shin @scoffee-lover - Tumblr Blog

scoffee-lover

Dec 20, 2021

jessikahathaway

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

(If you want to be added to the taglist please send me an ask!)

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

shin