Taehyung didn't recognize him at first. How could he when everything about him, from his clothing to the way he carried himself to the very aura he exuded, had changed?

The only thing that remained the same was the shoe he carried in his hand.

Shock and confusion rippled across the group in varying degrees of intensity as soon as they escaped from the tunnel and caught sight of what patiently awaited them. No one was surprised to see Jackson and his Grandmother there, each holding blazing torches to illuminate the otherwise dark night.

But what was truly shocking was that, there, standing in front of the cave entrance was the cobbler they had met earlier that day. Except, the scraggly white beard on his face had been trimmed neatly, his dirt-filled fingernails scrubbed clean, and his previously ragged, torn hanbok replaced with a clean, navy-blue robe. He leaned on an elegant, wooden cane with one hand while holding the Princess's repaired shoe in the other.

"Congratulations, your highness," he said in a much deeper and calmer voice then any of them were accustomed to, "you have passed your first test."

"What are you talking about?" Chaeyoung finally asked when she had recovered from her initial shock, "who are you?"

The cobbler stepped forward, his expression thoughtful, "they call me many names. Cobbler, shoe-maker, monk, God of Destruction, RM. However, I prefer to go by Kim Namjoon."

Taehyung's jaw dropped wide open in disbelief. They had travelled laboriously for the past couple days, hiding in the wilderness and barely surviving vicious attacks, all in pursuit of this man who had been in front of them all along. This man who had deceived, poisoned, and almost killed them for the sake of one "test". Bitterness and regret flushed through him fleetingly as the realization that his life had now become a series of shocking twists and life-threatening adventures dawned on him.

Everyone was shocked, however, Chaeyoung's reaction was by far the most intense.

"B-but, you were just an innocent cobbler," Chaeyoung sputtered, a mix of betrayal and astonishment colouring her features, "I invited you to have lunch with us, I broke my shoe for you, I ... I trusted you."

She said the last sentence in defeat, as if she suddenly realized where she had gone wrong.

"Aha," Namjoon replied calmly, "that was your first mistake. Because what was the first lesson your father taught you?"

She released a short sigh before mumbling, "never trust anyone."

"Never trust anyone," he repeated louder, his tone stern, "and yet you trusted the three of us so easily – despite the fact that you know nothing about us."

"So, you decided to throw us all into this cave for what? Punishment for being so naive?" Jisoo demanded, her frustrated state a stark contrast to Namjoon's stoic one.

Her anger didn't seem to faze him at all as he simply shifted his attention towards her, "not quite."

"We have been searching for you for days. Jung Hoseok instructed us to find you so you could help us," Taehyung interjected, unable to withhold his annoyance any longer, "and yet you merely watched us fight for our lives in the tavern and then literally threw us to the wolves. Right now, you seem more like an enemy than an ally."

"Yes," Lisa agreed adamantly, "you could have stepped in sooner to assist us."

"And give up a valuable learning opportunity?" Kim Namjoon quipped, raising an amused brow, "that would have been a waste. As I have already mentioned, this whole thing has been a test – an assessment, if you will."

He began to take slow, careful steps in front of them, pacing thoughtfully, "you see, I received news of the King's death almost immediately after it occurred and knew that you would be coming here. I have been sitting outside that tavern for the past 3 days, patiently awaiting your arrival."

"But why did you disguise yourself instead of revealing your true identity," Chaeyoung asked curiously.

"Because it allowed me to form an initial assessment. I was curious to see how you treat your people, how you interact with others, and, most importantly, whether you are worthy of sitting on the throne."

"I put you in the cave because the first and foremost prerequisite of ruling is the ability to lead. In an environment that stripped you of comfort and one of your most crucial senses, you were forced to work together to escape. Along the way, you were faced with constant obstacles and choices, but I am pleased to see you emerge victorious, with no man left behind."

"So, what is your conclusion, then?" Chaeyoung asked, her anger appeased and a calm, regality appearing in its place, "am I worthy of sitting on the throne?"

He smiled at that, the first sign of friendliness they had seen from him thus far, "the fact that you are standing in front of me at this moment is proof of that."

"Is this why we needed to find you, then?" Taehyung asked bitterly, "so you can offer us a few words of wisdom and teach us a couple life lessons before releasing us back into the world as transformed butterflies of peace and unity?"

"Well, that would be ideal," Namjoon responded, brushing off Taehyung's sarcasm effortlessly, "but, I'm afraid our journey together will be considerably longer and more complex than that. Min Yoongi, Kim Seokjin, and yourself have been recruited to protect the Princess, whereas I have been anointed as her teacher and advisor."

"Becoming queen will require much more than a kind heart and a pretty smile. Thus, we will be embarking on a journey across Goryeo to gather resources, form alliances, and develop the qualities necessary to rule. It will be both physically and mentally draining – but at least, in the end, Goryeo will be in capable hands."

Chaeyoung nodded in understanding, her expression determined and serious, "if my father has entrusted this task to you, then I would be grateful for your services."

Namjoon bowed politely, "it is my honour to serve you, your highness."

~{❀}~

Taehyung sank into the refreshingly warm water, allowing it to consume his bare skin and rejuvenate his aching muscles.

Namjoon had strategically chosen to trap them in a mountain cave that was conveniently close to his home. After he had finished explaining his questionable motives and the rest of their mission, he had generously offered them shelter and nourishment in his luxurious temple, which came equipped with several hot springs and showering facilities.

As Taehyung submerged himself in one of the hot springs now, he couldn't help but wonder if the temple had any paint or art material he could utilize. The last time he had painted was when Chaeyoung had been attacked in the forest, and his hands itched with the need to artistically express himself again.

Closing his eyes, he savoured the warm, silky feel of the water, and allowed his mind to wander. He thought about his family and how they were doing in the midst of Mingyu's treacherous reign. He wondered how much taxes had increased in the span of just a few days, and how the underprivileged population would cope with the unattainably high cost of living. Would he ever see the day where the world did not revolve solely on money and status? What would it take? Who could save them?

Automatically, Chaeyoung's face flashed in his mind. Slowly, he began to retrace the events of the day – from the effortless kindness she showed the cobbler to the way she fiercely advocated for Yoongi's life. She was a blazing fire of hope, a light that somehow managed to shine in even the darkest of caves. Brave, elegant, kind, regal – she was the very definition of a queen. Today had convinced him of that.

Sensing the slow shrivelling of his skin, he reluctantly ended his bath – using a towel to dry his long, dark hair and letting it fall freely down his back. After dressing in the new, cotton clothing Namjoon had given them, he decided to hunt for art supplies.

His mind had become so convoluted with thoughts and concerns in the past week, that he feared it would eventually combust. He needed an outlet. He needed to paint.

The temple was dark and calm, only a few paper lanterns dimly lighting a path from the hot spring towards the rest of the building. Other than the gentle rush of running water behind h