Everyone was asleep, with nothing but quiet snores and mutters echoed the quiet camp. It was dark with the moon way below than before. The wind hushed and whispered to the trees that listened. Only one tent had the lantern one. It dimmed the tent while people waited inside anxiously, almost nervously. Y/n walked through the camp quietly to get to the tent. She made sure everyone was safe and asleep. Her men deserved some well rest for the loot today. As much as she wanted to lay on her bed and sleep like the others, there was matters that needed to be discuss.

She slipped in the tent, holding in a yawn. She closed the flap and shook off her tired eyes. She then looked over towards the merry men who crowded the large map table in the middle. Y/n stood up straight and walked towards them. She could almost feel how tense they got.

"Alright. To start things, I am sorry for calling you guys all so late. I'm sure many of you are tired from today's work but know we had a very successful loot." Y/n started. She then flickered her eyes to Namjoon who stiffen under her stare. Everyone glanced towards him, they all had the same question lingering in their minds but none dared to speak it.

"Now many of you are wondering why the hell Namjoon is here. It's not his fault, I had summoned him here. Him and Taehyung despite what they both did."

Now everyone turned to Taehyung who looked away. Namjoon furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. He was the only one who wasn't aware of what happened. Others, but Jungkook, got a pieces of what had happened but not all the details.

"Just so everyone is clear, let's go over why Namjoon and Taehyung are both under punishment so there isn't any confusion. Namjoon had tried to kill the prince multiple times during the tournament. Resulting in permanent banishment if I wasn't so merciful towards him. But that seem to be my mistake as Taehyung went behind my back and called the royal guards on us and risking the safety of my camp for the prince. " Y/n's voice was low but calm. She was calm for someone who was boiling with anger. But she must remain poised. Namjoon was the only one who lifted up his eyebrows in shock while the rest just remained silent.

"W-what? Taehyung that was you?"

Taehyung didn't look at him and only leaned against a tent pole. He didn't answer which only shocked Namjoon further. Seokjin glanced at Yoongi, almost like he was just as shocked to find out about the news. So Namjoon wasn't the one who sent for them. So Yoongi was right. Yoongi had his own suspicion letting his eyes wonder back to Seokjin. Yoongi didn't trust him no more. There was divisions already being made right in front of her eyes. She could see the way Yoongi's stare harden.

"So what's this all about then?" Jimin asked, not liking how the tension suddenly rose. Y/n crossed her arms over her chest eyeing all her men who stiffen at her stare. Her stare was enough to keep them quiet and stop their actions, they were friends first but followers after.

"Us. It's about us, and our loyalty towards each other."

"Loyalty? You called us here to test our loyalty?" Seokjin asked with a scoff afterwards. Y/n place her hands on the table as she looked down.

"How could I not Jin? Namjoon and Taehyung betrayed me. Then you and Yoongi are staring at each like you hate the other. I had to stop Jungkook from killing Taehyung, how could I not Jin?" Her voice wavered as she looked up at them once more. But this time, tears dribbled down her chin and landed on the table. Her lips trembled as she stared them with despair. They all stiffen, Jungkook moving one step forward but didn't move anymore than that. They all felt that sinking feeling.

"I had my own men try to kill and take my lover away. How could I not? Do you not see the problem? You guys are splitting apart, doubting one another. I'm doubting you. What am I to do? The problem who caused this isn't even here anymore so what more can I do? Please forgive me for failing as a leader but tell me what I should do. What am I to do so my brothers don't hate each other?" Y/n asked with a cry. She harshly wiped her tears away but more fell like an endless waterfall.

"I am sorry I neglected as a leader. I was under so much despair since Hoseok left. Forgive me. I thank you for you all taking my place and keep this camp running. But why must you spilt? For what? A prince? Or what? What am I to do?" Y/n looked up slightly out of breath.

"Nothing. You are to do nothing Y/n because this isn't your fault." Jungkook spoke. His own eyes glossed with tears but didn't fall. He walked towards her and took her hands into his large ones.

"But it is. Do you understand it's my responsibility as a leader?"

"But it was our choice." Jimin spoke next. Y/n looked at him while Jimin clenched his own fist with a frown.

"Our choices aren't yours Y/n. You are our leader but at the end of the day, we make our own decisions. I'm sorry I made you doubt my loyalty to you. I will forever be grateful that you rescue me from those nobles. I will admit I didn't like Hoseok at first, but I accepted him later on and was happy you finally had someone." Jimin spoke softly.

"I'm sorry you felt like this. I'm sorry I wasn't there enough, I should've tried harder so you wouldn't feel like that because that's what your merry men are supposed to do." Jimin frowned and furrowed his eyebrows like he was disappointed with himself.

"Right. We are your merry men, we are supposed to help you with your load. I mean it's like a king right? Even a king has a counsel and a royal advisor to help with the load of being a leader. So why are we different? I told you, I'm loyal until the day I die." Jungkook huffed and immediately engulfed her into an embrace. Y/n blinked in surprise, her hands wavering on what to do. He squeezed her while her eyes shook.

"We're spitting up not because of you, your the reason we stick and deal with each other. We're all divided because we all thought we were helping you. We all thought we did the right thing." Yoongi spoke up making her eyes flicker to him while Jungkook still hugged her. He looked guilty, his ebony eyes staring into hers.

"But clearly we were wrong. You needed us as a team not separated. So I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to feel like that. You are a great leader Y/n, and like I said I'll follow you towards death if I need too." Yoongi walked around the table just to pat her head. It seem like Jungkook didn't want to let her go.

"We—no I'm sorry Y/n. We've all been through a lot and this whole situation is only putting us on edge. I'll admit, I was doubting everyone here. I wanted to find that traitor quick so you wouldn't feel that way no more. But that only made it worse, now we're doubting each other." Seokjin said with a heavy sigh. He leaned against the table with his arms crossed.

"I know you guys did it for my sake. Jungkook nearly killed a man for me, I know." Y/n whispered, her hands rubbing Jungkook's back. She peeked her chin on his shoulder while he squeezed her.

"It wasn't because of Hoseok or your choices moonchild. That was just me being jealous." Namjoon said. He didn't look at her, and rubbed behind his neck. Y/n looked at him with soften eyes.

"I know. I'm not going to lie Namjoon, I would've done the same. I don't entirely hate you but doesn't mean I wasn't disappointed. But I know you apologized already, don't worry about it." Y/n said with a weak chuckle.

"Still, I treated you like an object. And now your feeling like this. I'm your best friend first and I couldn't even get you out of that mindset. Now look, my younger brother did this and took away your only source of happiness for what? Taehyung why?" Now Namjoon turned to his younger brother. Taehyung has remained silent the whole time, his eyes held no emotion. He slowly fluttered his eyes closed as he inhaled sharply. He could feel the eyes of everyone flicker towards his stiff form.

"Because I wanted you to be happy. You've been chasing her your whole life and she never even batted an eye. Hyung your five years passed marriage time, I just wanted you guys happy. Besides he's still a prince at the end of the day, who knows when he'll turn on us." Taehyung said with a scoff. Y/n get Jungkook stiffen. Jungkook let go of Y/n who wiped away her remaining tears. Jungkook glared at Taehyung.

"You've known him longer than any of us, and yet you still come to that conclusion?" Jungkook snapped. Y/n immediately held his arm so he wouldn't go any closer.

"Jungkook—"

"I kept my distance, he was still dangerous. What if that was his plan from the beginning? What if he was purposely luring Y/n into falling in love with him so he could use her later?" Taehyung asked with a glare. Jungkook threw his head back in laughter, while everyone glanced at Taehyung warily.

"Hoseok? We are talking about the same prince aren't we? The one who almost fainted when he saw Y/n in a dress? The one who plays princess with Eri? We are talking about the same guy right?" Jungkook gave a taunting smile which only made Taehyung frown. A small chuckle left Yoongi's lips as he shook his head. Taehyung flickered his eyes to Yoongi with a glare.

"I don't know but I'm pretty sure Tae is talking about a different person. The one I know wouldn't stop blabbering about how much he wanted to kiss her." Yoongi chuckled. Y/n felt her face heat up, cupping her cheeks with her hands.

'That sounds about right.'

"Oh yeah don't even get me started on that. All he did was say how much he liked her and wanted to hold her and how pretty she was. He was so sappy." Jimin scoffed with an eye roll. Namjoon bit his lip to keep his laughter in. The way everyone made a face at Taehyung, he couldn't help but want to laugh. He quickly cleared his throat when Taehyung glared at him. Namjoon threw his hands up in defense, a smile ghosting his lips.

"They're right. I mean, Tae I didn't like him but I knew bluntly how down bad he was for Y/n. If I knew you were into sappy romantic people, I would've tried that a while ago." Namjoon winked at Y/n who only scoffed at his flirty wink.

"He wasn't that romantic." Y/n mumbled, covering her ears. Her ears felt hot and so did her neck.

"Wasn't that romantic? Please! You were his dancing partner right? He held you like you were the most precious thing in the world! Then he even told you how he wanted to marry you and be with you for the rest of his life, Y/n he was a sappy romantic and you fell for it each time." Jungkook said, narrowing his eyes at her. Y/n grumbled under her breath and looked away.

"N-no."

"Peanut you even came crying to me because you didn't know what to do when he admitted he liked you." Seokjin clicked his tongue. Jungkook laughed and pointed to Seokjin.

"You got relationship advice from him?! The old man?!" Jungkook laughed. Seokjin weakly glared at the younger male.

"I'm not old! And yes she did! So what?!" Seokjin was blushing from embarrassment, shoving Jungkook back who couldn't stop laughing. Y/n could only watch when Jungkook and Seokjin started wrestling.

"Really? Guys we were having an important conversation." Yoongi groaned.

"Jin Hyung your literally the oldest! Why are you always fighting the youngest?!" Jimin shouted.

"Jimin, maybe don't shout there's still people sleeping. It's like a** o'clock at night and your shouting." Namjoon hushed quickly. Jimin pouted and pointed towards the two fighting. He looked like a child telling his parent his brothers were fighting.

"But those knuckleheads are going to knock something down! How come me and Jungkook get yelled at when we fight but they don't?" Jimin whined like a child. Namjoon sighed then turned to look at Y/n who could only watch in amusement.

"Please tell me your going to do something about it Moonchild."

"I don't know, I think I like the entertainment." Y/n grinned.

"But Y/n!" Jimin held her arm and whined once more.

"Y/n your not gonna actually leave them like that are you?" Yoongi asked, using his hands to pick himself up and sit on the table. He looked equally amusement. Y/n merely shook her head and smiled softly.

She then turns her head towards Taehyung who was at disbelief with the way things turned out. He felt someone stare at him. He blinked and turned his head. Y/n was smiling towards him.

"See this? This is what I needed. I needed my brothers, I needed you guys to be together. Just like this Taehyung." Y/n said. She then looked back at Seokjin and Jungkook wrestling. Taehyung looked at them as well but his expression soften.

"I know your paranoid, I'm like that all the time. I am a leader after all, but like Hoseok said, I have you guys to keep that load light. But, that shouldn't be an excuse to give away our camp like that. You know made what you feared to come true." Y/n said softly. Taehyung bit his lip while Y/n spoke once more.

"So what do you say Taehyung, will you help me get the prince back?" Y/n was smiling at him, though she hasn't forgiven him just yet doesn't mean she loved him any less. Taehyung was silent for a moment. He was the one who got rid of the prince and now, his leader was asking to bring him back. The irony.

"Of course Ms Hood."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

"Is everything set?" Hoseok asked mindlessly. His arms were crossed over his chest with clear disinterested. He was in the ball room with the princess he was engaged with who stood by him poised. Many servants rushed to finish the last preparations for the ball. It's been a month and yet he hasn't changed his attitude. Celestrina was starting to get annoyed, and irritated. He would leave her at any chance he could get. Who knows where he ran off too.

"Yes. Your highness, you could try looking a little bit happier. This is our engagement party. Shouldn't you be excited? I know I am." She said while patting down her dress. Her dress was golden and puffy with laces beautifully dancing down the skirt. Her lace gloves reached her elbows and her hair down. She looked as beautiful as a princess.

"I see no excitement in a ball where only nobles feast and speak as if they know anything. While the peasants suffer and starve. It's just another ball, another nuisance in my life is what it is." Hoseok shrugged. Celestrina frowned, narrowing her eyes at the tall male. He would be handsome if he just looked at her. But it was always the same expression. If she really wanted to, she could just mention his dove and that would get him worked up. But talking about that woman always left a bitter taste in her mouth. Besides, she didn't feel like getting threaten or losing her hands.

"You never answered my question your highness." Celestrina spoke lightly, trying to keep herself poised.

"About?"

"What color my gown should be. It's customary for the prince to choose the color of the princesses dress she wears on their engagement. I have many extraordinary gowns so simply name the color and I'll see it personally that I'll wear that color." Celestrina pulled her pink lips into a smile, a mask she was more than happy keeping if it meant no one would judge her. Everyone in that castle knew the clear disinterest Hoseok had towards her. It was embarrassing for her and her status.

"I don't care what color." Hoseok said coldly. He then turned his heel to walk out of the ball room. Celestrina clenched her jaw and quickly followed him.

"But it's customary—"

"I never like the traditions we always do for such a ball. I don't care what color you choose, just pick one."

Celestrina was now glaring at him, picking up her skirt to keep up with his pace.

"But we are supposed to be matching! Your highness, just simply pick a color. Any if you please." Celestrina nearly sounded desperate. Hoseok let out a grunt of annoyance. He stopped his tracks and turned towards her.

"Fine. Blue. Like the sky, not the night. Make sure it's the brightest blue you've ever seen." Hoseok snapped. He then turned and continued to walk his way. Celestrina was left standing there, nothing but more anger boiled in her.

"Blue? That's my family color why not pick his?"

Hoseok continued to stomp out. He headed towards his chambers.

Blue.

It merely slipped out.

He didn't mean it. He was only thinking of Y/n which is why the color slipped out. He was going to wear blue like he did for their dance. But now he accidentally goes on and spits it to his fiancé he didn't even like.

Hoseok slowed his steps with a heavy sigh. He place his hand on his forehead. Another headache seem to be all he was feeling these days. He shut his eyes while another hand was place on the wall. The pain became worse as he groaned.

"Really? Another one? How much more of these?"

"When you stop thinking about her, then they will stop." A booming voice startled him. Hoseok turned to face his father.

'King, not father. He's no father of mine.'

Hoseok glared at him but preceded to act like he had no clue what he was talking about.

"About who? Your highness?"

"That who—"

"Don't finish that sentence." Hoseok warned. The King chuckled at his threat. His hair was only getting whiter and his wrinkles were more prominent. He was getting old, yet still in good health which only frustrated Hoseok if he was being honest.

"Right, of course. You love and adore that peasant for whatever reason."

Hoseok narrowed his eyes just slightly before looking away. This wasn't the time to get mad. He took a deep breath before speaking again.

"What do you want father?" Hoseok asked.

"For you to treat the princess better."

Hoseok scoffed and rolled his eyes. He started walking as he waved off the king. But the king followed behind him.

"At least act like your excited to get married. She's a princess from another kingdom and you treating her like that only lowers her status." The king explained. Hoseok let out a dry chuckle.

"She always had a low status because of her older brother. She would never be able to take over the throne because she's a princess and no man wants to marry her when their a possibility their child can have the same disability as her older brother. They are also the reason we had that war years ago. Her bloodline is also known for getting into scandals. For example, she's in a scandal for sleeping around with men, if anything she's lowering our status." Hoseok shrugged.

"And what? You would rather marry that witch? She's a mere peasant, no a thief! She would've ruined our reputation!"

"Our reputation is already ruined thanks to the war we had years ago and you stealing from the poor. It's been ruined for years now."

His father suddenly jerked him back. Hoseok glared down at him. It was a cold splash of reality for the king. He doesn't remember when Hosoek grew taller than him nor when Hoseok started having the audacity to speak against him. It was all because of that Robin Hood. That woman who dressed like a man.

"Do you not care for that woman? The deal was you marry Princess Celestrina and I'll keep that wench alive." The king shoved him back while Hoseok clenched his jaw.

"She's not a wench."

"I don't care what she is or isn't, but I do know she's Robin Hood and as long as you listen to me then she won't get a scratch." The King threaten. Then he smiled a dark sinister smile.

"You better hope she doesn't come to the ball. I heard they left the mountains a month ago and have not been seen since the attack on the Kang Mansion. So far they are off our maps but who knows? Maybe she's planning to you kill at the ball." The King chuckled as he started walking away. Hoseok glared at the king as he walked away, clenching his jaw while his eyes darken.

"Hope your little birdie stays away."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

Hoseok was restless the entire time he was getting dress for the ball. His attire was a navy blue color with small designs of silver. He had a long cape behind him with his crown sitting on his neatly combed hair. His hair was slick back with one single strand of hair loose. His hair was long but he had refused anyone cutting it. It had grown quite a lot since he first left the castle. It was now more unruly than before and so much harder to style it. But it barely mattered to him, Y/n loved his hair like so.

He looked at himself in the mirror. Nothing but an empty shell. It felt pointless at this point. His original plan wasn't any of this, maybe partly but definitely not this. He sighed and fixed his silver cuffing. He heard a knock on the door. He mindlessly responded with a 'come in'.

"Your highness, it is time." A servant bowed. Hoseok flickered his eyes towards the mirror once more. The day has come, the day he dreaded. Perhaps Y/n would come and slit his throat.

He hoped.

"Already? Is Princess Celestrina ready?"

"Yes your highness."

"Then let her walk down first, I'll come in after."

The servant looked a bit troubled at his statement.

"But it's customary—"

"Yes it's customary for the prince to walk down with his fiancé, I'm aware. But I will not do such. I am not a traditional prince. I'm doing things my own way. Now tell princess Celestrina to walk down first and I'll be there shortly." Hoseok responded sharply. Every servant and maid saw the difference in Hoseok, the once sweet prince. At the moment, all they could see was the king in him. Some feared he would be just like him, not knowing the real reason behind it. Not knowing his lover was threatened and this was the only way to keep her safe.

"Y-Yes your highness." The servant bowed quickly and exited the room. Hoseok fixed his attire once more. It wasn't long before he heard the steps of the princess. She burst through his doors but that still didn't faze him. She was wearing a bright blue gown with white gloves. Her hair was up and curled while her crown sat on her head. She looked rather furious at the prince who was fixing his attire.

"Hoseok!!"

Hoseok turned around, his expression the same.

"Princess Celestrina, it's Prince Hoseok or your highness. Address me properly." Hoseok corrected.

'Besides there's only one person I like calling my name.'

"What is this?! I deserve respect your highness! What do you mean you will not walk down with me? And what is this?! Your wearing navy blue! You had told me bright blue, we are supposed to match!" Celestrina yelled. Her formal speaking dropped as quickly as her anger rose. But Hoseok remained emotionless as usual and showed no emotion.

"I said blue Princess Celestrina. You had told me to choose a color so I did, no where did I mention what color I was wearing your highness. Nor did you ask what color I was wearing. I am not making a foul out of you, I merely breaking traditions since I never cared for them. Now, start heading down the guests are here and your keeping them waiting." Hoseok walked passed her, having no care how angry she got.

"I shall have that wench killed! Would that finally give you some sense!?" Celestrina shouted. She whirled her head to face him once more. Hoseok stopped his tracks. He turned around to face her but his expression said it all. A smug smile came across his features startling her.

"Try to princess. I'm sure she'll kill you before you even find her. At least then, I'll be at peace."

"Then I shall have your father kill her! Slit her throat and throw her body on you so you can finally have sense!" Celestrina yelled out in frustration. Hoseok dropped his smile while his glare intensified. There wasn't much more he could say. He closed his eyes and looked away.

"If your not going to go down first, then I will. Excuse me," Hoseok then walked out of his chambers, leaving the princess baffled at his response. He walked down the hallways and into the ball room. The doors were wide open while nobles walked in and out of the room with drinks in their hands. He heard them talk and gossip amongst each other.

The ballroom was beautiful and grand, filled with golden trims that glimmered from the candle light and chandeliers that had diamonds and gems. It was night, yet it looked like the stars and moon judged him. Like they muttered in disappointment.

He walked through the doors, the talking stopped and stared at the handsome prince. Hoseok's face didn't flatter nor changed. He didn't even hear the servant announce his name. The room bowed at his high authority.

Yet, one person didn't. His eyebrow raised just slightly, a little slick of a movement. A small movement that the crowd didn't notice. He was standing straight with his head high. Everyone bowed their heads yet one person didn't. Her eyes just pierced into his dark eyes as she fluttered and batted her eyelashes. All he could see was her fluttering eyelashes while her face hid behind a white feathered fan. She struck out so oddly yet beautifully.

She wore a white dress completely made of tulle with low puffy sleeves that showed her shoulders. The puffy sleeves only reached halfway to her wrist. There was ruffles dancing near her cleavage. Her hair was down and curled around her neck. A feathered hairpin was nearly sitting on her head. The dress perfectly showcased her curves and waist like glove. She was the only woman to not have any gloves made of sheer. What made it even more odd was the way her dress glittered under the candlelight.

She looked stunning.

Hoseok took one step off the stairs that led down to the dance floor. His eyes narrowed slightly at the woman. Something about those eyes that fluttered and batted towards him was memorizing. He slowly took another step.

It was at that moment, everything slowed and buzzed out. His hand brushed against the stair rail. His eyes slowly widen as the woman slowly lowered her feathered fan.

It lowered down her nose then towards her lips.

Those lips that he knew too well.

They parted speaking softly and slowly, while she fluttered her eyes.

He nearly fell down the stairs. His eyes just glued to her lips.

"Hoseok."