The rulers of both kingdoms were having a private meeting at the Banquet Hall while the guests from Gyeongsong were being shown around the palace by the princes of Nahae.

Jennie and Lisa were being escorted by Jimin, who, Seokjin had learned, was the third-born son of the King of Queen of Nahae. Seokjin particularly didn't like the idea of his sisters wandering alone with a foreign prince in a foreign palace, but the duo had assured him that they had taken private lessons from their royal trainer at Gyeongsong; the scary gleam in their eyes at the mention of breaking necks was enough to convince Seokjin that his noonas were more than capable of looking after themselves.

Rose was too exhausted from the journey, hence she went straight to her appointed chamber, led by a middle-aged maid. Yoongi, the first-born kitty-faced son, also excused himself to lay down even though Namjoon, the dimpled prince and second-born, had said something like But didn't you wake up two hours ago hyung?

Jisoo was being shown around by (surprise, surprise) Taehyung, and it definitely didn't bother Seokjin. Definitely not.

Atleast Seokjin got to spend time with the second brother, Namjoon, who had toppled three antique ceramic vases by then. Seokjin tried to control his laughter as best as he could but the blush on Namjoon's cheeks showed how embarrased he felt.

"And this is the Royal Arena of Nahae. It was first built a hundred and forty nine years ago by King Dogyeong. The annual games are held here and the entry is entirely free! A lot of sports are held here, for example, fencing, archery, horse race, foot race and so many more!"

Seokjin must say that he completely loved the arena. A tremendous circular field was lined by rows of rising stands. There was a tower at one side which was were the Royal family and their noblemen resided while they spectated the games.

"Are you a partaker of these games, Prince Namjoon?" Seokjin asked politely.

"No, Prince Seokjin," Namjoon replied while he shook his head, "I do not like involving myself in such sports. They are too violent and noisy for me. Prince Yoongi and I prefer remaining in the part of the palace farthest from the Arena when the games are held."

Seokjin was a tad bit surprised. He thought how the King and Queen permitted their sons, the elder prince's that even, to excuse their presence on such an important event. Perhaps, things were quite different in Nahae.

"The younger princes are participants then, I assume?" Seokjin said.

"Prince Jimin just partakes in archery. Most of the time he's just there to cheer on our maknae, Prince Taehyung. He is seen in each and every game. He, along with Prince Jimin, are fine sportsmen, I tell you." Namjoon said, his tone having a hint of pride.

"In fact, there he is! I reckon he is trying to impress the princesses."

Indeed, there was Prince Taehyung in all his sweaty glory as he knocked down a swordsman by striking him on his forehead with the hilt of his sword. Seokjin's sisters (minus Rose), who were all gathered up on the stands clapped at the prince's triumph. He wondered where Prince Jimin had gone to.

Seokjin and Namjoon, who had been walking wound the third landing of the palace, descended down three flights of stairs. The entrance of the Arena was adorned with old purple banners, a colour Seokjin found odd for sports. The air downstairs was so freezing that Seokjin had to clench his jaws to stop his teeth from clattering in his mouth. He made a mental note to dress himself in his heaviest apparel once he went to his chamber.

Whatsoever, they entered the place and was greeted by a boisterous Prince Taehyung.

"Did you see that, princesses? To be quite honest, that was just a peek of my skills. No warrior has ever been able to defeat me till today." The golden haired prince bragged as he helped his competitor to get up.

"Maybe I can be the first."

Seokjin honestly had no clue how those words left his tongue. It seemed like an instinctive action, like he had to challenge the Prince and shut that pretty mouth of his.

Taehyung turned around, a devilish smirk spreading across his face as he realised who had challenged him. He bowed, which Seokjin returned, and said, "My Prince. . ."

Seokjin shivered.

"Are you sure about it? I am the best swordsman in our land. It would be a shame if your lovely skin got bruised."

The audacity of the prince irked Seokjin horribly, so he picked up the sword from the ground which was used by the previous challenger. The man had already bowed and left, not asking Seokjin to return his weapon.

The two youngest princes faced each other and bowed, while one's eyes held amusement, the other's eyes were wild with rage and the determination to show his opponent what he was capable of. The little crowd of ladies burst into cheers, all throwing words of encouragement towards their dongsaeng, with a few cheers for the foreign prince by Jisoo and Namjoon (he was already seated a stand below the princesses of Gyeongsong).

Seokjin initiated the first strick but he was easily blocked by Taehyung who had swiftly placed his sword against the former's. Seokjin stepped back, momentarily lowering his sword, but that gave Taehyung the opportunity to slash at him. Luckily, Seokjin had a good reflex when it came to sword fighting, hence, he was able to dodge the attack and hit Taehyung's sword with as much strength as he could muster. The great force made the Prince of Nahae stumble back, his eyes widening at the sudden impact. Seokjin took it as a chance to step closer to Taehyung and twirl the edge of his sword at the base of the latter's sword and send it spinning to the ground. He then tackled Taehyung to the ground, his knees on either side of Taehyung's hips and his blade held at his throat.

For a moment the two princes just remained in that slightly suggestive position, gazing at each other's eyes. The moment made Seokjin feel butterflies tap dancing in his stomach but, ofcourse, someone had to ruin the moment by falling off the stands.

Seokjin looked up to see everyone were trying to suppress a smirk, except Namjoon who was trying not to act like his bottom hurt due to the fall.

Then he released he was sitting directing on Taehyung's uh. . . . . .manhood.

Scrambling off, Seokjin bowed to Taehyung multiple times and apologised for being oblivious. Taehyung did not look angered, instead he laughed and said, "I can't believe you had a blade against my throat a few moments ago, my Prince."

Seokjin reddened a bit more at the my Prince and opened his mouth to reply but he was tackled by his three sisters, congratulating him.

"That was amazing, Jin!"

"You never teach me those tricks!"

"I'm so proud of you, Seokjinnie!"

Seokjin laughed merrily at the showering compliments. Times like these made him forget that having magical powers mattered.

As if Seokjin and Taehyung were thinking the same thing, the latter said, "But don't you, children of Gyeongsong, possess magical abilities?"

The pout on the prince's face made Seokjin want to pinch his cheeks but he chose not to, because if it went to his parents' ears, he'd be up for punishments worse than Kimchi being taken away from him.

"Their magical abilities do not affect their physical strength or intellect, little brother." Namjoon provided. He was up, his expression a little crumpled.

"Besides," Lisa started, "Our little prince does not-"

"Wonderful game!"

Everyone turned around to see the Queen of Gyeongsong approaching them. They all bowed to the ruler, which the Queen dismissed with a small wave of her hand.

"I must say, Princes, the palace is truly a piece of art!" The Queen praised. "No, my bad. Nahae, itself, is a masterpiece!"

"Thank you, Your Highness." Taehyung and Namjoon said simultaneously.

"I hope you find my daughter, Princess Jisoo, lovable." The Queen said. Seokjin felt the urge to roll his eyes at his mother but the probable consequences made him stop.

"Indeed," the youngest Prince of Gyeongsong said, "The youngest princess is a lady of honour, but so are her siblings."

Seokjin couldn't help but blush when Taehyung's eyes fell on him at the last few words.

"Surely," The Queen replied, "I did raise these beautiful flowers!"

Okay, now Seokjin eyerolled, and made sure everyone noticed. Neither their mother nor their father had any contribution to what they are today. From the earliest days of their childhood, the five siblings could only remember the love and guidance their Nanny had provided them. Seokjin didn't even recollect ever sleeping on his mother's lap.

"Speaking of it, you handsome, young gentlemen wouldn't mind if I borrowed my children for some time?" The Queen asked in a sickly sweet tone which made Seokjin visibly gag which didn't go unnoticed as well. By the suppressed smiles of the foreign princes, Seokjin could tell he was putting up a good show.

The princes of Nahae shook their heads and bowed. The Queen beckoned the four to follow her.

Their little trip through the hallways gave Seokjin eight minutes to prepare whatever defence he'd need when they would have the private talk with their mother.

When they had arrived at the Queen's chamber, they found Rose already inside.

"Mother, you had called?" The second oldest daughter.

"Yes, listen my children," the Queen said, her voice strict, "None of you will reveal about your brother being powerless, understand?"

Seokjin scoffed. What was seriously what she had to say?

"I don't see a problem in the Royal Family knowing about Seokjin's lack of control over elements. His inability does not snatch his title as the Prince of Gyeongsong." Jennie defended his brother with the other sisters nodding in approval. Seokjin felt about lump in his throat at his sisters' protective nature over him.

"And what makes you open your mouth, Kim Jennie?" The Queen asked haughtily.

"Mother-" Seokjin started to say but he was interrupted by their mother.

"All of you have become so insolent. It cost me so much convincing and precious time for this agreement, so I and your father will not tolerate it if any one of you caused any disruption. Especially you, son." She said, pointing at the youngest.

"I expect you to tame your rebellious nature and act like how an honourable individual is supposed to." The Queen said pointedly.

Seokjin nodded. He knew opening his mouth now would be a bad choice so he decided to play along.

"Now, girls," there was her disgustingly sweet voice again.

"There are four of you and four of them. There is no guarantee Prince Taehyung will fall for Jisoo so each and every one of you shall try your best to impress him. If not the youngest prince, see if you can charm the others. The more marriages between the two kingdoms, the stronger our bond shall be."

Seokjin wasn't surprised honestly because he was expecting such a plan from his mother.

All the princesses nodded, willingly and unwillingly. They didn't look much ecstatic at the thought of seducing the princes of Nahae but they couldn't disobey the Queen either.

The Queen let out a big sigh, maybe out of relief, and said in a cheery tone (which made Seokjin want to gag once more), "The Queen and King are holding a ball this evening so be there in your best costumes. And remember what I said, my daughters."

With that, the Queen shooed them all out of her room but not before giving directions to their own room.

The siblings complained along the way, saying how they just wanted to hibernate after such a long journey. They were also not pleased with the whole charm the princes ordeal, especially Seokjin. Jisoo wasn't saying much though, which made Seokjin wonder if she too, like him, felt colours when she was with Taehyung.

Seokjin slapped himself, earning a few questioning looks from his noonas, at the very idea of him liking his twin's fiancé.

How absurd, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seokjin felt at ease when he saw his faithful companions waiting for him in his room. Hoseok and Jungkook were having a passionate debate over who was the faster runner when Seokjin came in. Immediately, they forgot about their small quarrel and embraced Seokjin. They both gushed about how beautiful Nahae was, how luxurious their rooms were and how handsome they found the princes.

Seokjin was pleased to hear that Prince Jimin had checked on every servant and maid and even went to stables with Jungkook to ensure their horses were receiving good hospitality. Jungkook fidgeted with the hem of his thick coat when he retold Seokjin about his alone time with with the prince in the stables.

Now, after five hours of good rest and delicious food, Jungkook and Hoseok was helping Seokjin get ready for the ball.

Seokjin wore a simple black suit with an elegant brooch pinned to it. Jungkook did his makeup while Hoseok worked on his hair. They had been pretty much dressed up ever since Seokjin mentioned about the ball. Seokjin must admit that they looked like princes.

"Do you think Prince Yoongi will notice me?" Hoseok, who was more open about his adoration for the eldest prince of Nahae, asked.

"You do look absolutely stunning, hyung, but let me warn you that the man seemed like he prefers hibernating his life out." Seokjin commented, making the other two chuckle at his silly remark.

"And done!" Hoseok and Jungkook said at the same time.

Seokjin looked at the mirror, smiling in satisfaction. Sure, he was quite good looking naturally but the makeup and hairstyle brought out his handsome features even more.

"Let's get it!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seokjin was more than impressed by the royal ball room. The snowy walls were decorated with beautiful tapestries and millions of lanterns hung above near the ceiling. The floor was of colourful tiles, each tile emitting a faint light. The room was crowded with people of all classes. But in the ocean of so many colours and such sweet fragrances that everyone was equal to Seokjin's eyes.

For the first two hours, Seokjin went around making small talk here and there with the people of Nahae. He even had a round of shamelessly sharing his infamous jokes with the King of Nahae who seemed genuinely entertained. The Princesses urged him to find a partner to dance with and after a lot of bickering, Seokjin agreed. He politely asked a little girl in a lavender gown and a plastic tiara on her flowing dark hair if she wanted the dance. The little one giggled a yes and danced merrily with the prince until she said she was hungry and went over to the food table.

After the girl had left, Seokjin started to feel stifled by all those people and music and decided he needed some air. He spotted a pair of blue tinted doors behind a swan tapestry that led to a small balcony. Stealthily, Seokjin slipped behind the silky material and walked into the balcony, only to find it occupied.

"My Prince?"

Seokjin didn't shiver as much in the chilly Nahae air as he did when Taehyung addressed him as his prince in his ocean-deep, honey voice.

Seokjin didn't know if he should apologise for trespassing and walk away or join the beauty by the railings.

Luckily, the Prince of Nahae gestured Seokjin to stand next to him and Seokjin obliged.

"You are quite a fighter, Prince Seokjin. I admire you." Taehyung said with a smile that made Seokjin's heart skip a beat.

"I'm honoured." Seokjin replied, grateful for the darkness of the evening.

They remained like that for a while before Taehyung asked, "Are you cold, Prince?"

Seokjin replied, "I'm alright, Prince Taehyung."

"Liar." Taehyung reached out to touch Seokjin's hand and furrowed his brows at contact.

"Why are you so warm? Are you suffering from a fever, my Prince?" Taehyung asked in concern.

Seokjin was confused if his stomach was doing back flips due to Taehyung being worried about him or their hands being connected or him deliberately calling Seokjin my Prince.

"My body tends to heat up when I'm angered or excited or, in this case, in need of escaping crowds." Seokjin explained which was true because he was getting really sticky in there when he was inside.

"Or perhaps you are flustered?" Taehyung said with a smirk leaning a little closer to the Prince of Gyeongsong.

"Yah! I can haul you over the railings if I want to!" Seokjin said and instantly clapped his hands over his mouth in regret. He was going to be in so much trouble if his mother heard about-

Taehyung laughed. He let out a sound so melodious that Seokjin's regret vanished in a millisecond.

"I think I prefer you the most. Thinking of which, I would love to personally give you a tour of our Nahae. Be ready in the morning, please?"

"You are so much more enticing than your sister, but I must return to her side. I prefer not getting an earful from my brothers on such a celebration. Goodbye, my Prince."

Taehyung left Seokjin alone in the cold with a racing heart and his mind lingering on his words.