Chapter Eight

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Saturday, The Basement, 1 am, Jaehwan's POV:

- This was fucking absurd! All of this felt like a crazy dream and you just hadn't woken up yet! Jackson could NOT be Hyoggi's spy! How was that even remotely possible?!

- Jackson was Namjoon's childhood friend and his most loyal and trusted guard! If he was a spy, then literally anyone could be! For all you knew, Jaebum and Ravi were spies as well! You couldn't trust anyone!

- You and Hyuk were following Jackson down the basement hallway in the dark, and it took absolutely everything you had not to start shouting at him. After a few minutes, he stopped in front of your old office and used a spare key to open the door! Where the hell did Jackson get a key to your office?!

- The three of you quietly walked in, and Jackson pressed a panel in the back-wall of the office, opening a hidden door! "Where the fuck did that come from?!" you hissed, but Hyoggisqueezed your hand, and Jackson put a finger to his lips before slipping into the newly revealed passageway.

- After walking along the twists and turns for about 10 minutes, Jackson put a hand out to stop you, and then pulled a ladder down from the ceiling. He climbed up and pushed a grate out of the way, and you could see the night sky as you followed after him.

- Hyoggiwas right behind you, and he wrapped his arms around you as soon as the three of you were standing in open air. The passage had brought you out about a half-mile down the road from the castle. "Go ahead," Hyuk said softly, and you lost control of your temper.

- "You're Namjoon's best friend! He's your fucking king! How could you spy on him, you stupid fucking snitch!? What could my lord have possibly offered you to make you flip on someone you've known since you were a kid?!" you shouted, barely pausing for breath before continuing.

- "I fucking trusted you, you lying piece of shit! I left you alone with Jin! Even worse, I left you alone with Yoonsun! How long have you been a traitor?! And did you know about Suho? What other shitty things have you done behind our backs?!"

- Hyuk was chuckling quietly, and Jackson didn't look at all put off by your shouting! The world must have been turned upside down, because nothing was making sense!

- "Hey, don't be so high and mighty! You're on my lord's side too," Jackson replied, not answering your questions and sounding remarkably calm as he grinned at you. "That's not even remotely the same thing!" you snapped.

- "My lovely boy is right, he's never actually given me any information on Jin or Namjoon," Hyoggisaid softly, and Jackson's grin changed to a look of incredulity. "What?! Even I thought he was a traitor!" Jackson exclaimed, but you were having none of that from him of ALL people!

- "Don't even start with me Jackson, I can't fucking believe you! I would die for my lord, but I'm still loyal to my friends! Even if they hate me now!" you shouted. Hyoggihugged you tightly, still chuckling as he said, "That's one of the things I love most about you, kitten, you're so loyal."

- Your angry, shallow breathing from a moment ago caught in your throat. Hyoggisaid he loved something about you... but this was neither the time nor place to have an emotional meltdown!

- "Let's get the fuck out of here, I've had enough surprises for one night," you said quietly, turning in Hyuk's arms and resting your head on his shoulder.

Time skip: The Dining Room, 9 am, Yoongi's POV:

- After Jaehwan's temper tantrum yesterday, he and his lord had never come to dinner or joined the rest of you in the parlor like usual. You weren't surprised by that, why would they want to after whatever Joon had done to piss Jaehwan off?

- All of you were now sitting at the breakfast table. Tae had come home late yesterday and was between you and Jungkook. At least having everyone sit in their normal spots again made you feel a bit more comfortable.

- "They're gone!" Ravi shouted, running into the dining room and skidding to a dead stop in front of Joon.

- "Most of their stuff is still here, but things are definitely missing, and they aren't in the guestroom or Jaehwanie's bedroom, I just checked. And my motorbike is also missing, so I'm fairly certain they stole it," he added as he caught his breath.

- "God damn it!" Namjoon hissed angrily, smacking the table with his fist and standing up. "I don't understand how they got out! I had extra patrols around all night since you told me to leave them alone, but nobody saw anything! And bikes are loud! How did nobody hear them?" Ravi exclaimed.

- The wheels in your head had started to turn. How they got out was an important question, but not the most important. Why would they have left? Hyuk was adamant that he and Jaehwan needed to stay here, so taking off in the middle of the night made no sense.

- "Alright, that's it. What the fuck did you do yesterday?" you asked, giving Namjoon your most appraising stare. He clenched his jaw and didn't answer, so you looked around the table before continuing.

- "Whatever it was, it clearly gave Hyuk the impression they were in enough danger that leaving would be better than staying. They have stuck around despite all the stupid fights and nasty shit that happened so far, which is honestly admirable! What could you possibly have done that was worse than all that?!"

- "For the thousandth fucking time, I didn't do anything! I just kept trying to ask what was wrong, and then suggested that maybe acting like his old self would help him feel more normal, and then he punched me! That's it!" Namjoon hissed, bracing his hands on the dining table and glaring at you.

- "I already admitted that picking a fight with that crazy bitch was wrong, and I apologized for it, but I was actually trying to be helpful yesterday," he continued. Your king looked livid, and you were suddenly reminded of the terrifying rumors you heard about him before he and Jinnie got married.

- Speaking of which, you noticed your cousin had given Yoonsun to Jackson and quietly ordered them both out of the dining room. He now had a hand over Namjoon's and was looking worriedly at his husband.

- "Actually, I'm glad they're gone. Neither of them was telling us anything useful, and I'm tired of putting up with their nonsense. Now we can focus on the war, that's what really matters," Namjoon finished, dropping back onto his chair with a huff.

- "Darling, I'm worried about Kenju," Jin started to say, but Namjoon smacked the table again and snapped, "Enough! Stop fucking worrying about him! He's a grown up, and he can make his own god damn choices! It's not up to you to keep him safe!"

Monday, Your Carriage, The Border, 6 pm, Baekhyun's POV:

- Your messaging session with Hyukkie on Saturday had been very strange. As soon as you had gotten back from the funeral, Hunnie had gone straight to his room, saying that he wanted to be alone and not to disturb him unless Namjoon was dead. You had been in your office by yourself when your pager had begun vibrating.

- The first message had been to say that Hyuk was finished messing with Namjoon, and that it was no longer safe for them to stay at the 'little castle'. What a stupid name. You had asked for an explanation, but he wouldn't give you one, saying that he didn't actually have a concrete reason.

- All he knew was that Namjoon was becoming unhelpfully unstable, and it was causing both harm to his pet, and an increase in disobedience from same. You knew trying to convince him to stay wouldn't work, so you offered the help of your agents to get them out.

- Hyukkie had refused, saying he preferred to use his own people, but that he would appreciate a ride home. He didn't tell you who his people were when you asked, but you had agreed to pick him up near an abandoned cabin on the border.

- You were now reading in your carriage, wrapped in a warm jacket and wondering how the hell you had become another lords chauffeur. They weren't supposed to meet you here for half an hour, but Hunnie still wouldn't come out of his room, so you had left early. You didn't have anything else to do.

- The speed at which Hyukkie replied to your messages gave you the impression that he was going to bail on the plan whether you picked him up or not. What could have happened to make him hit the proverbial panic button so suddenly?

- You heard faint footsteps outside and pulled out a knife on instinct. Hyukkie was probably just early, but you weren't taking any chances.

- There was a soft knock on the carriage door, and then Hyuk pulled it open and hopped inside, shutting it behind him and silently sitting opposite you. "You're early," you said, narrowing your eyes and putting your knife away as you set your book down beside you. Hyukkie grinned and replied, "So are you."

- "Where's your pet? And will you tell me what I'm doing picking you up in the middle of the damn woods?" you asked, crossing your legs and leaning against the carriage wall. "He's just outside, but I have some things we need to discuss privately," Hyukkie replied softly, still grinning but his eyes growing cold.

- You stilled instantly, wishing you hadn't put your knife away. You had seen Hyuk speak to people in that way and in that exact tone before, and it almost never ended well.

- Also, you just now realized none of your soldiers had alerted you to his approach. Six had accompanied you, but Hyuk had walked right up to the carriage and opened the door! That wasn't normal!

- "Where are my soldiers?" you asked evenly, not letting a drop of panic show on your face as you slowly reached for your knife again.

- "Dead. And don't try it, or I'll kill you without bothering to talk to you first," Hyuk replied in a bored voice, sliding out his steel stiletto dagger and pointing it lazily at you.

- You froze again, knowing he could have that dagger through your heart before you moved an inch. "Just out of curiosity, why did you kill them? And why are you threatening me? We're friends, or really shitty acquaintances, at least," you said, keeping your voice even.

- Whatever instinctive fear you had felt a moment ago was starting to be replaced by anger, and it was fantastic. Your anger was like an impenetrable shield, nothing could touch you now.

- "Because, I needed to even the playing field. Now, there is a little regime change going on at home. As my really shitty acquaintance, I would just love for you to stick around. But if you would rather die with your master, I completely understand," Hyuk replied, tilting his head back against the carriage wall and looking down at you through his lashes.

- You stared at him, completely dumbfounded. "What? What do you mean, a regime change?" you asked blankly.

- Hyukkie chuckled softly, the sound making you shiver against your will, and he said, "My dumbass brother is no longer fit to be king. You must know that, you aren't stupid. And since you aren't stupid, I'm perfectly happy to let you continue being your chaotic self and lead my army. If, that is, you don't prefer to die with Sehun instead. If you do choose that option, you can be replaced."

- "Back up about 10 steps," you snapped, and Hyuk raised his eyebrows as you exclaimed, "Since when are you Hunnie's brother?! You're one of the only nobles here that he's not related to!"

- "Ah, about that. His dad, the king, had an affair with my mom. You didn't know my parents, but I look nothing like my dad, and my mom went literally crazy after the king ended things with her. She killed herself when I was two, but I found their private love letters and things when I was 14. Mom saved them under a floorboard in our castle, the king was the one who chose my name."

- You honestly had no clue what to say, and not feeling in the like dying this very moment, you kept silent. "So, I'm Sehun's half-brother, and next in line for his throne, not Seunghyun, even though I'm technically illegitimate. My mother was a princess and married bellow her station by choice, so I actually have more royal blood than Sehun. Why do you think Sehun and I were practically raised together?"

- Hyukkie paused for a moment giving you his x-ray stare and then said coolly, "It's up to you whether you want to continue leading my army or die with Sehun, I know you're fond of him, so I'm allowing you to choose."

- You were fond of Hunnie, more than fond, but the possibility of his assassination had always been in the back of your mind, and you prided yourself on being someone who could roll with the proverbial punches.

- "So, you think that Hunnie is just going to surrender his throne to you? You know that's not going to happen. And what are you going to do with your pet, kill him too?" you asked, tilting your head sideways and meeting his gaze as you spoke. You hadn't given Hyuk an answer but hoped for a little more time to think.

- "Oh, my brother doesn't pose a threat. His health has declined to the point where I'm sure even you could kill him if you wanted, and I could have dealt with him before he lost his mind," Hyukkie replied easily.

- Thinly veiled insult to your fighting skills aside, he was right. Hunnie had lost even more weight, and he was so jumpy that he could barely focus on anything for more than 5 minutes. Jinyoung's murder hadn't helped.

- "As for my one and only, I will not be killing him. And if you decide not to die a pointless and wasteful death, you will never lay a finger on my prince-consort again," Hyukkie continued. His tone had grown very serious, but you didn't know who he was talking about.

- "What prince-consort? What are you talking about, Hyukkie?" you asked in complete confusion. "My lovely boy, my Jaehwanie. I'm going to marry him and make him my prince-consort, obviously," he replied impatiently, and you could not stop your mouth from falling open.

- "I think insanity must run in the family! He's a commoner! And an asshole!" you exclaimed, momentarily forgetting about the dagger in Hyuk's hand, until he pushed you back against the carriage wall and had the blade to your throat.

- "Enough stalling, I have shit to do. Make your choice, die with Sehun or live and lead my army," Hyukkie hissed in a low voice. Your shield of anger was still in place, and you stayed silent but flashed him your meanest smile.

- "He never loved you, you know. Only Jin. And if you choose to stay alive, I'll let you be the one to send that irritating goodie-goodie to hell where he belongs," Hyukkie whispered.

- He still had his dagger against your neck, and he was grinning maliciously as your own smile dropped away. You knew he was right. Hunnie had only ever really loved one person. And nothing would bring you greater satisfaction than killing King Seokjin yourself.

- "Swear. Swear on something that matters that I get to be the one to do it," you replied quietly, narrowing your eyes at your friend and watching him closely.

- "My life," he replied, and then chuckled softly when you snapped, "I said something that matters."

- "Lovely boy, come here," Hyuk called, turning his head a little towards the door, but never taking his eyes off you. A few moments passed, and then carriage door opened again. Jaehwan climbed up, looking nervous, travel-stained, and a little nauseous.

- "Him. I swear on him," Hyuk said coolly, and you looked back at his face. Your friend was staring at you with such intensity that you almost didn't notice him reach out his weapon-free hand for Jaehwan. "That's not a promise I would break," he added, and you could tell he wasn't bluffing.

- "Alright, Your Majesty. I accept your offer to continue leading your army," you said slowly. It was the prudent decision, and your survival always came first. Hyukkie would be a very good king, and you knew addressing him like one would make him happy.

Time skip: Somewhere Dark, 10:30 pm, Yoongi's POV:

- You slowly opened your eyes and then blinked rapidly, trying to get your sight to adjust to the darkness.

- There wasn't a speck of light in this room, or at least, you guessed it was a room. Where else could it possibly be?

- The last thing you remembered was walking alone in the most remote part of the garden. You had shouted at Joon for the thousandth time today, but it had come to nothing, so you had wanted to be by yourself and do some thinking.

- You tried to move your hands but found that they were tied securely behind you. Your feet were the same story, bound at the ankles, but at least this gave you some information. You were on what felt like a wooden chair.

- Your head throbbed, your mouth was dry, and you cracked your neck as you began flexing one muscle at a time, trying to bring some feeling back to your extremities.

- "Good, you're finally awake," a familiar voice said, and you squinted through the darkness in disbelief.

- "Jackson? Where am I?" you said hoarsely, coughing a little when you finished speaking.

- The sound of footsteps behind you made you whip your head around, but you still couldn't see anything.

- "Where you are isn't important. What's important is that you're out of the way now," Jackson's voice said, and you could tell he was smiling.

- "What the fuck are you talking about? Unite me," you snapped, trying to sound as menacing as you could and not cough again.

- "Here, drink this," Jackson's voice said. He sounded like he was in front of you now, and you felt cool glass against your lips.

- You drank the water he tipped into your mouth, too thirsty to even attempt resisting. Jackson still hadn't untied you, what was going on?!

- "You were being too nosy. It was becoming too problematic for my lord, so you're down here now permanently," Jackson said evenly, but he still sounded happy.

- "What lord, what?" you exclaimed, but Jackson just laughed, ignoring your angry shouts as his footsteps retreated back into the darkness.

- Was Jackson a traitor?! That could NOT be possible. Your mind was racing, full of panicked thoughts about the safety of your nephew and cousins. And Jimin. His face consumed your thoughts, overwhelming you with worry.

- He had been gone for so long, you hadn't heard from him in days. Could Jackson have gotten to him?! Was he ok?!

Time skip: Tuesday, Your Study, 11 am, Namjoon's POV:

- You were sitting behind your desk, pretending to read a very long letter but not actually taking in a single word. The fact that you looked busy was what mattered.

- Jin was sitting across from you, Jaebum and Ravi standing behind him, and all three of them were staring at you. At least Yoongi wasn't here, one less member of Jaehwan's fan club for you to ignore.

- Everyone was furious with you for not caring that Hyuk and Jaehwan had disappeared. You actually cared a lot, but it's not like you could tell them! If you did, they would want to know why, and you had managed not to explain anything at all so far!

- Jinnie was tapping his fingernails on your desk the same way your mom did when she was annoyed, and

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