"𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴?
𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘮𝘦?
𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨?"
-𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭, (𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘰𝘥), 𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘩

His heart thumped in his chest like an endless drum. His eyes lit up like stars in the sky. He could feel his ears and cheeks slowly start to burn. His lips parted in shock, while his eyes didn't move from her. He didn't even realize the moment he stepped on the marble floor, the white dress now blending in the crowd and face lost in a blurred sea of people.

It was then moment was ruined and everything came back to life. The eyes he loved vanished into the crowd of people who swarmed towards him. He paid no mind to them, standing up straight and peeking over the crowds to find that sparkling white dress. But she was long gone and he was forced back to reality.

His dove flew away.

"—Your highness, I just want to congratulate you with your marriage."

Hoseok turned his head to face the person in front of him. He let his emotions slip. He quickly regained his poised and proper posture.

"Ah thank you. I'm sorry I didn't get your name." Hoseok responded. The man smiled, his lips pink as roses, his hair dark as night. It was parted in the middle with stands of hair tickling right near his eyelids. His attire was entirely black with small silver designs on the coat. His eyes were bright yet something lingered behind them. In fact, his mannerisms were quite different. Hoseok felt his eyes just narrow slightly while the man twirled the glass of wine in his hand. It almost looked like he was taunting him.

"Taehyun Kang, pleasure to meet you finally your highness."

Kang, why did that ring a bell?

Why was that familiar?

"My father talks about you all the time, it's almost like your his son and not me." Taehyun chuckled. Hoseok nodded slowly but before he could even question him, another person spoke up.

"I heard Duke Kang got arrested and robbed by Robin Hood. I am deeply sadden Lord Kang, he was good man. And just for that wenched Robin Hood to take from him."

"I know, I was very fortunate to be alive. I was out of town when it happened. Father nearly lost his riches because of it. My mansion was even burned down from what I heard. I couldn't even return to my own home." Taehyun sighed sadly almost dramatically.

Ah right, now he knows why it sounded familiar. His father had mentioned this earlier about the Kang Mansion, but he could've sworn the son was in town when it happened. Wasn't that the claim his father made? That his son was still in the Kang mansion?

"I am sorry for your lost Lord Kang." Hoseok said blankly. There was something strange about this boy. Taehyung merely shook his head as his lips pulled into another smile. Once more his eyes held a secret that was taunting the prince.

"I appreciate the condolences your highness, however I am thankful a woman stopped me from coming home. You could say she was like a dove with white wings."

The way he emphasized dove made his stomach drop. His eyes had enlarged for a mere second. He was about to speak but once more did someone beat him.

"Ah yes, it's that woman you brought correct? The one you said you met while being out of town correct?"

Taehyun averted his attention back to the man.

"Yes. She's a dove I must say, you should easily spot her. She's wearing a white dress today. I don't mean to boast but she's quite lovely." Once more did Taehyun flicker his eyes towards the prince. But Hoseok was already looking at him. His expression was hard and his frown clearly visible. Hoseok never took himself to be the jealous type, but the way he spoke about her made his chest tighten with envy.

He's been deprived of her for the last three months, yet here's a man boasting and gloating about her.

How could he not be jealous?

"Really?"

"Yes. She's beautiful and pure, I do not mean to offend you your highness, but I dare say she's far more beautiful than Princess Celestrina." Taehyun boasted. He smiled sickly sweet at Hoseok who didn't utter a word.

"That's a bit absurd, don't you agree your highness?"

Hoseok closed his eyes for a moment, he needed to recollect himself otherwise he'll slip. His father was most likely watching and the princess hasn't come in yet but it doesn't mean he was safe just yet, his father would most likely report anything to the princess. He must remain docile.

"Perhaps. But I suppose if your in love, you become blinded. We all think something is far more beautiful than something. I'm sure she's pure and white like a dove, but she's still no princess. If I may ask, what house is she under?" Hoseok asked coldly. Taehyun didn't even waver at his stare and continued to smile wide.

"The Kim's. Do you know the Kim's? They are famous for their medicine. Ah and did you know she was engaged to someone with the same last name? I believe his name was Namjoon Kim."

If Taehyun was purposely trying to anger him, it worked. Hoseok's face grew hard and his eyes pierced through the male who was just happily twirling his cup. It was as if he knew what would tick him off.

"Ah. So what is her name then Lord Kang?" Hoseok asked almost venomously. Taehyun threw him a casual look as he took the cup to his lips.

There it was again, that taunting stare.

"Y/n, Y/n Kim."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

Y/n smiled politely at the people she passed. She walked through the crowds with the fan near her lips. Nearly every man would stop and try to converse with her, but she would politely decline. She needed to find Yoongi in this large overbearing crowd. Her cheeks were starting to hurt from how much she smiled. She hasn't smiled this much in years. And her feet were killing her.

"Why must woman wear these ridiculous heels?" Y/n muttered to herself. She heard an airy chuckle near her ear. She didn't have to look to know who was behind her and only frowned.

"Don't laugh at me Yoongi." She whispered. Yoongi place one hand on her waist to keep her close. He didn't want to lose her in the crowd again.

"Seonghwa had insisted you wear heels to fit in. If you want to blame someone, blame him."

"It does no good. He likes to doll me up, you know this. It would simply—I can't talk formal. This is so sh*tty." Y/n grumbled. Yoongi laughed as he shook his head. Y/n frowned at him while he laughed. She lightly nudged his ribs with her elbow.

"Don't laugh!"

"It's funny. And don't frown people don't like that." Yoongi clicked his tongue with a smile.

"I don't give a flying rats a** what people think."

"This is for the mission Y/n." Yoongi reminded her. Y/n groaned, flickering her fan to open it. She started fanning herself.

"I hate this place. It's loud and overbearing. Also why is that every man wants to speak with me?" She scoffed in annoyance while Yoongi just merely shook his head.

"Because Y/n, they all think your pretty. You do know your the only woman wearing white at an engagement ball right?"

"Yes that was the point. I must say though, Seonghwa really outdid himself. I mean look at this dress, it's gorgeous and comfortable." Y/n let her fingers touch the skirt of the dress. She looked at Yoongi, her big smile hiding behind her fan.

"Yes it's beautiful. I'm sure the prince saw you from the way his expression was." Yoongi chuckled. Y/n looked away, her smiling dropping. Her eyes averted towards the white marble floor.

"Do you think I'm being too harsh?"

"Too harsh? Y/n if anything your being merciful."

"But this whole jealously thing Jungkook mentioned, Hoseok isn't that kind of person. Besides, I'm sure the princess is beautiful and I fell bad using my men like this—"

"Y/n,"

She stopped her rambling, now flickering her eyes back to Yoongi who only smiled at her.

"You can use us as anyway you seem fit. Besides there's a plan to this madness. Now stand straight and hold your head high, show people just how graceful Robin Hood is." Yoongi patted her back and lightly shoved her forward.

"But—"

"Go bat your pretty eyelashes at the prince. I'm sure Taehyun has done his part, now go do yours." Yoongi said with a smile.

"Go on, show him a thief is better than a princess." Yoongi winked. Y/n clutched her fan but nodded her head. She then turned her heel and blended in the crowd. Yoongi stood in the crowd watching her walk.

"The prince should be looking for her now." A voice muttered near Yoongi. Yoongi looked at Taehyun who twirled his cup while a smile was still on his features. While Yoongi didn't bother to smile and nodded.

"Good. Now let's get the rest going. Anyone question you?"

"None so far. But the moment the king comes out, I will have to go into hiding. He's the only one who knew what happened."

"How?"

"My father pleaded to the king the following day. Just like the rumors say, Robin Hood kidnaps the kids of the noble and never bring them back. But I think the king knows that Robin Hood doesn't kill the children but simply—"

"Opens their eyes. Yeah I figured. There's been more guards near the doors and windows. Even that staircase that leads up is blocked. I think the King knows something we don't and I don't like it. Tell Yunho to be more cautious and make sure Jimin doesn't move until it's time. Now go." Yoongi urged. Taehyun nodded and slipped into the crowd of people. Yoongi leaned against a pillar, his dark eyes scanning around the room. Many people muttered and talked, having no care in the world. Yet the guards were not at ease. They were more tense, as if they were expecting something. Yoongi didn't like it.

He pushed himself off the pillar.

He's going to find out just what is making the king so tense.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

Hoseok didn't like how antsy he got. He couldn't seem to stop walking around. The way his eyes wondered around while people talked to him. He tried to not let his emotions slip but sometimes he would get too happy seeing a glimpse of the white dress, a smile would slip and his legs would move on their own. He would try to follow it, but just like the fog comes and goes, she would disappear.

He shouldn't be chasing her.

He should be questioning her. She's not supposed to be here, and if she was he had hoped it would be to kill him. But that wasn't the case at all. Whatever she was planning, he didn't know. Why work with Duke Kang's son? Just what was she planning to do? He had so many questions. If she's here, are her men here as well? What was her motive?

"Prince Hoseok, if you don't mind me asking, why are you marrying Princess Celestrina?" One nobleman asked. Hoseok was dragged back to reality and realize he was still in the middle of a conversation.

'Dove, you are literally making me lose my mind.'

"I have been engaged to her since I was a mere boy. It was only right to marry her now I'm older and soon to take the throne." Hoseok responded dryly.

"Ah, but I had heard you decline that marriage years ago when you turn eighteen." A new voice chimes in. Hoseok flinched at the new venomous voice that spoke. He turned his head just slightly to stare at who spoke. There Seokjin stood with a glass that was untouched. He was smiling, his hair pulled back to showcase his forehead. He was wearing all black attire with a white dress shirt underneath his blazer.

'Well that just confirmed my question.'

"I was a mere boy, I was merely rebelling against my father. A poor choice in my part if I may add. I was bound to get married soon anyway, Lord Kim." Hoseok said coldly. Technically speaking, Seokjin was still a noble. As far as anyones concern, Seokjin was never kidnap by Robin Hood nor was his money taken from him. Despite living with Y/n, Seokjin still held his title. His parents had passed at a young age and was left with the title ever since. That much Hoseok knew, and he could safety assume that's how they got in. Each guest who's invited can bring as many guests as they please as long as they send a letter beforehand of how many they took with them so the king can have an accurate amount of people coming in the castle.

Hoseok could safely assume that Y/n didn't come in with Seokjin but with Taehyun. Only since Taehyun had said that was his guest and even the other nobles knew about his guest he brought with him. Y/n was cunning, most likely she knew Seokjin would get an invite since no one knew about his misfortunes or his double life. Hoseok was tempted to smile at his thoughts.

It makes him wonder what else she has planned.

"But why then did you not walk down with her? It's customary for a prince to walk down with his fiancé." Seokjin stated like it was an obvious fact. That smile was chilling and left shivers down Hoseok's spine.

"I never cared for customs and traditions. Besides, it gives Princess Celestrina her spotlight she deserves." Hoseok once more spoke dryly as if he had no interest with this conversation but in reality, Seokjin's stare made him uneasy.

"I suppose. Oh I must say your highness, that color is very interesting considering the royal colors are red." Seokjin pointed to his attire. Hoseok didn't miss the way his hand clutched the champagne glass. He could've sworn he heard a crack.

"Yes. Like I mentioned, I don't care for such customs and traditions. Besides, blue is a beautiful color."

Seokjin nodded in agreement, his smile never even wavering.

"Yes it is. Especially on the right people. Ah! Seems like Princess Celestrina is making her entrance." Seokjin stated. Hoseok turned his head and looked up at the stairs. There she stood with her head high and demanding. Her dress blue like the sky complete contrast to his outfit that was nearly dark as the night. Everyone bowed including Hoseok. He then rose his head staring back at Seokjin. Seokjin only smiled back at him. But this wasn't a soft or warm smile, it was a warning.

Hoseok swallowed thickly but kept his expression the same. He had forgot how overprotective her men were. He had hurt her deeply, of course they were after blood. More precisely, his blood.

"I'm sure you heard about my sister your highness." Seokjin's voice came out icy yet his smile never flattered. It was startling to Hoseok.

"I have? Ah, right I have. It is the lady Lord Kang mentioned?" Hoseok asked.

Just what was Seokjin going with this?

"Yes. Have you had the chance to meet her yet? This is my sister's first time being here. You should greet her your highness."

'Go to her or so help me I'll give you a reason to fear me.'

Hoseok gulped, his eyes enlarging for a moment. Seokjin's dark eyes held a different meaning than his words. But he couldn't just go to her. He wasn't even sure if his father was even aware how Y/n looked and he didn't want to risk it. Besides, Princess Celestrina knew how she looked. If she saw him taking to her, her life would be put in danger.

Hoseok let his eyes wonder back to the king before looking at Seokjin. It was a subtle signal and he wasn't even sure if Seokjin understands, but it was worth a shot. He saw Seokjin glance at what he stared at before facing Hoseok once more, his smile never leaving.

"I'll see if I can. I still have many people to greet so if you can excuse me gentlemen," Hoseok then left back into the crowd. As much as his heart desires to, he can not look for her. He wasn't even sure what exactly was her plan, did she have a death wish? Does she wish to be slaughtered? Why must she be here? This ball was supposed to keep her away not risk coming here. He just needs this marriage to go through. And yet, his love is ruining it. Why couldn't she just hate him instead? Why couldn't she just try to kill him for hurting her? Why must she come back now and in the ball out of all the times?

'Because she loves you.'

Hoseok felt his chest tighten. His hand subconsciously place near his chest. He clutched onto the fabric while another headache came along. Hoseok stopped his walking. He placed his free hand on his forehead. He groaned a little. The pain once more being unbearable.

"Prince Hoseok, your thinking about her again aren't you?"

Hoseok turned around and frowned. Princess Celestrina stood before him with a frown of her own. Hoseok felt himself switch back to his own cold self within a second she spoke.

"I'm thinking of no one your highness."

"You know, your father says when you become guilty you get frequent headaches and chest pains. That's why every time you think about that whore—"

Hoseok immediately grabbed her waist to pull her close. His glare was threatening, a sign for her to be quiet. He could careless about the mutters and gasps he heard around him.

"What did I say about calling her that Celestrina? I'm doing my part so do yours." He said lowly. He then threw a smile as he turned towards the crowd while his hand remained on her waist.

"Sorry about that, can't seem to keep my hands to myself." He apologized with a chuckle but Celestrina knew he didn't mean any of it. She clenched her jaw and glared at his side profile. He paid no attention to her and kept speaking to the people are him. It only made her angrier.

"You are just like your father. A clear spitting image of him." She growled underneath her breath. Hoseok flickered his eyes to her, it was eerie seeing smile at all. Even more chilling when there was murder intent behind that smile.

"If I was my father, you would've been dead." He responded with a harsh whisper. He then turned his attention back to the people around them and smiled at them. It was at that moment he spotted familiar eyes in the crowd. His heart stopped for a second. There she was, looking at him and batting her lashes. He was about to melt and smile genuinely, because for a moment he forgot where he was at and who he was holding. But feeling Celestrina shift near him, it came crashing down.

'Ignore her. Look away, Hoseok look away.'

'But—'

'But what? Your holding your fiancé right now and yet your looking at her? Hoseok focus.'

'She looks stunning though. I wanna hold her so bad and kiss her.'

'No. If you wish to do so much then pretend Celestrina is her.'

'She will never be her. I want her, my dove.'

'Hoseok, your doing this for her so stop and look away. Ignore her. Maybe then she'll kill you and you'll never have to feel this pain again.'

Just like he told himself, Hoseok turned the other way and held the princess closer. His chest tighten even worse and his headache became too unbearable but he didn't stop his façade.

Not like he could anyway.

Y/n was in disbelief.

She just didn't understand. Did it not work? She smiled at him and yet, no affect. His expression remained the same yet clearly to Yoongi he was still smitten. So why did her chest tighten. Why did it suddenly became hard to breathe? And why was he holding her waist like that?

She clench her jaw as anger started to boil within her. She clutched her fan, nearly breaking the expensive item. She wasn't going to cry, she cried enough. She's been crying for the past two months.

Enough was enough.

She was stronger than that and she'll prove it.

"Fine. Two can play that game. I never even liked him anyway." Y/n seethed under her breath. She then turned her heel and walked with her head high. It was at that moment Hoseok glanced behind his shoulder to look at her. But to his surprise she wasn't behind him.

Where did she go?

Hoseok excused himself from the conversation as he started walking around. His expression was the same, blank and showed no emotion. He was done smiling for the day. Yet his heart was thumping in his chest loudly. It physically pained him to do that. Still, he needed to watch her.

But he found her soon enough.

His steps stopped. He felt that familiar envy rush through him once more. His face darken while he clenched his fist. Y/n was a bit far from him, smiling and dancing with Taehyun. Her eyelashes batted and fluttered, the poor boy was blushing darkly at her tactics.

When was the dance floor even opened?

"U-Um Ms Y/n, this isn't part of the plan!" Taehyun whispered nervously. He could only act so much before he slipped and this was his limit. Y/n only shrugged lazily while she smiled and batted her eyelashes. Taehyun was completely weak against her tactics.

"It is. I'm just adding too it." Y/n whispered back. Taehyun swallowed thickly as he glanced around the crowd. Many people started to dance to the slow music that played. His eyes had spotted the prince nearby. His dark look sent a shiver down his spine. He nervously looked back at Y/n who hummed along the tune. Thank goodness she took those dance lessons with Jimin otherwise she wouldn't be able to do this.

"Ms Y-Y/n this feels a little off, you don't mind dancing with someone else do you?" Taehyun whispered. He sounded like he pleading.

"I feel fine. Just keep dancing with me."

"But the prince, he's right—"

"Forget him." Y/n nearly snapped. She looked away from his gaze. Her hand that was on his shoulder, started to tighten. Taehyun leaned in, trying to be quiet yet it only angered Hoseok who didn't know what was going on.

"Did something happen? Did he say anything? Is he not on our side?" Taehyun whispered. Y/n sighed and frowned.

"I don't know and I don't care. I cried for a stupid moron. He doesn't he love me and ugh!" Y/n huffed but her eyes told another story.

"Lord Kang, you don't mind me taking Y/n for a moment, do you?" A new voice startled them both. Taehyun turned around and smiled nervously at the male.

"Of course not Lord Jeon. Here." Taehyun stepped aside and let Jungkook take his position. Y/n had a clear pout on her features but a clear gloss of tears in her eyes. Jungkook eyed Taehyun who disappeared in the crowd once more. Jungkook pulled Y/n closer, smiling at her.

"I told you it would work, you should totally see his face right now." Jungkook whispered. Y/n eyed the prince once more, their eyes meeting for a split second. She then quickly looked at Jungkook who was grinning.

"I told you before Hoseok is not that type of person. Besides, who needs him? He was all smothering that princess. He was smiling and holding her." Y/n splat. Her heart squeezed at her own words feeling nothing but aches.

"Holding her? Are you...jealous of her?" Jungkook asked softly. His expression soften while Y/n flinched at his remark. She looked at Jungkook while their feet continued to dance from the soft music.

"Well, who wouldn't be? She's beautiful, and a princess. Who am I to compare myself to her? If Hoseok had asked me to marry him, I would. I don't blame her for saying yes. I mean look at him. He's charming and kind, what is there not to love about?" Y/n responded softly. Her yes flickered back to Hoseok only for a second then looked back to Jungkook.

"So? You care for people. What did I say about this negativity huh? Come on, head high and bat those eyelashes. Walk with pride. So what if she's a princess? You won his heart first so go get it back."

"But what if he doesn't love me anymore? He looks cold. That's not my Hoseok." Y/n said with a shaky breath. Jungkook twirled her around then brought her back close.

"Trust me, that's still Hoseok. Now go, you need to be extra flirty. You know how to do that right?" Jungkook asked grinning. Y/n furrowed her eyebrows just slightly.

"Not exactly."

"Just laugh and giggle at mens jokes even if it's not funny and smile a lot. If you really want to be cruel, touch them a little. I'm sure it'll work."

"But Hoseok—"

"Clearly you don't believe me but that's okay, he hurt you a lot right?"

Y/n nodded slowly. That ugly feeling spread in her chest just the mere mention of it.

"Then go, go hurt him just the same. If he really doesn't love you, then he wouldn't bat an eye. So go cause trouble dove. Just for today, go be a raven, not a dove." Jungkook whispered, purposely leaning near her ear. His eyes had flickered back to Hoseok who was still nearby watching them dance. He watched the way his jaw clenched and his eyes darken. All Jungkook did was give a grin before leaning back to face her. She was unaware but Jungkook was fully aware. Hoseok was his best friend but Y/n was his sister, she comes first. Besides, Hoseok needed to feel exactly what Y/n felt for the last two months.

"Okay. Thanks Jungkook. I promise this won't take long, I'll deal with this quickly so we can start our plan." Y/n whispered back. She then quickly kissed his cheek and stepped away from him. She then quickly disappeared in the crowd once more. Jungkook stood there, looking at the prince now. He was still grinning ear to ear. Hoseok frowned and turned away, his cape flowing behind him.

He's never felt just jealousy before. It was like he was angry and furious at the same time. He was usually so calm and docile, even smiley. Yet he felt everything but that. He felt like his blood was hot, it bothered him. The way his heart couldn't stop pounding in his chest. It was just Jungkook dancing with her. What's the big deal?

'Because I wanted to dance with her. I wanted to hold her. I wanted to kiss her. And yet, every man looks at her with desire and I can't do a thing about it.'

Hoseok needed to get out of the crowd. If he sees her once more, he's going to kiss her without thinking. He pushed through, ignoring anyone who acknowledge him. He had no time for them. His emotions were too out of line.

Then a familiar giggle stopped his tracks. He turned his head, almost like a dog.

Once more she wasn't far from him. She was smiling at a man who wasn't him. There was no way she could've known he was here—

"Oh me? No I've never had a first kiss my lord." Y/n giggled out loud. Hoseok felt his body freeze, his eyes narrowing. He saw the way the nobleman looked at her when she said it. The thumping in his heart quicken and his chest tighten.

'Bullsh*t I was your first kiss.'

"Really? A beautiful woman like you? I find that surprising." The man chuckled.

"Your too kind your grace but no, I guess I'm not really worth the effort. It's a bit embarrassing. It's probably why my brother compares me to a dove, innocent and pure as one." She responded with a smile. Hoseok started walking, his legs moving without him thinking. She knew what she was doing. Men loved innocent women. And here she is, flaunting her white dress at another man.

"Yes. I could see that. I heard Lord Kang brought you, have you not kissed him yet?"

"Oh gosh no. I'm a little shy and inexperienced. I have no clue how to kiss. If only there was someone to teach me." She sighed dramatically then flickered her eyes towards Hoseok who was walking straight towards them. She looked a little surprise at his expression. He was clearly sour.

"Ah your highness—" Her words got stuck in her throat the moment she felt his hand slip on her waist. He was standing behind her, greeting the nobleman with a smile. There was too many people around them for anyone to really see the way his hand laid on her waist and squeezed it. Y/n glanced up at him, but only meeting his jaw line.

"Your highness, pleasure to meet you." The nobleman said as he bowed.

"Pleasure is all mine Lord Marcus. You don't mind if I can speak with Lady Y/n, do you?" Hoseok asked almost venomously. But his smile never wavered.

"Of course your highness. It was nice meeting you Lady Y/n, if you'll like, please find me later." The man bowed once more.

"It was nice meeting you as well Lord Marcus. I will, I can't forget that dance y—" Y/n stopped abruptly with a little squeak. Hoseok squeezed her waist a bit too rough, his hand mercilessly gripped around her waist. He wasn't even looking at her and still smiled at the man.

"You alright Lady Y/n?" The nobleman asked. Y/n quickly cleared her throat and nodded.

"Yes. Just a random pain on my side. I should be alright though. Do not fret over it Lord Marcus. You truly a-are kind." Y/n smiled wary. She couldn't even slap or pinch the prince. Her arm was covering his hand, if she dared move then everyone would know. Once more did he grip her waist. She was tempted to let out a hiss but refrained. The nobleman bowed and finally disappeared in the crowd. Y/n whirled her head and frowned.

"Let go of me."

"No." Hoseok scoffed. He then started walking, his arm still around her. He dragged her out of the crowd while she frowned.

"Hoseok—"

"It's your highness. Address me properly."

"I'll address sh*t before addressing you." Y/n seethed out bitterly. Hoseok frowned and continued to walk out of the crowd. Once finally out, he let go of her waist and took her hand inside.

"Let go of me!" She yelled. Hoseok didn't answer her once more. He walked through the long hallway, his eyes scanning for a door. Once he found one, he opened it and shoved her in. Y/n stumbled in and fell on the floor. Hoseok then walked in after her and shut the door close. Hoseok was looking down at her. She was already glaring at him from the ground.

"Why are we in here?! Let me out! What is wrong with you!" Y/n shouted. In truth, she didn't stand up because her legs gave out so she remained on the ground.

"I hate you! I was clearing talking to someone—"

"Yeah by what?! Lying?! I'm your first kiss—I'm your first everything!" Hoseok snapped back. He was breathing heavily, the dimmed candle barely lighting up the room. Y/n glared at him, and scoffed.

"At least I didn't go marry a princess. Then lie to me and say you were coming back for me! I'm not the only liar here you sh*thead!"

"That gives you no right to go bat your pretty goddamn eyelashes to another man! They can't have you if I can't!"

"You don't own me stupid prince! I'm my own person remember? Or did you lie about that too?!" Y/n snared out. She was breathing just as heavy as him.

"I didn't lie about anything!—"

"Are you lying about lying!? You lied saying you'll come back but you never did! You never did! I cried for nearly three months and you still didn't! And then—" Y/n's voice shook as tears welled up in her eyes. She gripped her dress skirt as her shoulders shook.

"—You go marry a princess! A princess! You lied about ever being with me, about wanting to marry me, about loving me. You lied!" Y/n cried out. The tears burst from her eyes. They dribbled down her chin and landed on her dress. Hoseok felt like his heart was ripped out of his chest and stomped on. It was like an instinct, seeing her cry made his body move on his own. His own legs gave out and his arms wrapped around her like an instinct. Seeing her tremble and cry was something he hated. Only smiles and laughs was the only thing he ever wanted to see. Y/n cried harder in his arms but she didn't return his embrace.

Hoseok then cupped the side of her face, making her face him. His heart dropped with guilt. His hand wiping away her tears while she cried.

"I never lied about loving you my dove."

"Y-yes you did. You stupid p-prince! But f-fine! It doesn't hurt me! It n-never did!" She cried out. Her words weren't matching her actions. She was trying to deny those feelings but it was no use with how much she was crying.

"No? It doesn't hurt you?" Hoseok asked softly. She shook her head as she cried. She was weeping in his hands. And yet, she said she didn't care. But Hoseok knew otherwise, even if she wasn't crying he would've known she hurt because it hurt him. He knew her too well by now to know what she meant and what she didn't.

"N—No! It doesn't! I hate you!!" She shouted and hiccuped. Hoseok leaned close to her face, their noses brushing against each other.

"I love you." He whispered but she shook her head. She shut her eyes closed as if it physically pained her to hear those words. She wanted to push him away, to punch him, to hit him, butt her hands remained still. All she could do was let him holding her cheeks and let his thumb wipe away her tears.

"I love you dove." He murmured, his lips now brushed against hers. His eyes hooded and stared at her lips that trembled. She could feel his breath near her lips but she refused to look into his dark eyes. She could nearly feel them burn against her eyelids.

Hoseok felt himself slip, his cold exterior he tried so hard to keep melted away in seconds. He couldn't hold back no more.

She's right here.

The woman he longed for. It was then Hoseok realized he never wanted to be parted from her, never wanted to let her go.

What was he thinking?

Marrying another woman?

What was that going to solve?

All he wanted was the woman he held right now. There was no one else he wanted.

"You don't..." She whispered softly. Hoseok scoffed near her lips.

"I do, dove."

He didn't let her speak anymore as he place his lips on her own. His hand slipped behind her neck to pull her close. Y/n didn't even realize how quickly she melted into the kiss, her hands gripped his shirt. The fabric crumpled between her fingers.

Hoseok tilted his head to kiss her better, his hands now slipping down to her waist. His kisses were starting to be feverish and hot, it was becoming too hard for Y/n to keep up. It was like he was desperately trying to savor her taste.

His hands trailed down lower, down to her legs then under her thighs. He picked her up making her squeak in surprise. Careful with her dress, he placed her on his lap. Her legs either side of his waist. She pulled from the kiss making the prince curse under his breath. He let go of her thighs and rose them back to her waist. She was looking down at him, her chest moving up and down.

"M-my dress is gonna get ruined." She said breathlessly. Hoseok let out a small chuckle, his hand pressing against her back to pull her close.

"It's fine dove. Here I'll fix it." Hoseok started to tug down her dress skirt to fix the wrinkles. Once he was done, he looked at her. Y/n immediately looked away, her heart couldn't take the way he looked at her. She felt her face grow hot.

"Can I kiss again?" He whispered softly.

"W-why?"

"I haven't held you in three months nor kissed you for that long, I want to kiss you as much as I can before I go back out there and pretend to like that princess. Now please," Hoseok moved his lips near her jaw, his hands holding her close to him. Y/n shivered, shutting her eyes with a swallow. How was it this man in front of her can make her wither like this? She's usually so headstrong and yet, she's withering by this man's lips and words.

"Please my dove? Do you remember what I said?"

"Y-you say a lot of stuff that are out of pocket Hoseok, you have to b-be more specific." Y/n responded. Hosoek chuckled in amusement against her neck once more making her shiver. He places one kiss near her throat before speaking again.

"Remember I said, all men do is whine and pout. If I have to whine and pout for you to care for me, I will. I'm even willing to beg if you want. So please my dove, let me kiss you as much as I like." His lips were once more brushing against her throat. Y/n raised her hand to play with his hair, ruining his neat princely hair.

"F-fine. But don't leave any evidence I swear—" She didn't even get to complain or even scold at him. His lips came back to her own, kissing her feverishly once more. He literally left her breathless. He sighed against her lips as he pulled her closer. Her hands lowered down to the back of his neck. She gently tugged his hair, once more ruining his hair. It was unruly, just like when she met him.

"I can't promise I won't hurt you again, but—" Hoseok said between kisses. He pulled her closer, his hands resting on her hips. He looked at her with hooded eyes while she blinked mindlessly, too in daze with his kisses.

"I'll never hurt you like this again. This time, I promise my dove." He finished. Y/n giggled against his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You better or I'll slit your throat next time."

Now it was Hoseok's turn to chuckle.

"Please do my dove."

Was all he said before he kissed her again. It was at that moment, the crown on his head fell off and bounced on the crown. They both didn't care and let the silver crown glimmer in the candlelight. All they needed was each other at the moment.

Why worry about a mere crown?

Why is this so long? I don't know it wasn't supposed to be nearly seven thousand words. Anyways crazy part? There's only about seven to eight chapters left of this book crazy 😵‍💫