Chapter 5 – The Prince Who Returned

"Some people leave footprints upon the earth. Others leave them upon the heart."

.

.

.

.

.

The Moon Kingdom had always awakened gracefully.

As dawn stretched across the silver lake, golden sunlight slipped through the palace windows, painting long streaks across polished marble floors. Palace servants moved quietly through the corridors, preparing for another day of royal duties.

Yet inside the eastern wing...

Prince Taehyung had not slept.

He sat beside the open window of his chamber, the cool morning breeze playing with the loose strands of his dark hair. In his hands rested a simple silver ribbon.

The ribbon that had returned to him the previous night.

Along with a single promise.

"I promised we'd meet again. Trust me one more time."

His thumb gently traced the embroidery stitched along its edge.

A small smile appeared before he could stop it.

A knock sounded on the chamber door.

"Your Highness?"

Mira entered carrying breakfast.

She immediately noticed the untouched bed.

"You didn't sleep."

Taehyung laughed softly.

"Was I that obvious?"

"You've been smiling at that ribbon since sunrise."

His cheeks warmed.

"I wasn't smiling."

"You were."

"I was thinking."

Mira set the tray down with a knowing grin.

"About the mysterious traveler."

Silence.

She laughed.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Meanwhile...

Beyond the palace walls...

A magnificent black stallion galloped toward the eastern gate.

Unlike yesterday...

Its rider wore no traveler's cloak.

No hood.

No disguise.

The morning sun reflected against black and silver armor bearing the unmistakable crest of the Dragon Kingdom.

Soldiers guarding the gate immediately straightened.

One of them gasped.

"That crest..."

Another whispered,

"The Dragon Royal Family."

Within moments, the massive gates opened.

Trumpets echoed across the capital.

Citizens stepped aside in surprise as the royal procession entered the city.

At its center rode Crown Prince Jeon Jungkook.

Calm.

Composed.

Every inch the warrior prince people spoke about in legends.

Behind him rode General Minho, struggling not to smile.

"So much for staying unnoticed."

Jungkook didn't answer.

His eyes were already searching the towering palace ahead.

Inside the throne hall...

The royal announcer hurried toward King Hyun.

"Your Majesty!"

"The Crown Prince of Drakonis has arrived!"

The King looked genuinely surprised.

"So suddenly?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"He requests an audience."

Queen Hana exchanged a glance with Namjoon.

No official visit had been scheduled.

Why would the Dragon Kingdom's heir come unannounced?

A few minutes later...

The great doors opened.

Jungkook entered alone.

His polished boots echoed through the silent hall.

Every noble present bowed respectfully.

King Hyun rose from his throne.

"Crown Prince Jungkook."

"This visit is unexpected."

Jungkook bowed deeply.

"My apologies for arriving without notice."

"I hope I have not caused inconvenience."

King Hyun smiled politely.

"Not at all."

"What brings the future king of Drakonis to Lunaris?"

Jungkook met the King's eyes.

"I came to strengthen the friendship between our kingdoms."

It was a diplomatic answer.

Technically true.

Just not the whole truth.

Standing quietly beside the Queen...

Taehyung entered the hall a moment later, unaware of the guest's identity.

He stopped the instant he saw him.

His breath caught.

The traveler.

No...

Not a traveler.

A prince.

A crown prince.

The stranger who had laughed with him beneath the lanterns.

The one who had written on their lantern.

The one who called himself Jun.

Their eyes met.

For a heartbeat...

Everything around them disappeared.

Then Jungkook smiled.

Small.

Almost imperceptible.

But it was enough.

Taehyung's heart forgot how to beat.

King Hyun noticed the exchange.

"You two..."

"Have you met before?"

Taehyung's eyes widened.

Before he could answer—

Jungkook stepped forward gracefully.

"We had the honor of crossing paths during the Moon Festival."

He neither lied...

Nor revealed everything.

King Hyun nodded.

"I see."

Throughout the meeting...

Taehyung tried to focus on the diplomatic conversation.

He failed completely.

Every time he glanced across the hall...

Jungkook was already looking at him.

Not boldly.

Not disrespectfully.

Simply...

As if making sure he was there.

As if seeing him brought quiet relief.

Across the room...

Lady Iseul arrived with the visiting nobles.

The moment she saw Jungkook...

Her practiced smile returned.

"Crown Prince Jungkook."

She bowed elegantly.

"It has been many years."

Jungkook returned the greeting politely.

"Lady Iseul."

No warmth.

No affection.

Only courtesy.

Her eyes darkened for a fraction of a second.

Then she noticed something else.

Every few moments...

Jungkook's gaze drifted back to Taehyung.

Not once.

Not twice.

Again.

And again.

Her fingernails pressed into her palm beneath her sleeves.

So it's true...

He doesn't even notice I'm standing here.

The audience ended just before noon.

As nobles began leaving the throne hall...

A young palace servant hurried toward Taehyung.

"Your Highness."

"The Moon Garden has been prepared for today's flower offering ceremony."

Taehyung nodded.

"I'll come shortly."

He turned—

Only to find Jungkook standing a few steps away.

Close enough that only the two of them could hear.

"I owe you an apology."

"For what?"

"My name."

Taehyung smiled gently.

"Jun wasn't your name."

"It is."

Jungkook chuckled softly.

"My mother still calls me that."

"But I should have trusted you with the truth."

Silence settled between them.

Then Taehyung did something unexpected.

He smiled.

The same warm smile from the Moon Bridge.

"I'm glad you came back."

Jungkook felt his heartbeat quicken.

"So am I."

Before either of them could say another word—

A palace maid hurried toward them.

"Your Highness!"

"The Queen is looking for you."

Taehyung sighed quietly.

"Duty calls."

Jungkook nodded.

"I'll wait."

Those two simple words lingered in Taehyung's heart long after he walked away.

From the upper balcony...

Namjoon had witnessed the entire exchange.

He folded his arms thoughtfully.

"They're smiling."

Queen Hana joined him.

"I've never seen Tae smile that freely with a stranger."

Namjoon looked toward Jungkook.

"No..."

"He isn't smiling at a stranger anymore."

Far away, hidden within the western tower...

Lady Iseul slowly unfolded a sealed letter.

The reply from the White Tiger Kingdom had arrived.

She smiled coldly.

"Excellent."

"The first piece has begun to move."

She looked out at the palace gardens where Taehyung and Jungkook had just parted.

"Enjoy your happiness while it lasts."

"Because soon..."

"The game will truly begin."

.

.

.

.

"One prince returned without a disguise. Another discovered that the stranger he trusted was someone even more dangerous to his heart—a king in the making."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***