THE RAVEN KING, yoonkook

chapter v: princess

Yoongi finds Jungkook in the palace courtyard, sitting at a bench in the shade. It's a hot summer day and the sun beats down, rays soaking everything in its warmth. As the magpie approaches, he notices that there's no guards around the king ― or, at least, there's none he can see. He assumes it's the latter, as it's unlikely the king would be left unguarded. Unless it's the former, to make it easier for Yoongi. But the assassin doubts it; he's not stupid.

As he reaches the boy king, Yoongi would like to think that Jungkook's expression visibly brightens. Before, the black haired male seemed a bit bored, kicking at the rocks that rest on the ground in front of him and dirtying the tips of his clean shoes with brown dust, but then he glances up and a smile spreads across his lips. Maybe it's just wishful thinking but, either way, the assassin finds himself smiling back. The boy's smile is contagious, like some infectious disease but more pleasant and much more desirable.

The king's outfit is casual and light, but still undoubtedly expensive (Yoongi assumes this is just one of the requirements of royal clothing). A thin, white shirt hangs from his body, with strings barely holding the v-shaped cut together at the collar. His pants also look thin but are as black as the wings hanging behind him and are probably still soaking in some heat. That probably explains the flush that rests across his nose and cheeks ― either that or his last date was really good.

"Sir Yoongi!" Jungkook cries happily, waving at the older male. He slides across the bench, patting the space he's just made, and Yoongi sits down beside him. There's a moment where neither says anything, only looks at each other ― the older feels awkward, the younger only smiles and gives nothing away. Then, Jungkook tries to break the silence, "So, how have you enjoyed your stay?"

"Comfortable. More comfortable than I've ever experienced. This place is really fancy too..." The older honestly responds, the positive reviews seeming to please the younger. The boy basically beams, happy Yoongi has enjoyed his stay. It brings the small curve of a smile to the older's own lips. "Once you told me no one's sneaking into my room, it got a lot nicer."

This time, the raven laughs. His hand instantly goes up to cover his bright set of teeth that are revealed as he chuckles at the assassin's comment. The brunette shakes his head, calming himself down a little.

"Y'know, you're the first person who's ever commented on that..."

"Could be a princess and the pea kind of thing then. I'm the only one who noticed so clearly I'm the person who you're meant to marry."

"Are you saying you're a princess?" Jungkook teases, mischief shining in his eyes. "Maybe Hoseok was right..."

"No, I just meant―" The fake-crow struggles to defend himself, wonders if it's even worth trying to defend him. The boy's clearly joking and enjoying himself ― maybe he should just roll with it. He sighs, letting a small smile take his lips, "Well, I guess, maybe... I mean, I've always thought I should be more than a knight. And I can get a bit finicky at times."

Jungkook is still laughing ― howling might even be a better description, really. He looks as though he's about to fall off the bench, holding his sides as his body shakes with the laughter. Clearly the raven is easily amused but, really, the older male isn't that surprised. The boy has been a king since he was young; he probably hasn't had a full chance to grow up, still maintaining some of the things that come with a young age (like these intense reactions to such tiny things, maybe). If it is true, Yoongi envies him.

"I'll have to keep that in mind then." Jungkook says when he can finally talk, still wheezing and struggling to catch his breath. His eyes are truly sparkling now and are crinkled with amusement, cheeks stretched with a wide smile and looking as though they must hurt. He looks happy, genuinely. Yoongi assumes this is a good sign, a win for him. He might only be here to kill the amused boy sitting beside him, but the assassin finds himself quite quickly getting invested in this competition for the king's hand. At the very least ― he tells himself, trying to justify this distraction ― he wants to beat that annoying peacock prince that seems hell bent on bothering him every moment he's not drooling over the king ten years his younger.

As they're chatting ― although really it's just Jungkook chattering about how much he hates the lessons he's forced to sit through and how he'll often escape by flying out the window ― a servant approaches. Yoongi notices the way the king's demeanour instantly changes and he begins to resemble the one that the assassin's heard so much about: cold, uncaring, and detached. The laughter lines that were etched across his face smooth out and he sits up straighter, more tense, almost taking a defensive stance.

"Your highness, I– I was sent to bring you lunch." It's hard to believe the boy Yoongi was talking to only moments before might be feared, but the way the servant interacts with him suggests he is. Maybe it's respect but the servant doesn't move his gaze from where it's glued to the dirt in front of him and his voice is quiet and hesitant. Everyone is tense, even Yoongi.

"Put it there." The black haired boy nods his head at the space in between the couple sitting. The servant gives a small nod and tentatively does as he's told, retreating in almost an instance. After bowing, he's gone and the pair are alone again. There's a second where the tension is still thick, but Jungkook softens it with a tired sigh. Suddenly Yoongi is exposed to another side of the younger as the boy slumps forward, rubbing now sleepy eyes and yawning slowly. He watches as the boy glances up at the back of the servant and it looks as though regret flashes in his eyes, but the older might just be seeing things.

"Want a sandwich? They're just salad." The king asks as he gestures down at what is probably a silver platter. Sandwiches cut into triangles are neatly arranged on it. Not realising how much he's wanted lunch til then, the assassin nods and takes a triangle. He bites into and he's quite sure he's never had a sandwich this good. Jungkook takes his own piece and nibbles at it; he pecks at the tip, before taking a much larger bite and filling his mouth.

"These are good." Yoongi says through a mouthful of bread and salad, getting a nod from the other male. Taking another, Jungkook fills his mouth and a smile begins to spread across his lips again. The mood seems to lighten and return to how it was before. However, this can't last long, because Yoongi's session is coming to an end and they can see the next suitor approaching hesitantly.

Stealing another sandwich ― which gets a chuckle from the boy ― Yoongi stands up and goes to leave. He waves at the King, who gives a wave back. The dark haired boy is clearly forcing his mouthful down his throat, so the older waits to see what he has to say.

"Bye, Princess Yoongi," He says and smiles widely this time. Unwillingly, Yoongi finds himself smiling back, a small chuckling escaping his lip, and shaking his head softly.

"Bye, King Jungkook."