The days following her coronation were merciless.
Ministers tested her.
Generals doubted her.
Advisors whispered behind her back.
Yoongi ruled with composure, but inside, she was breaking under the pressure of a crown she had never wanted. She needed strength beside her—strength she could trust.
But trust was dangerous in Bulgul.
Still, the kingdom demanded a royal guard.
Seven warriors.
Seven shadows loyal only to the king.
And so the trials began.
---
The Warrior Trials
The palace courtyard shook with the clash of metal and the shouts of competitors. Warriors from every corner of the kingdom arrived—farm boys with raw strength, seasoned soldiers with hard eyes, even nobles seeking status.
Yoongi watched from the throne-like seat placed at the arena's edge, chin lifted, expression unreadable.
But inside, she observed everything.
Footwork.
Breathing.
Instinct.
Intent.
Beside her, General Baekron nodded approvingly.
"You must choose wisely. A king's safety depends on the seven who stand closest."
Yoongi nodded.
She knew that better than anyone.
---
1. JIN — The Shield
The first fighter to catch Yoongi's attention was a tall man with striking features and an almost theatrical presence. He moved with the grace of a dancer and the force of a storm.
When an opponent tried to strike from behind, Jin turned smoothly, blocking the attack and disarming the man in a single breathtaking motion.
Yoongi leaned forward slightly.
General Baekron whispered, "Kim Seokjin. Famous for his strength and… dramatic personality, unfortunately."
Yoongi's lips twitched.
"I like him."
Jin bowed deeply when chosen, smiling proudly.
"I swear to protect you with everything I am, Your Majesty."
And Yoongi believed him.
---
2. HOSEOK — The Light
A slim young man stepped into the arena next, wearing a soft expression that didn't belong on a battlefield—until he moved.
His form was beautiful.
Precise.
Almost like a dance of hope.
Hoseok fought not with aggression but with clarity. Every strike was intentional. Every dodge purposeful. And he helped opponents stand after defeating them.
Yoongi felt something warm flicker in her chest.
Compassion.
Loyalty.
Light.
She needed that.
"You will be my second," she announced.
Hoseok's eyes shined with sincerity.
"I will be your strength when the world feels heavy."
Yoongi swallowed hard.
She needed that too.
---
3. JOON — The Strategist
Joon did not win every match.
But he won every mind.
Before fighting, he studied his opponent's stance.
Before striking, he calculated their weaknesses.
Before losing, he adapted and overcame.
General Baekron chuckled.
"That one is too clever for his own good."
Yoongi smiled.
"I'll need his mind."
Joon bowed, pushing his glasses up.
"I will follow you into war or history, Your Majesty. Whichever you choose."
Yoongi whispered, "I hope it is not war."
But fate had other plans.
---
4. MIN — The Silent Blade
Min arrived without introduction, without a family name, without a history.
He stepped onto the arena with quiet steps and a dead calm in his eyes.
He finished his fight in ten seconds.
Ten.
The opponent didn't even react before Min's blade rested at his throat.
The courtyard fell silent.
Yoongi felt a chill.
Not fear—
respect.
"You fight like death follows you," she said softly.
Min finally looked up at her.
"It does, Your Majesty."
She chose him immediately.
---
5. TAE — The Heart
Tae looked too gentle to be a warrior—big eyes, soft features, timid stance.
But when the fight began, something awakened inside him.
He fought not with skill
but with pure loyalty and emotion.
And Yoongi recognized it instantly.
He reminded her of herself.
A heart that felt too deeply in a world that punished softness.
"You will be my fifth," she said.
Tae's eyes welled with tears.
"I will protect you even if it kills me."
Yoongi reached out and touched his shoulder gently.
"I know."
---
6. JUNG — The Youngest Flame
Jung was young—only slightly older than Yoongi.
But he fought with a fiery spirit that roared through the arena.
He stumbled.
He recovered.
He fell.
He rose again every time.
Jung bowed, panting.
"I am not the strongest… but I never give up."
Yoongi smiled brightly for the first time in weeks.
"That is exactly why you are chosen."
Jung beamed, proudly wiping his sweaty forehead.
---
7. KWAN — The Intruder
As the trials neared their end, a familiar figure stepped into the arena.
Kwan.
He walked with quiet confidence, wearing a neutral expression. His eyes flicked briefly toward Yoongi—not with warmth, but with assessment.
Yoongi's breath caught.
She wasn't sure why she felt relieved to see him…
or why she immediately questioned herself for it.
General Baekron frowned.
"He's not on the participant list."
"I joined late," Kwan said calmly. "I heard your kingdom needed strong warriors."
Suspicion flickered through the council.
But Yoongi nodded slowly.
"Let him compete."
Kwan fought with precision, striking only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary violence. It was a performance meant to impress—
and it worked.
At the end, he kneeled before Yoongi.
"By your command, Your Majesty."
But Yoongi didn't see
the cold calculation behind his respectful bow.
The others thought they had gained a brother.
Yoongi thought she had gained a friend.
Kwan knew
he had gained a target.
---
The Magnificent Seven
As the sun set, Yoongi stood before the seven warriors she had chosen.
Her voice was steady as she spoke:
"You are the ones who will walk beside me. Seven shadows. Seven blades. Seven hearts. My kingdom's strength… and my own."
Jin smiled proudly.
Hoseok bowed warmly.
Joon straightened with confidence.
Min nodded once.
Tae wiped a tear.
Jung beamed.
Kwan lowered his head with a perfect expression of loyalty.
Yoongi's heart felt full for the first time since her parents' death.
She was no longer alone.
But behind the seven faces that bowed before her,
one of them was already sharpening a blade
meant for her back.