She didn't feel anything. Her heart felt empty and cold. Her expression blank yet the puffy cheeks and eyes had told people otherwise. She didn't utter a word unless it was about putting out the fires. It was like her body was moving on its own like a doll. Many people had suffered injuries and burns from the flames. She made strict orders to put out the flames and help people. No one was order to do anything else until the flames were out.

She had ran to the river bank with her bucket in her hands. She kneeled down to scoop up the water but froze momentarily. It was strange how the world didn't even bat an eye had the flames that attacked her home. The River looked the same and so did the across the River that wasn't touched by any flames. It was strange how the world continued to move even as she lost everything in those fires. She stared at her reflection, ashes on her face and shirt while her hair was messy. She was beautiful hours before and with the man she truly cared about. Now she's dirty and he left her alone.

"Y/n!"

She turned her head, blinking away the tears that started to form in her eyes. Namjoon had ran to her worriedly. She was staring at nothing with a water filled bucket in her hands. Usually Y/n would've pushed him away from what he did earlier, but that wasn't the case at all. She let him come close and help her up. But didn't respond to any of the questions that left his lips. She just stared at him, his words only becoming muffled in her ears. All she thought about was Hoseok's smile and the way he held her hands before he left her. How even though the flames flickered in anger and took everything away from her, he looked beautiful under the amber glow. How she wished she kissed him once more and hold him, and properly tell him how much she loves him.

"—Y/n? Hey it's okay."

Okay?

Y/n felt like her heart just ripped out and the man that left her, took it with him. Now she just felt cold and empty. Nothing but a doll that mindlessly moved on her own. Her heart bleeding and crying out in agony while the world kept moving as if it never cared in the first place. No matter who she speaks with, no one would truly understand the excruciating pain she felt within her chest that tighten the longer her bleeding heart craved for the handsome prince.

How could she be okay?

Y/n felt her lip trembled, biting her bottom lip to keep herself from crying. But it didn't work. Her tears fell down her face like a waterfall. She dropped her bucket to try to wipe away the tears, but they kept coming. The bucket dropped and spilled the water on the ground. It bled through the soil like how her heart bled from pain.

Namjoon wanted to hug her, but he knew his comfort won't be enough this time. He wasn't dumb. He knew by the way Y/n was alone and mindlessly trying to take out the fire, that Hoseok was gone. Hoseok wouldn't leave her alone like this. She needed Hoseok, not him. Despite him hating Hoseok, he knew how truly valuable it was to win her heart. He was sure Hoseok knew the same, he wouldn't leave her so willingly. That much Namjoon knew, but alas there was nothing he could do for her at the moment. He couldn't just bring back Hoseok, he didn't even know where he was. So he did what he knew best, he hid her away from any prying eyes. She was strong and hated when others saw her cry. She felt weak and heart broken.

She looked at Namjoon, wanting to speak but no words could leave her trembling lips. She placed her hand on her chest, gripping the white fabric between her fingers. She felt like she couldn't breathe, her chest burned and tighten. It sounded like she was wheezing, bagging for air. It's been years since Namjoon saw her like this and for once, he didn't even know what to do. All he wanted to do was take away the pain she felt. Her lips parted and almost with a sob afterwards, did she spoke. She only said one thing before her lips sealed and she cried some more.

"It hurts."

Was all she said. It hurt more than being stabbed with a sword or pierced by an arrow. It hurt more than training those long hours to get where she was. It hurt more than being humiliated in front of the camp when she was nine. It hurt more than seeing people starve and sick. It hurt more than any physical pain she's ever felt. She wanted it to go away. And perhaps it hurt so much more to her because of what he said. He said he'll be back but so did her father.

Her father never even saw her.

And the small voice in the back of her head, said the same for Hoseok. It scared her. Scared her to the point she couldn't even think. For once, can she just have this? Was that so wrong? She never asked for much, never cared about riches or anything of the sort despite her being a thief and stealing riches. All she wanted was him. So much that physically was driving her crazy. Why didn't she tell him sooner? Why? Why did she wait so long to have him? Why didn't she savor the time she spent with them? Why did she run away from him all those times? Just why?

So many whys and what ifs yet none had a clear answer.

She didn't say a thing when Namjoon moved her away towards the River bank. He let her sob there for hours, her sobs being drowned by the yelling of people putting out the fires. She kept telling herself she needed to help like a leader but her body couldn't even move. Y/n was glued to her spot as if no matter what she told herself, she couldn't move her body.

Many hours had passed before she cried until no tears were able to leave her eyes. Her expression was dull as she picked up what was left of their camp. Namjoon was glued to her side, helping any people who were injured while keeping a close eye on her. She didn't speak unless someone needed her orders. Her voice was hoarse and dry. While the pain in her chest never went away. She would place her hand on her chest and tried to ease the pain. Many people wanted to ask but one look from Namjoon told them enough.

Y/n place more food in boxes before shutting it closed. She tied rope around it while she felt someone walk behind her. She didn't even look up as she stood up and carried the box on her shoulder.

"Is that all we could find?"

"Yes. Which way should we lead them? East or west?" Jungkook's voice ringed her ears. He sounded tired, exhausted. His own voice hoarse. She could feel the question just waiting to be asked at the tip of his tongue. She didn't even know if she could bare it. She once again place her hand on her chest where the pain spread. She didn't know she could even handle his name being spoken. But they didn't have time for this, she needed to move her camp safetly away from the king's dogs that tracked them.

"Away from the palace as possible. Ask Yoongi to start leading them more towards the mountains, we'll stay near the borders until fall." Y/n spoke dully. She turned to look at Jungkook. As quickly as her mood changed, she placed her hand down to not worry him. Didn't matter much since her dull behavior did worry him. She examined him, her eyes empty and cold. He was covered in dirt and ashes. His outfit ruined as well as hers. He was holding one box on his shoulder while the other held a large water jug. The sun was peeking through the horizon letting that morning dew cover the grass.

"More North? But we never traveled that far." Jungkook looked at her with worry. He could see the puffy cheeks and red eyes. But her expression remained the same.

Blank and empty.

"We have too. I don't need word following that Robin Hood was here. The guards had said they got a tip from someone that Robin Hood was here, it's only a matter of time before more guards come this way." Y/n explained.

"But it would take weeks to travel towards the borders, maybe even months Y/n. We've only ever traveled near the palace, and villages. Why are we moving so far away?"

'Because it hurts too much to stay here. It hurts knowing he's only miles from me and I can't go to him.'

"We have traveled that far. Once. And we're doing it again. Now let's hurry." Y/n said before she walked towards Yoongi. Jungkook watched her walk away, nothing but worry filled his eyes and head. He then glanced at Namjoon who didn't say anything and only gave him an apologetic look. Namjoon then followed behind Y/n while Jungkook stood there. He had so many questions, so many, and not one could not answered. He was worried for her.

They all were.

She was shutting them out and there was nothing they could do.

They all hoped she can overcome this herself.

How wrong they were.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

"How long?"

"A month and two weeks."

"That long?" Seokjin asked, looking at Yoongi who picked up the box of strawberries. Yoongi sighed, nodding his head.

"Yup. And she hasn't spoken about that day. No one knows why the guards came or why the prince disappeared. It's taking a toll on her Hyung, what are we going to do?" Yoongi asked, tired from the lack of sleep he's had. It didn't take long for them to settle near the borders. It wasn't until two weeks ago they finally were finally able to reach the borders. But at what cost? Their leader hardly spoke. She barely ate and barely trained.

Worst of all, she barely slept.

Her nightmares had returned and this time, no one could take them away. Each night her merry men would take turns to sleep with her. But nothing worked, not even Namjoon. Her nights were restless and she would wake up crying. She would be in cold sweat with tears coming down her eyes, and the day before was no exception. This time it was Yoongi's turn. His body felt sluggish but that didn't stop him from doing his chores.

"I don't know what to do anymore. I can't keep sleeping with her, Eri is getting freaked out now. She keeps asking about where is Hoseok and I don't know how much longer I can lie about it. We need to find out what happened." Seokjin picked up another box of strawberries. The sun was high and beating down on them. It was so hot that Seokjin rolled up his sleeves and a thin layer of sweat covered his skin. He place the box near his hip while Yoongi started walking.

"How? None of us have even gotten any close to her speaking. I asked Namjoon if she was ever this bad when her father died. He said this is far worse. Back then, Y/n trained for hours to get rid of the pain she felt. She had Namjoon to help her cope with it. This time, she doesn't even train and Namjoon broke the bond they had. The prince had at that point became her way of coping." Yoongi had explained. His eyebrows had just furrow slightly while Seokjin sighed heavily.

"I think it's far worse not only because of Hoseok." Seokjin handed the box to some people while Yoongi did the same. Yoongi walked away and Seokjin followed them. They spoke lowly so no one would panic about their leader but everyone could sense the distress she felt.

"What do you mean?"

Seokjin licked his dry lips, lightly narrowing his eyes and scrunching up his face from the bright sun.

"I think it's worse because she feels at fault. Remember Y/n could never relax she's always been on edge. She has to be, she's the leader and protector. This is what her father has left her with. It's worse because she finally was at ease when Hoseok was here. She wasn't as cautious or tense. Or even strict. You know how much she struggled with her self worth. She didn't think she deserved any of that. That's why she agreed to marry Namjoon in the first place." Seokjin started walking closer towards the trees. The sun was getting unbearable and hot. Yoongi followed him, his hair getting damped from the sweat.

"Right. Which means when she finally relaxed and eased, the danger came. What happen there only proved why she couldn't have nice things like someone loving her and caring for her. She now thinks—"

"—that Hoseok deserves someone else." Seokjin finished. Yoongi soften his stare and sighed heavily.

"No wonder she's shutting us out. She feels like she disappointed us. Which isn't the case obviously. This was completely out of her control. Besides we are always so cautious during the anniversary season. We didn't even trade with merchants for nearly a month. No one could possibly get a tip from the outside. Which could only mean one thing." Yoongi's suddenly soft features, harden. Seokjin raised an eyebrow at his expression.

"Someone is a traitor."

"That's a bold claim. But your right. Only the people within the camp would know where our current location is. So who do you think it is?"

Yoongi inhaled through his nose as he crossed his arms.

"Well I would love to assume that your not a suspect Hyung."

"Trust me I'm not. I don't even have time to leisure about! I have to care for Eri! Do chores and cook!" Seokjin yelled, offended at such a bold claim. Yoongi smiled lightly at his claim.

"I know Hyung otherwise this would be really awkward. If I did suspect you, I wouldn't even bring up the traitor claim." Yoongi explained casually. Seokjin frowned, narrowing his eyes at the pale man.

"Your not funny."

"I'm a little funny."

"No your not. Anyways! Do you think it was Namjoon?" Seokjin lowered his voice, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.

"I thought so too. Namjoon hasn't been in good standing with Y/n and evidence suggests he would."

"But?"

Yoongi sighed, lightly glaring at the floor.

"But Namjoon wouldn't risk the camp's safety. If there's one thing about Namjoon is his priorities are always in set. He loves this camp as much as Y/n. I don't think he would risk it."

"You don't know that. Maybe Namjoon would. Look I want to trust him too but as if right now, he's definitely the main suspect. He had every right to do so. Love makes you do strange things." Seokjin explained his face didn't look convinced at Yoongi's thinking.

"So your assuming it's Namjoon?"

"I'm assuming him because of the evidence he's presented. He hated Hoseok, tried to kill him three times, and openly express his distaste for him. Y/n had wanted him multiple times to quit it. Conveniently, Hoseok is taken the day of the anniversary after Namjoon had hours before taken punishment. I want to believe he wouldn't go that extent, but at this point anyone is a suspect. In fact I'm almost sure that someone in the merry men gave the guards a 'tip'."

Yoongi scratched under his chin in thought. He blankly looked at the grass. His reasoning was right but it was just too hard to believe that Namjoon would cause such disaster over Y/n. Then again, he tried to kill Hoseok three times. Maybe he did.

"Okay. Then should we confront him?" Yoongi asked. Seokjin shook his head.

"No. It's still not solid evidence. Besides if we accuse him in front of Taehyung, he would just get more defensive and try to prove that it wasn't him if we didn't have any evidence to point at him."

"Then how are we going to gather solid evidence? Remember we still should keep this quiet from the camp and Y/n. She is not right in the mind to be investigating."

Seokjin moisturized his lips once more before speaking.

"Right. So we are going to watch his actions closely. Any signs of guilt or anything like that would do. But let's not purposely take every action he does as strange. And make sure Taehyung isn't in sight." Seokjin explained. Yoongi nodded in agreement, crossing his own arms over his chest.

"If we find anything suspicious about the others we tell each other immediately. This might take weeks or even months before we find out, but this needs to be resolved quickly for our sake and Y/n's."

Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows, looking at Seokjin who started walking. He started following him.

"What do you mean? Shouldn't we tell the others? You can't possibly think Jungkook is a suspect. He adored Hoseok. Fine Jimin is understandable but Jungkook? Jungkook had always said he was Hoseok's best friend. You saw how much he cried when he found out Hoseok left." Yoongi said. Seokjin halted his steps making Yoongi stop his. Seokjin knew about the soft spot Yoongi had for Jungkook. He too wanted to believe Jungkook wouldn't do such a thing but he was still a suspect. Even Seokjin suspected Yoongi despite him stating he wasn't. He felt guilty but the fact a traitor was in the camp made him wary. Nearly clouding his judgement with fear. But he needed to focus for the camp's sake.

"And you threaten to kill Hoseok. If we're going by that, I should suspect you too." Seokjin's voice became cold. Yoongi for once felt a chill run up his spine.

"You suspect me then? Even though I'm the one who told you about it?"

"No." Seokjin lied through his teeth. But damn was he a pretty good liar. Yoongi didn't suspect a thing as he looked forward.

"But I'm just saying that your thinking is flawed. Besides if I suspected you, that would cause division in our camp. We don't need that. Not right now, not when there's so much going on." Seokjin started walking once more but this time Yoongi didn't follow. Seokjin wasn't himself and Yoongi didn't know rather it was because of the situation or guilt. Yoongi quickly shook his head, running his fingers through his dark damp hair.

"With that kind of thinking, it means I don't trust Seokjin. He's the oldest, I'm sure he's right. He's been here the longest besides Namjoon and Taehyung. Why should I question his wisdom?" Yoongi's eyes slowly tracked back to Seokjin who was now smiling at Eri who was mindlessly babbling.

"Then why do I feel like he's hiding something?"

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

The palace was cold and darker than what Hoseok had remembered. Not even the blankets kept him warm. It was summer yet the castle was so cold. The walls were grey, but he didn't remember them being just a dark shade of grey. He didn't remember it being so dull and colorless. Nothing but stillness was heard for hours. It was just dead, no mutters just soft pit pats of feet that occasionally passed by.

They made him bath throughly before even going to the king. His father was just the same just now eager to know if Hoseok had any secrets about Robin Hood. Any weakness that would finally bring him down. Anything. But Hoseok didn't say a word. All he did was tell his father he was exhausted and hadn't had any proper rest for weeks. The king had at first questioned it but then let him be. That was a month ago. When he asked the guards how long he's been gone, he more than surprised to hear the number.

5 months.

He was gone for five months.

It seem like it was so much shorter to him. That wasn't enough time for him.

Hoseok now laid on his bed. The blanket down to his torso, lying on his side as his eyes watched the birds that flew past his window. He hasn't gotten up for two full days. He didn't feel like himself at all. Sleep was the least thing his body wanted to do despite him barely having any of it. He knew he should get up but he had no energy to even move. He was like this the first day he came back and lasted for a week. Then he slowly got back in the hang of things only for his father to bring him back down. Now here he is, laying on his bed as the room was cold.

"Your highness?"

Hoseok sighed, closing his eyes as he responded.

"Yes?"

"The king wishes to see you. He says it's urgent."

Hoseok sat up with a heavy sigh. He ran his fingers through his messy locks. The blanket drapes around his hips, exposing his loose white shirt that was half way button. He looked tired and dark circles started to form around his eyes. He didn't want to get up because he knew what it was about.

"Is it really that urgent?"

"Yes your highness."

"Alright. Tell him I'll be there in five minutes."

Hoseok listened when the servant had left before finally getting off his bed. He hesitated for a moment and stared at the ground. His chest tighten. He raised his hand to rub his chest. It only grew heavy even more. He let out a shaky breath before shaking his head. That weight needs to disappear. He didn't know how long he could take with that empty heavy feeling. Especially today when his father would give him the lecture and announcement.

He hunched slightly the pain nearly becoming unbearable. The pain spread all over his chest as he let out a pain groan. How much longer until that pain disappears? It needs to disappear. Whatever guilt and pain he's feeling needs to go away. It's hurting too much and he can't live like this.

Hoseok inhaled shaky through his nose before exhaling slowly. He needed to see the king before he makes a fuss about it. Hoseok stood up with wobbly legs. He ignore the pain in his chest and aching body. He didn't have time for any of this, he didn't have time to mourn and cry. He needed to get back up again. As much as his heart wanted his dove. He must refused.

He got dressed, looking princely as he could be. Despite what his father has done, he gave him the luxury to dress himself. Something he's gotten accustomed to over the past months. He fixed his unruly locks as he presented himself in front of the mirror. Just how much more of this? He didn't know but despite him being dress so well, he knew his complexion and health was decaying. There wasn't time to mope or cry. Hoseok didn't waste another second and left his large cold chambers. Was it wrong that he missed the small tent he used to share with Jungkook? Was it wrong even missing the mattress that he slept with Y/n? Was it wrong to miss any of those?

His father made it seem like it was so. His luxurious home had everything he needed. Why settle for less? Why should he want less? In the end, Hoseok was still greedy. He wasn't satisfied with what he had. He wanted less and only had one person in mind. He still was greedy.

Hoseok left his room and started walking down the long hallways. He place his hands in his pockets, blinking mindlessly. All that echoed through the small was the sound his shoes clicking against the tiles. His stomach felt even more uneasy the longer he walked and the closer he got to the throne room. The king was more brutal than before. He tax heavily on the people to the point most villages couldn't even sustain themselves. Many people were starving and there wasn't a single thing the prince could do. He could only watch as it unfolds right in front of his eyes. Apparently despite all that, Robin Hood continued to steal as much money as she can. Many people were joyous to finally have him return not knowing the reason she stopped was because she had the prince. Many people had wondered if that was true but his father had made it apparent that it was not true. He didn't need the public to have hope and rise against him.

Hoseok stopped his walking, glaring at the doors that was in between him and the king. They were golden with beautiful designs of flowers swirling around them. But their beauty was made of starving and restless people who he taxes from. He clenched his fist. His hand nearly trembling with anger. There was absolutely nothing he could do.

Hoseok raised his knuckles and knocked on the door.

"Who dares to see me?"

Hoseok rolled his eyes at the tone. He harden his stare. No there was something he can do. Most people wouldn't understand, most people would find it confusing but it's a start at least. He wasn't a perfect planner like his lover. But he was a prince, a prince with some power that he can use to his advantage. It's not a lot but it is worth a shot.

"Prince Hoseok, your highness."

"Come in!"

Hoseok opened the door slowly his heart thumping. He must use that small chance. It's only going to hurt him even more and most likely her, but it was the only way. He took a deep breath as he walked in. The pain in his chest once again spread.

'I'm sorry dove.'

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

"Hyung!"

All three turn their heads at Jungkook's direction. Jungkook blinked as he stepped his running. He meant to call Yoongi Hyung but he suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell the other two. Yoongi was setting up a tent while Seokjin was helping him. Jimin wasn't doing anything but telling them how Y/n was doing the day before. It wasn't any drastic news but it was still good to hear how she was doing even if it was the same thing everyday.Jungkook had just finish patrol and was ready to give them news.

"It's Hoseok!"

"What happened?" Seokjin asked. He immediately stopped what he was doing and walked towards Jungkook. Yoongi did the same with Jimin following behind him.

"Shh don't say it so loud. Y/n might hear." Yoongi warned, hushing Jungkook. Jungkook glanced behind the older man. There Y/n wasn't far, she was speaking with Mingi who once again had injured himself.

"Okay what about Hoseok? Did something happen?" Jimin asked with a hush whisper. Jungkook turned his head to face Jimin. He shook his head.

"Nothing bad happen per say. Well define bad." Jungkook swallowed nervously. Yoongi narrowed his eyes at Jungkook but he wasn't anger. If anything he was just trying to scare the boy to say something. Jungkook swallows once more, scratching behind his ear.

"Jungkook?"

"Okay. But we can't mention it to Y/n. Or if anyone knows, they can't say a thing. This could really crush her."

All three had grow uneasy at his words.

"Jungkook, what that's supposed to mean?"

"It means you can't say anything to Y/n. She can't know. Look at her Yoongi Hyung, she's broken already, this could actually crush her." Jungkook said with creased eyebrows. He looked worried as his eyes had slowly travel back to Y/n. She wasn't facing them but the anxiety that filled his blood kept telling him she was.

"Okay we promise. Now tell us." Jimin demanded. Jungkook flickered his eyes back to his Hyungs. He swallowed again, licking his lips. His throat felt dry all of sudden. He cleared his throat as his Hyungs waited for his answer. But they weren't expecting his next words.

"Prince Hoseok is getting married."

*Excuse if there's any errors I am currently at work, I'm writing because it's been slow so ignore those errors 💀