At the Department of Defence

Namjoon stood inclined to the edge of the large ornate desk that sat at the centre of his cabin, analysing the statement sent by the Hwang clan as a response to the delay. The desk was covered with maps and reports from different clans, showcasing the need for meticulous attention to detail.

He straightened his posture and went towards his high-backed chair, which depicted a dominant aura and commanded respect.

As he sat, his eyes observed the distinct map of the two clans, while his mind assumed about the possible obstacles that could appear while choosing different routes.

Upon finding no trouble in the roadways, he sighed in defeat and proceeded to take a sip from the porcelain cup sitting on the table.

Namjoon took a moment to relax from his workload as he enjoyed his caffeine intake, his gaze further travelled to the wall standing tall in front of him. The wall was adorned with a huge map, displaying the layout of the castle and its surroundings, marked with strategic points and potential threats.

A fireplace that used to crackle in one corner of the cabin, providing warmth and comfort during long nights of planning and strategizing, now sat peacefully due to the sunny hour of the day. In another corner, a table held a collection of weapons and armour, precisely maintained and ready for use at the time of need.

His eyes flung to the favourite part of the cabin; the shelves lining the walls were filled with ancient manuscripts and books of tactics that had once greatly helped him in his first few years of joining, in providing knowledge to aid in decision making.

Wind blew from the large window that adorned the wall on his back, thick curtains hung on either side of the window, ready to be drawn shut in times of heightened security. The window was a point from where the head of the defence department could survey the whole landscape and keep an eye for any signs of approaching danger.

"In gyeop must have left for the meeting with Hwang clan's spokesperson."

Namjoon spoke in the assurance of his thoughts while glancing back as he peered through the window.

While admiring the landscape, he rested his head back on the chair's headrest as his hand carried the small porcelain cup, and his mind drifted towards the confusing events that had happened lately.

How can a human cross, no! Wait that's not possible! Humans can't even see the portal with their naked eyes until someone of our kind casts a spell on them. Wait! What if the existing hybrids out there are behind this? What if they've joined hands with families of humans who once belonged here? And wants to take us down for shattering their families apart.

Namjoon heaved a sigh, thinking about the ancestral history and barbaric battles shared with humans.

By now, it was almost time for him to leave for his home, and just like every day he took the last sip of his coffee and decided to head straight towards the prince's quarters, to complete the last and the most crucial duty of his day, that is to check on the Crown Prince before exiting the castle.

He confidently walked through a narrow hallway that had cabins for various positions on one side, and a thick stone wall on the other, crossing the thick wooden double door that marked the exit of the defence department.

Crossing the royal courtyards, he entered the prince's quarters, walking along the small man-made lake, the tall-statured man reached the main hall.

As he walked along the corridors, the sound of his footsteps reverberated through the space, constantly reminding him of the desolation that surrounded these halls.

The air was light with a scent of incense, a mixture of life and whispering secrets. Dimly lit torches lined the polished wooden walls, their feeble flames casting flickering shadows on his features as he crossed them behind.

More female servants were found lingering in this part of the palace, finding a reason to stay, some walking and giggling at the stories being shared, some focusing on their daily tasks with dedication; all of them collectively worked under the strict eye of butler Kwon.

Crossing the distant hallways, he finally reached the Crown Prince's room.

*Knock Knock*

"I'm not coming! Cancel my lessons for today," a voice as deep as an ocean, irritatingly spoke.

"Taehyung-ah, it's me," Namjoon said across the tall, closed door.

Upon recognizing the owner of the voice, Taehyung hurriedly shifted from his bed, making muffling voices in between. He instantly opened the door, revealing a room filled with opulence and grandeur.

"Hyung? You're here at the weekend, why?"

Namjoon proceeded to take his steps inside the room while Taehyung glanced at the man, waiting for a response.

The head of the Defence Department sat on the couch across the table, which gracefully sat beside his bed. A tall window cast rays of sunlight from behind, onto the couch. The indigo drapes that hung to either side, increased the prosperity of the room.

Namjoon glanced at the incomplete canvas, abandoned from getting transformed into an artistic masterpiece. Taehyung perched on his bed, gaining Namjoon's attention.

"Is something up?" He asked.

Namjoon nodded and gaped directly in Taehyung's relaxed eyes, "There's something you need to help me with, but you'll not reveal it to anyone until it goes out of our hands."

Taehyung's confused orbs changed to those resembling a curious one as he noticed the sobriety of the atmosphere. He nodded and waited for him to continue.

"There's a human between us."

"What!? Hyung are you serious?" The Crown Prince exclaimed.

"Keep it low. Walls have ears too."

"H-how is that even possible?"

"We're not sure how she ended up here."

"She?"

Namjoon nodded as Taehyung continued peeking in his eyes.

"Yes, she's a human female."

A sheepish smile was placed across Taehyung's lips as he tilted his head sideways, "How does she look like? Is she beautiful?"

Namjoon facepalmed as he proceeded to pinch his nose bridge, "Focus! It's something serious, maybe the hybrids are planning something against us."

"REALLY?"

"It's just my assumption but it can be true."

Namjoon paused and added, "Now tell me everything you know about the portal, what His Majesty taught you."

"But you already knew it."

"I just want to crosscheck."

"Okay fine, hear me out then."

Namjoon nodded and shifted himself to listen to Taehyung attentively.

"Father created the portal along with the help of other clans when the war against the humans broke. Every human species was either thrown out or killed ruthlessly separating them from their counterparts and their hybrid children."

"Civilians acquainted with humans were forced to stay here and if anyone voiced against it, they were thrown into slavery. Hybrids were allowed to stay in our lands only because they still had our ethnicity and could continue our race, but we are still aware that some hybrids and civilians who succeded and fled away, now live in the human world, disguised."

"The reason behind the creation of the portal was to ensure no human can enter our spiritual land ever again as we cast a spell with our ancient powers that will make our lands go unseen by a human eye, replacing it with an illusion of dead lands."

"The Amaryllis is the only key to the portal, and even if a human touches it they still cannot glimpse it, hence making it nearly impossible for them to cross it."

"But anyhow, if it is crossed, the same Amaryllis which is present only in our royal garden and is magically linked with the Amaryllis of the dead, will bloom its stigmas out with sparkles, making us aware of the human presence on our land," Taehyung finished his last sentence and a long breath escaped from his mouth.

"You learnt it well," Namjoon said, complimenting the younger man. The Crown Prince shrugged in response and sarcastically replied.

"What if a minister of a different clan tries to drag me down with our history."

"Right, as a Crown Prince, you're bound to be prepared for so many things."

"I wish I wasn't."

Namjoon smiled softly and put his hand on Taehyung's shoulder, "You can't change your destiny, Tae."

A sad yet accepting smile got plastered across Taehyung's charismatic features as he spoke, "If only, you and SeokJin Hyung will always accompany me in my journey, I'll happily accept."

Namjoon's nerves twitched at the mention of his elder brother's name, a certain attached memory kicked inside his mind, but he still nodded, ready to change the topic, "Are there any rumours in the palace about Amaryllis's blooming?"

Taehyung thought for a moment and answered, "Certainly not, and I don't think so anybody witnessed it because it hasn't bloomed from the times when the war broke."

"Is there a way to send that human back?"

"Father never revealed this to me, as I was least intrigued in the ancient history lessons of our ancestry."

"Then you need to ask him without giving him a hint."

"But why are we hiding it in the first place? It's not like we summoned her here."

Namjoon sighed, "It's not about your father, Tae. It's about the ministers with whom he'll discuss this eventually."

"What about them?"

"Taehyung, you're clueless about how dark the royal court is. Those politicians reek of greed, lies, and corruption and are in frequent need of courtesans. They misuse power, position, resources, and energy to fulfil their vanities."

Taehyung's eyes slightly widened in disappointment, but not in shock, as if he expected this piece of information.

"I might not be so clueless bout it."

"Hum."

"But father can't do anything about his flawed royal court, right?"

Namjoon nodded as he leaned onto the couch backwards and folded his arms, "Or else he'll be dethroned and you'll just end up becoming their puppet."

A long sigh of disappointment escaped from the Crown Prince's mouth, as he quietly stared at the floor beneath his feet.

"His Majesty must have his reasons, let's understand that, okay!" The elder said in a rather softer tone as he tried to comfort the younger, making Taehyung nod in agreement.

"Were you painting again?" Namjoon chimed while glancing at the art piece in front of him.

"Right, I forgot to show you my new art piece," The Crown Prince asserted, all of the dissatisfaction now completely gone from his features.

Namjoon exchanged a small smile and asked him to show his new art piece, making Taehyung jump from his bed in excitement. He went ahead towards the tall closets with creamy white hue and ornate carvings of gold and silver, and carefully took out his art piece, handing it to Namjoon.

The painting was a masterpiece in itself, depicting scenes of nature's beauty. Cherry blossoms bloomed in vibrant hues, as if serene landscapes held the power to transport anyone into a realm of peace and serenity.

"Jin Hyung seems exhausted these days."

Namjoon's ears twitched as he quickly glanced back at Taehyung.

"I met him at the royal library yesterday, and he looked quite drained."

"Is he overdoing himself?"

"Aren't you aware?"

"About what?"

"The royal grand ball is taking place soon. He must've been busy fulfilling the commitments and attending invitational meetings alongside your father."

Namjoon hummed and decided to stand up for his departure, to avoid any questions being thrown in his direction about his supposed elder brother.

"I'll take my leave now, Your Royal Highness," Namjoon said, making Taehyung roll his eyes in annoyance.

✧