[Jaeta's perspective]
Those are my last words for you, Youngjin.
I couldn't feel anything, my emotions struck me deeply..
Was i worried?
Was i sad?
Was i possessive and want him all to myself?
Well, I don't know about that. What i know right now is that i need to bring Youngjin to his bedroom for him to continue sleeping there.
[Jaeta gently scooped Youngjin up in his arms.]
Why is he so damn light weighed..
I know he's slim and stuff but i never expected him to be this light weighed.
_______
Jaeta starts walking further into the hallways of the palace before reaching my bedroom.
With a soft click—My bedroom door had been open.
"He likes sleeping in the dark, especially the moonlight shining through."
Jaeta thought to himself, as he smiled soflty.
"I know alot about you, Your highness. You just can't hear my murmurs because you're asleep.."
Jaeta's eyes widen.. his expression turning sheepish, Realizing he said something so stupid..
"Ah-I've always known alot about him.. It's been years.."
[Pause..]
"Why'd i even bother to say thag i know alot about you, Your highness.."
"Sleep well."
With that, Jaeta placed Youngjin softly on his bed, and tucked the covers over him.
Jaeta made Youngjin sleep in a comfortable position that will make Youngjin asleep for awhile, until sunrise.
And with that.. Jaeta gently closed the door behind him.
"I don't know what you've done to me, Youngjin."
Jaeta murmurs before heading back to his own bedroom in the palace.
[The next morning.]
"Ugh.. tch what happened last night.. hnn.."
Youngjin stirred the soft scent of his bed. For a moment, he forgot where he was.
until he realized his head was resting against something soft yet very warm..
"Mhp? don't tell me i'm on a kid's plushie right now."
It felt a little too warm.. This was the exact feeling when i was a kid too.
I snuggled closer with the pillow realizing it was a cat type pillow.. But didn't really mind it.
I think it's about time i get up and get ready..
i was about to get up, as i yawn.. my vision still not that clear but.. I saw Jaeta..
What was he doing in my room now.
"Finally awake, Your Highness?"
Jaeta was sitting in a chair by the window. leaving him in a simple white linen tunic.
He looked domestic..
Almost vulnerable, In the early light.
The playful smirk was back, but his eyes held a lingering softness that made Youngjin's heart skip an uncharacteristic beat.
"I... you didn't wake me,"
I stammered out, smoothing out my own rumpled silks..
Come on i just woke up and i encounter him.
"You should kick me out of your room is you're so annoyed hm?"
That's when i snapped.. What was this isiot talking about?!
Talking to his royal Prince like that—I
Ugh whatever.
"The King is busy with the council, and I am busy protecting you,"
Jaeta said simply, as i just watched him sit by the window..
"I just woke up, Jaeta—"
"Still, Your highness.. do you not want me protecting you?"
Jaeta interrupted, standing up and stretching.
The fabric of his shirt pulled taut against his shoulders.
What the hell?!..
This was a sight i quickly looked away from.
"Besides, you looked like a kitten. I didn't have the heart to disturb your peace over a few worms."
Seriously.. Out of everything he could bring up, he chose to bring up the worms.
THE WORMS, WHY?!..
[Silence..]
"Don't start with the worms again,"
Youngjin huffed, though the throb in his head had completely vanished.
I felt lighter than i had in weeks.
It was better than feeling weighed down, Atleast.
I'm getting out of this room.. I need my breakfast.
I stood up without a word and then didn't face back at Jaeta.
Youngjin stopped at the door.
He turned to look at Jaeta who was already reaching for his sword belt.
That's when i realize.. something.
I had to stop my tracks for now.
Well.. i couldn't leave without a little thanks, despite how much i hate his playful actions.
"Jaeta?"
I didn't know calling out his name would be in my daily life like this.
"Yes, Prince?"
"Thank you. For... the massage. And for not letting me hit my head into a wall."
Youngjin laughed softly..
Why do i keep changing topics and keep on..
Being dumb with my words?
I think it's just that, I'm playful too.
"Hm? for not letting you bump your head into a wall?"
Jaeta paused, his hand hovering over the hilt of his blade.
Jaeta didn't look up, but his voice was low and steady.
"I told you, Your Highness. It's my job. But don't make it a habit of getting sick over bird diets. I have a reputation to uphold."
Seriously.. Qwit got me into this mess ugh.
But i'll always love my little Qwit.
Well.. I couldn't help but roll my eyes and..
Let myself slip right out into the hallway, My footsteps light.
I didn't see the way Jaeta finally looked up, watching the door with a gaze that was far too heavy for a simple guard.
"Morning Prince Youngjin.."
"Morning."
"Prince Youngjin, Take a seat!"
"Thank you."
I made my way through the day until the afternoon..
Surviving as a prince getting greeted constantly was just..
Pissing me off the moment.
[A few hours pass..]
Shadows in the Garden later that afternoon,
I was bored, so i went and sat in the Royal Gardens.
Qwit perched on my shoulder.
Qwit chirped happily, Pecking at a small dish of fruit..
Not worms..?
Which i just had discovered some birds actually preferred.
"See, Qwit? We're both learning,"
I whispered softly to my stupid yet favorite bird as if he would understand anything..
My peace was broken by the sound of heavy boots on gravel.
Seriously? when will i ever get peace.
It wasn't the rhythmic, Familar stride of Jaeta. It was stiff, Formal.
I was confused at first before looking up.
The moment i looked up, I saw a messenger in the colors of the Northern Kingdom of Sora.
"Prince Youngjin Zuyn,"
The messenger bowed low.
"I bring a scroll from King Sora. He wishes to discuss a potential union between our kingdoms. Princess Mina is said to be arriving within the fortnight."
No.. no.
This can't be..
NO.. NO.. NO.
NOT A PRINCESS.
At that moment i felt a cold shiver run down my spine. A union. A Princess.
I hated being straight and nobody knew that. I was always seen straight.
I can't—No..
No, No, No, No.
I'm being forced into this.. Just because i'm the, Prince..?
This is.. just great timing. I thought the person coming was Jaeta.
But then what i saw was unexpected, I froze in fear..
From the shadows of the stone archway
Jaeta Yoon stood perfectly still.
His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword until his knuckles turned white.
He had known this day would come—the day the world would try to take the Prince away from the quiet sanctuary of their bickering and massages.
I kept looking and looking for one specific person..
I ran through the crowds down the place.
Everywhere everyplace in the palace that i can go.
I reached the archway, My expression in fear.
Now that i looked toward the archway, My eyes searching for Jaeta's.
When i've found him, i didn't see the teasing guard..
He saw a man standing on the edge of a precipice.
"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" Jaeta called out, his voice a mask of professional calm.
That's the moment where i froze..
it felt like i wantes to disappear and never show up to meet this Princess.
Youngjin clutched the scroll, his fingers trembling.
"Everything is fine, Jaeta. Just... duty calling."
But as I walked back toward the palace..
I couldn't help but feel that the headache was coming back.
And this time, it wasn't because of the birds.