Chapter Text
It all comes crumbling down in front of Yoongi; his life, his hopes and dreams - everything. Collapsing like a house of cards, destroyed by a simple blow and now flying around. His heart hurts; feeling small and tight, as if hundreds of blades pierced their way through.
All because of a simple sentence, ten words his father told him the evening before echoing in his head over and over.
"I sold you to serve for the royal family"
Even after 13 hours, when he is already so far away from home on a cart that transports him to the castle, the words still hurt the same - a poison infecting his whole body, still strong as in the beginning. It was announced to him as a done thing, signed and agreed that it didn't give him even the slightest chance to protest.
He hasn't slept the whole night; mind blank, eyes puffy and red - just waiting, counting minutes till the morning when the carriage was supposed to come and take him away. Away from his family, his friends, his life - everything he has ever known.
He had been a farmer just like his father; spending long days on the field, caring for plants and occasionally for animals as well. It was hard, sometimes exhausting but he could spend time with his friends who also worked there, laughing and joking around with them that always made the day fly by faster. It wasn't perfect but he was happy.
But now he is supposed to work, to serve without batting an eye for people who are leading the kingdom in the most careless way, for a man who raised taxes so many times just to keep his treasury nicely full while the people living in the villages got poorer day by day because of it.
He tries to understand why his father did it, and he does, in a small amount. The money his family will receive for him working as a royal servant will be bigger than when he was working on the fields, though not by any significant amount. He understands that but he still feels a bitter taste on his tongue when he thinks about his father now.
The closer the cart gets to the castle, the more he feels that exasperation is the emotion that occupies his core the most, pushing the tired sadness away.
It's a new world he is entering right now and he is so sure he doesn't want to explore it.
He hasn't seen the royal family many times; just in a few cases when the residents of the villages surrounding the kingdom were called to attend public meetings with the royal family in the court - but he never really paid attention to anything the king was saying.
King Jeon is a heartless ruler; blinded by the desire of unlimited power and money, ruling the kingdom with a hand that brings only distress and poverty to everyone beneath him. His wife, the queen, is believed to be the same as him, just like the two older princes.
There isn't much known about the youngest prince but Yoongi is sure that he is just like them - the apple never falls far from the tree.
Some people in his village have had the pleasure (or distress to be exact) to meet with some members of the royal family. They told stories once they returned, experiences they had during their stay at the castle and they never were good ones - only confirming that there is nothing good waiting for him at the castle.
Yoongi despises the idea of serving such people, to devote his life to them when they don't care about people like him in the slightest. But he knows he cannot really do anything. His life isn't his own anymore.
He shakes his head, trying to push all the negative thoughts away, to not let them consume him whole. He lifts his head from where he has been staring at his feet the whole time and actually looks around himself.
It’s a cold, sunlit day, beginning of March, sky holding a soft blue glow. The Sun is not fully high up in the sky yet, still waking up from its long sleep, shining sun rays at the winter nature below. The white coat of snow decorating the scenery is slowly melting from the warm sunlight, revealing green grass along with snowdrops and asters as a sign of a spring coming close. Trees are standing high and beautiful by both sides of the dusty road, branches covered with new buds that would soon crack and change into beautiful flowers.
The wooden wheels are rumbling on the old, dusty road covered with stones as the carriage gets closer and closer to the castle. It's beautiful; towering above the hills in the distance, big and majestic - like a whole dominant of the land, surrounded by fields and forests, then small villages in the far distance. Yoongi always kind of admired the castle, wondered how it must be to live there, to enjoy such luxury and the view all around. But now… He wishes he didn't have to be there.
He doesn't even know how long they have been riding - too lost in his own thoughts to notice the time and scenery swimming by. The rest of the ride up the hill takes no more than ten minutes when the coachman whips the poor horse to ride faster.
The courtyard is full; full of carriages just like the one he arrived in. He isn't the only one who has arrived; the king must have done some sort of recruitment for servants from more different villages. He is led along with the rest of them into the castle, into the far right wing where all the royal servants call home.
His room is really small; plain bed with a tiny cabinet to store his few pieces of clothes. The wooden door closes behind him, producing a small click where it connects with the stone wall that shows that he is finally alone. He lets out a long sigh he didn't know he has been holding as he lets everything he has with himself drop onto the floor and falls on the bed.
It's hard and uncomfortable, with a mattress that feels like it's full of hay, but he just feels so tired he doesn't care. He wants to let his limbs and especially his mind rest for a moment, even for the shortest one; but once he closes his eyes there is a loud voice from the outside calling him and all the other servants out to work.
He doesn't want to get up but the fear of the aftermath doesn't let him stay lying on the bed; he quickly jumps from the bed, groans at the pain it produces in his lower back and steps out to the corridor again.
An older woman is standing there along with two guards who are well armed and obviously not in a good mood - Yoongi is truly glad he did come out right away. The woman divides the chores between all of the new servants, speaking in a stern and barking voice that makes Yoongi dislike her from the very first second. She is dressed in a simple royal maid dress so she probably isn't much higher in position than Yoongi now is - yet she probably must be here long enough to be someone like the upper servant who decides what chores the ones under her do.
Not even caring that it’s their first day, Yoongi along with all the other servants get ton of work to - the castle is huge and he shouldn't be surprised but he still cannot help the way his eyes widen when he hears all the things he is supposed to have done by today and then all the other days following.
First he heads outside to the courtyard, to the big stables that house all the horses which the royal family owns. They are all so beautiful; majestic stallions and mares of all different colors and various patterns on their shiny fur. Yoongi’s always been a horse lover, admiring the beautiful creatures that seemed to be so elegant and graceful in whatever they do. Even though he feels the need to pet some of the horses or care for them, he knows that’s not what he is here for. He checks the amount of supplies still in the stables just as he’s been told, then walks outside to get those that seem to be in shortage. Those boxes he has to carry are so heavy he feels like he should rest for a week before carrying another one; his back and arms hurt but he doesn't give up before carrying all the boxes he is supposed to, to their new place in the stables so the horsemen could have them nicely at hand. With one of his tasks done he still doesn't have time to rest. He spends a good amount of time in the kitchen, helping cook the various and delicious meals for the royal family and the simple ones for all the servants of all kinds that serve at the castle. He’s always enjoyed cooking, but now he isn't so sure anymore; especially when he smells all the delicious food he’s never even seen and cannot even put his finger into it to taste even the smallest bite. After cleaning all the dishes and helping other servants with cleaning small parts of the castle, he finally has all the work done for the day.
The night is already decorating the world outside the window when he slowly strolls through the stone corridors towards his new, small room. He feels so tired that the only thing he wants to do is to fall down onto the plank-bed he got and sleep for days.
“You! Slave!” a loud voice suddenly bounces off the high walls, followed by footsteps quickly coming Yoongi’s way. He turns around with confusion written all over his face, then feels himself shrink down in fear as he watches a man in a majestic robe with a gold crown sitting tight on his dark hair coming his way - prince Jaehyun.
“God, I cannot believe I had to walk up the whole way to you for you to notice me” Prince Jaehyung mutters in an angry voice, matching his expression so well.
“I-I am sorry, Your Highness” Yoongi croaks out feeling so small and vulnerable under the heavy and furious gaze the prince is sending his way “I didn't hear-”
“I don't care” the prince interrupts him, quite obviously not caring about Yoongi’s excuse in the slightest. “It's late and I need some worthless peasant to take care of my night routine. So go into my quarters and prepare for me the most amazing bath with oils and also my night robe on my bed. Be done before I return or I will have you punished”
He doesn't wait for anything else as he walks past Yoongi without a single glance, muttering an angry “pathetic scum” under his breath before walking away
The words he’s just heard hurt so much he can feel tears burning in his eyes but he holds them in, refusing to break down and let them pour down his face. He bites his lip hard enough to bleed, tasting the blood on his tongue as he watches the prince leave with a piercing, hateful gaze.
Despite the emotions boiling inside of him he does the tasks the prince told him to do, then waits for him to return to maybe hear a thank you in return but all he gets are another dirty words insulting his position and himself.
After a hurried, freezing bath in a small bucket to waste as little water as possible, he finally lays down on the hard bed, staring up at the ceiling before he feels the tears start to flow down his face. He hates his father; hates him for selling him to a terrible place like this where he is viewed only as a worthless peasant who lives only to serve the royalty - all for a pathetic amount of money. He doesn't sleep well that night; even though his body hurts, his mind is awake, not able to forget just yet all the words he’s been told - not letting him sleep in a way he desires so much. When he finally falls fully asleep with one last thought, one last promise in his mind - a promise to himself that he will hate the whole royal family forever.
-
He gets used to working hard every day in the next few weeks. He’s always been working almost every day even in his real home in the village, but now he feels under a different kind of pressure that doesn't make his chores in any way enjoyable. He feels like he’s invisible most of the time; the servants are too busy with their own work to notice him and the royal members just don't care - turning a blind eye to servants unless they need something from them.
His daily chores don't really change, still containing some work in the stables, kitchen and around the castle. Taking care of the night routine of the oldest prince also becomes his almost daily duty with the addition of the queen’s one as well.
The queen isn't as vicious as the oldest prince is, yet she is still vain and pretentious, viewing all the others around them as small, unimportant slaves.
He prepares a luxurious bath for her every other night, pouring in the most expensive oils and fragrances that make his mind spin from the almost delicious smell.
He prepares her bath and night robe as well; always laying it gently down on the king size bed in the middle of the room the queen shares with the king. Yoongi doesn't dare to even touch the bed when he is laying the piece of clothing down; knowing that he wouldn't be able to resist laying down himself as well once finding out how soft the mattress must be - tender as clouds that would provide heaven for Yoongi and his body that never slept on a bed that wouldn't be with a mattress filled with hay.
Despite working in the castle the whole day, he doesn't really meet the other members of the royal family; he’s seen the king a few, fleeting times when he was walking through the corridor somewhere but otherwise the king is, same as the rest of the family, still unknown to him.
Two weeks later the king arranges a ball for the celebration of prince Jaehyun’s 28th birthday. The ball is huge; majestic and extravagant, inviting many nobles from all the corners of the land that belong to king Jeon. Yoongi, as well as other servants, are ones invited as well - though for a different purpose than all the other guests.
There are so many people that Yoongi feels a bit nauseous. All of them are nobles - princes, princesses, dukes and duchesses, barons and baronesses and just so many more nobles with titles that Yoongi doesn't even know. All of them acting as if they were all friends, one happy family that isn't on each other's throats every other day of the year.
If he could choose, he wouldn't be here at all. For sure he could go without everyone reminding just how out of place he is here - a servant among respected nobles
from all around the land. He sees all glances, all the narrowed eyes of the nobles sent his way as well as to other servants working here. Full of contempt and disregard, as if saying I am much more than you are, you pathetic little slave. They take all the food or drinks he is offering but without sparing him another glance or a simple thank you.
But that's what he is - a mere servant, who is here to serve them, with no choice to decide whether he wants to or not. Despite all of that, he still smiles, trying to pretend that he loves his new job, that he doest just want to flee and hope for the best.
The vibrant sound of trumpets breaks Yoongi out of his haze as well as all people around him from their conversations, announcing that the royal family, the true rulers of the land, are coming inside. The whole hall goes quiet, so much that the smallest fork falling onto the floor would be heard. Yoongi bows, an automatic response to the royal family coming in and with him the rest of the others - all bowing for their king. Once all of the guests deem the respect enough they all erupt in cheers - whistles and clapping, all echoing in the great hall. Yoongi doesn't join the cheers, doesn't even bother to pay attention when the king starts speaking, welcoming all the guests and wishing them an amazing evening.
He sounds nice, kind even, that those who don't know him might fall for this act easily - but Yoongi knows better.
He walks back to the kitchen with now an empty silver tray to get more delicatessen for the nobles to pasture on - ones he himself cannot even touch, nor think about eating them. The music is playing again when he returns, all chords of violins, harps and basses mingling together, creating a melody that is caressing his soul. The nobles are dancing in pairs all around the hall; wide, colorful skirts of silky dresses are twirling around beautiful princesses who are hand in hand with princes dressed in the most expensive suits.
Yoongi walks around the hall, offering both dancing and resting nobles something to eat or drink; turning a blind eye to all comments some of them send his way. The hours go by painfully slow; the nobles around him are having fun, all dancing together and laughing around, obviously having a great time while he has to suffer just because he was born in a poor family.
His legs hurt now, aching from the way he did not stop for even one minute, too busy pleasing all others around him. He decides to have a little break then, to just stand in one place and let his aching legs rest a bit. He lets his eyes wander around the whole hall; watching the dancing couples, the other servants working just as heavily as him, until his eyes land on the royal family - for the first time that night.
The king is sitting on his throne, his significant gold crown embroidered with jewels and the most precious gems resting on top of his head. His eyes are small and poisonous, flicking across the whole hall like the eyes of a cobra, searching for another victim to sting. He is smiling, though small and almost hidden under his thick beard, but it doesn't make him appear any less terrifying.
The queen is right by his side, a gentle hand laid on the king’s knee showing support and reassurance.
All the stories about her were true; she is a beautiful woman, pink as rose, kind and pure at first glance. But there are rumours going around about her, whispers that she isn't faithful to her husband as it might seem. Stories that she invites men into her chambers when the king isn’t present, but they never come back out - perhaps to never let her dirty secret out.
They are overlooking the ball together, sharing a few words once in a while, with no doubt talking about creating connections and alliances to help strengthen their power even more - or possibly even how to get rid of an enemy standing in their way.
Prince Jaehyun, the main man of this ball, is standing by one of the pillars, talking with a princess whose eyes are positively sparkling - obviously enjoying all the attention she is getting from the crown prince. The middle prince Sunghoon that Yoongi’s seen just a handful of times, always only a quick glimpse, is mingling among the guests, dancing and laughing with princesses from all parts of the kingdom who are all too willing to let his poisonous smile woo them.
Yoongi’s eyes move again, now falling onto the youngest prince who is sitting all alone on his throne, seemingly uninterested in all the hustle around him - prince Jeongguk.
He is the one who got the most beauty from his mother; defined jawline and rosy lips, dark brown eyes and golden blond hair falling into his face. He gets many glances sent his way; from older nobles, wondering why he isn't taking part in their little chats, from curious princesses who dream to dance with him. He doesn't seem to acknowledge any of them though; just keeps staring down at the floor or a nonexistent point in the distance with the most bored expression on his face; perhaps a bit sad as well.
Yoongi feels a bit sorry for him; everyone is talking and having fun around him, especially the members of the reigning royal family and yet he is there alone in a hall full of people.
He hates himself for it; hates himself for his thoughts that make him feel sorry like that for a prince. Someone who must be just like the rest of his family - mean and wicked, with no care or interest about anyone’s life except his own. Someone who has everything and doesn't deserve the least of Yoongi’s stupid worry or care.
Yet still, the slightly guilty thoughts that flow in Yoongi’s mind win in the end - his conscience that doesn't like seeing anyone sad and alone. He still moves, walking up towards the very front of the hall where the prince is sitting on his throne, still seemingly lost in his thoughts.
Yoongi carefully walks the few remaining steps towards him, stopping just a few inches away to retain the respectful distance.
“Good evening, Your Highness” He bows almost 90 degrees in the most polite way they are supposed to while greeting the royal members, offering the prince a smile; small but still kind and gentle - fake just like all the other ones he pretended during the night while he has been serving the nobles.
“Would you like to have some dessert?” His voice cracks a bit at the end, trembling with nervousness and a slight fear that maybe the prince doesn't want to be approached and bothered by anyone, fear that he truly just like his brothers who would curse at him from even approaching them - but he tries to mask it with his smile as well as he can.
The prince raises his head in a jerk motion, seemingly a bit surprised that someone has appeared next to him so suddenly.
“Oh!” he gasps softly, a pretty little surprised sound that sounds soft more than anything else. “Yes, I would love to take one.” His fingers that are clad in big golden rings reach for one of the sweet desserts, picking one that is decorated with juicy red strawberries and a pretty cherry blossom flower like a cherry on top and brings it to his mouth.
“Thank you” he smiles up at Yoongi with a thankful bow of his head before biting down into the soft, fluffy cake.
Yoongi stays stunned for a second, surprised by a reaction he hasn't been expecting. But then he smiles right back, this time not pretending anymore as he watches the prince bite into the cake and sigh in content when the sweet taste fills his taste buds.
He looks happier now, with his mouth stuffed with the sweet food but still; Yoongi wonders for a brief moment if it would be appropriate to ask how the prince is truly feeling now. Maybe he shouldn’t intrude when it's totally not his place to do so but he isn't one to be quiet and uncaring when someone seems down.
“You look down, my prince.” he starts softly, carefully thinking of his words before saying them out loud “Is something the matter?”
Jeongguk looks up at him a bit like a deer caught in headlines, his dark brown doe eyes wide in surprise at the question. He swallows the bite he has in his mouth before clearing his throat. “Ah, have I been that obvious?” he chuckles a bit awkwardly, scrunching his button nose up.
“No, not at all, Your Highness.” Yoongi feels the need to quickly assure “I am just very attentive to details so that’s why I noticed. I was probably the only one so you don’t have to worry.”
Jeongguk hums in answer and Yoongi thinks that he isn't going to say anything else so he bows slightly again and turns to leave but then the prince sighs ”I don't really feel down. It's just…” He purses his lips in thought, staring at the remaining half of the creamy dessert “I really don't want to be here. I have never liked events like this so being here is just a bit of a pain for me ” He sighs in the end, taking another careful bite of the dessert to immerse his tongue in the sweet taste again. It surprises Yoongi just how honest Jeongguk is. He didn't expect the prince to be so open about his feelings about the ball where he is supposed to be one of the main figures.
“Then maybe you shouldn't be here.” Yoongi answers the first thing that comes to his mind, his mouth much faster than his brain. “You can do a lot of better things than to sit here at a pathetic ball” It’s too late when he realizes he has said such words colored in his own opinions and bad mood - too late when the insult of the ball that Jeongguk’s own family organized is already out there.
“Oh my, I…. I apologize, Your Highness” He stutters out quickly with his eyes blown wide and his heart hammering in his chest in fear “I shouldn't have said that. I — ”
“No, no it's okay.” Jeongguk interrupts his nervous rambling with a wave of his hand - graceful as ever - not looking offended in the slightest. He is actually smiling; lips curled into an amused grin as his eyes sparkle with something that suspiciously looks like mischief and Yoongi feels a wave of relief wash over him.
“I actually think the very same thing as you do. I would leave in a heartbeat if I could but my father would kill me“ he says in a light tone, in an attempt at a joke but Yoongi doesn't miss the way his eyes sadden a bit at his words. This time Yoongi thinks what to say next to not let his mouth speak before his brain would think it through, but then, as if on cue, the trumpets start playing again - this time less strong, less vibrant and strong yet still loud enough to capture the attention of everyone - announcing that everyone should pay attention to the royal family once more.
Jeongguk stands up from his throne, adjusts his red royal suit as well as the gold crown on his head into perfection before he glances Yoongi's way once again. “Can I take one more dessert?“ He asks with a slight tilt of his head to the side, the small smile from seconds ago still remaining on his lips.
His question surprises Yoongi; as the royal prince, Jeongguk can take whatever he wants here and even more, yet he still asks. “Of course. You can take all of them, Your Highness” Yoongi bows and offers the tray to the prince, still full of soft desserts decorated with fluffy cream and various fruits.
“Oh, thank you, but I think that one will be enough.'' The prince giggles now, such a warm and hearthy sound as he reaches to take a cocoa tart with a cherry. “You are very kind, uhm~”
“I am a servant from the Min family, my prince.” Yoongi bows as he introduces himself
“No, I mean your own name” Jeongguk tilts his head to the side, letting his light blond bangs fall into his eyes before he pushes them aside with a gentle move of his free hand.
“Pardon?” Yoongi blinks up at him, unsure if he’s truly heard right.
“Tell me your name” Jeongguk smiles now, gentle and patient even when Yoongi stutters in surprise before finally managing to say his name.
“Y-yoongi, Your Highness. My name is Yoongi” it surprises him that the prince would want to know his name when nobody else here ever showed that they would care about it in the slightest.
“Thank you for your service, Yoongi ” Jeongguk says, gently rolling Yoongi’s name on his tongue before he bows his head in farewell and with one last smile disappears in the crowd to join his family.
Yoongi keeps standing there, frozen in place as he watches the prince’s back slowly disappear from view as he gets lost in the crowd full of nobles and royal servants.
The youngest prince is certainly someone who he hasn't been expecting. He seems so different from the other two princes, as well as the rest of his family. The way he behaves, the way he speaks - Yoongi wouldn't guess that he is the youngest son of the infamous royal family if it weren't for the golden crown resting on top of his golden blond hair. Just from the few interactions he has had with the rest of his family he can tell that the youngest prince is nothing like them.
There seems to be kindness inside him, something that tells Yoongi that he is different - that maybe he has his heart in the right place. Though he knows it's too soon to judge that. The prince could have been just acting nice to not cause a scene in public, to not ruin the reputation the royal family so nealy holds in front of all the important nobles. He can be just like his brothers in private. That thought makes Yoongi's heart harden again, growing into a stone he put there to save himself from all the comments and curses on his name and position. He cannot let his thinking towards any member of the royal family change so fast, not when he has worked so hard to not feel weak and small against them.
…….
Weeks have passed since the ball. The initial cold Spring now starts blooming in colors and fragrances, bringing warmth and life to the kingdom once again after almost seven months of dull colors and cold all around. Butterfly wings greet the sun rays with a promise of better, happier days, bringing only smiles and warmth to everyone around.
Yoongi spends a lot of time outside, in the royal gardens that spread so far around the castle, making it seem like straight out of a fairytale. He helps other servants wash clothes or take care of the gardens, enjoying the warmth he has been missing for such a long time. Nothing has really changed in the way the royals behave towards him but only the Sun and warmth bring peace to his soul that he doesn't find it in himself to mind.
He almost got used to life in the castle. Waking up with the first sun rays shining through the windows, spending days caring for gardens and helping others and evenings caring for the royals. It doesn't seem that bad anymore though he would still love to just disappear and never see the royal family again.
He sees prince Jaehyun walking in the gardens with his princess a few times, his soon to be wife and future queen, holding hands and giggling together like a young couple who finally confessed their feelings.
It seems like a nice view, scenery of perfection but it's clouded with darkness. Prince Jaehyun is the same as the king, inheriting all the bad qualities his father has. He has never said a kind word to anyone, has killed many who stood in his way.
Yoongi only hopes that the princess doesnt share the same heart with the prince, that the kingdom still has a hope once the reigning king will die and the throne will be moved to a new king.
Other than that he barely sees them he barely sees any of the royal family members as they seem to enjoy resting in their beds soft as clouds Yoongi can only dream of the most for whole days.
Prince Jeongguk is the one who he sees the least during the fleeting days of spring. The youngest prince seems to be always busy; not only with the countless meetings he has to attend as a prince, but also with anything he does almost every afternoon.
He gets a glimpse of him a few times riding on a black horse somewhere out of the castle. He cannot help but wonder where the prince might be going, where he spends his long afternoons all alone.
Even such a short encounter with the prince has left something inside of him, a seed of something he cannot exactly pin-point yet. Something that he wants to find out more, to understand who really the youngest prince is and whether he deserves his hatred or admiration.
………..
It's already late, the night crawling into the castle through big windows with the Moon hanging high up in the sky, full round, glowing softly under the light of a hidden Sun and thousands of stars that surround it, painting the black sky with shining constellations, when Yoongi rushes down the corridor towards the queen's quarters, the sound of his hurried footsteps resonating between the high, stone walls.
He has his hands full with all kinds of bath preparations and cosmetics - ones that will help to make the most amazing bath for the queen - with the most beautiful fragrant oils and the softest bath salts to make her skin all soft and delicate. He almost doesn't see around himself as he hurries through the sometimes narrow, sometimes wide corridors of the palace to the west wing where the main quarters are.
He meets a few royal guards on his way, standing by the wall with a pike in hand and a sword by their hip, but they don't even blink when they see him.
He would expect them to stand by the door to each of the royal's bedrooms but he has heard that they were moved to stand only at the entrance to the east wing to protect the privacy of the royal family. He wonders whether it was an order from the queen because of her few… escapades.
The antique standing clock, craved from the darkest and dearest wood, starts beating 9 in the night, diving the whole hall in the deep and loud *Ding Dong, Ding Dong* that bounces off the walls, the sound flying into other places of the castle as well.
Yoongi squints his eyes, hating the sound that beats in his head louder than his own heart. He doesn't stop walking, trusting his other senses as well as his familiarity with the castle's corridors he's gained in the past weeks. He rounds a corner, already so close to the queen's quarters when he bumps into a hard body, dropping all the bathing equipment he is holding onto the stone floor.
There is a soft, shocked gasp of surprise from the other person and Yoongi widens his eyes when he recognizes the voice right away
“Oh my God, I am so sorry, Your Highness” he rushes out apologies when his eyes meet prince Jeongguk's surprised ones. “I should have paid more attention to where I am going. I am truly sorry.”
He has half a mind to fall on his knees to beg for forgiveness as his father told him to do if he’s ever made some mistake but his pride doesn't allow him to do so - doesn't allow him to do something that would only prove the abysmal difference between him and the royal family.
“No, please, don't apologize” Jeongguk stops Yoongi's babbling, calm and kind as if nothing has happened. “I should have been the one paying better attention to where I am going. You’ve had a lot of things in your arms, you couldn't see me. I was just walking like this with my head in the clouds so it was my fault.”
Yoongi looks up at the prince, searching his face for any sign that would show dishonesty or any side intentions covered by his kindness- yet he finds not even the slightest trace. Jeongguk's face is decorated only in kindness and honesty reflecting in his eyes, so similar to the night at the ball.
Yoongi can vividly imagine how it would be if he ever bumped into any of the two older princes instead; raised voices and insulting words, maybe even threats of banishment and execution if they were on their bad days.
“Thank you, Your Highness, but please, don't blame yourself for that. I am always the one who should be more careful ”he bows deeply, then drops down to his knees to start collecting all the things that dropped and scattered all around the corridor floor.
“Let me help you” a soft thud follows as the prince drops down on his knees next to him as well, his own hands reaching out to help Yoongi with picking all the bathing supplies.
“You don't have to help me” Yoongi croaks out, feeling his fear rise as he realizes just how bad it might look to some guard if they were to spot them now - seeing Jeongguk, the prince, kneeling on the dirty floor, helping out a servant who is supposed to do all the dirty things only by himself.
“It's okay, Yoongi. You dropped it all because of me so it's only fair if I help you.”
His name falling out of the prince's lips is something that makes Yoongi's hands freeze just above the floor.
“You… remember my name?” he asks in a shaky voice, raising his eyes up to meet Jeongguk's.
“Yes, I do. Is that a surprise for you?” Jeongguk tilts his head in confusion, knitting his eyebrows together
“A bit, yes” Yoongi mumbles quietly, barely audible. He didn't let himself think for even a moment that some of the royals or even the older servants would remember his name - still viewed just as a scum of the castle, Yoongi's name wasn't that important.
He doesn't say anything else now; pretends to focus only on the supplies on the floor, trying not to mind all those thoughts flying in his mind.
It's when the basket he was carrying before is finally full again when he remembers his original purpose
“Apologies, Your Highness, but I have to go now” he stands up from the floor, his hands once again full with all the bathing supplies to prepare a luxury bath for the queen. “The queen is awaiting me in her quarters by now so I should be going. Thank you for your help”
“Of course” Jeongguk bows his head gently, letting the golden crown fall a bit forward on his blond locks that have fallen to his eyes. “I was glad to help” he has a soft smile playing on his lips, yet Yoongi still feels unsure under his gaze.
“Goodnight, Your Highness” he bows then, quickly turning around before hurrying into the queens quarters with a deep blush of embarrassment still decorating his cheeks.
…..
It's late afternoon when he visits the stables, arms carrying boxes full of horse food. He truly doesn’t envy the hostlers - those boxes might not look like it but they are so heavy that his whole body hurts from carrying them. He puts the boxes down by the wall with a loud grunt; his arms feel a bit boneless now after being finally free from all the weight again. He truly wouldn't mind if this wasn't one of his tasks.
Just when he is about to leave he notices someone standing by one of the stalls. Blond, fluffy hair shining like a halo in the dark stables, golden crown resting on top of them - grooming a beautiful, black horse.
He does it with so much ease and care - definitely not for the first time. Yoongi watches the way Jeongguk gently grooms the horse's cheeks and snout while his other hand pets the horse's ears. Jeongguk is smiling, mumbling something to the horse which Yoongi can guess are some comforting words to make the horse calm. Yoongi's presence seems unnoticed by the young prince so he takes his time to truly look at him. Jeongguk has soft features; an adorable button nose that from this angle seems a bit big for his face, small upper lip and a plush bottom one as well as tiny birthmarks embroidered on his cheek and under his bottom lip.
His eyes are big and doe, irises colored such a deep brown color that Yoongi is worried that he might get lost in them. Despite looking soft, his jawline is sharp and defined, only adding to his attractiveness.
He is dressed in more casual clothes this time, lacking the luxury and extravagance of his event suit but Yoongi finds those clothes more fitting, more beautiful.
He probably stands there a bit too long because then the prince turns around as if sensing the presence of someone else behind him.
“Hello, Yoongi'' Jeongguk smiles in greeting and Yoongi thinks that it must be his default state - looking as the kindest and sweetest soul ever. “You can come in.” he calls, not stopping with stroking his horse's snout for even a second.
“Good afternoon, my prince” Yoongi bows as he steps forward, further into the dim stables. The smell hits him more now, the unmistakable smell of horses and hay - it can be a bit smelly to someone but he likes it; something about it reminds him about his past home where he cared for horses almost every day. The light inside is dim, the building illuminated only by the small golden sunbeams peeking inside through the cracks of the wooden boards.
“I am sorry for standing there when you have clearly thought that you are alone”
“You don't have to apologize'' Jeongguk shakes his head as if it's not that big of a deal. “I don't mind the company” the prince faces him with a smile once Yoongi comes close enough, standing close to the prince but still letting a respectable distance between them. Jeongguk is bigger than him; both in height and built, so he has to raise his head a bit to look him into his eyes. His eyes are big and kind, seemingly shining the same way they did back at the ball; with wonder and sweet curiosity mirroring inside of them, yet they still feel so intense staring into Yoongi's own. Only now Yoongi notices the scar decorating the prince's left cheek - small and probably long healed, yet forever inked in Jeongguk's skin.
He averts his eyes after a few seconds, feeling so small under Jeongguk's gaze.
“Is he yours?” he asks instead, gazing back at the beautiful horse who is happily munching on some hay he has in a wood feeder. He looks really majestic; his fur is such a deep carbon black color, darker than the darkest night could ever be. He has a white spot right between his eyes - two prettiests glass marbles - surrounded by a few smaller ones, together creating a pearl diadem, partially hidden by the long black hair, curly at the roots on his forehead and nape.
“His name is Shadow” Jeongguk says softly, voice clouded with fondness. He turns to Yoongi, his two front teeth that somehow remind of bunny's ones peeking out of his lips as he smiles cheekily “You know… dark as the night itself but he is always there with me when the Sun shines, bringing happy moments to me” his smile changes into a bashful grin, then into a fit of giggles as he averts his eyes from Yoongi's once again “I know it's silly, but it kind of fits him”
Yoongi breaks into a smile as well; it does sound a bit silly but there is something poetic about it too - something really beautiful. And maybe it's because Jeongguk looks so bashful because of his comment that Yoongi cannot just be quiet.
“You have a poetic way with words, my prince” he hums under his breath, eyes fitting back to the stallion - Shadow - who has probably caught Yoongi's scent and has become curious too, sniffing the air and trying to get closer to him “I also think that it fits him“
“You only say that because I am the prince and you want to please me” There is a hint of teasing in his voice as Jeongguk quirks an eyebrow.
“No, I honestly think so,” Yoongi assures “he is really beautiful,” he adds as an afterthought, the praise slipping so easily from his tongue.
“He is right?” Jeongguk agrees, his smile turning into a happy grin once again at the praise - he must be really fond of Shadow.
He reaches to pet the stallion once again, fingers caressing the ebony fur and Shadow neighs in content at another wave of affection from his prince.
Yoongi's eyes land on Jeongguk's veiny hand caressing Shadow's head with soft, yet firm strokes, aiming to bring his horse as much enjoyment as possible. His fingers are long and slim - much like Yoongi's own ones - this time free from his big gold rings he had on the big event a few weeks ago. There are a few light scrapes and wounds on the back of his hand - he must be quite an adventurer; he wouldn't get his hands scraped like that only lounging around the castle.
“Do you want to pet him, too?” Jeongguk's voice breaks Yoongi from his thoughts.
Yoongi nods as he reaches his hand up to pet Shadow's snout. He hesitates when the horse snorts, hand stopping mid air but with Jeongguk's soft reassurance “It's okay, he won't hurt you” he finally places his hand on Shadow's head.
His fur is a bit rough under his palm but his hair is soft; long, silky strands slipping between Yoongi's fingers. Shadow looks unbothered that someone new is scratching his head as he returns to his food, flicking his ear once in a while when he finds some particularly yummy piece in his hay.
"Wow, I am hurt." Yoongi plays hurt but he lets a bark of laughter escape "picking food over petting from me, huh?"
“That's what he always does” Jeongguk scrunches his nose playfully “Sometimes I think that he likes food more than me even though I am the one who always gives it to him” he speaks in a pout but the corners of his mouth are twitching up ever so slightly.
“I wouldn't worry about that” Yoongi turns to face the prince “It seems like you are pampering him so he obviously loves you a lot.“
"Yeah, I guess I do" Jeongguk grins "I always bring him some yummy apple or carrot as well as to the other horses. They always look so happy afterwards."
Yoongi tilts his head to the side. “You and your brothers care for your horses yourselves?”
“Hmm, not really” Jeongguk hums as he takes the brush and starts grooming Shadow once again. “My brothers don't really care for their horses. They never really particularly cared about them so I guess it's only logical that they don't come here to take care of them.”
Jeongguk continues with a slight frown on his forehead.
“I take care of Shadow by myself though the hustler helps me a lot. There are things that I cannot really do myself such as cleaning the horseshoes as well as changing them. They require professionalism and I don't have that.”
Yoongi watches the prince as he walks over to the other side of the stables to grab one of the boxes Yoongi brought earlier. He lifts it into his arms with ease, the struggle to hold it up like Yoongi has had nowhere to be seen. He moves with grace and elegance, holding his body straight - something he has learned from the years of attitude training.
“I do the small things, like grooming him or feeding him. It's not much but I think that matters too” he shrugs “Anyway, what has brought you in here, Yoongi?” Jeongguk faces Yoongi with a smile again, a pair of chestnut brown irises locking with Yoongi's own, deep and wondering.
“I just brought some boxes with horse food, Your Highness. It's one of my tasks here.”
“You certainly do a lot of tasks, Yoongi.” Jeongguk hums thoughtfully “What else do you do around here?“
Yoongi gets taken aback by the question; none of the other members of the royal family or other nobles by any matters have ever asked him that, not caring about it in the first place.
“Umm, I mosty clean around the castle with other servants. Help prepare food and take care of your family. Mostly for your mother if she doesn't have her main maid at hand.“
“You must be really talented then,” Jeongguk thinks out loud, his lighthearted gaze set on Yoongi.
“No, I don't think so,” Yoongi shakes his head basfully, never really good with handling compliments “It's what I am supposed to be doing as part of my job.“
“You are still doing well” Jeongguk's eyes twinkle with another compliment, obviously finding it amusing just how they seem to have an obvious effect on Yoongi “Oh! I would almost forget! I wanted to thank you again for what you did at the ball” He is still smiling, though now his smile has changed into a serious one, maybe a bit shy instead of his typical happy, and Yoongi dares to say, a bratty smile.
“I did nothing, Your Highness. I was just —”
Jeongguk raises his hand, stopping Yoongi mid-sentence. “No really, I mean it. You were very kind to do that, to actually care about what I have wanted. You served as a nice distraction from all the fake decorum around me.”
“Then I am glad that I could be of service, my prince” Yoongi bows politely in an answer
Just then a loud shout of "Yoongi!" reaches them from outside of the stables. Yoongi whips his head around to see the source of the shout of his name. “I am sorry, Your Highness, but I have to go” he apologizes once he notices the older maid who always assigns him tasks to do as they are requested from the royal family.
“Of course, you have duties waiting for you. It was nice talking to you, Yoongi.” Jeongguk sends him one last smile before Yoongi bows deeply and exits the stable, hurrying after the woman who is almost by the castle now, still looking around herself and shouting his name.
…….