1. Chapter One
"You have quite the mission ahead of you. Are you prepared for it?" Kim Doyoon, the current King, on his deathbed, inquired of his son who stood before him.
"If I wasn't prepared, I doubt you would be experiencing such a peaceful passing." Kim Taehyung, the son of Doyoon, responded.
The King chuckled, but before long, he started coughing, leaning to the side and spitting blood into a nearby bucket placed beside his bed.
"I don't consider this peaceful, son." He commented after wiping his mouth.
Taehyung didn't respond but rather stared at his father.
"I'm sure you're curious about the reason for our meeting. I thought this might be my final opportunity to convey my thoughts to you. Please pay attention and consider what I'm about to say. As the only heir to the throne, it will be your responsibility to assume the position of King once I am no longer here. However, in order to take on the role, you must be mated.
This has been taken care of for you. I have already communicated my message to the Parks family. They will be prepared to send their son, who has been extensively trained to become your mate. Following your union and mating, a ceremony will take place to crown you as the King officially." The King stated and awaited a reaction from his son, which he did not receive, but he was not surprised.
"Son, I have complete trust in your leadership skills for this kingdom, but I urge you to carefully think about the consequences of your decisions before taking action. The actions you take have the power to impact an entire nation.
Further, I want you to exercise caution when placing trust in others, even those closest to you, including your future mate. Being in a position of power can be isolating and will make it difficult for you to form meaningful connections.
You now must lead with strength and confidence, ensuring the protection of your kingdom. I am assigning you with the responsibility of upholding our family's legacy, just as every leading Alpha Kim before you has done. I have full confidence that you will fulfill your duties with utmost dedication."
Kim Taehyung acknowledged and accepted his father's words with a silent nod.
*****
Park Seokjin repeatedly scrubbed himself, observing as the thick layer of mud clinging to his skin gradually dissolved and merged with the cascading water from the shower.
After the mud vanished, he coated his washcloth, determined to wash himself completely, wanting to enjoy the refreshing feeling of being clean.
He spent another hour in the shower, repeatedly washing himself, only to feel dirty again as soon as he stepped out, causing him to go back in.
After finishing his shower, he almost couldn't resist the temptation to step back in. However, his attention was quickly drawn to a candle given to him by his brother, sparking an idea in his mind. He retrieved a lighter from his bedroom and used it to light the candle. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the scent and made an effort to unwind.
Surprisingly, the gentle glow and soothing scent of the candle had a remarkable effect on him. It brought an aura of calmness, allowing him to retreat to his bed and drift off to sleep, free from any worries.
*****
Following a few hours of sleeping, Jin was suddenly jolted awake by a loud boom. Startled and filled with fear, he quickly jumped out of bed and hastily put on his clothes. Without wasting any time, he left his room and made his way upstairs to investigate the source of the noise he had heard.
"Are you even remotely aware of what you have really done?!"
While Seokjin made his way to the upstairs living quarters where his brother stayed, the sound of his mother's voice, filled with frustration, echoed through the air. He felt a sense of confusion as he pondered over the person she had been raising her voice at.
When he entered the living room, a wave of surprise washed over him. His brother was slumped on the sofa, tears streaming down his face, while their parents loomed over him, their features filled with wrath as they raised their voices.
"I am sorry." Jin noticed his brother, Park Jimin, making soft, distressed sounds and deliberately avoiding making eye contact with their parents. "I never intended for this to happen. I tried to avoid it from happening, but it became inevitable, and my efforts turned out to be in vain. I think he is my true mate."
"Jimin, there is no such thing as a true mate for you! You had an important responsibility! A responsibility that was meant to protect our kingdom and our people, and yet you chose to jeopardize it all for an Alpha who is unknown to our realm!"
Jin observed his brother's descent to his knees, his gaze pleading with their parents. "Mom, Dad, I am aware of the wrongdoing in my actions, but this is the first time I have ever been disobedient. I swear to you, I was not able to resist this. This Alpha... is the one. I truly believe him to be my Alpha.
I didn't intend to defy authority. It was a bond I couldn't escape. I made attempts; trust me, I tried. However, every fiber of my being yearned for his presence, and my longing only grew stronger. I felt an undeniable urge to approach him, something I had never experienced in the presence of an Alpha before.
I also felt a deep sense of loyalty towards my Omega, understanding that my true purpose was to be with him as his Omega. It was clear to me that my devotion should be reserved for him rather than any other figure I had been taught to respect."
In a short amount of time, Jin quickly grasped the unfolding situation, which took him completely by surprise. His brother had found a partner; the unmistakable mark on his neck was evidence of their bond. He fully understood why his parents were so furious with Jimin. It was the first time he had ever seen or heard them raise their voices at Jimin, but now everything became clear to him.
His brother was meant to marry a King from another region, a King who ruled a kingdom much larger than their own. He was fully aware of the importance of Jimin's role as the King's mate and the benefit it held for their kingdom.
It was a topic that dominated conversations, and it was the sole reason he had yet to be mated to an Alpha. Their parents had set a condition that he couldn't be mated until his brother was married and had moved from their kingdom. One of Seokjin's main duties was to be there for his brother, providing the support he needed during his training to become the chosen Omega for the King.
"What are we going to do? The King has informed us that his son will soon ascend to the throne and that they will be expecting Jimin soon. You understand the repercussions we'll face if we fail to uphold our commitments."
Jin could hear his mother speaking to his father in a hushed and anxious way.
He observed his father's concerned and perplexed expression as if he were deep in thought, grappling with a solution to the problem at hand.
Then he witnessed the moment his father locked eyes with him and uttered the unexpected words: "We will send Seokjin."
"What?" Jin observed his mother's exclamation, her eyes widening in surprise, mirroring his expression.
"They've never met Jimin; they wouldn't be able to tell if we sent Seokjin instead. He is also officially recognized as our son and bears our family name."
"Seokjin has never been prepared to become the companion of a king! Sending him to handle such an enormous responsibility could only lead to failure for our kingdom and everyone involved. It wouldn't be fair to him to be forced into this because of Jimin's inability to fulfill his responsibilities." Jin's mother expressed not seeing her husband's proposal as possible.
"If not Seokjin, who else can we send to carry out what we promised years ago? Think about the consequences if we betray our word to their realm; have you forgotten the weight of our responsibility? We cannot fail at this. Everything we need sits with them, and I have heard rumors that the next King will be extremely different from his father in terms of leadership."
"Jin is more than capable," Jimin spoke up, casting a glance at Jin before flashing him a smile. "Jin, I have faith in your abilities. You are an exceptional person, always putting others before yourself. There is no one more fitting than you to stand by the side of a king. Your calming personality would only boost his strength in leadership and provide him with the drive required for further leading the kingdom."
Jin quickly declined, "No, I am not interested in marrying a King. Also, you are aware that I already-"
Jin fell into silence as his father's words carried a firm tone. "Seokjin, it appears that you are declining to do something that you are not being asked to do but rather being instructed to do!"
"Son, I know this was not the plan, but you are our only option at this time. Your father and your brother are right; there is no one else who can take on this responsibility besides you. Your brother has been mated to another Alpha who is unknown to us. However, attempting to reverse this bond could be dangerous for him, and there is also the matter of his impurity, which makes him unsuitable to be presented to the King." Jin's mother approached him, gently holding his hands, and spoke with a sense of urgency, "You are our only hope, Seokjin. I am sorry if this may seem overwhelming and abrupt, but we have limited options available."
"Mom, while I am not sure all that is going on, I do see there is a problem, but I am-"
"Seokjin, I have faith in your abilities. You've got this. You have always wanted to be mated. I know you have hated waiting all this time, and I know it's been selfish because of me, but now, here is your chance.
You will be mated to a King, and not just any King, but the King who possesses the rights to our kingdom and all the neighboring kingdoms within our nation. You will stand by his side, providing loyalty and support, as you bring forth the future King who will one day assume the throne. Imagine the limitless possibilities! I held those proudly in my heart, believing they would define my destiny.
Sadly for me, everything changed when I discovered the existence of my true mate." Jimin tried to explain to his brother the compelling reasons for accepting the responsibility of being the King's Omega.
Jin shook his head as he wrapped his arms around himself, "Jimin, I can't. I-"
"Seokjin! Snap out of it and stop saying that. Right now, you do not have a choice! You have been chosen to assume the role where your brother fell short, and it is now your duty to shoulder this responsibility. Nobody here is pleased with this, but it will not change!"
Jin fought back tears, aware of their insignificance. In a brief instant, his life had undergone an abrupt shift, completely different from what he expected.
*****
"I am really sorry, Jinnie! I promise you, this was not what I wanted to happen." JJimin attempted to clarify things as he perched on Jin's bed and assisted him in sorting through his wardrobe.
"Jimin-"
"You can't take those with you. I think you should leave everything. Mom mentioned that she's going to get you an entirely new wardrobe. There is a specific attire you will need to wear as the King's mate." Jimin intervened as he prevented Jin from including a shirt he had selected.
Jin sighed but said nothing as he sat down on his bed.
Jimin's expression turned sour as he observed the expression on his brother's face. He inched closer to Jin and placed his hand on Jin's thigh, causing Jin to stand up, catching Jimin off guard abruptly.
"Are you still mad at me?" Jimin asked, worried.
"I'm not sure, I really don't know. It's been quite a day." Jin responded and made his way to the opposite side of his room, settling down on the stool in front of his vanity.
"I know, and I am sorry. I wish I could've done things differently, but you don't understand it. My Alpha is unique, unlike any other Alpha I've encountered. From the very first glimpse, everything fell into place, and my existence gained meaning. I couldn't resist being by his side. Even in his absence, I can't help but feel a sense of emptiness. The only solace I find is in the bracelet I wear, infused with his scent."
Jimin got up and walked toward his brother. He continued, "Becoming his mate has been the most magical experience I have ever experienced. I had once feared the thought of what it would be like and if I would be treated right, but that fear left me the moment I connected with him. It was heavenly. I so want you to experience it, and I think this King, he is the one. I think I was never meant for him, but you, you are already mistaken for a prince; it's time you wear an actual title of being one."
Jin sighed heavily, "Jimin, I am happy that you found a mate that makes you happy, but I also feel sad that I am being pushed to become a stranger's mate. I've always thought of-"
"Forget about him! You are going to be the King's mate, Seokjin. I have already disappointed our parents, and you cannot do the same." Jimin warned.
"Jimin, I am not fit to be the King's mate!"
"That's why I'm here, ready to impart all the knowledge I've gained. All you have to do is learn and practice until you're ready to go to the King."
"Jimin, I don't-"
"Enough of that! You heard, Dad, this is now your responsibility. Will you refuse and let our kingdom pay the price?"
Jin's eyes welled up with tears as he softly uttered the word "no."
*****
One Month Later
*****
Taehyung slammed the door shut, which startled the guards on the outside who had been standing there anticipating closing the doors themselves.
Jung Hoseok, the newly appointed assistant to the future King, rushed into the room from the other end of the hallway after having been desperately trying to keep up with Taehyung's pace.
"Excuse me, Sir, Your Majesty, umm, Your Highness," Hoseok called out, unsure of how to address the future King.
Taehyung spun around and shot Hoseok a piercing look, "What?!"
Hoseok nervously cleared his throat and glanced down at his notepad. "Umm, Your, Sir, Majesty, I wanted to inform you that I have been assigned as your chief of secretary," he stammered.
"I don't need you!"
"Thank you, Sir, Your Majesty, but I was appointed to this role by the late King, he umm, said, I needed to do this, and so I have to do it. Now, if you could answer a small question, I will be on my way out.
I have been informed that your future partner will be moving to our kingdom soon. To ensure their comfort, I would like to request permission for our trained staff to enter your quarters and complete the necessary preparations." Hoseok's hands shook as he spoke, yet he maintained a composed voice, determined not to reveal his fear.
"No one will enter my quarters! Now, get out!" Taehyung yelled.
"Umm, Sir, Your Majesty, Sir, but these staff members are highly trained and-"
"This planned mate of mine will not be staying here! Find him another place to stay and keep him out of my sight!" Taehyung let out a loud shout as he started to approach Hoseok.
Hoseok quickly stepped back, saying, "Noted, sir. Your Majesty, sir. I'm going to go now."
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