Reality...
The city is fun. No. People from the city is fun.
Some kilometers far away the Palace, the city is a center of night life.
Sounds.
People walking down the street, friends meeting, lovers talking, discussions, gambling, drunks. Everything's real.
Minki stops for a moment in front the restaurant he choose. He had been here sometimes and he is sure its homemade food is the best.
He leaves his black cape at the door and sits on a table. His suit of several pink layers makes people turn to see. He sighs. That outfit is proof he had the intention to go to that party… But at the end he felt he would miss the steak from that place. "Just a plate and I go back." His long hair hiding his face. He cannot avoid feeling guilty, that was the first night at home for Jonghyun-ah.
...
King Ledis would not join the celebration. That took Jonghyun by surprise, who hopped for his father to have little interest in meeting one of his sons and congratulate the other for his success… Dongho wasn't surprised. He didn't care neither, he was used to this.
Dongho had never get along with his progenitor, so he preferred to be thankful for his absence instead of missing him. Yes, he is thankful he could enjoy the night with those he love without worrying about that man.
The King of this country can't stand being contradicted by others. His son always do it. Last time Dongho dared to do a sarcastic comment during an official dinner. His punishment was decided immediately, "If you can being funny when we are talking about important matters it must be you have it resolved, take it from here." And that was all, the Prince went to his first military campaign.
What no-one foresaw, much less the owner of the crown, was that Dongho became such a reliable soldier being only 16 years. He repelled pirates and protected his troop. After that it was unavoidable the young Prince was needed over and over again.
Dongho raises his glass of wine and makes a toast with his comrades, there is nothing better than moments like these. A fun night had just started alongside with friends and his brothers. How long since the five of them were together!... But… Where's Minki?
...
A complete meal, two desserts and three cups of coffee and still he doesn't want to leave.
Aline sighs when she removes another cup. The pretty waitress of blue eyes and dark short hair that perfectly frames her face, is a little worried because the Prince. It's not a secret that the young man shouldn't be there at that hour.
"Arg..." Minki rests both elbows on the table and his chin between his hands. "I think I'll drink one more cup before…"
"Sir..." She dares to express her opinion. "I think it's been enough for the night, don't you think?" She tries to show her best smile. Hard. She can hear her boss perfectly sighing at her back. It would be too bad for the business if the Guard finds a royal in the place.
Minki thinks that awkward expression is adorable. He looks down and gives a half smile as answer. "Of course, you are right, miss. Please, let me pay the bill."
She can feel her heart bit faster, how can be someone that beautiful? "Do not worry, Sir. I'll put it in your account so this will take no longer. When you come back, you can pay it." If she can guarantee he will come back in a better moment they will have to recognize her skills.
"Thank you so much, my lady." He stands up and grants her the most gracious bow.
Again Aline's heart trembles. She recovers herself fast, says goodbye and walks to the counter. Today is a wonderful night.
The fluffy blue skirt of her dress fleets in the air the moment Aline turns around because she hears Minki's voice.
"There you are!" The handsome man is stopped by the restaurant's door before some of his acquaintances. "Bambi, Bianca and Suri."
Three girls with elegant dresses and spring colored wigs just walk through the entrace.
Aline looked surprised how he, with perfect manners, invites them to sit with him, moving every chair to help each of them.
"Please, we want a bottle of the best wine you have."
She sighs again and fits her smile before facing the table she just cleaned. Aline was furious. She sighs again. "Men are the dumbest!"
...
Minhyun stands out in the crowd. Being tall can be an advantage. The Prince can easily look for known faces in the Hall. He finds many friends but not the person he wants to meet the most.
"Maybe she did not come." No. She is here, he's sure. He thought he met her eyes when Aron-hyung entered.
Dancing? Accepting a toast in her name? Taking a break outside? She's nowhere to be found. He neither finds her companions.
Minhyun is about surrender. He would never admit it but the truth is his only goal this night was to show her jokes were empty.
Suddenly, his gaze focus on the piano area. While the orchestra takes a break the public can show off their musical abilities, Dongho is always the first to take a turn. However, right in this moment, a young man who is around thirteen is on the spotlight. He is really noticeable and has gathered a great assembly of listeners, lot of ladies. Minhyun suddenly wants to learn to play that instrument. "Wonderful."
"It is. How impressive. And he's so young." He gets surprised by the known voice by his side. The short lady, slightly tanned, with dark brown hair fixed on a high bun is smiling to him. She's wearing a dress with many layers of cream fabric.
"Noona! I thought you did not make it!" The Prince openly smile whilst bowing.
She bows too, giggling a little before answering. "Is it true? Oh, Prince Minhyun, it would be unforgivable for us to refuse such an important invitation." She looks at him for a moment, then she slowly looks away. "We were very happy to acknowledge the return of our Prince Jonghyun, we could not miss this occasion."
"Ah! But, noona." Minhyun's small eyes open as much as they can. His expression is adorable. "Jonghyunie came home this afternoon, his presence was a surprise, how did you know?"
She smiles at him and is about to answer, but she decides otherwise. "Noona is always well informed."
Minhyun's laugh is loud and strong. His eyes lost. The young man bows exaggerating when the music starts. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
She laughs while accepting the arm he offers. "How could I refuse?!" When they take a spot in the middle of the hall, they continue the conversation speaking in a playful mode. "Your Highness, did you practice too much this time?"
He knew she would say something like that. Minhyun is not a great dancer, but he can pretend so. He only talked about that problem with Jonghyun... Until not long ago… Now this had became a competition. "Oh, noona, you have no idea." He says as he takes her hand.
Her smile becomes bigger. He doesn't know it, but she has a rough time with dance too. It is relieving to know you're not the only person who needs to put extra effort on something that should be natural. There's not better thing than show off the results of so many hours of practice.
As the both of them make turns to the sound of the music, she thinks this is a great opportunity, celebrating with the whole Royal Family is fun. Well, the King is not making his appearance as usual and the young Minki... "Your Highness? Will be Prince Minki not coming…. Again?"
...
He needs to straight his legs. Minki had spent the last hours chatting with his friends in the same place and now he's a little bored. He's also in a bad mode, his eyes sting because the blue contacts, next time he's gonna leave them at home.
"Ren? Are you alright?" Bambi, the youngest of the group, wearing a long purple wig and navy blue dress, rise an eyebrow.
I am good. It is just the wine is starting to get into my system." Even if he says it, nobody is gonna believe him. Minki speaks with clarity and his expression is still stoic and beautiful.
"Oh! I know!" Now Bianca is the one to talk, with high-pitched voice and a blond wig with an eye-catching hairstyle. "Could it be you want us to take you dance? It's certain we can join Williams' party."
The simple mention of a celebration makes Minki worried again. He should be in another ball, showing his amazing dance moves to ertentain his brothers.
When his gaze cross with the pretty waitress', he knows what he have to do.
"Ladies, honestly it is time for me to leave."
"Nooooo! Ren-ie! You can't go, today we were going to play all night!" Did he agreed on that? Minki thinks deep for a moment, but he doesn't think it's possible.
He looks at Suri, the girl is dressed like a boy and has a very short hair dyed in light green. "You will not deceive me." His smile is bigger.
"Anyway,... " Bianca leans her face close to his… too close. "Wouldn't you preffer we do something else? I don't know… What if we go to the center of the city and go to the carnival?"
Minki's heart jumps. He loves carnivals. "Good. Let's be fast. I have to go home."
.
After the loud group left, while she cleaned up the table for the second time, Aline asks herself. "Why does she feel so worry for the young Prince?"
...
Aron has a love-hate relationship. A complicated relationship with this kind of event.
On them people get fun, but how can they forget about the reality?
He's not different. On mornings he discusses about economy with his father, is the only solution to everything to increase taxes?; at midday have lunch with didiplomats, why all those monkeys only speak about luxurious kind of meat?; during afternoon he takes care of the King's correspondence, is it a need to ask what kind of decoration you will have on your mansion, Mr. Governor?; and finally at night, he's worrying about how to make laugh their guests, showing off aegyos to the ladies. He's the same.
"His Royal Highness! You're here!" A build up young man he had never seen before put his arm over his shoulders. "I haven't presented my congratulations."
It is obvious this person is drunk. Aron makes sure to openly smile whilst making a gesture with his hand to the guards to look at his actions. "I thank you so much, Sir. But can I ask? What is the reason for you to congratulate me?"
"Ah! That!" The man don't release the Prince. Both of them stagger a bit. "I just heard good news. You must be so happy."
The Prince laughs. This is the funniest thing it happened to him this week. Tomorrow he'll ask his brother if they know the name of his new friend. "Ah, yes? Where did you hear about it?"
"My friends. Prince Minhyun told them." Now the young man offer a cup to Aron. He accepts it. He can barely hold his laugh. "They told me she's a beauty."
Aron's smile disappears. Could it be this man was talking about...?
"Congratulations, your Royal Highness." The unknown mam rise hus cup, asking for a private toast. "I am sure your fiancée is absolutely fantastic."
That was all. Aron puts down his drink on the table. He steps away his companion, bows a little and walks to the garden without looking back.
Surely, if his brothers watched him, they'll follow him there. At the moment, Aron wants to talk only with one of them. What happened to Minki?
...
The group walk down the main street. It is past midnight. They had have enough fun.
"Ren-ah? Do you have to go home for real? Come to my place, I can cook you dinner." Bianca takes the thin arm of the Prince.
"Or stay with me. My parents are still at the ranch, no one will bother us." Suri struggles while speaks.
Minki sighs. He would love to do so!
"Oh, no." Bambi suddenly stops. The Prince collides with her back, but before he can say anything, she takes his hand and guides him in a hurry to a narrow alley.
The other two exchange a look before following them.
"What is happening?!" Minki is a little mad. He's sure his shoes are ruined because some puddles on the street.
"Silence." Bambi, who is the tallest among them, stands right in front of him. Bianca and Suri do the same when they understand.
About five soldiers suspiciously walk down the street. They look the joyful group of young ladies talking about dresses for some seconds, before get back to their path.
"They left." Says Suri whilst leans against the wall.
"Do you think they are looking for me...?" Minki straights his back. Delicately he cleans the sweat from his forehead. "... again."
...
People starts to leave the Palace.
Jonghyun wouldn't like it was this way, but he's relieved. There's nothing like privacy.
While his brothers still stay at the Ball Hall, he stays at the Main Lobby, from where he dispose everything for the leaving of their hosts and says his farewells. It's not his duty but he feels like he have to do it.
Being the object of compliments is not easy. Less than ever if he doesn't deserve them. How to avoid getting nervous?
When this group of men come to congratulating him for being back after working so hard for the country; the Prince only can look down.
He bows a little whilst he tries to answer every question.
When, at last, they decide to leave, he continues bowing over and over. He steps back a few times and when he does again… bump into someone.
"I am… sorry." Jonghyun turns around and recognize the beautiful face full of surprise. He straightened and makes a formal 90 bow. "I am truly sorry."
He keeps his eyes close but it's not hard to figure out her expression when hears her giggling. Isn't she mad at him?
"Do not worry, Your Highness." Jonghyun rises his head to be able to see her. Her long wavy light brown hair is fixed on an elaborated hairstyle; she's wearing a beautiful baby blue dress. "I am not hurt."
Jonghyun breaths again, though he can't see her in the eye… He is so ashamed! "No... I am not speaking about this only..." His eyes reveal he's thinking about running away. "I am deeply sorry about this afternoon, I did not recognize you, Keri-ssi."
She smiles warmly. Nobody could denied he's adorable. "Oh. About that." Finally makes their eyes meet. "Do not worry about it. It is a natural thing, it had been so many years since we last met..."
"That is not." The Prince interrupts and is evident he regrets doing so. Keri gestures for him to continue and he does. "It is unforgettable that I was not capable of remember such an important friend."
She smiles and looks down, she had always liked that cute side of Jonghyun. "It is fine. Everything is solved, I did not immediately recognize you neither. We are even."
He wants to keep discussing. Say he feels terrible for treating her in a distant way. But she doesn't let him.
"I did not say it before, but… Welcome home." She does a little bow. And then smile seeing Jonghyun is finally not avoiding her gaze.
After some seconds of confortable silence, he steps in and stands by her side. "Keri-ssi, may I call the carriage?"
Both are looking outside the big windows, the trees and bushes illuminated by the light of inside dancing to the rythme of breeze.
"No, thank you so much. Someone else already offered to help us with the carriage."
Someone else? Jonghyun looks at her from the corner of the eye. Who would dare? To act as part of the Royal… Family, knowing Jonghyun was taking care of the duty.
The laugh of two persons make both of them to look at the entrace of the Hall. The Prince is sure to had recognized one of them.
"Minhyunie?" The young blond smiles. He joins them being followed by the lady at his side.
"Prince Jonghyun, I am very happy seeing you are safe and sound." She bows and he answers doing the same. The cream pale dress dance when he looks up. "Welcome home."
"Noona? Hhaven't you talked with Jonghyunie earlier?" Minhyun looks at her full of curiosity.
She looks at the taller man when speaks. "It was to be expected. When the main host is someone this important it is hard to get close."
"Someone this important, eonnie?" Keri looks at her worried. Her older sister is used to say whatever is on her mind.
"Yes. You know too, someone popular like this. Prince Jonghyun was very busy. I am so happy I got this opportunity to speak with you."
Jonghyun who tried to speak here and there finally made them hear. "Thanks a lot, Taeni-noona. I am happy seeing you are doing well."
He did recognized Keri's old sister and he realizes too late he could see her early too.
"Our Prince is always too kind. Thank you." Taeni looks at the main doors when she hears the horses outside.
Minhyun finds his brother's eyes. He can't help but explains himself even though Jonghyun is not questioning him. "I am sorry for doing things on my own, but I dared to organize things for noona and Keri."
The shorter man puts his hand on Minhyun's shoulder. It's fine. Then he speaks to the ladies. "Have you not more companion this night?"
The group of four walks out while they keep the conversation. The long hallway is illuminated by hundreds candles.
"No this night. We are fortunated we do not have the need to travel a long distance." Taeni calmly answer.
Jonghyun just realizes when the older sister is there, Keri, the one he directed the question to, talk a lot less. That is something usual on her. The younger woman looks at him suddenly. He looks away immediately.
"Should we go with them, Jonghyunie?" Minhyun winks at Keri when she gaze at him.
"Of course not. That would be not necessary, the Prince do not need to worry." The older not even looks back when she speaks. Jonghyun is a little relieved. He wouldn't like to leave the lobby.
Once they're outside the cold air hits. Keri fix her shawl. She wonders how Prince Minhyun can be fine whiles exposing his skin with that shirt.
Just when they're about to get into the elegant carriage, before accepting the hand of Minhyun to help her inside. Taeni stops like remembering something. She turns to look at Jonghyun.
"Your Highness, our family is extremely happy that you are back, we would be honored to, if possible, organize a humble celebration in your name." She speaks with confidence, but noticing insecurity in the Prince's eyes, she regrets to do so. Hurriedly she explains. "It would not be something ostensible, just a simple dinner or a small party, the thing is my father wish… Prince Minhyun is also invited, of course."
Minhyun was endeared by the young lady's reaction. It was funny see her trying to encourage Jonghyun. And he couldn't denied he loved the idea of having a private party outside the Palace.
Jonghyun, after pondering it, looked away the ground. "Yes. It is fine."
"Of course it is fine! We are thankful for this wonderful invitation." The taller man doesn't doubt to support his brother.
"Then, good night. It was a beautiful ball."
Minhyun bows too and offers his hand again… But it's too late, Jonghyun had already done it. When the carriage is out of sight, looks at his brother in the eye. There is mutal understanding.
The taller Prince hits Jonghyun's back while they walk back. A question in the air. "Any idea what happened to Minki?"
...
Jonghyun turns on his bed again. Why the days he's the most tired are the days it is harder to fall asleep? He opens his eyes and looks at the windows. It seems to be dark, he thinks there's at least an hour until the daybreak.
Are the others sleeping? Probably yes. If Minhyun was up he would hear him singing from the next-door chamber.
"Puff." He finally decides to get up. His dyed gray hair is a mess, his plaid pajamas seems too big for him.
This time he doesn't look at the mirror. He is not worried about what he looks like.
What he wants is a quick stop in one of the kitchens. He doesn't meet any maid or guard on his way. Maybe it's earlier than he thought.
Once he gets to the first floor, he hears a big group that probably is still cleaning the remains of the party. He does not walk in. He would like to help but they're seem to be happy and doesn't want to make awkward the air. He turns back.
After all he can drink water in Minhyun's room. He even can stay with his brother.
He reach the end of the staircase and is ready to keep climbing the next one when he see a shade by the window.
Jonghyun stays put.
The Palace is full with armors, an exposition of the past glories of the Nation… But in that precisely hallway where Jonghyun is there's only an enormous paint and two useless sculptures. At the end, he decides to take the bust of his great-grandfather.
He lift it over his head and walks close the window. It is his duty to protect his home. He's ready to release his ancestor over the man that is trying to force his way in, he will do it at this very moment, but…
"Oi, hermano!" No one could possibly mistake that terrible accent that pretends to be foreign.
"Minki?"
"Brother!" He hugs him so tight Jonghyun do ends up releasing his Great-grandfather that become thousands pieces on the floor.
The long hair of Minki is tangled and his suit is a mess. Jonghyun knows Minhyun would scold him, but right now… He hugs him back. "I missed you so much."