Mark awoken to a crash of thunder, the storm was still going. He tried to go back to sleep but it’s as if the storm refused to let him do so. Without any choice he laid awake, letting his mind drift. His mind immediately went to the royal wedding that will eventually happen and soon it changed to his own dreams of being wedded. 

At the age of 18, Mark was old enough to be married. In fact many of his friends within the village were already married, and some were engaged with weddings soon coming up. His parents were against the tradition of choosing a bride or groom for him and decided to let him chose for himself as his parents chose each other. 

Growing up he watched how in love his parents were and wished for himself to find that same kind of love. So many times Mark had walked around the village and had been hit on by others and he couldn’t help but wonder if they were the one to show that kind of love. But it never seemed so.

It wasn’t that Mark wanted to marry and he wasn’t afraid either, it’s just he was getting worried that he would never marry for love and would have to settle for being married for either his dowry (which wasn’t a lot) or for the children he would give birth to.

Mark realized that thinking so negatively would bring him down so he shaked those thought from his mind and tried to sleep again. However it seemed impossible with the sudden banging; at first he was unsure if someone was actually banging on door or if it was just the rain pelting the roof of the house. After listening to it a couple of times he realized someone was actually knocking at the door. He grabbed a lantern and slippers and walked down the stairs, Yunho and Jia came out their bedroom with a candle in their hands.

“Who could that be at this time?” Jia asked, “And in this weather?”

Yunho walked and opened the front door, revealing a handsome man in noble clothing with a man laying on the horses back, “Please help me! My friend he fell off his horse and hurt himself!” Jaebum begged, pleading to the family.

Yunho immediately sprang into action, “Mark quickly fix up your room and tell Gyeomie to do the same for our guests then come back down to take the horses to the barn.” He ordered as he took Jinyoung, with help from Jaebum, off the horses back.

Mark ran upstairs and first went to Yugyeom room waking him up, “Hyung what’s going on?” He said sleepily while rubbing his eyes.

“A nobleman showed up at our door with his friend injured, the two will be staying in our rooms till he gets better.” Mark quickly explained, “Father said to fix our rooms for them.”

Yugyeom groggily did as Mark said moving things around to make his room look presentable. Once Yugyeom was done he went to Mark’s room, “What next, hyung?” He asked

“You can help me put away their horses in the barn” Mark suggested as he finished fixing his bed sheets. Just before he could go down the stairs, they saw Yunho and Jaebum carry the unconscious man up with Jia behind them with supplies to help aid them. 

They downstairs and once they opened the door they saw two horses still standing in the rain that was slowly lightening up. The brothers pulled their reigns to get them inside the barn. Thankfully the horses weren’t too wild and were actually obedient enough to allow Mark and Yugyeom remove the saddle. Yugyeom gave the two horses treats before walking out with Mark following.

“So what do you think those two noblemen are doing riding out in the storm like that?” Yugyeom asked

“Maybe they were going to castle and got caught in the storm” Mark guessed and they headed back to the house. One of the mystery nobleman was sitting at the family dinner eating soup and the two brother bowed to him.

“Hello, as I already said to your parents, I am sorry to awaken you and your family up at this time of night” the man said, “My name is Lord Im Jaebum and I, thank you for helping us” he said

“It’s quite alright, we are happy to help you Lord Jaebum” Mark bowed along with Yugyeom. 

“May we ask why you were out in the storm?” Yugyeom asked 

Jaebum sighed, “We were on our way to the castle and we thought we would at least make it to the village but the storm began sooner than we anticipated so we went faster but my friends horse stopped suddenly because it got stuck in the mud and he flew off his horse and got hurt. I hope he will be okay.”

“Your friend will be just fine” Yunho said coming back downstairs, “He has cut on his head but it doesn’t look too serious and he should awaken soon.” Jaebum released a breathe of relief from the good news, “Mark go upstairs and help your mother and for you, Lord Jaebum, I have some clothes for you to borrow so we can dry your own clothing.” Yunho said.

Mark walked upstairs to his room and saw the man was lying on his bed. He was dressed in a clean shirt and pair of pants that he realized belong to his father. The man’s wet, filthy clothes lay in a pile in the corner. Jia had started washing the wound on the man’s head, and he groaned quietly but didn’t wake up. 

She glanced up and, seeing Mark, motioned him over. “Here, wash away the blood and dirt as best you can. I’ll see what I can do with his clothes. Once he’s clean, bundle him up so he doesn’t catch a chill.” Jia said to him before leaving the room with the man’s clothes. 

Mark seated himself on his bed next to the stranger and took the damp cloth from the washbasin and wringing it out. He applied the cloth to the man’s forehead wiping the mud and marveled as he got a closer look at him. The man had a strong face with a broad brow and chiseled jaw. He memorized the lines of his face as he washed it. It took a while to remove the blood and dirt from his hair, but eventually he finished. When Mark was relieved to see that the cut, while long, was not deep to look to serious. 

Mark then bundle him up, wrapping the man in several thick warm blankets and, tucking them in around his body. As he finished, the man began to mutter, he leaned close but he couldn’t make out any of the words he was mumbling.

“How’s he doing?” Jaebum asked startling Mark and he mumbled an apology.

“He seems to be doing okay,” Mark said turning back to look unconscious man.

“Thank you for taking care of him” Jaebum smiled happy to see Jinyoung being taking care of.

“It’s no problem, I’m happy to help. But can I ask for his name? It would be bad if I were to speak to him without even knowing his name” Mark asked realizing he doesn’t know the name of the man in his bed.

“His name is Park Jinyoung” Jaebum replied

Mark eyes widened, “Park Jinyoung as Prince Jinyoung of the Caledonia royal family?” he gasped.

Jaebum nodded, “Yes, well good night.” And he left to go to Yugyeom room as if he didn’t release the biggest bombshell on Mark’s head. He must be tired.

Mark could only stare at the Prince as his mother came back in the room, “Did you clean him?” She asked

“Y-Yes. Mother did you know-?” Mark began

“Yes Lord Jaebum told us downstairs and never in my life have I ever seen your father and brother so shocked in their life.” Jia breathed

“Out of all the things I expected to come out of this storm, I would’ve never have guessed that a prince would show up” Mark muttered

“What was that Mark?” Jia asked him and Mark shook his head, “Alright then, go downstairs to the guest room to sleep with Yugyeom.

“No Mother it’s fine, besides you and Father will have to wake up soon. I’ll stay here and watch over the prince.” Mark replied, Jia asked him multiple times to see if it was okay but Mark assured her is was. Jia kissed her son head before leaving the room and closing the door behind her. Mark attention went back to the stranger but as the hour was waning he slowly drifted off into sleep. 

As the rooster crowed with the morning sun shining in sky leaving no trace of the storm that previously occurred, Jinyoung began to stir. After a minute his eyelids fluttered open and Jinyoung groaned as he began to wake up to find that his head was pounding fiercely. Mark quickly sat up hearing another person groaning and rubbed his face removing any trace of sleep. He looked at the prince as he began to fully awake up.

Jinyoung blinked a couple of times as he was dimly aware of being indoors and of lying on something that was only much softer than the ground he had landed on. He blinked again rapidly, trying to focus his vision. When everything grew clear, he saw the anxious face of a boy sitting by him. 

He was very beautiful and Jinyoung couldn’t take his eyes off of him. His skin was lightly tanned and his light brown hair seemed to look lighter as the sun touched it. Most amazing, though, was his smile because it completely genuine, and it lit up his face. He thought he heard the other boy whisper something along the lines of ‘Is it you?’ But he could wrong.

As Jinyoung stared back at the boy, and his eyes seemed to widen, “Who are you?” he asked, Jinyoung seemed more interested in that than in knowing where he was. 

“My name is Mark,” he answered simply, “Do you know who you are?” He asked

The question took him somewhat by surprise. “Prince Jinyoung, of course,” he said.

Mark laughed and Jinyoung smiled because of how it was a completely contrast to his deep voice, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I only ask this so I can be sure you retain majority of your memories.”

“Oh thank you for checking. Um, might I ask where I am and how I found myself in this room and where my friend is?” He asked as he started sitting up.

Mark nodded, “Your friend that you are asking about is Lord Jaebum?” He wondered and Jinyoung said yes, “He is here and currently sleeping in my brother room at the moment. He brought you here, in my family farmhouse, last night during the storm and told us you were thrown off your horse and hit your head. You have been unconscious since then and my family and I have been taking care of you.” He explained 

“Oh my goodness, thank you for taking care of us.” Jinyoung smiled showing his eye whiskers that made him much more younger than he appeared.

At that moment, Yunho came into the room with a bowl of soup in his hands, “Oh good morning, Your Highness” he bowed, “I am Yunho and I’m sure my son has introduced himself as well” he bowed and Jinyoung nodded, “ Did you slept well?” He asked 

“Yes I have and I want to thank you for welcoming us in your home” Jinyoung replied, nodding slightly to the older man. 

“It is no problem at all, Your Highness. I have sent to town for Mr. Jinwoon, he’s the village doctor and he should be here soon.” Yunho said to the prince

“You didn’t have to go through all that trouble” Jinyoung protested not wanting to seem like a burden.

“It’s truly no trouble at all Your Highness, but it’s best to have you and Lord Jaebum checked out to make sure everything is alright. You two were probably in the rain for a while.” Yunho assumed and Jinyoung realized it was probably best to check out. “My wife has made some soup, I hope you enjoy.” he bowed handing him the bowl.

The broth was hot and it felt heavenly sliding down Jinyoung throat. Although it wasn’t appetizing to look it, it tasted delicious, “This is a wonderful, send my compliments to your wife.” Jinyoung smiled

Yunho smiled, “Thank you Your Highness, I will. If you would please excuse me I have work to get started on. If you need anything you can ask my son for it.” he bowed before leaving the room.

Once Jinyoung finished eating, Mark took the bowl from him, “Would you like some more?” He asked

“No thank you, maybe later” Jinyoung replied

“Would you like me to get you anything?” Mark questioned unsure of what else to do.

Jinyoung thought for a moment, “Well I have been away from home for a long time. Could you please tell me any news?” He asked 

Mark clasped his hands together in his lap unsure of what to tell him, “What would you like to hear?” he asked. 

“Everything,” Jinyoung replied 

“Hmm well, the biggest news has been about your wedding.” 

“My what?” he asked, maybe he heard him wrong. 

“Your wedding. They say you will marry during the Festival.” Mark replied

Jinyoung groaned slightly, did his parents already chose his partner without him? “Do they say to whom?” 

“No, that seems to be the biggest mystery,” Mark answered, and then paused, hoping that the prince would enlighten him. He didn’t believe that the prince actually didn’t know who he was suppose to marry.

“At least they haven’t chosen anyone yet,” Jinyoung sighed. 

“They, Your Highness?” Mark questioned confused 

“My fathers.” Jinyoung simply answered

“So it’s true? You really don’t know you are suppose to marry?” Mark gasped and Jinyoung nodded. “But haven’t you been searching the world to find yourself a partner?” she asked inquisitively. 

Mark's boldness surprised him, no one would have dared to question him like this especially a mere farm boy. Jinyoung smiled slightly at that, it was quite refreshing being spoken to like that. 

“I have but the nobility I have met aren’t the ones I can imagine spending the rest of my life with.” Jinyoung sighed, “However, it is my parents’ choice as to whom I shall marry. I have been delivering my parents’ invitation to many kings and queen, inviting their children to my home. There my parents plan to test them, because they want to make sure my partner is someone worthy of being my partner and the next future ruler at my side, along with some other things I parent’s probably want as well.” 

“So, the rumors are true. There is a competition.” Mark marveled

“Yes, I guess you could call it that. I call it abominable.” Jinyoung grimaced

“You are a prince, though. Shouldn’t the choice of picking a partner be yours?” Mark wondered

Jinyoung laughed harshly at that. “My dear, it is because I am a prince that I can make fewer choices than you will have when the time comes. Normally princes and princesses marriage isn’t about love or companionship or even family. It is about kingdoms and treaties and wars and alliances. The only thing I can be grateful for is that they will be looking for my best interest in heart. ” 

“But Caledonia is a powerful country. We don’t need an alliance with another country.” Mark frowned

“Of course we do, other countries know how powerful we are. Some fear us, some admire us, but they’re all eager to be our friends. I heard that the King of Ixania will be sending his son here.” Jinyoung sighed

Mark gasped, “Why would your parents even consider an alliance with Ixania? They attacked our country in the last war, and we defeated them.” 

Jinyoung scoffed, “Yes, but that defeat was more than seventeen years ago. They have been rebuilding, and their army is getting larger and better equipped than ever.” 

“But Ixania are horrible people” Mark protested. 

“Yes my parents know that quite well. The neighboring kingdom that parent’s currently rule was once ruled by the royal family of Cordinia. They were my parents best friends and allies and they were assassinated by the King of Ixania.” Jinyoung sighed. This was news to Mark. His parents had mentioned that the King of Ixania did something horrible but he never imagine it was murder. “The entire royal family of Cordinia was murdered within an hour and the outrage against the massacre was what helped us win the war.” Jinyoung gave a sad smile, even though he wasn’t born, the stories his parents told about the royal family made him feel like he was close to them.

Mark frowned, “I hope you do not marry the Prince of Ixania, it would be a disgrace to us and those who had died.”

Jinyoung sighed, “It would ensure peace. If I marry someone else, there is the real possibility that we shall be at war with Ixania again in our lifetime. Of course, that’s true of at least half a dozen other kingdoms as well.” He groaned, “You know I think, rather than allowing me to choose a partner and risk angering some kingdom, my parents devised this ridiculous challenge to make the other kingdoms happy and believe it was all chosen fairly.” 

Mark shook his head. “Well, I wish you happiness with your future partner, whomever they may be.” 

“Thank you,” Jinyoung replied. His head had begun to pound, he laid back and closed his eyes falling asleep within moments. Mark kept a watchful eye on Jinyoung as he slept, Lord Jaebum came in the room moments later.

“Oh morning, have you been with him all this time?” Jaebum asked surprised to see Mark still with the prince.

Mark nodded, “Good morning and yes I have Lord Jaebum. He woke up not too long ago and ate some soup but fell back asleep.” He responded

“Oh at least he ate something before he went back to sleep.” Jaebum said looking at the young prince.

“May I ask you something?” Mark questioned and Jaebum nodded. “Is he truly unable to chose a partner for himself?” Jaebum frowned, wondering why would he be asking that, “It’s just that we were talking earlier about it and it just seems so odd that a prince is unable to chose someone for himself.”

Jaebum sighed, “Even though he has a higher status, he lives in a world where royalty have rigorous rules. The only reason his father’s are pushing for this wedding is because the longer the prince takes to chose a partner the more trouble it will bring for Caledonia. Everyone wants to be our ally and the best way is through marriage and since he’s at the age to be married all the other kingdoms are pairing up their child with him. However he is lucky that his father’s are much kinder and loving compared to other Kingdoms which is why this contest is even happening.” He explained

“Seems kinda unfair” Mark muttered but Jaebum heard him yet said nothing. He stared at Mark as he wondered something before he left the room. Mark didn’t notice Jaebum stares as he couldn’t help but pity the young prince. To have so much power and yet be so powerless must be a terrible life. It baffled him, and he prayed that his parents might choose a partner whom he could love.