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Hmmm if I can request something, maybe exes to enemies to lovers with Jungshin? Not sure if you’d like details but it could be this prompt if it’s easier?: “trying hard to hate each other but something happened and they were stuck together. emotions & passions were running high”
I'll tell you what, anon. I honestly wasn't sure I would ever actually write this... but here we are! Thank you so much for requesting this, and I hope you enjoy your exes to lovers series! (I couldn't fit the 'enemies' part in here, I'm so sorry)
Genre: Exes to Lovers, Fluff, AU
Pairing: Jungshin x You (Female!Reader)
Warnings: None
Part 1 | Words: 1,706
"Are you sure?" your best friend, Emily, asked you for at least the fifth time.
Before you answered her, you quickly pulled your phone away from your ear and checked how long it had been since you'd picked up her call.
Seven minutes.
Five times in the last seven minutes, your friend had asked you 'Are you sure?' when she had more important things to worry about right now!
Way more important things!
"Emily," you said firmly. "You are getting married in three days. I am one of your bridesmaids! I am incredibly, positively sure that I am getting on a plane in twenty minutes to be there for you!"
I mean, honestly! Three days away from your best friend's wedding where you're a bridesmaid! Did you even have a choice at this point?!
"I know, I know," Emily replied with a slight whine. "But -- it's just -- I mean -- well... you know."
You pressed your lips together to stop a sigh from escaping because, yes. You did know. You knew exactly what she was talking about.
And that 'something' was Jungshin. He was one of Yonghwa's best friends -- Yonghwa being Emily's future husband -- who was going to be playing in the band during the wedding reception.
And Jungshin also happened to be your ex-boyfriend.
But what did she expect you to do? Not go to her wedding? Return the beautiful bridesmaid's dress you'd bought months ago? You'd spent too many embarrassing hours on the phone with the hotel and airline trying to ensure you weren't around a certain bassist ex of yours for any longer than necessary to let it all go to waste now!
You were going, and that was that!
"I'll be fine!" you convinced her. And, yes, you were also convincing yourself. "We're both adults, we can be civil. And if I don't feel like talking to him, it will be easy enough to avoid him!"
Emily was silent on the other end for a few seconds, then she let out a short exhale.
"Okay," she finally said, her voice quiet and filled with compassion. "You're a really amazing best friend, did you know that?"
Her words made your heart swell. "Not as amazing as you!" you replied with a cheesy smile you were sure she could hear through the phone. And before you had a chance to get all mushy and start crying (you would do more than enough of that over the next few days), you added, "I'm boarding soon, and I haven't even gotten my coffee yet, so I gotta go."
"All right," Emily acquiesced. "I'll see you soon. Have a safe flight!"
"I'll convey your words directly to the pilot," you chuckled. "Bye, friend!"
Once you ended the call, you slid your phone into your pocket and made your way to the nearest coffee shop. Even though you'd said goodbye to stop yourself from getting too emotional, you'd also told the truth -- you hadn't gotten a coffee yet, and at this point, you desperately needed one.
Thankfully, there was a small stand between your gate and the next, so it didn't even take five minutes for you to procure a steaming hot cup of brew and join the boarding line for your flight.
As you were trying to balance your coffee, your carry-on, and reaching back into your pocket to retrieve your boarding pass on your phone, you noticed someone in your peripheral vision. They had just arrived at your gate, and you were absolutely too focused on not spilling your drink to care about who it was... except...
You would recognize that tall, lean frame anywhere. Even in line at the airport after catching just one side glance at him, apparently.
"Shit," you whispered to yourself as your heart dropped down into your stomach.
Yes, you had been somewhat prepared to see him for the first time in months, but not here! In every scenario you'd pictured in your head, you would see him from across the room at the rehearsal dinner: a room so crowded, you would have plenty of places to hide and avoid. And you'd accepted that, were at peace with it!
Reality, it seems, had other plans! Because he was here! At the airport! At your gate!
Wait, hold on.
...Did that mean...?
Oh, surely not.
That didn't mean he was on your flight, did it? Because, as previously mentioned, you had changed your ticket for the sole reason of not being on the same airplane as him for three hours!
So, had he also changed his ticket?
Before you could think any more about that, you reached the gate attendant and had to scan your boarding pass.
"Thank you," you murmured after hearing the melodic 'ding' of a successful scan, precariously shifting your phone to the same hand as your coffee so you could grab the handle of your suitcase.
As you walked down the boarding bridge, you had to actively force yourself to concentrate on not spilling your phone or dropping your coffee so your mind wouldn't wander to a certain fellow passenger whom you had not been expecting to see for at least 24 hours.
Nope. Rewind for just a second!
You had absolutely just thought 'spilling your phone or dropping your coffee,' and it absolutely should have been the other way around.
Let's try that again.
As you walked down the boarding bridge, you had to actively force yourself to concentrate on not dropping your phone or spilling your coffee so your mind wouldn't wander to a certain fellow passenger whom you had not been expecting to see for at least 24 hours.
There we go.
Now we may continue!
You had double-checked your pass about five times before Emily's call, so you were certain you were in seat 22A. What seat was --
No, stop! Stop thinking about him! Keep thinking about holding your phone and your cup in a firm grip so neither of them fell to the floor!
"Hello!" a smiling flight attendant greeted you as you stepped over the threshold and into the plane.
You greeted him back, flashing him a quick smile and carefully navigating into the narrow aisle to make your way down to row 22.
Then, after you set your phone down on your seat and a very courteous person behind you offered to hoist your carry-on up into the overhead bin, you slid past the other seats in your row and plopped down in your chair by the window.
...Okay, now you could think about it.
What seat was Jungshin in? Would he have to walk past you to get to it? Would he see you? Why was he even on this flight? He was supposed to be on a flight tomorrow, as was the original plan the two of you had made when you'd still been together! So, he obviously had also changed his ticket, but why? For the same reason as you? To avoid being on the same flight as you? The thought that had persuaded you to change your ticket was that he wouldn't have had the idea to do it himself. (To be honest, that was a rather large part of the cause of your break-up -- he had relied on you to do a lot of the heavy lifting in the relationship, at least mentally and emotionally.) It just didn't make sense to you that he would have been thoughtful enough to do something like this for you!
Had he really changed that much since you'd last spoken? Honestly, the curiosity was starting to eat you up inside, but before you had the chance to dig your phone out from underneath you to text Emily, you caught a glimpse of Jungshin coming down the aisle.
Hurriedly, you slid down into your seat and leaned forward as if you were searching for something in your personal item bag on the floor. Even if he did walk by you and noticed you, surely he wouldn't be able to recognize you based solely on your hair. A lot of people had the same color hair as you!
For what seemed like hours, you dug around in your bag, sifting through everything you'd packed in there, but of course looking for nothing in particular. And when you finally felt it was safe enough to sneak a peek, you ever so slowly tilted your head to the side, letting your hair slide away just enough to allow you to see.
Well, there was no sign of him in your row, thank god. So, you lifted your gaze just a bit more. Relief flooded your chest when you saw the aisle was ex-boyfriendless, also. Of course, this meant you didn't know where he was sitting. You'd have to subtly investigate during the flight because the not knowing would bother you.
Let's be real here: everything about this situation bothered you. You had already been dreading seeing Jungshin at this wedding, but you'd been slightly comforted by the fact you wouldn't have to share a flight or hotel room with him. And now you'd been robbed of half of that comfort!
You were supposed to be happy for your best friend as she married the love of her life and started on the beautiful and wonderful journey of marriage with her soulmate. You were supposed to be thrilled, over the moon, basking in joy!
But, nope! You were bothered and uncomfortable and irritated and jealous and annoyed and --
Wait, excuse me?
No.
No, no, no, You were not jealous.
You truly were not sure why you'd thought that word because you weren't. You were not jealous! Not at all!
Had you thought at one point that you were going to marry Jungshin? Yes, to be honest, you had. Were you upset that it wasn't going to happen?
...I mean, maybe.
Not upset, really, just... a bit glum. A relationship ending is almost always upsetting, right? Especially when it had been someone you'd thought you would marry.
But never mind all that. The point is, you were not jealous.
You. Were. Not. Jealous.
Now, you just had to get through this flight and get to the hotel without thinking about, seeing, or bumping into Jungshin.
Your crown was biting into your scalp as your maids set it. You couldn’t tell what was setting you more on edge though - the crown or your Advisor.
“You don’t need to say anything. All the subjects permitted are not worthy of your royal assistance so pay them no mind.”
“Gerald. I don’t think that is a decision that you can just make for me. I would rather - “
“My Queen. You seem mistaken as to my role as Lead Advisor to your Court. You do recall how just a month ago a seemingly innocent subject attempted to kill you as you heard their plight, correct?”
“Yes, of course. But I still believe I should have been allowed to ques-”
“And you understand that as a member of your parent’s previous court, God rest their souls, that I am best equipped for your transition to power?”
Take a deep breath. Power can be just as effective in silence, you said to yourself, hearing your mother’s voice in your mind to calm you.
“My Queen, I don’t mean to upset you, but the subjects have been more aggressive as late. Especially with Kildenry and Adrya slaughtering people at our Bouros border every day.”
“I understand our situation Gerald. But - “
“And we are lucky enough that Adrya’s Prince has agreed to negotiate a marriage treaty. With their kingdom at our side, we can not only keep Kildenry at bay, but stifle them entirely.”
Just breathe.
“Yes Gerald. I look forward to seeing him in our Court. When can we expect the delegation?”
“Thank goodness I am here to keep you in order. Soon, my Queen. We already have the kitchens and maids preparing a welcome banquet so that we can make a good impression for them when they arrive in a few days time.”
“Excellent.” you said, picking up your skirts to walk into the royal hall. “I look forward to the negotiations.” you finished as you exited the side room and stepped up the dais.
“Oh my Queen. I would never burden you with negotiations. I will simply let you know when everything is settled.”
“What? But - “ you started while taking a seat.
“Bring in the subjects!” Gerald shouted to the guards at the main doors before a stream of people enters.
“Gerald.” you said in a hushed breath. “I should be involved in the discuss-”
“My Queen, please focus on your subjects. That is how you can best serve. I will take care of the rest.” he said with a sly smile, backing away from your throne in a bow with a few guards following him.
You smiled as the first subject was brought forward with a small basket of produce and a smile. You returned it in kind and accepted the gift, all while seething inside.
That pompous, arrogant man! It’s been two years now. Two whole years of being a Queen in figure only and no actual authority! I’m sick of this!
You held in your thoughts as long as you could before signaling the guards to bring this “show” to an end. Luckily, there was one guard you felt you could trust who was always on your side. Brian was the final one to close the doors as the hall emptied and he walked up to you before kneeling.
“Is there anything else you require, my Queen?” he asked, eyes down while the other guards stood on the edge of the hall.
“Tell Beatrice that I require her skills in garments this evening. I have a gown that needs fitting.” you responded smoothly.
You could see a smirk on his face, but no other signs to show that he understood what you were really asking.
“As you wish, my Queen.”
Once you were back in your chambers, you set to work digging the crown from your scalp. It didn’t take long for Beatrice to knock on your door and barge in.
“Where are we wandering off to tonight?” she started, with an armful of clothes that she threw across your bed.
You started picking through them, grabbing some slacks and a blouse to tie up.
“I am so sick and tired of being stuck inside this cold place.” you started, ripping the stiff gown from your body faster than Beatrice could help untie your bodice. “We’re going to the outskirts tonight. I want to know what Gerald refuses to let me see.”
“You know Brian would gut punch him for you, just say the word.” she added, grabbing your hair to tie into a plait.
“As appealing as that sounds, you and I both know the guards are more loyal to Gerald than me. It would be a short-lived win.”
“But really enjoyable to watch,” she chimed in.
You paused a moment before laughing.
“Okay you’re not wrong. Can he get away to join us tonight?”
Beatrice was already packing your bag, grabbing a few pieces of bread as well as a few knives.
“Knives? Really Bea?” you said as you laced up your boots.
She slipped one knife in the edge of your boot as she answered “We’re going to the border, so yes. Multiple knives.”
The two of you pulled your hoods up before peeking out into the hallway. Brian was outside standing guard and ushered you two out and down the hallway quickly.
“Gerald has pulled the guards tonight. He wants us on duty for him to entertain some pricks I guess. I won’t be able to go with you two.” Brian said as he led you and Beatrice through a side corridor.
“I want it on the record I don’t agree with the two of you going out to the border tonight. I know we all can tell Gerald’s been lying about what’s going on, but that doesn’t mean something isn’t wrong.”
“Always so protective. Don’t forget who taught you to aim in the first place,” Beatrice said as she pushed you through a door to the gardens. “I’ll keep her safe, I promise I won’t leave her side.”
“I’m not only worried about her,” Brian added, taking a long look at her. “The two of you are family to me. I don’t care about anything but keeping you two safe.”
“I may have helped your aim, but you are the one who made sure we both could keep ourselves safe.” Beatrice said, pausing to brush a hand down his arm. “Figure out what Gerald is doing tonight and we’ll figure out what he’s been lying about.”
“I can’t just keep waiting,” you said. “Waiting to figure out what he’s been hiding. How my parents died. Why he’s so keen on Adrya’s alliance. When he’ll decide I’m not needed. I’m through being silent for him. Come on Beatrice, we have to be back by sun up.”
You got moving, not turning around to see if she was following you because you knew she would be.
Beatrice and Brian were the only people you’d been able to rely on the last two years. Even before your parents died if you were honest. The three of you could always be found together as both their parents had each worked at the palace as you grew up. But after your parents mysteriously died while visiting the border, you’d realized very quickly that they were the only two you could keep close.
Gerald had tried his best to separate the three of you. It’s why Brian was no longer part of your personal guard and you had to specifically request Beatrice if you needed “alterations”... Luckily Gerald only saw you as a vapid and pliable Queen these days.
And that was just how you’d keep it until you had what you needed to rip him from his position and pull out every insipid spy he’d embedded in your court.
By the time you and Beatrice had made it to the border on your horses, the sun was long gone.
“Do you want me to get us a room?” Beatrice asked as you slowed, entering an area that resembled a town but had clearly been ransacked so many times it had lost any sense of community.
Your eyes couldn’t stop moving, clocking everyone just laying out in the streets and the few fires nearby. You tied your horse up then ran your hands through your hair to mess it up.
“We’re staying with them, if they’ll let us.” you said, walking towards a pair of kids clearly too young to be out on their own.
They were sliding away from you as you came over and sat across from them. You didn’t try to say anything at first, just pulled out some of the food you had packed. Beatrice had sat next to you by now, grabbed some of the food and easily passed it across to them.
“Take it,” she said before the older boy slowly put this hand out.
You smiled. She and you had always been on the same wavelength. She had always known you wanted to rule by knowing your people, not by commanding them.
You let the kids and you eat in silence for a while. Eventually, the youngest one, go figure, asked if you were traveling through the area. You kept vague, asking about what was going on with the town. The boys were pretty talkative once the food had hit their stomachs. You couldn’t help but feel a pit grow in yours, thinking how you would only be able to help them for this night.
For now.
You chatted with them until their eyelids were heavy. You gave them a blanket from your pack and said you’d sit and guard while they rested. The oldest tried to stay awake as long as he could, but eventually you saw him nod off as well.
You and Beatrice sat in silence, stoking the fire and wondering about why there were no guards posted in the border town.
The two of you had been wondering if Brian would be able to find information about the lack of guards when you noticed a crowd starting to shove their way through the streets. You and Beatrice each stood up, grabbing a knife.
You could feel her looking at you.
“You can’t possibly be holding back an ‘I told you so’ right now, can you?”
“I didn’t say anything,” she said, twirling her knife.
“Show off,” you murmured, grabbing one and making sure you knew where the one in your boot was.
The group was ripping blankets off of people and stomping out fires as they made their way down the road, yelling and laughing about how “Adryans wouldn’t be caught dead lying on the streets of a trash town.”
You were getting ready to go out and confront them when Beatrice grabbed your arm.
“Wait, look at who’s at the back.”
You couldn’t believe it. You saw Brian at the back, clearly not wanting to be there but following behind the crowd.
“Some of them are our guards,” you said, still trying to pull out of her grip. For some reason, you thought saying it out loud would make it untrue. “Why are they walking through the town like with that gang? And why the heck is Brian joining them?”
“Don’t show yourself!” Beatrice hissed, trying to pull you behind her. “Just because your clothes are drab doesn’t mean some of them wouldn’t recognize you.”
The leader of the group was pulling sleeping people to their feet now, yelling about how they needed to “pay up or join up.”
“Our countries are going to war! Adryans and those of Bouros alike need to step up against Kildenry!” he yelled, turning towards the kids you had been with as the oldest one was trying to hide his younger brother. “No one gets a free pass! Everyone able either needs to pay for protection or join the guards. Front and center now!” he finished, pulling a sword out and pointing it towards the boys.
“Oh hell no!” you yelled, running towards the man from the side, hood up and knife out, swiping his arm holding the sword before he saw you coming.
He screamed and lunged at you. You could see Brian realize it was you as you were slammed to the ground. But for some reason the man holding job didn’t recognize you.
He’s not one of ours. He’s Adryan, you thought as you saw the insignia on his sleeve.
You felt hands around your neck but used the last breath in you to yell “No!” Whether it was at Beatrice or Brian, you weren’t sure, but they both stayed where they were.
You pulled a knee up at the man hoisted over you and bit back a smile when you heard him yell out. Not wasting a second, you moved around him to hold a knife at his throat. His group had been still the whole time, trying to see what would unfold. You eyed them as your blade started to pierce his neck.
“Who sent you here?” you growled out.
It was silent. So you pulled the knife a little tighter.
“I said ‘Who’!” you yelled!
One of the men shoved forward, a scowl on his face as he yelled “The Queen! She wants to clear out you and all the trash on the border and bolster her armies for the war!”
Your grip loosened in shock. And that was your own fault. The man in front of you pulled your own arm across his body, driving it into your own shoulder before he dropped down to slip out from your grasp.
You heard Beatrice yell, or maybe it was your own yell as you pulled the knife from your shoulder, rounding on the man before he had made it too far.
“You liar!” you yelled, diving after him carelessly.
Your arm was already in pain, but when you hit the ground you realized that wasn’t the only part that hurt any more.
Everyone around you was yelling and running as arrows came shooting out of the bush.
Beatrice was at your side, hauling you up carefully as your head throbbed from hitting the ground. You could see Brian over her shoulder, fighting against the group of guards running away, trying to make it to you, but he kept getting swept back anyway.
And when you turned your head, you saw a few men who had left the bush, clad in leathers and masks with arrows raised. They were clearly a team, moving forwards to push back the guards.
“Beatrice, what is happening?” you said, or tried to. You felt your eyes getting heavy and she shushed you, brushing hair out of your face.
“Don’t speak,” she said.
You could see a few of the men in leather come up behind her. You took a deep breath and used every last ounce of your will power to reach the knife in your boot, throwing it towards one of them without a second thought.
You heard three things.
One man grunted.
Another man yelled out “your highness!”
And then Beatrice yelled “Y/N!” before your eyes went dark
“My Queen! We are so happy to see that you have returned to us safely!” Entering the gates with your dual guard, it became quite clear why Minho had been worried about you and Beatrice heading back by yourselves after he’d seen the Adryan contingent.
Riding the main street into the inner palace courtyard, you passed more Adryan guards than you did Bouron ones.
Just how many were in the palace?
When the carriage finally came to a stop, you saw the front doors open wide as Gerald stepped out.
Brian opened the door to the carriage and helped Beatrice out. However, before he could help you, a second hand appeared, making you smile.
You laid your hand in Minho’s as he escorted you out of the carriage and to the front of your entourage before letting your hand go.
Gerald proclaimed, feigning concern. “I was about to send our guards out to the enemy territories as we hadn’t yet found any trace of you within the Bouros border.”
“While your concern is appreciated, Gerald,” you started, moving up the steps and feeling your group follow you, “it is unnecessary. I merely sought to ensure our discussions would be peaceful for all parties.” you finished, leveling him with a simple smile. “Now that we also have the Prince of Kildenry present, we can be sure peace between our lands will be fairly and equitably kept.”
You started to move past him, having struck Gerald silent for once.
“Please, have some rooms made up for our additional guests. And tell the kitchens to begin laying out a feast. I am so looking forward to seeing what all you had planned, Gerald.”
Not waiting to hear what he would eventually muster up to say, you walked inside. The staff were all in shock seeing your return and giving flustered bows while trying to sneak a peak at the new men that you had brought with you.
Minho, ever present at your side, let a shrill whistle out as he took in the hallways.
“Nice home you’ve got here.”
“It was. Hasn’t felt like a home for a while though,” you said, trying to view it from a fresh perspective.
Your mother had always been a fan of open spaces and natural light, and any furnishings or decorations she’d chosen had reflected that. Gerald however, was more ostentatious. You used to be able to see clear through to the gardens from the main hall. But now everything was shrouded in velvet curtains and there were only paintings of nature as far as the eye could see.
“Let’s take them out to the gardens you miss then,” Beatrice said on a smile, reading your mind. “It’s not as if Gerald is actually going to have rooms made up for them anytime soon”
“And nature, in my experience, is always a good space to get away from prying eyes and ears.” Felix added with a strained smile as he nodded his head towards a doorway where you could now see a few Adryan guards.
They really were everywhere.
“Well I’m nothing if not a good host,” you said, taking a turn and leading the group outside.
“Wow,” you heard a couple of them breath out as everyone stepped outside.
“It’s like a fairy wonderland out here,” Jeongin said, running his fingers through some wisteria blooms you’d always been fighting to keep in check.
You smiled, enjoying that they were enjoying your space.
“This is where I’ve been for the last two years pretty much,” you said, spreading your arms wide. “When Gerald didn’t have me poised like a puppet in the throne room, I was here. My mother and father both used to take care of this place.”
You felt your breath snap as your eyes welled up seeing that you’d walked everyone to the little gazebo in the center of the gardens. So excited to see your spot, you took off from the group and jogged up the steps, running your fingers along the railing.
By the time the rest of the group had joined you, you were already sitting with your legs tucked under you on your favorite bench looking out over a little pond that had some lily pads floating.
Minho came to sit next to you, grabbing your hand without a thought. You were picking up quickly that if he was near you, he seemed to have an itch to be touching you in some way. The rest of the group found their own spots in a few more chairs or perched on the railing as you kept talking.
“They practically raised me out in these gardens. Believe it or not, my father was the real green thumb. It used to drive my mother mad apparently how he’d always tease her about all the plants she used to kill. Until of course she had me, because then she would always throw it right back in his face that he would never be able to grow anything as perfect as me like she had.” you said with a watery laugh.
Minho gave your hand a quick squeeze.
“Can we ask, what happened to them? Not much news made it to Kildenry, we just knew that they passed.” Chan asked.
You took a deep breath and turned to him.
“Don’t take it personally. That’s all we knew here too.” you said with a short laugh. “They had been on a tour of our border towns and they passed from an accident. No one would tell me what the accident was. Not even - “ you took a breath to steady your rising anger, “ - their trusted advisor who was with them when they died and has been helping their daughter rule.”
No one had anything to say to that. And you were glad they didn’t.
The group sat in silence, listening to a few frogs here and few birds there. Minho drew lazy circles across the back of your hand as you tried to have a few last moments of peace with this group that you had grown to trust deeply.
Eventually, a few servants came to fetch you to prepare for the banquet. It felt wrong to separate from everyone for now, so you left them behind with a hushed warning not to trust anyone.
While the warning was necessary you thought, those words seemed to make Minho extra anxious as you could feel his gaze on you as walked away from the group.
Beatrice was with you though, until she was led to a separate room than you. It wasn’t until the door had shut though that you’d noticed.
You walked over to your vanity and checked that your hair and clothes were all in place. Your tiara was still on straight. Hair still curled. You walked over to your wardrobe and rummaged through a case on the top shelf until you found what you were looking through.
A garter with a knife holster.
Aunt Noon wasn’t exactly pro-violence, so while her styling worked effectively on the royalty front, you hadn’t felt completely at ease and ready for battle until you had your signature knives on your person.
You smiled to yourself, thinking about how Minho would love to know about your new accessories. You slipped them into place while thinking of him, but also tried not to think too deeply about why that action excited you.
Feeling ready, you went to leave your rooms and be escorted to the hall. Except your escort to the hall was different than the one who had brought you here.
A man was leaning across from your doorway with hair fully slicked back to accompany his slacks and silk shirt. Far fancier than any servant and ostentatious in a way that reminded you of Gerald.
“Ah My Dear Queen. I was wondering when I might have the honor of making your acquaintance,” he said, pushing off the wall and dropping to his knees before grabbing your hand. “I am Prince Andre of Adrya.”
He kissed your hand once.
“At.”
Kiss.
“Your.”
Kiss.
“Service.”
Your ripped your hand back before he could kiss it one more time, hiding it behind your back. You weren’t sure you could hide the disgust on your face if you tried.
“Ah. Prince Andre. Glad we could host you for these peace discussions.” you said, beginning to walk down the hallway and not waiting for him to catch up.
“I wouldn’t miss final talks about our marriage alliance for all the world,” he said as he caught up with you, a smile you could only describe as lecherous on his face as he looked you up and down.
“Considering I have not been a part of any marriage discussions with Adrya,” you said, descending the staircase before pausing to wait for the doors to the main hall to be opened, “I can’t imagine how you are under the impression a marriage will be finalized today.”
“But My Dear - “
“Queen.” a voice interrupted from behind you.
“I beg your pardon?” Prince Andre said, whipping around as you simply stayed looking forward but smiling, recognizing the voice.
“She’s not your dear,” Minho said, coming up beside you and holding out his hand while glaring at the other Prince. “She’s a Queen.”
You took it as he led you inside, letting Prince Andre stand alone while his face burned red.
You could feel the smile on your face grow as you did a quick headcount to make sure all of your new friends had made it safely back to the hall.
“Can I just fight him and be done with it?” Minho whispered in your ear as he helped you into the seat at the head of the table before taking the seat to your right.
“Now where’s the fun in that,” you whispered as you moved to hold Minho’s hand below the table, watching Gerald take the seat at your left.
By the time Prince Andre had entered the hall to see both seats beside you taken, he was fuming as he slammed into his seat by Gerald, with his guards falling into the rest of the seats on his side of the table.
All of Minho’s guards, as well as Brian and Beatrice fell in line to sit across from the Adryan guards.
The servants began setting down plates and drinks, with Gerald trying to improve Prince Andre’s spirits.
“It’s much more fun to keep the fighting,” you whispered to Minho, taking his hand and helping it slide your skirt up until his hand was at your knee, “subtle.”
You sipped at your wine, enjoying the sensation of Minho’s fingers blindly chasing your skin up your leg. He wasn’t even trying to be subtle himself, too focused on watching your face.
Little did he know it was his reaction you were anticipating the most.
After a few more painfully slow moments of Minho’s fingers gaining ground, they made it to the tip of your knife. His breath stuttered as you felt him carefully explore. His eyes darkened even more when he used his whole hand to wrap around your thigh as he realized it was a garter.
You were too engrossed in your own games that you hadn’t realized Gerald had been trying to claim your attention.
“My Queen!” he spit out through his teeth, finally reaching your ear.
You turned to see both Gerald and Prince Andre glaring at you.
“My Queen,” Gerald continued, “Prince Andre tells me you have already rebuffed the marriage alliance? Why, that is the whole reason they are here!” he finished on a scream, slamming his fist on the table, his composure clearly slipping at how everything had slipped out of his control
At the slam, the hall went silent and Minho’s grip on your thigh tightened. You slipped your hand on top of his to calm him before moving to slip one of your knives out in anticipation, handing it over to him before lowering your skirt.
“That surprises me. I thought the reason we were all here was for peace discussions. No one has mentioned marriage to me,” you said, emphasizing the me, “so how could these negotiations be focused on that?”
“Gerald you assured me that this was all a formality!” Prince Andre yelled out.
“Hush! She is tired from her journey and knows not what she says.”
“She is quite capable of speaking for herself, thank you very much.”
“I came here for a Queen to shore up my claim to my throne! Otherwise my brother will - ”
“She is not some prize!” Minho finally growled out.
“You only say that because you think you’ve won, you pompous outsider!”
“Everyone silent!” you spoke resolutely, letting your voice ring out through the hall. “We are here for peace discussions. Kildenry is a party with every right to say their piece, particularly because it has been made abundantly clear that they are not who Bouros needs to make peace with.”
“My Queen,” Gerald started to speak up, “they have confused you. Kildenry is -”
“I was not finished speaking!”
The hall stayed silent and you felt Minho tense beside you.
“You are correct, I had been confused. But I am no longer. There will be no marriage negotiations, solely peace discussions.” you got up and began walking around behind the Adryan side of the table. “I am not asking to negotiate, because there is nothing Adrya has that I want. And as I am realizing that Adrya has been using Bouron soldiers under the command of MY Advisor,” you screamed out, letting your anger burst and putting your knife to Gerald’s throat as you held him back, “it is clear to me that Adrya doesn’t have the power to negotiate with Kildenry or Bouros.”
Gerald was shocked still. Prince Andre jumped out of his seat at the insult, moving towards you while grabbing for his sword.
Still seated, Minho threw his knife with expert precision into Andre’s hand, leaving him screaming as he dropped his sword. As if that was the cue, all of Minho’s guards jumped over the table and tackled the guards opposite them before they could make any advances.
More guards flooded the hall at the commotion, but seeing that Adrya was incapacitated and the Bouron Queen was holding their advisor hostage, neither Bouron nor Adryan guards knew how to act.
So you told them.
“I want every Adryan guard out of my city by nightfall! And out of every corner of my country within a fortnight. Take your Prince and run. And if I ever hear of you ransacking our borders, Kildenry or Bouros, I will lead Bouron guards to you myself.”
Prince Andre was still writhing in agony on the ground, so his guards, once Minho’s men had released them, helped him to his feet as you saw the droves of formerly arrogant guards flee your hall.
“Guards!” you yelled out to the Bouron ones remaining, feeling Minho come up behind you. “Take Gerald to the dungeons.”
Hearing his fate finally moved Gerald enough to speak.
“My Queen, I was only looking out for your best interests. I wasn’t - “
“You are charged with treason and abuse of authority!” you spoke over him, releasing your grip and shoving him towards Brian and a few other guards. “And while you are in prison, don’t think for a second that I won’t be looking into what your role was in my parents deaths two years ago!”
Your voice had risen and risen as you’d kept speaking, with your final scream echoing through the hall.
The scream made the air feel cleansed. You felt like you could breath again. And you did, as you felt Minho put hands on both your shoulders to ground you again.
Gerald screamed as he was carried away. Beatrice came running around the table, tears in her eyes as she crashed into you for a hug.
“Is it over?” you asked quietly into her hair, not sure how so much had happened in so little time.
“Yes, Y/N. It’s over.” she said softly into your ear.
You pulled back to see her grinning at you. Looking past her, you saw servants crying and guards kneeling. It was as if there was a cloud that was finally lifted from the palace after two years.
On a shaky breath, you clapped your hands, still conscious that Minho’s hands hadn’t left your shoulders.
“Let’s pack up all the food and take it into the square!” you said to the servants. “The day isn’t nearly over and your Queen wants to celebrate with her people.”
Jisung and Jeongin each let out a ''Whoop’” as Changbin laughed and shook his head. Everyone quickly started packing things up and just outside the hall you could see tables being carried down the front stairs already as a guard's voice yelled “Open the gates!”
Watching everyone with a spring in their step must have been the final step for you as your knees buckled with the adrenaline that had left your system. Minho caught you, moving his hands from your shoulders to your waist as you leaned against him.
You let your head roll back onto his shoulder so you could meet his eyes.
Neither of you said anything. His eyes were smiling while yours were sparkling, so what else was left to say? You eventually turned your head into his neck and took a deep breath, relaxing into him before planting a kiss.
Minho pressed a kiss to your forehead.
So you pressed one to his chin.
He popped one on your nose.
So you grabbed his chin and pulled his lips straight down to yours
It wasn’t a fast kiss, but it was intense. Deep. You felt a sigh escape almost in time with a groan from Minho as you felt his hands clench around your waist.
You both separated after a few moments, until Minho started pressing sweet kisses to both your cheeks, your nose again, your hair, and anywhere he could see until you were laughing and batting at him.
“Y/N! Are you coming! The citizens are entering the gates!” Beatrice yelled from the hall entrance, a smirk clear in her voice.
“I’ll bring her!” Minho yelled before you could answer, throwing you over his shoulder and running with you slapping at his back all the way through the palace halls.
He set you down before the main doors, and instantly set to straightening your hair and clothes as you pouted at him.
You could see his playfulness fade away as he pressed one long kiss to your lips one last time, before stepping back.
“There, back into Queen mode.” he said tucking a hair behind your ear and starting to walk through the doors.
“Wait Minho!” you said before he was gone.
He turned back to you, one foot out the door but with that same soft smirk on his face.
“Yes, my love?”
You clenched your firsts as you felt a blush rise at the nickname. Still though, you managed to whisper one request to him.
“Meet me in the gardens later?” you asked on a whisper.
“Not even your knives could keep me away,” he said, a laugh in his voice but a blush on his cheeks as he stepped outside.
Everyone was up before the sun had broken and packing up just as quickly. The whole group seemed focused on the day ahead, so no one said much of anything, even after leaving where you had set up camp.
You knew the next 24 hours would be hard and crucial to your and your country’s future, but when the sun broke just as you were nearing the capitol limits, you couldn’t help the small smile that graced your face.
Minho, who had been riding alongside you for most of the trip, pulled his horse a little closer.
“You know, I’ve never visited the Bouron capitol. Seeing how happy you are at the sight of it makes me a little excited, despite the day ahead.”
As you entered though, your smile began to dim.
“You know, it didn’t use to be like this - half boarded up and no one outside. The markets in this part of town used to be renowned. Years ago.” you finished, slowing your horse outside a certain shop.
Everyone hopped down and, while Beatrice went to knock on the door, Minho came beside you again.
“I look forward to seeing it lively again soon.” he whispered. “Perhaps you’ll show me everything the Bouron capitol has to offer then?”
He closed the small distance between you and gave your hand a small squeeze, but then didn’t let go when he turned as the shop door opened.
“Beatrice my god! Where have you been? The royal guard was here just the other day looking for you.”
Hearing Beatrice’s Aunt’s comment made you wince.
“I’m alright, Aunt. We need a favor though. A few, if we’re being honest.”
Her Aunt finally took stock of the scene behind Beatrice - a group of men clad in leathers and a woman in a hood holding on to one of them.
“Beatrice my dear, just what have you gotten yourself into?”
You released Minho’s hand after another short squeeze before moving towards Beatrice.
“Can we continue this discussion inside please?” you asked quietly, lowering your hood.
Beatrice’s Aunt gasped as her hand flew to her mouth.
“My Queen! What are you - yes of course please come inside! Everyone!” she said, without hesitation.
It made you smile as you saw every one of Minho’s men give her a slight bow of thanks while they passed you to go inside with Beatrice. Minho was the last in line, but instead of a simple bow, he grabbed her hand for a kiss before straightening.
“Thank you, Miss?”
“Miss Noon.” she said on a blush, before fluffing her skirts and turning to go inside.
“Such a flirt,” you whispered to Minho as you walked past him.
“Oh you haven’t even begun to see me flirt, My Queen.” he said, hurrying to walk in step with you as the two of you followed the commotion inside. “But don’t worry, I’m just getting started.”
“Why do I get the feeling your mind is less than focused on what we have to do today?”
“Trust me,” he said, lightly tugging your arm so you’d stop and face him, “making sure you return home safely is the highest priority to me. I may make jokes here and there, but you can rely on me. I’ll do more than keep you safe. I’ll stand by your side.”
You were caught in his gaze for a few moments, feeling pulled in almost.
“I know,” you whispered out, before slowly pressing a kiss to his cheek.
You could feel his cheeks begin to puff with a smile against your lips, making you smile in turn.
“Y/N? Where are you?” you heard Beatrice say from the other room, interrupting the two of you.
“Come on, my love. Let’s get you home.” he said, grabbing your hand to pull you into the next room with a smirk.
Minho had dropped your hand to go over by his men after you entered the room, leaving you and Beatrice to speak with her Aunt. It took less explanation than you had expected to bring her on board and she got to work as quick as she could, taking the mens’ measurements and pulling garments for them to try before showing you and Beatrice to a separate room.
By the time she came over to help you lace into a gown you had chosen, Beatrice had long since returned from sending a message through a courier to Brian.
“I just can’t believe the mess you girls have stumbled into. I know those men are charming, but are you sure you can trust them?”
“I know I trust her,” Beatrice said, pointing to you as she did up her hair.
“And I may not know them all that well, but after just a few days I already trust them more than my own Lead Advisor.” you said, turning to Aunt Noon.
“Are you sure it has nothing to do with future alliances?” she asked with a blush and sly smile.
“Auntie!” Beatrice yelled.
“What? I’ve known you girls your whole lives. If I couldn’t see that something was going on it would be more surprising. Now now, let’s finish dolling you up. Especially since you’re using your looks to capture not only your palace,” she finished, winking at you and making a blush break out across your own face.
“All jokes aside,” she continued, running her hands over a few stray hairs and making sure your clothes were straightened, “your parents would be very proud to see the woman you have grown into.”
“I don’t know if I believe that,” you said. “Our country is on the verge of war and it took me this long to even think to do something about it.”
“Sometimes taking action at the pivotal moments is the hardest thing to do,” she said, making eye contact with you in the mirror. “The Queen I see before me makes the hard choices. And now, she is ready for battle.”
As if she commanded it, there was a knock on the front door. Beatrice took off running, with a hushed “Brian!” falling from her lips as she passed you.
You peaked out the window to see a guard with Brian at the front, then him being led inside by Beatrice while the rest remained outside.
“Your moment is now,” Aunt Noon finished, pushing you through the door. “Grasp it and make your parents proud.”
You could hear a commotion in the front room by now. Beatrice must have been quickly explaining the situation to Brian as he was face to face with your new guard from Kildenry.
Taking a deep breath, you couldn’t keep from brushing your curled hair behind your shoulders and smoothing your palms down your skirt. Aunt Noon had dressed you for battle alright, in deep maroon so as to draw attention and signal that you were royalty, with a small tiara poised on your head.
It was time to stand out and take command, something you should have done years back.
You walked through the shop, entering the front room that was overly crowded at this point. As soon as you entered, the room got silent, even if only for a few moments before Brian yelled “My Queen!” as he came to kneel in front of you.
You and Beatrice made eye contact and laughed as you rolled your eyes before giving him a light shove to the shoulder.
“Alright alright, Brian. Since when have I ever asked you to kneel before me.”
“But I need to sincerely apologize for what happened a few nights back. I should’ve - “
“No apology is necessary.” you said quietly, forcing his head up to look at you with your hand under his chin. “We were all surprised. Taking any action in that moment could have made everything worse. No one was seriously harmed and the border is safe for now because of these men behind you.” you finished, releasing Brian as he stood up.
You caught Minho glaring.
“I mean, a couple people were seriously harmed, but don’t worry, we nursed them back to health,” he said to Brian with a thin smile before pointing once at you and once at his own shoulder.
“And we are both fine,” you said, rolling your eyes at him.
And now Brian was glaring back at Minho.
Beatrice must have seen it too, because she took that moment to clap her hands and draw everyone’s attentions.
“Okay! Brian, go let the Bouron guards know they are about to be accompanying our Queen and the Kildenry delegation, who is here on peaceful grounds, to the castle. You brought a carriage, correct?”
“Yes, Bea, but - “
“No buts!” she said, grabbing him by the chin. “You said the Adryans have been meeting with Gerald at the palace the last few days. We need to hurry.”
She finished by giving him a kiss on the cheek and, when he was stuttering, getting behind him to shove him out the front door.
You thought you could kiss her for explaining and easing the situation so seamlessly.
“The rest of you guards, grab your things and I’ll take you outside for introductions. Y/N and Prince Minho, come outside once you’re ready.” she said, leading everyone outside easily.
Now that the two of you were alone, you finally had a moment to take in how Aunt Noon had dressed the Prince of Kildenry.
You’d only really seen him clad in blacks and browns, leathers and sturdy things.
But now? Now he was dressed in pristine black slacks and a white organza shirt with a bow tied delicately around his neck.
You thought seeing him dressed as a Prince would make you laugh or cringe after all the down-to-earth time you’d spent together.
But you felt your mouth go dry as he looked positively ethereal. And all you wanted to do was run a hand through his beautiful hair and grab that bow at his nape, pulling the ends to untie it until his shirt would fall open, exposing his -
“Seeing that look on your face makes taking a knife from you worth it.” he said, making you jolt.
“Oh?” you squeaked out before clearing your throat and drifting closer. “And what look is that?”
He raised a hand to brush across your cheek and run a finger down your neck before he pulled it back.
“A look that tells me you could show me what you are feeling better than you could tell me,” he said, closing the gap.
You had expected him to drop a kiss on your lips so you’d closed your eyes.
Instead, you felt a pair of soft lips against the side of your neck, causing the vein there to pick up speed as you let out a gasp and your eyes shot open.
Minho pulled back to look at you with that ever-present and infuriating smirk.
Before he could pull back too far, you gripped his forearms.
His eyebrows shot up in a dare as your heart beat even faster.
“Y/N? Are you ready?” Beatrice yelled from the front door.
Instead of jumping apart at almost being caught, you growled and dropped your head onto Minho’s shoulder so you could take a few deep breaths.
He flipped his arms in your hold and slid them back until he was holding your hands, before dropping another kiss to your head and pulling away.
“Come on, let’s get you home.” he said, holding out a hand to you.
You took it as he led you out front. Both sets of guards were standing to attention and bowed as you two made your way outside.
It was time to play your parts, so you let Minho help you and then Beatrice into the carriage, with one last look before he closed the door to mount his own horse.
The escort took off and, just as you expected, quickly garnered attention as people started flooding the streets to get a glimpse. You drew back your curtains to wave, wanting to assure them that you were fine and bring optimism to the air surrounding the escort.
You hadn’t realized that Minho was right outside your window.
While you made every effort to focus on smiling and waving, you couldn’t help stealing glances with him as you saw a smile on his face as well.
The escort continued like that all the way to the palace gates. As you neared them, you saw what was almost a mirror image to your escort - Bouron and Adryan guards blocking the gates together.
Your escort slowed to a stop and you held your breath as Brian addressed them. Despite your escort having a Bouron guard, the Adryan guard still felt emboldened to yell “Prove it!” when Brian commanded the gates to open for the Queen.
It surprised you. The Kildenry royal flag was flying alongside the Bouros one in your escort. Their own prince was visible and not hidden away. A crowd of civilians was flocking the courtyard to see what would become of the escort.
And yet they still pushed back.
You nodded to Beatrice to open the door and step out, before she turned to help you down. You heard the crowd rumble as they took you in - the perfect picture of royalty. The Kildenry guards and their Prince bowed their heads to you as you walked to the front of the escort. At the same time, all the Bouron guards kneeled before you.
Like a ripple effect, the crowd began to follow suit.
You stayed quietly at the lead, staring down the Adryan guards who had not moved.
You would not grace these men with your words, but luckily your lead guard understood the deafening silence that was the standoff between the Queen of Bouros and the Adryan guards.
“I will only repeat myself once,” Brian said loudly and resolutely, still kneeling but with his head lifted. “Open these gates at once for the Queen of Bouros.”
You could see the Adrayn guards fidget for a few more moments before finally relenting. The one at the front yelled back “Open the gates!” and it was like a signal to the entire crowd to rise and breathe.
“Our Queen has returned!” someone yelled. Another followed with “The Queen is home! Long live the Queen!” as scores of people started cheering.
Hearing the crowd, you wondered if Gerald had made some sort of public announcement you had been missing. Otherwise, why didn’t your people expect you’d be back?
You filed the thought away almost as quick as it arrived.
Because as the gate lifted, the Adryan guard stayed standing.
The crowd was rejoicing, and your guards were all raised. You should have gotten back in the carriage to go inside.
But you were making a stand here and now.
The crowd died down as you took a few steps towards the Adryan guards. You heard horse hooves and knew Minho was moving to follow you. Without a look, you simply held up your hand, signaling to everyone to remain in their places.
The Adryan guards were glaring as you got closer, their hands twitching toward their swords. Standing before them, you let a single word rip from from your mouth.
“Kneel.”
Their faces turned red in an instant but slowly they did as you said. You turned away without a word, leaving them uncertain if they should rise or not.
You entered the carriage once more with Beatrice and your escort took off through the gates.
As you passed, you saw that the Adryan guards had remained kneeling.
Good, you thought, let them finally begin to understand who they have messed with.
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