Stone Prince

It was pitch black by the time Jimin arrived at the Oak Castle. 

The moon was almost full, a round, glowing lump in the tar sky. A smattering of stars glowed brightly in the dark clouds, flickering to each other. The Oak Castle stood tall and grim in the moonlight; only a few lights shone within the giant complex. Ivy wrapped greedily around the sides of the tall walls of the castle, as if blanketing it from the mystery of night. Jimin caught a few stray seagulls cawing as they flew to their nests by the watery seafront. The Oak Castle was positioned on the southern sea--it was hard to miss the ambient crashing of waves in the distance.

Jimin pushed his gray stallion towards the stables where the Oak Prince's stable boy took the reins of his horse for him. Whether the servant had any misgivings about this late night visitor to the royal stable, he showed no signs. His horse was led away, and Jimin was glad that no recognition passed through the servant's plain features. Jimin cracked his neck twice and tapped the sword at his belt. He rarely went anywhere without the weapon, in case he ever needed to use it.

His sore hands ruffled through his silver hair and he sighed as he beheld the ominous castle. He didn't if either prince would be awake at this time of night, but he wasn't going anywhere if they weren't. He would stay the night and wait until morning for them--he desperately needed to talk to at least one of his two ruling counterparts. I need reinforcements for my castle.

"Excuse me, sir." One of the soldiers on guard asked him who he was and what his business was at the Oak Castle this late at night. He was happy to find that this man did not recognize his face either. The Stone Prince's face was never portraited nor painted--so many in Noirwood didn't have a clue of what the northern ruler looked like. To an outsider, he might appear like a traveling free knight. And he'd use that to his advantage.

"I'm here to see Prince Jeon." Jimin firmly said. "I'm a messenger from the Stone Castle. I bring news from the north."

At hearing the word north, the guard visibly stiffened. He blinked twice at Jimin, then nodded solemnly. "Right this way, sir."

That was easy. Jimin followed the middle aged man through the large gates of the Oak Castle and admired how much grander the castle was compared to his own. Jimin's castle was the smallest of the three ruling princes, and it was also the most isolated. This castle was much more open--the seafront on the south side gave it an almost welcoming appearance, one worthy of admiration. In the simple yet sturdy design of the place, Jimin found himself instantly at ease. The guard noticed his castle-ward glances and smiled.

"Never been here before?" The guard asked with curiosity. Jimin nodded. "Isn't she a beauty? This castle was constructed back when the current Oak Prince's grandfather was still alive. I heard it took ten years before it was completed, and several people died during its construction...but it still holds the same charm now as back then. These stones sure are durable, the castle never ceases to amaze me."

Jimin wasn't paying too much attention to the guard's soliloquy at this point. Instead, he was battling with how he was breach the question of getting troops from the other two princes. I don't even know them. Will they be friendly...accept my request right away? Or will they scoff and turn me down? From what I've heard, the Laurel Prince is finnicky. I probably have a better bet talking with the Oak Prince. But what if he doesn't comply with my order?

Maybe he should just demand for reinforcements...it was the Oak Prince in the first place who had gotten him into this mess. The Oak Prince was the one who should be held responsible for Jihoon's actions against the Stone Castle.

But before he did anything, he needed an explanation. He needed to know why Jihoon was upset at Prince Jeon and how the peace between the two family members had crumbled so quickly. The pact was everlasting, almost forgotten by Jimin, until just recently, when rumors started to fly. How did Prince Jeon break the pact?

Thinking about it made Jimin angry. Angry at the exertion he had used when killing the savages earlier that morning. Angry at the fact that something the Oak Prince blundered was now negatively impacting him. 

However, Jimin's face showed nothing out of the ordinary. His lips were zipped shut--pressed together slightly to hold in his grievances. His eyes were calm pools of gray, and his blinks were slow and deliberate. The main doors of the castle came into view steadily as he deliberately walked slow, his chin tilted up and his shoulders back. 

Stone. Stone. Stone...

When the Stone Prince finally entered the doors of the large castle, he started to feel nervous, bombarded by thoughts of unsurety. He had no idea what either prince looked like and if he would even like them. He had heard gossip about the south from the occasional loud-mouthed messenger, but he had gathered nothing about the personal lives of either ruler of the kingdom. Are they assholes? Friends? Fuck, I'm worried. 

The chaperone guard left Jimin alone in the foyer while he spoke with a servant on duty about Jimin's request to see the Oak Prince. He returned to Jimin a few moments later with a frown on his face. 

"Sir, it would seem the Oak Prince is in a very important meeting at the moment. I'm afraid you will have to see him on the morrow..." The guard paused, eyebrows drawn over his erudite face. "But I can prepare one of the guestrooms for you to accommodate you for the night if the business is urgent-"

"Is he speaking with the Laurel Prince right now?" Jimin blurted out. If I catch them by surprise, maybe they'll let me in.

The guard seemed clearly taken aback. He gazed at the chaperone guard then back at Jimin, a suspicious glint in his eye. "Yes...in fact, he is. But no one outside the royal guard was told...how did you know of this?"

Jimin avoided the question. "The news I have is extremely urgent from the north. I think both of them would like to hear it. Please, take me to them immediately." Damn it. This isn't working. They're not going to let a stranger intrude on two royals. It's too risky. If they would, then I would question the entire security of this place.

"Sir, I'm afraid I cannot do th-"

Jimin crossed his arms and stepped closer to the guards, speaking in only a whisper.  "I understand. But I need to see them...I did not want to disclose this information, but it seems I have to." 

Jimin lifted the ring on his left hand so the others could see, the emblem of the Stone Family engraved into the round band. It glimmered in the weak torch light of the castle, but their faces told Jimin that they had definitely recognized the most mysterious banner of Noirwood.

"I am the Stone Prince, better known as Prince Park--ruler of the northernmost sector of Noirwood and protector of the land. Now listen up. Prince Jeon's uncle sent savages to my castle that I had to deal with earlier today...and I don't think you want me to deal with you two like I dealt with them. So if you will, let me see the other princes, or I will use force."

The guard had one hand covered over his mouth. His eyes were wide saucers, eyebrows twitching high in disbelief. "P-prince P-Park? It is my honor...I d-did...not kn-know..."

The guard kneeled down in front of Jimin and bowed his head deeply before slowly standing up. "Your highness, I'm immensely sorry for how I treated you before. If I would've known who you were-"

"It's alright." Jimin snapped impatiently. The nerves in his whole body were alight with anticipation and the fear of meeting the other princes. "Just please bring me to them."

The servant, paled by the reveal of the mysterious man he'd only ever heard of in tales, nodded. "As you wish, Stone Prince."

Laurel Prince 

"Then you left...and the party ended. That's all I know."

Taehyung concluded the story about the party with a sour feeling in his gut. He made sure to omit the part of the story when Jungkook kissed him...and he left out the reason behind drugging the wine. He also did not mention the poignant urge he had then to recreate the feeling with Jungkook's lips on his again. Why is Prince Jeon different? Why do I still want him to kiss me again? Why am I so attracted to him?

"And that's all you know!!" Jungkook shook his head in disbelief. "Where did I go? Why did I leave the party all of a sudden? And why did you put stuff in my wine!?" 

Jungkook seethed in his spot on the couch. In his eyes was a distress that put Taehyung on edge. He quickly looked down. The Laurel Prince picked at his nails, too nervous to make eye contact with the irate ravenette sitting across from him.

"Listen...Jungkook, I have no idea what happened after you left my castle. The last time I saw you--you were drinking all my wine...and then I caught a glimpse of your face...and you must've thought your cover was blown, so you took off. As for the, um, wine...I um...normally give that to my guests before..." Taehyung trailed off, embarrassed. Shit...what do I lie to him with?

He wasn't about to spill his dark habit of using people to try and feel normal again. He knew Jungkook would probably be disgusted with him, and Taehyung didn't want Jungkook to hate him or distance himself. Taehyung felt oddly different around Jungkook for some reason, and he didn't want the man to escape his grasp another time. 

"You give the drugs to them before...what? Taehyung, I don't know what type of business you are involved in, but frankly, I hope I wasn't the next target for...whatever you do with your guests..." Jungkook rose from the couch he was sitting on and walked towards the window, a bit pale. He shivered visibly as he wrapped his arms around himself. Taehyung who watched him with wide eyes. Oh no...he's getting the wrong idea...

"No, no--um, it's not like that. I wasn't...targeting you, it's just-" Taehyung stood up, feeling restless. He followed Jungkook over to the window. "I can't explain it to you now...it's just-"

"It's just WHAT, Taehyung? Why would you drug a guest that you wanted to get to know? That doesn't sound innocent to me-" 

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Jungkook froze at the loud raps against the door to the study. "Yes? Who is it?" 

Both males listened carefully for a response, both on edge from the tense conversation.

Taehyung leaned against the wall as he listened, exhausted from travel and storytelling. The Laurel Prince's fingers were stiff from the tight rings he had on them, and he felt his cape start to weigh down on his shoulders. Taehyung began pulling off his rings one by one, as the door replied.

"Prince Jeon, you have a visitor. It is very urgent. He wants to see you immediately." The servant shouted shakily through the wooden door. His voice was thick with worry. Taehyung perked his ears up as another man's voice quietly said something that sounded demanding. It was too quiet for the two princes inside the room to make out, but they could gather it was not a familiar voice.

"This...may be a trap sent by Jihoon. I was not expecting anyone. Especially so late." Jungkook suddenly uttered to Taehyung, blinking at the blonde.

"I'm letting him in!" The servant shouted.

"Get behind me, Jungkook." Taehyung ordered, pushing the younger prince behind him. He removed his heavy cape, tossing it into the couch. 

"You don't need to protect me-"

"Quiet." The muscles in Taehyung's tan neck tensed up as the door swung open, revealing a shorter male with gray hair. The man was alone, standing in a relaxed battle-stance that reminded him of a swordsman. Taehyung carefully eyed the sword at the man's hip and frowned. The man blinked at them, his face unmoving.

Jungkook peeked from behind Taehyung's shoulder at the man who entered the room wordlessly, wearing all gray. The man's face was dead serious; he made no emotion at the two princes who were positioned in a defensive stance at this sudden intrusion. 

"Who are you?" Jungkook demanded more than asked. He stepped to Taehyung's left side, unconsciously leaning into the blonde. Taehyung was more of skilled fighter than Jungkook was, and it was clear in the way the Laurel Prince didn't shy away from confrontation. Taehyung remained planted in his spot, eyes wary. The gray-haired male glided into the room, purposely staying far away from the other two.

Then, he stopped. The stranger's serious face molded into one of recognition as he studied Jungkook's face in depth. He parted his lips, pointing lightly at the ravenette who was hip-to-hip with the blonde.

"I'm...I...do you not remember me? When you were drunk..? Wait, maybe you wouldn't have remembered me...do you?" The visitor turned to Jungkook with a question in his eyes. Taehyung relaxed a bit at the casual way the man spoke. He's not one of Jihoon's...he can't be.

Jungkook looked at the visitor confused at first, and then angry. "That's the second time I've heard that tonight! I'm sick of this! Who are you and why are you in my castle?"

"Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you." The gray-haired male approached the two standing in the corner of the room with his arm extended. He looked briefly at Taehyung. "You must be the Laurel Prince, I'm assuming. You're kinda hard to miss...plus your crown is on the table."

Taehyung blinked, turning to Jungkook and back to the man. Who is this guy?

The man went on. "And you must be..." He stared at Jungkook, his gray eyes taking in the ravenette's outerwear, his mouth opening at the helpless stance of the man's next to Taehyung's. "Are you an Oak Servant speaking on behalf of Prince Jeon? Or a stand-in, perhaps? I don't see a crown anywhere, and you don't seem like a royal-"

"Excuse me?" Jungkook seemed to regain some of his authority, crossing his arms and moving away from Taehyung. He regarded the stranger with an air of incredulity. "You come in here asking me if I recognize you...but you don't recognize me?"

"So I'm guessing you are the Oak Prince, since you seem offended by being taken for a servant." The gray-haired man nodded at his deduction, a hint of a smile on his lips. His hands lifted in a no offense position, palms facing the other two males. "Wasn't trying to seem offensive, my apologies if I did offend. A simple getup is sometimes better on a prince, I don't blame you...it's nice to finally meet you two--Laurel Prince and Oak Prince."

Who is this guy and why is he speaking to us so casually? Taehyung thought, eyeing the man's outstretched hand.

When neither Taehyung nor Jungkook extended their hand out to shake the gray-haired man's, the man sighed. He placed his hand limply down at his side.

"Well, I didn't think meeting you two would start off this badly...but I guess I'm not accustomed to socializing. Of course! You two don't know who I am." The gray-haired man paused, looked down at his feet, and looked back up with a full smile that seemed kind of forced. "Allow me introduce myself. I am Park Jimin, or if you will, the Stone Prince, ruler of the northernmost sector of Noirwood and protector of the kingdom." 

The man named Jimin bowed slightly and straightened up as tall as he could. What! This is the Stone Prince?

Both Taehyung and Jungkook openly gasped and turned to look at each other before looking back at Jimin. For the first time ever, the three princes were all together in one room under the same castle. 

Taehyung broke the silence first. "Prince...Park? You are Prince Park?"

And then Jungkook. "The Stone Prince? Ah! It makes sense now...you're dressed in all gray and you entered so...unexpectedly."

Taehyung set his rings down abruptly on one of the bookshelves and took the gray-haired male's hand in his. They shook hands hard, Taehyung's bright smile radiating on his golden face. Smiles soon spread to Jungkook's and Jimin's faces in turn.

"Glad to meet your acquaintance, Stone Prince." Jungkook grabbed Prince Park's smaller hand in his own. He shook it less intensely, a brooding glaze in his eyes. "But uh, what did you mean before when you said that we've met before? I mean...did you visit my castle before and not introduce yourself properly? Was I drunk then?" Jungkook's head tilted slightly to the side and his teeth went back to chewing on his lower lip. He waited for Jimin to answer. 

"Actually..." Jimin nodded towards the couches in the center of the room. "It's a very long story, if you'll hear me out. But before I tell my story, I want an explanation of what you did to piss off your uncle. He sent a small force of about a dozen savages to my castle earlier yesterday. My knights and I handled them appropriately. One of knights in the group mentioned sending a larger army to my castle if I did not surrender to them...and obviously, I did not surrender..." 

"You killed Jihoon's men! What about diplomacy! Fuck...this is bad, my uncle doesn't speak lightly of matters like that..." Jungkook grabbed at his black hair in disbelief. He had heard so many things in the past few hours that made his head spin. Taehyung sensed this, and put his tan hand on the small of Jungkook's back to steady him. 

"Are you alright?" Taehyung rubbed small circles in Jungkook's lower back; the younger male did not seem to notice Taehyung's friendly gesture. "We can all talk about it tomorrow if you need to rest, Jungkook."

Before Jungkook could even respond, Jimin plopped down on the couch. "No. I am telling my story to you both and you are telling your story to me and that is that...I have been riding all day to reach your castle and I am sick of any more delays...please, take a seat."

Jungkook was surprised that such a quiet and mysterious Prince of the North could be so commanding--especially to him, in his own castle. However, Jungkook was so exhausted that he paid the borderline rude behavior no mind, walking towards the couch with Taehyung's hand still plastered on his lower back.  

On the two couches of Jungkook's study the three handsome princes of Noirwood sat, eyeing each other up and making judgments about each other in their own minds. Taehyung sat a bit too close to Jungkook for the ravenette's comfort, but he decided to ignore the uncertainty in Jungkook's expression whenever Taehyung's leg would brush against his.

Jimin eyed the two seated close to each other with slight suspicion. He crossed his legs and leaned forward, ready to spill the story of June 24th with his new acquaintances.

"All right. This story is long. But I'm sure you two can handle it."

Jimin stared into the eyes of the ravenette who was fidgeting across from him. He opened his thick lips and began the story that he hoped would resolve the conflict written on the younger prince's face. 

"I first met you on the night of June 24th..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR'S NOTE

MAN. They all met before?! 

How come Jungkook doesn't remember?

The power of drugs, you know? BTW don't do drugs, unless you want lapses in memory and random tattoos on your body the next morning. Trust me. (LMAO, no, I don't do drugs.)

Anyway, wonderful reader, it's a joy to have you here! You're now in it for the long run, so drink lots of water! THX for reading. Have a nice day! <3

Izzy