Oak Prince

Jungkook vibrated with joy, the man of his dreams sitting radiant beside him. The sadness of Jimin's death was still sitting sourly in his heart, but the ravenette knew that the gray-haired male would be glad that Oak Prince was going to tie the knot with the blonde. 

Taehyung smiled beautifully beside him, eyes watery from all of the emotions passed through the pair that day. His lips were still quivering from the surprise of the entire thing that happened at the funeral. 

"Jungkook," Taehyung's deep voice rose up next to him. The duo were currently in a carriage, riding south to the induction ceremony that was going to happen in the middle of the kingdom, around the old Laurel Castle. 

"Yes, baby?" the ravenette turned to the elder, mouthing the words slow. The blonde was getting really good at reading lips already, and the two had even started to communicate with hand signals. They invented their own kind of language, and since the two were already so close it wasn't hard for the blonde to figure out what Jungkook was telling him. 

Taehyung smiled at the word of endearment, gazing down at the new sparkling piece of jewelry that ordained his long, tan ring finger. The Oak Prince felt horrible that the blonde couldn't hear his words of love, but he vowed to make sure that the other would feel his love in other ways. 

"I'm...so happy and sad...that I think I could die right now," the blonde told him, leaning in to the ravenette's shoulder carefully. Jungkook supported the weight of his partner, glad that the other had stopped crying by then. 

Taehyung watched his fiance closely, smiling when Jungkook laughed underneath him, mouthing "me too" and pointing to himself. Although his bandages didn't allow him to move too much, the elder snuggled into his partner, glad that the ravenette was so patient with his disability. 

"I love you so much, Jungkook. I can't believe I found someone like you..." the blonde stared into the other's brown eyes, a loving look passed between them, "I can't wait to be your husband."

Jungkook's heart swelled. 

The ravenette squeezed Taehyung into him, saying nothing. Sometimes words weren't needed to get a message across. 

The air outside of their carriage was calm as they passed by ruins of towns that were destroyed during the war. The wreckage from fighting, pillaging, and fires left many parts of Noirwood merely a shell of what it once was. The two sat close together as the opening in their carriage gave them a clear view of the countryside, both males feeling a bit of melancholy at seeing the land so torn. 

Torn...much like how they felt when they lost Jimin. But dwelling upon it was not something they could afford to do at such an important time. Rebuilding the land and instilling hope in the hearts of people was their main priority after the induction ceremony they were headed to.

Ten minutes passed before Jungkook heard soft snores coming from his shoulder. 

"Ah...Taehyung...Are you sleeping? Haha," After a few moments of bumping along in the carriage, the blonde had fallen asleep on the other, his head lolled upon the ravenette's chest. In his slumber, Taehyung's hand had protectively covered his ring as if he was guarding it from a ring thief. Jungkook smiled at the elder's position, a deeply thankful feeling pooling in his gut. 

He was so thankful that Taehyung had survived. Without him...

Without either of the two princes, Jungkook wouldn't know how to go on. The immense guilt that already filled him for Jimin's death plagued him on the daily. He could practically hear the gray-haired male assuring him that it wasn't his fault, but Jungkook still felt responsible. It was  his own family that had killed Jimin. 

His own blood. 

Jungkook sighed, averting his gaze from the landscape to watch his lover's chest rising and falling steadily. Watching Taehyung sleep made the ravenette a bit drowsy, the younger closing his eyes and mentally preparing himself for the upcoming ceremony.

Florian...and Eonjin, the two new members of the royalty. 

Jungkook would be lying if he said he wasn't slightly nervous at accepting such young leaders as heads of Noirwood...but looking back, he himself was around their age when he was first crowned prince as well. 

They would learn the ways eventually. 

The ravenette took a deep breath, this thought calming him enough to fall into a light nap, head resting on top of the blonde's. 

Eonjin

The blonde girl was flushed from all of the people staring at her, not used to the large amount of attention she was receiving so publicly. The grand induction ceremony was going to be held in an hour, but for now the reception was taking place, members of royalty greeting her with respect. 

Another strange man was approaching her now. Eonjin smiled at him politely.

"Hello dear. Welcome to the royal family! I sincerely hope you do well out there. Don't let your brother's condition hinder your goals...he's got a great partner to take care of him...isn't that great!?!" the man was surprisingly enthusiastic despite the funeral that had taken place earlier in the day. 

"Oh...um..." Eonjin bowed, forcing herself to be princess-like in front of the man waiting for her response, "Yes. It's such an honor to finally work with Prince Jeon. He'll be my brother-in-law soon, yeah? So as Laurel Princess I'll probably visit him and my brother often at the Oak Castle..." her eyes trailed to the other guests in the room, searching for the very people she was talking about. 

The man noticed her wild eyes and popped his eyebrow in question, "Are you looking for them? Oh...I'm afraid I haven't seen them anywhere tonight. Perhaps look somewhere private? Or-"

"Yes, I will, thank you sir!" Eonjin took off somewhere, anywhere, away from all the people looking at her with expectant faces. 

She was new to this whole royalty thing...and it took a lot of getting used to. The only think that kept her on her feet was the fact that she would officially meet her brother tonight. At the funeral she only saw him from far away and was crushed by the news of his disability...yet she was overjoyed that Taehyung and Jungkook would be officially a couple. 

Best power couple ever! 

Her mind was whirling with thoughts she hoped would distract her from all of the finery around her. The chandelier cast a soft light upon her evening dress that she had borrowed from one of the female Laurel Court members. Eonjin had never worn something so lavish as the dress she had on now, a red gown studded with glimmering white sparkles that fanned up her body and down to the tail of the gown. 

Whenever she turned, the dress would flair up, exposing her black high heels. They were a bit too tall for the girl who was not used to walking in such impossible footwear, but she pushed through by thinking of how Jimin had to wear these when she had seen him last. 

She really missed Jimin. 

Pressing her hands to her eyes to stop any tears from forming there, she cleared her throat and went out onto the balcony of the large country home that the ceremony was taking place in. Since the Laurel Castle was still being cleaned up and rebuilt from the destruction caused by Jihoon, a wealthy man in the Laurel District was more than willing to accept the royalty into his grand home. Eonjin had seen plenty of wealthy people pass through the town that her inn was located in, but never in this number or this level of grandeur. 

It amazed her how the royal courts lived such flamboyant lives. Even their breathing to her seemed rich and full...somehow better than the average person. She couldn't understand it. 

Wobbling a bit on her high heels, she transcended down the few steps to the balcony, smiling brightly when a wave of fresh air hit her. This countryman's yard was absolutely stunning; a manicured pond was as blue as it could be, sitting at the bottom of a hill with several summer maples shading the green grassy lawn. Eonjin walked to the railing of the large balcony, away from most of the other guests. 

Finally, some time alone-

"Princess Kim!" a voice sounded from across the balcony. Eonjin blinked her eyes, turning at the semi-familiar voice.

When her eyes met the other male, she grinned and motioned for him to come over by her. 

"Hi Florian...erm, I mean hello Stone Prince," she bowed, her red dress parting slightly as she lowered her chest in respect. The other man laughed, bowing as well. He seemed just as nervous as she was, his fingers fidgeting with his suit buttons. Although he was the next Stone Prince, he wasn't dressed in gray. 

"Oh, you don't have to be formal with me...we are ruling Noirwood together with Jungkook, right? We should be comfortable with first names..." Florian glanced over her shoulder at the natural beauty of the surroundings of the home they were at, "Wow, it's really beautiful out here..."

Eonjin stepped up next to him, tilting her head up slightly to be able to see his face. He was quite a bit taller than her, even with her high heels on.

"Yes...it's gorgeous. Such a drastic difference from the ride down here. This place was lucky enough to escape Jihoon's destruction I guess..." Eonjin sighed, thinking about how Jimin was affected by the bastard from the north. 

Florian glanced at her briefly before looking back out over the landscape, clearing his throat, "Yes..." he paused, seeming to think hard about something before asking her, "How...how did you know Jimin?"

Eonjin pushed her hair out of her face, leaning over the balcony as she recalled the gray-haired male at her inn. 

"Well...it's kind of a funny story," Eonjin smiled up at the other boy, eyes lit up by the memory, "I didn't even know he was the Stone Prince at the time but...he was staying at my inn with the Oak Prince and he asked me..." she blushed a bit, aware of how awkward this might sound to another guy. 

Florian gave her a quizzical look, curious about the rest of the story, "Was it something crazy? He asked me something crazy too...well, not a good kind of crazy but I had to keep a secret for him and..."

"No, mine was a funny crazy," Eonjin clarified, licking her lips before explaining, "Jimin came to me one morning and asked me for a makeover...y'know, to make him look like a girl."

Florian's mouth dropped open, tilting his head to the side in disbelief, "He did not."

"Oh, he did," Eonjin laughed at Florian's shocked face and shook her head in reminiscence, "I gave him a pretty white dress, a pair of heels...did his makeup...he was damn beautiful!" Eonjin held her warm cheeks as the image of Jimin as a woman flooded into her mind, "He told me he needed it for a disguise and tipped me extra for my effort. That's actually how I discovered that I was related to Taehyung."

Florian was quiet for a moment, a tiny smile on his lips, "Wow. I would have never seen Commander Park as the type to dress up as a female for a job but..." Florian pushed a strand of brown hair behind his ear, "He was extremely dedicated so I guess I could see why he would do it. He was such a nice person...it must've been fate that you and him met... and he had the chance to tell you about your family..." 

Eonjin nodded, her mood much better now than it was a few minutes ago, "Yeah. Fate. That thing," she laughed, not knowing what else to say. Florian chuckled himself, pulling away from the railing and getting a good look at Eonjin. The blonde female felt his stare and she blushed, scratching at her neck. Florian's next words surprised her. 

"If Jimin was here now, he would probably tell you that you're beautiful, Eonjin. I'm sure he would be very proud that you make such a seemly princess...uh," the other male seemed to realize that he was borderline flirting with her and cleared his throat, "And I too, as next the Stone Prince, am happy that I have such an amiable colleague to work with in the future."

Then, the brunette extended his hand for Eonjin to shake. She took it and grasped it hard, feeling comfortable around the other guy. Her boxy smile flashed at him quickly before she spoke. 

"Thanks, Florian. You make a very handsome Stone Prince. I'm glad I get to work with you." 

Right as the pair released their hands, loud clapping could be heard approaching them from the balcony. Florian turned at the sound first, mouth drawing into a pleasantly surprised smile as he saw the source of the sound. 

Who was clappi-

Eonjin glanced over her bare shoulder to spot two people brightly smiling at her and Florian, hands clapping together as if they had witnessed a wonderful show. 

"Eonjin! HI!!!" her brother yelled to her from across the balcony, oblivious to the people around him who were frowning from the sudden noise. Her face lit up instantly, forgetting about Florian as she ran across the balcony towards her brother. 

Well, she tried to run, at least. 

In her excited state she completely forgot about the restricting dress she was wrapped in and the tall heels that encased her feet. After only a few steps, her feet got caught up in the long, red fabric, hands reaching out in front of her as she tumbled to the floor. 

Damn it!

"AAAHHHH!" a scream rang out, but not from her--from Taehyung, who reached out for her in his chair. Jungkook also gasped as he watched his soon-to-be sister-in-law falling to the floor. 

She didn't yell half as loud as her brother as she shut her eyes tight, waiting for the hard impact of the balcony floor. 

But it never came. 

Steady hands wrapped around her waist before she knew it, catching her just before her face hit the floor. She was yanked back quickly, her back hitting the chest of whoever had saved her from a nasty bloody nose in front of the royal courts. 

"Oh...th-thank-"

When she turned around to see Florian giving her a worried glance, a pang of relief rushed through her. The next Stone Prince steadied her on her feet, dusting off her shoulders and looking her over for any signs of injury. 

"Are you okay? Are you hurt-"

"EONJIN ARE YOU OKAY!?" Taehyung's wheeled chair was quickly pushed by her side, the blonde sitting there wide-eyed with his boyfriend equally as concerned behind the chair. 

Her...brother. The man who she had always idolized for his grandness and style since he had become prince. He was sitting in front of her.

Right there. An arm length away. 

"I'm okay," she flushed red, embarrassed that she had almost just wiped out in front of her brother and royal counterparts, "I...It's nice to finally meet you Taehyung!!" she put on her best smile, holding her hand out for her brother to take. 

Luckily, the other had read her lips and eagerly took her hand in both of his, squeezing it hard. It wasn't long before both siblings had tears in their eyes. It was when Eonjin was going to move forward to hug her brother that she realized Florian's hand was still resting on her waist. 

Glancing down at his hand and back to him, Florian didn't seem to understand the questioning look he received from her. It took him a few seconds before his fingers twitched, signalling that his hand remembered where it was on her waist. Quickly pulling back, he bowed in apology and laughed nervously. 

Taehyung witnessed the whole thing, laughing along with his boyfriend as he shook Eonjin's hand hard. 

"Well you two seem awfully close, yeah?" Taehyung finally let go of Eonjin's hand, opening his arms and sitting up for a hug. 

Florian pretended to watch something on the floor as the Oak Prince's eyes flicked towards his, a smug look dancing around in them. Meanwhile Eonjin sniffled as she held her brother close, rubbing the back of his head with affection. 

She began to speak to him in the hug, but stopped herself when she realized that the man under her couldn't hear it. Eonjin pulled away, hands coming up to clutch her chest. Then she began her speech to the man she looked up to, speaking slowly and getting help from the Oak Prince to relay her message to her long-lost brother. 

"I..." Eonjin started, becoming painfully aware of the side glances she was receiving from the Laurel Court, "I've always admired you, Taehyung...and when Jimin came to me and told me I was really similar to you, well...I guess it made sense. I always did wonder how I had the name Kim, yet I wasn't related to any royalty..." she smiled timidly, watching as Taehyung caught up with her story, the Oak Prince clarifying a few parts through signing before nodding for her to go on. 

The chemistry between her brother and Jungkook, made her wonder...

How could one find such a soulmate in the royalty? Her brother sure was lucky. 

"Well, Taehyung...although I know you don't really know me, I wanted to tell you I love you even if it's a bit premature..." her words dwindled down as she expectantly waited for Jungkook to relay the message. Eonjin felt her heart just about leap out of her chest when Taehyung's face lit up, spinning to face Eonjin with his nose scrunched up cutely. 

"I love you too Eonjin! I'm happy that Jimin's dad saved you from our dad when you were young...you turned out to be such an amazing person...or so I've been told, yeah?" Eonjin furrowed her brow at one of his statements.

Jimin's dad was the one who...rescued her?

Eonjin bit her lip, glancing up at Jungkook with unsurety in her voice, "Did...did I hear that right, Jungkook? Jimin's dad was the gray-haired guy who..." she trailed off. 

The Oak Prince looked a bit perplexed before a look of understanding passed over his face. She watched as the ravenette turned towards his boyfriend before speaking slowly and signing. 

"She doesn't know all of the details yet, Tae...we'll have to explain everything to her later."

"Oh...shit I forgot about that Kook. I gueeessss weeee''llll dooo it laaaatteerrr," the blonde man sighed, smiling back up at his sister, "Anyway...Eonjin, aren't you excited for the crowning ceremony!? My crown will be yours and it's really something else!! It has these dazzling gemstones-"

Jungkook laughed, putting a hand on Taehyung's shoulder to quiet him down. The blonde looked a bit vexed at first before he giggled at his boyfriend, shutting his trap. The ravenette cupped a hand to the side of his mouth so Taehyung couldn't read his lips and leaned closer to Eonjin as if sharing a secret. 

"He gets too excited when you talk about fashion or art and he'll talk your ear off all day, trust me. You two can get to know each other later, but if you'll excuse us, we have to speak to some officials about the induction process and rehearse our lines so he'll be more comfortable," Jungkook thumbed towards the pouting blonde in the chair who was glancing at Florian while rolling his eyes. Florian snickered, giving Taehyung a thumbs up. 

"Alright. Jungkook, Taehyung I'll see you two soon. Congratulations on the engagement by the way!" Eonjin leaned in to kiss Taehyung on the cheek, bowing to the Oak Prince. 

"Thanks sis! See you soon."

Jungkook winked at Eonjin and nodded his head toward Florian, teasing the two awkward next-in-lines before he wheeled Taehyung away. The blonde in the chair waved happily until they were out of sight, reentering the country home with his fiance.  

It was silent until Florian broke the silence with a laugh. 

"Wow. Your brother really is something, huh?"

Eonjin turned to look at Florian who took a step back under her sharp glare. However, she softened her gaze when she realized his intentions were good, shaking her head as he bowed in apology. He opened his mouth to speak. 

"L-look I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable before...I just wanted to make sure the new Laurel Princess didn't break her nose! I didn't realize my hand...was uh, I'm- uh...sorry," he bowed a few times, face turning a light pink as he stumbled through his words. 

Eonjin snorted at him, which made Florian give her a confused look. 

"It's no problem, Florian. Thanks for saving me, I owe you one!" Eonjin felt bold, stepping forward and taking the new Stone Prince's hand, "By the way, where did you get such fast reflexes from?"

Florian stared down at her hand in his, walking with her towards the door to the inside of the home with a bemused expression on his face. Once they were inside and had more eyes on them though, he felt more confident alongside her, even intertwining their fingers as the pair greeted people. 

"Oh...um," Florian gave her a small smile as she squeezed his hand, urging him to go on, "I...learned everything only from the best...Commander Park Jimin."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Yeah, so I kinda lied a bit. 

The induction ceremony is in the next chapter whoops.

I hope you are liking the story so far, even if it's not going in the direction you wanted it to. 

Thank you for supporting me by reading, I appreciate y'all. 

If you are American, did you have a happy Fourth of July yesterday? 

I did. :)