Do Not Be Kind - PDF Flipbook
.
211 Views
19 Downloads
PDF 1,751,987 Bytes
Do Not Be Kind by imsojimiful
Chapter 1: Flutter For Me, Little Bird He smelled of peaches and powder. And he smelled of heavy flowers. A musk so strong that everyone around felt weak in their knees. He was big and tall and gorgeous, but Jimin kept himself strong and sturdy as he performed there in the streets of his home town. He lived on the edge of the sea, a small trading city. Peaches were the main crop, and Jimin always had lots in his kitchen or anywhere in his home really. Jimin's alpha mother was a ship builder, and he danced the streets to earn extra money. His family wasn't poor, but they weren't wealthy either. One economic down-trod away from poverty, but luckily, the economy was doing well, not that he should know about such a thing as an omega, but Jimin liked to keep track of things like that, especially when they affected him too. Jimin loved to dance. He loved it. He'd learned it from a priestess up in the mountains that surrounded the beautiful beach city. There was a royal ship anchored in the bay. Jimin and his best friend, Hyerin, had gone to look at it with excited eyes and clasped hands. He wondered if a prince was waltzing around their town. Hyerin had grabbed his hand and yanked him across the entire city trying to find a prince of some sort. He had to be dressed in fancy clothes, right? Nope. They hadn't found one, so they set up in the market, Jimin dancing as Hyerin played her beautiful flute. Jimin always told her if she could play for the gods they would sing. So Jimin danced for these men, who looked like they'd just come from the sea—as most did. They stood there watching, many of the alphas laughing and calling at him, shoving each other to try and see and get closer to him. Though, the man that most caught Jimin's attention was only standing there, staring at him with those beautiful predatory eyes. He looked like he was going to eat Jimin up once he was alone. The man's musk was wafting into Jimin's nose, making him feel lighter on his toes as he twirled around prettily. The thin fabric following and twirling around him skillfully. Jimin's gaze met this strange man's, just momentarily, but it felt like Jimin's whole body was on fire at that gaze. Jimin couldn't help but pull his lip between his teeth as a smile dared to roll across his lips. He bit down, but moved in rhythm with the flute's tune until his smile was gone, and he was reimbursed into the music. The crowd oohed and ahhed as he finally finished, ending up on his knees. His hands in the air and head fell to his chest. The older of the alphas and omegas standing around to watch clapped with ease, but the other sailors whooped and cheered for him in the most embarrassing way possible. They tossed coins into the dish that he and Hyerin would split at the end of the day, though when it was uneven, Jimin always gave it to Hyerin. Jimin turned a bright shade of red as he stood up and bowed deeply to the crowd that surrounded him and Hyerin. She was excitedly giggling and waving to the younger alphas that were still making a bit of a scene, but Jimin thought it was fun. Even if it did make the elders a bit upset with the noise. Jimin finally stood, he immediately looked up to see the beautiful alpha still peering down at him with a slight, very slight smirk upon his pretty, thin lips. Jimin stiffened, a bashful smile reaching his face as the man continued to peer at him while the other sailors settled down.
Jimin remembered it like it was yesterday. He could still see that alpha's eyes piercing his own when he dreamt. Jimin breathed heavily as he performed almost a year and a half later for a completely different crowd of people. Sure, there were sailors. There were always sailors. He hadn't seen that sailor again, but he wished he had. They all still cheered and smiled and clapped, giving him their extra change and complimenting him. Of course, there were still those who tried hard to push their way into Jimin's chambers or into his pants. Jimin always knew how to push them away without angering them. Hyerin was better, at least. Jimin thanked and giggled as they complimented him. A few of the onlookers had their eyes on him for slightly too long, their faces too serious for Jimin's liking. Though Hyerin quickly pulled him from his suspicions, gazes and thoughts with tug. "Jiminie, look." She held up the dish to Jimin with an excited smile. "We made so much today. You were amazing!" She exclaimed, bright as always. Her radiant black hair was always so pretty. Jimin gathered his small, fabric props and turned to Hyerin, who was holding up the money they'd managed to make for their work. He smiled. "Your flute was their favorite, I think." He chuckled, watching her count the money. She scoffed, staring up at him with a playful glare. "I'm sure my flute was a nice sound, but, Jiminie, you move so pretty." She peered back down, but then her head shot back up once more. "And you smell pretty, too." Jimin gave her a hiss, and she hummed, proud. "Like the peaches from the West Mountains." She held out a handful of won for him. Of course that's what he smelled like, as a child, he used to help pick them with his parents. Jimin took his share of the money they'd earned. He then hooked his arm into Hyerin, keeping close. The city wasn't a dangerous place, but it was better than walking alone. Jimin enjoyed her company. She was one of his only good friends. They did almost everything together. The two wandered the marketplace, Hyerin giving into herself and buying a few pretty trinkets that had caught her eye. Jimin, though, kept it locked away in his pocket. It was fisted in his palm still, careful of the pickpockets that roamed the cities, stealing from anyone they could with quick, sly fingers. It had happened once to Jimin, so he was much more careful than before. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make Jimin a bit upset.
It didn't take long before the two headed home. Jimin didn't want Hyerin to spend all of her money so soon. Jimin stopped by Hyerin's smaller home that was further inside the city than Jimin's. He hugged his friend tight, and she rubbed his arm with a big smile. "I'll see you tomorrow?" She hummed, and Jimin nodded. He chuckled softly. "Of course." He answered, and Hyerin gave an enthusiastic cheer of joy. She knew the two did that everyday, yet she was always so excited to hear him agree. "Be safe, I'll see you tomorrow." She said while retreating into the safety of her home, giving Jimin little waves here and there as she stepped back. Jimin, of course, waved back with a giggle before making his own way home, being careful to avoid small alleys and the more uncrowded parts of town. Jimin remained in the streets where people were walking around and doing their business with ease. Jimin waved to those he knew, and they gave him giddy waves back and cute smiles. Children ran around with sticks, playing and hitting each other until someone started crying from unfairness. The older couples were taking their little walks around town, and in hand, probably remembering their mating ceremony like it was yesterday. Jimin could barely wait for his own mating ceremony. He couldn't wait to meet an alpha and fall in love, and have pups with them. Jimin giggled at the mere thought of not spending heats alone. He slid the door to his home open, "I'm home." He smiled brightly, placing the coins into a tin can that kept their spending money. He then kicked his shoes off and carefully stepped towards the kitchen. He heard some rustling and the tea kettle was steaming too. "We're in the kitchen, dear." He heard his father say with a shaky voice. He sounded nervous, but Jimin wasn't sure why he would be. Has something happened? Jimin quickly stepped into the kitchen, placing his small dancing trinkets onto the smaller tables placed around their small kitchen. He peered up to see his omega father and about three men sitting at their table. Jimin inhaled sharply. Oh God. He gave his father a questioning gaze, as his mother, the alpha of the family, sat with the four men, a large, large smile ripped across her face. She seemed much less worried than Jimin's father, but it didn't soothe him much. Jimin quickly bowed to the men, who looked very stern. They were dressed in fancy clothing and looked very wealthy compared to the tattered appearance of their homes. He made sure he was as polite as possible. Was he in trouble? The men gave him a curt nod as he stood back up and Jimin smiled as best he could with rot settling into his stomach's pit. "Jimin-ah, you're home!" His mother belted out with an excited cry, gesturing him closer with a wave of his hand. Jimin placed his hands in front of himself, stepping forward with a nervous, tight expression on his face. The men just stared at him with thin, judging eyes, as if they were checking him and comparing him. Jimin swallowed thickly, trying hard to keep eye contact with his father instead of these alphas who stared at him. "These men would like you to go with them to the palace." His mother gasped out, excitement and pride rolling through her body. One of the men gave a little glance to Jimin's mother before turning back to him, locking eyes with Jimin. "We would like you to work in the palace." The man hummed, much more at ease than his excited mother. Jimin glanced at his father, who didn't look very excited. Confused, Jimin turned back to the man. "I'm sorry, what?" He asked, unsure of what the hell was going on. The larger of the alphas set the tea cup down, smiling brightly. He looked like a rich man, a man who was given everything he wanted from a young age. He looked spoiled. "We saw you dancing—in the market—your skills are extraordinary." He complimented, and Jimin's ears began turning a bright red. His head fell to the ground in embarrassment, but he couldn't help but smile at the compliment. His father stiffened slightly at his side while his mother gave him a look of approval. "Thank you.." He muttered softly, and the alpha smiled just a bit brighter at the sight. Jimin didn't think it looked the least bit forced. The other, who was a bit quieter nodded, moving his tea cup in a swirl. He glanced up at Jimin for a moment, but otherwise kept his eyes on the cup in his hands. "We would like to offer you a position in the palace—dancing of course." He said, and his mother's face lit up in excitement. "That's a wonderful idea, Meonji." A nickname his mother and father had given him as a baby. Dust, it meant. Jimin grew shy at the nickname, and peered at his father, who looked nervous. Seeing his discomfort, Jimin's own discomfort grew. His mother was silly, always getting herself into troublesome deals after believing too much. She was naive to the world most omegas lived in. Any alpha was really. They just didn't understand the threats that faced the omega population. From rape to abuse to murder, omegas had to deal with all of it. A sad reality that faced a 'weaker race' as the alphas called it. Jimin's father, his omega father, had taught him that at an early age. He'd drilled it into his head really. Not a second went by that Jimin didn't think about the threats facing him. The real world was cruel. "I—"
Upon seeing Jimin's worried expression, the smaller of the alphas looked up to him, keeping eye contact with a rough gaze. "You'll be paid very well, treated well, too. We'll make sure of that." He smiled softly, forced. The other, much less forced, nodded. "Yes, you'll live in the palace, and entertain Her Majesty, The Empress, with your dancing." He explained, and Jimin thought that sounded absolutely horrifying. Jimin bit his lip gently. It's not like it was even up to Jimin, though. They men turned to Jimin's mother, the alpha. They waited on her answer, and she stood up, nodding her head. "Absolutely. Jimin will accept your offer." She said, and Jimin's heart sagged slightly in his chest. A part of him wanted badly to go, but the other half was frightened to go. He was scared it would be some kind of trap. He was scared. Jimin's eyes flickered onto his father, who had turned a pale, pale color. The color was still draining his face as well. Jimin's mother didn't really care though. She was excited for her son to perform for The Empress. Did that not terrify her at all? Jimin swallowed, and the men looked back to him, pleased with the outcome of their visit. The larger one gave him a pretty smile, "wonderful." He chuckled, hands clasping together. The other stood as well, leaving his tea cup there on the table. "You'll have until tomorrow morning to pack your things. We'll be leaving before the afternoon sun." He explained, face looking rather flat and scent radiating a demand more so than an offer. Jimin felt a bit intimidated, but he managed to nod his head timidly. The men both bowed before leaving their house. Jimin's mother followed them, thanking them profusely for seeing Jimin's talent and accepting him into the palace. The men turned to the woman, offering her a small bag of coins. They said it was ‘for her cooperation.' Jimin's father, on the other hand, looked weak. He moved to the table, starting to clean the tea cups from the table, sweat beading on his forehead. Jimin moved quickly to help him. "You look upset?" Jimin whispered while his mother continued to speak to the other alphas at the door. His father's gaze fell onto him, his hands dropped the cup onto the counter with a hesitant bit of his lip. He stared at Jimin, who inhaled sharply. "Meonji.." He whispered softly, hand coming up to cup Jimin's cheek. Jimin leaned into his touch. ".. Hanseong—it's so far. I'll be without you." Jimin smiled, hand coming up to hold his father's on his cheek. "I'll write to you. I promise." He chuckled, but Jimin's father just shook his head. "I won't be there to protect you." He said, and Jimin felt a knot tighten in his stomach. It was a bad feeling. It felt like something bad was going to happen, but he didn't really have a choice, did he? Jimin glanced at his mother, who closed the door with an excited whoop. Jimin's father took his hands away with a sigh, obviously very angry at Jimin's mother. Jimin stayed close to his father for the rest of the night, keeping his worries soothed with his peachy scent all around. He helped Jimin pack his belongings, mostly clothes. His father placed a quill and parchment into his bag as well. No ink, for fear of it spilling on all of his things—ruining it all. Jimin's mother gave him a good amount of spending money, forced by his father. He also told Jimin to keep what he earned that day. Jimin traveled to Hyerin's home, his mother accompanying him in the late hours to keep him safe. Her alpha father opened the door, greeting them with a big smile. "Park, what brings you here?" He hummed, staring at Jimin's mother because she was the alpha. "A bit late, isn't it?" "Yes, we apologize for the timing, but Jimin would like to see Hyerin." She explained, and Jimin gave the alpha a bow. He nodded, stepping back into his home and calling for his daughter with a huff. It didn't take long for Hyerin to step down the stairs with an excited smile. She kissed her father's cheek before inhaling at the sight of Jimin at her door. "Jimin-ah?" She hummed, confused. Her brows were pinched tight. "What are you doing here?" Jimin smiled softly, and while Jimin and Hyerin stepped inside to talk, Jimin and Yerin's parents spoke. He pulled Hyerin into a smaller area of her home, and smiled sadly at him. "What's the matter?" "I'm going to Hanseong." -
Chapter 2: A New Place to Call Home He looked out upon a city he knew too well. A gorgeous city that he grew up in. The water shimmered and the market sellers began to set up their stands for the day. The peach trees sway in the morning breeze. The sailors were pulling the ropes of the mast. Jimin didn't know what he was doing in that very large carriage. The other alphas sat far from him, his scent intoxicating. So intoxicating, two of the alphas placed handkerchiefs over their mouths and noses to mask the strength of his scent. It all just felt like a dream to Jimin, but he wasn't sure if it was a nightmare or not. He didn't know if he should be scared or not. What if these men—these alphas—hurt him? What if they lied? Jimin shook his head, keeping his eyes planted on the beautiful village he called home below. It took his mind off of the terror. Well, it didn't really, but Jimin was trying his best not to feel terrified. The younger turned towards the men, who were all trying hard to keep calm with Jimin's peachy pheromones snogging up the carriage cabin. "Uhm—" Jimin began, and they all peered towards him. "I—May I ask something?" Jimin squeaked like a mouse, frightened. The largest alpha chuckled softly. "You are not a prisoner, omega. Ask." Jimin stiffened and nodded slowly. He scooted himself forward, fingers fisting the comfortable cloth seat to keep from trembling. "How long might the journey be?" He hummed, trying hard to smile, but he was sad to leave his home and his family. His omega father would be giving birth soon, and he'd wanted to meet his baby sibling. The others didn't speak, just held their handkerchiefs over their faces and rolled their eyes softly. The largest spoke again. He seemed to be the only kind one of the group. "Well, it will most likely take about a fortnight, maybe two, I assume." He explained with a gentle hum of thought. "So we might as well get to know each other." He said, hands clasping together with a laugh. Jimin stiffened slightly as the man smiled brightly. "My name is Jeon Jeongguk, son of Lord Jeon Jaehwa." He said with a big smile and sitting bow. Jimin knew he was looking for laughter or at least a smile, but the omega just could not offer it. He was uncomfortable. He was scared. The last thing he was going to do was giggle at this man's introduction. Upon seeing Jimin's unsure expression, the man cleared his throat and turned to the other alphas that were eyeing Jimin closely. Their eyes thin and mouths covered with handkerchiefs. The alpha—Jeongguk—gave them a glare. One of the alphas furthest from Jeongguk pulled the cloth from his nose and scowled at Jimin. "Can't you cover up your neck?" He snapped, Jimin's scent probably making them a bit feral. "Your scent is intoxicating." He hissed, and Jimin stiffened. He brought a hand up, subconsciously sliding it over his neck with a rigid expression. "I-I'm sorry. Even collars don't work on my pheromones, sir." He said in a rather small voice. "I'm afraid it would be rather useless..." his neck was already covered up by his robes. The scent glands were nowhere to be found. Jimin had to dig under his clothes to get to it. Jeongguk leaned back with a smile. "I think it smells rather nice. Better than the lot of you alphas." He murmured, and the men all glared at him with growls. He and Jimin were obviously the youngest in the carriage. The youngest of the others was probably about forty five. Jimin was only twenty, ripe for mating, and more than eligible. In fact, he couldn't wait to be mated, to find the alpha that made his gut tingle and his scent glands erupt. He wanted to see his mother and father's face when he walked down that aisle and gave himself to an alpha that he loved. He especially couldn't wait to spend his heat with an alpha that loved him as well. Jeongguk laughed, a bit too comfortable for Jimin's taste. He turned to the alpha next to him. His hair is completely gray and eyes a sharp, deep brown color. He still had his handkerchief over his lips as well. "This is Lord Go Haewon." Jeongguk's thumb then pointed to the alpha on the other side of him. "His younger brother, Lord Go Heechul." Jimin looked to the last man, the eldest man on the other side of Lord Haewon. "That's Minister Han Chinese." He hummed, and the eldest thinned his eyes on Jimin with an intimidating aura. "Lord Chinmae is Head of the State Council. Lord Haewon is the Minister of Commerce. His younger brother is the Minister of Tradition." He explained with a little roll of his eyes. Jimin nodded along. "And you?" He hummed, and Jeongguk smiled gently. "I'm just a court member." He laughed. "Just His Royal Highness' best friend, nothing special." "The Empress?" Jimin whispered, dumbfounded. Jeongguk slapped the seats of the carriage, immediately shaking his head. "Of course not." He smiled, but the others didn't seem as enthusiastic as Jeongguk was. They might even look offended. Jimin grew stiff in his seat. "'Your Majesty' would be the Empress and her consort. 'Your Royal Highness' would be the Princes and Princesses." He explained, and Jimin's cheeks grew hot and red. He tensed, shying into himself in embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I-I didn't realize—" Jeongguk laughed again, much softer this time. His laughter fell into a pretty, bunny smile, and Jimin stared at him for a moment. "It's absolutely alright." He hummed. "The palace needs someone like you inside of it, to liven it up." The others gave him a rather stark, annoyed expression, and Jeongguk just shrugged. "What? It is quite cold and desolate, is it not? A little boring." Jimin giggled softly, subconsciously at the Lord's facial expressions. Jeongguk physically brightened at the sight of Jimin's laughter. The omega quickly stopped though, feeling it would offend the other three lords terribly. He was only a peasant. They could really hurt him and his family if he offended the wrong people.
"It looks like this ride might not be so dull after all." Jeongguk said with a smirk and raised his brow. Jimin stared at him sheepishly, unsure of what he meant by that. Jimin was quite sure that this trip would be the opposite if amusing. Especially with these alphas that refused to let his scent infiltrate their noses. It was like he had some kind of disease, but Jimin left it alone and sat back against the carriage seat, just looking out the window. His home was gone, had faded out of view long ago, and it was merely countryside now. The ocean could still be seen in the distance, and Jimin kept his eye on it until that too, disappeared. Though, he did fall asleep before the reflection of the sun could fade completely from his sight.
Jimin woke up in between the hours as the carriage stopped to let the alphas have a break from his "strenuous stench" Lord Go Haewon has said, but Jeongguk sniggered, whispering to Jimin that the old fool must've been insane to not like Jimin's scent. Jimin occasionally took the rest stops to climb out of the carriage and see the light of day as well as visit small taverns that sat in between the farmlands and the steep mountains. Jimin had never been so far from home, but he was slowly starting to come out of his fever dream and realize that this was all very real. Jeongguk would occasionally keep him company and tell him little jokes. He did not once try any sly alpha moves as Jimin had expected before. He was kind and courteous, offering Jimin helping hands when entering and exiting the carriage. Jimin helped the stable hands and footmen not give the horses water and pat them down when they grew tired. He'd always enjoyed animals and horses especially. He knew how to ride and many things about horses from their meals to their mating routines. His mother had taught him when he was small. They took multiple stops, letting the horses rest and the Lords use the restroom and eat food. When day turned to night, the carriage did not stop, so Jimin didn't sleep very well. The others did, they were probably used to the constant jolting and moving. Jimin was not, though. At one point, Jeongguk had woken and given Jimin a little pat on the knee, telling him they would make a much longer stop in Dalgubeol, where he could get a good night's rest before starting the real trek to Hanseong. It was at least a fortnight away with all of the stops and rests they took. Jimin guessed it would take merely three days if they moved non stop, but— of course—the horses need their rest too. They arrived at Dalgubeol in the late afternoon, and Jimin was exhausted. His eyes were lulling from half asleep to wide awake for hours on end until the carriage finally came to a stop. The horses huffed and sputtered softly outside. The eldest, Lord Chinmae, was the first to get up and climb out of the cabin, giving Jimin a side stare. The omega waited until everyone else was out of the carriage before stepping out himself. Tired and with legs half asleep, Jimin's feet slipped on the slick carriage step. He squealed, but Jeongguk was able to wrap his arms around the omega's hips tightly before he could fall and hurt himself. Jimin's face turned a bright pink as he loosened his grip around Jeongguk's neck. The younger alpha placed him down on the ground, hands still hooked around Jimin's hips. The others watched with growls, but Jeongguk was quick to let him go with a sheepish chuckle. "T-Thank you.." Jimin whispered, stepping away from Jeongguk with a fearful frown. He glanced at the other alphas, who gazed at him with disgust on their brows. Jimin wrapped his arms around himself and kept close to the carriage. Jeongguk came close to him, and Jimin shied away. "Are you okay?" He asked, voice small. He seemed to have lost the confidence he had before. Jimin just nodded. "Yes. I'm fine. Thank you." He muttered, a bit more uptight than before. Jeongguk rubbed his nape. "I would like you to meet someone." He hummed, and Jimin furrowed his brows. He looked excited, his lips pursing as he took Jimin's hands ever so gently. The larger alpha led Jimin towards the palace that sat above the rest of the city. It was large and pretty with cherry blossom trees scattered all over as well as the prettiest purple wisteria blooming for a second time right before the winter came. Jimin just followed until he saw a person running into view. He held up his hanbok robes, but stopped short at the sight of Jeongguk and Jimin standing there. Jimin stiffened, but Jeongguk tore his hand from Jimin to run towards the smaller man that stood there, tears welling up in his pretty, cat-like eyes. He was gorgeous, and Jimin's heart wrenched at the sight of such a pretty pair. "Yoongi!" Jeongguk gasped out, his arms going to wrap around the man's waist, lifting him into the air with a delicate laughter. The omega named Yoongi laughed as well, arms strung across Jeongguk's shoulders, holding him tightly until he was placed onto the ground once more. Their laughter was harmonized, and Jimin watched from afar with a quiet smile. He didn't want to disturb this beautiful reunion. So he remained back at the entrance to the palace, or he supposed it was more of a large estate. Jimin didn't really know. It was too large and grand to be a regular home. After a moment of whispers, Jeongguk turned back to Jimin, gesturing him nearer. Yoongi looked at him with big, curious eyes. "Come here, Jimin." And his words had Jimin's legs moving on their own, stepping towards the two men with a shy smile on his face.
When he grew closer, he could smell Yoongi. The omega was like a breath of fresh air in a lonely woods. When he grew closer, he realized just how beautiful this omega was. His thin face was heart shaped, with a sharp chin and full, rosy cheeks. His hair was a honey brown, and looked so very pretty in the gleam of the sun above them. He was gorgeous, truly a perfect fit for Jeongguk, a handsome alpha. Though, Jimin couldn't say that he wasn't jealous of this love that they harbored. Jimin bowed deeply to the pretty omega, waiting for a Jeongguk to introduce him. The alpha did just that: "Yoongi-hyung, this is omega Park Jimin. He is to be a dancer in The Palace." Jeongguk said, and Jimin raised his head, smiling at the omega brightly, excitedly. Jeongguk then turned to Jimin with a smile. "Jimin-ssi, this my future mate, omega Min Yoongi." Yoongi bowed to the younger, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Pleased to meet you, Jimin-ah." He hummed, his voice deep and hands locking together in front of him. Jeongguk chuckled softly, turning to where the ministers were entering the courtyard of the large home as well. On seeing Yoongi standing there, they bowed softly. "My Lord, thank you for welcoming us into your home on our long journey." Chinmae hummed, a pair of eyes locked on Jimin for a moment, like he was going to run away or something odd. Yoongi shook his head. "I'm just happy you're here. I will be returning with you, after all." He said, wrapping a hand around Jeongguk's hand. The younger's cheeks turned a pleasant red color. Jimin giggled softly at sight. Chinmae smiled, but it faded quickly when he turned to Jimin. "Omega." Haewon said, an urgent voice snapping Jimin's eyes onto him in surprise. He'd never had anyone refer to him so rudely. What had he done to offend this Lord Haewon? They'd only just met. Jimin's smile fell almost immediately and he swallowed thickly. "Yessir?" He whispered, a bit afraid of the man. Haewon's eyes tightened on the younger omega. "You will—" "Jimin-ah will stay with me." Yoongi said, suddenly hooking his arm around Jimin's and pulling the smaller one closer to him. "I still need help packing and my handmaid is in heat." At the very mention of the word 'heat,' Jimin seized up. He looked to Yoongi, who stood firm. His face looked very stern and serious, like he wouldn't take no for an answer from the larger alpha. Jimin felt so safe in Yoongi's arms, and the elder sent him a gentle smile as Haewon scoffed, turning away and stalking into the home with furious feet. Yoongi scoffed in the man's direction, finally unhooking his arm from Jimin's. "Gods, that man is such an arse." He spat, a deep voice growling. Jeongguk chuckled by his side, hand sliding down to the small of his future mate's back. Jimin turned to the elder omega and bowed. "Thank you." Jimin said immediately. Yoongi chuckled softly, placing a hand on Jimin's shoulder to bring him back up from his deep bow. "I'll do anything to make that man upset." He said, glaring in the alpha's general direction. Jeongguk laughed. "Alright, alright. Can you get Jimin situated?" Jeongguk hummed, placing his face against Yoongi's neck and inhaling. Yoongi's face turned a bright red, and he embraced the skinship for a short while before pushing Jeongguk off of him with a growl. "Yes—Yes, I'll get him a room and a bath ready as well." He sighed, hand gripping Jimin's hand tightly. The elder turned to Jimin, but watched as Jeongguk slowly slipped away from them. "Stay close, the grounds are huge, and I don't want you finding yourself in the wrong chambers." Yoongi said with a little hiss. Jimin just nodded following Yoongi as he dragged him through the twists and turns of the corridors. There were rooms everywhere and they all looked so similar. Jimin swallowed and watched as they all flew by. Servants were wandering around, some carrying sheets, others carrying tableware. Yoongi then slipped towards a courtyard that sat at the center of the home. One hall down from the courtyard, Yoongi slipped into the first bedroom of the corridor. There was already a handmaid standing inside, smoothing the sheets out. "This will be your room." Yoongi then turned to the young girl. "Will you please prepare a bath for him—a warm one?" He said, and the girl immediately bowed and did as she was told. Jimin wasn't exactly used to such mannerisms. Bossing people around, telling them what to do, but he supposed that wasn't his job anyways. He remained quiet, watching as an alpha servant stepped inside, slipping Jimin's bag of luggage onto the floor by the door before quickly leaving. He didn't even say a word, just bowed and left. Yoongi wasn't even fazed but the movement or the bowing or the words. He'd lived with it his entire life, of course he didn't notice it. But Jimin. Jimin noticed it. He couldn't really help but notice it. His attention swerved from Yoongi to these people and their movements as they slipped in and out. He knew Yoongi was talking to him, but he just couldn't focus on that right now. Yoongi gently placed a hand on Jimin's arm. The younger's gaze snapped towards him. "I-I'm sorry, I—" Yoongi just gave a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Let's talk in the courtyard while they prepare your bath." He hummed, holding the door open for Jimin, who quickly slipped through. Yoongi then pointed down the hall to the second room. "That's my room, if you need anything at all." He hummed, and Jimin couldn't help but feel he was so kind. It wasn't what Jimin
expected, what with Heechul and Haewon glaring at him constantly. Yoongi and his home was a nice change of pace from the dark carriage inside. They went back down one corridor and there it was, the courtyard. It was very lovely, filled with all sorts of plants from large oak trees to little rose bushes that were being coaxed into growing stronger still. There were flowers and birds chirping. A little fountain sat in the center, a tiger roaring on top. It was the sigil of the country, a tiger. A big beast that signified strength and power. A symbol of the body. He and Yoongi spoke for a long time, and it really calmed his nerves. He hoped it was true that Yoongi was going to Hanseong with them. That would truly put him at ease, to know he would have another kind omega by his side to keep him sane and safe from the alphas' grip. Jimin shivered at the thought, his arm hooked in Yoongi's still. The elder was talking about how he and Jeongguk had met in the palace. Yoongi turned to Jimin though at feeling him shiver. "What's the matter? Are you cold?" He hummed with a furrowed brow. Jimin shook his head. It will be getting cold soon, though. What with the seasons changing so quickly. It would soon be November and then December. The trees had already lost half of their leaves and the flowers were beginning to wilt in the cold night's air. "You're going to Hanseong with us, correct?" Jimin asked, tongue slipping on his own words slightly. Yoongi nodded, eyes locked on Jimin's face full of worry. Jimin bit his lip. "I'm a bit scared to go there." He finally admitted. Yoongi's face shifted slightly, but a smile filled his facial features up with light. "Don't be frightened." He said, brushing back Jimin's light coloured bangs from his face. "You're to be a dancer, and you'll be absolutely wonderful." Yoongi chuckled softly. "He'll love you." Jimin stiffened. "He?" Yoongi nodded, excitement rising in his chest quickly. "Yes—Oh!" He inhaled. "Your bath is probably getting cold, we should return so you can relax." He said, pulling Jimin back towards the building, but Jimin was still wondering what he meant by 'he.' Who was he? -
Chapter 3: A Fear of New Things Jimin went through the rest of their short stay in Dalgubeol without even thinking of anything except for who Yoongi could’ve meant by ‘ he ’. Who the hell was he? He went through dinner and went to sleep and even dreamed of who Yoongi was talking about. It was taunting him, and Jimin really couldn’t figure out who Yoongi spoke of. He couldn’t even pay attention to their long trip through the beautiful countryside because he was just thinking . Not even Yoongi’s little conversations or he and Jeongguk’s playful moments and arguments could force him out of his thoughts. He just stared at his palms and in his lap. That was until a hand of slim fingers rested upon his knee. Jimin inhaled sharply, eyes snapping up to see Yoongi looking down at him with a pair of worried eyes. “Jimin-ah?” He hummed, a bit concerned at the look in Jimin’s eyes. He was just so distracted. He looked pale, like he’d seen a ghost or maybe gone into sleep paralysis. Jimin snapped out of his daze. He peered up to Yoongi, who was standing. The carriage was empty, only Yoongi left standing above him. “I—Yes?” Jimin smiled softly, but his brows furrowed when he saw no one in the carriage. Was it stopped, too? Had he really spent almost two days thinking? Yoongi glanced towards the doors to the carriage, and Jimin looked as well. There was a pavement below the carriage, and it just didn’t look similar to all of their other pit stops. He could hear Jeongguk sitting outside, conversing with someone outside of the carriage. Yoongi chuckled softly, holding his hand for a little moment. “We—Uhm—We’re here. In Hanseong.” He said, and Jimin inhaled sharply, body stiffening upright. He stared out the window and could see the walls that stretched around a palace, he could see the vibrant reds and greens of the palace roof. There were lanterns hanging from the tops of an intricate design that dropped from the columns. It was huge. It was gorgeous. Jimin gaped, his body shaking inside of the carriage. He didn’t want to get out—probably couldn’t even move if he wanted to. “Where is he?” A voice barked with a growl, head peeking into the carriage once more where Jimin was frozen. “What the hell is he doing in there?” He hissed, and once his nose was stuck inside, he gasped backwards at Jimin’s strong scent in the cabin. “Well, come on, omega.” He demanded, hand over his lips and nose to block the scent. Jimin wanted so badly to shake his head. He wanted so badly to tell them to bring him back home. Jimin exhaled a shaky, shaky breath, finally letting himself stand up and step out after Yoongi, holding Heechul’s hand gently for support. He quickly pulled it away though, subconsciously stepping towards Yoongi, who smiled at him. Jimin just gaped at the palace that was standing behind him. It was huge and that wasn’t even the whole of it. There were other sections off to the side and courtyards too, all over. It was gorgeous, and Jimin couldn’t quite believe he would live there. “ Here , omega. Come here.” Heechul demanded again, and Jimin furrowed his brows tightly. He glanced at Yoongi, who gave him a little sigh and cross expression. Jimin did as he was told, stepping towards Heechul, who had a handmaid by his side. Heechul looked at the omega handmaid with a wide frown. “Take him to his quarters and get him set up. I’ll be down with the others to talk for a moment later.” He demanded, and the woman nodded immediately. She bowed. “Very good, sir.” She hummed, turning to Jimin, who stiffened slightly at seeing her smile at him. “My Lord—“ “Not ‘My Lord’ .” Haewon blurted out, and the young handmaid blushed at her mistake. “I’m sorry, My Lord.” She turned back to Jimin. “This way.” She simply said before departing from the rest of the men standing there. Their own servants come to grab their things. The handmaid held Jimin’s bag that had been placed on the ground, and Jimin immediately shuffled closer to her. “I-I can take that. You don’t have to carry it for me.” Jimin smiled. “I work here, too.” He smiled, hoping to find a friend in this kind looking young omega. She turned to him with a great big smile, nodding her head softly. She handed the bag of his things back to him, and Jimin took it with a ginger smile. She thanked him in a light voice. “I’m Go Sunmi.” She introduced herself with a little bow. “You’re to work here? Doing what exactly?” She asked, continuing into a large, but separate building tucked behind a grouping of trees. It was still pretty with lots of decorations. It looked more like a servants quarters though, and Jimin supposed that’s what it was. “Park Jimin,” he gave his name in return, “they said as a dancer.” Jimin said with an excited voice. “A dancer?” Sunmi gave him a surprised glance before turning to a room and sliding the door open. “You must be a very good dancer if you were scouted by the ministers themselves.” She said, only fueling Jimin’s excitement even more. Jimin was bashful at that comment but stepped into a teeny, tiny room. It had one window and a small, twin sized bed. It was plain and ordinary, but what did he expect? He was working there, not living as a guest. He cursed himself for thinking any differently and turned to Sunmi with a big smile. Sunmi returned it, kindly. “This is your room.” She answered, and Jimin nodded, spreading his arms in full excitement. “It’s not much, but—hey—I’m right down the hall if you need anything at all.” She beamed, and Jimin was so happy to get to know her. He was so happy he may already have a friend to lean on in this new chapter of his life. Jimin placed his bag onto the floor and peered to a dresser that was small, but large enough for his limited amount of belongings. He then sat himself on the bed and patted the space next to him for a Sunmi to sit.
She did as he wanted and plopped down next to him. The bed squeaked like a mouse, and Jimin giggled softly. He looked up to the window above them. It was tiny and had bars placed over it. Shaking that off, Jimin turned to the young woman and smiled. “Do you like it here?” He asked her, hoping for a good answer. Sunmi rolled her eyes. “I do, but..” she looked around before whispering into Jimin’s ear, “the nobles can be right pricks, they can be.” She giggled, and Jimin giggled with her softly. He nodded in agreement. “Yes, well, they are noble for a reason.” He hummed, and she inhaled sharply, standing once more. “Right. I’m supposed to help you settle.” She chirped, and Jimin let out a little noise. He nodded and stood. “You don’t have to if you’re busy.” Jimin said, giving her a sheepish grin. Sunmi shook her head. “No, no. I’m supposed to help, then deliver you to the ministers after.” She answered, but it was almost like a robot speaking instead of the sweet girl he’d seen before. Jimin just agreed afterward, and Sunmi helped him in more of a silence than she had before. It was like she flipped a switch or something. The difference almost frightened Jimin, but he held it in with a smile the entire time as they folded his clothes from undergarments to his fancier hanboks. Sunmi complimented a couple, but they were cold and empty sounding. Jimin thanked her regardless. His things were in his trunks and his items were in his wardrobe and inside the drawers. It was a tiny room, much smaller than the one he had at home. It was almost half the size, and dark as well. There were only a few candles scattered around to keep it from being pitch black. There were no windows, and Jimin had noticed no lock on the inside or the outside of the door. That frightened Jimin just a bit. He would have to find a way to lock it, or at least keep it propped shut from intruders. Sunmi turned to him at the door, smiling softly. “Come. The ministers are expecting you very soon.” She said, gesturing towards the door. Jimin looked at a small mirror he’d brought from home. He gazed at himself for a moment, then bit his lip. “Can I not bathe before?” Jimin asked with a small, small voice. Sunmi laughed softly, and bit back a few words of her own. She kept them quiet and just smiled instead. Her pheromones were thick. He knew she was out of her comfort zone, and Jimin could smell every thought that went through her head. She wasn’t very good at hiding it. Her thick applewood scent always lingered where she walked. It wasn’t that it was strong. It was just thick and a bit menacing to the nose. It was so unlike Jimin’s own scent. Jimin’s was comforting, most alphas begged for just a taste of it. Sunmi’s was sharp and made his nose itch with irritation. It was still pleasant, but Jimin found himself shying away at this change in the scent. “I’ll show you to the bathing quarters, then.” Sunmi said, biting back her frustration to smile. Jimin smiled softly, knowing he was probably being a pain in her neck, but he couldn’t see anyone looking like that. He’d ridden in a carriage for days on end. He was dirty, sweaty, and he’d worn those same robes since the beginning of their journey. He was disgusting, honestly. So Jimin followed her, watching which corridors they slipped down and which corners. Even the servants quarters were huge, big enough to get lost inside. So Jimin paid close attention. It was a large wooden door. Inside the door was a closet full of towels. Sunmi grabbed one and passed it Jimin’s way. The younger one took it graciously. He smiled at her as she gave him a sliver of a smile. “I’ll make it as quick as I can.” He giggled, trying to bring up Sunmi’s spirits, but it didn’t seem to work. -
Chapter 4: Dance For Me Jimin followed Sunmi out of the servants quarters. He dressed himself in his favorite light blue hanbok. The sleeves were pink and had beautiful, intricate designs. It was a hanbok he could not afford. He was given it as a courting gift, though he did not take the alpha up on her offer. Jimin still wore it. It would be a waste not to. His breath was lodged in his throat as they came upon a large fabric door. It was painted with a tiger, big and strong. It was the sigil of the royal family. There were statues and paintings of the great beasts everywhere throughout the palace. Jimin wanted to take the time to look at them all, but Sunmi didn't let him. He was afraid he would get lost if he got too far from her. She moved fast too—too fast for Jimin to keep up with. Sunmi knocked on the wooden frame of the doors. There were a few grumbles inside, but the ministers soon answered with a small growl. "Enter." The alpha named Heechul said roughly. Sunmi glanced at Jimin before pulling the door open. She bowed instantly to a table of alphas. It was the same men he'd ridden with—save for Yoongi and Jeongguk. It was at that moment that he realized he missed the two greatly. He wanted to see them again, but he wasn't a lord or a noble. He would probably never see them again. That did make him sad. Jimin bowed gently to the men, and they inhaled sharply at the sight of Jimin. "In." Heechul demanded again, and so Jimin stepped inside, though Sunmi did not join him. She shut the door to this drawing room, and Jimin heard her footsteps recede. Jimin stepped further inside, a gasp riding up in his chest as he saw about five other omegas standing against the wall opposite of the table of nobles, who were drinking wine and chuckling softly. "Good, good." The alphas snickered, staring at Jimin with nasty smiles. Jimin's jaw tightened, and Heechul pointed Jimin towards the other omegas, who looked vaguely skeptical of him. Haewon smirked softly. "You look lovely, omega. Come stand with the others." He said, not nearly as affected by Jimin's scent as they were in the carriage. Jimin felt his scent was much more clear now, since his bath. The vanilla and peach scent was like a cloudy day, always calming everyone down and making their senses feel enlightened. It was like a cleansing smell—intoxicating even. But they stared at him with sharp eyes. Lord Chinmae was especially strict in the slant of his eyes. Jimin quickly stepped towards the other omegas, who looked to be from the city nearby. Their skirts were still ruffled and folded from travels. Their hair was also a bit knotted and messy, but they were still beautiful and looked awfully graceful. Jimin swallowed, wondering if they were to be new dancers as well. Jimin looked at them and they looked at him as if they knew what they were there for—in that room. Jimin had no clue what they were doing there, all lined up like they were being shot. "You omegas know what you were asked here for, do you not?" Chinmae spoke up, voice cold and a low growl. A woman on the end of the line nodded her head softly. "To be dancers for Her Majesty—" "No." Chinmae spat, and the young woman stumbled over her own breath. Jimin did the same, taken aback because that was the reason they were here. She was right, so why did he say no? Jimin's brows furrowed tightly. "But that's what—" their eyes all slipped up to him in shock. "That's what you told my mother and father—and-and me." Jimin said, voice slowly becoming smaller and smaller. The alpha's gazes tightened on him, but they let him speak until he no longer spoke. Chinmae nodded his head, calmly. "You are to serve as a dancer, but you are to also be a gift." The six omegas all grew a bit nervous as they wavered where they stood. What did that mean? A gift? Was he to be some noble man's slave? That's not what he wanted. Not at all. The omegas kept quiet, contemplating this new revelation. One omega, brave and with lots of courage in her stance, stepped forward and bowed deeply to the lords who sat before her. She had a stoic glare, and she looked to be older than the rest of them. Jimin stared at her with big eyes. "Do we have a choice to leave, or will you imprison us here against our wills?" She spat, anger deep within her chest because all of them knew that if these ministers lied it was to hide something. Chinmae stood also, staring down upon this brave omega with a deep frown. She stood her ground firmly. "If you wish to leave here with your honor intact, I suggest you remain here." He hummed, a reddish glint in his eyes. The omega woman's eyes thinned, and she gave him a deep frown. Chinmae continued to speak. "But if you wish to leave... no one is stopping you, omega." The woman huffed, hiking up her skirts. She quickly fled towards the door, pulling it open. Two other omegas followed her closely, leaving Jimin and two nervous omegas behind. Jimin was too afraid to leave. His feet wouldn't move, but also... where could he go? He lived hundreds of miles away. They wouldn't take him home. Jimin's lip quivered softly. Chinese began to address the remaining omegas. "You will perform here and now, and one will be chosen." He said, lifting his arms to them. He pointed to the omega opposite from Jimin. The omega inhaled sharply. "You first." He demanded. The omega girl looked around for a musician or anyone to give her a tempo, but there was no one. "Will there be no... music?" He asked, and Heechul scoffed.
"If you're really a good dancer, you won't need any." The girl bit her lip, but nodded, stepping away from the other two omegas towards the table of alphas. She started, and already, she shook and quaked with fear. The alphas all grumbled to each other, not really paying any attention to the young girl as she danced softly. Jimin found it to be more flapping, but he was sure she was better without the fear of being judged and watched. Once she finished, she frowned but bowed softly, backing herself up into the spot she was before. Her head was bowed, waiting for a response. Haewon huffed, pointing to the other omega beside Jimin. "You next." He said, and just as the omega stepped forward, the doors behind the alphas opened and food was brought to them on silver platters. It steamed and smelled delicious. Jimin swallowed the watering of his mouth. The male omega stepped forward, beginning his dance, and Jimin noticed that he wasn't very good at all. In fact, Jimin wondered if he even danced. The omega was quite pretty, and he smelled of soft flowers that bloomed only in the spring. He wasn't graceful nor gentle in his movements at all. Haewon flapped his hands. "Alright, alright, enough of that." He pointed to Jimin. "Omega. You know." He said, stuffing his face with some white meat and thin soup. Jimin inhaled, trying to soothe his nerves. If he just pretended that he was performing in the market, he would be fine. So Jimin stepped forward with a gentle bow and exhaled. His body began to move slowly, gently to the sound of music in his own head. He brought his hands up and hummed a soft tune to himself. His body moved to it, ignoring the sharp inhales from the alphas and omegas both. He moved in tune with his own music until it was finished. Jimin stopped and bowed, scared that he'd done horribly. Chinmae stood, the others did the same. He stepped around the table and towards the three omegas. "You." He pointed to Heechul. "Escort the others out." He demanded, so Heechul did as he was told until Jimin was the only one in the room with these alphas. Chinmae stood over Jimin, suddenly. His eyes were tight and hands tight by his sides too. "If you are to be a dancer, you must learn the rules of this palace." He huffed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "But that is for Madame Sun to explain. You will be given to him on the night of his birthday. You will perform for him and tend to his every wish forward." Jimin stiffened at the sound of those words. He wondered if that meant every wish. Jimin would have to— "Now, I will call Madame Sun to teach you." He turned around, snapped his fingers, and the handmaids at the back of the room quickly left to his call, doing as he wished. Heechul chuckled behind Chinmae, pleased with the choice Chinmae had made. He stepped towards Jimin, who stood still. Sweat beaded on the back of his neck, and he knew his pheromones were strengthening in nervousness. Haewon was next to stand behind his brother, Heechul, staring down at Jimin. "You need to wear a collar." Chinmae said through much difficulty while inhaling Jimin's scent all together. The room turned when the door opened, revealing a woman draped in dim colors but expensive fabric. She had a thick glare wrapped across her smug expression and a fan to keep her cool in the autumn weather. It was almost winter, so why carry a fan? "So this is the omega you've chosen?" She scoffed, obviously a bit taken aback by him all together. She looked awfully pompous. Was she a noble? He wondered. Her fan swung forward, pulling his chin up suddenly. He inhaled sharply as she looked him up and down with a deep frown. "He's good looking enough. Horrid posture, but a beautiful scent." She said inhaling the air around Jimin. Her eyes thinned once more. "I'm very sure you have no manners at all though." She chuckled, and Jimin couldn't help but feel a bit sour. He'd been taught plenty of manners by his father. He didn't need anymore and he certainly wasn't a complete imbecile like she made him look. The omega woman had less manners in Jimin's eyes. She continued to stare down at him with heavily judging eyes. Her fan came up and slapped against the back of his neck. He made a soft noise of surprise. The woman scolded him with a task. Jimin's eyes fell to the ground as the other three watched closely. She pulled out a rather ugly black collar that had metal clasps all over it. "You must wear a collar until you are correctly mated." She started, and Jimin didn't realize her annoying voice would stop for the next fifteen minutes. He pulled on the collar, clasping it behind his neck. "Now, let us begin. You may not leave the servant's quarters unless accompanied or called upon. You may not speak to anyone outside of servants unless spoken to. You may not enter court. You may not have romance or engage in sex with other servants nor court guests. You may not mate unless it is approved. When addressing royalty other than The Empress, you will bow," she said, grabbing Jimin and bending him over suddenly. Jimin let out a noise but didn't fight back. "You will then address them as 'Your Royal Highness'. You will do the same with The Empress, but address her only as 'Your Majesty'." Jimin thought it would never end. She huffed, bringing Jimin back up as his scent dissipated from the air. Jimin nodded his head with every word she said, a bit annoyed with her because she was so unnecessarily forceful with him. He began to wonder if she was always like this or if it was just him. Jimin swallowed thickly.
"Omega." Chinmae was the next to address him. "You must practice a routine and a music sequence to perform at the name-day ceremony." He said with a sigh. "I will be checking with you periodically before the ceremony." The elder turned to Madam Sun with a soft smile. "Please return this omega to his room after further teaching." He said, but it was much less forceful than he was with everyone else. It was then that Jimin realized that the two were mated. Their scents were mixed and similar to one another. Madame Sun didn't wear a collar either, and when Jimin looked as Madame Sun turned around, he could see a bite mark. It was old and worn. The ceremony must've been long ago, at least seven years old, similar to his own parents' mark. Upon seeing the mark, Jimin wanted his own. Jimin wanted to find love and be scented and marked and loved by an alpha. He wanted so badly to fall in love and mate and have little pups that run around Busan's shores. He wanted that more than anything. Even thinking about it then made his chest flutter with anticipation for that day. -
Chapter 5: Twinkling of Strings There was nothing worse than sitting there, listening to Madame Sun drone endlessly to him about character and manners and right and wrong. There were so many rules and so many little, meaningless trivia that she drove right into Jimin’s head like a nail into wood. Of course, Jimin would soon forget it all again. He tried to retain the things he saw as important and the rules that restricted his freedom to almost nothing. They were somewhere in the back of his mind constantly. Sunmi escorted the young omega back to his lonesome chambers after the Madame was finished with him. Immediately when he was out of her sight, he sagged like a sack of potatoes. Jimin laughed softly, looking at Sunmi with a small smile. “Did you get the same introduction?” He asked. Sunmi shook her head gently, smiling at Jimin with a slight pity on her facial features. Jimin wondered why. “No. I’m afraid I don’t have to serve the Royal family members as you will have to.” She explained, and Jimin supposed that did make quite a bit of sense. He made a little face while Sunmi fiddled with her own, uncomfortable collar. Jimin swallowed. “Do we have to wear these everywhere?” Jimin asked, and Sunmi turned to him briefly. “Yes.” She said immediately. “They’re uncomfortable, but they are necessary.” She continued. “I don’t know about where you come from, but here, in Hanseong, if an omega is without a collar and a mark, they are a whore.” Jimin stiffened immediately, his lungs stopped breathing. For a moment, his legs stopped too, but he quickly moved them once more. That was such a strange custom. Jimin didn’t really know what to say to that, so he just muttered something, smoothing fingers across the uncomfortable metal and leather. “I see..” He whispered, voice too low for even a Sunmi to hear him.
Sunmi dropped him off in his room, leaving him to pull the collar from his neck immediately. There was no way he was going to wear that . It was ugly and itchy and made him upset. He placed the collar onto his bed before squatting to open his trunk of clothes. Jimin pulled out two hanboks that had large rips in them from the journey to the palace. He pulled apart the different layers of the dress from the pretty detailed fabric to the mesh fabric in between the layers. It was lightly coloured, but it was very pretty. Jimin searched the room around him until he found a pair of scissors he’d packed away in case he wanted to make his own clothing. He often did it at home. His father taught him when he was young. Many of the hanboks he wore were of his own making. Jimin began cutting the fabrics of his ripped hanboks into thick ribbons until he had multiple. There was one pink and white mesh that was thicker than most mesh fabric because it sat in between layers. Jimin had another group of fabric ribbons. One was plain silk white, then a deep red silk, and one more that was pink with blue that was brightest at its wrinkles. Jimin smiled at his handiwork before picking up the deep red fabric he’d just cut. He pulled the ribbon around his neck, tying it into a dainty little bow behind him. The strings hung to his middle back, but the bow was placed perfectly over his scent glands. These would act as nice collars for him. Instead of that leather one. Jimin looked at himself in the small mirror and smiled brightly. He looked cute—much cuter than he had wearing that silly collar. Jimin huffed and stood. He was supposed to come up with a dance for this mysterious person’s name-day ceremony. Who was it? He still had no idea. He probably wouldn’t know until the day of the ceremony. Jimin shivered at the thought of it being someone absolutely horrid. He brushed off the nervous feeling before looking around his room. He still had to find something to alert him of the door during the night. He saw a small wooden stool sitting in the corner next to his chamber pot. That could work. Jimin then slipped out of his room. It was time to explore his new home. There were handmaid's stepping around together outside of his room, talking with smiles spread across their faces, carrying something under their arms. Jimin turned the opposite direction. He knew there was a courtyard somewhere inside the servants quarters, but he didn’t know where. He hadn’t seen it on the path to the bath house. He hadn’t seen it on the path to his room either. Did they truly not have a courtyard in their quarters? That seemed cruel. Jimin looked around curiously, the leftover ribbon from his bow fluttering behind him gently as he slipped through the many halls. He found the bath house again and many, many rooms—some had more than three beds inside. He then stood at the entrance to the servants quarters. He knew he wasn’t supposed to leave, but his room was not large enough to dance, let alone choreograph a piece. He didn’t even have music to dance to. Jimin huffed and just sat himself down on the edge of the steps to the servant’s quarters. He pouted, kicking his feet into the stony stairs that sat under him. It was so boring. How could he learn to live with so many restrictions? In Busan, Jimin could climb the tallest mountain all alone if he wished. He could go to the rocky beaches and skip rocks across the slick stones if he wished, but here he couldn’t do anything . “Jimin-ah!” A familiar voice called him.
Jimin’s head shot off his shoulders, looking up to see Jeongguk and Yoongi sitting upon horse’s backs with smiles strung across their faces. Yoongi was waving. A smile drew itself across Jimin’s face as well. He slipped towards the two quickly with a hum. Jeongguk’s eyes twinkled as he peered down at Jimin. “How is the palace treating you? Well?” Yoongi asked behind Jeongguk, while the younger one gently took one of Jimin’s ribbon strings into his palm. “Ribbon? In place of your collar?” He chuckled. “How interesting.” Yoongi gasped with a smile. “That’s so cute, Jimin-ah. How did you come up with something like that?” He asked, touching his own black, satin collar. Jeongguk turned to Yoongi for a moment with a large smile. “It’s genius—much better than those ugly collars.” He hummed, and Yoongi nodded immediately. Jimin smiled, lips opening but “Omega!” Madame Sun suddenly emerged from the palace a few meters away. Her voice was strained and shoes clicked against the ground as she tumbled towards them quickly. Jimin stepped away from Jeongguk and Yoongi, bowing to the woman as fear ignited inside his chest violently. “Madame Sun, I’m sorry I—“ “What are you doing? ” She hissed, grabbing his arm tightly in her fists. She then grabbed the ribbon ends and pulled it up to his face. “And what is this? Where is your collar?” “Madame Sun, I—“ “I called him over.” Jeongguk said, saving Jimin from humiliation and punishment. “And I don’t see a problem with the ribbon. It’s much like a collar, you see.” He explained, winking in Jimin’s direction. Yoongi nodded. “Yes, I wouldn’t be against doing the same thing myself.” Yoongi chuckled softly, and the woman stammered slightly. She bowed to them both deeply. “My Lords, excuse him, this omega is—“ “They’ve already met him, My Lady.” Another familiar voice said, coming towards them. “He rode with us from Dalgubeol.” Chinmae said, loosening Madame Sun’s nerves a bit. “I think the ribbon is suitable, don’t you?” He asked, defending Jimin, thankfully. Jimin was a bit confused by him though. He’d never really spoken directly to the omega ever since they met in Busan. Now he was being kind—well, he was helping Jimin, at least. Why? Jimin’s eyes thinned when he watched from behind as Chinmae turned to the two lords upon their horses. “Heading into the city, My Lords?” He asked, a small smile appearing on his thin lips. Jeongguk nodded. “Yoongi-hyung wanted to buy something from the market before dark. I’m accompanying him.” Jeongguk explained, and Yoongi smiled with a nod. Yoongi learned to look at Jimin with a smile. “Jimin-ah, would you like to join us?” He asked. Jimin’s face brightened immediately, but “No, this omega has lots to work on before the ceremony, you know.” He answered for Jimin with a coy smile. Jimin immediately fell backwards, his head falling to his chest gently. Who was he, a servant, to think he could join two noble lords in their personal time? He was not a guest. He was a servant just like the others. Yoongi made a small face, but Jeongguk covered it up with a smile. “That’s alright. We are both excited to see what you’ve planned, Chinmae-ssi.” He hummed before digging his heels into the horse’s sides. It started moving immediately, Yoongi followed closely. “Goodbye.” Jimin watched as they left the palace gates, and once they were gone, Jimin’s cheek was struck with something very stiff and very painful. When his vision stopped spotting and his shock somewhat subsided, he saw it was the woman’s detailed fan. Her face was dripping with annoyance. “You fool!” She hissed with a fiery tongue. Chinmae clicked his tongue softly in disapproval. “What were you doing ?” She barked. Jimin stammered, taking a nervous step backwards. He was going to be beaten. “I-I-I was looking for someplace to practice.” He blurted, voice quick and worried. “My room is too small and—and I couldn’t find a courtyard in the quarters, so I—“ Jimin’s breath drew as another stinging slap rippled through his other cheek by the fan in the woman’s hand. He immediately quieted with sweat beading on his forehead. “Did you listen to a word I said, you ignorant little twat?” Jimin gasped slightly and flinched when he saw her raise the fan once more, but the stinging pain never came. “Don’t hurt his face.. it’s too pretty.” Chinmae suddenly said, voice no longer the nice melody it was before. He was back to the way he was before. Madame Sun straightened herself out as Chinmae stepped towards Jimin gently. Jimin mirrored his steps backwards. “You need a place to practice, hm?” He asked, and Jimin nodded without words. “Follow me then.”
Jimin didn’t think he could say no, so he glanced at the woman, and she simply glared at him as if he’d embarrassed her. He heard no complaints and followed after the older man with a thickness sitting at the back of his throat. Where would he take him? Jimin followed close behind him as they entered the right branch of the large palace. It was so beautiful inside, just as beautiful as the main body of the palace. He hadn’t been far inside of the main palace, but it was far enough to see many, many artifacts. There were jade statues and opal statues and vases all over. Even the painted ceilings were intricate and so very pretty. There was so much color. Jimin couldn’t help but look around as he followed Chinmayi. “You wanted to use a courtyard, did you not?” Chinmae said suddenly, and Jimin’s eyes snapped to him. He stuttered softly. “Y-Yes, sir.” He watched as Chinmae took a sharp turn, passing through a very large doorway. It led to another set of halls, but these were surrounding a very large courtyard. It was full of pretty trees and vines that were a beautiful glowing purple color. The vines were draped over oak trees and cherry blossom trees that were slowly turning yellows and oranges with the changing seasons. The purple wisteria was blooming for the last time that year. Chinmae led him to the edge of the hall that looked out on the courtyard. It was only a step down. “Here.” “Here?” Jimin repeated, a bit hesitant. Chinmae nodded softly. “Yes, here. This courtyard is large and has lots of room for you to practice in peace.” He explained, and, again, he sounded so kind compared to before. He was about to walk away when Jimin spoke once more. “Sir, what—uhm—what instruments will I have to dance with?” He asked with a shaky voice. Chinmae turned to him with a smile still. “The flute, the kayagum, and the chimes—drums maybe. That is all.” He said, placing his hands behind his back gently. Jimin smiled softly. He could get used to that. It was more instruments than he was used to, but he could work with it. It would be different. Chinmae chuckled at Jimin’s unsure expression. “I will send a musician to you shortly, so begin.” “Alone?” Jimin asked, voice quaking slightly because this part of the palace was foreign and so, so silent. Chinmae curled a brow. “Yes. Alone… until the musician comes at least.” He explained, and that didn’t soothe Jimin’s worries much at all. He scoffed. “I’ll have Sunmi to collect you before supper.” Before Jimin could say another word, Chinmae stalked away, his robes flailing as he stepped away quickly. Jimin looked back into the courtyard, listening for voices, but he heard none. He looked around, placing one hesitant foot down into the courtyard. He heard voices storming down the hallway, sounding awfully excited. Maybe Jeongguk was back, but Jimin wouldn’t wait for that. He rushed into the courtyard, hiding behind one of the larger maple trees. Its leaves at the bottom were a vibrant red and at the top they were almost gone or pale yellow colors. On the ground was an array of all sorts of colors from red to orange to yellow to purple . Jimin’s hands pressed against the tree trunk. He watched as two large men turned the corner of the hall, stepping until they were right in front of Jimin hiding behind the tree. He was out of sight, peeking towards them. “Yes, but, Taehyung, Aecha is nearly two and Hei is five.” A man, an omega, said with a pout upon his lips. He was beautiful, his fabrics even more beautiful than anyone Jimin had ever seen. He had long dark brown hair and pretty pouty lips. His eyes were large, and his skin was so smooth it gleamed in the lanterns. “Yes, I know, hyung.” Jimin’s eyes snapped onto the other man, but where he stood Jimin couldn’t see him at all, only his red fabrics that were silky smooth. These people were obviously very rich. That was obvious, wasn’t it? They lived in the palace, for god's sake. “But Hei is—“ The man suddenly stopped, and Jimin pulled himself behind the tree. He held his breath. Fear ripped through his bones. He was going to be killed. “What?” The other omega said, and Jimin took the chance to move away. He fled further within the courtyard, but squeaked when he collided with someone’s chest. Jimin stumbled away, eyes full of fear. The girl stared down at him, brows furrowed tightly. “You are… Jimin-ssi?” She hummed, her pheromones thick and flaring within Jimin’s nostrils. “The dancer?” She then whispered because Jimin could smell a familiar deep floral scent from a prominent alpha nearby. He’d smelled it before, but from where. It wasn’t this woman’s scent, it was another’s. How did it reach him from so far away? Jimin nodded quickly. “I-I am—the dancer, ma’am.” She must’ve been the musician Chinmae sent to him. Jimin listened to the other’s voices as they slowly moved away from the courtyard, changing the subject of their past conversation to something else. The alpha woman then smiled at Jimin, settling herself on the ground by an opening in the mass greenery. It was a clear spot..so calm and quiet. She bowed her head to Jimin. “My name is Jung Dawon. I’m a musician.”
-
Chapter 6: Play Your Beautiful Music, But Leave Me Be Jimin and Dawon had worked on the music for days on end, and Jimin had come up with a three minute routine that would shock and alarm many. He didn’t think he would ever be able to create such a dance. In the market, it was the same dance day in and day out. This dance was different though. This dance would be the most beautiful dance anyone had ever seen. He would make sure of it. He’d become good friends with Dawon and Sunmi, who would often come to watch him when she could in the courtyard. She clapped for him and enjoyed his dance very, very much. However, Jimin noticed that Sunmi enjoyed Dawon’s music much more than his dancing. The omega was smitten with the alpha musician. Jimin had practiced a month straight—everyday in that courtyard. He enjoyed watching the leaves lose their color and then fall to the ground. They fell while he danced and made him look like a fairy. The purple petals fell too, making him look like an angel just as much as a fairy. It was growing colder and colder as the season changed. Jimin pulled his fabric down, huffing and puffing from the performance he’d just put on for Dawon and Sunmi. The two giggled softly, clapping their hands for him as he settled in the dirt and grass below. He was tired. His feet were bruised, his knees bruised, his palms and elbows bruised as well, but he didn’t care. They would go away soon. Jimin’s muscles were burning every time he breathed. It was from his nonstop dancing. There was nothing more that the body found intolerable. He danced with so much energy now, he knew he would have to use so much more than that on the day of the ceremony. If he didn’t he feared he would be thrown into the streets of the city, forced to be nothing. If he didn’t do his absolute best—if he did not please whoever this mysterious birthday alpha was, he might be killed or worse tortured with the unthinkable. “That was even better than the last time, Jimin. Why don’t you take a break?” Sunmi said, her clapping coming to a cease. “Sunmi is right. You look very tired.” Dawon said, pulling the flute from her lips as she smiled down at him. “Go rest. There’s still a month until the ceremony.” She sighed softly, watching Jimin’s face because she knew he would continue to practice with that expression. “I know.” Jimin sighed, wiping his forehead of the sweat that beaded upon it. “I’ll rest soon enough.” He said, wagging his finger softly with a little laugh. Dawon stood with her flute and a small frown. “Rest now, Jimin.” She demanded, pointing to Sunmi, who stood with a giggle. She held out a hand to Jimin, who took it easily. He pulled himself up, watching as Dawon headed for the halls surrounding them on all sides. He’d learned most of the east wing palace, parts of the main palace and every inch of the servant's quarters. He wrote to his family every single night, giving it to the post servants to send, but whenever he asked, he had no letters returned. It made him sad, but he pulled through thanks to Sunmi and Dawon. “Goodbye, you two.” Dawon waved happily, winking at Sunmi as she giggled happily. Sunmi nestled her arm in Jimin’s and walked through the beautiful courtyard. “What do you think of Dawon and me?” She asked him suddenly as they stepped up from the courtyard. Jimin inhaled sharply. “But Madame Sun—“ Sunmi rolled her eyes. “To hell with those silly rules, Dawon’s brother is a general , Jiminie.” She answered, and Jimin supposed that was true, but even so Jimin didn’t know if that would work. A servant and a noble… it wasn’t meant to be. Jimin didn’t say anything though. He let her believe it could happen without trouble. He didn’t want to hurt her, but she would learn soon enough if she tried to go down that road. Jimin didn’t dare go down that road. He didn’t want his heart to be broken. They slipped towards the exit of the east wing, Sunmi going on and on about how Dawon looks at her and how good Dawon smells. She spoke about every single thing Jimin thought about when he thought about falling in love. The bite, the ceremony, the pups . He wanted it all. “You two look like you need a bit of assistance.” A voice said suddenly, jarring both of them from their conversations. Sunmi immediately tugged her arm from Jimin’s, turning to him with a deep bow. “My Lord,” she said with a gasp. Jimin looked to the unfamiliar man before bowing along with Sunmi. “My Lord.” He said in a small voice. The man shifted above. “Sunmi. Who is this omega? I’ve never seen him before.” He hummed, watching closely as Jimin looked back up to the alpha lord. Sunmi let out a weary laugh, glancing at Jimin for a moment. “This is Jimin, a new palace dancer.” She answered, head still bowed, so Jimin mirrored it. The man made an ‘o’ with his lips, staring down at Jimin. He took a step forward, now standing over Jimin completely. “A palace dancer, you say?” He repeated, and Sunmi shifted slightly to shield Jimin from this lord. “Yes, My Lord.” She answered. “Jimin-ah is to perform for His Royal Highness at his name-day celebration.” She explained, and the lord immediately took a few steps back, away from Jimin as if he was bad luck. “I see. Well.” He chuckled softly, and Jimin was happy to learn a bit more of who he would be performing for. A real royal. “I’ll be tending my duties then.” He said, winking at Sunmi before stepping away quickly.
Sunmi huffed softly and quickly pulled him into the servants quarters. “I can’t wait to be rid of that goose!” She groaned once they were inside, but they were immediately stopped by Madame Sun, who turned Sunmi into a stuttering mess of words. “Madame Sun, I—uhm—I—“ “Not here for you, omega.” She hissed before turning to Jimin. “ You . Bathe and wait here to be delivered to Minister Chinmae.” She demanded. Jimin stiffened, but nodded with a bow. “Yes, ma’am.” She stalked off with a glare and flap of her fan. Jimin turned to Sunmi with a shiver, and she smiled at him. The girl rubbed his arm gently. “I’ll pick a hanbok for you.” She said, slipping into Jimin’s room with a sigh. Jimin nodded gently to himself, afraid of what was to come. What if he was being let go, casted into the city with nothing? What would he do?
After his shower, Sunmi brought him a beautiful white hanbok. It was thin and fell against his body perfectly. It was pretty and so Jimin grabbed the fabric that would aid his dance and waited outside of the servants quarters. He tied the white ribbon around his neck to replace his collar. A young servant boy stepped up to him. “Jimin-ssi, come.” He said, and so Jimin followed as night fell upon the palace and world beyond them. He was brought into the main palace, following close behind this young omega. He fiddled with his fingers, not looking up but at the ground because he was frightened. He didn’t know where they were going nor why. Chinmae usually took residence in the right wing of the palace. The palace was darker than usual at night. The moon was new, but would be full by the day of the ceremony. Jimin was given a date: December 30th on the full moon. There were only lanterns and candles to keep the palace alight. It took much longer, and Jimin realized that he was deep inside the stomach of the palace. There were servants walking around, some with towels and others with lots of clothes or linens. Jimin swallowed, finally pulling his head up to look at what was around him. They were right next to a much smaller courtyard. It was about the size of half the servant’s quarters. The courtyard in the east wing was about the size of the servant’s quarters. The boy suddenly stepped down into the courtyard, and through the trees that were so close to losing all of their leaves, Jimin could see lanterns and lights through the branches. There were still a few leaves on the trees. At first, Jimin thought it was empty, and he wondered why he was going there, but he soon heard bubbling laughter and lots of talking begin from inside. The boy led him further in, itching at his own collar. Jimin inhaled when they reached the center of the courtyard. There was a long table of alphas sitting there, a few omegas sat on the end, but it was mostly alphas from the strong scents. They were covered by a thick fabric canopy, eating their soups and gnawing on their lamb ribs. Jimin licked his lips as the smell of the meat in his nostrils. God , it smelled so good. The last real meal Jimin had was some tasteless soup and left over rolls, but when one is starving, he’ll eat anything. Before they reached where Jimin could be seen by them, the omega servant boy turned to him with a whisper. “The Empress and the omega consort are among these men, you must bow deeply and recognise her as ‘Your Majesty‘ . Understand?” He said with a sort of nervousness in his voice, and Jimin nodded immediately. Why was he performing for the Empress and omega consort? The boy continued forward, and Jimin first made eye contact with Chinmae, who sat smiling next to the alpha woman in the center of the table. The woman in the center wore golden clothes and a gat that acted as a crown. Jimin had heard of it before. He saw little fake gats in town markets. That alpha was the Empress, and the omega woman deliriously sipping her tea at the very end of the table must’ve been the omega consort. The young omega servant who guided him there bowed deeply before presenting Jimin in silence. Jimin stepped forward, fingers shaking as he came to stand in front of the table, the men and women at the table suddenly stopped talking. Chinmae chuckled softly, proud of his work. Jimin bowed very deeply as the servant boy had told him to, and Chinmae stood, arm moving out to gesture to the omega. A smirk spread over his face when he saw the Empress sat up and leaned forward, interested in the pretty omega before her. “Park Jimin, Your Majesty. The gift. “ He announced proudly. Jimin slowly came up from his bow. His fingers were shaking and eyes watering slightly. He was so scared. He watched Chinmayi snap, and the music that he’d made with Dawon started playing. Jimin inhaled sharply, hands gripping tighter around the slightly see-through fabric in his fingers. He glanced at the Chinese, who nodded at him before taking a seat once more. Jimin let out a shaky breath before taking a few steps back.
He strutted himself forward, taking one gentle step at a time. He was graceful, with every movement of his body. He treated the dance as if it was his last chance to live freely, and maybe it was. He molded to the music and let the music move his body. His eyes danced across the world around him, looking every bit as graceful as the rest of his body. He used the fabric in his hands to create a sense of flowing. It fell over him and swayed to his body as he danced without shoes on the courtyard ground. His face flattened into a look of sadness, one that fit with the melody of the music Dawon had made for him. He could see himself in his mind, dancing and swaying, trying to make everything absolutely perfect because if not he would be thrown out like garbage. Jimin twirled, foot coming up to guide his balance as his arms wrapped around himself in the flow of the song. The song twinkled and the Kayagum came back in. It was Jimin’s first time hearing the piece with all three instruments. It sounded even more beautiful than just the flute. Jimin believed it made his dance absolutely perfect. His muscles were tight and tired from working nonstop, but he knew it paid off. Every movement was perfectly done and perfectly executed as he threw the fabric piece into the air. It floated down, and Jimin rolled his head back while the music ended abruptly, just as he’d practiced. His breath was heavy and chest heaving in and out, but he made it look as if it was fine. He calmed himself down before bowing to the Empress and the rest of the royal lords that sat at the table with her. The omega consort stared at him and the Empress did the same with stars in her eyes. The Empress erupted into gracious applause and laughter. Jimin was taken aback. His lips pursed tightly in surprise as the Empress stood, the rest standing with her. “Absolutely fantastic!” She harped out, and Jimin couldn’t help but let a relieved smile dance across his heaving lips. “My son will adore him. I might even have to steal him away from time to time.” The Empress turned to Chinese. “Chinmae, it’s your finest work yet, truly a sight for sore eyes.” She laughed, very excited by the dance. Jimin bowed, but said nothing. Meanwhile Chinmae chuckled, turning to Jimin with a smile. “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.” -
Chapter 7: Your a Royal Highness Snow had padded the ground for days before the thirtieth of December. It was thick and made the entire palace look as if it were made of ice. When the sun glared through it at a break in the heavy downpour of white, it turned the ice blues and purples that shimmered on the cobblestone. It was laced and covered in ice and snow. Jimin was dressed in all white as he watched the sun set on the edge of the palace’s largest, most expensive courtyard. It sat in the center of the entire palace with a garden of sculpted and molded snow by royal landscapers. The ice that clung and hung from the tree branches was so beautiful and the sun danced through it like magic. The willow trees that wept their branches against the ground looked as if they were crying tears of glass, and the trees that were once alight with vibrant colors were no longer alight with those yellows and oranges. The world was monochrome in the winter. Jimin’s home in Busan was the same, just less snow. Hanseong was covered in snow, but this courtyard was not. The landscapers had dug it out and put it to use as water for drinking and bathing. Jimin’s fingers shook violently as he watched from the outskirts of the courtyard. He couldn’t see what was going on, but he could hear laughter and excitement from where he stood. It was a birthday party. Jimin looked at his bare feet as his dance required. He held the fabric that was a part of his dance tight in his fist, but not tight enough to wrinkle the smooth slightly see-through cloth. He still did not know for whom he was dancing. He did not know what he was meant to do // after // this one dance. Was he to continue dancing for his unknown owner? Was he to be owned, like cattle and wheat? Jimin did not want to be a slave. Jimin looked around himself, and the courtyard was surrounded by the palace guards. He didn’t have a choice. Fear was gripping Jimin tightly as he tried hard to get a look at // who // he was being given to. It was a prince, but there were so many princes—most from different omegas that the Empress has slept with. The woman had little control when it came to sex, Jimin could see that easily. He shivered as a cool wind whipped through the air all around, shaking a bit of the snow from the tops of the trees and the buildings. Jimin watched as a thin sheet-like cloud was coming closer. It will snow again very soon. “Omega.” A deep voice called, and Jimin peered down from the sky to see Chinmae standing below him, a step down into the courtyard. Jimin stiffened at the sight. “It’s time.” He muttered, a small smile rolling across his face. Jimin had come to like Chinmae. He’d become so much kinder to him, always saving him from Madame Sun when he did something—anything at all—that the woman did not like. The larger alpha gently took the fabric ribbon around his neck. He pulled until it came undone, Jimin’s vanilla and peach scent set free to the world. He swallowed, a bit nervous because his scent was strong enough to corrupt the entire courtyard no matter how large. Chinmae lifted the ribbon to his nose and inhaled with a soft hum. “Come.” Jimin slowly placed the fabric over his head. It acted as a veil for him. Chinmae held out his hand for the younger, and Jimin took it graciously. The omega stepped his bare toes down into the snow that covered the courtyard ground. It was freezing, but the rest of him was so hot it didn’t matter. Chinmae led him further into the garden of ice until they no longer needed the sun’s light because of the bountiful lanterns that were a beautiful deep purple color. They illuminated the courtyard and turned the ice a vibrant blue and purple. It looked truly magical. Jimin kept his head down as they reached the center of a long table, gifts were piled up, some horses and ‘magical’ items that Jimin had only ever seen in fairytales. There were little boxes and other trinkets of great value, but none were as lifelike as Jimin was. Not even those horses that were being carried off to the stables. The omega bowed deeply before coming back up. Chinmae did half of what Jimin did. Upon seeing Jimin, the Empress stood up with a proud expression. Jimin didn’t see because his head was bowed, but the boy—the man—the // Prince // was right there. Right in front of him; the suspense was making Jimin feel jittery and hot, yet cold all the same because his unclothed feet were sitting flat in the inch of snow that had collected about three hours ago from their last smaller snowfall. The Empress chuckled. “The final gift—my own gift!” The woman exclaimed with much excitement as Jimin remained perfectly still where he stood, head bowed, and hands intertwined with one another on his front. “The most gorgeous omega dancer in all of the empire.” She said, hand extending to display Jimin, standing behind Chinmayi. The elder minister chuckled softly, nodding his head. “Yes, from the shores of Busan, Your Royal Highness's very own omega dancer, Park Jimin, wishes to perform for your name-day celebration.” Chinmae introduced Jimin, and Jimin was more than scared now. He’d been introduced with such a title and such confidence. If Jimin screwed up, if he wasn’t up to expectation, what would become of him? Could it be worse than being thrown to the streets? Could it be // death? // Chinmae stepped away from Jimin just as the first flakes of the coming snow fell upon them. The icy snowflakes gleamed blue and purple in the lantern’s lights. The Empress clapped once, and the strings of the Kayagum were suddenly struck, whining out their music as the chimes twinkled like the snow. In fact, the song Jimin had made was to reflect the appearance of snow. Now it was coming down as if to make Jimin look even more ethereal.
Jimin dropped to his knees pulling the fabric from atop his head in the same swift movement. The snow was so cold, but Jimin ignored it as best as he could to move with the music’s time. A light drum set in, probably added by Dawon upon last minute preparations. It pulled the sounds together, giving Jimin a rhythm to stick to. As if in slow motion, Jimin gracefully pulled himself upward, bringing the fabric around and swirling it over his head. His expressions were perfectly molded, and he dared not gaze towards the table at the alpha who would soon claim him, for fear of messing up. The white of his garments and the white of the snow were a perfect match for each other, and now snowflakes sprinkled across his hair making him look more of an angel than a human being. Jimin’s fabric came to wrap around him like a blanket, cradling him as his hair and the rolls of the cloth moved in sync to create one single harmony. Jimin’s breath stopped, and he held it firmly as the fabric smoothed across his scent glands. Jimin quickly reversed the twirl of the fabric, switching into a spin that went the opposite direction. His body followed every beat of the drum and every second of the Kayagum as it matched its pitch to the flute so beautifully. Jimin lifted his chin as the snow fell upon him in slow motion, his twirl continuing as his neck rolled around, expression of pure bliss and pleasure. Jimin’s left foot left the snow, pulling up as he twirled once more. The foot was balancing him as he lifted his arms into the air like a bird trying to fly away. In fact, his movements were gentle and graceful like that of a bird flying away. The drums mimicked a heartbeat, and Jimin followed it with his own. He turned towards the table of nobles as his twirl finished. The fabric moved so beautifully like the rest of his body, and Jimin just barely caught a glimpse of the // one //— of // him //. Jimin quickly averted his gaze, throwing the fabric into the air, but holding the other end before pulling it back down. The fabric moved in every single way he wanted it to. It was perfect. Everything was perfect. He wasn’t missing a single beat. He felt happy—light as a feather as he continued. The fabric fell across his face as his gaze met the one he was to serve with his dances. The alpha was staring at him with such intensity, such ferocity and yet // curiosity //. Right there, Jimin realized he’d seen this alpha before in his small port city. He’d danced for this alpha before and smelled his rich floral scent. He’d know it anywhere. He fell in love with that scent and dreamed of it constantly. He dreamed of that alpha returning him and sweeping him right off of his feet. He’d thought the man was a sailor though, not a // prince .// Jimin ignored the feelings that made his chest vibrate with shock as he continued. The whole world slowed and he brought up his foot to twirl as the daintiest part of the song came along, stealing his breath away. He bared his neck to the side, and by the looks of those faces watching, he knew they could smell him—taste him. But they were all frozen, too amazed by Jimin to think about how he smelled of everything nice. The chimes suddenly turned into deeper Kayagum strings and Jimin readied himself for the hardest part of the song, the main stretch before he was finished. He let himself down from his twirl before strutting forward, holding the fabric over his arm as he moved like a true dancer. His eyes glossed over the handsome prince by his father’s side, and Jimin could help the soft smile that slipped across his lips so suddenly. He took sweeping steps until he was standing mere feet from the table, his scent stark in the air as the snow fell heavier, but never hit the faces or heads of these royals because of the large canopy above them. Jimin’s feet were growing numb from the cold, but he hardly cared. He just needed to dance, he just needed to get through the song. Then he would worry about what was to come. The music rose and rose and rose until Jimin’s fabric flew into the air above him at the sound of a slamming drum and whining Kayagum. His head was tilted, eyes falling once more upon the prince as he brought the fabric around his head with wide arms, moving the snowflakes to flutter quite dramatically from the wind of his movements. He continued to move the fabric and swing it around, pushing out his chest as his eyes thinned into seduction. His belly could be seen when he lifted his arms into the air but those were the robes he was given. Jimin listened to the slam of the drums as the music sped up. He kept up easily, leaning forward and moving the blanket like an angel’s wings trying to fly away. He stepped forward and the drums hit. As they did, his head fell back, the fabric as well while his lips parted and hit breath molded into the air. It was quickly washed away by Jimin’s head coming back up and swirling around gracefully to gaze at the prince as he jumped, body flying over his head. It was something he hadn’t planned, but had practiced many times before. His arms were not there to hold him up, but for one blessed moment it really looked like he had wings coming from his back—like he was an angel. Jimin didn’t stumble as he landed on his feet perfectly. Settling himself he then used the final drum and hissing flute to throw the white fabric into the air. It lifted, swinging and molding in the snowy air. Jimin’s head was thrown back with it, but as the fabric floated back to the ground, his head rolled around to watch the table, but mostly—maybe only—the prince, who listened to the instruments stop so abruptly with his movements. Everyone’s jaws dropped at the performance, even Chinmae looked a bit surprised by his movements. Jimin’s breath was heavy, but he made it look like it wasn’t even a chore. He hardly looked fazed at all. The prince stood suddenly, hands clapping together and clapping for Jimin, who quickly maneuvered from his final stance to bow deeply to the table of royalty. Everyone was clapping for him, and for a moment the fear all went away. He did well. He did good, he wouldn’t be thrown out or killed. Not yet at least. Jimin continued to bow, letting these noble alphas and omegas praise him until he could no longer feel his feet planted in the snow.
-
Chapter 8: The Dwindling of That Which Shines It was great. The omega felt spectacular. These noble alphas and omegas clapped and smiled and cheered for him. He did so well, so much better than he believed he would do. Jimin smiled at the table of nobles, cheeks a bright, bright red. He was just so happy. He wouldn’t be thrown out. He was safe. Jimin, though, was quickly whisked away as the Empress stood once more, going on to speak about the Prince and praising him and smiling. Jimin couldn’t stay though. There were hands around his shoulders, forcing him to the back edge of the courtyard. It was all like a dream, Jimin didn’t even notice he wasn’t in front of the royals any longer. “You did well,” a voice Jimin was unsure of who still said. His senses were still a bit clouded with the pheromones from the alpha he’d danced for. Jimin was pulled all over until he was pushed into a small, closet-like room. A pair of clothes thrown in his face next. “Change, then come out.” The voice demanded, and Jimin shivered softly slowly coming back to his senses. He looked around the wooden room he was stuck inside. He peered down to the silken clothes in his hands. There was a small ribbon to tie around his neck as well. It was so soft, like nothing he’d ever worn before, but Jimin couldn’t help but think it was small for clothing. Jimin shifted, body a bit nervous, gut a bit tight with a bad feeling. There was a bang on the door, and Jimin gasped backward. “Hurry, omega!” A voice hissed at him. Jimin quickly placed the silk down to pull his clothes off of him. He was quick and scared. What is happening now? He was finished, was he not? He’d danced, so he was finished until the prince called him again… right? The omega reluctantly slipped into the silk he was given. He tied the silk ribbon around his neck, ribbon hanging off the back of his neck so prettily. The outfit was short, uncomfortable. Jimin bit his lip, looking down at himself in this weird outfit. It was almost like a prostitute’s clothing, and it certainly did make the young omega nervous. He did not agree to that. He was supposed to be a dancer. Another slam came to the door, and Jimin inhaled again, fear rising up his throat so slowly. “Are you done?” The voice said, and Jimin slowly opened the door. The man outside inhaled sharply at the sight, but quickly grabbed a mesh veil and threw it on top of Jimin’s head. The big man placed a hand to the small of Jimin’s back, pushing him forward. The veil was sort of opaque, so Jimin couldn’t really see in front of him. The hand guiding him pushed him through the cold halls of the palace, only the fiery torches to guide them and keep the halls just a bit warm compared to the snowy glades outside the palace walls. Jimin kept up, a bit confused and concerned. Words were exchanged as they stood at a door. He was weary of his surroundings until he was pressed into a room, the hand leaving his back as he stumbled forward. Jimin quickly turned back, scent spiking in fear until the same unfamiliar man stepped forward, face scowling but Jimin could hardly see him through his thick veil. “Stay here. Do not leave, and wait .” He demanded, so Jimin swallowed and nodded nervously. Was he to dance again? The door slammed shut, leaving Jimin in the warmth of a large, large room. For a few minutes, Jimin did exactly as he was told. He didn’t move, he didn’t do anything. He just waited there, expecting someone to walk in on a moment’s notice, but no one came. Minutes upon minutes passed, so Jimin deemed it okay to move around. He pulled the thick veil from his face, pulled it over the top of his head so that it trailed behind him slightly. The room was dark, save for a fire that sat in the very center of the room. It was sort of a fire pit with seats stuck around it and a little bar to keep unwanted limbs from getting into the
flames. It sat lower than the rest of the room, but at the center. A large bed sat on the floor, red silken curtains hanging down from each corner, drawn up to reveal the fur pelts and blankets that were placed all over the expensive bed. It was about four times the size of Jimin’s teeny bed in the servants quarters, but this alpha was a Prince, of course he would have these expensive tastes. Across the room, there was a wall of fabric and wood framed doors. One of the doors was cracked open just barely to reveal a courtyard that sat beyond. It was full of snow, just like the others, finally taken care of to look like a magical snow garden. Jimin could only guess how pretty it was from seeing the others, but the door was just cracked. In the farthest left corner there was another room set up with a personal bath spring. It was only big enough for one person, maybe two if they were intimate enough. Steamed rocks were inside, heating it like a sauna. The door’s glass was fogged up and just barely ajar. This room was pure paradise, but Jimin knew he couldn’t touch anything, especially not the jewels and golden length necklaces that were laid out near the dressing station. There was another room tucked back farther, but Jimin just assumed that to be the chamber pot. Jimin just sat in a corner and he was forced to clean it himself—though, that was similar to home he supposed. Jimin stepped around, his bare feet finally thawing as he stopped his cold shiver. The room was so, so warm from the fire. The low ceilings kept the heat close to him as well. Jimin stepped down to where the fire was placed and squatted down to feel it lick his skin even more. It felt so wonderful. Jimin hummed subconsciously, before standing once more. There was so much more he hadn’t explored in that amazing room. He knew he shouldn’t, but he really wanted to see everything. He’d never been in such a rich place, especially not right in the center of it all. He tiptoed towards the doors to the courtyard outside before pulling the door open, and god it was the most beautiful courtyard he’d ever seen. This room was the only room that looked into the courtyard. It was vast, yet small. Windows from other halls looked into it, but these were the only doors, save for the gardener’s doors. There was a small stream that ran in a twist through the garden and a little bridge that crossed it. He could hear a little waterfall and smiled softly. He wanted to explore that . It was like no courtyard he’d ever seen. Not even the largest of the palace that he’d just performed in. It was especially done and landscaped. Jimin began to wonder just who this room belonged to. Jimin peered down to his feet, which were nearly frost bitten from his dance. His toes were a bright red, and only just starting to feel warm. He looked around for something until he found a pair of fur slippers sitting right next to him. Jimin smiled softly, biting his cheek in mischief. He shouldn’t… but he really wanted to see. So bad. Jimin sighed softly before slipping the soft and cozy fur slippers onto his cold feet. The shoes were about two sizes too big, and he knew they were close to falling off. So he took a big step down into the courtyard. Jimin giggled at the crunch of new snow beneath his feet. He was in the snow, but his feet were still so warm. Jimin slipped through the courtyard, smiling as he explored every single tree and followed the stream through until he found the bridge that passed over the waterfall. The steps looked slippery with ice, but Jimin was too excited to care. He giggled softly, jumping up onto the stairs. The first two steps were fine, but the last had Jimin’s feet at a loss. He gasped as his body fell backwards, only the hard cobblestone ground was to await his bum. He could already feel the pain in his arse start. Something strong and stern wrapped around his waist, and at first, Jimin truly thought it might’ve been a tree saving him. Though… that was quickly dismissed when he came to reality… and a chuckle resonated in his ear where he rested in someone’s hold. Jimin’s chin tilted back and his eyes met a very familiar face—a face he’d seen in Busan and the face he’d just danced so prettily for. The Prince was holding him, arm wrapped safely around his waist. He had a pretty smile strung across his lips, so graceful and elegant.
“You even fall gracefully.” He hummed. A gasp flitted from Jimin’s lips, and he instantly shot himself up, out of the Prince’s grip. Scared, Jimin pressed himself to the ground, knees in the snow that laced the cobblestone and forehead quickly coming to join the rest of him. He pushed his face into the ground, momentarily cooling off from the embarrassment. He was horrified. Jimin had moved and explored and forgotten all about the person who really owned this room. He disobeyed orders to stay put and wait . Now he was going to pay for it, too. “Your Maj—I-I mean—Your Royal Highness, I’m so—“ The alpha above him quickly sank to the ground, laughing softly as his hands wrapped around Jimin’s arms to pull him up off of the ground from his reverence. Jimin gaped, eyes wide and scent pulsating with fear as well as enchantment because this alpha was a dream. Up close even more so. The Prince’s eyes were a delicate, yet fierce array of dark orbs. His jaw was curved and nose was sloping perfectly. He was so handsome, so gorgeous. There wasn’t anyone in the world, Jimin thought, who could compare to this alpha, and as their eyes met it was like his chest was sparking with an emotion he’d never felt before. When the Prince touched him, he felt electricity. It was like seeing color after a life of monochrome. “Please,” Jimin stiffened at his words, “you’re doing no wrong…” He explained, moving in a way that wouldn’t frighten Jimin away from him. Jimin looked at his feet and grew completely ice cold. He was completely frozen up, looking at the fur slippers that most certainly belonged to this Prince. Would he be angry seeing Jimin wearing his shoes? Why wouldn’t he? Jimin would be. He didn’t know whether to move or not. If he moved to take them off, he might have his feet cut off for wearing the expensive shoes. If he didn’t move to take them off, he would probably be thrown out into the snowy city. A shiver rolled up his spine. He was too late. The Prince was already staring at Jimin's feet while his own feet were in the cloth shoes he’d worn to the name-day banquet. At first, he looked stoic, almost angry, and Jimin pondered on running away. “You danced so beautifully in the snow, but your feet must be cold.” He said, a large, boxy smile spreading across his face very gently. Jimin reluctantly moved, quickly swiping the fur shoes off of his feet. They were much too large for his own feet. “I’m—“ he laughed, embarrassed and afraid “I’m so sorry, Your Highness.” Jimin’s lip quivered and he stumbled backwards, holding the shoes out to the Prince as his frozen feet fell back into the snow below him. The Prince chuckled softly, pushing the fur lined shoes back towards Jimin. The omega inhaled sharply, peering up to the prince. His eyes were watering, feet burning from the feeling of freezing snow around them. “Keep them.” “What?” -
Chapter 9: It’s Wrong, But So Right Jimin held the fur lined shoes close to his chest as he sat on the very edge of the courtyard where the doors were wide open. The pretty alpha prince was right next to him, fiddling with his own large, lanky fingers. Jimin could see him from where he stared at the snow beneath his feet. He didn’t exactly feel comfortable putting the shoes back on, but the Prince insisted that Jimin keep them. His own pair of shoes almost had holes in them, right at the big toe. Jimin didn’t even know what this Prince’s name was. He knew he’d heard it, but there were so many princes wandering the palace from mistresses and only one from the omega consort herself. Jimin didn’t understand it. The omega was absolutely beautiful, why did the Empress not have more kids with her? It was too strange, and Jimin felt bad for anyone who mated royalty at the thought of concubines . Jimin hugged the shoes tighter, body tightening slightly whenever the alpha moved too much beside him. He was starting to wonder why he was brought to that room. It wasn’t something he wanted, but this alpha could do whatever he wished if he wanted. It wouldn’t be difficult. He was large and strong and with heavy, heavy pheromones. Surely, they’d only put him into the room to dance once more, lull the Prince to sleep. “Your name is Jimin?” The alpha suddenly asked, and Jimin swallowed. He hesitated, unsure of what to do, what to say. “Yes, Your Highness.” He answered, eyes shifting on and off of the snow as he pulled his feet up from the cold. His toes felt like ice. The alpha hummed. “Call me Taehyung, won’t you, Jimin-ah?” The omega stiffened at the sound of his name on this handsome alpha’s tongue. Taehyung? He’d heard that before. Madame Sun had gone through every single royal with him. Ah . Jimin remembered now… Kim Taehyung was the only alpha son of Empress Consort Haeun and Empress Kim. He was… the Crown Prince? Jimin froze. “Your Highness—“ A gasp riddled Jimin's throat when Taehyung moved faster than he could see. Taehyung’s hand was suddenly caressing his cheek, forcing the omega to look up at him from where he was staring hard at the floor. Jimin's chest blistered with heat, his eyes batting away the water to dry completely as he stared up at the Crown Prince. “Taehyung.” The Prince repeated, and so Jimin nodded, unable to take his eyes off of the alpha. He did not want to be called the official names, but Jimin could get into a lot of trouble. It physically hurt him, he felt like Madame Sun would be just around the corner, ready to slap his knuckles again for embarrassing her. Jimin swallowed down his nervousness and opened his thick, red lips, chapped from the cold. “Taehyung-ssi,” he added, afraid that the other was too informal, “why am I here? ” Jimin asked, looking around to the rest of Taehyung’s empty room. He couldn’t help but think it was for something far less innocent than dancing. Taehyung’s hand quickly fell away, and Jimin knew then that it was what he feared. “My mother.. she—uh—she has a strange sense of humor, I suppose.” Taehyung laughed, a twinge of annoyance deep within his brow as he thought about it. The omega scooted himself away from Taehyung, returning to his makeshift fetal position. He pulled his legs up, pressing them into his chest firmly. He was scared. Taehyung inhaled sharply at the sight. The alpha turned to him, hand reaching out, and Jimin flinched, knowing it would come eventually. Taehyung pulled his hand back at the sight of Jimin so afraid. “Ah… Jiminah, I won’t— we won't. My mother wants it, but if you do not, then I do not either.” Taehyung laughed softly, rubbing his nape.
Jimin’s head snapped up to the alpha. Was he lying? Jimin wondered, eyes quite nearly popping from his head. “Though…” He hummed, and Jimin pulled back into himself slowly “I would enjoy someone to talk to.” He said in a low, deep voice, his eyes slowly glimmering with hope towards the omega nearby. Jimin’s heart fluttered at the appearance of his eyes. He looked so genuine, and Jimin might’ve felt something in his chest telling him to stay. So Jimin nodded his head, slowly placing the fur shoes down next to him, but Taehyung shook his head, glancing at Jimin's feet. The larger stood, grabbing the shoes. He gently—glancing up to Jimin every few seconds for clearance though—wrapped a delicate hand around Jimin’s ankle, pulling it out and placing the fur slippers that were four sizes too big onto his dainty little foot to warm those red toes of his. Jimin’s face turned a bright pink, and he knew he felt it deep within his chest. He’d felt it before, but this time Jimin really had to suppress it.. it was the first feelings of love . Taehyung smiled brightly at him, doing the same with his other foot, and Jimin just let him. He didn’t even feel fear any longer, just warmth. Maybe Jimin was wrong, maybe it wasn’t love. Maybe it was just endearment or the slight feeling of caring for a friend, but for some reason, Jimin felt different than usual. Taehyung made him feel strange . Good strange. Jimin gasped as two strong arms wrapped around his back and hooked underneath his knees, lifting him off the ground. Jimin squeaked, wrapping tight arms around the Prince’s neck because he was afraid to fall. He clung to the alpha, staring at the ground as he was moved and quickly placed down in front of the fire pit. His thick white veil had fallen from his head, and he was just wrapping around himself tightly, slowly warming— thawing—to the fire’s pulses. Taehyung quickly closed the doors to the courtyard and placed himself down next to Jimin, almost on top of him even. It felt uncomfortable at first, but Jimin quickly got used to the warmth. “Tell me about Busan, then.” Taehyung said, but his tone wasn’t demanding at all, just curious. Jimin hummed softly, eyes ridden with a tired feeling as he thought about home. Safety washed over him suddenly, body relaxing because he was thinking about his parents. Soon, he would send them a letter, to ask about his father’s condition. It was about time to deliver Jimin’s little brother to the world. “Still so beautiful.” He said, knowing Taehyung had been there because he’d seen him. Jimin had even danced for him. “The ocean is bluer than ever… well, it was when I left.” Jimin said, a bit melancholy because he did miss his home very much. Taehyung slowly scooted towards Jimin, letting the omega drift and rest his head onto the Prince’s shoulder. The bow was still on his neck to block out most of his scent, but Jimin couldn’t help the little bit of peaches that slipped out and pushed Taehyung into lalaland. Taehyung sighed softly. “Do you miss it greatly?” He asked, and Jimin nodded immediately. “I do.” He blurted, knowing that answer right off the bat. “My father should be delivering a pup soon.” Jimin giggled at the thought of having a little brother, though he wouldn’t be able to see him for a very long time… he started to wonder if he’d ever get to see him. Taehyung frowned softly, probably thinking the exact same thing. “I’ve always wanted a younger sibling.” He said softly, and Jimin peered up at him from where he rested on the Prince’s shoulder. “My mother is…” He stopped. “Well, never mind. Do you miss your family terribly?” Jimin smiled and nodded, just thinking about how much he missed them brought tears to his eyes. He missed Hyerin too. “Terribly.” He said while nodding. His voice cracked, but he did not have tears to cry.
Taehyung chuckled softly, a slow, gentle hand going up to spool fingers through Jimin’ soft, soft hair. It was a lighter brown color, maybe even flaxen. It was an oddity, but no one really minded, nor thought anything of it. They just figured he was a rare beauty worth a stare. “I understand.” Taehyung said, and Jimin sighed softly. “The palace is so beautiful.” Jimin said, and deep down he knew he was too tired to think straight, too tired to think about what he was saying, so he was babbling in front of the Crown Prince. It probably wasn’t a good idea, so Jimin sat himself up, but Taehyung pulled him back onto his comforting shoulder gently. Jimin stayed there, not wanting to defy the Prince’s wishes, nor his own really. “Madame Sun will be angry if I’m not in the servants quarters in the morning.” Jimin explained sleepily. “Don’t worry, she will understand.” Taehyung laughed, and Jimin could hear the vibrations against his ear as he slowly fell asleep, muscles aching, but he was too tired to care. He ignored it, and just listened to this alpha’s heartbeat until his own was in sync. He trusted this alpha. He knew he probably shouldn’t, but deep down he did. So Jimin fell asleep, perfectly content against the Crown Prince’s side. Taehyung certainly didn’t mind either. It was all warmth and coziness with Jimin cuddling his side.
Jimin awoke with all of the gentle calmness in the world. A cold gust of air fanned against his legs, the skin shivering slightly. Jimin’s body acted on its own as he groaned softly, pulling his legs into himself for some warmth as the warm air came back to him once more. A hum flitted from his lips, and as always, everything from the day before cake flipping through his head one memory at a time. There was the morning where he was rushed into clothing and readied and there was the performance, which Jimin remembered outlandishly none of—save for the Prince’s face. He seemed to be popping up in Jimin’s memories a lot.. over and over until Jimin realized he’d never left the Crown Prince’s room last night. Jimin’s body shot up from where he was laying down. He grabbed the red silk blanket that warmed his legs as his breath heaved in and out. He was in the bed he’d seen before, propped up compared to the room, but low on the ground. What did I do? What have I done? Jimin asked himself, gasping as he looked around the rather dark room. Those red curtains were drawn over the bed, blocking the rest of the room from his view. Something was shifting outside… probably him . Jimin swallowed, scared for his life and his honor. How was he supposed to flee from this room? Was he stuck here—well, it might be better than being stuck in his own two by two cell of a room. No . Jimin thought, shaking his head in realization, but deep down, he knew somehow he wanted it to be true. But if he stayed, he would be expected to..
to please the Prince with his body, and Jimin didn’t want that. He didn’t want to do anything like that until he was mated and in love . Jimin’s hand shifted upwards to the ribbon that was still tightly tied around his neck, protecting his scent glands from the floral spice all around the room. Jimin heard a yawn and stumbling. He could see a shadow on the red fabric that surrounded him on all sides. Jimin looked around himself, and sniffed the air with furrowed brows. It didn’t smell like sex or anything complicated like that. It just smelled like him . The alpha's scent was strong and permeated every molecule of air around Jimin. It was his room, after all. Jimin knew he grew tipsy off the scent, that was why he opened up to him—nothing else. Well… maybe he was quite charming and kind , too. Jimin moved around the bed, until he was able to slip out at the sound of a door opening and closing and feet stepping around. He tiptoed towards the door, eyes wide and searching the room for that alpha, but he was nowhere to be seen. Only young omegan handmaids slipping around the room, cleaning up and tidying everything. Jimin inhaled sharply at the sight. What would they do—no—What would they say if they saw him there? He would be ruined. Jimin quickly gathered himself up and scampered out of the room, sweat drying against his temples. His chest was heaving slightly, scared that someone may have seen him. Jimin pressed against the outside of the Prince's door, trying to catch his breath and steady himself. Jimin's bare feet padded around the palace halls, purposefully avoiding anyone whether they were a court member or a servant. He was trying to find his way, but he was utterly lost and flustered. Jimin turned the corner, and his eyes immediately saw Jeongguk speaking with someone larger than him by a couple of centimeters, but maybe it was just his thick soled boots. Jimin didn't know who it was, he knew he trusted Jeongguk more than anyone, and he was scared out of his mind. Jimin's eyes filled with tears, and his hands were holding the hem of his short, short clothing past his upper thighs. He quickly rushed up to the two alphas, tears pertinent in his eyes, almost falling down his face even. When Jeongguk turned to Jimin, his eyes grew about ten times in size. His arms immediately came up to hold Jimin's shoulders as he panicked. "I-I—I'm sorry. I don't know—I don't know where I am. P-Please help— Please ." Jimin babbled, tears falling down his red cheeks from embarrassment. "My God," Jeongguk swallowed thickly. "What—What are you wearing? What are you…" He stopped there, shaking his head as a frown came to his face quickly. He tore his sleeved kimono from his shoulders and wrapped it around Jimin's frame gently. "Let's get you back to your room." Jeongguk just said, pulling Jimin away from the other man, who was also a bit taken aback. Jimin was glad Jeongguk was there. He let out a shaky, scared sigh. -
Chapter 10: Smells Like the Sun Jimin was finally calm. He was fine, now, sitting there in his room. Jimin pulled on some real clothes and just sat on his tiny bed. It was much harder than Taehyung's—the Crown Prince's . Jimin didn't know why it was such a surprise to him. He knew there had to be a crown prince or princess, but he didn't expect to be so close to him. He didn’t think he’d meet them at least. It was just a shock if nothing else. Jimin heard a knock at his door, and stiffened slightly. He stepped towards it and just barely opened the wood until he could see a young girl's face peering at him. Ah . It was only Sunmi. Jimin pulled the door open, and the omega immediately slipped inside, a big, fat smile draped across her face widely. She giggled softly. "Jimin-ah." She greeted, and Jimin wondered if she knew about him sleeping in the Crown Prince's room. Jimin sighed softly, a reluctant smile joining his features while he shut the wood door. "Sunmi." He hummed, and when he turned around, Jimin's hands were in her hold and she was smiling so widely at him. "I saw your dance!" She gaped, tears filling her eyes because she was so proud. "It was so amazing, you even had Madame Sun's jaw dropped." She giggled, nuzzling her face into Jimin's neck because he obviously smelled nervous. Jimin laughed softly, resting his head against the top of Sunmi's as she hummed against his collarbone. "I'm glad you gotta see it." He said, happily, and Sunmi immediately pulled away, staring up at him with huge eyes. "It was absolutely spectacular. I'd love to see it again.." She said, and Jimin quickly shook his head with a groan. "My muscles ache, Sunmi." He whined, and she giggled, flapping her hand at him. Sunmi held his hands in front of them and just gave him the most endearing smile he'd ever seen. It was so pretty. She was so pretty. "Let me give you a massage, Jimin-ah?” She said, wiggling her fingers in front of him, but Jimin was just happy that she hadn’t the slightest idea where he was last night. Jimin smiled for a moment, just watching her wiggle those fingers that were somehow longer than Jimin’s own. He then turned gently, displaying his back to the young omega. He pulled away the ribbon on his scent glands, and succumbed to the feeling of pliant fingers on his neck ever so gently. She moved through his shoulders until her hands were diving into his spine. Jimin just keeled his head back onto the omega’s shoulder, smiling up at her brightly as his scent permeated the air around them, thick and strong . Soon the entire servants quarters would be able to smell the happiness he had. Sunmi giggled vibrantly, finally finishing, much to Jimin’s dismay. “You smell wonderful, Jiminie. Did something happen?” She asked, looking at him as if he had fallen in love mischievously—as if she hadn’t fallen for a court alpha as well.. Wait. I’m not in love. Jimin told himself, shaking his head abruptly, a laugh on the edges of his throat. “What do you mean?” Jimin asked, becoming slightly more serious as he pulled out a piece of parchment and quill—both of which he’d packed with him. He was going to write another letter to his family, hoping maybe they would reply, or at least that it would make it home. Jimin licked the quill’s end, dipping it into the jar of ink Dawon had so graciously supplied to him. Sunmi was peering down at him, over his shoulder with a quirky little smile. “You’re insane if you think I do not know.” She giggled, and Jimin’s head snapped up. What could she know? That he—
“I saw the eyes you were giving the Crown Prince while dancing!” She harped out with a gasp in her throat as if it was the most scandalous thing—which it was. “Such a predator, Jiminie.” She laughed, playfully pushing his shoulder. Jimin quickly calmed down. So she didn’t know… good. Jimin thought to himself with a small exhale of relief. Sunmi didn’t notice. “Well, he is quite handsome, you know.” Jimin said, continuing to write his letter with the utmost thought and precision. His writing was shaky at first, but quickly grew smoother and smoother. Sunmi nodded, kneading fingers through the tense flesh on his shoulders once more. “Yes. He’s extremely handsome. The most handsome in the kingdom. Empress Kim has wonderful genes, you know.” She hummed, basking at the thought of the empress that still looked so young for a woman in her fifties. Jimin thought the same. He giggled softly, peering back at her. “Do you know why my parents haven’t written me back?” Jimin asked, and Sunmi gave him a crooked gaze of confusion. Her face quickly morphed into a smug one. “Maybe because they don’t miss you.” She said, playfully, and Jimin knew she wasn’t serious, but he couldn’t help but feel that she was right deep down. She must’ve seen the look on Jimin’s face because she immediately came down, brows knitted in worry as her arms wrapped around him. “Jimin-ah, I’m joking. How could anyone not miss //you//?” She asked, booping a finger on the tip of his nose as a worried smile draped across her face. Jimin turned away, hand reluctant to write anymore words. Sunmi bit her lip, seeing how it festered inside of Jimin’s head. “It must be the messenger. There has been trouble elsewhere with mail robbers, you know?” She gave him a gentle, soothing smile, and Jimin perked up just barely. He nodded softly, looking back down to his letter. “Yes, maybe you’re right.” He laughed it off before continuing his letter. Sunmi remained in his room, just talking about Dawon mostly, but Jimin certainly didn’t mind the company as he finished writing after a good thirty minutes of thought. That letter contained every bit of information from his dance, to his feelings blooming for a certain alpha—the Crown Prince unnamed in the letters because if they were found, he would be slaughtered for it. Jimin folded up the letter before shoving it into one from a stack of envelopes, smiling as he pushed it inside and closed it up. He wrote his name and the address to which he wished it to be sent in Busan before holding it close to his chest. The mail men came for mail every Wednesday and it was only a Monday. The year was ending that Monday though, a new one just beginning. Celebrations would drone all night. No doubt, he would be called to dance that night as well. A knock gently tapped on the door to Jimin’s room, so Sunmi stood pulling it open. She’d just gotten her lunch that was made neatly into a bento out and was beginning to eat. When Jimin heard a slight inhale from Sunmi, he turned around. He, himself, inhaled sharply at the sight of the man Jeongguk was speaking to earlier. He was tall and handsome with rosy red cheeks and strong spice musk that shifted through the air around them. Jimin’s fingers subconsciously tightened around the letter in his hands. It was so close to him, his secrets inside. “Hello,” Jimin said, bowing deeply to the rich-looking man. Sunmi did the same, standing back as the man with military garbs stepped inside of Jimin’s room with a pretty gift box in his hands. He smiled brightly, cheeks so prominent and pretty on his face. He really was a handsome man. “Park Jimin?” He questioned, but quickly shook his head. “That’s a silly question. Of course you are. You’re quite famous, Jimin-ssi.” He said while stepping forward, and Jimin pulled himself up from his bow. He was famous? From his dance? That seemed so unreal to Jimin.
Jimin’s eyes flickered down to the box before moving back up to the man. “I’m General Jung Hoseok.” Jimin’s eyes snapped onto Sunmi for a moment. It was Dawon’s elder brother. Jimin swallowed as he could see the fear in Sunmi’s face. “It’s truly a pleasure to meet you.” General Hoseok turned to the other omega inside of the room. “May we speak alone, ma’am?” He asked politely, so Sunmi immediately bowed, grabbed her lunch, and fled the room. Jimin wished she had stayed. He felt safer with her. Jimin turned, placing down his letter underneath the pile of envelopes before grabbing his ribbon and pulling it around his neck to tie into a bow behind himself. With Sunmi gone, General Hoseok gestured towards the door to Jimin’s room. “Shall we take a walk?” He asked, and Jimin stiffened slightly. The omega looked down to his feet, which were still unclothed. He smiled softly, blushing a bit before slipping towards the corner where he’d put his shoes. Hoseok jutted an arm forward, gently reaching his hand into the book of Jimin’s arm. Jimin gasped slightly, flinching just a bit as he looked back to the large alpha. Hoseok immediately pulled away, rubbing his nape, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I just—“ he jutted the gift box forward, and Jimin peered down at it. “I-I don’t understand.” Jimin whispered, and Hoseok chuckled. He placed the box into Jimin’s hands once they were finally outstretched. “A gift from His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, Kim Taehyung.” The General explained, and Jimin’s heart exploded inside his chest. A gift? It almost felt as if Taehyung was beginning to court him. Surely, that was impossible. Jimin said to himself reluctantly giving that theory up. Jimin pulled the top of the baby blue box open to see a pair of fur lined slippers inside—four sizes too big, of course. Jimin smiled softly. He didn’t mean to let it show, but it did and there was nothing he could do to help it. The smile stayed on his face for a long time as he pulled the shoes out. Jimin inhaled softly, a breath fluttering out like a lovesick teenager. He glanced up to the alpha above him. “I—uhm—Thank you, sir.” Jimin said, bowing very deeply, a smile still jerking at his lips. He couldn’t contain it. Hoseok peered down to Jimin’s feet as the younger slipped the shoes onto his feet. Instantly, Jimin was comforted. Even Taehyung’s smell on the shoes was making him feel calm. Jimin giggled softly, and the General above him watched, an endearing smile climbing onto his lips at the sight of Jimin. Jimin immediately lost his smile when he saw Hoseok smiling down at him. Jimin bowed his head. “I-I’m sorry.” Jimin said, voice so, so tiny. The general inhaled sharply, shaking his head gently. “No, no, no.” He laughed, guiding Jimin towards the door. Jimin followed him, walking with him until they were in the courtyard of the servant’s quarters. It was still snowy, but at least Jimin had the right clothes, heavier clothes. Hoseok pulled his hands behind his back, smiling at the heavy snow that padded the servant’s courtyard. It wasn’t pretty sculpted or hardly gardened at all. A few servants had shoveled a path through the snow. “You don’t have to be scared of me, Jimin-ah.” Hoseok began, scaring him just slightly because he wasn’t expecting it. “I’m friends with the Prince and Jeongguk-ah.” He explained with a laugh, and Jimin knew it was probably true because he was talking to Jeongguk before. He’d seen Jimin half naked and crying. “I see..” Jimin said, unsure of what the alpha wanted. Hoseok hummed, a chuckle lifting through his throat. “Did he hurt you?” He said, stopping suddenly, and Jimin froze where he stood. “... Who?” Jimin asked, face going white with fear.
Hoseok knitted his brows. “Taehyung.” Jimin looked away. “No.” He said almost immediately, and Taehyung hadn’t hurt him. In fact, it was the opposite. Taehyung had been more than kind to him compared to everyone in the entire palace. He was just scared of falling. It was already beginning, no matter how much Jimin denied it, it was true. He was infatuated with Taehyung—a crush , you could call it. Hoseok furrowed his brows tightly. “Jimin-ah, you don’t have to lie. Jeongguk-ah and I are here to protect you..” He explained, and Jimin glanced at him with a worried look. Hoseok took Jimin’s shoulders in his hands and held him tight, looking into Jimin’s eyes. “Did he hurt you?” He asked, this time with more conviction. Jimin shook his head trying to seem like he was speaking the truth because he was. “He didn’t, I promise. He—He was nice to me…” Jimin said, a small smile pulling onto his lips. Hoseok smiled brightly. He looked like the sun that was blaring above them. “That’s all I needed to hear.” -
Chapter 11: New Years Bliss Jimin was dressed completely in red. There was no ribbon around his neck, not even when he said he wanted it because his scent was too strong, Heechul said no . So Jimin wore what they wanted. The red mix of clothing with golden details painted down the front and around the trim of the long silk and mesh material. There was gold along the skin of his right cheek and forehead as well as down his right thigh to his knee where the fabric split. A thin piece of cloth was tied around his face, thick lips hiding behind the red see-through material. His hair was pinned up with multiple pins and made to look pretty by the same girls who dress the Empress and consort. Jimin felt strange sitting there as he was dressed. He supposed the silks and the clothes he wore were thin. It wasn’t heavy or thick, and Jimin didn’t have any trouble as he danced around to multiple different melodies. It was mostly alphas surrounding him, watching and cheering for him with alcohol in hand. He was placed on a pedestal for everyone in the garden to see. The snow had stopped and was starting to melt, but surely another storm was blundering towards them. Red lanterns that matched Jimin’s clothes were strung across the largest courtyard—the same one he performed inside of before. It was the New Year’s celebration. A great day full of happiness all around the world, not just Joseon. Jimin spun on his heel, wowing the alphas that sat below him. They all oohed and ahhed at him, and Jimin’s cheeks would be red if he paid too much attention to them, so he continued to dance, ears only listening to the hum of the flute and bang of the drum to keep him in rhythm with the dance. It was a traditional set of dances that Jimin learned back in Busan with his teacher. The dances were refined and changed a bit by Jimin though because he’d always liked to add his own spin on the choreography. Jimin’s eyes couldn’t help but search around the courtyard, trying desperately to find the Crown Prince—to find Taehyung. He’d found the Empress easily, gaping up at him with a giant, pleased smile for a while before scampering off to grow more drunk and cling onto her mistresses. Though, Jimin couldn’t find Taehyung. He knew he shouldn’t be so invested in the Prince—it wasn’t good for him or anyone involved—but Jimin just couldn’t help himself. Jimin poised his hands behind himself, skillfully pulling out a fan, making it seem as if it appeared by magic. The alphas below went crazy, and Jimin was slightly distracted. He continued, nonetheless—only missing one step before he was back on track with a smile coming to rest upon his thick lips from under the mesh fabric. They were all drinking. All of the court was drinking and celebrating, and Jimin was happy to be a part of that celebration, but he also missed his family, too. With a few quick and climaxed movements Jimin finished that song in a beautifully sculpted pose that showed off his unbitten neck. The drunk alphas below went practically feral with primal instincts. Jimin’s neck bared and scent wafting into the air all around them until the entire courtyard smelled of //him.// Jimin’s chest heaved as he tried desperately to catch his breath. The next song began, but Jimin was too tired to continue it. A hand suddenly reached out to him, other alphas fighting for the chance to touch Jimin and be close to him. Drunk from the exhaustion of dancing, Jimin took the first hand that was brought out to him. He stepped down from the large stage, smiling softly, but it quickly fell away when he was surrounded by large alphas, all smelling of alcohol that mixed with all sorts of scents. The intensity of it stirred in his gut and burned his nose. He wanted out, but they were trapping him inside of their circle, wooing and drooling over him. A young female alpha grabbed Jimin’s hand pushing a pretty wooden bracelet of good luck onto his wrist. Another alpha next to her growled, “You can’t just court him! He’ll choose who he wants!” The girl said, ripping the bracelet from Jimin’s wrist.
Jimin stammered, stepping away from the two fighting alphas while another two alphas were rubbing their foreheads against his nape. Jimin gasped, stumbling away from them with a white face. Jimin ducked out of the circle of frustrated alphas, all smelling of rut . Jimin tried to step away, find somewhere silent, but they were following him. Jimin squeaked when he turned back to see the horde of young and old alphas running after him, all drunk and babbling about marriage. Suddenly, a body was blocking the horde from Jimin’s view. Jimin stumbled backwards, looking at Hoseok, who’d distracted them. A hand wrapped around Jimin’s waist, catching him before he could fall backwards. Jimin gasped, peering up to see once again Prince Taehyung smiling down at him. This time, the alpha quickly dragged him to a corner of the courtyard that held no lights nor people. There was a hand wrapped around his lips, keeping him quiet, but Jimin stayed quiet anyways until they were safe from the horde. Once Taehyung let go of his lips, strong, thick arms enveloped him into a tight, tight hug. Jimin gasped, hands coming up to hold it in his lips. There was hot breath against his ear, and Jimin could feel his entire body heating up as if he was in heat. Then.. “You’re mine…” Taehyung’s deep, honey voice hummed into his ear. It was just barely a whisper, but Jimin heard it loud and clear. In fact, it was bouncing around in his head like an echo even after he said it. It threw Jimin completely off guard. Drool was pooling at the back of his mouth and under his tongue, and heat was boiling deep within Jimin’s gut. What the hell? Jimin shut his eyes tightly. “You shouldn’t say that, Your Royal Highness.” Jimin blurted, fear mixing with the heat inside of his stomach because this was bad for Jimin. If he fell, only Jimin would be hurting. They would never be together, and deep down that was bringing pain to Jimin already. Taehyung hummed softly before pulling away from Jimin. He slumped back against the palace wall, sitting on a wooden beam. The omega stared at him for a moment. He knew he shouldn’t sit there. He should go back to dance and leave him. He shouldn’t fall in love with this alpha. It would only bring pain . Jimin’s eyes met Taehyung’s, and he melted. Jimin passed the point of no return. He would rather stand there and watch himself burn rather than break his own heart by walking away from him. He didn’t know why or how, but he felt like Taehyung belonged to him. It felt like destiny had given Taehyung to him, and Jimin longed to have that. He was sure that it was not yet love. No. It was just the beginning of something even more painful, but Jimin couldn’t ignore it. He had no self control to ignore it. So he gave in, he sat down next to Taehyung. “Thank..” Jimin swallowed, feeling himself shrivel up at hearing his own voice. What am I doing? There was no returning from this, Jimin. He told himself. “Thank you for the slippers.” Jimin smiled bashfully just thinking about the little blue box Hoseok brought them inside of. The Prince shifted slightly, peering over to Jimin with a big of a giddy smile on his face. It was cute. Taehyung then made a proud looking expression that had Jimin smiling, blushing even. “I wish I could’ve given them to you myself, but I am quite busy with meetings.” He explained, rolling his eyes. “I will be leaving the capital in a month.” He groaned, and Jimin’s face fell into a deep frown. “You will?” Jimin asked, pain weeping through his vocal chords. Taehyung’s head snapped towards him. “My Flower, it won’t be for long.” He said, staring at Jimin as the smaller face turned beet red color at that pet name. Jimin finally was able to turn away, pulling a hand up to cover the redness, but Taehyung was quick. He grabbed Jimin’s face, pinning the smaller against the palace wall. It forced Jimin’s hands away from his own face to
hold Taehyung’s arms as it grew even more red, somehow. Jimin felt hot. He was sweating, but all he could do to keep himself from bursting was laugh. Jimin bubbled with beautiful laughter that traveled like spring flower petals through the air around them. Taehyung’s eyes grew large at the sight of Jimin’s crescent eyes and bright, sun shaped smile that absolutely made him glow like a beacon in the darkness that drew in. The Prince just stared at him as he laughed, completely burning with embarrassment as Taehyung’s hands remained cupped around his face. Taehyung realized he was holding his whole world right there in the palms of his hands. It was the first time Taehyung had felt sparks fly in his heart, like he’d met his soulmate . Taehyung felt the world come to color from black and white. He felt like he could see for the first time, and the only thing he wanted to look at was Jimin —now until the hour of his death. He only wanted it to be Jimin. Taehyung began to wonder what that feeling was, and Jimin did the same. It was like meeting someone so important, so detrimental to their lives. Though the two just met, they felt like they were inseparable—unable to leave each other. Taehyung felt that if anything bad were to happen to Jimin, he would feel it. He would know. And Jimin felt that he could feel what Taehyung was feeling. What was this? It wasn’t love, nor was it just a crush or infatuation. No, this was something much larger, much stronger than anything they’d ever felt before. Taehyung had been with many, many omegas. He’d visited a brothel—hell, he visited one after seeing Jimin dance for the first time in Busan. He just couldn’t tame that feeling in his chest. He thought it was desire, but not even the brothels could tame that craving, and now it was finally his . He could tame the desperate need for Jimin in his heart. The peach scent was enough to sedate him as he stared at Jimin. The young omega’s bubbling laughter slowly fell back into just a beautiful smile, and Jimin stared back up at him as well. “Have you had too much to drink, Sir?” Jimin laughed again, jokingly. Taehyung frowned softly, pulling his hands away because he almost kissed the omega right then and there. “I don’t drink alcohol…” He said, then grew closer, pointing a finger into Jimin’s face. “I told you to call me Taehyung.” Jimin stiffened, and smiled softly at him, endearingly, like a mother looking at their child. “I can’t. Not in front of all these people. You’re the Crown Prince of my country, and I am your servant.” Jimin said, almost like a robot, trying to convince himself that it would only end in pain if he stepped over this boundary. Taehyung’s face drained slightly, but he just sighed. He sagged and snaked a gentle finger into Jimin’s hair that was pinned up by golden jewelry that did not belong to him. After this banquet it would be yanked and pulled from his hair once more. Taehyung pulled out one of the pins and held it to his lips, inhaling Jimin’s scent. Jimin watched in shock, lips ajar, and heart thrumming. Taehyung wasn’t making this easy for him at all. Taehyung peered up to him. “Do you mind if I keep this?” He hummed, and could Jimin really say no? He subconsciously nodded his head, unable to say anything else as the hair that was pinned up fell against his forehead. Taehyung saw he was speechless so he smirked and spoke again. “You look beautiful with pins in your hair.” Taehyung said, and Jimin’s hand reached up to feel the smooth hair and the pins that held it up. “I-I—Thank you, Your Highness.” Jimin said, bowing his head because he was blushing again. Taehyung laughed softly, pushing the pin into his clothes. He then just stared at Jimin, sitting there, not a word in his mouth. His head was empty save for the thought of Jimin. “Jimin, I—“
“Yah! Where’s my son? It’s nearly twelve o’clock!” The Empress shouted, full of alcohol and excitement as he paraded around, alcohol in hand. Jimin giggled softly. “We’d both better go.” Jimin said, thanking the gods that he didn’t have to be in pain anymore. It took all of his might not to fall for him—was it even working? It didn’t feel like it as he watched Taehyung smile down at him with a nod. It didn’t feel like it as he watched Taehyung walk away from him. In fact, it hurt a little bit too much. Jimin wanted a few minutes before stepping back into the lights, and almost immediately, the horde of alphas was back on his heels. Hoseok helped him up onto the stage before they could catch him. Jimin continued to dance, but his eyes couldn’t help watching Taehyung enjoy the festivities. It seemed Taehyung couldn’t keep his eyes off of Jimin either. Their eyes were constantly meeting each other’s gazes, but they would never meet. Jimin thought of it as a tragedy. He would never be able to be with his soulmate, no matter how hard he tried…and if he tried too hard, he would see his love fade as he was burning for crimes against The Crown. But he would do it. Jimin didn’t know why he would, but he would do it. He would do it even if it was just for a single day to be with Taehyung. -
Chapter 12: The Dawn of New Days Jimin watched, hands clapping as the entire courtyard erupted into celebration as the clocks hit midnight. There was a bright smile stretched across Jimin's face as he watched Taehyung introduce the New Year. Jimin had lost count of the years and the days as they passed by so quickly. Jimin's smile grew when Taehyung's eyes met him for the hundredth time that night. Jimin's attention was stolen by the countless alphas that began climbing onto the stage from below. Jimin inhaled sharply, but he could only bubble out giggles as these high rounded noble alphas started dancing like fools, mimicking the way Jimin danced while laughing vibrantly. Jimin couldn't help the large smile on his pretty face. One of the boys wrapped an arm around Jimin, pulling him into a dance, and at first Jimin was unsure, but it soon turned into great fun. Jimin bubbled with laughter, head throwing back as he began charming every alpha even more without even trying. Jimin was swung around by multiple alphas until he ended up in the arms of a familiar deep floral musk. Jimin inhaled sharply as the music changed suddenly, just as their eyes met. Taehyung held his waist, hand in his and stared down at him. Jimin's smile fell, and he glanced around, though Taehyung turned his chin back quickly. Jimin was scared someone would see his secret because it was so hard to conceal. How could he hide it? Jimin waltzed with Taehyung, bodies following the flow of the music that guided them. Looking into Taehyung's eyes, feeling his skin, Jimin felt calmer already. He felt like he was floating on air. "You're mine… remember?" He whispered, pulling Jimin close so he could hear, and Jimin didn't think he could take much more of it. "Your Highness—" "This is something they cannot decide." Taehyung growled softly, and Jimin knew that was true, but if they found out, Jimin would be to blame. Jimin would be the one suffering. Jimin wanted to pull away. He wanted so badly to run away, but Taehyung was his puzzle piece. They fit together perfectly, and that was all Jimin wanted, so why couldn't he have it? He wanted to meet and mate his soulmate, but now that he'd met his soulmate, it was heart wrenching to know they would never be together—not really anyway. Jimin turned his head away, sad to even think about it, but maybe it would fade. Jimin hoped it would fade. Soon. Taehyung waltzed them further around the courtyard for another few minutes until the music died down. Once the song turned to a new one, Jimin pulled away from Taehyung. He had a big smile on his face, cheeks bashfully red, but under the light of the red lanterns, everything looked red. Jimin bowed deeply to the Prince, who stood there, mouth open and a sigh falling out of his lips. Jimin strode past him, moving quickly so that Taehyung couldn’t pull him back. At the edge of the courtyard, Jimin was pulling out the hairpins when a figure stepped in front of him with a tight frown draped across her face. She glared at Jimin, no doubt the woman had seen him dance with the Prince. Of course, she would scold him. Madame Sun blocked him from stepping towards the handmaidens that helped dress him. He needed to give the pins back, the clothes too. Jimin stared up at her, a bit confused. “Where are the pins?” She asked immediately, holding out a hand to take them. Jimin furrowed his brows, pulling out the last two and placing the three onto her palm gently. Madame Sun watched closely, brows growing tight and angry. “Where is the last one, omega?” She hissed, other hand tightening around the metal fan she carried around at all times.
Jimin stiffened. He’d given one to Taehyung without even thinking. How could he be so foolish? He couldn’t blame the Prince for his mishap, nor could he tell the woman that Taehyung asked for it. The younger omega bit his lip and looked around himself if looking for the pin. Jimin glanced back to the woman, still turning to look for the pin which he knew he would not find. “I-I—It must’ve fallen out while I was dancing.” Jimin explained, eyes trying hard to look genuinely worried. Madame Sun growled, grabbing Jimin’s hand and slapping the closed metal fan down against his knuckles. Jimin inhaled sharply with a painfilled hiss. “You little thief.” She said, her lips curling backwards. “I’ll have your hands cut off—“ “That seems a bit rash, doesn’t it, my love?” A voice said, coming towards them. Jimin looked over from where he had paled to see Chinmae stepping towards them, a soft smile upon his older features. Madame Sun frowned at her mate. He was calm and collected, while she was ready to have Jimin’s hands served to the Empress on a platter for a hair pin made of simple gold-painted brass. Jimin could buy something of equal value at the market in Busan. Madame Sun pointed to Jimin in her fit of annoyance. “He stole one of the hair-pins, Chinmae. He does not need his hands to dance.” She explained, and Jimin took a scared step back, his hand still fisted in her grasp. It was turning red from her harsh punishment. Chinmae chuckled softly. He calmly pulled Madame Sun’s hands from Jimin’s, and so Jimin pulled his hand away, rubbing it gently because it hurt. “He does need his hands, darling. I believe Jimin-ah is not lying—I saw a certain Prince showing it off to his generals.” Chinmae laughed, winking to Jimin. The young omega stiffened, eyes growing large and body freezing up. He knew? Jimin shivered softly, but turned back to Madame Sun, acting as if he didn’t know Taehyung had it. The woman scoffed, glaring at Jimin still. “ Hmph . I still think he deserves a punishment.” Jimin turned back to Chinmae who rubbed the woman’s shoulder. There was a glint in his eyes, something Jimin couldn’t read at all. “His punishment will be retiring to his chambers.” Chinmae smiled, knowing Jimin was exhausted and wished to return anyways. Jimin smiled softly, but it quickly dropped when he turned back to Madame Sun. she shoved him away before clinging onto her husband, so Jimin scurried back towards his own room in the servant’s quarters. He avoided drunk alphas, trying to stay somewhat in the light of the night as he made it back to his room. Jimin shut the door with a heavy sigh, propping up his alarm for intruders. He then tore off the red clothing, folding it nicely and placing it into a box that he would bring back to the handmaidens who made it for his New Years performance. He was so tired, all he could do was slump into bed and close his eyes. He fell asleep almost instantly, dreaming of deeply scented flowers and a tiger’s eyes as well as hopes to see Taehyung again soon.
Jimin’s hopes did not come true. Three days passed, and Jimin heard nothing from Taehyung. Sunmi was busy almost all the time, and Jimin was stuck roaming his room or the servant’s quarters. It was quite limited. He took a bath in the small servant’s springs. He made a small journal with the parchment he had and a thin piece of string that he cut from one of his older hanboks. He cataloged the plants
and trees inside of the servant’s quarters courtyard. There were so many types of trees from pine to oak, even though the courtyard was smaller than all the others. The winter made it difficult, but Jimin was so bored, and he couldn’t wait for springtime to emerge. A sigh sprung from his chest as he slipped out of the servant’s quarters and headed towards the main palace, or at least the large area that sat in front of it—made entirely of stone with a few gardens here and there. Jimin wanted to catalog those plants too. It was something he’d always been interested in. Plus, drawing the plants was more fun than laying around in his bed all afternoon. Jimin looked around for Madame Sun once he emerged from the trees that hid the servant’s home from the rest of the palace. He smiled once he saw no one was there. There were the occasional guards walking around, but no one of consequence to Jimin. He stepped towards the first small garden, crouching down and pulling his journal from his hanbok’s pocket. He flipped to a clean page and sketched out the plant below. It looked like an azalea. Jimin had plenty of those back in Busan. When they bloomed in the early spring, he would draw one and send it to his father. Jimin moved all around the gardens, a slight smile constantly on his lips as he sketched out each of the bare bushes, leaving space for the three other seasons. If he didn’t know a plant or tree, he would have to wait for spring or summer to come around. Jimin was busy sketching a rose bush, the thorns giving it away, when someone clears their throat behind Jimin. The omega froze where he sat crouched. God , he hoped it wasn’t Madame Sun. Chinmae wouldn’t be able to save him forever. Jimin turned his head to see a rather rich looking female alpha staring down at him, her eyes slanted and a smirk bound across her lips. Jimin blinked. He didn’t know this alpha, but she was very attractive. Jimin stood quickly, hiding the journal behind himself and bowing to the noble that stood in front of him deeply in case he offended her. “Excuse me, I was just admiring the gardens.” Jimin explained while still bowed. “You’re my brother’s dancer, are you not?” She asked, and Jimin came up from his bow. Her brother? Taehyung? Was she a Princess? Jimin swallowed thickly, nodding his head. “Yes, Your Royal Highness.” Jimin hummed softly, smiling at the thought of Taehyung summoning him. “I’ve come to escort you to Lord Kim Seokjin’s chambers.” She said with a large smile across her features. Jimin’s jaw dropped slightly. He wished he could ask who , but Jimin kept it to himself, just bringing a small smile to his lips. “Yes, Your Highness.” He nodded, pushing his journal back into his pocket gently. He wished Taehyung had called him. He hoped that Kim Seokjin wouldn’t do anything rash—if he was an alpha. Though, the name sounded familiar. The woman turned, and Jimin followed her closely. He wasn’t dressed for a performance, nor did he have anything in mind. Jimin began thinking about what he could do, but he was too frightened to even think, really. They ventured into the east wing of the palace, passed the courtyard Jimin had practiced in, and further in than Jimin had ever been. The Princess lapped her knuckles against the door, and it opened almost immediately. “Harin, finally.” A familiar voice said before excited harps from children belted out inside of the room. Jimin sagged at the sound of the kids. He was safe, inhaling the strong scent of omega pheromones, like a cotton field breeze, so clear and calming. Jimin remained a bit farther back, waiting to be told what to do as the Princess smiled brightly at the omega boy in the doorway. “Hei, go get Aecha please.” The man demanded before turning his eyes to Jimin. The
man’s eyes softened on him. Jimin had seen him before, talking with Taehyung once before. “Come inside, Jimin-ssi.” Seokjin hummed, extending a careful arm to the omega while the Princess remained where she was standing at the door. Jimin quickly bowed to him, a bit surprised that he knew his name. He then stepped towards the other omega. Jimin felt a hand on his back, pressing him inside the room. There, he saw two young children walking towards the door, hand in hand. One was a three year old girl, the other a six year old boy. Both were very beautiful. Yoongi was behind them, sitting at a table and smiling at him. Jimin held his breath, so happy to see the omega sitting at the table. Jimin's lips edged upwards in excitement, and he rushed towards the table. “Yoongi-hyung.” Jimin greeted him with a small bow. Yoongi laughed softly, ushering the younger omega towards him while patting the pillow seat next to him at the table. “Jimin-ah, how I’ve missed you.” He exclaimed happily. Jimin glanced at Seokjin who remained at the door, kissing his children’s foreheads. “Go with Harin to see your father. Be good, okay?” The two both nodded, the younger sibling jumping with excitement. Jimin turned back to Yoongi, settling himself on the pillow with the same jumpy feeling. Yoongi reached out, holding Jimin’s hand with a smile, but it quickly fell when he saw the deep purple bruises on Jimin’s knuckles. A gasp lodged itself inside of his throat, and he immediately drew his hand away. Madame Sun’s metal fan was relentless. Jimin gave the elder a guilty smile, pushing his hands in between his thighs. Yoongi was about to speak, but Seokjin plopped himself without a sharp, tired exhale. He looked at both the omegas at the table. “Don’t have kids.” Seokjin huffed with a frown, and Jimin giggled softly, trying to change the subject in Yoongi’s head from his bruises. Seokjin then turned to Jimin with a bright beautiful smile on his gorgeous features. He was intimidatingly beautiful. “I’m Kim Seokjin. I’ve seen you dance, and it’s absolutely spectacular.” He said with so much enthusiasm. The elder grabbed Jimin’s hurt hand, and he tried hard not to flinch, but it really hurt. Yoongi noticed, leaning forward with tight brows, but Seokjin continued to speak, not allowing Yoongi to ponder the situation. “Oh! Yoongi and I have ordered ribbons just like yours! I thought it was the most adorable thing. Much better than the collars, anyways.” He scoffed, pointing to Yoongi’s collar. Yoongi nodded, rolling his eyes. “Yes, I cannot wait to get this thing off.. soon all of the court omegas will be wearing the same thing.” Yoongi laughed, still skeptical of Jimin’s hand, but Jimin ignored it like it wasn’t there. Jimin smiled, cheeks flushing a bright red at the thought of starting such a trend. It made him happy. Yoongi thinned his eyes a bit. “I saw you met Taehyung, personally. Jeonggukie told me.” Yoongi said with a thick frown across his face. Seokjin let out a sigh of annoyance at the mention of Taehyung. “That brat. He’s so spoiled, you know?” Seokjin laughed, and Jimin couldn’t help but laugh too. He knew it was improper of him, but he did. Seokjin stared at him, smiling as Jimin laughed along. Jimin inhaled sharply and stood up abruptly. “Oh.” He bowed deeply, and both of the omegas stopped breathing. “Thank you so much for inviting me to your chambers, My Lords.” They were both silent for a few seconds before Seokjin’s face morphed into a deep frown. Jimin stiffened. Had he done something terrible? He was only doing what he was taught. He just wanted to be polite, but now he’d offended his only friends other than Dawon and Sunmi. “I-I—“ Jimin attempted to correct himself, but Seokjin cut in.
“Yah! That old hag Madame Sun is still torturing you, isn’t she?” Seokjin growled, arms flailing as he spoke to Yoongi. Yoongi smiled softly, nodding his head. He gestured for Jimin to sit and come nearer. “Come here, Jimin-ah.” He hummed, so Jimin did quickly. He sat, and Yoongi held out a hand. Jimin stiffened. “Let me see your hand.” The younger was hesitant, but he had no choice. He pulled his hurt hand from between his thighs and placed it into Yoongi’s palm. They both grew pale at the sight of the bruised up knuckles. Seokjin swallowed. “ God , what a hag. I’ll have her dismissed for this— “ “She is Chinmae’s mate, Jin-hyung.” Yoongi said with a heavy frown as well. Seokjin nodded, but stood and stepped away from the table. “Yes, yes. We all know the Emperor is in love with Chinmae.. old bastard.” He cursed, and Jimin blinked as he came back with a glass jar of something— Jimin didn't know what it was. Seokjin settled himself back down, opening the lid and scooping out a generous amount of the gel-like substance. “This is healing cream, from my husband. If you ever need anymore visit Kim Namjoon. He’s the royal physician.” Seokjin said, acting very proud of the man he spoke of. Yoongi just rolled his eyes. Seokjin rubbed the gel on the sensitive skin, and it hurt. Jimin flinched a few times before the elder was finished. He wiped the extra on a rag that sat under a nearby teapot. Seokjin then smiled. “Or you could come see me.” Seokjin added, but Jimin knew he couldn’t walk freely in the palace. He’d be murdered. Jimin smiled softly. “Thank you, hyung.” Yoongi and Seokjin both smiled as well. They spoke for a few hours, and eventually, the two children returned, but held by a different person. A familiar General Jung Hoseok. When Seokjin saw, the omega inhaled, face turning a bit of a pale pink color. Jimin watched, not really thinking anything of it. The two children were returned to Seokjin, Hoseok placing a kiss onto the elder boy’s forehead while the little girl clung to Seokjin, giggling. Jimin stood quickly, bowing to the kind general at the door. Yoongi continued behind him, sipping tea and smiling gently. Hoseok blinked at Jimin for a moment, but bowed to the young omega soon after. Seokjin hummed, gently pushing Hei and Aecha into the large suite while he spoke to Hoseok. Jimin glanced at the children that wandered off to play. He turned back to Yoongi. “I—uhm—I should probably return to my chambers. It’s getting a bit late.” Jimin said, bowing to Yoongi. Hoseok popped his head towards Jimin. “I’ll escort you back to the servant’s quarters, then.” He offered, and Jimin nodded with a big smile forming. Seokjin grabbed his hands as gently as possible. “You just come tell me if that rude old hag does anything else to you, okay?” Seokjin asked, brows knitting in worry for Jimin. Jimin just smiled at him. “In fact!” He exclaimed, tearing away to grab the jar from the table. He came back, shoving the jar into Jimin’s hands. “Here. Take it.” He said, enclosing Jimin’s fingers around the jar of medicine. Jimin smiled bashfully, bowing profusely to Seokjin. “Thank you very much, hyung.” He was making yet another kind friend. He probably didn’t deserve it, but he couldn’t help but be happy about it. Seokjin wrapped his arms around Jimin, holding him tightly. Jimin swallowed. This man was so kind to him. Why? He wondered, turning to leave with Hoseok after saying his goodbyes to Seokjin and Yoongi. There was a pleasant smile on his lips the entire walk back. -
Chapter 13: Cells for the Innocent Jimin bowed deeply to Hoseok at the edge of the forest that led back to the servant’s quarters. The general smiled down at him brightly. “Thank you very much, hyung.” Jimin smiled, just as brightly as Hoseok did. Jimin began turning towards the quarters, but quickly turned around. “Hyung.” He said, catching the alpha’s attention. “Yes?” Jimin bit his lip. Was he really going to ask? Or maybe that would make things too obvious. He was pining, praying for Taehyung to call for him, but it had been nearly three days. Sure, he was busy, but was he that busy? Jimin was worried he would forget about him. He was worried Taehyung would find a new omega to fancy, one that gave him everything he wanted… including sex. Jimin shivered at the thought, but he didn’t want to lose Taehyung to another. Hoseok furrowed his brow as Jimin thought. “Jimin-ah?” He questioned, and Jimin’s gaze snapped up towards him. Jimin then smiled, brushing it off. He wouldn’t ask. “Never mind, I’m sorry.” Jimin bowed once more. “Thank you again, hyung.” He said before turning around and quickly stepping in the direction of the quarters before he could think to turn back. He should just forget about it. Jimin stepped back into the servant’s quarters and was immediately met with a dreaded face, Madame Sun stood in front of him with a deep, deep frown. Jimin swallowed as she stepped towards him. He bowed deeply to the woman, and she stopped in front of him. “Up.” She demanded, sounding awfully angry. Jimin leaned back up quickly, sweat beading on his forehead. “Where have you been? What have you been doing?” She asked, voice full of hatred, but Jimin still didn’t know why she hated him so. Jimin stammered. “I-I—Lord Kim Seokjin called upon me, ma’am.” He explained, and the woman’s eyes tightened, brows furrowing deeper into her slightly wrinkled features. Her face began to tremble slightly with anger, and Jimin’s body grew completely stiff. She was going to kill him. Before Jimin could even see the movement, the woman struck him with her closed fan. The metal burned against his skin, and his head turned forcefully to the side. The pain seared through his entire jaw and rode up through the nerves in his cheek to the top of his head. His headache suddenly—painfully. “Why must you lie constantly?” She growled, throwing a tantrum like a child with a venomous voice. “Lord Kim does not even know of your existence, you imbecile!” She shouted, face growing red, but Jimin allowed her to glower and scream at him as he turned his head back to look at the ground. He wasn’t even lying. “Tell me the truth, where were you, you shameless omega?” She snatched his hand violently and slapped her fan down upon it too, but it was numb to the pain by now. It certainly would hurt later. “I’m not lying, ma’am.” Jimin said, head bowed and hands trying to restrain themselves from self defense. “The Lords Kim Seokjin and Min Yoongi wished to see me perform for them.” He said, lying just slightly because if he didn’t, she definitely wouldn’t believe him. “Her Royal Highness Princess Harin retrieved me, ma’am.” He thoroughly explained. Madame Sun was shaking, she was so angry. She grabbed his hurt hand, and he flinched in pain. The woman dragged him through the quarters until they arrived in his room, she then threw him inside. Jimin gasped, stumbling to the ground. His knees hit the wood roughly, hands next. He peered back to the woman as she stood angrily, glaring at him from his door.
“Since you wish to lie to me still, you are not to leave this room unless called upon by His Royal Highness.” She hissed, body moving back as she pulled the door with her. Jimin remained on the ground, pain flaring through his entire body as he sat on the wooden floor. “Yes, ma’am.” Jimin said, moving into a deep forehead to the floor bow. She just scoffed meanly, slamming his door shut. She then locked it shut tight by placing a wooden stick against the outside of the sliding door. It was then that the tears broke loose, running down his face as he recoiled into himself there on the floor of his room.
About an hour or two went by before Jimin got up from the floor. His back was leaned against his bed, and he just stared at the ceiling. He stood, fingers wrapping around the door. He pulled, but it didn’t budge, and a coil formed in his gut. She really locked him inside. Jimin wrapped his arms around himself, stumbling back out of sheer panic. Was she even going to feed him? Jimin sat down on the bed, eventually ending up in the corner, curled around himself. His room had no windows, there were bars like a cell. There was only that door. It felt like the walls were closing in on him as he just sat there, claustrophobic and afraid. How long would she keep him locked up in this prison? A few hours later and the wood outside shifted and rattled softly. The door opened, and Jimin gasped. He peered up, cheeks tear stained, to see a young alpha servant carrying a plate of food in his hands. He looked at Jimin, a bit taken aback, eyes large and mouth agape. He set the tray of simple food down and then shut the door, once again placing the wood down to act as a lock. Jimin didn’t even get up. He just shoved his face back into his arms. When he grew tired, he slept. He didn’t touch his food though. Morning came quickly, and Jimin awoke to the sound of someone fiddling with the door once more. It cracked open, and it popped that boy’s head. He was young, maybe fifteen or sixteen. When he saw the uneaten tray of food he frowned softly. He pursed his lips gently, glancing to and from Jimin for a moment. “I know it’s bad…” He said, grabbing Jimin’s attention suddenly. “She’s a terrible woman.” He said in a low voice. “But if you don’t eat she’ll be even more terrible.” He explained as if he’d been through the exact same thing. Jimin truly hoped not. He wiped away his tears gently, watching as the boy set down the second tray, taking the first. He then closed and locked the door once more. Jimin sighed softly. He was right. Starving himself would do nothing to Madame Sun. If he died, she would only be happy. Jimin slipped off of the bed, rubbing his eyes gently. He pulled the tray of food onto his lap as he sat on the edge of his bed. It was only a boiled egg and a small piece of stale-looking bread. There was a small scoop of sticky rice on the side too. It wasn’t what he wanted, nor what he usually got with Sunmi in the mornings, but he still ate every bit because he was hungry from last night. Days passed by, then two weeks. Jimin kept up with the dates, thanks to the young alpha boy. His heat came and passed, and Jimin locked his door from the inside those days. He didn’t trust anyone, but he was sure his scent could be smelled from anywhere on the palace grounds. About a week had passed since his heat, and Jimin was still a bit tired from it. He was tired of being locked up in that room. He hadn’t seen the sun in three entire weeks. It had nearly been a month of him being locked up. He was so tired of it.
A wave of depression hit him, and he tried so hard to keep his hopes up, but they only diminished further. Being alone in a dark room for weeks with nothing more to do than think messed with one’s head. Jimin missed Taehyung. He was desperate, in fact, to see the Prince— or anyone really. All of those weeks without one word made Jimin believe Taehyung was already bored of him. Jimin was just a little plaything to Taehyung anyways. A toy to be used and cast aside once he was finished with him. Jimin wanted out. He wanted to go home. He wanted to see his father and his mother. He wanted to see the ocean and his new baby brother. The only light of being in the room for all those weeks was that his parents finally responded to him. Jimin’s little brother was safe and healthy. Jihyun, they named him, and Jimin was overwhelmed with joy, but all of that joy had faded into just emptiness . Thoughts of running away crossed his mind, but he would never make it out alive. He would be hunted for the rest of his life too. He just wanted— The wooden stick outside was being fiddled with, and Jimin’s eyes snapped towards the door from where he sat on his bed, just staring at the wall. He crawled back onto his bed, scooting far away from whoever it was. He looked at the food tray. Wasn’t it too early for dinner? The door slid open quickly, and Jimin inhaled sharply. Madame Sun stood there, chin raised proudly in the air, and the first thing that crossed Jimin’s mind was murder . Unfortunately, he couldn’t do that either. He thought it might be worth it though. The woman sighed softly at the sight of Jimin, who glowered at her. It was almost intimidating, but that woman feared nothing. “Get dressed.” She demanded. “Something nice. They’ve called for you.” Jimin’s ears rejoiced at those words. His body sagged, and the door shut once more, leaving him to get ready. He hadn’t been discarded yet… or.. maybe he wanted to discard him now? Fear shot through Jimin’s veins. He trembled as he stood up, mind going crazy with all sorts of possibilities, but none were pleasing. He would be thrown out onto the streets, winter still raging outside. He would die out there. Jimin swallowed, and reluctantly pulled himself into the most beautiful hanbok he could find in his wardrobe. It was a pretty pink color with soft, silk butterfly designs all over the front. There were pretty good chains falling down the side from his hip. It was thinner than most hanboks and very pretty. Jimin’s father had made it for him to dance with a long time ago. Jimin combed fingers through his hair. He’d been able to bathe while in captivity, surprisingly. He’d taken one yesterday after his heat was finally over. Though, when he had finished, he was shoved right back into his cell . That room was no longer a room. It was a cell—a prison cell. Jimin pushed his older shoes onto his feet. They were a bit tattered, but it didn’t matter because no one would see. He then knocked against the door, and it reopened. Jimin didn’t dare make eye contact with the woman. He stared at the ground below him as he just started walking. “I hope you’ve learned your lesson.” She growled, still very angry even though he’d done absolutely nothing wrong, but he wouldn’t argue. “Yes, ma’am.” This freedom felt so nice. When they stepped out of the building and Jimin could see the sun setting in the sky, he felt fresh air finally break through the film of dust that was plundering inside of his lungs. Jimin followed her closely, but not too closely because her scent made him gag.
Taehyung’s chambers were so far into the palace, so it took a while of walking before Jimin stopped behind the woman. She cleared her throat before lapping her knuckles against the wooden door. “Hm?” A voice, hummed through the wood. It didn’t sound like Taehyung, though. The woman smiled softly. “The dancer, Your Royal Highness.” She introduced, before glaring back at Jimin. She grabbed his upper arm tightly in his vice grip and pushed him towards the door. Jimin felt like he was still sagging. The depression of being in his room for a month was still weighing so heavy over his head. He just didn’t feel the same. He was tired constantly. He just wanted to go home . The door opened, and Jimin’s eyes were met with the broad chest of General Hoseok. Madame Sun was still behind, so Jimin instantly bowed deeply. “General Jung.” Jimin sighed softly, voice not holding the same hum that it did before. Hoseok noticed immediately, looking down at Jimin with a frown. “Are you feeling unwell, Jimin-ah?” He asked, worried striking across his face. Madame Sun stepped forward immediately. “He must be tired from his heat. It was last week, you see.” She explained with a small laugh, but Hoseok didn’t look entertained at all. He just glanced back to Jimin, who remained completely still where he stood. He didn’t even look at Hoseok when he spoke. The General pursed his lips tightly. “I—uh—I see.. I hope you’re feeling better soon, Jimin-ah.” Hoseok offered. Jimin bent down into a bow once more, voice monotonous. “Thank you, Sir.” He just said, and Hoseok walked away with a furrowed brow. Madame Sun just pushed Jimin into Taehyung’s room. Jimin was dreading it. He was dreading it more than anything in the whole wide world. Taehyung was going to tell Jimin he was bored of him and send him away. The door shut behind Jimin, and he was trapped there. A voice rang out, calling for him. “Jimin-ah, I’m here.” Taehyung said from inside. Jimin’s stomach was squeezing, his chest becoming hard and fear boiling. It was hard to breathe. Tears were already coming to his eyes, but he moved forward, stepping towards the fire pit that was alight again in the center of the room. That’s where Taehyung sat. Jimin stared at him for a moment, his throat seizing up and bottom lip trembling. He didn’t want to leave yet. His heart still begged to be with that alpha. He still wanted to be with the Prince, even if just for a moment. He just wanted to feel Taehyung’s love, even if it was just for a moment. Seeing Taehyung was like a cure to the emptiness that swallowed up every emotion in his entire body. Taehyung was like his opioid addiction. He was hooked, and he hoped that Taehyung felt that same, but he knew better than to convince himself of such things. “Jimin-ah?” -
Chapter 14: Do Not Be Kind to Me Taehyung was kind and Jimin didn't want him to be. You see, because the more Taehyung treats Jimin with kindness, the more Jimin will fall— the harder Jimin will fall. It was a recipe for disaster, but Jimin had no self control, especially not that day. He'd been locked in his room for nearly a month. The only sunlight he received was the two times a week he would pass the courtyard on the way to bathe. Jimin felt like a bird trapped in captivity. He felt like a pretty flower that had been plucked from a garden and given no water to cling to. He was wilting. “Jimin-ah?” Taehyung peered back from where he sat, eyes glazing over Jimin's entire figure slowly. A worried smile pulled onto his handsome features, but Jimin remained where he was. The omega bowed deeply to the Prince. He decided it was about time for him to treat the Prince with as little personal connection as he could. It was for his own good. Jimin stayed, bowed. "What can I do for you, Your Royal Highness?" Jimin hummed smoothly, ignoring the sharp inhale from the alpha in front of him. Taehyung took a moment, but soon replied with a hesitant voice. "Jiminah.. I said you could call me Taehyung." He said, and Jimin bit his lip. The young omega pulled up from his deep bow, but his eyes remained on the floor below him. "I cannot do that, Sir." He said with the shake of his head. Jimin hated this. He hated it with all of his might. He didn't want to say these things, but he had to—to protect his own heart. Taehyung was quiet. He quickly stepped towards Jimin, who flinched backwards, drawing away from the alpha with tears pent up so tightly. He couldn't look at Taehyung or he would see. Taehyung's breath stopped when he saw Jimin flinch, but he kept a gentle hand reaching out to Jimin, slowly caressing his chin. "Jimin-ah, please—" Jimin pulled himself away, backing up. Taehyung stilled, watching with wide eyes and parted lips. "Your Highness, I'm sorry, but I can't." A look of pain crossed Taehyung's face, then anger. Jimin felt terrible. One of the tears in Jimin's eye fell, but he quickly wiped it with his palm, trying hard to block the purple bruise across his hand. The one in his face healed completely, thankfully. Though, Madame Sun continued to slap his hand with the fan until his heat hit a week ago. "If—If you have no more need for me.." Jimin turned as the cascade of tears began. He stepped towards the door, but strong arms quickly grabbed him, pulling him back to collide with a large, warm chest. Jimin could feel the latter's heartbeat against his back. He could feel the alpha's hot breath fanning against his ear, and it tickled, but Jimin was completely frozen as Taehyung held him. "They cannot choose who we fall in love with, Jiminie." He hummed so very softly into Jimin's ear. Jimin inhaled sharply, breath stuttering slightly as he let Taehyung's warmth lure him in. Jimin melted against Taehyung's hold, completely falling apart as tears slowly slid down his cheeks. Taehyung only continued. "We've only just met, but you mean more to me than anyone else in the world." He whined, and Jimin quickly flipped himself around, wrapping tight arms around his frame and shoving his tear filled face into the alpha's chest, inhaling as much of that spice and flower musk as he possibly could. The scent completely calmed him. It swallowed up his tears. A long exhale flittered—trembled really—through Jimin's lips. "Please stop.." Jimin murmured. Taehyung froze, his body still holding Jimin tightly. Those words were strange, and Taehyung didn't know what they meant. "What?" Jimin breathed for a few seconds. It was heavy and trembling from his crying. "Please do not be kind to me, Your Highness." Jimin begged, his voice cracking.
Taehyung just wrapped his arms around Jimin, holding him tight. After a moment, Taehyung pulled away, placing his hands on Jimin's face and holding it in his hands gently. "My Flower," he hummed, basking in the omega's beauty that was almost overwhelming even when the smaller was crying—eyes red, cheeks puffy, and lips thick and red. Taehyung licked his own lips, hands still holding Jimin's face with a small smile forming. "I believe you might be my other half." Taehuung laughed, a big, boxy smile gracing his expression. Jimin's face heated up at the sight. He was so handsome, so perfect. His words hit Jimin differently though. He believed the same, and maybe it was true. Maybe he had found his soulmate, but the question was.. could he ever really fall in love with him? He wanted a mate that could give him love. He wanted a mate that could give him pups. He wanted a mare that he could fall in love with publicly. He didn't want to hide it. He wanted it to be a normal relationship with as much love and safety as he could get. Could Taehyung really give him that? If they were soulmates, destiny had a very twisted way of showing it. His soulmate was someone he could never have. "Taehyung…" Jimin swallowed, his voice cracking. The alpha couldn't take it any longer, his lips pressed against Jimin's suddenly, and the omega let out a soft noise that Taehyung could only swallow as he pressed their lips together. Jimin didn't care what it meant. He knew when their lips touched that this was meant to be. There was a spark of attraction, a tight, vice grip in his gut, and the feeling of wholeness spreading through his entire body. The past month of isolation and pain went away in the blink of an eye, disappearing into the fog that swarmed Jimin's mind while their lips molded and moved against each other. Jimin whimpered softly as Taehyung pulled him closer into his grip, smiling against their kiss so wickedly. He was sure Taehyung felt the same way as the feeling of safety just enveloped him like a heavy blanket. Jimin pulled away briefly, breathing and heavy as his eyes lidded, staring up at Taehyung. "I like you." Jimin just barely got out before Taehyung snatched his lips away once more. Taehyung chuckled softly while still holding Jimin tightly. He gave himself and Jimin a moment before humming softly. "I love you." He said through labored breaths, and this time, Jimin was the first to pull his lips back onto Taehyung, arms wrapping around his neck as his stomach flipped inside of him. It was such a dream, their lips smacking and eyes rolling back as the sparks grew stronger and stronger inside of them. It felt whole. Jimin felt like he was no longer in the dark and alone. He had Taehyung there with his red string wrapped around their pinkies to keep them together always . Taehyung slowly moved from Jimin's lips, kissing his jaw, then the skin just below his jaw. Taehyung's fingers were gentle as he brought his hand up to pull the ribbon from his neck one piece at a time. Jimin shivered when the fabric fell away, and his pleasure filled scent exploded through the room. Taehyung inhaled it with a deep growl, face immediately rubbing against the scent glands on his neck. Jimin hummed, hands smoothing up into Taehyung's dark brown hair, grabbing it at the roots as he rubbed his own scent on Jimin's neck, effectively scenting him. The next thing was Taehyung's lips were on his neck, sucking the place where Jimin's scent was the strongest. Taehyung could taste the peaches as he latched onto Jimin's neck like an animal—it was primal, and Jimin wanted to go feral at the feeling. Jimin tightened the hold he had in Taehyung's hair, holding him back from going too far. Now Jimin's scent would be mixed with Taehyung's warm, thick scent. Jimin's peaches and Taehyung's floral. It was the perfect mix. Jimin couldn't wait to go back to his room and just smell Taehyung. He couldn't wait to smell Taehyung everywhere he went. By the time Taehyung’s lips left his neck there was a large spot of red, and Jimin was ready to bend over, arse in the air right at that moment, but the
way Taehyung held onto him just felt so good, better than any climax he’d ever given himself. Jimin’s breath was heavy as he rested against Taehyung, the larger wrapping around him like a blanket. He’d never felt more at home than when he was in Taehyung’s arms. The alpha growled above him softly when Jimin shifted. Jimin didn’t feel threatened though. The man was just insistent on keeping Jimin close to him. He giggled softly in Taehyung’s hold. “What does this mean? “ Jimin asked in a whisper, unsure of what any of it meant. He didn’t know where it would lead either, but he wanted to know. It was such a foggy future, and Jimin hated that. Taehyung smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Jimin’s head. “It means I get to be with you.” He said, voice equally as low. His hands slowly slipped down, fingers intertwining with Jimin’s. The smaller smiled softly at the sight he thought he would never be able to see in his lifetime. Their hands held so tightly together. “You get to be with me.” He said, and Jimin giggled softly. Taehyung peered down at their hands, only to see the sharp, dark purple bruises all across his knuckles. The alpha’s brows knitted tightly, and he pulled away just barely to get a better look at the injury. Jimin stiffened, trying to pull his hand away, but the larger held it tightly. “Jimin-ah? What happened?” He asked, eyes glancing up at Jimin, whose face was suddenly pale. “I-I knocked it into something.” He lied, finally pulling it away. Taehyung looked at him with a skeptical glare. He glanced to where Jimin was trying to hide the ugly purple bruise from him. Jimin gave Taehyung a big smile. “It doesn’t hurt.” He said, trying hard to soothe the alpha’s worries. It didn’t do much though. Taehyung wrapped arms around Jimin’s waist and pulled their bodies flat against each other. Jimin’s eyes grew large, and he swallowed thickly. He could feel something rubbing against his hip, but he decided to ignore it, eyes staring up into the Prince's. He looked so serious, but Jimin couldn’t stop thinking about the thing pressed against him. Taehyung, seeing the redness in Jimin’s face, smirked widely. He leaned down pressing his forehead against the omega’s. Jimin flinched slightly, unsure of the distance even though they’d just finished a feverish kiss. “You’re mine. No one can tell you otherwise, My Flower.” Taehyung hummed, and all Jimin could do was nod before another kiss came, this time much more gentle than the first. Jimin felt as light as a feather. Jimin clung to Taehyung, thoughts roaming places he’s only had dreams of. His lips opened and closed a few times, afraid to say what was on his mind. “Can we…” Jimin pursed his lips, and Taehyung pulled away to look Jimin in the eyes. Taehyung’s head cocked to the side. “Can we do what?” He asked, and Jimin’s face grew red. Jimin swallowed hard before just blurting it out. “Can we have sex!” He said before crumbling in embarrassment. Taehyung started, wide-eyed at him for a few seconds before a harping laugh burst from his lungs. Jimin inhaled sharply, red face snapping up to watch as Taehyung laughed at him. Jimin pouted with a trembling lip. Taehyung suddenly stopped, pushing his face towards Jimin’s until they were a mere hairsbreadth away. Jimin inhaled sharply. They were so close. Taehyung smirked. “Can I kiss you?” He asked, and Jimin made a noise of excitement, wrapping his arms around Taehyung’s neck and pressing their lips against each other. Taehyung chuckled against the kiss, but this time Jimin ate up every noise the alpha made as the omega’s small hands came to rip off his clothes one layer at a time. Taehyung’s lips pulled away from Jimin’s with a pop and string of mixed saliva. The alpha moved down immediately to drink up
Jimin’s scent. His lips wrapping around that same patch of skin and sucking mercilessly. Jimin’s knees buckled, and he fell into Taehyung’s arms with a sharp inhale that turned into a long, winded whine. “F-Fuck.” He stuttered out as the skin Taehyung held onto started to sting and grow sore. Jimin’s grip tightened around Taehyung’s shoulders. The alpha’s hands went down to Jimin’s hips, shaking with adrenaline and need. Jimin’s hands were moving from the man’s shoulders to his chest, pinkies ghosting over his sensitive chest. Taehyung growled softly, hands hiking up Jimin’s robes to get to his hips that were bare. Taehyung inhaled sharply, eyes coming to cross Jimin’s. His eyes were lidded, a soft smirk crossed the smaller lips. Taehyung laughed softly, smirking as well. “A minx.” His head came down, kissing Jimin with as much passion as he could muster—which was quite a bit at the sight of Jimin without any under garments. Jimin giggled softly as Taehyung’s hands went down, kneading the flesh on Jimin’s thighs and up to his bum. The omega’s hands went down, unhooking and untying multiple boundaries that kept Taehyung clothed. Finally, Jimin was able to slip his hand down Taehyung’s front until his hand reached his length that was half hard. The younger one grew a bit nervous. He’d never had sex. He’d never even had his first kiss unless his childhood sweetheart at the age of five counts. He was quite inexperienced, but Taehyung seemed to know exactly what he was doing, guiding Jimin’s hands with each step, showing him the ropes. Jimin is hand wrapped around the half hard length nervously, and Taehyung hissed, pushing his head onto Jimin’s shoulder. Jimin bit his lip, feeling his omega slick slowly leak from him. Taehyung’s fingers smoothed down through his cheeks, lubed with his peach slick. Meanwhile, Jimin’s dainty fingers were dancing skillfully across Taehyung’s tip and down his shaft—skill full for an omega with no experience. A gasp flittered up Jimin’s throat and his hand tightened around Taehyung as a pliant finger passed through Jimin’s hole, easier thanks to Jimin’s slickness. “You smell so good.” Taehyung whispered, kissing down the curve of Jimin’s neck as his finger pushed in and stayed there for a moment before pulling back out, but only to add one more digit. Jimin’s lips fell open into a moan, and Taehyung’s member was quickly growing hard in Jimin’s grip. Jimin had to pull his hand away, grapheling onto Taehyung to steady himself as Taehyung’s fingers began scissoring apart, pushing inside and pulling out. The digits smoothing against his walls in the best way possible. It felt so strange, yet so good—somehow. Jimin wasn’t sure how he felt, but his body was blossoming with pleasure unlike any other. Jimin’s grip around Taehyung’s shoulder tightened as the alpha pulled his fingers out with a soft chuckle. Jimin whined in his ear, face hot and red. Sweat was beading on his forehead and running down the curve of his back. “What’s so funny?” Jimin asked through heavy breaths. Taehyung kisses Jimin’s temple while adjusting his robes slightly and wiping his fingers on the dark black cloth. “You’re just so pretty.” Taehyung hummed, smitten with Jimin and intoxicated by his scent. Suddenly, Taehyung’s arms wrapped under Jimin’s thighs. Jimin gasped, arms hugging Taehyung’s neck, pulling their chests against each other as Taehyung lifted Jimin into the air. Their robes were a mess as they still wore them—well, sort of. Jimin quickly wrapped his legs around Taehyung’s waist tightly, afraid he might fall. Taehyung shoved his face into the book of Jimin’s neck and shoulder, inhaling the sweaty peach scent with a long hum. Jimin peered down at the alpha, whose eyes glanced up to him. “Ready?” He smiled at Jimin calmly, and the younger slowly nodded, swallowing thickly.
If he was honest, he wasn’t ready, but he wanted it so bad. Taehyung smiled, pulling his chin up to kiss Jimin’s lips. Jimin craned his neck down as Taehyung adjusted him. The alpha’s hands were on Jimin’s bum, aligning their bodies until he slowly lowered Jimin down. Taehyung made sure he was careful and slow, listening for signs to stop from the omega. Taehyung’s cock slowly passed the rim of Jimin’s hole, and the omega pulled away from their kiss with a whiny gasp. “A-Ah, Taehyung—“ he nearly screamed as, even with his slick, it burned slightly. The larger stopped, chin leaning back to look at Jimin with brows knitted in worry. “What? Do you want me to stop?” He asked with a small crack in his voice. Jimin shoved his face into Taehyung’s neck, quickly shaking his head as a soft string of moans fell from Jimin’s lips as Taehyung’s length twitched partly inside of him. “No, no, no. Keep—Keep going. Please .” Jimin gasped out, a loud voice muffled by Taehyung’s shoulder. Taehyung laughed softly, nuzzling his head against Jimin’s as he lowered Jimin completely. Jimin’s lips fell open completely. Taehyung was big, much bigger than how he felt in Jimin’s hand. His own cock was twitching, leaking precum as Taehyung’s member filled him up, scratching at his prostate almost painfully. Jimin wriggled slightly, begging for Taehyung to move through broken moans and whines. Taehyung snorted, and Jimin could only growl at him. “Stop laughing!” Jimin hissed, biting into Taehyung’s neck without thinking. It wasn’t anything like a mating bite, just a little sign of warning to the alpha, who didn’t stop laughing there. Taehyung’s hips jerked up suddenly, and caught Jimin off guard. He whined softly. “You’re just so cute, Jiminie.” He murmured, but before Jimin could respond the alpha’s hips moved quickly, slapping up into Jimin’s heat as their bodies melted into each other. Jimin couldn’t deny it, it felt so good, and his moans told that truth. He didn’t realize he was so loud, but he also couldn’t stop it. Taehyung hushed him softly as while fucking up into him at a pace Jimin didn’t think was possible. His hand moved to cover his own lips, trying to muffle some of the sounds because he was loud. Taehyung’s feet started to move towards the bed all while still thrusting into him. Before Jimin knew it, his back was on the bed, and he was coming. Voice loud, but Taehyung pressed their lips together to trap Jimin’s moans, keeping them from escaping. It was so soon, but the sounds and the feeling had Taehyung’s knot growing and growing until it was finally trapped inside, his climax trapping the two of them against each other, stuck together as Taehyung finished coming inside of him. Jimin could feel it. It was warm inside, and he could feel how it made his whole gut tingle and spasm. Taehyung growled out a moan, pressing his forehead against Jimin’s. The omega whined softly, lips brushing against Taehyung’s as they both breathed heavily. Jimin kept Taehyung close to him with arms around his neck. Taehyung’s knot kept them closer though. Taehyung laughed against Jimin’s forehead, breath fanning his hair that was wet with sweat against his forehead. “So, so pretty, My Flower.” Taehyung hummed, and Jimin would have climaxed again right there. He giggled softly, breath stolen from him still. “My Tiger..” -
Chapter 15: I Chose This The attention from Taehyung was nice while it lasted, but things became more difficult. Taehyung was busy almost constantly—of course he was, he was the Crown Prince. No, thankfully, Jimin wasn’t locked in his room any longer. The bruises on his hands healed, but he longed to see Taehyung again. It felt almost awkward that they’d both confessed—well, more than confessed to each other and suddenly Taehyung was indisposed. Sunmi sat in Jimin’s room as he paced around. He’d counted the weeks since their last interaction. It had been almost two months. Jimin never saw him around, and only ever heard from Yoongi and Seokjin. Jimin was growing scared. He fiddled his fingers around, biting at his lips, high on his nerves. Had he finally gotten bored now that he knew Jimin’s heart was his? Was Jimin a fool to confess? Was he stupid enough to fall for a ploy that only intended for Jimin's body? He’d believed too much, and now Taehyung was tired of the charade. Jimin bit his lip as Sunmi ate her food, picking around it with puffed cheeks. Jimin hadn’t told her anything. “Jiminie, what’s the matter?” She asked, glancing up to him from his small table. His own food was placed across from her. Jimin just shook his head as it kept filling with all sorts of different thoughts. What if it was because Jimin had already let him into his bed? He got what he wanted and now he was finished? The omega froze, fingers fiddling with the white and light blue fabrics of his hanbok. That had to be the reason. Was there any other reason when dealing with alphas? He knew it was probably dirty of him. He was unmated, unmarked, unowned, and Taehyung was the Crown Prince. Jimin was a servant. He knew it was wrong. He knew it was strange, but Jimin still felt like it was a fever dream. It felt like it hadn’t even happened. He did feel different, he supposed… but other than that, his feelings had only grown. He shared such an intimate thing with Taehyung. He’d given Taehyung his virginity. It was something he could be killed for or even banished and shamed. Was he dissatisfied? The more time passed, the more anxious Jimin became. The more time passed, the more Taehyung’s scenting faded. It would soon be gone, only Jimin’s peach scent would loom around him. Sunmi furrowed her brows when she saw Jimin just stop . “Jimin?” She questioned, and Jimin finally turned to her, eyes full of worry. “Do you think the Prince is bored of me?” He asked, making sure he didn’t add the parts of him being romantically involved. Sunmi’s eyes grew large at the question. She stared at Jimin as if he was insane. “Are you kidding? Bored of you? “ She scoffed, standing up. Jimin nodded, turning around and biting his lip. “What if I’m thrown out because he’s bored?” He whined, but Sunmi just pulled his chin back. She had a pretty smile upon her face. “Jiminie, that’s absolutely impossible. The Prince is extremely busy, you know. He doesn’t have much free time with all of his duties.” She laughed, hand coming up to caress his cheek softly. “He would never get bored of you, pretty.” She soothed him, and it really worked. Jimin sagged, inhaling her soft scent and smiling softly. His hand came up to press against hers with a hum of enjoyment. A knock sounded at the door, and they both perked up in surprise. She gave him a look before slipping to open the door. She opened the door, looking quite smug only to gasp in shock. Jimin immediately snapped his head towards the door at the sound, and suddenly his lungs were void of air. Sunmi dropped into a deep, deep bow. “Your Royal Highness.” She blurted, and Jimin quickly did the same, muttering his own greeting much lower.
The Prince smiled softly at them. “Jimin-ah, come walk with me?” He asked, and Jimin rose, cheeks dusting a ripe red color. He nodded wordlessly, stepping towards the prince as he extended his hand to Jimin. The omega took his hand, his whole head growing hot and feeling a bit dizzy. It was such a surprise. Why would he come himself to retrieve Jimin? And to the servant’s quarters of all places. Jimin wanted to scream in embarrassment. The Prince had seen his room and his things. Jimin kept his head bowed, hand hooked under Taehyung’s arm. The Prince smoothed his own hand over the top and the feeling was electric. Taehyung visibly shivered at the sensation, glancing down at Jimin, whose lips were agape with wonder. “Your Royal Highness.” A familiar voice harped from behind. Taehyung turned to Madame Sun, who was rushing up behind them with a worried tremble in her voice. “Madame Sun.” He said, voice rather firm, a little bit scary it was so firm. She bowed down, but Jimin kept his eyes on the ground, looking very pale. He hoped she wouldn’t imprison him for this again. “You—You retrieved the omega yourself?” She asked, a nervous laugh echoing in her throat, but it closed up almost immediately because of how fake it was. Taehyung hummed, nodding his head. “I did. I thought I could use the extra walk.” He explained, smugly. She laughed, voice full of betrayal and a bit of annoyance. “I—Your Highness, I wish you wouldn’t—“ “And since when did I start caring about what you wished?” Taehyung spat, venom spreading like ice through Jimin’s veins, and he wasn’t even the target. The woman was rendered speechless … much like Jimin was. Taehyung pulled Jimin away from the woman before she could say anything else to them. Jimin was almost amazed by Taehyung’s intimidating aura. He’d never seen him do such a thing. “My god , if I could, I’d have her hung for what she did to you.” He muttered to himself, and Jimin stiffened. He hated the woman, but certainly not enough to want her dead. Taehyung was scary when he was angry, though it did remind him a bit of an angry child. “Who told you..?” Jimin asked, nervously as Taehyung pulled Jimin’s injured hand up for inspection. It was almost fully healed now. There were only the remnants of a bruise. “Yoongi and Seokjin-hyung.” He hummed in explanation. Jimin wasn’t surprised. Of course they told him, but now Jimin didn’t mind. Jimin smiled softly. It didn’t seem like Taehyung was bored at all. “It doesn’t hurt.” Jimin said once more, and Taehyung glanced at him. He smiled softly, and brought Jimin’s knuckles up to his lips, kissing them gingerly. “My strong little flower.” He chuckled, leading Jimin through the main palace until they reached a courtyard. It was one close to Taehyung’s room. Jimin managed to learn the halls that led to Taehyung's room. Taehyung tightened his hold around Jimin’s hand. They walked around that courtyard in complete silence, and Jimin certainly didn’t mind. His heart was racing, blood pumping faster than ever before. He could feel every particle in his body jumping with excitement as Taehyung just walked with him. It was sweet and simple, but it was all Jimin had ever wanted. “I’m sorry it’s been so long…” Taehyung said suddenly, jarring Jimin from his own thoughts. “Lots of duties around here.” He sighed softly. “I wish I could only focus on you, though.” Jimin jumped a bit at those words, a smile slowly riding across his face. “You know I was brought to the palace to dance for you, Your Highness. “ Jimin said with a smirk as Taehyung guided him around the pretty, snowy
courtyard. It wasn’t nearly as snowy as weeks before. Spring was slowly but surely settling into the scenery, turning the colors from white to brown and soon to be greens. Taehyung gave Jimin a small, shy smile. The first sign of shyness Jimin had seen from the alpha. His cheeks were dusted with red, and Jimin felt giddy at the sight. He’d never expected such an expression to cross the prince’s face… and so easily . “I wanted to see you.” He pouted softly after a moment of basking in the embarrassment. “It’s been weeks, and I—“ he stopped, and Jimin turned to him as the larger pursed his lips tightly. Jimin just smiled, understanding as two guards passed them by. Jimin elbowed Taehyung’s side, moving the alpha’s attention to the omega. “I missed you as well, Your Royal Highness.” Jimin whispered, just loud enough for Taehyung to hear as the guards bowed to Taehyung a few feet from them. Taehyung smiled, quickly pulling Jimin past, further into the courtyard. Voices were up ahead, and Taehyung squinted, awfully annoyed that the courtyard was so crowded. “There’s never anyone here.” Taehyung murmured, pulling his arm from Jimin’s as they grew closer to the voices. Jimin smiled softly, fisting his hands together and following slightly behind Taehyung as they came around a large azalea bush to see none other than Chinese speaking in hushed tones to Heechul and an alpha Jimin had never seen before. Taehyung squared his shoulders as the man Jimin did not know stiffened, stuffing something shiny into his pocket. Jimin eyes him closely as he shoves his hands into the pockets of his large hanbok. He looked to be an older physician by his garb and gray hair. Jimin swallowed thickly, turning a gaze to Taehyung, who looked awfully annoyed. The men all bowed deeply, Chinmae pulling a smile onto his face slowly. Jimin also bowed to the men, but Taehyung didn’t move a muscle. He just watched the three with a twinge of anger in his brow. Chinmae stood back up, Heechul and the physician joining him with smiles. Taehyung finally mustered the strength to smile at the men. “Your Highness.” Chinmae hummed in greeting. Jimin continued to bow his head as Taehyung spoke. “Gentlemen,” he huffed softly, “may I take a walk in this courtyard alone? ” He asked, and Chinmae’s expression softened on Jimin slightly. Jimin glanced up as the Chinese bowed once more, the other two men joining him. “Of course, Sir.” He said before quickly ushering the men to the nearest exit, splitting directions once they were back inside the palace. Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand, and the smaller one inhaled sharply. “Old bastards.” He mumbled under his breath, and Jimin giggled. “Chinmae is kind to me, Tae.” He said, defending the elder man, who was—at first—a little rude, but now he was so kind. Taehyung turned to Jimin with a giant smile on his face. He grabbed Jimin’s other hand, holding it up and bringing their faces close. Jimin’s cheeks instantly turned red at a close distance. He could feel Taehyung’s breath against his lips and suddenly wanted to feel that spark of interaction again. He longed to have Taehyung feel and touch him again. “You gave me a nickname?” Taehyung chirped, and Jimin slowly nodded, eyes big. “Can I give you a nickname, then?” Jimin’s eyes grew, then he smiled big and bright. He broke out into laughter, and Taehyung just gaped at him with big, big doe eyes. Jimin held his stomach as he keeled over in amusement. Taehyung pouted softly. “What are you laughing about?” He huffed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. Jimin just continued laughing. “Jimin—“
Before he could pout any longer, Jimin pressed his lips to Taehyung’s, excitement making them both thrum with excitement. Their heartbeats in sync as Jimin pulled away with a big smile still sitting on his features. “It’s funny.” Jimin said with another harping giggle. Taehyung couldn’t help but swallow. He didn’t even know what to say. “... What?” Jimin sucked in a breath, running fingers through his hair with a deep exhale. “That you—a Prince —would even ask a servant for permission.” Jimin finally answered through breaths still humming with small laughs. Taehyung stiffened slightly, while his face turned bright red in awe. Jimin giggled at the shock on his face. “How cute.” The man said, pressing another, light kiss to Taehyung’s lips. The alpha took a moment, but he soon smiled brightly, humming. “So is that a yes, then?” Taehyung asked, every ounce of affection shoved in his voice as his eyes were two slits of pure happiness. Jimin slowly pulled away, fisting his hand back into Taehyung’s gently. “Yes, Your Highness.” He answered. Taehyung shook his head. “Say it again.” He pouted, and Jimin could only stare at him. “Tae?” Taehyung’s spirit was elevated about ten feet into the air, and he let out a long sigh of contentment. “Yes, Minnie.” Taehyung said, suddenly pushing Jimin’s body against the vacant wall of the palace where no one could see. Jimin gasped, but it quickly turned into a giggle. “Tae-Tae?” He hummed once more, and when he did, Taehyung’s lips were latching themselves to Jimin’s neck, working up to that sensitive spot behind Jimin’s ear. Jimin whined softly, trying hard to hold it in as Taehyung’s hand kept him pressed against Jimin’s waist. Taehyung’s scent, the taste of his pheromones, and the mixture of their smells were all in his nostrils, overwhelming him, but it didn’t take long for him to exhale a grounding breath. “You’re wonderful, Minnie.” Taehyung whispered between his tongue on Jimin’s neck and shoulder. Jimin kept his hands firmly around Taehyung’s elbow, holding on for dear life or else he might fall off the face of the earth completely. “I knew when I saw you in Busan you’d be mine.” He huffed softly, Jimin’s peach scent probably overwhelming him a bit, but neither of them cared very much. Jimin let out a hitched breath as it stuck to the back of his throat, wet and feeling amazing. “We saw each other so many years ago, but I never forgot your face—your smell. I-I love it.” Jimin managed to say without moaning into Taehyung’s ear. Taehyung chuckled softly. He finally pulled away with a heavy, heavy breath. The alpha placed his forehead against Jimin’s, staring into the other’s eyes, brimming with affection. “So lovely.” He shook out, eyes closing. Jimin giggled softly. “It’s nearly supper time.” Jimin said, a bit sad, but he couldn’t be late or else Madame Sun may have his hands. Taehyung let out a long, heavy sigh of annoyance. “Must we go? Can’t we just stay here?” He asked, completely serious. Jimin’s hand gently reached up Taehyung’s neck until it rested on his cheek. The smaller smiled, pushing his nose onto Taehyung’s before snaking his way out of Taehyung’s grip. Jimin stepped away from the edge of the palace, back onto the courtyard path. “I’ll be in trouble if I’m late, Tae.” Jimin said, brushing himself off and fixing the ribbon that was disheveled around his neck from Taehyung’s prodding and sucking. Hopefully, the ribbon was enough to mask the Prince's scent. Taehyung pouted. “If you insist.”
-
Chapter 16: Ease Disrupted The rest of the week went by with ease. Jimin wasn't called, no. But he was certainly enjoying himself more, knowing that Taehyung felt the way he felt—well, he said he did. anyways. Jimin wanted patiently everyday for the moment that someone knocked on his door, telling him the Prince called upon him. He was eager. He was excited about it. He wanted it more than anything. He couldn't wait for a day or two. He wanted to see Taehyung. He wanted the Prince to scent him and hold him. The savory floral scent Taehyung radiated was already faded, and Jimin was growing anxious without it. He started nesting in his own bed and across the room where the warm air seemed to pool in the winter days. Jimin curled into his bed, but only picked up his own scent. The smaller one whined softly at the loss of Taehyung's scent. Why did it have to fade so quickly? There was a knock at his door, but the hour was too late for it to be Taehyung. Jimin quickly scampered out of bed, moving away the pot he placed in front of the door and opened it slightly. "..Yes?" He murmured so quietly. The young alpha servant stiffened slightly at the heavy smell of Jimin. He swallowed and looked away. "You've been called to dance. The dresser will arrive shortly to tidy you." He spat before bowing and running off. Jimin would've been confused, but he was too excited about being called by Taehyung. At such a late hour, what would they possibly do? Jimin giggled at the thought before closing his door in order to ready himself. He'd taken a bath only yesterday. Sunmi told him he took too many in one week, but Jimin found the bath spring rather comforting. Though it did wash the scent away faster. Jimin would just ask him for another scent tonight. Taehyung would have no choice but to comply. There was another small knock as Jimin brushed through his golden blond locks. He smiled to himself. "Come in, please." He hummed, and the dresser immediately slipped inside with a beautiful sapphire blue gown that glimmered and shined like stars in his eyes. It was absolutely stunning. Jimin stood with an enamored expression. "Wow, it's beautiful." "Yes, they ordered it just for you." She hummed, ushering him forward to pull it on. He giggled softly, pulling off his own robes as he had many times in front of the omega dresser. He was comfortable now, but not at first. She smiled at him kindly. "You're so lucky to be able to wear these. I wish I could." She sighed as she helped him pull it on and tie it up. Jimin glanced at her with a small smile. "You would look beautiful in these, Heemi." The girl blushed softly at his words. "Thank you, Jimin-ssi." She said in a mouse's voice, tying up the last mesh fabric on Jimin's waist. She lay out a breath and clapped her hands gently. "All finished. I'll escort you." She smiled, and Jimin smiled brightly at her. They walked for a few minutes, Iikin remaining silently excited as they slipped through the centre-most palace, but Heemi took a turn that Jimin did not expect. That wasn't the way to Taehyung's room. He brushed it off, thinking maybe Taehyung was eating somewhere else as a change of pace. They came upon a room, double doors closed and two guards sat outside. Jimin's hair stood up. His scent spiked as he sniffed the air around him. That smell. It smelled like omegas—many different omegas and.. Jimin stiffened sex . Though there was one scent that was not present: Taehyung's. Jimin pulled on the blue ribbon he'd wrapped around his neck in a bow. It was tight and at that moment, he needed more air. Fear sifted through his stomach as Heemi continued towards that room. Why? Jimin couldn't smell Taehyung at all from that room.
He grabbed Heemi's arm suddenly, face pale and fingers quivering slightly. "Heemi.." He whispered before the guards were in range of listening. She turned to Jimin. "Where are we? This is not the Prince's room." He asked, and Heemi's eyes grew large. "Jimin-ssi…" She started, staring at him in awe. She then shook her head. "Jimin-ssi, the Prince is on a hunt right now. You were called by Her Majesty, the Empress." Jimin's stomach dropped suddenly. His hand grew limp around Heemi's arm. He wanted to stammer out another question, but his gut wouldn't let him speak. Heemi rubbed his arm gently with a sympathetic smile. Jimin swallowed down his worries. The Empress had countless consorts and concubines to keep her satisfied, surely, she only wanted to see Jimin’s dance. The doors opened, and instantly, the smell of sex hit him like a wall. The younger swallowed thickly, body heating and fingers tingling with fear. Heemi stepped inside with him. The room was dark and clouded by smoke and the thick smell of pheromones as well as slick. The room was covered in red fabric. There were pillows on the floor and silk red fabric hanging from the ceiling. The room was huge and dark. Jimin could hardly make out the silhouettes of people behind the transparent silks and fabrics that hung around. “What?” A voice barked, and Jimin stiffened. Heemi bowed, so Jimin joined her. “Your Majesty, Omega Dancer Park Jimin, Ma’am.” She introduced, and those behind the curtains moved and shifted around slightly. The voice returned with a chuckle. “Come in, omega.” The voice hummed, taking in a long drag from the pipe that she smoked. Jimin was so nervous. He was glad he had something covering his glands because if not, they would know how scared he was. Heemi held up the curtain, allowing Jimin to slip underneath. His eyes glanced up just barely to see that there were three men and one alpha woman inside along with her . The Empress was in the center, mouth slathered against the neck of a young omega girl. She was about his age and had nothing upon her body but one piece of fabric that was falling off of her shoulders. It was a transparent fabric, much like the curtains. Jimin’s body went hot with shock. The Empress had her fingers pressed inside of the omega as she kissed along her neck which was covered in temporary bite marks. The other men were the same, omegas leeched over their bodies, but as soon as they saw Jimin, their eyes grew slightly, staring at this purity that stepped into the room. Jimin stood across from them and ducked himself into a deep, scared bow. “Your Majesty.” He could hear the omegas moaning softly. He could smell their slick and the way their scents were spiking with each touch from the alpha that held them. The Empress quickly pushed off the young omega on his lap. She yelped softly, knees coming up to crawl on the floor below her. Her chin rested on the alpha’s knee, eyes like a needy doe. One of the omegas was in heat, Jimin could smell it, but he couldn’t make out which one. “Park Jimin, how I’ve longed for the day I got to see you up close.” She said leaning forward and watching as Jimin pulled himself upward. Their eyes met, and the Empress snaked a hand up into the omega’s hair, the omega’s face lightening into a contented hum. Her pheromones sifted into the air, thick and heavy. Jimin knew his scent would still top everyone’s in the room if he removed his bow. His scent was often too much, even for alphas. It brought out a primal sense in many, even Taehyung. The Empress gestured to the omega under her hand. “Ga-in, get me..” before she could finish, the omega was reaching over the alpha beside the Empress, hand smoothing across his thighs teasingly to grab a black box. She chuckled, petting her hair with a big smile before turning back to Jimin. “Perfect.” She said, rolling up the sleeve on her right arm just above her elbow. There was a black band wrapped around her upper arm, much like
a tourniquet and many many marks from a syringe. “What do you think of him?” The Empress asked. The Lords and Lady beside her all looked to Jimin, eyes raking over him, moving up and down his frame multiple times. Two of the three lords licked their lips, the omegas pleasing them acted as a buffer between them and reality. Jimin swallowed, eyes shaking slightly as he stood uncomfortably. He wanted Taehyung. Where was Taehyung? The two Lords and a Lady all had their cocks shoved into something, whether it was the mouth of an omega or their heat. One woman's head keeled back as her eyes met Jimin’s, an orgasm riding out and rolling through her body. The Empress laughed heartily, slapping the woman’s thigh as she bucked her hips into the mouth of the omega concubine. Jimin’s breath caught in his throat and he froze, completely unable to move any of his muscles. He was mortified. “Exactly what I thought, Nara.” She laughed out loud, peering down to the omega that worked with a syringe carefully. Her chest rumbled softly. “I’d say he’s the most gorgeous omega I’ve ever seen, and his body—“ the Empress stopped, chest thrumming with pleasure as she pulled an omega boy on top of her, kissing the omega until her lust was sated. “Too bad he’s my son’s.” The Empress laughed. Nara was next to speak, hands cupping the jaw of the omega who’d swallowed her come. “Yes, but,” she peered up to Jimin, “ you are the Empress.” She chuckled, bending down to kiss the omega boy below her. Jimin squirmed. He hated this. He hated every second. All he wanted was to run away. He wanted to go back to his room and never ever come back out again. He was terrified, body trying hard not to tremble in fear and head spinning with the smell of sex and come everywhere. It was unbearable. He just wanted to leave. The Empress looked as if she was contemplating the woman’s words. Eyes tightening over Jimin’s frame as he stood there like a statue to be gawked at. He wanted to get on his knees and beg for him not to, but he knew that would be unheard of. Her attention was stolen from Jimin as the omega poised the needle of the syringe carefully at one of the larger veins in her arm. There were multiple other scars from puncture wounds. Jimin’s body tightened with concern. What sort of drug was that? Opioids? The Empress nodded gently and the omega pushed the needle in her vein, watching as the liquid dispersed into her bloodstream. The alpha gasped, fists tightening before they relaxed once more. It was much like an orgasm. Her eyes drew back into her skull and her whole body shook with tremors as the omega girl pulled the syringe from her skin and placed it onto the wooden table in front of them. She then climbed onto the alpha, her head spinning so visibly as she peered up at the omega with a distant, far off look. She then peered down to Jimin, a big smile gracing her lips. “Dance for me, omega.” She hummed gently, fingers flicking as her eyes remained on the stiff omega. He peered behind himself to see an armada of instruments, the people holding them had their faces covered by a long piece of fabric wrapped around their foreheads and falling down to their chest. Jimin was ready to freestyle. It wouldn’t be hard to pull from his past dances and pull on some new moves. Jimin nodded to the alphas and omegas behind the thin transparent fabrics that blocked them from the rest of the room. The royal musicians nodded back to him, readying their fingers on their instruments as Jimin put himself into position, slipping off his shoes. He pulled his elbow up, placing his face into the crook of his elbow while his right foot pushed outward, daintily through a slit in his robes. The alpha’s eyes all slipped up Jimin’s bare leg as it was put on show, much to his distaste now . The posture showed off the smooth skin of his hip and upper thigh. Jimin swallowed as a beat hit the drums. Jimin’s hips thrusted upward with each slow-paced smack of the drums behind him. The vibration pulsated through his entire body, sending
shivers down each of the alpha’s spines. The Empress watched him through the high of her drugs. That was something that frightened Jimin. The ruler of their country was no longer busy, but addicted to drugs . Not that Jimin could do anything about it. So he danced, pleasing the strong and powerful alphas that sat before him with such intimidation in their brows. Jimin tried his best not to make eye contact with the alphas, his chest heaving as the other instruments joined in all at once, Jimin following the suddenness with a jump into the air, invisible wings lifting him up and weighing him back down again. The space was limited, and he really didn’t want to go near those alphas as their concubines climbed all over them. Their cocks out and covered in the scent of lust and sex. He made sure his body stayed within the boundaries of his little stage. His body was twisting and turning, trying hard not to focus on the smell and the noises all around him, but his face was turning bright red. He couldn’t focus on it. His movements became a little off beat, and Jimin grew flustered. His hands trembled as he froze there, an omega sitting on the Empress harped out a fierce cry as a fully formed knot was torn from her heat. Jimin’s body stumbled backwards, thrown off of the beat and unfocused in his head. A small whimper fell from his lips, and he attempted to pull himself back together, but the Empress was standing up, expression hungry, but scent hungrier. The woman strode towards Jimin, while the omega she’d hurt was still writhing on the floor. The other omegas watching in fear as their own alphas continued to fuck them. Jimin’s lip quivered, his own body reacting to her pain because he knew that was wrong . That was torture of the highest level. The alpha didn’t care though. She stood over Jimin, the music still strumming behind him as he was cornered. The Empress reeked of sex, and her retractable alpha cock was still dangling, knot and all between her legs as she stared down at Jimin. There was a need in her eyes. It was then that Jimin no longer saw Taehyung’s features in the alpha. This alpha was ugly and demented, under the effects of a strong drug and blown away by it. She smirked, dragging her come crusted fingers across Jimin’s chin. He breathed heavily, trying hard not to give his disgust away through his facial expressions. “I knew I should’ve taken you for myself.” She chuckled, fingers moving down to his jaw and slowly shifting to the scent glands behind his ears. Jimin jerked away with a scared flinch, and the woman hummed gently. “I won’t hurt you, omega.” That was a lie. Jimin could smell it. Slowly, the Empress found her fingers pulling at the strings of the fabric around his strongest glands at the base of his neck. Jimin was frozen, so still in shock because he didn’t know what was happening. The fabric fell, and Jimin’s scent exploded into the room around them. The Empress sucked in a long breath of it as all three alphas behind her groaned at the strong, strong scent. Disgust was quick to take over the air, and the Empress’ eyes shot up to Jimin in surprise. Jimin’s lip was quivering. “I want you to be my concubine, Park Jimin.” Jimin was suddenly snapped from his stiff muscles, eyes wide and body taught with fear. His feet stepped backwards without thinking, and he shook his head. He was too overcome with emotions, with heat, with fear to think or be in the right state of mind not to freak out. So he was freaking out, chest heaving as the Empress stared him down, eyes slowly going thin with agitation. Jimin’s lips finally muttered out a frightened “no.” The alpha pulled at her robe gently, the silk shifting around her body. “What did you just say to me, omega?” She hissed outward, and the other alpha’s all snapped towards the two at the smell of their leader’s distasteful scent upon them.
The instruments stopped, the moans and heavy breaths stopped for all but Jimin. “I-I don’t want to.” Jimin bowed deeply to the Empress, who looked angry. Jimin’s senses finally came to him. I’m going to die . Jimin thought to himself, pain striking him right in the heart. The first thing he thought about was his mother and father, the newest addition to his family he would never get to see. I’ll never see Taehyung again.. Tears simmered to Jimin’s eyes at the thoughts swimming in his head. “ Please , Your Majesty.” He begged, but only saw a hand come at him from the corner of his eye. Jimin jerked backwards, body stumbling over itself as the Empress reached for him. “P-Please—“ The woman’s face turned bright red with anger, and Jimin gasped. “You little—“ she stopped, and gasps could be heard from the omegas as they were thrown off, the other alphas coming to their Empress’ aid. Jimin turned on his feet, doing the only thing he thought he could do: run . -
Chapter 17: Run Jimin’s breath was caught in his chest as he scampered through the palace, shoes left in the room with the Empress. He could hear angry screaming and commands from all over. There were feet hitting the floor in a hurry all around him. Jimin didn’t care where he went, he just wanted to avoid the sounds that were so so loud in his ears. Jimin let out a gasping whimper, feet turning down one hall only to turn around and run the opposite direction. His heels hurt. His calves were cramping. His chest felt like it was on fire. He wanted to go home. That was all he wanted. He wanted to go back to Busan and find an alpha to fall in love with and mate and have pups with. He didn’t want any of this. He didn’t want to go to the palace or dance for these pompous royals and their thunderous demands. Jimin wanted to run all the way home. He wanted to run all the way back to Busan where he might just be safe . He knew that was impossible. Jimin would be caught and he would be killed. The omega couldn’t let himself cry though. If he did, he would only slow himself down. He didn’t even know where he was. The main palace stretched on forever, and twisted into the east and west wings. Jimin had no clue where he was in that vast palace nor where he was going. He could be going deeper. He could be heading in the direction of the exit, ready to burst through the doors, but it didn’t look like it. It was like being trapped in hell, constantly running from something that wished him harm. Jimin turned down a large, thick corridor. There was the sound of heavy clomping footsteps coming from somewhere, but Jimin didn’t know where. Jimin screamed, hands coming up to cover his lips as a person stood before him. It was Yoongi. His body was stiff and almost surprised to see Jimin. Jimin couldn’t. He knew and he trusted Yoongi, but he couldn’t trust him anymore, not now. He turned on his heel, but the sound of footsteps was upon him. Tears finally streamed down his cheeks as Hoseok rounded the corner, sword drawn and eyes looking horrified to be forced to track down Jimin, who’d only run away for the sake of his own happiness and life. Though, did they even know what they were chasing him for? Yoongi stepped forward, about to say something as large alphas stomped towards him. Jimin had nowhere else to run to. He was cornered, and terrified. Two large, burly alphas wrapped hands around the thick of his upper arm. Jimin nearly collapsed, cries heaving from his chest as he was forced forward by these alphas. He dug his bare feet into the ground below him, trying hard to stop the inevitable. "P-Please no. You don't understand, hyung." Jimin squeaked out. Hoseok stared at his hysteria, swallowing the lump in his throat. He was so kind to Jimin. Jimin regarded him as a friend, a hyung . He supposed the crown did come before friendship though. “I-I just—“ Jimin sobbed softly, body shaking as he was dragged closer to the tongue tied alpha. “Park Jimin... you are summoned by Her Majesty, the Empress, to face charges of… treason .“ Yoongi inhaled, and Jimin’s head hung low as another scared cry left his lips. Was that really treason? He’d only refused the alpha. He’d done nothing to the effect of treason. Yet they acted as if he’d tried to kill their Empress. Hoseok’s brows knitted and he turned away from Jimin. “Bring him.” He demanded, and Yoongi quickly stepped up to Hoseok, his own face plagued in worry for the young omega he’d grown so fond of. Jimin was dragged forward, trying hard not to overwhelm himself even though he knew he would soon die for something he did not do. Hoseok walked with Yoongi behind the rest of the guards and Jimin.
He cried the entire time, body trembling. They reached the throne room. A room which Jimin had never been to before. It was large and vast with a big throne sitting above the rest of the empty room. Jimin couldn’t even remark about its beauty because he didn’t think anything in that palace was beautiful. It was all ugly. It was all a dark color of entitlement and greed. Jimin wanted to leave. He wanted to go home, but a part of him wanted to kill Empress for ruining his life for something as small as being afraid and saying no . He never would though. Jimin could never murder. Jimin cried out softly as he was thrown to the floor in front of the stairs that led up to the Empress in her golden throne. Jimin glanced around, retracting into himself. There were a few court guests watching in wonder, whispering amongst themselves. Chinmae was standing with the other ministers, whispering and furrowing their brows tightly. More than ever before, Jimin wished for Taehyung, but the younger one wasn't there to save him this time. When he returned, Jimin would be sullied by the Empress’ greed or dead . Either way, Taehyung would no longer want, nor have him. “Omega Park Jimin, you stand accused.” She growled, voice deep with anger. She was dressed now, cock no longer out. Jimin’s back was shaking as he sobbed. “Please—“ She held up her hand. “Do not speak.” She hissed out, standing up from her throne. “You have refused me, made a fool of me, and now you wish for forgiveness?” The alpha laughed, inhaling Jimin’s fearful scent that permeated the air like a thick fog. “I do not think so, omega.” Jimin bit his lip. There were so many things he wished to say. So many words he wished to throw at the woman and insult her with. He kept his mouth shut, fearing only for the punishment ahead of him. “Your punishment for treason should be death.” A sharp inhale coursed through Jimin’s body. His blood went cold, and he could hear many whispers invade his ears. The air that shifted around the throne room was terrible and vile. Jimin’s arms wrapped around himself, around the pretty sapphire robe he wore. Its many gemstones and beads sparkled in the candlelight as a large guard came forward, standing behind Jimin. The younger, smaller omega cried softly. He just wanted to run away. He wanted to go home. Please, just let me go home, he wanted to beg, but he knew this headstrong alpha would never allow that. “Your Majesty!” A voice came forward, and Jimin glanced up to see that it was Chinmae. He had his arms in the air and a worried expression on his face. “Don’t you think death is a bit harsh?” He hummed, trying hard on Jimin’s behalf. Hope soared through Jimin, and he knew he shouldn’t let himself grow hopeful. The alpha with her graying black hair stared at Chinmayi with thin, judging eyes. She trusted the man though. “What do you suggest then?” She asked, hand flapping with distaste. Chinmae bowed deeply. “Such a beautiful omega deserves nothing more than a lesson of respect, you see.” He said, trying his best to save Jimin’s life. The alpha in her throne hummed gently, an idea striking her suddenly. She stepped forward, gesturing to the guard that stood above Jimin, hand on his blade. “Go on then, Hakyung.” She laughed, settling herself into her throne, still high off of whatever drug enticed her. “Teach him a lesson.” Jimin inhaled sharply, eyes growing large as strong, thick hands grabbed the back of his sapphire robes, pulling him up slightly. His hands suddenly tore the robes right down the back, and Jimin wrenched out a sob. “No!”
The Empress watched, her omega consort coming into view while tying her robe. She gasped at the sight, grabbing her mate’s arm, but the woman shook it off. “Keep his face. I like him pretty.” She said, obviously enjoying the show that took place before her. The alpha behind him nodded softly, and Jimin just kneeling over himself, back out and open to the entire court. It was petrifying, and Jimin would never be able to show his face without the embarrassment of whispers in court. He would be forever known for this moment. At that thought, Jimin thought death might just be the better option. The alpha knelt down to him, ready to climb over him, and Jimin just choked on his sobs, face pressed into his hands. “Please, don’t .” Jimin croaked out through a cracking voice, and the alpha above him suddenly smelled of remorse for what he was getting ready to do. He pressed one cold hand to Jimin’s searing hot skin before the heavy doors to the throne room opened abruptly. “ Mother .“ A voice boomed loudly behind Jimin. Jimin gasped, air hooking in his throat. It was Taehyung. Hope burned through his bones and made his whole body ache with happiness. The hand was kept against his back, forcing him to remain against the ground, skin on show to everyone in the room. The Empress stood, brows furrowed tightly. She pointed a finger to a Jimin below her. “This omega insulted me, Taehyung.” She huffed. Jimin’s eyes shifted back, catching sight of Taehyung, who was staring down at him with tight, fearsome eyes. Jimin inhaled sharply at the sight. Taehyung was angry. How could he be angry with Jimin? Oh . Surely, he would believe his mother over Jimin. The omega sucked in a shaky, scared breath. Taehyung took generous, heavy steps towards the throne that would one day be his to sit upon. His hands were fisted by his sides, his brows furrowed tightly. “Mother, why was the omega in your presence?” He growled, placing his hands upon his hips with a deep hiss. The woman tightened her eyes on her son, who was questioning her just as Jimin had. Though, of course she wouldn’t care since it was her son questioning her, though she still didn't look pleased. “Taehyung—“ He held up a hand, stopping his mother mid-sentence. “You do recall giving this omega to me for my name day celebration?” Taehyung sounded so venomous, so angry . Jimin was scared for himself too. Would he be cast away now as well? Would Taehyung hate him for this mishap? Would he still die tonight? His mother's face turned beat red and her body trembled with anger. “How dare you. You are my son, but—“ “You are my mother, but he is mine .” Taehyung said promptly, turning to the man who kneeled over Jimin. Taehyung pulled his sword from the belt on his hip. Taehyung held it against Hakyung’s neck where he held down Jimin. Hakyung stiffened at the sword against his neck. He looked up to the Empress, who rolled her eyes and waved her hand in dismissal. “My son is learning how to talk like an Emperor.” She chuckled with a small groan. Hakyung pulled his hand away and moved himself away from Jimin, who fell apart on the marble floor that was infused with golden specs. Taehyung immediately inhaled, pushing his sword back into its holster as he placed his hands to Jimin’s shoulders. The omega flinched, but quickly welcomed the touch. He turned to Taehyung with pretty, tear stained cheeks and red eyes.
Taehyung cast a mean glance up to his mother before pulling off his black robes and placing them upon Jimin’s bare shoulders. “I-I-I am so sorry, Your Highness.” Jimin croaked out as Taehyung pulled him into a tight, tight embrace, making sure Jimin was getting every inch of his calming scent. It seemed to be working as Jimin melted against him, a shaky sigh fluttering out of his lips. Those court members who rose from their chambers to see the chaos watched in awe as Jimin wrapped his arms around the Crown Prince. Taehyung shushes him gently, not really caring about those watching him. Jeongguk was beside Taehyung, peering over to Yoongi with remorseful eyes. The elder omega shrugged, truly unaware of what was happening. All he’d heard was rumors of the omega dancer committing treason. There had been no truth put to it. Taehyung turned his head to Jeongguk. “I want his room moved to the chambers right next to my own.” He barked, loud enough for everyone to hear. His mother stood abruptly, eyes thin. Taehyung peered up at her with the same distrust she gave to him. “I want to be notified anytime he is called upon, understand?” Jimin peered up at him, body suddenly plucked off of the ground and into the prince’s arms. Jeongguk stiffened but nodded nonetheless. “Yes, Your Highness.” Taehyung looked to the rest of the court, eyes glowing with anger and protectiveness one would find in a pair of mates. Jimin didn’t care what they thought. He wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s neck and rubbed his face against his chest to pick up his scent. “If anyone dares to disrespect what’s mine again, I’ll have you stripped of your title and sent to the farthest reaches of the empire.” He threatened, and his mother smirked at his boldness. The rest of the court murmured amongst themselves, but quickly bowed and curtseyed to the young prince, who quickly turned himself around, stalking out of the room with little intention of returning. Chinmae was quick to catch up with him, eyes a bit skeptical of the arrangement Taehyung proposed. “Your Royal Highness, I’m glad you’ve returned, but are you sure—“ “About what? Protecting a defenseless omega from my mother’s growing army of whores, or claiming what is rightfully mine, Lord Chinmae?” He growled, meanly, and Chinmae stiffened. Those words must’ve been worrying to the alpha because he smiled nervously. Taehyung was obviously in a terrible mood now. “It’s a bit.. well, scandalize, don’t you think? Having such a…” he peered at Jimin, who was gazing at Chinmayi through a cracked open eye. Jimin did owe Chinmae a little bit, if not he’d be dead, but still.. It wasn't enough. Taehyung gave him a mean, mean glare. “A what?” He snapped. Chinmae laughed softly, eyes glancing to the ground before returning to the prince. “A beautiful omega in such close proximity.” Taehyung thinned his eyes on the minister. Such a sly fox that minister was too. Anything he didn’t want, Taehyung did only so he would be perturbed. But this time was different. He was scared for Jimin’s safety. “I will do what I want. Now goodnight, Lord Chinmae.” He said before his bedroom door was opened for him by an omega attendant. That was that. -
Chapter 18: I Wish You Had Behind the closed doors of Taehyung’s room, Jimin dug his hands into Taehyung’s robes. He fisted the material tightly, body trembling as he sobbed softly. The Prince just let Jimin cry into his neck and inhale buckets of his scent. He stuttered out a long sigh of relief as Taehyung secreted that smooth floral scent until it made his head spin. Taehyung rubbed a gentle hand across Jimin's back, lips placing themselves onto the top of Jimin's head. "What happened?" Taehyung asked, still quite in the dark, but Jimin was glad he trusted him with only a vague idea. Jimin whimpered softly, not really in the state to explain it because he was still stuttering out breaths and crying. "I-I—She wanted.." Jimin peered up to Taehyung, still unsure if he was safe or not. Surely, the Empress would remember such an insult. Taehyung seemed to know what he was saying, so he cradled Jimin close, with an under scent of anger on him. "I said no, Taehyung, I didn't know—" Taehyung quickly hushed Jimin before his sobs could progress. "It's okay," Taehyung insisted, so Jimin quieted and pressed his cheek against Taehyung's broad chest. Jimin nodded with a frantic swallow. "You aren't angry?" He whispered, not really wanting to spur anger, but he had to know. Taehyung laughed softly, fingers stringing through Jimin's hair, picking up the sweat that beaded on his forehead while Jimin sniffled and hiccuped. "Of course I'm not angry. How could I ever be angry with you? " Taehyung countered, rubbing his thumbs across Jimin's cheeks to wipe away the tears. Jimin opened mouth, but Taehyung smiled endearingly down at Jimin. The smaller froze where he stood. Taehyung was still cupping his entire face in his big, big hands. Jimin giggled softly, lips scrunching as he tried to pull on a calm facade because he was still thrumming with fear. Taehyung must've been able to smell the uneasiness on his person because the younger frowned gently. Maybe it was a pity. Maybe it was concern or protectiveness, but Jimin could smell the same uneasiness on Taehyung, like he was trying to match Jimin's, to comfort him. Jimin slowly pushed his head forward, pressing the hot skin of his forehead against Taehyung's. The young Prince sighed, closing his eyes. Jimin remained open looking over Taehyung's face, drinking up every feature because he felt so close to death mere minutes ago. He was so close to never seeing Taehyung again whether it was because he was dead or his dignity stolen, Jimin would've been alone—without his other half. He wondered if Taehyung felt the same way as he did: afraid . Taehyung's face shifted, lips moved to lay against Jimin's, and Jimin welcomed the feeling of tingles shifting from the tips of his toes to his belly. Jimin was still hiccuping softly, Taehyung's hands came to rest upon Jimin's neck, rubbing at the glands behind his ears to soothe those spasms. Jimin was first to pull himself away, head only, to rest upon Taehyung's chest. He listened fondly to that heavy heartbeat, hoping that it would only beat for Jimin and no one else. He knew that was selfish, but that's what he wanted. Unlikely , he tried to convince himself that he was crazy and that Taehyung would only hurt him, but Jimin didn't care—couldn't care how good it felt to be in his embrace.. to be the center of his attention. Jimin nosed at Taehyung's glands himself, trying to inhale more, but that seemed impossible. He stuttered out a soft, soft sigh. "Thank you, TaeTae." Jimin whispered, but his voice was clear as day to Taehyung's ears. Taehyung bubbled with laughter, hands rubbing Jimin's neck. "There is // no // need to thank me. You're mine." Taehyung growled, but it wasn't angry or scary. It was protective, and Jimin almost started swooning, almost turning into a mess there in his arms.
There was a knock at the door. A small one, but it was impactful. The noise had Taehyung grabbing Jimin's waist so tight it knocked the air from his lungs. Jimin squeaked as he twirled around, body swallowed in Taehyung's embrace as the younger growled at the door like a feral dog. His eyes were thin, pupils blown, and nails digging into Jimin's skin through the coat that was laid upon his shoulders. "Tae—“ Taehyung snapped at the door as it opened, the citrus musk of Hoseok entering the room, making Taehyung even more on edge and ready to kill. Jimin inhaled sharply, pulling Taehyung's face down to look at him. Jimin's hands were on his cheeks, forcing him to keep his eyes planted in Jimin. His scent slowly helped him return to a normal state, but he was trying hard to snap back at the alpha at the door. Hoseok was stiff, unsure of why Taehyung was so protective. Such actions, such protectiveness, was only meant for mates . Jimin's lip trembled and he gave Taehyung a small confident smile. Jimin was confused. He'd only ever seen an alpha act this way when their omega was in grave danger. Jimin was not his mate, nor was he in grave danger. At least, not anymore. "TaeTae," Jimin muttered, just barely loud enough for Taehyung to register, but not loud enough for Hoseok to catch onto. "I'm okay.. I'm safe. Hoseok-hyung won't hurt me." Jimin explained, trying to bring him down from his heightened feelings of protective instinct. Hoseok watched as Taehyung's eyes flickered to him, then to Jimin. He was still angry and, quite frankly, feral. His eyes were still blown wide as he growled once more, looking even more taught than before, but slowly calming down. Hoseok's scent was strong, almost as strong as Taehyung's, but strong enough to make an insecure alpha feel very on edge. It was strong enough to claim . Hoseok took a step forward, and before Jimin could tell him to stop, Taehyung's teeth dug into Jimin's shoulder. A gasp soared through Jimin's lips as a strong pull of emotion ripped through his stomach, forcing his knees to quake and eyes to roll back. Taehyung's teeth instantly broke through his skin before he stopped. Hoseok stepped forward though, and Taehyung bared down harder, so the other stopped moving. Jimin was a mess in Taehyung's arms, feet unable to hold himself up, and fingers trembling where they gripped at Taehyung's clothes for dear life. He was desperately trying to hold onto what little shred of strength he had left as his head spun with the feeling of a mating orgasm right on the tip of his tongue. "T-TaeTae!" Jimin whined out with a sharp, sharp cry of sudden pain . Taehyung stopped quickly, before he could bite down any harder. Hoseok watched with a jaw dropped as Taehyung inhaled sharply, eyes trembling as he slowly came back down to earth with a worried grip on Jimin's trembling waist. "I—Jimin—I didn't—“ Jimin just shook his head softly, as Taehyung wiped away the dribble of blood that clung to the edge of his lips. The omega let out a long, winded sigh of relief, hand coming up to cover the bite mark. It was deep enough to be a real mating claim, and it scared Jimin to death. Hoseok swallowed thickly by the door, dumbfounded by the scene he'd just seen. "Your Royal Highness…" He bowed, acting as if he'd seen nothing. Taehyung shot a nasty glare in Hoseok's direction. He let go of Jimin, placing the smaller one on the bed to his left to recuperate from the scare of Taehyung trying to claim him. Taehyung's anger was still close to boiling over as Hoseok, who posed no threat to Jimin like Taehyung imagined. "General." Taehyung greeted, and Hoseok came up from his steep bow.
He looked apologetic, but Taehyung was too angry to see it. All he saw was an enemy, a threat to something he held dear. "I…" He froze for a moment, biting his lip. "I wanted to apologize in person to Park Jimin-ssi." Hoseok blurted, body going straight into another ninety degree bow like one did for royalty. Taehyung thinned his eyes on the General. "Why did you let my mother do that to him?" He snapped, and Hoseok flinched, obviously not accustomed to getting chewed out by Taehyung of all people. Jimin's eyes were watering, not really from what had happened, but from the intensity of Taehyung's bite. It had his glossy lips puckered and parted as he breathed heavily. Hoseok inhaled sharply, remembering how Jimin had cried for him not to. Guilt was strong in Hoseok's scent, and he bowed his head in remorse. "I'm sorry, Your Royal Highness. It was ordered from Her Majesty." He explained, "though that doesn't justify my actions. I'm sorry, sir." Hoseok continued, and Taehyung huffed, plopping himself down next to Jimin, who jumped at the gesture. Hoseok noticed the step back in Taehyung's mannerism and stepped in front of the two. He looked to Jimin, Taehyung's hand grabbed Jimin's, still on edge because of Hoseok's threatening presence. He bowed deeply to Jimin, and Jimin inhaled sharply, hand tightening around Taehyung's. "Jimin-ssi, please forgive my cruel actions." Hoseok hummed gently, and Taehyung scowled at the elder General who could certainly overpower him if he really wished. Though, Hoseok was the most loyal man Jimin had ever met. "I meant no offense, and I should've protected your honor." Jimin's eyes pricked. Taehyung sighed softly, pulling fingers to hover over the bite on Jimin's neck. Jimin pulled away with a hiss of pain, and Taehyung whined softly. "I hope your trust in me has not died." Hoseok said, eyes nor meeting Jimin's at all, but staying down cast and remorseful. Jimin immediately stood, and Taehyung grabbed his hand, but Jimin pulled Taehyung along with him. He placed a gentle, shaky hand on Hoseok's shoulder. "I trust you, hyung. You were only doing your duty." Jimin smiled softly, and Hoseok peered up to see Jimin's smile with a hopeful one. Taehyung was still angry behind him though. Hoseok stood, with Jimin's helping hand. "I'm glad I haven't lost your trust." He hummed, kissing Jimin's knuckles like such a gentleman. Taehyung growled, tasting Jimin's blood in his mouth. Jimin just shoved him. Hoseok held out a hand, opting to look at the bite mark. Hoseok then sent a deep frown to Taehyung, disapproving deep on his brow. Taehyung ignored it, and Jimin shied into Taehyung, away from his hand. Hoseok immediately pulled his hand down, jaw slamming shut. Hoseok then pulled a forced smile onto his face, obviously having a conflict with Taehyung over the bite. "Please, allow me to escort you to the infirmary to get that looked at." Hoseok offered, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket to give to Jimin. Taehyung pulled Jimin against his chest, growls edging out of his lips, threatening Hoseok. "You've got your own omega, General Jung." Taehyung continued with a sharp hiss. Hoseok pursued his lips downward with a sigh. "Tae—" "I—I don't want to go to the infirmary." Jimin harped with a nervous squeak. No doubt it was because it was a bite mark .It was also a bite mark that smelled like the Crown Prince . Hoseok's lips fell open, glancing from Jimin to where his hand was clasped over his neck. It was red and irritated by the air. Taehyung was the same way. "Jimin, you—“
"They'll think I'm—" Jimin shook his head, pushing himself away from Taehyung and Hoseok both. He hugged himself tightly, until Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jimin's waist from behind. "Do you want me to complete it, then?" He whispered, but Hoseok could hear. He stepped forward with an irritated brow. "Tae—“ Taehyung sent him a glare, and Jimin was beet red with embarrassment. He shook his head immediately. "You can't!" Jimin whimpered, and Taehyung and Hoseok both stiffened. Hoseok bit his lip. "I'll have Seokjin-hyung escort you to the infirmary, then." Hoseok said before quickly stepping out of the room, before Jimin could stop him. The smaller turned to Taehyung, who was looking very guilty about what he'd done out of primal instinct. "TaeTae, if they see it they'll think I'm—“ Taehyung whisked a hand through Jimin's hair. "I'm so sorry, Jiminie. I didn't mean to." Taehyung said with a wild whimper as he placed his head on Jimin's wounded shoulder. He seemed to be affected in the same way by the bite. The contact sent shivers down his spine. "I'm sorry…" Taehyung said once more, and Jimin felt pain in his chest. "I—It's okay, TaeTae.." Jimin said softly, rubbing his back. "But why did you do it?" He asked, and Taehyung crumbled into his shoulder. "I needed to." He blurted. "I felt like I would die if I didn't." Jimin inhaled sharply. "I'm sorry." Taehuung muttered again, and Jimin chuckled. "TaeTae, it's okay. I was just—just scared." He stuttered out with a sigh as Taehyung gripped him tighter. 'Knock, knock' Jimin snapped his head up to the door, then to Taehyung, but he was calm. "It's Seokjin, Your Highness." He said with an annoyed sound. "Come in." Taehyung shook out, and Seokjin burst through the door. Taehyung's head was in Jimin's lap as he sat on the bed. He was crying softly, begging through pheromones for forgiveness. Seokjin was about to yell at Taehyung, but he stopped at the sight. "Taehyung…" Seokjin could only say, eyes wide and fingers stiff. Hoseok was at the door, a sad expression on his face. Seokjin had the same expression, as if they knew neither Jimin nor Taehyung could be together. Seokjin fell to Jimin's side with a sharp inhale. His eyes were planted on Jimin's shoulder. "Jimin-ah—oh my Gods." He gasped, fingers shaking over the newly formed bite mark. "What has he done?" "It—It's okay." Jimin said softly. Seokjin pulled on Jimin's arm, and Taehyung pulled away slowly. "Let's get you to the infirmary, Jiminie." He huffed, giving a glare to Taehyung as he pulled the omega towards the door. Jimin pushed the handkerchief Hoseok had given him over his neck, giving one lasting glance to Taehyung before he was ushered out by Seokjin. A part of Jimin wished Taehyung had finished the claim. -
Chapter 19: Infirmary Seokjin hooked his arm on Jimin's, smiling sympathetically at him. Jimin just walked with Seokjin, keeping his slow pace. He hoped Seokjin didn't judge him too harshly for his mishap with the Empress. It was late when it happened, many of the court members were still in bed, but those that did appear saw his crimes, begs and, most of all, his fear . He would never be able to show his face in court again. Jimin bowed his head softly, and Seokjin bit his lip. They walked gently, slowly, and Jimin had no idea how much longer the silence would last. "Yoongi-ah told me about—“ Jimin flinched, so Seokjin's lips froze. He cleared his throat, and smiled, placing a hand on top of Jimin's and rubbing the soft skin."Don't worry, Jiminie." He chuckled softly, reassuring Jimin with his clear cotton scent. He sort of smelled like new pups. "Crazy things happen all the time in court, no one will remember it in a matter of days— hours even." Seokjin laughed, and Jimin knew that wasn't true, but those words did soothe him slightly. Jimin remained silent, so Seokjin continued. "Why did Taehyung… You know." Seokjin asked, keeping close to Jimin as they turned down a hall. Large palace guards shifted past them, and Jimin pressed further into Seokjin's side. The omega allowed him with a pliant, concerned smile. "He.. He was just being impulsive." "No, Jimin." Seokjin frowned, tightening around his hand. "That's not impulsive." He said, quite frankly to the other omega. "No alpha tries to claim an omega on impulse." He huffed softly, and when Jimin looked up at him, he could see not one, but two bite marks upon both sides of his neck. Jimin hadn't noticed it before, but Seokjin did have a mix of smells. Jimin couldn't tell who it was though. One scent felt so familiar to Jimin. Jimin turned away after Seokjin noticed his gaze lingered for longer than normal. He sighed softly, pressing a kiss to Jimin's knuckles. "My love, Taehyung, is impulsive, but he is not that impulsive. An alpha only stakes a claim on an omega if they are absolutely sure, especially in a primal state like he was in." Seokjin explained, and Jimin didn't want to hear anymore. It was turning into a lecture quickly. "You should—“ "Your pups, Hei and Aecha, how are they, hyung?" Jimin blurted, scared Seokjin would lecture him on falling in love with the Crown Prince. Seokjin smiled softly, shaking his head. "Don't change the subject, Jiminie. I've got two kids, I know how this works." He laughed, and Jimin turned a bright red because he was caught. "I was going to say, you shouldn't listen to anything but your heart. If Taehyung laid claim to you, and you felt the bond, then you truly were meant to be." He smiled, and Jimin's eyes grew large. "You should be together if that's what your wolf wants." He continued as they walked, referring to a person's most inner being: their wolf. Jimin was flabbergasted, to say the least. He hadn't expected anyone to support such a match. "I've seen the way he looks at you." Seokjin hummed, proud to see such a match between the two. Jimin smiled bashfully, and the two came upon the door to his own chambers. The doors swung open, and a young girl came running out with a big grin across her lips. "Papa!" She squealed, and Seokjin quickly bent over to swoop her off of the ground. Hei was next to appear, a more shy smile on his face when he saw Jimin staring at him, a smile on the elder's face. Seokjin chuckled, and tickled Aecha's armpits before shaking a hand through Hei's hair. The handmaid stepped out, bowing gently to Seokjin. "Thank you, Na-ran." Seokjin hummed before ushering the children forward. "Hei, hold Jimin's hand, won't you?" He said, pushing the child towards Jimin, who stiffened.
Jimin grew up an only child. He supposed there was a brother now, but still, he'd never lived with a younger sibling. He often played with children in his hometown, but now it felt so strange. After he and Taehyung had sex for the first time, Jimin was terrified of getting pregnant until his heat finally hit. The thought of bearing the Crown Prince's son was horrifying. He was still unmated, unclaimed. If he had a child so young, it would be scandalized. He would be seen as a whore. So seeing a child was a bit anxiety inducing, but Jimin took his hand gently—with a smile. Hei smiled bashfully up at him. "Hello." Jimin hummed happily. His eyes were still puffy and red from crying, and he had blood dripping down his neck too. Jimin supposed he looked a bit scary to the child. Hei waved without a word, just staring at the blood on Jimin's shoulder. Seokjin egged them onward towards the infirmary, and Jimin was comforted by the smell of pups. Children always had such a soothing scent. Jimin couldn't help the cool that wrapped in his gut. It would only be satisfied once he had his own babe in his arms and at his breast. That couldn't happen. Taehyung // couldn't // get him pregnant. Jimin would spend all night afterward doing anything he could to keep himself from getting pregnant. The night after he'd lost his virginity, Jimin spent hours jumping up and down. It was something he'd learned from Hyerin back in Busan, but he was still scared it wouldn't work. They walked happily towards the infirmary. Every minute or so, Hei would open up more to Jimin. They spoke a little bit, but soon came upon the infirmary. Hei tugged on Jimin's finger that he held tightly. "What happened? You're bleeding." Hei pointed to the handkerchief on Jimin's neck. Jimin stiffened and laughed, but Seokjin pulled fingers through Hei's soft brown hair, lulling his head around to peer up at his omega father. "He's okay, Hei. Daddy will fix him right up." "Right up! Right up!" Aecha squealed happily, kicking her legs with excitement. "Daddy! Daddy!" The door to the infirmary opened all of the sudden as Seokjin tried to contain his little girl. Jimin gasped as a large alpha stumbled out of the wooden infirmary, his arms wide. "Aecha!" The man with large, thick specks exclaimed, and the little girl let out a whine to be put down. Seokjin pushed the wriggling child into the alpha's hold, and she instantly stopped, wrapping arms and legs around the larger alpha. He hummed in enjoyment, and Hei could only wait for his own turn with big, excited eyes. "Daddy." Hei giggled gently, grabbing his father's pants in his tiny fists. The other gaped down at Hei with a harp of happiness. "Hei, baby, give daddy a big hug." He insisted, Aecha still kissing all over his cheeks and forehead. Hei quickly wrapped around Namjoon's waist, face buried into the alpha's stomach. The alpha sagged in contentment. Jimin couldn't help but think that was exactly what he wanted. "Namjoon." Seokjin huffed softly, pulling an arm around Jimin's waist, no doubt because he felt empty without his pups now. The ditzy man looked up and finally saw Jimin standing there. His eyes dropped to Jimin's bloody shoulder. "Ah!" He inhaled, placing Aecha onto the ground to approach Jimin. The smaller stepped back, a bit shocked at Namjoon's sudden approach. Namjoon noticed with a quick glance at Seokjin. The eldest cleared his throat. "This is my mate, Kim Namjoon, Jimin-ah." He introduced.
Namjoon bowed softly, pulling on a beautiful dimpled smile. "Nice to meet you, Jimin-ah." He kept glancing between Jimin and his hurt shoulder. "Why don't you have a look while the kids and I go collect some flowers from the courtyard." Seokjin smiled, taking both children's hands and leading them away as they whined. "Maybe we can go see Hoseokie if he's not busy." Jimin grabbed Seokjin's shoulder before he could walk off. He had a nervous, horrified expression. Seokjin didn't look too worried though. "He—" "Won't judge you at all." Seokjin whispered. "I promise ." Jimin looked unconvinced, so Seokjin pulled a hand up to stroke the younger's cheek gently. "I would never do anything to hurt you, Jiminie. Do you trust me?" He asked, and Jimin nodded immediately. "I'll be back then." He said with one more stroke of his cheek before he stepped away, leaving Jimin with this stranger, much less an alpha. Namjoon smiled at him weakly. “Come inside, Jimin-ssi.” He said, gesturing the young omega inside of the infirmary. It was a large room, completely plated with wood that was engraved and carved with pretty designs. It looked so rich. There was a wall of cabinets and a few barrels of things all around the room. It stretched for a few meters in all directions. There were herbs and flowers and spices hanging from the ceiling, their scents clinging to the alpha as he led Jimin towards the back of the room where a wooden table was sitting. He pulled out a kit from inside one of the lower cabinets. It had medical wraps, bottles of alcohol, and cleaned cotton. “Let me see.” Namjoon hummed, rubbing his specks on his silk shirt with a smile. “Sit down, please.” He said, getting right down to business. Jimin took a seat in a rather large wooden chair, body tight. His thighs were pressed together, one hand on the handkerchief that was bloodied by now and the other straight on his thigh. Namjoon pulled up his own chair sitting against the back of the chair, arms draped over the back of the chair. “Let’s see.” He hummed, slowly, very slowly pushing a hand forward. Jimin jumped back. “I—“ He inhaled with a furrow of his brow. Namjoon pulled his hand away. He sighed softly, probably seeing this often with rigid omegas like Jimin. “Jimin-ssi, it’s okay. I won’t hurt you—I won’t judge you either. I just want to help you.” He said, voice deep and soothing. His scent was the same, though it wasn’t too strong in his nose— probably because of the herbs and spices hanging from the ceiling. This was a scent that was on Seokjin, but there was one more—one that was more familiar. Jimin just couldn’t place it. “If it makes you feel better,” Namjoon hummed gently as he slowly peeled Jimin’s hand from the handkerchief that was now dried and stuck to the bloody wound. “You can ask me questions about anything you’d like, and I’ll answer honestly—to take your mind off.” Jimin’s face scrunched as he peeled off the handkerchief that stuck and irritated the mark. Jimin watched as Namjoon’s eyes fell upon the bite mark. There was a slight twitch in his features, but nothing else changed. The omega watched closely, fearfully, but it slowly turned into trust because Namjoon said nothing . “Jin-hyung is your mate?” Jimin asked as Namjoon threw the handkerchief into a bin full of trash. Namjoon’s lips pursed, dimples digging into his skin. “Yes.” He simply said while grabbing the bottle of medical alcohol and cotton gauze. There was a sense of nervousness in Namjoon’s voice at that question. Jimin’s eyes thinned, unsure of what he was seeing.
Jimin watched closely as Namjoon poured the alcohol onto the gauze. “Will it go away?” Jimin asked, referring to the bite. It seemed like he didn’t want it, but… the truth was Jimin didn’t want it to go away. Namjoon pursed his lips a bit as if examining it. “It’s deep… but I think it will heal nicely.” He said, giving the omega a reassuring smile. “Your future mate won’t even notice—even the scent will fade, hopefully. As long as you don’t…” He said, voice trailing off. “Never mind.” Jimin hadn’t realized Taehyung’s scent was on him. He stiffened, wondering if Namjoon knew. “Are you the royal physician?” Jimin asked, curiously as Namjoon blew on his wound to blow away the dust and particles. “Yes, I am.” He hummed. “This will hurt.” He said, eyes glancing up to see Jimin’s expression as well as his nod of understanding. Namjoon gently dabbed the alcohol drenched cotton on the puffed up, irritated wound. “I mostly work with the immediate royal family.” He explained, eyes glancing up to see Jimin’s face scrunched in pain, holding in his whines of pain. “Chinmayi and Madame Sun too sometimes.” He smiled, trying to take away from the fact that he // knew // who had tried to lay claim to Jimin. The alcohol stung, and he hissed, watching in a mirror as the blood disappeared slowly with the dabs. Namjoon was so slow and careful, Jimin trusted him more and more with his soft, gentle touches. “Taehyung-ah is so—“ Jimin didn’t want to hear anymore. He was so mortified. “Why does Seokjin have two claims?” Namjoon stiffened, eyes growing wide with surprise to his question. Jimin drew into himself softly, pulling on the coat that Taehyung had given him. He’d had no time to change clothes or at least put on something that was his own. Jimin quickly shook his head, stuttering out a trembling apology. “I’m sorry. That was—I shouldn’t have.” Namjoon chuckled softly. “I said I would answer honestly, didn’t I?” He smiled, not really caring any longer. “But can I trust you?” Namjoon asked, peering up to Jimin with two very serious eyes. Jimin nodded immediately. Namjoon sighed softly and looked a bit skeptical of his own decision. “You don’t have to.” Jimin shook his head, and Namjoon took the bandages and started wrapping them snugly around his shoulder. “Seokjin seems to trust you.” Namjoon just muttered, and Jimin’s heart fluttered. That made him happy. “You should know, if the Empress found out, Seokjin would be executed.” Jimin stiffened, eyes growing wide with shock. “What?” Namjoon only nodded. “We have another.” Namjoon said, eyes glancing up to Jimin’s face to see his expression. Jimin’s eyes were still big, but… Another? What does that mean? Jimin wondered. “I’m sure you know Jung Hoseok.” Jimin’s jaw dropped. “Hei belongs to him, but Aecha is mine.” Namjoon smiled with deep dimples denting his cheeks. He beamed at the thought of his children. “We’re all together, though. We all love each other.” Jimin was unsure what to think. He’d never met anyone in the world that had two mates. Sure, there had been two claims, but usually that was from a widower. Never three in one relationship. Jimin wasn’t disgusted, just confused. He didn’t know how it worked, but he was certainly intrigued— not that he would ever engage in such a thing. He supposed he only had one person he loved though, so he wouldn’t understand. “That’s amazing.” Jimin muttered when Namjoon finished wrapping his arm. Namjoon smiled at him. “You’re happy?” Jimin asked.
Namjoon nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, yes. Of course.” He harped, getting excited. Jimin giggled softly, peering down at his wrapped arm. “I’m glad then.” He smiled so very brightly, finally feeling better from his little extravaganza with the Empress. Namjoon gave Jimin a sympathetic smile, holding the omega’s hand. “I’d like for you to come back in a few days to change out the bandages and put a healing ointment onto it.” He said, pointing to the bandaged mark. Jimin nodded. “Yes, thank you so much, hyung.” Jimin said, standing and bowing deeply to the lord physician. Namjoon grabbed his shoulders with a laugh. “Please, don’t bow, Jiminah.” He chuckled. Jimin pulled himself back up and pulled the coat onto his shoulders with a shiver as Seokjin stepped inside with the two kids. “Done already?” Seokjin asked with flowers placed all over his hair. Namjoon sagged at the sight of the beautiful boy with such a cute display of flowers along with the two kids that he loved so much. Jimin could see it in Namjoon’s face how much he loved Seokjin and both kids even though Hei was not his. Jimin smiled at the sight. “All better, Jiminie?” Aecha asked, like the cutest little button she was. The little girl was so confident and always talking and laughing. Hei was much less talkative, but always took good care of his younger sister, keeping the two year old child out of trouble and danger of court eyes. Jimin nodded, stroking the young child’s pretty black hair that curled at the ends. She smiled so brightly at Jimin, and Seokjin scoffed. Seokjin knelt down, holding the two pup’s shoulders with a smile. “Stay with daddy while I take Jiminie back to his room, okay?” Aecha let out a loud harp of joy. “Yes! Come on, Hei!” She squealed, dragging her brother towards their alpha father, who was smiling and putting his supplies away before they could get curious. Seokjin and Jimin left to return to Jimin’s new room right across from Taehyung’s room. Jimin hoped this one had a lock on it. -
Chapter 20: Second Thoughts Seokjin opened the door to Jimin's new room. There were voices inside, four of them. All of the voices were arguing though. Seokjin scoffed softly when he saw Taehyung, Yoongi, Jeongguk, and Hoseok standing arguing amongst each other in Jimin's room. "Well, maybe you should just learn to control yourself!" Yoongi clamored angrily, stabbing a stiff, long finger into Taehyung's chest with a hiss. "You can't just—" Yoongi's gaze snapped to where Jimin stood with Seokjin, eyes wide in surprise to see so many people in his room. What were they doing? Why were they arguing? Was it about him? Jimin wondered. He still wasn't sure why such important people would even give a shit about someone like him. Yoongi pulled his finger away with a lasting glare. He then sent a pretty smile to Jimin while his future mate, Jeongguk was settling a crate of Jimin's things onto the floor in front of a rather large bed. It was too large of a bed for Jimin's consciousness. What would he possibly do with all of the space? "Jimin-ah," Yoongi hummed through a deep, growling voice. He was obviously still a bit angry as he wrapped his arms around Jimin's smaller frame. He pulled away. The young omega had seen Jimin's embarrassment—he'd seen Jimin get dragged away. "Are you okay?" He asked, brows knitted on his forehead with concern. His hands were rubbing Jimin's shoulder, the scent was so calming and so nice. Jimin sagged in his hold, eyes slowly flickering to Taehyung, whose eyes were planted on the shoulder that was covered by the alpha's coat. Jimin instinctively shied away from Taehyung's gaze, trying to hide his shoulder to keep Taehuung from feeling guilty. Jimin nodded at Yoongi's question, eyes sagging a bit because he was so exhausted, and it was nearly two in the morning. He felt like he could pass out any moment. "I'm okay, hyung." Jimin murmured with a tired smile. Yoongi bit his lip tenderly. He pointed to his future mate with a soft frown. "Jeongguk pack his things, won't you?" Jimin hummed, and Jimin immediately shook his head. "No—No, I can do it myself." Jimin insisted softly. "You've already done enough for me, Jeongguk." Jimin said, trying to gain enough energy to smile at him, but he was so tired. Seokjin placed a hand on Jimin's shoulder as Jeongguk just ignored him to empty the large box he'd collected of Jimin's limited belongings. He wasn't allowed to have much after all. Jimin tried to break free of their protective hold on him, but Yoongi just hugged him tight. "Let's get you ready for bed." Yoongi looked at Taehyung and Hoseok. "I think you both should go." He huffed, obviously angered at the two. Jimin gave Taehyubg a glance before Yoongi pulled him in the changing corner of the room. It wasn't a small room, nor was it a big room. It was right in between the threshold from small to big. It was larger than Jimin's room at home, and much larger than his servant's suite. It already had lots of things inside, like it was ready for a guest to sleep in for a mere night. There was a golden chamber out in a small, separate room made just for it. There was another small room that Jimin supposed was for clothes. There was a separate crate Jeongguk carried into his room. It was completely full of his clothes. He did bring his closet after all. Hoseok and Taehuung had left. Seokjin stayed, helping and joking around with Jeongguk. Yoongi was pulling the robe Taehyung had given him from his shoulders. He hissed when Yoongi's fingers traced the bandaid endearingly, feeling so much guilt for the younger omega. "Does it hurt?" Yoongi asked, and Jimin stiffened. "Yes, very much." He returned, and Yoongi inhaled sharply before frowning.
His pheromones came out thick and mean . Jimin stiffened slightly. Everyone was so angry at Taehyung, but for some reason, Jimin was happy Taehyung went so far as to claim him. Could he say that though? "I'll break his legs." Yoongi whispered, pulling off the ripped and tattered robes that were once very beautiful. Jimin's lips puckered, a place in his heart longed for Taehyung. "It's okay…" Jimin whispered with a slight pout. Yoongi paused for a moment. "It isn't, Jiminie.." He hummed softly, a twinge of guilt taught in his voice. "It's a dangerous game you're playing. I just don't want you to get hurt." He said, and Jimin glanced back at Yoongi as he draped a sleeping fabric around him gently, tying it in the front. Jimin looked at him after he turned. and hugged himself with a worried pout on his lips. Yoongi pulled his lips out to pout as well. Yoongi smiled softly. "I don't know what I would do if you were gone." He sighed. "I was so scared." He said, but tears didn't leave his eyes. Yoongi was strong, stronger than most Jimin knew. Jimin admired that more than anything. Jimin bowed his head, hands grabbed by Yoongi tightly. "I'm sorry for scaring you, hyung." He said, voice shaky as he remembered just how scared Yoongi looked when he was there. Yoongi shook his head and just wrapped his arms around Jimin's neck, holding him tight. Jimin inhaled Yoongi's soft forest scent. He smelled like Dalgubeol's orchard. It made Jimin's gut tingle with a sense of calm and happiness. "I'm just glad you're okay. At least that alpha oaf can do one thing right." He sighed into Jimin's ear, sagging against him. "Yah, are you going to mate Jimin or me, hyung?" Jeongguk poured as he stared at the room divider that Jimin changed behind. Yoongi scowled at the alpha. "I'm starting to regret agreeing to you ." He said, and Jeongguk's face fell into a concerned expression. "What?" He asked, like a lost puppy. Jimin giggled softly as Yoongi finally pulled away. He chuckled softly. "I'll come by tomorrow with Jin-hyung, okay?" Jimin just nodded gently, letting him get whisked away by Jeongguk’s endless fearful whining. Yoongi groaned and grabbed a hold of Jeongguk’s neck, squeezing it tight until he cried out with a giggling laugh. Jimin peered around the corner of the room divider. The alpha couldn’t see him in only his sleepwear. “Goodnight, Jimin-ah.” Jeongguk beamed back to the smaller omega. Jimin’s cheeks turned a rosy red, and he did his best to smile through the lack of energy. “Night.” He blurted, waving a little hand. Yoongi pulled Jeongguk out, teasing him until Jeongguk teased him right back and brought red to Yoongi’s whole face. Jimin sighed softly, coming out from behind the divider. He slipped towards the door, looking over it with a furrowed brow. There was a stick underneath to lock the door— keeping people from opening from the outside. He then turned around, finally able to look at the new room he was given. His bed was a mere futon, but it was large and filled with fluffy blankets and pillows. It was placed over a fur rug. There was a small closet beside it, and in the center was a table with pillows surrounding it to sit. There was a glass jar with incense sticks sticking out of it. They weren’t lit, but Jimin could smell the pungent scent of the incense from where he stood. It smelled like him—like peaches and vanilla. Jimin’s heart fluttered, no doubt Taehyung had put it there for him. The young omega slipped towards a full-length mirror that was set against the wall near the bathroom. His hand came up to smooth over the bandages. It stung for a split second, but Jimin couldn’t help but remember
the way his whole body had blossomed with the pull and sparks of an orgasm. He remembered how it felt so good. He wanted to feel it again, and have Taehyung’s scent on him forever. Though, Jimin wondered if he would ever get to feel it again. If not and this wound scarred over, what would Jimin do? Tears boiled in his eyes at the thought. No alpha would claim him if he had an old mark. Jimin was much too young to be a widower as well. He would be pushed away, pushed out of packs, out of relationships, and seen as a whore and an outcast— damaged goods. Tears fell down Jimin’s cheeks, and he instantly pressed his hands into his eyes, crying softly. He was just so emotionally, so physically drained . He couldn’t even sleep. Jimin was exhausted. He was so tired. He wanted to sleep it all off, but he couldn’t. Jimin dropped down onto his bed with a little stuttering sigh. Why did I let myself feel this way? Jimin asked himself. He laid back, eyes reaching up to the ceiling, trying to close, but he couldn’t. There was still a fear deep in his chest, like something similar would happen again, but this time Jimin wouldn’t be so lucky to live with his dignity intact. ‘Knock’ Jimin’s body snapped up, eyes wide and sweat already beading on his forehead. “Who…?” Jimin whispered, too low for anyone to hear anyway. He pulled the covers of his futon up over his face, trying to ignore the feeling of someone outside of his room. “Jimin-ah?” A familiar, honey coated voice said, muffled through the door. Jimin’s body sagged in relief. It was only Taehyung. “TaeTae?” Jimin hummed softly, climbing out of his futon with a small smile. Jimin inhaled sharply at the thought of his own feelings only growing. He froze for a moment, unsure of whether he should’ve ripen the door or not. Maybe he should distance himself from Taehyung. Even still, the bite mark on his shoulder throbbed with Taehyung so near, his stomach boiling with a need to be near the alpha that had tried to claim him. He couldn’t help himself. Jimin stepped towards the door, pulling out the wooden stick and opening it for the alpha outside. Taehyung’s head perked up, and he smiled guiltily down at Jimin, who felt so good seeing him and smelling him right there in front of him. “Jiminie..” Taehyung sighed softly, obviously affected in the same way as Jimin was… Jimin hoped. He pushed a hand forward, smoothing it over Jimin’s cheek gently. Jimin allowed him of course, purring gently at the feeling. Taehyung smiled endearingly with his own hum of enjoyment. He’d never expected an omega to purr for him. He glanced at the guards at his own door with a scowl. “Can I come in.. please?” Jimin nodded immediately, moving to let Taehyung into his chambers. Taehyung pulls Jimin close to him. “Are you okay?” He asked again, voice stuttering and worried for him. Jimin nodded immediately, nose inhaling as much of the alpha’s scent as he could. He hummed with a big, big smile on his face. “I-I am. I’m okay.” Jimin said, cupping the taller’s cheeks in his tiny hands. Taehyung sagged at his touch. “I didn’t mean to, please don’t—“ “I liked it.” Jimin blurted with a gasp. Taehyung blinked. His eyes wide with shock. His lips were dropped, canines showing. Taehyung could still taste Jimin’s blood on his taste buds. He could feel the spark of happiness deep, deep within his chest.
A smile graced his lips. Taehyung bit his lip, trying hard to contain the excitement that dwelled and stirred within his chest. His lips immediately pressed against Jimin’s. It was so gentle, yet so strong. Jimin giggled softly, melting against Taehyung’s lips and holding him tightly. Taehyung’s hands grazed over his lover’s scent glands, sending strong, strong shivers down both of their spines. It felt like their feelings were linked, molded together. Taehyung pulled away with a bubbling giggle, and Jimin did the same. “I love you, Jiminie.” Jimin smiled brightly, pressing kisses to Taehyung’s neck and Adam's apple. “I love you..” -
Chapter 21: Fulfilled Jimin didn’t really know how they ended up in bed. It started with kissing, neither of them could control themselves and it escalated further and further until Jimin was pressing his face into the book of Taehyung’s neck, trying hard to suffocate the sounds he was letting out as Taehyung rammed inside of him. It felt so much better than the first time they’d done anything. It felt so electrifying and so pleasurable. There was no other feeling Jimin wanted to feel as Taehyung growled into his ear, thick cock shoved inside of him, jerking. It was almost similar to Taehyung's claim. Taehyung’s pace wasn’t even quick or frivolous like Jimin made it sound like. He was just so overwhelmed. It felt godly, like he’d entered a new state of heaven that topped anything else. It was his own personal heaven that he could spend with Taehyung every night. Jimin gasped as Taehyung nosed at the bandages, lips kissing at his shoulder as his hips snapped into Jimin, who laid on his back, legs wrapped around the alpha to hold him in place. Jimin’s nails were digging into Taehyung’s shoulder blades, skin underneath his fingernails as he whined and cried softly from the sudden overstimulation. Taehyung growled at the smell of the bite mark. The mark was a mix of his own scent and Jimin’s. It was mingled and tangled, and it smelled so good. Taehyung was also a bit overwhelmed, needing to kiss and lick and touch Jimin’s body. His lips were practically attached to Jimin’s neck and on his lips, smacking against each other’s lips. Taehyung quickly pulled his arms around Jimin’s neck, pulling him even closer—somehow. Jimin started moving his own body up to meet each thrust from Taehyung. He was frazzled, out of his mind. Taehyung didn’t mind. It only made him dive further into a state of primal instincts. Though, he was hyper aware of the bite on Jimin’s shoulder. “Tae—“ Jimin nearly screamed, but Taehyung was quick to press his lips against Jimin’s as his knot pressed into Jimin’s hole, spreading him to the max. Taehyung bottomed out with a low, low growl. Jimin swallowed up his sounds, drinking up the saliva that pooled and mixed in their mouths. Jimin was still trying to move, still trying to rock against Taehyung despite the comet that was sprinkling from his own member that twitched and jumped at the pulses of pleasure. He could feel his body being filled up with Taehyung’s come, happiness and contentment rooting itself into Jimin’s gut. He was so happy to feel it, so happy to have Taehyung so close and sharing such things with him. Taehyung’s lips pulled off of Jimin’s with a pop, hands holding Jimin’s hips in his hands to keep him still as he writhed and breathed heavily. Taehyung watched as Jimin wriggled as if he was in heat. His body flushed red and head thrown back, begging for more as his hole tightened around Taehyung’s girth. The alpha groaned softly and just fell down to press his forehead against Jimin’s. He released gentle, calming pheromones to try and tame the smaller omega. Slowly, slowly Jimin came down from his everlasting high. He felt that orgasm for at least two minutes. Nothing could bring him down. Taehyung felt the same, but Jimin’s scent was bringing him to a state of reality. Jimin’s breaths calmed and he slowly closed his eyes, legs falling in exhaustion. He could still feel the pleasure, body trembling from overstimulation and Taehyung’s knot inside of him. Taehyung chuckled softly, but Jimin didn’t even hear it. He just felt Taehyung collapse on top of him like a weighted blanket. Taehyung’s hands stroked Jimin’s hair, pulling through the thick strands until Jimin was purring loudly and suddenly sleeping . Taehyung laughed, kissing Jimin’s face all over. He didn’t wake though. He was too tired to stay awake for Taehyung’s clingy after-sex persona that Jimin loved to indulge. Taehyung could only laugh and cuddle against his sleeping omega.
Jimin melted into the bathtub, his lips falling below the water as he blew little bubbles in the steaming water. He hummed softly, back aching slightly as he washed away the come and sweat from his bum and the rest of his body. He peeled off the bandages with. small hiss. The wounds were puffed up and irritated. The gel was still smoothed across his wound. It kept his wound hot and feeling almost grimey. He frowned softly. It no longer tingled like the day before. Jimin would have to get it rewrapped by Namjoon after his bath. He remained in the bath for hours after stirring only when Taehyung climbed out of his bed to return to his own room so that no one questioned him. Jimin just loitered in the tub of hot water until his skin started to prune and crinkle with moisture. He slowly climbed out of the tub, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around himself while he carefully climbed out. He was cautious of the slippery floor. He would have to wipe it up early because though he had the room of a guest, he did not have a handmaid to assist him. Of course, that was no problem for Jimin. He probably would've done it himself anyways. Jimin dressed himself in a light blue, loose set of robes that fell against his curves and held his body nicely while keeping it warm. Jimin hugged himself softly, feeling that Taehyung was too far away for his comfort. It was probably just the surge of emotions from the unfinished bite. Jimin nearly touched it, but he stopped himself with a shiver. There was a knock at the door, and Jimin quickly grabbed the sheets of his bed and threw them off. They still reeked of sex and Taehyung. He nervously pulled all of the sheets off and pushed them into the closet, which he still hadn't put his clothes up on their hangers and in the closet. He slammed the door shut and slipped towards the door, tucking his damp hair behind his ears and tidied himself. He pulled the door open after removing the stick from the bottom and peered up to see Hoseok standing there with Seokjin holding Aecha, who was still sleeping in her father's arms. Jimin smiled softly, nervous that they would smell his slick or even Taehyung's come on the room.
Hoseok's brow moved slightly, but he just smiled and bowed softly to Jimin who did the same. "Good morning, Jimin-ah." He hummed, and Seokjin looked too tired to greet him as he bounced Aecha on his hip. Jimin looked down to see Hei hiding behind Hoseok's leg. That was Hoseok's pup, was he not? Jimin wondered if the child knew that. Maybe he could feel it. Seokjin smiled weakly, thirdly. "Morning." He muttered, sighing when Aecha moved on his breast. Jimin smiled. "Good morning. Can we—Can I see Namjoon? The bandages come off in the bath." He explained, and Seokjin perked up slightly with a thin brow. Hoseok chuckled, nodding his head. "Yes. of course. Namjoon asked me to bring you, actually." He hummed with a big smile. Hoseok gestured an arm out to the omega. Jimin placed his hand on Hoseok's forearm and kept close to him. Hoseok closed Jimin's door and led them towards the infirmary. They made small talk, but Seokjin mostly stayed silent, only speaking when he wanted to or when Hoseok threw a question in his direction. Seokjin's scent was stronger that day. Jimin could smell him and the pungent scent of his two mates. Hoseok didn't seem to notice, or maybe he knew why like Jimin did. Seokjin was close to heat. Hei suddenly grabbed Jimin's hand, smiling brightly up to the omega. "Hi, Jimin-hyung." He giggled softly. Jimin smiled down at him, hand tightening around Hei's. Jimin made sure to map out the turns and twists they took to get to the infirmary, just in case he needed to go alone. It wasn't far at all. It was merely a left and a right down the long corridors. Hoseok knocked at the door, glancing at Seokjin, who seemed a bit out of it. He was probably tired and battling his own preheat symptoms. “Come on, then.” Namjoon grunted softly from inside. He sounded distracted. Hoseok opened the door, allowing Jimin to step in first, then Seokjin and the kids. Hoseok stepped inside last. Namjoon glanced at the large group that entered. He was already working on someone. Jimin didn’t find him very familiar at all. The alpha’s arm was skinned up and looked very nasty. Jimin almost winced at the sight. The alpha, though, seemed to recognise Jimin straight away. “You—“ he pointed, and Jimin instantly stiffened, shying away from the alpha. He hissed after straightening his arm and the wound, and Namjoon gave him a nasty growl of distaste. “Lord Yang, please do not move your arm while I’m working on it.” He said, annoyed while grabbing the man’s arm back. The lord frowned slightly before Namjoon went back to working on his arm. He smiled at Jimin. “You’re the dancer.. the one from the New Year party.” He sighed softly, eyes softening on the sight of Jimin. Now that Jimin looked at the man, he was there among the ocean of alphas that surrounded him that night as he danced. Jimin just nodded softly, waiting for the lord to bring up yesterday to him and humiliate him even more. Jimin made sure the ribbon on his neck covered his scent as well as his robes over the bite mark. It was safe. They were covered. “You were absolutely ama— Ow! ” He gasped, sending a small glare to the physician. “Amazing.” He finished. Jimin bowed to him, swiftly. “Thank you, My Lord.” He said before bringing himself back up.
“Of—Of course.” He chuckled, nervously. “What’s your name?” The man asked, cheeks pink. “Park Jimin, sir.” Jimin answered, quite uninterested and straightforward. At least he hadn’t asked or said anything—maybe he was saving it for later. The alpha rubbed his neck with his free hand. His pheromones were weak, and he looked weaker. The mark on Jimin’s neck started throbbing slightly, and Jimin smoothed a hand over it with a flinch. Seokjin stepped forward before the lord could continue the awkward conversation. “Joon-ah,” the omega greeted his mate with a kiss on the forehead. Namjoon’s sour expression seemed to simmer to an exhale of contentment. They were mates, no doubt their cycles coincided. Though with three Jimin was unsure. Maybe it was different. “The kids will be with Yoongi today, okay?” He hummed, and Namjoon just focused on wrapping the silent alpha’s arm. The alpha was still staring at Jimin with such big eyes. Jimin was a bit uncomfortable. When Hoseok noticed, he stepped in between the alpha’s eyes and Jimin, peering down to the smaller with a pretty smile. “How do you feel, Jimin-ah?” Hoseok asked, and He joined his side, hand in Hoseok’s. Jimin just nodded. He knew that wasn’t an answer, so he quickly pulled his head down with a hum. “I’m okay.” He finally said, and so Hoseok nodded. “Alright. I’m finished.” Namjoon said, but Jimin couldn’t see because Hoseok was standing there. “Don’t be too reckless with it, and watch where you’re walking from now on.” Namjoon said, trying to smile, but it didn’t work too well. He seemed frustrated. The lord stood and bowed gently to Namjoon with a laugh. “Will do. No worries.” He said, trying to linger, but Namjoon shooed him out of the infirmary quite quickly. Seokjin was fiddling with a small jar of little tablets. He swallowed about two before placing Aecha into Hoseok’s arms. She was still sleeping quite soundly. Jimin smiled, and Namjoon moved to where he stood. “Did the bandages already come off?” Namjoon asked, kneeling down with his supplies being placed on the table. He patted the seat the alpha before him sat in, and Jimin immediately moved to it, taking his seat. “I took a bath.” Jimin said, and Hoseok and Seokjin exchanged a soft nuzzle before the omega left in a bit of a hurry. “I’m taking Jin back, then I’ll bring the kids to Yoongi’s room.” Hoseok said, “I’ll be back for Jimin after that.” He continued before quickly leaving the infirmary after Seokjin. Hei followed, his hand still fisted in Hoseok’s. Namjoon returned to focus on Jimin once more. The alpha’s strong hand gently moved to remove the ribbon, but he stopped. His fingers trembled slightly, and he let go. “Maybe you should..” Namjoon said, clearing his throat, so Jimin nodded immediately. He pulled the ribbon from his neck and dismantled his robes enough for the bite to be seen and wrapped. Namjoon stiffened slightly as Jimin’s scent exploded into the air, but it wasn’t just Jimin’s scent. Namjoon stayed completely still. Jimin watched in awe as the blood slowly drained from his face. Jimin looked down, trying to see the mark on his shoulder because that’s what the physician looked at for so long, it worried Jimin. “Namjoon-hyung, what is it—“ “Jimin-ah.” He practically gasped.
Jimin’s brows furrowed so very tightly as fear began to boil deep, deep within his chest for what was to come from his lips. “Y-Yes?” Namjoon’s eyes quickly snapped up to Jimin’s, wide and full of shock. “Did you—“ he swallowed “did you have sex with Taehyung last night?” Jimin inhaled sharply, brows knitting in terror. Why? So what if he had… right? Jimin couldn’t even lie to Namjoon. The elder would know if he did. No doubt he could smell it on Jimin. “I-I.. I did…” He said with deep red spreading from his ears to his cheeks, to his face and neck. It was like all the blood in his entire body went to his head. Namjoon’s expression faltered and smoothed a hand across his brow, massaging it as if he had a headache. Jimin watched, a bit scared. “Why?” Namjoon grabbed Jimin’s hand, bringing his knuckles to his lips as they pursued. Jimin’s brows tightened. Waiting for an answer was infuriating.
“Jimin-ah.. you just completed the claim. That mark will never go away.” -
Chapter 22: Mate for Life Jimin paced the length of his room, fingers pulled to his lips and trembling as he pondered what he was going to do. He’d completed the claim without knowing it, so now… Jimin was technically mated to Taehyung. Yes, it seemed amazing at first, but Jimin quickly realized that Taehyung did not know, nor did anyone else, nor could anyone else. If the Empress found out, Jimin would be killed or even pushed out of the palace. He was terrified. The mark, would never leave him now.
the
smell.
Taehyung’s
scent
Jimin slumped into a nest of his own things that held Taehyung’s scent. One of those things being the comforter from last night. He tucked it into the corner of the room and wrapped around himself completely. His mind was swelling with shock and confusion. What could he possibly do? He had no options. Removing a claim was excruciatingly painful—even life-threatening, and not many knew how, Jimin didn’t know how. The rest of the day went by in a cold sweat, and by the time it was dark and time for supper, Jimin had driven himself mad with all sorts of crazy ideas. If it was known he was claimed by Taehyung—mated to Taehyung, even the Prince couldn’t avoid the scrutiny of court. Jimin began wondering what he’d done in his last life to deserve such two-sided torture. It was like one painful thing after another, all come to ruin his life. There was a pull on the door, but Jimin had locked it tight. “Jimin?” Yoongi called through the door. “It’s supper time. Hei, Aecha, and Jeongguk brought back lots of delicious food for us to share.” The omega hummed, worry laced in his voice when he heard no answer from the embarrassed omega inside. “Jimin?” He heard after another knock. Jimin felt bad. “I-I don’t feel good.” He blurted. Yoongi shifted from the other side of the door. “Are you okay? Do you want me to get Namjoon for you?” He asked, and Jimin stiffened. “No!” He immediately jerked forward, the comforter nearly falling from his shoulders. Yoongi seemed perplexed behind the door, but slowly, reluctantly gave up in his pursuit. “Alright.. I hope you’re feeling better, Jiminie.” He answered, and Jimin thanked him in a low voice he couldn’t hear. Jimin wanted until the omega walked away before he fell back into his hole of anxiety. Hours passed before another knock came, and Jimin stiffened. He knew who it was. He could feel it through this new bond that they were not meant to share. It was Taehyung. “Jimin?” He questioned, voice worried and a little pitched. “Yoongi-hyung told me you aren’t feeling well. Can I come in?” He asked, and Jimin could hardly even speak to him. How could he tell him? What would Taehyung say? Would he cast Jimin away too? Try to reverse it or put Jimin through more pain. No. Jimin didn’t want to know. He didn’t respond. He went on, letting Taehyung believe he was asleep. “Jimin, I can smell you.” He said, suddenly, and the smaller one turned to ice. “What’s wrong?” He asked, voice deeper, but still worried. Jimin didn’t want to move a muscle, but his mate was calling him and he couldn’t refuse his embrace any longer. He grabbed the comforter, pulling it along behind him as he slipped towards the door with a heavy feeling in his chest. No doubt Taehyung could feel it too. Jimin wondered if maybe—
just maybe—Taehyung already knew. He wondered if he could feel it, but Jimin didn’t know until Namjoon told him . But Jimin just cursed himself for not understanding how claims work. He pulled the door open just barely, eyes unable to look up and meet Taehyung’s. The Prince stared down at him, brows woven in confusion. He brought a hand up to cup Jimin’s cheek, but Jimin jerked away with a flinch. The larger alpha inhaled sharply, pain searing through both chests through the shared bond on Jimin’s neck. “Jimin?” He said, voice merely a whisper. Jimin’s eyes wavered, moving anywhere and everywhere but on Taehyung’s face as he leaned down. Taehyung pulled his lip into his mouth for a moment, resting a hand against the door so he could open it further, or at least so Jimin couldn’t close it on him. “What is it?” He asked, and for a split second, Jimin’s eyes met his, and they were full of uncertainty. Taehyung just remained silent, letting Jimin work out the cogs and thoughts in his brain. If Taehyung pressed, he was afraid Jimin would push him away again. He waited patiently, and Jimin truly drove himself crazy trying to decide what to do. The silence lasted for what felt like hours before Jimin’s mouse voice finally reached Taehyung’s ears. He perked up slightly, trying not to move and frighten Jimin from his words. “The…” he paused, and Taehyung could barely hear that, so the rest was like white noise in his ear. Taehyung furrowed his brow. “Wh—I can't hear you, Jimin.” He said, voice still as calm and gentle as always. Jimin heard his voice, and he didn’t know if he could repeat it. He was mortified. He was terrified even more so. “The claim was..” He said, just a bit louder and clearer. Jimin knew Taehyung could hear him because he leaned in and perked up at the sound of Jimin’s voice at the shell of his ear. “The claim was fulfilled…” He muttered, and just froze up, waiting for a response and expecting the worst. Taehyung’s eyes glanced to Jimin’s shoulder, then to his mortified pale face, then back to his covered and bandaged shoulder. “I thought…” Jimin shook his head, and Taehyung realized that any claim would be fulfilled by intimacy—by sharing the most loving embrace , his omega mother had called it when she tried to teach him the right way to treat omegas. The woman probably hoped to counter Taehyung’s alpha mother’s teachings. Taehyung had always felt closer to his omega mother though, so that was no trouble at all. Taehyung pressed Jimin inside of his own room. The omega stumbled backwards with a cry as Taehyung slammed the door shut behind himself. Jimin squealed, falling over himself in fear. He curled around himself, fearing the worst. “I-I didn’t mean to!” Jimin gasped, almost in tears, and Taehyung gaped down at him in shock. “Don’t hurt me…” He begged. Taehyung’s heart blossomed in pain at the sight of his own omega cowering. “Jimin…” He muttered, falling to his own knees in front of Jimin. Tears were muddled in his eyes and quickly started streaming down his face as Jimin slowly uncovered himself. “I’ve only caused you pain ...“ He hiccuped out, and Jimin could only watch with parted lips. “How can you ever forgive me?” He cried softly, grabbing Jimin’s trembling hand and rubbing his forehead all over it as he begged Jimin… a commoner . Jimin’s hand was wet with Taehyung’s tears. His own eyes were wide with befuddled shock and awe. Through the day, he thought of many, many scenarios taking place there when he would finally be forced to tell Taehyung, but this was never one of them. It wasn’t even close . “I know you wanted more, It’s my fault, I—“
Before Taehyung could finish, Jimin’s arms were wrapped around his neck, pulling the younger’s head against his marked shoulder. “All I want is you.” Taehyung stayed like that for a moment. He was content, but the alpha’s hands quickly came up to his collar, yanking it until his entire shoulder was exposed to Jimin. The omega glanced at the perfect, untouched skin, mouth watering, teeth aching in his mouth...but he couldn’t. The Prince suddenly grabbed the back of Jimin’s neck gently, pushing the omega’s face into the edge of his shoulder, close to where it met his shoulder blade. It was far enough from his collar to be seen ever —unless he was naked. “Bite.” Taehyung demanded, and Jimin’s chest bubbled with the need to. Jimin tried to pull back. “TaeTae, I can’t—“ Taehyung only pushed him closer again, halting his struggles with a fierce growl. “ Bite .” Jimin’s body stiffened before tight, heavy shivers rolled through his body like an ocean. His lips opened and he positioned his teeth over the muscle on the edge of his shoulder blade. Taehyung hummed, head leaning backwards just slightly. He was ready, but Jimin was scared. Omega’s hardly ever bit the alpha. It was only for special cases. Cases where the alpha would not have a concubine. Cases that were commoners, not princes or future Emperors. What if someone found it? Saw it? Jimin hesitated, and Taehyung grew more and more irritated. He gripped Jimin’s waist, causing him to jump suddenly. The omega’s robes were already falling from his shoulder and it took no effort at all to rip the bandage from his shoulder. Taehyung’s bite was different this time as he forced his teeth over the exact same mark in Jimin’s shoulder. The omega screamed, voice loud, but Taehyung didn’t care. Trying to quiet the rush and orgasm of emotions that was hitting him in, now, full force, Jimin did what he had to and dug his teeth into Taehyung’s shoulder. The Prince’s muscles grew taught for a moment before loosening completely, allowing Jimin’s teeth every bit of clearance into his shoulder while Jimin allowed Taehyung into him. The claim was already fulfilled, but this was a bonding that no one could break. Even if they tried, no one would be able to split them apart except for death himself. If anyone tried, Taehyung would rip them to shreds. Their bond was unbreakable now. Not even the gods above could tear them apart.
Namjoon felt odd. He was just sitting there, entering his journal of day's work as well as supplies and medicines and herbs that were needed soon from the market. He didn’t know why he felt odd until the ripe, strong smell of blood came to his nose. He scrunched his nose, trying to figure out if it was really blood or just the kitchen slaughtering again, but this was so much more different than that.
The slaughters all smelled like farm and dirt and animals, but this smelled like…. Jimin . A gasp flew out of Namjoon’s lips as he flung himself out of his seat. It tumbled backwards, but he didn’t care. He’d given Jimin devastating news, and now he smelled blood? That couldn’t be good. It couldn’t be. Namjoon’s face was pale, his body scared as he slammed the door to the infirmary open and rushed out. Another familiar scent hit him, but this one he could see. Down the hall was a tall, lanky figure, carrying another in its arms. The taller walked—no, he frantically walked, and Namjoon knew . A sort of relief swept through him, but a new kind of fear filled him instead. Taehyung stepped towards him with wild, blown pupils. Blood was dripping down his chin like a demon from old folk tales, and he had Jimin unconscious in his arms. His tiny hands trembling and still fisting into Taehyung’s haltered robes despite being unconscious. The omega’s robes were almost falling off of him. The claim that Taehyung had accidentally given him before was now ten times deeper and stronger. There was blood smeared across it and no doubt, that’s where the blood on Taehyung’s mouth came from. Though, Jimin had a drabble of blood at the corner of his own thick lips. Namjoon inhaled sharply, body freezing in shock . “Taehyung…” He exhaled, eyes rolling all over Jimin’s body where he lay unconscious. “What have you done?” He gasped, eyes flicking up to the Prince finally. The alpha just pushed his way past Namjoon and into the infirmary where he would be safe with Jimin. Namjoon stepped inside quickly and locked the door. Taehyung was laying Jimin across the table, hand stroking his cheek gently. Namjoon grabbed the Prince’s shoulder, and he was so intoxicated by the feeling of emotion that he didn’t even care about the harsh, offensive touch. “Taehyung, what did you do? ” Namjoon growled, the anger deep within his chest finally bursting. Taehyung was dazed, swaying softly after Namjoon shook him. He quickly fumbled with his own robes, pulling them down to reveal his own deep bite mark at the edge of his shoulder. The elder gasped..he would’ve never known it was there. “It’s done.” Taehyung said, licking Jimin’s blood from his lips. “He’s mine.” -
Chapter 23: Protect Me Namjoon was sweating as he pursed his lips with a sum of air trapped in his lungs. His fingers were carefully wrapping Taehyung’s shoulder. It was only to help it heal as it turned into a scar. Taehyung’s hand was fisted in Jimin’s, holding it tightly like he was going to be snatched away the instant he peeled his hand away. Namjoon still didn’t know how he felt about the whole thing. God he hoped Jimin had agreed to this, but it didn’t look too hopeful. There were tears running down Jimin’s cheeks, and the bite was so strong it had knocked him unconscious. Taehyung must have felt his unrest because he thinned his eyes. “What?” Taehyung hissed, obviously emotional because of the new bite. Namjoon tensed, eyes slowly moving up to look at the prince. “I—Tae, did he…?” Taehyung just watched him, eyes rolling with a sigh. “Did he do that?” Namjoon stopped his movements to stare up at Taehyung. His eyes were heavy and he looked exhausted. “Did he want this?” Namjoon asked, voice now so serious it was unavoidable. “Yes.” He said immediately, and Namjoon sagged slightly, unsure of what to think. Was it true? “He wanted this.” He said to reassure his forepoint, and he was right. It was all Jimin wanted. Namjoon sighed softly, shaking his head, and Taehyung knew he was going to be scolded. He didn’t say anything, he just sat there. His head was bowed and eyes drooping slightly. Namjoon’s lips pursed together, feeling a little bad for the alpha. He had to say it though. “Tae.. Jimin is—Your mother won’t like it.. especially after…” His voice trailed, eyes flicking to Jimin, whose lips were twitching like he was in a bad dream. "I'm not going to tell my mother." Taehyung frowned, and Namjoon's eyes went wide. He couldn't really think no one would know, could he? Taehyung and Jimin,two of the most pungent scents Namjoon has ever experienced. Taehyung wasn’t stupid. Namjoon was sure he knew that Jimin’s scent was strong on his own. “And what about him, huh?” Namjoon huffed, stopped wrapping Taehyung’s bite. There was a slight bite in his voice, a slight aggression that Taehyung seemed to notice. Taehyung furrowed his brows tightly. “What do you mean?” He asked, frown heavy on his lips. Namjoon’s fingers tightened around his bandages while tightening his teeth until it hurt. “Do you really think he’ll be able to hide it?” Namjoon said, flailing his arms and rolling his eyes because Taehyung was being an airhead, not thinking about anything at all. “What will they do—they’ll crucify him.” Namjoon explained and Taehyung knew he was talking about his mother and the court people. No one took kindly to the omegan servants, let alone Jimin, who was already in the sights of the entire palace. Jimin had a target on his head, and now he had one on his neck and in his scent. Taehyung bit his lip, unsure of what he was going to do. He glanced up to Namjoon, eyes full of emotions from not only these thoughts but also from the newly formed bond. He glanced back at Jimin, and for the first time, Namjoon saw Taehyung really contemplating his actions. Taehyung was often one to act without thinking. He was primal; he was ambitious; he was quick to actions without thinking of the consequences that awaited those actions. According to the other physicians, Taehyung had always been like that. Taehyung shouldn't surprise him, but when he saw him holding Jimin, necks marked with blood, he really was surprised.
That wasn't nearly as surprising as seeing Taehyung really think about what he was going to do next. Maybe it was because it was Jimin, maybe it was because he was scared, Namjoon didn't know. Namjoon felt pity for him. This was something not even Taehyung could squirm his way out of. Jimin especially couldn't. Truth was, Namjoon wasn't sure what Taehyung would do next. "I'll—" He stopped though. Namjoon watched him closely as his face morphed slightly. Taehyung bit at his lip, and Namjoon could smell his fear slowly build up.The physician sighed softly. "Tae.." Namjoon sighed, head falling. Taehyung frowned, body slipping around to Jimin. The prince grabbed his mate's hand tightly. "Is it completed?" He asked, and Namjoon stiffened. "What?" "The bond? Is it complete?" Namjoon's eyes grew large, but quickly fell back down. "It's more than complete. Jimin will never be able to spend his time alone again." Namjoon explained the severity of the situation, and in those words Taehyung stiffened, hand tightening around Jimin's. "Good." "Good? Tae—" Taehyung's gaze fell upon Namjoon. In his eyes was a whirlwind of emotions from anger to pain. "No one will hurt him." He spat, and Namjoon believed him, but there were different ways they could hurt Jimin—ways Taehyung did not yet understand. Jimin understood though. Namjoon, too. Now, Namjoon would protect Jimin as well. "Someone—whether it's me or Yoongi-hyung or Jeongguk—he will never be alone." Taehyung said, and Namjoon nodded softly. "What will you do if they find out?" Namjoon asked, placing a gentle hand on Taehyung's shoulder. Taehyung turned to the larger gentle alpha. "They'll deal with it. I chose him. They have no right to take him from me." He growled, and Namjoon couldn't help but feel their bond, himself. It was strong, stronger than he'd expected it to be. Maybe they really were soulmates. Maybe soulmates really did exist. Jimin and Taehyung made him believe that legend. He only hoped Taehyung could sway their minds of mating Jimin. Namjoon would do his best to help the young couple, but there was only so much even he could do for them. Ultimately, Jimin's safety depended on Taehyung. Namjoon watched as Jimin slowly started to stir. Namjoon grabbed the gauze and jug of water, bringing the bandages towards the young omega. "T-Taetae?" Jimin questioned softly, his voice breaking as a pain soared through his shoulder. Namjoon quickly poured water over his mate Mark, washing away the blood to the best of his ability. Taehyung pressed his forehead to Jimin's with a giggle of happiness. Namjoon bit his lip. So it really was love. Namjoon thought as he began bandaging up Jimin's shoulder, trying his best to hide the mark from view. It was a bit difficult. That mark was in the center of everything. Jimin slowly peered down from Taehyung's eyes to look at Namjoon, who was gently touching him, making sure he was okay. A bite in the same place often hurt more than an original bite because it was so possessive. "Hyung.." Jimin whispered softly, hands held in Taehyung's hands. Namjoon's eyes slipped up to the smaller omega. He looked exhausted. No doubt he would sleep for about three days after this. Namjoon wouldn't blame him either.
"Thank you.." Jimin said, and Namjoon grew surprised with surprise. "For keeping our secret." He hummed gently, pulling his hands around Taehyung's neck, just barely grazing the claim on Taehyung's shoulder. The alpha growled softly, digging his face into his omega's shoulders. Namjoon pulled his chin to his chest, smiling softly. "Well, you do know my secret, Jimin-ah." He said, and Jimin gave him a soft sigh before closing his eyes. "I'll keep it forever." Namjoon said, and he stood, bowing deeply to both mates. Now that Jimin was mated to Taehyung, he would be much more important to the court. The mate of the Crown Prince. Jimin would soon be the Emperor's consort—his Empress. Taehyung accepted Namjoon's bow with a gentle nod of his head. "Thank you, Namjoon-hyung." Taehyung said. "I will make sure Hei is safe." He said, and Namjoon snapped up to the Prince. He nodded gently. "Thank you, Your Highness." It wasn't a threat. It wasn't even a mutual contract. Namjoon would never give up their secret. Taehyung would never stop protecting Hei either. It was more like a reminder of their own duties to each other—as friends. Namjoon brought himself back upward. "I suggest you—" "I'm not leaving him." Taehyung growled softly. "I'll stay with him. Tell anyone and everyone I'm sick." He demanded, wrapping his arms around Jimin and plucking him up off of the table where he was trying to stand. Jimin squeaked softly, wrapping around Taehyung, who was holding him protectively. "Thank you, hyung." Taehyung simply said before slipping out. Namjoon followed them closely, biting his lip gently. Namjoon watched them closely. No one should be out. It was almost four in the morning. "Good luck." He whispered. His voice was out of range of both of their ears. They retreated away from Namjoon, and the physician could only keep them in his thoughts, scared for what she would do if she found their marks.
"Why did you do this, Taehyung?" Taehyung peered down to Jimin with a small, endearing smile. "You know you'll get in trouble, and I—" Jimin gasped at the thought as Taehyung pulled the door to his room open, carrying Jimin inside. Taehyung placed a kiss on Jimin's forehead gently. "No one will hurt you. I won't let them." Jimin sagged slightly at those words. The palace is already frightening him. Only a day ago, he was degraded in front of the court by the Empress . If that didn't scare someone, nothing would. Taehyung placed Jimin against the bed, and the smaller one just curled up against his alpha's chest, just inhaling his scent, just existing with him right there. Jimin bit his lip gently. "Do you think you'll regret it?" He said, those words stabbing Taehyung right in the heart. Jimin sounded so sad, so scared. "Never." Taehyung said immediately. He squeezed Jimin's cheeks between his palms and kissed his perfect little nose. Jimin giggled softly, nuzzled into Taehyung's hand. "This isn't what I expected to happen when I came here." Jimin whispered, and Taehyung chuckled.
Taehyung pulled him into his chest, just basking in the fact that Jimin was there and that Jimin was his . "I knew the moment I saw you dance in Busan that I would make you mine." He explained, and Jimin snorted. punching his chest. Jimin shook his head in disbelief. "You did not ." Jimin laughed. Taehyung whined, trapping Jimin's movement in his arms. "I did. I swear. You're my soulmate." He said, and Jimin suddenly stopped. His body stopped squirming, and he felt himself become hot and red cheeks took over his expression. Embarrassment was blossoming in his chest like flowers in the spring. "I believe you." Jimin whispered, and Taehyung laughed softly, kissing his forehead. "What will we do when they find out?" He said, knowing someday they would. Jimin couldn't hide from the consequences that they would have to face someday. Taehyung hummed, but he didn't seem very frightened at all. Not at all scared like Jimin was, but no doubt Taehyung could feel Jimin's fear through their bond. "You don't have to worry about that, Jiminie." Taehyung soothed, but it didn't soothe him at all. "No," he climbed up, arms extended and holding himself up as he stared down at Taehyung. "I need to know. I—I don't wanna be scared." Taehyung lifted himself, but it was only to press a soft, gentle kiss to Jimin's lips. The kiss pulled the smaller omega back down, resting on top of his alpha's chest. "I will keep you safe. They can't hurt you because you're my mate now." Taehyung chuckled. "We could present our marks tomorrow, and my mother wouldn't be able to do a thing about it." He laughed at the way Jimin's eyes grew wide with shock. Taehyung stocked fingers through his omega's hair. "We // won't // do that, but that's how confident I am, Jiminie." Jimin sighed softly. "So don't be scared. You are my mate." Taehyung said, pressing their foreheads together while their eyes swam in each other's gaze. God , Jimin loved to hear those words. The way Taehyung said it was so soft and so delicate. Jimin really felt like Taehyung meant what he said, and he showed it too. An alpha such as himself, so wanted and pristine, demanding Jimin mark him? It was almost unheard of. It meant he pledged himself to Jimin and Jimin only . Jimin was his and he was Jimin’s through that mark. The omega’s chest fluttered at the thought of Taehyung pledging himself, body and soul, to Jimin. Jimin would, God , he would do it in a heartbeat. Jimin nuzzled against Taehyung’s chest with a soft, tired sigh. “I love you, Taetae.” Taehyung kissed the crown of Jimin’s head as he nuzzled into the alpha’s chest. “I love you, too, Jiminie.” Taehyung whispered, and Jimin fell asleep quite quickly enveloped in Taehyung’s arms as well as his scent. He felt blanketed in Taehyung’s protection, like nothing bad could ever happen to him again. That Taehyung would be there to protect him forever. -
Chapter 24: Secrets to Share Jimin slept for three days. Three days . Taehyung told the omega he was afraid he wouldn’t wake. The boy occasionally stirred to move around or sometimes even go to the bathroom. When Taehyung stood from their nest on the fourth day, Jimin had cried and begged for him not to go through his sleep ridden exhaustion. Taehyung, of course, stayed with Jimin again. Though, by the third day, Jimin’s dependence on Taehyung was wearing off. The claim was complete, the emotions slowly starting the calm. When Taehyung was away he was in constant discomfort, even in sleep, but he would not die. It sure did feel like it though. Yoongi sat with Jimin, and sometimes Jeongguk would come. Seokjin was still in heat, so he was a bit preoccupied. Hoseok stopped by on small occasions when not occupied by Seokjin, but Jimin was always with someone. It was always someone Taehyung trusted. Hei had stopped by, hand in Aicha's as Hoseok walked around the palace with them on his off time. He looked absolutely overjoyed. They played for about thirty minutes in the courtyard that belonged exclusively to Taehyung. It was day seven of being trapped in Taehyung’s room. The Prince stopped by to give Jimin light kisses when he could, but he was always busy with something or another, running a kingdom while his mother, the Empress got high and fucked countless omegas. She certainly kept Taehyung busy recently. More so than before at least. Jimin sat at Taehyung’s desk, a piece of paper under Taehyung’s fancy peacock quill. It was large and elaborate—a little hard to use if you asked Jimin. He felt an overwhelming amount of guilt towards his parents. His omega father had always babbled about how he could hardly wait until Jimin met the alpha of his dreams. He went on and on about how he would plan the mating ceremony, and it would be so large the entire town would attend. He harped about how Jimin would mate a very strong, very handsome alpha with nothing but love in his eyes. Jimin felt horrible. This is exactly the opposite of what he wanted. He’d mated early, inside the secrecy and safety of a bedroom, both of them practically in tears. There wouldn’t be a big ceremony or a cake or gifts. The whole town couldn’t show up, and, well, no one could because no one could know. The best part was that their mating was forbidden . He just felt so guilty. The only dream he’d achieved was mating a strong, handsome alpha. So Jimin wrote. He told them what he’d done—not the details of course. That would be too much, he was sure. He simply told them he’d found the love of his life and that they’d mated. He told them he was happy and awaited their reply. It never came, though. That made Jimin sad. He only had one letter returned. It was short and sweet, but Jimin loved to read it over and over and over when he missed the town and his family. “Hyung.” Jimin hummed, and Yoongi turned to him from the courtyard’s ledge. He was reading a book, eyes large and lips parted. Jimin gave him a glance as he folded up his letter, pushing it into a royal envelope and sealing it with a sigh. “I send my mother and father messages everyday, but they’re never returned.” Jimin said softly, and Yoongi cocked his head to the side. “What do you mean? They don’t write you back, Jimin-ah?” He asked, closing his book with a deep frown. Jimin shook his head gently and held the newest letter close to his chest. It had been about two weeks since the last one. He hoped this one made it. He hoped they read it and returned their thoughts or else Jimin would be without a good conscience. Guilt would eat him up. He needed his father’s guiding words, and his mother’s encouragement. “I’m afraid my letters are getting lost.” Jimin said with a sigh, writing the address on the back. “It is far.” Yoongi shook his head. “That shouldn’t matter.” He huffed, coming towards Jimin with a small, encouraging smile. “Send this one, and if they
do not write back, I will help you.” Yoongi hummed, and Jimin nodded gently. “Thank you, hyung.” Jimin smiled. The letter was sent as usual, still through a servant’s courier. Jeongguk helped Jimin move any and everything that had Taehyung’s scent on it into his own room. The young omega placed it in various places, setting up little nests of clothes and sheets and towels to nuzzle and snuggle into when that claim on his neck started aching. He longed to be able to nuzzle into Taehyung’s chest again, but the younger one was so busy all the time. He hadn’t seen the Prince in about three days, since he mailed his letter. Things seemed to be back in order. Someone still stayed with Jimin most of the time, though, ensuring he was safe. That day, it was Jeongguk. The young alpha sat in the corner of Jimin’s room working on his own duties as Jimin whined softly into the nest he had created for himself. The bite mark on his neck was sore and aching. Even Taehyung’s scent was washing away from his own belongings, and Jimin needed it back. Jeongguk peered over at the omega with a frown. “Jimin?” He hummed, being sure to stay quiet in case the omega was in discomfort. Jimin’s head perked up. He looked at Jeongguk, who seemed to be alert, worried for him almost. “Where is Taehyung?” He whined softly. “It hurts.” Jeongguk stiffened. “I—Meetings, Jimin. Lots and lots of meetings with ministers and chiefs and executives and mayors.” He chuckled softly, listing out every meeting that he was thankfully excluded for—thanks to his job babysitting Jimin. Jeongguk certainly wasn’t going to complain. Jimin grumbled out a few more whines and protests, stuffing his face back into a blanket that Taehyung had slept on for a majority of the winter. Now that they were entering spring, Jimin used it to keep close to the alpha when he was away. It was a pertinent part of his nest. A knock resounded on Jimin’s door, and both perked up in surprise. Jeongguk stood with a soft sigh, and Jimin did as well. He slipped towards the door, unlocking it by pulling out the block of wood. He pulled the door open to see none other than Minister Chinmae standing over him, looking rather intimidating. Jimin retreated into himself with a frightened morphing expression. Jeongguk was further inside, a bit surprised to see the minister, but he was technically in charge of Jimin, he supposed. “How have you been, Jimin-ssi?” Chinmae hummed, a big smile clinging to his features. Jimin hesitantly smiled back, shoulders propping up in protection of the mark on his neck. He was still wearing a protective ribbon to hide the major change in his scent. He still smelled of peaches, but Taehyung’s floral scent was intermingled, claiming him as taken—mated. With the ribbon, though, he wouldn’t smell the change. “I’m well, thank you, sir.” Jimin bowed, subconsciously pulling his casual robes over his neck more so than before to ensure it wasn’t on display. Jimin hoped Chinmae couldn’t smell it. By the way the elder was trying to look all over him, a skeptical gaze marred across his older brow. It was like he was looking for something, Jimin’s brows furrowed tightly, worriedly. “What brings you here, sir?” Jimin asked, nervously. Chinmae hummed, eyes softening. “I was checking up on you.” He smiled, and Jimin’s heart warmed slightly at the gesture. Chinmae was kind. “There’s to be a feast very soon, I would like you to perform during it.” He smiled, and Jimin nodded with a soft smile. “Yessir.” He said, bowing once more.
Chinmae hummed. “I’ll speak with the Prince on the matter then.” He chuckled, still trying to see something, but he couldn’t seem to find it. Jimin wondered if he knew . But how would he? “Yessir.” Jimin said, remaining bowed down. Chinmae then left without another word, and Jimin pulled the door shut once more. He could breathe again. Jimin sagged against the door, glancing at Jeongguk. “Do you think he knew?” Jimin asked, fear deep within his chest as he strut toward Jeongguk. The younger stiffened. “I—Jimin, please, don’t worry about it. You’re safe, I promise you.” He explained, and Jimin just fiddled with his fingers, plopping down on the bed beside the alpha. He nodded softly, face coming down to rest in his own hands. “ God , I hate hiding.” Jimin whispered, voice cracking. Jeongguk inhaled the desperation in his voice. He quickly came to sit beside Jimin, an arm wrapping around his shoulder. “Jimin-ah.. you have to be strong, okay?” He hummed, a big smile stretching across his hopeful features. “It will get better. I promise you.” He chuckled as Jimin peered up at him. The alpha placed a pliant kiss on Jimin's temple, squeezing around his shoulders to reassure him. Jimin sighed softly, but nodded along with Jeongguk’s reassurance.
Namjoon poked at the bite mark, and Jimin spasmed with pleasure. The physician gave him a glance as Jimin tried to keep himself under control. He then pulled new bandages around the mark to conceal it once more. Jimin tightened his fist around the ribbon collar in his hands, staring at Namjoon, who worked diligently. Seokjin was finished with his heat, finally, and Namjoon seemed a bit more chipper. He was in a better mood, more smiles and more patience for Jimin and his long list of problems. From the bite mark to his incoming heat, it seemed like Jimin had a million things to badger Namjoon about. “When is your heart, Jimin-ah?” He asked, washing his hands as Jimin slipped his robes back onto his shoulders. Jimin sighed softly. It was nearly May, the weeks had gone by so quickly. The courtyards were full of gardeners tending to the flowers and planting new flowers all over the palace courtyards and anywhere they could, quite frankly. “It should start next week, hyung. What should I do?” He asked, turning to Namjoon with a heavy frown. Namjoon gave him a pretty, dimpled smile. “Taehyung would be more than delighted to spend your heart with you. I’m sure .” He said, eyes rolling, and Jimin laughed softly. Jimin’s hands came to sit in front of himself. “Yes, but I—“ Jimin froze, biting at his plump bottom lip.
Namjoon turned to him, drying off his hands and beginning to sift through a small pile of mail—letters. “Yes?” He hummed, pressing his glasses further along the bridge of his sloping nose. Jimin swallowed thickly. “I-I don’t want to get pregnant.” Jimin blurted. Namjoon’s gaze snapped up to the omega, brows pressed tightly together. “Jimin.” Namjoon huffed softly, and Jimin’s cheeks and ears turned bright, bright red with embarrassment. Namjoon laughed, he shook his head softly. “There’s only one way to stop that .” Namjoon laughed once more before tearing open the first letter. Jimin stepped forward, intrigued. “Yes?” Namjoon’s eyes snapped up to the omega, a smile strung across his smug lips. “Abstinence, Jiminie.” He simply said, and Jimin crossed his arms tightly, pouting. “Well, that is absolutely no help, hyung.” Jimin pouted softly. He’d tried absolutely anything and everything from jumping jacks for fifteen minutes to hanging upside down off the back of his bed after he and Taehyung had sex. So far, he’d been lucky, but the heat was different. The purpose of heat was to reproduce. An omega’s heat was the primary time for making little pups. Jimin shivered at the thought. If he got pregnant, he really might be thrown out, pup ripped from his hold, despite all of Taehyung’s trying. Pregnant with the Crown Prince’s pup, a true problem. Namjoon shrugged with his own dissatisfied frown. “It’s the only way.” Jimin sighed softly, putting in the back of his mind for now. “I have another question…” Jimin mumbled, and Namjoon hummed while reading his mail. “I’ve been sending mail to my family, but nothing has returned..” Jimin hummed, grazing hands over the wooden table to avoid eye contact with Namjoon, who grew stiff. “Are they just not writing back?” Jimin asked, tears almost ringing under his eyes, but he kept himself strong. Namjoon turned to him. “Who are you giving these letters to, Jimin?” He asked, seeming much more serious now. He wasn’t reading his own letter, solely focused on Jimin. Jimin stammered, eyes wide. “The—The servant courier.” Jimin explained, and he could see as the blood drained Namjoon’s face. “What are you putting in these letters, Jimin-ah?” He asked, his expression making Jimin nervous beyond belief. Jimin’s lips quivered in confusion. “I-I.. everything .” “Damn.” Namjoon cursed softly, and Jimin took a step forward, lip pulled tightly between his teeth. “What is it, hyung?” Jimin stuttered out with an inhale. Namjoon sighed softly, glancing up to Jimin with pity filled eyes. Jimin held his breath. “When I first came to the palace, I, too, was only considered a servant. I met Seokjin, and we fell in love. I sent letters through the servant’s courier, and I also learned that the ministers seemed to know all of my secrets.” He sighed softly, and Jimin’s whole body tightened up in realization. “They read every bit of mail that leaves the palace through the distributor’s hands.” Jimin sagged, body falling backwards into a chair that sat behind him. Namjoon quickly fell to his side. Everything. Everything . Jimin had written every detail. Any—every— crisis he had went into those letters. He poured his emotions into those letters, only for them to be invaded. His privacy was taken from him the very moment he stepped into that carriage. He should’ve known better, but there he was in shock because now they knew . Namjoon took Jimin’s small, trembling hand into his own. “Jimin-ah, it’ll be okay.” He smiled softly. “They can’t hurt you.” Jimin slowly came to peer
down at Namjoon through glossy eyes, he nodded along with the elder, trying hard to convince himself it would be okay. “Will you help me send a letter to my family?” Jimin just asked, calmly. Much more calmly than he ever had. It had been about a month since that letter. If they wanted to get rid of Jimin, they would have already. Namjoon smiled softly, and nodded, squeezing Jimin’s hand in his own. “Of course. I’ll send it personally, with my own mail, okay?” He hummed, and Jimin nodded, thanking him under his breath slightly. Jimin almost couldn’t believe this was happening to him, but it was beginning to become second nature. The betrayal and pain that plagued the royal palace was almost like a curse of riches and royalty. He hoped things would be different when Taehyung was Emperor… whether they were together or not. -
Chapter 25: Bouncing Nerves Jimin knew he shouldn’t have. He knew he shouldn’t have because he knew what Taehyung would do. He would drop everything and anything just to be with Jimin during his heat, and Jimin knew that. Jimin knew that he wasn’t supposed to because it could happen. The chances were higher, the stakes were higher. Everything was higher, but there he was with Taehyung plastered against his raw hot body, breath clouding in the air as he huffed. Jimin had never been good at self control. He’d never been good at hiding his feelings or choosing the better option—the safer option, but wasn’t that how he ended up with the Crown Prince anyways? At that point, with Taehyung making his whole body feel like it was launched into the stars, he didn’t care if he got pregnant. In fact, a part of him wanted it. He would curse himself later, but for now, Jimin was just happy to have Taehyung, his mate—his one—smothering him in his scent, chasing away the cramps that twisted and pulled within his body painfully when he was alone. Taehyung had told everyone in the palace not to disturb him, not to even walk down the hall that his room sat in. He told them to stay away or else they’d be dead. Jimin didn’t think he was kidding either. The omega gasped, fingers digging into Taehyung’s arms as he dug his face into Taehyung’s shoulder, mouth sucking on that bite mark that was finally scabbing over. Jimin’s was the same. Taehyung thrusted into him. It was the third day of his heat, it was almost over, but Jimin didn’t want it to end. “T-Tae—“ Jimin tried to speak, but his breath just hitched in his throat as Taehyung slammed into him, their bodies locked together, and Jimin’s legs wrapped around the alpha’s hips. “Don’t knot me again, please don’t.” Jimin begged softly, and the alpha growled, shaking his head. The alpha had knotted him over and over and over. Each time, Jimin had tried his best to push it back out, but even that seemed impossible because he was exhausted. Taehyung licked a stripe up Jimin’s neck, sucking on a patch of skin just below his jaw and ear. “Why not?” He asked, and Jimin whined softly as Taehyung just continued to press into him quickly and relentlessly. Jimin gasped, arms pulling the alpha closer as he reached a point of climax he couldn’t ignore. Jimin threw his head back, white taking over his vision as he cried out in pleasure. His voice reached a pitch he didn’t think was possible. His fingers were digging into Taehyung’s back as the alpha continued, his knot beginning to grow, pushing in and out of Jimin’s heat. Jimin finally came back down in time to shake his head, hands trembling as they came down to push Taehyung’s hips away. The alpha quickly paused, holding Jimin tight as scared eyes crossed his expression. “Does it hurt?” He asked, voice heaving breaths in and out. Jimin shook his head, chest catching up with his lungs slowly but surely. “I-I don’t wanna get—get pregnant.” Jimin hiccuped softly, and Taehyung inhaled sharply, staring down at Jimin with large eyes. “Why?” He asked, seemingly oblivious, and almost hurt by it even. Jimin inhaled sharply, quickly pressing their foreheads together and kissing his lips. “They’ll kill me—“ “They will not.” Taehyung growled, smacking his hips into Jimin and pushing his hands into the bed. Jimin gasped, lips pressing together and teeth tightening. Jimin let out a long moan, head pressed into Taehyung’s shoulder as the younger suddenly pulled himself out of Jimin, knot fully formed but spewing below Jimin, twitching and convulsing as Taehyung groaned and cried out in slight pain of not having Jimin’s heat wrapped around it still. Jimin made sure to hold Taehyung tightly. So very thankful that Taehyung had done as he wished. He pressed little kisses to Taehyung’s temple and
his forehead and his cheeks and neck and jawline and the corner of his lips as he collapsed on top of Jimin. The smaller omega was still catching his breath, Taehyung sighing on top of him. Three days of practically non-stop sex was a lot for both of them. Jimin finally felt his heat slowly subsiding. The cramps would leave him soon enough, he hoped. Taehyung pressed a kiss into Jimin’s hair, inhaling his heat scent that was ten times more pungent than normal. Jimin swallowed down the saliva in his mouth and sighed. “Thank you, Taetae.” Jimin murmured and Taehyung just whined softly, falling asleep on top of Jimin, trapping him against the bed, but Jimin didn’t care at all.
Jimin climbed out of bed while Taehyung was still asleep. He stepped further into the room and started jumping. He just jumped up and down, then started moving his arms and legs in jumping jacks. He did that for fifteen minutes through exhaustion. He couldn’t get pregnant. He couldn’t. He couldn’t. He couldn’t. Jimin placed himself upside down on the bed next, right next to Taehyung. He made sure the blood didn’t rush to his head, swinging upwards every so often and jiggling himself in a rather embarrassing way. He didn’t much care how silly he looked. Jimin was also afraid of childbirth . He’d always been scared of it. Omegas had died during it and because of it. He’d helped around town occasionally, and he'd seen how painful it was. Jimin shivered at the thought every time. He didn’t think he was strong enough for childbirth. After about an hour of his silly little antics, Jimin just cuddled up against Taehyung, who stirred only slightly. Jimin’s cramps were leaving him slowly, but by the next morning, he would be fine. He pressed kisses all over Taehyung until the younger awoke with a growl, suddenly pinning Jimin against the bottom of the bed. “Still?” Taehyung questioned with a tired hum, and Jimin giggled, shaking his head. “I just love you.” Jimin said, leaning up for a kiss, that Taehyung reluctantly returned through a big smile. “I love you, too.” Taehyung whispered, nuzzling into his omega with a scent exploding happiness. Jimin made sure his scent did the same. God , Every second he spent with Taehyung was like a breath of fresh air in his tired lungs. Taehyung helped him breathe and helped him relax more than anything. Living in that palace was like living in a deadly game. Sacrifices had to be made by everyone to stay in those good graces. At the moment, Jimin felt like he was losing the game. If he lost, he was dead though. If anything, Jimin felt like he was just barely hanging on. He was just barely hanging onto his life and his honor. He often thought about how simple life would be if he was an alpha. So many more opportunities. Life would just be easier . Jimin felt displaced in that palace, only Taehyung to keep him settled. Everyone else was foreign to Jimin still, even Jeongguk and Yoongi, Namjoom, Hoseok and Seokjin. They didn't feel like family—didn't feel like a pack. It didn't feel like home, and of course that was because it wasn't. Jimin quickly realized the palace guests, the court, and the royal family were backless. They were lone wolf's who worked and acted on their own whims. They watched out for themselves, and no one else because that's what they had to do. Jimin used to hate them for it. He used to curse them, and glare about it, but now he didn't blame them. In a game of survival, one only worried about themselves. If they worried about others, they would lose. That's how the world worked. That is how lawless, packless people looked at the world. And for them, there in that palace, it was true.
Jimin nuzzled against Taehyung with a sad sigh, but the alpha was too tired to notice the change in his scent. He was snoring against Jimin'a chest, Jimin holding him tightly, legs wrapped around him and arms holding him tightly too. Jimin felt like Taehyung was the only one he had. If he lost Taehyung, he lost everything . Jimin leaned up and kissed Taehyung's forehead. He could just sit there for hours and hours—just like that. Jimin wished they could stay like that forever, it felt so nice, smelled so good. Everything was so perfect.
Jimin twirled around Taehyung's courtyard, practicing for the feast that was in only a few days. Dawon was by his side, playing her instrument— Jimin had chosen the flute this time. It was a lovely soft tune, one of five performances he would do in the background of the dinner. Jimin wasn't sure what this feast was, but Taehyung wasn't happy about it. Whenever Jimin asked, Taehyung would brush him off with a kind smile, cloaking the frown he had underneath to reassure his mate. Each time, Jimin would feel more and more outcasted, sitting and watching these court people and royals play their game with him far behind. Jimin tried not to think about it, tried to choke it up to the Prince being nervous. The problem was, Taehyung wasn't nervous. Jimin was nervous, and he was nervous for what this dinner was going to be. It wasn't anything to stress over Hoseok and Namjoon and even Seokjin had told him, but still something about the way Taehyung was acting made Jimin feel unsettled in the least. Taehyung started to notice it in his scent, but said nothing to him. He tried to ease his worries with little kisses and sweet words, but each time, it only made Jimin more worried. Even there as he was spinning around and reaching each of his moves and hitting each of Dawon's notes, Jimin felt anxious. Plus, it would be the first time Jimin saw the Empress in months after she'd harassed him in front of the entire court. Jimin sighed softly as Dawon played the last note, and he bowed his last move. The young alpha smiled at him with the same heart-shaped grin as her brother. The woman started clapping, and Jimin's cheeks turned a rosy, rosy red. "That was beautiful as always, Jimin-ah." She hummed, placing her flute into a thin case where it wouldn't be damaged. "What did you think?" She asked, and Jimin just turned away from her biting his lips. "What is this dinner, Dawon-ssi?" Jimin asked, fingers fiddling together with a tight frown draped across his face. Dawon stared at him for a moment before standing and brushing herself off from where she'd taken a seat on a rock. "It's only a state dinner.. nothing to worry about." "A what?"
Dawon turned back to him with a smile gracing her pretty, pretty face. "The Empress invited a neighboring kingdom's court for a small dinner, as well as to talk about trade and peace affairs." She explained, and Jimin supposed that sounded fine. Maybe Taehyung hated state dinners— actually, Jimin knew he hated state dinners. "See? It's nothing to worry about. Are you sure you don't want to plan your other dances." Jimin quickly nodded. "Yes, I'd like to do it freely." He hummed, and she smiled at him endearingly. "So talented, Jimin-ah." She said, and Jimin finally turned red. "Thank you, noona.." He whispered, and she just smiled at him before stepping towards the door to leave. "Will you stay out here, then?" Jimin nodded. "For a while, yes." -
Chapter 26: State Dinner Jimin fiddled with a small maroon box that was placed upon his dresser. It had been nearly a month since his heat, and the dreaded state dinner was that night. Taehyung had spent nearly an hour avoiding his duties just hugging Jimin tightly. For what? Jimin wandered throughout the time, but he didn’t ask because he enjoyed it too much. He knew this was a gift from Taehyung, delivered by none other than Seokjin, who was seated behind him brushing out Aecha’s hair while He played with the ribbons Jimin would be using during his dance. The little boy was careful not to get them tangled up. Jimin’s fingers lingered against the box, trembling slightly. “Hyung…” Jimin murmured, and Seokjin answered with a distracted grunt. “Why do I feel like he’s going to go away?” Jimin asked, turning around to face the elder omega. Seokjin furrowed his brows tightly. “What do you mean? He’s only spoiling you.” He explained with a confused lick of his lips. Aecha squirmed in his lap, and he tapped her head to make her stop. “You’ll be in bed with the nanny, Aecha, please let me braid your hair.” He pleaded while Jimin composed his thoughts. “All of the gifts.. the long hugs and heavy sighs. I can’t help but think he’s going to leave suddenly.” Jimin explained, not really sure how he made it into words from his thoughts because he really didn’t even know what he was saying. Seokjin finished the child’s braid before standing and stepping towards Jimin. The elder omega rubbed his shoulders with a beautiful smile drawn over his lips. “He’s only trying to spoil you, Jimin-ah. He loves you, I can see it so clearly.” The elder said, and Jimin smiled halfheartedly at his consoling attempt. “Now open it.” He whispered, so Jimin did. He slowly pulled the lid from the box to reveal the prettiest hair piece Jimin had ever seen. It was a clip with little cherry blossom flowers made of thin glass and ceramic. The glass flowers hung down from the clip, jingling at every move it made. It was gorgeous and a pale pink to match his red and white robes. The top of his dress wear was a vibrant red and the fabrics trailing were white with baby blue accent colors that accentuated his pretty, light coloured hair. “My god, it’s gorgeous, Jimin!” He exclaimed, fingers gently moving across the strands that hung down from the clip. “You should wear it tonight.” He said, and Jimin nodded in agreement. Jimin bit back a smile as Seokjin combed fingers through his pretty hair to pull it back. The smaller quickly, but gently pressed the clip in, and it was light weight, making it look like real flowers were in his hair despite it being made of delicate glass. It hung down grazing his cheek ever so gently when he turned his head. Seokjin smiled, grazing the gentlest fingers across Jimin’s cheek. His expression softened on the younger omega. “You look beautiful…” Jimin’s cheeks turned a bright red, and he thanked the older with a nervous laughter before turning to meet his own gaze in his mirror. He felt pretty.. wearing the things Taehyung gifted to him. Sure, they’d already mated, but Taehyung was still courting him. Their mating wasn’t even planned nor expected, so Jimin hoped Taehyung would still court him like traditions. By the gift, it seemed that was happening. Jimin smiled at the thought. He wanted to be spoiled by the Crown Prince. He wanted to be the only omega that he thought about. He wanted to be on Taehyung’s mind constantly. Call him greedy, it didn’t matter. That’s what he wanted. There was a knock on the door, and Jimin peered up. Seokjin quickly answered, ushering Aecha and Hei towards the door where their nanny stood with a big smile across her face. Hei slipped towards her, but quickly turned around when he realized he was still holding Jimin’s ribbon.
He stepped up to Jimin with a shy smile and bowed to the omega. “Here you go, Jimin-hyung.” He said, and Jimin giggled, taking the ribbon back. “Thank you, Hei.” He said, ruffling the little boy’s head of hair and watching him leave with his sister while the nanny gave Jimin an I sure look. Ah . She was judging him. Jimin turned away from her quickly before beginning to pinch his cheeks, trying to make them a bit more red because he was still a bit nervous for this dinner. How could he even face the Empress after what she’d done to him. He shivered at the thought, and Seokjin let out a long, tired sigh. “Don’t have kids, Jimin-ah. They’re such a hassle.” “You love them though, hyung.” Jimin giggled while standing to help the elder omega dress and get ready now. He pulled the hanbok from the nearby chair. It was a deep emerald green. It would look stunning on Seokjin. The omega hummed as a Jimin laced up and tied pretty little bows in the hanbok, helping him get it situated and correct because there were so many layers to this one. Jimin then took the man’s golden jewelry and carefully hooked it around his neck, fingers tracing over his first mating mark. The touch sent chills up Seokjin’s spine, and Jimin wondered if that feeling ever went away. Jimin's still healing, not yet out of that over sensitive stage, even feeling his clothes brush against it, made Jimin’s gut tingle and scent spike. Seokjin put on the headpiece on his own, and turned to look at himself in the mirror until there was another knock on the door. Jimin slid towards it while Seokjin bit at his lips, trying to make them fuller and redder. Jimin pulled the door open and smiled when his eyes met Yoongi. The omega was wearing a deep, sea blue hanbok with silver jewelry he saw Jeongguk picking out not long ago. “Jimin-ah, you look wonderful, but you should hurry to the hall before it starts. I’m sure Lord Chinmae will wish to speak to you.” He explained, and Jimin stiffened with a nod. Yoongi smiled and rubbed Jimin’s shoulder gently. “Everything will be fine. I’ll help Jin-hyung finish getting ready.” He said stepping inside, so Jimin nodded. He grabbed the fabric ribbons and bit at his lip nervously. Yoongi turned to him while spooling fingers through Sepkjin’s hair. Both omegas looked at him now. “Jiminie…” Yoongi muttered. “What’s the matter?” Seokjin smiled fondly. “You have nothing to be scared of. Taehyung will be there to protect you.” Seokjin said, knowing exactly how to make Jimin feel better. Jimin smiled at him before nodding his head in agreement. “I’ll see you, then.” Jimin said, stepping through the door threshold. Seokjin and Yoongi both nodded, saying their goodbyes with pretty smiles on their pretty faces. Jimin shut the door and quickly fled through the palace. He was careful to avoid certain parts of the palace, larger hallways that important guests used and corridors that the royal court remembers used as well. It would be frowned upon if he was seen, but Jimin made it to the grand hall with little trouble. There were a few disturbed looks from other servants, but nothing Jimin couldn’t handle. He found himself occasionally sliding a palm across his mark to make sure it was still covered by his light weight robes. If someone saw… “Omega.” A familiar voice growled, and Jimin winced. “You’re late.” He peered up to see Madame Sun standing there, tapping her foot angrily. She had her arms crossed over her chest and a heavy sigh in her throat. Jimin bowed deeply, his hands clasped in front of him as he bowed. “I’m sorry, ma’am, it took a bit longer to help Lord Kim get ready.” He tried to excuse himself, but she just scoffed. “At least you’re looking decent. “ She said, trying to compliment him, and Jimin took it.
“Thank you, Ma’am.”
Jimin sat behind the walls for the majority of the beginning. He watched as the nobles filled the room from the dark, secluded corner he sat in, waiting for his turn. He wasn’t to start dancing until the feast actually started, and the Empress hadn’t even come in yet. Jimin sighed softly, searching the crowd for Seokjin or Yoongi, maybe even Hoseok or Jeongguk. He couldn’t find anyone. There were so many people, all of their voices overlapping and becoming gibberish in Jimin’s ears. There was music and a few people dancing and laughing together, but mostly it was chatter and a few snacks were brought out here and there. Jimin bit his lip. “Ah, there you are.” Chinmae said, coming up from behind Jimin. The young omega snapped himself around with a surprised gasp. He expected Chinmae to be in the grand hall. Jimin bowed deeply before coming back up. “My Lord.” He greeted, and Chinmae placed his hands onto Jimin’s shoulders. “Are you ready? This is a big day.” He said, and Jimin tensed. “There will be lots of important people, and you’re a symbol!” He said, and Jimin wondered how. He was probably a symbol of wealth and status… ownership maybe even. Not everyone had an omega dancer at the beck and whim. “Yes, sir.” Jimin nodded, and Chinmae chuckled. “Good. It’s nearly time.” He said, winking. “Don’t forget.” Jimin nodded vaguely before bowing once more and watching him enter the grand hall through that little opening Jimin looked through. His breath stilled when he met the wandering eyes of a few curious alphas. Jimin squeaked before stepping away from the opening and pressing his back against the thin walls. Jimin swallowed, the bite on his neck tingling. It was almost time. Jimin hurried around the outside of the grand hall. He used the servant's corridors, avoiding the alphas with their giant serving trays and the omega handmaids that were scurrying around, trying to make sure everything that needed to be in order was in order. Jimin held the fabric tight in his fingers as he stood, watching the royal family enter. God , they looked amazing, each of them with richly coloured fabrics that were brought straight to the palace from merchant ships. It wasn't only the royal family though, Jimin watched as unfamiliar faces slipped into the grand hall with just as expensive silks and head pieces as well as necklaces and rings and bracelets. He couldn't find Taehyung through the thick crowd. Jimin slowly crept up into his pedestal, hiding behind it so he didn't interrupt. The Empress was smiling bright upon her subjects as they
bowed deeply to the monarch. The instruments had stopped, the silence allowing the alpha to speak. "What a momentous occasion." She smiled, and everyone came up from their deep bows with small smiles. "Our friends from the Yellow Sea have come with blessings of peace." The Empress smiled, turning to the family that they'd processed inside with. Jimin realized they must've been royalty too. Jimin didn't care much though, he just searched for Taehyung until he found him sitting next to the Empress. A young omega boy belonging to the other family on his opposite side. He was looking up at Taehyung with a big, excited smile, and Jimin could help but get jealous. Jimin frowned where he stood, but it was almost his time. He peered to where Lord Chinmae and his wife stood, clapping their hands at the collection of peace. The Empress chuckled softly. "I've prepared a beautiful show for you tonight." He said, signaling Jimin as if she hadn't ever done anything to deserve scorn from the omega. It was like it didn't even happen, so Jimin would act the same way. He would've liked to forget about it entirely. Jimin climbed fully onto the pedestal, immediately bowing himself in half after giving Taehyung the teeniest glance. Taehyung immediately smiled at his gift, and the thought made a redness soar to Jimin's cheeks. Taehyung stood, but Jimin remained bowed gracefully. "A gift I received from my Mother on my name day this year. The most beautiful omega dancer in the land." He praised, and it went straight to Jimin's gut, flowers blossoming and butterflies flurrying around his guts. Jimin bit back a big smile before standing fully. The string instruments began, and Jimin ran his fingers across the pretty glass pendant in his hair. Taehyung noticed, his coal eyes flickering with the heat of a smirk. Jimin started his dance, swaying and moving each muscle in perfect rhythm to the music that was played. As always, he looked beautiful. His robes were somewhat tight to his body, showing off every curve the gods had blessed him with. Jimin could feel Taehyung's eyes on him by the way his mark scorched with heat and made his tummy flutter. The butterflies that were trapped inside suddenly flew out. He hoped no one could see how flushed his cheeks were, hoped they choked it up to be his hard work or even just his health. When he scanned the crowd, they didn't seem to notice. The alphas and omegas both were too enamored with Jimin's dances to pay attention to the gazes he passed to the royal table, specifically to the Crown Prince. Jimin spun around, his pretty cherry blossom hair piece sparkling in the lights that hung from the ceiling. Jimin finished with a lasting bow. Taehyung was first to stand and clap for his omega, proud of the smaller boy. Jimin smiled at the praise he was receiving all around the room. Jimin bowed deeply, and the rest of the royals stood and clapped with the Prince. Thankfully, everyone had forgotten about his mishap with the Empress enough to clap and cheer for him. Jimin was happy about that at least. The Empress stood with a big smile and large clap. He was sure the pettiness was hidden somewhere, but he could not find it in her smile. Maybe she was just good at hiding it, dealing with large important figures all day, she must've been good at it. Taehyung too. But Jimin hoped she'd forgiven him and maybe found some of her own sanity. "Now, let's celebrate with a feast and more dancing!" She said, smiling brightly at Jimin, without an ounce of pettiness. Jimin nodded and the instruments began as everyone took their seats after the Empress and the rest of the royal family. Jimin started a slower dance, swaying his hips, and he could see Taehyung watching him. He wasn't even eating, for god's sake . Jimin laughed under his breath, but continued to dance languidly, beautifully.
After about two songs, Jimin took a break, dabbing the sweat from his brows with a handkerchief handed to him by a gentle alpha, who'd left his seat entirely too early to see Jimin, but then again so had several others. Jimin giggled as they crowded him, asking questions. A few of the unmated alphas would take his hand and ask him to marry them with big eyes and smiling mouths. Jimin smiled, coaxing himself away as the music continued to a more gentle tone that he would not dance to. He slipped out into the servant's corridor and was immediately swept up into the arms of a familiar scent. Jimin gasped, snapped his head around to see the Crown Prince, who was supposed to be seated with the other royals not gallivanting around the servant's corridors. "Tae—Your Royal Highness?" He quickly corrected himself until Taehyung pressed him into a small nook in the corridor, a place in which they could hide. Immediately, Taehyung pressed his lips to Jimin's smothering the smaller until he was exasperated. Jimin gasped as their lips popped off of each other. Jimin dug his face into Taehyung's chest, giggling softly at how the younger fiddled with the cherry blossom glass around his ear. "Did you like it? When I saw you wearing it I just had to come see you up close." Taehyung said, and Jimin just laughed. "I love it, Tae…" Jimin sighed, breathing in his scent before quickly pushing him away. Taehyung frowned. "You'll smell of me.." He muttered, keeping their distance. Taehyung growled, but dragged Jimin back into his arms. "That's exactly what I wanted. It'll keep that—" He froze and grumbled to himself, something Jimin couldn't understand. "What?" Jimin giggled softly, and Taehyung just sighed. "Nevermind. I should probably get back, and you should too." Taehyung said, and Jimin nodded, slowly pulling away after one good inhale. They parted ways, Taehyung towards the royal table, and Jimin back through the doors and into the grand hall. Jimin quickly climbed the pedestal before the horde of alphas could cluster him again, and his music began. Jimin was just happy to have Taehyung's scent on himself once more while he danced. After just three more songs and lots of talking around the grand hall, the Empress stood again, turning to look at Taehyung, who looked entirely too unhappy. Jimin was standing behind the pedestal. Thankfully, no alpha bothered him where he stood. Jimin held the pedestal as he leaned forward to watch the Empress speak. He looked at Taehyung, who no longer had a smile. Instead it was a straight, stoic face. The omega beside him looked a bit unhappy as well, and Jimin wondered what had happened at the table to make them all so sour. Jimin bit his lip, feeling the tension set over the table of royals. "Today we not only celebrate peace…" She paused, smiling fondly at Taehyung and the young omega seated next to him. The young omega boy smiled softly, blush pillowing across his cheeks. "We're also celebrating the mating of my son, Taehyhung and omega Prince Himchan" She announced, and Jimin's heart dropped. He felt his stomach flip inside of his guts. What? Jimin inhaled sharply, his eyes going fuzzy and chest swelling in pain. Jimin's fingers tightened where he held the pedestal so tightly. Tears couldn't even fill his eyes because he was in so much shock. Why hadn't he thought of it before? Of course Taehyung would be placed with someone because he was the Crown Prince . Jimin's lip trembled softly, his eyes shifting away from Taehyung, who'd snapped his attention onto the omega dancer… his mate . Taehyung belonged to Jimin, not to anyone else. Jealousy was blistering. Jealousy was gross, it brought out the worst in people. Jimin wouldn't let it bring the worst out of him.
He straightened watching the young omega boy smooth his hand over Taehyung's arm, a smile ripe across his brow. Taehyung didn't even look away from Jimin. Jimin couldn't even look at him. If he did, he might cry. Jimin pressed his back against the pedestal, hiding from Taehyung’s sight with heavy breaths. He was panicking. What was he supposed to do? He was mated. Taehyung had mated him and what was he supposed to do if Taehyung rejected him now… found a new mate? Jimin’s lip quivered at the thought. Mating rejections could kill. It led to a poisonous sickness that spread through the mark, and now Jimin was susceptible. How was he supposed to find another alpha? No alpha in their right mind would court an omega with a mark. He’d be considered a whore anywhere he went. He had every right to panic. He was scared. -
Chapter 27: Arranged and Deranged “Jimin.” The omega wrapped around himself, quickly stepping away from Taehyung, who’d known about this arrangement and wrongfully kept him in the dark. The dinner had ended, but Jimin had fled right after the mating announcement. He couldn’t stay there like that. He just paced around Taehyung’s courtyard, trying to convince himself everything was okay. But now Taehyung was there, stepping outside, careful not to spook the omega, who winced at his entrance. Jimin hadn’t slept in his own room for weeks. Should he start? Taehyung gently reached out a hand, and Jimin shied away with a whimper. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Jimin barked at him, and Taehyung tensed. Jimin had never used such a tone with him. The Prince bit at his lip. “I-I didn’t know until that night.” Taehyung reached again, “Jimin, I promise—“ “Don’t!” Jimin gasped out, slapping the alpha’s hand away from him. “Don’t touch me, please…” He whimpered and dropped onto a small bench, palms digging into his eyes to stop the tears. Taehyung backed away slightly. He could see clearly that Jimin was angry and upset with him. He stayed silent too, but Jimin knew it was just speechlessness. Jimin quivered out a small sob. “What am I supposed to do…?” He asked, and Taehyung furrowed his brow, quickly moving to sit beside Jimin on the bench. “What do you mean?” Taehyung asked while keeping his distance. Jimin growled at him, grabbing his collar and pulling it off of his shoulder roughly to display the mark on his shoulder. Taehyung had one to mirror it. “You mated me .” Jimin cried, and Taehyung couldn’t bear to see his tears fall anymore. Taehyung wrapped around Jimin, pulling him into a tight hug, and Jimin finally let him go without protest, only a sob. “And now you’re going to mate someone else…” “No.” Taehyung whispered, and Jimin stiffened. “I won’t mate with him. I’ll refuse—just… not yet, okay?” Jimin’s face dug into Taehyung’s neck, inhaling his scent and nosing at the mark he’d made months ago. “Why not?” Taehyung chuckled, rubbing circles into Jimin’s back. “My mother will kill me.. I’ll talk to my omega mother now. She’ll understand.” Jimin just nodded. He trusted Taehyung to do what was best for them both. Jimin just sighed. He wished he could stay in Taehyung’s arms forever.
“Jimin-ah.” Namjoon hummed, stepping towards the omega, who was smiling brightly at Seokjin’s pups, Hei and Aecha. Jimin snapped his head up to the alpha. “Hm?” Namjoon held up a letter, and Jimin’s chest brimmed with hope. The younger omega stood, placing Aecha’s toys onto the table in front of himself. “I have mail from Busan.” He chuckled, and Jimin squealed in excitement. The omega nearly fell over himself trying to get to the letter, but Namjoon steadied him with a hand on his shoulder. Jimin snatched the letter. It was the first he’d received from his parents. He was only able to really send a letter with Namjoon’s help. A hearty giggle lifted from his lips as he ripped open the letter. Instantly, Jimin’s eyes scanned through. His lip pulled between his teeth. Warmth filled Jimin’s chest. It was from his omega father. He’d given birth to a healthy baby boy and named him Jihyun. He talked about how much he missed Jimin as well as worried about him there in the palace, responding to Jimin’s news of being mated so suddenly with a sad.. but enthusiastic answer. He was only upset he wasn’t there to see it. Little did he know, no one saw it.. nor could they. Jimin was smiling so widely, his cheeks were starting to hurt. Jimin pressed the paper close to his heart and tried to smell the parchment, but their scent had long worn off through the long travels of the letter. Namjoon chuckled at the sight, ruffling Hei’s hair before placing a wet kiss upon Aecha’s forehead. “Well, what did they say?” Aecha asked with a giggle, reaching for her father to pick her up. The alpha easily complied. Jimin smiled at the curious siblings. “He had a boy!” Jimin harped, tears filling his eyes, but these were from happiness. Namjoon gaped, and it quickly turned into a smile. “That’s wonderful, Jimin.” He said, and He smiled too. Aecha made an ‘o’ shape with her lips. The mood went somber as Jimin melted into the infirmary chair. “I wish I could see them..” He sighed softly. Namjoon hummed in response. “You’ll see them soon, I’m sure.” He set Aecha down, ushering her to go play with her brother while he and Jimin spoke. “Let me see it.” He said, gesturing to the mark. Jimin stiffened but complied, pulling his collar down to reveal the mark that had scabbed over, but still had much healing to do. Namjoon hummed and leaned back, so Jimin pulled his collar back up over it. He stroked his chin in thought. “How does it feel, no more hurting?” He asked, and Jimin nodded in return. “It stings sometimes, but it doesn’t hurt.. itches too.” He explained with a quirky brow. Namjoon chuckled and nodded. “Yes, well don’t scratch it, I beg you.” He scolded, and Jimin just nodded in agreement. They sat somewhat in silence. Jimin was thinking about the other omega, and Namjoon could
see it. “And how about you? How are you doing?” He asked, and Jimin sighed softly. Why was everyone asking? Taehyung had just asked him recently, too. “I’m okay.” Jimin answered, and truly, he was. Taehyung was providing him more attention than ever before.Whatever chance the Prince got, he was spending it with Jimin, telling him how much he loved him and cuddling and loving him. Jimin was enjoying it too. It just felt strange because that omega was there. At dinners and those small parties that Taehyung started asking Jimin to perform at. The omega stuck to Taehyung like glue, laughing at his jokes and trying his hardest to subtly touch the Prince of Showing… His betrothed . Jimin couldn’t stop thinking about it. Call him petty, but he loved to see the way the omega’s face turned sour when Taehyung even looked in Jimin’s direction, let alone talk to him at those parties. Occasionally, Taehyung would grow bolder and wrap an arm around Jimin’s waist. Jimin would always grow stiff and unsure, but by the smell from the other omega Prince, he could tell Taehyung was doing it on purpose. The boy didn’t seem to be terrible. Sure, he was petty, but for a reasonable clause. Taehyung was supposed to be his betrothed, yet the alpha acted like he didn’t exist. Taehyung hadn’t begun courting him, in fact, he’d given over ten new hair trinkets, bracelets, necklaces, and headpieces to Jimin . Taehyung even gifted him a beautiful and very expensive hanbok that supposedly was to be Prince Himchan’s. Jimin felt bad. Of course he did, but at the same time, Taehyung was his . Jimin was defensive too. Rightfully so. They were mated , after all. “Are you sure?” Namjoon asked, and Jimin looked at him. “I think so,” he shifted where he sat, “Taehyungie says he won’t accept the mating. He just needs time to work it out, you know?” Namjoon nodded skeptically, but he knew if Jimin was comfortable then he should leave it be. “Just be careful, okay?” He said, pointing to the mark on his shoulder that was showing as his collar slid off partially. Jimin quickly grabbed it and pulled it back onto his shoulder. He swallowed and sighed softly. A knock at the door, and all of them looked at it. “Daddy!” Hei popped off of the floor with a giggle, Aecha following with a harp. Jimin assumed Seokjin was at the door. Namjoon stood. “Yah, wait.” He demanded, but they just ignored him and pulled the door open. It wasn’t Seokjin. It was a palace guard. Jimin stiffened, a small gasp lifting through his throat. Namjoon grew tense as well, watching as the palace guard bowed to the little Lord and lady before bowing to Namjoon too. “Lord Kim.” He hummed, voice deep like chocolate. “I was told Omega Park Jimin-ssi is here?” He asked, and Jimin stood, keeping his pliant fingers on the table to ground himself. Fear exploded in his stomach. The guard could see him where he stood behind Namjoon. He could see him before too. It didn’t matter. Namjoon moved back, looking at Jimin with heavy eyes. Namjoon turned back. “What’s this for, may I ask?” The guard nodded swiftly. “The Empress’ Consort would like to speak with the omega briefly. I’ll return him to you after she is done.” He explained, and Jimin felt tears rip straight to his eyes suddenly. He was going to die. Namjoon pursed his lips, sending Jimin a little reassuring smile. “Alright.” He said. Namjoon couldn’t deny a wish from the Empress’ Consort— Taehyung’s mother.
Jimin swallowed, holding back the tears in his eyes as he slipped towards the guard. “Yes..” He murmured. “Thank you.” He said, giving Namjoon one last look before following after the guard and his stern walk. Jimin glanced left, eyes meeting Seokjin, who was walking quickly now with worried brows. He quickly stalked towards Namjoon, placing a hand on the alpha’s chest while whispering something of concern. Jimin quickly turned back around, fiddling with his fingers and brushing out the fabrics of his hanbok. He was nervous, so incredibly nervous. This was Taehyung’s mother he was meeting. He’d never met her before, only seen her standing next to her mate—the Empress. She was one of the most beautiful omegas he’d ever seen, and Jimin wondered sometime if that beauty was even possible. The guard led him through one of the courtyards that was kept further back in the palace. This was a place Jimin had never been. It was beautiful, looking upon the mountains that cornered the city of Hanseong. He could see them so clearly. His jaw dropped at the sight of a beautiful garden filled with little farms from strawberry bushels to potatoes and corn stalks from the last season. “Where..” Jimin blurted, biting his lip. The guard gave him a singular glance. “You can speak, omega. I won’t stop you.” He smiled softly, and Jimin nodded. “Where are we?” He asked. The guard smiled upon the garden. “The Empress’ Consort’s personal gardens.” He explained before venturing further back to where a rather large pond sat with a cherry blossom tree looming over the side. There was a pretty wooden swing sitting in front of the pond, swaying softly under the weight of one. Jimin stiffened, pausing in his steps before continuing hesitantly. “Your Majesty.” The guard alerted the woman before bowing. The woman slowly turned around, greeting Jimin with the warmest, most welcoming smile. Jimin inhaled sharply. He’d expected something cold and harsh, but this made him melt in relief. Maybe she wasn’t going to have him killed. Jimin bowed quickly. “Park Jimin, Your Majesty.” He introduced himself with a small, somewhat nervous smile on his lips. The woman hummed. “Yes, Hanbin, leave us.” She said, and Jimin stiffened, coming up from his bow. He nestled his hands in front of himself, keeping his distance from the beautiful omega woman. The guard quickly stepped away, doing as he was told, but Jimin was sure he wasn’t far. The woman looked at him before patting the seat next to her. “What are you standing there for?” She chuckled. “I’m not like my wife, you see. I won’t try to hurt you.” Jimin stiffened. That’s right. The Empress’ Consort witnessed that. It was her mate who’d carried it out. Jimin suddenly didn’t feel so safe. He continued to step forward anyways, slowly, nervously settling himself onto the swing beside her. Jimin bowed his head, afraid to meet her gaze. “Goodness.” She hummed, hooking a gentle hand beneath his chin lifting it. “My darling, what has this palace done to you?” She said with sad eyes, and Jimin didn’t know what to say. “You’re even more beautiful up close.” Jimin’s cheeks dusted a pretty pink. He bit back his smile, pulling his face away as the woman smiled with glee. “You’re beautiful as well, Your Majesty.” He shot back at her, and it seemed she didn’t expect it because her eyes grew slightly. “Sweet boy.” She melted, grabbing his hand and pulling them closer. “You remind me of how I was when I first came to the palace.” She said, and Jimin’s eyes widened.
“What?” He exhaled, unsure of the words he’d heard. She just nodded in response while laughing prettily. “I was a small merchant lord’s daughter invited to court.” She explained with a click of her tongue, as if remembering bad days. “I caught the Crown Princess’s eye, so of course I was the target of court and officials alike.” She inhaled before letting out an exasperated sigh. “God, this place can tear you apart.” “Yes—“ Jimin inhaled sharply. He was unable to stop himself from replying. It was the heat of the moment. “Sorry..” “No, you have every right to condemn this place.” She said, squeezing his hands with a pair of sad eyes. “After what my wife did to you—“ she clicked her tongue before gently pulling Jimin into a tight hug. “I’m sorry on her behalf.” Jimin just froze in her arms. What was he supposed to do? The Empress’ Consort, Taehyung’s mother, was hugging him, being so sweet and kind to him. It was so foreign, but she’d been through the same thing as he had. Jimin couldn’t help but smile, feeling so good . He slowly wrapped his arms around the woman too, inhaling her pretty strawberry and summer air scent. “Thank you.” Jimin murmured, and the woman pulled off of him slowly. She glanced all over him, as if taking him in really this time. “I understand why he likes you.” She smiled, eyes crinkling the same way Taehyung’s did. Her smile was like his body too. Jimin suddenly understood what she was saying and stiffened. “WWhat?” Did she know? The woman laughed, prettily before pointing to Jimin’s shoulder. He peered down to see that scabbed up mark sitting on his shoulder. Jimin gasped, sweat beading on his forehead and the back of his neck as he quickly pulled on his collar. He cursed to himself about a million times. “I-I-I’m so sorry, Your Majesty. It-It wasn’t—“ “Taehyung-ah told me, darling.” She said before he could freak out any more. She rubbed her fingers across his knuckles gently, just like his father used to do at home. Jimin felt a rush of shivers fly up and down his spine. “He did…?” Jimin repeated, and she smiled brightly, nodding. “I’m so glad he chose someone like you. I like you.” She said and pulled Jimin right back into her embrace, holding him tightly. “I’ll see what I can do about Taehyung’s arrangement.” Tears filled Jimin’s eyes and he felt his chest swell. Jimin wrapped around the woman and dug his face into the book of her shoulder in order to cry without her seeing. It was the first time anyone had been truly supportive of him and Taehyung’s decision. “Thank you.. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” -
Chapter 28: Green With Envy Jimin hooked his arms around Taehyung's neck, breaths hot and heavy as the larger pulled out of him before pushing right back in also pushing a moan from Jimin's lips. Jimin bit down on his wrist, trying hard to stifle his loud, lewd noises before they got out. Taehyung growling, moaning against Jimin's ear wasn’t helping. The low voice sent chills down Jimin's spine and all throughout his body from his fingertips to his toes. God it felt good though. He and Taehyung tried to abstain, scared Jimin would get pregnant, but they just couldn't contain themselves—not with Taehyung's rut approaching fast. Taehyung pulled Jimin's wrists away, holding them above his head while his lips pressed roughly against Jimin's, holding his moans in and kissing him beautifully. Jimin was glad that the Omega Prince had not changed much of their relationship. Somehow, it made them closer, Taehyung always afraid that he would make Jimin upset by being too close to the Prince, blaming the distance to be a gentleman's way. The omega didn't like that very much though, not with how clingy he was to the alpha, especially when Jimin was around. Taehyung groaned deeply, pulling out once more before slamming back inside of him. Jimin squealed, toes curling and his body seizing up. His back was arching off of the mattress with a cry of pleasure. Taehyung’s knot was shoved up inside of Jimin, the come gushing inside of him. "God— Fuck! " Jimin hissed, his fingernails digging into the alpha's shoulder, avoiding the bite mark he'd given Taehyung. Taehyung was still gasping ouf moans, riding out the best of his high. Jimin giggled below the alpha, dragging him down so that he could kiss and bruise up his neck and shoulder. He grazed his lips across the bite with a shudder of his own because he could smell his scent on the mark. Taehyung chuckled too, falling against Jimin with an exhausted groan. He fisted hands through Jimin's soft, lightly coloured hair, kissing his cheek and neck and lips so sweetly. Jimin giggled as Taehyung tightened his hold around his omega. "I love you, Taehyungie." He smiled, watching as Taehyung sucked a large hickey onto his collarbone. Jimin sighed softly as they sat together until Taehyung's knot deflated slowly. Taehyung smirked. "Can I show you how much I love you?" He asked, a mischievous quirk in his brow. Jimin smiled softly, spooling fingers through his pretty black hair. "You just did." He said, but didn't protest as Taehyung slid his tongue lower and lower, licking a stripe across his abdomen that made him shiver. Taehyung pulled out of Jimin as he went lower and lower on the omega, eventually pulling Jimin's half hard length into his mouth. Jimin gasped and hissed, fingers tightening in Taehyung's hair. "Tae-tae!" He gasped, closing his legs slightly, but Taehyung was already bobbing his head up and down. Jimin was highly over sensitive, especially after almost two orgasms already. He gasped and writhed as Taehyung just continued to lick and take Jimin into his throat. Jimin was hard again in an instant, body pulsating with pleasure that Taehyung caused. "Fuck, fuck! " He gasped, body going tight as he held onto Taehyung's curly black hair. Taehyung smirked as his nose hit Jimin's belly, Jimin's entire cock in his mouth, pressing against the back of his throat, but not gagging. Jimin's lip quivered as a string of pretty moans fell out of his lips. Taehyung quickly slid his lips off of Jimin's length and the quick rush forced a cry from his lips that Taehyung was instantly covering up with his large hand. Jimin gasped and moaned against Taehyung's fingers. Jimin grabbed Taehyung's fingers, shoving them in between his lips as his orgasm hit him a third time, coming releasing in slow spurts as Taehyung just watched the omega suck on his fingers until his moaning was only heavy breaths.
Taehyung growled and attacked the omega, who giggled and wrapped his arms around the alpha as well. "Fuck, I love you so much." Taehyung muttered, and Jimin just sighed against him happily. "I love you, alpha." Jimin hummed, and Taehyung pulled away slightly to look down at the smaller. Taehyung groaned. "Stop trying to make it hard again!" He pleaded. Jimin just laughed out loud, pushing the alpha off of him. "You should probably go back." Jimin said, pulling the sheets over his naked body with a coy smile. "You can't play sick forever." He smiled, watching as Taehyung stood up with an annoyed groan. "I know, but I could try." He said, pulling on a robe "You should get some rest." He said, pointing to the omega, who shrugged. "I want you to perform at tonight's dinner." "Tonight?" Jimin stiffened, looking at Taehyung. The larger one nodded, looking up to Jimin with a hum. His eyes glossed and he looked at Jimin like a lost puppy. "Please…?" He pleaded, stopping his step towards the bath connected to his chambers. Jimin sighed, but huffed out a "yes" as he stood to clean himself off. Jimin's legs wobbled, unused to using them after a morning full of pleasure. He whimpered but continued to the separate room to clean himself and wipe himself down. When Taehyung got done with his bath, Jimin was doing his jumps, trying to keep himself from getting pregnant. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jimin, pulling the smaller into a tight hug, stopping his jumps. "I think it would be lovely, Jiminie." Taehyung whispered a breathy whisper into his ear. It sent shivers down Jimin's spine. He turned around, arms around Taehyung's neck as the alpha wrapped around his waist. Jimin frowned. "What?" He asked, thinning his eyes. Taehyung smirked, leaning down for a kiss. "A pup." He said, but Jimin inhaled sharply and pushed Taehyung's face away from his own with his palm. "Tae-tae…" Jimin said, biting his lip. "You—" "My mother told me she spoke with you." Taehyung said. "She said she adored you." He said, trying desperately to sweet talk him, but Jimin just shook his head. "Tae-tae, please…" Jimin whimpered, and Taehyung immediately shut himself up. "We don't even know if you can get out of the arrangement with Himchan." Taehyung stiffened. "I…" "Have you spoken to the Empress?" Jimin asked, and Taehyung quieted. Jimin bit his lip, the concern and sadness returning to his gut in sharp pains. "My mother—“ "Taehyung." Jimin barked, and his jaw clamped shut. The smaller smoothed a gentle hand across Taehyung's jaw, making sure he was gentle as he stared into Taehyung's eyes, finding as much light as he could. "It's your marriage, Taehyungie… Only you can change it." He said, and Taehyung nodded. "You're to be Emperor someday…" Though Jimin regretted that a lot. He'd never wanted to mate the future Emperor, not even a Prince. Taehyung sighed, and pressed into Jimin's palm with a relaxed face. Jimin inhaled sharply and lulled his hands away, realizing that he was talking to the future Emperor—snapping at the future Emperor. "I'm out of my boundaries… I'm sorry."
"No." Taehyung said softly, pulling Jimin's palm to his cheek. "You're right. I can't rely on my parents any longer." He said, voice becoming stern as he convinced himself. "I'll tell my mother soon, Jiminie, but after Jeongguk and Hoseok-hyung return from the hunt with my mother." He said, and Jimin nodded, trusting his words. "I love you…" Jimin said softly, staring up at Taehyung, who pulled Jimin's palm to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "I love you, too."
Jimin wore baby blue robes that were made of sheer material with opaque white fabrics behind. His skin was on display, and his robes were tight against his body. Jimin's waist was slim, his sheer robes held against his wrists. He was beautiful, and he felt like it too, especially with a new hairpin, necklace, and anklet to wear. They were all gifts from Taehyung. Jimin's smile grew as he looked himself over in the mirror. He'd done his hair and looked more gorgeous than ever before. The metal gifts had Taehyung's smell on them, just barely. They were beautiful, imported from Europe apparently. Jimin danced barefoot tonight, on the same pedestal as before. This one was decorated with pretty blue and yellow flowers that Jimin had purposefully matched to his robes thanks to Sunmi, who'd told him that afternoon before the dinner. Himchan was plastered against Taehyung's side, the larger alpha ignoring him completely as he whined. Taehyung busied himself by talking to officials and ministers as well as the guests from the Shaofeng court. Jimin watched closely, his face growing hot thinking about the fact that Taehyung had railed him into the sheets just that morning. Jimin's arse still felt sore, but it was nothing he wasn't used to. Jimin stepped down from the pedestal, with helping hands from a few kind alphas. They surrounded him once more, and Jimin subconsciously brought a hand up to check the mating mark. It wasn't showing, thankfully. Jimin let out a soft sigh. "You were lovely, omega." Lord Chinmae hummed, coming up to Jimin's side as the other alphas tried to ask for his hand in marriage. Jimin ignored them every time, much to their dislike. The young omega smiled and bowed deeply to the Chinese. "Thank you, My Lord." He said, smiling brightly as Madame Sun slipped up beside her husband. "Yes, for someone with such little manners, you're a wonderful dancer at least." She said, not nearly as snooty as before. Jimin wondered if she was drunk. Jimin bowed and thanked her as well until a familiar hand wrapped around his waist and pulled him into their body. Jimin gasped, looking up to see Taehyung holding him, his scent enveloping the smaller completely. He smelled of pre-rut, and Jimin was unsure of his motives. Jimin gave him a look of what are you doing? when their eyes met. Taehyung chuckled softly, looking away from Jimin towards Chinmae. "I wanted to thank you again, Lord Chinmae. For this gift." He huffed with a big smile, talking about Jimin.
"I looked only for the best for you, Your Royal Highness." Lord Chinmae laughed softly and bowed to the Crown Prince as the young omega Prince stepped towards them with an annoyed grin. "My Prince!" He giggled softly, about to wrap an arm around Taehyung's when he saw Jimin. The omega looked at the arm around Jimin's waist for a long few seconds. Jealousy took over his expression. Jimin swore the omega was turning green. He shook it off and looked up at Taehyung, expecting his betrothed to stop touching Jimin, but he didn't. "I couldn't find you, you walked away so suddenly." He laughed it off as a mistake, trying to be blindingly positive given his situation. Taehyung nodded dismissively, turning back to Jimin. "Your dancing is absolutely a god send, I swear my soul leaves my body each time I see you." He praised, and Jimin's cheeks turned a bright red. Jimin smiled and turned away with deeply blushed cheeks. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness." Jimin said, slowly trying to pull himself out of Taehyung's hold. What the hell was he doing? Sure, the Empress hadn't returned, but Jimin didn't think Taehyung would be so bold in front of ministers and officials alike. Jimin swallowed as Taehyung just held him closer, their bodies just pressed together collecting heat. Jimin squeaked and glanced at the omega Prince, who looked red in the face from frustration. "My Prince," he hummed, voice smooth and somewhat sexual, "why are you ignoring me? Don't you want to talk to me? It feels like we haven't spoken in weeks." He pouted, and Taehyung let out a tiny sigh before turning to the young omega. He was younger than Jimin, too. Taehyung tried his hardest to utter a smile to the small omega. "We've spoken many times tonight. I just wanted to praise my omega." He said, and Jimin froze where he stood. "Dancer. My omega dancer." He then corrected himself with a laugh. The omega Prince just frowned. "Don't you think you should praise me instead of this omega?" He said, finally letting the envy show through his teeth. Taehyung hummed. "Can you dance like him?" Taehyung asked, and he was being slightly rude in Jimin's opinion. He wanted to scold the Prince, but he couldn't, not with Chinmayi right there. "I-I—No, but I'm your betrothed." He stuttered out. Jimin stiffened as the Prince pouted with a sad expression. "Your Royal Highness." Jimin started, finally able to pull away from his mate. Taehyung looked at him, his smile fading softly because he knew Jimin was scolding him indirectly. "I think the Omega Prince is beautiful." He said, bowing his head. Jimin did think he was beautiful. His face was slim and small. His eyes were big and fingers long and delicate. He was pretty, well put together with dark brown hair and tan skin. His robes were a pretty light green to match the emeralds in his hair. They hadn't been gifted by Taehyung though. Jimin found himself subconsciously grabbing at the necklace around his neck. The pretty sapphire and gold was a gift from Taehyung. The omega noticed, looking sharply to Taehyung, who watched Jimin so much closer than he'd ever watched the omega Prince. Taehyung inhaled softly, but understanding Jimin's attempts to stop him from being too mean. This boy was only trying to fulfill his duty in mating the wealthy Crown Prince, who just happened to be extremely handsome too. Jimin would court him so furiously too. The Prince’s face soured at Jimin’s words suddenly. He scoffed and turned all of his attention to the alpha Prince. Himchan placed his hands onto his hips, and Taehyung found it somewhat amusing what envy could do to a
pining omega. Jimin just smiled softly, Chinmae also looking unamused at the omega Prince. Himchan clicked his tongue and quickly went back to wrapping an arm around Taehyung’s, holding him so he couldn’t escape. “My Prince, it’s me you should give all of your attention to.” He huffed and puffed and pouted, trying desperately to put on a cute act after being so vile to Jimin. Jimin didn’t take it personally though. Taehyung chuckled and skilfully pushed the Prince from his arm. Chinmae hummed softly, his eyes growing thinner on Jimin, who simply stood there—a bit awkwardly really. “Yes, Your Royal Highness must be looking for someone to fill that spot during your upcoming rut.” He said, and Taehyung and Jimin eyes both snapped up to the Lord. The omega looked pale for a moment, a bit scared even. His face brightened though in excitement. He placed a hand in Taehyung’s, and Jimin suddenly didn’t like that contact at all. He suddenly couldn’t tolerate it like he could before. “My Prince, that’s a wonderful idea!” He harped, scent secreting a thrilled salty-sea scent. Madame Sun smiled and clasped her hands together. “That’s the perfect way to get to know each other.” She said excitedly. Jimin frowned. Yeah, hot, steamy sex for at least three days is the perfect way to get to know someone. The omega thought, internally scoffing. Taehyung chuckled nervously, peering down at the omega while glancing at Jimin. “I don’t think…” The omega Prince pouted softly, like a child would. “Hyung, you’ve been so mean to me since I got here, I’m starting to think you don’t like me.” He said, eyes looking sad. Taehyung’s jaw shut tightly, the muscles in his jaw flexing with annoyance. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He said, obviously a little annoyed with these games. The omega immediately soured. His scent became nasty along with his expression. “Would you rather spend it with him?” He spat, fingered, pointed at Jimin with that scary look on his face. Jimin shivered, body tensing up as he took a step back. Taehyung just frowned, taking Himchan’s wrist in his large hands. He pulled the boy’s finger away from Jimin’s face. The alpha looked angry, but he held most of it back. “That isn’t any of your business.” He said, and Jimin was absolutely mortified that he didn’t even deny the accusation. The omega curled into himself slightly, cheeks turning bright red as the omega Prince’s paled in color. Jimin wanted to yell at Taehyung right there, but he knew that would be very unwise of him. He just regretted even attending the dinner at all because now he was in the sights of Chinmae and this omega Prince. It was exactly where he didn’t want to be. -
Chapter 29: Won’t Shiver, Won’t Shake “Jimin-ah!” Taehyung barked, grabbing Jimin’s wrist as he stepped into his own room. “Wait—“ Jimin just slammed the door shut on the alpha. Jimin leaned down to lock it, but Taehyung quickly pulled it open, not allowing Jimin to shut himself into his room. He frowned, shutting the door behind himself as Jimin scoffed and slipped towards his bed. “Jimin, please .“ Taehyung practically begged, but Jimin just plopped down onto his bed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. Taehyung bit his lip as Jimin moped silently, not even sparing Taehyung a glance. “Jimin, I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it, but my mother returns tomorrow and—“ Jimin sent the alpha a tight glare. “Lord Chinmae was right there.” Jimin snapped, and Taehyung quieted slightly. “You know what he could do.. he could send me away the moment things get fishy.” Jimin explained. Chinmae was very kind, but he would certainly frown upon their relationship. Taehyung growled, wrapping his arms tightly around Jimin’s smaller frame. The omega finally let him. “I won’t allow it.” He hissed into Jimin’s ear, arms around the omega’s waist tightening. “It doesn’t matter if you’ll allow it, he could do it.” Jimin said, and Taehyung frowned. Jimin turned to his mate with worried eyes. “You can’t tell them about us, okay?” Taehyung frowned softly, pulling Jimin to turn completely around. “Minnie, if I get rid of this suitor they’ll only find another.” He said, and Jimin bit his lip, looking away. Taehyung pulled his face right back up, pressing their lips together ever so gently. After a moment, he pulled away, hands cupping Jimin’s cheeks. “I’ll do what I can, okay?” Jimin nodded. “For now, just stay healthy for my rut.” He smirked, and Jimin slapped his chest with a giggle. “Maybe I won’t spend it with you.” Jimin threatened, and Taehyung looked offended. He then laughed, and Jimin stiffened. “I saw how annoyed you got when Chinmae brought it up to Himchan. I’ve never seen you more jealous.” He said, and Jimin stiffened, looking away from him embarrassed. Taehyung pressed Jimin’s blushed face into the nook of his neck and scoffed. “I thought it was cute. Made me want to take you right there in the grand hall.” Jimin gasped, and slapped Taehyung’s shoulder with a bubbling laughter. “Tae—“ Jimin exploded with laughter as Taehyung grabbed him and flipped them over until Jimin’s back was pressed into the bed. Taehyung pressed their lips together lightly, and Jimin hummed in pure bliss. “I love you.” Taehyung said, and Jimin leaned up to kiss Taehyung one more time. “I love you, too.”
About a week had passed, and Taehyung was on the cusp of his rut. He was easily frustrated and even more horny than usual—which was saying a lot. Jimin’s scent kept him at bay though. When the pains in his gut started, Jimin would let Taehyung rest on his belly, spooling his short fingers through the alpha’s hair while he slowly drifted to sleep. He was still doing his duties, stalking around the palace with sweat dripping down his neck and a flushed face. He wasn’t quite in rut yet, but he was so close. Jimin gave him a few of the ribbons he’d worn around his neck. They were drenched in his scent and would tide the alpha over for a couple more minutes. His mother returned with illness from the hunt, exhausted and refusing anyone but her concubines and mate, Taehyung’s mother. Jimin assumed she was in rut as well. It seemed to be that season. With Taehyung’s scent going rampant, the omega Prince was up in arms and following the Prince like a dog on a leash. At times, Jimin grew annoyed, but he knew Taehyung’s rut could only be sated through his scent and his heat. No other omega could take the pain away from him. Himchan must’ve smelled Jimin on the alpha because late in the evening on the fourth night of Taehyung’s pre-rut, an urgent knocking woke him from his half-sleep at his desk. He was writing to his father again, trying to think of the words when he fell asleep. The knocking woke him right up though. Jimin, at first, thought maybe it was Taehyung, finally starting his rut for real, but when he slid the door to his chambers open, it was that young omega Prince standing there instead. Jimin’s smile faltered and a curious furrow of his brows came at the sight of the omega standing before his chambers. Jimin quickly dropped into a deep bow so as not to offend the foreign Prince. “Your Royal Highness,” Jimin greeted, somewhat coldly, “to what do I owe the pleasure?” He then smiled, trying his best to hold back the slight fear in his gut. “I’ve found myself bored and in need of something to fill my time.” He explained with a frustrated sigh. “You see, the Prince is busy with his duties, so I’ve found myself lonely. May I come in?” He asked, a coy smile playing upon his lips. Jimin bit his lip. “I see.” He didn’t want the omega coming in and smelling Taehyung, so… “Why don’t we walk the courtyard?” Jimin asked, and the omega seemed to frown for a split second before shaking his head. “I’ve walked all of the courtyards in the palace.” He said. Jimin swallowed thickly. “I could take you into the city…?” “Boring. I’d like to just sit and chat, I’m saving my energy in case Taehyung wants to use me during his rut.” Jimin froze slightly at those words. They were so horrible. Did the omega only regard himself as a tool for satisfaction? A twinge of pain for the omega lifted through his heart.
He slowly but surely moved himself, allowing the omega entry into his private quarters. He smiled and immediately stepped inside, looking around and sniffing the air. Jimin hoped it didn’t smell like Taehyung. “It’s smaller than I imagined.” He chuckled. “They gave me the grandest room in the palace, I think.” He bragged, but Jimin couldn’t possibly care. “I thought it should’ve been closer to Taehyungie…like this one is.” He said, so obviously shading Jimin, who stood rigid by the door. “The Prince requested I have this—” “But you’re a servant—just a dancer.” He snapped, and Jimin’s eyes grew larger. “You do know that right?” The omega slinked closer to Jimin, gaze lidded as he glazed his eyes over the older omega. “Compared to Taehyung and I, you’re practically nothing. He probably only sees you as a toy.” Jimin’s scent soured and he hoped his thick ribbon covered it up, but he doubted it. Jimin kept quiet and still though. The omega laughed, covering his mouth as he gave Jimin a side glare full of daggers. “Once he has a taste of me, I’m sure he’ll have no need for you any longer.” Himchan let out a little hum that was half of a laugh. Jimin’s gut tingled with annoyance. The omega looked around eyes , falling upon the cases among cases, among cases of jewelry that Taehyung had bought and gifted to him. Himchan gazed upon the gifts, and Jimin could smell the way he grew angry just looking at the beautiful gifts that ranged from hair pins to necklaces and even gorgeous hanboks. He picked up a pretty metal and glass hairpiece that was designed to look like a lotus flower. “Who are these from?” Jimin stiffened, and for a moment, he didn’t answer. Himchan growled, hand tightening around the metal rod of the hairpiece. “Answer, servant.” He demanded, and Jimin’s jaw clenched. “I-I bought them.” Jimin finally said, lying, and Himchan glowered at him. He set the pin down before stalking towards Jimin with tight brows and a grueling expression. “You liar.” He spat. “Those were supposed to be Taehyung’s courting gifts to me , and you stole them!” He was accused, and it was certainly a bold accusation. Jimin inhaled sharply. His somewhat calm demeanor changed into a slightly worried one. “Y-Your Highness, no. I did not—“ Himchan just laughed vibrantly and stalked past Jimin towards the door. “Lying again. I’ll have both your hands served at our mating ceremony!” He shouted before grabbing Jimin’s wrist and tugging it. The next thing Jimin knew the two of them were standing before a palace guard in the hall, Himchan shouting up at him. “This servant has been stealing from the Crown Prince! And me! “ He claimed as loud as he could, and Jimin instantly shook his head as he was thrown forward. The palace guard grabbed Jimin’s arm, shaking his head in protest. “NNo, no. That’s not true. I didn’t—“ “Stop lying already, you thief.” Himchan growled meanly, and the guard glared down at Jimin.
The young omega was thrown to the floor of a small room. Chinmae, Madame Sun, and the Head of the Palace Guard were all there, suddenly staring down at Jimin, who was gripped in the soldier’s hand tightly. The man helped him off the floor from where Himchan threw him down. Himchan was close behind, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “Where is the Prince?” The omega Prince demanded. “I wish to speak to him immediately.”
The Head of the Palace Guard stepped forward with a deeply furrowed brow. “He’s just entered the rut and was sent to his chambers moments ago.” He explained. Chinmae stepped forward, a careful eye on Jimin. “I can help, Your Royal Highness.” Chinmae said, brow furrowed and confused. “What’s the matter?” Himchan scoffed and pointed a finger to Jimin, who winced. “This omega has been stealing The Prince’s mating gifts that were meant to be for me!” He said, stomping his foot like a child. Madame Sun stood abruptly, brows tight. “What?” Chinmae’s brows lifted in surprise. “Are you sure, Your Highness?” Chinmae asked, seemingly confused. Himchan held up the lotus hairpiece. “He has many more where this came from.” He said, full of anger. “He said he bought them, the little liar!” Himchan shot a glare back at the omega, whose arm was still being held gentler in the soldier’s grasp. Chinmae looked to Jimin, gesturing a finger to the guard. The larger alpha let Jimin go, and the omega stiffened. “Omega, what is the meaning of this?” Chinmae asked, his brows knitted tightly in disbelief as he took the hairpiece from Himchan’s fingers. He held it up to Jimin instead. “I-I didn’t steal it, My Lord.” Jimin said, eyes wide with tears and fear of losing his hands or being kicked out. Chinmae frowned softly. “Where did it come from? I know you are not wealthy enough to buy something of this price.” Himchan nodded in agreement, crossing his arms over his chest. Jimin bit his lip, eyes glancing from the other men back to Lord Chinmae. “I—Tae—His Royal Highness, The Prince gifted them to me.” He answered, this time fully truthful. Himchan scoffed, shaking his head. “Why would he give something to you when he is betrothed to me? ” He laughed as if it was out of this world, as if Jimin was lying. Jimin wanted so badly to pull the ribbon from his neck and display the mark to the world and Himchan alike. He wanted them to gasp in surprise and be speechless, but he knew he couldn’t. That would only make it worse. “I-I don’t know.” Jimin bowed, leaving his pride aside. “Please, forgive the offense, Your Royal Highness.” Jimin said, even though he wanted to tell the little bratty Prince how much of a shit he was, he didn’t. The omega Prince furrowed his brows tightly. “I’ll forgive him when his hands are cut off for thieving.” Jimin stiffened. “He stole from me and the Prince!” He shouted, and Chinmae shook his head softly. “Your Highness, I apologize for the misunderstanding, but we cannot cut off his hands.” Chinmae said, and Jimin wanted to relax but he couldn’t. Himchan was adamant he be punished for this crime he did not commit. Himchan furrowed his brows. “Fine. Should I go directly to the source then?” Himchan grabbed Jimin’s wrist once more, and Chinmae was about to protest and take Jimin’s wrist back when the door slammed open. Jimin inhaled and was instantly hit with a rut . Oh no. Jimin nearly said aloud as everyone turned to see Taehyung— accompanied by Jeongguk—standing drenched in his own sweat. His face was red, eyes blown, and from where he stood in nothing but his sleepwear, his large erection was sitting, unbothered by the stares he received. Jeongguk looked worried, but more annoyed than anything—like he’d tried to stop Taehyung, but was very unsuccessful. “My Prince!” Himchan gaped, wholly unprepared for the sight he was seeing. “Did you give this servant these gifts that were meant for me?” Himchan smiled, and Jimin swallowed at the sight of Taehyung. He’d never seen him in such a state.
Jeongguk looked at the lotus hair pin and nodded his head. “Ah, yes. Those were gifts for his favorite omega dancer. They were never meant for you, Your Highness.” Jeongguk said, without an ounce of care for the way Himchan’s face melted into embarrassment. Taehyung then just growled, eyes trained on Jimin, who stiffened under his gaze. “You.” He just said, bare feet stomping forward. Jeongguk tried to stop him, but was unsuccessful. Himchan inhaled sharply, stepping away from Jimin, who stumbled backwards slightly as Taehyung tumbled towards them. “Taehyung!” Jeongguk tried again to stop him, half-heartedly, but the alpha just hooked his arms around Jimin’s waist and lifted the smaller one up. Jimin squealed, pushing against Tarhyung’s chest until he was thrown over the Prince’s shoulder, and Jeongguk could only roll his eyes. He was ready to kill Taehyung it seemed. The alpha ignored everyone else in the room, too drunk off of his own rut to realize what he was doing. Jimin just beat fists against Taehyung’s back, trying to protest, but Taehyung ignored him too. “Rut.” He simply grunted as if that was the answer to everything. The others just watched in awe. Himchan was blushing madly, and Chinmae looked about ready to combust with confusion. The others were the same. Jeongguk sighed as Taehyung carried Jimin out, leaving him to deal with the carnage of the situation. “I’m so sorry. When His Royal Highness is in rut, he cannot be stopped.” Jeongguk simply said before leaving the room entirely. Taehyung pat Jimin’s struggling, squirming ass with a breathy laugh. “You promised.” “You can’t just—“ “I can do whatever I want, I’m the Prince.” He growled possessively, and Jimin’s jaw clamped shut. “I saved you again, anyways, so don’t be too angry.” He said, somewhat more sober than his other slurring words. Jimin bit his lip. It was true. Taehyung saved him… again . Jimin slowly pressed his face into Taehyung’s back, face red, and lip quivering. “Thank you…” -
Chapter 30: I Don’t Believe in the Devil Jimin dug his nails into Taehyung’s back, holding onto him until he threw the door to his room closed. Jimin’s clothes were all over his bed, wrinkled and spread across the floor too. Taehyung growled into Jimin’s ear, grabbing him all over, hands gripping and grabbing his robes and tearing them off until he found skin. Jimin moaned softly at the feeling of Taehyung’s fingers all over him. “Taehyung—wait.” Jimin sighed as the larger alpha dropped him against the bed. A gasp riddled out of his lips at the feeling of his body being thrown down, bouncing on a pile of his own clothes. Taehyung didn’t wait. He climbed on top of Jimin, holding him tightly and mouthing at his neck. Jimin pressed his hands to Taehyung’s chest, trying to push the larger away as the alpha’s rut scent took over his senses. It was intoxicating. “Can’t wait, I need you now.” He hissed, rutting against Jimin’s hip rhythmically. “Can I?” He practically begged, voice a low whine out of desperation. Jimin shivered as Taehyung smoothed down Jimin’s chest then abdomen then to his length. The larger grabbed Jimin’s legs and hooked them over his shoulders, hips pressing to Jimin’s arse, his erection already holding a knot. Jimin keeled his head back with a bite of his lip. He could feel the slick between his cheeks. He could feel himself squirm. Taehyung sucked hickeys into Jimin’s neck, rubbing against him so lewdly. Jimin inhaled sharply, a sudden rush of heat pulsing down his body in waves. At that moment, Jimin roughly pushed Taehyung back. The alpha gasped and stared down at the omega, who slowly slipped forward. “Wait—Jimin, wait.” Taehyung held his shivering hands back from touching the omega, who looked horrified. “What’s wrong? What did I— Did I do something?” Jimin shook his head. “Sit back.” Jimin demanded, slowly pressing his palm against Taehyung’s chest. Taehyung watched Jimin closely, nervously, like he would do something wrong—like he would scare the omega away with just one movement, one look. Taehyung leaned back against his pillows that were covered already in sweat. Jimin pushed Taehyung’s squirming legs down so he could climb on top of him. Taehyung inhaled sharply as Jimin placed himself right on Taehyung’s hips. Their cocks pressed up against each other—Taehyung’s painfully hard, knot fully formed, and Jimin could feel it. Jimin wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s neck, staring down at the alpha as he tried to move without scaring his omega mate. “Let me help.” Jimin whispered before pressing his lips to Taehyung very gently, and Taehyung just let him. The omega slowly rutted his hips up and down, smoothing against Taehyung as pleasure lifted through his gut, tingling. Taehyung was breathing heavily, hands moving up and down Jimin’s waist before grabbing at his hips and ass with Jimin’s movements against his skin. Jimin’s robes were thrown apart, still sitting and sliding down from his shoulders. “Taehyungie..” Jimin whined softly, only making Taehyung go a bit further over the edge. He pulled at Jimin’s robes until he could see that bite mark he put on Jimin’s skin. Jimin did the same thing, lips going down to wrap around the mark, sucking and pulling. It was still scabbed and rough, but healing quickly. Jimin slowly placed his teeth on top of the older wound. He didn’t bare down, didn’t bite or puncture the skin. His teeth just sat there, grazing his skin. Taehyung instantly unraveled, throwing his head back and pulling his hands back to grab Jimin’s waist tightly as he jerked his hips up against Jimin.
It was warm and Taehyung’s moans were warm and slowly moving higher and higher in pitch until he was gasping out little gasps and holding Jimin so, so tightly. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jimin, and the smaller quickly peeled off Taehyung’s robes that were covered in sweat, cum, and his toxic scent. It was pulsing and still leaking, and Jimin knew it had to be somewhat painful, so he wrapped his hand around Taehyung’s knot, pulling it with help from Taehyung’s come to use as a lube. Taehyung hissed, gasping and writhing under Jimin’s hand around his length. Taehyung grabbed his wrist and held it tight, moving it faster than Jimin was. Taehyung quickly moved his head up to Jimin, kissing and holding him tightly. Taehyung whined softly against Jimin’s lips, thrusting his hips up into Jimin’s tiny palm. His fingers were hardly able to wrap around his shaft, breaking apart even more when his knot pushed up into his hand, slowly deflating. Taehyung sighed, body melting back into the pillows and sheets. “Jiminie—Minnie, I love you.” He sighed again and held him tightly. Jimin giggled softly, removing his hand to place it against Taehyung’s chest, playing with the come on his chest. “So much..” He sighed, thinking about how he’d had that inside of him—thinking about how he wanted that inside of him. Taehyung peered down and just gasped out a little laugh, pulling Jimin’s hand away from his chest. He grabbed a rag and wiped himself off Jimin's hand, too. Jimin giggled and grabbed Taehyung’s lips into his mouth, moaning against him as he rolled his own hips with a heavy sigh. Taehyung worked his hands up against Jimin’s chest, thumbing at his nipples. Jimin curled into himself, back arching and a whimper leaving his lips. Jimin was quick to pull away, moving down, down until his tongue flicked out of his lips and licked a stripe down his length. Taehyung shivered. He watched Jimin closely as he stirred his tongue around Taehyung’s tip. The elder hissed, seizing up and relaxing slowly with Jimin’s pliant little kisses and licks. One after another, Taehyung became increasingly more frustrated. When Jimin wrapped his lips around the head, bobbing as Taehyung hissed and arched his back, bucking his hips up into Jimin’s hot, wet mouth. It was only slight, but Jimin gasped. Jimin slipped his hands onto Taehyung’s hips, holding him back from thrusting into his mouth. Jimin’s hands rubbed the alpha’s thigh, squeezing when Taehyung tried too hard to move. Jimin swallowed Taehyung, his throat squeezing against the alpha’s tip. Taehyung whimpered. He gasped when Jimin started a faster motion, smoothing the flat of his tongue up and down against Taehyung’s shaft then up to the head of his cock. It made Taehyung buck up, but Jimin held him down. Jimin pressed Taehyung into his mouth until his nose hit the alpha’s naval, then his lips. A little moan choked from his lips at the feeling of Taehyung’s cock so far down his throat, but he was good at not gagging. Taehyung loved that. Jimin pulled off of him with a lewd ‘pop’ only to push his plush lips against the tip. Taehyung gasped out an exasperated groan. “Jimin, please. I’m so close.” The alpha groaned, gently fisting a hand into Jimin’s lightly coloured hair into his fingers. The omega smiled up at him, eyes staring into Taehyung’s as he slowly smoothed his tongue across the tip. Taehyung choked on a gasp, hand coming up to cover his mouth at the sight. Jimin was so sinful. The way his eyes curved lips and his body was just so sinful. He was gorgeous and Taehyung hoped he knew it. Taehyung couldn’t take it anymore. He fisted Jimin’s hair tightly, pulling Jimin’s mouth further onto his length. Jimin moaned softly when Taehyung jerked up into his mouth. The way Taehyung’s cock pressed into his throat made tears form in his eyes, but Jimin loved it. He groaned and moaned as Taehyung fucked his mouth. That knot slowly formed and put his jaw out of place. Instead of holding Taehyung’s hips in place, Jimin gripped his thighs to keep himself grounded.
“Jimin, I’m—“ Before he could finish, Taehyung tried to pull Jimin off of his length, but he was too late. Jimin gasped and let out a small moan as the come spilled into his mouth. Jimin parted his lips, hand wrapping around the base of his cock. He flinched as it continued, and Taehyung groaned so loudly. Jimin just kept his orgasm sated by continuing to pump his length, coming dripping down his chin. Taehyung slowly let go of Jimin’s hair and just sighed, cock still hard, but of course it was. Taehyung was in a rut. Jimin still didn’t realize just how intense it would be as Taehyung slowly wiped his chin, watching the way his lips bounced back into place. Taehyung’s lips fell open at the sight. Jimin was eager now. He feverishly marred off the rest of his own robes. His breathing was uneven and heavy as he climbed on top of Taehyung now, naked and skin glistening in the dim candle light that was slowly flushing out the darkness. Taehyung smoothed fingers up and down Jimin’s shoulders. “Slow down, baby. We have a while together.” Taehyung soothed even though he was desperate to get there—he didn’t act like it. Jimin shook his head and thrusted himself against Taehyung’s chest, arms wrapping around the larger head, just holding him as he moaned softly. His cock trapped against Taehyung’s chest, the alpha watching his expressions so closely. “Fuck, fuck— Ah! “ Jimin cried softly, his head falling to rest against the top of Taehyung’s head. Jimin wrapped a hand around his own erection and pulled until Taehyung pushed his hand away. Taehyung grabbed the omega’s shoulders, flipping their bodies around and pressing him into the bed. The alpha climbed on top of him and thumbed at his hard nipples, watching as a Jimin writhed and moaned under him. He became so pliant and perfect underneath him. He pulled his knees up, but Taehyung just pushed his legs back down, his other hand going to grab Jimin’s member. He hissed, back curling over. Taehyung pushed him back. “Let me make you feel good.” He hummed, and Jimin whined but nodded. Jimin was quick, with only a few pulls he was writhing into the sheets, pulling at the sheets as Taehyung just continued to jerk him off, not giving him a break to breathe as he cried, tears streaming down his cheeks. Jimin wrapped his tiny hands around Taehyung’s hands. He stopped and smiled gently at the omega as he slowly calmed down, breath rough as he melted, arms and legs like jelly. Taehyung pulled Jimin’s legs over his shoulders and pressed against the omega, kissing and molding his tongue against Jimin’s, who was slightly slower—already tired from their games. Jimin choked on a moan as Taehyung slid his hands all over his skin. He was so sensitive, twitching and squirming under Taehyung’s long, smooth fingers. “You’re so fucking gorgeous.” Taehyung whispered and grabbed Jimin’s lips. The smaller gasped out a little giggle. “You’re amazing, now fuck me .“ Jimin demanded. Taehyung smiled and growled, grabbing Jimin and melted against him. Jimin giggled, the man’s fingers tickling him all over. Taehyung blew little raspberries into his neck and then his chest that was splattered with his own come. Jimin felt like screaming. “Taehyung.” He said, but Taehyung just continued teasing him. “Tae-tae.” He repeated. “ Please .“ “You sound like you’re more in heat than me.” Taehyung laughed, head falling forward.
Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s hair and pulled him down, but it didn’t hurt. It wasn’t aggressive or painful. “Then fuck me .“ He growled right into Taehyung’s ear. Taehyung chuckled softly, moaning breathy as he sighed, still not moving forward. Taehyung was afraid, whether he knew it or not. He was so afraid of hurting Jimin, but Jimin knew he wouldn’t. Jimin smoothed his hands through Taehyung’s hair, lips dragging across his jaw and up against his hairline. “To afraid you won’t be able to fuck me good enough?” Jimin said, and Taehyung tensed. Jimin had never said anything like that, but it made Taehyung’s chest light up with excitement, maybe enticed. “Oh?” Taehyung chuckled, mouth wrapping around Jimin’s length all of the sudden. Taehyung’s head was moving fast, and Jimin could hardly stand it. Taehyung suddenly pulled his mouth away. “Tae— Ah! ... Ah.. ah.” Jimin gasped, hands going down to hold his own length that was hard again. “I said..” Jimin smirked when Taehyung stared at him. “Are you scared you won’t be able to please me?” Taehyung growled meanly climbing back up to meet Jimin’s gaze directly. “What?” He snapped, a little frustrated by those words because he was afraid, he just wasn’t scared of that. Jimin giggled, sucking hickeys into Taehyung’s neck. He made sure they were in obvious places that everyone would see—places that he would see. That omega needed to know what was his . Jimin was sure Taehyung would do the same. “Break me.” Jimin said, averting Taehyung’s attention. “I want you to touch me. I want you to fuck me. I want you to need me, Taehyungie.” He gasped out as Taehyung latched onto his neck. “I like seeing you squirm.” Taehyung smirked. Jimin frowned. “I’ll leave.” He threatened, and Taehyung growled, “No, you won’t.” Taehyung huffed. Jimin just tried to pull himself up. He wiggled himself out of Taehyung’s hold and grabbed the clothes he’d thrown to the floor. Taehyung wrestled himself forward. “Jimin?” Taehyung exhaled, body blistering with heat from his rut. “Where are you going?” Jimin shrugged, pulling on the robes and tying them even though it was the only piece of clothing he was wearing, so easily disheveled, but hiding his skin from Taehyung’s hungry eyes. Jimin squeaked, a gasp trembling from his lips as Taehyung hooked an arm around his waist, dragging him backwards. Jimin fell back against Taehyung’s chest, before flipping them both over so Taehyung was pressed tightly against Jimin’s back. The smaller ass pressed up against his hips—against his cock. “Oh?” Jimin giggled, moving his bum to make Taehyung groan softly. “Don’t like teasing so much any more, hm?” Taehyung growled into his ear with a laugh. “I love you.” He just murmured, biting Jimin’s ear while his fingers pressed into his hole gently—slowly. Jimin’s lips fell open, a long-drawn moan falling from his mouth because this is what he’d been waiting for. Taehyung smiled against his skin, pulling their bodies even closer than they were before—which seemed impossible. “I-I love you, too.” Jimin managed through a thick, thick moan of pleasure, pushing his ass back to force Taehyung’s fingers deeper. “Good?” Taehyung asked, feeling worried.
Jimin nodded, moaning and grabbed the sheets in front of him. They bunched up under his hands, but he couldn’t get any words out. He could only moan and whimper and cry in pure pleasure. Taehyung smiled. “Do I seem afraid? “ Taehyung asked, and Jimin laughed out a scoff. Taehyung was frivolous in the way he fingered Jimin open. It was fast, relentless, but Jimin could take it. Jimin licked his lips, stifling his moans with a gasp. “You’re a scared little alpha, aren’t you?” He hummed, trying desperately to rile the alpha up, trying to make him frustrated, so he wasn’t afraid. Taehyung growled and pulled his fingers away with a slick squelch that had Jimin gasping. He was quick to rub against him, slowly pressing himself into the smaller. Jimin gasped, slapping a hand against the sheets, a beautiful moan slipping out, and it made Taehyung’s body keel over immediately. The alpha bellowed out a low moan that turned into a fierce growl. He set his pace, thrusting roughly in and out of Jimin. Their skin slapping, body molding, sweat mixing. It all felt so good. With Jimin’s body on his own, their warmth joined, and moans intermingling, Taehyung felt at peace. The rut sated by the body of his mate, the fact that he was just there and breathing was almost enough to make him feel okay. Jimin pulled his head around as Taehyung’s body moved against him. He snaked his hand back and fisted it through Taehyung’s hair, pulling him down as he grunted and groaned against him. Jimin kissed Taehyung, making sure they were closer than close. Taehyung grunted, rutting up into him. Jimin was stifling his moans that were powered by the strong thrusts and slams of their skin against each other. Taehyung was filling him up to the brim. The alpha’s cock just rubbing and rolling against his insides. It was pressure, so much pressure. All of it. The way Taehyung was bigger than most alphas. He even felt so much bigger when he was in a rut. Taehyung pulled out, almost all the way out, before driving back in. Jimin screamed, hands fisting the sheets under him. He did it more, liking the way it drove Jimin crazy, the way he screamed at the pleasure and butterflies it surfed up through his gut. Taehyung smirked, lips moving close to Jimin’s as the omega tried desperately to kiss him, to stifle his own moans that were just barely off from screams of pleasure. “So loud.” Taehyung growled before pressing his hand over Jimin’s lips, holding back those moans only a little. “You wanna tell me I’m afraid again?” He chuckled, completely wrecking Jimin. “Go ahead.” He growled, fingers moving to squeeze between Jimin’s lips, pressing against his tongue and curling. “Tell me another alpha could fuck you like me.” Jimin quickly shook his head, a cry choking out of his lips as the alpha continued to drive in and out of him relentlessly. It was exactly what Jimin was looking for. Hard, lucid, rough . That was exactly how an alpha’s rut should be. Jimin closed his mouth against Taehyung’s long fingers. He sucked and gasped around the alpha’s fingers. Tears fell down his cheeks, and Taehyung just licked up the salty beads. He slowed only slightly, still thrusting in and out in long forward strokes that had Jimin’s eyes rolling back in his skull. “Does it feel good?” Taehyung asked, knowing that Jimin could only answer in little whines and languid nods of his head. Taehyung’s knot was forming, pressing in and popping out of his heat that was slick with the scent of peaches. Jimin was gasping at each thrust. He was a mess. His legs were trembling, toes curling and fingers digging into Taehyung’s wrists until the pain was pleasurable. Jimin could tell as his groans and growls got deeper, and as his thrusts got more intense, he was about to come. Then it hit both of them, their shared bond connecting the fierceness of their orgasms. Taehyung’s knot
became too large to pull out. Jimin gasped out a scream that was muffled by the alpha’s lips as he groaned out a string of moans. Jimin could feel it inside of him, his body taking it all in, and it felt good. He was lost in the bliss of it all, gasping against Taehyung, who did the same. Still thrusting only slightly as he went through his high, breathing in Jimin’s scent until his head was shoved into his omega’s neck. “Tae-tae,” Jimin gasped through their kisses, “Taehyung—fuck—I can’t feel my legs.” Taehyung laughed against him, slowly placing them onto their side so it could be even slightly more comfortable. Jimin giggled softly, snaking a hand back into Taehyung’s curls and pushing their lips together. Once the knot was down, Taehyung pulled out, making sure he was slow so Jimin didn’t get hurt. The smaller whined at the empty feeling, even though he was filled up with the alpha’s come. Jimin didn’t want it to leave him this time. He wanted to feel it, let it stay there with him. Jimin flipped himself over as Taehyung keeled backwards. A sigh drifted through his lips. Jimin let himself calm down before giggling and crawling back on top of him. Taehyung chuckled. He wrapped his hands around Jimin’s waist, pulling him closer. “Again?” Jimin giggled, and Taehyung nodded almost immediately. “Absolutely.” He laughed and their lips molded together. It was hot and heavy and thick and much more than Jimin could handle. He grabbed Taehyung’s hard member, his own body sitting on top of the alpha. His knees straddled the larger. He giggled, biting at his lip as he pressed the alpha’s slick cock inside of his come covered hole. Jimin made sure his expressions were a bit languid, following the pleasure as well as the pain that boiled inside of him. Once Taehyung was all the way inside of him, Jimin inhaled sharply. He waited for just a second, body quaking, trembling, and holding Taehyung to ground himself or else he might just die and go to heaven. Taehyung was watching Jimin as if the omega was an angel, but in that position, doing those things maybe it should've been a demon. Jimin started to move his hips, oversensitive, but keeping it up for Taehyung’s rut. With every movement, he was moaning, crying softly while working his hips back and forth as well as in circles that made Taehyung gasp and writhe under him. They did that for hours, days even. It was every position, everything they thought was possible, they did it. It was long, but it felt shorter than they’d expected, and by the end of it, Jimin was passed out. His body shook, trying to stay awake as Taehyung cleaned them both up and servants entered with food and water and fresh towels that were steaming. Jimin had never had such treatment, but he was too tired to get up and take advantage of it. His consciousness slurring and throat purring as Taehyung pet hands through his hair and covered him up with a comforter as the servants and handmaids delivered, their bodies quaking from the scent of Taehyung and Jimin intermingling so ferociously. The two scents were too strong not to make knees buckle on both sides. “Are you okay?” Taehyung asked sweetly, the handmaidens couldn’t help but notice it. “How do you feel?” Jimin purred, nodding just barely as his eyes rolled. He was exhausted, so he just let out a moan. Jimin wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s waist, his bite mark on display to everyone, but he didn’t care any longer. “I love you…” Jimin moaned out, purring still because he was just so pleased . Taehyung chuckled softly, just pulling Jimin close and keeping him safe there in his arms. It was perfect. -
Chapter 31: The Seeds of Love Grow Fast and Strong Jimin didn’t think it was entirely possible to be as exhausted as he was. He could hardly breathe without soreness climbing up his legs and through his back. He didn’t think it was possible to move his legs, even. Jimin groaned softly at the feelings of someone’s fingers shifting through the hair on his forehead. He was, thankfully, still pushed up against another’s body. He didn’t think he would survive if that husky floral scent of riches wasn’t in his nose, keeping him at bay through the stickiness on his skin and the smell of come all over. “Taehyungie…?” Jimin questioned, head slowly pulling back to see Taehyung staring down at him with a smile strung across his pretty face. He stroked those long fingers across Jimin’s cheek ever so gently. Jimin smiled, and just fell back to sleep, content with this life, wrapped in his alpha’s arms and full of his seed.
When Jimin woke again, Taehyung was standing a few feet from the bed, tying his dark blue hanbok around his waist and pulling it tight. His hair was damp, Jimin’s scent washed from him slightly. Jimin whined softly from bed, digging his face into Taehyung’s comforters and his own clothes that still smelled of the night before. Taehyung looked up at him with a wide, boxy smile across his full cheeks. “Good morning, sunshine.” He chuckled before finishing pulling his boots onto his feet. Jimin frowned softly, eyes hurting at the sight of sunlight flowing in from the open doors of the courtyard. It was too bright for his exhausted eyes. Taehyung hummed, settling himself on the edge of the bed where Jimin had ended up. He placed a gentle hand against Jimin’s back, rubbing gently. “Sorry..” He smiled, “I wore you out.” Jimin just sent the Prince a glare before giggling softly. “Make it up to me.” Jimin practically demanded, and Taehyung laughed. “What?” Taehyung’s gaze lidded and he leaned forward, so close to Jimin—too close. Jimin relaxed at the alpha’s scent. “Want some more?” Jimin shook his head and wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s waist, pulling him closer. “No. I want you to stay with me.” He explained easily, and Taehyung rolled his eyes, wrapping an arm around Jimin as well. “I’ve already spent nearly a week here with you.” He said, and Jimin frowned, knowing exactly where this was leading. “The Ministers and my mother will have a fit if I stay one more day. Besides, Prince Himchan is leaving, my mother wants me to say goodbye.” He kissed Jimin’s nose, and Jimin smiled at the sweet contact. He couldn’t help but think how different it was from the day before, the way Taehyung was so feral and ruthless. It sent a shiver up his spine, and Taehyung felt it too. Now Prince Himchan was leaving and they could be left in peace. Jimin sighed in relief. “Come back quick, won’t you?” Jimin then asked, well it may have been more of a beg than a request. Taehyung nodded his head, nuzzling against Jimin’s scent glands subconsciously. He knew Taehyung shouldn’t walk around with his scent all over him, but he also wanted everyone, including Himchan, to know he was mated . Jimin smiled, slowly pushing Taehyung away, afraid someone might piece it together. He wasn’t sure how no one had already… what with Jimin disappearing the week of the Crown Prince’s rut. Then again, he supposed it didn’t matter because he was the Crown Prince. Jimin bit his lip. People must’ve thought he was a whore… he didn’t know how to feel about that.
Taehyung smiled down at Jimin. “I’ll try my best.” He said before placing the gentlest kiss to his mate’s forehead. “You can always find me.. through the channels, you know?” Taehyung said, and Jimin’s head snapped up. “Channels?” He repeated. Taehyung nodded, pointing to one of the walls of his large room. “Behind that wall is a small corridor, only the royal family knows of its existence and where it leads to.” He said, and Jimin watched with big estranged eyes. “Those halls go everywhere from the throne room to the black cells below the palace.” He brightened at Jimin’s interested expression. “It was originally an escape route, but now it’s just convenient.” He sighed with a shrug. Yes, Taehyung’s family hadn’t been overthrown since they took the throne two hundred years ago. Jimin thought that was something to be proud of. Taehyung cupped Jimin’s cheeks, stealing his attention from that panel of tiger fabric to Taehyung’s handsome face. Jimin smiled. “We can use it, meet somewhere during one of my meetings so I can just kiss you .“ Jimin giggled through a gentle kiss that Taehyung pressed to his lips. His own hands came up to hold Taehyung’s hips tightly. “I like that plan… but I can’t even stand right now, my love.” He said, their lips just hairsbreadth away. Taehyung growled out a laugh before swallowing Jimin’s lips once more. “You’ll forgive me, won’t you, flower?” Taehyung said, breathless. Jimin smiled, stealing a few kisses. “Only if you promise to do it again—“ ‘Knock, knock!’ “Your Royal Highness.” Jeongguk said through the door as Taehyung and Jimin looked at it. Taehyung sighed softly. “Yes, come in.” He hummed, laced in annoyance. The door opened and two people stepped inside. Hoseok by Jeongguk’s side as they came in and shut the door rather quickly. “Well, well. Decided to rouse ourselves today, did we?” Jeongguk snickered, and Hoseok shoved him slightly with a frown. Taehyung chuckled, grabbing a silk blanket and draping it over Jimin’s head and naked body before the other alphas could see. Not that the smell left anything for their imagination. It smelled like a whorehouse. Jimin pulled the silk blanket around himself and smiled at the two alphas as he slipped onto his back. Taehyung frowned at the two. “Must I go?” He asked, falling to Jimin’s side and placing a hand onto his belly. “Tell my mother I’m still recovering.” He demanded, but Hoseok scoffed, stepping forward. “Your Royal Highness ,” He chuckled, stepping forward and grabbing the Prince’s arm and pulling him up off of the bed. Jimin whined softly, lips going out to pout. “I’m sorry, Jimin, but we need your husband for the day, at least.” Hoseok explained, and Jimin nodded softly. Taehyung whined, reaching for Jimin, who teased him with a slip of the silk blanket from his shoulder and a catty smile upon his thick lips. “Hyung! Seriously?” “You’ve had more than enough sex for the next three months!” Jeongguk gasped out with a laugh, forcing Taehyung out of the room before sending Jimin a little wink and closing the doors. And like a light, Jimin shut his eyes again, the aching of his muscles still heavy as he melted into the sheets of Taehyung’s bed.
It had been about two weeks. Once Taehyung was back to his royal duties, it wasn't nearly as impossible to see him as before. He wasn’t staying up in the late hours of the night or waiting at dinners where Jimin performed. Still, Taehyung couldn’t keep his eyes off of the omega, especially not after they kissed and groped each other after every single meeting he had. Jimin was learning his way around the palace through those secret hallways. It was quiet, and there wasn’t a soul to glare at him or make him feel outcasted. There was no running into Madame Sun especially. The best part was seeing Taehyung step through those secret entrances and grab him up almost immediately. He could’ve been speaking to a minister or an ambassador. It didn’t matter to the alpha. Jimin was more important than anything, no matter how many little squabbles they got into over tiny details. He would always scoop Jimin up into his arms and hold him tighter and tighter each time, like they were going to lose each other in the waves. Jimin giggled into their kiss as Taehyung’s hands came up from his hips to his waist and under his arms, tickling him slightly. Jimin pulled away, breathless, eyes glazing over Taehyung’s face and taking in every feature he could of the alpha. “Don’t you have important alphas to meet?” Jimin giggled as Taehyung quickly started kissing and nipping at his neck. Jimin was surprised they hadn’t had sex in one of those tiny, cramped halls, yet . Taehyung huffed shortly. “There you go, making yourself seem irrelevant.” He growled, scenting Jimin with a big hickey, right below his collarbone. “You’re more important than anyone in the entire world.” Taehyung said with a light gasp as Jimin sucked a hickey into his shoulder as well. “You minx.” He huffed, snaking a hand into Jimin’s hair as the omega chuckled softly. After just a moment more, they could hear a few people asking questions through the wall, most just asking where the Prince had disappeared to. Taehyung sighed softly, and Jimin just laughed.
“I’ll be in your room tonight, okay?” Jimin hummed, ghosting his lips across Taehyung’s jaw. “So look forward to it.” The omega was a tease. He peeled himself right off of his alpha’s front and stepped away with a gentle sway of his hips. For a moment, Jimin thought Taehyung would follow, but he just tightened his jaw, watching Jimin slip down the hall. The omega looked over his shoulder. Taehyung was still there, probably contemplating how much trouble he would be in if he just left . Jimin slipped around a corner, pressing himself against the wall with the bite of his lip. He stood there, heart racing like he’d run around. He grabbed the fabric that shrouded his chest and tried to control his breathing with a deep inhale. When he slipped his head around the corner—just a peek— Taehyung had gone back already, and Jimin was free to giggle softly. He was so madly in love. Chapter 32: Expect the Unexpected “Ah, thank you Sunmi, but I’m really not hungry.” Jimin said immediately as the door to his room opened, his friend, Sunmi barely stepped in before stopping. The omega at the door stared at him for a moment, then down at her own plate. Taehyung was stuck in multiple meetings that he wasn’t able to get out of. His mother was attending with him, unfortunately. Sunmi furrowed her brows. “Alright well… Do you mind if I still eat here? I’ll save your meal for Dawon, then.” She asked, remaining at the door. Jimin peered towards her with heavy eyes. “Yes, come and sit.” He said, gesturing to the table that sat a few feet from his bed where he laid, tired. “Is Dawon coming?” He asked, and Sunmi nodded, stepping towards the table. Gods , the food in her hands smelled appalling to Jimin, and he liked fried kimchi and fish cakes. It didn’t smell as appetizing as it usually did, and Jimin wanted to know why, but he was too tired to think about it. “She should be here any second.” Sunmi said, settling into a chair and pulling another up for Dawon to sit. Sunmi then peered up to Jimin with big eyes. “Jimin-ah?” She cocked her head to the side. “Is something wrong? Do you usually love this meal?” Jimin moved his head to peer at his friend. “I’m not sure. It just smells horrid tonight, plus I’m too tired to eat.” He pouted, and Sunmi shrugged. “Maybe you’re growing ill.” She said as a knock lapped against the door gently. “That must be Dawon,” she stood, “but, really, Jiminie, you should see the physician if you’re feeling unwell.” She said, sliding the door open. Dawon stood there with a big smile across her pretty face. Sunmi greeted her with a tight hug, pulling the alpha inside. “Dawon, Jimin said you could have his plate.” “Oh?” Dawon hummed, pressing a kiss to Sunmi’s temple before turning her attention to Jimin, who was falling asleep on his bed. “Jimin, are you feeling unwell?” She asked, cutely, just like her older brother. Jimin shook his head. “I don’t feel bad, I’m just tired, that’s all.” He explained, propping himself up on his elbow as they came to sit back down at the table. Jimin smiled at the way Sunmi clung to Dawon, sitting just centimeters away from her. Dawon hummed softly before pulling what was Jimin’s plate towards herself. “Well, I’m sure you’ll have a nice, big breakfast.” Jimin just nodded, placing his head back down and closing his eyes.
The next time he was awake, it was pitch black in his room, save for a small candle’s light that was moving with a body. Jimin hummed softly. “Taehyungie?” He whined through exhausted eyes and parted lips. The candlelight shifted, a body turning towards him, and Jimin hummed, unsure of who it was, but he didn’t want to get up and see either. He was too tired, which was already strange because he’d slept early and woken late for a few days now. Jimin shifted in bed as the mattress dipped, and the incoming scent of deep floral sent his tight stomach spiraling into comfort. Jimin sighed softly, hands going out to grab for the alpha’s body. “Come here, baby.” He felt fabric in his fists and pulled it down until a body collapsed on top of him, a gush of that floral hitting him like a wave of contentment. The alpha chuckled in his ear. “Are you that tired, flower?” Taehyung’s voice was thick and raspy, like, he too, was exhausted like Jimin was. Jimin only had the energy to let out a little noise as a ‘yes’ . Taehyung accepted it easily, just wrapped himself around Jimin’s body and snuggled up against him. They just slept. Jimin felt too content to move, and Taehyung was too comfortable to move either. Neither one disturbed the other, not until the morning came at least and Taehyung was rising from the bed with heavy sighs and heavier steps. Jimin lifted himself as well, watching as Taehyung stumbled into the washroom to get himself ready to return to his own room. Jimin looked at a window where the sun had just barely finished rising over the horizon. It was early, too early for Jimin, but something didn’t feel right. Especially Taehyung leaving his side. He felt alone, unaccompanied, and for some reason scared . Jimin stood, stumbling as his whole world went sideways. “T-Taetae?” He sighed softly, voice still laced with sleepiness. Taehyung was still in the washroom. “Go back to sleep, Minnie.” He said in a soft, deep voice. It didn’t calm him like Jimin expected. He needed to be there, touching the alpha to feel any better and he knew it. That was hard though, with the world tipping sideways. Jimin felt queasy. He felt horrible, his stomach twisting and turning in his gut, and he felt it rising, acid burning his throat until Taehyung wrapped a gentle arm around him, soothing the sick feeling in his body. Jimin just let out a breathless sigh as Taehyung furrowed his brows. His omega melted against him. “Jimin? What’s the matter? You’re pale.” Taehyung instantly panicked, but Jimin just chuckled softly. He punched his arm against Taehyung’s chest softly with a laugh. “I’m fine, I’m just tired.” Jimin said, but Taehyung looked unsure. He slipped Jimin back towards his own bed and placed the omega into the canopy nest he’d made where Taehyung’s scent was strongest, a few items of his clothing scattered around to make the omega feel better when he was away. The omega settled slightly, but when Taehyung drew away from him, Jimin gasped. Taehyung stiffened. “Jimin, you—“ “I’m okay!” Jimin snapped, defensive all of the sudden. Taehyung’s back straightened and he grazed a hand over Jimin’s cheek. The omega leaned into it, needing his touch. “I’ll send for Seokjin to keep you company.” He said as Jimin slowly sunk back into a light sleep. The smaller just curled up, nodding gently. He didn’t really realize Taehyung had left, not with being completely surrounded by his scent in his nest. It was all a blur, waking up with his stomach clenching, body seizing up. He didn’t even realize he was up, didn’t realize his body was even moving as the world continued to tip upside down and backwards and sideways. He certainly didn’t realize he
was in his bathroom, kneeling over the chamber pot, hands braced against the floor as his stomach forced his insides out with little gasps and cries. He was dry heaving, gasping for it to stop. It came back slowly, he realized that he was vomiting and that it felt horrible and tasted worse. He felt cramps pulse in his stomach before there were steps just as he was calming down, breathing still quick and sparse as drool dripped from his lip into the chamber pot. When Jimin came to, when the world stopped spinning, he peered up to see Seokjin crouching down, hands in Jimin’s hair, pulling the short strands back from his face as he inhaled big gusts of air before trembling them back out. He didn’t register Seokjin’s voice as he tried to collect himself and gather his bearings. Seokjin repeated himself though, eyes looking very concerned. “Jimin-ah, are you okay?” He supposed he wasn’t. Jimin could only shake his head gently, unable to mutter any words as he stuttered out a lengthy sigh. Seokjin just smoothed a gentle hand over the smaller omega’s back, caressing him and soothing his more primal needs, but what he really needed was Taehyung. He just felt so wrong without him. It had never felt like that before. “Don’t-Don’t feel good.” Jimin was finally able to gasp out, but thankfully there was nothing left for him to vomit. Seokjin nodded, looking a bit pitiful for Jimin. “Taehyung thought you didn’t feel good.” He said. “Do you still feel bad? Is there more?” He asked, and Jimin hung his head with a little whiny sob. Seokjin grabbed a few tissues from the washroom’s side and wiped the younger’s mouth skilfully. Seokjin treated Jimin like the younger was his own. He then slowly pulled Jimin to his feet, and after a dizzying second, Jimin was okay. “Let’s get you to Joonie, then.” Seokjin smiled, brushing the hair from Jimin’s pale, tearyeyed face. They walked together, Seokjin’s hand on his arm to steady him the whole time, but as they walked, the better Jimin started to feel. He didn’t exactly feel better , just more normal. He didn’t feel like he would vomit again, at least. Namjoon greeted the two with a gentle finger as he placed three bottles of medicine into a young servant’s hands. “Bring these to Lady Cho, please.” He said, and the servant nodded before stepping out of the infirmary. Seokjin made sure to lock the door as he left. Namjoon stared at his mate for a moment before peering at Jimin, who looked pale, but still okay . “What—uh—What’s the problem?” Namjoon asked, peering at Seokjin, but standing over Jimin. Jimin opened his mouth with a sigh and shrugged his shoulders. Seokjin just stared at Namjoon with knowing eyes. “I-I guess I just haven’t been feeling well for the past few days.” Jimin said. Namjoon settled against his table with furrowed brows, still unsure of what Seokjin was staring at him for. “Okay… What are the symptoms? What’s going on?” He asked, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. Jimin bit his lip, eyes rolling in thought. “I’m always sleepy, any food I get near smells disgusting…” Namjoon pushed his glasses up. “I don’t know, but this morning—just now, I threw up.” He said, biting at his lip once more, nervous. Namjoon was silent for a moment. He gave Seokjin a glance before moving forward. “Any intense needs? Food, maybe? Dizziness?” Jimin stiffened, nodding. “I—well—I feel wrong without Taehyung… I’ve never felt that before.” He explained, and Namjoon took a deep breath. He stepped forward, and Jimin grew a little tense. “Alright, Jimin-ah, I’m going to touch your stomach. Is that okay?” He asked politely, and Jimin
furrowed his brows. A subconscious hand ghosted over his robes where his stomach was. It was still a bit sore from vomiting. “Okay…” Jimin said, glancing at Seokjin, who just nodded in response. He had a gentle smile on his face. Namjoon nodded, smoothing a hand through the slit in Jimin’s robe and settling upon his stomach. Jimin stiffened, back going straight at the feeling of another alpha’s touch. It felt terribly wrong, only Taehyung had touched him in such places. Namjoon’s hand pressed gently into his stomach, as if feeling it for something in particular. After another second or two, Namjoon took his hand away. Seokjin took a step forward, brows knitted. Jimin was feeling concerned now as well. Was something wrong with him? Was he terribly ill? // Dying? // “What—uhm..” Jimin paused, a little scared to even ask. “What’s wrong?” He asked, peering up to Seokjin as well because the omega looked equally as worried. Namjoon waited a moment, a little taken aback. He didn’t know what to say, or maybe how. Jimin’s gut was in coils. He was scared of what the elder would say. “Jimin-ah,” Namjoon started and closed his lips a few times before finally letting out a soft sigh.
“You’re pregnant.” -
Chapter 33: Some Secrets are Better Off Unkempt Jimin sat curled up in Seokjin's arms, the elder omega knowing just the right places on Jimin's skin that made him feel good. He'd cried into Seokjin's shoulder, holding him tightly as he let out all of his terror in the form of cries. Seokjin had taken the younger boy to his room before the shock settled. He still didn't quite believe it. He was pregnant? Fuck . Jimin wanted to scream. He hoped this was a sick joke. Maybe it was a stomach bug or he was just I'll. A few times the thought of him dying crossed his mind. The thought only made him more upset. "Hyung, what am I going to do? ” Jimin cried through soft sobs. Seokjin but his lip, he probably knew the feeling. He had two children after all. While Jimin loved those two pups, he didn't think he was ready at all for his own. Especially not in the palace surrounded by people who already wanted him dead. Seokjin pet his head gently, hushing his soft cries as he spreads his calming pheromones. Jimin wanted to say it was working, but it wasn't. Jimin didn't think anything would work. Not even Taehyung's scent and hold. Jimin didn't even want to see Taehyung for the first time. Seokjin's jaw tightened. "You need to tell Taehyung. He can protect you— " Jimin ripped himself out of Seokjin's hold. "I couldn't possibly." Jimin barked, body filling up with fear. "I'll be killed." Jimin whispered, melting back into Seokjin's chest. "That's why you need to tell Taehyung." Seokjin said, being extra patient with the omega. "I was the same way when I first got pregnant with Hei.." Seokjin smiled and scoffed at the memory. Jimin peered up to him. "Taehyung really saved my arse.. Hoseokie too." He smiled brightly, kissing Jimin's forehead. Jimin shook his head again. "I can't, hyung. Really , I can't." He said, breaking into another sob and wrapping around Seokjin once more. "Please, please, please, hyung, don't tell anyone." Jimin begged, so Seokjin gushed him with a gentle rub of his back. "I swear I won't." Seokjin sighed, and held Jimin tightly. There was nothing Jimin could do now. This limb of destiny was already set into motion, and soon Jimin would have a pup of his own. Jimin was trembling, he was so scared. "Don't let them hurt my pup, hyung…" Seokjin stiffened, body going tight with Jimin in his hold. "I won't let anyone hurt you or your pup, Jimin… I swear ."
Seokjin brushed the wisps of brown hair from Jimin's face where he slept. He wasn't sleeping soundly at all. He cried in his sleep, so absolutely torn by terror even while resting. The door to Seokjin's room opened slowly. He'd had everyone notified that Jimin wasn't feeling well and was in the elder's room. Thankfully they listened but… "Daddy!" Aecha squealed, running into the room. Seokjin instantly swung himself around and gave her a firm finger. The little girl immediately curled into herself and frowned. Seokjin turned back to Jimin, who was still sound asleep, only stirring slightly. Aecha hugged Seokjin's legs and He stepped inside with Yoongi, who was looking for Jimin. He found him on the bed and frowned softly.
Seokjin sent Aecha and Hei into their own rooms that were on the other side of the wall from Jimin. Yoongi wrapped an arm around Seokjin and leaned into him. "Is he okay?" Yoongi whispered. Seokjin hummed. Yoongi didn't know, and if Jimin didn't tell him, Seokjin wouldn't either. Jimin deserved that at least. "As well as he can.." Seokjin answered. Yoongi gave Seokjin a face of pity before pulling Hei and Aecha towards a section of the room where they wouldn’t bother Jimin, who was fast asleep on the bed. He was finally able to get some rest. His morning sickness was long gone, and only Seokjin really knew how he felt. He remembered the moment he first got pregnant with Hoseok’s pup. His own mate, Namjoon was there—during the conception. Fuck, they both could’ve been the father, but Hei looked like Hoseok. His sunbeam smile and dark ravenous hair. He looked just like the alpha. Aecha, on the other hand. Was a dead ringer for Namjoon. She had beautiful, deep dimples and a gorgeous smile that Seokjin, of course, fell in love with at first sight. Her hair was dark as well, thanks to Seokjin’s dark brown hair. The moment he knew he was pregnant, Seokjin hadn’t even wanted Hoseok to know. In fact, he didn’t tell Hoseok until Hei was a year old. He was too afraid that the others would be upset or disturbed or even angry, but Hoseok was the very opposite . Hoseok broke down into tears almost immediately and didn’t stop holding them both until he was forced out. Taehyung had been the greatest person in Seokjin’s life at the time. He was hurting and scared, but Taehyung protected him and his pup. He arranged Seokjin’s marriage to Namjoon before the bump was even visible to most. He protected Seokjin from the court people and held up his reputation. He still owed Taehyung everything, even if Taehyung didn’t think so. Seokjin pursed his lips. He hoped Jimin would tell Taehyung. There was a sharp knock at the door, and Seokjin stiffened. He stepped over to the door and opened it to a face he’d hoped not to see. Seokjin’s expression hardened, trying hard to stay stoic. “Taehyung, hello.” He softened into a smile. He had to get Jimin to tell him. Seokjin gently pushed the door further closed, watching as Taehyung squirmed. He must’ve heard from Namjoon or Sunmi that Jimin had felt unwell. “Hyung, Jimin is here, right?” He frowned, brows knitting tightly. He was worried. Seokjin could see it. He tried to look around Seokjin, but the elder knew Jimin would be uncomfortable just as he had. He avoided Hoseok for nearly two months. Seokjin was sure Jimin couldn’t do that, their bond was too strong. Seokjin gave himself a moment before pursing his lips. “Yes, he’s here— “ Taehyung tried to push in while mumbling under his breath. “But, Taehyung, he’s resting, I don’t think you should wake him.” Seokjin said and smiled softly, almost sadly to Taehyung. Taehyung slowly stepped back, pushing his hands behind his back and making a face of discomfort and worry. “But-But he’s okay, right? He’s feeling better?” He asked. Seokjin smiled brighter and nodded. “Yes! Of course. He’s feeling much better, don’t you worry.” Taehyung didn’t brighten. He still looked nervous and upset that he couldn’t see Jimin.
Jimin stayed in Seokjin’s room for the next week, and to make Jimin’s life easier, he didn’t tell him Taehyung visited. Jimin didn’t ask either. He was too scared, too stressed still that he was pregnant. Jimin looked up from his letter. It was to his parents, confessing what had happened…confessing that he was pregnant. Seokjin stepped inside, eyes charmed by Jimin’s presence as always. “What’re you up to?” He asked, carrying Aecha on his hip while holding Hei’s hand as they stepped inside. Jimin smiled back at him, standing up from the table and pushing the letter into its envelope and closing it up. He hummed and held the letter up. “Just a letter to my family.” He chuckled softly, biting his lip. Seokjin nodded, letting a tired Hei slump into the other room. “Oh, Namjoon should be here soon, so he can take it for you.” Jimin shook his head. “Actually, I’d like to go to the city myself to send it.” He explained, and Seokjin furrowed his brow. “Would you like someone to go with you? I can—“ “I—no, it’s alright. Can I go with Namjoon? You must be busy with the.. the kids.” Jimin said, smiling, slipping towards the door. “Oh, yeah. Sure.” Seokjin laughed, snaking a hand through Aecha’s hair and humming gently. “He’s in his physician’s office.” He nodded, stepping back towards the back room where their beds were located, along with Jimin’s, who’d had a rapid increase of needing to be near the kids. “Thank you.” Jimin nodded, leaving the room quickly. He held the letter tightly in his hands and pushed it beneath his robes to hide it. He walked through the palace, looking around to make sure he wasn’t anyone’s sight as he stalked quickly through the halls. Jimin hadn’t seen Taehyung since he found out he was pregnant. He was too ashamed, too embarrassed to tell him. He didn’t think he ever could truly. Jimin bit his lip just thinking about it. The only upside was that Seokjin agreed to hide him, but he couldn’t hide it forever. He had the Crown Prince’s child in his belly. Oh, god... Jimin thought he would be sick at the thought. “Jimin!” A familiar voice called—harped, really. Jimin froze. “Jimin!” Taehyung called from behind again, running towards him quickly. What could he say? What would he do? Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s wrist and gently pulled him into a tight, tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much…” Taehyung practically gasped up his scent and rubbed against him. It felt so good. All Jimin wanted was Taehyung’s scent and his warmth, but he knew if he had him he wouldn’t hold back for long. His nerves would get the better of him and he might just spill.
No! He couldn’t. “I’ve missed you too.” Jimin smiled softly, kissing Taehyung’s cheek and slowly pushing Taehyung off of himself with a somewhat sad expression. Taehyung looked at him with worried eyes. Taehyung held Jimin’s shoulders, rubbing them softly. “Are you feeling any better? What’s the matter? Does Namjoon know?” Taehyung bit his lip. “I asked but he said you were better.” He furrowed his brows. Jimin stiffened. Namjoon hadn’t told him. Jimin’s heart fluttered. He would have to thank Namjoon. “I-I—uhm—yes, I feel a bit better, but…” “Why are you still staying in Seokjin-hyung’s room?” He asked, confused. Jimin wanted to melt away. He couldn’t lie to Taehyung, not with him so worried. Jimin just couldn’t tell him. Jimin swallowed. “I just… I’m going through—“ Jimin bit his lip, looking away. He couldn’t. He couldn’t tell him. “I’m going through some things, and I just need time.” Taehyung stiffened, and Jimin knew he’d messed up. The Prince looked almost offended that Jimin couldn’t tell him. They were mates, for fucks sake. Taehyung’s teeth were scarred into his flesh. Jimin’s teeth were in his neck. He could see the distrust in Taehyung’s eyes. Jimin couldn’t look at him any longer. He whisked himself away. He had to get to Namjoon. Taehyung let him leave, speechless. -
Chapter 34: Night of Quiet Namjoon walked with Jimin along the cobblestone road of the city. Jimin was silent. He was still upset about how he left off with Taehyung. He’d just left him, hadn’t said a word and betrayed his trust. They were mates, why couldn’t he tell him? “How do you feel?” Namjoon asked, and Jimin bit his lip instantly. Three months. He was three months in and the bump was just barely beginning to show, but no one could see it underneath his robes. Jimin subconsciously smoothed a hand over his belly, but instantly pulled it away. “The morning sickness is starting to go away, but it still feels strange… to know.” Jimin explained with a sigh. He pulled out the letter he wanted Namjoon to mail. “Would you please…?” Jimin asked, biting his lip and extending the letter to Namjoon. Namjoon smiled and took the letter from Jimin, pushing it into his sleeve. Jimin smiled back, a bit nervously. “I haven’t been to the city since I came.” Jimin admitted. “Really?” Namjoon asked. “You aren’t missing much, I’m afraid.” He chuckled, looking upon the city of Hanseong. Jimin thought it was lovely, but Busan was much more beautiful in Jimin’s eyes. Jimin kept silent, and Namjoon watched the way his brows knitted in concern. “Would you like to go to a temple? They’re beautiful if nothing else.” He explained, and Jimin perked up. “I—Yes, please.” Jimin smiled softly. Namjoon started leading Jimin towards a temple that sat in a small courtyard in the center of the busy city. There were lots of trees and a pond. It was beautiful. The temple was also beautiful. It had sacred papers hanging down from its roof and lots of monks stepping around, a few collecting flowers and bowls of water.
It was open to pray and walk around, so they did, watching as the sun lowered in the sky. The two sat on a bench in town, just sitting silently. They didn’t say anything at all until “Does the Empress have a prescribed drug?” Jimin asked, and Namjoon stiffened with a furrowed brow. He looked at Jimin. “I—No, why do you ask?” Jimin knew it was wrong of him, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the Empress on the night that she’d called upon him. Jimin shivered at the memory. The Empress had used a drug, Jimin thought it to be opioids, but he didn’t know. He certainly wasn’t going to accuse her either, especially when he didn’t know for sure. “I just—I saw her—The day she..” Namjoon nodded, understanding. “She’s injected something into her arm, but I didn’t know. I’m not accusing, I just couldn’t stop—“ “Hm..” Namjoon furrowed his brows tightly in thought. “It makes sense. With the crisis at the ports.” “Crisis?” Jimin asked. Namjoon frowned and nodded. “Yes, Europeans are selling opioids— getting citizens addicted to the drugs. I hope our Empress isn’t addicted.” He grumbled with a sigh. “I wouldn’t put it past those ministers to—“ he perked up, seeing Jimin was genuinely interested. “Never mind.” He smiled brightly. Namjoon grabbed Jimin’s hand tightly. “ You need to focus on staying happy and healthy…” Namjoon chuckled gently and squeezed the smaller hand. “For the pup.” Jimin snaked his hand out of Namjoon’s and hugged himself tightly. “Hyung, I’m so scared.” Jimin said, turning his head to Namjoon, who softened immediately. “Jiminie…” Namjoon frowned, pity rolling through his scent as he smoothed his hand across Jimin’s shoulder. “It will be okay, but you should tell—“ Jimin shook his head immediately and curled over. “No! No, hyung, please.” Jimin cried softly, trying hard to calm down. “Really, thank you for keeping it a secret, but I just—I can’t.” Jimin explained. Namjoon watched him closely. “Jimin—“ “If anyone knew I had the Crown Prince’s child, I would be killed—my pup would be—“ Namjoon turned Jimin towards him and held his shoulders. “ No one , I mean no one will touch you or your pup if you just tell Taehyung .“ Namjoon demanded, eyes looking all over Jimin’s expression. “I…” Jimin bit his lip. “I’ll try.” He gasped out, exasperated. Jimin hung his head and sighed softly. Namjoon stood with a sigh. “We should get back before the sun sets.” Jimin nodded, holding Namjoon’s hand and standing as well. “Right.”
Jimin paced around his own room for hours. He was biting his knuckle and trying hard to force himself out of that room and into Taehyung’s but he just couldn’t . It would be his first night back in his own room, and Jimin really just needed to relieve his stress a little bit. He grabbed a towel and some clothes and slipped towards the servant’s quarters where he would take a bath before really telling Taehyung this time. The water was hot and felt so good against his skin, but he just couldn’t sit right knowing he had a pup growing in his belly. He ghosted a hand over his somewhat protruding tummy. It was still pretty flat, not anything anyone would notice yet and he still looked perfectly fine. He felt butterflies stiff in his tummy just thinking about carrying Taehyung’s pup. The other half of him was still in shambles, but trying to cope. There was nothing he could do but let it happen now. He would just have to fulfill the pregnancy and give birth, hopefully in secret…but knowing it was a little Prince inside him...he doubted it would be silent at all. Jimin stiffened at the sound of voices. “Yeah, I heard the Crown Prince is being pushed really hard to mate Prince Himchan…” He heard a few omega attendants whispering amongst themselves. “Yes, but I don’t think they will.” The other boy said to her. They were still in the dressing rooms, so Jimin sunk lower into the hot spring with a nervous bubble inside his gut. “Why not? I think they’re a perfect match.” She laughed. The other made a noise of distaste. “I’ve heard the Crown Prince doesn’t like the Omega Prince at all.” He chuckled and the other inhaled with a small laughter. “I’ve also heard the Crown Prince is head over heels for that omega dancer—the one he got for his birthday.” He smiled, and Jimin stiffened completely at those words. Were they that obvious? The other omega girl snorted. “The Empress would never allow her son to mate with a peasant omega, but he is beautiful.” They were stepping into the bath house, and Jimin dunked his head under the water, pretending to wash his hair. He was still listening closely though. “He’ll probably become a consort though.” She laughed, and Jimin’s expression soured. He grabbed his towel and slowly began stepping out of the hot spring to face the two omegas. They both gasped as he tied his towel around his waist tightly. He gave them a simple glance and they stared at him with large eyes. Jimin bowed politely before stepping into the changing room while they whispered amongst themselves. It was probably about him, but he didn’t care any longer. He was trying to hype himself up to confront Taehyung. He felt sick just thinking about it.
Jimin ghosted a hand over his belly once more, wearing a nice gown and hair nearly dry as he stalked through the halls of the palace. What would he even say? “Jimin.” Jimin stiffened and turned to see Yoongi stepping towards him with a large smile upon his face. Jimin couldn’t help but return the smile, turning around to face Yoongi, who wrapped his arms around the slightly younger boy. “Hyung.” Jimin hummed, squeezing Yoongi, who pulled away with the brightest of smiles on his face. “Jimin, Jeongguk and I are going to be mated.” Yoongi chuckled, and Jimin furrowed his brows with a smile. He laughed, holding Yoongi tightly. “Yes, I thought that was inevitable?” He smiled, and Yoongi laughed softly. “Yes, of course, but now we have the Empress’ blessing. The ceremony will be in a fortnight.” Yoongi hummed and though he didn’t seem excited, Jimin could tell he was absolutely quaking in excitement. Jimin nodded along, happy for him. “I’m so glad, but, hyung, I need to—“ Yoongi grabbed Jimin’s arm, too distracted with his ceremony to listen to Jimin. Jimin didn’t blame him at all. “You’ll perform, won’t you? Please?” He begged, and Jimin swallowed. Could he? While he was pregnant? A fortnight wasn’t too far, maybe he could manage it. If not, Yoongi would understand, right? Jimin stammered, but slowly nodded his head. “I—uhm—yes, but you’ll have to ask Taehyung—“ Before Jimin could finish, Yoongi was dragging him across the palace. “Let’s ask him right now.” He said gleefully. Jimin had never seen him so excited, even if it was a muted excitement. He let Yoongi pull him until they were met with a large room that wasn’t Taehyung’s. Jimin wondered where they were, so he wondered aloud. “Where are we?” Jimin hummed. Yoongi smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s just a hunt meeting.” Jimin stiffened. They were planning another hunt? Jimin would have to tell him now. He couldn’t wait until after, he didn’t know what could happen in the span of a week. Yoongi lapped his knuckles against the doors, biting his lip. He was holding Jimin’s hand so tightly still. It made Jimin’s heart flutter. The door opened, and Jeongguk was standing there. At first, his face was stern, but when he saw a Yoongi standing there, that facade immediately melted into a bright smile. “Hyung…” he sighed with a smile. He was completely whipped for Yoongi. It was almost funny. Yoongi smiled, placing a sweet kiss upon Jeongguk’s cheek before pushing past him, pulling Jimin along with him. “Jimin?” Jeongguk questioned, and Jimin watched as Taehyung, who sat by the window of the drawing room stiffened and snapped his head around. Jimin gave Jeongguk a bow before turning to the rest of the room. There were a few officers Jimin didn’t know, Hoseok, and a couple other nobles sitting around. A few played pool and others just chatted amongst each other. Himchan was there too, clinging onto Taehyung—totally unaware that Jimin held his child.That made him angry. Still..Jimin gave each of them a bow, watching carefully as Yoongi grabbed Taehyung’s arm and badgered him about the mating ceremony and Jimin’s performance.
Taehyung quickly stepped towards Jimin, Yoongi following. “How are you feeling?” Taehyung asked, smoothing hands up and down Jimin’s shoulders ever so delicately, like Jimin was a wilting flower. Jimin could see Himchan growing annoyed in discomfort as Taehyung spoke to Jimin. The smaller omega looked up at Taehyung. “I-I…” Jimin couldn’t find his words. There were too many people now. He could tell him yet. They needed to be alone . “Jimin.” Hoseok smiled, stepping into the conversation swiftly. “I heard you were feeling ill. All better?” He asked, and Jimin turned to him. The omega looked at his feet weakly. He glanced at Taehyung as he spoke. “I believe so…” Taehyung’s frown softened into a small smile. He tightened his grip on Jimin’s shoulders. Hoseok smiled brightly. “Good.” He then looked at Taehyung. “I need to check in with your mother. I’ll see you for the hunt tomorrow morning.” “Hunt?” Jimin whispered softly, stomach growing ill with nervousness. Taehyung looked back down to Jimin with weary eyes. “Don’t worry, it’s only a week.” He said, and Jimin shook his head. “N-No, Taehyung, I need to tell you something.” Jimin said, grabbing Taehyung’s sleeve and pulling on it. Yoongi looked at him, brows furrowing tightly. “What is it? Are you okay?” The older man asked, Taehyung looked perplexed too. Jimin couldn’t tell Yoongi. He was afraid the older one would think he was a whore. Jimin shook his head and pulled on Taehyung. “A-Alone…” he said, biting his lip as Yoongi nodded in understanding. He slipped off to find Jeongguk while Jimin pulled Taehyung out of the drawing room and into the hallway where he thought they would be alone. Taehyung smoothed a gentle hand around Jimin’s waist and stared down at him through worried eyes. “What’s the matter?” He hummed gently. “Are you still sick?” Taehyung inhaled sharply as Jimin tried to get a hold of the fear in his gut. “It isn’t a serious illness, is it?” Jimin’s eyes soaked with tears, but he didn’t let them fall. He smoothed a hand over his belly. “Taehyung, I’m—“ “Your Royal Highness!” An urgent voice cried out from down the hall, and Jimin felt his tongue turn to ash in his mouth. He just wanted to get this over with. Taehyung furrowed his brows, watching Hoseok clamber down the hall with a white-pale face. “It’s your mother!” He gasped out, and Jimin stiffened completely. No . Jimin gasped and Taehyung slipped past him with a grounded yet fearful face. “What is it?” He asked, voice deep, dark, and rasping. Hoseok stopped, breath heavy and heartbeat pulsing. His scent was deep and full of fear. It made Jimin sick. Jimin placed a hand against the wall by his side to ground himself as nausea coursed through his gut. “Taehyung—“ Jimin gasped out, but Taehyung was torn between Hoseok and a very pale, sick-looking Jimin. Hoseok swallowed. “Your mother overdosed.” No . Not now, please. Jimin felt his knees tremble as Taehyung slowly wrapped an arm around his waist, trying to keep him from falling.
“Namjoon doesn’t think she’s going to make it.”
-
Chapter 35: Wicked Game “Jimin-ah, I’ll come back soon. I promise.” He said, handing a very confused Jimin off to Hoseok, who nodded and pulled Jimin back towards his own room. Jimin turned back to see Taehyung stalking away. He didn’t even get to tell him. It was too late. The Empress wasn’t going to make it? It all seemed so surreal, Jimin didn’t even know what to think of it all. Was it really happening? “Let’s get you back to your room.” Hoseok said with a heavy voice as many other palace guards were stalking around with stark frowns and heavy faces. Jimin’s hand was fisted in Hoseok’s as he looked around the palace halls. They seemed so foreign to him, like this was all a dream. He hoped it was or else Taehyung was going to lose his mother. “What’s going to happen…?” Jimin asked, voice trembling slightly as he finally found the grounds to walk without Hoseok holding him up. Hoseok swallowed thickly. “I don’t know.” That wasn’t good. Jimin didn’t know why, but he knew Hoseok was suspicious. Not of him, but of this situation. And she overdosed? Jimin had seen her pumping opioids, but had they really killed her? Jimin looked at the floor, a second wave of fear hitting him as he realized he hadn’t told Taehyung yet. Jimin turned pale and they turned the corner to the corridor that Jimin’s room was on. Hoseok gently helped Jimin inside of the room, letting him fall onto the bed. Hoseok knelt down in front of Jimin with worried eyes. He grabbed Jimin’s hands. “I need you to stay here, okay?” “I’m pregnant!” Jimin blurted, unable to hold it in any longer. He had to tell someone that could protect him. Who better than Hoseok, an alpha he trusted with all of his heart. Hoseok stopped, eyes growing wide and the muscles in his jaw and forehead growing completely taught. “...What?” Jimin couldn’t look Hoseok in the eyes as he spoke, but he spoke. He stared at the wall, trying hard not to cry. He finally slipped his eyes down to meet Hoseok’s as he felt his fingers start to tremble. “Hyung, I’m pregnant…” Those tears he held in finally fell over, and Hoseok looked like he was processing too much at one time. “What…?” Hoseok stammered. “What? You mean Taehyung’s…” Jimin just nodded, ghosting a hand over his belly and trying not to break out into sobs as Hoseok stared up at him. “I-I need to tell Taehyung.” Jimin started crying, and Hoseok stiffened completely—turning to stone. “I don’t—I don’t know what to do. I—“ Hoseok hushed him, instantly wrapping arms around Jimin’s waist and pulling him into his shoulder with the gentlest spicy citrus scent that made Jimin’s whole body seize up before relaxing completely. His anxious cries stopped and he felt his fingers tremble. “Everything will be okay.” Hoseok soothed, rubbing his back so calmly. Jimin nodded his head, a tiny “thank you’s” leaving his parched throat. Hoseok slowly pulled away, and looked Jimin in the eyes. “You need to tell Taehyung yourself… okay?” He hummed, and Jimin nodded, wiping away his tears. “I don’t know if he’ll return tonight, but soon. I’ll make sure of it.” Jimin nodded, squeezing Hoseok’s hand as he trembled. “T-Thank you.” He stuttered, and Hoseok slipped out of his grip and towards his door. “Stay here, okay?” He said, and Jimin nodded. Where else could he go?
Hoseok then slipped out, leaving Jimin to his room that, sadly, smelled nothing of Taehyung. That sad truth made the emotional young boy cry, digging his head into the sheets and hoping—praying even—that Taehyung’s mother was okay. If not, there were going to be more complications than he anticipated. Jimin waited and waited and waited until he couldn't stand to wait anymore. He was pacing around his room, fiddling with his hands, curling and uncurling his fists. He didn’t know how much longer he could sit in that room all alone with only his thoughts. That was the worst. He started thinking about his pup, holding his stomach tightly and rocking on the bed with his lip pulled in between his teeth. His pup was all he had of Taehyung right now, and he was holding onto it for dear life. He just wanted Taehyung. That’s all he wanted. He hadn’t heard anything since Hoseok left. He didn’t even know what was happening let alone where everyone was. He snuck towards the door, hand resting upon the handle to slide it open, but he couldn’t force himself to. Hoseok said stay inside. Jimin fell away, beginning to pace around the room once more until a harsh knock boomed against his door. Jimin stiffened and quickly ran to the door, throwing it open. “Tae—“ but Jimin gasped at the sight of Lord Heechul standing over him with five palace guards standing behind him. Jimin pulled the door back to hide himself slightly. What were they doing? What did they want? They all looked so angry, and Heechul looked even angrier. “Wh-What are you—“ “Step back, omega.” He demanded, shoving a hand into Jimin’s shoulder and forcing his bedroom door open. Jimin stumbled backwards, trying to balance himself as the five guards started rumbling through his room. They were looking for something, shifting through his stuff and throwing his pillows off of his bed like he was a criminal. “What’s going on?” Jimin asked, stepping towards Heechul, who watched at the door to his room with a stern expression. He gave Jimin a growling glare before grabbing the omega’s robes and pulling him up off of the ground. Jimin squeaked, grabbing the man’s wrist to tear his hand away. “The Empress’ death was a murder, and we need to figure out who did it!” He hissed down at Jimin, whose blood went ice cold in his veins. It was an overdose, wasn’t it? “W-Wait!” Jimin shook his head. “No! I didn’t—I wouldn’t! It’s not me.” Jimin gasped out, and Heechul shook his shoulders. He inhaled, tears prickling at the back of his eyes. “Then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.” Heechul said before dropping Jimin. Jimin fell back, stumbling back and pressing himself against the wall to his room as they tore it apart bit by bit. They threw the sheets off of his bed, taking a moment to smell his scent on them before continuing their search. The men went through every nook and cranny of his room, but Jimin knew they wouldn’t find anything. He had even seen the Empress since those state dinners. He had nothing to hide, then why was he so scared? “What’s the meaning of this?!” A familiar voice shouted from the door to Jimin’s room. “Taehyung!” Jimin gasped, stepping forward, but Heechul grabbed his arm and snagged him backwards. Jimin inhaled sharply, looking at Heechul for a moment before turning back to the men ravaging through his room. They didn’t even stop to give the Crown Prince the light of day. He would soon be Emperor, would he not? Hoseok stood beside Taehyung, brows furrowed so deeply and hands balled into fists. The General looked just as furious as Taehyung. “What
// are // you doing , Heechul?” Taehyung growled once more, stepping forward, but a palace guard stopped him. He shoved past the man anyways, and Jimin tried to pry himself from Heechul’s grip, but he just tightened his hold until Jimin cried out. “Why is he suspected—“ “My Lord!” One of the guards shouted from Jimin’s closet. They all flipped their gazes towards the alpha guard as she stepped out and lifted up a familiar black box. Jimin inhaled sharply. That . He’d seen it the day the Empress called on him, but he’d seen it before too.. Where? That didn’t matter. It wasn’t his. Jimin shook his head. “What is that?” He cried softly, watching as the guard pulled the black box’s top off and revealed a syringe and vial of liquid. Jimin nearly collapsed in Heechul’s grip. The man tightened his hold on Jimin, holding him up where his knees buckled slightly. “What’s that?” Heechul barked down to Jimin, but he couldn’t even see straight any longer. What was that? Jimin didn’t know. He quickly gained some composure and shook his head. “That’s not mine!” Jimin cried, trying hard to prove his innocence. “I’ve never even seen it! Please! “ Jimin turned his head back to Taehyung, who looked appalled. Did he believe it? Taehyung’s jaw fell open and he stared at the guard as he brought the black box forward. They all took a closer look, even Taehyung and Hoseok. Jimin tried to wriggle himself from Heechul’s grip, but he just shoved Jimin forward into two large alpha guard’s holds. They grabbed him, and Jimin whimpered. “Taehyung, please!” He begged. “You have to believe me. I-I wouldn’t do this!” He screamed at his mate , tears streaming down his cheeks. Taehyung stared at him and then at the box in the guard's hands. His lip shook and he inhaled a large sum of air before furrowing his brows tightly. Jimin was holding his breath, trying hard to understand what the alpha was thinking. His mother had just died and Jimin was being framed for it. What was he thinking? “Taehyung…?” Jimin repeated, brows knitting as a sharp pain ripped through his chest. Taehyung grit his teeth tightly and clenched his fists until an angry growl fell from his lips. “It’s not him!” He hissed. “I know this omega, he would never do something like this.” Taehyung said, and Jimin felt his chest slowly clear up, but he was still so scared. Heechul furrowed his brows tightly. “I’m sorry Your Royal Highness, but I cannot take your word any longer.” He growled right back, and Jimin could feel his chest deplete all hope that Taehyung had given him. “No!” Jimin cried, struggling against the men as they pulled him up off of the ground. Jimin could just barely see a sliver of a smirk on Heechul’s face as he watched Jimin struggle. Heechul then dropped the smirk and pointed towards the doors. “Take him to the dungeons.” He demanded, and Taehyung grabbed the elder man’s shoulder, pulling him back as they dragged Jimin out. The omega pleaded and begged for his innocence, but they didn’t listen to a word he said. “What the hell—“ “The Empress is dead,” Heechul held up that black box. “This is evidence enough to know it was him, Your Highness.” He said before shoving past Taehyung without another word. Taehyung couldn’t believe it. He could hear Jimin crying out from where he stood, but he couldn’t comprehend what was happening. All he knew
was that he trusted Jimin. There wasn’t any way that Jimin would try to kill his mother... right?
Jimin couldn’t believe what was happening. He was being dragged beneath the palace, accused of killing the Empress. That was punishable by death. The thought —the mere process through his head was driving him crazy as they dragged him through the smelly, cement halls of the palace dungeons. Taehyung had told him once the hidden corridors even ventured down to the dungeons. But where? Jimin looked around himself at the other cells. Most of them were empty, but a few had common thieves and misfits inside of them. All alphas… all staring at Jimin as he was dragged to the back of the dungeons. “Please..” Jimin began to begin again, fearing for his life as the third guard unlocked a cell at the very end of the dungeon hall. “This isn’t right.” He whimpered, but they just scoffed. It smelled like piss and shit down there. There was dirt covering the walls and the only thing on the ground cushioning the stone was hay. The hay looked mangled and distributed without a care, but they were only prisoners, right? They didn’t need an amazing room. She flung the door open and the others threw Jimin down into the cell. Jimin braced himself, a hand subconsciously slipping around his stomach as if to protect the pup that grew inside. When he grounded himself, palm skinned up from the rough stone and prickling hay, he pulled his hand from his belly. He was afraid they would know and move along too quickly with his death sentence. They stared down at him with angry, heavy eyes, and Jimin could see Heechul squint meanly at him from above. “Enjoy your new room, omega.” Jimin shook his head moving to grab the bars of the cell. “No! Please! That—That—whatever it is! It wasn’t mine!” They all stepped away, Heechul leading them with a scoff. “Wait! Please. I’m telling the truth!” Jimin begged, a stressed cry leaving his lips as he watched them walk away from him. “Please…” He cried out a whimper and let his head fall against the bars with a disheartened expression drowning his features. Tears left his eyes. “Taehyung… save me.” -
Chapter 36: Do You See the Truth in Me?
Jimin held his hands around his tummy, trying hard not to think about it. He knew deep down that Taehyung would save him. He was still frightened, rocking and pacing the inside of his tight stone cell. No where was comfortable, but was that a surprise? He was being accused of killing the Empress. How could he possibly get comfortable with that accusation on his plate? He was sure the whole palace knew of the Empress now. Had she truly died? Jimin shivered at the thought. He wasn’t the killer—wasn’t even close, but that meant the killer was still out there. Jimin stiffened, Taehyung could be in danger too. Jimin stood at the sound of the dungeon door opening and closing with a heavy slam. He slotted himself on the cell’s bars, praying that it was Taehyung. His hope fell for a split second when he saw two burly guards step down the corridor, but his spirits lifted almost instantly when he saw Taehyung emerge with a worried expression drawled across his face. Lord Chinmae was there as well, his brows knitted with worry as he followed Taehyung. Taehyung forced himself through the two guards, stalking towards Jimin with heavy steps. Jimin gasped in hope, pushing himself right up against those nasty, grimy bars to fit his arms through, trying to reach his mate. “Taehyung…” Jimin whimpered, tears instantly growing in his eyes as Taehyung extended his arms as well. The guards, though, grabbed Taehyung’s shoulder and gently pulled him back. “Your Royal Highness.” One said, and Jimin whimpered softly. He was so close. All he wanted was to have Taehyung in his arms. He wanted his scent to reassure him. “It’s not safe.” The guard then said, casting a glare to Jimin who melted, eyes becoming red. Taehyung growled softly and shook himself from the woman’s grip to at least hold Jimin’s hand. The smaller instantly felt better. His chest loosening and a sigh tumbling from his lips. “Taehyung, I need to—“ “You will address him as Your Royal Highness .” The other guard hissed and poised his long sword in a threatening way. Jimin gave him a mere glance before turning back to Taehyung, who caressed his face gently. “I-I need to tell you something, please.” Jimin whispered, and Taehyung furrowed his brows tightly. Jimin peered up to Heechul who slid a hand through the bars and pushed Jimin away from the Prince with a stiff shove. “That’s enough.” He growled. Jimin stumbled back, but was able to catch himself from falling. He stared at the man. Jimin just wanted to tell him—just wanted to tell Taehyung of the pup in his belly. That’s all he wanted. He didn’t care if they killed him, as long as his pup was delivered first and safe in Taehyung’s arms. Taehyung’s arms only. “Park Jimin.” Heechul said. Jimin stiffened. Taehyung gaped at Heechul, so close to growling, but he stopped when the alpha pulled out a wad of letters. Jimin froze. Heechul looked infuriated. “We know of your relationship with the Crown Prince. Through these letters to your parents.” Jimin held onto the bars, trying to ground himself. Heechul sifted through the letters with a snarl on his lips. “Each of them after your encounter with the Empress talks about wanting to kill her—“ “No..” Jimin cried, shaking his head with a pale face. Those weren’t his letters. He’d never written those. What was happening to him? Was he being framed? By who? Jimin’s lip quivered. “No, I didn’t—those aren’t mine! I swear!” Lord Chinmae forced himself forward, grabbing one of the letters and reading it for himself with a heavy set growl of disbelief. “Dear Father, the Empress is scum on this earth and deserves death. I will give her… death.”
Chinmae’s head snapped up, eyes set with betrayal, but Jimin had never written anything like that. “No, please..” Jimin whimpered. “I—Taehyung—“ Taehyung snatched the rest of the letters from Heechul’s grip, looking at each one with his brow furrowing deeper and deeper. It was like he tried not to believe it, but as he read… “This isn’t right.” Taehyung growled, shoving those letters back into Heechul’s grip. “Jimin-ah would never do such a thing. I know him.” Taehyung hissed. Heechul threw the letters to the ground, and Jimin was about to sink down to look at them when Heechul forced his arm through the bars and grabbed Jimin’s collar with a frightening amount of force. He dragged Jimin forward, the smaller omega gasping out a protest. Taehyung growled, stepping forward, but Lord Chinmae held him back with a suspicious look in his eyes. “S-Stop!” Jimin cried as Heechul pulled the fabric of his robes from his shoulder, revealing that mating mark from so many months ago. Jimin gasped, forcing his hand to cover the scar. Taehyung stiffened as well. Heechul growled. “He’s your mate, right?” He said, holding Jimin still as he tried to pull his robes back onto his trembling shoulder. Taehyung swallowed and nodded weakly. “You think you know him?” Heechul laughed and dropped the omega, letting him fall to the ground, knees buckling and a sharp inhale flying into his lungs. “You don’t.” Heechul stepped forward. “Busan had a workers uprising a year before the Prince’s name day, isn’t that true, Chinmae?” He asked, eyes slanting upon the terrified omega below. Chinmae nodded, face as firm as ever. “That’s correct.” The Lord inhaled and pursed his lips tightly at the response. “That’s…” Heechul nodded at the assumption. “You didn’t like the way the Empress put down the uprising of your people, so you thought you’d fight back, huh?” Heechul snarled meanly, and Taehyung stiffened. “This was all an elaborate plan. Making the Crown Prince fall in love with you, tainting him enough to mate you without the council knowing .” Jimin’s head was spinning. He couldn’t even keep track of all of the lies and words that entered his mind. He began to think maybe it was true, but he knew better. This wasn’t true. Someone was framing him, trying to make sure he was dead. “You made him fall for you and then you killed his mother—your Empress.” Heechul sounded disgusted, but Jimin wasn’t even sure what to do or say. He was completely frozen, eyes wide and tears spilling without his consent. What was happening? Why was this happening to him? The capital was truly a horrible place. If he could go back and deny this request… Jimin peered up to Taehyung. Taehyung, who he loved very much. Taehyung, who was the father of his pup and the only alpha he’d ever truly loved. Taehyung, who he would not have met if he hadn’t come. Taehyung, who now looked down at him with pain—a prominent expression on his face. Did he truly believe it? Jimin inhaled sharply. “No..” Jimin shook his head where he sat, trembling and scared on the hay covered floor of the cell. “No. Taehyungie, I love you.” Jimin whimpered, voice cracking. Taehyung couldn’t even look at Jimin any more. He turned away, to Heechul. “Find more. Nobody touches him until I am convinced.” Taehyung growled.
Jimin crawled forward, a trembling hand reaching through the bars, but Taehyung just stared at him. “But Your Highness, is this not enough?” Heechul growled. Jimin couldn’t even feel the rest of his body as his heart throbbed with pain. His head was pulsing and he could hardly think. He could hardly process the fact that Taehyung actually believed them. “TaeTaehyung, please , please believe me.” He begged in a sniffling mess on the ground. Taehyung didn’t say a word to Jimin. He just looked at Heechul and Chinmae. “I want real evidence.” He stated. Chinmae furrowed his brows, leaning down to pluck the wad of letters as Jimin weeped in his cell. “Your Royal Highness, is this not // real // evidence?” He asked, looking sympathetic to the young Prince, who seemingly was deceived by the love of his life. Taehyung gazed upon Jimin, who peered up at him through red, tearfilled eyes. “I want a confession.” He said before stalking away, those two guards following him closely with stern expressions. “Taehyungie!” Jimin cried, watching as his back grew smaller and smaller before he was out of sight, leaving Jimin with Chinmae and Heechul. They stood there, staring down at Jimin as he tried hard to compose himself. He wanted to scream as his head pulsed with a million thoughts per second. Those thoughts were still thrumming when he heard the door to his cell open and close, but it was muffled by his own heartbeat in his ears. He was so scared, so hurt, he didn’t realize they were in his cell, standing over him. Jimin slowly lifted his teary eyed face to the alphas. He felt so weak. “Lord Chinmae,” Jimin peered up to him with blurring vision, “please, it wasn’t—“ Heechul chuckled, taking Jimin completely off guard. The omega stiffened, eyes going wide and tears halting. Why? Why was he laughing? He was so serious only moments ago. Chinmae was by his side, and when Jimin looked at him again, he was smirking as well. Why? Chinmae has always been so kind, saved him from endless troubles and saved his life many other times. He’d never been happy to see Jimin in pain, so why now? Why had he changed? “Wasn’t that simple?” Heechul laughed, placing his hands behind his back with a hum. Jimin inhaled sharply. It couldn’t be. Had they framed him? “You…” Jimin whispered. He remembered. In the garden, he’d seen Chinmae receiving the same black box they found in Jimin’s room. He remembered hearing them speak in hushed voices, but he’d never imagined this . Now Jimin was right in the center of it all. He began to wonder if he was scouted for this purpose only. If they’d found him in Busan and decided that he would be their scapegoat. Chinmae nodded. “You’re a smart boy. I’m sure you can put two and two together.” He sighed, pulling his hands behind his back to step around Jimin menacingly. “ You killed the Empress and-and framed me for it.” Jimin quite nearly gasped out, so full of shock it was almost intolerable. Chinmae nodded with a noise, a hum of approval. “Yes, but don’t worry.” He stepped towards the only source of sunlight Jimin had and stared out towards it. “Since your holding the Crown Prince’s child”
Jimin froze where he sat on the floor. His arms went to wrap around his belly in fear. His pup was all that mattered to him right now. Not even his own life. Just his pup. “We need you alive.” Chinmae chuckled. Jimin shook his head. “How… How did you—“ Heechul laughed and held up a familiar looking letter. “Going through Kim Namjoon to send your mail? Sneaky but we have control over all of the posts. Everywhere .” He laughed and folded the letter once more, tucking it into his breast pocket. Jimin’s face grew pale and he looked at the floor with wide, wide eyes. Chinmae stepped back towards Jimin, staring down at him as he contemplated his options. “Don’t be scared.” He said, looking down at the omega. “Once we kill Taehyung—“ Jimin gasped, tears instantly bubbling to his lash line. “No, please! Don’t hurt Taehyung!” Jimin begged, but Chinmae just grabbed the omega’s jaw and pulled him up. Jimin whimpered out a protest, his hands grabbing at Chinmae’s wrist. Chinmae smirked widely. “Your pup will make a perfect ruler for us to puppet. And you will unfortunately pass away during childbirth.” He said, making a pouty face as Jimin’s face grew pale. His instincts told him to kill Chinmae, but the alpha was twice his size. Jimin growled and scratched at Chinmae’s hands holding his face. “You won’t have my pup!” Jimin screamed at him, and Chinmae chuckled softly. He smiled. “No? Maybe we’ll keep you around just to produce more in case the others act up.” Jimin snapped at him, and Chinmae jerked away with a firm laughter. “I’ll make his death quick for you. Don’t worry.” He said, gesturing towards Heechul to follow as they slipped out of Jimin’s cell. The young omega stood and stalked after them. “Don’t hurt him!” Jimin cried, the doors to his cell slamming closed before he could stop them. Jimin threw his hands against the cell. Chinmae turned to him. “It’s truly a shame, omega, but it had to be this way.” He smirked before turning around and walking quickly away from the omega. Jimin tried desperately to force the cell open. He clawed and reached for them, but it was no use. Jimin melted against the bars with a whimper. “Please…” -
Chapter 37: A Game Where End Meets All Jimin was desperate to get out. He was desperate to save Taehyung. No doubt they wouldn’t wait long to kill him, so he had to act quickly if he wanted to help Taehyung. He fisted hands into his hanbok pockets, pulling out everything until he found a single bobby pin. Jimin whimpered softly before stumbling it into his fingers. He stretched it out until it was no longer a bobby pin and hugged himself around the bars. He slipped the bobby pin into the keyhole and fiddled it around. Jimin bit his lip, screwing it around, but he heard no click and clang that unlocked the cell door. After about ten minutes of trying, Jimin melted to the ground, keeling his head back against the greasy bars. Jimin ghosted a hand across his belly, thinking of his pup inside. What would he do if his pup grew up without an alpha? The thought sent shivers down Jimin’s spine. He slipped back around, pushing that bobby pin back into the keyhole with a careful click. He felt around inside of the lock, trying desperately to find the latch that kept the door locked. He hit something that shifted just barely and stiffened. Had he found it? Jimin pushed on that latch and when that didn’t work he started pulling on it, trying to pull it until ‘CLANG’ The door unlocked. Jimin inhaled sharply. He gathered up his robes and quickly ran from the cell as fast as he could. There were guards around the corner, so Jimin turned the opposite direction, looking for a single emblem that indicated those hidden hallways. It was the emblem of a tiger. Jimin scanned the walls with a hand until he found a tiny emblem that was coated in dirt. It hadn’t been used in a very long time obviously, but Jimin dug his finger into it and the wall beside him snapped open with a small creek. Jimin swallowed and slipped himself through the walls, closing the entrance behind him. Jimin walked quickly through the unfinished, secret halls. He had no idea where he was, so escaping the dungeon would be challenging, especially when he heard the palace guards sound the alarm after finding Jimin’s cell empty. He knew that would look bad, but if he could just find Taehyung and explain, maybe things would be better. Maybe Jimin could fix things. Jimin began running through the halls, unsure of where he was until he found a familiar corner. He remembered he had made out with Taehyung multiple times in that corner. A shiver rolled down his spine instantly. He knew where he was. But how could he find Taehyung? The whole palace was bustling with guards all over. They were all searching for Jimin. No doubt his escape had reached Taehyung as well. Jimin began to run. He didn’t know where he’s going until his body turned a corner and collided with another body. Before Jimin could squeal in fright, there's a sweaty hand laid over his lips. Jimin gasped out breaths, eyes moving all over until he met eyes with Jeongguk, who was peering down at him with large, worried eyes. Jimin’s eyes grew large and wet with fear. Jeongguk just took a deep breath and removed his hand from Jimin’s mouth to wrap around him tightly. “Jimin-ah..” He breathed out a relieved sigh. Jimin relaxed in his hold and whimpered into his shoulder. “Hyung…” “My God , I was so worried about you.” He sighed once more. “I was just coming to rescue you.” Jeongguk helped Jimin stand. “We have to leave.” Jimin immediately shook his head with a protest. “No.” He said, and Jeongguk stiffened. “The-The ministers, they’re planning to kill Taehyung and-and they want my pup to be—“ Jeongguk inhaled sharply, grabbing Jimin’s shoulders to ground himself. “Jimin… you.. you’re…?” His eyes were so wide, Jimin believed they might pop from his skull.
Jimin just nodded, too frightened to explain anything as he tried to get past Jeongguk. “We—I have to get to Taehyung!” Jimin cried, and Jeongguk just held him firmer. “Jimin.” Jeongguk gasped, looking the omega in the eyes. “If you… if you’re pregnant, you need to stay somewhere safe.” Jeongguk explained, trying to pull Jimin in the opposite direction. “I’ll take you somewhere safe—“ “No!” Jimin nearly screamed, prying himself out of Jeongguk’s grip. “This is—This is all my fault. Taehyung is in danger—H-Heechul and Chinmae, they—“ Jeongguk inhaled sharply, pulling Jimin back into a tight, tight hug. “Hey…” Jeongguk hushed him with a gentle hand petting through his hair. “Taehyung doesn’t know, does he?” Jeongguk hummed as Jimin cried into his shoulder. The older omega shook his head. “Alright… I’ll take you to him.” He whispered, and Jimin let out a little sob. After a few moments, Jimin pulled away and Jeongguk wiped those pretty tears away with the rough pads of his thumbs. “Taehyung is in mourning as we speak. He’s with his mother’s body, but he should be alone…” He hummed, taking Jimin’s hand and pulling the disheveled omega in the direction of Taehyung. “I should warn you… he’s not in the right state of mind. He might hurt you—not physically, but…” “I’m ready.” Jimin whispered loud enough for Jeongguk to hear. The halls grew thinner, but they came upon a small secret exit. Jeongguk pressed his ear against the door, trying to make sure there was no one but Taehyung inside. Jeongguk stiffened, listening to voices. “Taehyungie, darling… do you really think he would be able to do such a thing?” Taehyung’s omega mother hummed from inside. Jimin listened too. “I’ve seen him, my love. He’s the most gentle boy I’ve ever seen. There’s something wrong.” She continued. Taehyung sighed. “I know.. they just…they had so much against him, and—“ “Taehyungie… How many times did your mother tell you? Listen to what’s in your heart…” After a few moments, there were receding footsteps and Taehyung was alone. Jeongguk swallowed thickly. He turned back to Jimin, who was ready to claw his way into that room. Jeongguk grabbed his shoulders, grounding the omega slightly. “If they really are trying to kill the royal family, I need to keep the omega consort safe, so I have to leave you, okay…?” He hummed, and Jimin nodded. “O-Okay.” Jeongguk gently caressed Jimin’s red cheeks. “He will believe you.” He whispered. “You’re his mate.” Jimin nodded, tears growing on his lash line. “Thank you, Jeongguk..” Jeongguk then tore away from him, stepping vigorously through the halls to find Taehyung’s omega mother. Jimin stood at the door to that room. Taehyung was inside, that’s what he was waiting for, right? All he needed to do was explain. Taehyung would believe his mate over those alphas. He hoped. Jimin shakily pushed on the door until it opened. He immediately got the attention of Taehyung, who was holding up a blade. Taehyung stiffened, growing taught where he stood by the Empress’ deathbed. Her body was in it, and Jimin felt a twinge of discomfort deep within his gut. Taehyung looked almost scared of him, and Jimin feared Taehyung would not believe him anymore. The alpha looked like he didn’t know what to do—didn’t know what was in his heart.
Jimin stood there like a stone, afraid Taehyung would really hurt him even if not physically. He did not want Taehyung to break his heart. “Jimin…” He whined, and his voice sounded hurt. Jimin immediately shook his head and slipped inside of the room, leaving the door behind him. “Taehyung.. you have to believe me.” He cried softly. “At least—At least listen to me.” Jimin begged, and Taehyung pushed his sword back into his belt, but he stepped away from Jimin. Jimin’s breath stopped in his throat. He stared at the Prince with pain soaking up any hope that dwelled within his bones. Had he truly lost Taehyung? “I—“ Taehyung stopped, biting his lip. “I do believe you, I just—“ “Chinmae and Heechul are trying to kill you.” Jimin cried, pleading with the gods that Taehyung believed him. “They framed me, and-and they’re going to try to kill you—“ “Your Royal Highness?” Two guards stepped into the room, Chinmae behind them. Jimin gasped, stepping towards Taehyung as a protective shield. The guards pulled their blades out. The omega stumbled back, fear hitting him in the gut like a punch. Jimin’s jaw fell open. Chinmae inhaled sharply. “Seize him!” He demanded, and Taehyung finally moved his gaze from Jimin to the guards. “Wait..” Jimin begged, stumbling back as those alphas grabbed a hold of him. Jimin turned to the Chinese, who looked devious. “Taehyung, please! He’s going to kill you!” Jimin screamed, but Taehyung said nothing, he just stared at Jimin guiltily…like there was nothing he could do. “Taehyung! No—let go!” Jimin fought against them, punching their hands wrapped around his rib cage and kicking at their feet. “Taehyungie! Our-Our pup! Please, at least—at least let our pup live!” Jimin gasped out as he struggled. “Please! Taehyung, our pup!” Those words flipped a switch in Taehyung’s head. He snapped himself around, watching as Jimin screeched at the top of his lungs,dragged from the room. Chinmae gently smoothed a hand over Taehyung’s shoulder, but the younger immediately thrashed from his grip. He didn’t know who to trust. Taehyung’s mind was too full to contemplate. “He’s lying to you…” Chinmae signed behind Taehyung. “Trying to gain your sympathy.” He said, shaking his head. Taehyung stared down at his mother’s body. She looked peaceful, but Taehyung still couldn’t quite believe Jimin could do something like this. He didn’t know what to believe. Jimin struggled and cried until he was finally able to rip himself from the guard’s grips driving an elbow into one alpha’s stomach. He ran forward instantly. A gasp flitted through his lips at the sight of a Chinmae holding a dagger up above his head, ready to throw it into Taehyung’s back. Jimin cried out, body moving without him even telling it to. It felt like it happened in slow motion. Jimin slipped past Chinmae, holding up his body as a wall between Chinmae’s dagger and his alpha, the father of his child. Chinmae couldn’t stop his movements, and Jimin inhaled sharply at the feeling of a rough punch to his chest. Jimin fell back, watching as the point of the dagger drove into his chest. -
Chapter 38: Darkest Night Jimin didn’t know the world could be so silent. He didn’t know it could be so dark. He thought he was awake, yet all around him was pitch black. There wasn’t light in sight, yet there was pain. It was like bad congestion. It seared through his chest and made his head spin in the darkness that it saw. It was the darkest night. Jimin’s heart beat fast. He could feel hands on him and hands pressing down upon his chest. It was hard to breathe, hard to move, hard to see. He didn’t know what happened. All he remembered was pain and then nothing at all. He heard voices. Were they talking to him? He heard his name, but he couldn’t lift his head or even see what was around him. He knew he was moving, body being carried by strong arms. He wasn’t sure what was happening, but he could smell a scent. It was frightening, yes, but this scent calmed Jimin. He felt more relaxed than he ever had been. He hoped the scent never went away. It didn’t. Wherever Jimin was, whatever he was doing, he could still smell that deep floral musk. Jimin hummed softly, unable to speak, but he wanted to say something. What did he want to say? The omega let out another soft moan when he felt his chest compressed by hands again. The omega whimpered, hands moving, the muscles weak and flailing until he grabbed a hold of the hands. They were warm, but Jimin felt so cold. Why? “Tae.. Taehyung….” Jimin finally murmured without even thinking. That’s what he wanted to say. He didn’t know how he knew now, but he knew that was what he wanted to say. Jimin couldn’t think. What was Taehyungie anyway? Another sharp painful spike lifted up through his chest and spiraled down his entire body. “Hurts….” Jimin moaned out with a child-like whimper. “It hurts.. stop.” He pleaded, well, slurred more so as he tried to push away the hands on his chest lazily. What he was doing didn’t really sound like words, but the sounds still came out, trying to form words. Jimin then heard an echo of a voice ring in his head. It was so desperate, so scary . Jimin wondered why. He was in and out, only feeling the pain when he could move and think. Otherwise it was completely black. Jimin could only hear a loud, deafeningly loud roaring pulse through his ears before it was completely silent again. It was the most silence Jimin had ever experienced. He entered a vast space of darkness. It felt like and looked like it stretched on forever and ever. Jimin imagined this was what the heavens would look like without any stars or light at all. It felt good, velvety and soft, not anything like the menacing world he was in mere moments before. There was a tiny pin prick, just a speck of light. It had a pulse. It beat like a heartbeat. Jimin didn’t expect to be able to move, but he did. He moved forward, and that light that he saw didn’t grow any closer, but it felt warm and kind. He wanted to hold that light forever. He enveloped all he could into his hands and held that warmth close to himself, protecting it as the silence deafened him. Jimin felt at peace. He felt good. He felt love cascade through his entire body like electricity. It felt so wonderful. It felt like… Taehyung .
In a flash, Jimin’s smaller body was suddenly a very heavy place to be. It was not that he was physically heavy, but he felt like a weight in water. He felt like he was falling. It all happened so fast, in the happenings of a mere two seconds—maybe even one. He didn’t remember how long it really was, but he felt numb and cold all of the sudden. That warm envelope was completely gone and he returned to that roaring in his ears. His eyes trudged open, and all he could see was complete chaos. He couldn’t feel his arms or legs. His muscles were completely still, but he watched as about six people stood around him, watching him and shifting and moving constantly. He couldn’t quite make out their faces or feel their warmth. He couldn’t even etch out their scents, but he could see their blurry figures. The voices he heard were coming from them, but it wasn’t in line with the movement of their mouths. It was like his brain wasn’t processing fast enough. He saw their mouths moving, speaking to him, but the words that followed were more of slurs that Jimin couldn’t comprehend. He tried to see more clearly, but he was so tired. His lids only fell back over his eyes, leading him back into that darkness while the world roared loudly around him. The next time Jimin felt his heavy eyes begin to open, the world was much much quieter, save for his own weak but loud heartbeat in his ears. His breathing was still struggling, his limbs heavy as stones. His eyes, though, could move. He moved his sights, but it wasn’t far before he reached a slightly blurry figure laying across his bed. The figure had an arm laying across Jimin’s hips, holding him tightly. He tried to move himself until another figure came into view. He was still just a blur, but Jimin could hear his words this time. It took him a moment to truly understand them though, his brain still taking a few moments to process through the pain in his chest. “Jimin-ah…” was all he heard from the other figure. The young omega tried his best to do something, say something, maybe even, but all that came out was a struggling moan. It had the blur on his lap snapping up, looking around until his face came into Jimin’s view. Jimin whimpered softly at the alpha. “Tae.. Taehyung…” He whispered, and Taehyung, who was on his lap, grew nervous and almost excited. That flowery musk hit Jimin like a bus and settled him back into a numb state once more. “Jimin?” He said, and his voice was muffled by Jimin’s own ears. “Jimin—“ The other figure placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, calming him down. The alpha instantly relaxed while Jimin tried to remember what happened. It was all so jumbled. He remembered… the cells and the Empress dying, but the rest was foreign. A sudden gasp rippled through Jimin’s chest, and he forced his heavy limbs to move. The figures in the room instantly fell to his side as Jimin slurred his words. It was only two words, but they were jumbled and slurred until incomprehensible. “Pup—My pup!” Jimin mumbled and moaned out, but Taehyung quickly pinned him back until he was still once more, Namjoon’s voice speaking to him. Jimin couldn’t hear it properly though. He whimpered and squirmed. “Your pup is okay.” He heard just barely and slowly melted back into the bed. “Please rest.” So Jimin did rest. He didn’t know for how long, but he rested. Occasionally he would slur and just barely bat his eyes open. Each time, Taehyung was there. Jimin wondered if he’d ever left. He hoped Taehyung didn’t ever leave his side.
Jimin’s eyes parted to the sight of blindingly bright sunlight. A tiny moan hummed through his parted lips. His limbs didn’t feel like weights any longer, but it was still a little difficult to move. He felt weak and weary as a hand grabbed his own. Jimin slowly turned his head to the source. Taehyung was still there, sitting by his bed and holding his hand so very tightly. How long has it been? Jimin slowly smoothed a hand over his belly and sighed. Slowly, he felt Taehyung’s hand move on top of his own. Jimin stared at him for a moment, tired but he forced a soft smile for Taehyung’s sake. Taehyung broke apart at the sight of Jimin’s eye smile. He fell, face pressing into Jimin’s side as the strong alpha Prince just sobbed. “I’m so sorry, Jiminie. Please, please forgive me.” He begged, and Jimin’s heart wrenched. The omega pulled his hand up and placed it on top of Taehyung’s head. He shifted his fingers through Taehyung’s hair as he cried, pleading for forgiveness. Did Jimin blame Taehyung for not believing him? Of course not. How could he? When he thought about it, Jimin probably would’ve reacted the same exact way as Taehyung did. Jimin would never—could never be angry at Taehyung. Jimin smiled softly, a small laugh leaving his lips. It hurt, so it didn’t last long. Taehyung peered up at him with big, swollen, red eyes.
“I love you, Taehyungie…” Jimin whispered, his voice too weak and too coarse to speak. Taehyung broke apart once more and dug his face into Jimin’s side all over again. “I love you too, Minnie.” He sobbed, his voice cracking like a child who had yet to present. “Oh.” A new voice inhaled sharply. Jimin looked up to see Namjoon standing there. “You’re awake.” He sighed out a relieved breath and stalked over. Jimin gave him a weak smile, not because he was upset, but because he was physically weak. “How are you feeling?” Namjoon asked, running fingers through Taehyung’s hair to calm his sobs. Jimin swallowed, moving his hand to hover over a painful spot on his chest. It felt like heartburn but worse. “Hurts..” He whispered, not able to raise his voice any more. Namjoon nodded. “Yes. It will hurt for a while.” The doctor then placed a hand on Jimin’s belly, feeling around with a relaxed smile. He was happy to see Jimin awake. Jimin just watched as Namjoon felt around his tummy with an inquisitive eye. “Everything feels fine. Your pup was completely unharmed, but..” Jimin’s smile fell. “You need as much rest as you can get so your body can heal and grow the pup inside.” He explained, and Jimin nodded. Taehyung nodded as well. “I’ll make sure—“ “No.” Namjoon growled. “You’ve been in here for a week and a half. You have duties to attend to.” He explained and Taehyung shook his head. “My mate—“ “Will be fine for a few hours without you.” Seokjin said as he opened the door to the room separate to Namjoon’s infirmary. Taehyung pouted with a glare on the two. Seokjin just smiled and ruffled Taehyung’s hair. “I’ll take good care of him for you.” Seokjin hummed softly. Taehyung sighed. “Just give me a bit longer…?” He asked, eyes shining with tears. Namjoon chuckled. “Only a few minutes.” He said, and Taehyung frowned. “He needs to rest, Taehyung.” Namjoon then reminded him, and Taehyung nodded reluctantly. Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand and held it ever so tightly on his own. Seokjin sat by Jimin’s head, strumming soft, gentle fingers through his hair just like his father used to. Jimin couldn’t help but fall fast asleep to their coddling. They all watched, love in their eyes as the young omega slept soundly. Taehyung leaned forward, kissing Jimin’s forehead gently. “I love you.” He whispered once more before kissing Jimin’s knuckles as well. “I’m so sorry.” -
Chapter 39: Red of Heart, Gold of Soul It took Jimin a few tries and guiding hands to sit up from his rest in bed. Seokjin was his helping hands, holding him and guiding his back up with gentle caresses. Namjoon was on his other side, watching his bandaged wound on his chest while he held Jimin’s other side. Jimin groaned, teeth grinding as the pain in his chest spread like wildfire, but he needed to sit up. Seokjin held tears in his eyes as he watched Jimin slowly lean himself back. “Oh Jiminie…” He whimpered softly, and Jimin’s gaze slowly moved onto Seokjin. He was sluggish, still exhausted and feeling somewhat woozy. “Hyung?” Jimin hummed gently, cocking his head to the side with a slightly furrowed brow. Jimin could see it. Seokjin wanted so badly to wrap his arms around Jimin and hold him, but he couldn’t—not when Jimin was still wounded. Those pent up tears fell down Seokjin’s soft warm cheeks, and Jimin watched. His fingers trembled, wanting badly to reach out and wipe them away. Jimin’s chest heaved and a cry fell from his lips. Seokjin jumped into action immediately, and Namjoon stood. His tears swelled and he tried to hold them in, but that only made it worse on his wound. Namjoon placed his hand over Jimin’s shaking one, holding it tightly. “Please,” he inhaled sharply, “don’t stress yourself.” Jimin nodded as best as he could while Namjoon looked up to Seokjin. “And you.” He chuckled at his worried mate who was almost draped over Jimin’s top. “Don’t stress him out too much.” Namjoon laughed as Jimin calmed down. Seokjin nodded, settling himself while wiping away Jimin’s tears. “I’m sorry…” The other omega’s voice cracked, and Jimin leaned into his touch. Namjoon chuckled softly and leaned over Jimin to kiss away Seokjin’s tears from his cheeks. The elder omega sighed softly, inhaling his mate’s scent to try and calm down. There was a stiff knock on the door, and they all looked towards it. Namjoon stood, sliding the door open with a skeptical eye. Yoongi stood there, tapping his foot and brows knitted up in worry. When he saw Namjoon, he shoved right past the alpha and fell to Jimin’s side across from Seokjin. “Jimin!” Yoongi exhaled with a worried tremble in his voice. “You’re awake—I was—I was so worried.” Yoongi smiled at the sight of Jimin’s slanted, tired eyes. He could hardly keep them open; he was so exhausted. Namjoon stood at the door, speaking to two other figures. One walked through while the other wrapped his arms around Namjoon tightly. Namjoon fit Hoseok’s body into his own, tucking the other alpha’s head below his chin and holding him like a mate would. Jimin’s eyes moved from him to Jeongguk who wrapped an arm around Yoongi’s waist. Yoongi swallowed thickly. Jimin let out a breath. Yoongi looked nervous. “Jimin, if I would’ve known—“ Jimin smiled softly. “Silly.” He whispered, throat hurting and chest throbbing slightly. “Nobody knew.” He said, relaxing back because he trusted everyone in that room. He knew nothing bad would have happened with all of them there. All he needed now was his Taehyungie. Jimin started to slip, and that wasn’t bad. He was just so tired. The pain was making him even more tired as his head slipped back, eyes drooping. Yoongi stiffened, grabbing Jimin’s hand tightly. Namjoon grabbed Yoongi’s shoulder as Seokjin leaned forward too.
“It's okay.” Jimin heard Namjoon say as he slipped back to rest. “He’s just exhausted..”
Jimin moaned softly as his head moved and his consciousness stirred again. His eyes opened to a bit of a darker room, only a few candles to light his surroundings, but there was that weight on his lap again. Jimin’s head rolled on his neck. The pain in his chest was just a bit more than before, but it was just sore . Jimin moved gently, spooling fingers through the body on his lap’s hair. He knew it was Taehyung. There was no one else it could be. Jimin’s eyes adjusted slowly, but when they did, he saw Taehyung laying there, fast asleep on his lap. He looked exhausted too. There were bags under his eyes and his skin was a bit more pale than usual. Jimin smiled softly at the sight before Namjoon opened the door and stepped inside. He looked at Jimin and his jaw dropped slightly. “You’re awake?” He whispered. “That was a bit of a short rest, wasn’t it?” He smiled at Jimin, and Jimin just shrugged while Namjoon started grabbing supplies from a few places around the room. Namjoon hummed. “Only a few hours this time. You can rest some more if you’d like.” He explained, but Jimin just sighed softly. “I’m sure it won’t be long.” Jimin rasped as Namjoon stepped towards him with all of those supplies. Namjoon chuckled and grabbed a pair of medical scissors from nearby. Jimin saw the sharp blade and inhaled sharply, trauma riling up inside of his gut and forcing adrenaline to go straight to his head. Before he could take another breath, memories were scorching his mind. The moment Chinmae threw that dagger down, the feeling of pure shock and dread as that blade punched through his skin like an arrow to a sack of sand. Jimin whimpered and writhed until there was a sharp pain in his chest, spreading rapidly through the rest of him. Namjoon was holding him tightly, and Taehyung had woken up with a fearful start, growling at Namjoon, who placed the scissors down and began calming Jimin. Jimin clung onto Taehyung’s arm, pulling him down with a struggling protest. Slowly, he started to calm down, Taehyung’s hands in his hair to help him relax back into the pillow that he sat against. Jimin whimpered softly, closing his eyes. “M’ sorry…” He whispered, voice cracking. Namjoon shook his head. “No, no. It’s okay.” He assured Jimin before instead using his own hands to free Jimin of his old bandages. The blood had seeped through and turned a darker color. Jimin breathed in shivers before finally letting his eyes roll slightly back in his head. Taehyung kisses Jimin’s temple, guilt taking over him. While Namjoon began changing Jimin’s dirty bandages, Taehyung laid his head down upon Jimin’s hip, crying softly because he just felt so guilty. Jimin woke up the next time with brand new bandages. Taehyung was still there, laying across his gut this time. Jimin’s bump still wasn’t extremely noticeable, but Taehyung was laying upon it like he was protecting it. Occasionally, the alpha would growl in his slumber. Jimin didn’t really realize he was awake until a few minutes later. He moved his head around, searching for another body in the room, but there wasn’t one. Jimin slowly tried to lift his hands. He’d done it last night, but his muscles only trembled when he tried this time. Jimin let himself relax and didn’t try to move. He just listened to the silence until it was no longer silent. He heard voices outside of his room. One of them was Namjoon, another was Hoseok and Jeongguk, but Jimin couldn’t recognise the other voice. He didn’t wander very long though, and didn't feel threatened either. Not with Taehyung holding him so tightly, protecting him like the good alpha he was. Jimin smiled down at the sight. “I love you…” Jimin whispered to him, but he was sleeping too hard to hear Jimin’s soft, mouse-like voice.
Jimin slipped fingers into Taehyung’s hair, just resting like that. Taehyung’s scent was a primary feature in Jimin’s nose, ingrained into his senses until it was all he knew. He slowly fell back asleep until the door slid open. He assumed it would be Namjoon, so he just left it and continued to fall asleep, relaxing with a gentle hand in Taehyung’s ravenous locks. Jimin heard a sigh. It was a woman’s sigh. His eyes batted open once and then twice when he saw a figure in the room with him, but he couldn’t hold them open for long. He didn’t care. Taehyungie would protect him. He wasn’t sure how much longer had passed, but he suddenly felt so much better when he woke up this time. He had energy and his eyes didn’t feel like weights on his face. He still couldn’t quite move his limbs, but he didn’t really need to. Jimin peered down to see Taehyung laid across his belly like always, listening to his belly grumble probably. He was starving. How long had it been since he ate? Jimin wondered. His eyes watched Taehyung sleep, endeared by the Prince, who would soon be forced to become Emperor since his mother had passed away. So young too. Jimin moved his hands down to caress Taehyung’s cheek. He was sleeping so peacefully. His scent permeated the room, but Jimin could smell another scent. It wasn’t Namjoon’s nor Taehyung’s. It was similar to Taehyung’s scent, but not quite as intense. It smelled like an omega. Jimin’s eyes danced around the room until he saw light pouring through a crack in the door. He could hear Namjoon outside of it. After a moment, the alpha opened the door and stepped through. At seeing Jimin, who stiffened before relaxing into a lax smile. Namjoon stepped towards Jimin. “How are you feeling?” He whispered, glancing at Taehyung, who was still fast asleep. Jimin nodded with a slight hum. “I’m okay, I think.” He managed to whisper back, but he couldn’t raise his voice past a whisper. “I’m hungry.” He said, and Namjoon smiled brightly. “Good!” He exclaimed. “I’ll have something warm made for you.” He said, almost excitedly. “In the meantime, you have a visitor.” He said before slipping out of the room. Jimin wondered who it could be until they stepped through the crack in the door. That scent Jimin had picked up on was finally revealed. Jimin inhaled sharply, a pain lodged in his chest, but he didn’t feel it as the omega consort—Taehyung’s mother—stepped through and into Jimin’s space. She had a soft, gentle smile upon her face. “Hello, my love.” She hummed, and immediately sat herself down across from Taehyung, absentmindedly rolling fingers through her son’s hair. Taehyung shifted just barely, and Jimin just stared at her. She was so beautiful. He had many of the same features as Taehyung. Jimin now knew why he was so handsome. The woman then drew her hand away and grasped Jimin’s limp, almost numb hand in her own. She brought his hand to her lips and kissed it gently as tears swelled in her eyes. It must’ve been hard for her, losing her mate. Jimin had seen what broken bonds do to two mates. When one’s mate died, the other could feel it. Jimin had heard it felt like one’s heart was ripped right from their chest when a bond was forcibly broken. “Thank you so much…” She cried into his hand. It must’ve been terrible for her, but there she was groveling to Jimin’s side, thanking him as if he’d done something amazing. Jimin just acted out of impulse. He didn’t know what he was thinking, but all he knew was that he couldn’t bear to see Taehyung hurt. The omega consort sniffled, kissing each of his knuckles with the gentlest touches. “You saved my son’s life…thank you, thank you.” She gasped
out, and Jimin could just barely curl his fingers around hers and bring a smile to his face. She peered up at him through red eyes. “I’m sorry for your loss, Your Highness.” He whispered, and she just shook her head with a small whimper. The woman then sucked in a breath and tightened her hold on his hand. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come any sooner. I was worried my visit would make you unwell.” She said, and Jimin just watched her. She knew he was hurt. She knew he couldn’t speak easily, so she decided to comfort him by speaking. “How do you feel?” She asked, breath caught in her chest. Jimin moaned softly, a smile still upon his features. “Hurts.” He simply said and she laughed softly. “Of course. What a silly question.” She sighed, eyes grazing from Jimin’s mating bite to Taehyung, who was on Jimin’s stomach. The omega consort inhaled sharply, eyes snapping up to him. Her eyes were alight and sparkling with excitement. “Namjoon tells me—He tells me you’ll be having a pup.” She nearly shouted in pure excitement. There was a pretty smile pulling across her lips. Jimin watched her fondly, allowing the older omega to touch his belly. “I’m so happy…” She sighed, contentedly. Jimin gave her a smile as well. “Thank you…” Jimin whispered. He was so happy. She didn’t even care that Jimin was only a commoner and Taehyung a Prince. It almost felt too good to be true. Taehyung’s omega mother spent lots of time there, just sitting with him in silence until Namjoon returned with a bowl of warm soup and a tall glass of water with it. The woman stood as he stepped through. She smiled, still holding Jimin’s hand. “I’ll let you eat, then…You don’t mind if I return, right?” She asked, a bit squirmy and nervous for his answer. As if he would say no . Jimin gently nodded his head. “Please do.” He said, and she smiled before leaving him to be fed by Taehyung, who was slowly waking up. -
Chapter 40: You Are So Kind to Me With help from multiple arms, including Taehyung’s around Jimin’s waist and the omega consort’s on his shoulders to hold him steady, Jimin was standing. It had been about three weeks since he really started to wake up, getting himself back to normal slowly. His chest was still sore and when he moved too much it hurt badly, but other than that everything was progressing well, Namjoon said. Jimin bit his lip with a little grunt as he moved his feet forward. The hardest part of recovery was trying to get his muscles back to normal. Being stabbed came with a lot more complications than Jimin had thought before he was stabbed. Well, Jimin didn’t really think about getting stabbed before it happened. He didn’t realize it would completely sap him of energy and his basic motor skills like moving his arms without hurting his wound or walking without collapsing. He hadn’t expected it, not to mention having pregnancy hormones that made him sick or completely uncomfortable or just plain horny. He’d already gotten pregnant, what more did his body want from him? Namjoon stood in front of Jimin, the omega’s hands in his as he led him forward. Jimin was getting better. His muscles were finally starting to get back to normal and all he would have to worry about was healing the hole in his chest. He could finally move without worrying about it ripping the stitches that were still holding it together well thanks to Namjoon. Jimin could feel the muscles in his legs trembling as he put one foot in front of the other. He bit his lip as Namjoon smiled at him. “You’re doing very well.” He said, coaxing him forward with praise. Jimin gasped, his knees buckling, but Taehyung was quick to catch the smaller, letting him fall into the Emperor’s arms. Jimin sighed softly, but Namjoon didn’t look very worried at all. He pulled a chair out, and Taehyung settled Jimin into it. Namjoon pulled Jimin’s bowl of soup forward, finally allowing him to begin eating it. “With a few more tries you should be walking in a few days.” He explained. Jimin visibly brightened. “Does that mean I can return to my own room?” Jimin asked, a bit tired of being tucked away in a corner of the infirmary. Namjoon hummed, nodding his head. “Yes, but take it slow. I don’t need your stitches ripping.” He said, glancing at Taehyung, who bit his lip. “What about the pup?” Taehyung asked, and Namjoon smiled softly, patting Taehyung’s head. Jimin looked up from his bowl of soup, giving Taehyung’s omega mother a small glance before turning back to Namjoon. “I’ll check on that after you eat.” Namjoon said, pointing to the bowl of soup. Taehyung relaxed slightly, still needing to touch Jimin whenever they were together. The alpha still held Jimin’s waist tightly, even as they ate. Jimin would’ve been annoyed, but it made him feel good. Namjoon slipped out after that, and Taehyung nuzzled himself against Jimin’s neck, scenting him without even realizing it. His mother watched, her eyes soft and loving. Jimin leaned into Taehyung’s touch with a heavy sigh. The alpha peered down to Jimin’s half-empty bowl. “You need to eat.” Taehyung said, kissing Jimin’s temple as the omega just inhaled his scent as much as he possibly could. Jimin shook his head. “I’m tired of bland soup.” He said, and Taehyung frowned. Taehyung pulled the bowl of soup closer before gently pulling Jimin’s face closer to him. Jimin stiffened, but just allowed Taehyung to feed him. It was a courting gesture, something that mates do often.
Taehyung’s mother sighed softly and stood from her place next to Jimin. “I’d better go. You stay with him, Taehyung. I’ll see to some of your duties.” She smiled, and Taehyung thanked her with a large smile. She closed the door, and Taehyung immediately pressed his lips against Jimin’s. The smaller inhaled sharply before letting a small giggle leave his lips. Taehyung pulled the omega close, tasting the soup that he’d just eaten on his tongue still. When he pulled away, Jimin fell into his chest with a heavy sigh. Taehyung just held Jimin’s closely, tightly. He held Jimin like he would lose him. “I love you.” Jimin muttered, sensing that Taehyung was feeling uneasy. Taehyung nuzzled against the crown of Jimin’s head. “I still can’t believe you’re alive…” Taehyung sighed, and Jimin slowly peered up at him. Jimin furrowed his brow, still holding his mate tightly. “What do you mean? Of course I’m alive.” Jimin laughed and smiled brightly at Taehyung, who was teary eyed. “I never went anywhere.” Taehyung shook his head and just pushed Jimin’s face back into his own chest, holding him in a vice grip he wouldn’t be able to escape. “No..you left. I could feel it.” Taehyung said, and Jimin was confused. “It felt like I was going to die too. It was cold and it was dark. It felt like my chest was going to cave in.” Taehyung explained, and Jimin listened to him closely. “You died, but you came back.” Taehyung’s voice cracked. Jimin stiffened. Was that possible? He hardly remembered anything but darkness when he was recovering. He remembered that light, the empty space. Was that death? He wondered if he thought it might not be so bad, but the thought of leaving Taehyung alone with a broken bond was too much to bear. Jimin shifted himself up, hands coming shakily to grab Taehyung’s face. “I’m here now, Taehyungie.” Jimin whispered, pressing a kiss to Taehyung’s lips as his tears spilt down his face. “I’m here.” He said, and Taehyung nodded as Jimin drank up those pretty wet tears on his mate’s face. Jimin fell back into his,hugging him tightly until he was completely content. “Did you seal my wound?” Jimin asked, knowing the healing properties of alpha and omega saliva—especially between mates. Taehyung nodded, kissing the top of Jimin’s head. “I did.” He hummed. Jimin sighed, happily. “No wonder it’s healing so quickly.” Jimin giggled,and the door to the room slowly slid open. Namjoon smiled at the two and stepped inside. Jimin watched him closely as he grabbed a few tools and some more bandages. Jimin slowly moved to peer up at Taehyung again. “Will you seal it again?” Jimin asked, eyes looking very desperate. Taehyung looked up from Jimin to Namjoon with red cheeks. “I—“ he started, and Namjoon laughed. “Yes, actually, it’s about time for another seal.” He explained. “Come lay back down, Jiminie.” Namjoon hummed, settling all of his tools on the table beside Jimin’s bed. Taehyung helped Jimin up, arms still around his waist to carry him slightly until he gently laid back on the bed. Jimin sat himself up with only a bit of trouble and a spike of pain through his chest and back. Taehyung watched carefully as Namjoon unraveled his old bandages. Jimin’s wound looked so much better already. The redness had begun to shrink back and it didn’t look nearly as irritated as before. There was still a bit of blood seepage, but that wasn’t uncommon. Namjoon hummed softly as he wiped the wound down with a medicinal alcohol, wiping away the dried and slightly new blood as well. Jimin was squirming slightly until Namjoon stood. Taehyung stiffened. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, so you can seal the wound as you please.” He explained, probably aware of how intimate the gesture of mate’s healing can be.
He left, and Taehyung settled himself next to Jimin, but the omega shook his head gently with a whine. “What’s the matter?” He asked, brows knitted. Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s wrist, pulling him closer. “On top.” Jimin insisted, and Taehyung swallowed. He slowly climbed on top of Jimin, careful where he placed his knees and hands as he straddled the omega’s hips. Jimin bit his lip, pulling Taehyung down into a wet kiss. The omega was too eager, but that just made it better. Taehyung was first to pull away, a string of saliva drooping between them until Taehyung began kissing down his jaw and across his chin. His lips found their way down his neck, sucking roughly in certain places Taehyung // knew // Jimin was sensitive. Jimin fisted his hands into his alpha’s hair and held it tight as he finally reached Jimin’s wound. The omega gasped, back arching as Taehyung’s tongue slid over the wound and opened his chest, lathering it up with his saliva. Jimin bit down on his lip and stifled a groan that was almost impossibly loud in his throat. Taehyung hummed softly before pulling away, the metallic taste of Jimin’s blood and the medicinal alcohol on his tongue as he came back up for another kiss. Jimin forced their lips together, eagerly. His legs came up shakily, wrapping around Taehyung’s torso weakly. Jimin sucked and kissed Taehyung's lips until they both had swollen lips and a wetness all around their mouths. Taehyung smiled, pressing a kiss to Jimin’s forehead as the omega collapsed, using enough energy to knock himself out because he was still weak. Jimin’s legs fell and Taehyung slipped from on top of the smaller omega, who was still breathing heavily. Jimin held Taehyung’s hand tightly, glancing down at the wound that was now covered in his mate’s saliva. The door opened a few moments later and in walked Namjoon with a hum. He ignored the heavy sexual scent in the air and wrapped Jimin’s wounds like normal before smiling down at Jimin, who was in and out of sleep. Namjoon turned to Taehyung. “I’ll check on the pup when he wakes up, for now, let’s let him rest.” He said, gently escorting the Emperor from the infirmary while Jimin regained some energy.
Jimin rested for a long time, and Namjoon and the others checked on him often, but he was fine. He was just exhausted all the time. His body growing a pup and battling a deep wound. It was a lot to work on. When Jimin did wake up again, Namjoon was gently pressing on his belly. Jimin, still half asleep and delirious, panicked. He grabbed Namjoon’s hands with a screech, and the alpha quickly fell away from him with two large eyes. The door to the room slammed open, Taehyung stumbling inside along with Hoseok and Seokjin. Jimin painted, grabbing Taehyung as he fell to his distressed omega’s side. “Jiminie?” Seokjin gaped, confused as Namjoon steadied himself and collected his bearings. Jimin let out a sharp whine, and Taehyung wrapped around him tightly. “It’s okay.” Taehyung said, whispering more assurances into his omega’s ear until the smaller was calm again. Jimin slowed his breathing, taking deep inhales and letting Taehyung’s hand breathe from how tight he’d been holding onto it. “I’m.. m’ sorry.” Jimin whimpered softly with a trembling sigh. “I-I thought you were—“
Namjoon shook his head, but still remained at a safe distance from Jimin. Seokjin grabbed Namjoon’s hand tightly to reassure him. “I know. It’s alright, Jimin.” He squeezed Seokjin’s hand before slowly slipping back down. “I just need to check on your pup, okay?” He hummed gently, so Jimin nodded, sweat rolling down his temple. “O-Okay.” He whimpered out, and Taehyung kissed his cheek and began scenting him as Namjoon’s hands again pressed softly into his belly. The man felt and held his hand against Jimin’s stomach while grabbing a stethoscope. “You’re about three months in, so I should be able to hear a heartbeat.” He explained, and Jimin’s heart blossomed with excitement for once. “This is going to be cold.” He warned, and Jimin nodded. Namjoon gently placed the cold nozzle of the stethoscope against Jimin’s belly. The room was in complete silence as he listened. Jimin tried not to stop breathing, but he was nervous. Was his pup okay? Namjoon moved the nozzle in multiple places, furrowing his brow tightly. “What is it?” Taehyung asked, unable to take the silence along with Namjoon’s furrowed brows. “Hyung—“ Namjoon took the stethoscope away and placed it down. A smile graced his lips, and Jimin watched him, holding his breath while Taehyung squeezed his hand very, very tightly. Namjoon chuckled, eyes glossy as he ruffled his hand through his own hair. “The pup is fine, but…” Namjoon laughed, and Jimin tried not to worry, teeth clenching. “I heard two heartbeats, Jiminie.” Namjoon smiled so bright it was almost blinding. Jimin didn’t understand. “What?” He exhaled. Taehyung also furrowed his brows tightly while Seokjin almost jumped up in the air with a gasp. “I don’t understand…” He gaped, unsure. Seokjin plucked Jimin’s hand from where it laid and squeezed it tight. His eyes had tears, and he looked so happy, so Jimin relaxed, but he was still unsure. “Jiminie, two!” He gasped. “You’re having twins!” Jimin inhaled sharply, Taehyung doing the same by his side. “Twins?” They said in an excited unison. -
Chapter 41: Double Trouble Ever since Jimin learned he had not one, but two pups in his belly, Taehyung hadn’t left his side. His alpha didn’t even want to let go of him. Jimin moved back to his room, and he was healing perfectly. Taehyung was sleeping on his belly that was just starting to protrude. Taehyung tried hard everyday to listen for the pup's little heartbeats. Every time he was disappointed. Thanks to his mother, Taehyung was able to spend a lot more time with Jimin everyday. Jimin smiled as Taehyung snored on top of his belly. His omega strummed gentle fingers through Taehyung’s dark brown hair. He was fast asleep, the sun coming up. Taehyung hummed, stifling his snores in Jimin’s belly, hugging him tightly as he shifted. “Taehyung…” Jimin hummed, smiling brightly at the sleepy alpha. Jimin brushed his hair back. “You need to wake up.” Jimin said, and Taehyung groaned, wrapping arms around Jimin’s waist and pulling the omega closer. Taehyung pulled Jimin’s hanbok up, revealing his bare stomach. Jimin giggled softly as Taehyung began kissing the skin on his stomach. “Warm..” Taehyung just whispered, continuing to kiss Jimin’s tummy. Jimin giggled and pulled his legs up while pushing Taehyung away with a bright, bright smile. Taehyung melted when he saw Jimin’s pretty eye smile. “Come on, Taetae.” Jimin hummed. “Namjoon-hyung said I could take the bandages off today.” Taehyung nodded, taking Jimin’s hand into his and kissing his knuckles. “Just a few more minutes.” He said, and Jimin gave in. The omega fell back, hands still in Taehyung’s as the alpha kissed him all over, trying to wake up. Jimin just let him wake up on his own time, not bothering him until there was a knock at their door. Jimin looked towards it while Taehyung groaned for them to come in. The door slid open and in popped Seokjin along with Yoongi. They smiled at the sight, Taehyung didn’t even try to move from where he laid across Jimin’s body. “Good morning, you lazy pair.” Yoongi joked with a big smile. Seokjin smiled, grabbing Taehyung’s ankle. The younger alpha growled and snapped at Seokjin, but it wasn’t mean. “Your mother can’t fulfill all of your duties.” Seokjin said, and Taehyung swatted him away with a groan. “Leave us.” Taehyung demanded. Yoongi shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest tightly. “No. Jimin is getting his stitches out today, so you need to get up.” The elder laughed, and Taehyung whined loudly, holding Jimin so tightly he couldn’t escape. Jimin pulled Taehyung tight and kissed his forehead. “It won’t be too long.” Jimin said, and Taehyung frowned. “Fine.” He sighed and slowly pulled himself up off of Jimin’s front. Taehyung was so reluctant to leave Jimin. He almost refused again, but Seokjin grabbed the younger’s arm and walked with him while Yoongi wrapped an arm around Jimin’s, walking with him towards the infirmary. “I never thought I’d be asking this, but did it hurt?” Yoongi asked suddenly, and Jimin stiffened. He turned to the elder omega with a furrowed brow. “What hurt?” The elder bit his lip and huffed out a triumphant breath. “Your—You're mating bite.” He then said. “It hurt, didn’t it?” Jimin smiled at the elder and pulled him closer, shaking his head. “Only for a moment…” He explained, and Yoongi sighed softly. “Afterwards it feels like—“ Jimin stopped himself, face turning bright red.
Yoongi stiffened, but they’d thankfully arrived at the infirmary in time to avoid that awkward conversation orgasm. Yoongi opened the door for Jimin, letting the younger walk in first, so he did. Namjoon greeted the two of them immediately. “Jimin, Yoongi.” He smiled at them brightly while fiddling with his tools. It was only a pair of tweezers and some medical scissors. Jimin wasn’t nearly as sensitive to them as he was before. “Are you ready?” He hummed, and Jimin nodded. “I’d also like to check on your pups while you’re here.” He explained, and Jimin nodded, looking around. “Okay.” Namjoon pointed to the room inside the infirmary Jimin had stayed in for so long. “Just lay down on the bed, I’ll be there in a minute. Yoongi, you can sit with him.” Yoongi did as he was told and settled himself beside a squirming, worried Jimin. Ever since he learned he had two pups in his belly, he’s been more on edge, more scared. He couldn’t even believe it was true, let alone possible. Yoongi grabbed Jimin’s hand gently and smiled. Jimin gave him a worried look. He was letting it get to him again...the thought of childbirth. It terrified him. Yoongi furrowed his brows gently, looking at Jimin shrouded with worry. “Jimin-ah?” He hummed, voice so deep, Jimin could melt into it. “Hm?” Yoongi curled a quick brown and pursed his lips. “Are you alright? You’ve looked grim all day today.” He said, and Jimin stiffened. The younger omega pressed both hands to his cheeks, and his eyes grew big. “Grim? Really?” He said, biting his lip when Yoongi responded with a nod of his head. “I’m sorry it must be the hormones…” Jimin explained, but he knew exactly what was making him so nervous—or grim. Namjoon slipped back towards him, pulling up a table and some supplies. Yoongi helped Jimin remove most of his hanbok where the stab wound sat upon his chest, looking much less red and irritated than a week ago. Namjoon hummed when he saw it, a smile sitting upon his lips still. “It looks great.” He smiled, and Jimin felt slightly relieved. He was tired of having to worry about the wound and the pups. “Has Taehyung sealed it again?” He asked, and Jimin nodded. “Last night.” He explained, and Namjoon nodded. “Good.” There was some noise from the doors, and Namjoon glanced at Yoongi, who nodded and stood. He just barely pulled the door open before it slammed open. Jimin gasped, grabbing Namjoon’s hand suddenly as Taehyung stepped inside the infirmary, smiling brightly at them, his mother by his side with an apologetic look. “Taehyung—“ Yoongi murmured, bowing gently to the omega consort. Jimin untwined his hand from Namjoon’s and held it out to Taehyung. “Don’t you have duties to attend to?” Jimin asked, a real smile settling on his lips. He always felt so much better with Taehyung near him. “Not anymore.” He said. Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand and squeezed it with a gentle smile. He settled himself where Yoongi sat before and rubbed his cheek against Jimin’s forehead. Jimin giggled softly. Yoongi smiled and found a seat a few feet away, offering one to the omega consort with a big, gummy smile. She took it as Namjoon looked around the crowded infirmary. “Well, quite an audience for such a small procedure.” He chuckled, and Jimin hummed gently. He tightened around Taehyung’s hand. “Will it hurt?”
Namjoon shook his head, grabbing his supplies and moving away his hanbok to see clearer. “It shouldn’t hurt. It may tug a little.” He explained, and Jimin nodded gently. He brought scissors to each thread, clipping each before delicately pulling each cut thread from the stitches. It tugged a bit. Jimin wasn’t really sure how to explain the feeling, but Namjoon was right, it didn’t hurt at all. Namjoon would glance up at Jimin, gauging his reactions to each pull to make sure he wasn’t in any pain. Jimin kept his expression as mute as possible. Taehyung, though, watched closely, nose on Jimin’s collar bone as he gently tugged each thread from where it sat under the healing skin. He would wince and inhale sharply, squeezing Jimin’s hand. Jimin tried not to laugh because he didn’t want to disturb Namjoon. Mere moments later, the alpha was finished and set his scissors onto his tray with a clap of his hands. “And that’s it.” Namjoon hummed, and Jimin smiled at him brightly. “Your wound looks like it’s healing perfectly, just try not to disturb it, alright?” He said, ruffling the hair on Jimin’s head. Taehyung smiled brightly, and Jimin nodded. “Thank you, hyung.” Jimin looked around the room with worried brows. “I’d actually like to ask you something…” He swallowed thickly. “Alone.” He finally said and Taehyung stiffened, peering down to his omega, who couldn’t look at him. Namjoon looked around, nodding to each of the guests. Yoongi stood first, the omega consort next with a small smile. Taehyung, though, stayed silent and seated. Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s hand tightly on his own with a worried look. He smelled of worry as well. “Taehyungie, please. I need to be alone.” He said, urging his alpha to trust him. Taehyung brought Jimin’s knuckles to his lips and kissed them softly. “Alright. If you’re sure.” He hummed, a bit put out that he couldn’t stay. Taehyung then stood and stepped out of the infirmary with his mother’s guiding hand. Jimin was pulling his hanbok back onto his shoulder with his lip pulled between his teeth tightly. Namjoon watched him carefully. “What’s the matter?” Namjoon asked with a frown. Jimin wrapped a shaky hand around his stomach, holding the barely protruding belly tightly. He was just so scared. Namjoon watched his hand around his belly with a sharp inhale. Namjoon placed a hand over Jimin’s on his belly. “Jimin, what’s wrong?” He asked, this time, he looked more nervous, like something could be wrong. Jimin shook his head and pressed his face into his hands with a sigh. “I’m scared.” He muttered, voice cracking as he spoke. Namjoon stared down at him with knitted brows. He placed his hand onto Jimin’s shoulder with a gentle smile. “What are you afraid of?...Birth?” Jimin whined and nodded softly, hands still holding his face. The alpha hummed, nodding his head. “I won’t lie to you…I’ve seen many births since I’ve been at this palace. All of them are very painful, but all of them are very worth it.” He explained, and Jimin peered up slightly with a worried expression. It wasn’t exactly what he wanted to hear, but he knew if the physician said it was going to be easy, that would be a lie. Namjoon smiled softly, and pulled Jimin’s hands from his face. “I’ve helped give birth to triplets, Jimin.” He chuckled, releasing a calming pine pheromone. “Everything will be okay.” Jimin tried to listen, and for a few moments he thought it would be okay, but he was still scared. “If you’d like, you can speak with Taehyung’s omega mother about it.” He said, and Jimin stiffened. She’d been so nice to him, why was he still so frightened of her?
Namjoon patted the younger’s head gently. “I’m sure she’d love to talk with you about it, in fact.” He explained, giving Jimin a glance. Jimin let out a long sigh before nodding his head. “I’ll speak with her. Do you know…” Jimin started, but stopped, gnawing on his lip. Namjoon gave him a quick glance. “Yes?” “Do you know when I’m…you know.” Jimin sighed. “Due?” Namjoon chuckled. “May I?” He asked, referring to touching Jimin’s belly. Jimin nodded, and he gently felt all over Jimin’s small belly. Namjoon pulled his hands away with a smile. “You’ve still got months to prepare yourself, please don’t stress too much.” He explained, and Jimin knew he needed to stop, but he couldn’t. He thought about his pups, hands subconsciously smoothing over his belly with a worried exhale. He needed to calm down...for his pups. Namjoon sighed and wrapped his arms around Jimin’s frame, taking the omega off guard. “It will be okay.” Namjoon said, and Jimin relaxed at the smell of fresh pine in his nose. Jimin leaned into the hug before wrapping his own arms around Namjoon. “Thank you, hyung.”
Jimin stepped around the courtyard, walking with Taehyung’s omega mother in silence. It had been almost two weeks since he got his stitches removed, and only recently did he gain the courage to ask the woman for some alone time together. She’d always been so kind, from the first moment they met in her fruit garden to the days he woke up from his wounds. She’d never given him any reason to distrust her or be frightened of her. Maybe it was her beauty. She was so gorgeous and confident it radiates through her personality and just intimidated Jimin. They walked through the largest courtyard. The courtyard Jimin had first performed for Taehyung inside of. Gods that felt like ages ago. It was only last winter, so much had happened in such a short amount of time. It was almost August, Jimin had gotten pregnant in the first weeks of July— maybe even late June if he thought about it. That’s when Taehyung’s rut was. It had been almost three weeks since the late Empress’ funeral. Taehyung was also crowned Emperor at the service, Jimin hadn’t attended—healing from his stab wound. Two weeks ago Chinmae and Heechul were stripped of all their titles, publicly shamed, and tormented by the angry civilians. One week ago, both traitors and their followers were put to death after rotting in the black cells of the palace’s underground—underguard constantly.
It was still a threat though, a few followers had fled and some were simply hiding amongst court members. So Hoseok walked a few steps behind them both, careful of what was around. Jimin turned to her, biting his lip. “Thank you..for meeting me.” Jimin said, and she smiled brightly at him. “Of course. I could tell there was something bothering you.” She said, and Jimin sighed softly, proving her words to be true. “Come, let’s sit.” The woman said and guided Jimin, hand in his towards a small wooden swing that sat underneath a flower covered portico. Jimin sat down with her, squirming and shifting nervously. The older omega squeezed his hands tightly and turned towards him. Jimin could barely look her in the eyes. “Jiminie…you don’t have to be scared of me. I’m here to help you and love you.” She said, and Jimin’s heart melted. “You’re my son now, by mating.” She said, nuzzling against his head with a calming pheromone. Jimin relaxed against her and whined softly. “Thank you…” He whispered, and Jimin just stayed enveloped in her arms. “I’m scared...of-of birth .” He said, voice scared and muffled in her long dark hair. The woman hummed and stroked his head gently. “I understand.” She kissed the crown of his head gently. “It’s hard, but it’s the most rewarding thing you’ll ever experience.” Jimin bit his lip, pulling away from her with tear filled eyes. “Thank you..” He said, and she just smiled brightly. “Just don’t stress too much, my little love.” -
Chapter 42: Two of a Kind It was his fourth month into the pregnancy and the symptoms were only just beginning to lessen...all except for how goddamn horny he was all the time. Jimin groaned and kicked his legs in bed. Taehyung was lying next to him, slowly lifting his head to see Jimin, who was stranded on his back because his belly was getting bigger. It was noticeable now even underneath heavy clothes, but Jimin’s clothes were thin for sleeping because it was hot—the end of August. Fall would soon be settling in, cold with it. Jimin groaned again, anger settling in and annoyance growing. He slapped a hand against Taehyung’s back suddenly. The Emperor snapped up with a sharp inhale. “Wha—Jimin, what…? What the hell? “ He huffed and dug his face back into the pillows. Jimin groaned and rolled over, climbing on top of his mate and grabbed the collar of his shirt. Jimin groaned, pulling on his collar and kicking him while squirming on top of him. “I wanna—“ Taehyung whined and swatted Jimin away with a frown. Jimin growled and wrapped his hands around Taehyung’s chin, pulling his head up with an annoyed grumble. “Get up!” Jimin groaned before kicking his legs. “Get up. Get up. Get up. Get up! “ He shouted, pulling on his chin meanly. Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hands and tore them away from his chin and swung the omega around, back onto his back with his hands held over his head. Jimin squirmed his hands in Taehyung’s hold. Taehyung grew close to Jimin, kissing his cheek gently. “ What? “ He growled as Jimin whined. Jimin stilled finally and pouted his lips. “M’ horny…” He admitted, squeezing his legs together. Taehyung’s eyes grew large and he smirked with a chuckle. “Want me to put another pup in you.” Jimin gasped, pulling one hand from Taehyung’s hold and shoving it into the alpha’s face with an angry growl. “No!” He huffed, and Taehyung let him free of his grasp before sleepily falling on top of him, but holding himself up so he didn’t smother the omega’s swollen belly. “Then what do you want?” He asked, and Jimin whined. The omega grabbed Taehyung’s hand and smoothed it down his belly before reaching just below where an erection sat, twitching and prodding at his sleepwear. The alpha chuckled softly where his hand sat still as Jimin rutted up against his palm with a sigh. “Cute.” Taehyung smiled, rolling his nose through Jimin’s soft scented hair. The omega had just taken a bath and was already covered in Taehyung’s scent again. The alpha heeded his omega’s wishes, pushing his hand beneath the thin robes that Jimin always wore because he always got so hot during the night. Jimin’s breath hitched in his throat as Taehyung wrapped a hand around his length. It fit so snuggly into his large hand, and Jimin jerked up into his fist before hissing. “Too dry..” Jimin muttered, panting. It had been so long since they’d done anything, so Taehyung knew Jimin wouldn’t last very long. Taehyung nodded gently, dipping hand fingers down below Jimin’s taint, grazing so softly over the sensitive skin. Jimin gasped, lips latching onto Taehyung’s neck. Taehyung continued down, sliding his fingers between Jimin’s cheeks where a copious amount of slick had gathered. Taehyung could smell the excitement and pleasure radiating off of Jimin’s glands, he could taste it when he placed his lips over those sensitive scent glands on his neck—sweet, sweet Busan peaches. Taehyung hummed softly as Jimin just parted and gasped in pleasure, whining and writhing underneath the alpha. Taehyung smirked and slipped two pliantly long fingers past Jimin’s slick covered rim. His hole swallowed
up Taehyung’s fingers and Jimin almost screamed, bucking his shaky hips against Taehyung’s front before throwing his head back, releasing his orgasm all over. Taehyung chuckled. “That’s all it took?” “Shut—Shut up..” Jimin struggled to say through a clouded pleasure filled orgasm. Taehyung curled his fingers inside of Jimin, and the smaller one almost screamed, whole body moving up on the mattress as he gasped out in pure bliss. His thighs trembled and his fingers curled into the fabric that was falling off of Taehyung’s back. “What was that?” Taehyung smirked, watching as Jimin’s whole body spasmed as Taehyung’s fingers just barely moved, yet caused catastrophic pleasure right to Jimin’s gut. “Feel good, flower?” He hummed, licking up the sweat that streamed down from Jimin’s forehead. Jimin just nodded enthusiastically, unable to speak as his thighs lifted him off the bed, his toes twisting into the sheets. He held his breath, body trembling as Taehyung’s long fingers pressed all the way inside of him. Jimin’s head keeled back and he let out a long, gasping cry of pure enjoyment and pleasure. He didn’t even try to hold it in, no matter how loud. The guards outside would just have to bear with the couple. Jimin shook with violent tremors, drool leaking down his chin with pants of exhaustion as he fell back into the mattress with a long sigh. Taehyung’s fingers slipped right out of him, and Taehyung licked his slick covered fingers clean. Tasted just like Jimin’s vanilla peachy scent. If there was one taste he could have on his tongue forever, it would be Jimin’s slick. Jimin was still panting, breathing heavily as he tried desperately to hold onto the last shred of reality he had because it just felt so good . “Ahhh…” Jimin whined, pulling Taehyung back down to lay with him. Once his alpha was laying with him, Jimin curled into his side and sighed out a long moan of relief. “Thank you, Taetae…” He hummed weakly. Taehyung nuzzled against his head and held his omega tightly. “Anything for you, now go to sleep.” He said, smoothing a protective hand over Jimin’s tummy. Jimin inhaled sharply as a pulse ripped through his body, then another. Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s wrist, and he looked smaller. Jimin relaxed when he realized it was only a heartbeat. His own or his pups? He wasn’t really sure. “Can you feel them moving?!” Taehyung gasped and shot up before instantly placing his head over Jimin’s belly. Jimin giggled and pushed Taehyung off of his belly. “No, it’s just heart beats.” Jimin explained, but Taehyung huffed and pushed himself back onto Jimin’s belly. “I wanna hear.” Taehyung demanded like a little kid. Jimin giggled. “You can't—“ Taehyung hushed him, so Jimin just sat back quietly, letting Taehyung listen until they both fell asleep. Taehyung moved to his lap so he wasn’t on his tummy, and Jimin slept with fingers between the strands of Taehyung’s hair.
Jimin frowned as he watched as Taehyung’s things were packed into large bags and traveling boxes. The alpha was seated with Jimin, who laid across his lap with a big frown on his face. Taehyung had Jimin’s robes pulled up, playing with and massaging Jimin’s belly while his things were being packed by the handmaids and attendants. They were all too busy to notice. Jimin turned over, grabbing Taehyung’s robes with a fierce pout and shaky grip. “Please, Taetae..” Jimin whined softly, holding tightly to him. “Please, don’t go.” He pleaded, and Taehyung’s lip trembled as he watched his pretty omega beg for him to stay. How could he say no? Jimin was so perfect. Taehyung leaned down, grabbing Jimin’s cheeks and pressing cute butterfly kisses to his nose and mouth and each cheek. Jimin giggled sadly, knowing he soon would have to leave. “You know I can’t this time.” He hummed, and Jimin knew he couldn’t. A disaster had happened in Dalgubeol, Yoongi’s home city. There was a fierce rain that flooded almost the entire city, only leaving the shrine that belonged to Yoongi’s family intact for those who remained. It was a travesty. Killing almost a quarter of the city’s population. Jimin wondered how Yoongi was taking it, even if none of his family died, his people did. Jimin would be devastated if such a disaster destroyed his home in Busan. “I know…” Jimin whimpered, and Taehyung looked down at him fondly. Taehyung wrapped arms around the omega tightly. “Take care of yourself while I’m away, and our pups.” He smiled, rubbing his cheek against the omega’s tummy. Jimin smiled weakly down at Taehyung, who held him tightly until it was time to go. “By the time you’re home, I’ll be so round.” Jimin huffed, a bit annoyed already with his size. He was already bigger than most because he had // two // pups in his belly. He was away for about two months. A week and a half to travel, two whole weeks of helping with the disaster, and the last week and a half to return to the capital. Jimin just didn’t think it was a good idea to leave for so long. Maybe he was selfish, but he just hated being away from Taehyung for so long. Taehyung sighed softly. “That’s right...month six, right?” He asked, and Jimin nodded with a sigh. “They’re already so big and mean . Can’t they just come out already?” Jimin asked, rubbing his belly. Taehyung shook his head with a worried smile. “They need time to bake, Jiminie! They aren’t even halfway done yet!” He chuckled and wrapped around Jimin. Jimin whined and fell into Taehyung’s grip, perfectly content with being with him, even though he knew the alpha would be leaving soon. He at least had some confidence knowing Taehyung’s mother would be in charge, given the new title of Queen mother by Taehyung after the passing of the Empress, her mate. She was the acting regent while Taehyung was away. At least with her here, Jimin could sleep somewhat soundly. Plus, Taehyung had assigned a new giant alpha to protect him since Hoseok
had become busy with his own projects. Jimin didn’t mind, and from what Jimin had seen of his large, but silent guard, Haeil was very kind to him. Taehyung trusted the alpha with Jimin’s safety, so Jimin would trust him as well. Taehyung nuzzled his nose into Jimin’s lightly coloured brown hair and inhaled his pretty omega scent. “So pretty…” He whispered. “I’ll miss you so much, my little flower.” Taehyung left for Dalgubeol the next week with Jeongguk, Yoongi, and a handful of soldiers. The Queen mother was officially in charge of the capital and the palace until Taehyung’s return. She kept close to Jimin, soothing his worries and being there as a crutch for Jimin to lean on. Her scent was so similar to Taehyung’s, but softer and less aggressive—as most omega scents were soft and calming. -
Chapter 43: A Lonesome Flower The first month or so went by without a hitch, and the Queen mother had time to spare and spend with Jimin. The young omega started to enjoy morning, afternoon, and nightly walks in the courtyards and gardens all over the palace. Hoseok joined the younger when he could, but he was often more busy tending to his duties now in finding the last man involved in the traitorous scandal that took the life of the Empress. “We don’t fear he’ll try anything.” Hoseok explained as Jimin rocked the wooden swing sitting in front of a large koi fish pond. Hei and Aecha were playing at the edge of the shallow water, trying to touch each fish that came close while feeding others. Jimin glanced at the big man beside him. He was well over two hundred centimeters and weighed completely of muscle. Jimin often found himself glad he would never be on the receiving end of this man’s anger. In fact, he and Jimin got along nicely. Jimin made him chuckle—just a bit— through little jokes and phrases. He could tell the alpha was endeared through his straight expression by the tiny smile that curled the very edge of his lips every time Jimin did something silly. Hoseok smiled as Aecha splashed Hei with a handful of water. The little boy gasped and frowned at his little sister. “He’ll most likely try to ignore the fact that he was involved..to blend back into court without suspicion.” He explained to Jimin and Haeil both. “So I don’t believe he’ll ever try anything.” He said, and Hei splashed Aecha back, but with much more water. “But even so,” Hoseok stood, watching as Aecha turned around, soaking wet and tears boiled up in her eyes. “You should be very careful. The court can be a dangerous place when the Emperor’s seat is vacant.” Hoseok warned before scooping Aecha up into his arms with a chuckle while holding Hei, who’d started crying because he thought he was in trouble. Jimin smiled at the three and fisted his hands around his belly that was now quite large. He was in his fifth month, and everyone knew he was pregnant with the Crown Prince’s child. Everyone knew what they’d done behind closed doors—the mating bite and more. For some reason, Jimin didn’t really mind them knowing. In fact, he was glad that it was known Taehyung was his. Jimin turned to Haeil with a small smile. “Will you sit with me?” He asked, and Haeil peered down at him through his iron and gold golden helmet— the set of armor gifted to him by the late Empress after he defeated an entire battalion of soldiers by himself at the mere age of fifteen, winning the last war. The last war was over twenty years ago, before Jimin was born. The man settled himself beside Jimin in the wooden swing set. Jimin pulled his legs up to his chest and just watched his surroundings as Hoseok left the courtyard to return Hei and Aecha to Seokjin so he could continue his duties. “Do you think I’m in any danger?” Jimin asked, holding his belly protectively. Haeil stayed silent for a moment. “They would be a fool to hurt Kim Taehyung’s mate.” He then said, and Jimin smiled weakly. “I will be there, Your Highness—“ Jimin snorted. “Not ‘Your Highness.’ ” Jimin said, not really minding that he had no real title yet since he wasn’t of real royal blood. He didn’t really want a title anyways. Haeil shifted, pushing the swing ever so gently with his feet to sway Jimin. “You are a part of the royal family now. You should be treated as such.” Haeil said, and Jimin sent him a small smile. “Thank you, Haeil.” Jimin muttered.
Jimin sat with Seokjin, Hei, and Aecha in the court hall, all eating. Hei and Aecha had a bowl of fruits they were picking out of and Seokjin a small bowl of soup with sticky rice on the side. The older one was a bit more quiet than usual, looking nervous even. Jimin couldn’t figure out why. Jimin was eating a specially made dish that he’d been craving for more than enough time. Anything else smells revolting to Jimin. The fruit that Aecha and Hei ate and the soup that Seokjin had, it all smelled rancid to Jimin’s nose. He knew it was only the pregnancy, but he hated how picky he was recently. Seokjin was looking around himself with a nervous scent on his body. Jimin furrowed his brows tightly. “Hyung,” he hummed, voice soft and careful. Seokjin looked up to him with big eyes. “What’s the matter? You look so uncomfortable.” He explained, shoveling his own plate of specially made kimbap into his mouth one after another. Namjoon had banned him from eating anything spicy or anything seafood, and Jimin would forever curse him for that, but he understood. Seokjin swallowed thickly. “It’s nothing, Jiminie.” Seokjin tried to smile, pulling at his collar with a soft sigh. Jimin just knew that was a lie, but he didn’t want to make Seokjin more uncomfortable by prodding any further, so he left it alone with a frown upon his face. He plucked another kimbap from his plate, but he couldn’t eat it. Jimin groaned softly and placed his chopsticks down. He’d lost his appetite and so suddenly too. Seokjin looked amused for the first time that night, but it quickly went away. “Yes, the cravings can be so annoying, can’t they?” Seokjin hummed, glancing up at Jimin through scoops of soup. Jimin just nodded with a scoff. “Very…” Seokjin bit his lip, eyes shaking slightly as he watched the other court guests pass by. Jimin had never seen him like this, so frightened and rigid. Why? Jimin frowned. He couldn’t take it any longer. He had to know what was wrong with the elder. Jimin reached forward, grabbing Seokjin’s hand in his tightly. “Hyung, please.” Jimin whined, looking nervous for the other omega. Seokjin sighed softly and squeezed Jimin’s hand. He glanced at Haeil, who stood above Jimin, but not so close that he was overstepping. The elder bit his lip and looked back at Jimin. “It’s nothing, really.” He said. “But if anything happens to me, please look after Hei and Aecha, won’t you?” He smiled brightly, as if the statement he’d made was normal and not worrying. Jimin shook his head, brows furrowed and hands squeezing Seokjin’s almost painfully tight. Jimin leaned forward, head shaking still. “Hyung, what are you talking about? You’re not going anywhere.” He gasped out, Hei and Aecha still eating and not paying any attention to Seokjin or Jimin. Seokjin pressed a hand to Jimin’s cheek gently. “Just promise me, okay?” He said with glossy eyes, and Jimin couldn’t bear to see Seokjin cry, so he nodded his head immediately. “Of course. I’ll keep them safe.” Jimin agreed, glancing at the children, who were now fighting over the last piece of honeydew, which Aecha didn’t even like.
Seokjin smiled a sigh rolling through his chest. “Thank you, Jiminie.” Jimin truly did not like those words.
A week later, Jimin sat with Taehyung’s mother, whom he was no longer afraid of. Her intimidation had worn off. They often laughed and joked together like they’d known each other forever. The Queen mother finally started smiling again when she was with Jimin, and Jimin loved to see it. The boxy smile was so similar to Taehyung’s. Jimin missed him so much. The younger omega pulled his tea up to his lips, but stopped. The woman was chuckling softly at a little jest Jimin had made about the pups, who often gave him little hiccups and annoying tugs. He couldn’t tell if they were merely moving. The little flutters in his belly felt more like gas than anything else. Jimin placed his cup of tea back onto the table, and the woman smiled through her own sips on the chai tea. “Is something wrong with Jinhyung?” Jimin asked suddenly, the thought of what he’d said before still made Jimin uneasy. It was like the omega thought he was going to go away forever. The woman sighed softly, setting her own cup down. “Well, you know of his circumstances...with General Jung and physician Kim.” Jimin nodded. “Without Taehyung here to protect them, I’m sure the omega is simply worried that the court members will try something.” She explained and Jimin stiffened. Of course. He was mated to two people. Many traditionalists thought that was punishable by death. Jimin swallowed, hands fisting the robes on his legs tightly. He couldn’t even imagine the stress the elder was under. “You’ll protect them, right?” Jimin asked, eyes glossed with worried tears. The woman bit her lip, nodding carefully. “Of course. I’ll do everything in my power, but Jiminie, you must understand...I’m an omega, I will not have as much power as my son in these cases.” She said, and Jimin swallowed thickly. Of course, no alpha would listen to an omega, even if the omega’s rank was much higher than their own. It was all based on pride and honor. An alpha would never allow an omega to tell them what to do. That was thought of as dishonor if they let an omega boss them around. Jimin would love to destroy that wheel once and for all, but he knew that would take hundreds of years to set straight. Jimin thought it might even be impossible. Jimin bowed his head, nervously. “I understand…” The woman leaned forward. “Jimin, please do not stress over this.” She said, fearing for his pups that were highly affected by his own stress levels. “I’ll do as much as I can.” She promised, and Jimin felt a little better, but Seokjin looked so adamant that something would happen even Jimin started to expect it like a weight in his gut. “Please do…” -
Chapter 44: Trampled Flowers ‘KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!’ Jimin gasped, throwing himself up from where he laid asleep in bed. He looked around, chest heaving as another few bangs hit his door. He scrambled out of bed, plucking a robe off of the room divider and pulling it around himself because he was basically naked. “Your Highness, sorry to wake you, but Lord Kim is here. He says it’s urgent.” Jimin inhaled sharply, pulling the door open with a carefully calculated expression on his sleep ridden face. There, he saw Seokjin panting, holding Aecha in his arms and Hei’s hand. Both children were falling asleep in his arms. Seokjin, though, looked horrified. “Jimin, please—“ He gasped. Jimin’s skin prickled. Once Seokjin saw Jimin, he pushed his children forward, and Jimin gasped. Haeil quickly grabbed and held the young girl that he was trying to push onto Jimin, who was too round to hold the three year old. Jimin took Hei’s hand, squatting down to his level to hold his face as he cried softly. He was scared. “There’s no time, please, take them.” He said, while holding Aecha’s face as she fell back asleep against Hale's chest. The war machine looked rigid holding the pup. “Hide them, please!” He begged, grabbing Jimin’s hands when the younger one stood once more. “Don’t tell anyone they’re here, please .“ He continued, and Jimin just nodded, too shocked to understand what was happening. Seokjin started to walk away, but Jimin grabbed his wrist. “Hyung, wait!” Jimin gasped, but Seokjin just twisted his wrist from Jimin’s hold and stalked away from Jimin and his own pups. Jimin turned to Haeil, who held Aecha like she would break in his grip. “What—What was that?” Jimin asked, voice cracking. He had a sinking feeling in his gut. Haeil shook his head. “I’m not sure.” Jimin swallowed thickly, pulling Hei and Aecha into his and Taehyung’s chambers. He supposed the kids would be okay there. They would have the courtyard all to themselves where no one would see them. Jimin was sure he could keep them hidden, but there was only his and Taehyung’s bed. He supposed it was big enough. “Set her on the bed, please.” Jimin said before falling back to Hei’s height and gently brushing hair from his tired, tearful face. Jimin quickly wiped away his tears. “Hey, baby, it’ll be okay.” Jimin soothed him, and pulled the young pup into a tight hug. “Why don’t you go back to sleep with your sister, okay?” He hummed gently, and a Hei shook his head. “Where is my daddy?” He asked, more tears leaving his eyes. Jimin quickly wiped them away. “He’s just going to take care of something, don’t you worry.” He explained, and He nodded. “It’ll be just like those times when your daddies have to spend alone time together, okay?” He hummed, putting a big smile on for the little boy, who just knew something was wrong. Jimin stood and led Hei to the bed where Aecha was sleeping already, curling up into the soft blankets and pelts. Hei climbed in, pulled himself close to his sister as if protecting the younger pup. Jimin swallowed thickly, turning to Haeil. “Stay here with them. I’ll return shortly.” He said, but Haeil shook his head. “I’ll go where you go, Your Highness. If not, I can’t protect you.” Haeil explained with an anxious brow. Jimin bit his lip. “I’ll be fine. Please, just stay with them.” He said before slipping out of the room.
He stalked down the halls until he heard quite a ruckus in the throne room. Jimin pushed the doors open, a subconscious hand going to his protruding stomach. The throne room was relatively full of court members and palace guards. Jimin felt shivers roll down his spine. It was too familiar. Jimin pulled his silk robes tighter around himself. He felt sick. Jimin looked around. He saw the Queen mother standing at the throne, one hand placed on top of the cool metal of the larger throne. Her brows were tight, and she looked angry. Jimin followed her eyes and saw two familiar figures standing there, one more sunken to the ground with court members glaring at them, talking, but Jimin couldn’t hear their words. Jimin’s gut dropped. It was Hoseok, Seokjin, and Namjoon. The elder omega had his robes torn from his shoulders to reveal the two bite marks on his shoulders. “Your Royal Highness, this is an abomination!” One alpha shouted with an angry growl. The other four or so alphas nodded in agreement. Jimin’s breath stilled. He watched in horror. The Queen mother growled down at them with venomous eyes. “Stop this now. These three were blessed by my son—“ “Yes, but not the late Empress!” He shouted back at her, glaring harshly. The palace guards looked baffled. “They should be executed, their disgusting children with them!” He pointed, and all three of them stepped forward with growls. Seokjin shook his head with an angry snarl. “You won’t touch my pups!” He shouted at the alpha above him, who just scoffed. “Where are those abominations? Have you hidden them away?” He growled down at Seokjin, and Jimin stiffened. He wouldn’t let anyone touch Seokjin’s pups. Not in a million years. Jimin couldn’t stand it any longer. He stomped forward, grabbing Seokjin’s shoulders gently. The elder gasped and flinched. Jimin just helped him up, covering his shoulders. He glared at the alphas condemning the three. “Leave them alone!” Jimin hissed at them all. “Does your current Emperor’s blessing mean nothing to you?” He growled, and the palace guards grew stern. The Queen mother stared at Jimin with a concerned expression. “Jimin..” The alphas growled at Jimin. “Of course, you’re here to defend one of your own—a whore .“ He barked, and Jimin flinched slightly at the word. “I will listen to no omega, no matter how charming you are.” He said, pointing to the guards, who stiffened. “Are you going to let these omegas tell you what to do?” The man grumbled, and the guards furrowed their brows tightly. It was just as Taehyung’s mother had said. Their pride would be the end of them. “Take these disgusting things to the dungeons.” He demanded, and to Jimin’s surprise, they acted upon his demands, stepping forward. Jimin furrowed his brows and came to stand in front of the three friends, who always protected him. He would protect them in return. “Stop this! Are you going to disobey the Queen mother so openly?” Jimin hissed at them, but they shoved him out of their way, grabbing the three with harsh holds. Jimin inhaled sharply, wrapping an arm around his belly swiftly. The other alpha chuckled. “The Queen mother can do nothing to stop this. Neither can you, omega.” He growled, getting right in Jimin’s face. “Once you birth his heir, you will return to the nothing which you came from.” Jimin inhaled sharply, glaring meanly at the man who slipped past him, following after the guards and the couple. “You are the only abomination in this place.” Jimin hissed at him, and he turned back around with a stiff shouldered walk back to Jimin. The man stood over the omega, who
stared up at him, unafraid and as brave as he could be, but he was so scared on the inside. A sword was suddenly at the alpha’s throat, and he stiffened. Jimin could see Haeil’s giant frame standing over the alpha. He stilled. Why was he here? “You should have your tongue cut from your mouth for saying such things to the mate of your Emperor.” Haeil growled, and it even sent shivers down Jimin’s spine. He wasn’t even the one Haeil spoke to. “Do not ever threaten this omega again.” Haeil demanded before taking his sword away calmly. The man scoffed with a fearful shaking in his voice. “Fine.” He growled before stalking away from them both. “Find their pups.” Jimin inhaled sharply, looking at Haeil, who stared at the court as he left the throne room. “Why are you here?” Jimin gasped once he was gone. “I told you—“ Haeil frowned softly. “It looks strange, doesn’t it? Me guarding an empty room.” He explained, and Jimin bit his lip. “You were in danger.” Jimin shook his head. “I could’ve handled that.” Jimin shifted his focus up to the Queen mother, who looked fearful as she stepped towards them. She bit her lip. “There’s not much I can do. Lord Yoonsun will not listen to anyone. He’s too prideful.” She explained, shaking her head. Jimin bit his lip roughly, and the Queen mother grabbed his shoulders, smoothing a hand across Jimin’s that sat upon his stomach. “Please, worry about your pups and do not stress over this. I’ll do the best I can to help them.” She explained with knitted brows. Jimin shook his head. “He wants them dead, their pups too. I can’t—“ “You must. ” She said, this time more seriously. “I will solve this, I promise.” Jimin shifted his eyes to the floor below. “How much longer until Taehyung returns…?” Jimin asked, and the Queen mother sighed. “Too long.” It was the middle of the second month. Jimin had been keeping track. Taehyung was supposed to return in almost two weeks, but that would be too long. Seokjin, Hoseok, and Namjoon wouldn’t last that long—not with Lord Yoonsun. Jimin was scared. What could he do? Jimin peered up to Haeil. He was huge and intimidating. He’d destroyed an entire battalion...at fifteen . He could easily demand they be set free and the guards would have to comply out of pure fear. Jimin bit his lip. “I have an idea.” Taehyung’s mother stiffened and nodded, a bit concerned. “What is it?” Jimin swallowed thickly. “Haeil could free them and, with Hei and Aecha, they could flee to one of the royal palaces until Taehyung returns…” He said, and the woman brightened slightly. “Yes..that could work, but I’ll have to send a letter to the nearest palace and explain the situation.” She explained. “It’ll take about a week.” She said, nodding softly. Jimin nodded with a concerned furrowing brow. “It’s settled then.” -
Chapter 45: Break Open, Budded Flower The Queen mother sent the letter to the southern palace, and a week later there was a reply in compliance with the widow’s request. Hei and Aecha were doing okay for two pups locked in the same room for another few days and then one more as preparations were set up for their departure from the capital. Jimin woke up with a start as a flutter of movement shifted within his belly. The young omega groaned softly, shifting in his light sleep, but he was blocked in on both sides by Seokjin’s children. They were curled into him, and Jimin felt good surrounded by their warmth. He could feel their heartbeats where he was laying. It felt so lovely. Jimin pulled Hei and Aecha closer. The young girl’s eyes fluttered open and she rested her hands upon Jimin’s stomach. She was slightly awake now, hands feeling as those tiny pups moved around slightly in his stomach. “Jiminie..” She whispered, half asleep still. “Where’s my daddy?” She hummed, and Jimin stiffened. Jimin held her tightly. “Don’t worry, you’ll see them soon.” She hummed softly. “Okay.” She said before drifting back to sleep happily. Jimin just held her close.
“Can I feel? Can I?” Jimin turned to see Aecha stomping upon the ground, her hands braced on the table beside her. The breakfast was almost finished, fruits were all eaten but their steamed vegetables were not so eaten. Aecha’s especially uneaten. Hei had two hands on Jimin’s belly. He was in his sixth month and he could feel the pups moving. It wasn’t very often, but Hei was set on feeling the pups move. Jimin wasn’t sure they’d be able to, but he still tried. Hei pushed his sister away as he kept one hand on the omega’s womb. “Go away!” Hei hissed at his sister, who pushed him out of the way. Aecha whined loudly, and Jimin chuckled, taking Hei’s hand and Aecha’s.
“You can both feel together.” He said, placing both of their hands where he felt the most. Aecha giggled, trying hard not to move. Hei hushed her as he, too, felt around Jimin’s womb for his pups’ movements. After a few silent moments, Aecha frowned and took her hand away. “I don’t—“ “I felt something!” Hei gasped, and Jimin giggled as Aecha quickly placed her hand back upon his belly. “I wanna feel! I wanna feel it!” Hei giggled and grabbed his sister’s hand, placing it upon the very spot he felt something. Aecha smiled brightly, and Jimin hummed gently. She waited and waited until her face just brightened up completely. She bubbled and giggled brightly. “I felt it! I did! I felt it!” She gasped, and Jimin giggled, stringing fingers through her long black hair. “Alright, alright.” Jimin hummed, pulling their hands away from his stomach. “Today, you’re going to go on a trip, okay? So let me do your hair for you, Aecha.” Jimin explained and the young girl turned around. Hei passed her a small toy while he tugged his own shoes on and pushed fingers through his hair. Soon, the little boy would present, whether it was his first heat or his first rut, he needed to be with Seokjin during it. Jimin pursed his lips as he gently pulled up Aecha’s hair and pushed a pretty hair pin through it. It was one Taehyung gifted him a while ago. It looked like a lotus flower with golden trim on the flower’s edges. Aecha smiled brightly and turned to see Jimin. “I can’t wait to see daddy!” She giggled. Hei turned to them. “We will get to see them right?” He asked, and Jimin nodded. “Of course.” Jimin nodded. “Don’t worry.” He said, ruffling Hei’s head of dark black hair. Aecha jumped up and down, but Jimin quickly stopped her so that her hair would not fall out. “Alright. Settle down.” He said, and then slipped towards the door, opening it gently. Haeil turned to him from where he stood by the door, guarding him well as always. “Haeil, are you ready?” Jimin whispered gently. Haeil nodded. “Lock the door until I return.” He said, and Jimin nodded. “Okay.” Jimin nodded before sliding the door closed. He grabbed the block of wood and placed it between the doors as a lock. Hei watched him as he turned around with a large smile draped across his face. Aecha smiled and grabbed Hei’s hand. “When are we leaving?” She asked, and He gave him a skeptical look, but held onto Aecha’s hand. “Hyung.” Jimin looked up to Hei, who’d said his name so solemnly. “What’s the matter?” Jimin asked, a bit worried. Hei looked at the ground. “What happened to daddy?” He asked, and Jimin stiffened. “Don’t worry, Hei.” Jimin smiled brightly. “Daddy just had some things to do for a while.” Hei frowned, puffed out his cheeks, and held Aecha’s hand tightly. Jimin noticed Hei’s unsure expression and sighed softly. Jimin clapped his hands together with a soft smile, trying hard to distract them until it was finally time. “Let’s go outside for a while.” Jimin said, and Aecha nodded, scurrying towards the door with a big smile stretched across her face.
Hei followed his sister, pulling the door open for her as she jumped out into the singular courtyard. Jimin stepped out after them, pulling the doors closed. He watched Hei and Aecha play. He didn’t expect it to take very long at all, so he knew a knock would come soon. After about thirty more minutes of playing, Jimin heard a few knocks. Quickly, Jimin slipped inside, leaving Hei and Aecha, who were playing together in the pond with big smiles. Jimin slipped to the door, slipping it open, but who he saw was not Haeil and the others. Yoonsun stood above him with a deep, deep frown, and Jimin mirrored it with teeth pulled tightly together. He pulled his door closed. “What do you want?” He growled. The other court alphas all glared down at him with a heavy set growling. “Move aside.” Yoonsun demanded, and Jimin shook his head. “Who are you to demand me—“ Yoonsun rolled his eyes and grabbed the door that Jimin held closed. Jimin held the door tighter, but Yoonsun just forced it open anyway. “Wait—“ Jimin stumbled back, immediately grabbing a hairbrush he’d left on the table and throwing it into the back of Yoonsun’s head—it hit dead on. “Get out! “ The man froze and growled angrily. He turned back around with grit teeth. “Where are those abominations?” He barked and Jimin felt disgust move through him in waves. Jimin stepped forward, pushing himself up into Yoonsun’s face as the others searched Jimin’s room. “They aren’t here , you slimy,” Jimin grabbed a book and threw it at the man, then he picked up a wooden vase, “disgusting,” he threw it, and the annoyed alpha held up his arms while still searching, “knotheaded,” Jimin there a second, much larger book, and the man growled, stomping towards Jimin, who just picked up another book. He was about to throw it when Yoonsun grabbed his wrist tightly. “Bastard!” Jimin spat right into Yoonsun’s face, making sure he spit on the elder alpha. Before Jimin could finish his growling protests, the door to the courtyard slowly slid open. Jimin inhaled sharply, eyes snapped onto Hei, who peeked in with big, frightened eyes. Jimin glanced at Yoonsun, who immediately acted, sending the others towards the door. “Hei! Go back!” Jimin screamed to the younger, stalking towards the door, but two large alphas grabbed Jimin’s arms, pulling him back before he could protect the door. “No!” He screamed as Hei and Aecha both squealed when they were grabbed harshly by the court alphas, dragged out of the courtyard with growls and hisses. Jimin slammed his foot into the alpha’s foot that held him. The man instantly growled out a growl, hands falling from Jimin’s arm. He was able to fight himself out of the other’s grip. “Leave them alone!” Jimin demanded, grabbing a metal candelabra and holding it up as the alphas dragged the kids towards the door. Jimin stalked towards them, but he was shoved by one of the alphas, the candelabra torn from his hands as he fell to the ground, hand wrapping around his stomach to protect what was inside. A sharp gasping pain dug in his stomach. Jimin stopped, but he couldn’t listen to their cries any longer. “Please! Hei, Aecha—no!” He screamed, and attempted to stand again as all of the alphas in the room froze at his fall. He was, after all, holding the heirs to the throne—the Emperor’s children. There were sharp, sharp inhales from each of the alphas, and Jimin froze to a scent so familiar.
“Just what do you think you’re doing…?” A familiar voice growled out with an anger Jimin had never heard. Jimin gasped, head spinning around until he saw Taehyung standing there, holding a sharp sword against the man, who had been checking Jimin when he fell—the same man that had shoved him. Jeongguk also had his sword set against Yoonsun’s throat. The Lord had Hei and Aecha’s
wrists in his grips. He’d stopped dragging them to focus on the sword at his neck. The man at Jiminy's side immediately slipped back, and Jimin immediately was helped up by Taehyung. He instantly ran, grabbing Hei and Aecha up into his arms and pulling them away from the alpha that wished to kill them. They both cried into Jimin’s neck and his chest. He held them close, watching as Taehyung glowered at the alphas like he would kill them. Jimin was breathing too heavily and still too shocked to see. Haeil was the next to come in along with Hoseok and Namjoon, who immediately stalked towards their pups. “Hei! Aecha!” Seokjin gasped through tears. He was a bit dirty—all three of them were, but Aecha and He didn’t care. They tore away from Jimin and into their parent’s grip. Jimin watched, breaths calming down. The alphas were taken away and Taehyung collapsed around Jimin, who melted against him with bright eyes. “Taehyung…” Jimin whimpered, and Taehyung hummed against him. “It’s okay, I’m home.” -
Chapter 46: No Place Like Home Taehyung came home early from Dalgubeol after a long trip. The weather was nice, so he arrived home earlier than expected. The court alphas who created the witch-hunt for Hei and Aecha were sent home, their posts as court members stripped from them. They were replaced by Yoongi’s family and Dalgubeol people who were badly affected by the monsoon flooding. Hei and Aecha were returned to the couple, and everything felt like it was back to normal. Jimin was less than three months until the due date. It was December. Taehyung’s birthday was approaching quickly. Taehyung didn’t ever leave Jimin’s side and the larger he got, the more excited Taehyung got. He would hold Jimin’s stomach in both hands, pushing ever so gently on it to spark movement from his pups inside. Taehyung was doing the same thing again with a bright smile. After a quick push, Taehyung pressed his ear against Jimin’s stomach, right where he pressed. The alpha bubbled with giggles as he felt one of the pups kick the side of his head fiercely. Jimin smiled brightly with him as he harped in excitement. Jimin could feel the flutters of movement from the pups, one less active than the other that kept kicking Taehyung right back. The Queen mother stepped inside their room with a kind smile upon her face. Taehyung gave the woman a glance before returning to Jimin’s belly. Jimin smiled at her as well. “Mother, you can feel them!” Her son harped, and Jimin giggled softly, smoothing a hand through Taehyung’s soft hair. The woman hummed and settled herself down beside Taehyung and Jimin. The younger omega took her wrist in his hands, and she stiffened, watching him place her palm onto an empty space on his belly. The woman’s eyes grew large and sparkling with a new kind of excitement. Jimin smiled at the expression on her face. He just wished...that he could see it on his own parent’s faces. The woman inhaled sharply at the feeling of a small rub against her palm. Jimin chuckled softly at the feeling. His pup, one at least, was very active. A part of Jimin wondered why the other wasn’t moving nearly as much. Namjoon had told him not to worry about it, but Jimin couldn’t help but to worry about them both as the time for them to come was growing closer and closer. Taehyung’s mother smiled and shuffled away the weak tears in her eyes. She looked back up to Jimin, who looked a bit down. Her smile fell, Taehyung’s too. Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand tightly. “What’s the matter?” He asked, and Jimin looked up to them both with upturned brows. Both stiffened, worried. Jimin sighed softly. “I just wish that my parents could see.” Jimin said before shaking his head. “I know it’s a lot to ask—“ “Of course it’s not!” Taehyung’s mother harped with a furrowed brow. She shook her head and stood. “Why didn’t I think of this before?” She beat herself up over it with a soft sigh. Jimin’s lips fell open. “No, it’s not your fault…does this mean they can come?” Jimin asked, and the woman nodded immediately. “Of course. I’ll send them a letter of invitation right away.” She smiled brightly before slipping from their room. Jimin smiled, his chest felt so light and airy. He grabbed Taehyung’s hand and held it so tightly. Taehyung smiled back at him. The alpha softened at the sight of his omega so happy. “How many months are left?” Taehyung asked. “I can’t wait any longer.” He then whined, knowing it would still be a while before they were ready. “Three months, Taehyungie.” Jimin giggled, and Taehyung sighed out a long breath, tired of waiting. Taehyung perked up, squeezing Jimin’s hands. “What should we name them?” He asked, voice heightening in excitement.
Jimin stiffened, staring down at him with big eyes. He then broke into a big smile. “I haven’t really thought about that yet—“ “We’ll have to pick out four names.” Taehyung started to ramble, so Jimin just listened, a bit fatigued by the pregnancy. “Two for if they’re girls and two for if they’re boys! What about—“ “Byeol.” Jimin whispered softly, looking through the doors that led to the courtyard. The stars were out and looked so bright and beautiful. He wanted to name one of them after that beauty. Jimin looked up and saw the moon sitting large and full upon the horizon. “Byeol and Hyewol.” Jimin said through a smile. Taehyung stared up at him then chuckled. “But those are only the girls’ names, you have to come up with the boys' names too, you know.” He said, but Jimin laughed and pulled on his cheek with a grin. “But I know they’re going to be pretty little girls.” Jimin said, and Taehyung stiffened. “How do you know that?” He asked with a quirky brow. Jimin shrugged. “I’m not sure,” he said, smoothing a hand over his belly. It was so much bigger now, but it didn’t feel unnatural. “I just know they will.” Taehyung leaned forward, pressing his lips against Jimin’s, still with a smile upon his face. He pulled away after a moment, and Jimin hummed. “Okay then, Byeol and Hyewol.” He smiled and pressed a kiss to Jimin’s belly too. The pups, both of them, kicked back, and Jimin gasped, body snapping forward with a startled expression. It was such a strong kick. Taehyung inhaled sharply, grabbing Jimin’s shoulders and soothing him while his own worry spiraled. “Jimin? Are you okay?” He asked with a voice laced in concern for his mate and pups. Jimin nodded with a soft sigh. “Yes, they’re so wild. That kick was just a little strong. I didn’t expect it.” Jimin laughed, and kissed Taehyung’s cheek. “I love you, Taetae.” Taehyung relaxed and kissed Jimin’s forehead. “I love you, too.”
Jimin spent a lot of time in and out of courtyards. He even made friends with multiple of the new court members from Dalgubeol. They were kind, not having much experience in the court, they weren’t yet poisoned by the toxic air of the royal court. Jimin held Aecha’s hand tightly, still relieved Taehyung was there to stop them from taking the two kids. He still thought it was a horror what Yoonsun was planning to do to a couple of kids. Seokjin and Hoseok were nearby, holding hands for the first time without feeling the need to hide it. Taehyung has blessed their mating in front of the entire court. No one could judge the three any longer. “Jiminie,” Seokjin hummed, and Jimin turned to the older omega with a smile upon his face. “I don’t think I ever properly thanked you for all that you did.” Seokjin said, voice turning into a small whisper. Hoseok wrapped an arm around Seokjin’s shoulders, pulling him close. “Yes, thank you so much for keeping Hei and Aecha safe.” He said, much
more confidently than Seokjin, who was still a bit embarrassed by the whole thing. Jimin understood. Jimin looked at his feet with a sad smile upon his features. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you from the dungeons…Lord Yoonsun was—“ “No, please.” Seokjin inhaled sharply and immediately shook his head, taking Jimin into his embrace. Jimin stiffened, but quickly melted into the omega with a small smile. “Please, don’t apologize. You did what you could, and even that was more than enough.” He said, worried Jimin would be upset with himself. Hoseok smiled at the two, ruffling Hei’s hair. “Really though, Jiminie, thank you.” Hoseok said once more, and Jimin just smiled as Seokjin pulled away from the smaller, still holding the boy’s hand tightly. Jimin shook his head. “You all are a part of my own big happy family now. I could never let anything happen to any of you.” Jimin said, joy boiling in his chest. Hoseok and Seokjin expressions both melted at the sight of happy Jimin, and Seokjin returned to hugging him tight. “You’re the most lovely person I’ve ever met. I’ll never let anything happen to you!” Seokjin spouted with tears flowing from his eyes. Hoseok laughed with a bright smile. “Yes. I think all of us agreed that we wouldn’t let anything happen to him.” He said, trying to pull Seokjin from the younger one. Once Seokjin was finally pried off, not fully, they all headed towards the infirmary to pick up Namjoon and bring him to the hall for supper. Hei pulled the door open with a vibrant giggle, and Jimin smiled at Namjoon, who was tending to a patient. The patient was an older alpha woman. She wasn’t too old, but had some graying hairs here and there. When she saw Jimin, she stiffened. Jimin also stiffened a bit, alarmed at her change in expression. She almost looked...nervous. Jimin wondered why. He wasn’t a scary person at all. “Ah. Dinner time, already?” He hummed, settling a bottle of some kind of ointment into the older woman’s hands. He turned back to her, but she could hardly stop glancing at Jimin and the others. “Just put this on the burn every day, and it should heal without a scar.” He explained before turning to his family and Jimin. He lifted Hei into the air and hugged the younger boy tightly in his arms. The older woman left quietly, sparring Jimin every glance, while Jimin tried to spare her none. Namjoon set Hei back onto the ground before giving Aecha a big, tight hug. “Before we go, I’d like to take a look at Jiminy's belly, okay?” Namjoon hummed, and Jimin stiffened, but nodded. He stepped towards Namjoon. The elder smiled down at him. “Thank you for everything, Jimin.” He said, thanking Jimin for a fifth time. Jimin just turned a rosy red color as the man felt around his belly. “You don’t need to keep thanking me, really.” Jimin said, and Namjoon sighed softly. “Of course I do.” Namjoon said. “I owe you my life—my family’s life.” He then pulled his hands away after feeling a sharp kick. He smiled and clapped his hands together. “Feels perfect. They’re both alive and kicking.” Seokjin bubbled with laughter and wrapped an arm around Jimin’s waist. “That sounds great, but I’m starving and I’m sure Jiminie is too.” He said, and Hoseok nodded. “Let’s go then.” They all made it to the hall, and Taehyung was anxiously awaiting Jimin. Once the omega arrived, Taehyung grabbed his hand and wouldn’t let go even as they all ate together. It felt good, having all of them, including Taehyung’s mother and Hei and Aecha there with him. He knew he would never be alone again, not with them there to keep him safe and sound.
Jimin no longer felt like it was a burden to live in that palace. He was happy. Jimin smoothed a hand over his belly just imagining how happy he would be when these pups, that kept him from loneliness at the most empty times, would enter the world, Jimin would really have everything he’d ever wanted and more . That, he would never stop thanking the gods above for. Jimin squeezed Taehyung’s hand tightly. No matter what obstacle faced him, with Taehyung’s hand in his, Jimin just knew it would be alright. Until the very end. -
Chapter 47: Until the Very End Jimin ran as fast as he could through the palace halls that he’d learned over the past year he had been there. It is February now. His belly was giant and he only had about a month to go, and Jimin held it as he ran through the halls, Taehyung right on his heels, Haeil on his heels, calling Jimin, but he just couldn’t listen. A messenger had alerted them that Jimin’s family had finally arrived. He couldn’t contain his excitement any longer. “Jimin, please! Don’t overexert yourself.” Taehyung said, worried for him. Jimin quickly slowed down as he slipped in front of the door that led to the front of the palace. It was a long walk to the front gates from there. Jimin hesitated after putting a foot forward, but his hesitation wasn’t matched by the guards that pushed the giant heavy doors open, revealing the bright, bright daylight that poured into the palace in dozens of other places. This sunlight felt different though. It felt so good. Jimin’s eyes filled with tears. He saw Taehyung’s mother stepping towards him, a big smile drawn across her features. Jimin inhaled sharply, Taehyung only just reaching his side. Jimin sprung forward, but this time he wasn’t running. He was walking, though it was a very exciting walk. Taehyung and Haeil quickly followed after him. Taehyung was full of nervousness. Jimin could smell him. The omega stiffened before slipping back towards his alpha. “Come on, don’t be scared.” Jimin whispered, hooking his fingers between Taehyung’s and looking at him with a pretty little smirking grin. Taehyung felt like he was falling in love all over again. Jimin pulled them both forward, and Hell followed, a little less adamantly than before. Jimin’s chest pulled tightly with relief when he saw the figures of his mother and father gently stepping towards him. There was a small child’s hand fisted in his omega father’s hand, and Jimin could hardly believe it. “Jihyun..” Jimin muttered. The little brother he’d never met before. Jimin pulled Taehyung, but Jimin’s father was quicker. He dropped Jihyun’s hand. Jimin’s mother took it instead as his father ran forward, arms spread wide and tears streaming down his face. “My little Meonji!” He gasped, wrapping carefully darling Jimin, avoiding his giant belly with caution. Jimin sniffled, hand still fisted in Taehyung’s because he knew his mate was nervous. Jimin used his other hand to wrap around him tightly. “I missed you so much…” Jimin cried softly into his father’s shoulder. He felt hands on his belly suddenly and when he looked down he could see a tiny version of himself feeling the large stomach. Jimin’s father pulled away and chuckled, scooping little Jihyun into his arms. “Jihyun, this is your older brother, Jimin.” His father said, and Jimin could hardly believe he was finally going to get to be a big brother. He could scream from happiness. Jimin’s mother was also full of tears, grabbing his hands tightly. “I’m sorry I sent you away.” She cried before falling over him and hugging him tightly. Jimin’s father gave him an apologetic expression. They must’ve heard what had happened. Once his mother had stepped away, Jimin looked to Taehyung. Jimin had never seen him look so nervous. Jimin gave his hand a squeeze and smiled. “Mother, father,” Jimin smiled down to Jihyun too, who hid behind their father’s legs, “Jihyunnie, this is my mate Kim Taehyung.” Jimin introduced and even though it lacked the titles and dramatic introduction by his usual palace attendants, Taehyung had never been more pleased.
Before anyone else could speak, Taehyung fell down onto one knee before Jimin’s parents. They all inhaled sharply, Jimin too. He was just... speechless. “Please, I ask for your forgiveness for allowing your son to get hurt under my care.” Taehyung said, his voice full of confidence and admiration. Jimin’s heart fluttered. Jimin’s father stepped forward, and he placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. “Please, you do not need our forgiveness. Our Jimin is safe and happy only because of you, Your Majesty.” He said, and Taehyung stiffened. Jimin’s father helped him stand. “Thank you very much.” He said as he bowed, and Jimin took his mate’s hand once more, squeezing it as tightly as he could. “I love your son with all of my soul.” He said, nuzzling his head against Jimin’s temple. The omega giggled softly, placing a hand over Taehyung’s that resting on his belly. Jimin’s father stepped forward, tears in his eyes. “I’ve missed so much…look at you, so large already.” He sighed, and just rested a hand upon his stomach. Jimin smiled, moving his father's hand to a place he knew his most fierce pup would kick. And the pup did. Jimin’s father’s tears immediately fell down his cheeks, but Jimin wiped them away with a smile. “I’m so glad you’re finally here.” He said, pressing their foreheads together. Jimin’s father nodded. “Me too..” The omega looked at the young boy, who hid behind his mother's legs, staring up at them with big eyes. Jimin smiled and extended a hand to the small boy. He knew it was strange. Jihyun was just barely a year old; he was so much younger than Jimin. It didn't seem like brothers was the right thing to call it. Especially since Jimin hadn't been there when he was born. Jimin felt bad for that, but he knew Jihyun wouldn't care. The omega just wanted to be able to get closer to the first little brother he'd ever had. The thought excited him. The little boy stared at Jimin's hand and swallowed. Jimin's mother stepped out from in front of him and the little boy whined, quickly scrambling back towards the older woman. She frowned, but Jimin just smiled. The omega gasped, smoothing a hand over his belly where one of the pups was practically kicking his ribcage. Those familiar little flutters sent shivers up and down Jimin's spine. They all stared at him with worried eyes. Taehyung came to rest a hand on Jimin's back, watching the boy stare at his mate's big belly. Taehyung chuckled and leaned down to him. "Would you like to feel?" He asked, and Jimin stared at him with big eyes before looking back to his brother. Jihyun looked up to Jimin's mother, who nodded. The little boy inched forward carefully before reaching up. He was just too little too short to reach Jimin's stomach. Taehyung slipped around hooking his arms gently under his armpits and pulled him up. The boy squirmed before his face broke into a surprised look. Jimin could see the tingle that shifted through his body as his hair stood up on his arms. Jimin smiled, knowing he could feel the pups moving just as much as Jimin could. The boy peered up to Jimin with big eyes and his mouth agape. He poked at Jimin’s tummy, sparking more movement. That made the boy giggle and clap his hands until he nearly fell from his feet. Jimin giggled, holding the little boy’s hand. The Queen mother hummed, smiling brightly before peering towards Jimin’s parents. The handmaidens to her side bowed to the couple, and Jimin could see his parents weren’t sure what to do. “If you have any luggage, they’ll take it to your room. Unfortunately, it’s still being prepared.” She smiled, hooking an arm into Jimin’s omega father’s with a big, kind smile. “Why don’t we show you around for now?” She asked, giving Jimin a glance.
Jimin nodded. “Yes, I’ll show you everything.” He said, grabbing his mother’s hand in his and his little brother’s in his other hand. Jimin peered back to Taehyung, who smiled brightly. Taehyung held up a hand. “I have lots of things to do, don’t worry about me.” He said, and Jimin nodded, following Taehyung’s mother as she guided them into the palace. Haeil was close behind Jimin, making his mother a bit uncomfortable. As they walked more though, she settled and squeezed Jimin’s hand. “Jimin-ah…” She hummed, biting her lip gently, Jimin looked at her with wide eyes. The Queen mother and Jimin’s father were a few meters ahead, Taehyung’s mother drowning on and on about how wonderful Jimin has been. “I’m very sorry. I feel like I didn’t give you a choice to come here.” She sighed, bowing her head gently. “I should have thought about your own feelings, but I was just so caught up in the excitement.” Jimin chuckled softly, squeezing the alpha’s hand tightly. She snapped her head towards him. “It’s okay. If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have met Taehyungie…” Jimin smiled and smoothed a hand over his tummy. “I wouldn’t have had these two either.” His mother smiled at him weakly, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. “You also wouldn’t have gotten hurt.” She said, and Jimin’s smile fell slightly. He didn’t know what to say. Jimin smiled at her then looked down to Jihyun, who was pulling him towards a courtyard with a koi fish pond on the edge of it. Jimin smiled at him and slipped down into the courtyard, lifting Jihyun and placing him into the courtyard with him. Jihyun giggled, scrambling towards the pond, his mother followed, watching her son’s poke at the koi fish, who swam around, wiggling at the pokes from their tiny fingers. Jimin stood back, leaving Jihyun to play. His mother stood beside him, his father and the Queen mother coming up beside them. Their arms were still intertwined and both still smiling. Jimin bit his lip, wondering about his hometown. “How is Busan..?” Jimin asked, a bit nervous because he’d been gone so long. Jimin’s father smiled at him. “The street vendor's miss you.” He chuckled. “Hyerin, too.” Jimin’s mother nodded. “Yes, she always comes by to ask us how you’re doing.” She explained, and Jimin’s expression softened at the thought of Hyerin asking about him. He was sure she was doing good. She always knew how to make herself smile—how to make an entire room smile, really. Sometimes, he thought she might’ve been better off in Hanseong instead of him. She would do well in the Joseon court. “I miss her a lot.” Jimin mumbled, but he was still happy here in this palace. It had its bad memories, but so did Jimin’s hometown. He had memories of the darkened streets that were so beautiful in the sun. Jimin remembered they weren’t so beautiful at night with so many lurking alphas or drunken alpha sailors, who often needed an omega to keep warm for the night. There were unpleasant memories when his grandmother died. Or when he had his first heat in the middle of winter after his tenth birthday. Every place had good and bad memories, no matter where one travels too. Some memories are worse than others, but at least they’re memories. There’s always room for better memories to come. Jimin was making lots of them now. Jimin watched as Jihyun’s body fell forward, hands bracing as he fell into the koi fish pond, splashing himself all over. Everyone inhaled, and after a moment the Queen mother started laughing. She slipped forward and pulled the soaking wet boy from the pond while giggling still. Jimin's father quickly took him with an apologetic smile. “Well, that was quite a dip, wasn’t it?” She harped, petting his damp hair out of his face. Jihyun just stared at her. The woman then looked to the handmaiden that was stepping up to them. “Good, your room is ready!” She hummed brightly, clasping her hands together. “I’m sure you’ll want
to take a bath after your long journey. You should use the hot springs!” She said, and they gladly nodded their heads. A handmaiden, Sunmi, stepped forward, bowing softly to Jimin’s mother and father, who both seemed a bit uncomfortable at the gesture. “Your room is ready, if you’ll allow me.” The Sunmi hummed, giving a little wink to Jimin. Jimin smiled at her. He hadn’t really seen much of her since he was revealed. Maybe he could ask Taehyung to reassign her to be his handmaiden so he could take care of his friend a little better. He missed hearing her voice as she droned on and on about all sorts of things, just saying whatever cane to her mind. He just missed having her presence. Taehyung’s mother hooked her arm around Jimin’s, pulling him close with a little laughter. “You didn’t tell me they were so kind.” She hummed, squeezing her arms around Jimin’s. Jimin smiled bashfully and laughed softly. “I’m glad you all got along.” Jimin said before exhaling a soft sigh. “I think it’s time for me to rest. I’m feeling a bit tired..they’ve finally stopped kicking so maybe I can get some rest.” He groaned and rubbed his stomach with puffed cheeks. The Queen mother smiled softly, rubbing his arm with a sympathetic look in her eyes. “You’re due next month, I’m sure they’re a little cramped in there.” She laughed, and Jimin chuckled, nodding his head. She was definitely right. He was so big he couldn’t even bend down to pull on his shoes or put on his clothes by himself. Taehyung was always there helping him put on his clothes through his cranky morning mood everyday. He could also feel light cramps, and his back arched almost all the time. It was hard to sleep, hard to eat without losing his appetite or changing the dish that he was craving for. Everything was becoming so tiring. Taehyung’s mother smiled. “Haeil and I will walk you back to your room.” She laughed, and Jimin smiled back. “Alright.”
Jimin’s father and mother were enjoying themselves, wandering all around the palace accompanied most of the time by Taehyung’s mother, who was happy to have a few people to talk to while Jimin was resting. Jimin laid in one bed most of that day. His feet and ankles were almost completely swollen, too swollen to walk easily. Jimin’s father sat with him, massaging his feet while Jimin told him about everything that had happened from when Taehyung and Jimin first met in Busan to the night they mated. Jimin had never been scared to tell his father things. They’d always been comfortable enough to voice how they felt and if they were unhappy. Before Jimin moved to the capital, he used to tell his father the stories from their day at the market. He told them about the annoying alphas to the most handsome. In fact, Jimin remembered telling his father about Taehyung, but he hadn’t known it was Taehyung. Jimin told his father everything because he trusted him with everything. Jimin keeled his head back as his father made a little joke from when Jimin was still in his own womb. “My feet were so swollen your mother thought I needed to go to the doctor.” He chuckled out, and Jimin honestly thought the same. Jimin remembered when he woke up that morning he wanted to go see Namjoon, but Taehyung warned him to stay in bed. He was supposed to be sending Namjoon to give Jimin a little check up because it was almost the end of February and Jimin was due in mere weeks. Jimin calmed his laughter slightly, still a bit red from the fit as he spoke. “Taehyungie said my feet looked like sausages. I wanted to kill him!” Jimin bubbled out with a bright smile that made his father combust with joy and laughter as well.
“Your mother said the same thing.” He hummed, trying to stop laughing. There was a knock before Haeil spoke. “Physician Kim is here to see you, Your Royal Highness.” Jimin stiffened at the title, glancing at his father, who looked a bit uncomfortable with the name as well. Neither of them were used to it. Jimin cleared his throat. “Yes, please send him inside. Thank you.” Jimin said, and his father looked to the bedspread that was over the top of Jimin’s enormous bump. The door slid open, and Jimin smiled brightly at Namjoon, who gave him a big smile as well. “Evening, Jimin-ah.” He chuckled before closing the door once more. Jimin welcomed him with a smile. “Hyung, my feet are giant!” He gasped out with a complacent giggle, trying hard to make his father more comfortable. Namjoon chuckled and sat across from Jimin’s father. “That tends to happen late in the pregnancy.” He explained. Jimin’s father nodded. “Yes, it does, Meonji.” He hummed, brushing the hair from Jimin’s face. Jimin just smiled up at him as Namjoon pulled the blanket back from on top of Jimin’s stomach. Namjoon hummed, staring down at it. It was quite large, a bit bigger than Jimin expected to get if he was honest. He wasn’t unhappy, just uncomfortable and a little uneasy about it. Birth was still so terrifying. Namjoon pressed his fingers into Jimin’s tummy in multiple places, earning a few kicks from both pups. Jimin gasped, a painful cramp reaching down from his back to his right leg. Namjoon stiffened as Jimin groaned, eyes screwing shut tightly. He moved his hands to Jimin’s calf where the cramp was lodged and tried to relax the muscle until Jimin was huffing out breaths. His pups were kicking him over and over, annoyed that he was holding himself so taught with pain. Jimin cursed under his breath, Namjoon sighing softly and moving back to look at Jimin. The very pregnant omega had sweat rolling down his forehead. Jimin’s father quickly dabbed it away with a cloth from his own hanbok. Namjoon took Jimin’s hand in his and smiled weakly at the younger. “Jimin-ah,” he hummed softly, “you’re due any day now, I suggest you try to prepare yourself. Twins are usually born early.” He explained, and Jimin grew stiff. He’d dealt with births in his home town, helped with them occasionally. He should’ve been there for his own father, but he wasn’t. If there was one thing he learned from all those times helping at the hospital, it was that birth was the most painful experience in the world. He knew his father could sense his nervousness because the older omega took Jimin’s hand and squeezed it. He smiled at Jimin, without an ounce of worry in his features. “I’ll be right there with you.” -
Chapter 48: Half My Heart, Half My Soul It was just a waiting game now. It was almost March fifteenth, and Jimin was still as large as ever, belly so big he couldn’t see his swollen toes to know if they looked like sausages today. It was impossible to see anything except for what was in front of him. Jimin was getting anxious, so he asked Namjoon to visit him everyday because he was scared that something was wrong. He’d said twins were usually born early, right? So why hadn’t he gone into labor yet? Jimin bit his lip pacing around his room with a nervous expression. Taehyung was still in bed, asleep. He was exhausted because ever since his mother broke the marriage arrangement with Prince Himchan, things with the neighboring nation, Shofeng, hadn’t exactly been great. They felt offended no doubt, especially now that Taehyung was truly mated to his dancer that supposedly stole from the Prince. Jimin knew that wasn’t true. “Jiminie..” Taehyung groaned from where he lay wrapped around his pillows in bed. “Please, don’t stress. Namjoon said it couldn’t be much longer.” He explained through a weary and tired voice. He’d probably woken up, smelling Jimin’s distress. Jimin shook his head. “But-But it’s nearly the end of March. He said that they’d come early.” Jimin gasped out with a little whine, and Taehyung pushed himself up off of his pillow to stare at Jimin, who was still worried sick, rubbing his belly where the pups sat. Taehyung stood, but Jimin didn’t hear him walk over until arms were wrapped around his waist. Taehyung hummed, inhaling Jimin’s scent as his larger hands felt around Jimin’s giant tummy. Jimin placed his hands over Taehyung’s, melting into his mate’s scent. “Namjoon-hyung also said they will come when they’re ready.” He hummed, kissing Jimin’s temple to try and soothe him. Jimin bit his lip hard and nodded, feeling those flutters and air bubbles of movement from his pups. Recently, they’d been so active he couldn't even sleep. Their little feet kicked his stomach and his ribs and his blatter. Jimin quickly turned and dug his face into Taehyung’s chest with a scared whimper. Taehyung held him tightly. “I’m sorry...I’m just scared.” Jimin whined, but Taehyung quickly grabbed his face into his hands and kissed him gingerly. Jimin hummed against his lips. “I will be there with you, no matter what.”
But as a few more days passed, it seemed that would be difficult.
“King Naka is demanding compensation for the embarrassment of his son Prince Himchan.” The new Minister of foreign relations, Min Yeoso, growled with an annoyed scowl. He was Min Yoongi’s elder alpha cousin, brought in from Dalgubeol so many weeks ago. Jimin held onto Taehyung’s arm tightly, unable to part from the alpha. It was the eighteenth, and he still felt fine—tired, but fine. Taehyung furrowed his brows tightly. “What is he demanding?” He asked. Minister Yeoso pursed his lips and glanced at Jimin before moving his eyes back to Taehyung. “Your Majesty, he’s requesting your presence in his court for a week, to repay the damages you apparently made to his son’s heart.” He explained, reading it right off the parchment that had been sent from the neighboring country of Shaofeng. Jimin stiffened, eyes snapping up to Taehyung, who scoffed. “It’ll have to wait until after Jimin has given birth to the pups.” He demanded, and Jimin relaxed slightly. “Your Majesty, he’s demanding it be this week.” He grumbled with an annoyed scoff. “Unless we want war .”
Jimin gasped, teeth digging into his tongue as a sharp, pulling cramp broke through his stomach. Taehyung was at his side in an instant, kneeling down and holding him carefully. He had worried eyes and shaky hands. Yeoso stood also, gripping the chair behind himself in worry for the extremely pregnant omega. “Jimin?” Jimin relaxed slightly, melting back into his chair with a long sigh. “I’m sorry..just a cramp I believe.” He breathed out. Taehyung still held onto Jimin and looked back at Yeosu. “I cannot leave my omega. You go in my stead—“ Yeoso shook his head. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but that will only come off as an even larger offense.” He explained. “It has to be you...either that or they’ll go to war.” Taehyung growled. “I won’t—“ “Taehyung,” Jimin muttered softly, scared of the idea of war. “It..It’s okay if it’s only for a week. I think I can make it.” Jimin said with a smile, but he was lying right through his teeth. He didn’t even know if he could make it to the end of the day. Taehyung furrowed his brows tightly. “Are you sure…? You’re already past due, Minnie.” He said, cupping Jimin's cheeks in his large hands. Jimin smoothed hands across Taehyung’s and bit his lip. Jimin looked at Yeosu. “Is there any other way?” Jimin asked, and the Minister closed his eyes and shook his head gently. “I’m so sorry, Your Highness…” Yeoso sighed, bowing his head. Taehyung sighed and pressed his forehead against Jimin’s. “Make it one day.” He demanded, and Yeoso stiffened. “I will only stay for one day, not a week.” He growled, and Jimin whimpered softly, arms coming up to wrap around Taehyung tightly. Yeoso swallowed and bowed. “I’ll see what I can do, Your Majesty.”
It was the twentieth of March and, at this point, Jimin was tired of waiting. His father would make him a tea that was supposed to induce contractions, but so far it had no effect on the pups inside his belly. They weren’t listening to anything he wanted, let alone coming out for some tea. They just kept pushing on his insides and his ribs and his blatter, giving him crazy cramps. The neighboring country, the country Himchan had come from, Shofeng, practically ordered Taehyung to show up and beg for forgiveness. They still demanded he stay at least three days despite Jimin’s condition, probably in spite of Jimin's condition. Yeoso did his best to bring it down to one day, but they just kept threatening war, and Taehyung had told Jimin war was sounding better and better. The omega talked him out of that, thankfully. Taehyung was leaving that day, so Jimin stuck to him like glue as the attendants packed all of his belongings into the carriage in the front courtyard. Jimin held Taehyung’s hand, fiddling with his long bony fingers as Taehyung just covered himself completely in Jimin’s scent from head to toe. He didn’t want it to wash away while he was traveling. He wanted Prince Himchan and his father to smell how pretty his omega was. Jimin truly didn’t want Taehyung to leave because he just knew he couldn’t last much longer. The pups would come out whether he liked it or not, and he couldn’t hold it for Taehyung’s return. His alpha wouldn’t be back for a week because of the travels. Hopefully, when he returned, Taehyung would present Jimin with his love and Jimin would present him with two babies. “I don’t want you to go…” Jimin whispered against Taehyung's hands that he brought up to his lips to kiss gently.
Taehyung’s heart seized, and Jimin could smell it. The alpha wrapped tightly around him and sighed. “I don’t want to either…but I also don’t want to go to war.” He said, and Jimin understood. He would rather Taehyung appease them now than with his death on a battlefield. ‘Knock, knock’ Jimin sighed softly, and Taehyung helped him stand up. Jimin braced his hands onto his belly and stepped forward with the alpha. The door opened and Jeongguk stood there with a sad smile dipped across his lips. The younger bowed. “It’s time to go.” He said, and Jimin’s expression dropped completely. Taehyung turned to Jimin, holding his hands tightly. “Please come back soon…” Jimin said, nuzzled into his chest. Taehyung nodded, pulling Jimin’s face back to kiss his forehead. “I’ll travel fast.” He said before bowing down and kissing Jimin’s belly. Jimin smiled, the pups still kicking at their father inside. Taehyung chuckled with a sad expression, and Jimin knew he didn’t want to go. “I’ll be back soon.” He said again, and Jimin nodded, trusting him. “Okay.” And Taehyung left, hand leaving Jimin’s as he stepped away with that same sad look on his face. Jimin tried to hold himself high, without worry for the future, but he truly didn’t know what he would do without Taehyung there to hold his hand. He wasn’t sure he could do it without Taehyung.
With Jimin’s father’s help, he was able to relax just a bit, having a cup of herbal tea while basking in the heat of the hot springs. It helped make his swollen feet feel just a bit better. His father left him to rest, and Haeil sat outside of the bath house. It had only been about thirty minutes since Taehyung left him, Jimin supposed he wasn’t too far yet. He still felt anxious not having the alpha there in the palace with him. Nothing good ever happened when Taehyung left. Jimin stared down at his very pregnant belly. There were stretch marks, and he could see when the pups moved as well as feel it now. Usually he couldn’t see it under all of his many robes. Jimin smoothed his hands over his belly, remembering the way it felt to have Taehyung touch his belly. It felt so much better than his own two hands. Jimin sloshed his arms in the water when suddenly, a painful—no, it was more than painful—cramp leapt through his entire body, starting in his gut. Jimin held his breath, all of his muscles seizing up and growing. He couldn’t breath as it just whipped through him for a few seconds, slowly coming back down. His legs were trembling and his arms were gripping around his stomach, holding it like something was wrong. When Jimin could finally breathe again, he gasped out a single cry. “ Help! ” He gasped out, hoping that Haeil could hear him from where he was in the hot spring. Jimin was scared. He didn’t know what was happening. Was something wrong with the pups? Oh god , he wanted Taehyung. He needed Taehyung. Fear rolled through him as well as that little tingle of leftover pain that was nothing like the first. Jimin was able to climb out of the hot spring, grabbing onto the rocks that were placed all over as his legs trembled, hardly able to hold himself up. He grabbed his white bathrobe and threw it around himself as best as he could. It was a struggle to tie it, but when he looked past his shaky fingers that were trying to tie, he saw and felt liquid pooling at his feet, blood mixed within it.
He let out an audible “what?” and whimpered, tying his robes as best as he could manage. His feet were growing numb, but he held the walls for support until his knees buckled. “Help!” Jimin screamed again with a cry, and this time he was sure Haeil and many more could hear his cry for help because not even a second later, Haeil was clambering into the hot springs with heavy breaths. He found Jimin on the ground, collapsed on his side with heavy breaths and sweaty hot skin. Jimin’s face was pale. Haeil wasted no time in running towards Jimin, plucking him off of the ground and into his arms. Jimin groaned softly, grabbing onto Haeil’s front with a heavy sigh. “What’s wrong?” He asked, full of worry as he quickly left the bath house, a few others surrounding them with fear in their eyes. Sunmi was one of them, Jimin could see terror in her eyes. “I-I don’t know, but please tell Taehyung to come back!” Jimin begged, still scared as Haeil carried Jimin towards the infirmary, but Namjoon was already stalking towards them with an attendant to his side. Haeil growled softly to the attendant. “Take a horse and find His Majesty, Taehyung. Now! ” He barked, and Jimin would’ve been surprised or nervous, but he was so scared he couldn’t. He just extended his arms to Namjoon, who grabbed his hands and held them tight. “What’s the matter?” He asked, trying to be calm. Jimin shook his head. “I don’t know! “ Jimin growled out, just wanted someone to do something. Namjoon pursed his lips tightly and quickly ushered the two back down the hall. “Let’s get him to his room first.” He said, and Haeil nodded, following Namjoon with Jimin in his arms. “Now, explain to me what happened.” Namjoon said, and Jimin bit his lip. Jimin whined softly. “It-It just—a cramp just…” Jimin groaned, frustrated. “No, it wasn’t a cramp. I don’t know, but it just hurt so bad, hyung.” He tried his hardest to explain, and Namjoon nodded. -
Chapter 49: With You, I’ll Never End They arrived at his and Taehyung’s room. Handmaids and attendants were already there thanks to Sunmi, who still looked worried sick. “Jimin— Your Highness!” She corrected, throwing the door open for the two. Namjoon quickly stepped in with Haeil and Jimin, Sunmi followed before stopping at the door. “Did your water break?” Namjoon asked, and Jimin bit his lip. “I-I think so.” He said, trying to remember, but it was all just such a blur. Namjoon nodded and helped settle the omega into his large bed. Jimin groaned softly, feeling the pups kick and shift in his belly. “Let me have a look.” Namjoon turned to everyone else, the handmaids and Sunmi and Haeil. “Turn away for a moment.” He demanded so they did. Jimin tried to see over his giant tummy as Namjoon lifted his robes, looking until a cold finger grazed across his thigh. Jimin shivered, ignoring the touches and gentle prods because Namjoon had to. Jimin pursed his lips tight and shut his eyes even tighter, just waiting for what Namjoon had to say. When he saw Namjoon’s head come up, looking relatively unconcerned, he held his breath. The physician sighed softly. “Everything is okay as far as I can see.” He said, wiping his hands on a rag that was looped on his belt like always. “Jiminie, you’re finally in labor.” He smiled, “only a few more hours and you’ll have two beautiful pups in your arms.” He chuckled, but Jimin only felt dread. The omega shook his head, tears boiling in his eyes. He was so scared, so horrified. He couldn’t do this, and he knew he couldn’t. Not without Taehyung. Jimin keeled his head back with a long whine and tears streaming down his cheeks. “N-No, I can’t do it.” Jimin whimpered, so terrified he was shaking. “Please, I can’t, hyung..I’ll die.” He cried softly. Namjoon stiffened and immediately grabbed Jimin’s hand. “Jiminie, it’s okay. Please, just calm down.” He hummed, trying hard to release relaxing pheromones for the younger, but he really needed Taehyung’s. No other alpha’s would do. Jimin looked at him through his tears, trying desperately to listen to him, but he just couldn’t without Taehyung. Namjoon squeezed his hand. “Someone just left to retrieve Taehyung, and he couldn’t have gotten farther than the north river.” He explained, and Jimin nodded. “He’ll only be a couple more hours.” He said, and Jimin hoped he could wait that long. The door slammed open, and Jimin’s father rushed inside, his face clammed up with worry. Namjoon moved aside with a soft smile, grabbing a clock and placing it by Jimin’s bedside. “Haeil, please time how far apart his pains are. I need to prepare my tools before he starts to push.” He explained, rolling up his sleeves, and Haeil nodded. Jimin’s father distracted Jimin from the physician leaving for a split second. The older omega grabbed his hand and squeezed it with a big smile. When Jimin saw Namjoon’s back, he inhaled sharply. “Wait!” Jimin cried, leaning forward, but Jimin’s father tried to push him back down. “Please don’t leave!” He begged, and Namjoon gave him a weary smile. “Your father is here with you, you still have an hour or two until they’re ready.” He explained, and Jimin started to relax only slightly. Jimin’s father coaxed the younger into settling back and calming down slightly. “It’ll be okay, Meonji.” He soothed and before long Yoongi and Seokjin stepped into the room along with handmaids who were carrying trays of towels, food, water, and more to prepare for the birth. Seokjin was at Jimin’s side in an instant, placing a hand on the omega’s belly as he breathed sharply. Yoongi was also by Jimin’s side, looking at them a little frightened by it. Jimin appeared to be in a lot of pain and discomfort.
“Jiminie, don't worry. Whatever you need, I’ll be there for it, okay?” Seokjin hummed, and Yoongi swallowed with a nervous nod. Yoongi settled himself next to Seokjin. “Is everything okay?” He asked, watching Jimin with a pale face. He looked horrified. Jimin smiled at them through a sweaty brow that his father wiped once more. “I-I just want Taehyung…” Jimin whispered, but his breath was cut off as a familiar searing pain seized through his body. “Haeil!” Jimin squealed, and the man looked to the clock immediately, writing down the time from the time the first contraction happened. Jimin groaned as he felt his whole body seize tightly until he couldn’t breathe. It was the most painful thing he’d ever felt before. Jimin tried not to think about it as he just squeezed Seokjin’s hand with an abnormal amount of strength. The omega winced, but continued holding Jimin’s hand as he braced through the pain. Yoongi still looked as if he might pass out from the sight of it. It released slowly and Jimin’s muscles spasmed and cramped even further until Jimin was completely relaxed, still breathing heavily and trying not to break Seokjin’s fingers. He came down from the high of pain that was still beating through him in rhythm with his heartbeat and the beat of his pups’ hearts. Jimin looked at Haeil, his face sweaty and red. “H-How—How long?” He stumbled out and Haeil swallowed. “An hour.” He said, and Jimin groaned softly. Jimin’s father smiled, kissing his son’s forehead gingerly. “You should rest before you can’t. They’ll get closer and closer together, so sleep now.” He said, caressing Jimin’s cheek ever so gently with his fingers. Jimin leaned into his hand and slowly drifted off to sleep. He didn’t know how long he was asleep, but he felt a squeeze and snapped his eyes open slightly. Jimin looked around through thin, tired eyes. Seokjin was standing with Jimin’s father. Namjoon was there too, arms crossed over his chest as they spoke in hushed tones. Haeil was sitting near the end of Jimin’s bed, watching them all speak amongst each other. Jimin tried to open his ears, listening to what they were saying. “His contractions are so far apart, and they’re not nearly as strong as I was expecting with twins, you know.” Seokjin said, putting a hand over his own stomach that was flat. Namjoon nodded, and so did Jimin’s omega father. “I know.. it could be that his womb is stretched thin and weakened by the pups.” He said, stroking his chin gently in thought. What did that mean? Was there something wrong with him? Jimin wondered with a scared thought. Jimin’s father bit his lip. “He’ll be alright, won’t he? That’s not a complication, is it?” He asked, a bit worried for his son, who was in labor already. There wasn’t anything they could do to stop that now. Namjoon bit his lip. “It shouldn’t be a major complication, the labor may just be prolonged—that’s probably why they’re so late as well.” He sighed and furrowed his brows tightly. Seokjin knitted his brows, peering back to Jimin, whose eyes were fluttering softly. The elder stiffened, looking to the clock. “Jiminie..” He smiled wearily, stepping towards the omega while alerting the others that Jimin was awake. Jimin hummed softly, exhausted already and still even after a short nap. Seokjin set himself down and grabbed Jimin’s hand tightly. “You should be having another contraction soon, okay?” He hummed, letting Jimin prepare just a little for the pain that was weaker than most, but still very painful.
Jimin just nodded, and Seokjin was right. The pain came, and Jimin groaned at the squeezing of his gut and rushing of blood to his head. “How long?” Jimin huffed through the painful pulling sensation. Haeil scrambled to look at the clock as Jimin groaned. “Fifty three minutes.” He said, and Jimin let out a loud, frustrated growl of annoyance. It was so slow. The contraction fell away and Jimin breathed, his father wiped away the sweat that beaded on his forehead and temple again. “Where’s Taehyungie?” He asked, and an unexpected voice spoke back. “He’s coming as fast as he can, I’m sure, Jimin-ah.” Taehyung’s mother said, scrambling into the room with a worried looking face. Jimin sighed softly and whined. “I-I need him.” Jimin whimpered, and she nodded her head, coming to place a hand on Namjoon’s shoulder. “I know, my love. Just wait a little bit longer.” She pleaded with him before turning Namjoon towards herself and speaking in a low voice. Jimin sighed, breath heavy and body shaking still even though the contraction wasn’t as strong as the first in the hot springs. Jimin tightened his hands around the blankets that were placed over him. Jimin just wanted Taehyung to be there. He could smell the stale scent of his mate on the bedroom blankets and pulled them up to his nose, inhaling as much as he could, but it just wasn’t the same. He needed Taehyung to be there with him, holding his hand, kissing his temple, holding him through it. Another forty five or so minutes passed. Jimin tried to eat the fruits and drink the same tea that his father said induced contractions, allowed by Namjoon of course. Namjoon felt around Jimin's belly, outlining where exactly the pups were. Luckily, he said, neither of them were breech. Jimin sipped the tea, a cramp tightening here or there in his leg or gut. The next contraction hit at forty minutes exactly, and Jimin’s eyes squeezed shut, a groan shifting from his throat. It was the same pain and slowly Jimin was getting used to the tightening. It wasn’t exactly something one could get used to but Jimin was trying his best to because he knew he had so much longer to go. The gaps were long, but growing shorter and shorter. It wasn’t quick, nor was it easy. Taehyung still hadn’t returned to him. He was beginning to think the messenger was too late. If Jimin didn’t have Taehyung, he didn’t know what he would do. He was growing exhausted, his head spinning after the latest contraction. He was five minutes between contractions, and Namjoon was back to stay. He had all of his things and said he was ready when the pups were. Jimin released his omega father’s hand, his own falling to the mattress with a sigh of relief as that contraction fell away slowly. Namjoon still had this worried look on his face, but he was busy setting up his supplies, giving the handmaid's their jobs while trying to make sure everything was ready. He would soon be ready to push, but Jimin didn’t feel ready at all. He knew the contractions were to dilate himself and make it easier for the pups to come out one at a time, but he just didn’t feel ready yet. “Jimin-ah,” Jimin’s father hummed, holding his cheek as he tried to shut his eyes. “Now is not the time to rest, okay? You’ll need to start pushing soon, my love.” He explained, and Jimin whined, pushing his hand away. Seokjin attempted to give Jimin some water, but the younger omega pushed the water away with a whimper. “Please.. where is Taehyung?” Jimin asked, and Seokjin bit his lip. It’d been hours, and it wasn’t looking promising. “He’ll be here soon, Jimin. Don’t you worry.” He tried to soothe him, but Jimin could see that even he didn’t believe his own words. “Now, drink some water, Jimin.” He hummed, and Jimin nodded, craning his neck forward to take a drink. After about an hour more, a few more contractions littered in, Namjoon settled himself between Jimin’s legs, situating the exhausted omega to hold his legs up and apart.
Jimin breathed heavily, chest heaving with fear as Namjoon and the others tried to calm him down. Jimin shook his head. “I-I don’t think I can do it.” Jimin cried softly, and Jimin’s father took his hand, pulling it to his lips. “Of course you can, Meonji.” He said with concerned brows. Seokjin nodded, but Yoongi didn’t think he could watch without becoming ill. “You can do it. All you have to do is push—then it’ll be over, okay?” He hummed with a big smile. Namjoon agreed with a hum. “Yes, just push as hard as you can, Jiminie.” He said right as a contraction ripped through Jimin’s gut. Namjoon stiffened. “Now, Jiminie, push.” Namjoon said, and Jimin pushed as hard as he could, but it felt so weak. He just kept going, trying his hardest to keep pushing through the pain until he couldn’t any longer. Jimin’s groans turned into a soft sob, his body collapsing back down into the soft pillows. His hands were still fisted in the others—one in Seokjin's, the other in his father’s as he huffed and puffed, trying to breathe. The world around him became white noise, and Namjoon pulled his head up with a worried brow. He said some things, but Jimin wasn’t sure he could hear what he was saying. When he felt Namjoon’s hands shift the blankets over his legs he just tried to start pushing again, trying to continue as he felt a stretching in his gut and between his legs. Jimin couldn’t hear as a sharp ringing came to his ears, pulling through his body like a boom that was too close. It hurt so badly, everything hurt. Jimin just kept pushing, voice screaming as he heard portions of voices telling him to breathe. Jimin just shook his head and desperately held onto the people around him. “Taehyungie, please! “ Jimin begged, his voice ragged and strained from screaming. “I need Taehyung!” He screamed again, and Taehyung’s mother immediately left the room in a hurry. Jimin’s father kissed his hand and Seokjin wiped away the sweat on his brow. The omega huffed and puffed, begging for it to end quickly. He just wanted it to be over. He just wanted to wake up and have those pups he’d been waiting so long for in his arms, safe and sound. He was scared. He was in pain. He just wanted Taehyung. He couldn’t do it without him. The omega let himself calm down slightly, hands falling from the other’s hands. Seokjin quickly grabbed Jimin’s hand once more and held it even tighter, his own brow saturated with concerned sweat as Jimin rested for a few moments. It seemed Namjoon was right—his womb was stretched and weakened from holding two pups during his first pregnancy. It was harder to push and even harder to get the pups out easily. His labor would last much longer than any others. Jimin’s father kissed Jimin’s brow before looking at Namjoon, who was furiously wiping Jimin's legs that were completely numb. The older omega slipped around to see how far he’d gotten, but all Seokjin gathered from the other’s face was fear—like something was wrong. “It’s okay..” Namjoon muttered, and Seokjin peered towards him as Jimin tried to breathe in and out as well as he could. “He’s just bleeding a bit more than usual, but I see the head.” He explained, and Seokjin nodded, squeezing Jimin’s hand, but when Seokjin looked back, Jimin’s eyes were shut and his lips agape, but still breathing. Seokjin inhaled sharply before grabbing Jimin’s hand. “Jiminie, come on. Just a little more! The first is always the hardest.” He shouted, and Jimin’s eyes fluttered slightly. He was just so exhausted it was hard to keep his eyes open. He wasn’t listening to Seokjin either. Jimin didn’t realize as Seokjin dropped his hand, another familiar feeling hand wrapped around his, pulling it up. Jimin breathed in and was instantly hit with the smell of dark, summer flowers. His eyes flipped open, and he saw Taehyung staring down at him with scared, tearful eyes. Jimin’s own eyes grew glossy and he tightened his hand around Taehyung’s movements to nuzzle into him and drown in his scent. “Taehyung…” Jimin whimpered, and Taehyung held him tightly.
Taehyung hushed his cries and smoothed a hand over his belly that was still large. “Come on, Minnie. You have to keep going for me, okay? You’re almost there.” He smiled, kissing Jimin’s forehead with a nervous peck. Another contraction hit a moment later and on Namjoon's demands Jimin started pushing once more, crying out while tears rolled down his face, but he felt so much more at ease with Taehyung there to keep him safe and urge him on. The worst of it came moments later, and Taehyung saw a truly frightening side of new life as his mate screamed at the pain, but Taehyung didn’t look fazed. He just held Jimin tight, hushing and kissing his skin where he could. He dabbed away his sweat and kept a fan pushing cool air onto the omega until a final cry and push had Jimin whimpering out a scream. His ears were enlightened by the sound of crying from a baby. Jimin’s cries turned into sobs of happiness as he could finally rest, his body falling back as Namjoon brought scissors between Jimin’s legs. Taehyung kept a hold on Jimin’s hand while trying to see the baby. Namjoon smiled, grabbing a fabric from the handmaid to his right. She looked pale, glancing at Jimin every few seconds as if he would be gone the next second. Taehyung stood, watching as Namjoon also stood, staring down at a crying pup swaddled up in a pretty pink blanket. He smiled down at the baby so brightly, his dimples were deeper than an ocean. Taehyung held Jimin’s hand as he stepped forward. The omega, though, watched through tired eyes and labored breaths at the pup he’d created. “Jiminie, you’ll have about fifteen minutes to rest, so please rest.” Namjoon said, but the omega shook his head. “Wanna see her…” He demanded, already knowing it was a girl from intuition. Namjoon chuckled, passing Taehyung, who was following the crying redlooking pup with two giant eyes. Namjoon settled it into Jimin’s arms, and the omega had never felt so content. He had one hand in his alpha’s and one arm wrapped around his pup. Jimin held her close and kissed her head, which was a bit red still. Taehyung practically clobbered Jimin to see the pup, his eyes so wide Jimin thought they might fall out of his skull. “Wow…” Taehyung muttered, staring down at Jimin holding his pup. It was truly the greatest sight in the world. The only thing that would be better? Jimin holding both of his pups. Jimin smiled, exhaustion still ripe in his expression as a tiny contraction made his skin crawl. Namjoon was back between his legs wiping him down while preparing for the next that would be much sooner than Jimin wished. It wasn’t fifteen minutes, really. It was more like eight or nine minutes, but it didn’t matter. It happened, Taehyung passed the newest pup, who’d been drinking from Jimin’s milk to Jimin’s omega father, who held the bundle like she was an angel from above. He then returned to Jimin’s side, holding his hand tight. Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s hand as tightly as he could. The contraction was back and strong this time, but Jimin hardly had the energy left to scream like he had before so he just moaned, pushing as much as he could before resting to take a few breaths. Namjoon was urging him on with helpful words to encourage him. Jimin listened to every word he said, taking in Taehyung’s voice as well as the alpha tried hard to soothe him. It was working, thankfully. Jimin’s tears spilt down his cheeks as he just kept going until he felt something pass through once again, the groans of pain replaced by the cries of another baby born. Taehyung’s head shot up again, but Jimin collapsed into the bed with a trembling body. Namjoon quickly wiped the baby off and cut her from her umbilical cord before swaddling her up in a cozy purple blanket. Taehyung smiled brightly, taking the babe from Namjoon’s arms. The physician immediately went back between Jimin’s legs while Taehyung turned
around to show off the second pup to Jimin, but the omega was lying still in the bed, face pale and body still soaked completely in sweat. Taehyung stiffened and quickly knelt down, grabbing Jimin’s hand in his free hand, the other arm held the newborn, crying pup. Taehyung had to ignore her cries as he stared down at Jimin, a sinking feeling in his gut. “Jimin?” He questioned, but there was no answer from Jimin. Taehyung inhaled sharply and pulled on Jimin’s hand. “Jimin?” He gasped out, and this time, Jimin’s eyes opened wearily. Taehyung relaxed a bit and smiled down at Jimin, who smiled back as well as he could through his exhaustion. “Minnie, look!” He laughed, showing Jimin their second baby. “You were right! They’re both girls.” He harped and grabbed Jimin’s hand, placing it against the newborn’s cheek as she cried. “See? Can you feel her? She’s so warm…” He hummed, but Jimin’s hand fell. Taehyung inhaled sharply and stood, quickly moving to Namjoon, who was fiercely at work between Jimin’s legs. “Hyung, what’s wrong—“ a gasp rippled through his lips at the sight that was below Jimin’s hips, hidden completely by the sheets and blankets on Jimin’s legs. The white sheets beneath Jimin were covered in blood. Jimin’s skin was covered in blood. “Namjoon…” Taehyung muttered, too lost in the sight of so much blood to focus on Namjoon, who was trying to do everything he could to stop the bleeding. Namjoon growled, eyes tightening as he worked hard. “Perineal tears.” Namjoon simply said, biting his tongue as he snatched a pair of scissors. “If I don’t stop it, he’ll bleed out.” Taehyung’s eyes grew large and he shielded the pup from it as if it would harm her. He peered back to Jimin, who slipped under, lulling in and out of consciousness. Seokjin and Jimin's father were trying hard to keep him awake, putting the first pup close to him and on his chest gently, but it seemed to not work at all. Taehyung snapped his head back to Namjoon. “Is there anything I can do?” He growled out through tightly gritted teeth. Namjoon shook his head. “Take the pups out, feed them, keep them safe.” He said, giving Taehyung a single glance. “I’m not letting him die, Taehyung.” Namjoon then growled out, angrily and very determined. Taehyung shook his head. “I won’t leave him.” Taehyung’s mother laid a hand on his shoulder gently. Taehyung turned to her with a determined expression. The alpha just pressed his newest, crying pup into her arms before stalking towards Jimin, who was holding his pup’s little hand while dipping in and out of consciousness. “Please, help feed them and keep them safe.” Taehyung demanded. “I’ll be out soon.” He said, and Namjoon pursed his lips but continued. Taehyung sat by Jimin’s side, holding his hand and coaxing him awake as much as he could. He wouldn’t lose Jimin, not a second time.
Hours went by and Namjoon finally huffed out a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow as he leaned back. Taehyung looked back to Namjoon with
exhausted eyes. They had bags underneath his eyes, but he was still holding onto Jimin’s hand tightly as the omega slept. “Is he going to be okay?” Taehyung asked. Namjoon smiled and nodded. “He will. He lost quite a bit of blood, but it wasn’t too much.” He explained with a sigh. “I had to sew it up before it bled any longer.” He said, wiping his brow again. Taehyung’s heart felt like it could finally relax. He rested his head on Jimin’s chest, peering over at Jimin with still worried eyes. “Are births always this stressful…?” He asked, and Namjoon laughed. The older alpha placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, squeezing it. “Not all of them…twins are a heavy burden for the first time.” He explained, and Taehyung felt bad. It was technically his fault, but he wouldn’t say that to Jimin, who would immediately disagree and call him silly. Namjoon turned to the handmaids who were left in the room. “He’ll need new bedding, probably a new mattress. Please make the arrangements.” Namjoon hummed, and the handmaids nodded, leaving the room. Namjoon gently smoothed a hand across Jimin’s sleeping face, admiring his sweaty, sleeping figure. “He’ll need lots of rest. When he wakes, he’ll need his pups, too.” Namjoon warned, and Taehyung nodded. They stepped slowly towards the door, but Taehyung didn’t want to leave Jimin alone ever now. He slid the door open and saw two swaddled pups sitting in the arms of Taehyung’s mother and Jimin’s father. They both smiled down at the pups with big, tear filled eyes. When they saw Taehyung, they stepped forward, eyes full of worry. “How is Jimin?” Jimin’s father asked immediately and Taheyung’s mother nodded. Seokjin was nearby, looking scared with Yoongi, who held the omega’s hand. Hoseok had his arms wrapped around his omega’s waist tightly. “He’s going to be just fine.” Namjoon sighed and rubbed his neck while the two omegas placed the pups into each of Taehyung’s arms. Taehyung nuzzled into the booth with a heavy sigh. “Let’s go see daddy…” He whispered while Namjoon wrapped his arms around his two mates. Jeongguk hugged Yoongi tight, and the two omega parents closed the doors to their room. Taehyung slipped back towards Jimin, whose eyes were slowly fluttering onto him. The alpha stiffened and immediately rushed towards Jimin with the pups. “Jimin!” He gasped, and Jimin smiled at him softly, lifting a hand. “Byeol…Hyewol…” Jimin hummed, his voice hoarse from screaming and crying for hours on end. Jimin slowly extended his arms to the two babes. Taehyung gently placed the identical twins into Jimin’s arms, and nothing had ever felt more content. Taehyung wrapped his arms around his pups and his omega, holding his whole world tightly in his arms. Jimin giggled weakly into his ear. “I love you, Taehyungie…” -
Chapter 50: Better to Have Loved and Lost, than Never Loved At All Jimin awoke to the feeling of pups in his arms and the sound of the city bells chiming loudly for everyone to know the two miracles were born. He knew it was them from their soft scent. They smelled new. It was a scent Jimin couldn’t explain, but Hei and Aecha had the same sort of scent on them. He was sure they all would until they presented or started to gain a scent of their own. Only a few hours old, the twins, Byeol and Hyewol, were clinging to Jimin, drinking from his milk as he rested. Jimin didn’t remember much, just the pain that was still sort of raw in his gut. His hips ached too. He felt woozy and disoriented, with little sense of time and direction let alone memory of what happened. Jimin peered over to his other side to see Taehyung curled into his side, sleeping soundly while holding little Byeol’s hand as she drank and slept like most pups would. Jimin smiled, wearily moving a hand over to trace the hair from Taehyung’s face. Jimin giggled as much as he could before he grew tired again. The next time Jimin woke up, one of the twins was sleeping in Taehyung’s arms, and Namjoon was on the other side of Jimin, holding his wrist. He checked the omega’s pulse before realizing he was awake, but just barely. “Good morning, Jiminie.” Namjoon greeted, leaning forward to kiss Jimin’s forehead. Jimin shut his eyes and sighed softly at the lovely contact. “How do you feel?” He asked, pulling a red ribbon from his pocket. Jimin hummed, exhausted. “M’ so tired.” Jimin murmured, and Namjoon nodded, expecting that answer. “I’m sure you are..” He sighed, gently taking one twin’s foot that was laying upon Jimin’s chest, asleep still. “Which is this?” He asked, and Jimin inhaled a bit of her scent. They smelled similar, but Hyewol had the light smell of flowers—much like Taehyung. “Hyewol.” Jimin said, establishing that. Namjoon chuckled and wrapped the red ribbon around the baby’s ankle as she slept soundly. He tied it loose enough that it wouldn’t bother her or get too tight around her. “Then this ribbon will be Hyewol’s.” He hummed, standing back to look at his handy work. “Jimin-ah, you need to stay in bed for a while so you don’t get hurt, okay?” He said, making sure Jimin heard him clearly. Jimin just nodded. “I will.” Jimin turned to Taehyung. “What about Shaofeng?” He asked, and Namjoon pursed his lips tightly. “Well,” Namjoon sighed, “we sent the royal envoy to deliver the good news to King Naka, so you don’t have to worry about Taehyung going anywhere until the pups are at least a month old.” He assured Jimin with a big dimpled smile. Jimin gave him a tired smile back before pulling his hands up to smooth over his pup’s back. Before long, Jimin fell back asleep, holding Hyewol tightly until a while later when he heard crying from one pup turn into crying from two. He groaned and looked over to see Taehyung rocking the babies in each arm. Jimin giggled, alerting Taehyung that he was awake. Taehyung inhaled sharply, a big, bright smile filling his cheeks like bread. “Minnie!” He gasped out, scooting himself and the two twins forward. Jimin pulled his robes open and gestured for Taehyung to give him the pups. Taehyung did as he was told, and Jimin just let them latch before drifting back to sleep despite Taehyung wanting him to stay awake. The alpha didn’t push it though. He knew Jimin’s energy was limited right now and the omega needed all of the rest he could get. Taehyung just held the omega’s hand as he slept, occasionally helping the pups get situated when they squirmed their way off of his chest. Jimin didn’t wake up until a while later, and this time, he felt like he had so much more energy. Namjoon and Taehyung helped him sit up in bed as the pups waited to be fed. Taehyung sat next to Jimin as Namjoon checked below while the pups were eating above. Taehyung played with their soft,
soft skin while just looking at Jimin, who watched his pups eat. Jimin looked so proud and Taehyung looked proud, but he was just proud of his omega for being so strong. Taehyung didn’t ever want Jimin to go through such pain ever again. Namjoon hummed softly and closed Jimin’s robes once more before pulling the covers over him with a gentle pat over the baby’s backs as they continued eating. “It looks great, it’s healing quickly. Should only be about a week or two longer.” He smiled, giving Taehyung a glance. “If you’d like, Taehyung, you can seal it with your saliva—it could heal even faster.” He explained, winking to the alpha. Jimin stiffened, watching as Namjoon slipped out and pulled the door closed behind himself. Taehyung was looking at Jimin with big eyes? “You want to…?” Taehyung asked, almost excited. Jimin’s cheeks dusted a soft pink, and he nodded softly, spreading his legs apart slightly. Jimin braced a hand over his pups’ backs and watched Taehyung as he slipped down from beside Jimin to the omega’s feet. It had been so long since they’d done anything at all. It felt almost foreign. Taehyung swallowed and pulled the covers back as well as the fabrics that covered Jimin’s body. He was already starting to go back to normal. He was young, his skin was young, so it would be long before he returned to his figure. Sure, there would be slight changes, but even Jimin’s father looked young and handsome after two pups and aged. Jimin’s lip trembled in excitement as Taehyung dipped his head between Jimin’s legs. Just the thought of Taehyung sealing him up had his slick pooling between his cheeks. Jimin pressed his eyes closed as the feeling of Taehyung’s slippery tongue hit his hole. It stung at first, but after a moment it felt so good it had Jimin trembling. Taehyung lathered his hole before pushing the muscle past Jimin’s rim just barely to soothe him. Jimin keeled his head back, holding his pups tight before it was over the next instant. He was all sealed and ready to heal. Taehyung crawled on top of Jimin, leaning down to press his lips against Jimin’s. Jimin whined softly, hands moving from the pups up to Taehyung’s chest, holding his robes tightly in his tiny fingers. Taehyung chuckled against the kiss before pulling away, that leftover saliva mixed with Jimin’s. Taehyung smiled down at him before pressing a kiss to the two twin’s heads one at a time. “I’ve never seen something more beautiful than this.” Taehyung murmured and kissed Jimin’s forehead. Jimin closed his eyes and smiled, listening to the bells that were still tolling for Byeol and Hyewol. “I love you, Taehyungie.” He whispered back, and Taehyung nuzzled their faces together while pulling the blankets back over the top of them both. Taehyung fell back beside Jimin, rubbing Byeol’s back as she finally stopped eating and fell asleep on Jimin’s chest. They sat like that for about an hour before Jimin hummed softly. “Taehyungie…?” He whispered out with a tired voice. Taehyung made a sleepy noise, curling further into Jimin’s side. The twins were both asleep now, settled between them and Jimin was on his side. His hand was nestled into Taehyung’s as they both just stared at the pups. “Is there anyone left...from Chinmae’s group, I mean?” Jimin asked, and Taehyung stiffened. “I—I just don’t want the twins to be in danger…” Taehyung snapped up, and Byeol shifted with a deep frown. Jimin quickly comforted her before she could cry. “I dissolved my mother’s court in favor of my own choices.” He explained, gently whisking the stray hairs from Jimin’s face and caressing his cheek so tenderly. “Whoever it was, he’s too afraid to show himself. He’s gone now too, so it’s okay.” Taehyung tightened his brow, angry just at the thought of something hurting his pups. “No one will ever hurt our pups.” Taehyung laid himself back down, caressing Jimin’s face still. “No one will ever hurt you either.” He said.
Jimin leaned into Taehyung’s touch, eyes watering slightly. “I want to protect you, too, Taetae…” Jimin whimpered, afraid that he wouldn’t be able to protect him. Taehyung frowned and squeezed Jimin’s cheeks gently, forcing him to look at Taehyung. Jimin stiffened, lips parting and eyes growing large. “Minnie, you just don’t even worry about that. In order to protect you, I have to be here.” He growled, so determined. “So I’ll never let myself be in danger of leaving you alone.” He explained. Jimin’s eyes watered and a tear fell down his cheek gently. “I love you, Taehyungie…” Taehyung kissed his forehead. “I love you, Minnie.”
About three weeks passed of healing and Taehyung sealing, and Jimin was completely back to normal. The twins were almost a month old and the twins could distinguish Jimin and Taehyung voices from others. They could move their heads and squeeze their fists. They could cry like Jimin had never heard before. They woke him up every hour or two, crying and whining. They were good at that. Their eyes were so big and still blue, like most babies were. Hyewol was good at grabbing and wrapping her arms around, while Byeol had learned to grab everyone’s hair. Jimin sat with Hyewol on his knee, back pressed against Jimin’s stomach that had lost a lot of weight since he was bedridden for almost a month. Jimin was sitting beside Taehyung as the royal envoy that had traveled to Shofeng returned. He had a pale face as he stepped inside the large war room. Jeongguk and Hoseok were seated a few paces down the table, welcoming the Lord with a smile. The man gave them all a deep bow. “Your Highness, Your Majesty.” He hummed, and Taehyung greeted him with a soft smile, holding Byeol in his lap. “Welcome home, Lord Cho. I hope your journey was not too long or hard.” He hummed, and the envoy shook his head. The Lord bowed his head. “I apologize for being so late, Your Majesty. Congratulations on the birth of the Princesses.” He smiled brightly. “They are truly beautiful.” Jimin’s heart fluttered and he held Hyewol tighter, bowing his head. “Thank you, My Lord.” Jimin smiled, and the Lord’s cheeks dusted a cherry red. Taehyung sighed sofy, taking Jimin's hand in his own. "Please, what did King Naka have to say? I hope he understood my situation." Taehyung growled, a bit annoyed by the King's frustrating actions. Lord Cho huffed out a soft sigh before settling down into a seat at the end of the table. "Well you see, he was frustrated to say the least." Jimin stiffened, a bit agitated with this King, but he was so like his son that had been so cruel to Jimin. Taehyung's eyes tightened with an annoyed hiss on his tongue. "What could he possibly be frustrated over? My omega," Taehyung wrapped an arm around Jimin's waist, pulling him close, "went into a dangerous labor. I had to be there for him." Taehyung explained his own frustration building as Byeol started to huff out a soft cry. Taehyung quickly bumped his leg and held Byeol close to his chest before she could really start to cry because when she cried Hyewol cried too.
Lord Cho's forehead beaded with sweat, and he put his hands together with a bite of his lip. "He feels it was only an excuse and still wishes for your presence in his court for at least a week now that the pups have been delivered." He continued, and Jimin could smell how angry Taehyung was growing. It was quite outrageous to Jimin too. Jimin pulled his hand down, grabbing Taehyung's tightly before he could get too angry. Taehyung loosened up and tightened his hand around Jimin as well. "I do not wish to leave my newborn pups. They're only a month old." He said, rubbing his brow with a sigh. "Tell him its not—“ Jimin squeezed his hand. "What if…" Jimin paused and bit his lip, unsure if he could say this. "What if we went too...all of us." Jimin said, and Hoseok stood with a worried brow. "Jiminie.." He hummed, a bit scared of that proposition. "You're still not completely healed, are you?" Jimin nodded. "I am. I'm okay, and the twins are perfectly healthy too." He explained, peering to Byeol, then to Hyewol, who still had her red ribbon dangling from her left ankle. "I believe they would be able to travel without much worry." Taehyung knitted his brows and looked over at Jimin with a concerned expression. "Jimin, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable." He frowned, but Jimin shook his head. "No, it's okay...I'd actually like to go with you. I've always wanted to leave the country." Jimin said, perking up with a bit of a smile. Taehyung gave him a little bit of a weary smile before nodding. "Alright. We'll all travel to Shofeng, then." He said, but the royal envoy didn't look too pleased by it at all. Lord Cho swallowed and shook his head. "Your Majesty...the reason Prince Himchan was so upset was...correct me if you're wrong, but because of His Highness. " Lord Cho said, voice growing smaller the more he spoke. Jeongguk furrowed his brows, looking darkly at the Lord. " King Naka needs to respect the Emperor’s mate." He said, a bit annoyed. Jimin stiffened, hand tightening around Taehyung's. The alpha huffed softly. "He was my mate then, and he is my mate now. He comes. My pups too." Taehyung barked, and the Lord stiffened and nodded. He bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty." Jimin bit his lip, peering down to Hyewol, who started to fall asleep in his arms. Byeol was still active in Taehyung's arms. Taehyung pulled her up with a soft sigh. He kissed her cheek. "Send word to King Naka, don't tell him about Jimin." Taehyung huffed to Jeongguk, who nodded while standing up. "Of course, Tae." Hoseok stood as well. "I'll ready a carriage and have the handmaidens begin packing the supplies." He bowed briefly to Taehyung before joining Jeongguk, who slipped out as well. Lord Cho bit his lip, watching as Taehyung and Jimin slipped out of the meeting room, pups in their arms. Lord Cho gently turned to Jimin, bowing deeply before he could step away from him. Jimin inhaled sharply, pulling Hyewon away from the Lord with a worried look on his face. "Your Royal Highness," Lord Cho said while still bowing. He didn't come back up. "I apologize if I offended you." He said, and Jimin slowly moved back to a relaxed stand. Jimin just shook his head, silently. "Are you sure you want to go to Shaofeng?" He asked with a quivering voice. Jimin's lips pulled shut, and he grew a bit taught as Taehyung stepped back towards him with a pup in his arms and a tightly furrowed brow.
Jimin swallowed thickly and nodded his head, pulling his pup closer and kissing her head. "Yes...I'm sure, My Lord." Jimin said before continuing to walk with Taehyung, who held his waist tightly as they walked. Jimin said he was sure, but he really wasn’t so sure... -
Chapter 51: Glory Paid to the Ashes They’d left the palace almost a week ago, and the road to Shofeng was long. Thankfully, it wasn’t difficult or treacherous. Unless boredom was dangerous and the time taken was a waste. The carriage they were in was more of a home in Jimin’s eyes. It was huge, bigger than the large carriage he’d taken from Busan to Hanseong even. It was so large they could walk around inside, drawn by six horses and surrounded by an entire battalion of soldiers and royal mercenaries. Hoseok was at the head of the fleet, Taehyung had called it. The General didn’t want anything to happen. Jimin dug his feet into the fur floor of the carriage. It was practically covered in soft furs everywhere, with baskets for the twins to sleep in when Jimin grew tired. There were a few wet nurses and handmaidens around, traveling by horse. Taehyung would simply knock and the entire fleet would stop to assist them. Jimin tried hard to rarely stop the trip. He wanted to get to Shofeng, stay for as long as they had to, then leave. Byeol clung to his chest as she drank from his milk and slept at the same time. Hyewol was already asleep, nestled in one of the baskets by Taehyung, who rocked her carefully. It was almost May, but they were traveling North from Joseon. Jimin wore thicker clothes than Taehyung, who was always hot for some reason. The alpha looked out the window of the carriage, peeking through at a small city they passed through. The people were all outside, watching as the royal carriage made its way through their city. They all wanted to see the Emperor and his omega so badly. Taehyung sighed softly, continuing to rock Hyewol in her basket. They were both still so small and frail looking, Jimin worried they might catch a cold so he bundled them both up tight with fuzzy blankets made of the finest sheep’s wool. Taehyung sighed again, so Jimin rolled his eyes and smiled at the man. “What’s the matter?” Jimin asked, rubbing Byeol’s back as she finished. Taehyung turned to him, watching as he pulled his robes closed and let Byeol rest on his lap. Jimin patted her back to burp the pup, hoping she didn’t spit up. Taehyung dug his chin into his palm with a small sigh of complaint. Jimin laughed quietly. “What?” He huffed, mimicking the way Taehyung sighed. Taehyung gave Byeol a look again, eyes tight as he rocked her sister. “I’m just…” Jimin stiffened, a smirk edging across his lips. “You’re not jealous are you?” Jimin giggled, and Taehyung stiffened immediately, shaking his head with a light blush. “No, of course not.” He whispered, not wanting to wake the twins as they slept finally. Jimin smiled with a vile expression on his face. A devious smirk. Taehyung was too busy looking at it to realize Jimin’s bare toes were smoothing up and down his ankle slowly. Taehyung glanced down at the omega’s feet and stiffened, watching as the foot slipped up and between Taehyung’s legs. “Still flexible?” Taehyung asked with a quivering brow. It was a bit of a surprise, but Jimin had been doing a bit of exercise and yoga to make sure he kept his flexibility and balance for dancing. He was a dancer after all. Jimin just nodded, toe wedging against Taehyung’s soft member beneath his thinner robes, Jimin smiled at the Emperor, and Taehyung swallowed thickly. Taehyung was a bit far, so the omega couldn’t reach far enough. Taehyung, though, scooted himself and little Hyewol closer to Jimin, allowing Jimin’s entire foot to stroke the member until it was completely hard, straining against his robes painfully.
Jimin smiled and pulled his foot away, but Taehyung grabbed his ankle before he could with a struggled whine. Jimin inhaled sharply, a smile still creeping evilly up upon his thick lips. “Jimin…” He whined like a child. “ Please…. “ He practically begged, and who was Jimin to say no to his Emperor? His mate. Plus, he wanted his scent to be all over Taehyung for Himchan to smell. Jimin’s presence was a surprise after all. Jimin giggled and gently placed Byeol in her own little basket, nestling her into a safe spot beside her sister before placing his knees on the ground. He shifted his way between Taehyung’s legs, the alpha watching with big, excited eyes as Jimin pushed his legs apart. Taehyung swallowed his excitement and quickly fiddled with his robes until the carriage started to come to a stop. Taehyung keeled his head back and groaned, while Jimin laughed, pulling himself back up. Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s wrist and tugged him back down. Jimin inhaled sharply as their lips met. He quickly relaxed into it with a little giggle. He teased Taehyung with the flick of his tongue, showing the alpha what he could’ve done if the fleet wasn’t stopping. Taehyung groaned as Jimin pulled away to sit himself back down. He heard Hoseok yell outside. “We’ll set up camp here for tonight and continue at dawn.” He yelled to his soldiers and the other handmaids and attendants. Taehyung would have to kill Hoseok for this. There was a knock at the carriage doors, and Jimin quickly grabbed Byeol, who looked as if she would begin crying. She quickly stopped once she was in Jimin’s arms again though. “Yes?” Taehyung grumbled, trying hard to get rid of the erection or at least hide it. He crossed his legs just as Hoseok slid the doors open. “We’re stopped for tonight, but we should reach the Shofeng palace by tomorrow afternoon.” He explained with a large, sunny smile. Jimin smiled back as he slid the doors closed, allowing the attendants to set up camp and ready it for them.
Once inside the fabric tent that was set up, Taehyung wouldn’t let go of Jimin—following him around, holding his waist and kissing his neck as he readied the twins for bed. There was a cradle for two set up right beside Jimin and Taehyung’s own bed, but Jimin couldn’t see how he was okay with being so touchy with thirteen guards surrounding them. It felt so...public. Jimin pushed Taehyung off of his neck as he carried Hyewon to the cradle after she finished latching. Taehyung whined and stomped his feet like an angry child, who was told no. Jimin scowled at him. “There’s too many guards around…” Jimin said as he set Hyewol down beside Byeol. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jimin’s waist pulling him close and kissing and sucking along his neck. “They don’t care.” He said between kisses. Jimin shoved him off once more. “ I care.” He muttered, and Taehyung finally gave up. Jimin just wasn’t in the mood, couldn’t be with so many
soldiers around. On seeing Taehyung’s sulking as he crawled into bed, Jimin smirked. He blew out the candles that were set around them and climbed into the temporary bed with Taehyung, whose back was facing Jimin. Jimin wrapped around him and kissed the nape of his neck, and Taehyung had no chance against Jimin. He couldn’t stay mad. Taehyung turned towards the omega and wrapped his arms around him tight. Jimin giggled and gave him a kiss before shoving his head into the alpha’s broad chest. Jimin smoothed a hand between his cheeks and swiped through a bit of slick that was still lathered up from before. His slicked up hand found its way between Taehyung’s robes, grasping around his soft member where it sat in his light sleepwear. Taehyung jerked with a sleepy groan, his cock growing in Jimin’s palm without him even realizing it. Taehyung groaned and shoved his face into Jimin’s crown, inhaling his peachy scent. “Change your mind?” Taehyung asked with a smile. Jimin hummed and twisted his palm against Taehyung’s tip, forcing a hiss up his throat. “I felt bad for leaving you like that.” Jimin whispered with a giggle. Taehyung kissed the top of his head, trying to stifle his own groans as Jimin skilfully smoothed his hand up and down Taehyung’s shaft occasionally twisting at the tip before pushing back down. His slick was just the right amount to get rid of the dry burn between their skin, but not enough to be too messy, thankfully. Taehyung jerked his hips, hands wrapping around Jimin’s wrist to keep it in place as he fucked into Jimin’s small hands. Taehyung’s knot was formed and broke apart his fingers as he rutted into his hand. Jimin hummed softly, missing the feeling of Taehyung’s cock filling him up. He shivered at the thought, but Namjoon had told them to wait for a while. In a month or two, Jimin’s heat would be returning, and the ability to get pregnant too. Finally, Taehyung growled as his seed erupted into Jimin’s palm. The omega arched his back, pushing himself further against Taehyun’s front as the alpha came into his fingers. It was messy, and Taehyung knew it would be uncomfortable to sleep with, but he didn’t even care. It felt so good. Jimin pulled his fingers away after a moment, the white seed all over his fingers. Jimin smirked, Taehyung staring at his omega as Jimin took his come covered fingers into his mouth, sucking each finger clean of his alpha’s come. Taehyung watched and swallowed his excitement with an amazed expression. Jimin smiled, and Taehyung just pulled him tight. Jimin giggled and wrapped his arms around Taehyung too. “You’re so fucking hot!” Taehyung growled in a little whisper. Jimin giggled and kissed Taehyung’s cheek. “Only for you.” He said, and Taehyung nodded. “That’s right.” He growled, possessively. “Only for me. You’re mine.” He said before pressing their lips together with a hum of enjoyment. Jimin giggled softly into their kiss before melting against him completely. -
Chapter 52 They got up at dawn the next day and the journey wasn't nearly as long as the days before. Jimin watched out the window of the carriage at the large city. The people of Shaofeng were all watching as the large carriage and its envoy lofted through the city. Royal guards and Joseon flags with their red and gold colors so vibrant, clashing with the flags of Shaofeng which were green and black with a fearsome bear embroidered on the center. Jimin could see through the fabric at the many citizens who were trying to get a look at who was inside. They were whispering amongst each other, probably wondering why an elite Joseon envoy was traveling through their city. He was sure some were talking of war and the hopeful were talking of a marriage or an alliance. Jimin bumped Byeol, who was in his arms, crying softly because she was so tired from their journey. Jimin looked to Taehyung, who was staring outside as well while holding Hyewol against his chest, batting her back softly to burp her after Jimin fed the babe. "Tae-tae…" Jimin hummed softly, and Taehyung hummed, a bit more serious than he was before. He looked like he was in a bad mood even though Jimin had woken him up with a nice blowjob. Maybe even that wasn't enough. Taehyung's hard eyes softened completely when he looked at Jimin, who looked nervous. "You don't think they'll be angry that I'm here, do you?" He asked as Byeol started to calm down from crying. Taehyung grumbled and started to settle Hyewon down, but lifted her again when she started to cry. "They'll have to get over it. You're my mate whether they like it or not." Taehyung growled finally, and Jimin nodded with a little bit of a nervous frown on his face. The trip only lasted a little bit longer before the carriages and horses were stopping. Jimin looked out, sweat beading on his temple as he watched the palace walls come into view. The Shofeng palace was large and held above the rest of the rock and stone paved courtyards that surrounded it. It wasn't anything like the palace in Hanseong. The Joseon Royal palace was grand and had intricate designs that decorated the walls and spires that towered high into the sky. The Joseon palace was also more secluded and sat upon a hill that looked upon the city below. Even in the palace walls there were large trees and a big courtyard full of plants and pretty gardens. There were streams and small rivers all over the palace grounds. The servants quarters were completely hidden from the rest of the royal palace by a large, beautiful forest of pretty pine trees. But the Shofeng palace looked like it was full of paved and carved stone. Their bear emblems all over the doors that were on every door and hanging from every archway. It was pretty, but Jimin missed the natural beauty of Hanseong. Jimin could see multiple Shooting guards all over the grounds, welcoming the Emperor of the Joseon and a few from their court. Jimin's gut twisted and he held Byeol just a little bit tighter as she slept in his arms. Taehyung stood, gently nestling Hyewol into Jimin's arms gently. Jimin held her tight in one arm and Byeol in the other. They were still small enough that Jimin could carry them both without a problem. Hoseok lapped his knuckles against the door to the carriage, and Taehyung hummed. Hoseok opened the door the next moment, a handmaid by his side. The omega bowed to Jimin and Taehyung deeply. "We're here." Hoseok said, and Taehyung nodded while standing. He helped Jimin stand as well. "First, we'll meet, His Majesty, King Naka while our rooms are being readied." Hoseok explained with a soft smile, it grew weary when he glanced at Jimin. Hoseok motioned to the omega by his side, who was still bowing deeply. He'd been helping Jimin care for the twins since they were born. He was an older omega, about fifty years old
with graying hair. Jimin trusted him with his pups, but he still wanted to be near the babies. "Your Royal Highness, would you like me to take the twins while you greet the King?" He asked, and Jimjn shook his head, tightening around his two children. "N..No…" Jimin then said in a small, small voice. The omega nodded before slipping back out of the carriage. Hoseok inhaled sharply, watching the wet nurse leave before snapping back towards Jimin. "Jimin, are you sure?" He asked, and Jimin nodded, a bit more confident as Taehyung wrapped around his waist. "If I get tired, Taehyung can help." He explained, and Hoseok stiffened. Jimin knew it was against tradition and customs. Usually, royals didn't take care of their own pups, giving them to a wet nurse and handmaid to take care of them, but Jimin was too afraid to leave the twins with anyone. He didn't want his pups ro grow up in the arms of someone that wasn't him. He didn't want them to grow up without Taehyung as well. Taehyung just nodded. "My mother took care of me, I want to take care of my own pups too." Taehyung explained, and Jimin's cheeks reddened with pride. He hadn't even spoken to Taehyung, yet the alpha knew what Jimin wanted. Jimin leaned into his alpha, nuzzling his arm with a big smile. Taehyung chuckled and squeezed Jimin's waist slightly before kissing his forehead. Hoseok didn't even question it. Jimin knew Seokjin rarely ever used the wet nurses and handmaids, so he had no reason to say anything. He didn't seem to want to say anything either. He just bowed to the couple before leading them from the carriage. Taehyung stepped out first before turning to Jimin and hooking his hands around Jimin's waist and carrying him off of the carriage. Jimin held the twins tight, melting into Taehyung's front with a satisfied hum. "Your Majesty." A voice, unfamiliar to Jimin's ears, spoke. Jimin looked up to see Taehyung's face snapped towards the voice, staring at whoever it was through thin eyes and pursed lips. Taehyung turned, and Jimin finally could see it was an ambassador standing there along with a man dressed in fancy traditional Shofeng clothing. It was similar to Joseon, but the colors were more dull greens and earthy tones. Then, there was someone Jimin recognized. Himchan stood there in a flowing light green hanbok with emeralds thrown all over it with much precision. He had silver hair pieces scattered throughout his dark brown hair and earrings dangling. Jimin could no longer wear such pretty jewelry because the pups would just rip it off in their claws. Jimin's father warned him before he had to experience it himself, thankfully. Jimin stiffened at the sight of the omega. He still looked enraged at Jimin, who held his pups close to his chest, protective because Himchan was a threat in Jimin's gut. Taehyung sighed softly, under his breath while wrapping an arm around Jimin and reeling him in. The alpha was trying to hide Jimin's unsure scent from the King. Surely, he would take offense. The Shofeng King, King Naka, looked pleased. A smile sat upon his face, but when he realized who stood by Taehyung's side, his smile fell and his hands tightened into fists by his sides. Taehyung's frown tightened slightly, and he held tighter onto Jimin, who grew even more nervous at the sight of this King, who was obviously not pleased with Jimin's presence. Jimin tried to shake it off as Taehyung gave him a reassuring squeeze before they continued to step through the wall of soldiers that greeted them with deep bows. Jimin leaned into Taehyung’s side, uncomfortable because of the many soldiers that bowed
on either side of them. The King, though, looked upon them with pride as they stepped through. Taehyung smiled down at Jimin, just whispering to let him know it was okay. “I’m here..” He hummed in the smallest voice, and Jimin’s heart blossomed with endearment. Jimin just nodded and leaned in closer to Taehyung. Himchan was glaring at Jimin, probably didn’t even mean to, but he was. His eyes were thin and hands balled in fists tight by his sides. They were so tight, Jimin could’ve sworn they were trembling. The King bowed deeply to Taehyung, hardly sparing Jimin a single glance, but a small glare that had Jimin shivering. Taehyung bowed a moment later, so Jimin quickly joined him, hands braced against the twin’s heads because they couldn’t hold them up yet. “Welcome, Emperor Kim Taehyung, to Shofeng.” He said with a proud smirk. The King then looked down to Jimin, who held the pups tightly. Jimin stiffened when their eyes met. The King gave Jimin a mean look before grabbing his son’s shoulder and pulling him closer. “You’ve already met my son, Himchan.” He growled, a smile falling from his lips. Jimin swallowed and looked away from the two royals. Taehyung’s eyes thinned as well. “Yes.” “You were betrothed .” He snickered, getting straight to the point of things. “But you chose…” The King looked down to Jimin, who was kissing Byeol’s forehead as she yawned in his arms. The King looked away with his lip curling back in a growl. “Other things.” He was so straight forward, almost unafraid of the offense he was giving to Jimin. “My son was very upset by the breech in your betrothal, embarrassed by an omega in your court.” It must’ve been Jimin he was directing all of this venom towards. He ignored it though. Byeol shifted on Jimin’s front, so he quickly attempted to bump the two, but Taehyung turned to Jimin, taking Hye Wol from his arms to give him a bit more room to carry Byeol before she started to cry. Thankfully, she fell back asleep. To Jimin’s left, Taehyung looked to Himchan and bowed not nearly as deep as usual though. The omega stiffened slightly, staring down at Taehyung, who held the child he’d made with Jimin. “Your Royal Highness, I apologize for any grief I caused, but…” Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand and kissed the omega’s knuckles. “I’m so deeply in love with my Jimin that I couldn’t possibly look at anyone else.” He explained, and Jimin’s cheeks turned a bright, bright red at the words Taehyung spoke. He’d never heard Taehyung say such beautiful things. It made his heart flutter and his body piping hot. The King nodded, eyes shut with a pursed lip. “I can understand this infatuation.” He hummed, looking at Jimin with such a scowl even still. “But I believe it was very foolish of you to end the alliance and the betrothal for a pretty omega.” Taehyung frowned, he was about to say something when the King continued. “But this is talk for another time, let us go inside and get your rooms situated.” He said before turning his back to Jimin and Taehyung. Himchan turned away also, giving Jimin one last glare before leaving with his father. Jimin peered to Taehyung, who nodded to reassure Jimin. Hoseok stepped up beside them with a small smile. "Shall we?" He hummed, and Taehyung nodded. Taehyung passed Byeol to Jimin, who gladly took her. Taehyung stepped forward with a confident stride that Jimin just couldn't mirror. Jimin just followed behind him, looking uncertain at the alphas that stood all around with weapons and uniforms. They all looked so scary, but maybe it was because he was just in a new place—a scary place.
The inside of the Shofeng palace was more intricate than the rest of the outside palace. It had Jimin looking all over. There were European candelabras and all sorts of different vases all over the halls. It was amazing. There were bears painted all over the walls and the fabric doors. There were bear statues and such. They reached a large drawing room with paintings all over and the court's people sitting around. When the King stepped inside, all of the court nobles stood, bowing to their King and Prince. "You all must welcome my guests from Joseon." He harped and glanced at Jimin. "The Emperor, Kim Taehyung, and his entourage." He said, not even mentioning Jimin at all. It was as if the omega didn't even exist at all. Jimin shrugged it off and followed after Taehyung, who stepped next to King Naka. Before he could stand next to him though, a palace guard grabbed his arm and kept him from continuing with walking with Taehyung. "You can't walk with them." Jimin glared at the man, whisking his arm out of the alpha's grip. The alpha furrowed his brow, but Hoseok stepped in front of the omega. Jimin continued, picking up his pace to stand beside Taehyung once more. Taehyung gave Jimin a glance, a bit busied by King Naka’s constant talking. “Please, make yourself at home.” He then chuckled, but Taehyung furrowed his brows tightly. The alpha just stood, brows furrowed and hands tucked behind his back. “What did I come here for?” Taehyung growled, feeling the entire trip might’ve just been useless and a waste of time. King Naka turned to Taehyung, eyes glazing over Jimin. The omega had found his way beside Taehyung once more, where he belonged, but where the King did not want him to be. The King hummed softly. “Right. You must be tired from your journey.” The King looked at the servants and brightened slightly. “Ah, see, your rooms are already ready.” He smiled. I’ll have the servants escort you to them.” He said before turning back around as the servants bowed deeply to Taehyung and Jimin. Jimin resisted the urge to bow back. The halls of the palace were not as wide as back home. They were thinner and decorated with paintings and murals. Their rooms were far away, in a different wing of the palace entirely. The stone walls turned into fabric walls and sliding doors instead of hinges. The floors were wooden too and the ceilings a bit lower, but it was still very pretty to Jimin, who just took it all in with big eyes. One of the servants stood beside a circular fabric door and bowed. There was mountain scenery painted across the front of the doors. It was so pretty, much like a watercolor painting with ink that bled through thin paper. Jimin admired it greatly. The servant gestured to the large, looking room that sat at the end of the hall. It was certainly memorable. “This is your room, Your Majesty.” The servant said, still bowed. He then stood and slid the doors open. It was even more beautiful inside. There were different levels including a sunken sitting area with soft pillows and carpets thrown down. The bed was large and grand, sitting on the floor and looking out upon a painted door that was covered in a similar mountain scene. It was beautiful too. Taehyung stepped forward, so Jimin did too, but...before he could step inside the servant held an arm out, blocking Jimin’s way inside entirely. Jimin stiffened, head turning to the servant. Taehyung also looked confused. “This is His Majesty’s room.” The servant said with a bow, but Jimin didn’t feel very respected by it. “Your room is this way.” Jimin inhaled sharply, holding his ground firmly. “What?” He hissed out, and the servant turned to him. Taehyung furrowed a brow. “He’s my mate.”
He was older looking and had a very set face that always seemed to be grimacing. The man shook his head. “I’m sorry, but His Majesty, King Naka, wished for your rooms to be separate.” “Why?” Jimin barked, getting tired of the disrespect. The servant bowed again, and Jimin softened his tone slightly. “He says His Majesty does not need the stress of being woken up by the Princesses, Your Royal Highness. I’m sorry for any offense, but this is how it must be.” He said, and Jimin desperately wanted to counter it, but he just frowned and relaxed himself, giving in. The servant nodded before stepping away from the room. Taehyung watched with an angry and skeptical brow stretched across his face. Jimin’s room was two entire halls over and it wasn’t nearly as large as Taehyung’s. In fact, it was separated down the center with a space for his wet nurse to sleep along with him. There was a cradle set up right beside Jimin’s bed that rested on the floor. It wasn’t as grand or big. There was a pretty river painting though. Jimin frowned. He was angry. The servant stood at the door and bowed. “Please, ring if you need anything at all, Your Highness.” He said, but Jimin didn’t think they would answer very nicely. It felt like they were trying to bribe Taehyung into changing his mind about terminating the marriage treaty. Jimin knew that was foolish though. The alpha— his alpha—would never. -
Chapter 53: Breaking of Bonds It was late, Jimin knew it was. He could see the half moon peeking into their room from the windows of solid thick glass across from him settled over the omega wet nurse’s head. He slept soundly, so did the twins, settled in their cradle together, despite waking often—thankfully, Jian always tended to them. Jimin swiftly swung the covers from over himself. He placed his feet onto the cold wood floor, even in the early summer it was chilly. Jimin stood and wrapped himself in a robe before tiptoeing towards the door. Jimin grabbed the handle, about to slide it open when he heard fabric shifting from across the room. “Are you going to see His Majesty?” The wet nurse hummed with a tired chuckle. Jimin snapped his head back to the man, biting his lip. “I’m sorry to wake you, Jian.” He said with a swift bow of his head. The man shook his head with a small smile. “No, please. Go. I’ll take care of them—you deserve a break, Your Highness.” He nodded, and Jimin smiled softly. “Thank you.” He said before sliding the door open before closing it with a gentle movement. The palace halls were so dark, save for moonlight from outside. Jimin remembered his way around pretty well. He knew where Taehyung was at least. He made his way down the hall, nervous that he would be caught by guards. Jimin pulled his sleep robe further around himself with a worried shiver rolling down his spine. Jimin turned down the last hall and Taehyung's room was there. The mountain scenery made it easy to figure out. Jimin quickly scampered towards it. He pulled the door open swiftly before pulling it shut with an outward exhale. Jimin looked around the room. It was completely pitch black. Jimin couldn’t see a single thing. He looked around, trying to distinguish between objects and remember what was where. His eyes adjusted slowly, but he relied more heavily on his sense of smell. Taehyung’s dark flowery scent was so ripe in his nostrils. Jimin’s hands braced against the soft cushions of a bed. It was low on the ground and so much softer than Jimin’s own bed. His bed felt like rocks. Jimin climbed into the bed, causing the other body to shift with a sharp growl. Jimin gasped when he felt a hand wrap around his neck, but it quickly fell away. Taehyung inhaled sharply, rolling over to meet Jimin, who was sitting on his feet in surprise. “Jimin?” He questioned before wrapping himself around Jimin tightly and enveloping him like a warm blanket. “I’m so sorry…” He whispered. “I thought you were someone else.” He explained, and Jimin understood. Taehyung had been more on edge since his mother’s death. Jimin melted into Taehyung, hugging him tightly. “I couldn’t sleep without you. I left the twins in Jian’s care…” Jimin said, and Taehyung nodded in agreement. “I couldn’t sleep either…” He growled. “I’ll have your things moved into this room tomorrow morning, I promise.” Taehyung smoothed hands through Jimin’s soft hair and kissed the top of his head. Jimin hummed softly and shivered. “I don’t like it here, Taehyungie…” Taehyung’s eyes tightened. “I know...Me neither.”
‘KNOCK, KNOCK’
‘KNOCK, KNOCK’
‘KNOCK—‘ Jimin gasped up from where he was strung over Taehyung’s chest, hands fisted in Taehyung’s as they slept. ‘KNOCK, KNOCK’ Jimin stood and creeped over to the door while Taehyung still slept. The omega glanced at Taehyung and bit his lip. He knew he was probably not supposed to be in the room, but it didn’t matter, right? Taehyung was going to have his things moved, right? Jimin slowly pulled the door open, peeking through a small sliver to see not an attendant at all, but Prince Himchan, staring down at him. He had
a smile, but it fell instantly. Jimin would’ve pulled the door open more, but he wasn’t dressed yet. “Your Highness.” Jimin bowed slightly even though, technically, he was above Himchan now in rank. Himchan’s face turned a bright red, probably with anger, but Jimin just swallowed. “What are you doing here?” He growled, and Jimin stiffened. Jimin swallowed and glanced back to Taehyung, who was still asleep— exhausted by the carriage ride and the twins constantly crying. “Prince Himchan...I’m Taehyung’s mate. I’m allowed in here.” Jimin explained with a soft smile to reassure the Prince, but it didn’t seem to work very much. Himchan scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest tightly. “Whatever.” He growled, giving Jimin an up and down glare of disapproval. “I was sent to retrieve Emperor Taehyung for breakfast.” He said, trying to look around Jimin at Taehyung, who was stirring slightly behind Jimin. Jimin nodded and bowed gently. “Alright, we’ll—“ “Not you. There isn’t a place set up for you .“ He hissed, and Jimin winced at the bite in his voice. He was vicious today. Much more so than when they’d met in Hanseong. Jimin furrowed his brows. "What do you mean…?" He frowned. Himchan rolled his eyes. "You have pups to take care of, don't you?" He growled. Jimin felt a bit threatened. He could smell the hatred rolling off of Himchan in waves. It smelled like rotten eggs. Jimin had the sudden urge to protect his pups. Anxiety dwelled within his chest. He needed to hold his pups. A hand slid over Jimin's arse and slapped down, forcing Jimin forward just barely. His eyes widened at the sound the slap made. Himchan stiffened, eyes growing. "Who's at the door, Minnie…?" His growling in his hoarse voice made Jimin feel hot. Taehyung placed his chin on Jimin's shoulder, eyes grimacing slightly at the sight of Himchan standing there...stiff. "Oh, it's you." He sighed softly, tightening his arms around Jimin's waist. Taehyung grew stiff from the way Himchan quivered. He felt bad. Jimin turned around in Taehyung's arms and kissed his jaw. "The King wants to have breakfast with you." He smiled and wrapped his arms around Taehyung's neck. Taehyung flicked his eyes from Himchan to Jimin. He smiled when his eyes met Jimin's. "What about you? Too tired?" He asked, but Jimin shook his head. "I miss the twins." Jimin pouted, and Taehyung frowned. "I do too." Taehyung glanced at Himchan with a muted smile. He then looked back to Jimin. "Bring them. We'll show them off to the Shaofeng court." He chuckled and kissed Jimin's forehead in a disgusting display of affection. Himchan stiffened and was about to say something when Taehyung looked at him with flowering dark eyes. "That'd be okay, right?" He said, but it was authoritative, threatening even. Himchan stuttered out a soft, nervous voice. "I-I...I guess so." He said before swallowing wearily. Taehyung smiled and looked back to Jimin, whose eyes were big. Taehyung kissed Jimin's nose, snapping him from his thoughts. "We'll be up for breakfast soon." "I-I'll escort you, then." Himchan said, redness setting into his skin because he was embarrassed. Taehyung just nodded swiftly before moving a sneaky hand down and grabbing Jimin’s bum. Jimin squeaked, and Himchan stiffened, looking at Jimin strangely. Jimin just swatted Taehyung’s hand away. The alpha
chuckled and opened the door fully, revealing Jimin, who wore basically nothing but a robe. Jimin inhaled sharply and looked back to Taehyung, who was in nothing but a robe and a pair of loose pants. His bare chest and stomach on display. Himchan stared at his chest, practically drooling, and Jimin wanted so badly to roll his eyes. Taehyung hummed. “You can walk Jimin to his room while I’m getting ready.” He said, motioning to the attendant that stood, bowed by the door. Himchan stiffened and turned to Jimin for a split second before snapping back to Taehyung, who was already starting to close his own door, smirking at Jimin. “I’ll be ready when you come back.” Taehyung chuckled before closing the door completely, leaving the two omega’s to themselves. Jimin turned to Himchan, whose eyes were thin and contemplating. Himchan just scoffed and stepped past Jimin. The older omega bit his lip before following Himchan. The walk was horrendously awkward. Neither of the omegas said a word to each other. They just walked, Jimin slightly lagging behind Himchan with an awkward frown upon his lips. Once they were at Jimin’s own room, Himchan leaned against the wall and crossed his arms tightly over his chest. “You should stay in your own room from now on, you know.” Himchan growled, meanly. Jimin looked at him and pursed his lips with a frustrated inhale. He said nothing else, though, just opened the door to see Jian inside with the twins. He peered up and bowed deeply to Jimin. “I don’t want you to get hurt.” Himchan laughed in a coy way. Jimin ignored it again before closing the door to his room with a heavy sigh. He was met with Jian’s smiling face. Jimin softened at the sight of the kind omega. “Jian, how are they?” He smiled brightly, taking Byeol into his arms as she spread her arms for him with big, wide eyes. Jian chuckled and kissed Howl's forehead. “They were lovely, but they’re starting to get a bit hungry, you see.” He pointed to Byeol who writhed in Jimin’s arms, starting to cry loudly while grabbing at his robes. Jimin bit his lip softly. “Taehyungie wants me to bring them to breakfast with the King, but if they’re so hungry…” Jimin trailed off while removing his robes from his shoulders to allow Byeol access to his chest. She quieted once she had food in her mouth, but Hyewol, jealous of her older sister, started crying too. Jian pursed his lips. “Well, you can just be late, I suppose?” He hummed. “They’ll understand, your pups are only a month old.” Jian explained and settled Jimin down and placed Hyewon into his arms. Jimin maneuvered Hyewon onto his chest, and she quieted once she, too, found herself some food. Jimin nodded. “Alright, well, could you let the Prince know, then?” Jian nodded and pulled the door open before bowing to the Prince outside. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but His Royal Highness will be a bit late to breakfast with the pups.” He explained. Himchan scoffed proudly and kicked himself off of the wall beside Jimin’s room. “Good.” He muttered before leaving. Jian turned around with a nasty scowl drawn across his face. His scent was saturated in annoyance, smelling of dirtied water or worn clothes. “What an arse .“ He growled before turning back to Jimin. Jimin giggled softly, holding his pups tightly. He missed them a lot. Jimin nuzzled into their heads that were scathed with slight hair. It was dark, but had a deep red tint to it. Jimin smiled and kissed Howl's head as she made a few small noises as she drank.
A few minutes later, Byeol was detached, finished with her meal and now playing with the seams of Jimin’s robes that were pulled off his shoulders. Jimin perked up at Taehyung’s scent nearby before a sharp knock. Jian pulled the door open, and Taehyung furrowed his brows as he stepped inside. “Jimin?” He hummed, Himchan waiting, a bit disappointed behind him. “Taetae?” Jimin hummed, cradling Hyewon, who’d fallen asleep while still drinking from Jimin’s milk. Taehyung hummed. “Himchan said you weren’t coming.” He huffed and frowned. “Why not?” He asked. Jimin frowned, growing tired of Himchan’s constant bugging like a little fly. “I didn’t say I wasn’t coming. I said ,“ Jimin glared at Himchan, who watched from outside, “that I would be late because I had to feed the pups.” He explained, correctly. Taehyung made a noise, glancing back at Himchan, who looked red with embarrassment. “I see. I’ll send Hoseok down in ten minutes to retrieve you.” He said, leaning down and kissing Jimin’s forehead sweetly. Jimin smiled against the sweet kiss before gasping at the feeling of lips on his lips suddenly. Jimin giggled, pulling his face away with a light blush. “Please, not here…” Jimin smiled softly and watched as Byeol found her way back to Jimin’s chest to continue eating. Taehyung smiled brightly, kissing both twin’s heads before standing back up fully. “I’ll see you soon.” Taehyung smiled before whisking himself out and peering at Himchan with a cold facade. “Let’s go.”
It didn’t take much longer before both of the twins were finished with their early meal and were happily playing together with hands that were not quite controlled yet. They laid upon Jimin’s bed, swaddled up safely in their birth blankets while Jian helped dress Jimin in a beautiful, bright green hanbok that was covered in pretty emeralds and jewels that decorated the bottom and bosom of the hanbok. Jimin stared down at a pretty leaf-like hair piece that usually clipped into his hair. Taehyung gave it to him a while ago, but he wasn’t sure if he should wear it. It wasn’t the twins. It was just that these hair pieces had driven Himchan to such envious lengths. He was afraid Himchan would grow offended again. Jian plucked the clip from Jimin’s hand and gently placed it into Jimin’s hair, near the back where Byeol and Hyewol couldn’t reach it. Jian sighed softly. “You should not worry, Your Royal Highness.” Jian said, pulling fingers through Jimin’s soft hair. “Emperor Taehyung will never let anything happen to you, nor will anyone of Joseon blood here…We are on your side.” He continued, and Jimin’s heart warmed at the thought. He was right. Jimin had more allies than just Taehyung. Hoseok was there. Jian was there and many more were there to protect and keep Jimin safe. Jimin smiled to himself at the thought of having so many allies on his side. Jimin turned, taming Jian’s older hands into his and squeezing them tightly. “Thank you, Jian.” He smiled brightly, and Jian nodded with a warm smile. Hoseok held Hyewol with a big, sunny smile draped across his face. He harped out a giggle while bumping little Hyewol over his chest. The pup stared up at Hoseok’s big smile with large, large charcoal eyes, much like Taehyung’s. “You’re so cute!” Hoseok gasped out before kissing Howl's fattened chubby cheek. Hoseok glanced at Jimin, who smiled, holding Byeol, who also stared at Hoseok and her sister. She looked confused, but most
babies do. “Reminds me of when Hei and Aecha were just babies.” He sighed, shaking his head. “They grow up too fast!” Hoseok whined as they grew closer to the dining hall. Jimin frowned. He desperately didn’t want his pups to grow up too fast, but he felt it was already happening. They were already a month old. Hoseok smiled and gently passed Hyewol back into Jimin’s arms. Jimin held her tightly along with Byeol, who was starting to fall asleep in his hold. Hoseok looked ahead at the large doors. “You ready?” He asked, looking a little nervous for Jimin. “I’ll be right behind you, okay?” Jimin nodded. “I’m ready.” He assured the General before stepping past him with both pups in his arms. Hoseok smiled and watched the doors to the dining room open for Jimin. The table was large and long with lots of alphas and omegas both turning their heads to stare at Jimin and Hoseok, who entered late. The King, who sat at the head of the table glowered at Jimin, but Taehyung, who was seated next to the King and his son, stood with a proud smile on his face. Jimin bit his lips as he searched for a seat next to Taehyung, but he couldn’t find one. Hoseok placed a hand at the small of Jimin’s back, guiding him towards the end of the table where a few seats were still empty. Taehyung stood and stepped down the table’s length. Jimin inhaled sharply, Hoseok too as the Emperor took Byeol from Jimin’s hold, wrapping the swaddled pup up in his arms with a big kiss to her chubby cheek. Jimin couldn’t help but smile at them. He was a bit embarrassed they’d created such a bustle in the dining hall. The King didn’t look too pleased either though, Himchan even less. Taehyung, to Jimin’s, and everyone else’s surprise, sat himself down at the end of the table, where the less noble men and women sat. They all looked shocked. Taehyung, though, ignored the looks as he hugged Byeol tight with a content smile. The servants moved his meal down to where he was seated, while placing another right front of Jimin. Taehyung looked at the rest of the table. “I apologize for the disturbance, please let’s return to the conversation before.” He hummed gently while rocking Byeol. The King cleared his throat, trying desperately to ignore the distraction. He grabbed his son's hand and squeezed it with a soft chuckle. "Well, as I was saying, the treaty isn't completely broken, you know, Your Majesty?" He smiled brightly, and Taehyung hummed lazily, too interested in his pups to listen to King Naka. "Oh?" He said, glancing to the King, that there were a few people down from him at the long table. Himchan swallowed, and his father continued with an excited grin. "Yes, Your Majesty, even though you're mated you can still fulfill the agreement with my son at your right hand." Jimin stiffened, eyes growing large where he stared down at Hyewon, who whined softly. "I know an alpha that once got rid of his mating mark...His mate grew a bit too boring for his tastes." He said, as if warning Taehyung. He looked at Jimin for a split second before returning to Taehyung, who stared down at Byeol with a flat face. Jimin grew worried, worried that Taehyung might just think about it. He knew he shouldn't worry about it, but he was worrying. Taehyung hummed softly, acknowledging King Naka's words with a straight expression on his face. "Is that so?" He simply said, and Jimin felt his heart twist in his chest. King Naka nodded. "You can be freed from your own mark with our help, then you are free to mate my son, Himchan—have him as your King Consort and the treaty fulfilled." He smiled brightly, and Taehyung's brows tightened. "You'll still have the omega as a concubine, and the pups will
not be burdened by the title of Crown Princesses." He continued to explain, and Jimin found himself trembling in fear. Jimin looked at Taehyung. What was he thinking? The omega thought to himself, unsure of what Taehyung was thinking as he looked at the food that sat on the table. He didn't say a word, didn't even look fazed by his words. He was suggesting they break their mating bond. Did Taehyung know how painful that would be for Jimin? The King leaned forward. "What do you say, Your Majesty?" -
Chapter 54: Traitors of Doubt “This is Rin Pako,” the King held up a hand to introduce a man with broad, broad shoulders and long dark black hair. He was older, his hair beginning to turn gray with age and wrinkles were setting in on his face. Jimin could see the emotions he used the most—disapproval and anger. Jimin didn’t see any smile lines at all, even as he smiled and bowed to them. Jimin stood somewhat behind Taehyung, fear still gripping him. A little bit of doubt was taking hold in his heart as he held his swaddled pups. The pups that Taehyung had put inside of him. The pups that Jimin labored a day and a half to have finally...after nine long months of waiting—suffering he could even say. Jimin truly didn’t want to believe Taehyung would take up the King’s offer to break he and Jimin’s bond, but Taehyung was too silent to soothe Jimin too. The King was smiling brightly, all of his plans seemed to work seamlessly. Taehyung was following and watching along to all of his demonstrations. “Rin Pako was mated to Yun Dailee, but she grew far too old for him.” King Naka explained as if such a thing was normal happening around here. Jimin stared at the alpha, Rin Pako, with thin eyes. The omega at his side now was a young boy, much younger than the alpha and maybe even a year or two younger than Jimin, who was only twenty at the time. The omega was handsome and had very pretty long hair, trailing out and down to his lower back. Rin Pako came up from his steep bow with a large smile striped across his face. His eyes met Taehyung’s, who still stood silent. Jimin’s gut tugged with pain, but Himchan looked pleased as he watched everything play out into his hands. “I’m now happily mated to Yun Dilai, her younger brother.” He smiled, peering down at the omega on his hip. Jimin wanted so badly to grimace at that. Her younger brother? How disgusting was this alpha? He obviously had no boundaries, no limits. The omega was so much younger than him, and he was obviously a nasty old man. Rin Pako’s eyes slipped around Taehyung and onto Jimin, who’d decided to look elsewhere with a pouted lip. This was all so infuriating. “Who is this?” Rin Pako gaped at Jimin as if he was the eighth wonder of the world. His eyes were big and infatuated, but Taehyung quickly crushed his dreams, stepping in front of Jimin protectively. Jimin instinctively stepped behind Taehyung’s bodily barrier with the twins. The King quickly stepped forward. “Quickly, tell him how it works!”
Jimin gently fell back onto a fabric love seat that was pushed up against a large circle window looking upon, not a courtyard, but a large flat stone yard with soldiers drilling as if Shofeng was in a war. Jimin knew that wasn't true. He wondered if that was somehow a threat to him . The omega glanced at the soldiers outside of his window with a salty, salty glare. They did not see him, nor did they pay him any mind as they marched and drilled like mindless murder machines. Jimin just knew that if Taehyung didn't agree to break their bond in order to mate Himchan, the two nations would go to war. The weak of heart Shofeng and their stupid images would be torn to see Jimin, a servant and beautiful dancer, replace their precious omega Prince. An alliance with Joseon would do them more good than a war though, Jimin thought. Joseon wasn't easily defeated. The Han Dynasty and the Japanese and the Manchu had all attempted and all failed to take over Joseon. But Jimin knew how much Taehyung hated the thought of war. Jian smiled at Jimin, who pulled away his robes and allowed his pups to eat. They were hungry, clawing and fighting each other, so Jimin broke them apart each time and they settled down again. The Joseon soldiers and attendants were busy moving Jimin's belongings into Taehyung's room, so at least that was still okay. Jimin had something to look forward to in the least. What were they thinking? It was like they were just pretending Jimin wasn't even there—like he wasn't Taehyung's mate for life. Jimin's scent soured at the thought of breaking their bond. He could feel the mark stinging and twitching with pain at the thought of it. He doubted he would survive such a thing, but Taehyung hadn't said a single word. He just surveyed and watched them explain these things. It was like his alpha was truly contemplating it. Jian furrowed his brow at smelling Jimin's scent. "Your Royal Highness, what's the matter?" He hummed, spooling fingers through the young omega's hair. Jimin huffed softly. "King Naka ," he growled, "wants us to break our bond so that Taehyung can mate Prince Himchan and have me as a concubine…" Jimin explained, causing the room of attendants and Joseon soldiers to stiffen. They'd all grown to care for Jimin, protecting him as their own royal and his pups too. Jian pursed his lips with a deep frown. "Your Highness, I would like to comfort you by telling you, I helped deliver His Majesty, Taehyung, I helped raise him with his omega mother, and I—I have never met a more perfect alpha. She raised him right." Jimin peered up to her with a sad expression. "I don't believe he would ever do such a thing just to please another nation, and…" Jian smoothed fingers through Jimin's hair, "he loves you more than anyone I've ever seen, Your Highness." Jian finished, and Jimin had tears in his eyes. "Thank you, Jian." He mumbled, but heard voices, familiar voices outside in the hall.
"What's all of this, Tae?" Himchan's voice hummed as they came upon Jimin's room. Jimin had left the court a little early after the pups both started crying and disturbing everyone. It seemed they had returned though. Jimin was hoping it was not Himchan that escorted him back though. Jimin didn't trust him not to do something stupid or pull something on Taehyung. Jian stepped back, listening also to Himchan who stood out of Jimin's room where Jimin could not see, but could certainly hear perfectly.
"They're moving Jiminy's things into my chambers..at my request." Taehyung said, and Jimin just listened to his voice, still soothed by Jian's words. Jimin heard Himchan whine, and all of the attendants and Joseon soldiers looked angry or, in the least, displeased by his whining. "Why?" He practically whimpered, and Jimin stiffened. "You're going to be mated to me soon, right?" Jimin felt his heart drop inside of his chest, his fingers trembling around his pup's heads that drifted to sleep on his chest. Jian looked nervously at Jimin as well. "That is why my father showed you all of those things today." He giggled, and to Jimin's dismay, Taehyung was still silent. "It's still possible, isn't that wonderful?" Himchan harped, gleefully, knowing full well that Jimin could hear them. Jimin could take anymore. He pulled his robes back onto himself and settled the twins into Jian's arms and stormed towards the door without a word. "Your Grace, wait—" Jian gasped, but was left with two crying pups in his arms. Jimin stalked out of his chambers and just stepped right past Taehyung and Himchan both with a tearfilled face. Himchan was still smiling, but Taehyung watched Jimin with a worried inhale. "Wait, Your Majesty!" Jimin heard Himchan say as he just walked away. He couldn't take this any longer. Jimin burst through the doors of the palace out upon the stone yard. He ignored all of the stares he received. He wasn't in regular Shaofeng robes, nor did he look like other Shofeng people. He was an outsider here, but he didn't care. Jimin wiped away the tears that spilled down his cheeks as he fled past the many alpha soldiers that were drilling. If he was supposed to be intimidated by them, he wasn't. More than a few of the soldiers spared him glances with big, curious eyes as he stomped through the drilling yard with red, tear stained cheeks. Jimin fled down the yard and focused his blurry vision on a stone seat and just fell onto it with a soft, heartbreaking cry. Jimin pressed his face into his hands, hiding in them. He was hidden somewhat by a large oak tree that had survived the stone pavement. it hung over him and shielded him from the sun, but those soldiers could still see him, watch him as they drilled. A few of them whispered to each other while looking his way, others just watched with sad looking eyes. It was an alpha's instinct to help an omega in distress after all. "Your Royal Highness." A voice Jimin knew too well called out, and Jimin's head snapped up, tears still dwelling within his eyes. Jimin quickly wiped them away and straightened himself up as the King of Shofeng stepped towards Jimin with a cross smile upon his older face. He had two large, burly soldiers walking behind him. "Did you come to watch the military drills?" The man asked as if he couldn't see the tears in Jimin's eyes. Jimin wanted to scoff and shout in his face that he didn't care, but he refrained, pulling a light smile across his lips. "No." Jimin simply spat, trying to hold back the anger, but it was hard. The King looked disgruntled at Jimin's straight forward answer, but shook it off. "You must be nervous, omega ." King Naka growled, suddenly not as nice as he was before. Jimin stiffened, looking up at the man with venom in his eyes. If looks could kill, Jimin would be a kingslayer right about now. He chuckled. "You should've thought twice before embarrassing my son— " "Jiminie." Hoseok suddenly said, jarring the King from his cruel and threatening words. Jimin's eyes thinned on the man. He looked nervous, turning around and greeting General Hoseok with a smile. Jimin took the chance to stand tall with a nasty glare upon his features. "You should think twice before insulting the Emperor's mate." Jimin hissed, and Hoseok stiffened.
The King growled and took a step forward, but Hoseok was quick to step in front of Jimin, hand placed on the omega's shoulder to shield him from anything as he walked away. Once they were a few meters away Hoseok looked at Jimin with big eyes. "What...was that?" Hoseok chuckled, a bit surprised by Jimin's outburst. Jimin scoffed and crossed his arms tightly over his chest. "He was being a knotheaded—never mind." Jimin tried to defend himself before melting down slightly. Hoseok looked at him through pitiful eyes, and Jimin didn't like that at all. "Are you okay?" Hoseok asked. Jimin shook his head immediately. "...No." He whimpered, tears filling up his eyes once more. Hoseok quickly tucked them away in a thick tree and wrapped his arms around the crying omega. Jimin just let it out into Hoseok's chest, the elder comforting him with gentle hushes and soft words. "Taehyung would never leave you, don't forget that." Hoseok whispered into his ear before gently pulling Jimin off of him. The omega was still crying, sniffling with glossy red eyes. "Don't forget it, okay?" Hoseok said again, pressing his lips together while holding Jimin's shoulders. Hoseok then pressed a gentle, platonic kiss to Jimin's forehead. Jimin nodded, slowly looking up, but his eyes caught on earthy green fabrics before moving up to see Himchan standing there, staring at them with wide eyes. Jimin's eyes thinned into a threatening glare on the omega Prince, who, at the sight of Jimin's glare, ran away. Jimin then just let his head fall upon Hoseok's shoulder.
Taehyung sat up in bed chuckling as he played with the twins. They were sitting on their backs, Taehyung crawled on top of them, giving their fat little bellies raspberries. As much as Jimin wanted to join...he couldn't. He
couldn't make himself. He was too afraid to. He still didn't know what Taehyung was thinking. He trusted Jian and Hoseok's words, but there was this constant doubt that ate away at his heart and made him feel ill. Jimin stared at the dresser with a blank stare. He'd stayed in the room while Taehyung went to supper with the King and Prince Himchan. It was a private dinner, and Jimin just knew it would only further his fears, so he stayed and fed the twins until Taehyung returned to the room. He'd been sitting at that dresser, just staring at the details in the cut wood with absolutely nothing on his mind. What was he supposed to do? What was he supposed to say? That he was scared? What if Taehyung really was going to break their bond? Jimin would rather die than hear those words leave his mate's mouth. Jimin's hands fisted tighter around the light green hanbok he wore until his palms began to burn from how tightly he was holding it. His eyes had tears dripping into his lap and onto the dresser. He didn't know what to do. He regretted thinking he should have come. He knew he shouldn't have let Taehyung come here either. It was tearing him apart. He couldn't take it any longer. "Minnie," Taehyung said in a sweet voice, and Jimin jumped. His fists tightened, hanbok ready to rip in his tight grip. "The twins are getting tired, why don't we—" Taehyung inhaled sharply when Jimin turned to him, big, chunky tears streaming down his cheeks and chin. His eyes shone in the dim lights of the candles placed around them. The broken look in his eyes made Taehyung's heart burn so badly, Jimin could feel it through their mating bond. It hurt in his heart, but it stung in the bite on his shoulder. "Minnie…?" "Taehyung…" Jimin whimpered, too scared to hold it in any longer. Taehyung immediately placed Byeol and Hyewol onto their bed and stumbled across the room to Jimin's side. He kneeled down, knees on the ground and grabbed Jimin's hand in his with a frightened scent. Jimin's lip trembled and he let out a small sob. Taehyung's heart dropped, and he swallowed thickly. "Minnie, what's wrong?" He asked, bodice begging for an answer. Jimin tried to speak through his crying, but it was difficult. Taehyung leaned up and wrapped his arms around Jimin, pulling him into a tight hold. Jimin dug his face into Taehyung's shoulder with a sob. "You—You," he hiccuped, "You aren't really going to break our bond...are you?" Jimin sputtered out through his cries. "Please—Please, please don't!" Jimin begged, but Taehyung hushed him with a gentle, calming scent. He smoothed fingers through Jimin's hair, kissing his cheek and his ear and the top of his head. "I would never break our bond, Jiminie." He whispered into Jimin's ear. "I'm just entertaining them until it's time to leave, trust me, I'd never do anything to hurt you." He explained, and the pain in Jimin's heart started to settle like a storm subsiding. His cries only grew more, from relief. "I love you more than anything in the world—more than life itself." Jimin sobbed loudly into the nook of Taehyung's neck at those words. He was so scared of losing Taehyung, and to hear those words was like waking up from a long bad dream. Jimin melted into Taehyung, holding onto him while trembling and crying. He could feel how wet Taehyung's shoulder was getting with his tears and his snot, but he didn't care. He knew Taehyung didn't care either as he held him and rocked him to the sound of Taehyung's deep honey voice singing. It was a song Taehyung's mother made, sang to him every night in order to get the young Prince to sleep, and Taehyung taught it to Jimin a few times, Jimin sang it to their pups while putting them to sleep just as Taehyung's mother had done for him. -
Chapter 55: Be Kind, Be Gentle, and Love Me Until the Very End Jimin felt warmth all over his body. He hummed softly. They'd fallen asleep together after Jimin finished crying. The pups fell asleep on the bed while Taehyung comforted Jimin, so all they did was place them into their cradle, but now, when Jimin's eyes peaked open, he could see the sun blaring through their window, staring down upon them in all of its glory. He could feel kisses being peppered all over his body from his cheeks to his neck to his chest. Jimin giggled softly, pulling a hand up and stringing it through Taehyung's curly black hair. The alpha growled against Jimin's skin and pushed himself up off of the bed. He trapped Jimin against the bed, blocking the light from his face with a big smile spread on his features. Jimin giggled brightly and hooked his arms around Taehyung's neck, head keeled back as he laughed, but not loud enough to wake the pups, who slept after waking up multiple times during the night. Taehyung brightened at the sight of Jimin's sunny smile and melted down upon the smaller, kissing and sucking on the skin of his neck. "Taetae—“ Jimin inhaled with another bubbling laughter. Taehyung growled into his ear, hooking his arms under Jimin's knees and pulling up the smaller legs. Jimin gasped with wide eyes before staring at Taehyung, who buried his face into Jimin's flat tummy. It still had a few stretch marks from the pregnancy. Jimin sighed softly, watching Taehyung get distracted while tracing the pretty marks. "You don't hate them—the marks?" Jimin asked. Taehyung scoffed, pulling Jimin up further to kiss those marks. "I love them." He said and continued kissing Jimin's stretch marks. Taehyung suddenly started blowing raspberries into Jimin's belly. Jimin giggled and bubbled with laughter, pushing Taehyung's head away with trembling fingers. "T-Taetae!" Jimin harped, and Taehyung giggled too, gazing down at Jimin with crescent eyes. Jimin grabbed Taehyung's face and the alpha let Jimin's legs rest on his shoulders. The omega pulled Taehyung's face closer and pressed their lips together with a soft gentle pucker. Taehyung hummed, content sitting against Jimin's plump lips. Jimin pushed his tongue past Taehyung's lips, enticing the alpha to come closer and closer. Jimin grabbed hold of Taehyung's collar, forcing his chest against Jimin's. Jimin was lucky he'd taken the time to get his flexibility back because he was basically bent in half. Jimin gasped against Taehyung when he rolled his hips right against the omega's but. His gasp turned into a red checked moan. Taehyung chuckled and kissed Jimin's forehead so sweetly. "Let's have sex!" Jimin harped, hugging Taehyung tightly. Taehyung stiffened, lips thinning out nervously. Jimin just leaned forward and started ripping Taehyung's clothes from himself while pulling his own off. Taehyung grabbed Jimin's wrist, holding it gently. Jimin stared at him. "You don't want to..?" Jimin asked with a surprised expression. Taehyung was always open to such an idea. Taehyung smiled, pulling Jimin's palms to his lips and kissing them. Jimin's cheeks turned a pale pink bashfully. "I'm only worried. What if I hurt you?" He hummed, referring to Jimin's rough delivery. Jimin held his hands on Taehyung's cheeks, squeezing them together with a big smile. "We'll be slow and gentle. You won't hurt me. Alpha, I need you." He begged. Taehyung stiffened, pupils dilating like an animal. He growled and dug his face into Jimin's shoulder, inhaling his scent in buckets upon buckets of breaths until he was basically intoxicated by the omega's scent. He wrapped a hand around Jimin's member, squeezing at the pink length. The omega inhaled, legs closing slightly as Taehyung rubbed his thumb against the tip of Jimin's cock. The precome makes it slightly slicker and more pleasurable.
Taehyung watched every expression that Jimin made, writhing beneath the alpha in pure rapture that made even his thighs shake on Taehyung's shoulders. Jimin gasped as he finally came. It was long, but it felt so good now. His body felt like it was splitting apart between pleasure and delight. He huffed, eyes opening slightly to watch as Taehyung peeled off the rest of his clothes. Jimin giggled as Taehyung smiled down at him, grabbing his neck and forcing him back down. Jimin kissed the alpha. Taehyung chuckled against the kiss while sliding his fingers down and through Jimin's slick, past his taint and snuck a pliant finger through Jimin's hole. The omega made a soft noise. "Ngh. T-Tae.." He groaned. It stung, just a little, but it still felt good. Taehyung stopped, peering down at Jimin. "Does it hurt?" He frowned, but Jimin shook his head. "N-No..Feels so good." He gasped when Taehyung moved his finger further inside, slipping in one more. Jimin grew, taught and squirmed slightly. "More." Jimin begged, grabbing Taehyung's upper arm with a drool dripping from the corner of his lips. It had been so long since he'd done anything like this—since Taehyung's rut really. Taehyung pulled his fingers out and licked the peach slick from them. Jimin's face turned bright red at the sight, but Taehyung looked pleased. Jimin pulled a hand up and blocked his face while looking away. Taehyung's face looked so sultry—so sinful. Jimin inhaled at the feeling of Taehyung's tip rubbing against his hole. It sent sharp, sharp shivers up and down his spine. He grabbed the sheets to ground himself. Taehyung slowly, slowly began pushing the tip of his cock past Jimin's rim, the slick squeezing thin, but making it easier to slide inside. Jimin gasped and hissed, nodding to let Taehyung know everything was okay. Jimin squeezed his eyes shut and held onto Taehyung with a fierce hold. Jimin's body felt pressure deep within his gut as Taehyung finally pushed completely inside, bottoming out inside of Jimin with a grueling groan. He braced himself on either side of Jimin's body, breathing heavily. It had been a long time since Taehyung had done anything as well, having to wait until Jimin was ready. Jimin squeezed his eyes shut with a gasp. " Ahh . God—fuck!" Jimin gasped out, but Taehyung wouldn't move yet. He let Jimin adjust to his size. Jimin could just barely feel his cock twitching inside of his heat. The pressure was so intense, it made Jimin's body tremble and his voice escape. "Taehyungie, please—please move." Jimin gasped out, and Taehyung slowly began to pull out before pushing back in at a slower pace. Taehyung growled, containing himself as sweat formed across his brow. The pressure built up and then released, and Jimin felt so good. He gasped and moaned at every slow thrust. Taehyung huffed and puffed, so full of pleasure that he almost couldn't breathe. At seeing Taehyung's concentrated face. Jimin could see how badly he wanted to take control. Jimin giggled, head keeling back with a bright smile. Taehyung stopped mid thrust with big, shocked eyes. "What...What are you laughing about?" He asked with a confused shake in his voice. Jimin stifled his giggles and shook his head. "Your face." He smiled. "You look so focused!" Taehyung's cheeks turned bright red, and he grabbed ahold of the pits of Jimin's knees pushing them against his chest. He just slammed his hips against Jimin's skin. Jimin gasped out a cry, hands coming up to muffle the moans of pleasure that escaped him as Taehyung set his hips at a frivolous, burning pace. It was slow and hard, hips pulling back slowly to push in with a rough clap of skin. Taehyhng growled, leaned over and grabbed Jimin's face on his hands with a smirk. The alpha pulled his hands from his face, pinning them above his head while one hand was still
holding his cheeks. Jimin pursed his lips as he gasped at each thrust and crack of his strong hips. 'Knock, knock' Jimin inhaled sharply, movement coming to a screeching halt. Jimin's eyes slowly moved up to Taehyung's face, but it didn't offer much hope. The alpha was smirking widely down at him, and Jimin could only swallow and squirm. Taehyung just held him down with a soft raspy chuckle. 'Knock, knock' "Your Majesty." Jimin tried to squirm his hands out of Taehyung's grip as he just continued the rough pace he'd set before. Jimin held in his noises as well as he could. "What is it?" Taehyung groaned softly with a raspy morning voice he'd perfected over the years of being the Crown Prince in order to get out of all sorts of meetings. Taehyung held Jimin's cheeks in his fingers, squeezing and smiling down at the omega, who held in his voice in turn for huffs of air that were just barely a quiet moan. With the way Taehyung's cock was dragging against his walls before driving back into him with an extra ounce of force, Jimin found it difficult to hold in his voice. Jimin's hips writhed, his fingers trying to reach and hold the sheets, but Taehyung was holding his wrists above his head, pressed into the mattress. The attendant outside spoke again. "Your Majesty, it's eight o'clock in the morning, His Highness, Prince Himchan has said he will be down to escort you to breakfast." Jimin frowned at hearing the Prince's name, but Taehyung tightened his hands around Jimin's cheeks, squishing them with a chuckle upon his tongue. From the look in Taehyung's sly eyes, Jimin could tell he was trying to assure the smaller. "Would you like me to help you prepare for breakfast this morning?" She asked. Taehyung grunted with a furrowed brow, slamming his hips into Jimin, who tightened around his length as it dragged and started to expand at the base with a knot. Taehyung lifted his face to the door. "No." He growled. "I'll dress myself." He said with a bite of his lips Taehyung's knot was almost completely formed, and he pushed it inside. Jimin gasped out, a little cry leaking from his lips unintentionally. It was a bit loud, loud enough to be heard because "Your Majesty?" The attendant returned with a slightly concerned voice. Jimin held his lips closed and squeezed his eyes shut. He was so embarrassed, his face turned bright red. Taehyung released Jimin's face and smiled at him like a fox. Jimin just pouted softly, but Taehyung gave him a break finally, his hips halted. Taehyung spoke back to soothe the attendant outside. "It was just the pups, don't worry." Taehyung explained. "Yes, Your Majesty." She finally said before beginning to step away without another word. Before Jimin even realized it, Taehyung was hunched over him, turning Jimin's body sideways, his right leg hooked over the top of Taehyung's shoulder. Jimin gasped out a soft moan as Taehyung pushed his still forming knot into Jimin's heat over and over. Jimin could feel it. Taehyung was getting quicker, and Jimin's body was becoming tight with pleasure. He could feel it building and building. Taehyung thrusted in and out until Jimin had tears of pure bliss rolling down his cheeks as he sobbed out a long moan.
"Feel good?" Taehyung growled through hot and heavy breaths. Jimin just nodded quickly as Taehyung continued to slam into his heat, chasing both of their orgasms. Jimin gasped out a shrill of pleasure, his toes curling and eyes seeing stars as Taehyung bottomed out inside of him. The pressure and pleasure took over in his gut as Taehyung's seed spread out inside of him. He could just barely feel it as it tingled. His own member released at the feeling of their bond connecting even their pleasure to intensify it. Jimin's breath hammered back into his chest as Taehyung collapsed on top of him with a heavy exhale. The first orgasm he'd felt in months and both of them felt exhilarated. They both calmed down, and Jimin hugged Taehyung rightly as he snuggled into Jimin, his cock still shoved up into the smaller knot connecting them and their sweat and heat. Taehyung kissed up Jimin's neck and along his jaw as Taehyung's length still spasmed inside of him. Jimin hummed at the sensation each time. Taehyung smoothed a hand across Jimin's stomach that was just barely inflated by his come. "How was that?" Taehyung chuckled into Jimin's ear, still breathy. Jimin giggled softly, but gasped when Taehyung finally pulled his member out of Jimin. The loss of being full made Jimin feel empty, the come that was holed inside of him seeped out slightly as Taehyung grabbed a towel that was nearby, qiping them both up as best as he could. Jimin sighed and laid back against the bed with a heavy, tired sigh. That took more energy than he'd intended, but he didn't care because it felt so good. Jimin pulled his discarded robes back on and smiled as Taehyung stood to get dressed. He took about two minutes to get dressed before falling back beside Jimin and kissing his temple. "I love you. I'll come back quickly." He said. "Say goodbye to the pups before you go." Jimin said, wrapping his arms around Taehyung and squeezing before letting go. Taehyung slipped over the crib, and his eyes brightened at the sight of the twins. "Good morning, look who's awake already." He chuckled and scooped the two pups up into his arms. Jimin smiled before laying back in bed. Taehyung passed the two babies to Jimin, who held them tight. Taehyung smiled, kissing both of their soft heads before Jimin's forehead. "I'll see you three in a bit." He promised before sliding the door open. There was someone standing there, Jimin saw. He stiffened. It was Himchan, and he had a bright red face. Taehyung looked down at the omega Prince, and Jimin wondered just how long he'd been standing there. Jimin hoped, deep down, that the infuriating omega Prince had heard all of it. Even their climax— together . -
Chapter 56: Do Not Lie to Me Taehyung stared down at Himchan, who was stuttering and frozen in front of the alpha. Taehyung curled a brow down to the omega, who was a quivering mess. Jimin just knew he’d heard them. A small smirk played on Jimin’s lips, but he hid it as his pups clawed and grabbed at his already jumbled robes. “What’s the matter, Your Highness?” Taehyung asked, voice deep and slick. Himchan quickly gathered himself, but his face was still bright red. “I-I just came to escort you to breakfast again.” He explained, and bowed his head to hide his embarrassed face. Taehyung nodded, a bit confused, but Jimin knew that his mate was only playing with the omega. He could hear it in his voice and smell it in his scent. It was a more vile type of teasing. “Well then? Let’s go.” He hummed, stepping past the omega, a hand closing the door behind him, but Jimin could see the way Himchan just glared at him through the crack in the door. Jimin sighed and pulled his gaze down onto the pups sitting in his arms. He caressed their soft heads and smoothed hands along their backs gently as they drank from his milk. Jimin hadn’t realized how much he truly enjoyed having his little pups around. No matter how many times they woke up crying, it felt so good to hold them and smell his scent all over them. Any other scent, and he would be furious. Having the pups, holding the pups, it all made him forget about all of the troubles he was enduring. His shoulder aches would go away, and he felt healed somehow by their presence. When he wasn’t close to them, everything felt wrong. He could hardly spend a moment away from them let alone have the wet nurses or Jian take them away from him. When the idea was proposed, he was adamantly against it. He wanted to care for and nurture his pups, not anyone else could do it. Jimin huffed his little twins close and Byeol’s eyes were just barely starting to open at a month old. Jimin kissed her forehead and the top of Howl's head before laying back and closing his eyes gently.
Jimin woke up to the sound of Byeol crying softly. It was just a soft whine, but he quickly woke up and held the baby closer to his chest with a hush. Byeol immediately quieted and latched back onto him. Jimin looked to the sunny window that was on his right. He could tell it was still the morning by the way the sun came in at an angle. He sighed and adjusted Hyewol, who was knocked out and holding his robes tight where she laid on his chest. He wondered if it had been long, but assumed not because Byeol was still hungry. Jimin’s flicked up to the sound of footsteps approaching his chambers. Jimin shifted slightly until he was sitting up as knuckles lapped against the door. Jimin stiffened, peering down to Byeol, who was still busy at his chest. He grabbed a sheet and pulled it over himself with a frown. “Yes?” Jimin answered. “Jimin-ah,” it was Hoseok. Jimin’s frown instantly reversed into a wide smile. “Taehyung-ah told me to come keep you company. May I come inside?” He asked. “Of course, please.” Jimin said, and Hoseok slid the door open, peering up to Jimin, who held the twins tightly under the sheet.
Hoseok stiffened briefly. “Oh. I can come back when you’re finished feeding them.” He offered, but Jimin immediately shook his head with a small laugh. “No, please.” Jimin smiled brightly. “Stay. It’s okay.” Jimin assured him, so Hoseok sat himself in a low sitting cushion chair that was seated around a few other pillow platforms around a small table. Hoseok smiled softly at Jimin, who settled comfortably. He trusted Hoseok with his life, and that would never change. Hoseok had saved him multiple times, his pups too by default. In return, Jimin had saved him as well, but neither of them expected a payback. It was simply what they did for each other. They were like a closely knitted family. Jimin returned the kind smile. “How are Hei and Aecha?” He asked, and Hoseok hummed. “Well, they’re still a bit shaken up from Lord Yoonsun.” He explained, and Jimin nodded. He was still shaken up from the late Empress trying to make him her concubine. Hopefully, though, they could at least let it be a mere memory and nothing else. “It’s understandable—such a scary thing…” Jimin bit his lip. “I’m sorry...I didn’t protect them well enough.” Hoseok stiffened, head snapping up towards Jimin with parted lips. “What?” He exhaled, almost appalled by Jimin’s words. Jimin nodded, looking at his twins. He held them tight, he couldn’t even imagine how it would feel to be separated from them in such a vile way. Lord Yoonsun wanted Hoseok’s pups dead. That was something Jimin couldn’t think about without tears in his eyes. The omega held his pups tight, blinking away those minimal tears as a harsh anxiety took root inside of his chest, eating away at him like a mite. “I wasn’t strong enough to protect them from those awful alphas. That’s why they—“ “Enough.” Hoseok growled, and Jimin stiffened, eyes snapping up to the elder alpha. A shiver rolled down Jimin’s spine. “I don’t want to hear that ever again.” Hoseok said, his voice dark—not angry, but pained maybe. “You saved my pups lives, and ours too, quite frankly.” He said, and Jimin averted his eyes—it was too much credit, Jimin thought. Hoseok sighed softly and slowly seated himself back down as Jimin shifted the pups around under the sheet, pulling his robes closed and fastening the ties to secure it in place. He smoothed a hand over the twins’ heads and smiled as he gently pulled the sheet off of them. Hoseok watched, smiling slightly at the sight of the pups in Jimin’s arms. Hoseok’s eyes softened. “I’m glad they’re healthy.” He sighed, it sounded like it was in relief. “Namjoon said he was afraid, but they were so strong...just like you.” He explained, and Jimin’s chest felt like it was going to combust. Those words were so moving. “So please,” Hoseok stood, stepping towards Jimin. He grabbed his hand tightly and kissed the omega’s knuckles. Jimin’s eyes grew wide. Hoseok moved his lips to kiss both of his pups’ heads with a sliver of a sweet smile. “Please don’t ever say you’re not strong, Jiminie.” Jimin smiled and grabbed Hoseok’s hand, holding it tightly. “Thank you, Hoseokie.” Hoseok nodded. “Should we go for a walk?” Jimin giggled softly. “Certainly.” Hoseok held Byeol in his arms as the young pup slept so soundly. He made sure to keep the morning sun out of her face as they walked through those stone courtyards. It was almost May and still a bit chilly, so the twins were both swaddled up—nice and cozy. They finally found a courtyard in the lower right corner of the palace grounds. They passed through the military tracing grounds, and Jimin scoffed. He turned to the general. “Do we have such a courtyard?” Jimin asked, and Hoseok shook his head with a deep frown.
“No.” He said with a foul stench looming around his shoulders. “All of our military training grounds are in camps and forts—never the palace unless it’s an exercise.” He explained, and Jimin gave glares to each of those stern faced soldiers. “This is a purposeful threat to us.” He then said, and Jimin stiffened. “A threat?” He asked, but he’d felt that much. “Could they really be that angry about Jimin mating the Emperor? “What do you mean?” Hoseok stepped through the entrance to a courtyard full of lush vegetation and life. It was green and springing to life with the flowers of May and warmth. A few were willing and others were brown, burned by the surprisingly cold days that came around here and there. They would heal in time though. Hoseok held his free hand behind his back. “They want Taehyung to retake Himchan. They’re threatening war without saying it directly.” He said, and Jimin stiffened, but understood. “This way they can claim it was not their intention if Taehyung grows angry.” “I understand.” Jimin sighed softly. He inhaled sharply when Hyewol started to cry in his arms. He shifted her around, her cries lifting through the air even as he bounced her in his gentle arms. “Are they truly angry that I mated Taehyung…? Is it my fault?” Jimin asked, feeling a bit guilty. Hoseok shook his head with a frown. “Of course it’s not your fault, Jiminah.” He paused and turned to the younger under a cherry blossom tree that had lost almost all of its pretty pink flowers. They were covering the ground like a thick blanket. “The mating between Himchan and Taehyung would’ve been extremely beneficial to both countries...before the Empress died, but now the mating only benefits Showing—that is why they’re so adamant of the betrothal.” He said, pursing his lips together tightly. Jimin looked to the ground, Hyewol finally settling down to a soft whine in his arms. “So I’m merely an obstacle they’re trying to get rid of. Himchan’s feelings...they don’t matter either, do they?” Jimin asked, feeling a bit bad for the Prince, who was only trying to serve his country in ways that he could. He was only trying to do his duty. Jimin could understand, but the Prince was so vile. Hoseok sighed softly. “To them, yes. Not to us or Taehyung. Remember that.” He said, smoothing a hand over Jimin’s cheek. Jimin nodded, leaning into his touch. “I will, hyung. Thank you.” Jimin hummed, feeling his stomach grow hot with gratitude. Jimin stopped though and looked away from Hoseok with sad eyes. “One more thing..” Hoseok stiffened, pulling his hand away. “Yes…?” He said, voice shaking slightly in worry for the omega. Jimin turned his gaze back to Hoseok, brows knitted in concern. “If Taehyung..If he refuses, will we go to war with Shofeng?” Jimin asked. That was the last thing he wanted. Fuck. He would prefer Taehyung play pretend house with Himchan than go to war. He couldn’t deal with the stress, the pain of losing Taehyung or Hoseok or anyone to the gruesome game. Hoseok chuckled and placed a hand on top of Jimin’s head with a smile. “Until the day I die, I will never let that happen, Jiminie.” He said with a big smile. Jimin wanted to believe him, but it was truly hard to. From the looks of it, Shofeng had a powerful military, and yes Joseon’s was great, but…he didn’t know war, didn’t understand it. He didn’t know if they could take Shaofeng. But he trusted Hoseok. Hoseok hummed and cradled Byeol a bit more in his arms as she dug her face into his scent and the blanket she was swaddled in. “I suppose we should go try to find Taehyung. It’s nearly ten o’clock. They must be finished by now.” He said, and Jimin nodded, excited to see Taehyung again.
When Hoseok asked palace guards where the Joseon Emperor might be, they were told “His Majesty, The King, is having a private breakfast with the Joseon Emperor and his son, the Prince.” Jimin felt a bit perplexed, to say the least. The breakfast was not supposed to be private. He’d thought the entire court was still invited, but it seemed he was misled. Jimin furrowed his brows. “Well, will you take us to him?” Jimin asked, adjusting Hyewol in his arms with a small annoyed grunt of frustration. The palace guard shook his head. “I’m afraid not. His Majesty asked for it to be completely private. No court guests or others.” He explained, and Jimin thinned his eyes upon the alpha guard. He wanted to scream and yell in his face, but he stopped himself with a light growl in his throat. Hoseok stepped forward. “I am his leading General. I’d like to speak with him.” He said, voice much more serious and eyes glowering hate. The guards stiffened, but still held his ground. “I apologize, Sir, but I cannot disobey My King’s orders.” He bowed slightly. Jimin just scoffed and stalked past the guard with a rotten grimace on his pretty face. Hoseok stiffened and followed after him. The guard did the same, with a deep frown. Jimin held Hyewol in one arm while he threw doors open all over the palace. Some were empty rooms, others parlors with guests and courtesans. There were servant’s quarters here and there, and the palace guard was growing frustrated. “Excuse me.” He growled, but Hoseok was quick to stop any hostile movements towards Jimin. The guard glared at Hoseok when Jimin came across a door—blocked by two guards—that was beside the biggest courtyard. It was full of soldiers training and constant orders from the alpha leaders. Jimin could hear it through the thick walls of the palace. The guard stepped forward, but Hoseok blocked his way, holding Byeol away from the man. “You cannot go inside.” He demanded. Jimin just pressed forward, ignoring the two guards that stared down at him from in front of the door. One reached to grab Jimin’s arm, but the omega sent him the meanest glare, his scent exploding with anger that smelled of burnt pine. “Touch me, and you’ll regret it. Move.” Jimin demanded—his voice, his demeanor so unlike any omega they’d ever seen. The pure hot flame in his eyes as he spoke and his chilling scent. Even Hoseok was surprised. The guard swallowed, and Jimin just pushed the door open on his own, Hoseok quickly coming to hold it open for him since the guards refused to move—still frozen. Immediately, Jimin was met with a room that only held three people save for the guards. Jimin’s eyes thinned. Himchan was seated right next to Taehyung and his father across from Taehyung. Taehyung peered up at Jimin with big eyes. Jimin looked around at the many guards and at the military drills happening right outside—in perfect view for Taehyung. It was an obvious threat. “Oh. I’m sorry.” Jimin whimpered, fakely. Taehyung stiffened. “You weren’t done?” The King growled, setting down his tea onto the plate. “No, omega, we weren’t. Now leave.” He demanded, and the soldiers started, ready to act on their King’s behalf. Himchan smirked. “No, he should stay.” He hummed, cheekily. Jimin’s eyes thinned on the younger omega. Himchan flicked his emerald earrings with a devious smirk. “After all, he should know that he’ll need to break his bond soon, right, Daddy?” He chuckled, and Jimin’s blood went cold. Taehyung, though, looked confused. “What?”
Himchan nodded, while Jimin just fell into a ghostly pale color. Hoseok came to stand beside the omega, steadying him with a hand on the small of his back. Jimin felt light headed. Taehyung promised...hadn’t he? Himchan stood from where he was sitting next to Taehyung. “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. After you hear this, you’ll be begging to break the bond.” Himchan explained. He looked so supremely confident too. What was he planning? “You see, Your Majesty,” he paused, glancing back at Taehyung, who looked nervous. “That omega is betraying you. He’s going behind your back, having an affair with your most trusted general.” He was accused, and Jimin turned to stone. “What?” Hoseok growled, but Himchan just continued. “Don’t even deny it!” Himchan pointed, and Taehyung’s head fell to his chest where he sat at the table. “I saw it myself, they were close, so I watched them. Turns out, moments ago, in the Butterfly Courtyard, they were kissing— passionately. “ Himchan finished, and Jimin just scoffed, stepping forward. “That is so absurd!” Jimin hissed, but the guards stepped forward. Jimin calmed himself slightly and blew out a swift exhale. “I would never. Taehyung is the father of my pups and the love of my—“ “That’s enough.” Taehyung stood abruptly and forcefully. Himchan gasped, turning to him with hopeful eyes. The King watched, appalled and sweating like a lunatic. Jimin stiffened, watching Taehyung step towards him with heavy feet and a bowed head. Was he angry? Did he really believe Himchan? Taehyung’s eyes were mean-looking and hooded with a darkness that Jimin couldn’t comprehend. The alpha wrapped an arm around Jimin’s waist and pulled their bodies tight. Hyewol was still in between them. The alpha leaned down and pressed their lips together with a hum. Jimin melted all of his worries disappearing. After a moment, Taehyung turned around to face Prince Himchan and King Naka. He had a heavy set frown and tight fists. “I will no longer stay here and listen to your foolishness. You have hurt and attempted to hurt my omega more times than I can count.” Taehyung hissed, and Jimin inhaled sharply. “If you want to start a war because I am mated to someone I love, go ahead.” Taehyung’s voice turned deeper and darker than before. “But I assure you, I will crush you if you hurt my omega ever again..” -
Chapter 57: Epilogue | Forever and Ever How could he possibly be ready for any of this? Jimin grew up in a small coastal city of Busan. He grew up dancing with a bright smile upon his face, seducing the money out of every town resident and ocean visitor he knew. He’d seen foreign alphas, sailor alphas, and even royal alphas. He’d met Taehyung there before, and when Jimin thought of that tall flowery musk while riding out his heat, he never thought he would spend the rest of his life with the handsome alpha, let alone be crowned his King Consort—his Empress. He would be the first omega in history to be crowned Empress by the side of an alpha. If that wasn’t scary, Jimin didn’t know what was anymore. He’d once thought being a dancer in this place was scary, but now he thought this was scarier. He once thought that Madame Sun was scary, but now he found that the weight of a crown was scarier. He once found hiding his bite from the royal court scary, but now he found being away from his two babies scarier. Things had changed drastically for Jimin in a single year. He didn’t think it was possible for anyone, let alone himself. Jimin stared at his own reflection, draped in bright red gowns and the eyes staring back at him were full of fear and insecurity. Could he be a good leader beside Taehyung? Could he even lead? He hadn’t been through any training, and soon he would be given the prized position of Minister of tradition. It didn’t seem like a very big deal, but it was. No omega had ever been given such a position. He would have people asking him questions, looking for direction, and a part of that scared him. “What if I mess up?” Jimin asked, gnawing on his lip eagerly as the tailor was fitting him in his coronation robes. Taehyung stood beside Jimin, holding Hyewol on one hip and Byeol on the other, gently bouncing them up and down with a bright smile. Taehyung chuckled softly and shook his head. “Everyone makes mistakes, Minnie, it won’t be the end of the world.” He explained, and Jimin just sighed softly. The tailor finished after a moment, taking a step back and bowing deeply to Jimin, who turned himself to Taehyung. “Yes, but...what if it’s a big mistake?” He then asked, eyes full of worry. Taehyung turned to Jian, placing the pups into his arms while stepping towards Jimin. The alpha grabbed Jimin’s shoulders and squeezed them. “I gave you the title Minister of Tradition because I knew you could handle it.” He chuckled, placing a hand on Jimin’s cheek, to which the omega leaned into sweetly with a hum. “My strong, beautiful mate.” He said, holding back from kissing the omega right there. “If you survived this,” Taehyung placed a palm to Jimin’s shoulder where the scarred stab wound still sat. Jimin inhaled at the touch, but smiled softly. “You can survive anything.” He said, unable to hold back any longer from kissing Jimin. The alpha pressed their lips together, and Jimin hummed against Taehyung’s before pulling away and turning back into the mirror. Taehyung turned with him, wrapping his arms around Jimin’s waist and leaning down to rest his chin on Jimin’s shoulder. “You look beautiful, My Flower .”
The next thing Jimin knew he was kneeling upon the steps to a sacred and already ancient shrine in the center of Hanseong. His head was bowed slightly the way it had in his many rehearsals. His hands cupped and extended to the priest that stood above him, sprinkling water upon his clean, fragile hands. Taehyung stood beside the priest, whose words were hardly audible in Jimin’s ringing ears. He could hardly hear beyond the excitement of his heartbeat. The entire city of Hanseong watched as Jimin raised his head, that big golden crown resting in the priest’s hands and slowly glided down, down, down, until Jimin felt its heavy weight rest upon his head. It was large and intricate, a crown that he’d only dreamed of sitting upon his head as a child. Being royalty was something only children dreamed of, and when
Jimin grew older, wiser, he knew that dream was rather foolish. Now his pups would never have to dream of anything but more happiness. Jimin stood carefully, guided by Taehyung’s helpful hands as he stood and turned to face the crowd of citizens as well as court people. Taehyung smiled brightly, squeezing Jimin’s hand because he looked deathly pale, staring upon the hordes of people, separated from the shrine by soldiers who saluted their new sovereign with great pride and loyalty. He couldn’t hear anything, not even his own thoughts as his heart beat so loudly in his chest and in his head, and when the applause broke out into a roar, there was nothing else Jimin could hear but that. He listened as cheers and claps and loud excitement jarred through the capital, and it was all for him. Jimin hoped his cope could prove himself to these people. He didn’t want to do anything wrong to them, just wanted to make them happy. He’d already preached his ideas of helping the homeless population and the slummiest areas of the city to Taehyung, who was more than happy to sell a few of their royal items to give to those subjects who truly needed it. Jimin was excited for the changes he could make to the country he now ruled alongside his mate. Though, as he looked upon the burden that Taehyung held, he knew that one day, his little baby, Byeol—the older of the twins by mere minutes—would someday have to replace that burden that Taehyung held so strongly on his shoulders. She would someday have the same weight of that crown crushing her, but Jimin didn’t want that. He wanted them to live happily, carefree. He hoped that one day, that wish could be true, even with the burden of the crown upon her head. Taehyung was happy. Jimin could only wish that same happiness upon his children. There was a sort of simpleness that came with being a commoner. No meetings, no expectations besides getting married and providing, but these expectations were lax compared to the expectations of Taehyung and even Jimin. All Jimin had expected from life was a simple husband and a few kids, a house in the mountains beside that coastal city where his parents could visit every now and then. He had never expected, not in a million years, to mate the Emperor and bear his children. If he had told himself that when he was back in Busan, he would’ve thought himself going mad.
Jimin laid on his side, Byeol and Hyewol resting in between him and Taehyung, who just stared at Jimin, who stared at his sleeping babies. They were almost a year old now, sitting up and crawling had passed. They were learning to walk and talking that cute baby gibberish that Jimin loved so much. Jimin gently reached a hand forward, hooking his hand around Taehyung’s while kissing Byeol’s forehead gently. Taehyung chuckled softly, eyes preening at the sight of his family. “You’ve really blossomed, Minnie.” Taehyung whispered so gently that he didn't wake the twins. Jimin’s eyes slowly slipped up to Taehyung, a rosiness passing across his cheeks as he squeezed Taehyung’s hand without really realizing it. The alpha squeezed Jimin’s right back. Taehyung pushed himself up and leaned over the sleeping pups to cage Jimin against the bed. The omega inhaled, but kept his eyes firmly on his alpha above him. Jimin stared at him with big, wondrous eyes. Jimin looked at Taehyung as if he was realizing the alpha was really his all over again. “I love you.” Jimin whispered out, and Taehyung smiled brightly. The alpha leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Jimin’s lips. “I love you more.” He whispered, and Jimin giggled softly, hand coming up to silence his laughter because the pups slept so close. Taehyung smiled and grabbed Jimin’s lip between his teeth before diving into another kiss. Jimin gasped against Taehyung’s mouth, humming out a pleasant noise. They both stopped at the sounds of little gurgles before a giggle erupted from one of the twins. Taehyung and Jimin both peered over time to see Hyewol giggling while watching them. Her hands were pushed forward, holding her feet as her smile shined brightly. Byeol was beside her, head looking all over with big, big eyes, just taking in the world around her. Jimin giggled as Taehyung settled himself back on the other side of the twins. He grabbed Hyewol while Jimin grabbed a Byeol, hugging the baby close and kissing her head all over. They both harped our bright, bright giggles, body bouncing as Jimin and Taehyung blew little red raspberries into their tummies and their cheeks. Before long, the twins grew tired again, falling asleep with their parents fingers in their tiny hands. Above the pup’s heads, Jimin and Taehyung held hands tightly as they looked into each other’s eyes, just basking in the life that they had together, a life that was once forbidden to them. Jimin remembered when he’d had doubts about ever being able to live happily with Taehyung, but now that all seemed like it was so long ago. Now everything felt unreal, like a fairy tale he’d heard only when he was little, dreaming of mating a handsome alpha prince. They fell asleep like that, wrapped around their pups while holding each other’s hands. They were happy, they never needed anything else, all they needed was each other—forever and ever. -
Chapter 58: BONUS CHAPTER | Happy, Happy End Shofeng had turned out to be more broke than anyone could’ve expected. A people’s rebellion had toppled the dynasty before they could even think of attacking Joseon. Not that anything would’ve come of the attack. Shofeng was a weasley country with selfish rulers that hoarded the citizen’s money to build their giant palaces and gardens. A few years had passed since the country had its change of power. Now was the time for a new peace treaty, one forged between Taehyung and the new King, an Emperor bloodied by leading the rebellion. He was a hard, cold alpha, and Jimin had heard he was terrifying at times, yet he’d spared the Shofeng royal family, former King Naka and Himchan exiled with their entire court to the lands of their allies, who harbored them.
Jimin bumped Byeol on his knee, braiding her long honey brown hair with delicate fingers. Hyewol had already gotten her hair braided and was already tucked into bed by Taehyung, who was kissing her forehead tenderly. The twins were four years old now, and more curious than ever before. Hyewol fiddled with a small doll that Seokjin had made for them both. One had blue hair and the other had pink, but both had lovely angel wings. Byeol’s doll needed stitching several times because she was much rougher with her toys than the gentle hearted Hyewol. Jimin and Taehyung placed bets on which of the twins would present as what while they still could. When they grew older and really presented, Jimin would be stressed out beyond belief. Byeol huffed softly, throwing her doll around with a frown. “I’m not tired.” She muttered through thick pouty lips, ones they both got from Jimin. Her hair was slightly darker than Hyewol’s, a trait she’d gotten from Taehyung. Both of them had beautiful, long eyelashes and soft eyes. Taehyung chuckled softly. “Byeol, we have guests tomorrow, and I want you to be on your best behavior, and you can’t when you’re cranky.” Taehyung nodded, giving Jimin a soft glance. Jimin smiled brightly at Taehyung, nodding his head. “Yes, Byeol, when you’re cranky everyone is cranky.” Jimin said, finishing her hair off with a little blue bow like the hair on her doll. Byeol sighed, hopping off of Jimin’s lap to slip towards the bed. “Who’s coming over?” Hyewol asked, her lips almost as cute as Byeol’s. Taehyung hummed, eyes thinning softly as Jimin helped Byeol into bed while giving Taehyung little glances. “A neighbor is coming to give greetings.” He simplified the words that were too large and sophisticated for the twins to understand. “Friends?” Byeol asked, and Taehyung smiled, kissing her cheek until she giggled brightly. He nodded softly. “I hope so.” He growled before reaching over Hyewol to tickle Byeol. She giggled and harped out buoyant laughter, kicking her feet under the blankets and sheets of the bed they shared. “Alright.” Jimin hummed, calming the two down. Taehyung retracted his hands and leaned over further to kiss Byeol’s head. “It’s time to sleep. We’ll see you in the morning, pretties.” Jimin smiled, kissing Byeol’s forehead neatly. Byeol smiled and pushed her hand towards Hyewol, who quickly took her sister’s hand. They always slept together, hand in hand with their heartbeats synced. Soulmates born together as sisters. Jimin gently snaked his fingers through Hyewol’s hair after slipping around the bed. His other hand was placed on Taehyung’s shoulder. The alpha’s hand coming up to smooth a hand over Jimin’s. “Goodnight.” Taehyung muttered, a bright smile on his lips as they watched the two twins sleep soundly. They slowly crept out of the room after the two babies fell asleep. Taehyung couldn’t even wait five seconds before he was pressing Jimin up against the outside of the nursery wall. Jimin laughed, pulling his face away from Taehyung, who was kissing his lips and the side of his mouth when the omega pulled away to laugh softly. Taehyung stifled Jimin’s laughter with his own lips. The omega finally melted against him, allowing the alpha entrance in between his lips. They were so warm, Taehyung’s hands wrapped around Jimin’s waist and gripping and grabbing at his skin. Not wanting to get pregnant again, Namjoon had given Jimin a simple tonic to take every month. They were never sure if it was going to work, but so far, it had been perfectly fine. Well, maybe . Jimin braced his hands against Taehyung’s chest, pushing the larger one away gently with a soft hum. “Tae..” Jimin whispered, and Taehyung breathed out a hot, hot breath. “Hm…?” He droned with a thick hum, like he wanted more.
Jimin giggled softly, a little trembling in his bottom lip. “I have to tell you something.” He said, biting his lip. Taehyung stared down at him, the hot mood between them dimmed and now replaced by Taehyung’s curiosity. “What?” Taehyung asked, furrowing his brows tightly with a confused whine. He wanted to know very badly. Jimin giggled softly. “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Jimin smirked before slipping out of Taehyung’s grip. Taehyung stiffened, watching in awe as Jimin just slinked away like the devious little minx he was. “Wait!” Taehyung called, and Jimin immediately whipped around, pressing a finger to his lips. “Shh.” Jimin scolded him before giggling and turning back around. The omega was scampering along, around the bends and twists in the palace corridors. Taehyung inhaled sharply, running after Jimin with a soft growl in the back of his throat. A few court members and soldiers that were scattered around, bowed to the lovely couple that were running after each other with vibrant giggles. All of them smiling, happy to see the two in good spirits. They had been in good spirits ever since they had the twins, not a day of terror or anger in their bones. When they were happy, the rest of the palace was full of happiness.
Jimin sat beside Taehyung, hand in the slightly younger alpha’s as they watched the bloody Emperor, who brought terror to many people’s bones, trek into the throne room with high shoulders, clad in armour despite the wars being over. He looked proud and full of pleasure to be in such a revered court. “Emperor Kim Taehyung,” the large alpha snapped out with a bright smile on his face. He looked almost...welcoming, so unlike the tales that had been spread across the palace by handmaids. Jimin stiffened, watching the man step forward before sweeping into a steep bow. Taehyung also looked a bit confused, but this new Emperor paid it no mind. Taehyung stood, so Jimin stood with him. “Emperor Junri, welcome to Joseon.” He smiled, sensing a compatibility in this man. “I hope your travels weren’t too exhausting for you.” He continued, holding an arm out to Jimin, who gently hooked around his arm, sticking close with a shy expression on his face. Taehyung slipped down from the platform that his and Jimin’s thrones sat upon. The man chuckled softly, coming up from his bow with a playful grin. “My travels were fine, plenty of places in Joseon to entertain myself.” He smiled brightly, looking at Jimin, who looked a bit pale, sinking into Taehyung’s side with ease.
This alpha smelled of earthy pine and sharp cinnamon that burned Jimin’s nose. It was a strange scent, a scent of an alpha that had once been mated, but was no more. Jimin’s heart sank in his chest at the implications. No doubt, his mate passed away. He gave Jimin a very kind, beautiful smile. It wasn’t intimidating or frightening, more kind than anything else he’d expected. Jimin loosened slightly. “What a beautiful mate you’ve scooped up.” The man chuckled, peering down to see the twins holding each other’s hands as well as Jimin’s. He stiffened at the sight of the pups, a sort of sadness chipping that happy complexion. Jimin noticed it deep within the back of his eyes, but Taehyung did not. He’d lost more than just his mate. Jimin squeezed the twin’s hands, smiling brightly at the Emperor. “The Princesses, Byeol and Hyewol.” Jimin introduced his children with a bright, bright smile. The Emperor chuckled, smiling down at the two girls with rosy cheeks. “Such beautiful children as well. I always trust a leader with such beauty by his side.” The man laughed, and Taehyung gave him a smile as well. “They are the light of my life.” Taehyung said, eyes moving onto Jimin. Anyone could see the way Taehyung looked at his family. The Emperor visiting surely could see that Taehyung would burn the world before he let anything happen to his family. The man stared at that fire in Taehyung’s eyes, squinting with a smile growing gently. “Well, shall we make an alliance, Your Majesty?”
“I like him.” Jimin said through a soft few breaths as he placed a fluffy goose pillow right beside Taehyung’s even though he would end up sleeping on the alpha’s chest. Taehyung peered over at Jimin from where he was laying down already. “Oh really?” He hummed with a small laugh. “Why is that?” Jimin pushed himself into bed, wrapping his arms and legs around the alpha with a calm smile. “Well, he’s lost a lot more than he shows.” Jimin explained. “I trust him for some reason.” Jimin explained, and Taehyung nodded, hooking an arm around Jimin tightly. “Yeah?” Taehyung mumbled, getting them both comfortable. “Me too.” Jimin smiled. “Remember how I said there was something I had to tell you yesterday?” Jimin hummed, and Taehyung hummed right back. “Well…” Taehyung shifted upward, afraid Jimin might try to run again. He slipped on top of his omega, caging him in so he couldn’t run. Jimin giggled, throwing his head back with a little snort that made them both laugh, Taehyung dropped his head into Jimin’s shoulder, inhaling as much of the peachy scent as he could in that moment. “Please tell me.” Taehyung begged with a groan as he kissed and sucked on Jimin’s soft shoulder. Jimin hummed, enjoying too much the way Taehyung’s wet lips felt apron his searing hot skin. “I...I’ve decided I want another.” He murmured, voice trailing off into a light moan. Taehyung made a confused noise, still sucking soft bruises into the omega’s shoulder. He pulled away with a glint in his eyes. “Another…?” He asked, unsure. Jimin giggled, hands coming up to cup Taehyung’s face. “Another baby, silly.” He said, and Taehyung’s face lit up bright with excitement. “Really?” He harped, pushing himself back up to see Jimin’s face. The omega nodded with a sharp, excited giggle. He felt excited from Taehyung’s excitement. Jimin nodded and nodded over and over as Taehyung’s excitement built and built.
“I’ve been off the medication for a few weeks now.” Jimin said, and Taehyung gasped out a harp of joy before wrapping around his mate tightly. Taehyung smiled, joyfully. “I’m so happy.” He laughed, happiness overflowing as the both of them melted together. But soon that happiness turned into raw emotion. Their bodies were rolling against each other, sweat mixing as well as their saliva. Taehyung was too excited for any foreplay, bending Jimin in half and thrusting his cock into Jimin’s slick covered heat. The tiny bit of foreplay had been covered in giggles and laughter between kisses and hot breath. Though it was exciting, the first round was quick, the two were at it until the early morning. Taehyung stripped him, flipped him, and dipped him until both of them were too exhausted to move. Their bodies trembling, hardly able to move as they cradled each other, Taehyung falling asleep still shoved up inside Jimin’s heat, sleeping soundly until the late afternoon. A few hours later, they were woken up, but decided to take a bath together to clean themselves of the sweat and come covering each other. Even there, though, Jimin sat on top of Taehyung’s lap, just sitting there, not really moving or shifting, just warming Taehyung’s cock in the hot spring water. Taehyung was washing the grime off of Jimin and Jimin did the same for Taehyung. “Wanna place a bet?” Jimin hummed, moving slightly after they’d both washed their hair. Taehyung hummed, leaving forward to suck a hickey into Jimin’s shoulder blade. “What’s that?” He asked. Jimin slowly started to move, rolling his hips up and down as Taehyung hissed. The alpha bit gently into Jimin’s skin, just until it left a little mark. “If it’ll be twins again?” He giggled, and Taehyung laughed as well. As much as they loved Byeol and Hyewol, twins were such a difficult task, especially for first time parents. It was a good thing they had handmaids and wet nurses to look after them when they needed time to themselves. “I don’t think so.” Taehyung hummed, hips moving up to meet Jimin’s rolling bum. The water sloshed against their bodies. Jimin keeled his head back onto Taehyung’s shoulder, panting as the alpha’s knot began to form, slipping in and out of his hole. The hot water only made it easier to ease his muscles and the stretch. “What about triplets?” Jimin painted, and Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s waist, gritting his teeth tightly as he fully formed a knot pressed into Jimin, pumping him full of his seed. Taehyung breathed heavily, slowly coming back down from his orgasm. “I think not.” He said, licking a stripe up Jimin’s spine as the omega squirmed and wriggled passed him out exhausted orgasm. They were both still tired from the night before. It was so full of love and heat. Jimin gasped at the final pump of Taehyung's belly. The omega's hands gently massaging the skin over his womb. There were still a few stretch marks lingering, but Taehyung always talked about how much he loved those marks. “I thought you said you wanted lots of pups.” Jimin giggled, turning slightly to meet Taehyung’s gaze. The alpha’s cheeks turned bright red. “Not all at once.” He muttered, and Jimin giggled, leaning back to press a tired kiss to his mate’s lips. Low and behold, nearly nine months later, Hyewol and Byeol had a tiny little baby brother lazing about in Jimin’s arms at all hours of the day. FINISH.
Data Loading...