The lights were surprisingly brighter than Hoseok expected to be. Gradually, his eyes fluttered open, and he sat up, his hands pressing against his mattress. He looked around his room, drinking in the cream-colored walls draped with paintings, illuminating with pictures of his family. Everything seemed to be in place, and yet, Hoseok couldn't help but feel eerily empty.

Cautiously, he got out of his bed and walked to his bathroom, taking light steps as if he were trying to ensure that he didn't get anyone's attention, even though he was the only one in his room. He stopped in front of the sink, looking up at the mirror, only leaving him more confused. His eyes were slightly puffy as if he'd been crying. His fingers ran along the surface of his cheeks, lips parting in surprise as he felt the sticky texture of dried tears left.

Hoseok couldn't understand why he'd been crying. Even as he washed his face, no thought, no reason appeared in his head about the cause of the tears. All he knew was that he'd been crying the night before, and now he was awake, with no recollection of anything. His chest hurt, something that had never happened to him before, and as his eyes continued to drink in his appearance, Hoseok couldn't help but notice something off.

His fingers lightly grazed down his neck, pulling at the satin collar of his shirt. Hoseok's brows furrowed at the crystal clear skin that blessed him. The sight was odd. Hoseok could have sworn he had something there.

"Hoseok?"

Hoseok turned to see Seokjin standing in the doorway, smiling at him. Hoseok finished washing his face, muttering a small greeting before finally going to embrace him. He smiled as he milted into Seokjin's embrace, hugging Seokjin tighter than he'd intended to. Seokjin laughed at the action, pressing a reassuring kiss on Hoseoak's forehead.

"Nightmare?" Seokjin asked gently, tucking a strand of Hoseok's hair behind his ear. Hoseok looked down, and he bit his bottom lip, a puzzled expression settling onto his face.

"I guess so," Hoseok mumbled. "I don't know. I woke up with tears on my face, so I know it was sad, but I can't remember what exactly was sad. It's annoying me."

"Oh, Seokie," Seokjin smiled affectionately. "If you don't remember, then it means it wasn't important. Come. Your father's waiting for you. We have to discuss some sensitive details."

Hoseok scrunched his nose. "Let me change first. I can't go out in my pajamas. My father will kill me."

"You look beautiful either way," Seokjin teased lightly, leading Hoseok out of the restroom. "You could wear a garbage bag, and I'd still think you're the most beautiful person in the world."

"You're sweet," Hoseok responded, pushing Seokjin away. "However, my father will think I look like an idiot. I must always look the part of a royal. Now go away. I don't need you in here to change."

Seokjin sat down on the edge of Hoseok's bed. Hoseok laughed and shook his head but let the older remain there as he rummaged to find appropriate clothing to wear. He had no clue what his father wanted, but if Seokjin had come into the room to alert him, then he knew it was extremely important. It had to be, else Seokjin and he would have waited out for him.

"I'm done!" Hoseok announced, blushing as Seokjin let out a low whistle. "You don't have to hype me up, you know."

"Who else is going to, if not me?" Seokjin asked leisurely, holding out his hand. Hoseok's grin widened at Seokjin's words, and he took Seokjin's hand, letting Seokjin lead him out of his room and into his father's study.

Seokjin continued to latch onto Hoseok securely; an action Hoseok somewhat tensed at. Strangely enough, everything around him felt foreign. The helpers walking around, the pristine hallways and flooring— all felt weird with every footstep. Everything looked the same, yet Hoseok felt like he was stepping on a place that did not exist.

Usually, he wouldn't oppose being affectionate with Seokjin, but today it felt different. Hoseok felt off, out of place, weird, so to speak, but he had to convince himself that everything was completely fine. Perhaps Hoseok was deluding himself because everything seemed to be perfect. It was a good thing, though, if everything was perfect. No conflicts, no danger for anyone.

"Hoseok, how I've missed you."

Hoseok's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as his father embraced him, a feat that didn't happen too often, especially now that he was considered an adult.

"I haven't gone anywhere, Father," Hoseok said, patting his father's back. King Micah pulled back, dusting off Hoseok's shoulders, but he said nothing, only continuing to smile bright. Seokjin stepped in between them, giving Micah a pointed look before smiling at Hoseok.

"We have many things to talk about."

King Micah motioned for them to sit down. Seokjin seemed particularly eager to sit down, gesturing Hoseok to do the same. Smiling hesitantly, Hoseok took a seat, and he waited patiently for his father to begin talking.

"We have tightened restrictions on the vampire side of the city," Micah began, adjusting his collar. "Mass production on silver weapons has begun. We have been far too lenient with the vampires. We have begun wiping them out as we see them."

"You've been killing them?" Hoseok asked incredulously. "For what? What have they done?"

"What haven't they done is the real question," Seokjin scoffed. "Anyone and everyone on that other side of the city deserves to be put to death."

"But they haven't done anything!"

Hoseok surprised himself at how aggressive his tone of voice had become, but he couldn't help it. His father was letting innocents be killed, and he was giving no clear reason to. As much as his family could despise vampires, there had always been an honor code. Unless the vampires did something that harmed their people, Hoseok saw no reason to attack them. It was wrong, and it made Hoseok feel queasy to his stomach.

"Their existence is action enough," Seokjin said, expression set in hatred. "The things that go down in the other side of the city, not even the humans that reside there, should be forgiven. The things that they do out of eyesight, the amount of hatred they hold for the Royal Crown, it's grounds of treason."

Never had Hoseok seen Seokjin be so angry, so hateful towards vampires. While it had always been true that Seokjin didn't like the vampires, he didn't have a problem with them. All the vampires had to do was stay in their rightful place. Had the vampires done something that had caused Seokjin to strengthen his hatred? Hoseok couldn't remember if there was, but it didn't change the fact that Seokjin and his father were willing to abandon the humans on the vampire side of town.

Who were they to label those humans, their people, as criminals?

"But Jungkook lives on the other side of the city!" Hoseok realized, staring at them wide-eyed. "Are you going to sentence him too? He's innocent."

Seokjin's expression darkened. "Jeon Jungkook is a traitor. You won't be seeing him ever again."

"How can you say that?" Hoseok whispered, expression washing to hurt. "He's my best friend! You know he can't afford to live in the wealthier parts of the city."

"He works with the Purebloods," his father quickly interjected. "You are not going near him. Ever again."

Jungkook?

How could Jungkook be working with the Purebloods? From how Seokjin and his father were looking at him, Hoseok had to accept it as facts. They were angry, far more than they had initially let on. Still, just because Jungkook was working with the Purebloods didn't mean that Jungkook was evil. Jungkook couldn't be.

"He's my best friend," Hoseok whispered, sinking into his chair. "He wouldn't do anything to hurt me."

Seokjin scoffed. "Do you know him as much as you claim to? Ask yourself, has anyone ever truly known him?"

Think about it, Hoseok, have you ever truly known me?

Hoseok blinked, taken aback by the sudden deja vu. He'd heard that question before, some time ago. The thought had come as quickly as it had left, leaving Hoseok confused and frozen for a split second. He'd heard that before; Hoseok was almost sure of it. He just couldn't remember from where.

"I know this isn't the news you'd like to know," Seokjin said gently, snapping Hoseok back into reality. "But, Jungkook is Wanted, just as much as the Purebloods. You cannot see him again. You won't be safe."

Any arguing with Seokjin and his father was useless, so Hoseok only nodded, sulking off into the distance as his father changed the topic. He didn't like the fact that they were telling him he couldn't hang out with his best friend and that his best friend was someone that allied himself with the enemy. It's not like the Purebloods had done anything that directly violated the treaty established centuries ago.

Hoseok didn't know why he felt the need to defend the Purebloods. He'd never met them, much less seen any pictures of them so that they could be anyone. But, if Jungkook hung around them, Hoseok had to believe it was for a reason. The reason unknown, yes, but a reason nonetheless, one that could excuse him from being looked at as a traitor. What was Hoseok supposed to do if he couldn't have Jungkook in the palace?

Jungkook had been one of his only friends all this time. For Seokjin and his father to prohibit him from continuing that friendship, Hoseok couldn't fathom it. He couldn't even begin to imagine how Jungkook was feeling right now. Was he still on the other side of town? Was he in hiding now that they were looking for him? Was he safe?

"Hoseok, my love, you're spacing out again."

"You're doing a lot of that today," Micah commented at Hoseok's sheepish smile. "Are you sure you're okay? Did he accidentally hit himself?"

"He's fine," Seokijin dismissed before Hoseok could respond. "No need to worry for him. I would know if my husband was doing poorly."

Husband?

The word sounded strange coming from Seokjin's lips. Hoseok looked down at his left hand, noticing the golden band around his ring finger, confirming Seokjin's words. They were married, but Hoseok had no recollection of the wedding. Hoseok twisted the ring on his finger, biting the inside of his cheek. He should be ecstatic to know that he and Seokjin were married the way it was always meant to be, but he wasn't.

"It's stunning, isn't it?" Seokjin smiled, catching Hoseok's gaze. "I know we haven't had an official wedding for everyone to see, but, with the current state of affairs, we thought it best to wed privately. Remember?"

No, Hoseok wanted to say. Instead, he nodded.

"Why wouldn't I?" Hoseok murmured, eyeing the ring with slight distaste. "It's us binding our love together. Love for each other. Who would forget such an important thing?"

"Well, now that you are married, it's time to decide when you're going to take the role as King," his father remarked. Hoseok immediately shook his head, looking at Micah incredulously.

"Isn't it too soon?" Hoseok stammered. "I recently turned eighteen."

"You'll have Seokjin by your side," Micah reminded. "I can think of no other person to leave my throne to. Both of you have been preparing for this since you were kids. Do you feel like you're not ready, Hoseok?"

An uneasy feeling settled onto Hoseok's stomach. He pressed his lips together, figuring out the best way to approach the matter. It's not that Hoseok didn't want to take over— he knew it was his duty to do so, but now, it didn't seem right. Taking over as King was inevitable, but it didn't stop Hoseok from feeling queasy about the coronation. It almost felt like he was taking something that didn't belong to him.

"Hoseok, you are my only son," Micah paused. "You cannot abdicate the throne. I'm growing old, and I've been king for far too long. I need to rest. If I were to be killed before I pass the Crown, it would split our country."

"Who'd kill you?" Hoseok asked in surprise. "Apart from the Purebloods, we don't have any enemies."

Micah frowned. "Anyone that wants a chance at the crown and has the power to assassinate will. Many do not like me, Hoseok, but right now, everyone loves you. I am constantly at threat; you would not be."

Seokjin squeezed Hoseok's hand reassuringly. "It's for the better, Hoseok. A youthful face, a youthful pairing, it's what the people want to see. Their newest hope, ones that will lead them into the future. It's us. It's our duty."

The room silenced, Micah and Seokjin both looking at Hoseok expectantly. Hoseok smiled awkwardly, slowly removing his hand from Seokjin's. Everything that was going on in the room was suffocating him, and with both of them wanting to get his answer. The silence thickened, enveloping Hoseok as if he were its prey, leaving him anxious and suffocated.

Hoseok couldn't do this. 

Not today.

Not right now.

He stood up, catching Seokjin and Micah off guard. With a small bow and an apology, Hoseok excused himself, shutting the door with a loud bang. Seokjin sighed, rubbing his fingers against his temple. King Micah turned to look at him, his expression eerily calm.

"I'm surprised, Seokjin," Micah said. "To be offered a blessing of this magnitude by a Goddess, to have Hoseok brought back to us. I know the Purebloods are seeing this as a heavy defeat."

"The insignia's gone from his neck," Seokjin chuckled. "Whatever they had is gone now. It also saved Hoseok's life. The only thing we need to do now is get rid of the Purebloods. They haven't made their presence known. Neither has that annoying sorcerer."

"We'll have to keep a close eye on Hoseok," Micah said. "Don't let him out of your sight. He's believing everything we're saying because he doesn't know any better. Keep it that way."

Seokjin nodded.

"I'll be advancing the coronation," Micah continued, motioning towards the papers on his right. "Hoseok is Min Yoongi's weakness. He will not attack the Crown if it becomes Hoseok's. If we capture them before then, it'll be to our advantage."

"Trust me, they will perish under my hand," Seokjin promised, eyes glazing over menacingly. "I'll make them pay for what they did. Once I'm King, I'll have more power to do so."

While crowning Hoseok as King was an event meant to happen, it introduced more problems for the Purebloods. Seokjin, dubbed Hoseok's husband, would also assume the role of King alongside Hoseok. A union like this mattered more than marriage. To be King meant to rule for life, and Micah knew that once King, the Purebloods would no longer be able to touch them. Even they knew how precious ruling was in upholding the treaty, and they wouldn't be able to get in the way of that.

Losing the insignia had gotten rid of one of Micah's obstacles. He'd feared that Yoongi would continue to have a hold over Hoseok, but now that the symbol was gone, all he had to do was keep them apart. With Hoseok's memories gone, it would be even easier. He didn't have to worry about Hoseok falling for Yoongi, not when Seokjin was the only person that he'd have full contact with.

Micah had been surprised at how certain Seokjin had been when it came to driving Yoongi and Hoseok apart. The Purebloods had meddled in Seokjin and Hoseok's wedding plans, throwing everything off the rails. They'd gotten rid of Seokjin and Hoseok's l'amour lie, a danger to Micah because he knew without it, the chance of Seokjin and Hoseok remaining in love would be slim.

Artemis's blessing must have aided them in that department, it seemed. Seokjin had been quick to fill Micah in about his decisions, and Artemis had been kind enough to show him everything that had happened as well. She'd set everything up perfectly for them. The Purebloods were back at square one.

Micah smiled.

"May your reign as King, Seokjin, be everlasting."

Seokjin smiled, bowing his head slightly. "You have shown me what it takes to rule. I am only a reflection of what you have raised me to be. I can only hope Hoseok will be of the same."

"Go to your husband, Seokjin," Micah said, standing up. "You mustn't leave him alone for too long."

With that, Seokjin took his leave, closing the door with a soft click. Micah settled back into his chair, hand grabbing his pen as his mind and body radiated with smugness.

Everything was falling into place.

All Micah needed now was time.

a/n: there are clearly many questions surrounding the time that hoseok has lost due to seokjin's decision, but of course, hoseok doesn't know that yet (: 

hoseok is currently in the, everything seems off, some weird is going on type of phase. who can blame him honestly, like he's very much disoriented. because he remembers nothing about what happened, he still thinks jk and him are best friends, and he doesn't understand the gravity of the situation at all.

obviously, seokjin and micah are trying to keep it that way. 

the main goal now is for them to get hoseok crowned king. it's one thing to kidnap a prince, but to try to get in the way of a king? that violates the treaty (and while micah broke it, artemis reversed the damage) so if anything happens, the purebloods will be to blame.

this is probably the first, kind of chill, chapter i've written in a while. thought it would be nice to take it slow for a bit. now that hobi isn't going to die anytime soon, there's no need to rush into anything.

thank you for reading <3