as well. Some letters were written on the center and he mumbled the name silently.
“Jungkook.”
“Prince Park!”
Jumping slightly in shock he hurriedly jammed the letter back into the drawer and closed it. Turning around he stuffed his hands into his baji not knowing he still held the necklace in his hand.
“Jin hyung! Ah, what are you doing here?” he asked nervously. Busted.
“Looking for you my prince.” He stated calmly as he entered the room. “I know I told you to explore but I never would have expected you to snoop into your hosts rooms.”
“Ah, well I got curious and the door was open and-” he stopped when Jin tilted his head to the side, raised and eyebrow and gave him the 'look.' He sighed knowing that he got caught red handed. “Aright, I apologize for ‘snooping’ Jin hyung.”
The older smiled.
“Good. Now let’s get going or you’ll be late for dinner.”
“Yes, yes.” He mumbled as he followed the older boy down the long hallway.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
The silver locket dangled in the air as he held it up to the light.
Jungkook
The same name that was on the letter. When he finally noticed that he still held the locket in his hand, he was already sitting at the dinner table. So he quietly ate and excused himself quickly so he could get to his room. Lying on his bed he rolled over to his side and continued to stare at it. Suddenly sitting up he had a thought.
‘I wonder if it would be alright if I opened it?’
Looking around his emptying room, he decided it was ok. Holding the edges with his thumb he gently pulled it open and peered inside. The right side was empty but the left side held a picture. He looked carefully and stared at a young woman with soft black hair and porcelain skin with warm brown eyes. She held a baby in her arms and was smiling contently. Jimin gasped. Could this be lord Jeon’s wife and son? The door opening snapped him out of his thoughts and he hurried to put the locket in the drawer beside his bed. Jin entered and he smiled at him bringing a glass of water with him as he approached the bed.
“A glass of water before you go to bed?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Jin nodded as he walked around to his bureau and began to straighten out the things on top of it. Jimin slightly stiffened but didn’t say anything.
“Jin hyung, did you hear any other stories about the palace today?” He suddenly asked trying to distract the older from finding the item he hid in his bureau.
“Oh yes, I just remembered.” He said suddenly as he turned to face him. “I heard another rumor today.” This sparked his interest. “They said that this palace has a secret treasure that the queen hid before she left.” Jimin raised an eyebrow. “It was said that the lord has been looking for it since she left but has never found it. Only the queen knows where it is but since she is gone no one knows.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes but like I said before. It is just a rumor.”
Jimin nodded and gave the drawer a glance. Well it seemed this place just kept getting more interesting by the day.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
Jimin sighed as he walked down the empty hall. The meeting still wasn’t getting anywhere and lord Jeon seemed to be on his wits end trying not to blow up on the young prince that refused to give in to him. His requests where not too demanding but Jimin was determined to stick to the requests his father made of their alliance and nothing more. Walking on the lower levels of the castle he would expect to see more servants running around but he guessed since it was late at night that was probably the reason. When he saw a shadow suddenly turn a corner up ahead he blinked. Out of curiosity he jogged down the hall to the end of the hallway and peeked around the corner to see the back of lord Jeon. He raised an eyebrow. ‘What is he doing down here?’ When the lord turned another corner he quickly and silently ran down the hall and watched as the lord opened a door at the end and went inside. Jimin quickly ran to the door when he saw that no one was in sight and opened it quietly. It was at this point he was grateful for all the training he did to become a samurai. It had its perks. Inside was a stair case that led down to a dungeon he assumed, and wondered what the lord would be doing down here. Torches lit the walls and gave it a creepy glow. Jimin shivered involuntary, either from the light or the temperature that seemed to have dropped ten degrees. Pulling his jeogori closer he crept down the stairs.
When he reached the bottom he saw that there were cells on either side of him but all were empty. He walked further down until he heard voices. As he drew nearer the voice he heard he recognized as the lord but the other he heard just gave out whimpers and it was then that he heard it. A whip. He hid behind a wall that was close enough to where the lord was so he could hear everything.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
“You stupid, stupid thing! Look what you’ve done. That brat isn’t giving into my demands for this alliance and it’s all your fault!” A whip came down on flesh and the young boy cried out as one of his old cuts reopened. “It’s your fault! You’re making my kingdom fall apart!” Another whip but this time it was hardly heard as something blocked it. This seemed to make lord Jeon angrier. “Move those vile things away! They’re disgusting!” he reached down and pulled making the young man scream and try to get away by shuffling to the corner. “You dare try to escape from me! You ungrateful beast! I feed you and keep you alive and you try and escape from me!” He landed a kick in the young boys stomach and watched as he brought his knees up in the fetal position trying to protect himself. “It’s your fault that Yuri left me. She loved me but after you appeared she ran away! It’s your fault!” From the small window in the cell the moon gave the room a small light allowing the lord to see the young boys face as he peered up to look at him with messy black hair and soft brown doe eyes. The lord glared at him and took a step back. “Don’t look at me.” He muttered. “You’re an abomination.” Turning, he walked to the cell door. “You’re no son of mine.” He said quietly as he locked the door and headed back down the dimly lit hall.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
Jimin watched as the lord walked out of sight and quickly ran down to the last cell on the left. He heard everything. Lord Jeon’s son was alive? When he got to the cell it was totally dark since the moon seemed to be hidden behind a cloud now. A torch was on a nearby wall so he grabbed it and placed it on the wall beside the cell. It barely helped but it was better than nothing. He was able to see a figure in the corner but that was it. He looked around the cell to see it was quite dirty with mud and water on the floor and the walls were grimy and looked slippery to the touch.
“Hey,” he said quietly. “can you hear me?”
The figure flinched and he guessed that was a yes.
“Are you alright?”
The figure didn’t say anything.
“Hey.” He said a little bit louder.
Still no response. He sighed. He guessed he’ll have to try another way. Digging in his sleeve he pulled out a pin and quickly began to work on the lock. He knew what he was doing was wrong but he figured that this was the kings son so he had the right to see him. At least that’s what he said in his head. When he heard the faint click of the lock opening he grabbed the torch off the wall and opened the door slowly.
“I’m coming in.” He said quietly as to not frighten the figure. He took slow careful steps into the cell until he was right in front of the figure and set the torch on the wall behind him. When he turned back the last pieces of cloud left the moon letting it illuminate the figure huddled on the ground. Jimin took a step back. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The first thing he saw was feathers. Some were torn, some were missing, others were full of dirt but mostly the once white feathers were stained in blood. He then realized that the feathers were actually a pair of wings that was covering the entire upper part of the body in a makeshift cocoon. From what he could see, he was naked as he legs were bare and bared many marks, scars and bruises, some old and some new. Jimin looked at the creature before him in awe. This was lord Jeon’s son?
After getting over his initial shock he stooped down slowly and stared at the soiled and tattered wings before him.
“Hey.” He said softly with a gentle voice. The figure flinched more visibly since the voice was much closer now.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you.” The young man didn’t move and Jimin wondered what he could do to make the frightened young man look at him. He guessed all he could do was talk.
“Um…my name is Park Jimin. I’m the Prince from the Park kingdom.” Still no reaction. “I came here to make an alliance with lord Jeon.” Still no reaction. “…he’s your father right?” The wings shifted.
“Is he?" The wings shifted again and began to part and slowly drew back into the figures back as he turned his head, that laid on the ground, slightly to look at the stranger in front of him. Jimin stared at the young man who stared back cautiously but questionably as he tilted his head more on the dirty ground. He gasped silently, now fully seeing the young man before him. He was beautiful. Even being covered in cuts, scars and bruises and his wings dirty and tainted with blood, he was still beautiful. Like a fallen angel. He stared into the soft brown doe eyes that were shimmering in the moonlight and wondered how a creature like him could exist. He was fascinated but realized that he was human just like him and shouldn’t be treated this way just for being different.
“Are you lord Jeon’s son?”
The young man blinked. No one ever came down here unless it was his father or one of the guards that came to bring his meal. So who was this person in front of him talking to him like he was something worth talking to? It was strange. This person was strange. He said his name was Park? He didn’t know what to do and his father never told him what to do if someone spoke to him other than him or the guard. So he nodded his head slowly and was surprised when the other young man gave him a gentle smile. No one smiled at him like that before. Usually the smiles he received were cruel and taunting from the guards as they laughed and teased at him.
“I knew it.” He said softly, staring at the young man still lying on the ground. “Don’t worry.” He said with a determined face this time. “I’ll get you out of here. You’ll come with me and I’ll keep you safe.” The young man on the ground eyes slightly widened and he looked at him in surprise. “Don’t worry. Leave everything up to me.” He looked at the young mans face and a thought hit him. “What’s your name by the way?”
The young man blinked. Name? He didn’t have a name. He was used to being called beast or monster or abomination. He had no name. So he just stared blankly at the young prince before him.
Jimin waited for a moment but the other young man didn’t answer. “Umm… do you have a name?” he asked tentatively. This time he received a shake of the head in reply. No name. “Well do you know your age?” Another small shake of the head. No age. Jimin sighed. “Well don’t worry about that now.” He reached over and gently moved some hair out of his eyes. The other flinched shutting his eyes tightly, expecting a hit and Jimins heart broke.
“Don’t worry I’ll get you out of here.” He said nothing but that was what Jimin expected. Standing up, he pulled off his the extra layer he had on and placed it over the young man who flinched again expecting a brutal attack instead of a kind gesture. It covered him to just above his knees and Jimin watched as he looked up at him questionably. He gave him a small smile and headed to the door. “You get some rest now. I’ll be back for you soon.” And with that he closed the cell door gently not bothering to lock it. He’ll be back for him soon anyway.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
He was confused. After his father had finished punishing him, a stranger suddenly came in and started talking to him saying he would free him. What was all that about? He sighed. His wounds hurt and he just wanted to rest. But what Prince Park had said kept going over in his mind. ‘I’ll get you out of here.’ ‘I’ll be back for you soon.’ He could only hope but knew that all of this just had to be a cruel joke his father was pulling on him to let him know he’ll never be free. He looked out the small window and looked at the vast sky above. Oh to be free and soar in the endless sky. He sighed and gripped the warm piece of fabric that was given to him closer to his broken body. It was still warm from Prince Parks body heat and smelt of pine and musk. He felt the moonlight on his face and felt somewhat comforted letting sleep over take him.
Oh to be free and soar in the endless sky.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
“I demand you release your son from prison immediately.”
“What?”
After his meeting with the lords son, he quickly found Jin and told him everything. His friend was surprised but believed what he said nonetheless when he saw the determined look in the Princes eyes. Now they were standing in front of lord Jeon in his master bedroom demanding that his son be set free.
“I ask of you to release your son from prison.” He repeated more firmly. The lord looked at him in confusion then realization hit but he tried to act like he didn’t know.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Jimins jaw clenched.
“I know you have your son locked up in some cell in the dungeons. Don’t tell me you don’t know when I saw you visit him tonight.” At hearing this, the lord eyes widened.
“How did-”
“It does not matter. What matters now is that you release him.” Hearing this, the lord eyes hardened.
“That beast will never be free. He is lucky I keep him alive.” Jimins eyes narrowed. Jin seeing this, took a step forward not knowing what the young prince might do to the old man.
“He is not a beast and should not be treated like one just because he is different. He is still human.” He said firmly. The lord laughed.
“Ha! Human? He is anything but.” He said disgustedly. “He’s an abomination.”
Jimin took another step forward.
“Well, if that is what you think. Then let me have him.”
Jin and the lord stared at him wide eyed.
“What?”
“You heard me. Allow me to take him and he will be of no bother to you anymore.” The lord looked at him strangely before he shook his head and laughed.
“Why would you want a freak like him? He’ll be of no use to you.”
“Do not worry about that. Just allow me to take him and he will be of no burden to you anymore.” The lord shook his head again but this time with anger.
“No! That beast is not going anywhere. I’ll kill him before I let him go!” Jimin and Jin's eyes widened at his words and Jimin tried his hardest not to decapitate the lord before him for saying such a thing.
“Tell me, my lord.” He said between gritted teeth trying to hold back his own anger. “Why keep him if you detest him so much?”
“That is off no business of yours.”
Jimin stared at him and knew his options were now becoming less and less. So he decided to try a different approach.
“I’ll agree to the alliance.”
Jin and the lord stared at him once again with wide eyes. He walked up to the edge of the bed the lord was sitting in and pulled out a contract from his jeogori sleeves. “If you allow me to have him, then I’ll sign right here right now.” The lord stared at him like he was out of his mind.
“Are you serious?"
“I’ll agree to all of your requests but only if you say yes.”
“Why would you do all this for that creature?” he asked bewilderedly as he stared at the open contract in Jimins hand.
“That is of no business of yours.” He said quietly, repeating the lords earlier words to him. “Well, lord Jeon?” He asked. “Will you let me have him?”
The lord looked at the contract then Jimin then back at the contract. Jimin knew this alliance was more than important for the lord and he would be a fool to pass up an opportunity like this. Thus, when he heard a small ‘yes’ he tried his best to hide his smirk.
After signing the contract Jimin walked over to Jin by the door and faced the lord who still sat on the bed looking confused, angry and happy all at once.
“It has been nice doing business with you lord Jeon. I pray that this alliance will go well and will see you in the future. And if it is alright with you, I will take my leave now and head home. Good night.” He didn’t even wait for an answer as he closed the door.
Walking quickly through the hall he turned to Jin.
“Jin I want you to get all of my things together and have the horse and carriage ready by the time I get back.” He received a nod in reply. “But first I want you to do something for me…”
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
Jimin entered the room hurriedly and opened the bureau drawer beside his bed. He pulled out the silver locket and placed it carefully within one of the pockets of his inner shirt. Before Jin was to get everything together he asked his friend if he could go back to the room he found him in and get the envelope in the drawer that he found. If he was right, all of these items belonged to the boy in the cell. Grabbing the thick blanket off the bed he bundled it together and ran downstairs until he got to the dungeons. When he entered he carefully made his way down the stairs and hurried to reach the last cell on the left. The torch was still burning and he peered inside. The young boy was still curled up in the corner with his haori over him. He opened the door and walked inside slowly and stooped in front of him.
“Hey.” He said quietly.
No response.
“Hey.” He said a little louder.
Still no response.
Slowly he reached his hand over the young man and gave him a slight nudge on his shoulder.
Still no response.
He was getting worried now. He lifted his shirt a little so he could get to his neck and went straight for a pulse, ignoring the shiver he felt from feeling the cold flesh. Upon feeling the steady rhythm he sighed in relief. ‘He must have fainted' he thought. Standing up he looked around the room to see there was no place for him to rest the blanket. The floor was muddy and wet, definitely not a good place to put it. He looked outside the cell to see the floor was slightly better than inside, as it was more damp than anything else. So he walked outside, opened the blanket and laid it on the floor. Back inside, he looked down at the young man and sighed. Squatting down, he brushed a piece of hair out of his eyes before gently picking him up and was surprised at how light he felt in his arms. His head lolled dangerously to the side and he tried to adjust him better in his arms feeling the soft feathers brush against his skin.
Walking out with careful steps, he kneeled down before the blanket and gently laid him down. Quickly, he wrapped him up securely and lifted him again. With steady steps, he walked out of the dungeon and out of the castle with the unconscious young man in his arms. When he reached outside he saw that the horse and carriage was ready and everything was packed up and ready to go. Jin was by the door of the carriage and held it open for him. He smiled at his friend gratefully and stepped inside carefully as the door shut behind him. Sitting down on the soft leather seats he sighed again. Hearing the sound of the whip, the horsemen started the carriage and looked down at the young man in his arms. The moonlight shone through his open window and made the unconscious boys face look angelic. Turning to look at the moon in the dark night sky, he thought.
‘What am I to do now?’
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
It took two days for him to reach the Park kingdom and when they did it was late evening. And in those two days Jimin didn’t let go of the unconscious man for a second. Even when Jin offered him his assistance he refused to let him go. So now since they were home he stepped out of the carriage with the young man still in his arms wrapped up in warm blankets and greeted his servants who came out to greet him with a smile. His servants looked at him strangely wanting to know who the young man was but didn’t say anything, just followed their prince as he walked inside. Jimin headed straight to his room and laid the young man down on his large bed gently. Jin stood behind him and stared at the young man in awe.
“So what do you plan to do now Jimin?”
“Well, get him cleaned up for one thing. Can you inform my father that I’ve arrived and tell the cook to make some soup for me please?”
“No problem.”
“Thanks.”
As Jin left the room Jimin headed to his large bathroom and filled his tub putting some of the herbs that helped relax his muscles in it. He went back into his room and changed into a fresh hanbok and turned his head just in time to see Jin walk back through the door with a tray of soup in his hands.
“That was quick.”
“The cook already had a pot of soup on and your father said he would like to see you.”
He sighed, knowing he would get an earful when he told his father about the agreement. Plus he would have to make up an excuse as to why he bought some a young man home as well.
“Can you stay with him until I get back?” he received a nod in reply.
“Good luck.”
“Thanks, I’ll need it.”
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
When he got back to his room it was about an hour later. His father gave him a lecture on politics and asked him about the strange boy. He told him the truth, mostly. How he found out lord Jeon kept his son in a cell and treated him cruelly and so on and so on, conveniently forgetting the part apart his wings. He thought that that could wait for another day when his father was at his best.
“How is he?” he asked as he returned to his room.
“Still the same. The water in the tub got cold so I refilled it and I unpacked your belongings for you. Is there anything else I can do?”
“No, that will be all Jin. You did more than enough, thank you. Now go and get some rest.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ll take care of him from here.”
“Alright, as you wish. Goodnight Jimin.”
“Good night Jin hyung."
He listened as the door closed and pulled up a wooden chair to the bed. Sitting down, he looked at the young boy that was still wrapped up in the same blanket from the Jeon palace. He sighed. He should probably clean his wounds now and get him cleaned up. Standing up he grasped the blanket by the edges and gently unwrapped the young man from it and removed his soiled clothes. Now the young man laid before him in his nakedness with his tattered wings slightly spread out beneath him. Jimin sighed when he took a look at the scarred flesh covered in blood and dirt. He was about to go to the bathroom to get some supplies to clean him up when the young man groaned. He turned around quickly and watched as he began to wake up. He shifted and turned his head left to right before opening his eyes slowly. He blinked and seemed to be taking in his surroundings. When his eyes landed on Jimin they widened. Jimin gave a gentle smile.
“Hi.”
The young man immediately sat up and crawled back into the corner of the bed trying to get as far away from Jimin as he could. Jimin worried that he might fall off as he was so close to the edge. He brought his knees up to his chest and held them close as he crushed his wings to the head post. He looked around the strange environment wildly trying to figure out where he was.
Where was he?
“Hey, hey. Don’t be afraid. It’s me remember? Park Jimin.” He said gently as he stared at the scared young boy on his bed. The name didn’t seem to register in his head and he continued to look around the room in confusion and fright.
“Remember, I talked to you in your cell. I’m Prince Park.” The young man stopped looking around the room to stare at him for a moment.
Pa…Park? Park. The name seemed familiar, like he heard it in a dream.
“I told you I would get you out of that place, and I did. This is my home and you’re in my room.” The young man continued to stare at him.
He remembered someone telling him that they would set him free but, he thought that was a dream. Was it real? Then his mind suddenly flashed back to a young man talking to him with a kind smile and placing something warm over him. He blinked. Park?
“Do you remember me?” He received a hesitant nod in return. Jimin smiled.
“Thank goodness.” He took a step forward and watched as the young man flinched and shuffled back more into the bed. “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to take a look at your wounds. Is that ok?” He didn’t receive an answer. Taking a step closer the young man flinched again. Sighing, he took a step back and held his hands up. “I promise I won’t hurt you ok? I just want to see your wounds and clean them. That’s all.” It was then he heard a stomach rumble in the quiet room and knew it wasn’t his. He stared at the young man who avoided eye contact with him by staring at the bed and smiled slightly. “I should’ve known you would be hungry, here.” He walked over to the desk where the tray of soup was and placed it on the bed sliding it near the young man who still was huddled against the head board. He watched as the young man just stared at it then looked up at him with scared confused eyes. “You can eat it. It’s for you.” He said softly. The young man continued to look at the food then back at him and Jimin took it upon himself to do something about this. Sliding onto the bed with ease, he watched as the young man flinched and held onto his knees tighter as if he was waiting to be striked. Jimin sat a few inches with the tray the only thing in between them and took the spoon resting on the side. Scooping some of the warm broth in it he brought it over close to his face. “Here.” He offered softly.
The young man watched as Jimin held the spoon out for him. Was that for him? He couldn’t eat from that. The plate was so pretty and the food looked so good. It was too good of a meal for someone like him to be eating. He didn’t deserve it.
Jimin watched as the young man before him just stared at the spoon “Come on, I know you’re hungry.” He said softly. He still didn’t make a move to take it so he moved the spoon closer. He watched as brown eyes flicked up to look at him as if asking permission and he nodded with an encouraging smile. The young man looked back at the spoon then slowly leaned forward and hesitantly opened his mouth letting the spoon enter, then closed it. Jimin had a big smile on his face as he pulled the spoon out. “Delicious right? Here have some more.” He placed another spoonful of soup in front of him and waited patiently as he slowly accepted it. This continued for a while until he fully got used to Jimin feeding him. When he was done a while later Jimin gave him a glass of water and he tilted his head back a bit to drink. Jimin wiped his lips with the napkin and he just stared at him. Placing the tray back on the desk he made his way back to the bed and sat where he was previously smiling inwardly when the young man didn’t flinch away from him.
“Would you like a bath now?” He asked still using a gentle tone. He got a blank stare in return. “I think a bath would be good for you now so you can get all cleaned up.” He said giving him a small smile. So getting up slowly he made his way to the other side of the bed where the winged young man had previously been leaning to the edge off. He watched as he looked up at him questionably. “I’m not going to hurt you ok? I just want to carry you to the bathroom. I doubt you can walk properly in your state.” Jimin kept eye contact with him as he came closer and reached out his arms. “Trust me ok?” He still said nothing but allowed Jimin to slide his arms under him and lift him gently off the bed. He was tense for a moment and began to fidget. “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you ok?” He continued to fidget in his arms making some of his feathers fall gently to the ground and Jimin sighed.
“Hey, look at me. Look at me” He whispered gently. He slowly obeyed and looked up at him with teary eyes and Jimins heart broke again. “I’m not going to hurt you ok? I promise.” He said using his gentlest voice. The young man in his arms continued to stare up at him and when Jimin straightened up he just shifted around a bit and Jimin had to hold him tighter. He was easy to hold before when he was unconscious but now since he was awake he kept moving around in his arms making it kind of hard to move without him falling out of his grip. “I think it would be easier if you held on to my neck.” Jimin watched as he stared at him in confusion. “So you have something to hold onto and not fall.” He continued to stare at him and a moment passed by until he felt shaky arms hesitantly wrap around his neck. He smiled looking down at the shy boy in his arms that stared down at his chest. “See that wasn’t so bad.” He received no reply, but he wasn’t expecting one.
The two slowly made their way to the bathroom as Jimin didn’t want to frighten him and stopped in front of the tub. It was a fairly large tub made for royalty but he knew that the young mans wings would be a bit difficult to wash in the compacted space. He looked at the young man in his arms and saw him looking around the brightly lit room in wonder. Probably taking in his new surroundings.
“Hey,” he looked up at him. “I’m going to put you down now but your wings will probably get wet. Is that alright?” He received the smallest of nods and smiled that he actually responded this time. Slowly, he lowered him into the warm water and heard a whimper and felt the hands around his neck grip tighter as his wings and feet touched the water. “What’s wrong?” He knew the water wasn’t that hot since it was given a lot of time to cool. So what was the problem? That was when he remembered his wounds, the water probably stung them. He stared at the young man in his arms and saw watery brown doe eyes looking up at him pleadingly. “Hey, I know it hurts now but you need to take a bath to get rid of all this dirt. I promise it won’t hurt for long ok?” the hands around him continued to grip him and now he buried his face in his neck. Jimin sighed softly but continued to lower him in the water slowly. He heard the soft whimpers but knew that the pain wouldn’t last too long once he got used to the water. When he was fully in he gave a small chuckle as his arms were still locked tight around his neck and his face still buried in his neck as well. “You have to let go of me if you want to take a bath.” A few seconds passed before hands hesitantly let go and Jimin pulled back to look him in the eye.
“See that wasn’t so bad.” He got up and headed to the sink to get a towel and a bar of soap and came back to the tub. He squatted in front of it to see the young man staring at his hands in the water and smiled. “You think you can wash yourself?” He received a blank stare in return. This didn’t surprise him. So he knelt down to get comfortable and rolled up his already wet sleeves to his shoulders. He took the towel and soap and lathered it up good and held it close to his face.
“Now close your eyes and keep them closed until I say open them ok?” His answer was him closing his eyes. He gently placed the soapy cloth on his cheek and felt him flinch a bit but kept his eyes closed. He smiled and gently rubbed small circles on his cheek to get rid of the dirt then continued on to the rest. When he was done he rinsed off the soap and took a dry towel to dry off his face so he could see. “You can open your eyes now.” Slowly, chocolate brown eyes opened and stared at him. His smile grew as he stared at the pretty face that was hidden behind all that dirt. He had almost pale looking skin, full pink lips and a cute nose.
“See, that wasn’t so bad.” So with that he went to clean the rest of the quiet young mans body in his tub and finished a while later, he was even able to wash his hair. Now the only thing that was left to be cleaned was his wings.
“I have to clean your wings now…um is that ok?”
The young man in the tub looked up at him with uncertainty in his eyes and bit his lip before giving a faint nod. Jimin looked at the wings that were folded into his back and wondered how he was supposed to clean them. The most he could do was pour water over them to rinse of the dirt and blood. He needed a bigger space to clean them properly and thought about where he should go as he got a bucket and scooped some water into it. Standing up he stood behind him and said.
“I’m going to have to just poor some water over it for now alright? I think we’ll need a bigger space if we want to clean them properly.” He got a small nod in reply and slowly poured the water over the dirty wings. The young man flinched and hunched forward bringing his wings closer to his back. “I’m sorry, did that hurt?” Jimin asked worriedly. He should have known they would be sensitive. He heard a sniff in reply and knew the young man was trying not to cry. He came to the side of the tub and knelt down in front of him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I won’t do it again.” His wings only had one rinse and was slightly cleaner than before but that would have to do for now. “Alright let’s get you out of here then.” He grabbed a large fluffy towel and laid it on the clean floor before gently scooping him into his arms and resting him on it before drying him off with another. When he was finished drying his hair he gave him a grin.
“Ok! All done. Now to get these wounds treated and send you to bed.”
Wrapping him in another towel, he picked him up slowly and smiled when he felt a pair of arms hesitantly wrap around his neck. Holding him close, he walked out of the bathroom and into his room stopping in front of the bed. Laying him down on the large bed gently he made sure he was comfortable first before turning to dig in his bed side drawers for the special ointment and creams he had for the wounds he would normally get from battle. Finding them, he went back to the bed and took a seat in the chair he previously put there.
“I’m going to put these creams on your wounds so they won’t get infected ok? They don’t burn so you don’t have to worry.” The young man just stared at him and he took that as a yes. Starting with his face he squeezed some of the herb smelling ointment on his fingers and rubbed it on a small cut on his forehead. He flinched a bit then seemed to relax when he felt the cool cream on him. Jimin smiled and continued to rub the cream on the rest of his wounds. When he was done he looked up at his face to see that he was sleeping. Jimins smile grew and watched as he turned on his side and brought his legs slightly up to his chest. He suddenly shivered and Jimin finally remembered he was still nude. He pulled out a simple night baji and slipped it on then pulled the large comforter over him and tucked him in snuggly. Brushing some hair out of the sleeping figures eyes a smile crept onto his face as a thought crossed his mind.
He had an angel sleeping on his bed.