Miss Royalty // BTS AU

Chapter Eighteen

14 Days Left Until The Ball

Ruby and Chip had already headed to Samba Square for a bit of shopping around. Ruby wanted to relax at Rumba Beach, just to get things off her mind, especially with what happened yesterday. "Princess Ruby!" She sees Prince Hoseok waving from the entrance of the beach. "Hello!" She waves back.

"What are you up to?" He asks. "Nothing much, I was just walking around Samba Square, a bit of shopping," Ruby said. "That's cool, you wanna' come fish with me?" He asked, holding tightly to his crutches. "Of course," she shrugs. The two walked and found a good spot to catch some fish. Instead of a fishing pole, Prince Hoseok was able to find a large stick and a string.

"With this, you can catch fish easily," he says as he ties the string around the end of the stick, making sure it's tied tightly. "I have a box of worms, just make sure to tie this string around the middle of the worm's body... like this," he demonstrates as he explains.

She watches the way he throws the string into the water and waits patiently until a fish catches the bait. "I bumped into Prince Yoongi yesterday otter his practice with his partner," he speaks. "Really?" She asked.

"Yeah, he looked very serious when he came out from Practice Hall. He looks like he's his usual self," he said. Ruby wondered if he felt that way when he saw her and Prince Seokjin dance practice. But the way he smiled, Ruby suddenly realized t wasn't just a happy smile, but a very sad one. "It's probably because he's leaving this Sunday with his partner for the world competition."

That's exactly what Ruby had thought of. The way he spoke when he wanted to see Ruby tomorrow, she'll miss him having around. "Oh! I got one!" Prince Hoseok exclaims, his loud voice frightens Ruby a bit. Prince Hoseok uses his strength to pull the stick, Ruby helps him as they successfully captured the fish that was hanging on the bait.

"Wow, you sure did catch a big one," Ruby compliments. "Now it's your turn," he says as he passes the stick to her. He takes the fish from the bait and throws it in a small tin bucket. Ruby settles herself in the sand, grabbing one worm from the box. "Make sure to tie it tightly," he instructs. Ruby is having a bit of trouble with tying the worm, but she managed to do so.

After throwing the string into the water, she waits once more to capture a fish. "So far, did you dance with any of the other princes besides me?" He asked. "Well, you were my first, then Prince Jimin, Prince Yoongi, Prince Namjoon, and Prince Seokjin," she answers. "Really? Prince Seokjin? Oh right, he broke up with Princess Juliana, it seems like he's starting to like you and I hate that!" He fake pouts, making her laugh at his goofiness.

"Woah!" Ruby can feel her body get pulled by the strong impact from the fish she caught. Prince Hoseok helps her by securing her body with his arms around. Ruby can feel her cheeks flush in pink and her heart steadily beating. His warmth against her gown and his breathing hit her ears. "No fair! Your fish is bigger than mines!" He complains but in a joking manner.

"I-If you w-want, y-you can have it," she stutters, but thankfully, Prince Hoseok doesn't notice it. "Really? Thanks," he says, grabbing the fish and throws it in the bucket. "Prince Hoseok!" They both turn to find a messy-hair, freckly boy, jogging towards them. Judging by his appearance, he doesn't look like he's from here nor from an average family.

He looks like he belongs to an upper-class family, not royalty, but from a rich family. "Finn!" Prince Hoseok calls him back. "Sorry, Princess Ruby, but I should get going with my friend," he apologizes. "No worries, you both go have fun," she says, helping him stand on his feet. "Hello, your highness," Finn greets, bowing.

"Hello," she says back. Finn grabs the bucket and they both walk out of Rumba Beach. "Princess, I've spotted Prince Namjoon walking to Jive park, why don't you spend some time with him before practice," Chip suggests. "I hope you didn't stalk him," Ruby jokes. "What?! I just saw him walk out of Samba Square!" Chip frowns.

"I was kidding, come on, let's go," Ruby chuckles as they both also leave the beach and walked straight to the kingdom's largest park. "Prince Namjoon!" She calls out to him. He turns and greets her with a smile, waving at Ruby. "Hello, Princess Ruby, any plans for today?" He asks. "I have dance practice later, but until then, I have some free time," Ruby said. "Would you care to join me, then?" He asked.

"If you don't mind?" "Not at all," he chuckles as they both walked towards a nearby bench. "I was at Tango Garden yesterday and I saw Prince Jimin talking to himself," Prince Jimin laughs and Ruby snorts just thinking about it. "Are you okay?" He asked concerned. "Mm? Oh, I'm fine, it's just the way you expressed yourself when you said you saw Prince Jimin talking to himself," Ruby laughs.

"Ohh! It is true, though. He would even speak to a flower he comes across. I swear, he is one rare prince," he says. "Well, that is Prince Jimin," Ruby shrugs. "Anyways, you do know that in two days, there will be an Annual Foundation Festival," he mentions about this festival Ruby h=never heard of.

"U-Um, yeah, my f-father already told me about it," Ruby plays it cool, looking at Chip. "His highness is correct, it's a festival that the village is holding here in Jive Park and in Samba Square as well. I apologize, your highness, her highness is still suffering from memory loss," Chip nervously chuckles.

"Anyways, the festival is always held every year and there will be a lot of fun games and lots of shops selling unique stuff from overseas." Prince Namjoon joins, talking about how fun it sounds. "Also, not to mention that there will be a couple dance contest. I really was hoping to ask you if you and I would like to participate?"

Chip floats behind the prince, signaling Ruby to take this chance to say yes. "Sure, why not. Win or lose, I think we'll both have fun," Ruby smiles. "Perfect! And speaking of dance practice, why don't you two go on ahead to Practice Hall and start practicing," Chip said as she playfully dances in front of them.

"Chip looks like she's in a happy mood and so am I, shall we, Princess Ruby?" Prince Namjoon stands from his seat, extending his hand out to Ruby. "We shall," Ruby says, taking his hand as they both began to walk out of Jive Park.

Ruby hoped she doesn't bump into Prince Yoongi at Practice Hall today. "I am so excited to practice with you," Prince Namjoon truthfully admits. "Me too," Ruby says, She can feel his warm hand intertwining with hers. "Your smile reminds me of my sister, I really do wish she comes to the ball," he said.

"I know for sure she will," Ruby reassures him. When they entered Practice Hall, as always, Chip is ready to play the piano, "I'm ready when you are!" She said, giving them a grin. "Just like how we danced in the garden," Prince Namjoon says, giving Ruby a bit of motivation. Ruby closes her eyes for a moment, rethinking the moment when Prince Namjoon would grab her waist to bring her close to him and the way they sway slowly from side to side with the music.

Every prince she danced with, well except for Prince Taehyung, but each prince she dances with, it's like they all have different themes depending on the music they choose to dance. Like Prince Hoseok, his theme is similar to love and happiness. Prince Jimin's theme is similar to young memories and freedom. Prince Yoongi's theme was mysteries and unknown secrets. Meanwhile, Prince Seokjin's theme was sorrowful and pure innocence.

And of course, Prince Namjoon's theme felt like a magical journey with excitement and joy. Prince Taehyung's theme is yet to uncover soon. Each theme gives her the courage to feel any emotion depending on the music. When she dances with Prince Namjoon, she can feel that excitement going on right now.

Now that she realizes how close the princes' feelings are towards Ruby, does it also affect the guys in her world?...

To Be Continued...

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1,450 Words