1 Chapter 1
Bombardments thundered the bloodied land, dust and smoke rose high, clouding the visions of armed men. The roar of armies silenced, the shattered explosives leaving heavy traces of gunpowder in the air. The clangs of metal swords and spears ceased with hundreds of motionless men below the feet of their oppressors. Beyond the silence soon erupted victorious shouts of conquest as a dark-haired man with armour that gleamed from streaks of gore rose to stand over a lifted surface, planting down into the moist ground a crimson flag that painted a phoenix woven of gold thread. Claiming the new lands after a conquered battle in hands. The armed soldiers of the Southern Isles of Alystra welcomed the foreign land with drops of blood that seeped from their wounds into the earth below alongside the blood of their fallen enemies.
↜•↬↫•↝
The overarching wood gates of the palace grounds were slowly pulled open, crowds of commoners greeting home the triumphant warriors of the kingdom as they trotted inside on their horses, crying cheers and praises for the returned soldiers. The cheers died down as the men arrived home to their barracks after 7 long weeks of tiresome travels and persistent battles on the western border that was now being enforced with guards until further journeys across the forest-covered terrain were determined. Some soldiers had stopped on the village streets, jumping off saddles and into the arms of their loved ones. The general and soldiers of authority let out relieved groans as they unsaddled their horses for the stablemen to look after but they could not yet let their weariness engulf them in days and nights of peaceful slumber since the King had requested an immediate audience.
In haste to not keep the King waiting and to retire from their audience duties as quickly as possible, the men didn't hesitate to enter the palace of Alystra's main hall in their current, bloodied attire. The assembly of nobles and court officials within the hall bowed in respect at the entrance of the dark-haired man and his subordinates who strided down the polished wood floor to face his Majesty on the square redwood throne highlighted with carved golden elements of dragon outlines and designs. He bowed low and then rose, his sharp facial features and relaxed stone-face reflected no visible emotion but the underlying fatigue and exhaustion escaped into expression. His subordinates followed, dipping their heads in low bows before standing up, although unlike their leader they didn't meet the eyes of the King.
The King stood, his red velvety royal robe reaching just above the length of his black boots, his belt of embedded jade fell into place at his hips. "Welcome home, the Second Prince of Alystra." his voice boomed in the spacious hall that had grown quiet except the rustling of the swords that hung from the belts of the three men. The old King's stern expression shifted to a broad smile, contagiously affecting the officials of the room who followed their King's grin. The King trot down the steps, facing the handsome young man before him, happily resting his hands on his padded shoulders. "Welcome home, son" his spoke, his voice lowered this time to their proximity. In response the boy lowered his head as another small respectful bow. "Everyone! Today marks another day of Alystra's history, parchments will be scribed to record the victory of the Second Prince's return from the western borders of our nation. We now finally welcome him and his men home after weeks of battle and bloodshed." The audience present let out cheers, talking amongst themselves until the King raised his hand in silence. "I have something more to say" he spoke out, returning his gaze to his son in front of him as he turned the boy around to face everyone, his eyes wandered in confusion, his brow tensed but soon relaxed when he felt his father's reassuring hands on his shoulders once more. "I had wished to make this more official yet I cannot bare to wait any longer, and so with this new victory may I also present to the kingdom its new King!" The crowd was filled with immediate gasps and murmurs, conversations of all kinds as to how suddenly such unexpected news was announced.
"I am nowhere nearing old age, I am not ill and definitely not incapable. However, what I have seen in the developments, achievements and growth of the Second Prince since he was young has let me to make this decision. I rest upon his shoulders the new responsibilities and expectations of a King that I know he will successfully become. His military and academic skills and understanding of our lands, its history, riches and values represents that he is far more than ready to take on my role. I will remain by his side and watch him proudly, ruling our beloved nation competently. For those who question the Crown Prince's role after mine, remain patient as I will address him formally later."
As he finished, the officials present let out accepting cheers before bowing deeply at their new king. "The coronation will be on the day of the full moon, may the moon bring good fortune and prosperity to our lands." He paused before continuing, "Long live the new King of the Southern Isles of Alystra! Jung Kook!"
The King brought his son into a tight hug, patting his back as he pulled away to proudly meet the round brown eyes of the boy who looked absolutely stunned at his father's previous words, unable to take in the sudden information. "I know it was shocking, little prince- ah, you are no longer my little prince, you've soon to become a young King." He smiled, satisfied with his decisions but soon let out a sigh. "I know you need some time, you haven't even been able to rest and I've already given you more responsibilities, what kind of father am I?" Soon Jungkook replied, regaining his stature and looking up to meet his father's cheery gaze, "Don't say such things Appa. I understand your decisions but you are still King, I cannot take on your role when you are absolutely capable of it, and besides what about hyung? That confuses me, afterall he is the Crown Prince." he spoke calmly. The old man rolled his eyes and sighed once more, "When do you want to take on this role then? After I die? Definitely not. I want to watch you look before your subjects on that throne. Think of it as.. hmm that I want to make sure you are fitting to it after I die as opposed to suddenly leaving you alone in this world to rule all by yourself and as for your hyung don't worry. Him and I have other- more fitting arrangements that meet his liking, he is a fitting King but not of this nation.." His statement caused further confusion to appear on Jungkook's face, his brows frowned but before he could question further the King dismissed the assembly hall that flooded out of the palace gates in muttering conversations.
"Ah~ I am tired from my years as King, I will now rest. You should too son, you've spent long tireless weeks at the borders." He softly groaned, suddenly clutching his back as an act before rushing away to his chambers with his maids and butlers following behind.
Jungkook sat down on the steps that reached his soon-to-be throne, his thoughts in turmoil. Had something happened to his father? Was there some sort of manipulation going on within the palace that he didn't know of? His men had informed him nothing of the sort. He shook his head, blinking away tiredness, rejecting its attempts to engulf him in sleep.
"I think you should first get some rest, sir. The men will all gather in the barracks early tomorrow morning for your address of further regulations of the new Western border." Min Yoongi spoke rationally, he was the General of the Armed Forces and Jungkook's right hand man.
He let out a deep breath and pushed away the new troubling thoughts of 'King'. "Yeonjun you can leave as well, rest up for tomorrow." He said to the young boy beside Yoongi that had beautifully captivating eyes and plump pink lips. "Yes, your majesty." He said firmly, bowing and immediately leaving the other two men in privacy. "Hyung.. you can go get some sleep too, we can talk about this matter tomorrow evening, I don't think either of us have it in us right now after 3 sleepless nights and meals of stale bread and blandly roasted meat." He nodded and complied, patting Jungkook's back softly before leaving. After minutes of thought and beginning to doze off, Jungkook shook himself awake and dragged himself to his chambers.
↜•↬↫•↝
"What?!" a shocked Prince spoke, raising himself from his comfortable position on the satin cushions of his bed. Halting the round green grape that was soon to reach his coral lips. His royal guard nodded, looking amazed himself. "It's true, Tae! The Second Prince of Alystra Jeon Jung Kook has returned in victory after defeating the barbarians of the Western lands. The news has spread since this morning from the port merchants that he was expected to arrive back to the palace by today evening." They both paused in amazement and commendation of the Southern Kingdom, their military power and significance was truly unmatchable by their Northern neighbours who had further delved into trade as opposed to military. "But Chim, why did their Second Prince carry out such a large infiltration into enemy lands, especially with high risks of prolonged war with the barbarians. What about the Crown Prince?" His guard rolled his eyes and huffed in annoyance, "How am I supposed to know?? But you know what else-" He was cut off by someone's voice behind them who they hadn't noticed come into Taehyung's chambers, "what more gossip do you two have of the Southern Kingdom, hm?" Both boys slowly turned to face the Second Prince, Seokjin. They gulped and exchanged glances, letting out awkward laughs. The older rolled his eyes and hurried Jimin out of the room to his own chambers and blew out the lamps for Tae. "Get some good sleep Tae, tomorrow's going to be a big day for the both of us." The younger sat up from his bed, "what do you mean hyung? Is there some sort of event? I wasn't told of anything important happening tomorrow" he questioned. Seokjin ruffled his hair softly, "consider it a surprise Tae" he left the room leaving yet another person in turmoil that night...
