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NEW SERIES POLL!

Hey guys just quickly!

Soul Ink is slowly coming to an end and a sequel is currently a debate however I would like to work on something new before that! I’ve came up with some new ideas and I would like to see what you guys would like to read first! They’re OT7 so if you’re into Poly relationship scenarios then you’ll be sure to love these! Here’s the link to the small Poll I made so if you’d like some input then please get involved! The winning one will be announced on my birthday which is the 21st of this month!  

https://forms.gle/UiQk5kmoNy4tdXDy7

The sun and the snake

Summary: You had read about it in stories, how enemies to lovers never ended well, but it was different for you, despite the animosity between your kingdoms you had only ever loved him, so how did it take this turn? How is your dress soiled in blood?

Yandere!prince! Jungkook x Princess!Reader

A/N: I love @cosmostae​ and I have concocted from the depths of my brain a fic for her and her enjoyment only, incorporating most if not all the themes she likes.

Tw: Blood, blood, death, death, 

The orchestra played in the background in the gaudy ballroom, you felt suffocated caged with all the masked nobles, their bodies swaying to the music as they twirled around, discussed their shallow privilege, people often forgot about you when you were in the same room as your brother, Seokjin, the crown prince captured all the attention in the room, not that you minded it, you were used to it. You did not mind being the shadow under his radiant light, after your father died, he would get the throne and you did not mind that either. You had never been one for enjoying public gatherings, so when your brother had taken the lead, you never hesitated in hiding behind him. Despite the golden aura he had around him, intimidating people with his presence alone, he always carried an air of grandiose around him, but with you he was always big brother Seokjin. Never Prince Seokjin. He was warm, protective and a better parent than your real parents had ever been. To them Seokjin was their son and you were a commodity that could be sold off to form alliances. You politely excused yourself and headed to the balcony to get some air and peace of mind. You could her the chatter of people and clinking of glasses in the background as you weaved your way through the crowd of silks and satins.

Keep reading

Into Eternity - FINAL

So, oh my gosh this is actually happening???

I have been writing this story for three years and it honestly has gotten me through so much? I love these characters and to give them an ending has brought me so many emotions. Thank you to everyone who has read and has loved these characters as much as I have.

Now buckle up, for the finale.

Pairing: Jimin X Reader

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Royalty!AU

Words: 8,877

Warnings: Attempted Suicide (it isn't graphic, but it's there so please be aware of that), Explicit Sexual Content, Pregnancy, Pregnant Sex, Unprotected Sex (She preggie, but y'all be careful), Creampie, Dirty Talk. Birthing Scene (Not terribly graphic but just be aware), the fluff we've all been waiting forrrrr! (If I forgot anything please do let me know!)

It had been a week since the fight with Morgana and your death.

Jimin hadn’t been coping well at all.

Taehyung entered the bedroom where they had set you after the fight. Father Jin redressed you and washed your hair, but other than that you hadn’t moved or breathed. Nothing to note that you were alive. Father Jin had resigned himself to his room and hadn’t come out. Jungkook was training for hours on end and Taehyung was too busy trying to keep Jimin alive to do much else.

Hoseok had sent for more guards and they arrived soon after. Although they weren’t allowed inside the palace. No one was to come near, Jimin would have them beheaded.

Taehyung saw the same sight he’d seen for the last week. Jimin, at your bedside, waiting.

“Sire,” Taehyung announced his entrance.

“Taehyung,” Jimin answered softly.

“I brought you something to drink and a bit of porridge, will you eat it?” He asked, looking down at the small mugs in his hands.

“Yes, I’ll eat,” Jimin answered.

Turning around Taehyung sighed as he saw the dark bags under his eyes. The look of exhaustion that filled his frame was overwhelmingly sad. Taehyung knew his friend, and he was a shadow of himself. As if he were slowly dying without you with him.

But Taehyung pressed on, a smile coming across his features.

“Here you are,” Taehyung said, setting the mugs in his hands.

Jimin ate slowly, methodically. As if it was a chore to be doing so.

Taehyung wondered if he tasted it, his eyes were so devoid. It was like he was a skeleton walking around. No joints or ligaments, just bones clacking together. The way he moved was awkward and ungraceful, nothing like the Prince he knew. One thing was for certain.

He missed you.

“Jimin, do you want to take a bath?” Taehyung asked, looking at his friend’s appearance.

“No,” he said quietly.

“It’ll take a few minutes, please,” Taehyung urged.

“I’d rather not right now,” Jimin almost whispered.

“It’s okay, perhaps later,” Taehyung gave in, knowing that it wouldn’t happen later either.

“Taehyung,” Jimin’s voice was stronger this time.

“Yes, sire?”

“Do you think she’s really dead?”

“I don’t-”

“Perhaps this is what they wanted for me. To suffer without her,” he said bitterly.

“Don’t think so lowly of your ancestor, he tried to do what he could for you both,” Taehyung admonished.

“Perhaps I should die as well, join my beloved where we can be free together,” Jimin said, laying his head down on the bed, and gazing at you with misty eyes.

“Jimin!” Taehyung yelled.

Jimin flinched but didn’t move.

“I don’t think this is what Y/N would’ve wanted for you. She wouldn’t want to watch you starve yourself. She would want you to lie here and wait for something that might not happen. She’d want you to go out and live your life. To go out and be happy. Jimin, please listen to me. The way you’re treating yourself isn’t anything like what Y/N would’ve wanted for you. She loved you so much, and wanted nothing but the best for you. So for you to disrespect her wishes like this... It makes me sad, Jimin, truly it does.”

“So you do think she’s dead,” Jimin whispered.

“Jimin,” Taehyung said.

“Get out,” Jimin demanded softly.

“Jimin listen.”

“Get out Taehyung!” Jimin screamed, standing up.

Taehyung didn’t waste anymore time, slamming the door before he left.

--

It was the day of your funeral...

Jimin had fought tooth and nail to make sure he never saw this day, but here it was. It had been two weeks since your death. And Father Jin said it was time to lay you to rest. Jimin had denied it at first, but now, there was an eerie calm that settle over the palace. Jimin was silent, save for the few words he spoke to Taehyung. But other than that, no words left the man.

“We are here today to lay to rest a soul who has touched all of us in many ways,” Father Jin began.

You were laying in your coffin, beautiful as the day Jimin first saw you. The maids had braided gorgeous ribbons in your hair, and graced your face with the smallest amount of makeup, enhancing that natural beauty you had. Jimin’s eyes were filled with tears as he looked at you. His beloved bride, going so soon. And it was his fault you were dead. Because he couldn’t protect you.

“Jimin,” Taehyung whispered, nudging his friend.

“I’m fine,” he whispered back, wiping his eyes gingerly.

“Lady Y/N was a tender soul. Someone who wanted nothing but to share love and happiness wherever she went. I had the pleasure of knowing her, and I will forever miss her and her laughter. She is with God now, and I will take comfort in knowing that. May God rest her soul.”

Father Jin stepped away from the casket, Namjoon taking his place.

“Lady Y/N was fearless, and bright. Always willing to lend a hand to those in need. I failed her a guard and I will forever be unworthy. But as I continue on with life I will live for her, I will live with her in mind so that no one will ever suffer the same fate. I will protect the Royal family for the rest of my days, and will forever ask for forgiveness that I wasn’t able to protect them this time. Lady Y/N, I am so sorry. May you grace us with your love and kindness, so that we may forgive ourselves as well. You will be missed, dearly,” Namjoon said.

The rest of the proceedings went on, yet Jimin felt numb.

You lay there before him, so close yet out of reach. His soul yearned to reach out for yours, longing to touch you, to hold you. To bring you into his embrace and care for you as you did for him. When it was finally his turn to save you, he failed...

“Y/N was a beautiful person,” Taehyung began.

“She was smart, funny and a true joy to be around. I remember the first time I met her. She was outspoken, yet, in the best way. She challenged all of us to be better. To think more, to be more. She challenged me to be the best version of myself, and all I can say, is that I will continue to be the best person I can be. I will remember her fondly, and I will always be grateful for what she has done for me and my friends. May God rest her soul,” he repeated.

Yoongi spoke next, saying little but it was enough. Although Jimin still felt as though something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong.

Soon, it was Jimin’s turn to speak.

He felt awkward as he went to the front to speak. He took a deep breath in and imagined you, holding his hand. The warmth that suffused him gave him the strength to speak.

“Y/N was... everything to me. Never have I loved like I loved her. She was beautiful, caring, sweet and... maddening. She challenged everything I knew about myself. Everything I ever thought I knew, and she changed me. Y/N changed me for the better. She made me believe that I could do anything, be anything. No matter what I thought about myself, she always believed in me. More than I did. Y/N was knowledgeable. She loved to read, I promised her a library. That way she could read without me getting in her way, I had a way of interrupting her at the most important part of the book she’d tell me...” Jimin laughed, tears coming down his cheeks. “I love her so much, even now I love her so dearly and so fiercely that this all feels wrong. To be burying her feels like a foreign concept to me that I cannot accept. I-I... don’t want this to be it.”

“Y/N, I love you. Please forgive me,” Jimin said, taking out a vial.

It was poison. Jimin had planned to end his life here. Perhaps that was what had felt so wrong the whole time. The fact that he knew he’d be ending his life in front of his friends brought him no comfort. He only felt guilt, but he couldn’t bear another day without you here. It wasn’t feasible to him. It was everything he could do to stand right now.

“Jimin no!”

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, bringing the vial to his lips.

“I love you too,” a soft voice answered.

Before Jimin could turn around, Namjoon and Jungkook tackled him to the ground, taking the vial from his hands.

“No!” Jimin fought back, thrashing around like a child.

“Sire please!” Jungkook said, reaching for the vial.

“Jimin?”

Everyone froze.

Jimin looked up to see you, his beloved bride, sitting up in your casket.

“Y/N?” he whispered. Unable to believe his eyes.

“Jimin? What’s going on?” you asked, looking around. From your standpoint, you felt like you’d been asleep for a very long time. As if you’d be put under a sleeping spell or something along those lines. But now, you felt better than ever, as if you were refreshed for the first time in a long while.

“Y/N...” Jimin said, looking at you in disbelief.

“Jimin, what am I doing in here?” you asked, placing your hands on the side of the coffin.

“My love,” Jimin said, standing up and coming to your side. You looked up and smiled, so glad to see him.

“Hi,” you said, placing your hand on his cheeks. He’d been crying, you could tell.

“Y/N,” he whimpered, wrapping you up in his arms and cradling you to his chest.

“Jimin?” you asked, trying to push him back so you could look at him. But he held you firm.

“My darling, I thought I lost you,” he said, tears falling down his cheeks so freely.

“I don’t understand, the last time I saw you I was... How am I here?” you asked, looking around.

“It doesn’t matter, my love, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re here now,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around you.

“But Jimin,” you started.

“Shhh,” he shushed, tangling his fingers in your hair. “I love you, so much,” he said, tilting your head up.

“I love you too,” you said back, but before you could say much else his lips were on yours. Jimin wasted no time, pulling you from the coffin without much difficulty. Jimin had you in his arms and like hell he was ever going to let you go again.

Slowly he pulled away and let his head rest against yours.

“Can you stand?” he asked, placing your feet on the ground.

“I think so,” you answered. Carefully, you took a step, almost falling to the ground if it wasn’t for Jimin’s strong arms keeping you up.

“Maybe not just yet darling, let me carry you,” he said, sweeping you up into his arms.

“Jimin!” you gasped, hanging onto his neck, not wanting to fall.

“I’ve got you,” he said, starting to carry you back towards the palace. The rest of the men there did nothing but watch as Jimin carried you in his arms.

“I never thought that this marriage would work out,” Taehyung said softly, looking at the disappearing silhouette of you and Jimin.

“Well, never say never I guess,” Namjoon said back, crossing his arms.

“I’m glad it worked out, Jimin deserves to be happy,” Jungkook commented.

“They both deserve it,” Father Jin said, smiling.

--

Your coronation was creeping up on you.

You and Jimin both would be crowned King and Queen of Arcane Kingdom. The people would be yours to govern and yours to care for. They were now your responsibility and duty. It weighed heavily on you, the stress of being a Royal. But you didn’t let it show, because you had been given a second chance at life another try.

No one gets that lucky.

But you did. And you weren’t going to waste it.

After everything that had happened, you were still so glad that you were with Jimin. Able to call him yours. It made your heart sing knowing he was your partner in all of this, your husband and truest love.

A knocking at the door shook you from your thoughts.

“Lady Y/N,” Father Jin said from the other side of the door.

“You can come in Father,” you said, putting your hairbrush down as you turned to face the door.

“I’m here as you requested,” he said, holding his bible and other various things you’d requested.

“Wonderful, I need your help,” you said, moving towards the bed.

Father Jin looked at you with confusion.

“It’s been two months and I haven’t bled yet. I-I was hoping you could find out if I was with child?” You said softly.

Father Jin almost fainted on the spot.

“W-With child? My dearest Y/N are you sure?” He asked coming forward.

“I’ve been having symptoms, the nausea in the morning, wanting weird foods and of course not bleeding but, I just wanted to know. I know if I have the palace physician check and I am pregnant he’ll run and tell Jimin. I want to tell him myself, it’s our possible child,” you said.

Father Jin beamed at you, quickly getting his materials ready.

“It would by my absolute honor my Lady,” he said. You smiled.

He busied himself with usual questions and looking at your stomach.

Finally Father Jin smiled brightly at you.

Biting your lip hard you heard his answer.

“My dear Lady Y/N, congratulations. You’re with child,” he said. Tears burst from you quickly, unable to handle the emotion of the whole situation.

You had been so worried that perhaps Morgana killing you would ruin your chances at having a child with Jimin. And considering you two had been having plenty of intimate moments, it was starting to become a fear.

But now...

Now you’re pregnant. With Jimin’s child.

Everything you’ve ever wanted and more.

“Father Jin,” you cried, hanging onto him so tightly. He pet your head gingerly, making sure you were alright before pulling back.

“Your timeline is correct, you are around two month pregnant,” he said, looking at your stomach with nothing but sheer adoration.

“I’ve been so worried,” you hiccuped.

“It’s alright Y/N, you are pregnant. And may the Lord bless you and your unborn child,” he said softly.

“Can you please keep this between us?” You asked.

“I won’t tell a soul,” he agreed.

“Thank you Father, truly, thank you so much.”

—

You were incredibly giddy for the rest of the week. Everyone had taken notice of your spunk and lively attitude. The stoic Yoongi even asked what had you all excited.

You just brushed it off, telling them you’d read a really good book or just ate something delicious. You wanted to tell Jimin so badly. But he was nowhere to be found no matter how hard you looked. The only time you were with him was when he crawled into bed with you early in the morning. Wrapping himself around you and keeping you close to him.

But he was always gone before you woke up.

You knew he was getting ready for the Royal coronation coming up soon, but it still made you a little sad. The distance.

However, you had planned it perfectly.

Jimin’s favorite lace night dress was wrapped around your body. A soft pink dressing gown over top. The man enjoyed unwrapping you like a present.

It was everything you could do not to just run to him in his study and proclaim your pregnancy to him then and there. But you oh so loved the look on his face when you gave him surprises.

Teasing little hints.

It was already late into the night, but you were determined to stay up and see your husband. It was moderately boring in your bedroom, alone, but it wouldn’t be lonely for long...

Just as you thought about going out on the balcony for some fresh air, you heard Jimin enter the room. You hadn’t seen him awake in a few days so you rushed over immediately to see him.

“Jimin!” You said, rushing to bring him into your arms.

Jimin smiled, looking exhausted, but happier now that he got to see you.

“Y/N, it’s late. What are you doing up?” He asked, kissing the top of your head with such tenderness it made your heart ache.

“Wanted to see you,” you mumbled, cheek pressed against his shoulder.

“Well, you’ve seen me. But I think it’s time for bed,” he said, removing his tunic and draping it along the chair of your vanity.

“Can we talk first? There is something important I have to tell you,” you said, taking his hand in yours.

“Is something wrong?” He asked, rubbing your knuckles with his thumb.

“Just sit down,” you said, moving him towards the bed. Jimin sat down heavily, looking up at you with a gentle smile.

“Alright my love, what did you want to discuss,” he said, rubbing his face.

He was utterly worn out, and you could see it on his face. But you knew what you were about to say would make it all worth it. It would be okay.

“Jimin, I want you to know something,” you swallowed hard. Trying to keep your emotions from becoming too much.

“Y/N? Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yes, I’m fine Jimin. But, I want you to know how much I love you. How much I adore waking up in the morning next to you. And how much I love being your wife,” you said, bringing your hand to his cheek softly.

“I love you too,” he said, a smile appearing on his weary features.

“Jimin, I-I...” you stammered, trying to find the words to get them out. Jimin frowned at your flustered attitude. Normally you could tell him anything, he wondered what had gotten you so worked up.

“Jimin,” you said, walking closer. His sparkling eyes looked up at you and you so hoped the babe in your stomach would inherit those beautiful eyes.

“Jimin I’m with child,” you said, bringing his hand to your stomach.

Jimin’s whole demeanor changed instantaneously.

“What?” He croaked, looking up into your eyes with so much hope.

“Father Jin confirmed it,” you said.

“Y-You’re really pregnant?” He asked, looking at your stomach with a multitude of emotions running across his face.

“Yes,” you said.

“Oh my God, Y/N,” he cried, bringing you into his arms. Big fat tears were rolling down his face, catching in your hair and dressing gown.

“It’s okay, Jimin it’s alright,” you said, holding him tightly.

“I’ve waited for so long to hear those words from you,” he whimpered.

“I was worried that... possibly I couldn’t after-you know. But, I-I know they’re healthy, I can feel it,” you said brightly.

“I know they are too, my love. You’ll care for them so well, they’re going to be so perfect. You’re perfect,” he said, bringing his lips to yours gently.

Smiling into the kiss you attempted to deepen it, longing for your husband's touch. But Jimin quickly pulled away.

“I’m so exhausted my love, would it be okay if I just held you tonight? Both of you?” He asked, looking down at your stomach with so much love it made your heart stammer.

“Of course, Jimin, that’s always okay,” you said.

You both went to bed, sharing innocent pecks and warm words of love for each other.

It was so perfect.

—

Being pregnant was rather grueling task, you’d found out.

There were the weird food cravings. The palace chefs could hardly keep up with you. Then the constant nausea that had plagued you and often made you miss out on certain meals. And the aching of your back and feet was another problem.

But the love you felt for the being inside of you right now, was more than you could’ve ever dreamed.

Although, there was another symptom of your pregnancy that had been particularly hard to handle.

You were ravenous for your husbands touch.

Except, he hadn’t really wanted to do anything like that with you for a while... the last time you two had been intimate was when you made this baby. And that was five months ago.

Now that you were coming into a different stage of your pregnancy, everything was getting harder. Clothing yourself, putting on shoes. It was all so taxing and you mainly wanted to rest.

Unless Jimin was there.

In which case you wanted him to ravish you until the morning came.

But, for some reason, he didn’t feel the same.

Of course he loved you, this wasn’t something you doubted. But he was very busy and you were already pregnant so what was the point in engaging in those kinds of activities if the end goal was achieved... right?

You knew Jimin loved you, he said it and showed it often. But you wished he would take you to bed and pleasure you. Let you have as much of his cum as you wanted. However, something was stopping him.

And you were determined to find out what.

Walking through the palace halls you found your husband admiring the gardens out in front of the castle. Jimin loved seeing the flowers blooming and flourishing with colors. Made him feel light inside.

You came up beside him and looked at the flowers with him. He smiled at you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and bringing you close.

The two of you stood like that, in silence for a few moments before you decided to speak.

“Jimin,” you said, keeping your eyes trained outside.

“Yes my love?” He answered, looking at you with pure joy.

“You seem distant lately,” you said, wrapping your arm around his waist.

“Have I? I thought we’d been spending quite a lot of time together... although if you’re feeling neglected I can see if I have more time to spare-”

“I-uh... I’ve noticed that we haven’t been... intimate since we conceived and I was just wondering, if you simply weren’t attracted to me being like this? Or if it’s because we’re already pregnant so there’s no need to try anymore or, um, something else maybe?”

Jimin’s face looked mortified as he tried to gather his scrambled mind and unprepared thoughts.

“Y/N, love no! Of course not! I absolutely adore being intimate with you! And not attracted to you? I-I can’t hardly control myself when I’m around you. Pregnant and swollen with my child,” he said, almost growling out the last part.

“Then why Jimin? Why haven’t you been touching me? Letting me touch you! What’s going on?” You asked, wondering what was causing the distance between your husband and you.

“T-the palace physician warned me about being with you like that, I don’t want to hurt you or the baby,” he said softly.

“But it’s not dangerous-Father Jin was encouraging me to, well as much as he would encourage someone to be intimate...” you said. “He said we should be... with one another as much as we can. It’s good for us to relieve the stress and I’ll never complain about you showing your love to me and my love for you.”

“But, what if I go too hard? What if I, I don’t know, make the baby come early? Or what if-”

“Jimin, my love, these are a lot of what ifs. Not a lot of what will... Nothing will happen to me or the child. That I can promise you,” you said, holding your distended stomach with affection. “You’d never hurt us.”

The young King looked so torn. Like he truly didn’t know what to do.

“I’m just... I’m worried about you,” he said softly, resting his forehead against yours.

“I’m tough,” you said, squeezing his hand gently.

“I know, God I know how strong you are. More than fit to be the Queen of this Kingdom, my wife, my equal... But, carrying a child is no small feat,” he said, brushing your hair off your face.

“It isn’t but I’m not doing it alone,” you said, wrapping your arms around his neck. “You’ve been with me every step of the way. We had rocky beginnings, but look at where we are now. Look at how much we’ve overcome and how much we will overcome in the future. It’s incredible, Jimin. You are the ruler that destroyed the witch Morgana,” you said.

“Actually, you’re the one who dealt the killing blow on that one, I just get all the credit cause I’m the King. Unfair if you ask me,” Jimin laughed lightly.

“What I’m saying is, you’re so brave, stubborn and wickedly smart. Surely you can think of a way in which we can be intimate and it not harm me or the babe?” You said, biting your lip.

“Don’t do that, I’ve been having dreams about your sweet mouth,” he groaned.

“Mmm, have you? Perhaps I should give it to you then, hmm?” You teased.

Jimin was a rather dominant person, but you’d discovered that sometimes he likes to be pushed around in bed. Told what to do and to be praised. It wasn’t something you’d been entirely good at to start, but, with a little practice you’d gotten the hang of it.

“My love,” he croaked.

“Jimin, I know you. I know how careful and gentle you can be. I’ll tell you if anything hurts or if I’m uncomfortable. But please, please take me to bed,” you begged.

Finally, it seemed you broke through. Because soon, you were being practically dragged down the hallway. Jimin’s grip on your wrist was tight, but not enough to hurt. You smirked as he hauled you into the bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind the two of you.

“God, look at you,” he murmured, coming forward to place his hands on your swollen belly. “So beautiful, so perfect carrying my child.”

“All yours,” you agreed, humming as his lips touched your neck.

“And I’m yours,” he said softly.

“Take this off,” you pleaded, tugging at his shirt with disdain. Giving you a coy grin, he pulled the shirt off and threw it on the floor. You ran your hands over his beautiful body, teasingly pinching his nipple, causing him to flinch.

“Little sprite, I’ll teach you to tease me,” he growled. Wetness pooled between your legs. Jimin came forward, finally connecting your lips.

Kissing Jimin was something you’d never tire of. You were certain. The way his plush lips moved over yours with reckless abandon make you squirm. His mouth captured your own, pulling you into a romantic embrace as the pair of you shared your breath.

“Jimin,” you whispered as he pulled away.

“What is it my love? What do you desire?” He asked, moving his lips along your jawline.

“Whatever you’ll give me, I want it all,” you pleaded.

“My my, so greedy. What a greedy Queen I have,” he tutted. You whined at his tone, wanting nothing more for the clothes between you to be removed.

“I just want you, only you,” you pleaded.

“You have me my love, all of me,” he said, kissing you softly. You wrapped your arms around his neck, cradling his head. You felt the back of your bed against your knees, forcing you to sit down while Jimin kissed you with such ferocity it made your poor core clench tightly around nothing.

“And you have all of me in return,” you smiled. Jimin pushed you onto your back, making you stare at the ceiling. Your heart was hammering so hard in your chest, you could feel it in your throat.

“I-Is it okay if I pleasure you? With my mouth?” He asked, looking at you beneath his long lashes. You smiled and brushed his hair from his face gently, but this was not without difficulty, you swollen tummy proving to be an obstacle.

“Mmm, that does sound nice. But, you have had me wait five months for you. I’m slightly tempted to skip the foreplay and go right for the main event,” you mused, watching as Jimin’s eyes inflated slightly. You smiled at his obvious desire for you, before you sat up and undid the ties at the front of your gown. Jimin watched as your chest relaxed, breasts bigger than they were before you’d gotten pregnant.

“I-If you’re wet enough,” he said, licking his lips.

“Why don’t you check?” You said, peeling your dress from your shoulders and easing the fabric down. Jimin moved so you could wiggle out of the offending material and lay naked on the bed. He was astounded and slightly concerned that you hadn’t been wearing any undergarments underneath.

“Oh my beautiful wife, how lucky am I to have someone like you...” he trailed off, gazing at your center with wanton desire.

“I’m just as lucky, if not more so,” you smiled, tugging on his ashy locks, earning you a warning grunt in response.

“A husband who neglects his wife for months on end? Surely you jest with me,” he chuckled sadly.

“You are more than attentive. Sometimes smothering, but never neglectful. Jimin listening to the palace physician isn’t wrong. He just happens to think he knows everything while Father Jin has had actual experience with pregnancy and birth. By the way, he will be delivering our child, not that ridiculous palace physician. I’d rather not have him near me when I’m giving birth,” you huffed, pouting slightly.

“Oh? I see, who else did you want there while you deliver? I know I should’ve asked this but-”

“You, Father Jin to deliver and Jungkook as well as Taehyung. Yoongi and Namjoon, and... Hoseok,” you said pondering for a moment.

“Those are all men, Y/N,” Jimin reminded, pouting from above you.

“And? Hoseok is our Godfather for the child, I believe he should be there. Jungkook is good in a crisis and also has knowledge of pregnancy and birth from his mother. Taehyung is such a dear friend, I certainly want him there. Yoongi is always calm and collected, and Namjoon would just feel left out if I didn’t include him!”

“You missed one,” he frowned.

“Of course I want you there silly. It’s your fault I’m like this, so you’re going to be there for the whole thing, no stepping out and no leaving me, understood?” You asked, raising a brow at him. Jimin just nodded.

“It’s not just my fault you’re like this, I don’t ever recall you saying no,” he snarked.

“I’m also not saying no now, if we could get back on track?” You asked, bringing his hand to your throbbing center. Jimin seemed to get the message as he rubbed his fingers along your slit, collecting your slick between the pads of his fingers and your skin.

“My love, so ready for me,” he murmured, coming in closer to kiss your neck. You let out a sigh of pleasure, running your hands down his back, scratching along the skin gently, causing goosebumps to rise in your wake. He groaned as you gripped his ass in your palms, causing him to rut forward like a pup in heat. You smirked at his enthusiasm, squeezing once more before he whined against your skin.

“Oh!” You gasped as he entered one finger inside your tight heat. A soft groan came from his cherry red lips, causing you to clamp down on the digit inside of you. Jimin moved his finger gently, stretching your hole out carefully. Everything he did, he did with purpose. It made your heart stammer in your chest as you could feel another finger slipping in next to the first one.

“So tight,” he growled, pumping in and out of you with a delicious tempo that had your hips grinding down against his hand. “You’re soaking the bed my darling.”

“I-I can’t help it, you feel too good,” you moaned.

“Mm, you sure I can’t have a taste? Just a little bit wouldn’t hurt,” he whispered against the shell of your ear. You wanted so badly to encourage his devilish mouth, but you gripped his wrist and forced him to stop moving those dangerous fingers inside of you.

He looked worried for a moment. But you smoothed your thumb over his brow.

“I can’t wait any more, please don’t make me wait,” you whined, humping against his fingers. “Give it to me, please. Fill me up.”

Jimin’s eyes turned dark as he pulled his hand away from your center. Watching with rapt attention you saw him take his sticky digits and put them in his mouth, sucking lewdly on your arousal. Jimin made a show of it. Licking and sucking on his fingers, trying to get every last drop of your essence off of his fingers. He was also proving that he could pleasure you with his mouth if you’d only let him.

“You want my cock? Want it so bad huh? My beautiful Queen, you want it? Huh? Tell me why I should give it to you?” He said, eyes glazing over as you presented yourself on all fours for him.

“Because, I’ve been so good for you. I’m carrying your baby, so pregnant and full, but not full enough. I need more, more of your cum Jimin. Want more of it leaking from me, please, remind me how you got me pregnant. Please, won’t you give me your cock? Your cum? Please, I want it so badly,” you pleaded.

Jimin’s eyes darkened further. He knew you were good at begging, it was one of his favorite things to teach you, because you learned so quickly what he liked. And he would never be able to deny such an earnest request.

“If that’s what you want my love, then you’ll have it. Have me,” he agreed, moving off the bed to push his pants and underwear to the ground before coming back to the bed. You felt his presence behind you, smoothing over your back gently. “Is this position okay? Or do you need something different?” He asked, kissing your shoulder.

“This is okay, I’m comfortable,” you encouraged. “Now, fuck me.”

Jimin needed no further words as he sank into you slowly for the first time in months. The pair of you breathed out heavy sighs as you finally felt the fullness you’d been craving for weeks. Jimin choked on a moan when you flexed your walls around him, making him buck into you a little harsher than expected.

“Sorry! I haven’t-Since we haven’t been doing anything I haven’t even pleasured myself, I haven’t had the time, you feel so good around me, fuck,” he moaned out, gripping your hips firmly.

“It’s okay, I won’t last long. I’ve missed you so much,” you moaned, your fists tightening in the bed sheets beneath you.

“Oh shit,” he growled, bucking into you again, building a steady rhythm that had your chest jolting almost painfully. Your core was soaking, and Jimin wasn’t letting up. He was fucking into you so hard some of your arousal was falling down your thighs.

“Jimin, harder,” you pleaded, head falling into the mattress. Your husband didn’t have to be told twice as he started rutting into your wet heat with vigor.

“I’ve been thinking about this everyday since you told me you were pregnant,” he snarled, pulling all the way out just to force himself back in once more. You cried out when his fingers found your clit, causing you to grind back against him. The air rushed from his lungs as he watched you practically use him for your own pleasure.

“Everyday? Then why didn’t you do anything?” You whined, bouncing back against him harshly. Jimin swallowed hard as he tried to stave off his looming orgasm.

“Because the physician... I was worried I’d hurt you or the baby, like I said earlier. But now that I know this is safe, don’t expect to be able to walk for a while,” he warned, pulling on your sensitive nipples gingerly. You cried out into the mattress when milk started to leak down Jimin’s hand. He watched as the pearly white substance soaked the sheets beneath you like your arousal had earlier.

“Fuck! Jimin, keep going please!” You begged when he got distracted by your chest practically flooding the bed.

“Have you not been expressing the milk? Doesn’t it hurt?” He asked.

“Yes, it aches so much during the day and I’m so sensitive when I try to sleep. Sometimes I wake up and my nightdress is soaked from milk,” you whined, trying to reach for him so he would keep pounding into you.

“Mm, since I didn’t get to have a taste of your pussy... Maybe you’ll let me have something else instead,” he teased, licking the milk off of his hands and groaning when it hit his tastebuds.

“More, please more!” You begged. Jimin noticed your frantic bouncing and eased you into a spooning position. He was still throbbing inside of you, but you could feel his head come to your shoulder, placing soft kisses against it.

“Let me drink from you, it must hurt my darling. So full and heavy with milk for our child, but they can share, surely?” He teased, kissing the side of your breast while giving shallow thrusts to your womanhood.

“You can have it, whatever you want as long as you keep fucking me. Please, Jimin, I’m so close,” you whimpered. Sensing your urgency Jimin started his brutal pace back up. You cried out in bliss when his mouth met your sensitive nipple. Jimin gently suckled at your chest, causing more milk to enter his mouth.

He groaned at the flavor and gave a few sharp ruts into your clenching pussy. You were besides yourself with pleasure, almost in tears at all the stimulation.

Jimin wasn’t doing much better. Five months without even masturbating was proving to be his end far too quickly.

“Y/N, I’m going to cum. Are you close?” He asked, reaching down to push at your clit gently.

“Yes! Right there, pleasepleaseplease! Jimin,” you cried. Your walls tightened beyond belief, causing Jimin to freeze in his thrusting. He watched your face as you fell apart for him, causing him to reach his end as well. A cry of your name on his lips as ropes of hot cum painted your walls milky white. Jimin shuddered in overstimulation as you continued to clench yourself around his spent cock.

The pair of you lay there, clutching each other in the afterglow as you tried to catch your breath. Jimin decided to move first, pulling his still twitching length from your abused center. You watched as he stood on wobbly legs and came back with a towel to clean you up with. A soft smile took over your features as you spread your legs easily for him.

After he was satisfied, you opened your arms for him. Jimin moved forward without hesitation, wrapping your exhausted body with his own. He kissed the top of your head, then around your jaw and finally a firm kiss was placed on your lips.

“I love you so much my darling,” he smiled, resting his head on the pillow.

“I love you too, we both do.”

—

You’d never thought that giving birth would be a pleasant experience.

But never in your entire life did you imagine it would hurt this much.

The contractions had started early in the morning. Making you wake Jimin with a frantic push.

“My love what is it?” He asked, sitting up in the bed with a bewildered look on his face.

“Get Father Jin right now,” you demanded, leaning forward to hold your severely swollen stomach. Jimin was out of bed and quickly called the guards to get the Priest from his room as fast as possible.

They yelled back their confirmation before they hurried off. You felt the distinct cramping from your groin and moaned low in pain. Jimin came back over to you, looking at you with worry etched onto his features.

“Do you want anything? Anyone? I’ll call for whatever you need,” he said, taking your shaking hands in his.

“Good morning,” you whispered, giving him a weak smile.

“Good morning,” he smiled back, kissing your knuckles gently.

Soon you were in a different room entirely, getting settled into the blankets and all the people close to you had been summoned.

Jungkook and Taehyung had gotten there first, both excited and ready for the proceedings.

“Lady Y/N! It’s really happening? Oh my gosh! I’m so excited for you,” Jungkook said, coming over to place a gentle kiss on your hand out of respect.

“Thank you Jungkook, how is training the new recruits going?” You asked, trying to distract yourself from the pain.

“Oh that’s all boring! We don’t want to hear about that!” Taehyung said, coming next to you and also kissing your hand.

“Maybe she does my Lord,” Jungkook sneered. You knew the two of them had always had a friendly competition going on. But, right now you shushed them and told them to go sit down.

Hoseok and Namjoon were next, coming in shortly after Taehyung and Jungkook.

“My lady,” Namjoon said, taking to his knee in front of you.

“There’s no need for that right now, Namjoon. How are you? We haven’t had tea in a while, and I fear if this babe comes now we might not for a long while yet,” you teased and Namjoon just smiled as he stood up.

“We can sneak some tea in soon my Lady, leave the child with the King to see how he fares,” he smirked. Jimin was pouting. You knew it without even looking at him.

“I might have to do that,” you smiled. Hoseok came over quickly after, kissing your hand a few times before looking at you with excitement.

“Is there anything you want? Anything you need? I know you’re not supposed to eat anything right now but maybe some water?” He asked.

“It’s so sweet of you to offer, but right now I’m just tired and a little cranky,” you laughed, trying to keep yourself in good spirits.

Hoseok seemed to understand, giving your hand a soft squeeze before walking over to talk with Namjoon and Jungkook.

“Where’s Yoongi? And Father Jin?” You asked, looking around.

“We’re here!” Father Jin said, a bright smile on his face as he escorted a grumpy looking Yoongi through the doorway.

“Yeah, here,” Yoongi said, yawning and scowling at the older man.

“I’m sorry to wake you,” you whispered, reaching out for the stoic man. His resolve quickly melted as he came by and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of your hand.

“I’m sure you’d rather be sleeping now too, but I’m fine. Are you alright?” He asked, looking at you with an intensity you always forgot he possessed.

“Yes, just some contractions right now. My water hasn’t broken yet,” you said. Yoongi nodded and looked at Jimin with a soft smile.

“How are you faring, feeling okay?” He asked, looking at the father to be with kind eyes.

“Nervous, but happy,” he confirmed, taking your hand in his.

“Wonderful,” he yawned, going to sit down and hopefully doze off while you were still in the early stages.

Father Jin gathered everyone up and they all listened attentively to whatever he had to say. The day progressed and your water hadn’t broken yet, but the men all stayed, asking if there was anything you needed, holding your hand if you felt a particularly rough contraction.

But most importantly, Jimin was right by your side the whole time.

When your water did finally break, it was like hell also had broken loose.

It was later, probably afternoon when you felt it happen.

Father Jin was suddenly on his feet demanding towels and hot water for you, as well as some herbs that would help numb the pain as much as they could. Jimin looked panic stricken when you clutched onto his hand.

“It’s okay,” he said softly, brushing your hair away from your face.

“I’m scared,” you whispered, another wave of pain crashing through you without remorse.

“I’m scared too,” he confessed. “But I know you can do it. You’re already the perfect wife, now you’re going to be the perfect mother... Our child is almost here,” he said, kissing your cheek.

“Jungkook, Lord Taehyung each of you grab a leg and hold them please,” Father Jin said as he sat in front of you. Both men looked shocked at the idea, but you and Jimin both nodded, giving them permission.

Jungkook gently placed his hands on your calf and pushed your leg back holding it in position for you. Taehyung did the same, each of them keeping their eyes respectful.

“Why do we have to hold her legs?” Taehyung asked, looking at Jungkook.

“Gives her more leverage and relieves some of the pressure on her back,” Jungkook answered.

“The only problem is it can close off the birthing canal at an awkward angle, but for now this is the best position to give her a break,” Father Jin said.

When you started pushing, you felt your lower back ache with how much strain you were under. Jimin could only watch as you cried out in pain when Father Jin urged you to keep going.

Everyone in the room was tense with worry.

Your health had always been fragile, even after coming back from the dead you still fell sick easily and had trouble with your lungs. But Father Jin was focused on the baby, while Jimin was focused on you.

“I never expected it to hurt this much,” Namjoon whispered, watching on in horror as his Queen and dear friend struggled to keep conscious through the pain.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” you wailed. Hoseok was quick to grab a bucket that was formerly filled with water and held it as you threw up. Jimin smoothed his hands down your back, trying to keep himself from crying. Jungkook and Taehyung had given you a break with your legs so you could turn as you emptied your stomach.

“Y/N,” Jimin murmured, kissing your shoulder gently.

“Sit back straight, Y/N, you need to keep pushing,” Father Jin said. You were delirious with pain and exhaustion. You needed something to keep you grounded. The one thing you knew would always keep you grounded.

“My love, talk to me, just keep talking to me,” you pleaded, voice hoarse with how much you’d been crying.

“Y/N, it’s alright,” Jimin soothed, kissing your sweaty forehead with worry. “They’re almost here, we’re so close to meeting our baby. We’re so close to being a family.”

“Alright your Majesty another big push on the count of three, one... two... three!” Father Jin said, you pushed hard and felt nothing but sheer agony as the child started crowning.

“I can see the head!” Hoseok said, standing behind Father Jin, now hanging onto Yoongi tightly.

“Oh my God,” you cried, head falling back on the pillows.

“Keep pushing Y/N!” Father Jin said, preparing a cloth.

“I can’t, I really can’t, I’ll die if I keep going please,” you stammered. Taehyung and Jungkook shared an anxious look. Namjoon looked at you with fear written all over his features.

“My love, look at me,” Jimin said softly, bringing your eyes to his.

“It hurts, I can’t... Please don’t make me, ah!” You cried out as you felt another contraction.

“Y/N you need to push! Hard as you can,” Father Jin said, looking at your situation.

“Keep going Lady Y/N,” Jungkook said, looking up to your weary face. He’d seen several women give birth in his village, his mother being a midwife. But, to see someone he cared about going through this was difficult.

“You’ll be alright, you will. But if you stop pushing you’re putting you and the baby in danger,” Father Jin warned.

“How much longer?” You cried, giving another hard push.

“You’re so close,” Yoongi said, watching you with concern.

“You’re doing great!” Taehyung chirped, watching on in amazement.

He couldn’t wait to have his own family...

“The head is almost out, come on Y/N, keep going,” Father Jin said.

“Jimin,” you whimpered, clutching his hand as you gave the hardest push yet.

“I love you so much, keep going Y/N, I love you,” he whispered into your ear. You pushed again and finally, finally there was some relief.

“Oh my God!” Hoseok yelped, gripping onto Yoongi’s arm so tight he was certain that he was going to break his limb.

“You’re going to rip my arm off! Father Jin is a little busy right now!” Yoongi growled.

“Can you give me one more push? Just one more,” Jimin asked, kissing your shoulder. Looking at him with tears in your eyes you nodded, giving another strong push before soft cries filled the room.

“It’s a boy!”

“A prince!”

“Congratulations your majesties!”

You slumped back onto the bed, breathing heavily when a small bundle was placed on your chest. Looking down you saw your son, wiped off haphazardly and clutching your nightdress tightly.

“Oh Y/N,” Jimin whispered, placing a gentle kiss on your lips.

“He’s so handsome!” Hoseok cooed, looking on at you and Jimin both. Father Jin had you push a few more times to deliver the afterbirth, but nothing was as intense as giving birth to your son.

“Ji...min...” you breathed, eyes growing heavy.

“Can she rest Father?” Taehyung asked, looking at the little prince attached to his mother with tear filled eyes.

“Not yet, Y/N, stay awake,” Father Jin warned.

“Why...?” You asked, slowly taking in deep breaths.

“I need to check you and the baby over, and he needs to feed,” Father Jin said softly, cleaning you up still. Your eyes were still heavy, but you heard your baby crying softly on your chest.

Instinctively you shushed him, bringing him to your chest so he could latch on. After a little struggle, he was feeding eagerly. You brushed his hair gently, watching with sleepy eyes as he ate his fill.

Father Jin came over, congratulating you on a wonderful delivery. He did tell you everything you needed to do for the coming days, encouraging you to stay in bed and keep the baby close to form a relationship. He also told Jimin to take the baby and have time as well.

“It’s important that you two stay together for this coming week, I’ll make sure that the advisors and everyone just leaves you alone unless it is absolutely life or death,” Father Jin said, looking at your babe with a tenderness that made your heart swell.

“What’s the baby’s name? Hmm? What do we call our new prince?” Namjoon asked, raising a brow.

“Jihoon?” You asked, looking at Jimin for confirmation.

“It’s perfect,” Jimin agreed, giving you a kiss on the forehead.

“Prince Jihoon, I’ll let the advisors and everyone know,” Taehyung said, running into the hall.

“Lord Taehyung! Just hang on a second!” Namjoon yelled, chasing after the excited noble.

“We’d better go and make sure they don’t get into any trouble,” Yoongi said to Jungkook, patting his shoulder before guiding the younger male out the door.

“As much as I’d love to spend time with my Godchild, I have to make sure that my brother and friends don’t cause a scene,” Hoseok said. He came up and gave your hand a gentle kiss. “Congratulations Lady Y/N, I’m truly happy for you.”

With that he left the room, followed shortly by Father Jin.

You and Jimin were alone with your baby, the soft sound of his gurgles filling the room. Jimin looked down at you, eyes watery as he kissed your child’s head. You brushed the tears away from his face, even though exhaustion was flooding your aching body, you wanted to make sure he was okay too. He had also been through a lot today.

“I love you,” you said, watching as more tears fell from his eyes.

“I love you too, both of you... So much,” he whimpered. “That was the most beautiful and heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to experience.”

“Heartbreaking?” You wondered out loud.

“To see you in so much pain, and there was nothing I could do about it,” he said, looking at your child, hands shaking.

“It’s alright, I’m okay now,” you said, holding his hand in your clammy one. Jimin pressed a delicate kiss to your wrist, looking up at you with so much love and adoration.

“I’m sorry you hurt so much, if I could take your pain I would,” he said, brushing your hair back.

“Doesn’t hurt anymore,” you mumbled, eyes closing slowly. “Just tired now...”

“Sleep my love, we’ll be here when you wake up.”

And they were.

And they always would be.

Forever.

Taming the Beast - Part I

Pairing: Kim Taehyung (V) X Reader

Genre: Romance, Prince!AU, Angst, Fluff, (Future Smut)

Warnings: Violence, Gender inequality, (if I forgot anything please let me know!)

Words: 12.8k

Summary: You were the next in line to be the head of your village, when your mother gave you to the enemy to save your people from merciless slaughter. What happens when they try to Tame a Beast?

Your heart was pounding in your chest, hair whipping out behind you as you ran through the forest. Feet bare and slamming against the rough earth that was still wet from the summer rain the night before. You ran through the trees, gazing up at the stars that shone brightly against the stark blackness of night.

Here was where you belonged.

Here is where you were free.

But the shackles of reality weighed heavy on your wrists and ankles.

Along the shores of the lake that had protected your tribe for centuries, you saw the ships coming that day. War was coming to the lands of magic and witchcraft. War was coming and it would swallow you all whole as you struggled and fought for your right to life, to happiness.

Daughter to the Chieftain of your tribe you had certain responsibilities. Your father had passed several years ago, but that didn’t make your position in the tribe any less valuable. Your mother had taken over in his stead until you were ready to lead, and your time was coming soon. There would be a glorious battle where your worth would be proven.

All of your years of training would come to a head in a magnificent battle as you fought for your people, for your freedom. But none of that came to pass. You never saw battle, but you people had.

And too many of them had perished.

Your mother called a meeting of the tribal council.

“This must end, we must be victorious,” one of the elders claimed, slamming his hand on the table. Your mother growled her warning, watching as he shied away from her, she continued.

“We don’t have the numbers to attack outright again, we’ll lose more that way,” she said, looking at the fire in the corner of the hut.

“Perhaps a disguised attack,” one member echoed from the other side of the table.

“They won’t be fooled with that twice, they’re far too cautious,” you said, turning to look at the fire along with your mother.

“Then what do you suggest we do? Sit here like sheep for slaughter?” An angry voice yelled.

“Silence,” your mother’s chilling tone echoed over the table. No one spoke, no one brave enough to speak against your mother.

Except you.

“We could cut off their supply trails, choke them out,” you suggested, pointing towards the trails that ran through your country that had several of their trading routes crossing right across it.

“We’ve tried that Y/N,” she said, sighing and leaning back. You could tell she was tired. Her face gave it away. Your mother had you young, but even her age was starting to show on her face. After several miscarriages and stillbirths, you had been her miracle. You were strong, determined and driven to succeed. You weren’t babied as a child and you respected your entire tribe for that fact.

Easily they could’ve catered to your wants and your needs, but they made you work for it. Made you want it so that success was that much sweeter when you attained all that you wanted. That was the difference between you and the other tribal royals, for lack of a better word. You weren’t handed your title, you had earned it.

“Then how about-” you tried again, when she held up her hand.

“We must resort to less honorable means,” she said, looking down at her maps.

“What do you mean?” You asked.

“Call for the falcon tamers, have them send a letter to those damned Purple Coats,” your mother said, looking distressed.

“What? Why?” One of the elders asked, but one was walking out of the door regardless.

“We are to issue an offering for a meeting,” she said.

You scoffed, unable to help your rudeness.

“You honestly think they’ll respect your summons? They know nothing of tradition and formalities,” you said, crossing your arms.

“Watch your tongue!” Your mother snarled, causing you to drop your head. You didn’t mean for it to sound as rude as it had... the last thing you wanted was to disrespect your mother. Being her child didn’t grant you immunity from her wrath.

“I’m sorry,” you whimpered, slinking back.

“What is this letter to say, my Queen?” Her advisor Lillian asked, readying her pen.

“Tell them to meet us on the shores of the lake, if they chose it to be so, we can come to an agreement. Something to end the fighting,” she said.

“I will do as you ask,” Lillian said, penning the letter before heading out of the hut.

“This concludes our meeting. When we receive their word, we shall carry on,” your mother said, waving everyone out of the hut.

It was late and when all the elders had left, you walked over to your mother. She sat heavily down in the chair, resting her head back, eyes closed. Knowing you were disrespectful, you sat down in front of her, leaning back against her.

Waiting for her rejection, you prepared yourself for a smack. But all you felt were her fingers brush along your hair softly. You relaxed back into her touch, letting her play with your hair as she sang softly, an old tune from the ancient times. It was a lullaby that she had sung to you as a child. Instantly you felt yourself slipping towards sleep.

“My child,” she said, continuing to play with your strands.

“Mother,” you hummed, leaning back into her touch.

“You’ve grown so much,” she smiled, you could hear it in her voice.

“Under your watchful eyes, yes,” you complimented, looking at the wall with muted interest.

“My eyes weren’t always watchful, they had to learn to be that way with your constant antics,” she laughed, a weary and tired sound.

“This war... It has taken much from you,” you said, leaning back to look at her.

“It has taken much from all of us, not just me,” she said softly, bringing your hair into one of her hands.

“Will it ever end?” You asked, more to the universe than to your mother.

“If the Gods will it to be so,” she said.

“I haven’t seen battle yet, I want to prove to you I can do it,” you said, pulling your knees to your chest.

“You have nothing to prove to me, child,” she soothed, pressing a gentle kiss to your head.

“But I want to show you, all that I’ve learned. From you, from father and the other tribe members,” you said, looking at her with strength in your eyes.

“You’ve already shown me a great deal, I watched you train. I watched you hunt and gather, as well as learn strategies and the written word,” she smiled.

“As long as I’ve been alive I’ve trained and fought the best of the village until I was victorious, but you want to make peace with those that try to enslave us?” You asked, not accusing her.

“All good leaders should choose peace, if it is at all possible,” your mother whispered.

“Even when they have taken so much from us?” You asked, raising a brow.

“They have also suffer a loss, their Queen died recently,” she said, looking down at you with muted eyes.

“They took father from us, I hardly feel empathetic towards them,” you said. Your mother gripped your shoulder tight, enough to warrant a yelp from your lips.

“You know how important it is to respect the dead, and those they leave behind. She was someone’s daughter, mother and wife. She deserves respect, even if she was with the enemy,” your mother said sharply.

“Yes mother,” you said, looking down.

“I’ve been thinking about your future,” she said, looking out the small window next to her head.

“M-My future?” You asked, wondering what she was talking about. You would take over once she stepped down. That was tradition, that’s what had always been done. The first born of the Chieftain took over the leadership role.

“Yes, your betrothal and marriage. You will be taking over for me soon. Hopefully once this war is over, you can issue in a new era of peace, teach your children to be better than we were,” she said, getting a misty and far off look in her eyes.

“M-Marriage, to whom? There are no young men in our tribe!” You squeaked.

“There are several young men from other tribes to the south, a few have sent offerings to our Goddess, requesting meetings with you,” she said, giving a soft smile.

“I-I’ll do whatever you think is best,” you said, not particularly liking the idea of marriage at this point in your life. But, if she was to request it of you, you know you would do it.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said, continuing to comb through your hair until you were sleeping.

—

The Purple Coats had accepted your mother’s summon. Much to your tribe’s surprise. Especially yours.

They sailed in that morning, early. You and your tribe were waiting on the shores when they approached. Several men marched down the plank of wood connecting the boat to your docks.

You watched as three men walked down at the end, an older gentleman that was flanked by two younger males. They were dressed in the finest materials money could buy, while you and your tribe wore the pelts of animals, tanned and made by your hands.

Your mother stepped forward to greet them, the older male who you could only assume to be the King also stepped towards her, extending his hand. Your mother mirrored his motions, watching with catlike eyes as he placed a civil kiss to her knuckles. He seemed to take in her appearance, looking behind her as he nodded towards the tribe.

“Welcome to our tribe,” your mother said, bowing her head to the soldiers behind the three men who had come forward.

You were standing apart from the crowd, Lillian also standing beside you. Your mother moved back, standing only slightly in front of you and Lillian, while she addressed the crowd of your village.

“Thank you for having us,” the King said, a calm look crossing over his features.

“The pleasure is ours,” Lillian spoke.

“Who speaks for you?” The man behind the King spoke, appearing to be another advisor, similar to Lillian.

“I am Queen Nazra, I speak for this tribe and those who live here,” she said with confidence.

“Who speaks for you?” Lillian asked.

“I am King Leon, I speak for the people of Regreya,” he said with a commanding tone.

“Proceed,” Lillian said.

“I am here to ask for an agreement, one that will cease all conflict between our lands,” your mother said, keeping her tone even as she spoke to the enemy.

Your eyes trailed over the King. He was tall, and strong in stature. He looked like he was bred for this type of diplomacy. Not for battle, his skin wasn’t worn with the look of someone who had seen fighting. You know he must’ve been in some kind of scraps because he favored his left leg, gripping the railing when he walked down the plank to get to the dock. But he had a sternness to his face that came with years of disappointment. You wondered what had caused that kind of sadness, that kind of loneliness.

The advisor was shorter than the king, but more intimidating. His eyes were calculating and fierce, the eyes of a trained strategist. He knew what he wanted from this exchange, and he knew that he was going to get it one way or another. He didn’t appear to be someone for brute strength fighting, but he most certainly knew how to handle a weapon if the dagger strapped to his side was anything to go by. You swallowed as he made eye contact with you. Cold, dead eyes stared at you sending a chill down your spine. Quickly you looked away to find the next man.

He was... beautiful. He was tall like the king, standing above the advisor. His lips were plump and full, but not overly so. He has long, dark curly hair that swept over his eyes and blew in the breeze. His eyes were deep and calm, looking as though there was a world inside of them that no one but him could see. His hands were large, resting along his sword that was strapped to his side. It seemed to be a defensive position for him, like he was ready in case something were to happen. Although his shoulders were relaxed, he wasn’t expecting anything to transpire.

“Cease all conflict? What would you have to offer us in return for this?” The king asked, raising a brow at your mother.

“If it is within our power to give, then consider it done,” your mother stated, giving him the power to ask for whatever he wanted.

“Your mines to the East, they have great amounts of gold in them do they not? Give us access,” the king said.

“We will require some compensation for your use of our gold mines, a percentage if you will,” your mother said, keeping her posture firm.

“A percentage can be agreed upon,” he said, looking to his advisor who nodded in response.

“Our mines aren’t all you want,” your mother said, already expecting more demands from the king.

“No, you have fertile farmland here, give us some of the land to grow crops,” he said.

“And how much would you require?” Your mother questioned.

“How much are you willing to part with?” He asked.

“I’ll give you the crops outside of a village to the south, your trade routes run past it, you can collect from the farmers,” she offered.

“Very well,” the king said.

“Is there anything else you’d like?” The Queen asked, trying to assess her situation.

“Warriors, you train some of the best combatants I’ve ever seen. Unite our forces,” the King offered, looking at your tribe with questioning eyes.

“They only fight for their Queen,” your mother stated.

“Is that so?” He said.

“We are loyal, we don’t fight for those who aren’t our own,” your mother said. “We aren’t soldiers for hire.”

“They only fight for their own? What if we made that a possibility?” The king asked, looking over to you for a moment.

Oh no...

“In what way?” Your mother asked.

“We could become one kingdom,” he suggested, placing a hand on the younger man’s shoulder to his right. “This is my son, Crown Prince of Regreya, Taehyung.”

Your mother looked at him. She waved you forward. When you didn’t move Lillian pushed you, causing you to scowl at her.

“This is my daughter, Y/N. She is to inherit our tribe and everything that comes along with it,” your mother said, placing her hand on the back of your neck.

“I see, how old is she?” The king asked.

“Twenty one years old,” your mother answered.

“My son is twenty five,” he said, patting his son on the back. “And he has yet to take a bride.”

“My daughter has yet to take a husband,” she said.

“I see... How about an alliance, you know of the growing threat of the Jung line? They seek to overthrow us and take over our ports near the ocean. But, if I had your warriors on my side, then I could easily take out the Jung threat and keep our lands at peace,” the king suggested.

“The Jung’s are fierce, they won’t take the alliance well. They will know it spells their end,” your mother said, keeping her hand tight on your neck.

“Indeed, but together we could fix that,” the king said, looking at his son with a sparkle in his eyes.

Taehyung, however, looked pale. You can’t imagine you were faring much better.

“Hmm, and how do we confirm our alliance?” Your mother smirked, wanting the king to ask for it.

“Marriage. My son and your daughter. They will become the new royals of the next line, connecting our lands,” he said.

Your mother seemed to weigh it over in her mind for a few moments.

“Very well. My daughter and your son will be wed,” she said, holding her hand out. The king eagerly took your mother’s hand and shook it gently.

“To a prosperous alliance,” he said.

“To a prosperous alliance,” she confirmed.

—

You’d spent the last couple days holed up in your room, refusing to come out even for your favorite treat of honey smothered bread that your mom made personally.

In your whole life you’d never felt more betrayed than you had on that beach. Sold, like cattle at an auction. How could your mother give you to the Purple Coats so easily? You were her only child! And she was going to just hand you over like some prize to be won?

Your heart ached.

She’d tried on several occasions over the past couple of days to enter your room, try to get you to come out or flush you out like a rodent in a trap. But none of them worked. You wanted to be alone, you didn’t want anything to do with this.

You hadn’t cried this much since the night your father died.

Lillian had come in a few times, telling you about what was going to happen.

You were to go back to Regreya and you would join them as a member of the Royal family. You’d live in the palace there, get married there, conceive and give birth to your heirs there. A new line of royalty for the kingdoms.

It all made you sick. The thought of being away from the forest here, the lake and your tribe, broke you in ways you couldn’t describe. They were everything, everything you’d ever known and loved. And you were going to lose it all.

It was a week later that you were set to depart from your tribe and home. Your mother had slept with you the night before, brushing her fingers through your hair as you cried. You’d finally let her in when you heard her cries, even though they were softer than yours.

She’d held you like she had when you were a child. Kissing your head as you clung to her like a lifeline.

“My precious child, I’m so sorry... I want nothing more than for you to be happy to have your independence,” she said, sorrow in her tone. “But our people are suffering. If we were to defeat Regreya, the Jung’s would come in and swipe the victory out from under our weakened feet. This is the only way, I’m so sorry.”

You knew she was sorry.

But that didn’t ease the ache in your soul when you stepped out of her arms on the shore.

“I love you, be strong,” she had said, placing a firm kiss to your forehead before you turned and walked towards the men on the beach. Taehyung stepped forward, offering his arm to you.

Cautiously, like a frightened deer approaching a new pond, you took his arm. You took one last look at your people, burning their faces into your memory.

Taehyung’s arm was steady as you walked aboard the ship, helping you over the side. But the moment your feet were on the wood, his arm was gone and you were swaying uneasily on your feet.

You’d never been a ship this big, you were more comfortable with canoes and smaller vessels. The sheer size of the boat made your mind reel in discomfort. Everything was so foreign.

Men around you started moving as the ship left shore, heading for the open lake. You watched as everyone bustled around, getting into position to move the large boat. Sails of purple canvas fell, like the waterfalls in the back of the forest of your home. Looking out at the beach you’d come from, you saw one lone figure disappearing into the distance. And tears fell when you thought of your mother, watching her only child leave home...

—

You’d been escorted to a cabin, the door shutting behind you shortly thereafter. You were startled to find a young woman sitting in the chair next to the window, simply gazing out at the water with a soft smile on her face. You cleared your throat to get her attention. She jumped to her feet, moving into a low bow.

“I’m so sorry my lady! I wasn’t sure when you’d be boarding,” she said, keeping her head low.

“Y-You don’t have to be sorry you know, it’s fine,” you said, gesturing to the window.

“It’s highly improper of me, I apologize,” she breathed.

“It’s okay,” you said, putting your hands up, trying to look anywhere but at her flustered form.

“My name is Elaine,” she said, standing up straight. “I am your personal servant.”

“S-Servant? I don’t need a servant, thank you. I’ll manage,” you said, shaking your head.

“Appointed by the King, I’m here to help you with your daily needs,” she said, explaining.

“What daily needs would I need help with?” You asked, looking around the room in confusion.

“Dressing, bathing, I’ll also be bringing you your meals and helping you with anything else you might need,” she said, a soft smile on her face.

“I can dress and bathe myself, thank you,” you said.

“I’m afraid, that you can’t dress yourself,” she said.

“Excuse me? Do you think me unable to do basic tasks such as dressing?” You scoffed, crossing your arms in front of you.

“My lady, the dresses worn by women in our kingdom require people to help you into them. You’ll need to get rid of the pelts you’re wearing now... As our future Queen they simply won’t do,” she said, already heading towards a closet at the other end of the cabin.

“Dresses? I think not. And to get rid of my pelts is like getting rid of my people, I refuse to take it off,” you said, sitting down on the floor.

“My lady, you must get off the floor, it’s filthy,” she tutted, grabbing a soft powder yellow dress from the closet.

“I will not wear that,” you said, lowering your eyes at her.

“It’s customary,” she reminded.

“I refuse,” you said simply, looking away like a petulant child.

“My lady, please, if you don’t wear this I’ll get in trouble,” she said softly. This peaked your ears up. You didn’t particularly want her to get in trouble because you weren’t willing to listen. But at the same time, they wanted to strip you of everything that made you who you were, and you’d only been aboard for an hour!

“As much as I don’t want you to be in trouble because of me, I’m not a doll to be dressed up and looked at for pleasantries. So, I will remain as I am,” you said.

A soft sigh echoed through the room. You snuck a look at the woman, who looked heavily exhausted, holding the yellow gown in her grip tightly.

“Some woman would kill to be in your position you know, marrying the prince,” she muttered darkly.

“I-I’m sorry?” You asked, looking up at her. She clutched the gown tighter, if possible, before looking up and giving you a tight and practiced smile.

“Nothing, my lady. But I must insist upon the dress,” she said, holding it out towards you. You glared at the offending fabric, not wanting to put yourself in such an uncomfortable garment. But something told you that you were pushing your luck like this, so you stood, and started to disrobe.

You placed your pelts down carefully, not wanting them to be damaged. They were one of the only things you had left from home now. But Elaine came forward, offering you her shoulder as you slipped the fabric on. You’d never worn something this constricting before, how were you supposed to fight in this if someone attacked you?

“Place your hands on the bed frame there and I’ll tighten the bodice,” she explained.

“Tighten? You need to tighten it more?” You asked, incredulous. The dress was already making you feel claustrophobic, but the idea of being literally secured into the garment made you want to hurl.

“Yes, that way it doesn’t fall off. Hands on the frame, quick as you’d like,” she said. You frowned before turning and bracing yourself on the frame. She gripped the strings of the bodice tight and pulled hard, stealing the breath from your lungs.

“Oh Goddess,” you huffed, gripping the bed frame firmly so you didn’t wiggle too much.

“This dress might be a bit of a squeeze, but that’s alright, we can get you more made when we’re back in Regreya,” she said softly, pulling on the strings again.

“A squeeze is an understatement,” you whimpered out, looking down at the sheets on your bed lamely.

“There you are, all set,” she said, adjusting some of the fabric so it pooled nicely at your feet. You tried to take a breath in, but all you got was a constricted gasp.

“I really don’t know how you all breathe with these things on,” you gaped, holding your stomach.

“You’ll get used to it, no worries,” she said, coming forward with a pair of shoes. Immediately you frowned. They were heels, with little buckles and frills all over the damn things.

“What are those?” You asked, not the least bit amused.

“Shoes...?” Elaine asked, as if she were confused.

“Why do I have to wear those? I’m wearing the dress, no one can see my feet!” You complained.

“Now now, you need to get used to things like this,” she said, offering the shoes towards you again. Pushing them away you shook your head.

“I’m in a dress, I think that’s plenty for now,” you said, ignoring the frown of your maid.

A soft knocking came to the door, something you hadn’t been expecting. You turned as Elaine opened it, revealing the king and Taehyung standing there.

The king made his way inside without even a proper request, while Taehyung stood there silently. You noticed the way Elaine tensed up, before quickly excusing herself. She shut the door behind her and you were left alone with the two royals.

No one moved.

You stood stock still, the only motion that of the ship as it bobbed and swayed in the waves.

“Miss Y/N,” the king began, crossing his bad leg over his good one.

“Your majesty,” you said, trying to keep the sneer out of your voice.

“You look positively ridiculous in that dress,” he said, snorting at his own statement.

“I didn’t assume I’d look good in these gaudy things,” you commented, trying to keep your breathing even. “How do your women cope?”

Ignoring your jab, the king continued.

“No matter, we’ll have you trained in etiquette and mannerisms when we return to the palace. As well as our dances and history. We need you prepared for the wedding,” the king mentioned.

“I already know your history. I was taught,” you said, feeling rather proud of your family’s education.

“I’m sure it was all outdated and wrong. No doubt all you could get being born in a ratty village,” he slighted.

Rage filled your veins as he slandered your home.

No one had the right to do that.

Not even a king.

“That ratty village, as you call it, is my home. Where I come from. I’m the one who is providing you those precious warriors you need. If you want them to remain loyal, then you’ll do well to respect them as well as me,” you snarled.

Taehyung’s brows shot up in surprise at your tone.

No one spoke to the king like that.

“My dear, sweet child. How foolish you truly are,” he growled, launching from his seat and pressing his thumb to your airway. Taehyung startled at his father’s show of brute strength. You must’ve truly angered him for him to attack you like this.

“Father, let her go,” Taehyung said, pulling on his father’s arm. The king’s eyes were boring into your own, but you wouldn’t give. You’d hold his gaze until you passed out.

“Listen here you mongrel, you’re marrying my son and I’m dirtying my bloodline with your filth because that’s the only way my kingdom will survive. As well as your ratty village. Because that is what I command. So you’re going to listen to me, and you’re going to be the perfect bride for my son. You’ll be obedient and listen to whatever he says, isn’t that right?” He asked.

“No,” you spat, gripping his wrist with enough force to bruise.

Taehyung was downright throwing himself against his father’s weight, trying to get him off of you.

“Father, enough! Stop this!” He yelled, finally getting his father to drop you to the floor. You gasped in air, coughing as your lungs pulled in oxygen greedily. Your eyes burned with unshed tears as you looked up at the king with nothing but spite and hatred.

“You will listen to me. I will break you,” the king snarled before throwing the door open and storming off.

You were still coughing as you held your throat. It was tender and you were certain you wouldn’t be able to speak properly for the next couple of days. You hadn’t been caught like that in a long time, and the sensations scared you. Taehyung was still standing there, looking at you with mild concern.

“You shouldn’t provoke him like that,” he warned, turning to head for the door.

“He shouldn’t insult my people,” you croaked, rubbing your sore throat. Taehyung hesitated for a moment, keeping his eyes trained on the floor.

“Don’t make enemies already, my lady. It won’t serve you any good in this kingdom,” he said, walking out and shutting the door behind him.

You sat on the floor and finally let the tears fall, watching as they darkened the wood underneath your palms. You wept for your people, who were now in danger because of a tyrant, you wept for your mother who had foolishly given you over to the enemy and you wept for yourself...

And the freedom you’d never have.

—

You’d remained locked in your cabin for the remainder of the voyage. Elaine brought you food and helped you dress every morning, even though all you did was sit in your cabin and stare out the lone window. Sometimes you’d open it, but when a good gust of wind came through it reminded you too much of home, so you’d quickly shut it again.

Elaine was nice enough. She’d talk to you about what was happening in the kingdom, giving you the best descriptions of important people that you’d need to know before entering the palace walls.

The advisor for the kingdom, a man named Xavier, had also given you some information in regards to the kingdom and it’s inner workings. Who was who in the court and what they did, as well as some of the palace staff.

Elaine talked more about the people themselves, while Xavier was more keen on their titles, what they could offer the kingdom and if they would be beneficial to keep around. It made you a little sick to be honest, that people were just pawns to them. When you realized, that’s all you were to them as well.

Finally, you’d reached the port.

Elaine had spent the entire morning getting you dressed and fussing over your hair. When you asked her why it was so important she simply sighed, trying to keep your skirts from folding in the wrong way.

“Elaine, why are we doing this?” You asked as she placed a delicate clip in your hair.

“Because, this will be the first time the public is seeing you. You’ll be on the arm of our prince, that makes you important. Regreyans don’t necessarily like the people of your tribe, so it’s important to make a good first impression,” she said, finally getting the skirts the way she wanted them.

“I’ve never seen a Regreyan try hard to make a good first impression with me,” you grumbled, crossing your arms as you exited the cabin.

Taehyung was waiting behind some guardsmen, looking a little more at ease now that he was back in familiar territory. You on the other hand, had never been more nervous. Even after your first kill you hadn’t felt this nauseous, this dizzy. Although the suffocating in the bodice wasn’t helping your case either.

“On with you,” Elaine said, giving you a little nudge forward.

She’d dressed you in an emerald green gown, ivory shoes adorning your aching feet. Your hair was done up, a small clip pinning some of it up while the rest hung down. Taehyung didn’t seem to notice you at first, keeping his eyes trained forward.

But when you cleared your throat, he finally turned, taking in your appearance. He looked at the gown then to your uncomfortable expression and sighed, holding his arm out for you. Slowly, you took it. You wrapped your arms around his and tried to keep yourself from keeling over from sheer nerves.

Taehyung kept you close as the guards started their way off the ship, moving slowly as they kept their heads forwards. There were several people all lined up along the docks, cheering and throwing what looked like rice in the air.

You looked on in confusion as everyone crammed closer to get a good look at you. Several cheers and ‘congratulations!’, were thrown your way as you and Taehyung descended from the ship onto land. Your legs felt weird as you walked on solid land for the first time in nearly five days.

Taehyung led you towards a horse with some sort of vehicle attached to it.

“What is this?” You asked, looking at the large, ornate box with bewilderment. Taehyung opened a door for you, offering you his hand as you clambered in. He sighed at your unladylike entrances before climbing in after you.

Two swift taps to the door and you were off.

You yelped as the vehicle lurched forward when the horses started moving. Still confused, Taehyung decided to offer you a tidbit.

“This is a carriage, we use it to travel more comfortably than on horseback,” he explained, looking out the window.

“Doesn’t it slow you down though?” You asked, looking at the expensive woodworking and plush fabric you were sitting on.

“We don’t use them to travel quickly,” he said, rubbing his forehead.

“Why not? I thought traveling efficiently was the most important?” You questioned, trying to think of when you had done traveling in the past.

“It’s not important,” he said.

“Why were all those people there?” You asked instead. Taehyung almost groaned in annoyance, wondering what he did to piss off the Gods in a previous life to earn this amount of ignorance.

“The advisor sent word to the kingdom that I’d be bringing home my bride to be, that way the necessary preparations could be made,” he answered.

“But how did everyone else know?”

Taehyung didn’t hide his groan this time, clenching his fists as he tried not to let his temper get the better of him. You didn’t know, this was new for you and he had to respect that. Even though he just wanted to go to sleep for the next thirty years.

“Gossip travels far and fast between servants and the lower class,” Taehyung said, keeping his eyes away from you.

“That’s not nice... The way you speak of your people, it’s like you’re vexed by them,” you said, frowning.

“Perhaps I’m not a nice person,” he warned.

Your frown deepened, but you stopped your incessant questioning, so Taehyung closed his eyes and let you sit in silence for the rest of the ride.

You watched the town fade away as you wound up a large hill, where at the top was a huge palace. Decorated in flowing, green ivy and surrounded by purple banners. You felt your stomach clench painfully as you entered the stone gates.

When the iron latchings secured behind you, there was a distinct sense of panic. Being caged in, being locked in with no way out. It made your heart hammer in your chest at the idea. But no one seemed to notice as you writhed in your seat, trying to keep yourself from exploding.

Getting out of the carriage was far more difficult than getting in. Taehyung wound up having to pull you by your wrists to get you out, causing you to tumble and fall into his arms.

You could feel his heartbeat thudding away in his rib cage as your hands pressed firmly to his chest. You looked up and noticed the sun was shining brightly behind him, casting a shadow on his face that caused him to look much sadder than you had originally thought him to be.

But before you could think about it much more, he was righting you and leaving you behind as he walked towards the castle. You huffed in frustration as you gathered your skirts and chased after him, slowing when you finally met up with him before the entrance.

“Quick to abandon me, huh?” You asked, sending him an icy glare as he tried to pick up his pace.

“I’ve been stuck with you for the past five days and I would like some peace and quiet,” he said, turning to head for the stairs.

“You haven’t even been around me the past five days! You helped me onto the boat and pulled your father off me and then I saw you today. I tried to talk to you in the cabbage or whatever the damn thing is called and you had the audacity to be annoyed at me! I’m not in familiar territory, I would like some guidance if you don’t mind,” you said, placing your hands on your hips.

Taehyung sighed and rubbed his face.

“You’re infuriating,” he said, before turning and leaving you to your own devices in the hallway.

You wanted to chase him down and give him a piece of your mind, but you knew it would only cause more trouble. So, you wandered the halls of the large palace, snooping around and trying to find something to eat.

The halls were long and narrow, making you feel as though you were being closed in. You started to breathe hard, chest feeling like it wasn’t able to take in enough air to keep you going. Your corset was suffocating and everything was spinning.

You fell to your knees, wanting nothing more than to cry.

You wanted your mother, your tribe and people with you. You wanted to feel the sun on your skin and warm you through your pelts. Not in this suffocating dress that was forcing your chest to close in.

But you couldn’t be so quick to give up either.

This was your life now, whether you liked it or not. You were a strong woman from the Night Crawler tribe. You wouldn’t be beaten so easily, so you took as deep of a breath as you could muster and hauled yourself down the hallway until you entered a large room.

Two men stood there with confusion on their faces. One was tall with broad shoulders, hair dark as night and he made your face heat up with a mere glance. The other one was smaller in stature, with ashy blonde hair that was swept to the side.

“Who are you? What are you doing in here?” The taller man asked, moving in front of the desk that was towards the large window at the back.

Keeping your mouth shut you observed the area. It was large, larger than the hut you’d grown up in as a child. You walked around and saw several volumes of books sitting on the shelves. They were collecting dust. Your tribe would’ve killed for this kind of knowledge. You’d been taught using the chieftain's private collection of books that he’d gotten from ships that had either been surrendered or purchased from traveling merchants. But there wasn’t enough to educate the whole tribe. But they were sitting here on this mountain of knowledge and letting it collect dust, how dare they...

“I asked you a question, who are you? And what are you doing in here?” The man asked, coming forward. You raised a brow, wondering if he genuinely thought he could apprehend you. You’d been trained in hand to hand combat since you were seven, he’d obviously been trained in swordsmanship, with the way he carried himself, but that’s neither here nor there.

“Seokjin, leave her alone. She may have just gotten lost. What are you doing here? Did you get lost?” The smaller man asked, coming up to place his hand on Seokjin’s shoulder.

“No one is supposed to come in here, whether they got lost or not. This is the King’s strategy room, not just anyone is supposed to waltz in here Jimin!” The man, Seokjin, yelled.

“Easy, Seokjin. She’s just a woman, she’s no threat,” The other man, Jimin commented.

You raised a brow.

No threat?

How wrong they were.

“Sir Seokjin! Sir Jimin! We have lost the Prince’s bride! We need to search the grounds!” A voice came from the hallway, loud.

A man came running in.

It was the advisor, Xavier.

“She’s missing?” Seokjin said.

“Yes-oh, my Lady, we’ve been looking for you!” Xavier yelped, coming forward and placing a hand on your wrist. You ripped your hand away from his grasp, making a point to send him a nasty glare.

“M-My lady? She’s the Prince’s bride?” Seokjin asked, raising a brow at you. “She looks like a heathen, shoved into a pretty gown.”

“She’s from the Night Crawler tribe,” Xavier mentioned, this caused both men’s eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

“Night Crawlers? Truly? The prince is marrying a woman from those savages? What is the king thinking,” Jimin said in shock.

“They promised us warriors, to help defeat the Jung threat,” Xavier explained.

“I didn’t realize the king was that desperate to end the Jung line,” Seokjin commented.

“We also have some of their lands and their mines, with her in the palace, we can control them,” Xavier said.

A growl ripped from your throat. Everyone looked at you in concern. “You would use me as a puppet to control my people? If you think this is how I will behave, then you are sorely mistaken,” you said, walking over to the advisor slowly.

“My Lady, this was already agreed upon. Your people will listen to you, and you will give them the King’s orders,” Xavier stammered.

“My mother agreed to this? Our people being used like mindless ants? Me being used as a mocking figure head. We would never stoop so low, we’d rather die,” you snarled, launching yourself at the advisor. You tackled him to the floor and gripped his collar, throwing him back and forth. You were strong, but this dress wasn’t making it easy to move the way you wanted.

“What are you doing?!” Seokjin yelled, coming forward and grabbing you by the waist.

“Let me go!” Xavier yelped, not enjoying being thrown around like a rag doll.

“My Lady that is enough!” Jimin said, trying to pry you off of the poor advisor.

“I’ll decide when it’s enough,” you said, cocking your fist back to land a punch when a loud voice boomed through the room.

“ENOUGH!”

You looked up and saw the king standing there, looking furious. Taehyung was behind him, watching on in horror. He’d never seen a woman act so uncivilized.

And he was supposed to marry you?

You were still enough that Seokjin could haul you off of Xavier, who scrambled behind the king. Huffing you struggled against the man holding you, but you had a feeling that it would be futile.

The king’s eyes were alight with fury. You knew this wasn’t going to end well, but you’d hoped that maybe you’d at least get to make a point before you had to receive your punishment. The king walked over, raising his hand and smacking you hard against the cheek. Your head whipped to the side, eyes wide as you felt the stinging pain take over.

When you turned your head back, your eyes were practically glowing with fury. Taehyung wasn’t looking at you, simply keeping his eyes downcast. You almost scoffed, how useless. You were marrying a weakling.

“Listen here you pathetic whelp,” he growled, grabbing you by the hair and pulling you closer. You could practically hear the electricity crackling between the two of you as you tried to stand your ground. You wouldn’t be treated this way, not by anyone.

“Father, please,” Taehyung whispered, trying to come forward.

“Don’t touch me Taehyung! This wildling is going to learn who she obeys. Not her silly Gods or her tribe or even herself, she will obey me. And when you take her as your wife, she will obey you. Her mother has given her over to us, that means we own her,” he warned.

“I am no one’s property!” You yelled, struggling against his hold. Seokjin held firm at your back, keeping you in place.

“You are now! Your mother cannot help you, your tribe awaits my orders-”

“They will only listen to their Queen!” You snarled, lunging for him. You smacked your head into his nose harshly, causing the king to drop your hair and whirl back. Taehyung stopped him, looking at you in shock.

“You will not touch the king like that!” Jimin yelled, coming forward.

“And he is allowed to assault me? How very fair this all is,” you sneered, voice dripping in sarcasm.

“Take her to the dungeons. Perhaps a few days without food or water will teach the beast to behave,” the king said.

“Father it’s only her first day here, we cannot simply just lock her up! If she is to be my bride-”

“You would go against a direct order from your king?” Taehyung’s father glared at him, making the young Prince cower in the corner.

“N-No, sire,” he said, looking down again.

“I am a prisoner now?” You mocked, raising a brow.

“You are going to wish you were a prisoner by the time we’re done with you,” the king forewarned.

“I will not break for the likes of you,” you said, as Jimin and Seokjin started to lead you out of the room.

“Maybe not for me, but for someone in particular you will,” the king said, watching as the door shut behind you.

—

The first day wasn’t so bad.

Although the accommodations were abysmal. You leaned back against the stone wall, shackles around your wrist as you looked on. There was no one else down here, surprisingly. Regreya has prisons and jails for this purpose, so that they didn’t keep dangerous people near the royal family. Although, how ironic that someone they deemed dangerous was to become a royal.

Snorting, you looked down and saw a rat scurry across the dungeon floor. You watched as it’s stick-like legs carried it’s rotund body across the floor with moderate efficiency. It sniffed at the corner of your dress before you shooed it away, watching as it scampered off.

You looked up, the light of the moon filtering in through a barred window at the top of the cell. How ludicrous. Someone who was supposed to be their Queen one day is sitting in the dungeon, no food or drink to be seen. You’d gone without eating before, sometimes it was part of ceremonies and it wasn’t wise to fight on a full stomach. But, you’d always had plenty of water... Especially growing up on the lake.

Finally, you were able to fall into a fitful sleep. Something you were shocked by, seeing as how you were still dressed in the awful gown that Elaine had put you in that morning on the ship. It was torn now, your aggression towards the advisor and Seokjin’s tight grip loosening the seams and causing holes to appear in the emerald fabric.

It was a beautiful color, but there was mud and grime staining it now.

You dreamed of home, of the lake and your tribe. The large fires that were lit each night at sundown for the meals. Your mother’s fingers running through your hair softly. You wanted to weep then, as you looked upon your mother’s face in your dream. She was beautiful, yet tired... And you knew that this was probably affecting her just as much as it was you.

Ever since your father had died it had been the two of you. You’d relied so heavily on each other, and now you were separated. Your heart ached and called out for your mother, you wanted to send her a falcon, something to let her know that you had made it to the palace in one piece. However, you knew that if you told her of the proceedings once you’d gotten to the palace, she’d start a war with Regreya all over again.

And no one would win that battle.

You woke up to a soft tapping coming from the cell door. You peered your eyes open, finding the crowned prince sitting in front of the door. Your eyes widened at his appearance. He didn’t have anything to gain by coming down here, except maybe a show.

Sitting up slowly, you leveled your gaze with his.

“What do you want?” You snapped, suddenly aware of how dry your throat was. For the cell being so humid, it was a curious thing.

“I-I wanted to come down here and apologize,” he said, looking at his hands and not at you.

“For what? Not protecting your bride? I don’t need your protection, nor do I want it. Save me the pity, as you won’t get any from me,” you warned.

Taehyung sighed and pushed a cup through the bar.

“Take it,” he encouraged.

“What is it? Poison? Water from the mud puddles outside? Bog water?” You went to keep going when he brought the cup to his lips and pulled some of the liquid into his mouth, drinking it down.

“It’s water, and if it was poisoned, then we’ll both die,” he said, pushing it towards you again.

“You’re going against your father? How bold of the young pup,” you smirked.

“I’m older than you,” he reminded.

“Doesn’t mean anything, years do not determine experience,” you said, shrugging.

“Just take the water, please?” He asked, pushing it towards you again. You were about to throw another comment out when your breath caught in your throat, causing you to cough harshly. Taehyung came even closer, practically pushing the cup into your hands.

You took it finally and drank the cool liquid carefully, not wanting to choke yourself up again. But when it was empty, you pulled it away from your face and looked at him from above the lip of the cup. He seemed genuine enough, you supposed. But for someone so tall and broad, he seemed fairly meek.

“Don’t do that,” he said, making a face of discomfort.

“Do what?” You asked.

“Your eyes, you look scary when you do that,” he said, taking the cup.

“I’m merely observing you,” you said.

“Don’t, you won’t find anything worthwhile anyways,” he commented, standing up.

“It’s been my experience, that the people who claim they have nothing, always have something to lose,” you stated, keeping your eyes on him.

“And what about you, huh? Do you have something to lose?” He asked, voice suddenly intense and deep.

“I have always had everything to lose.”

—

Taehyung could only bring you a cup of water, no food.

He claimed it would be too suspicious for him to bring a tray of food from the kitchens to you. But you waved it off, accepting his cup of water easily. You guzzled the liquid down, savoring how it’s temperature cooled your throat. Taehyung had been doing this twice a day if he could.

But, soon your days in the dungeons were finished. The guards came down and escorted you back up to your quarters. They were lavish but, you knew a cage when you saw one. The windows all had bars on them, and they looked new, as if they’d just been installed recently.

Elaine was waiting for you with a bath and plenty of soaps and oils. And the kitchen had sent up plenty of food for you to gorge yourself on. But you knew that even as hungry as you were you had to eat slow and be careful to not overfill yourself. As tempting as it was.

She washed your hair, getting all the tangles and everything out before rinsing your head a third time, sighing when more dirt came out.

“I wished the king hadn’t treated you like that,” she whispered as she prepared you for bed.

“Apparently I’m his property now, I don’t get a say,” you sighed, looking at the small nightdress she handed you with disdain.

It was warm here in Regreya, so, to see a short piece of cloth shouldn’t have bothered you. But whenever your skin was bare in a certain area it always made you feel exposed in some way. You didn’t like being exposed nor did you like feeling vulnerable.

“I know how that feels... I was sold to the king from my family when I was seven... I grew up alongside the servants and trained to be one ever since. Feeling as though you are no more than a mere arm piece can’t feel very good coming from your tribe of warriors,” she said softly.

“It’s not a pleasant thought to think, no,” you agreed.

“If it’s any consolation, I’m sorry... I may not be a royal, but I at least get to choose who my husband will be,” she says, even though it doesn’t sound genuine. She’s in love, perhaps... But they don’t love her?

“Are you one for marriage?” You asked, looking out the window onto the darkness that was swallowing the palace whole.

“O-Of course! What young girl doesn’t dream of her wedding?” She said, a soft smile on her face.

“I never did,” you said, looking down at your bare knees.

“Never? Not once? I-I mean unless, they don’t do marriages where you’re from?” She asked, drying your hair gently.

“No, there’s marriage. It’s a wonderful affair,” you said with a calm look falling over your features. “My mother would tell me about the day she got married to my father. How they were so excited to finally be wed. They were arranged to marry you see, but my mother had been friends with my father since they were children. And they loved each other so much, up until his dying breath he loved her with everything he had.”

“Oh I’m so sorry...” she trailed off, brushing through your hair with her fingers. It made a shiver of nostalgia run down your spine. You missed your mother fiercely, and just that little contact made your heart squeeze painfully.

“It’s okay, he died an honorable death. A warrior’s death. I was a child when it happened,” you said.

“Oh my... that must’ve been so hard. I didn’t have my parents but I did have the serving staff. They practically raised me. But to not have your father with you... that’s tragic,” Elaine said, draping a shawl over your shoulders.

“It’s life. Everything ends, and everything dies. And that’s okay. I accepted it a long time ago,” you said, thinking back on your father’s death and how distraught you’d been.

“But even after seeing how in love they were, you never considered your own marriage?” Elaine asked.

“Well, I guess I did consider it. But, when my father died I saw how it destroyed my mother. I didn’t want to face that pain, I’d rather be alone than to suffer that kind of agony,” you said.

“I can understand that, but if you knew love. True romance, maybe you’d think differently,” she murmured.

“And do you know love? True love?” You asked.

“It doesn’t matter what I think. It’s late, my lady, you must be tired,” Elaine deflected. You sighed and nodded, heading towards the large bed in the middle of the room.

She collected your old clothes and started for the door when you stopped her.

“It does matter,” you said softly.

“What matters, my lady?” She asked, raising her brow.

“What you think does matter. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

Elaine gave a tight smile before leaving the room.

She had informed you your lessons would start the next day, early after breakfast. You’d have the best tutors in the kingdom to help you learn the life of a royal. But, even though you knew you wouldn’t have long to sleep... You couldn’t close your eyes.

Rolling around on top of the sheets, you tried to get comfortable, but it was useless. This night would be a sleepless one, you were certain. It was everything you could do to try to close your eyes, but something kept you awake.

Slowly, you peeled the covers away from your frame. Going towards the door you tested it, seeing if they had indeed locked you in like a caged bird. To your surprise, it opened. You gazed into the hallway, looking for guards or anyone of the like to stop you.

But, as you continued through the halls you found that there was no one in this section of the palace. With new found vigor, you stalked the corridors of pure stone. Looking at everything and anything that was revealed to you.

Long tapestries hung from the walls and looked like they were old, older than the palace itself it seemed. But they were vibrant in color, showing how wealthy this family was.

No normal citizen could afford this.

You walked down the staircase, running your hands along the bannister that was chiseled stone. Everything around seemed to be made of minerals. Perhaps it was to keep everything from catching on fire and burning down. But, it did give the place a cold feel. Not just metaphorically either, it was freezing down here. Even though you were still in a section of the palace towers.

A chilling breeze wrapped around your thigh, making you jump in surprise. You turned around and saw a doorway that had been left wide open. Curious, you walked through.

Two large, glass French doors were open to a balcony. You could feel the fresh air stinging your skin. You saw someone standing in front of the balcony railing, hands on the stone and leaning forward. Head down.

They were dressed nicely, perhaps one of the advisors? Or a knight? Someone who would have access to this area must’ve been someone important to the royal family. You slowly approached, looking to see what they would do.

You heard a sniffle, as if this person was crying.

Carefully, you got closer, wanting to see their face. They brought their hand up to their face, wiping away what you now knew to be tears. You saw them haul their leg over the railing, now straddling the stone structure.

What were they doing?

Another leg met the other, and now they were sitting on the railing, legs dangling in the air. You gasped in surprise when their head tilted back, and you saw the prince’s face come into view. His dark eyes full of tears as you watched on. You could feel the pain, as if it were palpable in the air.

“Mother,” he whimpered.

You remembered your mother had said the Queen was gone. You’d forgotten honestly. But you knew his pain. The loss of a parent was brutal, and it shouldn’t be faced alone.

“Mother forgive me,” he breathed. “But I miss you so much... Father is... He is lost to me now, I fear. He’ll never be the same again. His power, his legacy... it is all that fills his mind now. He’s arranged for me to marry a night crawler,” he laughed, a dark and deep sound that made your skin dance. “I remember you saying that they were good people. That they weren’t savages, but, their princess is... frightening to say the least.”

You tried not to make an offronted sound.

“But... I think you were right. They are good people, loyal and determined... I fear father wants to beat her into submission, although, I doubt even that would do the trick,” he sighed. “He talks of our marriage. Of how we are to produce an heir that will solidify our alliance with the night crawlers. But my heart... Mother my heart hurts when I think that I won’t be with my truest love. She’s been distraught with this new information. I tried to keep myself unmarried for so long, father wasn’t even interested in suitors for me... He was so busy running the kingdom we managed to stay together but now? I can’t be unfaithful to my wife. It feels wrong, especially if she is to carry my children one day, how could I do that to her?”

Taehyung was already thinking of children? The thought made you slightly nauseous. But, he sounded so sincere now. Speaking with his mother who passed. You sometimes spoke with your father, at his gravesite. Asked him for guidance and for his blessing as was customary. But it also soothed your soul to think that he was still there somehow.

“I wish I could see you again, mother,” he breathed out, looking up at the stars. “They say that you watch over me and protect me, but it’s so far to where you are. Unless...”

You saw him look down, his head tilted to the side.

“Unless... Unless I do something about it,” he whispered. Slowly you saw him start to push himself forwards.

Your heart thudded in your chest as you moved without even thinking. Flinging yourself forwards you grabbed him around the shoulders and pulled back, hauling him into you. Taehyung shouted, startled, but fell back into your front on the stone balcony. You were breathing so hard you thought your throat was raw. You kept a tight grip on the prince as he also heaved in breaths of his own.

For a moment, all that could be heard was your harsh pants. You looked up at the sky, and marveled at the stars blinking back at you. Taehyung’s hands were tight against your forearms, locked in place as you two tried to calm your reeling minds.

Then everything was clear.

“Are you insane!?” You shouted, shoving the prince away from you as you stood up.

“Excuse me?” He asked, raising a brow.

“What would you dying achieve? Huh? Where would that leave your people, your kingdom? Me?” You almost screeched.

Taehyung looked wildly confused at the proceedings.

“Why are you here?” He asked, walking past you and back inside.

“I couldn’t sleep. So I came down here looking for somewhere to think... The door was open so I walked in and saw you try to fling yourself off a tower balcony!” You said, watching as his back tensed.

“I wasn’t going to do it,” he said weakly.

“Tell that to my backside, you weigh a ton!” You complained, rubbing your back gently. Taehyung turned around at that and noticed your attire for the first time that evening. Quickly his brows shot up as he turned around once more.

“Y-You’re not decent, I’ll leave you,” he said, heading towards the door like a pup with its tail between its legs. Faster than you thought possible, you reached for his wrist. Taehyung stopped, holding himself still as your fingers enclosed around his skin.

“If it’s worth anything, I’m sorry,” you whispered.

“What do you have to apologize for? It’s your wing, I don’t even know why I’m here,” he breathed.

“Your mother. I’m sorry for her passing and for your pain. I know how badly that must hurt,” you said, looking at him with an even expression.

“You didn’t do it. You aren’t the reason for her passing, so you shouldn’t apologize. Although, don’t claim that you know my pain,” he said, taking his wrist from your grip.

“I know that pain. I lost my father when I was a child,” you stated, for the second time in one night.

Taehyung closed his eyes and sighed. “Then I guess we both know the pain of loss,” he said, pulling at his clothes. It appeared to be a nervous habit, one more than likely picked up in childhood.

“He died in a battle against your people,” you said, waiting for his response.

“War is ugly. And you lose a lot more than just people in the mix,” he answered, keeping his eyes trained forward.

“And your mother? How did she pass?”

The room was silent for a moment. You began to think you’d gone too far when he took a shaky breath in.

“Illness... She fell sick shortly after my birth and never fully recovered, she suffered for years while I grew up. She forced herself to be strong for me, until the moment she couldn’t. I was there, I held her hand while she died... Felt her go weak in my grasp. I-I saw the light leave her eyes, but her very last words were that she loved me more than anything,” he said, tears flowing down his face.

You didn’t say anything. You couldn’t, there were no words that could soothe this kind of grief. But where words failed you, perhaps your actions could speak instead. Gently, the most careful you’d been with anyone or anything, you made him turn to face you. Taehyung looked down at you with tear filled eyes. Red and swollen orbs gazed back at you as you wiped his tears with your thumbs, trying to comfort him.

Awkwardly, you pulled him into your embrace. You’d only hugged your mother before this, but, you had the general idea down. Taehyung clung to you like a lifeline, where before there were gentle cries they turned into body shaking sobs. Your heart ached at the sound, and you knew you couldn’t fathom this pain. Yes, your father dying had hurt, but you were young and didn’t really remember it. Taehyung had been there to watch his mother slowly deteriorate before his eyes, and to have her die in his arms like she did. It was horrific to imagine.

Your back faced the door as you looked into the night sky, and wondered if you and the prince could make it work. The marriage, a life together.

But neither of you noticed the pair of eyes watching from the hallway, orbs filling with tears of their own as they ran into the blackness of the night.

—

The following days came and went rather uneventfully. You did your etiquette lessons, and they were boring.You learned about the country's history, and it was boring. And when they started talking about politics and diplomacy you actually fell asleep. Elaine was patient with you though, shaking you awake gently and catching you up on anything you had missed.

She was a good person, underneath all the rules and standards, you knew she was a genuine woman. You don’t think you’d ever be close friends, but, at the very least you two could talk and it wasn’t awkward. Which was more than could be said between you and Taehyung.

He had been avoiding you ever since your interaction on the balcony.

Not like the pair of you had been overly chatty before then, but you were hoping that maybe that would trigger something, anything... You were rather lonely in this huge palace by yourself. It was weird and disorienting going from such a large family dynamic to being practically alone, it was difficult.

You were walking the halls of the palace one day, a break between lessons giving you ample time to meander about and contemplate. Thrilling things like the weather, what you would wear for bed, if dinner would be served on silver or china... See? Thrilling...

When you turned the corner you spotted the elusive prince, he was coming out of the library, a hand pressed to his cheek. You peered closer and noticed that his eyes were watering, and his cheek was swelling. Before you could even process what you were doing, the distance between you two was gone.

“What happened?” You asked, shocking the royal as you followed him down the hall.

“It’s nothing, please, go attend your lessons,” he urged, hiding the side of his face from you as best as he could.

“Just let me see,” you said, gripping his wrist. Taehyung flinched, making your stomach churn with worry. Slowly, you let him go.

“It’s nothing, I just fell, I’ll be fine,” he said, walking faster down the corridor.

“Please,” you said, reaching for him again, but calmer this time. Taehyung didn’t stop you, letting you peel away his hand from his face. Underneath his large palm was a welt, ruby red and swelling by the minute. It looked as if he’d been hit with something across the face. Your heart clenched painfully, something you weren’t used to.

But the look in his eyes was worse yet.

The pain that lingered there, the agony. As if nothing could break through it... It made you want to be sick that someone was so upset. You’d never seen hurt like this. It took you back to that night, when he spoke of his mother...

“Why?” You asked, you already knew who had hit him.

“I asked to visit my mother’s grave,” he whispered.

“And he hit you because of it?” You asked, moving him down the hall towards the kitchens. It was well after lunch but too soon to be preparing dinner so it was empty. Taking a cloth from the basin you soaked it in the cool liquid before bringing it to his throbbing cheek.

“Father doesn’t like to accept that she’s gone. That’s why she’s not buried on palace grounds. He thinks that if he hides her corpse, then she’s not actually dead... Just, away,” he sighed, leaning into the cool fabric against his cheek.

“Have you ever hit him back?” You asked, raising a brow. Taehyung seemed shocked at your question, but you remained unmoved.

“W-Why would I hit my father?” He asked, incredulous.

“I guess I could ask your father why he hits his own son. But I fear that we might both be thrown in the dungeons for that one,” you said, giving a small smile.

“I wish I could stand up to him but... I know it’s not really him, at least not anymore. If you knew him, before... Before everything happened, you’d understand... He wasn’t always so belligerent and spiteful. He was kind, benevolent and just. But, losing my mother really hurt him. So, instead of accepting the pain he pushed it and everyone else away. He’s not my father anymore, he’s just the king...”

To hear Taehyung speak as though he’s lost his other parent, made your chest tighten all over again. You now understood his timid nature. If his father was truly abusive towards him, no wonder he was always on edge. No wonder he strayed away from difficult topics and agreed with him so easily. It was a survival technique.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” you said, trying to keep your emotions from betraying you.

“I lost both my parents the day she died... One in more ways than I’ll ever understand,” he breathed.

The room was silent after that. You took the cloth from Taehyung and wetted it again, reapplying the damp fabric to his aching flesh.

It was Taehyung’s turn to observe you. Your eyes were fixed on his cheek as he stared down his nose as you. Your hands moved him gently, but there was a firmness to your motions. He could feel how strong you were, even if you didn’t mean to show it. The women he’d been around his whole life oozed elegance and poise. You on the other hand were... well... A little brutish, crass and not to mention dangerous. If you pouncing on the royal advisor was anything to go by.

But watching you now?

How you tended to him so carefully, as if you were afraid to break him. He saw you were trying to make an effort to be kind to him, even though you didn’t want any part in this like him. If the two of you were going to be stuck together for the rest of your lives, Taehyung certainly didn’t want to be afraid of you. But he also didn’t want you to feel like you had to walk on eggshells around him.

Taking in your physical appearance was another thing. You were pretty. Maybe? They had bathed you and put you in Regreya’s finest satins and silks, so maybe that helped a little bit. But your nose was cute, it sat on your face nicely and complimented your features. Eyes that took in everything around them, he originally thought they were scary to look at, almost like they were glaring at everything but... No... That wasn’t the case. You were learning, all the time. His eyes trailed down, looking at your lips that sat pleasantly plump and full. You were biting them now, tongue poking out when you focused.

You were pretty, he decided.

“If you stare any harder, I might burst into flames,” you smirked, pulling away the cloth for the final time.

“I meant no offense,” he started, ready to back off, when you gave him a teasing smile.

“It’s alright, I’ve been looking too,” you smirked.

You weren’t sure why, but you felt your mind ease when Taehyung gave you a soft smile back as an answer to your teasing. His cheek wasn’t nearly as swollen as it was when he walked out of that room. But, you still knew that it would probably bruise. The purpling was already starting around the edges.

“Thank you, you didn’t have to do this,” he said.

“I wanted to,” you said quietly, not looking like the savage princess he’d seen the first day in the palace.

“I appreciate it,” he said, moving towards the door.

“Who is she?” You asked, thinking back to that night on the balcony.

“I don’t know what you’re asking,” he answered, not turning back to face you.

“I heard you, on the balcony. Talking to your mother, you mentioned that you were in love... But if you don’t want to tell me that’s alright too,” you shrugged.

“So you heard that,” he whispered, head tilting forward.

“You don’t have to tell me who she is, I understand,” you explained.

“She’s been with me since I was a child, she’s everything to me...” he trailed off, as if lost in thought.

“Ah, you grew up together,” you nodded.

“We did but we didn’t. Always near but so far away at the same time,” he lamented, hand resting on his cheek.

“Does the king know?” You asked.

Taehyung whirled around and got right in your face. You saw an intensity sitting in his gaze that you’d never seen before. He was not meek, he was not useless... He was angry.

“Are you going to tell him?”

“That’s a no then,” you tried to ease with humor, but Taehyung placed his hands on either side of you. His face was so close, it made your heart thud dangerously in your chest.

“Listen to me, if you tell the king about us I will make your life in this palace a living hell. I won’t continue my previous relationship once we’re married, if you’re to be my wife then you deserve that much respect. However, I won’t tell you who she is or what she does or anything about her. Because, if you find out who she is, and you threaten her? I will ruin you,” he growled, eyes dark and swirling with possessiveness.

“I won’t say anything,” you agreed, trying to sound firm. But you couldn’t help the waver in your voice, you hadn’t expected that kind of anger from him. “I promise.”

“Your words mean little to me,” he said low. “I do appreciate your help today, but it was unnecessary. I’m sure you have more lessons, I’ll be going first,” he said, leaving you backed up against the counter, staring at the stone wall across from you.

You stood there for so long that the kitchen staff made their reappearance. They asked you what you were doing here, but you just shook your head, leaving them to work in peace

Taglist: @ladyartemesia

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MEANT TO MEET BUT NOT BE- JJK Masterlist

“I’ll be your red rose in this colorless castle 

even if it means that one day I may wilt away.” 

SYNOPSIS: After forming a bond with an unidentified stranger at your family’s ball, your parents send you off to marry Min Yoongi in attempt to mend their relationship with the Min family. Having to forget about the stranger and accept your new life, you end up being closer than you think with the mysterious man that you couldn’t seem to shake off. 

GENRE: royalty, forced marriage, princess/ prince, fluff, angst 

Pairings: ??? Jungkook x reader, Prince Yoongi x reader

WARNINGS: slightly abusive parents, future smut, violence (each chapter will mention specific warnings)

A/N: Hi! This is my second written work that I am publishing so please be kind!! I hope you all enjoy and if there are errors let me know :) chapters will be listed below! 

EACH CHAPTER WILL HAVE A SONG. FEEL FREE TO LISTEN WHILE READING.

1 2

MEANT TO MEET BUT NOT BE- JJK 1

SYNOPSIS:  After forming a bond with an unidentified stranger at your family’s ball, your parents send you off to marry Min Yoongi in attempt to mend their relationship with the Min family. Having to forget about the stranger and accept your new life, you end up being closer than you think with the mysterious man that you couldn’t seem to shake off without even knowing it was him.

GENRE: princess/ prince au, forced marriage au, forbidden love au, angst, fluff

WORD COUNT: 8.5k (she's big)

WARNINGS: swearing, not much in this one

A/N: hello! This is my second work that I am publishing so I hope you all enjoy. I like this one a lot. Again, this is unedited because I hate editing so don’t mind errors. 

FALLING FOR YOU- THE 1975

“ ON THIS NIGHT AND IN THIS LIGHT,

       I THINK I’M FALLING FOR YOU “

Your eyes shifted back and forth from the swirling balls of light above back to the flickering candles across the brick path. The delicate rose bush obstructed your vision slightly from where you were laying on the floor, but you could still see the wavering light dance in the cracks of the flowers.

A heavy sigh escaped your lips as your gaze traveled back up to the stars, you watched them twinkle with all their beauty. You've always loved the stars, the moon, and the sky. It was one of the few things in life that was constant, that must have been why you liked it so much. The stars brought you comfort, and recently you've been escaping social gatherings to look up at the sky any chance you'd get.

"My lady," you recognized the voice, and you knew the person who owned it had been sent out to find you, they always were sent out to find you, "what are you doing out here instead of enjoying the celebration?"

"My dear Jasper," you gently brought yourself to a seated position as your hands dug into the soft grass under you, "don't act coy, you know exactly why I am out here instead of in there. Mother must have sent you."

As mother has always sent poor Jasper to come and find you when you decided to, in her words, "go rouge" and leave the celebrations they throw. It was a common occurrence that your family holds a celebration inviting everyone in the land to come and party in your castles dining hall. Common people from all around would dress in their best attire in order to get a chance at royal life for a night. Royalty from other parts of the continent would travel far distances to experience a stupendous and rather famous party in the Kingdom of Candor.

"Yes, your mother has sent me. She would like you to come back to the castle immediately, she is to announce the upcoming event in place and would like you there as it regards you." Jasper's eyes sadden as he mentioned the last part, but he quickly composed himself. He knew of your displeasure with the royal ball to be held this Sunday, just two days away. He knew of most things about you. Jasper, being your royal servant, has spent majority (if not all his time) at the castle with you. You have seen Jasper more times that you've seen your father in the past year, and dare you say Jasper has been kinder to you than your father ever would be.

"Of course she would. Let me walk around the garden one last time then I will make my way back." You pushed yourself to a standing position, hands scrapping against the black material of your fitted dress brushing all the grass piece off.

You began your walk down the stoned pathway, arms encircled around your body as a breeze passed by pushing your hair back. The flowers rustled in the wind and the sight of it made a slight smile appear on your lips. Like your love for the stars, you also shared a love for flowers. But your love for the latter of the two differed. You loved the stars because they were constant, you loved flowers because they provided a sense of renewal, a hope that you too could bloom in the coming spring. The delicate petals fascinated you since you were a child and your love for it grew as your garden did. It was in no way complete, but it was filled with all kinds of flowers in each corner. Your mother disapproved of the 'messy' look to it and demanded you just plant roses there, but like always, you never listened.

You stopped in front of the anemone bush fingers wrapping around a single bud ripping it from its roots. You then placed the flowers in your hair that was held up by a pin in back. You grabbed another one placing it next to the other flower as you pull your mask down before turn to Jasper who stood waiting for you, "Shall we go?"

"Yes, my lady," Jasper held his arm out for you to grab onto as you walk on the pathway back up to the dining hall where people danced and chatter could be heard from where you two stood, "Why did you pull those flowers out and place them in your hair Princess Y/N?"

"Do you know what flower this is, Jasper?" He shook his head.

"My these flowers that I picked are anemone. They have many different meanings. One is protection against evil and ill wishes, another is the arrival of the first spring winds. They mean protection and rebirth. Lovely, isn't it?"

"Yes, they sound beautiful," The two of you were standing beside the door and Jasper reached forward gripping the metal handle.

"But they have another meaning too you know," Your arm laced around his once more once you were inside and the loud chatter made your voice barely audible for the older male, "they also mean forgotten love and affection."

He barely heard the last part, something you hoped he would have possibly caught onto, but it seems the noise was too loud, "That's nice my lady."

"Yes," You bitterly smiled as the two of you arrived where your mother and father stood composed, but you knew they were fighting back hostile words to throw your way, "it's very nice."

Jasper bowed to the King and Queen then retreated to his post standing tall near the other guards and servants around.

"Nice of you to finally join us," You father's voice was stern and his facial features static upon seeing you. "Now we can make the announcement."

Guards gathered around you as they lifted their horns causing the chaos in the room around to settle down. Eyes gathered to see the royal family stand above. Your family carefully tore off the masks that had been concealing your faces.

"Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank each and every one of you coming to the kingdom tonight from lands far away to celebrate our dear daughter today." Your father placed a hand on your shoulder as those below clapped letting out cheers left and right. "With her reaching the dashing age of twenty-one we have decided to search for her beloved partner in life. This Sunday will be another ball hosted here to find the lover for my daughter. By her request it will be a masquerade ball like tonight, so please wear your best mask. We wish to see you all here again. Now let's wish a big happy birthday to my daughter, Y/N, princess of Candor!"

He raised his glass above the hall and those below did too letting out a perfectly coordinated happy birthday. You forcefully smile lifting your own glass up then bowing down to the crowd below. Upon doing so the flowers in your hair became noticeable to your mother who has stood with a sour look on her face ever since you entered the castle smelling like the outdoors, "Why would you place such ugly things in your hair?! Pulled from the root itself not even washed in water before?"

"Mother do you know what the meaning of the anemone flower is?" You took a sip from the champaign in your hard before turning to face her.

"Who cares for the meaning? They're ugly and ruin your hair. Take them out immediately."

"You just proved their meaning." A distain look formed on your fragile face. You bit your inner lip placing your glass on the tray that a waiter had held beside your family and your legs brought you to the stairs.

"Where are you going young lady?" Your father grumbled rushing to reach your side gripping your arm.

"To speak with our guests. You know the people who are here for me without me even wanting them to be here."

You finished your descent down the spiral stairs now entering the ballroom area where tables were scattered around, and people were dancing to the live music. Guests hurried to greet you as you walk by wishing you happy birthday mentioning that they traveled from far to greet you here. Mostly commoners ran up to get a glimpse at the beautiful princess, and young children ran to see the person they look up to. You greeted the children with pure bliss, the smile on your face reached your eyes anytime you bent down to hug a child that would give you a handmade bracelet as a present.

"I love it," You would say adding it to the collect of arm decor smiling at how adorable their creations were.

Now you sat by the bar area unhappily stirring the drink you had in hand while the bartender for the night tried to tell you horrible jokes to cheer you up.

"Can I tell you a joke about pizza?" Seokjin leaned over the counter eyes waiting for your response. He always did this, tried to make you happy when you felt all the opposite of it. Seokjin perhaps was your only friend in this castle, everyone else being too old for you to speak too or being too harsh on your behavior.

"Sure," You lazily replied while watching your soda swirl around in your cup, the bubbles popping at the top.

"Ah never mind it was too cheesy," He laughed, his laugh being a very distinct laugh that lulled you to join in.

"Just to let you know," You continued laughing as he did, you brought your hand up to cover your mouth as you did so, "I'm laughing at your laugh, not the joke. The joke was as bad as the last."

"But you laughed which means my work here," He flipped the glass in hand, "is done." He then walked away attending to other needs of the people who started to form a line demanding drinks left and right.

You pitied the workers here; they were often thrown around by the noble men and women who visited and believed that anyone who wasn't a part of the elite simply weren't worth the extra effort of being kind. You didn't believe in such a system and were open to speak with anybody, and that is why out of all your family you are the only one downstairs greeting people as they do you, while they sit upstairs only speaking with other royal families that venture up.

You quickly snickered at the pretentiousness of it all and downed the glass before you whipping your lips ridding the excess liquid from them.

"Excuse me, your highness," a voice behind you caught your attention and you shift your chair around catching the dark eyes of a male, "I believe this is yours."

In his hands he held the delicate anemone flower pushing it up to reach your line of vision. You look down at the purple flower then back up to the gentleman who had offered you the item that had fallen from your hair. His eyes were deep, you felt as though you were looking into a swirling stone of blackness. The rest of his features were covered by a mask, a beautiful white mask with the detailing of lines etched onto the surface of making a beautiful pattern.

"It is," you extend your hand forward, fingers brushing with his as you grab the delicate flower, "thank you."

"Anemone is an interesting choice of flower, don't you think?" The individual lingered around watching as you placed the flower back into your hair tucking it in securely. "Most royalty stick with the basic rose or tulip, and much less would they place it in their hair."

"Well, sir," You stood up from your chair brushing your dress down and retrieving your mask from the counter, "next time I'll make sure to be clad in roses and tulips with no other flower to be seen."

"Hey, hey," he held his hands up in response to your now defensive tone, "I mean no harm in pointing that out. I love anemone flowers. And it fits the theme for tonight, you know your birthday and now you're going to find you lover in just a few days."

"Don't remind me," You bitterly let out as your eyes drift around the room seeing those around now begin a dance floor in the center where tables were not placed. They moved around smiling with those around them, the mask covering their face not hiding the fact that they were doing so, much different from the crown behind yours.

"Not excited?" The man leaned against the counter letting his other arm rest on his hip. The suit he wore was obviously slight too small for him as the material hugged his defined arm showing off the muscle that hid underneath his jacket.

"My parents say it's a ball for me to find my beloved, thought of course they will have the final say, as they always do." You scoffed realizing this man's voice is not familiar to you at all. His looks, from what you could tell, are too not familiar and your furrow your eyebrows together under the mask letting out a soft tsk. "Have we met before?"

"Not to my knowledge." He clicked his tongue. "We don't really fit on the same social spectrum, your highness."

"Please stop with the formality. I hate when people always address me as 'your highness' it sounds so condescending." You scrunched your nose at the nickname.

"Well, what would you like me to call you, princess?" He was playing with you; you could tell by tone in his voice. He said princess in a way to make it stand out against the other words, he wanted to get a reaction out of you.

"My name would be just fine." You ignored his earlier comment. "And what should I call you?"

"I like the mystery so perhaps I won't tell you." You could tell he held a smug look on his face just by the way the words left his lips. He seemed like a hot shot, perhaps a prince that was too cocky, but he did mention that you weren't of the same class.

"Well mystery boy, when will I get the privilege to call you by your real name?" You began to bite the inners off your lips as you take in his appearance once more. By the looks of it he could be a prince if he were born into the right family. He was gorgeous no doubt, and his charm was impeccable.

"When you earned it." He flashed another smug smile which brought butterflies to your stomach. His gaze dances around your face trying to gather any intel on what you were feeling in that exact moment.

"Ah and what must I do to earn it?" You leaned forward as he licked his lips letting his tongue press against the inside of his cheek.

"For starters-" Before he could continue, he was cut off by Jasper stepping to your side giving a light tap on the shoulder.

"The King and Queen would like you to meet some people upstairs. Please follow me my lady." He held his arm out for you to grab as you rolled your eyes for possibly the twentieth time that night."

"Leave it to my parents to ruin yet another good thing during this night." You sighed letting your arm rope around Jasper's. Turning he began leading you towards the steps but before you could get father you stopped to look at the fine gentleman at the bar.

"May we meet again. I would really love to know what you were going to say." you then began your ascent up the stair grabbing the loose fabric of your dress, holding it tightly to ensure you don't trip and fall on the long attire.

The male, who still leaned against the counter, let out a curious chuckle tilting his head down letting his eyes close for a small moment before letting them reach back up to where you stood.

He was interested in you no doubt, but he shouldn't be.

He can't.

"Have you gotten the mask I have asked for?" You kept your cloak up shielding your face from others in the workman's shop making sure you keep your identity hidden.

"Yes, just how you like it, Violet." Yeonjun, the works man held out the wrapped material for you to grab. "I made sure to put the flower etched on it with precise execution. It was kind of difficult with the one flower you gave me to reference, but I tried my best."

"I'm sure you did wonderful, you always do." You placed the mask into the satchel that hung from your body. "Thank you for doing this. I will commission some money to you at the ball this Sunday. Meet me in the normal spot." Your voice lowered making sure it wasn't audible for the others around.

"Sounds good, Violet. I will see you there," He winked before attending other customers in the shop.

Yeonjun was someone that you met when you were just a young girl, and he was a young boy. His father was chosen to make masks for your family's royal gathering, and he came along with his father to see how business was done in the castle. You and Yoongi because close friends after that day and as you grew older you often would escape the castle grounds covering yourself with a cloak to blend in with the common people. He calls you Violet outside castle grounds to not draw attention.

Walking along the dirty road your feet scuffed against the ground and your cloak drags behind you collecting dust. The weather was beautiful out, a wonderful spring day where the birds were chirping, and the sun was shining.

The flowers were in full bloom at the castle, colors collided with each other, and open buds welcomed the spring weather will glee, yet here in the village there were little flowers to be found. The ones that were there were near death clinging onto their last breath of air before the last dead petal fell off from dehydration.

"You poor things," you frowned as your fingers brush against a rose bud, the slight touch causing the flower to fall from the stem to the cracked sidewalk.

"Sad isn't it?" You turned your focus from the empty stem to the gentleman that is now beside you, Park Jimin.

"Hello Jimin," You gritted your teeth slightly, "fancy seeing you here."

"I can say the same thing to you, princess," The last words he too said through gritted teeth offering a fake smile, "Aeris is waiting by the front gates."

"Why is it that you're always first to find out of my departure?" You huffed crossing your arms over my chest. "It's as though you are waiting for me to leave."

"If your father finds out you left with our best horse again he will not be pleased with me." Jimin stood impatiently. "You know what happened last time, he yelled at me."

"And I yelled at him. I defend you."

"Yes, but I still got in trouble for your actions. Think for once." His pointer finger extended pushing against your arm. "Your highness."

"You use proper names when speaking to me but somehow your actions don't follow in suite with that." You tilted your head to the side. "Let's walk around a bit then I will follow you home. If father wonders why we were out informed him that we went to the creek we used to go to ask child."

"Your father doesn't like me, remember? I'm just a stable boy and you're the pretty princess." He now began advancing towards the gated entrance.

"I don't understand why you're still offended by him telling you that I am not for you. You're gay first of all, second of all we were just friends." You rushed towards him in defense of yourself. "And I have done nothing but treat you like a normal person, not someone below me, you know this Jimin."

"Yes, but it still hurts when your father always deems me as below." His voice became softer as you reached the horses who were kept in check by a guard, the one guard who wouldn't be too harsh on your for leaving a castle.

"I am not my father." You replied just above a whisper. "I will never be my father."

Today was the day, the day you dreaded so. The infamous ball has finally arrive and the castle was frantic prepping everything. The dining hall was busy preparing meals, they have been working since early morning, and have no taken a break since. The maids were making sure the rooms were in prestige order, not even a speck of dust left on a window sill or painting. The guards were keeping check of the area making sure no funny business was happening in and around the castle grounds.

And you, you sat in your pretty dress while people made your makeup look all pretty and put your hair in pretty clips and told you of how pretty you look, but you felt like anything but.

You felt sick, your stomach churned and with the tightness of the dress you were almost sure you were going to vomit but the time the night was over. Your head hurt due to the lack of sleep the night before, you had been up overthinking, overthinking about how you'd rather be anywhere else.

"My lady," Your personal stylist/ nanny looked down at your standing figure that looked in the mirror, "You look beautiful."

"If only I felt beautiful."

"Hush," She placed a delicate hand on your shoulder turning you to look at her, "I know you are not the craziest about tonight, but at least try to have fun. Keep a positive mindset."

"Mae, I've been trying and it's so difficult. I want to live my life the way I want to."

"I'm afraid the life you were brought into doesn't allow for a princess to live how they want." Mae's voice hollowed out as she said this phrase and her head glanced down at her fingers as she picked the skin.

"But it doesn't have to be that way." You muttered sitting down on the windowsill watching the crowds gather around the yard. People stumbled in with masks covering their face, mostly royal families that your family was close with have arrived early, at request of your father. He always liked to see old friends without, as he says, "the commoners getting in the way", something that you always scoff to when being said.

"Your father would like you down in twenty minutes tops. Any later and he will be angry." And with this she left you.

"Me being late will be the least of his worries." You mumbled as you watched the door shut behind her. You quickly then shot up going to you closet to pull out the mask you have picked up in the village the day before. You carefully placed it onto your vanity eyes twinkling with wonder at the beautiful etching, you will have to pay Yeonjun more for his excellent work. It was exactly like the flower you had shown him, a smeraldo flower. Blackness surrounded the blue petals that connected to another flower making a chain that spiraled around the mask.

"If my parents find out they will be sure to have me executed," you thought to yourself as you looked at the dress hanging in the closet. It was black, elegant but not too royal with the style of it. You had planned to change into this after the first signs of your parents getting drunk of their asses to the point that they wouldn't try to worry about where you were, they always did this for extreme events.

You wanted to not stick out like a sore thumb, you didn't want all these people greeting you during the night each trying to prove themselves worthy, each trying to win your hand in marriage. You wanted to enjoy your night and not be a princess for one. You wanted to be normal, and the only way to do that was to dress normal, act normal, and disguise yourself. You requested the masquerade for this exact reason.

Within the twenty minutes of waiting, you have complied a list of things you would like to do while under your disguise, first you'd speak to the princes, you wanted to see how they'd react to a common girl hitting on them and eliminate the ones who are the rudest because inevitable they all will be rude. This was due to the fact of you knowing your parents will force you to marry one of the princes tonight, so at least you could have some say in it.

Second, you would see where the night takes you. Allow yourself to speak to everyone without this looming figure of being princess on you. Tonight, you would be you and only you.

Being the type of person you are, you waited the full twenty minutes before heading to the ball room where everyone was gathered. Your father impatiently looked around and spoke to Jasper who you assumed he was summoning him to find you. His eyes looked up to meet yours and he clapped in response, "My lovely daughter has arrived! Everyone welcome Princess Y/N!"

A round of applause erupted as you stepped down. Their masks were on the table, at this open even there were to be no masks per your father's request. You waved as you approached tables chatting with the families around. Most of the princes asked you mundane questions that weren't relevant to anything and only diverted the attention back to themselves in some way, how typical.

A few princes were sweet, your childhood friend Taehyung was there. He was prince of your sister province, Gandor, and was a lot kinder than the other men there. You would marry him if it weren't for the fact that you didn't like him that way. He was your best friend, if not a brother. "The guest of honor tonight!" Taehyung rose to his feet engulfing you into a tight hug. "How's the royal lady feeling?"

"Like I need to get drunk in order to get through tonight," You pouted.

He chuckled at your response and put his arms on your shoulder. "If you're not feeling it lets sneak out later like we always do. We'll go hide in your garden."

"Actually, I have a different way of hiding tonight," You pulled his figure down as you leaned into his ear, "I'm changing later."

"Me too. I can't sleep in my tux."

"I am going to be a commoner tonight." You clarified and his backed away with wide eyes.

"That's bold, even for you. But I hope it works out."

"It will. Why do you think I requested a masquerade?" You smirked pointing to the mask that laid on the table.

"I always knew you were smart. Best of luck tonight," He then bowed before you and you did the same turning to greet the other tables.

The princes were boring and had personality traits that centered around their manly features. It was exhausting hearing men speak about themselves only with no account to what you have to say.

They boasted about the kingdom and how great it was, more so how great they have made it. They described the vast land they had, and the many brides lined up for then to court (which was supposed to make you jealous, but it only made your eye twitch).

"The common people are coming in now; may you all have a wonderful night tonight!" Your father had made the announcement from the podium as a guard tapped on your shoulder to escort you up.

"Your highness," He held his hand out and you declined his offer heading to the steps without him. You never understood why he confined you to the upper deck when commoners were entering, you'd be down there anyways greeting people later, what did it matter if you started down there?

"King of Luxors seemed to be enjoying your company. We haven't been too close with their kingdom either, he would be a good suitor." Your father smiled as people began entering the vast room staring in awe at the scenery around them.

For this event, your parents put their all into making it the most festive and beautiful ceremony yet. Roses hung from the ceiling, fell down the walls, and sat in the tables. Vines decorated the chairs and streamers were placed all around. Guards were wearing their usual uniform, but each adored a flower pinned to their chest. You insisted on flowers being the main thing here, purple roses.

"I don't like him," you didn't go into specifics, as if your father would care, but the King was too touchy for your liking. He rested a hand on your leg for far too long and his demeaning nature just didn't sit right with you.

He seemed to be the type to silence his wife, she was only there for his intimate needs and superior ruling. He wouldn't love you. He would just use you as another trophy in his life.

"His family has been very kind to us these past events." He continued. "They have offered aid to our farmlands."

"Nice." You gave a laden smile as your fingers grip the sides of your chair.

"Royal family of Daegu has also suggested some sort of merge." You perked up a bit at his words, eyes scrunching together at the proposition.

"You mean the family we have had a feud with for years?"

It was known that Candor and Daegu were not on the best of terms. Years ago, there was a war that almost obliterated both lands. Since then, there has been this unspoken tension between the two and your father has been trying to find a solution since the war. He knew of their eldest son, and he knew that possibly there could be a marriage to bond the two cities. Though he wasn't sure if the rival city would nip at his proposition but seeing the family at the royal event this evening, he was almost positive this arrangement would work out.

"Yes," He took a sip of his wine placing the cup down, "It is likely he will be in the running for your future husband. Please get to know the fellow tonight at this ball."

Min Yoongi. His name was bitter against your tongue and the aftertaste of it was enough to make bile rise from your throat. He was a ravished man, one that took after his parents identically. His mannerism and ideals directly mirrored that of his fathers. He was basically a carbon copy of everything wrong with the King of Daegu, but you had to admit he had the serene beauty of his mother.

His face was overwhelmingly stern with hints of delicacy laced throughout his features. His lips pout out and his eyes were like those of a raven. His dark hair was fluffy and sat perfectly atop his head, you were almost sure if he were to walk there would be a slight bounce in the locks. His outfit fit that of his personality, dark with underlying hints of softness. His jacket was black along with his trousers. His shoes were also black with hints of silver in the buckle and a small green embroidered MIN on the side. His pants adorn a silver belt that screamed wealth at the very sight. His button-down shirt had silver buttons that trailed up his midsection stopping at his chest where a few buttons were left untouched. His jacket adorned a pendent, the family pendent of two serpents intertwined with each other. In the middle his name was engraved on this silver in a dark green ink. He was sight to see, and definitely wasn't one you wanted to see for long.

"I'll try my best to." You turned away from the Min family's table on the upper deck peering down at the ballroom below.

You would be lying if you said you weren't looking for someone. Of course, you were trying to spot the very person that made the last ball all the more interesting. You weren't sure if where to find him and even if he were to be here tonight. If he was a commoner, it may be likely he wasn't allowed inside the ball, since this is a more formal event only the few who had gotten sent an invitation was allowed inside. It was luck of the draw you hoped he got picked.

"Princess Y/N," Turning to your right you were faced with Min Hoseok, the youngest child of the two esteemed Min children.

"Hello Prince Hoseok," You took his hand bowing to him while he placed a tender kiss on your own.

"How is the special guest doing tonight?" Hoseok was the kindest of the Min family and quite possibly the only one you have had a decent conversation with. He was the odd one out of the family, always too bright against the dullness of parent and siblings. He was the sun among the dark moons.

"As good as any special guests of courting balls are," You let out a solemn giggle.

"So have you heard the news?"

"Ah yes, the news that I am possibly going to be wedded to your oh so wonderful brother? Yep." You sighed bringing your hands together to play with your thumbs.

"I do wish there was a better way," Hoseok pursed his lips together as his hands found their way to his pockets. "Mother and father told us it is what is needed to bring peace. Bring peace my ass they just want wealth."

"It's fine, Hoseok. At least I'll get to see you more often."

"True, seeing me is a plus. But it doesn't seem fair." His lips jutted out in a protest. His soft features show sadness, and you tore your gaze from his face afraid you will cry right there.

"Nothing is fair in this life." And it was true, nothing in royal life was fair. Nothing in common life was fair. Nothing in life is fair.

m It was easier than you thought slipping away from the confines of your parents. They seemed to have gotten drunk earlier than you expected, the stress of finding a suitor must have made them down the drinks at a faster pace letting you leave them to their own happiness.

Jasper didn't follow you, he assumed you were just going to wonder around like you usually did. Which was valid because that's what usually happens when your parents get shitfaced.

It was hard to avoid the people rushing to get a glimpse at the princess, thankfully a secret corridor known to those in the palace helped you make your escape to your confines easy and painless. Upon entrance you tore off the mask placing it on your bed. You kicked off your ugly heels placing them beside your nightstand. Getting the too tight dress off your body was a task you didn't expect to take as long as it did. The dress with tied in several knots and halfway through you contemplated cutting them, but it would cause too much suspicion.

Finally, you undid the ties letting the dress fall into a heap at the bottom of your legs. You stepped out placing the dress on your bed next to your mask. You looked down at it with saddened eyes.

If only you parents let you do what you wanted to do with your life. Love whom you wanted to love, be who you wanted to be. But of course, that couldn't never happen. You're a princess.

The black dress was easy to get into, it wasn't as expensive nor as complex as the one on your bed. It was simple. Something you were used to but liked greatly.

You put your hair down letting the loose curls fall down your back. You looked... simple. Smiling at your reflection you placed the black mask on your face letting it cover more than half of your features. Your lips were the only thing showing along with part of your nose.

Leaving your room, you began your trip to the ballroom. It was a short distance from your living quarters using the hallways you've done before but it seems luck was not on your side tonight.

"Excuse me miss," It was the voice of the stable boy who probably left the party because of how he hated seeing the royals live it up, "You can't be here."

"I-" You paused trying to make an excuse, but Jimin noticed your worry mistaking it for a genuine lost commoner.

"I won't tell on you don't worry. Let me lead you to the ballroom." He held his arm out for you to grab as he graciously directly you to the ballroom. "Don't get lost again. The next person to find you might now be so kind."

"Thank you." Your lips curved up into a smile for the boy who you had known for years. "Thank you so much."

"No problem. Enjoy your night." He then left going back down the same corridor you just left.

Standing at the edge of the chaos you were pleased to not see stares slowly gather in your direction. People carried on with their normal tasks, the party went on, and you were able to be a part of it entirely now.

Walking around no one gathered at your feet, no one stopped you to have a conversation, no one tried to court you. It was pure bliss.

"Hello there! What can I get you tonight?" Seokjin, who was manning the drink station, leaned against the counter with a towel around his shoulder.

"Just water, please." You leaned against the counter too waiting with anticipation to see if he'll notice your act.

"On it!" He flipped through glass in his hand scooping ice and pouring water into it. "For the lady."

"Thanks, Seokjin." You smirked taking a sip from the dainty straw waiting for his reaction.

"Who-" He squinted at you taking in your appearance further and it was as though everything clicked in his mind. "Y/N?"

"Shhh!" You quiet him down hoping that no one nearby hear him. "No need to say it so loud." "Wow you did it. You finally did the masquerade switch. I've been waiting for this to happen; I should have guessed it would be tonight."

"What can I say?" You took another sip as he still stood there surprised at your actions.

"Man, if you get caught finding a suitor will be the least of your worries." He sucked in some air grabbing the towel to wipe down the access water on the counter.

"I'll just have to be extra careful tonight." You gave a determine smile placing the cup down on the counter. "I shall go mingle as a commoner now."

You were giddy stepping away from the counter passing people from all social classes and backgrounds.

As exciting as the experience was it you weren't sure exactly what to do. You can't just talk to people; you were sure how to approach them they usually are the ones doing the approaching. Dancing alone doesn't seem like the best idea, it would be quite awkward to say the least.

"You look lost," A hand lightly sat on your waist allowing the passer to slip past you in the crowded area. His hands were soft and his touch delicate.

"Just a bit," You looked up to see Taehyung with his hand on his hip and the other resting at his side.

"Well, you should work on that it makes you stand out more." Lifting his hand from his hip he held it out for you. "Now let's go dance!"

He snaked you through the crowd to the dance floor as the band began to play a partner dance song. It was common practice at the ball for everyone to dance and then switch partners throughout trying to converse with as many others as possible. You never participated in the practice because you father didn't want you touching "common folks' grimy hands".

"I'm exciting to finally try this." You were quick to follow in Taehyung's footsteps having him guide your move. You knew how to ballroom dance, but it had been a bit since you have done it.

"It's lots of fun. Chat with your next partner." And with that he flung you to the next person and you crashed into their hands as they began to dance immediately.

"Gorgeous dress." The man commented, his lips poking out from under his rather long mask. His jacket hung big on his arms, the sleeves hitting the lower part of your palm in his right hand.

"Thank you." Dancing with him was different from Taehyung. This man didn't seem to want to lead, he knew the steps but not confidently enough.

"Are you apart of a royal family or from a village?" He followed your guide, which was subtle not to expose your stance in a palace nor make you seem like you don't know what you're doing.

"I'm from a village. Draken down the road." He spun you around and your dress beautifully flowed our circling your area.

"I'm from Grubster." Grubster. A village you were familiar. It was basically the trash can of the land, exactly why it is called Grubster. The village was ridden with disease, poverty, and crime. Your parent had abandoned the town about a year ago not wanting to deal with the issue eventually letting it spiral out.

"Ah Grubster. Is it still bad there?"

"Bad? That has to be an understatement. Ever since the King and Queen abandoned the town it has been downhill. I hope when the Princess rules it will be better." His statement warmed your heart and caused your lips to curve up.

"She will." With that you switched falling into the arms of another person. This one be a prince that you met earlier in the night. His cologne was enough to know that it was him and the cocky smile too. You disliked him when first speaking and the thought of having to do it again formed a headache.

"Hello pretty lady," His voice was high pitched and not pleasant in anyway. He gripped your waist a bit too low and looked down at your breast for a bit too long.

"Hi," You said through gritted teeth. The rest of the time dancing he tried to make small talk but immediately went silent when you mentioned you're a commoner. He moved his hand up but of course his eyes still peeked down your dress.

It was the last partner to have during the dance and the prince you were with spun you a bit too hard causing you to stumble into the next man. His hands reached out to catch you and he steadied you.

"Whoa there." Due to the pace of the music you quickly had to compose yourself and begin dancing.

"Sorry," Your eyes peeked up and the familiar mask form nights before was right in front of you. He wore a different tux, and his hair was slicked back. He wore a smile on his face giggling at your clumsiness.

"It's fine." He knew how to dance but he wasn't as forceful as past partners you've had were. His pace was just right, and his grip wasn't too tight. "How's your night going."

"Surprisingly well." You chirped. "Usually, I don't enjoy these things."

"Don't enjoy? Why's that." He bit his lip in contemplation as his eyes scanned your features that could be seen.

"Well tonight I did something different with my looks," You smiled at the thought of your dress, your mask, and your flowers adorn on your wrist.

"Yeah, I see that. Still kept the same anemone flower though. Was hoping you'd switch it up."

Your body tried to freeze but he pushed you to keep going in the mess of dancing people. He figured you out, how could he? You spoke with him once for almost less than five minutes and he already could see through the facade.

"I don't know what you're talking about." You decided to play coy. Act like you don't know what he's talking about and make it seem like he is crazy for insinuating such a thing.

"It's okay I don't tell anyone, your highness." He winked, it was visible through his mask. "The flowers gave it away of course, otherwise very well done."

"Who are you?" You questioned once again.

"Like I said that's a mystery, my lady." He spun you around for the final part of the song. His hand encircled around yours once more and pulled you flush to his body for the final pose as the last note hit. "Now why are you hiding as a commoner tonight?"

People began clearing the floor and going about what they did before the special dance.

"None of your business," You stayed pressed to his body for a second too long and break it once you realize that.

"Ah I guess you're right." The mystery boy followed you down the path to the lonely table in the corner. You wanted to sit down and survey the area, see how those interact with each other.

"Are you following me?" You raise your eyebrow, but the act was hard to see behind the fragile mask.

"I want to spend time with the lovely lady," He bowed for effect. "And it seems like everyone else that I talk to here doesn't like my company."

"How sad," You let him sit by you because, while you may be playing tsundere you do like his presence. He was easy to talk to and fun to joke around with. He didn't seem to like you for your status, and you have to owe him one for not giving away your cover.

"It really is but at least I have you by my side." He hits his elbow against yours before leaving back into the terribly uncomfortable chair.

"Hey mystery boy," his head perked up as you let your finger brush against your lip, "how much do you like flowers?"

You watched at the male stepped around the garden making sure to press his hands against each and every flower he meets. His eyes filled with glee with each rustle of the flowers in the night wind.

"So, I'm guessing you love flowers." You giggled crossing your arms over one another seeing his turn around.

"Love? Of course I love flowers. How else would I have known what the anemone meant?!"

"True I should have suspected that from the start." You moved towards the center of the garden and plot your knees down.

"Back where I'm from we don't have many flowers, and if we do, they are dark." He moved his way towards you dropping down too on the grass, his hands dug into grass.

"I can't imagine living in a place like that. These flowers are the only that keeps me going lately." You sighed letting yourself lay down and now look up at the starts. Mystery boy joined you and looked up also.

There were a couple of moments of silence, the only thing being heard was your breathing and the occasionally wind.

"JK." He broke the silence as his hand rested on his stomach. "Call me JK."

"Huh, JK," you said it yourself smiling that he told you his name, or at least part of it.

"Yep, JK." He repeated.

It was silent again, but it was comfortable. You felt comfortable with him here in this moment. You haven't felt this comfortable with anyone since you met Jin, and that had been years ago. Everyone else wanted something from you, only liked you because you were the next heir to the throne.

Turning your head, you faced him to notice him already facing you. A smile was adorned on his face.

"What are you looking at?"

"You." A blush creeped on your face as you turn away in embarrassment.

"You're a commoner aren't you." You said absentmindedly. "Or perhaps you are a prince who actually is worth my time."

And you hoped he was a prince. If he were a prince you can get to know him, marry him even if that's what he would like also.

"My lady I'm only a prince for today. It is all an act." He rested his head against the soft grass again, eyes trained on the stars above now.

"And I am a commoner for tonight." You sat up a thought circling in your mind. "But perhaps for right now we can just be ourselves.

"And how do you suppose we do that?" He sat up resting on his hands cocking his head to the side.

"Let's take off the masks, the labels, and just be... us?" You suggested but the silence that followed made you think perhaps it was the right thing to say. "You know what it's dumb. Forget what I-"

"No!" He quickly stopped you. "No, it's not dumb at all." His hands lifted stopped right beside your cheeks. "Can I?"

"Yes." You tucked your bottom lip into your mouth as he grazed his hand behind your head. His other hand came to grip the mask at the front of your face. The whole time you studied his features. It was strange seeing it so up close and in this moonlight. His dark eyes were even prettier in the light.

Undoing the string the mask fell limp in his grip. You gave a small smile as he stared at your now bare face.

"Can I?" You raised your hands too enclosing the soft material of his mask. He nodded and you slowly inched towards the ribbon material on the back. You wanted to see his face, you wanted to see the man behind the mask.

"Your highness," Before you could tug at the string a strict voice called out to the two of you in the garden. Both of your head's whip to see Jasper with Herndery. The two of them looked disappointed in your change of clothes and disappearance at the ball. "We've been looking everywhere for you."

"It seems we know why now that we couldn't find you." Hendery had always been the meaner of the two, and the one you disliked the most.

"I'm assuming it's time for the closing ceremony." You said through gritted teeth. How stupid of you to have your cover blown in such a way.

"Yes, it is madam. Please retreat back to your room and change back into your other dress." Jasper held his hand out for you to grab. Tears filter in your eyes as you step away from the man you know as JK.

"Did you know this was the princess?" Hendery questioned the male.

"No, no he did not. Not until I took my mask off."

"Well then, sir. It is best for you to leave us as once." Hendery guided his leave and JK bowed. "I enjoyed the ball your highness."

And with that he left, and the tears began to pour.

「 ｂｔｓ ｒｏｙａｌｔｙ ａｕ | ａｓ ｐｒｉｎｃｅｓ 」

ιllιlı.navigation.ılιllι

[a/n: this is only for entertainment purposes, do not come for me for writing this]

as prince/princess

how you met

first kiss

first date

he has to marry somebody else

who he chooses (her or you)

𝒋𝒊𝒏; — ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

the bookworm: ever since seokjin was little he always loved reading or hearing stories, now there’s not a time that you don’t see seokjin with a book in his hands.

𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂; — ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

the rebel: yoongi never listened, when he was supposed to be somewhere he would be off doing his own think making everyone wait for him to get there, because they need all seven sons there.

𝒋-𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆; — ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

the weird one: hoseok was always weird, he just does the most random things sometimes, which makes people look at him judging him sometimes, but he doesn’t care what people think of him.

𝒓𝒎; — ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴏᴜʀᴛʜ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

the social butterfly: ever since namjoon was little he loved showing off or even just talking about the most random things, so now that he’s older when someone talks to him about something he’ll go on and one.

𝒋𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏; — ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪꜰᴛʜ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

the good one: jimin was always the one to listen and follow the rules, he even has snitched on some of his brothers for not following their parents rules, but he’s learned his lesson to let them do their own thing.

𝒗; — ᴛʜᴇ ꜱɪxᴛʜ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

the prince material: when taehyung was younger he was such a show off, he was always the one who loved getting fitted for suits, and loved going out to party’s, he even snuck in to a party his father was hosting.

𝒋𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒐𝒌; — ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛʜ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ

 the artist: jeongguk was the one who loved tp draw, even when he was younger he loved showing people his drawing, he now just sits in his room drawing random things.

「 ｂｔｓ ｒｏｙａｌｔｙ ａｕ | ｈｏｗ ｙｏｕ ｍｅｔ 」

ιllιlı.navigation.ılιllι

[a/n: this is only for entertainment purposes, do not come for me for writing this]

as prince/princess

how you met

first kiss

first date

he has to marry somebody else

who he chooses (her or you)

「 ʀᴍ 」

You were the daughter of the princess, but she has kept you hidden for many of years, you live with your mother's step-sister and her husband, who are just normal people, and you've been playing off as there daughter, so your mother wouldn't have any more pressure on her hands than she already has. When you went to go visit her in Seoul, you happened to stumble across a very handsome boy named Namjoon, who just so happens to be the King's son, back in Incheon. He has been your crush since you two first met, and he was actually your first friend but was forced to stop if he wanted to be King someday. But you two still secretly meet up without anybody knowing except for you two, and one day when you and Namjoon were meeting up you got caught by one of his guy friends who told his parents and he's been supervised ever since.

「 ᴊɪɴ 」

You were out at a ball that his family had had, you were working that night and he hated the balls that his family threw. He met you while you were walking around in your dress. “Hey, beautiful," you said to you whilst you just blushed, pushing your hair behind your ear. "What's your name," he asked you. "It's Y/N," you told him. He grabbed your hand and took you outside to where his horses were, but you two were stopped by his mother yelling at you, "Y/N, get your ads back in here, I hired you for a reason," and that's when all of the fun was ruined, "Wait, my parents hired you, for what?" "Waitress, I gotta go." "Wait, meet at the peer, at midnight," he told you and of course you agreed to it, and every day since that night you two would sneak out and meet at a new spot each day.

「 sᴜɢᴀ 」

You were out with some friends just roaming around the royal parts of your city. You guys watched the princes roam around on their horses, one of them happened to look over at you guys, his horse trotted over to you. "I've never seen you around these parts before." "That's because I live on the other side of town." He held his hand out for you to get up on his horse, you didn't know what to do so you grabbed onto his hand and he pulled you up on his horse. "What's your name?" "Y/N." "That's a pretty name, I'm Yoongi." You two began to get to know a little bit about each other after that day.

「 ᴊ-ʜᴏᴘᴇ 」

Hoseok hated his royal life, he wanted to be normal, he wanted to be out of the public eye, he wanted to be poor for once. When he met you he got to live that kind of life, he was out of the public eye, he was normal, and he got to live your life. You met his parents who absolutely hated you, they would never see you as the girl who got their son loves, but as a girl who would never reach up to their standards. "I love her, I'll never leave her, she's the love of my life," Hoseok told his parents. "You're forbidden to see her, ever again." His father told him.

「 ᴊɪᴍɪɴ 」

You lived in your own town with your own kingdom, you had everything a girl wanted. You were a princess, you had servants of your own, you had your own pet horse which you named; Crystals. But all of that changed when your father made a bet with his older brother that if one of them won their battle they got to choose what they wanted. Your father lost, meaning you guys all lost everything, that's when you met Jimin, he helped you through everything, but his parents forbid him from seeing you ever again since you were now one if the poor and unwanted girls.

「 ᴠ 」

You were a poor girl who lived on the other side of town in an old shack with your mother and two brothers, your father had died when you were 13 and you can still remember the day it happened. You were working the cash register at your family's business when Taehyung came up. "How much?" "￦19215.10" He paid you then left, he kept coming back at the same time every day after that, buying the exact same thing, until one day he actually did something about it. "Y/N, I like you." "You do know that I'm just a little poor girl who lives in one of the shacks down the street right?" "Of course I do." You eventually started dating, and you met his parents and they both hated you.

「 ᴊᴜɴɢᴋᴏᴏᴋ 」

You were the horse keeper at Jeongguk's castle, one your first day at a new job, he came in, "Hey, where's Seth?" "Seth doesn't work here anymore, did your dad not tell you?" "No, he didn't." "I'm one of Seth's daughters." "You wanna go for a ride?" Jeongguk asked you holding his hand out, you took his hand getting up on Charlie, his horse. "What school do you go to?" "SOPA." "Never heard of it." "Oh..." "I'm joking, I go there too." You two had been talking all day about just anything and everything, when his father came interrupting your guys' moment, "Jeongguk!" "Coming!" He then left going back home which left you there.