Now this story is #1 in require... do I know what the fuck that means? Nope.

This story is winning so many top spots already y'all.

"I doubt that."

Prisoner 134340 hissed as my towel wiped at one of his cuts.

"Jesus, be fucking careful." He growled. Normally I would flinch, but I could tell he wasn't anyone to be afraid of.

"I'm sorry. I'm almost done."

"W-Why is the Prince the one cleaning me up?" His voice sounded sad, making my heart ache for him. Being locked up and abused in a cement cell must be terrible, especially knowing you'll die anyway.

I shrugged, putting the towel back in the bowl and setting them aside. "Because I'm here to help you. I don't want you hurt."

He scoffed, before wincing and wrapping an arm around his stomach. "Nobody ever helps me. Nobody gives a damn about me."

"I do."

"You don't even know me."

I opened my mouth to respond before I heard a throat clearing from behind the gates. I turned to see Taehyung standing on the other side, a crease in his brow.

"What is it, Taehyung?"

He rocked awkwardly on his heels for a second before he stopped, swallowing hard. "Um, your father summons you back to the palace. He says it's urgent."

I met the prisoner's eyes before nodding, standing back up. "I will have someone bring you some pain meds in a bit."

"Don't even bother. I'm used to it. Just go take care of your royal duties."

I frowned at the sadness laced in his voice, but knew I had to get back to the castle with haste.

"Baro, get our friend here a new set of clothes. His are covered in blood."

Baro nodded before walking down the hall to the laundry area to get a new set of clothes.

I eyed the prisoner one more time, watching as he curled up in a ball with his hands sandwiched between his thighs.

I sighed and cleared my throat, following Taehyung out of the prison, making our way back to the palace.

••••

"You have no idea what he is up to?" I questioned Taehyung, who only shook his head.

"It's his monthly meeting with the counsel, that's all I know."

"Fuck, I hate those meetings. He's been making me sit in on them for the last few months."

"If you hate this stuff so much, why are you going to be King?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm the King's only child, I have no choice. But God, I wish I did, because if I could choose, I would run far away from this place and never return."

Taehyung hummed, a pout on his lips. "And what about me?"

I tilted my head as I looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"Do I mean... nothing to you?" Taehyung's voice was laced with sadness.

"Tae, you know you mean a lot to me. But... you're a servant. I-I know we have made out and such, but you're my best friend more than anything. But I really just don't see us being more than that. I'm so sorry."

Taehyung sniffled and nodded.

"Tae, I really am so sorry. I just- I don't know. We will find you the best guy there is and he will be so much better than me, I promise."

He nodded again, unable to meet my eyes.

The door of the car I was in opened and I stepped out, squinting at the sun that shone directly in my eyes.

I cleared my throat and made my way up the steps leading into the palace, Taehyung a few steps behind me, sniffling quietly.

••••

This chapter is hella short but I'm tired and I think I injured my wrist and just lmao life hates me