Taemin

I can't believe what I'm seeing. Siwon has not yet returned, but I have no time to lose. I don't care if I lose my title, if the people expel me.

"Stop it!" I shout. My voice rings out loud and clear across the square.

I clench my fingers around the cold, stone parapet of the balcony. Glances, tense and confused in equal measure, crash upon me from all sides. Never have I spoken to them myself. I look into the different people. Each one of them has their own life, family, dreams. I have never thought about how the people of my nation are doing. But I have seen the cruel truth.

"Beloved nation!" Having their attention is not scary. I always thought such a speech would be difficult. I'd get caught up and everyone would end up laughing at me and not take me seriously. But when you know you are speaking the absolute truth, those fears are not existent.

"I know what I will say will turn you against me. But I ask you to listen to me just this once." A confused murmur goes through the crowd. They look at me expectantly and wait patiently for me to continue speaking.

"These men, you curse, you hate..." My gaze sweeps over my friends. It's easier for me to say than I thought. I don't have to think about it because it is inescapable truth. My words are not a burden to me.

"...are my faithful friends." A disbelieving gasp goes through the many people. Obnoxious voices whisper in confusion.

"My son, what...?" I can clearly see the disappointment in Father's gaze. But even if he disinherits and banishes me, I won't let my friends die. The crowd has calmed down a little again, so I continue speaking.

"On my journey with them, I have learned much." If I had any chance of remaining the prince until now it has now completely faded away. They didn't know I was gone. I had been kidnapped. But instead of calling it that, I said journey.

There is no sound. The residents cannot grasp what I am saying. But I do not let this get me down. It is my first and only chance to get them to listen to me. So I will use it.

"About life, and how little I know about it." I think of all the times the guards have used their power instead of standing up for what's right. How many lives have been destroyed because of them? How many more of these stories do I not know? I hardly dare think about it.

I look at Jinki and have to smile.

"These men have shown me what true friendship is." Forever I will be grateful to him for welcoming me so warmly.

"They taught me to never give up." I am also grateful for Jonghyun. He sometimes makes stupid jokes, but at his core he is righteous. His training was always fair and instructive.

"What courage means." And Lucas, he left home to free his brother. And he was doing the best of all of them. He had a good job, a future. And yet he was willing to risk everything for his brother.

"Courage is when the whole world seems to be against you but you don't lose sight of your goal."

Minho. How could I have misjudged you ? How could I have believed the rumours for even a minute? You give a home to people who don't have one. You share your food with them and you care for them. You even saved me, and not just once. And you don't even like me.

"That you stand up for what's right." You always want to do what's right. You always wanted to do the right thing. You buried your happiness, your needs, so someone else could live.

"Even if it costs you everything." My heart races as I say those words.

But it's not because I'm scared or nervous about the speech.

It is beating because of him. It beats for him.

I try not to distract myself. But a small thought springs up in my mind. If I manage to free my friends and I am banished from the kingdom. Maybe we could all travel the world together? Maybe Minho and I could start over? Maybe, maybe.

"I do not ask t