Taehyung was spacing out as he spread his arms wide while his servants carefully dressed him with the finest silk that has ever touched his skin.

He couldn't say a single word, too afraid to commit the same mistake he did yesterday that resulted to Yeonjun's unjust punishment.

The young servant was not around, and Taehyung felt relieved. He doesn't know how to face the other after what had happened because of him.

One of the servants guided him in front of the mirror, carefully making him sit on the chair.

"Young master, pardon me for touching your hair." The servant whose name Taehyung couldn't remember uttered before touching his hair.

He was helping him fix his hair, styling it in a way that elegantly highlighted Taehyung's face.

Afterwards, the servant put something on Taehyung's face and lips. He didn't bother to ask what they were made of and just appreciated the simplicity of makeup from the ancient time.

His reflection on the mirror satisfied him, though he knows it's not really him.

Taehyung was well aware that he's gazing at the man he would never become.

And once again, he's reminded of the reality that everything about him is fake and temporary.

"Young master.."

Taehyung tore his gaze away from the mirror at the call. He saw the servants bow before excusing themselves.

"Please call us if you need anything, young master." One of the servants said before leaving him alone in his room.

Taehyung sighed as he looked at the mirror again. He's looking his best, just like what his father had wanted.

It's the day of the banquet, the moment Taehyung didn't want to come.

He'll be meeting the King for the first time, and he's to become his concubine.

Just by the thought of it, Taehyung could feel his heart aching which left a bitter taste to his mouth.

As he was back to spacing out and basking in self pity, the door to his room opened and in came the ravenette.

"The palanquin is waiting for you, young master." He announced which made Taehyung raise his brow.

Jungkook's head was hanging low, eyes on the ground which only worsened Taehyung's mood.

He's unusually polite as if he's drawing a clear line between them.

"Should I really go, Jungkook?" Taehyung wasn't able to stop himself from asking.

He knew it's foolish and the answer was too obvious, but somehow.. he's hoping Jungkook would tell him not to go.

The ravenette remained his gaze on the floor as he spoke.

"Lord Baekhyun won't be pleased if you won't go, young master." Jungkook answered which only earned a sigh of frustration from Taehyung.

He couldn't speak what's on his mind as he silently went out of the room with Jungkook following behind.

The two of them walked in silence. There were few servants who bowed when they passed by the hallway, but Taehyung didn't care.

He just doesn't feel good.

"How's Yeonjun?" Taehyung asked as he tried to brush off the heavy feeling in his heart.

His steps were slow, trying to prolong his moment with the ravenette.

"He's been excused until his wounds heal, young master." the knight responded.

Taehyung smiled as relief washed over him. He stopped on his tracks and turned to gaze at the other.

"Thank you for looking after him, Jungkook." He uttered with a smile

Somehow, his mood lightened even for a short while.

Taehyung stared at Jungkook's face but the latter won't still meet his eyes. He won't even look at him which pained Taehyung to the core.

"I hope you'll look after me too." Taehyung mumbled in a sad voice.

Jungkook lowered his head at his words.

"That is my sworn commitment, young master. I'll always look after you and protect you." Jungkook responded, still not meeting his gaze.

Taehyung didn't feel happy at all in the way Jungkook's behaving.

He's acting like how a knight should when Taehyung just wanted him to be more than that.

He sighed in defeat as he continued walking to where the palanquin awaits him.

---------

"Please allow me to escort you, young master Kim."

Taehyung nodded as he followed the servant who had welcomed him upon entering the gates of the palace.

His eyes feasted on the beauty that surrounded him and the grand decorations which mirrored the wealth of the kingdom.

Taehyung was given a seat on the right wing of the hall where sons of the ministers were also situated.

He bowed a few times to those who were bowing to him as well, before occupying the seat next to Park Jimin.

"I'm glad we're sitting next to each other." Jimin uttered, bowing a little to greet him.

"So do I." Taehyung answered with a smile. As he settled next to the other, he couldn't brush off the intense gaze he could feel on his back where Jungkook was standing and watching over him.

His guard was up with nothing but Taehyung's safety in mind as the crowd grew in number.

This brought a contented smile on Taehyung's lips, knowing fully well that he shouldn't be afraid because Jungkook would not let anything bad happen to him.

Taehyung looked around and saw his father sitting near the royal table where the empty throne of the King adorned and the Queen's next to it.

There were few more empty seats close to the King, probably to be occupied by other ministers and royal officials.

In the middle of the hall were women elegantly dancing to a solemn beat, entertaining the guests while waiting for the arrival of the King. 

"Banquets aren't really appealing." Jimin murmured , enough for Taehyung to hear.

"Hm.. I think it's good so far." Taehyung answered in a whisper. His fascinated eyes lingered on the women's performance. 

The way the women's colorful hanboks sway with the wind as they gracefully danced to the solemn beat of the drum and lulling sound of wind and percussion instruments truly awed Taehyung.

"Their dance... it's calming.. don't you think?" Taehyung uttered, amazed by the elegance of the women and their magnificent dance in honor of the King.

It's like they are telling a story through music and dance which only captivated Taehyung even more.

"I can't believe I'm hearing that from you." Jimin commented, snapping Taehyung out of trance.

"Hm?" He asked, looking at the other who simply shrugged.

"You really did change so much that.. it's drastic." Jimin uttered. He stared at Taehyung's eyes as if he's looking straight to his soul.

"As if I'm talking to someone else." He added, making Taehyung look away, pulse quickening at the way Jimin was scrutinizing him.

"I'm still recovering... and my memories aren't coming back yet, so maybe that's why?" Taehyung responded, trying to sound unbothered.

"Hm.. That's why.." Jimin hummed, nodding his head a little.

Taehyung would have said something more if not for the sudden change in the music filling the air.

The loud beating of the drum accompanied by the sound of the horns made everyone stop and stare at the throne. 

The knights and officials marched to the beat, signaling the arrival of the King.

Taehyung saw how everyone in the open hall bowed down in unison. His eyes lingered on the throne as the officials lined up and firmly stood to welcome the King.

There was a huge change in the atmosphere as Taehyung stared at the man who stood proudly in front of the throne. He looked so majestic though his eyes were cold and the atmosphere around him screamed danger in bright red.

The scar adorning his right eye only added shivers down to Taehyung's spine as he watched him in all his glory.

"What are you doing?" Jimin whispered, discreetly glancing at him in panic.

He quickly grabbed Taehyung by the arm before he was seen by the officials, letting him bow next to him.

"That's dangerous, Kim. What do you think you're doing?" Jimin wanted to scream at him but in whisper if that's even possible.

"Not because you're bound to be a concubine of King Min Yoongi doesn't mean you no longer bow down to him." He added in frustration.

The worry in his voice took Taehyung out of trance as he bowed his head while clasping his now shaking hands.

"I.. know.. I'm sorry." Taehyung answered, feeling his body turning cold. He doesn't know why but something doesn't feel right as he stared at his trembling hands.

The night was still young and the festivity had just started, but Taehyung felt like running away from that place as far as possible in the soonest time.

He's uneasy with the way the King had been eyeing him since the moment he had seen where he was sitting. He wouldn't let his gaze leave him which only made Taehyung uncomfortable.

His uneasiness only doubled with the Queen Nayeon's sharp and cold eyes darted at him as well. She's glaring at him with dagger eyes and it didn't take a minute for Taehyung to know exactly why.

He knows that look so well. 

Hatred and jealousy combined. 

A deadly combination and he happened to be the recipient, much to his luck.

Taehyung looked anywhere but the throne. His eyes were searching for comfort and the only person who could give him that was standing behind him, observing in silence.

The sound of music suddenly changed into a bewitching beat as men wearing hideous masks started to perform a sword dance. The people's attention were drawn in the middle of the hall as the men performed stunts with sword and even fire.

Everyone was captivated but not Taehyung who only had his eyes on Jungkook. He's staring at those raven eyes for the first time that day.

The uneasy feeling that boggled him from the unwanted eyes on the throne was suddenly replaced by serenity that he could see in those raven eyes.

And just like that, Taehyung smiled.

Jungkook is his comfort, no doubt.

As the two of them created a bubble of their own world, someone just had to ruin it and bring them back to reality as Taehyung saw a woman stood next to where he was sitting. 

She bowed her head a little and amid the deafening sound of festivity, Taehyung heard her words clearly.

His wild eyes immediately darted on the throne and once again the uneasiness that he tried to suppress resurged as he locked eyes with the King.

---------

The cold breeze that touched Taehyung's skin made him shiver as he stood in front of the river.

He noticed how the moon's light was reflected on the water as the stars glimmer along with it.

He doesn't want to be there and wait, but there's nothing he could do.

The King's words are law and should never be questioned.

The silence of the night was broken by footsteps going towards his direction.

This sound alone made Taehyung lower his head, heart beating in frantic.

"Have you been waiting for a long time?"

These words made Taehyung turn around, eyes wide as he finally had a chance to clearly look at the man from a distance.

His lips quivered in both fear and uncertainty as he immediately bowed his head.

"Your majesty.." Taehyung greeted, hands trembling as he looked on the ground.

He couldn't bring himself to lift his head, feeling his body go rigid at the presence of the man in front of him.

"It's been a while, Vante." King Min Yoongi stated as he approached him.

Taehyung doesn't know what to respond. He stiffened, seeing the King stand close to him.

"You're so cruel, my love."

Those words didn't register in Taehyung's mind.

The next thing he knew was the warmth that enveloped him from being embraced by the King.

"I've been waiting for you, my love. How could you make me worry and wait?" There was a hint of sadness in the King's voice as he cradled him closer.

Taehyung doesn't know what to say. He didn't expect any of this.

He's being embraced by the King and yet....

"I had given you time on your own because you pleaded before, but it is taking longer than what we had agreed on." King Min Yoongi said, hand carefully caressing Taehyung's back.

"As soon as you have fully recovered, I'll have you occupy the chamber intended for you in the Palace." The King added firmly.

Taehyung doesn't understand anything. His mind was in chaos and his heart ached like he was being stabbed by tons of needles, piercing oh so slowly, making him feel every pain.

He's being embraced by the King... but why does his heart call for someone else?

"I will not allow you to avoid me anymore, my love." King Min whispered, reaching out for Taehyung's face.

His hand caressed him, slowly cupping the side of his face as he stared at him with tender eyes, far from the cold facade he had in front of everyone in the festivity earlier.

"Hurry and come to me, my love." King Min said, smiling.

He pulled him closer once more in an embrace, letting his head settle on the crevice of his neck.

Taehyung wanted to get away but couldn't, thinking of the possible consequences of his actions.

He lifted his head and was halted when his eyes landed on the man standing near the riverside.

Taehyung could see how those raven eyes pierced through him which brought indescribable emotions in his heart.

Jungkook..

Taehyung wanted to call his name, run to him and be embraced by no one but him.

However, his feet won't move and his voice won't come out like a man trapped in a cage not visible to the eye.

He wanted to cry but no tears come out of his lonely eyes.

Taehyung forcefully closed his eyes, not wanting to meet Jungkook's own in an attempt to escape the reality he's in.

He began to fool himself, imagining that the man holding him is the ravenette and not someone else.

From the distance that seemed to grow even wider every passing moment, Jungkook could only watch in silence.

He couldn't tear his gaze away, not even for a short while though the sight he's witnessing only trampled his heart.

Jungkook just watched in silence, like how a knight should.

He just watched as his love was being held by someone else.

Someone who's not him.... and will never be him.

---------

Love you 💜