Twice a week for the rest of the month (while Daehyun was still on punishment) Daehyun snuck out to the village and visited Youngjae. The more time he spent with the 6 year old the more he found out how vulnerable he really was. He learned that Youngjae was actually a really sensitive kid. He only acted tough around those who weren’t close to him, to protect himself. Daehyun met Youngjae’s friends and mother. He was glad to see that Youngjae had really good close friends who cared for him and one another. But he couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous.

His friends have known Youngjae all of their lives. They know everything each other and were extremely close. That’s what made Daehyun Jealous. He liked Youngjae a lot and he wanted to be the only one who knows everything about him, but he still is learning more and more about the lovely boy.

When a month finally passed, Daehyun invited Youngjae over, every other day. He was excited to be the one to teach Youngjae about how he lived and how things worked. Youngjae didn’t really care and didn’t want to learn about it. He hated the royals and the rich people. But he let Daehyun show him around the castle.

“Hmmm…You know what feeling that is?” Youngjae asked his mother one day. He had described these strange feelings he had whenever he was around Daehyun to his mother, and how frustrated it made him that he couldn’t figure it out. She knelt down beside him and held her son tightly. “It may be signs that you love him.” She whispered teasingly. “What?! Th-That’s impossible.” The little boy gasped. His mother just smiled. “I said it’s just signs…” she said.

“B-But I can’t be in love I’m only 6.” Youngjae said astounded. “This generation of kids is a strange one. Anything can happen, look at your friends for instance. Jihoon who’s only a year older than you already has a deep voice, Kyung is overly obsessed with him, Minhyuk claims that he can see the dead, and Jaehyo cares too much for his hair and face more than the average guy and even more than the average girl.” His mom laughed.

On the other end Prince Daehyun’s parents were worried about their son’s infatuation with the peasant boy. “Do you think our son is too attached to that peasant?” The queen asked her husband once they were alone. “That kid has no respect for his majesty. I’ve heard him call our son ‘Daehyun’ instead of addressing him as ‘Prince Daehyun’ or ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Your Highness.” The king said to his wife.

“I believe that unfortunately Daehyun is head over heels over that boy.” The Queen sighed. “That rascal has confused our son teaching him the strange ways of his peasant people. We must get rid of him.” The King spoke angrily. “Not yet my dear. Youngjae is a smart kid, he’s helping Daehyun with his lessons and since then our prince has had the highest scores in history. Let’s just wait a bit longer. In the meantime let’s come up with a plan.” The queen said calming her husband down.

-

A year passed by and Youngjae was now at the age where could work with the men out in the fields. He had to anyway because they were running very low on money and were going as long as two weeks without eating. His mother didn’t earn enough money because she couldn’t work out in the fields since she was a woman. On top of that his mother’s health was severely declining. And her not eating was only making things worse. So Youngjae would give her his food lying to her, saying that he had already eaten. Youngjae would only eat when they had extras or scraps. Since he began working he couldn’t visit Daehyun as often, which the Prince didn’t like so much.

“Do you have to work?” Daehyun whined one day for the nth time. “I told you already. I need the money.” Youngjae sighed. “But you’re only 7. I didn’t even work at age 7.” Daehyun pointed out. Youngjae just looked at him and said, “That’s because you’re a-,” “Don’t say it. Don’t call me a royal.” Daehyun cut him off. “Why? You are one though.” Youngjae said. “No! No I am not! I don’t want to be labeled a royal! You hate royals.” Daehyun spat.

Youngjae was speechless, he didn’t know what to say, because the elder was right. “…I don’t…I don’t hate you. I…I…” Youngjae didn’t finish his sentence.

Daehyun shook his head. Youngjae walked over to the elder and hugged him warmly. Daehyun noticed how skinny Youngjae had gotten, he knew the younger one hadn’t been eating. “I’m going to get you some food.” The prince said getting up, with the village kid still holding onto him. “No.” Youngjae demanded. “Yes…You need to eat.” Daehyun insisted. “No. Daehyun. Please.” The boy begged. “Youngjae! You never let me do anything for you.” The prince snapped. “Fine…get me some food, but I’m not going to eat it.” Youngjae released him. “If you don’t eat it…I’ll tell your mom how you’ve been giving her your food and not eating.” Daehyun threatened. Youngjae huffed in defeat.

“Okay! I’ll be right back don’t go anywhere.” Daehyun smiled brightly.

It took the prince over an hour to get the food. Youngjae didn’t like being left in the castle alone, he didn’t trust anyone else. The poor boy’s eyes widened when the Prince returned with a rolling cart filled with trays of food. The smell was mouthwatering, and something Youngjae has never even smelled before. And it looked just as delicious as it smelled. Prince Daehyun giggled a bit on how Youngjae’s eyes got big over the food that he finds normal to eat.

Daehyun took one of the trays and put it on the bed in front of Youngjae. “Is-Is this meat?” Youngjae asked in disbelief. Daehyun joined him on the bed, he nodded. “I can’t eat it.” Youngjae said closing his eyes. “Come on Jae! It’s already made special for you.” Daehyun said. Youngjae shook his head his eyes still closed. Daehyun pouted, “But I made it myself.” He said truthfully.

“Nuh-uh.” Youngjae opened his eyes. “Yuh-huh.” Daehyun shot back. “Nuh-uh.” Youngjae didn’t buy it. “Yuh-huh.” Daehyun argued.

“Nuh-uh.”

“Yuh-huh.”

“Nuh-uh. You said that you couldn’t cook.” Youngjae reminded. “Yuh-huh. All last week I was secretly learning how to cook, since you’re not eating I wanted to make you something delicious. That I can only make for you, no one else.” Daehyun smiled. Youngjae did his best not to blush, but he could hold back his smile. “Fine. I guess I’ll eat it.” He gave in.

Daehyun watched as Youngjae took a bite out of his food.

Youngjae choked a little as he chewed the tough meat. This is terrible, he thought to himself as he struggled to swallow. He didn’t dare take another bite nor did he speak. Daehyun, however, could tell just by Youngjae’s facial expressions. “It’s horrible isn’t it?” He asked. The younger nodded. “Is it really that bad? That you can’t even eat anymore?” Daehyun asked. Youngjae didn’t respond. “Answer me!” Daehyun snapped upset. He was mad at himself for giving food that he couldn’t even eat despite how hungry he was.

“It was kind of hard to swallow too.” Youngjae spoke quietly. “I’m a terrible person.” Daehyun cried. “No. It’s okay. You tried. That’s all that matters.” Youngjae smiled trying to make his friend feel better placing his hand on his shoulder. Daehyun slapped his hand away. “Go…” the prince muttered. “What?” Youngjae was shocked. “Just go… Daehyun said even louder. “Daehyun. Is this about the food?” Youngjae asked. “Go!” Daehyun shouted. Without another word Youngjae stumbled off the large bed and ran out of the room.

Since that day Youngjae hadn’t seen Daehyun for 2 whole weeks. During those weeks the young boy had a rough time. He didn’t know what happened. Youngjae knew that he did nothing wrong. So why was Daehyun mad? He wondered if he should have lied, but he never lied, he hated lying. By the end of the first week he came to the conclusion that Daehyun was just being a big baby. But during the second week Youngjae couldn’t help but miss the pitiful boy.

After two long weeks had passed, Youngjae left early to rest. He wasn’t feeling it that day. He couldn’t focus, all he could think about was Daehyun. Even though it was only 2 weeks it felt like 2 centuries to him.

As he laid down on the floor. There was a loud obnoxious knock on the door, interrupting child’s thoughts. The village kid stood back up and opened the drift wooded door. There was a kid wearing a cloak holding a plate with a brown bag covering over it. Youngjae was speechless. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination or reality. So the boy just entered the small adobe and closed the door himself. He took off his hood.

Youngjae continued to stare. All he could do was blink. “Wh-What…” Youngjae could barely get a word out. Daehyun just smiled. “I made you some food.” He spoke. Youngjae’s eyes began to water. He ran up to Daehyun and hugged him, stunning the elder.

“I-I missed you…” He cried. Daehyun hugged him back, unable to hold back his large smile. “I missed you to.” He said patting the younger’s back. “D-Don’t do that again…Don’t send me away…ever again. I had a terrible time.” Youngjae squeezed him. Daehyun paused and his smile softened. His heart pounded in excitement. “I promise I won’t. I’m sorry Jae. I won’t do it again. I promise.” He said. Then he broke the hug. “Let’s eat! I worked really hard this time!” He urged. Youngjae couldn’t help but smile and laugh. He nodded.

-

“My King! We must do something now.” The Queen rushed into the throne room. “I know…” The king said. “What are you going to do? That peasant has even slept over! This has gone way too far.” The queen said in mere disgust. “We’re going to break them up.” The king announced. “What?” his wife gasped. “Honey, I am all for it. But we can’t break them up, they’re practically in love with each other, they’ll surely find ways to meet with each other, and if we do that Daehyun will hate us.” She said. “W’re going to get them to turn against each other.” He told her. The queen clapped cheerfully at this. “My King that is a wonderful idea.” She squealed. The King loved it when she praised him. “But we must wait just a little longer, so nobody gets suspicious. This cannot fail.” He said.

The King and Queen waited patiently for a few more months. They observed the two boys closely. Even the Princess helped them with ideas. Daehyun’s sister didn’t like Youngjae. She hated the villagers, she especially hated how a villager was stealing her younger brother away from her. After waiting a good long 3 months, they placed their plan into action.

The Queen went up to her son’s room sobbing. “Mother what’s wrong?” The Prince asked. “Daehyun, my son. I don’t think you should hang around that boy anymore.” She sobbed. “Wh-What? Why? What happened?” Prince Daehyun questioned not believing his ears. “N-No. I can’t tell you. Just listen to me please. Stay away from him. I don’t want the same thing to happen to you…” She went on tearing up. “No! Mother tell me! Please.” Daehyun begged concerned for his mother. The Queen sighed and rest her hand on her 8 year old son’s knee. She took a deep breath before speaking again. “I went out to the village a couple of days ago. Do you remember?” She began. Daehyun nodded remembering his mother had gone out and came home all worked up and fortified.

“Well. I decided to visit Youngjae. But no one was home. So I left assuming that they were out. B-But I was wrong!” The Queen cried out some more as if it were some nightmare, making Daehyun worry even more, he had never seen her this way. He felt somewhat angry at whoever did this to her. “…Then some hooligans attacked me. I had sent the guards away earlier so that I could meet Youngjae and his mother alone without any problems or interruptions. So when I was attacked there was no one there at the moment to help. They even covered my mouth with their dirty hands so I couldn’t scream for help.” His mother went on.

“I-I was terribly out numbered. There was 8 of them. All of them attacked but one of them watched. Then he ordered them to stop and this is what he said, ‘Hello Ms. Jung. Is that alright if I call you that? I don’t use honorifics with your son so it should be fine right? I hate all you royals you’ve ruined our lives down here. I’m smarter than all of you!’” The Queen paused wiping her tears. Daehyun sat in thought. Some of what she said sounded like something Youngjae would say. No it-it couldn’t be. He thought to himself. “And then he went on and said ‘So after a year or 2 of waiting I’ve come for my revenge.’ Then he walked up to me and took my hand and asked me if it was my wedding ring. He laughed and took the ring, and them all 8 of them ran off.” She finally finished, tears streaming down her face.

“Is that why father has b-been yelling at you harshly th-these past few days?” Daehyun asked hesitantly. The woman began to sob again as she nodded. “Wh-When he found out it was the scariest thing. That was his great grandmother’s ring. A-And you know the policy, if a wife losses her wedding ring then it is a statement of ch-cheating.” She bawled. “I told him that it was Youngjae and his friends but he didn’t believe me. He says that Youngjae isn’t like that. I didn’t want to believe it either. But it’s true.” She cried.

“He even called me a liar an unhonorable woman who lies on village children. He-he even slapped me this morning Daehyun.” The Queen sounded horrified. Daehyun saw the red mark on his mother’s left cheek and was astonished but yet confused. Youngjae couldn’t have done anything like this, he wouldn’t. Daehyun knew how much Youngjae hated the royals. But he never wanted revenge right? Maybe his mother was mistaken…yeah. “Daehyun. My son. You believe me right?”

*One week ago*

The Queen went up to the guard, whom were dressed up as a villager. “You know what to do right?” She asked him. The guard nodded. “I see him with his friends…let the show begin.” She smirked. That was the guard’s cue.

“Ahhh!” The Queen screamed as the fake villager grabbed her arm. “Give it to me!” he demanded. There was no one there except for the 8 boys. Taeil was the first to notice. “Hey isn’t that the Queen?” Taeil pointed out. “Yeah. Youngjae’s mother-in-law.” Kyung teased. “It looks like she’s in trouble.” Minhyuk said. Youngjae instantly ran towards them and the boys followed.

“Yah! Ahjussi. How dare you treat your superior that way?” Kyung said kicking the man’s leg. The man kicked Kyung in the stomach. “Yah! Do you wanna die?” Kyung yelled. “Agh. Shut up Kyung and help us get this guy.” Jaehyo said as they began to jump on top of the man. “Bwoh? Shut up? He just kicked your Ulzzang.” Kyung said being dramatic. “You’re not our Ulzzang Jaehyo is.” Taeil corrected. “Shut up Taeil.” Kyung said finally joining the others.

They finally got the man off of the Queen. Youngjae took the Queen with him and ran away while the other 7 boys took care of the man. But the man was stronger than the kids and broke through chasing after the Queen and Youngjae.

“Youngjae my boy. You are not strong enough to fight that man and we won’t be able to out run him together like this. So here take this.” The Queen said taking off her ring giving it to Youngjae. “B-But I can’t take this. This is your wedding ring. I know what will happen if I take this. I won’t accept it.” Youngjae insisted. “I will pardon you. You will not be in any trouble. I will explain that I gave it to you to save your Queen’s life. I’ll be back to take it back. But that man is after this ring. He’ll chase you but he’ll lose you. Please. I beg you.” The Queen begged.

Youngjae sighed, he doesn’t trust the royals but if anything happened to Daehyun’s mother Daehyun would be devastated, he loved his family. “Fine.” Youngjae agreed accepting the ring. Thank you” the queen said and they both separated. And just as the Queen said the man chased after the boy and lost the boy just as she planned.

***

Youngjae laid on the floor of his home looking at the ring, wondering when the Queen will come and take it back. “It’s been a week since she gave you that ring. When did she say she’ll give it back?” His mother asked. “I don’t know…she never said when.” Youngjae sighed sitting up. “We can’t keep that ring here…or else that man will return, and I know you can’t fight him.” His mother teased. “I don’t need strength…you could lash out your magic powers on him.” Youngjae joked. They always joked around about having magical powers. But there was something about that joke that Youngjae didn’t know.

“Yah, Yah, Yah! How about you just give it to her.” Ms. Yoo suggested. “Are you kidding? Then the others will think I stole it.” Youngjae said. “Then why don’t you tell them what happened?” She said. “They won’t believe me. Just because I’m close to the prince doesn’t mean they view me any different. Nope they still see me as a nasty peasant. So that’s why I must sit and wait for the Queen herself to do her thing. Though I don’t trust her, I believe she’s smart enough to do the right thing.” Youngjae explained. “And I can’t tell anyone either.”

“What about Daehyun?” his mother asked curiously. “Not even him, it has to do with royal affairs, but I’ll tell him eventually, once the ring has returned to its rightful owner.” Youngjae smiled. Ms. Yoo could only nod. She had a terrible feeling about this, but she couldn’t figure it out. It was too late anyway.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

There were 3 hard knocks on the door. Youngjae looked at his mother frightened. She got up and slowly answered the door to see that it was Daehyun. She would’ve smiled in relief but something wasn’t right.

“Good eve-,” but she couldn’t finish her sentence as he walked straight towards Youngjae. Youngjae quickly stood up still frightened. Daehyun’s approach made him uneasy. There were two guards waiting outside the house.

Daehyun never brought guards with him when he came to Youngjae’s home. Daehyun grabbed Youngjae by his shirt collar. Youngjae looked into the Prince’s eyes…they were different as if he…he didn’t recognize them. “I don’t want to believe it. So I’m going to ask you myself.” Daehyun said. He was conflicted. Youngjae was speechless he’s never heard Daehyun’s voice like that ever! And it wasn’t comforting at all.

“Do you have my mother’s ring?” Prince Daehyun asked. Youngjae was silent. He was trembling with fear. Daehyun was scaring him. “Answer me!” Daehyun demanded. “Prince Daehyun. Please put him down, so that maybe he can answer your question properly.” Ms. Yoo suggested. But Daehyun only tighted hies grip. Youngjae’s eyes watered as he tried to nod but he couldn’t because of the elder’s grip, but the prince go the hint. “Did you…take it?” Daehyun asked. Youngjae slowly nodded. “Were your friends there too?!” Daehyun spat not wanting to believe it. “They helped…they did their best to-,” “Why?! Why did you take the ring?! Do you know what could happen?!” Daehyun interrupted him.

Youngjae could only nod. Why was Daehyun being like this? “Why?” Prince Daehyun asked fighting back his tears. He was mixed with anger and hurt. “I-I had to…to-,” “Liar!” Daehyun screamed interrupting the young boy again. “You’re lying to me. You didn’t ha-,” but his voice trailed off as he saw the ring on the ground. He dropped Youngjae and picked it up.

Youngjae fell hard onto the cold, harsh ground. His mother quickly ran to his care. Daehyun looked down on him with watery eyes. He couldn’t speak. He hated them so much right now, after what his family had went through, and his mother. All he could do was stare, then walked off. Once they were gone, Youngjae cried into his mother’s arms. “Wh-What did I do wrong?”

About two days later Youngjae decided to visit Daehyun at the castle, but Youngjae was stopped by the guards and taken to the King and Queen.

The King summoned everyone away so that the 3 of them could speak alone. The king smiled at the boy. “My wife has told me that you accepted a very dangerous task to save her.” The king said. Youngjae could only nod. “I am very grateful. I am truly sorry for my son barging into your home like that.” The Queen apologized in the Prince’s place. “That’s why I came…I wanted to visit him and ask him why he was so mad at me.” Youngjae said. “Oh. I’m sorry but you can’t see him today.” The King said. Youngjae only looked at him with wondering eyes.

“He said he didn’t want to see you today.” The Queen sighed. “What? But why? I-,” “Youngjae…I believe it’s best for you not to visit Daehyun for a while.” The King told him. “Awe. Just tell him sweetheart. I don’t want to hide something like this from him. It’ll be bad.” The Queen insisted. “Yoo Youngjae. We discovered yesterday that Daehyun had been using you all this time. He’s used you to get some information to us about the village and its villagers for us.” The King confessed. Youngjae was thrown off by this.

“Wh-What?” was all the boy could manage. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He didn’t believe that it was the truth, but what happened a couple of days ago didn’t seem real either. “He’s launching an invasion on the village, using the things he’s learned tomorrow at noon, and I’ve allowed it due to what he had told me. So I advise that you and your mother go somewhere quickly, so that you don’t get caught up in it.” The King warned. Youngjae only bowed confused and took his leave.

He was confused, hurt, and fearful. He didn’t believe the King. Daehyun would never do something like that, nor would he ever suggest it! Daehyun wasn’t that smart either.

That night Youngjae slipped his way to the castle. He climbed up the wall all the way up to the Prince’s balcony. He knocked lightly on the glass double door. The door slowly opened. Daehyun wasn’t surprised to see that it was Youngjae.

Youngjae felt uncomfortable, he suddenly felt like he wasn’t welcome anymore. “Daehyun-ssi…it’s been a while.” Youngjae tried to play off a smile. “How did you get here?” was Daehyun’s response. “It’s actually a funny story. Really.” Youngjae said trying to enter the room but Daehyun stopped him and pushed him back, causing the weak little boy to fall on the ground.

But Youngjae surprisingly stayed calm. “I ca-,” But Daehyun left before Youngjae could finish. So the boy just stood there and waited. When Daehyun came back Youngjae started his sentence again. “I came to-,” “I called the guards on you. So you better leave now if you don’t want any trouble.” Daehyun interrupted him coldly. “Wh-What?” Youngjae couldn’t process what was going on.

“B-But-,” “I didn’t want to see you!” Daehyun snapped angrily. Youngjae was in shock. The King and Queen were right. No they can’t be completely right. No…no..no!

That’s when 3 guards quickly entered the room. “Get him.” Prince Daehyun ordered pointing at Youngjae. “The guards looked confused but obeyed their prince. “Wh-Why are you being like this?” Youngjae asked now beginning to tear up. He felt something tug, inside his chest. “Because you’re a thief…a filthy little peasant. You’re just like them…and peasants deserve to be treated this way…like dirt.” Prince Daehyun said bitterly.

Youngjae was hurt beyond any words that he could describe, this was another feeling he had never felt before and it was agonizing. But he didn’t show it. Instead he just looked back at the prince in his eyes, which was even more painful. “I could never trust you.” Daehyun spat in the boy’s face. “So…you…you used me?” Youngjae could hardly ask. But Daehyun didn’t answer his question. “Just be ready for tomorrow…send him away.” Was the last thing the Prince said and the peasant boy was dragged out of the room and thrown outside as if he were trash. Youngjae weakly got up back on his feet and ran as fast as he could home.

“Youngjae. What’s the matter?” Ms. Yoo asked as her son burst through the fragile door into her arms, crying. “I-I hate them…I h-hate royals.” He cried. His mother rubbed his back soothingly. “What about Daehyun?” She asked in a calm voice. “I hate him too! He’s one of them!” Youngjae burst into more tears. Ms. Yoo held her son tightly as she rocked him back and forth. The 7 year old boy cried his heart out all that night and all the next morning.

-

“Don’t go to work today…” Younjae begged his mother the next day. “Youngjae I have to.” She said. “No. No you don’t. Not today. Please!” Youngjae begged desperately. She sighed, “For how long?” She asked. “For a day and a half. Please! Go somewhere far out form the village.” Youngjae said weakly. “Youngjae what’s going on?” She asked concerned. “They’re coming at noon. You have to go for now.” Youngjae confessed. She knew what he was talking about, it was an invasion from the royals. The invasions were horrible. The last invasion they had was 2 years ago and during the 2 years the villagers were able to rest, because the invasions usually happened twice a year.

The royals did this as a reminder to the villagers of who was in charge and as a reinforcement to keep them in check. “Then you’re coming with me.” Ms. Yoo ordered. “Mommy! You know that I can’t do that. The royals know us now. They know our faces. So they’ll notice that both of us are missing and will chase after us!” Youngjae cried. “Let me stay then Youngjae. You go and hide.” She said. Youngjae shook his head, he was always put in hiding during an invasion.

“I always hide. You can’t do this…you’re sick. I’ll be okay.” Youngjae said. There was no way Youngjae would change his mind so his mother gave in. But she knew that he would be safe. She slipped on her hooded cloak and her son. “Be safe.” She prayed. They broke their hug and his mother slipped through their secret exit in the back. Youngjae went out to meet his friends on the hill.

“They’re coming.” Youngjae announced. Everyone looked at the younger one with concern. They sensed that something wasn’t right, that something happened to Youngjae. “Who’s coming?” Ukwon asked. “The royals.” Was all Youngjae said. “Bwoh? Y-You mean like an…invasion?” Jihoon asked in shock.

The young boy nodded. “When?” Jaehyo asked. “Today at noon.” Youngjae answered. “What’s? That’s less than an hour from now! That’s not enough time for this face to hide.” Kyung panicked. “Yah! You’re not gonna hide. Only 3 of us can hide.” Ukwon said. “Well who’ll be the other 2 to hide this time? Obviously Youngjae has to hide since he’s the youngest and the weakest.” Kyung said.

“No. I’m not going to hide this time.” Youngjae spoke up. The boys looked at him in surprise. “You don’t have a choice Youngjae. You have to hide.” Jiho told him placing his hand on his shoulder, but the younger pulled away. “No. I’m not going to hide! This raid is because of me. Why should I hide? Jiho…you hide. You never hide.” Youngjae burst. Jiho shook his head. “You know I can’t.” Jiho said. Youngjae tugged on the elder’s arm. “Please Jiho, just this once.” He vegged and the other boys joined in, he always took one for the team.

“Yah!” Jiho yelled. “Do you know what my father will do to me if I was gone safe and sound at a time like this?” He reminded them. They all fell silent knowing exactly what he meant. Jiho sighed at them “Don’t worry about me.” He said to the youngest member, Youngjae, who was tearing up. “Kyung, Taeil, and Jihoon…you guys go in hiding.” Jiho ordered. The 3 of them nodded silently. “Minhyuk, Jaehyo, Ukwon…and Youngjae. Stay safe. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jiho said with a smile.

With that everyone departed going their separate ways to prepare for the noon’s fateful event.

Jiho stuck with Youngjae. He sensed that there was something going on with him and it wasn’t good. He wanted to know, but he knew now wasn’t the best time to ask any sensitive questions. He had to tell Youngjae what to expect and what is guaranteed to happen if he didn’t take certain precautions. “Do you want to stay with me?” Jiho asked after he explained all he could in the short amount of time they had. Youngjae shook his head. “It’ll only bring you a disadvantage if I was with you for this specific raid. Thank you though. I’ll be fine. But Jiho-ah be very careful. This raid may be very different from the ones you’ve been in. It could be worse. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Youngjae waved and ran off back to his empty home, he had really bad feeling about this.

He stayed in his home praying that Daehyun wouldn’t have an invasion. Let it be a bluff…Daehyun…Daehyun would never do something like this. He couldn’t, he wouldn’t. He even promised that he won’t lead any as long as he was living in the palace.

But Youngjae was wrong, and Daehyun broke his promise. The sound of a woman’s piercing scream signaled that the invasion had started. Youngjae was frightened. He grabbed Niko, Daehyun’s teddy bear that Daehyun had given him just a few months ago. He held it tightly as he snuggled himself in a corner. Daehyun had given him the bear saying that the bear would protect him while he was not there.

He heard the guards’ heavy footsteps pass by his door followed by horrible cries of men, women and children and loud crashes. He even smelled smoke. Tears began to flow fast down the poor boy’s face. “Y-You’ll still p-protect me right?” Youngjae whispered in the bear’s ear. “This is all my fault.” Youngjae began to cry into the bear’s neck. “C-Can’t you stop him?” He asked looking into the bear’s eyes. The bear just stared back at the little boy. “No?” Youngjae repeated.

The teddy bear continued to stare back at Youngjae. “What? You want me to try to stop him? I-I can’t.” he sniffled as he heard a baby’s cry. “No. Niko you can’t protect me this time…we’re facing Daehyun.” Youngjae said. There was a pounding on the door, frightening the boy even more. He quickly hid Niko so that the stuffed animal would be safe. There were a few more knocks before the door was burst open. Instantly two guards charged after the 7 year old and beat him viciously. Youngjae screamed at the harsh hits.

He was then dragged out of his own home into the horrific scene outside. There were dead men and women laying around as their children cried over the dead bodies. 3 homes were set on fire. People ran screaming and were beaten to the extreme. Food and supply stands were destroyed along with its items. Guards even stole some of the people’s money and prized possessions.

They threw the boy into the middle of everything. Youngjae cried out as he saw his own friends. He saw Jiho get beat by his dad while a guard was beating him. He saw Ukwon crying over his mother’s dead body. He saw a beaten Jeahyo who struggled to move. He saw an unconscious Minhyuk behing dragged by different guards and thrown in the middle, right in front of Youngjae. “Min-Minhyuk…” Youngjae said breathlessly, trying to reach for his friend. “M-Minhyuk…W-We have to-to save Jiho…he’s g-getting abused by his f-father.” Youngjae coughed. No response. Youngjae was hit again.

“We-We h-have to comfort Ukwon…his-his mother died.” Youngjae cried. His hand as he continued to reach out to his friend. Youngjae was hit again by another guard. “…We h-have to h-help Jaehyo…he can’t w-walk.” Youngjae took a third blow into his side. “Wake up…Minhyuk p-please.” The young boy sobbed, seeing his friends in this condition hurt him more than the physical hits from the guards’ strong arms and weapons.

Just then a horse stopped in between him and his unconscious friend. Two men lifted Youngjae from the ground bringing him to his knees. Youngjae’s head hung down sloppily. One of the men kneed him in his back and Youngjae’s head went up in vain. He saw Daehyun on the horse looking down on him. “Daehyun…” Youngjae breathed.

A 3^rd guard went up to him. “Is this how you approach your Prince? Huh?” The man scolded hitting youngjae in the stomach with a black wooden stick. It stung Youngjae’s nerves, everywhere. “Say it right!” The guard ordered. “Daehyun…” Youngjae breathed. That earned him another hard hit, now he was coughing up blood. “Daehyun…” He breathed for a 3^rd time, his voice hoarse.

Daehyun just looked at him, no emotion on his face and this time the guard hit Youngjae multiple times. Youngjae was numbed with pain.

As he was getting beaten he couldn’t hear anything. He saw Minhwyuk who still laid there unconscious. He saw Ukwon who just witnessed his father get killed right in front of his eyes. He saw Jaehyo finally being able to stand and take only a few steps when 3 guards tackled him and beat the life out of him. And he saw the broken hearted Jiho trying to run to him but was held back by his dad and a guard beating Jiho’s mother.

Then Youngjae regained his senses and he could hear again and felt the never ending pain. “Daehyun! Daehyun!” Youngjae screamed. The prince just stared at him. “Daehyun!” Youngjae shrieked in horror. “Daehyun! Help me. Help me please. Help me save my friends!” The helpless boy cried. But the royal boy didn’t even flinch as the villager cried for help, as he was being maliciously eaten alive from pain.

“Bow to your prince!” The guard shouted. Youngjae did nothing. The guard hit him with a whip. “I said bow to your future king! Whom you’ll serve!” The guard commanded. Blood slipped between the peasant’s lips. “…He’s no king…He’s not a king…He’s a monster. I won’t ever serve him as long as I live!” Youngjae spat with hatred. The man lifted his whip but he didn’t hit the boy. He couldn’t. Kyung jumped on top of him and Jihoon attacked the other guard who was on Youngjae’s left.

When Jiho saw this he broke free and attacked the guard on Youngjae’s right. Daehyun’s poker face broke and turned into astonishment.

Youngjae glared at Daehyun, who glared back. Before any words were shared a woman in a brown cloak picked up Youngjae and ran back to Youngjae’s home.

She laid him on the blankets and tucked him snug. “Who…are-are you?” Youngjae asked. The woman removed her hood. Youngjae gasped.

It was Lee Sun Hi, the royal doctor. She had saved Youngjae a while ago after an accident had happened to him. She smiled sweetly at him, but it was a sad smile.

She slipped her hood back on. “I must go.” She whispered getting up. But Youngjae grabbed her wrist. “Thank you.” Youngjae cried. She just nodded. “This raid will end very soon and your friends will live.” She assured him and then she disappeared.

Youngjae took Niko from under the blankets and squeezed it weakly. He cried, and cried, and cried.

He cried every night for the next weeks, the next months, as the raids came more frequently and Youngjae and Prince Daehyun never met on friendly terms again…for a long time.

End of Prologue