"Okay, one, two, three, and slide!" Hoseok shouted, sliding his leg over Taehyung's legs as he was crouched down. Taehyung yelped from the sudden attack and slipped, causing a loud thud to be heard. A loud clink was heard as the sword slipped his fingers and bounced on the ground. Taehyung groaned, rubbing his head as Hoseok stood above him, pointing the sword at his throat. Hoseok grinned, his eyes twinkling with pride.

"I win."

"I'm aware Hoseok. Now get off you cheater!" Taehyung whined. Hoseok drew back his sword and carefully placed his sword back on his side. He merely chuckle at his statement as Taehyung sat up straight.

"Why am I a cheater? I beat you, didn't I? Besides you said a key to winning the tournament isn't just skill alone, but you have to outwit the person as well." Hoseok grinned, lightly placing his sword on his shoulder. Taehyung stood up and stretched, rubbing behind his neck with his large palm.

"Well it seems your ready. And good timing too, tournament starts first thing tomorrow." Taehyung stated, picking up the sword with his foot, bouncing it upwards before he caught it with his hand. He carefully placed his sword in the cover that was wrapped around his waist. Hoseok couldn't stop grinning, he too placed his sword on the cover that was wrapped around his hips.

"I know! It starts when the sun is on the horizon! I can't wait Tae!" Hoseok eyes were sparkling as he bounces on his toes. Taehyung crossed his arms over his chest, raising his eyebrow seeing how excited the prince was over the tournament.

"I've trained all week and I think I'm doing good! Of course not as well as I wanted to be, but this is good!" Hoseok exclaimed, pulling out his sword once more.

"Yes but remember Hoseok, these trained their whole lives-"

"So have I. I just haven't for the past two months because of well being kidnapped. Of course I don't mind, but it's gonna be fine." Hoseok reassured, with a smile. In reality he was actually freaking out. His fear is that he's gonna come out with more than just bruises. Perhaps even a broken leg or arm. Either way he wasn't ready mentally and maybe not physically as well.

"I suppose. Either way be careful, Jungkook is joining this year. And let's just say he's one the best fighters here. Just watch out Hoseok." Taehyung warned. Hoseok nodded as his eyes flickering towards the figure that was walking towards them. The sun was setting giving the land an orange and pink glow. It almost appeared Hoseok's eyes turned gold with how bright the sun shines in them. Golden flakes dancing in his orbs, causing a honey a honey glow. They lit up seeing who was walking towards them.

Y/n was walking towards them, her two front pieces of her hair pulled back exposing her forehead as the rest of her curls bounced on her shoulders. But what she was wearing was surprising to the prince. She was wearing a thigh length black dress with of course knee length boots. It was lance with golden flowers dancing around the skirt. A golden belt was wrapped around her waist along with a sword. Of course, no matter what she wears, she always carries a sword with her. She was wearing fingerless black cloves with a symbol of a golden feather was placed on the back of her hand. The same symbol neatly placed on both sides of her head.

Hoseok swallowed hard, his once cocky attitude vanished in mere seconds the moment his eyes landed on her. His cheeks slightly turning red as heat rushes to his cheeks. He gripped the handle of his sword to keep his sweaty hands steady. Taehyung beamed at the sight of his friend.

"Y/n! My god you look beautiful! What's the occasion?" Taehyung gave his famous boxy grin, his eyes twinkling. Even though he's known Y/n for many years, it was nearly as rare as a pearl when she'll wear dresses. Even on the most important days she tends to wear everything but dressed and skirts. Y/n sighed, stopping her steps, her fingers tapping the handle of her sword.

"I have to dress nice for the announcement and for the special dinner today. You know this, it's always like this a day before the tournament." Y/n explained, her lips plucker in a pout. Hoseok looked away, biting his lip as he internally screamed at how adorable her pout was.

"Oh right! And since the dance is coming up for your parents anniversary, your gonna announce the plans too!" Taehyung exclaimed excitedly. That seem to caught the prince's attention as he turned his head to face blonde male.

"Dance? Anniversary? Oh! Isn't that what Namjoon mentioned last time?" Hoseok asked. Y/n nodded gaining Hoseok's undivided attention again. All Y/n had to do was merely look at him before he's short span of attention is fully fixated on her. No matter how many distractions, he would never lose his focus off her.

"Yes. It's to celebrate my parents anniversary, wedding anniversary. It's also a day where my father helped my mother escape the palace." Y/n explained, her eyes wondering towards the grass. Just thinking about her parents caused her heart to moan in pain.

"Palace? What do you mea-"

"Anyway! Let's head back then right, Y/n?" Taehyung suggested with a wary smile, cutting the prince completely off. Y/n furrowed her eyebrows at the sudden change in attitude.

"Sure. You can head back, I actually have to talk to the prince about something." Y/n said, nodding her head back towards the camp. Taehyung groaned lightly but nodded.

"Well see you guys there." Taehyung salute with his hand before walking off. Hoseok blinked as he watched Taehyung disappear into the camp.

"I know Tae was only trying to spare me the sadness but I think it's okay to tell you how my parents met." Y/n said catching Hoseok's attention once again. His brown eyes flickered towards her gaze. His eyes locking with hers. He nearly melted into her (e/c) orbs that made his knees weak. And with the sun setting, she appeared more enchanted, so ethereal to him.

"You see my mother was the lady in waiting for the princess back then. As you know, the princess was locked in the castle because her uncle, with the whole war going on, thought it was best locking her there. My mother had to be with the princess at all times. Keeping her safe and making sure her duties were fulfilled." Y/n explained, her eyes now trailing to the sunset. The sun caused her eyes to glow, Hoseok's breath getting caught in his throat. He was so memorized by her beauty he almost forgot she was talking.

"Wait, princess do you mean?-"

"Your mother and queen, Queen Siyeon. At the time of course your mother wasn't married and locked in a separate kingdom from your father." Y/n said, her fingers still tapping the handle of her sword.

"Yes, I'm aware of that." Hoseok mumbled, scratching behind his neck. Y/n glanced at him with a sigh.

"But my mother did say how kind the Queen was. It's truly ashamed she married your father." Y/n sighed with a hint of bitterness in the end of her sentence. Hossok averted his eyes elsewhere.

"Yeah, I know. I don't have much memories of my mother, but I do remember her very sweet and kind. Anyway, so how did your mother and father met?" Hoseok asked, now curious but in reality he was trying to push that subject away. It was such a heavy topic for him.

"Well, as you know, my father was the real Robin Hood. Him and my mother were childhood sweethearts before my mother was appointed as the princesses lady in waiting when she turned 16. Nearly seven years later my father rescues my mother from the castle after it was nearly burnt from an attack by your father." Y/n flickered her eyes towards him, slightly narrowing her eyes.

"Little dove, there's no reason to give me the stink eye. I wasn't even born when this happened. In fact, I was no where in the picture." Hoseok huffed, but his heart sank at her expression.

"Still, your father just has to ruin everything huh? Kills your uncle for the throne, increase the taxes so much that people were and are living in poverty!" Y/n nearly shouted. Hoseok looked away, not liking where this conversation is going. He just had to like this girl right? Out of the many girls he just happened to like the one who hates his guts.

"Then has the audacity to stroll right into camp and slaughter my father in front of the whole village for keeping his kingdom alive?!!" Y/n yelled. Hoseok kept his head down, his curly hair covering his eyes.

"Then you wonder why I hate you and the nobles so much." She growled out, her fingers instinctively gripped her sword.

"I'm completely aware. You and the others make it perfectly clear. There's no need to remind me. Now if you excuse me, I should head to bed. If that's all of course." Hoseok bowed, lightly stepping back before walking away from the small girl.

"Oh, and I must say, little dove you look absolutely stunning." Hoseok said blankly, before he continued walking away. Y/n froze, her cheeks slightly heating up from the complement. She caught off guard completely.

"Wait, you can't just say that!-" Y/n started running after him with flushed cheeks. She caught up with him, yanking him back as she pulled onto his arm. Hoseok blinked, turning his head to face her in confusion. Y/n froze her eyes locking with his. Hurt swirled in his beautiful brown orbs, but also confusion.

"What is it little dove?"

Y/n felt her eyes grow hotter, her feelings scattered and unsure. One minute she's yelling at him, the next she's fluster from either his good looks or his words. Wait, good looks? Him? The prince?

"I-I-"

"Did I offend you? I'm sorry if I did, it's just you look beautiful in that dress. Even if you do rarely wear it, I think it's gorgeous little dove. Of course you really can pull off any outfit. If anything you look good in everything little dove." A smile itched it's way on his features, his eyes swirling with another emotion she couldn't pinpoint. His eyes softening, containing warmth.

'Sh*t! Sh*t! What are you doing Y/n?!'

"Y-You can't just say stuff like that! Not to s-someone like me! And I told you t-to stop calling me d-dove!" Y/n yelled out more flustered than ever. Hoseok leaned a little closer to her face with a pout.

"But I like calling you little dove. Also it's unfair, Namjoon calls you nicknames and you don't mind." He huffed, lightly moving his arm away from her grip. Y/n immediately caught his arm again with her strong grip, leaning closer towards his face with a scowl and red cheeks.

"Okay but he's different!" Y/n snapped back. Hoseok felt something bubble inside of him. It caused an uneasy feeling that was fueled with anger.

"And why is he different? Why? Because you like him? Love him? If you like him so much then go bother him! I don't know why you bother talking to me when all you do is hate me!" He shoved his arm away from her grasp with a scowl of his own. His heart beating incredibly fast, his eyes turning dark. If Y/n wasn't slightly startled she would've thought it was attractive. She was so taken back she nearly forgot to respond to him.

"What are you talking about?! What does Namjoon even have to do with this?! I don't understand you-"

"No! I don't understand you! You hate me yet you interact with me! Giving my stupid heart hope! But then you turn around and insult me! Like it's my fault your father and mother died! Like it's my fault this country is the way it is! Well here's something for you little dove." Hoseok growled out, stepping closer towards her with his clenched fists.

"What my father has done has nothing to do with me. The thing about you is you get offend when we men generalize women as all the same but you, your self turn around and generalize a group of people just of how one person treated you. You immediately make assumptions based off my father and determine that I act like him. Do you know how hypocritical you sound and act? And you want know the worst part?" He chuckled darkly, now gripping her forearm with dark eyes. She tensed up from the sudden aggression. She was so used his soft brown eyes but perhaps she pushed him too far. Her eyes flicker to his dark gaze as an unexpected shiver ran down her spine.

"I like you. Despite all your flaws and burning hatred towards me, I like you. So stop giving my heart hope. It hurts a lot when you compare me to him. Just..." He trialed off, his eyes softening and looking down on the grass. The grip on her arm lessen. Y/n's eyes were wide and her body tensed from the sudden confession. Her own cheeks burned and her heart drumming against her chest.

The prince, liking her? Just what was wrong with him? No man has ever confessed to her or shown interest since she was 9. Her eyes wide as she continued to stare at the flustered yet sad man. Her lips parted in shock. Her words caught in her throat as she remained speechless. Hoseok took a deep breathe before his eyes flickered to her. Y/n stiffened, her body stiff as a statue.

"Just-Ignore that. It's no big deal. I already know you don't feel the same. After all what am compare to all those other men? Just forget I ever said anything. My emotions got the best of me. I'm sorry. I'm also sorry for being too harsh. I should never treat such a pretty lady like that. Anyway I should head back already, pretty sure Tae is looking for me." Hoseok smiled warily, his smile never reached his eyes. In fact he looked, hurt. Y/n wanted to say something but nothing came through her lips.

"Well, see you later then? Anyway bye." With one last glance, he walked away more hurt and flustered than ever. Leaving the shock women behind.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

The night came a lot sooner then Hoseok hoped. The seasons were changing meaning flowers and trees bloomed. The warm crisp and cool during the night but warm and brisk during the day. Perfect spring weather. Hoseok sat near a blossom tree. The petals swaying along with the wind. A large bonfire was in the center of the camp crackling from the wood it consume. Everyone was either laughing or being joyous from the large dinner. Hoseok already ate and was just relaxing away from the people. He was still hurt from earlier and prefer to be away from people. His heart just needed time to heal.

He relaxed his head against the bark, his bangs slightly tickling his forehead. His eyes closed as he listened to the chatter and laughter. His lashes brushing against his high cheek bones. His hair slightly blowing with the wind. His features relaxed and calm despite his scattered thoughts. He was hoping today he wouldn't run into Y/n. At least not for a while.

"Hobi!"

The prince perked his head, fluttering his eyes open. A smile spread among his features, his whole face lighting up like the sun.

"Eri!" Hoseok laughed out. Eri smiled widely with a giggle. Her long white hair flowing from the wind. Her red dress swayed as well as she held a basket filled with flowers. Her smile bright as his. Her cheeks nearly as rosy as her dress. She looked a lot healthier than when they first met her. Wearing white shoes along with her outfit. She walked towards him with a giggle. Eri and Hoseok grew closer ever since he babysit her one time. They both seem to get along quite well which surprised her guardian, Seokjin a lot. Considering the fact how conservative she can be at times.

Hoseok opened his arms wide which Eri gladly went in. She giggled even more when he engulf her into a tight embrace. He laughed along with her giggles that couldn't stop bubbling from her throat.

"Hobi! Stop!" She giggled. Hoseok laughed but complied anyway. His hands present on her back.

"So what brings you here little birdie? Bored? Or did you actually wanna see Hobi?" Hoseok teased, poking her side as she giggle. She shyly hid her basket behind her back. The sweet nickname was purely made up from her. She couldn't for the life of her pronounce his name so she improvised. And Hoseok couldn't be anymore happier with the nickname.

"No! I actually wanna see Hobi! I wanna make flower crowns with you! I picked some today with Appa." Eri smiled, now presenting the basket filled of flowers. Hoseok eyes lit up as he gasped.

"Really? Say less! Come sit let's make all the flower crowns you want little birdie." Hoseok pat the space next to him as Eri happily complied. She carefully set the basket down and started grabbing some flowers. Hoseok did the same with a happy smile nearly forgetting the reason why he was sad.

After an hour, Eri seem to be upset. Hoseok immediately notice her sour mood. His flower crown of red and pink roses hang lightly on his head. Eri held her flower crown of Lily's in her small hands with a small pout.

"Eh? What's wrong cupcake?" Hoseok asked. Eri looked up at the male with her doe red eyes.

"I don't want my hair down. I wanna it up. But Appa is the only who knows how to do my hair. And I don't wanna bother him, he's serving food today." Eri pouted, gripping her flower crown. Hoseok furrowed his eyebrows with a small pout.

"That stinks. But I know someone who can do hair!"

"Really? Who Hobi?"

"Me!" Hoseok laughed, pointing to himself. Eri blinked and pointed to the prince.

"You know how to do hair?" Eri tilted her head in confusion. Hoseok nodded now patting his lap.

"Yup! Taehyung taught me when I had to watch the kids. Now come on Eri, Hobi is gonna do it!" Hoseok cooed. Eri blinked but complied as she sat between his legs. He set her flower crown down, his hands softly brushing through her long white locks. Eri stared forward humming. Hoseok divide her hair into three sections, lightly tugging her hair as he started to braid it. His eyes solely focus on her hair not even paying attention to the person that came back.

"Eri, do you have a ribbon?" Hoseok asked without looking up. Eri nodded, untying the ribbon around her wrist and handing it to Hoseok. Hoseok neatly tied the red ribbon into a bow. He grinned now placing the braid over her shoulder.

"And all done!" Hoseok exclaimed. Eri gasped, taking the braid in her hands happily. She played with the bow with a huge smile.

"Thank you Hobi! Can you put the crown please?" Eri asked, holding up her crown. Hoseok grin grew wider as he gently took her crown.

"Of course! Such a pretty crown for a pretty princess!" His fingers gently set the flower crown on her head. Eri squealed and squirmed with bright eyes from his complement.

"Princess! Did you hear that Appa? I'm a princess!" Eri exclaimed at the new figure. Seokjin was holding a basket of fruit on his hip, his brown locks pushed back to expose his forehead. He blinked at her sudden proclaim but soon relaxed his features.

"Yes I did hear that. And you are. You are really special if a prince is calling you a princess." Seokjin cooed, his free hand patting her head. Eri's eyes lit up, her eyes trailing back to the prince. Hoseok tensed at the sudden attention. It's been months since Eri stayed here and she still didn't know Hoseok was a prince.

"Your a prince?" Eri gasped. Hoseok laughed nervously, scratching behind his neck with rosy cheeks.

"Yes. But it's no big deal." Hoseok waved it off but Eri was amazed.

"Oh! Are the king's son? Prince H-Hoe?"

"Eh?! Eri! Not Hoe! It's Hoseok!" Seokjin quickly corrected with wide eyes. Hoseok laughed as his famous heart shaped smile was fixated on his handsome features.

"It's alright Seokjin. But yes I am. And just call me Hobi, okay little birdie?" Hoseok smiled, patting her head. Eri smiled happily before waddling towards Seokjin with her large doe eyes.

"Can I go play with Y/n?" Eri asked. Seokjin nodded, patting her head but careful with her flower crown. Eri squealed with excitement.

"Bye Hobi!" Eri waved before running off.

"Bye!" Hoseok grinned waving at her as she ran off.

"So, I didn't know you knew how to do hair?" Seokjin  raises his eyebrow. Hoseok laughed nervously, scratching behind his ear now.

"You see yeah I do. Tae taught me."

"Huh, and I didn't know you were close to Eri?"

"Ah! Yeah! That well you see, Tae one time had forgot he had some important tasks to finish but it was also a day where no one could watched Eri and it was his turn so I took his place, and me and Eri got along pretty well." Hoseok smiled, placing his elbows on his thighs. Seokjin say next to him, criss cross as he placed the basket down.

"Huh, interesting. You know, I'm really surprised."

"About?"

Seokjin sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as his eyes flicker towards Eri who was now playing along with Y/n. Hoseok flickered his gaze towards Y/n. His heart nearly melting at the sight. Y/n was smiling wide as Eri was throwing up the petals that fell from the tree, both giggling like crazy.

"Eri really has trouble getting along with anyone. It took nearly three weeks for her to open up to Tae. And that says a lot, Tae is great with kids. But with you and Y/n she opened up pretty quick." Seokjin said, a smile itching its way towards his lips. Hoseok blinked, not expecting that from him. Especially typically with any of them they tend to act cold towards him.

"I suppose. I don't really try." Hoseok explained, his eyes still solely focus on Y/n. Her smile was she needed to do to turn him into putty.

"Really? I find that hard to believe. Well if you insist. But I guess your not that bad for a prince. You really weren't like any noble I've met." Seokjin said, now flickering his gaze back to the prince. The prince blinked, taken back by his sudden comment.

"Your a lot nicer and more humble then most. Sure your ideas a bit out there for women, but it can't be helped by being raised like a man like the king. Must be hard huh?" Seokjin playfully nudged him.

"Well yes. It is actually. I was rarely home after my mother passed away. I was always sent out to foreign countries to train or even take in my father place for a treaty of some sort." Hoseok sighed, his eyes staring at the large bonfire that crackled. Seokjin was stunned at that. His hand grabbed a peach, looking down at it.

"So you really had no power or say on what your father did huh?" Hoseok shook his head, titling his head slightly as his bangs tickled his cheek.

"No. In fact, I didn't even know what was happening with my kingdom until I came back from a alliance back in December. All I knew was that Robin Hood was a menace and stole money. It wasn't until January did I find out he stole for the poor. Or I should say she." Hoseok shrugged, his hands clasp together.

"And how come you don't say anything?"

"What's the point? What would that change? The moment people find out who my father is, they assume I'm like him. The only one who cared to know about me was Taehyung, but I'm starting to think he only got close to me for the sake of the mission Y/n assigned him." Hoseok sighed. Seokjin stared at the prince with a heavy heart. That was most likely true. This prince was a lot loner than what he deem to be. Yet, he was so chirpy and bright. But in reality, this boy was alone.

"Well, if it helps, I'll be your friend. Besides, anyone who Eri likes is my friend too." Seokjin smiled, handing Hoseok a peach. Hoseok grinned and took the peach from his hands.

"Thanks. God I hope my kid comes out as cute as Eri. I want someone like her." Hoseok cooed as Eri was running around. Seokjin turned to look at Eri. A fond smile spread on his features. He sighed happily, now grabbing a peach for himself.

"Yeah. Well that's even if you get married or go the easy way like me and pick one up on the side of the road." Seokjin grinned. Hoseok laughed, shaking his head.

"If it's that easy."

"So do you have anyone in mind to marry? Since you've traveled, I'm sure you've seen tons of beautiful ladies." Seokjin wiggles his eyebrows. Hoseok laughed and playfully shoved him.

"Well I do have one girl in mind." He smiled, his eyes focusing on the peach again. Trying so hard to not stare at Y/n to give it away. Seokjin whistled slapping his thigh as Hoseok jumped.

"Damn! Who?" Seokjin asked, taking a large bit from his peach.

"Oh just some girl. Either way it doesn't matter, she doesn't like me. Which is kinda of ironic I guess." Hoseok sighed, as he slowly took a bite of his own peach. Seokjin swallowed down his fruit with a frown.

"Really? Have you told her?"

"Yeah. But makes it clear she hates me." Hoseok mumbled, chewing slowly on his fruit. Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows, his eyes subconsciously trailing over towards Y/n. Something clicked making his eyes widen.

"Holy Sh*t...you like Y/n!"

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

Hoseok yawned, his body heavy. He rubbed his eyes as the sun barely tickled the horizon. But already people were bustling for the tournament that was going to start soon. Hoseok got dressed, tying his sword around his waist. He moved out of his tent as he walked over towards the river with another yawn. The sky have a blue hue barely bright yet enough for Hoseok to see.

Hoseok ruffled his hair, stretching until his muscles was no more tense. He walked to the river, kneeling down to splash some water in his face. He rubbed the cool water causing a shiver to run down his spine. Taking the end of his robe, he wiped off the remaining water that lingered on his face.

"Huh, so you are up? I didn't expect that from a prince." Hoseok pulled his lips in a thin line already knowing who it was. Hoseok lazily looked over towards the tall male. Namjoon was standing over him with a present smiled that was practically mocking the prince. Hoseok stood up, running his fingers through his messy hair.

"I know, shocking right? Someone like me waking up early for the tournament I signed up for right? Such a shocker." Hoseok scoffed, his brown as glaring at him. Namjoon's lips twitched at his sarcastic remark.

"Yeah don't get all smart as-"

"Anyway I have to go. Rules said to check your opponent before you battle. Hopefully I get to battle you? Anyway bye!" Hoseok grinned, saluting him with his two fingers. Before Namjoon could even response, Hoseok ran back towards the camp. He let out a huff, grumbling under his breathe.

"Man I wonder what crawled up his butt this morning. Geez I didn't do anything!" Hoseok mumbled walking towards the crowd of boys. Taehyung was there but he was slightly pale while everyone stared at the prince. Hoseok furrowed his eyebrows at the suddenly stares. Before Hoseok could even asked, Jungkook beat him to it.

"Wow! Would you look at that! First round I get to go against the prince, I wonder how fun that would be." Jungkook grinned, his dark eyes almost causing Hoseok to swallow. Hoseok tensed, all the life in his body draining from his body. His color turning pale, suddenly regretting entering this thing in the first place.

'I'm gonna die aren't I?'