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The sound of clashing swords echoed through the arena, the vibrations sharp against his keen ears. With a swift movement, he pushed his opponent back, the arc of his blade cutting through the air. Summoning all his strength, he struck, sending his opponent's sword flying to the ground. In a heartbeat, his blade was poised at the other man's neck, rendering him immobile. Pride surged within him as yet another victory was claimed."Your Majesty, the Kim family has arrived. Her Royal Highness requests your presence to welcome them," the guard announced with a bow.The king gave a faint hum of acknowledgment, stepping out of the ring with a nod to the defeated soldier, who bowed respectfully in return. As he made his way toward the exit, his stride exuded power, every step steeped in unwavering dominance.He made his way to the palace entrance but paused, once again entranced by the garden- his home within the majestic palace. There, under the soft glow of twilight, bloomed the moonflower for the first time since...He shook off the unwanted memories, instead stepping into the garden. His feet carried him to the edge of the pond, where the moonflower's pale petals mirrored the moonlight. He gazed into the still water, his reflection staring back- a sweat-slicked face, porcelain skin, and those eyes. Those doe-like eyes, the most striking feature that contrasts his sharp look, whispered of someone he could never forget."Lily," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I miss you." His own reflection seemed to echo the words back at him, pulling him deeper into the web of longing.A sudden jolt of awareness snapped him from the haze. There were guests to receive, duties to fulfill. Yet, he knew it was too late to greet them at the entrance- they must have already arrived. Resigned, he lowered himself onto the lone bench at the heart of the garden, facing the pond. The weight of nostalgia settled heavily on his chest, but he held it back. Now was not the time. Not yet. He knew the night was still young and there would be a grandeur tonight so he rested well now for what was about to come...."Your Highness, you look beautiful. No prince or king in their right mind would refuse you." Taehyung smiled gently at Seorin, who was nervously examining herself in the mirror for any imperfections that might lead to rejection. Taehyung's words reassured her, and she hummed in gratitude, thanking him. "Now, if you'll excuse me..." he said, walking out of the room after receiving a nod from the princess he served.As he closed the door behind him, he noticed two soldiers standing guard by the entrance."Um, excuse me. Where is the common room?" he inquired.Following their directions, he reached the common room, where many other worker omegas like him were preparing for the night. Clutching the sack he carried tightly, he looked around for the bathing area and spotted it in the right corner of the hall, adorned with climbers and jasmine flowers at its entrance, as though welcoming his presence.He bathed in the warm pond filled with jasmine and chamomile, letting the soothing warmth and delicate fragrance envelop him. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to sink into the tranquility, easing his mind and body before his duties commenced.As he dried himself, other omegas began trickling into the common bath, their chatter breaking the stillness. He felt a sense of contentment for having stolen a rare moment of solitude amidst the chaos brewing within the Kim royal family.Zahran was breathtaking-far more exquisite than he had ever imagined. The finely crafted architecture and the genuine kindness of its people made it incomparable to Ahzar, his homeland, which could not hold a candle to the grandeur of this kingdom.Shaking off his wandering thoughts, he dressed in a pristine white silk hanbok, pairing it with simple pearl jewelry. As a finishing touch, he applied kohl to his eyes, enhancing their natural beauty. He looked at himself in the mirror, satisfied with his serene appearance.He headed back to check if the princess needed any last-minute arrangements. When he entered, Seorin was pacing around the room, nervously biting her lips."Ah, Taehyung! Thank god you're here," she exclaimed upon seeing him."What is it, Your Highness?" he asked, watching her gulp nervously before continuing."Taehyung-ah, they say I must dance in front of His Majesty. In front of the whole court," she said, her voice trembling.Taehyung narrowed his eyes, disliking the idea but forcing himself to remain composed to avoid saying something reckless."My dress won't come off while dancing, right?" she asked anxiously."Is that what you're worried about, Your Highness?" he replied, a hint of frustration in his voice."Is there anything else I should worry about?" she countered, blinking up at him innocently.He bit back a scoff threatening to escape his throat."Taehyung, you can say anything. You know that, right? I see you as a friend, after all," she said softly, noticing his silence."It's not that... it's just..." He paused, struggling to contain his emotions. "You are not a thing for entertainment, to dance in front of the whole court. You're not a sacrificial goat sent to impress the king and become his wife or consort. You're not... Damn it, you have worth beyond stooping so low as to seduce the king to solve our kingdom's border problems."He finally let out the words he had been bottling up ever since he learned about his princess being offered as a potential consort to King Jeon in exchange for power over their border disputes. Seorin's eyes widened at his words. "It's not... it's not as bad as you make it sound, you know..." she trailed off, her voice low, unsure of how to respond."Besides... what's wrong with being King Jeon's consort? He's the most eligible king out there," she tried to reason, genuinely confused about what Taehyung was trying to convey. Before Taehyung could say anything further, Seorin's mother, the queen, barged into the room."Seorin, are you ready? Make me proud," the queen declared, not acknowledging the bow Taehyung offered. He had never been fond of him. To him, Taehyung's intelligence far surpassed that of a mere handmaiden, and he resented anyone outshining her daughter. No mother would like that."Yes, Mother. And what dance should I perform?" Seorin asked innocently, her naivety making Taehyung grit his teeth."You'll perform Hafsa. It's perfect for this occasion," the queen declared proudly, causing Taehyung's eyes to widen momentarily. He quickly masked his reaction before he could notice."As you say, Mother. You can take care of the other preparations. I'll do my makeup according to my dance," Seorin replied, making her mother embrace her fondly. The queen kissed her crown and whispered, "Your father and I are going to be so proud of you," before leaving the room, casting Taehyung one last disdainful glance."Your Highness... you know what Hafsa is, right?" Taehyung asked cautiously."Of course, silly. We both learned it just a year ago," she replied lightly."No, I mean its purpose," he clarified. When the young princess looked confused, he muttered a curse under his breath."It is a seductive dance, meant to invite an alpha for..." he trailed off, watching her straighten her posture as the realization dawned."Oh," was all she could muster.Taehyung sighed. "I'll do your makeup, Your Highness," he said formally, resigning himself to the situation. He knew she would go through with the dance regardless. It pained him to see her so unaware of how pitiable her position truly was.He applied a red lip paste to her lips, matching the vibrant red of her hanbok. He lightly dusted her cheeks with a soft red blush and added kohl to her eyelids. Just as he finished, a guard entered, announcing it was time to proceed to the throne room.They followed the guard, who led them to the court where the king and queen were already seated in the guest section. A golden cushion lay on the floor below the throne, while an empty seat was placed to the left, followed by a row of chairs a step lower. The black marble floor gleamed under the light of golden chandeliers and wall-mounted lamps.At the center of it all sat King Jeon, elevated several steps above the rest. He was clad in a black woolen shirt that extended to his lower knees, a black fur coat draped over it, and black trousers tailored perfectly to fit, accentuating his muscular frame.Taehyung quickly stole a glance at the imposing figure before lowering his head, walking silently behind Seorin. Seorin took her seat beside her parents, while Taehyung stood behind her."Let the court begin," the Alpha's voice thundered through the silent hall, prompting everyone to rise and bow in respect. With a simple nod, he dismissed them, signaling them to sit.The king and queen in the guest seats stood to introduce themselves. "We are the rulers of Ahsar. I am Kim Namjoon, and this is my mate, Kim Seokjin," Namjoon said, bowing slightly in respect."I welcome your family and royal presence to our kingdom. I look forward to our negotiations," Jungkook replied, keeping his tone formal. He ended his statement with a slight bow, acknowledging their positions as king and queen, before motioning for one of his ministers to commence the court proceedings."For today's court proceedings, we have three major issues and a judgment. Here, I pronounce the issues: Sillhe is claiming the Arora Falls as theirs, demanding a water tax from our kingdom for using its resources; the treaty with Baehyuk comes to an end this month, and we must decide whether to change any clauses or extend the treaty; and there are omegas who have come here as hostages from the northern kingdoms since the war between Hillong and Chaehyua is still ongoing. As for the judgment, ex-Minister Daehwook's case regarding his exploitation of economically weaker classes is due today," The announcer concluded the list of issues, and silence hung in the air as the court prepared to begin.King Jeon Jungkook leaned forward slightly, his commanding presence filling the hall. "Let us begin with the first issue-Sillhe's claim over Arora Falls," he announced, his deep voice echoing in the room.One of the ministers stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, Sillhe claims ownership of Arora Falls, stating that its waters originate within their borders. They are demanding a water tax, citing that our kingdom has been benefiting from its resources without proper compensation."Another minister quickly countered. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, Arora Falls has been a neutral zone for centuries. Allowing Sillhe to impose a tax sets a dangerous precedent. Today it's water, tomorrow it could be farmland or trade routes."The king's sharp gaze moved across the court. "What are the options being proposed?" he asked, his tone calm yet firm.One of the advisors stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we could negotiate. Perhaps offer them trade privileges or shared control over the falls as a compromise. However, if they refuse to cooperate, we must prepare for the possibility of conflict."Jungkook nodded thoughtfully. "Draft a proposal for negotiation. But ensure we don't appear weak. The falls remain under our influence until a decision is reached. Jackson will draft it personally and submit it to me for finalising." Jackson bowed his head.The court moved on to the next matter."The treaty with Baehyuk," the announcer stated, prompting murmurs in the hall."We will address the treaty when His Royal Highness returns from his tour. Move to the next issue," Jungkook ordered. The announcer then read aloud the next matter, "The hostages from the northern kingdoms."A general stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the omegas from Hillong and Chaehyua have sought refuge here. Some court members suggest keeping them as leverage in the ongoing war."Taehyung's jaw tightened at the suggestion. How could they toy with such a vulnerable group in such a sorrowful situation? He had no words for the dirty politics unfolding before him.The ministers debated whether they should provide shelter for the omegas or use them as bargaining tools. "Summon representatives from Hillong and Chaehyua. We will decide after hearing their stance on the matter. For now, the omegas will remain under our care," Jungkook declared, silencing every opinion in the hall.Finally, the announcer declared the last matter. "The judgment in the trial of former Minister Daehwook."Everyone noticed the visible shift in Jungkook's demeanor as his eyes darkened at the mention of Daehwook. "He will be imprisoned for seven years for abusing his power. All his travel privileges to other kingdoms will be revoked. He will no longer be eligible for any government positions and will be penalized four years' worth of salary as well as all the money he extorted. His family will be placed under royal protection, and he will not be permitted to see them again," the Alpha declared with finality."But Your Majesty-" A minister who stood up to protest immediately bowed deeply and sat back down, silenced by the unforgiving glare of the superior Alpha, whose authority brooked no opposition."Your Highness from Ahsar may proceed with your proposal now," Jungkook announced.Namjoon stood up at Jungkook's words. "Your Majesty, Kim Seorin is my daughter, educated by the saint masters of Jeongil Hills. She has completed her education and mastered the arts of ruling a kingdom and providing for her king."Jungkook had suspected this was coming, but now his doubts were confirmed. "Present her to the court," King Jeon ordered, his tone steady, making Taehyung clutch his hands tightly in unease. The music began, soft and haunting, as Seorin stepped into the center of the hall. Her movements were slow and elegant, each step deliberate, her fingers clutching the veil that concealed her face. As the melody swelled, she began to dance-a graceful blend of allure and poise, her gestures embodying the art of seduction. The clinking of her jewelry and the rhythmic tapping of her feet echoed faintly, almost drowned by the hypnotic tune.Taehyung watched her, his expression unreadable, though his heart raged beneath the surface. To see her displayed like this- like an object for appraisal, a prize to be won- filled him with unspoken fury. She was not a pawn to be sacrificed in the cruel game of politics. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist, every fiber of his being resisting the urge to intervene.As the dance ended, Seorin stood panting, her form trembling with exhaustion. The hall fell silent until one of the ministers rose from his seat and marched toward her. Without hesitation, he reached for her veil and pulled it away, revealing her face to the court. Gasps echoed through the room as the alpha minister's eyes glowed red, his wolf's instincts overpowering his sense of control.Taehyung didn't wait. Without a moment's hesitation, his blade was unsheathed, and in a flash, it cut through the air, slicing the man's throat. The court erupted into chaos as everyone shot to their feet, stunned by the sudden violence. Taehyung stood firm, his eyes burning with righteous anger. Stripping an unmated omega of her veil was no less than stripping her dignity, and Taehyung would not tolerate such humiliation- not to someone as pure and undeserving as her.He realized the weight of his actions but stood still. "I have sworn an oath to protect her highness at all costs," he spoke, his voice deep and low as he handed her back her veil, which she took with trembling hands. He turned towards King Jeon and bowed his head low, as if accepting any punishment for interfering in his court and killing a man right in front of him."Strip," the king ordered, his voice cutting through the silence, making everyone in the room freeze. No one dared to defy him. Taehyung's eyes widened in shock at the king's command. Fear coursed through him as he felt the urge to plead for forgiveness, to somehow escape this harrowing situation and the piercing gaze of His Majesty.He shook his head, trembling at the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Jungkook rose from his seat, descending the steps with an air of dominance, his presence making Taehyung shiver. The cold steel of the dagger pressed against his throat as the king leaned closer."Or disobey me," he finished his words.Taehyung's blood ran cold. He gulped and shifted his gaze to his king and queen, silently pleading for them to protest or intervene, but they didn't. The king appeared perplexed, yet the queen firmly held him back, preventing any action. His eyes then darted to Seorin, who muttered an apology before lowering her gaze.Realising he was utterly alone in this situation, Taehyung gathered his courage. Slowly, he reached up and gently moved King Jeon's dagger away from his throat before sinking to his knees. "I won't give away my dignity. I accept any punishment for disobedience, Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady despite the fear in his chest. He placed his now blood-soaked sword at Jungkook's feet, bowing his head."Prepare him for tonight. The court is dismissed," Jungkook commanded, walking away, leaving Taehyung a shivering mess. He was not prepared for this kind of punishment. To adorn King Jeon’s bed... no, he wouldn’t do that. As he denied the thought, he was pushed to his feet and dragged away by two beta soldiers. He cast a pleading glance at his king and queen, silently begging them to intervene, but his queen’s eyes remained cold and unyielding.He was dragged through the golden marble hallway and forced into a room."No!" he voiced, shaking as he stared at the beta about to close the door. "I won’t do this. Leave me!" He scrambled to his feet, pushing the door open. He struggled against the beta, who quickly called for help."I won’t do this!" Taehyung screamed, wrenching the door open and trying to run. He knew it would all be in vain, considering he was already in the lion’s den with no way out. But he wouldn’t give up without a fight. If the king thought he could have any omega he set eyes on, then he was wrong. He wouldn’t get Taehyung.Taehyung bolted through the hallway, glancing back to see a couple of guards chasing after him. His adrenaline pushed him forward as he turned right, panting heavily. Exhaustion was beginning to set in, but his fear was stronger than his fatigue. With ragged breaths, he wiped away the tears streaming down his cheeks. Looking back, he realized the guards were no longer in sight. Unable to run any further, he pushed open a nearby door and closed it behind him. Sliding down against the door, he muffled his cries with his hands, terrified that even the slightest sound might alert the guards."You’ve got courage," a voice spoke, freezing Taehyung in place. He slowly raised his head to see a man in a pink hanfu, with short brown hair, plump lips, and amusement in his eyes."I—" Taehyung stammered, wide-eyed and bewildered.The man chuckled before approaching him. "I won’t eat you. I’m Jimin," he said, extending a hand with a smile. Taehyung couldn’t tell if the smile was genuine or sarcastic, but he hesitantly extended his hand and shook Jimin’s. Jimin helped him to his feet."I’m—""Taehyung. I know," Jimin interrupted with a sweet smile. "You’ve got guts. I’m Jungkook’s cousin," he added. Noticing Taehyung’s worried expression, he continued, "Don’t panic. I won’t harm you or send you back to him. But he’s not as bad as he seems."Taehyung felt a flicker of relief but didn’t know how to process the idea of King Jeon being anything other than a tyrant. "Could you perhaps tell His Majesty to give me another punishment instead?" he asked nervously.Jimin laughed at Taehyung’s request. "You didn’t think my cousin would force you, did you? He’s just dense and assumes every omega wants to bed him. He won’t touch you without your consent."Taehyung looked skeptical at the reassurance. Seeing his lingering fear, Jimin sighed."Fine, how about this? Why don’t you tell him yourself that you don’t want to bed him?"Taehyung gasped at the suggestion, shaking his head vigorously. He wouldn’t survive another meeting with the devil."Come with me," Jimin said as he dragged Taehyung along, ignoring all his protests. Taehyung wanted to run away again, but strangely, he found himself trusting this man."Your Highness, we are searching for him," one of the guards said, pointing at Taehyung, who shrank behind Jimin."I will talk to His Majesty. You are all dismissed," Jimin said, his voice suddenly cold, catching Taehyung off guard. The sweet and warm omega seemed to have been replaced by a stern royal prince."But, Your Highness, it's His Majesty's order and—""I know what orders I am giving you, Hoseok. I will handle it from here," Jimin cut him off sharply, raising his voice at the guard’s disobedience. His commanding tone made Hoseok bow in submission."I apologize, Your Highness. As you wish," Hoseok said, stepping aside to let them pass.Jimin resumed dragging Taehyung through the golden hallways, leading him to a secluded corridor where not a single soul was in sight. They stopped at the end of the hallway, in front of a wooden door with intricate carvings. A butterfly carving caught his eyes but before he could ask something Jimin knocked on the door firmly glancing back at Taehyung, who looked increasingly nervous. The large wooden door creaked open, revealing the imposing figure of King Jeon Jungkook. His commanding presence filled the space as he looked at the unexpected guests with a furrowed brow."Jimin?" Jungkook’s deep voice carried a note of confusion. His sharp eyes flicked between his cousin and the timid omega standing awkwardly beside him. "What are you doing here?"Jimin smiled sweetly, though the mischief in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed. "Your Majesty, I think you need to have a talk with Taehyung here before concluding your… punishment."Jungkook’s brows knitted further in confusion. "Punishment?" he asked, his tone laced with genuine curiosity.Jimin raised an eyebrow at his cousin. "Why don't you let us in, Jungkookie?" he said, deliberately using the nickname to tease the otherwise composed king. Jungkook shot him an annoyed glare but stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter.Taehyung hesitated at the doorway before cautiously stepping into the king’s chambers. To his surprise, the room was shockingly simple for someone as powerful as King Jeon. A modest, fluffy white bed was neatly positioned across from a large window that let in streams of moon light. The curtains were plain white, fluttering slightly in the breeze. In the far corner of the room, there was a
bath pond, but aside from that, there were no extravagant decorations or luxuries.Taehyung, accustomed to the grandeur of the royal palace, couldn’t help but gape at the simplicity of it all."Taehyung, close your mouth," Jimin whispered teasingly, making Taehyung’s cheeks burn in embarrassment as he quickly shut his lips.Jungkook turned to Jimin, crossing his arms over his chest. "Now, what is this all about?" he asked, his patience starting to wear thin."Taehyung here," Jimin began, barely suppressing a laugh, "seems to think you punished him by ordering him to bed with you tonight."The king’s composure faltered as his eyes widened in shock. "I—what?!" he stammered, clearly baffled. His gaze shot toward Taehyung, who stood frozen, his face turning a deep shade of red.Taehyung felt his heart sink. Why did the king look so surprised? Didn’t he mean what he said earlier? His mind was a whirlwind of confusion and humiliation. Unable to bear the intensity of the moment, he sank to his knees, lowering his head in submission."I’ll take any other punishment, Your Majesty," Taehyung murmured softly, his voice trembling with desperation.Jungkook glanced at Jimin, who was now biting back laughter, clearly enjoying the situation far too much. The alpha let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair as he tried to compose himself.Taehyung, meanwhile, dared to peek up and saw the faintest flicker of amusement in the king’s expression, one that only deepened when Jimin gave him a smug, knowing look."Raise yourself, Taehyung," came the king’s firm voice, cutting through the thick silence. Taehyung’s heart raced as he obeyed, standing with trembling legs but keeping his head lowered."Jimin, I’ll handle it from here," Jungkook said, casting a meaningful glance at his cousin. Jimin smirked, wiggling his brows teasingly at the king before sashaying out of the room, clearly amused by the situation he had orchestrated.Jungkook’s attention shifted back to Taehyung. "Relax, Taehyung. Sit down," he said, gesturing toward the bed.Taehyung’s nervousness only deepened. Sitting on the king’s bed? The idea felt too intimate, too improper. His hesitation must have been obvious because Jungkook sighed, his tone firm but slightly less cold."It’s not going to happen. I don’t have a couch. Sit there," he reassured, though his voice still carried the weight of authority.Taehyung hesitantly perched on the edge of the bed, his posture rigid. What else could he do but obey? He kept his hands clasped tightly in his lap, trying to steady his rapid breathing.Jungkook let out a long, tired sigh as he settled into a chair near the bed, his sharp eyes studying the omega. "I liked your confidence, Taehyung," he began, his voice calm yet steady. "That’s why I wanted to bed you—with your consent."Taehyung blinked, utterly confused. His brows furrowed as he processed the king’s words. "Your Majesty… told me to strip," he said cautiously, his voice faltering.Jungkook leaned back slightly in his chair, observing the younger omega’s reaction. "I wanted to see if you would react the same way you did before," he admitted, his tone unchanging.Taehyung’s eyes widened in disbelief. "W-Why would I harm His Majesty?" he asked, his voice dropping to a near whisper, as if the question itself were treasonous.Jungkook’s lips quirked into the faintest hint of a smirk, though his expression remained stoic. "Emperor or not, no one has the right to taint an omega," he stated matter-of-factly. "I expected you to rebel, not submit to punishment without a fight. But I was satisfied."Taehyung felt his cheeks flush a deep red at the king’s words. His mind raced to reconcile the domineering alpha he feared with the man now speaking before him.Unable to bear the weight of his own embarrassment, Taehyung slid off the bed, lowering himself to his knees. "I apologize for my misconceptions, Your Majesty," he murmured, bowing his head in genuine regret.Before he could process what was happening, two cold hands gripped his arms, pulling him back to his feet. Taehyung’s startled eyes met Jungkook’s as the king steadied him, his hold firm yet gentle."You kneel a lot for a rebellious omega," Jungkook remarked, his voice softer now, carrying an unexpected warmth that Taehyung hadn’t anticipated. The younger omega’s breath hitched as he stood there, the proximity making his heart race once again."But I didn’t know bedding with me was considered a punishment," King Jeon muttered, amused, watching the omega become an even bigger nervous wreck."I-I didn’t mean it like that, Your Majesty. It’s just—" Taehyung stammered, his voice growing quieter as he mumbled, "I wanted to give my first to my mate."The alpha’s smirk widened, his sharp gaze locking onto Taehyung. "First time, huh?" he questioned, clearly amused at how easily the omega had given away such private information. Taehyung’s cheeks flamed red, and he avoided Jungkook’s piercing eyes, looking everywhere but at him. He was mortified by how much he’d embarrassed himself in front of the king. Why did he say that? Why was this happening to him today of all days? Jungkook hummed in satisfaction, leaning back and letting the silence linger as he watched the omega squirm under his gaze."I'll take my leave, Your Majesty," he muttered, unable to stand there any longer. King Jeon gave a hum, indicating that he was allowed to leave. Taehyung bowed to His Majesty before turning to leave. He felt he had judged King Jeon too soon. As he walked down the hallway, he thought about stopping by Jimin's room to thank him. With that thought in mind, he exited the private hallway and was met with a stoic Jimin standing there."Follow me," Jimin commanded before walking away, and Taehyung obeyed."Your Highness?" he questioned upon entering the royal omega’s chamber. Only then did he notice how the room was decorated with roses in every corner, perfectly matching the red curtains. He saw that the royal omega's blue velvet bed was bigger than His Majesty's, and the red fluffy velvet carpet laid over the white marble floor enriched the room’s look."Tell me what happened. Did you receive the punishment, or..." Jimin smirked at Taehyung, settling himself on the big mahogany couch. He leaned on the armrest, his legs spread lazily across the sofa."His Majesty cleared the misunderstanding, Your Highness," Taehyung replied, blushing as he looked at the omega."Of course he did," Jimin said with an eye roll, confusing Taehyung. "I would have played along. What a boring human," Jimin continued, now clearing Taehyung’s doubt. Not knowing what to do, Taehyung stood there awkwardly."Why don't you sleep with me, Taehyung?" Jimin said suddenly, causing Taehyung to choke on his spit and cough frantically. Jimin urged him to drink some water."Your Highness, I can't sleep with you," Taehyung stammered, still recovering."No one has ever outright rejected me like this," Jimin blinked in disbelief. "Is it because I’m a royal and you’re not? I don’t care about ranks—it’s fine. Come on." Jimin tried to understand and watched Taehyung shake his head."It’s not that, Your Highness. I don’t care about ranks either, but I’m not yet comfortable with you," Taehyung spoke with a straight face and bowed before leaving. Jimin stood there in shock, still processing the fact that he had been rejected.Taehyung walked to the common room for worker omegas and settled himself in a corner bed. He sighed, reflecting on the eventful night. So much had happened in just a few hours. He killed an alpha. The thought sank in slowly, weighing him down. He hadn’t meant to show this side of himself to anyone other than Seorin, but it happened anyway. He was too tired to change into another dress. Calling it a day, he took off his footwear, pushing it under the bed, and lied down. As he was about to sleep, a sudden gasp woke him up. Squinting his eyes, he saw a girl standing by his bedside, looking at him amusedly. He sat up, reclining against the headrest."Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up," the blonde muttered, bowing to him."I’ll take my leave," she bowed again and turned to leave when Taehyung stopped her."What is it, umm...""Lisa," she said, looking back."Hm... what is it, Lisa?" he mumbled, still sleepy."We’re having a moon night. We warm ourselves, dance, sing, and gossip under the moonlight... you know, today’s the full moon. I’m surprised you’re not there. Did they leave you out?" She couldn’t help but be curious about the lonely soul in front of her."No, I’m one of the guest workers. I’m Princess Seorin’s handmaiden," he continued, noticing her confused face. "They put me here so I can be close to Her Highness. She’s the main guest, after all." Lisa made an oh face and nodded at him."That explains.""What about you? Why didn’t you go?" Taehyung questioned the girl, who was awkwardly leaving."I’m on my period. I get peculiarly grumpy and tired during it," she explained, scratching her neck shyly."You don’t seem sleepy," he said, noting her energetic demeanor."Yeah, I don’t know why. I’m just in the mood for gossip, but I don’t want to go to a crowded place." She eyed him, her eyes practically shining."I’m having trouble sleeping too. I don’t mind talking for—" Lisa squealed even before he finished his sentence."Then, come with me!" She jumped, holding out her hand for him to take. He laughed at her cuteness, holding her hand as she eagerly dragged him along.He was awestruck by the scenery in front of him. A small library with a large glass window overlooked the surrounding trees, brown couches scattered across the polished wooden floor. Lisa walked over to open the window, and the cool night breeze rushed in, tousling their hair and providing much-needed relief from the warmth of the night. Taehyung felt his tense limbs relax as he practically melted into the soothing cold."This is the children's library... the one for the workers' kids. Royals have a much bigger and more luxurious one for themselves," Lisa said, settling comfortably onto a couch near the window."And... I came with some really juicy news," she squealed, patting the seat beside her as an invitation for Taehyung to join. He obeyed, sitting near her, and motioned for her to continue."After nine years, our majesty asked an omega to bed him. And that omega is from your kingdom," she whispered conspiratorially, her eyes alight with curiosity as she watched him for any reaction."That’s not even the best part. Some guards say that the omega ran away!" she added, her eyes wide as she lowered her voice to a dramatic hush."Do you know who that omega is?" Taehyung asked, keeping his expression neutral.Lisa shook her head. "No, I don’t. Like I said, I’m on my period, so I missed the whole show. But I also heard he killed an alpha. Why are you not reacting?" she questioned, narrowing her eyes at him in suspicion."Would you freak out if I told you that I’m that omega?" Taehyung said nonchalantly, watching her blink as she processed his words."You—what?" she stammered, standing up abruptly as realization dawned on her. "What are you doing here?" she practically yelled, only for Taehyung to hush her frantically."What are you doing here?" she repeated in a lower voice, her tone filled with disbelief."His majesty let me go. He said he wouldn’t bed me without my consent," Taehyung explained calmly."No one will believe me if I say I talked to the super omega," she mumbled, almost to herself."The super-what?" he asked, raising a brow at her dramatic phrasing."If I go to my friends and tell them I met the omega who killed our minister and refused to bed our king, no one will believe me!" she exclaimed."Is that... is that what you’re worried about?" Taehyung asked, completely baffled at her priorities.When Lisa smiled sleepily, Taehyung let out a laugh, making both of them dissolve into giggles. The two omegas spent the night chatting about their kingdoms and friends, sharing stories as the hours slipped away. Eventually, Lisa grew tired, and they decided to call it a night and return to their respective beds."Lisa, where is the washroom? I noticed it’s not in the common room," Taehyung asked, standing at the doorway."Ah, yes, it’s a floor above. Go straight, then turn right. You’ll see a pantry and some stairs beside it. The washroom is right at the end of those stairs," Lisa explained. Taehyung nodded, and they bid each other goodnight, Lisa heading into the common room and Taehyung venturing outside.He walked for what felt like an eternity before reaching the bifurcation Lisa had mentioned. Taehyung paused for a moment, trying to recall her directions. Right. he thought confidently. But as he was about to turn, a thought crossed his mind: It’s always wrong if you’re too sure about something. It could be left. Trusting his instinct, he turned left and continued walking down the empty hallway.After a short distance, he saw a pantry and felt a rush of pride at having made the correct choice. He climbed the steps beside it, but there was no washroom at the end of the red-carpeted staircase. Frowning, he turned around and wandered a little further in search of the elusive washroom. That’s when he stumbled upon a breathtaking garden.The moonlit space was magical, with a pond at its center surrounded by delicate moonflowers and striking black baccara roses. A single bench faced the pond, and something shiny rested on its surface, catching the light. Curiosity got the better of him, and he stepped into the garden, leaving his footwear at the edge of the grass. The cool, dewy blades of grass pressed softly against his feet, soothing him as he walked further in.The heavy scent of sandalwood and petrichor filled the air, calming yet commanding, and Taehyung felt a strange sense of warmth. He approached the bench, eyes drawn to the gleaming object— a necklace. A delicate ring-shaped pendant hung from a silver chain, a small stone embedded at its base. The way it shimmered under the moonlight made it impossible to look away.But before he could even think about whose necklace it might be, a sudden scent hit him like a wave— raw, overwhelming, and unmistakable. Alpha in rut.His eyes widened in panic as he froze in place, his instincts screaming at him to run. But before he could move, iron-strong hands gripped his wrists, pinning them behind him, and a large, warm body pressed against his back. His breath hitched as he realized his mistake, dread pooling in his stomach.Taehyung woke up feeling sore all over his body. Groaning softly, he tiredly sat up in the bed, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light filtering through the room. The environment was entirely unfamiliar—a lavish chamber with golden accents, silk curtains, and an intricately designed canopy bed.He frowned, looking down at himself, only to be hit with a wave of dizziness. The soft silk sheet that barely covered him slipped slightly, revealing purple marks scattered across his pale skin. A shiver ran down his spine as the memories from the previous night came rushing back.His bad luck had led him straight into the path of an alpha in rut. He remembered the suffocating strength of the alpha's pheromones—the overwhelming mixture of comfort and danger. But beyond that, his mind was blank. The intensity of the scent had clouded his senses so completely that he couldn’t recall what happened after inhaling it.He gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling within him. Who was the alpha? The question gnawed at his mind as he tightened the silk sheet around himself, trying to steady his breathing. For now, all he could feel was the ache in his body and the haunting remnants of a scent he couldn’t forget.He looked around the room, his eyes scanning every corner until they landed on a tall mirror positioned directly across from the bed. Wrapping the silk sheet tightly around his body, he got up with considerable effort, his legs weak and trembling with every step he took toward the mirror.As he stood before his reflection, his breath hitched. His entire body was littered with wild, purplish marks, vivid against his pale skin, telling the tale of the night he wished he could forget. But one mark stood out above all the others— a deep, almost bruised imprint right over his scent gland.His heart sank as panic surged through him. Hesitantly, he leaned closer to the mirror and tried catching his scent. The familiar notes of his coconut and vanilla scent were no longer pure; they were mixed with something earthy, grounding— petrichor. A sharp wave of realization hit him, leaving him rooted in place.He was marked.His mind went numb, a hollow ringing echoing in his ears as the weight of the situation crushed him. His chest rose and fell in uneven breaths as the single question consumed his thoughts: Why me?He wanted to run away—far, far away from this chaos. Without realizing it, tears slipped down his cheeks as he stared at the mating mark on his scent gland, its existence a cruel reminder of the night he wished to erase. The sound of the door opening startled him, and his breath hitched. He turned, only to find himself face-to-face with... his majesty?Taehyung's heart pounded painfully in his chest. But he said he wouldn’t touch me without my consent. Confusion and a sense of injustice overwhelmed him, his lips trembling as he looked at the king, who was now approaching him with slow, deliberate steps.“Taehyung—”“Why?” Taehyung whimpered, cutting the alpha off mid sentence. His voice cracked as the question left his lips, tears freely falling now. Jungkook’s cold gaze softened. Was that pity? Compassion? Taehyung couldn’t tell, and it only made the ache in his chest worse.“I was in rut,” Jungkook whispered, his tone apologetic yet laced with guilt.Taehyung gulped, his hands trembling as he clutched the silk sheet tighter around his body. He didn’t know how to respond. It wasn’t the alpha’s fault, he knew that. But it wasn’t his fault either. So why did it feel like he was the one bearing the weight of it all?“Are you... still in rut?” His voice was barely above a whisper, soft and fragile like glass on the verge of shattering.“I took suppressants.”Taehyung nodded slowly, unsure of what else to say. The silence between them was suffocating, heavy with emotions neither knew how to express. Jungkook let out a deep sigh and closed the distance between them, standing mere inches away.Taehyung shivered at the proximity, his nerves on edge, but the alpha’s touch was gentle— almost reverent— as he cupped his cheeks, tilting his face upward.“I’m sorry, Taehyung,” Jungkook said, his voice no longer cold. It was warm, sincere, and tinged with regret. “Now that I’ve marked you, I’ll give you the respect you deserve as my queen. I’ll give you space until you’re ready to accept me and time to get to know me. It was an accident, but I won’t let you down. I’m a responsible man, Taehyung. I will marry you officially, but only when you are ready. Please... try to let me in.”It was too much. All of it was too much. Taehyung’s head spun as he tried to process the alpha’s words. His life had always been so simple: read, practice, assist Seorin—that was it. It wasn’t supposed to be this complicated.“I need time... please,” Taehyung whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions.Jungkook stepped back immediately, giving him space as he nodded in understanding. “Take all the time you need. But... I have something to tell you too. It might overwhelm you, so come to me when you’re ready to hear it.”Taehyung’s heart sank further at the ominous words, but he could only nod, unable to meet the alpha’s gaze. He didn’t want to imagine what else could possibly go wrong."Taehyung?"Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts, his mind shaking off the haunting memories of the morning as Jimin’s concerned voice reached him. He looked up to find Jimin staring at him, worry etched across his face.“Are you alright?” Jimin asked softly.Taehyung forced a small smile and nodded. “I’m fine.”“You look so distant,” Jimin pressed, his gaze narrowing as if trying to read him.“I’m just tired,” Taehyung replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. “Didn’t sleep much last night.”Jimin didn’t seem entirely convinced but chose not to push further. “The food will turn cold. Come, let’s eat,” he said, grabbing Taehyung’s arm and leading him to the small dining table in the room.The two sat side by side, serving themselves from the array of dishes. Taehyung picked at his food while Jimin chattered on, his voice a soothing distraction.“You know,” Jimin said between bites, “just ten days ago, Prince Namhyuk offered himself to His Majesty. I’ve seen so many of these offers. But you? You’re so full of principles and straightforward too. I pronounce you as my best friend from now on.”Taehyung chuckled lightly at Jimin’s silliness, though the warmth of the moment didn’t fully reach him. Something about Jimin’s words tugged at a thread of unease deep within.“Is it common for princes and princesses to offer themselves to His Majesty randomly?” he asked, the question slipping out before he could stop it.Jimin shrugged casually. “Not randomly. They usually offer themselves during his ruts. Rut times have a much higher possibility of acceptance, you see,” he said with a mouth full of food.Taehyung froze. It took him a moment to process Jimin’s words fully, but when he did, a wave of anger surged through him. “Does that mean His Majesty had his rut just ten days ago?” he asked, his voice low but sharp.Jimin nodded, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Taehyung.Everything inside him stilled before erupting into chaos. Why did he lie to me? The thought screamed in his mind, consuming every rational piece of him. Was everything a lie? Was this all just an act to attain me?“Jimin, I’ll take my leave,” Taehyung said abruptly, standing up.Jimin looked startled. “Wait, Taehyung—”But Taehyung didn’t hear him. He walked out of the room, his steps quick and determined, the anger inside him burning hotter with every moment.He didn’t stop until he reached the palace stables. Without a second thought, he saddled Seorin’s horse and climbed onto it, ignoring the guards calling after him.He rode fast and hard, the wind whipping against his face as he left the palace far behind. He didn’t care where he was going. All he wanted was to get away— away from the palace, away from the kingdom, away from him.The farther he rode, the louder his thoughts became. The more he thought about it, the angrier he grew. He felt betrayed, humiliated, and foolish. He had trusted Jungkook, had believed his words. But now, it felt like everything was a cruel deception.The scenery blurred past him, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was escaping the suffocating weight of his rage and hurt, even if just for a little while.