The prince sat with a bored expression as he listened to the court officials drone on about state affairs. It was indeed true he had to be here so as to learn about his country, and it was stuff he would need to know for when he becomes king, but it was so tedious. Several times he had to stop himself from falling asleep; he was good at pretending to listen, though.
He would supply simplistic answers when questioned, the stoic look on his face never changing.
As usual, they all looked frightened of him. He couldn't control the way his face looked. Ever since he was young, he couldn't express his emotions on his face; somehow he found it difficult. Therefore, everyone around him would either look frightened or completely avoid him altogether.
To them, he was nothing but the Cold Prince who stood high above the rest and looked down on them all, but that was far from true.
He desired nothing more than to prove to them all how much he appreciated every one of them. He wanted to be loved and cherished by someone; it was impossible, however, due to his current circumstances.
He collapsed on the plush sofa in his room and massaged his temples. This couldn't go on; he had to do something. If he permitted this to continue, how could he be a good king? His people meant so much to him, and he wanted to prove that.
An idea struck him and he stood up from the sofa and walked to his wardrobe, pulling out a long cloak that would cover his face. Luckily, no one outside of the castle had seen him all that often, so it was a possibility that he wouldn't be recognised.
He pulled back his long, silvery hair and secured it at the back. Then he changed into some civilian clothes; he wasn't sure where they came from and then fastened the cloak around his neck. Once he was done he slipped out of the door.
It was late at night, and the guards were patrolling the castle. Taehyung knew every path they would take; therefore, it was easy for him to exit the castle without being detected. He sped out of the gates and raced towards the town.
Once he was outside, he breathed a sigh of relief. He was free of that place and he was going to meet someone who loved him. Not for who he appeared to be, but for what he genuinely was.
He wanted to be more than the 'Cold Prince'.
