Chapter VIII: Changes {PART I}

                                    

                                          
Taehyun was bewildered, eyes following the Asterrian prince as he lowers his hand and fixed his posture. He flashed Taehyun a smile, to which the second prince returned awkwardly.
Aster was a Kingdom located West - from what Taehyun had heard from his sister the Asterrians are rich in the abundance of nature; surrounded by forests, fields and valleys. It may not had been an influencial Kingdom, but it was definetly a rising superpower.
They have an army stronger than the Southern Kingdom - and that seems to be what Cheol's after.
Atleast that was what Sakura had told him.
A rising Kingdom with a strong military base is quite useful in terms of a war and political status. And Chrystelle would benefit grea if they wish to merge an alliance, whilst Aster would be recognized as one of the political powerhouses.
Looking back at it, Taehyun had realized Cheol had been bootlicking the Asterrian Chois to remain on their good graces.
A smart, but also risky move in the end.
"I reckon this is the first time we've ever met," Beomgyu says, attempting to strike a conversation. "I've never saw you at the main palace before."
Oh, now how does Taehyun explain that to him?
"Perhaps we did not cross the same paths, your Highness," Taehyun school's a small smile. "And quite frankly I tend to stay at my chambers most of the time, I do not exactly find the outdoors appealing."
That was a lie, Taehyun loved going outside. 
And what was the haughty attitude for?
"Understandable," Beomgyu hums. "Then I must assume you frequent the library?"
Taehyun gave him an awkward smile, the second prince was not used to talking with someone he doesn't know. It is quite a struggle as he had only had a handful of people to talk to.
"Precisely, your Highness," he says, dread filling his stomach with how sarcastic it sounded. "Lady Mohwa and Lord Kai accompany me from time to time."
"I see," Beomgyu hums, eyes on Mo-hwa and Kai who were to still at the dancefloor. "Are they your friends, your Highness?"
Taehyun nodded, "They are, most people say it is unusual for the opposite sex to become friends. People assume Lord Kai and I are competing for her affection-" he shuddered at that. "She is like a sister to me, the idea makes me nauseous."
The Asterrian prince laughed, Taehyun narrowed his eyes at him. "It is not funny."
"Indeed it is not," Beomgyu chortles, coughing in attempt to subdue his laughter. 
Taehyun stares at the Asterrian prince, schooling a rather blank expression. 
There was no chance that Choi Beomgyu would attempt to converse with a mere half-blood out of nowhere. Surely he had been informed about Taehyun's origins, every noble knew of it and had pretty much ignored him as if he was plague.
So why would a crown prince from a rising political powerhouse speak to him?
Was it for pity or for public appearance?
"Are you searching for my elder brother, your Highness?" Taehyun asked, the Asterrian prince shook his head. 
"Oh no, I've been with Geon-ho for the last early hours. I was looking for a friend of mine when I came across Lady Cardiel and met you."
"A friend of yours?" 
Beomgyu nodded, "Lord Choi Soobin from the Choi Duchy."
"The third son of Duke Choi of Ruphylle?" Taehyun asked, not quite sure of his assumption.