Todo NU'ESTro

A kingdom. Five Princes. Five ways to see the world. Five different paths. They look reliable, but they're lost. Somehow we, their people, must follow them, but… There will be a time… for us to really trust them?

…

Daybreak Sun

The Throne Hall is magnificent. The kingdom's architecture is impressive, but this place is insuperable. Its tall pillars with the most beautiful carved, its brilliant floor in which you can see your reflect like a perfect mirror, those enormous bay windows that let the proud entrance of the sun and through which you can admire the infinite garden which get confused with the majestic meadows. The furnishings not only proves elegance and wealth of those who lived in the Palace, it is also irrefutable proof of the history and nobility of a country. The sight of all this would impress anyone… Anyone but Aron.

Aron, being nine years old, is more than used to it. Truth being told, at this very moment, he's more than bored. They had told him today was a great day for him. They woke him up earlier than ever, they made him wear one of his fanciest costumes, they tied his brown hair into a long ponytail that was more neat that usual and they prohibited him from playing outside so he wouldn't mess his looks. They explained nothing. And after leaving him locked in the first library of the East Wing, because he can't take part of 'adult talks' yet, finally, his father asked for him… Because this.

For a while, he's standing, balancing his weight from one foot to the other, with both hands at his back in a perfect posture, avoiding seeing anyone at the face, meanwhile he tries not to put his attention on the wrong speech of the man in the biggest chair you could imagine… Those words… Exactly the same he'd heard two years ago when he arrived to this place.

On that time, he was scared to dead. Now he closes his eyes and his long eyelashes brush his skin before letting himself see the same fear in other faces. Nevertheless, when they're open again, he can't avoid the sight of the women standing at the end of the room, all of them elegantly dressed, carrying little baggage in her hands, one of them had cried, the other seemed too serious and the other one… Aron can't help it. He openly smile to his own mother. It's been several months since the last time they saw each other, but he won't talk to her this time. She'll get back to their land tonight. Anyways, what she have to say, she already said it that week of summer. 'Take care of him'.

"And well, Prince Aron?" The deep voice of his father call him back to Earth.

He breaths out slowly as he doubtly steps near to the throne. "Yes, your Majestic?"

"That it is! Come closer so I can introduce you to our guests!" King Ledis is in a good mood. With his terrible posture, sitting at his wide on that piece of furniture, showing a big smile full of satisfaction. "They have a nice presence, don't you think?"

Aron doesn't hold it any longer. With his eyes following the long arm of his father, they meet with them. Four? He thought one of them would take a year more to show up. Maybe one came alone all the way here?

The Sovereign, believing his son got a special interest, clears his throat and start introductions with that one. His voice stronger than ever. "Prince Aron, may I introduce Prince Jonghyun From Kim District of North." The kid hearing his name straightens up, but it's obvious by the moves of his eyes he's truly nervous. It's hard to not feel some kind of sympathy, who seems kind though his expressions are too serious. The boy bows awkwardly. Too humble for his status. His black hair is perfectly combed and it's obvious he put an effort on not messing his black costume during the long travel. "Prince Dongho from Kang District of West, the biggest District of our kingdom." Aron doesn't laugh by chance. The boy is easily the biggest, at least the chubbiest, he could almost say the fattest, but by the look he gets he knows is not a good idea to give him nicknames right now. The kid bows his head, and that's all. His dark hair is really short and his outfit is alarmingly messed up, his mother should be not pleased. "Prince Minhyun from Hwang District of East." How could someone smile widely and look so insecure at the same time? This one was the tallest and his hair was a disaster… And his clothes, Aron had never seen something like this, even so it looks good on him… Somehow. His reverence is rigid, how mamy times had it practice? "And Prince Minki from Kwak Choi District of South." Aron smile accomplice when their eyes meet with the kid's with who he grewn up. Now that he's paying attention, the little one with long hair could be taken by a girl, his mother always said he was too pretty. His reverence it's like a dance step, he's the only one who looks excited. "Prince Aron, do welcome your young brothers."

...

The sun filters through the leaves of the trees. The knight stops his stallion to admire the quite forest. He had missed so much that scenery. Almost three years ago he had left and everything around him looks new now… Too new. He… He was lost on his own land?!

Jonghyun made a mistake. In the hurry to get home and be warmly welcome by his brothers, he started this travel before the carriage and his escort arrived. He took the first horse that seemed strong enough and let a message to the owner, 'Claim your property in the Capital and you will get what you deserve.' Later, the man who will go take his animal in the hostal, will read the note and give it up. Thinking: "Filthy royalty thinks they have the right to take everything from us!", whilst the young Prince is wondering: "Will it be enough with what I plan to pay to reward and thank him for the attention?" His father always told him he could easily being misunderstood.

He sighs again. He was sure after crossing the second river following the main road, if he turned north, and kept going, at some point, he would see some constructions… Nothing.

By the moment, it's midday already and all he can see is vegetation, vegetation and more vegetation.

Tired, he steps down the chocolate color beast and holding the reins starts walking. If it gets dark and he doesn't find a safe place he could end up in assailants' hands, or worst, in sorcerer's.

Then he sees her. Beautiful like she just got out of a paint. The damsel with cream dress and blue laces is sitting on the grass and her back is leaning on the only tree with white flowers buds, her long locks of soft wavy hair similar to the sea moves are about to fall over the pages of the book she keeps on her lap. Is she a witch?

Looking the smile that takes place on her lips when she founds a funny description, he is decided. Jonghyun voices the question. Anyways, if this is a trap, he already fell for it. "Greetings, kind maid. If it's not a nuisance, can I request your help?"

Were those the words he wanted to say? If one of his brothers were here they wouldn't have made a mistake like he just did. Jonghyun looks desperately how the precious lady startled runs away from the voice that came out too close, leaving the thick book behind.

Nevertheless, her slender figure stops without prior notice, she turns back her head and when her expressive eyes meet Jonghyun's, he can't help to think she seems to have recognized him for a second.

The young lady acts totally calm now, looking at him for a moment before showing a great smile and answer. "I apologize for my reaction, I wasn't aware someone arrived. Please, do tell me…" She gets close a few steps, but before Jonghyun could thought he knew those big dark eyes, she looks away to lift the book. "How may I help such an adventurous man like you?"

The Prince's heart which, until know, was beating fast calms a little. She doesn't know his true identity. She doesn't expect something extraordinary out of him. The lady thinks he's a simple traveler. With more confidence now, he's not afraid of speaking. "You'll see, I'm going to the city, and stubbornly I decided to take a shortcut that led to nowhere. Would you be so kind to tell me where I am now?"

Laugh. She laughs for some seconds. And the sensation of having seeing her before comes back, but he cannot point out anything. "If you're going to the town, you still have a long way to go." Her expression turned kind like she was feeling compassion for Jonghyun... Was he so far away from it? "From here, if you keep walking straight to west you will find a small path, this time don't get away from it, do follow it to north and once you get out of this forest you will be in the fields of the Royal Palace, from there I'm sure you can find the way by your own."

The Prince can't believe his luck, this girl without noticing is explaining how exactly get home. Suppressing the urge to run there right now, he turns to face her again and speaks full of sincerity. "You have no idea how grateful I am, you had saved me." He bows the way his father would hate for being too humble for his status. "Now I plead you let me act as your companion on the path you had pointed to your home."

She bows too, her elegance only could be described as perfect. But her words are not what he expected. "I appreciate it, but I must decline your kind offer." She's thinking about those six meters of vegetation that separate them from the backyard of her father's house and smile. "The truth is I'm waiting for someone. I will stay for a little longer."

Jonghyun is surprised, why does he feel so disappointed? Even so, he gives her many more grateful words before parting ways from his rescuer.

.

Later, riding his borrowed horse, the handsome man spots the end of the forest and a little far on the horizon the tall white towers and blue roof of the castle. His heart jumps.

'The Intruder' is the tittle of the book she was reading. That's the favorite book of… Oh. No. He is suddenly breathless. He feels how the heat on his cheeks rises. The back of his hands touches his lips.

Of course she did recognize him.

He knows her since years ago.

"Why am I such a fool?"

.

His moral is on the floor when he reaches the stables. He makes sure not crossing paths with anyone when he leaves his stallion in one of the corrals with water. Taking off his ridding gloves, he walks to the hallway that leads to the courtyard.

Jonghyun is a bit relieved seeing so many people working today. They're so busy he can accomplish his goal: Entering unnoticed and run to his chambers where he hopes to get lost for centuries until he can overcome the shame. He's close to one of the entrances, but…

"Jonghyunie? You're home already?" The well known voice of his brother stops him. Once he turns his sight finds the charming young man that's very happy to see him. "But when did you arrive?!"

Minhyun cuts the distance between them with his large strides. First he gives him a tight hug and once they're apart, the tall boy keeps smiling that way his eyes seems to be smaller than what they're really are.

Jonghyun looks away when he answers. "I just did. Didn't wait for the carriage."

"That's so good! Father thought you'll arrive tomorrow and didn't heard me when I asked to send the escort this morning. If you decided to wait you would be stuck right now." Minhyun laughs loudly when both of them enter the Palace walking side by side.

Minhyun had always been the tallest among the brothers, but Jonghyun thinks he looks even taller because his hair it's fixed up showing his forehead. Also the Prince notices it's light blond now weird thing in his brother who had always preferred dark colors. Jonghyun also is wondering the reason of that extravagant scarlet color on his suit when he notices the decoration all over. "Minhyunie? Are you planning a party? Did I come at a bad time?"

The burst of laughter of the tallest Prince make some maids turn to see him. "No sense! Of course we're having a party, our brother Dongho just came back from a successful campaign at north and he's save and sound, and now you're home so we have double reason to celebrate. You are our honor guest!" Minhyun contemplates his brother's face before adding. "Of course, that only if you want to, I know the travel was long and if you're too tired I can make an excuse and plan a little banquet tomorrow morning..."

Jonghyun seems to thinking it through before answering. "No, it is better to make it public today, father will get mad if we don't tell him I'm home. It is fine."

Minhyun is not too convinced with that smile, but he adds nothing. The truth, he thought it is reasonable to tell everyone the Prince who was studying abroad was back home. Both keep chatting animatedly until they're in front Jonghyun's chamber that is still illuminated and clean not matter how long had been.

Minhyun leaves promising he'll be back later and saying he'll send someone with lunch before that. Jonghyun thanks him, closes the door and lean over the soft pillow, but… Eh?! Who had forgotten that pink wig under the covers?!

…

More than a hour passed. Jonghyun knows by just looking out the windows. Curtains are shut but in-between the soft silk scape the reddish light of the end of a day.

He fell slept after eating.

Jonghyun didn't know he was that tired. Even now, he's surprised by the intensity of the pain on his neck and back after waking up. The journey didn't felt so heavy earlier.

He walks to the curtains and completely open them. The room gets lighten and everything is warmer. The far sounds of the orchestra that might be rehearsing since a while fills the space and reach every corner.

His reflection on the mirror is a disaster. His hair is messed up pointing every direction, Jonghyun is tempted to run to the closet and look for one of the many berets he left there. He stops at the sight of the loud color on the corner of the room. In such a sober space there's not way that costume would not catch his eye.

The Prince sighs before letting the smile get to his lips. That was the making of his brother. Since Minhyun reached an agreement between the five of them, he choses their clothes for events. Jonghyun has not complaints. He's sure his taste to dress is not bad, but Minhyun's is better if it's about innovative fashions.

...

Getting ready takes its time. Jonghyun is in from a long mirror. His pink suit looks completely fine, under his suit jacket a sweater and shirt to guarantee his skin will not be exposed tonight. His hair, it has many tones of gray now and hides his forehead in a nice way. And he's wearing the most simple black tendrils.

He gets out his chamber and walks down the hallway in a slow pace, what is he supposed to say if they ask him to speak to the guests? His nerves are getting worse.

Jonghyun feels relieved when the familiar voices reach him. They're together about to walk down the stairs, his two brothers are in deep conversation that seems funny.

Dongho is the first one to notice him. "Oh, Jonghyun-ah! You wake up! Someone told me you were kinda in a bad state!" The smirk of the strongest Prince hadn't change at all. His brother looks exactly like he did three years ago, his hair very short, dyed black and made up back; his wide shoulders look more imposing on that long pink jacket. A color that could be too sweet for someone that seems so manly and even so it suits him.

"I never said he was in a bad state! I said Jonghyunie looked tired, and that's why I didn't want to bother him." Minhyun puts his hand on his brother's back trying to apologize. He's wearing a flux so long only someone of his height could properly wear, and how he likes to, the fucsia shirt is unbuttoned enough to show a good part of his chest.

"Are we the only here?" Jonghyun follows them through the long staircase.

"By now. I hope the others will join us soon." Minhyun says a little heartless.

"Since I came here I'd seen Aron-hyung only a few times, father has him very busy all the time."

"Had you been home for a while?" For Jonghyun it was a surprise to hear Dongho was in the Capital, until the last letter he had from Minhyun, their brother was in a mission to protect the Kingdom near the north border.

"I came a week ago I thought it would take longer but enemies withdrew after our last move. I let in charge First General of District."

Jonghyun wants to ask more things but the sound of people waiting at the Dance Hall remembers him this night will be not easy and the best is to focus on keeping the good mood for everyone.

When Minhyun opens the doors, the beauty of the place takes back the best memories to the Prince of gray hair.

The Dance Hall is the biggest indoor space in the Palace. Its tall ceiling are beautifully decorated with modern frescoes, the gigantic bay windows let to see the impressive garden from every angle, some of the glass doors are open and let the nightly cold breeze in with the flower perfume. Floor is brilliant as always and the lights leaves you breathless. But the most marvelous thing are people.

Jonghyun is not someone who is confortable in public, he's not like his brothers who will take the lead on treating with others; anyways, he can't deny being out of his country, he missed his people the most. Back there others would criticizing him and make him feel out of place, he was only capable of go through that because he kept in mind many counted on him. And at this very moment, looking at the faces of old friends and smiling peers, he feels at home.

Voices of ladies and gentlemen that wait elegants and smiling, laugh of children playing in the garden, music notes that musicians play time to time as they take care of the last details… Everything is friendly and calming for Jonghyun.

The three Princes enter the room and bow to the guests that soon answer with a similar gesture. They walk in silence to the marble deck from where music will be played tonight. Many ladies that are present for the first time in one of those celebrations will say later how serious and elegant the young royalty is, some others who have the fortune of know them better will talk about the impressive capability of play the stoic card when in fact they're really awkward.

Jonghyun's thoughts are far away until he gets hit heavily on the shoulder. Of course it's Dongho. "Well?"

"Ah." Minhyun smiles to the crowd whilst explains the situation under his breath. Jonghyun doesn't show how confused he is now. "It seems Aron-hyung will be late. The older of us must introduce the party."

"Oh." Jonghyun would rather have Minhyun as host. He always have been talented on this area. Anyways, if it's necessary… His lips part.

Suddenly, another glass door is opened and people start to give space to the newcomer.

Aron, the older brother, walks through the room. He has the same hairstyle than ever, his short brunette hair hides half of his forehead. He's wearing the most eye-catching fluffy shirt that Jonghyun had ever seen and of course it match with his pink… pants.

"Am I too late?" When he joins his brothers, he bows at them except to Jonghyun to whom gives a strong handshake. "Dad and I had a disagreement and we were together until now."

"We were about letting you out." Dongho answers with calm voice.

"Though we want you to do the honor now." Minhyun makes a gesture towards the guests.

"Of course."

And with that, four brothers bows to the crowd.

Aron's words were precise. Once he finished, music started and people were dancing and tasting the delicious food that were offered.

Princes were still together once they get down to the dance floor.

Aron is happy because Dongho and Jonghyun are home. He's happy all the brothers could be together again… But… "Where is Minki?"