Chapter Text
Jungkook stepped out from the carriage and looked at the big castle that was going to be his home. There were guards at the gate ready to welcome him and the people who came with him. He took steps forward until a guy dressed in all grey appeared bowing deep.
“Prince Jungkook from the West, please accept the welcome from the people of the North. My name is Jimin, I will be your shadow and help you with everything.” Jimin said as he straightened up. Jungkook bowed a little, “I accept. Thank you.”
“Please, follow me Prince.” Jimin said as he turned and started to walk. Jungkook followed him inside the gates, he turned back and watched as the gates closed just after the carriage with his belongings got inside. The soldiers who came with him were escorted to another side.
“This way Prince.” Jimin said as they entered a big corridor. Jungkook watched the water fountain surrounded by big flower beds. The interior was just beautiful, even better than his castle in the West. He noticed two more men were following him, both were tall.
“They are the most powerful warriors of our battalion. King himself directed them to watch over you till you get acquainted with the people here.” Jimin said as he opened a big door revealing a room.
“The King will meet you soon, he is a bit busy at the moment.” Jimin said as he showed the room to Jungkook who still looked lost. He liked the room, it had a big fireplace and big bed, he can’t wait to lie down on it. “Thank you Jimin-sshi.” Jungkook said politely as he Jimin walked out of the door. Two guards came inside holding the trunk with his belongings.
Once Jungkook was alone in the room, he sat down on the bed feeling the silk sheets beneath his fingers. He felt disappointed, the King didn’t come to welcome him. He must be busy, he tried to repeat it over and over again inside his head. As the youngest prince, he was a spare in his childhood home, he thought it would be better here but ofcourse, it wasn’t. This marriage was just a deal to make sure both Kingdoms remain at peace with each other.
Huffing out loud, Jungkook removed his small crown and placed it on the nightstand. He stood up and removed his velvety robe, he looked at his reflection on the mirror at the other side of the room. He was dressed in forest green fineries with his crystal jewelleries. It was well known that people in the North liked crystals so he was loaded with them to look appealing to the King. He removed them, putting them carelessly on the desk. He opened the buttons of his shirt and was about to remove it when there was a knock.
Before he could reply the announcement was made, “King’s brother Prince Yoongi is here to meet you Prince Jungkook.” He quickly crossed his arms over his chest after putting on his robe in haste. “Please come inside.” Jungkook said.
Yoongi walked inside followed by Jimin who was holding a tray with juice and fruits. “I welcome you here Prince Jungkook. My brother the King is busy and will remain in his study for quite some time. I am here to offer you some refreshment and will suggest that you rest. Seokjin might not be able to meet you today.” Yoongi said with a straight face. He looked at Jungkook who looked really upset. Yoongi knew his brother didn’t want this marriage so he had already taken a dislike to the prince who was here to add more to Seokjin’s plate.
After taking the throne, it was really difficult for Seokjin as he became king at the age of 16. Yoongi was 14 at that time and he had seen Seokjin turn into a true King now in his early 30s. He always wanted a good life for his brother and this marriage was not adding anything to it. He wanted Seokjin to marry someone who came without any burden of Kingdom relationships.
No doubt, Jungkook was stunning, he was 23 but looked even younger. He could be a nice spouse for Seokjin if he was not as scheming as his brothers and the King.
“Thank you Prince Yoongi. I just wanted to ask something.” Jungkook said, walking forward.
“Go ahead Prince.” Yoongi said sharply making Jungkook flinch a little. “Please call me Jungkook. Is the king not happy with his marriage?” Jungkook asked.
Yoongi’s mouth twisted into a smirk at this, “Who will be happy? Are you happy with this Prince? Maybe, with a king by your side you will get all the power but Seokjin is just getting a boy who can’t even ride horses. It’s not been an hour here and your crown has disappeared, how will you carry the weight of the King’s spouse’s crown the whole day? You disrobed, there is no jewellery on you right now, is this how Prince of West lives?” Yoongi asked and Jungkook hugged himself tighter looking at the floor.
“I was just tired Prince Yoongi.” Jungkook said in a small voice.
“Seokjin is tired too, even I am tired, but no one is removing crowns from their heads at 4 in the evening. No one is expecting you to do anything here but atleast, look like you’re a prince here to marry the King. You will just spoil the reputation…” Yoongi’s voice was raised by this point but he got cut off by his husband Hoseok who entered the room in a hurry. He was arranging the security of Prince Jungkook for the week till the marriage but he heard that Yoongi had gone to meet the prince. Leaving everything he came to the Guest wing.
“Yoongi, you’re scaring him.” Hoseok said as he walked inside, his navy robe flowing behind him. “Prince Jungkook, I apologize from my husband’s side. Please, don’t take his words to heart, he is just upset, these weeks were not easy for us. I hope you’ll understand.” Hoseok said as he gave one of his sunshine smiles. Jungkook smiled back, bowing a little but didn’t say anything.
“Please enjoy some refreshments and rest for the evening. I will come and fetch you myself for dinner.” Hoseok said as he smiled again and pushed his husband with him.
“I am not a burden.” Jungkook whispered, his voice wobbling as the door was closed. He laid on the bed and cried his heart out.
……………
“That’s not how you welcome someone Yoongi.” Hoseok said firmly as they entered the study where Seokjin was sitting alone.
“Why are you mad at me? He removed his crown, jewellery and everything within 15 minutes of entering the castle. How do you think he will keep up our honour?” Yoongi questioned.
“He is only 23, being the youngest, maybe he didn’t have to do anything in the West. He will learn with time, you can’t just pounce on him like that. He got here after a journey of 5 days.” Hoseok reasoned.
“I am pretty sure, he did all his journey in his night dress.” Yoongi said as he sat down on a chair across from Seokjin who looked at the couple.
“You’re just being difficult Yoongi, just don’t talk to him like that. He has no one in here, he came here trusting us to welcome him with open arms.” Hoseok said as he took a seat too.
“Brother, you have got a child to deal with.” Yoongi grumbled. Seokjin rolled his eyes saying, “I know Yoongi but it is what it is.”
“He is really pretty Jin hyung.” Hoseok said. “I know, I saw his painting. He is pretty but I am not interested in this marriage. I just hope he is not here with lots of expectations. I just want him to appear like a King’s spouse, nothing else. I won’t expect anything else from him” Seokjin said.
Hoseok’s eyes softened. He understood the King didn’t want to marry a child, a youngest who hasn’t had responsibilities. He wanted someone who can rule by his side, someone who can take some burden off his shoulders. But here his to-be-husband was a boy who didn’t even know how to stay dressed properly.
“I understand you hyung but he is scared. This place is new for him, we need to teach him a few things, he will be the husband you want but you need to support him. I would have been nothing if Yoongi hadn’t supported me and you hadn’t trusted me with all of this.” Hoseok said, waving hands at the papers on his desk.
…….
Jungkook woke up when Jimin shook him.
“Prince, hot water is prepared for you. Please take a bath, you will feel at ease. Prince Hoseok sent some healing salts to be put in it, it will make you feel better. You need to get ready for dinner.” Jimin said with a smile. Jungkook wiped his face and nodded.
After the bath, Jungkook put on the clothes King had sent for him. They were really heavy, the robe put so much weight on his shoulders. He tried to adjust it but his crown started to fall. The rings on his fingers were causing irritation, he felt tears filling in his eyes. Back at his Kingdom, he was never invited to attend official functions much so he barely wore this many things.
When Hoseok came, he found Jungkook fumbling with his robes with tears in his eyes. He smiled as he remembered when he was young and couldn’t manage so much jewellery and crown with heavy robes. He knew Jungkook was the youngest prince of his kingdom, to them he was a spare with four more princes in line. He understood how he must be treated there.
“Jungkook… Can I call you Jungkook?” he asked as he walked near him. Jungkook sniffed, wiping his tears as he nodded.
Hoseok took a face cloth and gently wiped the younger’s face. He gently put some powder on his face and removed the inside padding from the shoulder of his robes, this removed some weight off him. He adjusted the rings in his fingers such that both hands had equal weight. He moved the crown at the centre and said, “Just keep your neck straight and the crown won’t fall. Don’t be nervous Jungkook, we all have learnt it this way.”
Jungkook took Hoseok’s hand and put his forehead on it trying really hard not to cry. Hoseok rubbed the prince's back and pulled his head to his stomach in an awkward hug. He gently tousled the hairs of the younger who whispered, “I am scared.”
Pulling him away Hoseok asked, “Why are you scared? Yoongi was just frustrated over something else and yelled at you. No one will say anything to you. Seokjin hyung really wants to meet you. I won’t lie Jungkook, he didn’t wanted someone as young as you by his side but you’ll prove to him that you are the perfect spouse for him won’t you? I will help you in learning everything.” Hoseok said as he pulled Jungkook to his feet.
“What if he…” Hoseok cut off Jungkook, “No what if’s Jungkook. You will do it. No one is born with all the knowledge, Seokjin hyung is really king and intelligent. He will understand with time. Now, I need to go, Jimin will escort you to him. You will enter the halls with the King, he will introduce you to the people who won’t be at the wedding as their empire needs them so they're taking early leave.” Hoseok explained as he walked out leaving a smile on Jungkook’s face.
…………..
Seokjin watched as Jungkook walked to him. He bowed saying, “Accept my greetings King Seokjin. I hope you’ll take care of me and give me a corner inside your castle to stay.”
“You don’t bow to me Jungkook. You are going to be my equal soon, please don’t bow to me. I am sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner. Thank you for coming here to join me in this journey of life. I also apologise for the sharp words Yoongi had said to you. I won’t lie, I didn’t want this marriage but now that I am looking at you, this thing doesn’t look as bad.” Seokjin said as Jungkook’s cheeks turned red at this.
“Shall we join them?” Seokjin asked as he held out his hand. Jungkook put his hand over the palm that was presented, Seokjin curled his fingers around it as they entered the hall followed by guards. Jungkook was stupefied at the sight of so many people, he recognized the King of South Kim Jungkook, whom he had seen at many occasions. There were a few more faces that he recognized, he smiled at everyone and let Seokjin do all the talking.
“Your majesty, it’s nice to finally meet your soon to be husband.” King Dawen from the East said with a smile. He put forward a bouquet of red roses. Jungkook looked at Seojin not understanding what to do. Seokjin gave him a curt nod and Jungkook accepted the flowers with a bow.
“Thank you, Your majesty.” Jungkook said as he smiled at the King. The night went like this, finally they were at their table with food at their front. Jungkook followed Seokjin’s lead and ate whatever he ate, he didn’t liked the salad but he tried his best not to waste food.
Once they were inside the private area, Seokjin moved away. “You did well Jungkook.” he praised. “But, you really need to socialize more.” he added with a tired huff.
“I will do better your…” Jungkook got cut off by Seokjin. “Jin, call me Jin.” Seokjin said as he cracked his neck. Jungkook eyes widened in amazement as the King’s crown didn’t fell even after so much movement of the head. Seokjin looked outside the window at the night sky which he loved the most then, his eyes found Jungkook who was fumbling with his robe which somehow got tangled with his wrist.
Smiling Seokjin moved forward and untangled the heavy robe this brought them close and he could smell the sweet smell of cherries coming from the younger.
………….
Later at night,
“He did surprisingly well at the dinner party.” Yoongi said as he removed his robes. Hoseok smiled as he put his jewellery on the table.
“Ofcourse he did, I told you he just needed support but you had to pounce on him the moment he got here. There are lots of things he will need to learn but he seems willing as long as he keeps Jin hyung happy, I am fine with it.” Hoseok said.
“How do you know, he will keep Jin hyung happy?” Yoongi asked as he looked at his husband with confusion on his face.
“You think Jin hyung needs someone as good as him by his side but I don’t think that’s the case. Maybe, he just needs someone who can understand him and be with him all the time.” Hoseok said as he helps Yoongi with his jewellery.
There came a knock, Hoseok announced them to come inside. Jimin came inside holding a tray with some books and painting supplies. He took it from Jimin and dismissed him.
“What’s this?” Yoongi asked.
“Well, my spies told me Prince Jungkook looks to paint and he uses most of his time in the library. So, here is a welcome gift for him from us. Now, change fast, we need to deliver this to Jungkook before he falls asleep.” Hoseok said as he went inside to change his clothes. Yoongi grumbled, “He is here to rule the Kingdom, he is not here to play paint.”
“Yoongi-ah, we should try to understand him and help him. Come on be fast.” Hoseok said as they changed into night robes.
When they went to Jungkook’s room, he was still dressed full minus the rings on his fingers. He was opening the presents that were piled at the corner of the room.
“Jungkook, you haven’t changed yet. You can do that after you’ve retired to your room.” Hoseok said as he put the tray on his desk. “I know you already got so many gifts but here is something from our side so you don’t feel alone here.” he said smiling.
Jungkook looked at the books and paint. “I… I can paint?” he asked.
“Ofcouse you can, just do it in your free time. Wedding is in a week, make yourself deserving…”Hoseok cut off Yoongi by elbowing him in the stomach.
“What Yoongi meant to say is that there is a lot you need to learn but all happens with time. When I came here, I was shocked in many ways because of different traditions but look at me now, I learnt with time, it took me almost a year.” Hoseok said and Jungkook smiled. He knew he was being kind. He looked at Jungkook who looked like a grumpy cat in his brown night robes.
“Anyway, Yoongi-ah I will join you, let me help Jungkook with his jewellery and clothes.” Hoseok said shooing Yoongi out of the room.
Once Hoseok was alone with Jungkook, the younger hugged him causing his crown to fall but Hoseok caught it smiling. “Little one, it’s alright. You did good at the party.” he assured.
“Thank you for everything and I don’t mean just the gifts.” Jungkook whispered. “I know I am not what Jin wants but I am willing to become what he needs.”
“And these idiots think you’re a kid. You are talking like a mature king. Jungkook-ah, fairy tales are not real, everyone has their own love story and we write our stories ourselves. I know this all is new for you but trust me Jin hyung is with you in this. He might not love you right now but he is willing to take steps towards you. That's why he took you to the dinner party, otherwise it was really easy for him to just say you were tired and couldn’t attend it. He wanted you by his side that’s why he took you. Don’t listen to Yoongi, he is grumpy with a soft heart, he will come around.” Hoseok explained in a soft voice as he removed Jungkook’s jewellery.
“With you here, I don’t feel so alone hyung.” Jungkook said as he put rings back in the box. “I am glad you like my company Jungkookie.” Hoseok said lovingly. “Now, go change and rest. I will see you tomorrow.” he said as he stepped away. Jungkook held his arm, “You will come tomorrow morning right? I don’t know how….” Hoseok cupped his face saying, “Aigo, little one, I will come and make sure you are presentable for the breakfast table.”
Jungkook nodded and let go. As he laid on the bed that night, he thought maybe he could actually do this. He might not get Seokjin’s love but he already has a friend here.