•Chapter eighteen•

Let go of things that are hard to hold on to. 

The palace was decorated beautifully, grandly, with the entire castle washed in red with pretty, bright and long red curtains hanging from the ceiling and wound around pillars, glittering and shining with tiny silver and gold sparkly beads embroidered on them.

It was all so beautiful. The decorations were done spectacularly well, all credits going to the newly crowned queen.

There were just a few instances where the common people communicate with the queen as the king was the one who handled matters of the towns and anything outside the palace.

These celebrations mattered a lot, and Mira took quite a good care in making a good impression on the people. She proved that she could handle the matter within palaces well.

She didn't have an ulterior motive in this. She just wanted everyone to love her. 

Though she wasn't educated and elegant like a proper queen, she could still be very competent and good, looking for opportunities to learn.

So whoever knew her, accepted her.

She was finally going to marry Jungkook today. 

Her little body couldn't take her own glee. 

It was everything like the way she always dreamt of. Marrying her prince, her savior, in a grand and satisfying way; her heart could burst of the happiness she felt.

She had concluded that Jungkook also wanted only her happiness for he ordered all the servants to decorate the castle in the way she wished, helping her get on a good side of the commoners. 

She loved him oh, so much. 

She couldn't explain her feelings. 

She had gone around the entire kingdom, through the lanes of the towns and the borders to find out about the way everything works, just in case she had to deal with her father who tends to cause trouble.

She would eventually be given the responsibility of expense of the kingdom and military, so she had to know all the things that she needed to.

She later got engaged in the how the people were making preparations of her marriage.

She had taken a tour around the palace too, with the brightest smile on her sweet features as she marveled the redness of the palace which couldn't match the red blush on her face. 

She was so happy even for a fake marriage.

She knew that this would turn real one day. Jungkook's love for her will blossom one day, someday. 

And she's waiting patiently for that day.

She sat all ready with her huge and pretty red gown, waiting for the ex-queen, her mother-in-law to come and get her. And that moment came sooner than expected. 

She walking down the halls the next second, mind way too hazy to even take in the fact that she was walking to the hall where she will soon get married. 

"You may take time to get used to your post as a queen, but I know you will do well," Youngmi started. She listened attentively, trying to steal away her attention from the crazy beating of her heart.

She smiled at her. "I'll be happy, right? My king... Will he love me, mom?"

She was guilty because it was forced on Jungkook. She knew where her limits were and would instantly stop trying to get Jungkook if Taehyung loved him back.

But that wasn't the case.

The lovesick alpha was just stuck in the endless turmoil of one-sided love. She was freeing him from it just for getting love in return; how wrong could it be?

Youngmi didn't say anything. She just patted her back in response.

"Congratulations in advance, baby," Youngmi said, standing right before the huge door of the ball room.

"You are getting married way too early. You're just too young to understand your own needs too, and after all that's happened to you, you'll tend to get attached to people more easily but won't understand they aren't the ones for you. Nonetheless, I hope you'll remain happy always."

But I cannot bless this marriage because my son isn't happy at all. 

I'm hurt, but this decision was taken by Jungkook himself, and he's just fulfilling his committment. 

They entered the hall, loud claps heard as soon as people's eyes fell on their new queen.

Mira couldn't take it all in together; her eyes focused on only one person who stood on the stage, dressed in a sexy deep red suit, looking so good with his slicked hair parted from the center, having no smile but clenching his jaw and highlighting his sharp jawline.

He looked at her. No emotion, no love. He just looked lifeless and dead.

And she knew he will look at her with deep love after a while in the future.

If it doesn't happen on its own, she had power to provide a push for it to happen. It might take time, but it should happen.

She knew this is exactly what she needed. 

She needed him. 

She was slightly upset that he didn't even look at her properly or take in her beautiful look in the red gown. He didn't seem slightly amused or impressed, nothing close to how awestruck she was after seeing him.

It isn't there, but he will be head over heels for me later. I set my eyes on him, and he's the only thing I ever needed. I only want him. 

After going through everything, do I not deserve this happiness? 

She walked to him, smiling while blushing when he lifelessly held her hand and guided her to the stage, Youngmi walking off. 

It hurt so bad when Jungkook sighed in irritation of having to put on all the act, but she knew this was short-lived. 

Jungkook's eyes seemed fixed on a certain blond who stood at one corner of the room, glaring right at their connected hands, neither dressed for the occasion nor even attending it properly by coming to the hall. He just stood at the corner. 

Throughout the entire time when the fake priest muttered his words, Jungkook didn't even take his eyes away from Taehyung who just wanted to leave the room and go away, hating what he was seeing. 

Mira felt bad for Taehyung. She genuinely did because the male omega seemed to be too troubled by the bond. 

But she was selfish. She only wrapped her hands around Jungkook more, trying to show that he belonged to her. 

"You may kiss her," the fake priest said, acting professionally.

Jungkook had lied to the people that the priest was specially brought from another kingdom just for this event so they wouldn't question him with why the priest of their own kingdom wasn't there. 

It was all set according to what he planned.

This fake relationship was going to be formed, and he was anything but excited.

Jungkook turned to her, cupping her cheeks which dusted in red more than it already was. "I don't want this. It's for show," he whispered, her heart breaking at these words. 

The lips pressed against hers and broke away before she could even feel them properly. She shattered from within. 

People screamed and cheered happily once the priest concluded them wedded. Jungkook got down the stage, heart heavy, screaming pain. 

He smiled, trying not to make it seem like a wince as he said, "I have some work. Please enjoy yourself." 

Jungkook ignored the protests of the people, their whines saying that he should be there for his own wedding party, as he walked out of the ballroom, knowing that Taehyung had left the instant he leaned forward to kiss Mira. 

He walked straight to him own room, having enough of the cruel destiny and the weary night. 

But Mira still enjoyed herself, dancing and eating to her heart's content because this day wouldn't come again. She was married finally, and she needed to remember this day.

And when all these things were ending, Mira saw someone enter the ballroom who she didn't want to see again. 

Her father. 

"Mira," he called, missing the entire marriage just because he didn't want to make an obvious appearance and embarrass himself again. "Come here, you stupid girl." 

She was sad that he didn't try to hide his hatred towards her even when he was standing in her marriage venue.

She obeyed him, going and standing before him with her head bowed down. 

"You know what to do, right?" he asks. "You need to collect information of this place, their strategic places and everything related to their protection. You need to make this place drown so your younger alpha brother can live a good life while ruling over a huge area." 

Did you ever think of my happiness? Now that you're old and close to death, you want me to become my brother's slave? She asks him in her mind, not voicing it out. She nodded softly. 

"It's your father's last wish to see this kingdom under my son's control. You have been of no use since now, but prove me that you have a little worth by doing as I ordered you to. I won't be able to come here again because they'll close the gates between the kingdoms, but you can send me everything through letter." 

Daesong whispered his words, unaware of the storm of anger in Mira. 

He told her a few more things before deciding to leave. 

I'll never let any trouble touch my mate, Mira decides. I'll tell him everything about your plan after our first night. 

She watched his retreating form happily, knowing that she won't see him again. Atlas' gates were closed for him and the warriors have been ordered to kill him if he tried to enter because he poses a threat to the queen, Mira.

Moreover, they do not want to set out in war already because Jungkook was still inexperienced to go out for wars already.

So it was only okay to wait until the right time for destructing Cyrus.

But Daesong will be dead before she sees him again. 

About her innocent brother, he was too young to be touched my Daesong's harshness and cruelty. 

After Daesong was dead, she will go to Cyrus to her brother and teach him how to be a proper alpha. 

Like Jungkook. 

She bit her lip shyly when she thinks about what they will be doing tonight. 

Without wasting another moment, she left the almost empty ballroom--most people already left as the night was over for them, unlike the king and queen--with a raging heart. 

Taehyung watched her leave from afar. 

He just watched. 

He was tired of resisting for any longer because he was too weak to stop anything at all. He tried way too much and everything he does in his half conscious state made him immensely guilty.

He wanted to burn himself to death after he came back to his chambers after warning Jungkook to be careful.

He just... He was just giving him more and more reasons to be sad and angry.

He was helpless. He couldn't stand the fact that his life was going down a dark hole and he wasn't able to do anything to stop his conditions from deteriorating.

He was on the brink of giving up on all his matters, knowing that he'd continue to punish Jungkook for things the alpha hasn't done.

No one could be blamed, and it just made Taehyung more insecure because he was beginning to hate himself.

He hated himself for not being able to see the sad glint in Jungkook's eyes.

He didn't want to hurt Jungkook.

It was better to just let go of all the things hard to hold on to. It was alright... It was alright if his stupid heart was finding reason in Jungkook and didn't want any wrong for him.

It was alright if he stayed single all life and didn't receive love from anyone.

He wouldn't trouble Jungkook anymore. The reason being more than just the fact that Jungkook was not at fault.

It hurt to see Jungkook in pain.

*-*-*-*

x- sensitive scenes ahead -x

Jungkook didn't go anywhere near the decorated bed which had rose petals all over them. He went to the chair, sat down there and lay his head back.

He kept quiet and still since the time he came to the room. It had been a few hours and he just hoped that Mira wouldn't come anywhere around him. 

He was fuming.

He was boiling in anger.

He had done something so bad that he had already lost the thoughts of what is right and what is wrong. It was fake, yes, but none other than he and Mira knew this.

Taehyung didn't know too.

That's what was irking him. Taehyung would've thought that him holding Mira's hand, kissing her was all signs of affection. He would've stooped so low in Taehyung's eyes.

When he heard the door open after a while of the loud booming music and cheerful sounds dying down, he knew who it was.

He didn't look up.

He didn't want to.

He heard the swish of her long dress which swept across the floor as she took small and soft steps, her high heels clanking against the wooden floor.

She was hesitant and scared. It was clear from her stance, ragged breath and the shaky steps.

Jungkook didn't care. He didn't know if she expected something from him, like the things mates do after marriage--ex exchanging gifts and making love--but he wasn't going to give her any of it.

She wasn't her mate; that was his reason.

She was nothing but someone like a younger sister who he married just to save her life and to keep the kingdom happy and safe.

Mira bit down on her plump lip which was also red in hue due to the tint she had applied on them. She held her dress in her fists, fearing that she might trip on the long cloth.

"Alpha?" She called, patiently waiting for him to say something, do something. She wanted it to happen. She will make sure it does.

"Mira." Jungkook sighed, running his hands down his face. "Go to sleep. We'll talk tomorrow."

She wasn't having it. She took another step towards Jungkook and puckered her lips in a pout.

She had something in mind but didn't know if she can do it.

Jungkook looked up at her with stern eyes, sitting up straight on the chair.

"Why won't you listen?" He asks, ready to get up and make her lay on the bed and put her to sleep because he could see the harsh determination in her eyes.

He wasn't giving in to it.

Neither did his alpha wolf want that nor did a single cell of his want to do anything with her.

"Why should I, alpha? It's the night we married... There should be something more than just holding hands and kissing--"

"It was a great thing that I did those things too, Mira," Jungkook claimed.

"You're forgetting something. I told you that our relationship is fake, and it will remain only for the eyes of other people. Please, stop thinking that I'm your alpha now."

"We married each other," Mira said, acting like she was sure that Jungkook was saying wrong things. "It's your responsibility to do this."

She slowly removed her heels and stood on her bare feet, wriggling her toes slightly when the cold floor touched it.

She was coming towards Jungkook who gritted his teeth, sitting completely still on the chair because he had already made his mind. He didn't want to do this.

He wouldn't do it.

"Open your eyes," Mira ordered, pushing Jungkook back before creeping her feet out through the slit of of her dress and putting her slender legs around him, her dress flowing back as she sat down on the fuming, growling alpha's lap.

"Our relationship is for the eyes of others?" She asks, her painted nails softly caressing his chiseled jaw.

Jungkook held her hand and pushed her away, trying not to be harsh while his wolf was so damn upset that he just wanted to take over and tear her head apart from her body for touching Taehyung's mate. 

He was Taehyung's.

She had no right to touch him.

"The maids will be coming her next morning," Mira said. "They will wish to collect the dirty sheets of our first night and will expect it to be covered with my blood after our night."

Her reasoning was stupid.

It didn't convince Jungkook one bit, he still stood adamant on not doing the things completely against his will.

"I can cut my hands and cover it my blood--"

"No," Mira said challengingly, cutting his threatening voice off. "I'll let all of them know that you didn't fulfil your responsibility of making love to me like a good mate."

Jungkook's face twisted in disgust. He pushed her away by her shoulder, wishing to throw up in disgust as she was leaning closer to him.

"Mira, are you out of your mind?!"

She flinched at the yell, whimpering but gaining back confidence as she looked back up. "I will do it. You have to make love to me or I'll tell them that you didn't do it. They'd think of you as a disgusting mate, and I'm sure you don't want that."

"I--" Jungkook scoffed, indescribably angry, upset, frustrated and sad. "I dislike what you're doing so much, Mira. Trust me, this won't make me love you or respect you by this but make me hate you."

"A person shouldn't hate their mate." She looked sad too.

She didn't know why she had to blackmail him in the first place if he could've just fulfilled her wishes on his own.

"You're right," Jungkook deadpanned. "I love me mate. My Taehyung."

"He's not--" her yell was cut off when Jungkook growled.

"He is. He became my mate even before you came. You're nothing but someone who came in between us, Mira. I would love for you to be happy, but not by killing Taehyung and me."

"My happiness lies in this," Mira stated, reaching her hand behind her back to hold the zip of the dress to remove it.

"And you will listen to me and do what I want if you want to see me happy."

She got up, removing her dress and leaving her only in her undergarments. Jungkook looked away. His eyes will look at Taehyung only, no one else.

He knew Taehyung would know what he did.

He was powerless. He didn't care if the shamed him and dubbed him as a bad mate, but his mother had told him that he shouldn't do everything a husband should because he's marrying the girl.

It was fake.

But she would also be immensely disappointed if this happens.

He was just crowned as a king, and it would be a black mark of shame to the Jeons to hold a son who couldn't be a mate to their wives.

She walked while letting her hips jut out to match her walk as she grabbed a glass of white liquid and came back to Jungkook.

"Drink it," she said. "It'll only help you do it because I know how much the alpha in you wants to go to the person he imprinted. He needs to fucking know who his mate is now."

Jungkook thought, wincing when the glass was shoved at his face. He tried to push it away and turn around to resist from drinking the drugged milk, but Mira held his chin and forced the bitter liquid down his throat.

He instantly feeling a twitch in his body.

He gasped when his wolf was suddenly growing more and more stronger, not angry but aroused now.  He tried to go against the urges, the effect of the strong drug, but there was no point.

He lost himself.

He did it with Mira.

He had promised Taehyung thay he wouldn't do such things...

He didn't even look at her once through the session. He didn't touch her with his hands or kiss her like she was begging him to.

He didn't enjoy it. He was just dying on the inside, the drug affecting hin so much that all he needed was a release, but he didn't let his drugged self feel the satisfaction of cumming too.

Right after Mira had released with a scream, he pulled out, half-conscious, close to fainting.

He let himself get raped and didn't do anything to save himself just because of the kingdom rules and others' needs.

He was disgusted to the point he couldn't even stay anywhere near the girl.

He didn't know what he was doing. His hips wanted to continue jerking into something until he released, and everything was such a blur that he didn't even know whether he released or not.

He forced himself on his feet, Mira still whimpering as he had shown no softness to her virgin self whatsoever.

She was laying in her own release, blood and covered with her sweat as she opened her tired eyes and watched Jungkook stagger around, grabbing a robe and putting it on before leaving the room, not walking straight but swaying with every step.

He looked like he could fall of any moment and faint right there.

She disliked how he chose to get out of the room and go away in such a horrible state than stay back and probably use her until the drug's effect had vanished.

On the other end, Taehyung had felt it all.

All he could do was hold the unopened letters of his brother close to his chest and keep it pressed against him to sniff off th little smell of his hyung left in it.

He felt so vulnerable. His insides were tearing apart, and he had already thrown up in this pathetic, overwhelming feeling of vulnerability and hurt.

He had mindlessly gotten to his feet when the pain ended, knowing Mira and Jungkook were finally done.

He couldn't think straight. He grabbed a silk robe and a cloak, putting it on before he left.

I want hyung-ie. I want to be with him now. I-- I can't take this anymore.

It's alright if I die. It's... It's alright if I die due to this bond if I just get to see him once. I won't tell him anything too. I won't put Jungkook in any more trouble.

I'll just... See him from afar. That's all I want.

I'll stop all that's happening after that.

It will all stop. 

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