Replaced, a #taekookau [a/b/o] The prince looks out of the window from the palace's highest tower. His hands grip the letter addressed to him. He holds his breath, looking out into the darkness and thinking about the destruction that is about to fall upon their kingdom.

“My prince,” his butler bows to him, “they have reached the capital's gate.” The prince of the Ilseon kingdom shivers, grasps the windowsill, “cannot they wait?” “The wedding is tonight, my prince,” the butler looks at his prince with worry clear in his eyes, “why, may I ask?”

The prince holds the letter out for his butler, squeezes his eyes closed when the butler takes the letter to read. “𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑜 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠, 𝑇𝑎𝑒! 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑒𝑙, 𝑟𝑢𝑡𝘩𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛.”

“Prince Jimin eloped?!” his butler sounds faint, maybe he sways a little on his feet, “oh, my lord! My prince! The king is right outside of the capital! This wedding is the only thing keeping him from attacking this kingdom!” The young prince, Kim Taehyung, nods, “I know.”

“We have to tell your father right away!” the butler, Yong, bows, “please?” Taehyung looks outside one last time, sees the dark horizon fading with fireworks, and he can faintly hear the hollers of merriment following the king. “Yes. We shall. Come on!”

_______

“King Jeon is going to declare war!” his father falls on the bed, shaking his head, “he is notorious for his wrath and I do not wish that upon our kingdom! Oh, stupid Jimin! How can he run away?!” Taehyung stands, helpless, terrified, “what can we do now, father?”

His father looks horrified, almost at the verge of a heart attack. He frantically ruffles his hair, thinking. His eyes move from the window to Taehyung and then his eyes widen. “You!” he springs up, “you will replace Jimin in the wedding!” Taehyung chokes on his breath, “what?”

“Yes! My son! Yes!” The king's eyes glisten with relief, “you will marry him!” Taehyung shakes his head, “that is impossible, father! He has seen Jimin. He chose Jimin! He did not even spare me a glance! He came here for Jimin, and how would he not notice that it is me?!”

“We will not disclose it is you,” the king comes to stand right in front of Taehyung, holds his biceps with determination, “my son! We will present you like the royal groom, face hidden behind the royal attire. He would not know. Once you are married, he cannot back away!”

“He is a royal in true sense,” his father holds his head high, “he will never back out from the wedding after it is done. He would have to accept you and in return, he would have to respect the treaty between the royal in-laws!” “What about me?” Taehyung frowns, “father?!”

“My life will be a living hell!” Taehyung begs almost, “cannot we tell him the truth and-” “And have a war?!” his father roars, “do you think we can afford that, Taehyung?! Our kingdom is nothing in front of his power! His strength! He will destroy our family and our people!”

“We Kims are the protector of this land,” his father holds Taehyung closer, “our men swear their lives to this kingdom since they are born. Take this as,” his face crumbles, “your sacrifice, my son. This is your sacrifice for the people and this kingdom.”

“You, only you, can stop the Eagle of the Frostland.” The Eagle of the Frostland. Jeon Jungkook. A name given to him by his enemies. He is the eagle who brings destruction. Leaves a prospering land and its people in nothing but frost. A heart made of ice...

“You are the winter prince,” his mother holds Taehyung's hands in her, tears brimming in her eyes because she knows what they are asking of him, “you are the prince of what he spreads. You can do this, Tae, you can win him over.”

Taehyung, lovingly called the 'Winter Prince,' by his people because of his birthday being in the December's second last day. Taehyung looks out of the window. He can hear the procession. It is coming near. Taehyung closes his eyes, tears trailing out of them…

“Fine,” Taehyung lets out a deep breath, nodding to himself to brace himself for whatever to come next, “I will do this.” His parents share a look of pure pain. They both feel the loss of their two kids, but they are bound to the throne. They have to think as the royals first.

His father claps, nods to his butler, “get the prince ready for the wedding. Make sure his face is hidden properly.” Taehyung follows the servant, his eyes trailing over the known corridors of the palace he grew up in. Because he knows, he might never see this place again.

— Repost of my own prompt I posted a few days ago — Commissioned (my original idea, the commissioner picked it up for me to finish)

“What are you doing?” he asks his maids, “it stinks.” His maids share a look, “my prince,” she hesitated, “your scent. The alpha might pick up on the scent. We have to cover it.” Taehyung grips his hanbok, nods, “oh. Right.” This is not how he envisioned his wedding.

Walking down the corridors to the wedding chapel, Taehyung holds his breath. His eyes scan the crowd the alpha brought with himself. They are wearing furs and leathers on themselves. All of them look quite a brut as Taehyung passes them one by one. The alpha stands proud.

Taehyung's face is hidden, the order for him is to keep his head bowed too. Just in case. He stumbles on his feet when the alpha's scent carries over to him. The scent of blood. Raw, warm blood. It is nauseating, it makes his blood run cold. Taehyung does not dare to look up.

By the time he sits beside the alpha, he is a trembling mess. He grips his knees, looks down at his whitening knuckles with his teeth pressing down on his lower lip. “Do you want to proceed, my lord?” the priest asks the alpha. “Yes,” his voice is gruttal somehow, “I do.”

No one asks him. His opinions are not needed. Taehyung nods when they ask him if he takes Jungkook as his alpha, and Jungkook voices his consent loud and clear. “The mating shall wait,” Jungkook says when the time comes, “I do not wish to bond him till his heat.”

Taehyung feels his face heat up. He knows, just by those few words, that this king knows nothing about decency and he would not be treated with class. Jeons are powerful, but not known for their class and status. At all. They are brut. Taehyung knows why Jimin ran away.

No one should talk so openly about their mate's heat cycle. That is the common decency. Taehyung has never seen or heard an alpha who so clearly announces that in the middle of a wedding. He glares down at his hands, gripping the hanbok. “But,” his father hesitates, “my lord-”

“Without mating,” he hesitated, clearly red in the face to discuss such a matter among so many, “he is my son. A prince. You cannot take him back to your kingdom without mating him. What if you decide to never mate him? He will be no better than a concubine!”

There is a short laugh, a breathy sound. The alpha's voice comes out cold, dangerous even. “I cannot take him away?” Jungkook's voice shifts again, rage clear in it, “are you challenging me, lord Kim?” Taehyung holds his breath, the alpha's pheromones heavy in the air.

“If I wish, I can take him as my concubine, and you will have no words in that,” Jungkook murmurs, “do not forget he is your weapon for the treaty. I can just as well find another, more willing omega to birth my heir. Do you get it? Do not question me and my decisions.”

Taehyung knows the moment the alpha finds out he is not Jimin, he will be nothing but a concubine. Without that mating bite, he is nothing but a concubine and he has no hope of respect from this brut. His eyes fill with helpless tears, he looks up at his father, pleading almost.

His father ignores him. Does not even spare him a glance while he bows as deep as he can to Jungkook. “Yes, my lord,” he stands up, “as you wish.” Taehyung sits then, ignoring everything else while he thinks of what awaits him when Jungkook figures out who he is.

“Get up, my lords,” the priest smiles, nods at them to stand up for the last ritual. Taehyung takes the ring from his mother and pushes it up Jungkook's middle finger. Jungkook takes the collar. A gold plate with his name engraved on it. He ties it around Taehyung's neck.

Taehyung knows, this would change if they ever mate. Then he will wear the alpha's mark on his neck, and the alpha will finally wear a ring on his ring finger. Taehyung snorts, thinks how he would bet his life on that day never coming. He hopes it does not.

The choker, the collar, whatever it is, it fits snugly against Taehyung's neck. He touches it, feels it under his fingertips, and lets out a sigh. “With the blessings of the Moongoddess, the ancestors of the Jeons and the Kims,” the priest nods, “I announce you two married.”

Jungkook nods, “my men will have the feast, but I need to leave,” he looks over at Taehyung's father, “I have to reach my kingdom in two days for some private matter. If you can arrange, I will leave tonight itself.” Taehyung bites back a sob, “but, the rituals say-”

Those red eyes shift on his face and Taehyung bows his head right away. He cannot let the alpha see his face. “You are not to talk against me,” Jungkook murmurs, voice gravelly, “omega. You are not to talk over me, either. Am I clear?”

Taehyung frowns at his feet. He has never seen this in his household. His father and his mother were equal here. They run the kingdom together. He does not nod. He does not utter another word. “We will leave right away,” Jungkook orders, “load his luggage in the carriage.”

A/N— so this is a royal, historical story based around old times (I won't specify but yes, old) and alphas are, in most cases, like this. Also, there will be some weird rituals and stuff, it might not make sense from today's pov but yeah. I hope we can walk around it. x

________

By the time they leave the kingdom it is already over a day. They start around afternoon and travel till the night. “We will stop here for the night,” Jungkook calls over his troop, “ahead of us, we have the jungle, and it is not safe to cross that at night. Put the tents here.”

Taehyung sits in the carriage, watches the soldiers put on the tents and the servants, along with the maids, make the bonfire. The hassle entertains him in his tired state. He watches people start small fires to cook their meals for the night. “Come down, my lord.” A maid says.

“That is the royal highness' tent,” she leads him to the door, “you will stay with him. We will get the dinner here when we are done.” Taehyung follows her inside, sits at the edge of the bed and watches through the flimsy curtains how Jungkook moves around the place.

“Clean yourself up, my lord,” another maid carries in a bucket of water, “here are the night clothes. Rest yourself. Tomorrow we have a long journey.” Taehyung nods, watches them leave. With shaky hands, he picks up the clothes and goes to change. The maids wait outside.

By the time he is done, they come back to pick up the dirty water and leave with his hanbok and garments. Taehyung wipes his face, goes still when he smells the alpha nearby. He looks over his shoulder to see the alpha walking inside the tent. His eyes on Taehyung.

Taehyung grips the towel, watches how the alpha drops the curtains and walks up to him. Taehyung feels the chill run down his spine when the alpha stops a few steps behind him. “You...” Jungkook whispers, “you are not the prince I was to marry.” Taehyung lets the towel drop.

Jungkook's scent goes sour, the scent of blood thick in the air, “you are his brother! What-” the alpha whispers, eyes focused on Taehyung, “what was your name again...” he frowns, “where is prince Jimin?” Taehyung turns fully to face the alpha, “my lord,” he gulps, “I can-”

Jungkook reaches out to grab Taehyung by his elbow, in a quick motion he pulls out his sword to press it right over Taehyung's jugular. “Make it quick,” Jungkook grits out, “because, after you, I need to go for your family and kingdom.” Taehyung watches the alpha, “no!”

“No?” Jungkook hisses, his face inches away from Taehyung, “what do you mean by no?!” Taehyung holds his ground, ignores how that roar shakes him to his core, “no, you will not go for my family or my kingdom. You will listen to me,” he grips the alpha's shirt.

“You are not the omega I chose!” Jungkook roars, “I chose your brother! He is the perfect omega, hips made for childbirth, meek enough to take care of them without getting in my nerves. You are nothing like him.” Taehyung feels the fear shift to anger in him, “you are right.”

“I am not him,” Taehyung lets himself smirk, “and, yet, you almighty alpha... you were fooled in front of your entire clan by the Kims. If you now go back there, what respect do you think will be left of you? Huh? People will talk. Say how easily the Kims fooled you into this.”

“What you can do is,” Taehyung ignores how Jungkook's grip on his elbow tightens, “accept this and find someone else to bear your pups. I do not wish to bring your bastards in this world anyway! Just hold onto that treaty for your self-respect and I will hold onto mine.”

“I can easily get rid of you,” Jungkook grits out, “my generals would love to have a taste of the royal omega prince, you know?” Taehyung feels the words in his chest, the fear tries to grip him, but he holds his head high. “You can try,” he matches those red eyes, “alpha.”

“An alpha's worth is tested by the way he treats his omegas,” Taehyung murmurs, “if that is how worthless you are, do so. I do not see how that will be more disgusting than the thought of you touching me.” Jungkook's eyes shift, the grip on Taehyung's elbow loosens a little.

Those eyes roam all over Taehyung's face as if Jungkook is seeing him for the first time. Taehyung holds his ground, keeps the eye contact. “You realize, the moment we reach the palace, you will be thrown into the harem?” Jungkook whispers, “I will never see your face again.”

Taehyung breathes out a snort, “thank you, my lord,” he bows his head a little, “for blessing me. I will be forever grateful.” The air is tense. More so. There is a shift in Jungkook's scent. Taehyung cannot pinpoint it, but it is there. A heavy, musky smell that lingers.

“I had no say in this decision,” Taehyung murmurs, “for my country, my parents I chose this. But do not,” he jerks himself free, “do not for a second think I am weak or I will beg to a brut like you to accept me. I deserve better and I do not need to beg to you to know my worth.”

“I was the diamond of my country, and no matter how much of a dirty hand it falls onto, a diamond stays a diamond.” Taehyung holds his head up, “now you can decide what you want. Excuse me till then.” He goes to sit on the bed, pulling out an oil for his skin.

Taehyung pours it on his palm. He curses mentally when he sees his hands are shaking. He forces himself to stay composed, graceful. He rubs the oil on his arms, pulls his feet up to do the same with them. He keeps his eyes on his hands. Moving gently over his long legs.

The movement is sudden. He shrieks, the bottle dropping between his legs. Jungkook grabs his ankle and pulls it, so Taehyung is jerked forward. Taehyung's hands fly up to grab the alpha's shoulders, nails digging there. Jungkook hovers over him, face inches away.

“You will call me your alpha,” Jungkook murmurs, “learn to respect me when I am in the room. Do not speak until spoken to and do not dare to behave like this ever aga-” “I will follow no such rules,” Taehyung lies down on the mattress, watching Jungkook follow him to hover over.

“I will call you my alpha the day you earn that title,” Taehyung holds his neck up, “right now I am nothing but a claimed possession you own. I hate that! I will talk back when you are wrong. Something your parents should have done, so you would not grow into this brut, and-”

“I killed my own father,” Jungkook chews out, “I do not know who my mother is,” his voice drops, “and, I do not see you becoming anything more than a possession anyway. Might as well learn your place, omega. Before I crush you on my path too. Am I clear?”

“Also,” Jungkook whispers right over Taehyung's lips, “I will marry someone else because you are not the one I wanted. You will stay in my harem and have no benefits of the royal omega. Am I clear? I will come to you when I wan-” “Do not,” Taehyung stares, “if you want to live.”

“I decide who I bed, omega, not you,” Jungkook's eyes flicker over Taehyung's lips and up to his eyes, “I will decide if you will be visited or not.” “So you force omegas too?” Taehyung murmurs, disgust clear on his face, “a mighty alpha needs to do that? Force himself on them?”

As if burnt, Jungkook pulls away. He sits on his knees, his eyes shooting daggers at Taehyung. Taehyung sits up too, fixing his shirt. He watches how pale Jungkook looks. “No,” Jungkook murmurs, voice void of emotions, “no. I do not force myself on anyone. I am not-” he stops.

The king scrambles out of the bed, turns to comb his hair back from his face, “fuck,” he curses, “I did not mean to get in your personal space,” he curses, “you are just…” he shakes his head, “infuriating. I did not think-” Taehyung sits on the bed, watching the alpha.

Taehyung watches how the alpha tugs his hair free from the bun. Long, dark hair cascade down his back. Jungkook turns his face just a little to look over his shoulder at Taehyung's direction. Not right at him. “I am sorry,” Jungkook whispers, “I would never force myself on you.”

Taehyung holds his breath. “I am a brut, I am very much of a ruthless king, a terrible alpha, but I am not,” Jungkook's back muscles contort, his shoulders taut, “never that.” Taehyung sits quietly, not sure what to say.

Jungkook rubs his face with both of his hands, “you will be respected. All omegas in my harem are. You will stay there because as I said, you are not the omega I wanted or ever will. So, I will marry someone else. But you will stay, and the treaty will be intact. Do not worry.”

“No one would touch you if you do not wish for that,” Jungkook murmurs, “I vowed to protect you and keep your honour. I will.” Taehyung snorts, “my honour will be in dust the moment I cross the threshold of a harem. But, okay. Anything is better than staying as your omega.”

Jungkook nods, curt, “well, we get what we earn. No? You brought this upon yourself.” Taehyung knows that. He cannot argue with that. So, he does not. He sits and watches the alpha stride out of the tent. Jungkook does not come back for the rest of the night.

________

The Jeon Palace is beautiful. A little intimidating in its grey stone walls and high towers. But behind that wall, stands a beautiful white building for the royals. Taehyung watches it. Mesmerized. “This will be your room, my lord,” the maid bows, shows Taehyung the room.

Taehyung looks over at the vast balcony. He can see the hills and the Han River right by its side. He goes over to stand by the balcony, a smile on his lips. “Your harem is beautiful,” he whispers to the maid. The maid bows, a little confused, “my lord? This is not our harem.”

She sounds a little surprised at his exclamation, “this is the royal palace's east wing. You are right now occupying the bed chamber of his highness' childhood. He used to live here until he became the king.” Taehyung blinks, “what? Why am I here, then? I was supposed to-”

“His highness said specifically to put you here,” she smiles, “he lives down the corridor. The last room to the east. If you are needed, you can walk down there. No other room in this wing is occupied except for these two.” Taehyung stares.

“He sent a letter for you,” she holds it out, “I will take your leave if you do not need me anymore? For now? My lord?” Taehyung takes the letter, “he can... write?” The maid stops, frowns, a little confused, “well, he is the golden scholar of our kingdom. Why would he not?”

She points at the door by the side of the room, “that is his library. You have access to it too, my lord. Excuse me now.” Taehyung stares after her for a second before he opens the letter. The handwriting is neat, beautiful, if Taehyung can say so himself.

“𝐼 𝘩𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑐𝘩𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛.” — 𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐽𝑒𝑜𝑛 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑔𝑘𝑜𝑜𝑘.

- this is taekook endgame but the journey will make you question it. If you are my reader, you know the deal. lol - If you want to support me, here's my kofi ko-fi.com/amyungv

Jungkook nods at the letters, signs them one by one, “send them out. The celebration will begin in a day or two, every kingdom is invited.” “Even the mad king?” Yoosang hesitates, eyes shifting from Jungkook to the letters in his hands. Jungkook nods, “even him.”

Yoosang bows deep, backtracks till the door and leaves. Jungkook places the quill into the ink and leaves it there. He gets up and yawns, stretches, before he sets out for his bedchamber. He walks inside his bedchamber and pauses when he sees the person on his bed.

Jungkook's eyes travel across her almost naked form. Her eyes are on him, those tinted lips curved in a smile that can pass as a smirk too. Her figure is hidden only in a sheer dress that hides nothing. Jungkook rounds the bed, comes to stand at the edge of it to look at her.

“Did I ask for you?” Jungkook starts to unbutton his hanbok, “I do not remember.” She laughs, the sound tingling all around the room like the wind-chime, “no, my lord,” she sits up, leaning back on her arms, “but, you never have to. I understand your needs better than you do.”

Jungkook's eyes travel across her figure. Yoona is the head concubine of this palace. She was a gift to Jungkook from his late father on his 'coming of age' birthday. She is the same age as Jungkook. Jungkook's eyes flicker over to her face, he smiles, “is that so?”

Yoona hums, gets on her knees to start unbuttoning Jungkook's hanbok for him. “I know you are tired from all this hassle, my lord,” she spreads her palms over Jungkook's bare chest, “have not seen me since you left. I know you missed me just as much as I missed you.”

Jungkook holds Yoona's hands, “I am married now, Yoona.” Those sharp eyes reflect the lights of the lanterns in the room, “and, where is that omega? I do not see him here to cater to your needs,” then her sharp eyes turn soft, “also, he has no say in our relationship, my lord.”

“You can have as many omegas as you want, need,” she starts on his trouser, “he is just to birth the crown prince and that is all he is here for. You, my lord,” she tugs Jungkook closer, “are mine.” Jungkook holds her waist, eyes wandering over her face, “I see.”

Yoona tugs the strings of the trousers with skilled hands. Jungkook's eyes flicker over her entire figure, and then he feels those lips on his jaw, slowly trailing down to his throat. Jungkook takes a step away, “as you said, Yoona, I get what I want. I do not want this.”

“I am married,” Jungkook turns away to wipe his jaw, “and, I do not wish to cheat on him.” “On a person who was cheating on you?” Yoona calls after him. Jungkook freezes, his steps haltering. He looks over his shoulder at the concubine. “Come again?”

Yoona nods, “I just went to congratulate him for the wedding, and he was in another person's arms,” Yoona comes to stand in front of Jungkook, “they were,” her face contorts, “in a compromising position too, my lord. That is why I came here to distract you.”

Jungkook stares at her, “you know, lying about the luna of this kingdom will be a punishable crime, right? Are you seriously taking that chance?” Yoona nods, “yes, my lord. Go to him right now, and he will be with that man. If not, he will smell like that alpha. I assure you!”

“Also, why do you expect him to be loyal to you, my lord, when you and I both know he was replaced?” Jungkook stares at her. Yoona nods, “I know. In the harem, spies are everywhere. We know things before the king himself knows. I know he is not the prince you were to marry.”

“You do not know, he probably had a lover,” Yoona makes a sad face, “a life. Before you and his parents snatched it away. Maybe that lover followed him here, and-” Jungkook turns on his heels, marches out of the room while totally ignoring the concubine behind him.

Jungkook ignores how his hanbok is off of him. His upper body bare to the wintry breeze. He ignores how everyone jumps to see the king marching down the long corridor towards the Luna's chamber without announcing his arrival. He stops in front of Taehyung's bed chamber.

Jungkook pushes the door, only to find it locked from the inside. Anger sizzles in his veins, creeping up to his brain with seconds. He knocks, hates that there is a room in his palace where he needs to knock. There are no answers. Jungkook slams his hand down on the door.

Jungkook curses, “open the door.” There are no replies. The alpha hears hurried footsteps. He stops to hear how the footsteps are not coming towards the door. They are moving far away. Jungkook's skilled ears pick up on it. They are moving towards the balcony in the room.

Jungkook frowns when he hears more than one footstep. Hushed words. Jungkook feels the anger swirl inside his brain, and he is pulling back from the door. With one kick, he breaks the door open and steps inside the room. There is no one there. The alpha looks around.

There is no one. Jungkook marches towards the balcony and freezes when he sees the rope that is tied with a pillar there. He leans over the railing and his entire body tenses. Taehyung is holding onto the rope as he climbs down, and there is another man who is on the ground.

The man on the ground holds the rope in place. His face is hidden behind a cloth that he wrapped around his entire face and head. His hanbok is all black. The man sees Jungkoo first, flinches back from the rope, “my love,” he screams, “hurry up!” Taehyung stops, looks up.

Jungkook's jaw hardens when their eyes meet. Taehyung gasps when the alpha grabs the rope, twisting it around his wrist and pulling it up along with him. “Jump,” the stranger screams, “my love, jump, and I will catch you!” Taehyung squirms a bit more down and then jumps off.

Jungkook watches Taehyung fall on the ground and the stranger grab him by his arms. Then he makes Taehyung stand up and they both run. Hand in hand. Jungkook lets out a short laugh, “pathetic,” he swings himself over the railing and lands on the ground easily.

Jungkook knows they are running for the river by the palace. The guards are there, but if the stranger got in somehow, they can leave just as easily. Jungkook runs, eyes easily tracing after the two of them. He reaches them in no time, rounds them to stand in front of them.

Taehyung grabs the stranger, pushes him behind his back. “Do not harm him,” Taehyung's voice trembles, “no! Do not harm him!” Jungkook's restraint breaks, whatever slight control he had over his anger breaks loose. He laughs, “and, he is?” The stranger lurches for him.

The stranger lashes out with a sword, getting Jungkook because he was focusing on Taehyung. Jungkook hisses when the blade cuts his forearm as he rises it to protect himself. Then he grabs the sword and kicks the stranger in the stomach. Watching him fall on his back.

Taehyung whimpers, “Joon!” Jungkook watches Taehyung kneel, pull the man into his arms. He watches the omega frantically try to cover the man who sits up, trying to crawl back up on his feet. Jungkook swiftly holds the sword against his neck, “reveal yourself. Now!”

Jungkook presses the sword down harder, "I said, reveal yourself!" The man slowly lets the cloth fall off of his face, eyes shooting daggers at Jungkook. Jungkook stares. Kim Namjoon. The prince's personal guard back in his kingdom. Who came here with Taehyung.

“Is that it?” Jungkook snorts, “were you having an affair with a mere guard?” Taehyung's eyes burn on his face, “I love him.” There is a quiet that drapes over the three of them. Jungkook watches Taehyung and Taehyung watches Jungkook. Namjoon sits, trying to find a way out.

Jungkook rises a brow, “love him?” Taehyun gets up, “yes,” he nods, hides Namjoon behind himself, “my parents did not ask me. No one cared. I had my life planned. This is the person I love, and I was always going to be his omega. You just came barrelling in my life, and-”

Jungkook reaches out, grabs Taehyung by his elbow to pull him firmly against his chest. “I am going to be very honest with you here, my luna,” he murmurs right on Taehyung's face, “and, I expect you to be just the same. Did you two get involved in physical intimacy?”

“Because, I need you to be pure for my heir to be born from you,” Jungkook murmurs. “I am not,” Taehyung murmurs, “we have been physically intimate quiet a few times.” Namjoon stands up, coming up behind Taehyung silently.

Jungkook's lips curl up, “you did not let me finish, my luna,” he whispers over Taehyung's lips, “if you did get involved and your father gave you to me, I will simply get rid of the proof and be done with it,” his grip tightens on Taehyung, “I frankly do not care.”

Jungkook's eyes flicker over to Namjoon and then back to Taehyung. “I do not care if you are virgin or not, purity is not attached to a person's genitals,” he lets Taehyung go, “but, the court will ask questions and your lover might open his mouth. So, I need to get rid of him.”

“Then you can stay, I do not care as long as you stay because you were publicly married to me,” Jungkook tilts his head to look at Namjoon, “and, I will be damned if I let you go.” He points his sword at Namjoon, “or, we can do a deal. Between the three of us.”

“What is the deal?” Namjoon frowns, arm around Taehyung's waist. Jungkook shrugs, “stay here. Be with him. Do not get caught. Do whatever you please. Just, when the time comes, give me an heir to represent to the court and I ignore everything else. I do not care, to be honest.”

“I frankly do not care about this patriarchy, this family can go to hell, I go on wars, win them because I love that.” “You love bloodshed?” Taehyung whispers. Jungkook shakes his head, those eyes are void of any emotion, “I love the thought of someday not winning.”

Jungkook looks at Namjoon, “stay here. Do not try to run away. Do whatever you two please. Just keep the decency to not get caught or too obnoxious, and I do not care.” “Why would you want my son to be the king?” Namjoon frowns, “are you,” he coughs, “you cannot birth one?”

Taehyung watches how the king laughs, moonlight basks him in a glow that Taehyung cannot describe. That laugh is the most hollow sound Taehyung has ever heard in his life. “That is not the point,” Jungkook shrugs, rounds them, “I just want to be the last king of his family.”

Taehyung watches Jungkook throw the sword on the ground. Carelessly walking over it towards the palace. “Just get inside,” the king speaks over his shoulder, “go to sleep. Do whatever. Just do not try to run. You would not succeed.”

“How can I trust you?” Taehyung calls after Jungkook, “how can I trust you that you will-” Jungkook's shoulders shake while he laughs and looks over at Taehyung, “since the start, between the two of us, my luna, you betrayed me more than once. Did I ever?” He walks away.

“Why did you lie about us being physical?” Namjoon murmurs, “we have never even kissed, love.” Taehyung looks after the alpha who walks inside the palace, “I wanted him to either kill me or let me go. I thought it would be that easy.” Namjoon sighs, “now, what?”

Taehyung turns to look at Namjoon, his eyes pooling with tears, “you can see, I will never be free, Joon. You should leave.” “I would never,” Namjoon pulls Taehyung to him for a hug, “I would never leave you here like this, Tae. Physical or not, we love each other.”

Taehyung buries his face against the alpha's neck, inhales the familiar scent that always calms him. He can practically see his dreams breaking right in front of his eyes. The dream to marry this alpha, bear his pups. Be his omega. Maybe some day Jungkook will let him go...

Then he can marry the love of his life and settle down in a life he always wanted. Taehyung looks at Namjoon, “are you sure?” Namjoon's dimples show while he smiles, “yes. I am sure. I am not going anywhere. Wherever you are, I will be right there.”

========

“How is the king today? Is he in a good mood?” the merchant asks the butler. He sighs, shakes his head, “he hardly ever is.” The merchant gives a wicked grin, “oh, but he will be after he meets my trades.” The butler eyes the man, nods, “set your trades up for the court.”

----- The merchant, Dal, bows to the king as soon as the court starts. Those eyes are sharp on him, the king gives a small nod. The merchant shows three cages, “I have got you three most precious gems of my life, my king.” He tugs the curtains off the cages.

Those eyes shift from one cage to the other. The omegas smile at him, bows once before looking up at him with their luscious smiles. The king hums, gestures for the merchant to speak. “I have kept the best for the king's harem-” Dal stops when he hears the commotion.

“My king, forgive me,” the general bows, “but, we found someone when you ordered us to follow your brother.” The merchant watches, the soldiers drag a person with them till the steps of the throne, drop him there like a sack of potatoes.

Dal watches the man look up. An omega, if the scent is anything to speak of. A pure blooded omega. The madking's eyes fix on the omega, “are you the lover that fool left the kingdom for?” The omega tries to stand up, fails and falls on his face, “wh-where is he?!”

“Dead,” the mad king leans back on his throne, leg bouncing on top of the other, “no one defies me and stays alive.” Dal watches, horrified, how the omega cries, screams at the king and tries to get up. The soldiers hold him down, grab his head to force him to bow in submission.

“Min Yoongi!” The omega screams, “I will have your head if you touch my alpha!” The court goes quiet. Dal thinks if someone drops a pin, he might hear it. No one takes the king's name. No one says another word after they do. If they dare. Dal prays for the omega's easy death.

The king tilts his head, “oh, but in this kingdom, it is me who collects heads, omega.” The omega thrashes, “where is Yoong?! Where is he?” “In a box,” Yoongi smiles, a chilling smile that curls his lips, “his head, I mean. For my collection. Another who dared to disobey me.”

The next few seconds are a blur. Dal watches the omega somehow free himself, bolt up the steps to the throne, and grabs the king by his hanbok. The slap rings in the court and Dal stumbles, horrified. He hears the collective gasps. “You did not just kill your own brother!”

The king takes a hold of the omega's nape, pushes him down on his knees between his legs. “What is this one's name?” The generals tremble where they stand. “I asked a question!” The mad king thunders, eyes still on that omega. “P-Park Jimin, my lord,” one stutters.

“So, let me summarize it for you,” the king murmurs, looking down at the omega, “my brother, and you were in love,” his face twists with disgust, “I told him to marry another prince for political reasons. Told him to keep you in the side. The fool denied. Told me I am heartless.”

“I offered to bring you here. Keep you in the harem while he just officially marries that prince. The fool told me I would never understand what loving someone feels like. Very well, then. I locked him up because I needed that wedding to go through. He ran away with you.”

“Me and the king you were to marry, we do not get along. Our families are barely holding onto a treaty. That, I am sure, will break when he figures out what happened. I am to face the burn and I know I can take him down, but,” the king makes a face, “too much work.”

“I do not prefer that much moving around, you know?” the king sighs, “but, now I have to. You are the sole reason. Do you know now I have two kingdoms mad at me? I will just throw you at Jeon's face and marry that damn prince to get it over with. Another hassle. That prince.”

The king sighs, “I do not want to marry. That prince talks nonstop and I know I will cut off his tongue sooner than later. But, now you leave me no choice. So, this is what got me angry. I hope you realize.” “Where is Yong?” Jimin hisses, tears rolling out of his eyes, “please.”

The mad king pushes him back, lets the guards take a hold of the omega. “Dress him up,” Yoongi leans back against his throne, “I got the invitation. We will be leaving for the Jeon's celebration. I will gift him this omega and wash my hands off of one trouble.”

“Hoba!” the king looks at his general, “prince Seokjin will be there too. Tell me when he comes, I will act crazier, so he refuses to marry me. If he comes to the celebration.” His general's lips twitch, “he is very pretty, though.” Yoongi shrugs, “talks my ears off. No.”

- This story will revolve around Taekook. I am planning to show them here the most. I will think if I want to make a separate au for Yoonmin or not. I don't want to as of now. - If you want to support me, here's my kofi ko-fi.com/amyungv

⊶⊶⊶⊶⊶

Taehyung twists and turns on the bed. The vast space making him anxious while he tries to sleep. It has been three days since Jungkook found out he was trying to run away. The alpha added more guards around his chamber. Right under his balcony. Taehyung sits up, restless.

Namjoon is out there. In the guards' quarter. They part ways every night. Other than that, they are always together. Jungkook has not batted an eye. Has not come to Taehyung's chamber once. If he can say it, Taehyung is starting to relax in this place.

He walks out of the bedchamber, nods when the guards bow to him. He wraps the shrug tightly around himself and walks down the corridor. Ignores how two guards follow him. He walks down the stairs to step out of the palace and in the garden. Taehyung walks aimlessly.

His steps are leisure. He watches the green walls in front of him. “What is that?” he asks, stops to admire how tall the walls are, covered in green ivy and moss. The guard bows, “a maze, my lord. It is a plaything for the royals.” Taehyung stares, “do you know the way?”

The guard chuckles, “we are not allowed there, my lord. It is solely for the royal family to enjoy their time in.” Taehyung sucks his lower lip into his mouth, “what if I lose the way?” The guard smiles, “there are indications. It is just a small maze.”

Taehyung nods to himself, slowly walks inside the maze with his eyes tracing the walls. He wraps his arms around himself and lets his eyes guide him. The maze in not really complicated. Taehyung can see the marble tower in the middle of the maze and he follows the path.

He hears the laughters as he goes. Steps haltering. He looks at the tower. A gazebo, the roof, is tall enough to be seen through the maze. Taehyung stops when he reaches the last layer. He watches the king, leaning against a pillow, laughing at something on the floor.

In front of him is a beautiful woman. She is lying on her chest, legs up in the air, moving, while she looks at the floor too. They are playing chess. Taehyung watches how the king swats her hand, points at another place and tells her that is where the queen should go.

Taehyung tries not to disturb. He turns on his feet to leave. “My lord?” Taehyung makes a face, pauses, looks over his shoulder. The woman is looking at him, sitting up with a small smile. “My lord,” she stands up to bow, “you are here. Did you need something?”

Taehyung shakes his head with a small smile, “not at all. I was just taking a stroll. Please, continue.” He ignores how Jungkook lies there, supporting himself on his elbow and totally bare upper body and just in his pajama. “Please,” the woman bows, “come here. Rest yourself.”

Taehyung shakes his head, “no need,” he takes a step back, “it is totally fine.” “Ignore him,” Jungkook takes a hold of her hand, “lose the game. Come on.” She glares playfully at the alpha, “alpha!” she warns, “I am winning.” Taehyung arches a brow. She called him an alpha.

The woman bows again, “I am Eun,” she smiles politely, “please, come and rest, my lord. Then you can go your way.” Taehyung hesitates, eyes flickering over to the king and back to the woman, whose smile is still so welcoming. He walks up to the gazebo and sits where she asks.

Taehyung sits, watches Eun go back to the chess board. The place smells of flowers. Different types of flowers all around the gazebo. Taehyung looks around, hears how Eun laughs whenever Jungkook moves his pieces. Taehyung looks at the board and frowns.

“You are cheating,” Eun swats Jungkook, laughs when the king gives her a playful frown, “my lord, you can support me here! He is cheating. Right?” Jungkook is. Clearly cheating. Taehyung nods, “you are.” “I do not see it,” Jungkook sips his whiskey, shrugs, “not at all.”

“As the head of your harem, I will not allow you in the harem for the next few months if you cheat one more time!” Eun giggles, “do not cheat, alpha!” Taehyung smiles at her, her laughs are loud, kind of free and joyful. He looks at the concubine and back at Jungkook.

Jungkook's eyes are tender. There is a certain kind of softness that Taehyung has not seen since they met. He watches how Jungkook watches Eun. His eyes stuck on her face. Jungkook chuckles, “prove it. Where am I cheating, my rose?” Eun points, “horses do not run straight!”

Jungkook shrugs, “that rule is pathetic. Imagine an actual horse running two steps straight and one to the left of right? The ride will be so confused!” Taehyung bites back a laugh, “but, you should play according to the rules.” Jungkook sips his drink, “I make my own rules.”

Eun rolls her eyes, pinches Jungkook on his chest, “do not do that here. I will seriously never talk to you again.” Jungkook's eyes flutter over to her face, “and, how long did that last the last time?” Eun blushes, glares at him, “well, two weeks! That was a record!”

Taehyung feels like he is intruding. He looks at the two of them and back at the board. Then he thinks he should leave. “It was also foul play,” Eun tilts her head, “you brought me so many gifts. I could not just shoo you away.” Jungkook snorts, “okay, okay. Excuses. I see.”

“Tell you, what,” Jungkook reaches to pull her cheek, “if you win, I will take you out to that market you wanted to visit. If I win, you do whatever I say.” “That is a dangerous bet,” Eun looks at Taehyung, “my lord, how good are you in chess?” Taehyung squirms, “mediocre.”

“Do not believe a word that comes out of his mouth,” Jungkook arches a brow, “he comes from a good lying family.” Eun's smile dims a little, she looks at Jungkook and back at Taehyung, “alpha…” Jungkook shrugs, “just play, Eun. I missed this. Do not ruin it for me.”

Eun tries to laugh it off, “he is your mate, alpha, do not talk to him like that!” Jungkook arches a brow, “I did not ask for him. Anyway,” he points at the board, “you are next.” Taehyung tries to get up, Eun grabs his wrist, “my lord,” she begs almost, “help me?”

Taehyung shakes his head, “I would not like to invade, please,” he waves her off, “I also need to sleep. You two go ahead-” “Nonsense,” Eun drags him down to sit beside her, “play this round for me. Together we can win against him! Come on.” Taehyung hesitates…

“I tell you what?” Eun leans closer to Jungkook, “if you win against the both of us, you can ask whatever you want from me. But, if we win, you have to take my lord out and show him our kingdom. He has been cooped up here since he came. Okay?” Jungkook stares at her, “rose…”

Her smile is blinding, “come on, kook. A true warrior never backs away from a challenge. Come on, alpha.” Taehyung stares. His breath lodged in his chest. He looks back at Jungkook. Taking the king's name, no matter who you are, is a punishable crime. She has to be special.

“For me?” she takes Jungkook's hand in hers, “come on, kookie.” Jungkook's eyes are tender, his smile is more so, “I will do anything for you, rose.” Taehyung watches, how Eun nods, her throat bobs. Jungkook shakes his head silently. Then Jungkook nods, “come on then, start.”

Taehyung watches the board, his eyes scan the pieces still alive and nods. Jungkook starts with his bishops, easily killing Taehyung's rook. Taehyung goes for the queen, takes care of a horse. Eun sits, watches them play silently.

“Hey!” Taehyung whines, “you just cheated!” Jungkook stares, “no? The pawns can go back.” “No, they cannot!” Taehyung glares, “you know they cannot!” Jungkook makes a face, “hey, the pawns can go back, right, Rose?” Eun glares, “you know the rules, alpha! Play accordingly!”

The game continues and this time Taehyung forgets to control himself. He swats Jungkook's hand when the king goes to retreat the bishop. “You know bishops do not move that way!” Taehyung glares, “do not test me!” Jungkook arches a brow, “otherwise, what?”

Taehyung pinches Jungkook's wrist, “otherwise I will tell everyone that their king is a sore loser who probably does not know how to play chess!” Jungkook stares at him for a long moment, then nods, “fair enough. I would like to see someone believe you.” He goes with the move.

“Eun, you believe me, right?” Taehyung looks over his shoulder at her, “your alpha does not know how to play chess!” Eun stills, her eyes shift from Taehyung to Jungkook and then back at Taehyung again. Her smile is small, a little awkward. “He is not my alpha, my lord.”

Eun's eyes shift to the king and her smile goes tender, “he is alpha. I call him that to remind him of his rank when he acts up to that stupid rank. But, he is not my alpha,” her eyes are beautiful, Taehyung notices. Smile too. She is beautiful. “Who are you then?”

Eun smiles, “I was brought here to be his father's concubine.” Taehyung stills, freezes almost, “you are… you are young.” Her eyes are sombre, “I know.” Taehyung looks at Jungkook and back at Eun, “I do not understand!” Jungkook looks away. His posture stiff.

Eun looks at the chessboard, “I just presented as an omega when I was brought here. For his father. I was twenty,” she smiles, “he was,” her face contorts, “let's just say, he was not a good king.” Taehyung looks at Jungkook and sees how the alpha stays quiet.

“Kookie was fifteen then,” Eun looks at the king, adoration clear in her eyes, “I had no one to talk to. Everyone in the harem made me feel suffocated. So was he. In his palace. We-” Eun's throat bobs. Jungkook coughs, “you should go and rest, my rose. It is late.”

TW// Mention of non-con

Eun trembles where she sits, grasps her hands together, “the first night I spent with his father, I ran out of there. He was,” her face crumbles, “I had nowhere to go, and it felt like I was in a nightmare. I remember running to Kook's chamber to hide.”

“Go to sleep, Eun!” Jungkook gets up, turns his back to the two of them, “It is my order!” Eun looks at the alpha, tears swimming in her eyes, “he is your mate. He is supposed to know you.” Jungkook looks outside, “he knows enough. Go to sleep.” Eun looks at Taehyung.

“I wish I went somewhere else that night,” her voice trembles, “but, I knew no one here. I just blindly reached out to the only person who treated me like a human here. Who was so kind,” she sniffles, “but that monster followed me there. To his bed chamber.”

“I did not want to be the reason,” Eun bursts out crying, trembling where she sits, “he is like a younger brother to me. I still have not forgiven myself for what happened that night and how because of me, he got so much hate and-” Jungkook comes to kneel in front of her...

He holds her hands, “enough. Come on,” Jungkook pulls her up, “you need to rest. Do not-” Eun looks at Taehyung, sniffles, “I am the reason he killed his father,” her eyes find Jungkook's face, she breaks down, “I will never forgive myself for exposing you to him like that!”

“No child deserves to see their father like that,” she cries harder. Jungkook's lips twitch, “like what? A monster? That he was? You think I did not know? I had no guts to do anything about it. You just pushed me to do the right thing, my rose. Do not blame yourself!”

Jungkook reaches for the water, holds it to her lips, “drink. Come on, do not talk about it. You know how you get after you think of him. I...” Taehyung watches the clear misery and heartbreak on the king's face. “I cannot lose the only person I care about,” Jungkook murmurs.

Jungkook wipes her eyes, “you are the only family I have,” his eyes hold hers, “do not do this.” Eun looks at Taehyung and back at Jungkook, “I am not the only family you have. You just need to open up, and you can have so much more, kook.” Jungkook pulls away, “let's go.”

He holds Eun up, looks at the chess board, “it can wait. We can play again some day.” Eun shakes her head, “I feel sleepy. I will go and sleep. But, I already represented my lord as my general,” she tries to smile at Taehyung, “do not leave until you win him over, my lord.”

She bows, “I will take your leave,” she wipes her eyes and gives Taehyung a small smile, “I live in my own quarter. Right beside the harem. You can visit any time, my lord. I will take your leave now.” Jungkook tries to follow her, but she glares, points at Taehyung and leaves.

A/N — Every character is not going to be vile. We have Yoona. Eun is a OC I am creating as Jungkook's sister, type of. Let's not say she is interested in him that way. It makes me cringe for some reason. They are like siblings.

------

Jungkook stares after her, “you can leave,” he addresses Taehyung, “I will just lie to her that you won.” “So, you accept that you know nothing of chess, and you are the biggest cheat?” Taehyung calls after Jungkook. The king sighs, bows his head, and then looks back at him.

Taehyung's lips twitch, “just say it. I will leave.” Jungkook inhales deeply, “you will not be easy, huh? Do not know how to take the easy way out.” Taehyung shrugs, “I am already in the devil's den. Might as well do a deal with the devil. I might win. You never know.”

Jungkook sits down, watches the board, “go for it then.” Taehyung starts the game, his eyes moving with the king's hand every time he plays. “You are downright cheating!” Taehyung throws the pillow at Jungkook's face, “oh, my God, you are not even hiding that you are cheating!”

Jungkook's lips twitch, he hogs the pillow and rolls his eyes. “I did not know you can play this well, I was right in saying you lie, huh?” Taehyung shrugs, “that is called modesty, my lord.” Jungkook hums, “I see, where did the modesty go when you hit me, my luna?”

Taehyung shrugs, “you had it coming for cheating.” Jungkook hums, “okay. You are not getting these back, by the way.” Taehyung concentrates on the game, both of them bickering till the end. Taehyung watches both of their kings stand face to face.

“It is my turn,” Taehyung mumbles, smirking at Jungkook. Jungkook frowns, “it is my turn. Clearly.” Taehyung's smirk dims to morph into a frown, “huh? You just had your turn!” Jungkook stares, “when? This is my turn!” Taehyung throws his hands up, “you just got us here!”

Jungkook staers, “okay, you are clearly cheating. Ask anyone. It is my turn!” Taehyung gapes, “there is no one here!” Jungkook shrugs, “Moongoddess is! She is watching. If anything, she will punish me.” Taehyung deadpans, “you do not believe in her. I am sure!”

Jungkook's lips curl up, he shrugs, “you got me there.” Taehyung whines, “I cannot believe you just cheated through it all, and now you would not let me win!” Jungkook makes a face, “what will you get out of this anyway? What do you want? To go to the market? Really?”

“Would be nice,” Taehyung pouts, looks down at the board, “I feel suffocated here.” For a second, Jungkook just stares at him and Taehyung stares at the board. Jungkook hesitates, “you can,” he coughs, “you can go out with your lover. You know? No one would stop you.”

Taehyung tenses a little, “I never did that. So,” he looks away, “it is awkward.” Jungkook frowns, “did what? Went to a marketplace? Wow, that is,” he makes a face, “why not?” Taehyung shrugs, “royal omegas are not to mingle with the commoners. My father would say.”

“Commoners,” Jungkook mumbles, “the ones who made him the king? They are the ones he cannot mingle with? That made sense to you?” Taehyung looks at Jungkook, “it…” he stops, thinks, “he was worried someone might do something to me.”

Jungkook laughs, “and, then, he gave you away to the most ruthless king he could have thought of. Must say, what a hypocrite.” Taehyung sucks in his lower lip into his mouth, “he had no other choice. He was worried about the treaty.” Jungkook sighs, “you could have told him.”

“You let that alpha touch you,” Jungkook murmurs, “trust him enough to do that. Loved him enough to do that. How could you not tell your father? If he loved you so much, he would understand. I think.” Taehyung looks away, “it is not that easy. You do not know our kingdom.”

Taehyung feels his voice cracks, “you think if I had the means, I would be here?” Jungkook watches him for a few moments, lets out a deep breath. Taehyung flinches when he hears the wooden king dropping on the board. He looks at the board to see his king standing proud. Alone.

Jungkook gets up, “I will order Namjoon to take you to see the marketplace. Do not worry,” he snorts, “I heard lovers love to take strolls and talk for hours or whatever. Do so. Just,” he shrugs, “stop looking so miserable.” Taehyung stares, “what?”

Jungkook picks up his long robe, shrugs it on, “I said, go and have some fun. Enjoy. I know, this is the least I can do. But, I do no wish to see miserable people around me. It is bothersome.” “You make people miserable,” Taehyung whispers, “that is what I heard.”

The alpha's eyes find him, “they are not my people,” he bends to take the glass full of whiskey, takes a long sip, “but, you are,” his eyes stay stuck on Taehyung, “you are my luna.” Taehyung watches Jungkook stroll out of the gazebo. The glass in hand, taking sips time to time.

I will update Accidents and Scribbled tomorrow. See you tonight for more of this one. ko-fi.com/amyungv

@.Suna_lovesMG thank you so much for this gorgeous moodboard

“The market is a public place,” Eun frowns, sitting perched on the windowsill, “this is the first time he will appear in front of the general public. Do not you think you should accompany him?” Jungkook shrugs, “who would say what? Who cares?” “Well, I do,” Eun stares.

“Why do you care if he does not?” Yoona helps Jungkook into his clothes for the court, “if my lord does not want-” Eun looks directly at Jungkook, ignoring Yoona, “he is your mate, kook. Do not forget that you are the king! He is your Luna! Also, he does not smell like you.”

“I refuse to let our people question you,” Eun crosses her arms over her chest, “you have to understand this, kook. He is literally an unmated omega who is staying with us in this palace at this point. You cannot let him go like that.” Yoona snorts, “what should he do then?”

“If nothing,” Eun eyes Jungkook who is looking at him through the mirror, “you should talk to him about scenting. I know there is nothing between the two of you. But, his father sent him here as your mate, and he needs to play the role. You did not force him. His father did.”

Jungkook laughs, “do you hear yourself? So I just walk up to him and tell him that I want to scent him so others think I own him?” “No,” Eun sighs, rubs her temple, “so others know he is yours. He is supposed to be mated by now, Jungkook. That choker is already attracting eyes.”

“I do not know about that,” Jungkook sighs, “he has a lover, Rose. I cannot ask that of him.” Eun curses, “you need to set some rules, kook! He is, both of you agree or not, your luna!” Jungkook turns to face her, “I refuse to ask him if I can scent him or not. That is stupid.”

Eun nods, “fine. I will!” She marches out of the room. Anger and frustration seeping out of her as she takes the corridor up to Taehyung's room. She lets the guards announce her arrival and eyes Namjoon on her way inside the bed chamber, “can we talk, my lord?”

------- “But,” Taehyung looks at Namjoon who is standing inside the room because Eun called him inside too, “I am not sure if I want to or-” “You do not have to,” Jungkook walks in, shakes his head at Eun, “just,” he curses, “stay in the carriage. No one would be near enough.”

“How about you two go?” Namjoon hesitates before speaking, “it is just a stroll. No one would question if the king himself accompany you, and his scent will be pungent enough to cover yours. Right?” Taehyung hesitates, “I mean…” Jungkook sighs, “no, it is okay. Just-”

“It is not just a stroll, if I go, it will be our first public appearance and there are some protocols to follow,” Jungkook curses, “just go, you two. No one cares.” “I do,” Eun glares at Jungkook, “both of you are going because according to that match, I won. I get to choose.”

Taehyung looks at Jungkook, “I think we should.” Jungkook snorts, “you have no idea, my luna, what you are getting into.” Taehyung shrugs, “how bad can it be? We are just visiting the marketplace.” Jungkook sighs, “fine. Do whatever.” He storms out of the room.

------ It is the next day. Taehyung stares at himself on the mirror. He is wearing a white hanbok. He fixes the cloth over his chest before his eyes find the choker around his neck. He tugs at it, it is a little tight around his neck. Taehyung sighs, seeing the marks it felt.

There is a knock and Jungkook walks in. “Can you not ask for permission?” Taehyung frowns, “what if I was getting ready?” Jungkook rolls his eyes, “you are ready? We need to leave.” Taehyung looks back at himself, “just a moment.” He rubs some lotion under the choker, sighs.

Jungkook comes to stand behind him. His eyes on the choker. “Is it hurting?” the king asks, eyeing how Taehyung fixes it. Taehyung shrugs, “it is not made for my neck. It is a little tight. Can I not wear it?” “Would you rather wear my mark?” Jungkook arches a brow.

Taehyung glares, “I cannot believe it has your name engraved on it!” Jungkook steps up until he is right behind Taehyung, “yes, I know.” Taehyung feels the plate under his fingertips, “it feels like an ownership.” “Omegas are brought to this kingdom like that,” Jungkook nods.

“At first they wear the choker. Then,” his breath ghosts over Taehyung's nape, “then they are marked.” Taehyung looks at the alpha, “the name looks hideous on the chocker.” Jungkook's eyes trace over the name, “would like it on your skin instead?” Taehyung stills.

Taehyung sucks in a breath when he feels those hands on his hips. He tries to hold his breath. “You have omegas with your name imprinted on them?” Taehyung's voice waver. “No,” Jungkook murmurs, eyes fixed on Taehyung through the mirror, “but, there is always a first.”

“Imagine your alpha touching you,” Jungkook smirks, it spreads over his face slowly, “kissing down your spine,” his hands tighten on Taehyung's hips, “on the arch of your hips, if he sees my name, engraved, how would he feel?” Taehyung feels each word against his skin…

“How does he feel?” Jungkook wonders, tilts his head, thinking, “having you, fucking you-” Taehyung's eyes widen because of the king's word choice. His cheeks heating up. “Being with you while you wear my choker,” Jungkook frowns, “do you take it off before sex?”

Taehyung turns to face the alpha, “can you not be this vulgar?” he pleads almost, looking over Jungkook's shoulder, “someone might hear!” “No one is here,” Jungkook shrugs, “I am just asking a simple question. My Luna, do you take it off while you bed Namjoon?”

Taehyung glares, “I keep it on! Is that what you were looking for?! Is that the answer you wanted?” Jungkook gives him a look, “how does that feel?” his voice grows quiet, “how does it feel to be in his embrace while knowing I am the one you are tied to?”

“How does it feel,” Jungkook's hand comes up to trace the choker, “to know the world knows you are mine? Would not bat an eye if I kill your lover and take you for myself. How does it feel to be this powerless?” Taehyung looks away, “you would not do that.”

“No, I would not,” Jungkook chuckles, “but,” his grip tightens on the choker, he jerks Taehyung forward, so their lips are almost against each other, “but, I could. I can. Just that easily. That is the power your father took from you and gave me. You should have protested.”

“You are like a war ruin, my Luna,” Jungkook whispers, “I can choose things for you. Even your life. So, be glad that I am letting you off easy. Be glad that after what you and your family did, I am choosing to give you this freedom. Keep the damn choker on. Never question it.”

Taehyung's eyes brim with tears of anger, he glares at the alpha, “if that is what you want, go ahead. You know I cannot stop you. If that is all you want, I am right here! You are not doing me a favour-” “But, I am,” Jungkook snorts, “I am giving you freedom.”

“This is not what freedom looks like!” Taehyung shouts, wipes his tears. He refuses to let the alpha see his tears, “this is freedom in a cage! I did not want this.” “Neither did I,” Jungkook arches a brow, “I chose your brother. Remember? We do not always get what we want.”

“Now, come on,” Jungkook sighs, “get ready fast, and we need to leave.” Taehyung glares at him, “I do not want to go anymore.” Jungkook looks at him, “I am sorry?” Taehyung grabs the choker and tugs it free from his neck, “I do not wish to go! Did you hear me?!”

Taehyung throws the choker on the ground, steps on it, “I do not wish to go!” Jungkook's eyes flicker to where the choker lies, broken, under Taehyung's feet. Then he looks up at Taehyung's neck. There are cuts and scrapes around the omega's neck. The alpha looks at Taehyung.

Taehyung wipes his eyes furiously, “I know you have reasons to act the way you are. You are nothing but a brut, and you were betrayed. I get it all. But, do you think this was my first choice too?!” He kicks the choker, “I wanted to marry Joon and settle down in our cottage.”

“I wanted to bear his mark,” Taehyung turns away, looking outside through the balcony, “his pups. I wanted a life where my alpha would love me! He loves me, but he is not my alpha. I am not sure if he ever will be!” he sniffles, “do you think I wanted this?! No one wants you!”

“In their sane mind, no one would want you as their alpha!” Taehyung grits out, “a harem full of omegas probably said otherwise. The omegas you had in your bed, the war ruins, they probably said otherwise, but that was because they were terrified of you. No one loves you!”

“You will live a very lonely life!” Taehyung throws the cushion from the settee, “you will have no one beside you ever! You know why my father did you not tell you? Because he was terrified that you will do something to hurt my entire kingdom! You are feared. Never loved!”

“If you were not so fearsome! If you were a little more understanding, I would not be here, and you would not be here either!” Taehyung wipes his face, “so, do not blame me for everything. You got us here just as much as I did. You are nothing but a control freak!”

“Control is all I have,” Jungkook murmurs, voice void of any emotion, “control over everything is all I have. You are right. I am lonely, I am cursed to be this way since I was born. But, a man can only have so much. I made my amends with my curse. You need to make with yours.”

“I am your curse,” Jungkook points at himself, “so, either find a way to kill me, or, make amends. Because,” Jungkook gives a hollow laugh, “as long as I live, you will be my Luna and that is the life you got yourself into. I cannot help you. I wish I could.”

“That choker speaks for our family,” Jungkook whispers, “you are nothing but a concubine of class without that. That is protecting your virtue for others. You are not mated, you are not carrying my pups. That is the only way people know you are the royal omega.”

“That is the least I am expecting of you,” Jungkook sighs, “if there is anything else you want me to do, I can. But, you are still married to be, and we still have to keep up the pretence.” “You can kill me,” Taehyung whispers, “that would be my blessing.”

“I have loved only one alpha and that is Namjoon,” Taehyung hugs himself, “and, I do not see us falling in love. Ever. You can remarry, my lord. You can find someone who would want you.” “I can do that,” Jungkook thinks, frowns, “yes, we can do that. That is...” he nods...

“What?” Taehyung wonders. Jungkook nods, thoughtful, “yes! We can do this! We can,” he nods, enthusiastic, “before the celebration starts, before anyone comes, we can go to our winter palace, and we can fake your death.” Taehyung stares, “what...?”

Jungkook nods, “yes, yes. See, we can go there. Make an excuse of wanting to spend time alone. Then you can leave with Namjoon and I will fake your death. The palace is near a lake. The lake is too deep. We can always say you drowned. No one would know. Who would question me?”

Taehyung watches the alpha, “why… why would you do that?” Jungkook does not look at him, “because,” he looks around the room, “this palace witnessed too much suffering. These walls heard too many cries, curses, prayers for freedom. These floors soaked up too much blood.”

“If I can lessen one,” Jungkook frowns, “someone who is not at fault, who was shoved into this because the others decided for him. Which will be his life if he stays here. I would do it. I will do it,” he looks at Taehyung, “tell Namjoon. We are leaving by tonight.”

“People might doubt you,” Taehyung murmurs, “think and talk. Say that you did something to your luna.” Jungkook shrugs, “I stopped hearing what people have to say about me ages ago. Who cares? If anything, it will add to my reputation and help me protect my kingdom.”

Taehyung watches the alpha, “my father might come for you-” Jungkook laughs, “I want him to. I want him to dare. He will not go back,” he turns on his heels, “he will not get back to his kingdom-” “No,” Taehyung grasps Jungkook's arm, steps up to him on instinct, “please, no.”

“Please,” Taehyung whimpers, “do not do anything to him? Please, he was trying to save his people too. Please-” Jungkook looks at him. The alpha's eyes slowly traces over Taehyung's face. Taehyung grips Jungkook's arm in his both hands with urgency. “Please.”

Taehyung flinches when Jungkook's hand cups the side of his face. That thumb traces the rim of his lower eyeline. “Stop crying,” Jungkook sighs, “since I met you, I have realized, your eyes look pretty when you cry.” Taehyung holds his breath, “is that why you make me cry?”

“No,” Jungkook murmurs, “I just...” the alpha's throat bobs, “I wonder how you look when you are ecstatic. If your eyes disappear when you laugh. If,” a small, tired smile curls Jungkook's lips, “if you look silly or even more beautiful.” Taehyung's breath hitches, “what...”

Jungkook tries to pull away, “I hope I find my answer the day you get to leave with Namjoon, hmm?” he shrugs, “I will see you tonight.” Taehyung grips the alpha's wrist, “my father-” Jungkook nods, “I will not kill him. I give you my words. You can trust me.”

“This ruthless king honours his words, my Luna,” Jungkook squeezes Taehyung's hand in his, “wherever you go, wherever you decide to elope with your lover, know that I will hold onto my promise. I do not break those easily.” “What do I get you for this?” Taehyung wonders.

“𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒, 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟.” Jungkook wants to say. But, he snorts at his own thought. To Taehyung, he is nothing but a nightmare. Why would he remember him? Jungkook shrugs, “nothing. I want nothing in exchange.”

Taehyung watches the alpha leave. He watches the door close behind the alpha and then open to Namjoon who hurries up to him. “What happened?” Namjoon asks, frantic, “did he do something? Tae?!” Taehyung looks at Namjoon, “I think…” he breathes out, “he freed me.”

Between Namjoon pulling him in a bone-crushing hug and kissing the side of his head while murmuring how happy he is, Taehyung looks at the closed door. He is free from this cage. The scrapes from the choker sting, and Taehyung thinks... if this is what happiness feels like.

═══☆☆☆═══

Taehyung walks out of the palace with Namjoon right beside him. He gives Taehyung a reassuring smile before bowing and going to the front, where he will join the troop of soldiers who are going with them. Taehyung's eyes shift to the king, who waits by the carriage.

Jungkook has his eyes fixed ahead. His arms locked behind his back with his shoulders taut. The alpha's scent reaches Taehyung, the deep scent of blood makes him recoil. Taehyung slowly walks up to the alpha, stands behind him and clears his throat for his attention.

Jungkook looks over his shoulder at him, nods, “my Luna,” he turns, “get inside.” Taehyung watches Jungkook gesture for the carriage, and he nods. With a look at the palace and a smile at Eun, Taehyung grasps the door of the carriage and hoists himself inside.

Jungkook closes the door of the carriage, and Taehyung watches through the curtains of the carriage how the king hoists himself up on his black horse. Jungkook grasps the reins and pats the horse before he announces for everyone to move. The carriage starts following the king.

Taehyung watches the king instead of the scenery. Jungkook keeps his eyes ahead, walking side by side with the carriage. Taehyung watches his people bow to him while the troop cross the marketplace he was supposed to visit. He watches them look at Jungkook with smiles and awe.

The king does not talk or stop, but his eyes wander over his people. He points a few things out to his general, whispering something to them. Taehyung watches how almost everything Jungkook points are pretty old shops, barely holding up on their own. The general nods along.

They start to descend after an hour or so. Taehyung looks outside on the other side to see how they are leaving the capital behind. The roads are more steep now, narrower. The Jeon royal palace is established on top of a hill, the winter palace is down on the valley.

Taehyung feels nauseas the more they go. The round and round roads they take to descend the hill makes his stomach turn. He coughs, ignores how his butler watches him with alarmed worry. He grasps the edge of the seat when they take another narrow turn and almost doubles over.

“What is wrong, my lord?” his butler reaches out, rubbing his back, “are you not feeling well?” Taehyung shakes his head, “the hills,” he tries to smile, “I do not have experience of these roads. They make me nauseous.” He has to stop to force the bile down his throat.

The butler slaps the roof of the carriage and the coachman stops. Taehyung surges out of the carriage to empty his stomach by the side of the road, feeling as embarrassed as he can get while his maids and butler try to calm him and ask him to wash his face. “What is the matter?”

The king comes strolling over on his horse, “what is going on?” His butler bows deep, “my king, our Luna is not feeling well. He is not used to these steep roads with constant jerking and narrow passes. The closed space is not letting in much air for him to breathe, either.”

“I think our king should take our luna on his horse,” a maid murmurs, looking at her feet, “the carriage is not doing him good.” Taehyung blinks, wipes his mouth and shakes his head, “no need. I am absolutely,” he feels his head swoon, he coughs, “f-fine. No need.”

Jungkook arches a brow, “come on.” Taehyung shakes his head, trying to glare at the alpha, “I said, no need. I am fine.” Jungkook heaves a breath, “the faster we reach there, the better, my luna. Get up here.” Taehyung hesitates, looks over at Namjoon. He is watching them.

Taehyung catches pure worry on his expression. The alpha shrugs. Taehyung looks back at Jungkook to see the king has caught the exchange, is now rolling his eyes. Taehyung bites down on his lip, hesitating. Jungkook extends his hand, “I do not have the entire day, my luna.”

Taehyung glares at the alpha and takes the hand. He rises his foot to the stirrups, gasps when Jungkook tugs him up and over to straddle the horse. Taehyung grips the saddle, his eyes on the road, “you do not have to be so harsh!” Jungkook starts the troop, “let's go.”

Taehyung shivers, looking ahead of them, “wh-why is the horse edging towards the hill's edge?” he whimpers, trying not to look down. Jungkook sighs, “the horses prefer to walk on the edge.” “Oh, moongoddess,” Taehyung grips the saddle, “I will die like this. Oh, lord!”

Jungkook sighs behind him, “sit still.” Taehyung looks over his shoulder at the king, glares, “this is all your fault!” Jungkook heaves a breath, keeps his eyes on the road, “and, how is that?” Taehyung is not sure how is that. He looks ahead, whimpers when the horse stumbles.

Taehyung grips the saddle tightly, “oh, lord! Oh, lord.” Jungkook curses, “how the hell are you so whiny!” his arms go around Taehyung to pull him closer, “just distract yourself. See ahead. Look at the view.” Taehyung shivers, the view is good, but he cannot focus on it.

Jungkook's hands are roped around him, holding the reins in front of him. Taehyung feels the alpha's chest right behind him. He presses back, feels the alpha go stiff before letting out a curse. “Stop squirming!” Jungkook hisses, “stay still, I said.” Taehyung whines, “but-”

“I am going to be very honest with you, my luna,” Jungkook's voice growls near Taehyung's ear, “your bottom is almost pressing against my crotch. You do not move or help me, God, I will bend you over in front of your lover!” Taehyung goes still. Jungkook snorts, “there we go.”

Taehyung feels his cheeks heat up, “how,” he looks around them, watches how they are surrounded by others, “how dare you say that so loudly?! Anyone could hear! Oh, lord. Some might have heard!” Jungkook shrugs, “then, maybe keep that in mind and stay quiet and still.”

Taehyung feels the way his cheeks burn. He watches Jungkook's hands holding the rein and digs his nail there, hard. That earns him nothing but a snort. Taehyung feels infuriated and flustered. With a glare at the alpha, he pinches Jungkook. With all his might.

Jungkook lets go of the rein with his one hand and grabs Taehyung by his throat to pull him back against his mouth. He presses his mouth over Taehyung's ear. “My Luna,” Jungkook growls, “do not test me. Now,” his thumb presses down on Taehyung's scent gland, “submit.”

Taehyung feels goosebumps rise on his skin. He has never had an alpha command him to submit before. His father never used his alpha voice, and Namjoon would not dare. Taehyung feels a shudder run down his spine when that thumb rubs over his scent-gland, the omega in him whines.

Jungkook noses the side of his bare neck, “you would not want to trifle with your alpha, my Luna. Is that noted?” Taehyung blinks, grasps the saddle, “you,” his voice waver, “you are not my alpha.” “Then do not be bratty with me,” Jungkook murmurs, “am I clear?”

“You already smell too good for my liking,” Jungkook whispers against Taehyung's shoulder, “neck bare like that. Do not tempt me.” “Otherwise, what?” Taehyung glares over his shoulder, “you will bend me over?” Jungkook's eyes finally match his. The alpha grasps the rein.

Jungkook slaps the horse's side, “you all, keep the pace as it is,” he hollers. Taehyung's eyes widen, and he lets out a startled scream when the horse starts to run. Full gallop down the hills. He presses himself up against Jungkook, eyes on the road while the horse runs.

Jungkook watches the road ahead and Taehyung screams. “Stop the horse! Oh, my lord! Please, I am sorry! Stop the horse! I will not talk! Ever! Please!” Jungkook ignores, feels the frustration seep out of him while he lets his horse run free as he goes.

Taehyung turns his upper body with desperation and buries himself against Jungkook's chest. His face under Jungkook's jaw and lips pressing right there. “Alpha, please,” Taehyung whimpers, “please,” he sniffles, “you are scaring your Luna.” Jungkook freezes.

Taehyung sniffles, “please, I am terrified of height and this is scaring me.” Jungkook grips the rein, slowing down the horse while he looks down at Taehyung, “what did you just call me?” Taehyung's eyes are brimming with tears, “what?” Jungkook watches that face...

“What did you call me?” Jungkook demands again, watches how Taehyung looks ahead, away from him. “I do not recall,” Taehyung whispers. Jungkook wants to argue, he wants to say he heard, but then he stops himself. What would that change anyway? It would be nothing but a waste.

Jungkook clears his throat, frowns to himself. So what if Taehyung called him his alpha? There are so many omegas who called him their alpha. So, what? He sighs, holds the rein, “just sit still and do not anger me. We are about to reach.” Taehyung nods, trying to breathe.

----- The palace is beautiful. Taehyung watches, eyes skimming over the huge building, while Jungkook runs the horse inside. The alpha hops on first, helps Taehyung down and turns to nod at the stable boy who takes the rein from him and bows to the two of them.

Jungkook leads Taehyung inside as snow starts falling. As if welcoming them. “Where does that bridge go?” Taehyung asks, pointing at a wooden bridge. Jungkook looks over and turns away, “the lake. Where we will fake your death.” Taehyung gulps, nods and follows the alpha.

Taehyung follows the alpha, “where will I stay?” Jungkook chuckles, “you are eloping by tonight. Just stay wherever you want. Choose a room.” Taehyung stares at the alpha, “where are you going?” Jungkook shrugs, “my room. I need a drink.” The alpha leaves him right there.

Taehyung looks around. There are no servants there. The house is clean and guarded, but he sees no maid or anyone else. Taehyung frowns, thinks that maybe their troop is all they will have here. He wanders after the alpha because, if he is honest, he feels a little scared.

He finds the alpha in a vast room, the door wide open. Jungkook is standing by the corner, pouring himself a drink from the tumbler it was stored in. Taehyung stands by the door, watches the alpha take a long gulp before turning towards the window to open it.

Taehyung comes up to stand beside Jungkook. “Is that the lake?” Jungkook hums, sips his drink while unbuttoning his hanbok, “yes.” Taehyung watches the quiet lake, “there is a boat.” Jungkook nods, “yes. I made sure there is one.” Taehyung frowns, “what?”

Jungkook points at the boat, “I have already talked to Namjoon. Tonight, we will go boating and the boat will have a hole in it. It will slowly sink, and the story is, you do not know how to swim. So, you will sink along with it and I, as the selfish man I am, will save myself.”

Jungkook takes another sip of the drink, “no one would question it. Everyone knows how I am,” he snorts, “anyway, the lake is quite vast, there are no lights by tonight and no one would know. I will keep the guards off duty. Namjoon will wait by the other side of the lake.”

Jungkook looks at Taehyung, “he said you are a very good swimmer.” Taehyung shrugs, “used to swim in our lake. Yes.” Jungkook hums, “good. Just swim over to where you see the light. Namjoon will have a lantern with him. To guide you. Then you can elope down the jungle.”

“It will take you to the other side of the kingdom,” Jungkook murmurs, “I have given Namjoon two passes, and you will be guided out of my kingdom. Go wherever you want then. You,” he smiles, “will be free, my Luna.” Taehyung holds his breath, “are you sure that is all?”

Jungkook frowns, “what do you mean?” Taehyung gulps, “is this all? You are not planning something else, right?” his voice wavers, “you are not trying to make me elope to catch me down the road and kill Namjoon once and for all, right? Please. Is this all?”

“You are not planning to catch me and drag me back to your palace and insult my family, are you?” Taehyung grips Jungkook's arm, “you are not planning something else, right?” Jungkook's eyes wander over his face, “why do you think I am?” Taehyung pauses, “because... why not?”

“It will bring my family shame, which you might want after what they did to you,” Taehyung mumbles, “and, also, if Namjoon is dead, I have no one else to go to. What if you are planning that?” Jungkook chuckles, “I will let you ponder. I have nothing to say against it.”

Jungkook shrugs out of his hanbok, drops it on the floor, “you can think of anything you want, my Luna. I will not defend myself. Be ready by tonight.” Taehyung watches the alpha walks inside another room, closing the door behind himself.

-------

The night comes too quick. Taehyung finds himself wrapped in his own arms while he follows the king down the narrow path towards the lake. Jungkook helps him onto the boat and stands until Taehyung sits down properly. Then the king sits, starts to row the boat.

Taehyung looks around while Jungkook takes them far away from the edge of the lake. “There,” Jungkook points, “do you see?” Taehyung squints and then freezes when he sees the flickering light. It is very dim, but it is there. “Y-yes,” Taehyung whispers, “I see.”

Jungkook nods, “I will give you the night,” he murmurs, “I will stay in that gazebo,” he points, “and, cause a ruckus around dawn. It will look like we drowned while coming back. You will have the entire night to get as far away as you can. Do not stop anywhere, okay?”

“When you reach there, see Namjoon, wave the lantern twice for me to know it is indeed him. Okay?” Taehyung nods, feeling his throat running dry, “O-okay.” Jungkook sighs, “good. Now,” he pulls out a knife from his belt, “let's go.” Taehyung watches Jungkook hit the boat.

Water slowly starts to pool inside, the boat sinking. Jungkook looks up at him. Taehyung looks at the alpha. His breath lodged in his chest. Jungkook reaches behind himself, takes off a chain and holds it out. Taehyung frowns, watching it and looking back at the alpha.

“Wear it,” Jungkook murmurs, “it has my initials. It will protect you if there is trouble on your way. Just show this locket and no one in their sane mind will try anything with you. Okay?” Taehyung takes the chain, nods, “okay.” He wears it, feels the water pulling him down.

“Goodbye, my Lun-” Jungkook stops, huffs out a smile, “Taehyung. Goodbye.” Taehyung watches the alpha dive into the river and float. Waiting for him. Taehyung dives in too, swimming up to Jungkook. Jungkook laughs, “you are to go that way, do not follow me.”

The water is freezing. Taehyung nods jerkily and watches the alpha turn away to swim towards the gazebo. “W-wait,” Taehyung calls Jungkook, breathes in when Jungkook looks over at him, “you have anything in there?” he points at the gazebo, “the night is so cold.”

Jungkook stares for a second, points over Taehyung's shoulder, “your alpha awaits, Taehyung. Go. He has spare clothes for you, too.” Taehyung watches Jungkook swim away. He floats and watches the alpha leave and when he cannot see Jungkook anymore, Taehyung turns and leaves.

@.thvjjk24 thank you so much for this gorgeous moodboard

Jungkook gets out of the water and slowly walks up to the gazebo. His tired eyes take in the arrangements there. A mattress at the corner, a few clothes stacked on top of the settee. A lantern, ready to light up. Jungkook shrugs out of his soaked clothes and wears the pajama.

With a yawn, he goes to drop on the mattress. He lies down on his back, head resting on his arm. Eyes on the dark sky. He lets out a deep breath. Somehow he feels free. Kind of in his element. Alone, quiet, peaceful. It feels just the same. The world he built for himself.

His lips twitch when he thinks of the chaos that omega brought for a few days. It was… Jungkook is not sure how it was. Hectic? Yes. A change? Yes. Suffocating? In a way. Infuriating? Surely. Jungkook scratches his stomach, thinking, how far the omega is right now.

Then he sighs, Taehyung is not his responsibility anymore. He will just go back to his life, and it will all be a distant memory. He hopes, wherever Taehyung ends up living, he gets whatever dreams he wanted to live in. It is for the better, anyway. He was not fit for Jungkook.

-----

“Oh, Tae,” Namjoon drops the lantern after swinging it twice and pulls Taehyung into a tight hug, “I was so worried that he might change his decision. I was so worried. Are you okay?” Taehyung nods, silently looking over his shoulder at the lake, “I am fine, Joon.”