Temples and shrines were used as military bases in times of war. And maps were only roughly drawn with the most important landmarks; the details were noted somewhere else or simply known to the military corps. Also, the material for maps was leather because it could be brought into the field without being concerned about rain and it did not tear.

Namjoon focus

When Namjoon entered the king's office after arranging for the shift of his residence, minister of revenue Kang and minister of war Park were already present.

"Father," he greeted the king on his knees.

"Rise, my son," the gray-haired told him and gestured him to join the small group around the screen with the map of the eastern and western kingdom.

His father looked tired, Namjoon thought, and that he would not rise to stand beside them made him worry even more. The old man's heart sickness was becoming worse, and it started to show. It made Namjoon uncomfortable because it reminded him of the fact that in some years it was his turn to bear the crown. He was not ready to lose his father's guidance, but most of all he did not feel ready to face the ministers who were more than twice his age and regarding him as a child.

"Officer Park is still missing, father. We should wait for him," he suggested in hopes for a young face at his side.

The king shook his head. "Officer Park is not the general. You shall begin."

That made a slight frown curl Namjoon's brows, but he stayed silent. Not only was officer Park likely to inherit the title of general from his father but he also was acquainted with the mountains and plains of the border, so he had a right to contribute to today's meeting. But a look at minister Park's face told him that not everyone shared his opinion; general Park's younger half-brother, minister Park, seemed pleased with the king's disregard for his nephew.

"As you please, father," Namjoon said, bitterness carefully banned from his words. "Minister Park?" He gestured the man to speak.

"Thank you, your highness," the minister said curtly. Nothing in his slow cold voice and empty eyes was reminding of the warmth and humor of his older half-brother. Namjoon did not like him.

"The majority of our troops is stationed at the western border, so officer Park Seojoon from Sangju and officer Park Jihyun from Geochang will be the first to join us." Park began to summon the situation. He pointed at the respective stationing of his adoptive son and Jimin's brother.

"How long will it take?" Namjoon asked. He had a notion regarding the distances, but he wanted the numbers.

"We sent carrier pigeons to all stations, so that the camps will be lifted and ready to depart once our messengers arrive," the minister explained. "Geochang and Sangju are a day's and a night's travel away from the capital by fast horse, so the birds should take no more than a day."

"Good," Namjoon commented. "This means that both camps will join us within one or two days in Gimcheon."

"Your highness is right," the minister replied. "The ones joining us one day later will be officer Park Bogum with the troops from Hamyang and officer Park Hyungsik with the Mungyeong forces." Both sons of minister Park.

"What about Hadong?" Namjoon asked.

"I suggest keeping them where they are to block possible attacks over the southern route from Gwangju," the minister explained.

Although Namjoon did not like minister Park, he had to admit that the man was doing his duty excellently. Gwangju was the biggest military station of Baekje apart from Daejeon, so it was only reasonable to keep an eye on it.

"Has Hadong been informed about the movement of the Baekje troops?" Namjoon asked.

"Yes, your highness," the minister confirmed.

Namjoon studied the map for a moment before he noticed something. "Is it wise to lift Hamyang camp when Gwangju poses a threat for us?" he mused. The Hadang forces only had a count of two thousand men. So, if Gwangju decided to come marching with its four thousand, they would be run over.

The minister nodded stiffly. "Your highness is right, but without Hamyang our troops will only count seven thousand instead of eight thousand men," the minister explained.

Namjoon was astounded. "Since when is Hamyang hosting a thousand soldiers?" he asked with a side-glance at his father. When he had last been informed it had only been half of a thousand, adding up with Geochang's half to balance out the numbers for a possible attack from Gwangju. Why had his father not been suspicious of the fact that minister Park had doubled the amount of forces of his most ambitious son?

"Your highness," minister Park said cautiously, glancing at the king as well. "Since Hadong has tightened his inspections of goods, illegal traders choose to travel through Hamyang, troubling the soldiers in that region."

Namjoon stared into those dead eyes to search for a hint of a lie or concealed motivation, but minister Park seemed to speak the truth.

"Very well," he sighed. "It seems to become an advantage now." He turned toward the map again and reconsidered everything they had spoken about before he asked, "How long will it take for prince Hwon to arrive in Gimcheon?"

"He will be waiting for Jincheon, Jeungpyong, Chonan, and Cheongju to pass the capital and join with them to take the pass. Thus, we can estimate for them to take at least four days from today on if he pushes them hard," minister Park provided.

"He will leave the northern border completely unprotected?" Namjoon doubted. "He must be aware that Goguryeo and Silla have a military contract. How can he be so reckless?"

Minister Park snorted. "Is his highness asking me a serious question?"

Namjoon understood to the man's point. Prince Hwon had always been hotheaded, but at least his ministers should know better.

"Also," minister Park added, "he has no other choice. Marching with the troops from Gwangju would take at least a week and two days for the northern route and even longer for the southern, which he cannot afford in this situation. Neither regarding supply nor regarding the endurance of his men."

"It seems the old king Hwon had no talent in military strategy," Namjoon murmured. Who would place a third of their army in a city far away from any border?

"Namjoon," his father warned him.

Namjoon's back tensed. "I apologize, father," he corrected himself. The relationship between his father and the late Baekje ruler was a double-edged sword that should better be left in its sheath.

He turned back to the ministers. "The men count?" he wanted to know.

"Our latest information states them to be fifteen thousand," Park answered, making Namjoon once again envious of Baekje's capacities. With all its mountains and hills, Silla was deprived of the ability to hold a large army in times of peace. Baekje, in comparison, had wide plains for farming that could fill the king's barns to the brim.

"Very well," Namjoon growled. "Minister Kang," he called the minister of revenue, consort Kang's brother, "tell me about the supply."

Minister Park stepped back to make space for the moon-faced minister Kang. "Your highness, since none of our troops has to travel in enemy lands or on uninhibited ground, we only need to tend to the supply needed for the time of your stay at Gimcheon, for the local farmers will not be able to support eight thousand men at once. How long does his highness estimate the conflict to hold out?" The man's voice was high and flat, but his eyes shone with sharpness. Namjoon had always liked him.

He nodded to show his approval of the approach and turned back to minister Park. "That would depend on how long my brother-in-law's troops from Jecheon will need to arrive."

The minister of war looked at the map for a moment. "Without the resistance from Jeungpyeong they should be at our side three or four days after our messenger arrives there," he then provided. "May I ask his highness why he chose to inform Jecheon rather than Pyeongtaek? Pyeongtaek has a larger force and can fall into Hwon's back once Cheonan and Cheongju are deserted."

It was not that Namjoon had not considered informing Pyeongtaek when he wrote for support yesterday, but once he had thought everything through, Jecheon appeared to be the better choice. "Since minister Park is not well-versed in the matters of the battlefield," he replied, well aware of the subliminal provocation, "he might not be aware of certain rules. I assure the minister that my reason for this will be approved by his brother, the general."

A look at his father told him that the king only stayed quiet in order to keep face for him, so he stripped himself of his negative feelings and continued with less snide. "An opponent is never to be forced into a trap with no means of escape, or his soldiers might fight with the vigor of dying men. Also, Pyeongtaek might take too long to come to our support, so I favor balancing the troops by uniting with Jecheon rather than waiting for an overpowering force that comes too late."

All three pairs of eyes were on him, seemingly remembering something. "His highness undoubtedly earned his name in the ranks of Silla's strategists," minister Park admitted with seemingly honest humility and stepped back again.

Namjoon did not like that he could not discern whether the man had been honest or had pretended, but he pacified himself with the thought of moving onto the battlefield soon. He knew how to lead an army and strategize with the general; it would be a welcome rest from the machinations of split-tongued ministers and officials.

With a deep breath he focused back on the purpose of their meeting. The first Silla troops would have three days of rest before the Baekje army would arrive, and the messenger he had sent off to Jecheon yesterday would hopefully arrive in less than two days. Thus, they would have to hold out against the Hwon army for two or three days.

"I need supplies for five to six days in the best case," he answered minister Kang's question. "And I need minister of revenue to make sure that Jecheon's men are also taken care of."

The moon-faced man nodded. "Has his highness sent the seal to Jecheon's general?"

Namjoon confirmed.

"Then they should get access to Mungyeong's and Sangju's supplies. I will make sure to inform the local offices," the minister said. "As for our own troops, I will establish the flow of goods from the capital and Seongju. If his highness needs to prolong the battle, Goryeong will take part in supplying as well."

"Thank you, minister Kang," Namjoon dismissed the man and turned to his father. "I shall consult advisor Min to discuss the strategy and camp. Father may send off the ministers to fulfil their duties and wait for me to meet him in his study to report." He bowed without waiting for an answer and headed out to visit the astronomy tower.

He knew that his father would have told him to summon the subordinate instead of granting them a visit, but the palace offices were a place filled with heaviness so much unlike the fresh atmosphere of the tower, and a walk had always stimulated his mind.

"Your highness," a voice called out for him once he had entered the hallways around his father's quarters. He turned to look at young Park.

"Officer Park," he greeted. "Why did I not see you at the meeting?"

The soldier caught up with his stride and they walked along together.

"I was informed that my presence was not required," the small bulky man answered him.

Namjoon sighed. "I suppose my father wants to avoid bad blood," he speculated. The reaction of minister Park when his nephew had been mentioned was more than enough proof for him that the relationship between the two senior brothers of the Park family had not improved at all.

"My uncle might be a wearisome person, but his sons, my cousins, are nothing like him. My generation of Parks gets along well," the officer told him.

If that was the case, it would be easier for Namjoon to take control over the new generation once he claimed the throne. The fact that the Park family was in total control of their kingdom's army had always been a thorn in the eye of the royal family, so his father had made him swear that he would bind the younger generation to the throne like their fathers to eliminate the possibility of a rebellion. "I'm glad to hear that," Namjoon responded honestly and stepped outside the palace walls to lead their steps toward the tower.

"Will his highness consult advisor Min for his fortune in battle?" the smaller asked with a look at their destination.

"Not quite," Namjoon answered with a soft laugh and turned his head to look at the other. "Has officer Park ever hear of the Dragon of the Eastern Sea?" He smiled amused when the young soldier's eyes widened.

"My father never allowed us to speak of him after his... after what happened," the man told him. "As a citizen of Busan however, I still hold respect for him. He freed my hometown from the attacks of pirates and brought us prosperity as the royal port." Genuine gratefulness could be found in those words and Namjoon wondered how the younger would react when he would introduce him to this unusual savior.

"I am glad to hear that officer Park has an open mind that sees more than what the court deems right and wrong," he replied while they climbed the stairs of the tower.

When they had passed several floors filled with bookcases and nautical devices and had almost reached the top, they found the resident sitting behind a table studying not a card of the night sky but of the area around Gimcheon.

"Advisor Min seems to be prepared for our meeting," Namjoon made their arrival known, causing the shorthaired man to jump up and bow deeply.

"Your highness. Officer Park. I knew you'd come to visit this lowly servant, so I allowed myself to study the maps," the man said and lifted his head again.

"Advisor Min should be well-aware that he is more than a lowly servant," Namjoon replied with a half-smile. "No need to pretend in front of officer Park. Sit down."

The former general grinned impishly but obeyed the order and sat back behind his table.

Namjoon followed him and then turned towards their young soldier. "Officer Park. Meet the Dragon of the Eastern Sea, former general of the royal fleet, captain Min Yoongi," he introduced the shorthaired and barely contained his smile when he saw the officer's startled reaction.

"I... but you..." the soldier stuttered before he jumped to his feet to kneel and lower his head almost to the ground. Namjoon's eyebrows lifted in astonishment. "I am honored to meet the savior of Busan. My family is indebted to you and your crew for freeing our town of misfortune when all we could do was to fend off the worst. I apologize for not recognizing the captain earlier."

A look at advisor Min told Namjoon that the man was just as startled as he was. "No need to be so formal. I only did my duty," the shorthaired mumbled, looking embarrassed.

This was truly amusing. "Please raise your head, officer Park. You are making general Min uncomfortable," Namjoon helped out.

The soldier obeyed but kept kneeling. "My father held you in high regards," he added completely unbothered by the crimson sheen he had brought to advisor Min's cheeks.

The shorthaired stared at the younger for some breaths. "Your father is general Park?" he then asked. The soldier nodded. "If so, consider my help an act of repayment."

"Repayment? General, I do not understand."

Namjoon's interest was also piqued by those words.

Advisor Min sighed. "I'm going to regret this..." he mumbled and straightened his back. "When your father met me, I was only the son of a poor family who fought with beggars on the streets for food and stole from vendors to stay alive."

A picture of a small shorthaired boy with black cat eyes and dirty clothes crossed Namjoon's mind and he felt his heart growing heavy. Who would have thought that a highly praised figure such as general Min, pride of the royal fleet, came from such a sad background?

"He saw my skill and took me in to cultivate the sword and earn money with serving the king. My family lived well thanks to him," the general ended his story bluntly, leaving the crown prince and officer Park starstruck. "But enough of the storytelling. We've got a war coming at us," he brushed off the sentimental mood that had welled up.

Namjoon sat up straighter as well. "Very well. We have eight thousand men against fifteen thousand," he reported, concentrating on the matter on hand and trying to erase the picture of a young dirty child from his mind. "The minister of revenue reassured me regarding the supply of our troops for the time it will take to scare them off."

"Scare them off?" officer Park asked confused.

General Min snorted amused. "Not every war is won by fighting, officer. The brilliant man will find a way to protect his soldiers and end the conflict even before one drop of blood is shed."

Officer Park seemed curious. "How does his highness plan to do that?" he asked.

Namjoon stayed vague with his answer. "I have a suspicion as to what motivates prince Hwon to march against Silla." He locked eyes with the advisor who seemed to understand. "And I will make use of it in whichever way I may see fit."

"I see." Officer Park understood that he was not supposed to know and Namjoon appreciated the man's retreat.

"As for now we need to determine where to lay out the camp in order to seal the Gimcheon pass," he continued his planning.

General Min turned the map around and pointed at the foothills of Hwangak Mountain that embraced the plains at the end of Gimcheon pass from the south. "If we settle here, we can easily close off their way into the heart of the kingdom, and the woods can protect us and hide our inferior numbers."

Officer Park nodded. "I know those lands and what general Min said is not wrong, but I would suggest receiving Hwon at the mouth of the mountain pass," he supplied.

Namjoon knew just as well that if this was to be resolved with violence, they should choose officer Park's method, but he had his doubts regarding that approach. "I know that we can hold them off easier that way, but it would mean to build our camp in the middle of plain land, exposing us not only to the relentless sun but also to attacks of fire," he elaborated his and general Min's thoughts. Fighting was what he considered his last resolve if nothing else worked.

Officer Park nodded his head in thought. "His highness does consider everything."

"Sure, sure," General Min brushed the compliment off, making Namjoon wonder once again whether the man's usual respect for him was even real. "As for the accommodation: his highness can choose from several different temples, but I suggest residing at Geumgang Temple," the shorthaired continued and pointed at a small red dot at the outskirts of the mountains.

"Why Geumgang?" Namjoon wanted to know when he saw the other red spots in the vicinity.

"The rest is either too high up in the hills for leading the army comfortably or too small to accommodate his highness and the officers," advisor Min explained.

"I will reside with my men," officer Park intervened immediately.

The general almost rolled his eyes. "I appreciate young master Park's decision, but I'm sure that you don't expect his highness to sleep in a small shed."

"Seongjeon Temple is not a small shed," the soldier defended another red spot in the west of Geumgang Temple.

"Geumgang is still the better choice, for it is closer to the battlefield," the general argued back. "Can you not trust my word?"

"May I be blunt and tell general Min that his word has little weight on solid ground," officer Park shot back, former gratitude dissolved like smoke.

"Enough," Namjoon interrupted the baseless fight before it could become heated. "This is not about disrespecting sacred ground; this is about placing our camp in an advantageous position. Officer Park." He looked at the man. "Is Geumgang Temple suited for our stay?"

The officer swallowed his sour mood and his eyes became clear again. "It is, your highness," he answered calmly.

"Then I will trust general Min's word. We will set up our camp at Geumgang Temple and station the troops within the mountain forest," Namjoon decided. "And general-" He looked the man into the eye. "-you will accompany us."

><

"When will his highness leave?" prince Jin asked him while his hands gathered the loose strands that fell over Namjoon's shoulders to fasten them with a simple ribbon in his nape.

"Tomorrow," Namjoon answered and lifted the chopsticks to his mouth again. Normally he should dine with his wife at a time like this, but the thought had appeared to him as unbearable. His head was too full of battle strategies and plans to bear a loaded-with-meaning polite conversation with the princess.

"Must his highness really go in person?" his brother asked and let go of Namjoon's hair to sit across from the small table. A wrinkle cut through the marble skin between the two strong eyebrows.

"I want to go," Namjoon replied. He would trust general Park with his own life, but this battle was different from the Northern War. He was almost sure that it was about him and not about his kingdom. "I must go."

"His highness once told me that a kingdom should not be governed from without, and an army should not be directed from within," his brother said.

"And brother Jin should know that I do not go against that premise," Namjoon replied with a half-smile. "I will be behind the lines to strategize and direct. Which king has ever fought within their troops?"

Jin looked at him with pursed lips that spoke of dissatisfaction. "Why do I have the feeling that his highness is lying?"

Namjoon's breath caught in his throat for a moment before he regained his composure. It was true that he planned to ask for an audience before he would lead his soldiers into their death. He would demand his right to know what had offended Hwon to court such extreme measures in times of peace and persuade him into rethinking his choice. But that did not count as fighting in the field.

"I would never lie to you," he said faithfully.

His brother's face was stony when he looked away. "When his highness came back from the Northern War, he was covered in scars and wounds. How can I not doubt his highness' word?"

His highness word, his highness this, his highness that... It was maddening. "Stop talking to me like you are a lowly servant!" Namjoon snapped. "You are my brother, so behave like it!"

Big earthy eyes looked at him shocked, and Namjoon felt guilt tugging at his heart. Jin had spent more than half of his life outside the palace, unrecognized by the king, a normal boy leading a bathhouse with his mother and bowing to noblemen. How could he expect him to be bold enough to call him, the crown prince, by his first name?

But Namjoon was greedy. He had seen his brother joking and laughing with the servants, smiling brightly and shouting around loudly when he called for their children in the kitchens to give them candy. And he wanted that smile. He wanted Jin to feel at ease when he was with him and-

"Y-Yes Na-Namjoon," the first prince stuttered, and Namjoon's poor heart almost lurched out of his chest at the sound of his name.

Quickly he poured himself a cup of tea to ease the lightheadedness that had come upon him. "Now is that not better?" he murmured weakly, staring at the dishes to avoid his brother's eyes.

An uncomfortable silence was his answer, in which he stuffed his mouth with meat and vegetables that seemed to come to life in his stomach.

"Eat with me," he demanded after a while and poured a bowl with soup for the other.

Hesitatingly the older took the dish that was offered to him.

"When consort Kang comes, tell her to remind my father to visit concubine Oh more often to treat his weak heart," Namjoon continued quietly. "And take care of Taehyung. He has been draining himself too much over the last weeks."

"His high- you sound like you are never going to come back," his brother said just as quietly.

Namjoon chuckled softly. "I am just overthinking things again," he said in a lighter tune and looked up into the earthy eyes. "Do not worry about me."

"How can I not worry?" Jin growled with a pout. He growled! Namjoon could not believe his ears.

"Cheer up, brother," he said with a grin. "The kitchens brought your favorite cabbage Kimchi. Try some." Using one hand as a cup to protect his brother's white robes from the bright-red juice, he held up a bite with his chopsticks.

"I... brother...I should not..."

"Quit stuttering and take it. You will ruin my sleeve," Namjoon cut off the first prince with a pointed look at the spicy juice that was gathering in his palm.

"Uh." Jin surrendered will a sigh and a small smile before closed his lips around the cabbage. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me." Namjoon smiled happily. It felt like today was one of the best days in a long time.

><

"I hope that officer Park can have an easy night as well," Namjoon told the soldier who would stay at his quarters tonight before he opened the door to leave. He had come a last time to gather some books which he either wanted to take to Gimcheon with him or study before going to bed. Tomorrow, he would not come back here but leave from the guest quarters which were further away from the main palace buildings.

"No need to worry, your highness. I cannot wait to give that piece of garbage a nice beating," the small bulky man said gruffly and crossed his arms over his chest. The officer seemed displeased with last night's failure.

"I would be surprised if he came again tonight," Namjoon stated his opinion. After two failed attempts one would be stupid to try for a third time in a row.

"If he comes..." the soldier said, eyes filled with cold determination.

And Namjoon nodded. "I hope this night will pass quietly," he sighed and turned around to leave. But his steps halted when he saw a petit figure in bright robes walking towards the entrance of his study.

Walking towards him was a group of maidservants with bowed heads following princess Soojin, daughter of minister of personnel Yoon and Namjoon's wife.

"My prince," she greeted him and curtsied.

To say Namjoon was startled would have been an understatement. Pure panic was seizing his heart. "My princess, what brings you here?" he asked cautiously.

She smiled softly. "I was wondering whether my prince would like to spend his last night in the palace with me."

Namjoon could feel the panic rising in his throat, paired with embarrassment, for officer Park must still be standing behind the open door and listening to this pitiful scene. Which wife even had the need to call her husband to bed in the prime of their marriage? He felt his face heating up and was grateful for the fading light that hid his condition.

"I-I am sorry to disappoint my princess, but I cannot come tonight," he forced out, clutching the books to his chest harder.

She looked at him the same way she had always looked when Taehyung and he would ignore her as children because they had wanted to play alone. And she had every reason to be sullen. What a useless husband he was.

"His highness can spend time at the bathhouse every day, but he cannot visit his wife for a night before he goes to war?" she threw at him, making him lower his head in shame.

"My lady!" one of the maidservants hissed.

"What?" he heard his wife snapping back. "Can I not speak freely in front of my husband?"

The poor servant girl bowed even deeper from nervousness.

But Namjoon had no heart left to pity her. The princess had called him 'his highness' which meant he had finally made her angry.

"My princess, you must understand-" he tried to pacify her.

"I do," she cut his words short. "I hope his highness will find a woman that can serve to his likings better than I."

"That is not it!" Namjoon protested now, stepping down some of the steps in front of his study to comfort her but fear held him back once again. She was a beautiful woman, refined and joyful. But his heart was longing for something else, always had, always would, making his body useless for consummating his marriage.

The princess turned around with glistening eyes, and Namjoon could do nothing but watch her leave.

"Your royal highness!" a voice behind him called out and officer Park stepped outside.

Princess Soojin turned back towards them. "Officer Park?" she asked confused.

"Your royal highness, let me explain," the soldier said and walked down the stairs to greet her with a bow. "Lately his royal highness has been the victim to assassination. Her royal highness must be aware of this."

Namjoon watched the red-robed man with interest. What could officer Park say to save his dignity? Surely, he would not reveal their plan.

"I am aware," his wife answered, eyes curious. "What is officer Park trying to imply?"

"The king bestowed upon me the task of guarding his royal highness during the night," the bulky man explained. "It is now more important than ever when his highness the crown prince is about to guide the troops into war. If her royal highness allows me to stay watch in front of her chambers during the night, her husband can court her tonight," Park proposed causing Namjoon to choke on his breath and stifle his coughing with his sleeve.

The princess looked just as shocked at the prospect as Namjoon felt.

"I-I did not know... I am very sorry," she breathed out, trying to regain her composure. "Please, accept my apology for not understanding the situation." She forced dignity back into her posture and took a long breath. "Officer Park, please protect my husband. Not only tonight but bring him back to me safely."

The soldier bowed even deeper than before and answered, "I will not fail my duty, your royal highness."

Namjoon was impressed by officer Park. Without fail, the man had eased the situation, even if his means had been rather bewildering, and had saved Namjoon's face in front of his wife and her maids. Throwing around long and heavy titles appeared to be the way of handling princess Soojin.

"I am very sorry, my princess," he said again when her eyes grazed his figure and bowed his head.

"My prince. Officer," she excused herself and vanished again behind the doors of the hallway.

Namjoon let out a breath he had not been aware of holding. "Thank you, officer Park," he sighed then.

"No need to thank me," the soldier said and came back up the stairs with a dark look on his face. "We do not know who the spy is. His highness was only trying to protect our plan from being revealed to too many ears. How could I not interfere?"

Those words caused sickness to settle in Namjoon's stomach. Officer Park thought too highly of him. He was just a pathetic man trying to escape his domestic duties.

>><<

Did you all feel how dry court discussions are when Namjoon spoke to the ministers?

Btw, this chapter shows well that my approach to this book was a cinematic one. I thought in scenes like you would see them in a drama rather than making smooth transitions you know from books. I hope you can accept this new style.