*Jaejoong's POV*

The air in the Kingdom fell thick and damp as the country mourned for the death of their leader. All the shops closed (with the exception of a few essential ones that distributed food and necessities to the people). Every shop, home, and building had a lantern hung in front. The lanterns weren’t to ever go out until the end of the funeral. They were to remain lit for three days.

Despite the melancholy atmosphere, it was interesting learning the Fire Kingdom’s traditions for mourning death, especially that of a king. Kings were always buried three days after their death and the country went into mourning for 7 days after the burial. The three days, according to Junsu, were spent to express sorrow and sadness and the 7 days were celebratory days, remembering and celebrating the late King’s legacy.

Since all the shops were closed, I spent my time in the palace with Yunho. He was quieter than usual, but he didn’t show any signs of sorrow, rather, he seemed disappointed.

He was never close to his father, but (I believe) he always had a small amount of hope that they could have a relationship. I did my best to assure him that his father was proud of him and that he always cared for him. But he didn’t seem to completely believe it. I felt useless unable to do many more for him, I can’t even fathom what it feels to think that your family never cared for you.

Despite all the preparations in place for the burial, I couldn’t help but think about what’ll happen after it all. Will Yunho be coronated? He’s so young though. And if he is.

Will things change?

Of course they will. But how? I was nervous and concerned for him, but no one else seemed to think about it. Or at least they didn’t talk about it.

“Are you ready?” I watched Yunho straighten his clothes in front of the mirror.

“I guess.” He muttered.

I handed him his black kimono.

“I’m just ready to get this over with.” He shrugged on th black robe, laced with red ribbon around the edges.

I chuckled, “If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve been convinced that you had no heart.”

“It’s not my fault.” He grumbled.

I sighed walking up to him, “Yunho, your father really did care for you. He probably didn’t know how to show it.” I fixed his collar.

He didn’t respond.

I frowned, “I can’t you just believe me?”

He looked at me and gave a small smile, “Fine, but only you.”

I shook my head.

His smile grew as he ruffled my hair, “You look good, even in funeral attire.” He complimented.

I scoffed, brushing his hand away to fix my hair. “I don’t think I should even be wearing this.” My clothes were similar to his. It was the attire worn by palace residents during the burial of a king. They wore a black robe with 2 red stripes at the edge of the sleeves with a single red stripe around the collar and three at the bottom. The red stripes represented a fruitful after life for the king. However, Yunho’s and Queen Jung’s robes were slightly different. Instead, at the bottom of their kimonos were 2 red strips and the middle stripe was gold, representing a fruitful reign fand future for them. The citizens were to wear all black and tie a red string around their wrist. The string was optional. However, it’s said that the more people that wear the string, increase the blessings in the king’s after life, because it revealed how good he was to his people. The more people who chose to wear it, the more people liked him.

“You should be wearing something more like mine.” Yunho scoffed.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. It was our signal to leave. I followed him to the door when he suddenly stopped.

“Thank you.” He turned slowly to face me, “Thank you for doing this with me.”

I was surprised by the sincerity behind his eyes. “Don’t thank me. We’re in this together.” I took his hand. “Always.”

He smiled widely at my words.

“Come on.” I pulled him the rest of the way out the door.

The halls were quiet as most of the servants had been given time off to participate in mourning. Only the highest ranked servants remained, along with all the knights to prepare for the funeral.

One of the servants approached us and led us to the throne room where the first part of the procession began, specifically for the royal family members to attend. I was reluctant to join but Yunho insisted.

The servant gently knocked on the door before quietly opening one of the large ones. I wrapped my arm around Yunho’s as he slowly led the way inside.

My eyes widened at the sight. All the torches had been lit aflame, along with larger ones that were brought in. There was a magnificently large fire behind the throne. Piles and piles of red and white flowers were mounted up the sharp throne and spilled across the platform below it. I’d only been in the throne room once, and even then, it was a fantastic sight to see.

Several people surrounded the platform, where the throne stood with the last painting of the late king in front of it. I couldn’t help but watch the attendees in awe. I hadn’t even known they existed. They were Yunho’s family member. Despite the sorrow in their faces, there was still a divine fierceness in their eyes similar to Yunho’s. Their presence was proud and indescribable.

We walked up to the middle of the group, where Queen Jung was stood. She glared at me when she saw me, but I didn’t pay her any mind. We never spoke once or even properly met. She refused to see me when King Jung had called for us to meet. We rarely crossed paths and when we did, she’d shoot me a hateful glare. I guess I never got to interact with her because Yunho refused to leave me alone in the palace. But I had an uneasy feeling that I’ll be seeing a lot more of her.

I stared at the painting of the king. He was stronger than I imagined. I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d been through and if he had any regrets, but from what I’ve met of him, he cared so much for his people and maybe even more so, his family. I closed my eyes and collapsed my hands together in prayer. Please, lend us your strength.

*Changmin POV*

I walked through the still neighborhood to my house. My arms were stuffed with bags of food that I could manage to find in the few shops that were open. I figured that if Jaejoong was coming over, I’d at least buy some food in case he was hungry later…I guess.

It was annoying, but I was weirdly happy that he was coming over. There was a few things that I wanted to show him. Like my paintings and maybe…I quickly shook my head. He doesn’t want to see all that. He’s just coming over to have cake or something like that.

I struggled to unlock the door for a few frustrating minutes before finally pushing it open. However, when I entered the house I stepped on a maroon envelope on the floor. I placed the bags on the kitchen counter before picking it up.

I studied it for a moment. The envelope was blank. There was no name of who it was from or who it was for, but I had a sick idea of who it was. My fingers tightened around the maroon paper. She hasn’t written me in over a year.

I opened the envelope and pulled out the thick parchment paper.

‘Changmin,

As I’m sure, you are aware of the unfortunate news of King Jung’s death. I hope you will spend this time paying your respects to the late king as a high-class citizen. All citizens are invited to this afternoon’s funeral. It is a public event and all citizens have the right to attend. On that note, I am writing to inform you that you are not to attend today’s procession. I can not officially stop you from coming, but if you know what is best for you, then you will not show your face. That is all.

Do not disappoint me.’

My fingers dug into the paper. Why the hell is she sending me this stupid ?

I tore the letter, ripping it into as many pieces as possible. I’d never show up anywhere near that hell hole, even if it’s my right. I hate them. I hate every single one of them. I crumbled the pieces and threw them aside. She never remembered my birthday. She never cared.

Why had I even been born?

I gritted my teeth, forcing the thoughts away. I don’t care about her anyway. Whatever she says or does, doesn’t matter to me, as long as we never cross paths. Once I get enough money that’s my own, I’m getting out of here. I’m leaving this stupid country. I don’t know where I’ll go. I’m sure every country . But maybe…maybe not all of them…

I turned back into the kitchen. I’ll think about it later. For now, I have to prepare before tonight, before Jaejoong comes. I have no idea when he’ll be here, I haven’t spoken to him since before the announcement of the King’s death. But I’m sure he’s going to the funeral, so he probably won’t be over until later tonight. That’ll give me enough time to prepare…not that I was preparing a lot anyway.

I pulled open one of the kitchen drawers and carefully took out a small piece of paper Jaejoong’s mother left for me. It had several different recipes for healthy meals that she insisted I kept after learning that I lived alone. She was oddly delighted when Jaejoong told her that I could cook. She urged that I make them, insisting that they’ll keep me strong and energized.

She was a weird lady…but I liked being with her. However, I never attempted to make any of them till now. They were all Fertility Kingdom recipes. I figured I’d try one of them tonight since Jaejoong was coming over. The small piece of paper contained what Mrs. Kim claimed to be Jaejoong’s favorite (advertising that I’d like it as well). It didn’t seem that difficult and maybe I’ll like it too.

I went through the groceries and grabbed the ingredients and tools needed to make the food. Most of the recipes required a lot of ingredients that were mainly found in the Fertility Kingdom. Surprisingly, I had a lot of the plants and herbs that were required and rare to the Fire kingdom. I guess it was from working with Jaejoong, but I don’t ever remember collecting so many of them.

It was actually pretty fun playing with the unique recipes. It was the first I cooked for someone and it was strangely exciting and calming. A warm feeling soothed my veins as I worked. I took my time, not wanting to mess anything. It has to be good, especially since Jaejoong already had it before.

It was nice.

I even made guava bread!

Time went quicker than I expected. I ended up making more than one dish. They each took a while to make, longer than the meals I was accustomed to. I didn’t mind. It reminded me of painting. Everything had to be done with precision, care, and intuition. It took me away from the coldness of the world.

The sun was already setting when I finished making everything.

Jaejoong will be here soon.

I quickly cleaned the kitchen and set the table the way I saw the maids did whenever my father had important guest over.

I stared at the table in dissatisfaction. Why does it look so empty?

My eyes widened. “A centerpiece!”

My shoulders fell as quickly as the revelation came. I didn’t have a center piece. But I can’t leave it like this.

I furrowed my brow deeply. A paint? No, that’d be too weird. There wouldn’t even be room on the table for it.

“The garden!” I perked up, remembering the gardens in the backyard that the servants worked on. There was a vegetable garden and a flower garden. Maybe I can use some of the flowers!

I grabbed an empty vase and hurried outside. I went to the shed to grab a small shovel before walking into the gardens.

“How do I do this?” I knelt down on the ground, staring at the vast array of flowers. Some of them were rare and unique to the Fire Kingdom. I should pick those. I reached out for the first flower and dug the shovel into the dirt. The roots were more resistant than I expected. After a few attempts, I opted to cutting off the stems.

I never understood why Mrs. Haewon kept up with the flower garden after my father left. It’s not like I ever had interest in it. But…this time, I was glad that she did.

I poured water into the vase before shoving the flowers inside.

“That should do.” I placed the vase in the middle of the table. There wasn’t any more time to fix anything else. With that final task, I ran to my room, shrugging