Princess Miyu sat at the vanity table in her bedroom while one of her handmaids ran a brush through her long hair. Another was preparing her evening gown for the formal dinner that was taking place tonight in the castle. Her father, the king, had invited a young prince from their neighboring kingdom for discussions regarding the arranged marriage of his adorned daughter.
The princess would have opposed such an idea in any other circumstance. However, this particular prince was also her childhood companion and someone she'd come to have strong feelings for over the years. She was in love with Taehyung. Absolutely and utterly smitten, and she couldn't have been more happy about the prospect of marrying him.
There was a knock on the door and the sound of Jimin's voice could be heard muffled behind the wood. "Princess, are you ready yet? You need to hurry up. I heard Taehyung just arrived. He's making his way to the king's chambers now."
Jimin was her personal bodyguard. However, apart from that, he was the last piece of their triplet of childhood friends, along with Taehyung. And she could tell from the fuss he made that he was excited to see Taehyung too. In their younger years, the three of them had been inseparable, but now that they'd grown up, the chances they got to spend together were limited. Taehyung had duties of his own that took up most of his time. This left just the princess and Jimin together, seeing as he was the one who was always by her side to guard her and keep her safe.
"I'm nearly done, I just need to-" As Miyu called back out to Jimin, the handmaid had pulled the strings tighter around her corset whilst dressing her in the undergarments and cutting her off for a quick moment.
"Sorry, your highness," the handmaid apologized, but Miyu didn't mind. She smiled reassuringly. "It's fine." The other handmaid came rushing back from the wardrobe holding one garment, which the princess only ever wore for special occasions. The material was feather light and made moving around look graceful. It was entirely white with subtle yet striking red embellished strokes that resembled the stem and petals of a flower. It was common knowledge that these two handmaids knew just how fond the princess was of Taehyung. Despite the princess not knowing of their plan, they were determined to make her irresistible to her husband-to-be.
The two handmaids exchanged knowing smiles as they wrapped the Princess up in her overgarments, and then one of them placed a hair ornament perfectly on her half-updo. Just as she finished, another knock sounded on the door.
"Jimin! I said I'm coming, you're so impatient some-" The princess had strutted over and ripped the door open thinking it was Jimin but as she did her heart skipped a beat at seeing the tall, dark, handsome man that stood before her with a cheeky grin.
"Sorry, you're right. Maybe I should leave-" Taehyung's boxy grin didn't falter as he turned to leave, but Miyu quickly reached for his arm. "No! No, wait, I didn't mean it." She laughed awkwardly, feeling silly, and upon seeing Jimin gloating from behind Taehyung at her blunder, it only made her blush more.
"Here she goes again, blushing. She must be excited to see you Tae." Jimin hummed, waltzing over and draping an arm over his childhood companion's shoulder. Seeing them together like this made her feel sentimental, as they had always been playful with each other. The two exchanged a giggle. "You think so? Then again, I can't remember the last time we were all together like this." Taehyung rubbed his chin in thought. Miyu loved the way his deep brown eyes sparkled as he looked at her and Jimin. She also noticed that his thick brown hair was longer than when she saw him last, the thick curls swooping against his forehead.
"Of course I'm excited. It must've been a few months ago now, when you two sparred with the bokken." Miyu said. The two cheekily grinned at each other at the mention of their small duel.
"I won that, by the way." Taehyung poked Jimin in the side, giggling deeply and causing him to flinch and cross his arms. "No, you didn't, I did. Remember? You had to carry the princess on your back around the entire perimeter of the castle for losing the match." Jimin broke into a squeak of laughter. Miyu knew exactly why. She recalled the memory of Taehyung nearly dying because of how big the castle was.
Taehyung glanced at the princess before looking away and blushing. "At least I can carry her around the castle, I'd like to see you try." At this Jimin broke into a smirk and was about to rebuttal but one handmaid pulling on the sleeve of the princess's dress caught all their attention. "Your highness, if you don't hurry, you'll all be late."
The two Samurai escorts that were stationed off to the side of the Engawa railing overlooking the garden came over to Taehyung's side. And as Taehyung and his men set off for the main keep where the king was awaiting their arrival, Jimin and a few of his own men followed closely behind. The princess strolled with her handmaids in tow, and as she did, she couldn't help but admire Taehyung. He'd always been the tallest of the three, but it was much more apparent just how much taller he was she watched on.
The princess still couldn't believe that soon enough they'd be wed, and that the man she'd loved for so long would actually become her husband. Not everyone was this lucky. As usual, when you were in such a position of high status, they did not give you much of a choice. Miyu believed that she must've saved a village in her past life to have been blessed with such a good life.
As they approached the steps leading up to the double doors of the throne room, Jimin had come to a halt and stepped aside in waiting for her. As their glances met, he flashed her a small smile. Taehyung entered, striding in like he'd been inside a hundred times, which he had over the years. Princess Miyu followed, stopping to stand beside Taehyung and Jimin, joining them as they lined up to greet the king from where he was perched on his throne.
Once the formalities were concluded, the king, his daughter, and company all gathered around the long table in the dining hall for the feast that was to ensue. The wine-bearer made his way around the table as servings of magnificent roast pork were plated and passed around.
Jimin, who was seated beside the princess, placed down a plate for her that was so full that it was close to falling off. She flashed him a small smile and said thanks to him. Over the years, Jimin had always made small kind gestures for her. Sometimes she didn't know if it was only because she was the princess or because he wanted to do them, but she was appreciative either way.
The banquet began, and the sweet sound of the Koto strings being plucked floated through the dining hall. King Hirozen sat at the head of the table and was the first to take a bite of the delicious meat before him. After downing a long swig of rice wine, he looked at Prince Taehyung, who was seated to his left. "So, how's your father Taehyung? His condition, last I heard, wasn't too well." The king inquired. The princess nearly choked at how casually her father had asked such a question, but Taehyung held his composure.
"He's feeling a bit better, but the doctor says he doesn't have long left." The king frowned at this, but it was only for a deliberate moment before he carried on. "That's a shame. All the more reason for you to wed my daughter as quickly as possible." He gave a hearty chuckle and gestured towards his daughter beside him. She instantly turned a peachy shade of pink. She cursed her father's insufferable attitude, which he had more times than not, but he was still her father and the king, so she held her silence. Taehyung's gaze drifted straight towards her, but it was difficult for her to decipher what thoughts were behind those notoriously void dark eyes of his.
Their eyes met briefly, and Miyu's attention was drawn to the hand that had landed on her thigh from under the table. She glanced beside her at Jimin. It happened so quickly that she questioned if it had actually happened. However, she could've sworn she'd seen Jimin grimace before his expression returned to the light smile he usually wore. It confused her, as she couldn't understand why Jimin would be displeased. And as Jimin's touch on her thigh disappeared, so did her doubts.
"Ah yes, married life. I'm looking forward to our betrothal." Taehyung spoke to the king, but his gaze was directed straight at the princess. And she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter at the thoughts that came to her mind. From when they were about seven or eight years old, they pranced around the grounds, playing as children. She remembered a game they used to play where Taehyung pretended to be a Samurai trying to save the princess from Jimin, who pretended to be the villain that'd kidnapped her. It was after Taehyung had defeated him and rescued her, that he once slipped a ring he'd made from daisies on her finger and asked her to marry him. This was all in childhood innocence, but to think that when he'd declared he was intending to make her his wife all those years ago, that it'd come true.
The festivities continued into the night, and details of the date on which the wedding was to take place were decided to be in a month's time. Eventually, after much chatting and drinking, the night ended, and the princess felt tired. Jimin offered to escort her back to her quarters, so she bid her father and Taehyung goodnight. Even though she wanted to spend more time with her fiance to be, there would be plenty of time for that tomorrow, seeing as he wasn't expected to depart for his own kingdom until tomorrow evening.
The night air was warm, and still as Jimin and Princess Miyu slowly walked side by side. Jimin had been more quiet than usual towards the end of the night. However, once the two were alone, he took the chance to ask something that'd been plaguing his mind ever since the announcement of their engagement came.
"Princess," Jimin muttered, and Miyu turned to look at him. She may have been the only one in the kingdom that caught the tiny telltale signs that something had been bothering him. However, until now she hadn't had a chance to ask him if he was alright. "Yes?" she questioned. Jimin was someone she cared deeply about. He'd been there for her, always by her side, always protecting her. She cared about him just as much as she did Taehyung, even if it was in a different way. She held her breath as she awaited to hear what may have caused the pained look she'd seen him have every so often.
"Are you sure marrying Taehyung is the right thing to do?" Jimin spoke softly, yet she'd heard him clearly. But it had only left her in confusion. "Jimin, what do you mean?"
Jimin glanced away from her and out towards the gardens centering the buildings and the clear night sky above. He hesitated for a moment, and it wasn't until they came to a halt before the door to her bedroom quarters he looked back at her.
"I just don't know. Taehyung doesn't seem like his usual self lately. I feel like something is wrong. I know his father is ill, and he has been for a while but.." Jimin trailed off.
"Everything is fine Jimin. I think you're just worrying about nothing. This is Taehyung we're talking about, and you know how I feel about him.." Miyu, despite feeling shy about admitting her feelings aloud, was shocked by Jimin's concerns. They knew each other better than anyone, and to have Jimin stand before her with such doubts was astonishing.
"That's the problem. You're so in love with him you can't see it. Princess, something's not right. I don't know what it is but-"
"Enough Jimin." The princess' hand came into contact with Jimin's solid chest as she hit him, unable to stand hearing such nonsense being spouted off any longer, especially not about Taehyung. Jimin's words got caught in his throat. Even though he had barely felt the hit, it was the watery look in her eyes that made him hold his words back.
"I don't want to hear you talking badly about him again.. Alright? I know this has been difficult for you.. But, it's already been decided.." Jimin felt his heart drop at what the princess had said. It was true. It had been hard for him, it always had. Watching the girl he loved looking at another with that sparkle in her eyes. How he wished it was him that she'd fallen for, wished it was him that she was engaged to. Even when they were children, when Taehyung had given her the ring made of daisies, and he'd been forced to play the role of the villain, he'd secretly wanted to steal her heart away even back then. But despite all his efforts, all she ever seemed to do was run after Taehyung, who only ever strung her along.
After Taehyung had been named the next heir to their kingdom's throne and the successor of his father, he'd practically abandoned the two of them for his duties. He barely showed his face and when he did, there was always a vacancy in his eyes. Jimin had noticed it straight away, but the princess had become blinded by her infatuation with him to notice the changes in his attitude. He was no longer the kind and gentle Taehyung that they knew. He'd become cold and ruthless, and he had no regard for the princess' feelings at all. This arranged marriage was the perfect example of how he used it to his advantage. Jimin had his suspicions, and as much as he hated to think that his beloved childhood friend had some kind of ulterior motive, he couldn't ignore the warning signs.
"But princess.. I-" Jimin stopped as the princess turned her back on him and opened the door. His heart stung as she turned back on him. "Goodnight Jimin, I'll see you in the morning."
And with that, the princess shut the door behind her and Jimin was left standing alone in the night's silence.
"Still helplessly chasing after her, I see. You really should just tell her how you feel." As the low sound of Taehyung's voice rang through the air, Jimin whipped around to see his figure emerge from the shadows. How long had he been lurking there, listening to their conversation? Jimin wasn't sure, but it didn't matter. "Taehyung. What kind of game are you playing? Whatever it is, you need to stop. The princess doesn't deserve this." Jimin uttered under his breath, his expression hardening.
"Why, I'm not playing any games, Jiminie. I love the princess, and I'm going to marry her." Taehyung snickered, but the dark look in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by Jimin. "Don't look so hurt Jimin. I know you can't help how stupidly in love you are with her. I mean, I can't blame you. She's the picture of perfection." Taehyung went on, taking a step closer so that he was towering over Jimin.
"Her long luscious hair and that soft, heavenly skin of hers, isn't it tempting? I don't know how you've held back this long." Taehyung sighed heavily. However, Jimin wasn't about to let Taehyung continue to talk about her like she was a prized possession.
"Just wait. Eventually she's going to see through this little facade of yours and see how much you've changed. She won't be so in love with you then. Underestimating her will be your biggest mistake." Jimin smirked, but at this Tae merely gave a thoughtful hum.
"We'll see about that. Anyway, as much fun as it was catching up, I have business with the princess so, if you wouldn't mind stepping aside." The glare Jimin gave Taehyung would have almost been enough to kill. But, reluctantly, Jimin broke eye contact first and turned on his heels.
"Whatever it is you're up to, I'm onto you, Taehyung." And with those last words Jimin strode off into the night until the click clack of his boots faded. Once Taehyung was sure Jimin had left, he knocked on the princess's door, and after a slight moment it cracked open and she poked her head out.
"Taehyung, Wh- What're you doing here so late at night?" She stuttered, not expecting him to appear at her door. Taehyung gave a warm smile which only stirred butterflies in Miyu's stomach. She loved his smile. It never failed to make her weak in the knees.
"I'm sorry to come by so late, but I just missed you so much." Miyu bit at her lip. It wasn't very orthodox for her to let a man into her room, and especially not this late. However, she found it impossible to say no to him when he looked at her with those wide puppy dog eyes.
"Okay, you can come in, but I don't think you should stay for long.." She took a step back to let Taehyung in, which he did. Once he'd closed the door behind him, he turned back to her, only to see her timidly standing there.
"You know, when we were younger, we used to all sleep together in the same bed. It makes this little late-night visit seem trivial, doesn't it?" Taehyung wore a light grin as he spoke, but at the mention of it, Miyu became flustered. "I know, but it's not the same thing. We were just kids back then.."
Taehyung chuckled when he saw her fluster. He'd always enjoyed teasing her because of how reactive she was to him. "Hmm. I guess so. But soon enough, we're going to be married." His smile faded and was replaced with a softness. Miyu's gaze averted downwards at the hem of her nightgown, which she was fiddling with to try to ease her heart.
"I know.. It's.." She wanted to say amazing, great, what she'd hoped for more than anything in her entire life, but she couldn't find the courage to. "I couldn't have wished for anything more. Marrying you is all I've ever wanted, Miyu." Taehyung had plucked the words right out of her heart. She looked back up to see the swirl in his eyes. She held in the breath she'd taken as Taehyung took a step closer to her and raised his hand to caress her cheek with the back of it.
"I know you want the same thing. Even if you don't say it." Taehyung's voice was deep in her ear, and she couldn't look away from him. He was so close, his lips just inches away from hers.
"But," He pulled away slightly and sucked in a sharp breath of air. "I don't know if you'll feel the same way after this." Confusion filled Miyu as she stood there. She felt Taehyung's hands run down the sides of her nightgown, and she shivered. "After what?" She questioned, trying to not get lost in his touch.
"After you find out that I killed the king, and that I'm taking over your kingdom." The words left his lips in a tone laced with a darkness she'd never heard from him before. Miyu stood paralyzed on the spot, her mind unable to comprehend what she was being told. Taehyung's grasp enclosed over her wrist, and she watched as he brought it to his lips and placed soft kisses on the inside of the bottom of her palm. It was so delicate, but she couldn't feel a thing.
Suddenly, a rush overcame her, and she tried to pull from his grasp, but his fingers tightened around her skin and he wouldn't let her go. "What are you talking about, Taehyung? If that's a joke, it isn't funny. I know my father isn't perfect, but to say such a thing is blasphemy. If anyone was to hear you say that.." And despite this all seeming like a bad joke to her, the glint in his eye wasn't that of his usual playfulness. No, this was something else entirely. Still, it was as if there were an invisible wall blocking her out. She couldn't understand it.
"It's not a joke, although I wish it was," Taehyung gave a sigh and pulled her, a bit rougher than she was expecting, and she collided with his chest. "But, your father is- Well, was a tyrant. Unfortunately, he had to go." A dread crept in, running over Miyu's skin and seeping into the crevices until it filled up her heart.
"No, no, you can't be serious." She struggled more fiercely against him as the gravity of reality set in. Taehyung merely chuckled. "Ah, aren't you being a little too dramatic, princess? I know right now it seems bad, but it's for the better." Taehyung yanked her wrist up, rendering it impossible for her to escape.
Unwillingly, she was forced to look at him, but what she saw wasn't the man she loved. He wasn't the sweet and innocent Taehyung who'd spent those sleepless nights humming lullabies in her ear to try to get her to relax. He wasn't the same person who'd carried her off on his back to the doctor when she'd fallen and scraped her knee. He wasn't someone she recognised at all, even so, it was those same big brown eyes that bore into her own. The same ones that cried with her the day of her mother's funeral. The same eyes that had given her looks of endearment when he taught her how to paint the castle landscape around her. Nothing made sense anymore, and it was as though her world had come crumbling down around her. Every truth she knew was a lie. Was it?
At that moment, both their attention snapped over to the door as it came crashing down, and Jimin stood in the doorway, sword unsheathed and pointed directly at Taehyung. It wasn't until now that Miyu could hear the clashes and clanging and battle cries of fighting throughout the castle. But all her thoughts disappeared in an instant as she saw the look of anger on Jimin's face as he stood there.