Work Text:
"Taehyung it's been 6 months of your marriage and you still have not shared a bed with the King", Taehyung 's mother cries.
"Mother, trust me I am trying ", Taehyung cries with her. When Jeongguk's loyal servant tells him about this conversation, Jeongguk almost vomits blood.
"Trying? Is coming to my chambers during scheduled consummation nights to play 'Go' with me instead and refusing to let me touch him 'trying' eunuch Cheo ?"
Eunuch Cheo shakes his head in sympathy, "I will go get you water, Your Majesty".
"Taehyung " Lady Kim calls his name, dabbing her silk handkerchief under her eye as if to wipe her tears. Taehyung swears he sees no tears coming out of her eyes. " When your father was alive , we were doing so well. We had hoped this marriage would foster our relationship with the Emperor even more. But contrary to my expectations, my elder son burns midnight oil to work and still gets overshadowed by those wicked ministers in the court and my younger son is sitting like a dry fish in that harem."
"He doesn't like your face?" Lady Kim exclaims, fervently shaking her head, "Taehyung, stories about your beauty echoes in even our neighbouring kingdoms and far beyond. I don't think it's anything to do with your face. I think-"
She leans closer to Taehyung, narrowing her eyes, and Taehyung has to lean away in fright. "I think it's your attitude that stinks".
"My attitude?" It's Taehyung's turn to frown, "What is wrong with my attitude?"
"You look the way you are sitting boy, not even our servants sit like that". Taehyung immediately shuts his splayed legs as he sits upright.
"The way you eat", His mother almost looks like she is disgusted, "No omega in the streets of seven kingdoms would eat like that."
Taehyung drops the chicken leg he had picked up on the plate, using the back of his hand to wipe the gravy smeared on his lips.
Lady Kim just sighs, sulks in disappointment, rubbing his back in sympathy.
"It's okay my son, I have talked to the old lady Shin, she said she knows a lady who knows a lady who knows a potion that will attract the Emperor to you like a bee to a flower and he would never leave your bed."
Taehyung shudders at the image,shaking his head "Mother, I think I will get going now. Can I borrow some books from the library?"
His mother frowns, crumpling her handkerchief in her fist "Taehyung, why do you want to borrow books? You should leave these wasteful activities and focus on how to woo the king before your mother dies of-"
"Mother, I was actually looking for a book on 'Art of Seduction', I have heard it has great advice", Taehyung intervenes before his ear bleeds. It works because his mother is gasping, leaning closer to whisper, "Is there a book like that, son?" Taehyung nods, solemnly.
She waves her head, towards the Kim Household library, " Then go, quickly go get it, the sooner you seduce the Emperor the sooner we will return to our former glory."
Taehyung is about to get up when her mother, tugs on his elbow again, "Are you taking that fertility medicine I gave you last ?"
Taehyung enthusiastically nods his head, "Ofcourse ", as if he didn't throw the vial on the dumpster outside the Kim Household.
"Emperor doesn't have any heir now, if you give birth to his child, son, you can be the Queen. You just have to keep trying."
Taehyung smiles and nods, caressing his mother's hand in assurance.
"Is trying to sleep with him not enough of a demand that I have to bear his children now" Taehyung mutters under his breath as he goes towards the library.
As soon as Taehyung steps inside the palace he is escorted to Jeongguk's chamber. He enters to see the King, sitting behind his desk, cladded in black hanbok.
"You called for me, Your Majesty", He says, bowing. Jeongguk keeps his eyes focused on the parchments on his desk
"I heard you visited your , Mother today."Taehyung nods, "You are right, Your Majesty". "What did you two talk about?" Jeongguk says, his gaze now focused on Taehyung. 'You will have my head if I told you about what we talked ', Taehyung thinks.
" I was inquiring about her health, Your Majesty", Taehyung says, instead.
"I know what you talked about Taehyung, drop the act", Jeongguk sneers, as he gets up from his seat, walking towards the omega
'Why ask me when you already know then'. Taehyung grinds his teeth, bowing his head to conceal the same. "Have I done something to upset you, Your Majesty?"
"Taehyung, stop your pretence, if you were so dutiful, the servants wouldn't stick their ears to my door on our consummation nights hoping to hear your moans."
Taehyung snaps his head up, eyes widening at the explicit words, he eyes Eunuch Chero who has his head bowed. He grits his sneeth, this time on display for the King, "You are saying as if you are dying to sleep with me. As if you don't despise me."
Jeongguk glares at him, "Yes I despise you. Despise your belligerent attitude, your reckless nature and your actions that seem to be specifically designed to defy my rules and orders."
Taehyung takes a deep breath, "I think you have made yourself clear as to why you hate me, Your Majesty. This subject wants to know what you expect from him?"
"I expect you to stop telling everyone how much you are 'trying' , Taehyung. Heaven knows if you were trying, your Mother would have something else to worry about ", Jeongguk says, his gaze dropping towards Taehyung's stomach. Taehyung gasps, covering his stomach with his hands-
"What is this preposterous implication?"
Jeongguk's jaws tigthen, his voice guttural, "Preposterous is your never ending habit of defying me".
Taehyung puffs his cheek, exhaling in exhaustion, "What do you want me to do Jeongguk? Tell everyone it is I who refuse to sleep with you and sentence by family to ostracism." "Well it was your decision, wasn't it?"
Taehyung has to count numbers in his head to stop himself from yelling, "Your Majesty, I was ready to run away. You agreed to my demands and pursuaded me for this marriage."
Jeongguk glares at the man, astounded at the audacity, " Running away? Where were you running away? You had no place and no plan. Next thing I know I would have found you in some brothel."
Taehyung jaws slack at the insult, " I know how to use my sword better than some of your knights."
Jeongguk scoffs, "That is why the last time you sneaked out, I found you with a bunch of smugglers".
"I was not forced to be there"
"You realise that is worse"
"I did not know they were smugglers ".
Jeongguk sighs, raising his hand, "Just leave". Taehyung bows his head, in courtesy about to leave.
What is that?" Jeongguk grabs his elbow, taking the bundle he was carrying. Taehyung swallows, "Books", snatching the bundle back towards himself. Jeongguk raises an eyebrow in a warning, and Taehyung reluctantly gives him the bundle.
Jeongguk gives a humour less chuckle when he takes out the first book, "It's about sword fighting. I should distribute it to evey omega in my harem to read, they are wasting their times in learning the activities of the palace."
Taehyung sticks out his tongue, mimicking Jeongguk's expression as the latter is busy in examining the books.
Jeongguk takes out the next book, "Oh! It's on herbs and medicines. Are you aspiring to be physician next, Taehyung?"
Taehyung gives him a tight lipped smile, "It is so that I can be helpful to you in case of emergencies, Your Majesty."
Eunch Cheo intervenes in panick, "It is a sin to imply anything about the Emperor 's health, Consort Kim."
Jeongguk laughs, "Taehyung would not know anything about that Eunch Cheo, maybe if he read on books on palace etiquettes and responsibilities instead of-" Jeongguk takes out the next book, holding it with his thumb and index finger as if the book burns him.
The book is titled 'The strategies of warfare '."Consort Kim" Eunuch Cheo, cries out again, "A consort or concubine reading books on strategies and war can be considered treachery!"
Taehyung eyes widen at the information,"What?" He looks at Eunch Cheo and then Jeongguk, "I did not know this. I swear on my unborn children."
Eunch Cheo loses his consciousness, falling on the ground with a thud. "Is that not allowed too?", Taehyung shrieks.
"Those are my unborn children you are swearing upon Taehyung", Jeongguk grits out. Taehyung frowns, "Well you don't know that".
Eunuch Kim, cries and gasps in his unconsciousness.
Taehyung splutters, hands flailing , "I heard it as soon as I said this time. I am aware of my impudence , Your Majesty. Please forgive me." He kneels down, shutting his eyes.
He opens an eye when the silence stretches too long. He raises his head slightly and is met with Jeongguk's piercing glare and blood shot eyes. "Too late?" Taehyung asks, cautiously.
"Guards" Jeongguk 's thunderous voice roars. "Too late" Taehyung mumbles.
"Consort Kim, what did you do this time to anger the Emperor?" His loyal servant asks as Taehyung looks at the bland food spread out on his table.
When Taehyung doesn't say anything, she continues, "In the last six months, you have been locked inside your chambers eight times, your allowances have been cut 6 times and you have been deprived of servants 5 times. "
She sighs, almost weeping. "The other consorts and concubines used to be happy about
your punishments. Now they are more annoyed about why you aren't losing your head or worse getting banished from harem after your repeated transgressions."
Taehyung frowns, poking his chopsticks in the bland dish, stopping when So ra tells him it is not proper. He looks towards her, "I thought we hated them? Isn't it good that they are annoyed? Also So ra, I think being banished is better than losing my head."
So ra, tugs on his arm, shaking her head, " Everyone already hates you, Consort Kim. It is not good to provoke them. Even the most recent concubine is more informed about the harem politics than you, My Lord. And she came here only yesterday."
Taehyung has an inkling that he is being called stupid but he doesn't interrupt her as she continues."Also, if you get banished from the harem, your mother would prepare a poison and serve it to you personally. Isn't it better to just lose your head then?"
Taehyung gulps, "Now that you put it this way."
Jeongguk is passing through the palace gardens when he sees Taehyung lying in the garden, playing with little puppies. As if Eunuch Cheo reads his mind, he informs, "His arrest ended today, Your Majesty."
"His punishment ended today and he decided the best thing was to go lie in the garden and play with animals?"Jeongguk clicks his tongue, shaking his head,"Does he ever learn?"
"My Lord, the Emperor is looking towards you. You need to go and express your gratitude before he decides he likes you better locked up", So ra anxiously whispers to Taehyung who nods frantically immediately getting up to go towards Jeongguk.
"Do not attract his wrath, you stick to expressing your gratitude, Consort Kim", So ra cries, nervous for her Lord. "How can I possibly anger him while apologising and thanking him?" Taehyung asks, bewildered in her lack of faith.
"I don't know Lord, you tend to do that," So ra weeps as she watches Taehyung walk towards the Emperor with a puppy in his arms.
"Your Majesty ", Taehyung greets, bowing his head. "The palace is prospering under your reign, the garden has never bloomed as much-"
"Taehyung" Jeongguk interrupts him, unimpressed, "When your maid told you to express your gratitude it was for your punishment ending not the general praises."
Eunuch Cheo takes the liberty to elaborate, "It is a custom to thank the King when one has served their punishment, Consort Kim."
Taehyung wonders about why would anyone in their right time be grateful for having suffered the punishment, but he smiles nervously, "I didn't know that, my apologies, Your Majesty."
In his last attempt to lighten Jeongguk's mood he shows him the little puppy, "Look at this pupper, Emperor. I found him and his family just this morning."
Jeongguk sighs, "I am certain you did not find random puppies in the palace premises, Taehyung. To imply that you found them outside palace walls will mean punishing you again. You are lucky I am immersed in too much work today to pay attention to you."
In an attempt to avoid angering Jeongguk any further he tries again, "I love this puppy the best, he is mischievous and loves to bite but if you give him little tummy rubs and scratch his ear, he becomes docile and starts acting cutely", he grins showing Jeongguk the puppy.
Jeongguk nods and for reasons unknown he decides to indulge , "What have you named him?"
Taehyung's eyebrows jump at the positive response, he beams, "I have not yet decided but he resembles you so much, Your -" He stops, mouth hanging as Eunuch Cheo starts crying. He looks at Jeongguk who has his jaws clenched.
"Consort Kim, comparing the Emperor to an animal is preposterous"
Taehyung wonders if anything is not preposterous in this palace as he prepares himself for an impending doom. "Eunuch Cheo, I meant no harm, I meant His Majesty's personality resembles this puppy who I love."
Jeongguk seethes in anger, " So you think I bite and act mischievous and petting me makes me docile?" Taehyung bites his lips, wanting the ground to swallow him, "If it makes you feel any better, the pupper is the very intelligent, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk rages, his mouth opening and closing in anger but he doesn't say anything as walks past Taehyung.
"Puppy? Do I resemble a puppy, Eunuch Cheo? Sometimes I think his only aim in life is to torment me", Jeongguk rants to Eunuch Cheo when they leave the garden. "Please ask the royal physician to prescribe me medicine for stress." Eunuch Cheo nods , bowing.
Contrary to Taehyung's expectations the punishment does not come. 'Jeongguk must be truly busy' He wonders.
"I am so proud of you, Lord Kim. You managed to not attract the wrath this time", So ra tells him and Taehyung just nods, his head replaying the blunder he committed.
"Lord Kim, the new concubine wants to meet you", So ra informs him. "Me? Why me?" Taehyung asks , confused.
"She was sent from the rival kingdom as part of a peace treaty. She does not want to be King's concubine", So ra whispers, cautiously. " I thought you could help her".
Taehyung frowns, "How can I help her So ra? If she does not want to be the concubine she should speak to the King or to the first wife from the Park family."
"Speak quietly, My Lord. If anyone hears, they will have her head for this outrageous proposition", So ra whispers. "Something like this goes against tradition. And the only person in the palace who has time and again broken tradition is you, My Lord."
Taehyung grits his teeth at the audacity, "Don't talk like it's a compliment. You think I love pissing off the Emperor? I just can't help it. That does not mean I will start defending everyone who is eager to break rules."
So ra, pleads, "You should see her once, Lord Kim." Taehyung nods, agreeing to see her.
"So ra told me you did not want to be a concubine" Taehyung asks the lady who sits before him.
"I have given my heart to someone else long ago, My Lord. Even though I cannot ever meet him now, I don't want to forget him. I would rather die before serving as a concubine."
" Don't worry they will kill you first if they get to know about your intentions", Taehyung tells her bluntly. He sighs, "How can I help you?"
The lady sniffles, "If you could take me in as your servant, My Lord."
Taehyung hums,"I will speak with the Emperor tomorrow. However I shall warn you that the King does not favour me and my demand is likely to be rejected. In that case, you need to think realistically or you will really not survive in this palace." The lady nods, thanking him.
When Taehyung goes to see the Emperor the next day in his chamber, there is a line of consorts and concubines outside.
"Get in line Consort Kim, it seems everyone in harem today has some grievances ", one of the consorts tell him.
He frowns, ignoring her to walk towards the Kingsguard. "Yoongi, why is there a line today?" He asks.
Yoongi stares straight ahead, curtly replying, "I am not familiar with the harem matters, Lord."
Taehyung rolls his eyes, "I know Jimin tells you about every gossip in every nook and cranny of the kingdom, don't pretend now."
"I am on duty, Lord Kim"
"Doing what? Protecting Jeongguk from his concubines and consorts?" Yoongi sighs, "Taehyung I wonder how you grow more annoying everyday."
Taehyung laughs, "I surprise myself. Now will you tell me the reason?"
"Unlike what you are used to Taehyung. Consorts and concubines cannot bring up harem matters to the King whenever they want. The first person for their grievance redressal is First Consort Park. If they are dissatisfied with her verdict then they can seek the King on-
a fixed date assigned for this purpose. Today is one of the days."
Taehyung nods, his head his mouth parting at this new information, "In my defence I have never brought harem matters to the Emperor."
Yoongi doesn't not reply so he continues. "So how long do I have to wait?"
Eunuch Cheo appears from behind the door before Yoongi could answer, "Consort Kim, the Emperor will see you now." He can hear the curses from the consorts waiting in line.
Your Majesty", Taehyung greets Jeongguk, bowing. "What is the matter, Taehyung?"
"Why did you allow me to enter so soon? There is a line outside, Your Majesty", Taehyung asks instead. He is already dreading the rumours about how the Emperor is favouring him.
"Contrary to what you might assume, I am not eager to see your face. In fact my day goes fine if I don't see your face", Jeongguk says and Taehyung wants to tell him that he doesn't not assume such nonsense, he is aware of reality.
He does not interrupt the Emperor of course. "Having said that, there is no urgency to deal with the consorts complaining about the management of harem.-
You on the other hand, Taehyung have to be treated on an urgent basis. When you knock on my door, I assume the worst. Questions like did he escape the palace again? Or did he finally kill someone? occupy my head."
Taehyung takes a deep breath at the insults being thrown after him. He gives the Emperor a tight lipped smile who just stares at him with a blank expression.
"So now that you have understood my compulsions to seek you before anyone else, will you tell me why you are here without wasting any more time?"
Taehyung speaks, a little hesitant, "If you would allow me, I would like to take the new concubine as my handmaiden."
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, curious, "Didn't you dismiss half of your servants because in your words they made you feel suffocated?"
Taehyung puts on his best puppy eyes as he pleads, "Please consider it as a favour ". Jeongguk chuckles, "And why would I ever do that? What would I get in return?" Taehyung bites his lips, thinking what could he give in return.
"If you say 'puppy' I will personally behead you", Jeongguk warns him and he denies instantly," I wasn't going to say that." Although he was definitely going to say that.
" I will not sneak out of the palace without your permission", Taehyung says after thinking for a while. Although he adds 'for the time being' at the end of the sentence in his mind.
Jeongguk's ears perk up at that, "Are you serious about this?"
Taehyung nods his head resolutely, "You know me, Your Majesty, I don't break my promises."
"You can have her as your handmaiden then." Taehyung bows several times, thanking the emperor.
Taehyung's happiness does not last long though. Towards the end of the week he almost regrets being the do-gooder when he has to sit all day in the palace , doing nothing.
On top of it, the rumour about this deed of his has spread all over and now he is getting letters and requests for visits from several concubines and consorts.
What can he do if First Consort Park is bullying someone? Jeongguk would favour her more than Taehyung any day.
What can he do if some consort wants to be allowed to visit her kingdom? He can't go and beg Jeongguk to change the rules.
And for heaven's sake, what can he do if some concubine is in her words 'deprived of bedroom pleasures' and wants more nights with the Emperor?
The letters come with more speed than he burns them at. If Jeongguk got to know about his shenanigans he would be hanged.
"Lord Kim! Lord Kim!" So-ra shouts his name as she comes running.
"What happened?" Taehyung asks her, concerned as he finishes burning the last letter.
She pants, exhausted from running, "First Consort Park has ordered to remove the puppies from the palace."
Taehyung sighs, he had expected her to do something but to use his innocent puppies? That woman is petty.
"I told her you have adopted them but she said the Emperor does not like pets inside the
palace. And if you want to keep them, you should ask the Emperor or she will throw them out by tomorrow", So ra explained to him, feeling guilty that she could not do anything.
"You don't need to feel bad, I will see what I can do", Taehyung says, patting her shoulder.
He goes to find Jeongguk and fortunately comes across him on the way. The King is accompanied by Yoongi and both of them are wearing plain clothes.
"Are you going out of the palace?" Taehyung's eyes light up as he approaches them. "Can you take me too?" This way he can go out of the palace without irking Jeongguk and he can also request for keeping the puppies while he is at it.
"No"
"I will be a better guide than him, Your Majesty", Taehyung pleads, pointing towards the person in plain clothes supposed to show Jeongguk around the city.
Jeongguk glares at him, "Do you really want to boast about how many times you have sneaked out, Taehyung?"
Taehyung purses his lips, "That wasn't my intention." Jeongguk sighs," Go change your clothes then."
Taehyung grins, nodding, "I will be quick."
Jeongguk wants to pull his hair out when he sees Taehyung's worn out attire, torn from the sides, with patches sewn in half of the places. "Normal plain clothes would have suffice, you did not need to become homeless", Jeongguk growls.
"If we go in that alley, you will meet my friend. He steals for a living but is a very kind person", Taehyung tells him casually as they stroll in the marketplace. Jeongguk wonders if the man ever hears himself.
"And that is Aunty Min's eatery, you have to try the meatball soup, I swear you will keep licking your fingers-" Taehyung stops his rambling when he sees the look on Jeongguk's face and modifies his sentence, -
" I mean I swear you will find it upto your taste. And I will lick my fingers." Taehyung feels the glare again, so he tries one more time, "Or maybe we both will enjoy the taste and nobody will lick anything."
Jeongguk shakes his head but agrees to go to the shop.
"I will introduce you as my husband, so we get discounts", Taehyung whispers in his ear. Jeongguk wants to strangle this man, "I am your husband, Taehyung. What else will you introduce me as?" Taehyung's expression indicates that he had a list but he chooses to keep quiet
"Taehyung, you came after such a long time" Aunty Min greets them, arranging chairs for them to sit. She stares at Jeongguk from head to toe before exclaiming, "Is this the husband, Taehyung?"
Taehyung nods, "Yes, Aunty. Can we get two bowls of meatball soup?" The hurried tone in which Taehyung speaks does not sit well with Jeongguk but he doesn't say anything.
"Oh you poor man" Aunty Min says to Jeongguk and Jeongguk looks at Taehyung in confusion. " Losing all your money to gambling is not wise, son. You have a husband to take care-"
"Aunty Min", Taehyung shrieks in panic, "Meatball soup."
"You be quiet Taehyung-ah", Aunty Min shushes him before she turns to Jeongguk with both the hands on her waist, "Son you have a husband to take care of. You cannot gamble away your money and come home every night intoxicated. Have you thought about your children?"
Jeongguk pinches the bridge of his nose.
"Do you understand what I am saying, son?" She chastises him again. Jeongguk nods this time, "I understand".
Taehyung interrupts again, on the verge of crying, "Aunty Min, I just remembered we have to be somewhere. We will eat meatball soup some other time."
Aunty Min shakes her head, "No Taehyung-ah, give me some time I will quickly prepare your soup."
"I can explain", Taehyung tries, cautiously. "You better."
Taehyung gulps, "She gives me a discount because she thinks my husband is an alcoholic and gambler."
"You are the Emperor's Consort, Taehyung. Do you have no shame? What discount do you even need?" Jeongguk hisses, glancing around to make sure no one heard him.Taehyung frowns, "You have cut my allowance 20 times since I entered the palace. I couldn't eat that bland food."
Jeongguk looks like he wants to choke Taehyung for his shameless audacity to exaggerate the numbers but he stays silent as Aunty Min serves them the soup. He doesn't miss the dirty look she throws at him.
"Taehyung thankyou for your donation last time. Thanks to you I could expand my shop. I don't know when I will be able to repay your kindness", She says to Taehyung, caressing his hair.
Taehyung smiles at her, "I told you we are at a financially better place now, Aunty, you don't need to worry."
Jeongguk stares at Taehyung when she leaves, the latter shrugs casually, "See, I am not the leech you think I am."
"You liked it, didn't you?" Taehyung grins, tugging Jeongguk's elbow when he doesn't answer. "You cannot lie, I saw you finish your bowl faster than Yeontan".
Jeongguk scowls , "Who is Yeontan?"
Taehyung shakes his head so fast that even Yoongi who is secretly following them worries it will snap. "Yeo-what? I didn't say anything."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes but doesn't say anything, letting Taehyung drag him to other stalls.
"That is the best gift shop, if you want to gift something to your favourite consorts or concubines", Taehyung points at the shop where an old man sits. "And if you want to try sweets, you can-" Taehyung stops when Jeongguk holds his hand, walking towards the gift shop.
Taehyung's eyes widen as he stops Jeongguk, using his free hand to grab the Alpha's wirst. Jeongguk looks at their hand and then at Taehyung, "What is this behaviour, Taehyung?"
Taehyung bites his lip, trying to come up with an excuse," It seems you want to buy a gift
for a consort, Your Majesty .Why don't you do that while I buy some sweets for you from that shop?"
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, "Or we can first visit the gift shop and then the sweet shop." Taehyung knows how to differentiate between a request and an order so this time he reluctantly lets himself be dragged.
Jeongguk is not surprised at this point when the old shopkeeper's eyes sparkle when he spots Taehyung, "Taehyung -ah how are you? Are you doing well?"
Taehyung smiles, bowing in respect, "I am fine. How is your leg nowadays?"
"Thanks to your support, it is better now son." Jeongguk watches Taehyung interact with the old man and he cannot help the adoration bubbling in his heart, Taehyung had always been kind. Helping others came easily and inherently to him and Jeongguk had always been envious of him
All his adoration and respect however goes straight out of the window when the old man turns his attention towards him, "Is the husband of yours who ran away with his mistress, Taehyung?"
Jeongguk has to conjure every ounce of his control to not unsheathe his sword then and there. Taehyung realises that because he is caressing Jeongguk's hands that are dangerously close to his hidden sword, as he whispers nervously,-
"If you behead me in the middle of the streets, people will call you 'Consort Killer', Your Majesty."
"You are not helping your situation", Jeongguk growls, but retracts his hand.
"Don't be angry", Taehyung whispers as they exit the stall.
Jeongguk grinds his teeth, "First explain to me why you need to paint a hypothetical story at a gift shop? Do you not have enough accessories that you need a discount here too?"
Taehyung laughs nervously, "Gossip spreads here fast ,Your Majesty. And I can't help it, I am just so popular-" He purses his lips, donning a more humble tone when he receives the glare, "Once I told Aunty Min, the story spread like wildfire and changed at every shop-
The shopkeeper at the end of the lane once asked me how I was coping since my husband now had a child with his mistress. Imagine my surprise, I only knew my husband as an alcoholic gambler who ran away-" Taehyung coughs when he feels chills running down his spine,-
"You get what I am saying, Your Majesty. I am only partially at fault."
"If another person calls me names because of you, I swear I wouldn't mind being called 'Consort Killer," Jeongguk warns him as they walk ahead. Taehyung nods, not daring to take it lightly.
"I know you are upset, Your Majesty, but if I don't eat the red bean pastry from that sweet shop, I will suffer from stomach ache all day", Taehyung mumbles as they are walking past the sweet shops.
Jeongguk sighs at the drama, "I have heard stomach ache from eating sweets. I didn't know you could suffer from not eating sweets."
Taehyung looks at him with a serious expression, "I don't really tell this to people, Your Majesty. But when I was born the wise seer told my mother that if I don't taste anything sweet after having my meal, my whole family will suffer from misfortune."
Jeongguk's nose twitches in anger as he shouts, "I was there when you were born, Taehyung." He is more surprised than angry at the audacity of the man to just say plain rubbish without any qualms. Taehyung just pouts, looking down.
Despite the anger and provocation, Jeongguk gives into the demand. And a while later Yoongi is shaking his head as Taehyung strolls the street with pastry in both his hand and the evidence smeared on his lips.
Taehyung, as always ignorant of his un-consort-like manners, continues to tell Jeongguk about various places.
"And if you go into that alleway, Your Majesty-"
"I will meet another friend of yours who kills people for living but is sweet?"
Taehyung shakes his head, unfettered by the mockery, "No you can play some games and win money if you are running low on cash, Your-"He stops speaking, gulping the morsel in
his mouth when he sees Jeongguk 's expression. He can almost hear Eunuch Cheo's cries and gasps.
Jeongguk on the other hand wants to sit in the middle of the road and cry or scream or do both. His consort sneaks out of the palace to gamble with a bunch of thugs and criminals. Jeongguk can hear his ancestors turning in their graves.
"I don't do that" Taehyung whispers, hesitantly. He does do that, he just wants to save his head for now. "I swear."
Jeongguk takes one look at him and knows he is lying through his teeth. But for the sake of his sanity and his ancestor's he chooses to live in denial.
"I think we should return to the palace now", Jeongguk suggests after a while but Taehyung holds his hand, "No! We still have to visit one place."
"What place?" Jeongguk asks in confusion.
"Trust me" Taehyung says as he leads them.
Taehyung takes him to what looks like a local school. There are children, with quills and books, some engrossed in their studies while some are playing with each other.
"It's their break" Taehyung tells him. "Kids" he shouts to grab their attention and instantly there are children running towards them.
"Taehyung, why didn't you come this week? I completed the book you gave me already," One of the children tells him and others nod in tandem.
"I was busy with something, but I am happy to hear that you guys have been diligent", Taehyung grins, patting the child's cheek lightly.
Jeongguk wonders how Taehyung does it. How he is so mischievous one moment and the next moment he is someone who can command the respect and admiration of everyone present around him.
"Is this your husband, Taehyung?" Jeongguk hears one of the children ask and he just sighs. He promises himself to keep this respect for Taehyung a little longer and to just ignore the slander of his character that will come next.
However, to his surprise, the child exclaims, "He is more handsome than you described
him as Taehyung." Jeongguk sputters at the praise, as he looks towards Taehyung.
"See, I did not just spew bad hypothetical stories about my husband", Taehyung smiles at him and Jeongguk's lip unconsciously tug up at the silliness .
"Can you solve this for me, Taehyung's husband?" A child says, shoving a book in Jeongguk's hand. Jeongguk nods, explaining to the child how to solve the problem.
The child bobs his head, eyes wide, before he turns towards Taehyung, "Taehyung your husband is not dumb like you described him."
"Don't lie! I never said he is dumb", Taehyung snarls at the child before turning to Jeongguk in panic, "I swear I never said that."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "You totally did."
"I did not" Taehyung shakes his head. His breath hitches when Jeongguk tugs his ear gently, "Your ears turn red when you lie."
Taehyung's eyes grow wide as he covers his ear with his hand. Jeongguk smiles, leaning closer to whispering in his ear, "Your neck turns red when you are embarrassed."
Taehyung turns his body away from Jeongguk, grumbling "Now you are just teasing me."
"No no, one last place, please", Taehyung pleads when Jeongguk suggests leaving. Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, "I think at this point if I start listening to you Taehyung, I would start living outside the palace."
Taehyung purses his lips, "Please, I promise you won't regret." Jeongguk sighs, allowing the man to lead them once again.
Jeongguk breath hitches when they reach the place. It's an open green stretch, as far as the eye can see. There is a lake in front of them, water shimmering as it bathes in the sunlight. There is a huge plum tree in front of the lake.
Jeongguk knows this place like the back of his hand because it was Taehyung's favourite
hideout. Jeongguk's mind is suddenly riddled with the onslaught of past memories.
Jeongguk shared a unique relationship with Taehyung, a relationship he shared with no other in his harem. Taehyung's late father was a loyal governor in Jeongguk's father's court and his brother Kim Namjoon was now a trusted advisor in Jeongguk's court.
But that is not why their relationship was unique.Jeongguk's memory of Taehyung goes back to when he was merely 6 years old, holding his mother's index finger while she cooed at the newborn in Lady Kim's embrace.
The baby had looked at Jeongguk and started bawling, needles to say Jeongguk hated him.When the baby started walking, much to Jeongguk 's annoyance he would follow him everywhere.
On more than one occasion Jeongguk was scolded by her Queen mother because Taehyung had stealthily left his mother's side to follow Jeongguk. And when he started to talk, he would follow Jeongguk everywhere, asking him the silliest questions.
"Jeongguk, why do the pigs eat so much?"
"Ask yourself " Jeongguk would reply, making the younger one cry.
Taehyung was skilled though, Jeongguk acknowledged that. He would read and understand books that children his age failed to comprehend.
Kim Taehyung knew all the secret passages in the palace and despite the numerous guards posted on the palace gate, he would be able to sneak Jeongguk out.
In the same way as he would sneak into Jeongguk's chambers whenever he wanted, unbothered that Jeongguk kicked him out everytime.
He was also a skilled climber, climbing and sitting on the plum tree was his favourite pastime. Sometimes he would doze off on those branches, much to his family's and Jeongguk 's horror.
Whenever he was asked to learn responsibilities, omega his age were required to learn, Taehyung would run to the lake. Jeongguk always found him sleeping beneath the tree, his
favourite book on his lap.
When Jeongguk turned 16, the burden of the crown started falling on his shoulder. He was required to behave as the future King and not as a boy.
He could not have his little escapades with Taehyung and more than that he could not let his closeness to Taehyung make the latter a pawn in the political game.
So he had distanced himself from Taehyung. And the younger had eventually left him alone after Jeongguk's continuous refusal to see him.
Seasons changed and years went by. At 30, Jeongguk had been sitting on the throne for 10 years. At 24, Taehyung was well versed with all the books in the libraries and the art of sword fighting.
However, Taehyung was an omega and he had reached way past his marriage age. He had expected his family to arrange a marriage for him any day soon. What he had not expected was it to be arranged with the King.
"Why did you accept this proposal, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk had my looked from the parchments spread on his table towards the voice. Kim Taehyung stood in his chamber, clearly upset and disgruntled
He had grown from a young boy to a fine man. They called him 'Fatal Beauty' because his beauty was unrivalled and his habit of threatening his admirers with his sword too.
"Sneaking in the Emperor's chamber is a crime, Lord Kim. I could have your head for that", Jeongguk said, inspecting the omega from head to toe.
"My apologies, Your Majesty, I wanted to show you that you need better guards or anyone could sneak in when they want."
Jeongguk narrowed his eyes at the impudence but chose to ignore it. "This alliance would cement Namjoon's place in the court, he is one of my most trusted advisors. Why would I not accept the proposal?" Jeongguk had said, what he had not added was he was worried
-
that no one else in the seven kingdoms was capable of handling the omega. Namjoon and
Jeongguk shared the same worry that if Taehyung was married to anyone else, either the husband would end up dead or Taehyung would end up being chained.
In both cases, Taehyung's life would be miserable.
Taehyung frowned, "All these years you refuse to see my face and now you want to marry me because you are afraid you will lose your most trusted advisor? Do you hate me so much, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk's eyes softened as he stared at Taehyung, "I don't hate you Taehyung. I had reasons to not see you."
Taehyung sighed, shaking his head, "It does not matter now. I don't want to marry you or anyone else. I cannot be the omega you expect me to be, I cannot sit all day in my chambers, waiting for you or worry about the politics that goes in your harem. "
Jeongguk closed his eyes in frustration, "What are you going to do if not marry? You will be an outcast, your family 's reputation will be at stake."
Taehyung fisted his hands, "I will run away."
"I will not let you do that" Jeongguk roared, slamming his hand on the table. He gritted his teeth, fangs baring in anger, " Where will you run anyway? Do you have any place to go?" Taehyung raised his voice too, "Why do you care about that?"
"Because you are reckless. Do you ever think about the consequences of your actions, Taehyung? You always want to do things your way, but that is not how the real world functions. -
You will have to make compromises and if you don't understand that now you will learn it the hard way and no one will be able to help you then."
Jeongguk had seen Taehyung's lip wobble as he turned on his heels and stormed out of the King's chamber. Namjoon had come running to him after a while, frantic about how Taehyung had not yet returned to the Kim Household.
Jeongguk had found him in the same green stretch, beneath the plum tree, asleep.
Jeongguk is awakened from his trance by a distant voice calling his name. He frowns, searching for the source of the voice and to his horror he finds Taehyung perched up on the tallest branch of the tree , waving at him.
"I asked do you want some plums, Your Majesty?",Taehyung shouts, giggling as he tries to collect the plums.
"Get down, Taehyung ", Jeongguk shouts back, running to stand on the ground beneath Taehyung's branch. To his chagrin, Taehyung starts walking towards the end of the branch in pursuit of his fruits.
"Careful" Jeongguk grits out, almost breaking in sweat when Taehyung nearly slips. Taehyung just giggles, "You do not worry, Your Majesty. I am an expert. I will get you the plums."
"I don't want plums, Taehyung. Get down this instant. This is an order", Jeongguk yells. Taehyung stops at that, grinning mischievously as he crouches on the tree, both his hands cupping his cheeks.
Jeongguk's eyes widen at the unheeding behaviour , he swears he will go bald from stress.
Taehyung remains blissfully ignorant, "Or what will you do, Your Majesty? You will have to come up and catch me to lock me up."
Jeongguk grits his teeth, "You are having too much fun, aren't you? You will not find this fun when I-FUCKING HELL, TAEHYUNG", Jeongguk shouts in terror when he sees Taehyung casually shrugging as he leans forward.
Taehyung laughs, when he falls in the warm embrace, "I was betting on your arms that have grown stronger, Your Majesty."
Needless to say, Jeongguk was fuming in anger. Taehyung's taunt referring to when Jeongguk had stumbled while catching Taehyung just like this and broken an arm was not helping.
"Ouch" Taehyung cries out when Jeongguk retracts his hand, leaving Taehyung to fall on the ground, "You broke my waist." Jeongguk just scoffs, walking past him. Yoongi just
wanted to go back to Jimin.
"You are always so serious, you need to unwind sometimes", Taehyung says, when he comes to sit beside Jeongguk near the lake.
Jeongguk just stares at the lake ahead. "If this is your idea of unwinding, I would rather prefer the ministers eating my ear off everyday", he says this, but there is a hint of smile on his lips.
Taehyung playfully nudges his elbow against Jeongguk, "You are saying you would prefer your ugly ministers over the opportunity of embracing this beauty."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes at the theatrics, "This beauty is proving to be too fatal for me." Taehyung grins, handing some pebbles to Jeongguk "If your pebbles go further than mine I will fulfil one wish of yours. You will fulfil mine if my pebbles go further",
Taehyung explains to him as he throws his first pebble. "This is ridiculous " Jeongguk scoffs.
"Your Majesty, are you afraid you will lose to me", Taehyung blatantly mocks him. It helps because in the second Jeongguk is muttering "You wish " as he throws his pebble.
I win" Taehyung says and Jeongguk jaws slacks, "You liar. Your pebble was nowhere near mine."
"I am no liar. My pebble was clearly way ahead of yours", Taehyung says, resolutely as he juts out his chin.
"Yoongi" Jeongguk shouts, "Whose pebble went further?"
Yoongi sighs, he is standing at a distance from the pair. He shouts back, "My apologies, Your Majesty. I was more concerned about any threats present in the surroundings and hence missed the opportunity to witness your pebble throwing."
Jeongguk doesn't miss the subtle jab.
He stares at Taehyung who has his head thrown back, laughing his heart out. Jeongguk smiles, shaking his head. He had conveniently walked into yet another mischief of Taehyung's.
It was not bad, Jeongguk realised. Sitting there beside the lake, enjoying the cool breeze
and hearing Taehyung's laughter was not bad.
"Here" Jeongguk says, when Taehyung has stopped laughing. Taehyung frowns , looking at Jeongguk's stretched hand to see a pair of earrings. He gasps, his lips stretching in a smile, "You did not."
Jeongguk shrugs. Taehyung looks at the earrings, then at Jeongguk, "You are telling me, the all so virtuous and upright Emperor stole a pair of earrings from a street shop?"
Well, the old man did piss me off with his slanderings" Jeongguk says. He adds after a while, "Yoongi has already compensated him."
Taehyung giggles, " Are you giving this to me?"
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow "I am with you right now, am I not?"
"Shouldn't you give it to your favourite consort?" Taehyung mumbles, although he takes the earrings.
"And who is my favourite consort?" Jeongguk feigns curiosity as he stares at Taehyung.
Taehyung shrugs, as he wears the earrings, "You would know."
"For someone who claims to have no interest in this marriage, you sure are curious about my favourites", Jeongguk teases him.
"As if "Taehyung mumbles to himself, touching the earrings he is now wearing.
"They look good on you", Jeongguk tells him. Taehyung can sense him staring but doesn't dare to look towards him.
"Thankyou," he whispers.
Jeongguk chuckles, "For someone so brazen, you sure get embarrassed easily".
"Shut your mouth", Taehyung says, only to gasp immediately, covering his mouth, "I didn't mean it , Your Majesty."
Jeongguk tugs his ear, a little harsher this time, eliciting a whimper from Taehyung, "Your ears say you are lying again."
Yoongi suggests they should leave when the sky starts to shroud in darkness. As they are walking past the field, Taehyung hears a noise from behind a bush.
"I think someone is in danger, Your Majesty" He whispers, grabbing Jeongguk's elbow to
make him stop.
Jeongguk frowns, trying to hear the noise. His eyes widen when he hears a moan, followed by loud screams of a woman and noise of skin slapping in tandem. He grits his teeth, wanting to walk past the obscene noises. However Taehyung stops him, "Shouldn't we help her?"
"She doesn't need your help, Taehyung", Jeongguk hisses, forcefully dragging him. "She is clearly screaming" Taehyung protests.
"For god sake, are you so naive?" Jeongguk grinds his teeth, when Taehyung holds his ground, refusing to be dragged.
"Is she not screaming?" Taehyung frowns.Those are screams of pleasure", Jeongguk grits out, as he grabs Taehyung's hand again. This time Taehyung lets himself be dragged, in shock.
"Do people scream in pleasure?" Taehyung whispers curiously when they are out in the marketplace.
Jeongguk glares at him, "Shouldn't you ask this from your mother or handmaiden?"
Taehyung frowns, "Aren't you my husband?"
Jeongguk is taken aback at the juxtaposition of shameless curiosity and embarrassment that embodies the man that is Kim Taehyung.
"Answer me", Taehyung insists when Jeongguk does not answer.
Jeongguk sighs, "Yes, Taehyung, people do scream in pleasure."
"The voice sounded painful to me though", Taehyung scowls, not believing.
Jeongguk's jaws tighten, "Do you want to experience yourself and see? I can arrange that for you."
Taehyung gasps loudly, smacking Jeongguk's arms, "Pervert. You want to sleep with me." It is loud enough that the crowd around them freezes, staring at Jeongguk as if they are waiting for Taehyung 's cue and they will beat him up.
Jeongguk swears he has never been this embarrassed in his life. "He is my husband", Jeongguk explains to them in a strained voice.
Jeongguk glares at Taehyung when they don't believe him. Taehyung laughs nervously, scratching his head. "He is truly my husband", he tells the crowd.
"I want to ask for a favour, Your Majesty ", Taehyung asks as they almost reach the palace gates.
"You are brave to make demands after embarrassing me like that", Jeongguk glares at the omega.
"This is a matter of life and death, Your Majesty", Taehyung pleads, lips pursing petulantly. "I am sure it isn't, but go ahead. What do you want?"
"I want your permission to keep the puppies with me in the palace" Taehyung sucks his teeth, waiting for the reply.
#taekookau
"Why would I do that? I don't like animals roaming around the palace", Jeongguk says.
"I swear they won't run around the palace, I will keep them in my garden. They won't bother you", Taehyung insists.
Jeongguk sighs, contemplating.
Taehyung adds, "You cannot deny you had a good time today, Your -" He stops himself when he sees Jeongguk's expression, mumbling, "Minus the crowd that I attracted and your character slanderings."
He reluctantly continues when the glare doesn't stop, "and when I jumped from the tree. But otherwise you cannot deny."
Jeongguk sighs, waving his hand, "You can keep it but make sure they don't pester anyone else". Taehyung nods, bowing several times.
Taehyung is practising his sword in his garden when he spots the Empress Dowager approaching him. He throws his sword, ducking behind a bush, holding his breath as he waits for her to walk past his chambers.
He lifts his head a little, peeking from behind the bushes after a while, he is relieved when he doesn't see her.
"Are you hiding from me?"
He shrieks, turning towards the voice to see the old lady towering him.
"I-I wasn't hiding. I was searching for something", he laughs nervously, as he stands up. Empress Dowager shakes her head, "You are grown enough to have a child of your own, Taehyung -ah. When will you stop your childish habits?"
Taehyung pursues his lips, looking down. If someday Taehyung has to bear Empress Dowager and his own mother together because of any unfortunate turn of events, he swears he will slit his own throat.
"I don't ever see you taking part in any activities of the palace. What do you even do, child?"
Taehyung looks at her, embarrassed, "I do take part in certain activities, Mother." "Like?" She asks, unimpressed. Taehyung remains silent.
She sighs, "Every consort is required to cook for the Emperor once in a while. I would love to see you do that, Taehyung."
Taehyung nods profusely, "I understand, Mother."
She hums, before clearing his throat, "I have told my servants to store your favourite dried persimmons in your rooms. Don't let the other consorts know." Taehyung beams, smiling from ear to ear, "You are the best."
"She spoils him herself, then she wonders why is he like that", Jeongguk mutters, as he observes them from a distance.
When Taehyung returns to his chambers, he has to grab So-ra's elbow to stop her. She has a blanket over her head ready to go out.
"Where are you going?"
So-ra looks at him confused, "To manipulate the documents and to strike out your name from the kitchen duty, My lord."
Taehyung sighs, lips drooping down,"Don't do that. I will cook."
So-ra gasps, almost losing her balance, "You will cook, Lord Kim? Are you alright?" Taehyung gives her a blank expression, "Yes I will cook and yes I am fine."
So -ra nods, still in shock.
The whole royal kitchen is in shock when they see Taehyung enter the kitchen the next day, a thick recipe book in his hand and a headband on his forehead.
"What does the Emperor like?" He asks one of the cooks as he slams the book on one of the counters.
"He isn't picky, Consort Kim, he eats everything" The cook says, nervously. Taehyung nods, closing his eyes as he opens a random page of the recipe book.
"Then we will cook", He says, pausing as he opens his eyes, reading the title, "bibimbap". He nods, grinning.So-ra and the cook look at each other with fear and uncertainty.
"First we need to cut the vegetables. Please bring me carrot, mushroom-" Taehyung frowns, when he realises the letters of the book are faded. So he announces, "and any vegetable that is available in the kitchen. Please bring it to me."
He refuses any interruptions from the cook or So-ra and the next few hours in the kitchen are filled with his words and the clanking of his utensils.
"It's not half an inch, we need exactly half an inch of vegetables."
"Rice smells a little weird but I think it's fine"
"I think it's burnt, My Lord", So-ra mumbles helplessly.
"A little bit of shell has gone in my egg but one won't even feel it in their mouth." So-ra nervously looks at the half egg shell mixed with the egg white and yolk.
"It says some paste but I can't read it, what paste do we have in the kitchen ?" He asks. The cook supplies, "We have garlic paste, hot pepper paste-"
"Bring it all"
Taehyung proudly looks at his creation when he is done, wiping the sweat on his forehead with his sleeves. "Serve it to the Majesty, I will wear fresh clothes and come." Unknown to him, the cooks and So-ra fight over who will serve this mess to the Emperor.
"Majesty, it is time for your lunch", Eunuch Cheo reminds Jeongguk. Jeongguk nods,
letting the Eunuch replace Jeongguk's study table with another table.
Jeongguk frowns when Eunuch Cheo accompanies So-ra as they bring his food.
"Why is Taehyung's handmaiden serving me food, Eunuch Cheo?" He asks when So-ra is gone.
Eunuch Cheo gulps. "Consort Kim has made food for you today, Your Majesty." Jeongguk drops the chopsticks that he had just picked, "Taehyung has made this?" Eunuch Cheo nods.
"Have you tasted it?"
"Ofcourse, Your Majesty. I am required to taste every food before it is served to you." "How bad is it?"
Eunuch Cheo bows his head, mumbling, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk frowns, "How is yes an answer to how bad it is?" He sighs, "Is it edible?"
Eunuch Cheo stays silent for a while before speaking nervously, "Yes, Your Majesty." Jeongguk cautiously picks a bite with his chopsticks, spewing it as soon as it reaches his tongue. "This is poison ", he coughs violently.
"Water, Your Majesty ", Eunuch Cheo immediately holds out a glass to him.
Jeongguk chugs the whole glass, "I will have your head for lying to me. I don't even serve this kind of food to my prisoners." Eunuch Cheo bows his head, apologising.
"Did you taste the food, Your Majesty?" Taehyung barges into the Chamber, grinning. The guards come apologising after him for his unannounced entry.
"I made it myself", Taehyung proudly announces as Jeongguk dismisses the guard."Do you like it?" He asks, coming to sit near the Emperor.
Jeongguk gulps, as he stares at Taehyung, the omega looks so proud and happy that Jeongguk doesn't want to ruin his parade. "It's good", he chooses to say.
"Let me taste" Taehyung grins, picking up a pair of chopsticks but Jeongguk slaps his hand, snatching the chopsticks, "No".
Taehyung scowls, rubbing his hand, "Why would you not let me taste my own food?" Jeongguk clears his throat, "You made it for me so it's my food. You cannot have it."
Taehyung huffs, standing up "So rude."
"Did you save some for me?" He asks So-ra when he comes out of Jeongguk's chamber. So-ra nods, nervously, handing him the bowl. Taehyung smiles, picking a big bite with the chopsticks , putting it in his mouth.
He spits it out as soon as he tastes it, keeps spitting until the taste does not go away. "This is awful", he spits out, wondering how Jeongguk did not throw it away the first thing. He immediately turns back to run to Jeongguk's chambers.
"Why did you lie to me?" He says as he barges in again. The emperor has chopsticks in one hand and a glass of water in another.
"I tried it, it's horrible", he says, walking towards Jeongguk. "Why did you say it was good?"
Jeongguk smiles, keeping down his chopsticks and glass. "You looked so proud, I didn't want to hurt you. And it's not that bad."
Taehyung makes a gagging noise, "It's poison. I wouldn't even give this to my enemies."
Jeongguk laughs, "Good to know you don't consider me your enemy."
Taehyung shakes his head at the ridiculous remark, coming to sit next to the Emperor. "Here, try this. I didn't make this", He says, passing a dish to the Emperor.
Jeongguk nods, as he takes a bite. He smiles, "Mm, finally something I can digest without water."
Taehyung laughs, embarrassed. 'He pretends to be intimidating but he is actually a puppy', Taehyung thinks as he stares at Jeongguk.
His smile drops when he hears Eunuch Cheo gasps and sees Jeongguk's narrowed eyes. "I said it out loud , didn't I?" He half cries half mumbles.
"I will take my leave before you call your guards", He whispers, cautiously standing up and slowly backing away before he runs out of the door.
"He called me a puppy", Jeongguk says.
"I will get you the stress med-" Eunuch Cheo stops, mouth hanging when he sees the Emperor smiling ear to ear as he eats his food.
"Your Majesty, Lord Namjoon wants to see you", Eunuch Cheo informs him. Jeongguk frowns, wondering what important matter did Namjoon have that couldn't wait till tomorrow morning."Send him in"
"Your Majesty", Namjoon kneels, bowing his head.
"Please stand up", Jeongguk tells him. "What is so urgent, Namjoon, that you had to come here at nightfall?"
Namjoon stands up, handing a bunch of scrolls to Eunuch Cheo who then passes them to Jeongguk.
"Your Majesty, as you instructed I was looking at the number of pleas that come from the common mass and the number that ultimately passes to you. These are a few of the recent pleas that the Ministry of grievances never intended to pass to you-
As you can see, they contain serious allegations of corruption against some officials and serious infrastructural problems in the city that need to be addressed urgently."
Jeongguk nods, looking at the scrolls, "They are saying, the drainage system has not been functioning properly. If this isn't remedied , we might face flooding. " Jeongguk grits his teeth, "And such important information was not passed to me."
Namjoon bows his head, "Your Majesty, I have gone through these scrolls but it is pertinent that before taking any action in the court you go through these personally as well."
Jeongguk sighs, nodding, "How many of these scrolls are there?"
"Approximately, 60 , Your Majesty. Those 60 contain some serious allegations and grievances they should have passed to you."
Jeongguk's tongue pokes his inner cheek, "I will go through them, Namjoon. You can leave now."
He glances at Eunuch Cheo when Namjoon leaves, "Carry these scrolls and other necessary things to Taehyung's chambers."
"Consort Kim? But lord, Consort Choi is to spend the night with you today", Eunuch Cheo asks in confusion.
Jeongguk glares at the Eunuch ," Did you not listen to Namjoon, Eunuch Cheo? Do you think I have time to spend the night with a consort when I am flooded with such an important matter?"
Eunuch Cheo shakes his head , apologising. "But Your Majesty, then why do you want to go to Consort Kim's Chamber?"
Jeongguk sighs, "Because I don't want the ministers to suspect what I am doing. If I refuse to see a Consort without any reasons it will stir rumours."
Jeongguk closes his eyes. Eunuch Cheo speculates either the Emperor is constipated or in pain when he speaks next, "And what better place than Consort Kim's Chamber to do my work without getting disturbed." Eunuch Cheo almost wants to ask if he wants to be disturbed.
"So-ra, how much time will it take?" Taehyung grunts, his eyes are closed and two pieces of cold cucumber slices are placed on them. His head is hanging out of his bed while his legs are planted against the wall.
"Just a moment, My Lord. Once I put this paste on your skin, your face will glow better than the moon", So-ra says as she mixes the paste in a bowl.
Taehyung scoffs, "I am only doing this because you are so adamant about it. I don't care whether my face glows."
So-ra scowls at the hypocrisy, "My lord, weren't you the one who came from the Emperor's chamber in the afternoon , looked at your face in the mirror and cried how the Emperor saw your dull face?"
Taehyung grits his teeth, stretches his hand to smack her in the head, "What kind of nonsense are you spewing?"
So ra, pouts, rubbing her head, thinking 'I was only saying what you said', but doesn't say
it out loud.
Taehyung folds his arms across his chest, "I don't care about the situation or condition the Emperor sees me in. Why would I care? I don't care."
"Good to know, because the way you are splayed on your bed right now looks very unsightly to me"
Taehyung falls from the bed in shock, removing the cucumber slices to see Jeongguk standing at the entrance. He slowly puts the cucumber in his mouth, chewing on it.
Jeongguk closes his eyes in disgust, "Seriously?"
Only when Taehyung gulps down the cucumber slices, that his initial shock and embarrassment subsides. He turns to look at So-Ra but she isn't in the room, only Jeongguk stands at the door.
"I dismissed your handmaiden", Jeongguk tells him.
"Coming in a Consort's chamber without announcing yourself is not very proper, Your Majesty", Taehyung mutters, standing up from the floor as he dusts off his hanbok.
Jeongguk has a hint of a smile on his lips. He flicks his head, his tone feigning curiosity when he speaks, "I was just curious to see what my un-consort-like consort does in his chambers when he is not creating mischief outside."
Taehyung makes a face, ironing out his hanbok with his hands, "Now that you have seen me , Your Majesty, I assume that you will be leaving?"
#taekookau
Jeongguk clicks his tongue, "You will have to tolerate me for a while, Taehyung. I have some work to do and I have found your chambers to be the best place to do the work."
Taehyung looks at him, confused, "Apologies, Your Highness, but your chamber is ten times better and spacious than mine. Why would you want to work here?"
Jeongguk snaps his fingers and Eunuch Cheo enters followed by a few servants, each carrying a bundle of scrolls in their arms.
"This work is urgent and confidential. I don't want any disturbance or suspicion. Nobody would disturb me while I am spending the night at a Consort's chambers. Likewise, there is nothing to arouse suspicion."
Taehyung grits his teeth, waits for the servants to put the scroll and leave. "Your Majesty, you are leaving a Consort officially scheduled to spend the night with you to come to my chambers. Do you not know what it would imply?"
Jeongguk casually shrugs, walking towards Taehyung. He stops in front of him, leaning to whisper, "People will think I am favouring you." Before, Taehyung could react when the King moves past him, going to sit behind the study table.
Taehyung glares, turning towards Jeongguk, " You will throw me in the quagmire of harem politics."
Jeongguk lifts his head to stare at Taehyung, "There was a time I would do anything to protect you from palace politics, Taehyung. However ,I think you are old and wise enough to handle it."
Taehyung huffs, fisting his palm as he trudged to sit next to Jeongguk , "I don't understand. You could have gone to some other Consort's chamber. Why me?"
Jeongguk shrugs, "Other Consorts would try to please me and potentially end up disturbing me more than helping me". He sighs, picking up a scroll as he opens it to read, "You on the other hand I believe do not have such intentions."
Taehyung huffs, blowing air from his mouth to remove the single lock of hair that falls on his eyes, irritating him. "Why would I please you? I will consider you like an invisible ghost." He swallows, before adding, "Your Majesty."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, but does not remove his eyes from the scroll he is reading , "Do you realise adding 'Your Majesty' after your sentence does not cover up for your impudence?"
Taehyung pouts, looking towards the scroll Jeongguk is reading. "Those aren't very short readings", He mutters, looking around to see the bundles of thick scrolls, "And there are a
a lot of them", he observes.
He opens a scroll himself, scrutinising it, "Do you want me to read them and make a detailed summary for you?"
This catches Jeongguk's attention as he turns his gaze away from the scroll to stare at Taehyung. He smiles at the way the omega is biting his lips, his eyebrows frowned and eyes focused on the scroll.
"Well, this is confidential work, Consorts aren't supposed to meddle in it" Jeongguk says. Taehyung's eyes widen, he snaps his head to stare at Jeongguk. "I had no idea, I will keep it away", he says, about to bind the scroll again when Jeongguk softly interrupts.
"But you don't consider yourself my Consort, do you?"
Taehyung looks at Jeongguk, confused. Jeongguk's lips tug up as he turns to stare at his scroll again, "If you want to make the summaries you better hurry up, this is an urgent work after all."
Taehyung grins, nodding his head, as he reaches for the quill and parchments, "I will make an immaculate summary. You wouldn't need to look at these scrolls."
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow but keeps smiling as he reads his scroll, "I thought you didn't intend to please me."
"I am doing it solely because I am bored", Taehyung mutters, already engrossed in his scroll.
Jeongguk glances towards Taehyung after he is done with three scrolls. He finds the latter writing on the parchment with eyes focused and tongue peeking out from his mouth.
Jeongguk smiles, his eyes crinkling as he stares at the omega.
It is only after a while that Taehyung realises that Jeongguk's eyes are on him. He retracts his tongue and clears his throat. He keeps his eyes on the scroll as he mumbles, "Why are you staring?"
"Can't I stare at my husband?" Comes Jeongguk's quick reply.
Taehyung purses his lips, his neck and cheek flushed red, "Only if you have all the time in
the world, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk chuckles, shaking his head as he picks up the next scroll, "Then I will admire your beauty some other time."
Taehyung glares at Jeongguk, suspecting that he is mocking him for his peeking tongue and squinted eyes earlier, but doesn't say anything.
Your Majesty", Taehyung says after a while.
"Yes?" Jeongguk asks, eyebrows furrowing in concern.
"I read this grievance over the drainage system in the South"
"Oh yes " Jeongguk interrupts him, "I know it is urgent, I will direct my men to repair it immediately."
Taehyung shakes his head, whispering when he speaks, "I don't think it is that simple." "What do you mean?"
"I was passing through that area once, about three months ago. The construction work was ongoing at the drainage site, so I commented on it and my friend remarked about how the construction has been going on for months. -
I did not think much of it but now that I am reading this grievance, I wonder how the drainage has still not been fixed after so many months."
Jeongguk rubs his palm over his face, closing his eyes, "Taehyung at this point I am more concerned about what you were doing in the South?"
Taehyung gulps, waving both his arms, "I don't think that is important." Taehyung continues when Jeongguk stares dagger at him, "I don't go there. It was only one time. I promise. And I was only passing by."
Jeongguk sighs, "If what you are saying is true then something bigger is going on the drainage site, under the guise of construction. I am guessing the construction is being used to siphon funds. I will need to look at the financial records."
Taehyung sucks his teeth, "There is another important detail." "That is?"
Taehyung bites his lips, speaking cautiously, "My friend said that the construction activity is
favouring him, so he doesn't have any complaints."
Taehyung shakes his head. Jeongguk quickly grabs Taehyung's wrist that was sneaking towards his sword. He raises an eyebrow at the weird behaviour.
Taehyung laughs nervously, "I am just trying to keep it away from you , so you don't do anything in impulse that you would regret later "
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, growling, "What does this friend of yours do, Taehyung?" "He did. He doesn't do now. "
"Well, what did he do?" Jeongguk hisses.
Taehyung speaks, voice barely audible, "He was a smuggler."
Jeongguk slaps his palm over his face. "My husband hangs out with smugglers" Jeongguk laughs, devoid of any humour.
"At this rate I would die of stress before I grow old", He cries out. "I don't know whether to worry more about the potential smuggling racket that you inadvertently discovered or worry about the way you discovered it."
"Not the latter", Taehyung whispers, earning a piercing glare. Jeongguk clears his throat, straightening up, "You are not to go anywhere without a guard from now on."
Taehyung whines, "In ordinary situations I would be rewarded for giving you such vital information."
Jeongguk glowers at the omega, grinding his teeth, "In ordinary situations you wouldn't be my husband and I wouldn't be so ", Jeongguk stops himself, jaws clenching, "Be glad I am not cutting your allowances."
"You can say you are concerned about me, I won't bite you", Taehyung mumbles. Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "You want to add 'Your Majesty' ?"
Taehyung purses his lips, staring at his scroll, "No, I want to be impudent today."
Jeongguk's eyebrows jump at the attitude, " You are angry at me for what? I should be the upset one, not you."
Taehyung huffs, jutting out his chin as he reads his next scroll. Jeongguk shakes his head, picking another scroll himself.
#taekookau
Taehyung is bored after his 10th summary, he stretches his hand, yawning.
"Are you sleepy?" Jeongguk puts down his own scroll, staring at him. Taehyung puts his hand over his mouth, yawns again, nodding, "Can I ask you to do something, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk frowns in confusion, "And what would that be?"
Taehyung bites his lips, contemplating before pushing some blank parchments towards Jeongguk, "Would you put your seal over them?"
Jeongguk's stares at him, eyes popping out, "Do you know what you are asking for, Taehyung?"
Taehyung nods, his eyes big and glimmering, "Can you not do it for your husband, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "You are asking me to put my Emperor's seal on blank parchments, Taehyung. I cannot do that as your husband, I can only do that as an Emperor. And as an Emperor why would I ever put my seal on blank parchments?"
Taehyung holds Jeongguk's hand, "Or Your Majesty, you can trust me as a husband and put the seal as an Emperor. I promise, I would never use them in any way that you wouldn't approve of."
Jeongguk sighs, squeezing Taehyung's hand, "You are telling me to allow you to use these parchments in the way you like and to trust that you won't misuse them."
Taehyung nods his head with a vigour.
"You aren't giving me much to reply upon", Jeongguk says.
Taehyung bites his lips, contemplating, "You will have to trust me on this, Your Majesty." His shoulders droop when Jeongguk gently retracts his hand from his hold, only to straighten up when Jeongguk takes out his seal.
He watches with big eyes and breath hitched as Jeongguk puts his seal on the parchments. The emperor folds the parchments when he is done, turning towards Taehyung.
"I am giving you something that could disrupt the Kingdom if misused. As a husband I trust you enough to give you the power to usurp the Emperor's throne. This is the amount of trust I place in you, Taehyung."
Taehyung swallows,the weight of parchments suddenly feels heavy in his hands, "I wasn't going to use it for anything big. You don't have to use such heavy words and scare me, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk shrugs, "You have casually asked for something that no one would even dare to think about. And I casually gave you something that I would give to no one. You should be aware of the burden of your demand."
Taehyung takes a deep breath, "I am aware, Your Majesty. It is only that the light is dim and half your face is shrouded in darkness, your words are giving me nightmares."
Jeongguk chuckles, leaning to whisper in Taehyung's ears, "One of the lessons that I was taught while growing up was about a foolish king who put his seal on a blank scroll for his brother and was ultimately usurped by a coup by that very brother."
Taehyung's breath stutters, as he stares at Jeongguk, " A coup? I would never-" Jeongguk puts a finger on his lips , shutting him. He says, "If you usurp my crown, I won't mind serving you."
Taehyung hiccups. "Is it allowed for an Emperor to talk about his own coup? I can hear Eunuch Cheo crying" Taehyung mumbles against his finger.
"Maybe not", Jeongguk whispers, "It is only that the light is so dim and half your face is glowing under the incandescent of the flickering candle, it is giving me nightmares." Taehyung slaps Jeongguk's finger away, "Are you mocking me, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk yawns, ruffling Taehyung's hair much to the latter's annoyance, "No, you are just so naive, Taehyung." Before Taehyung could reply Eunuch Cheo asks for permission to enter.
"You may enter " Jeongguk commands.
Eunuch Cheo comes from behind the door, bowing, "Your Majesty, if it is time for you to retire to the bed, should we help you undress?"
Jeongguk waves his hand in dismissal. "Do not worry about that Eunuch Cheo. I have my husband here with me. I am certain he would help me. Wouldn't you, husband?" He says, looking at Taehyung.
Taehyung sputters, nodding his head despite the shock, "Of-ofcouse, Your Majesty." He stares at Jeongguk, eyes wide when Eunuch Cheo leaves, "Why-why do you need my help to undress?"
Jeongguk frowns, tilting his head, " Weren't you so insistent about us being husbands a few moments ago? Are you not even going to help your husband get out of this heavy attire?"
Taehyung narrows his eyes, eyeing Jeongguk with scepticism, "Are you just trying to vex me, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk closes his eyes, placing his hand on his chest, feigning heart ache, "If helping me vexes you, dear husband, I will not bother you."
Taehyung gasps, leaning towards Jeongguk, removing his hand from his chest. "I will help you. You don't need to be so loud", He says, looking towards the door in worry.
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, "Did you just imply I was being dramatic?"
Taehyung grumbles, "Were you not?" He clears his throat, speaking loudly this time, "You will need to stand up, Your Majesty. So that I can help you."
#taekookau
Taehyung fumbles with the waistband on the Emperor 's robe, cheeks flaming red as he feels Jeongguk's intense stare casting his face. Jeongguk places his own hand on Taehyung's, helping him unbuckle the belt when the latter struggles.
Taehyung's gaze flickers towards the Emperor , freezing when their eyes meet. He swallows when he finds Jeongguk's gaze move from his eyes towards his lips.
He clears his throat when the belt unbuckles, falling in his hands, he moves to place the belt on the nearest table.
He ducks his head, fiddling with the knot on the Emperor's robe, his neck flushed red. He breathes out in relief when the knot comes undone and he quickly disrobes the
Emperor. He is quick to unfasten other garments that the Emperor wears under the royal robe.
He takes in a sharp breath, when he tugs on the string of the white hanbok. He sees the contours of Jeongguk's muscles peeking as the robe parts. He swipes his tongue over his bottom lips, a red hue blooming on his face when he realises he unfastened Jeongguk's undergarment in-
a hurry. The shame only grows when Jeongguk speaks, a teasing lilt in his tone , "I sleep well in my undergarments. However, if my Consort desires, I am ready to sleep in nothing."
Taehyung snaps his head to glare at him. "No need, I will tie it again", He mumbles, fingers gripping the string of the robe again. However, Jeongguk holds his hand, stopping him. "But I prefer it this way now. Do you not?" The Emperor whispers, a smile playing on his lips.
Taehyung retracts his hand from Jeongguk's hold, stretching his fingers, unconsciously, "I prefer nothing."
"I figured that when you tried to strip me off my undergarments".
Taehyung's eyes widen at the remark, his words comes out in a stutter as tries to explain-
"I meant I don't have any preference regarding-". Jeongguk places his thumb against his lips, shushing him, "I know. I was just teasing you. "
Taehyung grunts, moving away from the Emperor, a sense of shame still shrouding his mind.
"Do you need my help in undressing?" Jeongguk asks.
Taehyung is quick to shake his head, "Unlike you, I am capable of undressing myself, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk chuckles, walking towards the bed. "The addition of 'Your Majesty ' at the end of your sentences becomes more and more futile", He says sitting on bed. He places his hands on the bed, lazily leaning back as he tilts his head, staring at Taehyung.
Taehyung has a hard time focusing everywhere except the chiselled muscles of Jeongguk's stomach that shine golden with the reflection of the light.
"A-are you going to sit there and stare at me while I undress?", He exclaims when
Jeongguk's stare remains persistent.
Jeongguk frowns, "Are you going to strip naked, Taehyung?" Taehyung sputters at the indignant question, "Certainly not." Jeongguk shrugs, "Then I don't see a problem?"
Taehyung grumbles. "But I do", He says, moving behind the tall wooden structure in the corner of his chamber, meant to provide privacy.
When he comes out, Jeongguk is still sitting on bed. "Do you intend to sit like that all night, Your Majesty?" He asks, climbing on the bed, moving past the King to lie down in the opposite corner, his back facing the Emperor.
"I was waiting for you. But you seem to be in a hurry to sleep", Jeongguk says. Taehyung drags the blanket till his chin, closing his eyes. He senses the bed beside him dip and the room sheathes in darkness.
His breath turns erratic when he feels the warm breath against his neck and an arm, encircling his waist.
"What are you doing, Your Majesty?" He whispers.
"Embracing my husband. Does this make you uncomfortable?", the reply is whispered against his neck.
Taehyung gulps, his heart pounding at the closeness. However he makes no effort to move as he whispers, "No".
When Taehyung wakes up, Jeongguk is already gone. Taehyung wastes no time in getting ready, his mind screaming the list of tasks he had to complete today.
"I wish to see, His Majesty", He tells So-ra when he is done with his breakfast.
"The Emperor is busy, My Lord. If it is urgent I can go request Eunuch Cheo", So- ra informs him.
Taehyung waves his head, "No, I can see him later. Is he busy with court duties?"
"No, My Lord. He is busy with his sword practice", So-ra says.
Taehyung's ears perk up suddenly. "It is actually urgent. I need to see him", He says,
getting up. So-ra urges him that she will go and request his presence but he insists on going himself.
So-ra is confused when her Lord just stands at a distance from the ground, watching the Emperor fight with the Kingsguard, instead of announcing his presence.
"My Lord, shouldn't you-" She shuts up when Taehyung shushes her loudly, intently staring at the fight.
Taehyung chews on his bottom lip as he appreciates Jeongguk's sword skill, watching in daze. He claps, mouth hanging in awe when Yoongi falls on the ground, with Jeongguk's sword aimed at his throat.
Jeongguk's eyes snap towards Taehyung, at the clap, his eyebrows dragging up in surprise when he sees the omega staring.
Yoongi uses the moment of distraction to attack Jeongguk's leg, making the King fall. The Kingsguard is swift to get on his feet, pointing his sword at the Emperor.
Jeongguk takes the towel from Eunuch Cheo, dabbing the sweat and dirt on his face and neck. Eunuch Cheo places another large towel on his shoulder as he walks towards Taehyung.
"You surprised me", He says, his lips tugged up in a smile as he drags the towel across his chest.Taehyung swallows, eyes fixated at the Alpha's toned muscles, glistening with sweat.
He wills himself to look away, coughing, "I wanted an audience with you. I did not know you were busy in your practice. My apologies for intruding, Your Majesty."So-ra blinks rapidly at the outright lie.
Jeongguk chuckles, "I certainly do not mind your intrusion". He turns to nod in the direction of Eunuch Cheo, "Please escort Taehyung towards our garden, I will change and come."
Taehyung sits on the bench, admiring the beauty of the Emperor's private garden. He plucks a lily, placing it behind his ears. He purses his lips, admiring his reflection in the water kept in a vessel on the small table, for the Emperor to wash his hands.
"Plucking flowers in the Emperor's Garden without permission is punishable." Taehyung startles at Jeongguk's voice, raising his head to see the Emperor walking towards him, now cladded in his usual royal robe.
Taehyung lifts his hand, about to throw away the flower when Jeongguk interrupts again. "However I realise that it looks better on you than in my garden."
Taehyung flushes, retracting his hand on his lap, "I did not know about this rule, Your Majesty",
"You knew, Taehyung. You just intended to throw it before I arrived."
Taehyung presses his lips in a thin line, but doesn't say anything. The accusation was true after all.
"What did you want to talk about?" Jeongguk asks as he sits on the bench beside Taehyung, his little finger brushing against Taehyung's. Taehyung shifts a little to put some distance between them only for Jeongguk to shift towards him, closing the distance.
Taehyung turns his head to glare at the Alpha only to find him already staring. "What are you doing, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk leans in, whispering in Taehyung's ear, "I don't tell this to anyone but the royal physician has advised me that taking in the fragrance of lavender with a tinge of sandalwood would do wonders for my heart."
Taehyung scowls, "The royal physician advised you to take in fragrance that is oddly specific to my scent. No offence, but I do not believe this absurdity, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "Taehyung, you spew lies and nonsense left and right every day. Do I call you out?"
Taehyung opens and closes his mouth, unable to string together a coherent sentence to defend himself.
"Thought so", the Emperor says, jutting chin towards the ground, "Now if you don't want to fall on the ground, stop shifting."
Taehyung looks behind him, and finds himself at the edge of the bench, he looks back at Jeongguk, nodding.
"What did you want to talk about?" Jeongguk asks again. Taehyung becomes attentive at the question, sitting straight, "I was informed that you would visit the Royal family that oversees the territory in Gaegyeong, today."
Jeongguk nods, "It is a regular visit, a symbolic gesture to strengthen our ties. " "You usually take First Consort Park with you."
Jeongguk frowns, "Yes, because she is my first wife and that is the tradition. "
Taehyung sighs, voice turning into a whisper when he speaks next, "I know, Your Majesty. But if you are intending to overhaul your whole court, the biggest challenge in your path is Prime Minister Park. -
I understand that you are working towards diluting his power in the court, but you cannot overlook Consort Park's power in the harem."
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, his lips tugging up, "I don't remember sharing my intentions about overhauling my court with you, Taehyung."
"If you are planning to investigate the allegations of corruption mentioned in those scrolls, you will be directly attacking the most powerful ministers in your court. You don't take me as a fool, do you, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk laughs, throwing his head back, "If I considered you a fool Taehyung, I wouldn't be handing out sealed blank parchments to you." He stares at Taehyung, when he has stopped laughing, " What are you suggesting, then?"
Taehyung breathes in, " I figure you would discuss this with the King of Gaegyeong, on your visit. Although, you might be able to avoid any suspicions from First Consort Park on your own, isn't it better if I accompany you, instead."
Jeongguk smiles, "You replacing Consort Park on this visit, wouldn't change the hierarchy in harem, Taehyung."
Taehyung stares at Jeongguk, " This visit is a first step in the direction of changing that hierarchy. Now that you have thrown me in this political game, you do not expect me to scrape at the bottom, do you, Your Majesty."
Taehyung jerks back involuntarily when Jeongguk suddenly leans in, stopping himself
when he remembers he is already on the edge.
Jeongguk's breath fans against Taehyung's lips when the Emperor speaks, "With that ambition of yours, it seems I would be the one calling you 'Your Majesty' in a few days".
"I have no such intentions", Taehyung mumbles, conscious of the closeness between them.
"I don't mind", Jeongguk smiles, leaning away, "Although I am curious about how you intend to change the hierarchy ".
Taehyung clears his throat, "I cannot tell you that. However, I will be on my way to execute my plan once you agree to take me to Gaegyeong."
"I do not have any qualms, taking you with me Taehyung. We just need a good excuse to give the Park family for breaking an age long tradition."
Taehyung nods. "I have a list of work I need to do today, Your Majesty. I leave the excuse making to you", He says before getting up, bowing and taking his leave.
Jeongguk blinks, sitting on the bench, mumbling to himself, "Did he just give me an order and leave?"
twitter.com/taegguk_love/s…
"So-ra, are we still getting those letters asking for my help", Taehyung asks his handmaiden when he enters his chamber.
So-ra nods, "Absolutely, My lord. There is a whole pile I am yet to burn."
Taehyung waves his hand, "Don't burn them. Help me sort them out, if there are requests from other consorts that I can fulfil , I want to see them."
So-ra looks at him, confused, "But why suddenly, My Lord? What would you gain by fulfilling their request?"
Taehyung gives her a small smile, " Even a small debt in the palace goes a long way. I need to indebt these consorts as much as I can so that I can ask for repayment when the time comes."
So -ra nods, in understanding, eyes wide. She had never seen her Lord strategizing like this before. "I will sort the letters and bring them to you, My Lord."
"For now, I would only need two or three of them. Make sure no one apart from you knows about this."
So-ra bows , taking her leave to fetch the letters.
Taehyung enters the office that deals with the matter of internal court. As soon as his eyes meet with one of the officials, the latter ducks down behind his desk.
"I saw you, Hoseok", Taehyung says, sitting on the other side of the desk.
Hoseok, the official, gives him a nervous smile, as he sits straight, "Consort Kim, to what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you here today?"
Taehyung smiles, pushing a scroll towards him, "Here are some requests I would like to make. Do not fret, it is not much. For now."
Hoseok cautiously takes the scroll, reading it , his expression indicates that he is on the verge of crying, "Consort Kim , you helped me that one time. And I am forever indebted to you for that. That is why when your handmaiden comes to request for illegal things like removing-
your name from kitchen duty or manipulating the dates for your consummation nights or sending out a letter outside the palace without inspection, I have readily done those, although by placing myself in danger. -
Now, you are requesting me to do that for other people, if I get caught the Emperor will have my head. I am not even the head official here, it is certain that I will get caught."
Taehyung nods, circling his finger in the air, "What is this place, Hoseok?" Hoseok stares at him wondering if he is actually supposed to answer the absurd question or its rhetoric. "Entertain me", Taehyung says.
"This office manages the affairs of the harem, Consort Kim", Hoseok replies.
Taehyung nods, "In other words, you sit behind this desk all day, preparing schedules of consummation nights and various tasks that consorts are supposed to do.-
If the First Consort requires you to make changes, which we all know aren't very minor, you make the schedule all over again. Then you get it approved by the King and repeat the process again for the next schedule. If not this, then you are inspecting letters-
of the Consorts, which lets be honest are utterly boring to read. My question is, after securing third place in the entrance examination, do you deserve to sit in this place as a mere official all your life, Hoseok?"
Hoseok gives him a tight lipped smile, voice low in shame when he speaks, "Are you rubbing salt on my wound, Consort Kim? You know how my feud with the Minister of Public Affairs led me to almost getting kicked out from the palace. -
It was you and your brother who were generous enough to assign me this office." Taehyung nods, "I am not rubbing salt on your wound Hoseok. I am saying, if you do not want to sit in this office all your life, I can help you.-
I acknowledge how hardworking and intelligent you are, you deserve to sit in the King's court, not rot away in this place . "
Hoseok's eyes widen, "Not to offend you, Consort Kim. However , how can you help me get a place in the court? You are not the First Consort and Lord Namjoon's place in the court is always at risk due to the greedy Ministers. This is why I don't understand how you can help me."
Taehyung gives him a small smile. "Well, I assure you we are both working on cementing our positions in the palace. But, while we do that and find a way to make a place for you in the court, I will give you something to be happy over" Taehyung says, taking Hoseok's quill to-
write on a blank parchment.
Hoseok stares at the parchment with horror, he can feel the cold sweat forming on his forehead, he cautiously looks around to see if anyone is looking towards them. "Consort Kim, this-this is a blank parchment with the King's seal on it."
Taehyung hums, continuing to write, "And I am writing your name on it."
Hoseok stares at him in terror, "You are not just writing my name on it Consort Kim. You are making me in incharge of this place. Do you even have permission from the Emperor?"
Taehyung shrugs, "If I go and give this parchment to the current in-charge , do you think he would go to the Emperor and seek the veracity of it? Do you think he would dare question the genuineness of the Emperor's seal and the Consort who brings it to him?"
Taehyung blows on the wet ink, "Hypothetically, if such a thing happens. Do you think the Emperor would admit handing out seals with blank parchments and having no idea about this? He would have to admit that it was on his orders."
Hoseok swallows, "Even if he admits, wouldn't he have your head afterwards?" Taehyung clicks his tongue, "One time I stole the Emperor's sword and sneaked into his private garden to practise with that very sword-"
Hoseok sputters, "You -you are the one who stole the sword that caused so much havoc in the palace?"
Taehyung grins, pointing his finger proudly at himself , "The one and only." He looks at Hoseok, raising an eyebrow, "Do you know what he did?"
Hoseok stares at him, uncertain, "At that time, the rumour was that they beheaded the thief."
Taehyung tilts his head, "Does my head look like it was beheaded?" Hoseok shakes his head.
Taehyung smiles, "He merely cut my allowance for that crime. Do you think he would have my head for merely replacing an official?"
Hoseok shakes his head, mouth slacked open.
"So now", Taehyung drawls, "Are you going to help me adjust these requests or not?" Hoseok nods, "Ofcourse, Consort Kim."
"Please call me Taehyung" Hoseok, nods shakily.
"My Lord, it is time for your travel to Gaegyeong, His Majesty is waiting for you", So-Ra
informs him as he is going over the rest of the letters in his chamber.
Taehyung nods. "Have you arranged my luggage for the journey?" He says, keeping the letters in two neat piles.
"The luggage has already been sent to be kept in the carriage, My Lord."
Taehyung nods. "Please keep these letters in a secure place", He says as he gets up to go meet the Emperor. So-ra immediately gets to her task.
"Your Majesty ", Taehyung bows as he walks towards Jeongguk.
Jeongguk acknowledges him, "We will stay there for a night and come back the next morning."
Taehyung nods, in understanding.
He looks over to see a petite figure, adorned in silk robe and gleaming jewellery walking towards them. 'First Consort Park Chae-Won', he thinks. Taehyung dislikes very few people, however she manages to stay at the top of his list every year.
Taehyung hates her sickly sweet smile and high pitched voice. As far as his memories go, Park Chae-won was always that annoying girl , obsessed with Jeongguk. Her father was the Prime Minister so she would always be at the palace, throwing her self all over Jeongguk.
At a very young age, she had announced that she would marry the crown prince. And with her father's influence and the imminent need to stabilise Jeongguk's throne after the death of the previous Emperor, she was indeed married to the crown prince.
On one hand he pitied Jeongguk for having to bear her annoying habits they had once shared their laughter over. On other hand, he thought Jeongguk deserved this for refusing to see Taehyung all these years.
"Have you thought of an excuse, Your Majesty, because it seems like you will need one", Taehyung mumbles, gesturing towards Chae-Won.
Jeongguk frowns, "Do you think I have time to think over what excuse to make to a consort, Taehyung?"
Taehyung shrugs as Chae-Won gets closer, "Then you better make one at the spot, Your Majesty."
Before Jeongguk could say anything, Park Chae-Won greets them, "Your Majesty, She bows.
"I was told that Consort Kim will be accompanying you to Gaegyeong instead of me. Has this subject done anything to upset you, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk stares at Taehyung with a hint of helplessness, the latter just turns his head the other way.
Jeongguk coughs, "You have not done anything, Consort Park. When Taehyung was born the seer told his mother that if he did not go on an annual journey outside the palace, his family would suffer misfortune.-
The seer was not someone trivial. That is why I decided to take Taehyung with me on this journey."
Consort Park seems like she wants to say something but instead she shuts her mouth, "Then I would understand, Your Majesty."
"Did you just steal my excuse that you once called pathetic, Your Majesty?" Taehyung laughs, as they walk towards the carriage.
"It is still pathetic, Taehyung. Good thing, that I am an Emperor and nobody would dare question me", Jeongguk smiles, as they stop in front of the carriage, stretching his hand for Taehyung to take.
Taehyung stares ahead, ignoring the hand as he uses the handle on the carriage to climb. He takes his seat, peeking out from behind the curtain, offering his hand to Jeongguk.
Jeongguk chuckles, holding his hand as he climbs on the carriage.
Half-way through the journey, Taehyung falls asleep, his head jerking left and right from the lack of support. He glances at Jeongguk through the sleepy haze and tries to lean on the shoulder only for the Emperor to move away.
"I thought you wouldn't need my shoulder like you didn't need my hand", Jeongguk teases him. Taehyung groans, grabbing Jeongguk's elbow to drag him towards himself, placing his head on the Emperor's shoulder, sighing in content.
Jeongguk is himself almost asleep when Taehyung jerks awake, hitting Jeongguk's chin
with his head. "Did we already cross Gwangju? We have to try the famous prawn dish in the region", -
He exclaims, parting the curtain to examine whether they left Gwangju, ignoring the Emperor's yelp of pain.He calms down only when one of the guards tells him that they are yet to reach Gwangju.
He sits back in his seat when he senses the piercing glare directed towards him.
He smiles nervously, turning towards Jeongguk. "Is it hurting too much, Your Majesty?" he says, rubbing Jeongguk's chin with his index finger.
Jeongguk narrows his eyes at the faux care, , "You are just worried I won't let you eat that dish" .
By the time they reach Gaegyeong, the sky turned black and their carriage was full of souvenirs that Taehyung collected from all the regions they passed, mostly in the form of some edibles.
Taehyung observed that the Royal Family in Gaegyeong was very warm in their welcome. After the dinner, Taehyung enjoyed talking to the Consort of the King in Gaegyeong while Jeongguk was busy with the King.
She was a pleasant woman and Taehyung was amazed by her skills in embroidery. She was hesitant but thrilled about Taehyung's opinion of showcasing her artwork in the marketplace.
After they returned to their chamber, Jeongguk and Taehyung resumed their duty of reading the rest of the scrolls.
"Is their response positive towards what you are planning, Your Majesty?" Taehyung asks in the middle of reading a scroll.
Jeongguk nods, "The Royal family in Gaegyeong has always been loyal to me. I wouldn't expect anything else."
Taehyung hums, "The Consort mentioned that there is a hot spring in this palace, known to have healing properties , accessible to no one but you."
Jeongguk glances towards him, "There is. What are you implying?"
Taehyung puts down his scroll, poking Jeongguk on his arm, "Aren't you going to enjoy the
hot spring before we leave for the palace tomorrow?
Jeongguk takes the scroll that Taehyung kept away, pushing it in his hands, "No, I have a lot of work to do."
Taehyung puts the scroll on the table again, placing his chin on Jeongguk's shoulder as he whispers, "How about you allow me to enjoy that hotspring?"
Jeongguk turns towards him, his face only a hair's breadth away from Taehyung's as he whispers back, "No one but the Emperor is allowed in that place."
He frowns when he sees the mischievous glint in Taehyung's eyes, only realising the cause when Taehyung dangles the locket that has the imperial symbol carved on it infront of Jeongguk's face.
"Taehyung" Jeongguk warns, checking his waistband where the locket was supposed to be
, now empty. He tries to snatch the locket when Taehyung giggles moving away.
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, grabbing Taehyung's ankle, dragging him towards himself. Taehyung gasps, as he finds his back on the floor, his ankle in Jeongguk's hold.
"Let me enjoy the hot spring", He whines, gripping the locket tightly, stretching his arm beyond his head.
"Do you know the punishment for stealing the imperial seal?" Jeongguk growls, hovering over him as he grabs his wrist.
Taehyung shakes his head, clutching the locket tightly, "I am not stealing it. I am just borrowing it so that the guards would let me enter the hotspring."
Jeongguk grabs his fist, opening one finger at a time, "If you don't hand it to me right now, I will-"
Taehyung yelps in pain, interrupting him, "You are crushing me". Jeongguk startles, quickly rolling off him in concern, only for Taehyung to swiftly get up on his feet.
"Apologies, Your Majesty", He giggles, making a run towards the door.
"Taehyung" Jeongguk yells, following him, outside the door. He raises his hand, stopping the guards who were ready to run after Taehyung, "He is mine to catch."
Taehyung runs towards the garden, looking back over his shoulder to see Jeongguk
following him. He giggles, running faster, jumping over the bushes instead of taking the clear pathway.
He stops only momentarily when he is at the gates of the garden, hurriedly showing the seal to the guard to let him in. He looks back to see Jeongguk closing in on him, and as soon as the guard gives him the permission he snatches the seal , running inside.
He runs across the garden but as soon as he reaches the edge of the large hotspring, a hand grabs his elbow. Taehyung whines, turning back to see Jeongguk, "Please let me enjoy the hot spring. This was my late father's last wish."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, grabbing Taehyung's elbow, dragging the man towards himself. Taehyung gasps, hands unconsciously going towards Jeongguk's chest to stabilise himself.
"Your father's last wish was for you to tone down your mischief ", Jeongguk whispers, encircling his arm around Taehyung's waist, pressing him closer. Taehyung's eyes widen, his hands clutching the fabric of Jeongguk's robe, "What are you doing, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk's warm breath fans Taehyung's face when he speaks, "Now that I have caught you, I need to ensure that you don't run away again."
Taehyung flushes at the close distance, his neck and cheeks burning red. He doesn't meet Jeongguk's eyes when he speaks, "Why do you have to be so miser and keep the hotspring all to yourself?"
Jeongguk chuckles and they are so close that Taehyung feels the vibration in his chest, "Is that so? I wouldn't want my consort to think of me as a miser. Please go ahead and enjoy the hot spring."
Taehyung blinks, confused, "Are you certain, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk nods, removing his hands from Taehyung's waist, "Go ahead, Taehyung." Taehyung grins, looking back at the hotspring then at Jeongguk. He bows, "I am grateful, Your-" He stops himself, mouth parting in horror when he sees Jeongguk, unfastening his waistband.
Taehyung watches it fall on the soft ground before Jeongguk proceeds to untie the knot on
his robe. "What-what are you doing?"
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, " Were you expecting to enjoy the hotspring alone, husband?"
Taehyung wants to scream 'yes' but that would be too shameful even for him so he shakes his head.
Jeongguk disrobes his red royal hanbok, casually dropping it on the ground, "Aren't you going to undress then?"
Taehyung watches the robe fall on the ground, "Are you supposed to drop the royal robe on the ground like that?"
Jeongguk stares at him, a mischievous smirk adorning his lips, "Or else? Are you going to punish me, Your Majesty?"
Taehyung sputters, eyes wide with ridicule, "What are you even saying?" He hesitantly, adds after a while, "Your Majesty."
Jeongguk smiles, "There is no wooden structure to give your privacy here, Taehyung. If you want to enjoy the hot spring, you better start undressing."
Taehyung narrows his eyes, staring at the Emperor "I will", he says, pulling the string of his hanbok, parting it open as his eyes remain locked with the Emperor. Jeongguk stops undressing himself, instead intently staring at Taehyung.
Taehyung swallows, as he drops the last fabric of his outer clothing, now standing in the thin white hanbok, serving as the undergarment. However, Jeongguk 's heavy gaze makes him feel like he has stripped bare.
Jeongguk chuckles, "See. That wasn't so difficult, was it?" Taehyung rolls his eyes, deliberately staring at Jeongguk as the Emperor resumes undressing himself.
His eyes grow big in panic when Jeongguk shrugs off his last hanbok, standing in front of him with his bare chest and trousers.
"You did not have to remove your undergarment", Taehyung mutters. Jeongguk shrugs, "I would loathe to get them wet."
"Shall we?" Jeongguk asks, jutting his chin in the direction of the hotspring, as he moves towards Taehyung.Taehyung nods shakily, stepping back as the Emperor comes closer.
He gasps, mouth opening in a silent scream as his feet slip at the edge. Before he could fall in the hotspring, Jeongguk grabs his wrist.
"Thankyou" Taehyung whispers, only for Jeongguk to release his hand, making Taehyung fall in the water with a splash.
Taehyung coughs as he swims to the surface, his nose stinging from the water he accidentally inhaled. He grumbles, dragging his palm on his face to wipes the water. "You" He grinds his teeth, glaring at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk crouches down near the edge, tilting his head as he smiles, "No adding 'Your Majesty' ?."
"I will kill you", Taehyung yells, trying to grab Jeongguk's leg only for the latter to move it away, with a nonchalant comment, "That is treason".
Taehyung places his palm on the edge of the hotspring about to get out when Jeongguk whistles. "Do you really want to get out in that condition?" Jeongguk says, dragging his eyes towards Taehyung's chest.
Taehyung frowns, looking down, gasping when he sees his white hanbok sticking to his skin , now fairly transparent. He falls back into the water, only his head out as he glares at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk swipes his tongue over his bottom lips, moving towards the edge again, slowly descending into the water.
"You-Don't come here", Taehyung shrieks, swimming backwards.
"I have no interest", Jeongguk says, stretching his arms against the boundary of the hotspring, immersing himself in the water. Taehyung looks at him with scepticism but relaxes when the Alpha shows no indication of moving.
He allows himself to enjoy the perfect temperature of the water, gazing at the moon that shines unusually brighter today. He frowns, when he glances towards Jeongguk and finds the place empty.
"I was lying" Taehyung inhales sharply as Jeongguk whispers, in his ear, now behind him. Taehyung turns towards him, eyes narrowed, "I didn't know you were such a jester, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, trying to close the distance as Taehyung moves back, "Did you not?"
Taehyung swallows nervously when his back hits the boundary of the hotspring.
Jeongguk closes the distance between them, leaning to whisper in his ear, "Do I make you nervous , Taehyung?"
Taehyung's eyes fall at the Alpha's broad shoulders and the water droplets sliding on the skin. He gulps, dragging his eyes away to stare at the beautiful stretch of garden, shining silver under the moonlight.
"I am not nervous", Taehyung says. He gasps when Jeongguk grabs his jaw, forcing him to look at the Alpha.
"Then look at me", Jeongguk says, hand sliding to cup Taehyung's cheek, his thumb caressing the skin.
He releases a shaky breath as his eyes meet Jeongguk's dark orbs.
"Do you see the garden around us?" Jeongguk whispers, his eyes unwavering from Taehyung. Taehyung nods, glancing at the beautiful stretch once again.
"I used to think, immersing myself in this water while gazing at the myriad of flowers bathed in the silver light of the moon was the most amazing experience."
Taehyung stares at him, swiping his tongue over his bottom lip, "The garden is indeed breathtaking, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk chuckles, "It is. However, as I stare at you bathed in the same silver light, I think the garden pales in comparison ". Taehyung breathes sharply, a red hue painting his cheeks. He doesn't miss Jeongguk 's heavy gaze that shifts between his eyes and lips.
"That is-" Taehyung starts to say but stops with a breathless sigh when Jeongguk presses him against the wall.
Taehyung stills, breath awaited as Jeongguk closes his eyes, leaning in. The emperor smiles, opening his eyes when his lips meet Taehyung's cheek instead of his lips. He places his arm against the boundary, stopping Taehyung as the latter tries to move away.
"Your punishment for stealing the seal is that you are not allowed to move away from me",
Jeongguk mumbles against his cheek and Taehyung closes his eyes at the sensation.
Jeongguk leans away, moving beside Taehyung. Taehyung stays, aware of their shoulders brushing against each other, Jeongguk's lips still lingering on his skin. A silence falls between them but Taehyung hears the pounding of his heart loud and clear.
"They say, the garden is haunted. If you close your eyes you can hear the scream of the handmaiden who drowned in this hotspring", Jeongguk casually says, breaking the silence.
Taehyung snaps his head towards him, glaring daggers, "Now you are trying to scare me, after-" Taehyung stops, trying to conjure words, "After-"
"After trying to kiss you?"Jeongguk completes for him, smiling proudly. Taehyung glowers at the Emperor.
Jeongguk raises his hand in defence, "I am not joking. Look over there", he says, pointing at a tree, "that tree is swaying even when there is no air."
Taehyung hesitantly looks at the tree, cowering when he watches the branches sway in the otherwise still garden.
Jeongguk stretches his arms. "Sitting closely like this is making me hot", he says, about to move away. Taehyung grabs his elbow, shaking his head "Where are you going? Stay here with me".
Jeongguk looks at him, eyes big, "I thought you wanted me to move away."
"That was before you showed me that tree", Taehyung hisses, glaring at the Emperor.
Jeongguk smiles in content, placing his arm around Taehyung, "Don't worry. Nothing will happen to my consort, till I am here."
Taehyung shirks the hand from his shoulder with a grunt.
"If someone tries to grab your ankle under the water, just hold onto my arms" Jeongguk whispers. Taehyung gulps before taking Jeongguk's arm, putting it around his shoulder again. Jeongguk smiles , closing his eyes.
"Have you ever brought another Consort here?" Taehyung breaks the peaceful silence that has stretched between them.
"No. Nobody knows about this place except you", Jeongguk answers, his eyes still closed. Taehyung frowns, "But it was the Gaegyeong Consort who told me about this place.
Surely, she would have told-"
he stops speaking when he realises that she must have told him about the place because Jeongguk told her to. He grits his teeth, eyes narrowed,
"So you deliberately told me about this place. You knew I would want to come here. Then why did you pretend to stop me in the first place?"
Jeongguk smiles, "Because, Taehyung. Chasing you is fun."
Taehyung slaps his hand on the surface of water in anger, moving away from Jeongguk.
"Careful! That is the direction in which the handmaiden drowned"
Taehyung stops, staying where he is as he glares at the Emperor who has his eyes closed, relaxing in water. "You are unbearable."
Taehyung enters their chamber after the handmaidens have helped him get dressed. He finds Jeongguk lying on the bed, his arms folded against the back of his head.
He stares at the bare chest of the Emperor, pressing his lips in a thin line. "I thought you slept well in your undergarments, Your Majesty", He mutters, walking towards the opposite end of the bed.
Jeongguk eyes him, smiling, "Yes, I used to. But you have given me a new perspective, I like this better now."
Taehyung rolls his eyes, toeing off his shoes to climb on the bed. "You better not try to embrace me like that", He says, lying on the bed, his back facing Jeongguk.
"As you command, Your Highness", Jeongguk says, his tone giving away that he is beaming. Taehyung wants to retort but the drowsiness takes better of him as he just sighs, burrowing his head in the pillow.
Jeongguk stretches his hand towards the side table, pinches the wick of the flaming candle between his thumb and index finger, shrouding the room in darkness.
Taehyung frowns when he feels the breath tickling his nape, warmth radiating from his back. "I told you not to-" Taehyung starts but Jeongguk interrupts him. "I am not embracing you, am I?"
'No, you are just so close that you are mumbling your words against my neck' Taehyung wants to say but he chooses to ignore, closing his eyes.
Taehyung squints his eyes in irritation when the sunlight falls squarely on his face. He groans, changing his position, turning to the opposite side when his hand meets a warm body. He opens his bleary eyes, freezing when he finds the Emperor lying beside him, facing him.
He swallows, lifting his head to look at the Emperor's face, sighing in relief when he finds his eyes closed. He bites his lips , staring at the beautiful features.
Taehyung knows and acknowledges how good looking the Emperor is, there was no reason 5 year old Taehyung used to run after the older but for his doe eyes and bunny smile.
As he stares at the long eyelashes, the pouty lips and the tiny mole beneath his lip he wonders how anyone could look so breathtaking so early in the morning.
He lifts his finger gingerly touching the mole beneath his lips. When Jeongguk doesn't stir, he becomes bolder, tracing the pink lips with his finger. He slides his finger down, caressing the mole on the Alpha's neck.
When he figures Jeongguk is sound asleep, he lifts his hand, cautiously splaying his palm on the Alpha's chiselled stomach. His eyes widen at the firmness of the muscles, he traces the contours of the skin, eyes gleaming with admiration. In his defence, he was curious.
He slides his hand towards the Alpha's chest, when a deep, raspy voice startles him. "I see you are enjoying yourself."
Taehyung gasps, snapping his head to stare at the Alpha like a deer caught in the
headlight. Jeongguk grins, pinning Taehyung's shoulder against the bed as hover over him.
"Is it fair, my kiss is rejected but you are allowed to do whatever you want?" Jeongguk whispers, staring into Taehyung's wide eyes that are yet to recover from shock.
Taehyung looks away from the Alpha, colours rising in his cheeks. "Unlike you I wasn't doing anything inappropriate."
Jeongguk pinches his chin, turning his face towards him. "So, touching my bare skin is not inappropriate?" He whispers and Taehyung shakes his head. Taehyung's breath hitches, when Jeongguk's hand hovers over the knot of his hanbok, pulling the string.
"Then you wouldn't mind me doing the same?" Jeongguk stares at Taehyung, raising an eyebrow. Taehyung takes a shaky breath, his heartbeat echoing in his ears. He swallows, giving a subtle nod.
He tries to be nonchalant about it but fails, when Jeongguk parts the hanbok, his calloused hand slipping under Taehyung's cloth. Taehyung bites his lips, his hair strands rising as Jeongguk caresses the soft skin of his stomach.
He clenches the bedsheet beneath him as Jeongguk traces his navel with his finger, caressing the skin around the seams of Taehyung's touser.
He feels Jeongguk's gaze locked on his face, taking in the subtlest of his expression. The realisation alone makes breathing difficult for Taehyung. His mouth parts, eyes growing big when Jeongguk's hand slides towards his chest, his finger barely brushing Taehyung's nipple.
"If I kiss you now, will you reject me again", Jeongguk whispers, leaning in, his lips grazing Taehyung's. Taehyung's tongue remains frozen, his breath laboured as his eyes lock with Jeongguk.
"If you don't answer, I am going to kiss you", Jeongguk mumbles and Taehyung just stares at him, mouth parted, but nothing comes out. Taehyung's fist clenching the bed sheet loosens, his eyes fluttering shut when Jeongguk leans in.
"Your Majesty, May I enter", Eunuch Cheo's voice comes from behind the door. Something
snaps inside Taehyung, as he pushes Jeongguk off him, sitting upright on the bed, pulling together his hanbok tightly.
"Someone is losing his head today" Jeongguk growls, climbing down the bed, to walk towards the door. He corners Eunuch Cheo against the wall as soon as he opens the door, a dagger on the Eunuch's throat. "One reason, I shouldn't slit your throat."
Eunuch Cheo cries, lips wobbling, "Your Majesty, I just came to wake you up, fearing we might get late-"
Jeongguk places his finger against his own lips, indicating the Eunuch to shut up. He puts away the dagger, "Go in the corner and face the wall. Count till 1000."
Eunuch Cheo gasps, "Your Majesty ", shutting up when Jeongguk glares at him. He walks towards the corner, crying, looking back at Jeongguk to plead but instead gets a deathly glare.
"Do you want to do sit-ups while you are at it?" Jeongguk growls.
Eunuch Cheo whimpers , facing the fall, as he starts counting. Taehyung rolls his eyes, shaking his head.
"My mind was hazy in the morning", Taehyung mutters, as they are riding the carriage back to the palace. He deliberately sits on the opposite corner of the carriage, away from Jeongguk. However the space is so limited that it doesn't make any difference.
"Before the knock on the door or after that?"Jeongguk teases him. Taehyung glares at him, fisting the silk handkerchief that Gaegyeong Consort had embroidered for him as a parting gift.
The journey proves to be excruciatingly painful for Taehyung. Sitting in such a closed space with the Emperor and the accidental brushing of their knees and arms, only brought the memories from the morning.
He cursed himself for being so affected, for still feeling the lingering remnants of Jeongguk's touch on his skin. So, as soon as they landed in the palace, Taehyung was the first to climb down, running towards his chamber.
Jeongguk grins, watching his Consort run. "I had no idea he was so shy", he mumbles, glancing at Eunuch Cheo. Eunuch Cheo, just keeps his head down, he did not want to risk getting in trouble again.
"Jimin is coming?" Taehyung exclaims, eyes big, his legs already jumping from enthusiasm.
So-ra nods, beaming, "Yes, My Lord. He sent the message this morning."
Taehyung grabs her shoulder, shaking her, " You have to go to the kitchen and tell them to cook his favourite dishes." He gasps, scratching his head, "I don't have any gift prepared for the little Eun-woo. What should I do?"
"Do not fret, My Lord. I already sent some guards to buy toys for the little one", So-ra tells him proudly.
Taehyung smiles, patting her head, "You little genius."
When Jimin arrives, Taehyung is already standing in the garden , waiting for him. "Come to uncle tae tae", Taehyung calls in a baby voice, cooing at the little boy in Jimin's arms.
The little boy giggles, making grabby hands. "He remembers you" Jimin smiles, as Taehyung holds the baby in his arms
"Ofcourse, he does, he isn't like his father", Taehyung says in an animated voice, kissing the baby's chubby cheeks.
Jimin smacks Taehyung's arms, following him inside his chamber, "I heard you went on a little trip with the Emperor , how was it?"
Taehyung clears his throat, "It was fine", he says, although Jimin does not miss the red hue adorning his cheeks. Taehyung makes the baby sit on the table, showing him various toys.
He glances at Jimin, "Tell me about yourself. Since the man named Min Yoongi has befallen upon you, you have become a recluse in your house."
"Stop being mean to him. He is a wonderful mate" Jimin says, relishing his favourite chicken dish.
Taehyung waves his hand, "I know I know. I admire him for bewitching the most sought after Kisaeng in the Kingdom who cannot stop producing his babies now."
Jimin rolls his eyes at the teasing, "And I love doing that." Taehyung grimaces.
"You yourself love babies. When are you planning to forgo your grudge and make your own with the Emperor?" Jimin wiggles his eyebrows.
Taehyung pretends to gag, "That was years ago. I don't want any babies. " Jimin scrunches his nose, "Liar."
Taehyung ignores him, narrowing his eyes, pointing his finger towards Jimin's neck, "Is your neck ever not decorated from bruises?"
Jimin chews on his food, proudly baring his neck, "No. I love them."
Taehyung makes a face, "Do they not hurt?" Jimin shrugs, "Maybe a little. But-"
"You love them", Taehyung shakes his head. Jimin nods, grinning.
"Listen, I have a request", Jimin says, now sitting straight. Taehyung frowns, "What request?"
"Next week, Yoongi hyung and I will travel to my village. My father has sent a message that my mother is ill. You know how arduous the journey is, we won't be able to take Eunwoo with-
Taehyung raises his hand, smiling. "Say no more. Uncle Tae wants nothing more than to spend more time with little Woo" He gasps, dramatically, making the kid laugh.
Jimin chuckles, "And you say you don't like babies."
"Eunwoo is an exception ", Taehyung speaks through his pouty lips, squishing the baby's cheeks. He looks at Jimin, "I also have a request to make."
Jimin nods, "That is?"
Taehyung takes a deep breath, " I want you to keep a record if any consort tries to sneak in or sneak out any messages."
Jimin's eyes widen, "Taehyung-"
Taehyung interrupts him, "I know you are still well connected to everyone at the Kisaeng house. You cannot deny you can get your hands on any information you want."
Jimin smirks, "It is true. I have all the information", he lowers his voice when he speaks
next, "I even know the Emperor is huge down there, "Jimin says, eyes dragging towards Taehyung's crotch.
Taehyung grits his teeth, placing his hand on Eunwoo's ear, then on his eyes, "You are shameless."
Taehyung sways Eunwoo in his arms, showing him the colourful flowers in the garden while Jimin is busy eating inside. "The Emperor 's garden is much bigger than this one. But he is a miser, so only he gets to enjoy it ", Taehyung says, in a baby voice, pointing at the red roses.
"Bad mouthing me, when I so generously let you enjoy my hotspring"
Taehyung wheezes, closing his eyes. One of these days he should learn to look around before speaking ill about the Emperor. He slowly turns towards Jeongguk.
"Is this Yoongi's child?" Jeongguk smiles, touching the baby's nose with his finger. Taehyung nods, eyes crinkling as he smiles, "Look at him. His chubby cheeks resemble Jimin while his cat-like eyes are from Yoongi. Isn't it?"
Jeongguk nods, a smile ghosting on his lips, " For someone who doesn't want to bear children, you sure love them."
Taehyung huffs, "I like them when I don't have to push them out of my body."
"Apologies, Your Majesty, Minister Song is waiting for you", A servant intervenes. Jeongguk glances towards the servant, nodding.
He stares at Taehyung, leaning in and Taehyung breath hitches. His neck burns in embarrassment when Jeongguk kisses Eunwoo's cheek.
Jeongguk raises his head, gaze fixed on Taehyung as he leans again. Taehyung tries to appear unaffected this time but fails when Jeongguk whispers in his ears. "I hope our children get those beautiful eyes and bread cheeks of yours." Jeongguk kisses his cheek.
Taehyung stands in the garden, swaying Eunwoo, devoid of any thought longer after the Emperor leaves. He brings his hand to his face, touching his cheek. He frowns "Children? What did he mean by children? Does he expect more than one?"
Taehyung keeps glancing at the door, frowning when it's late and Jeongguk still has not arrived in his chambers. He contemplates whether to go and see the Emperor himself.
He convinces himself that it is important for him to see the Emperor because of the summary he was making to help Jeongguk.
With a determined expression, he enters Jeongguk's chamber.
"Do you need something, Taehyung?" Jeongguk asks, fiddling with the parchments spread on his table as he sits behind his desk.
Taehyung clears his throat, "I was wondering why you weren't visiting my chamber today." Jeongguk lifts his head to stare at him, smirking, "Why? Do you miss me already?"
Taehyung narrows his eyes,"Nothing like that, Your Majesty. As a responsible man-" He grits his teeth when Jeongguk snorts, "I was preparing summaries for you and I don't like leaving my work in the middle. Since I have scrolls left to complete, I thought I would come see you."
"Ah" Jeongguk nods on understanding, "You don't have to worry about the scrolls. I completed reading them earlier this evening.The last few scrolls were not so detailed."
"Oh" Taehyung, mumbles. He glances towards the huge bed, "So who are you spending your night with?"
Jeongguk eyebrows rise at the unexpected question, he shurgs, "I don't know. Some consort?"
"It is Consort Song, Your Majesty ", Eunuch Cheo supplies.
"Consort Song, it is then", Jeongguk sighs.
Taehyung does not know why he suddenly feels so restless, he curls his fist, "Does it mean anything to you?"
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, confused, " I don't understand, Taehyung."
Taehyung takes a deep breath, "Does it not bother you to share your bed with someone else after you" He stops, sighing, "After you-" he stares at Eunuch Cheo, pressing his lips in thin lines.
Jeongguk glances in the direction of Eunuch Cheo. The Eunuch understands, bowing and taking his leave.
"After I?" Jeongguk says, as Euncuh Cheo leaves. Taehyung glares at him, "You know ".
"I truly don't "
Taehyung bites the insides of his cheeks, "After you tried to kiss me."
Jeongguk cracks a smile. "Which you brutally rejected. Twice", Jeongguk says standing up, trudging towards Taehyung.
Taehyung growls, "What matters is you tried to kiss me, told me how beautiful I look and now you are ready to share your bed with someone else. Why bother so much if you can have anyone with a snap of a finger?"
Jeongguk stands infront of him, hands locked behind his back, "Can I have you with a snap of my finger?"
Taehyung scoffs, "What difference does it make if it is me or any other Consort?"
Jeongguk pinches Taehyung's chin, tipping his head up, "I have a duty towards my other consorts. If I share my bed with them, it is because I have to fulfil my obligation.
You are not my obligation, Taehyung. My actions towards you are not because I am obligated. I tried to kiss you because I wanted to. That is the difference."
Taehyung swallows, cheeks flushed, as he stares at Jeongguk. "As a matter of fact", Jeongguk whispers, "I have never tried to kiss anyone before." Taehyung inhales sharply, the information makes his stomach churn.
He turns his head away from Jeongguk's grip, looking to his side, "So" he starts, "are you saying you don't want to share your bed with Consort Song?"
Jeongguk pokes his tongue inside his cheek, smiling, "If I had a choice." Taehyung clears his throat, "What if-" he glances at Jeongguk, "What if I stay here
instead." He hurriedly adds, " I am saying it just because I would hate to see you in misery."
Jeongguk smirks. "Right", he drawls out. "But I wouldn't want you to become a target in the eyes of other Consorts", Jeongguk says, feigning concern.
Taehyung narrows his eyes, "Didn't you already do that when you came to my chamber that night and when we went on the trip to Gaegyeong?"
He huffs. "If you wish to share your bed with Consort Song, I don't have any complaints", He grumbles, turning away from Jeongguk about to walk out of the door.
Jeongguk grabs his elbow, pulling him closer, pressing himself against Taehyung's back. "The only one I wish to share anything with, is you, Lord Kim", Jeongguk whispers, lips touching Taehyung's ears.
Taehyung looks down, fiddling with his hands. "Since you are so miserable, I would stay here tonight, Your Majesty ", Taehyung mumbles.
Jeongguk presses his lips in a thin line, appalled by the audacity of the man to first act jealous and then call him miserable. "I would be honoured ", Jeongguk mutters.
Taehyung coughs, turning to face Jeongguk, "However you cannot try anything inappropriate."
Jeongguk chuckles, " Since you seem to have a very subjective definition of what you deem inappropriate, you will have to educate me."
Taehyung purses his lips at the taunt, moving past Jeongguk, "I am sleepy. I seek your permission to retire to bed, Your Majesty."
Before Jeongguk could say anything, Taehyung walked behind the large curtain.
Jeongguk clicks his tongue, flicking his head, "At this point 'Your Majesty ' feels like an insult."
Taehyung is sitting on the bed applying the salve that So-ra had prepared for him on his arms when the Emperor parts the curtain. Taehyung drags his eyes towards Jeongguk's
chest which the latter doesn't miss an opportunity to show off these days.
"Are you already done with your readings, Your Majesty?" Taehyung says, putting away the salve as he lies down on the bed.
Jeongguk shrugs, climbing on the bed to lie close to Taehyung, facing him, "My mind is distracted today. I will complete the readings tomorrow."
Taehyung feels Jeongguk's gaze on his face as he himself eyes the ceiling. "Alright", he mumbles. His eyebrows jump when Jeongguk's face hovers over him. "What?" He exclaims.
"Nothing" Jeongguk mumbles, "I am admiring your beauty, is it inappropriate?"
Taehyung stares at him, " It isn't". He bites his lips, contemplating before he slowly speaks, "Is it true that you have never kissed anyone before?"
"Why would I lie?" Jeongguk whispers, his warm gaze fixed on Taehyung. "Why?" Taehyung breathes out.
Jeongguk's glaze flicker towards his lips, a smirk on his face, "Never found a mouth, I wanted to shut so bad."
Taehyung grunts, narrowing his eyes, "Stop teasing me."
Jeongguk stares in his eyes, his thumb tracing Taehyung's bottom lip, tugging it down. "Never found someone's lips so tempting before", he whispers.
"You are privileged enough to have any lips you want", Taehyung swallows. Jeongguk chuckles, feeling the softness of Taehyung's lips beneath his thumb "Not privileged enough to have yours." His eyes meet Taehyung, "Am I?"
"No you aren't", Taehyung mumbles, stifling a smile.
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, pulling away from Taehyung, "You are heartles-"
Jeongguk's words end up in a sigh as Taehyung cups his face, pulling him closer, pressing their lips together.
"Or maybe you are", Taehyung murmurs against their lips, eyes shut. Jeongguk hums, lifting his hand to caress Taehyung's cheek, slotting their lips together again. "You are a menace", Jeongguk whispers between the kisses, tilting his head to deepen the kiss.
Taehyung melts in the warmth of Jeongguk's mouth, his stomach filling with butterflies. He parts his lips when Jeongguk's tongue prod his lips, gasping when his tongue locks with Jeongguk's.
His hand leaves Jeongguk's face to softly tangle in Jeongguk's hair, pulling the alpha closer. Taehyung moans when he feels the caress of Jeongguk palm on his chest, the Alpha's finger toying with his nipple.
Jeongguk groans, tugging on Taehyung's bottom lip as he breaks the kiss . His mouth finds Taehyung's jaws, leaving a trail of wet kisses, down to his neck. His hand slides towards Taehyung's ass, roughly squeezing it.
He sucks on Taehyung's neck, nibbling on the skin while his hips rolls against Taehyung 's crotch.
Taehyung's eyes fly open at the overwhelming sensation, his hand flails in panic and he ends up pushing away Jeongguk while stumbling off the bed himself.
He cries out in pain when he hits the ground, his waist throbbing. "Ah! It hurts so much." Jeongguk scrambles to climb down the bed , rushing towards Taehyung, "Where?"
Taehyung rubs his waist and ass, glaring at Jeongguk, "It is all your fault. " Jeongguk bites back a grin. "You consented to the kiss, did you not?"
Taehyung scowls, mumbling, "I consented for the kiss not to-" He swallows his words, crying out loud, "It hurts and it's your fault".
Jeongguk shakes his head, "Turn over, let me massage your waist. It will soothe the pain."
Taehyung eyes Jeongguk suspiciously before sitting with his back towards Jeongguk, "Don't try anything."
"Yes, Your Majesty", Jeongguk smiles, placing his palm on Taehyung's waist, pressing his thumb in a circular motion.
"Yes, do it just like that", Taehyung finds himself relaxing. "A little downwards ", he directs. Jeongguk nods, sliding his hand to where Taehyung points.
"Be a little gentle, you are being too harsh", Taehyung complains and Jeongguk's mind spirals towards something else.
Taehyung yelps in pain, turning to glare at Jeongguk , "Why are you pushing so hard? I told you to be gentle."
Jeongguk blinks, silently lifting his hands to hold Taehyung's face , turning it away from him. "You be quiet for a while, I will do my job", Jeongguk mutters, placing his hands again on his waist, soothingly rubbing it.
Taehyung moans, "It feels good." Jeongguk grits his teeth, pushing Taehyung away as he stands up, "You are doing it deliberately at this point. I am not giving you any massage."
Taehyung scowls, glaring at Jeongguk, "I was just praising you. What did I do?" Jeongguk sighs, dragging his palm over his face, "Just come and lie down on the bed."
Taehyung pouts, "I am still in so much pain. All because of you. And you won't even give me a massage."
Jeongguk grinds his teeth, face red , "Just come lie down and be quiet. I will give you a massage."
Taehyung grins, climbing on the bed with a whimper, lying down on his stomach. Jeongguk sits beside him, massaging his waist.
"Do you really not want me to tell you how good it feels?" Taehyung asks.
"You reserve that for later", Jeongguk groans. Taehyung frowns, confused, but doesn't say anything.
When Taehyung comes out of Jeongguk's chamber in the morning, he has an inkling that the guards and servants outside the door are eyeing him.
He doesn't mind them but when he spots So-ra, walking towards him, grinning with a mysterious glint in her eyes, Taehyung's eyebrows furrow. "What makes you so happy in the morning?"
So-ra giggles, looks cautiously around them before lowering her voice, "Don't act so oblivious, Lord Kim. The palace is abuzz with rumours about how you were screaming last night."
Taehyung's eyebrows furrow in confusion," Yes, because I was in pain. What are you so happy about?"
So-ra smirks, nudging her arms against his, surprising Taehyung with her behaviour, "Weren't you enjoying it too, Lord Kim?"
Taehyung starts to think that she has lost her mind, at this point, "Don't you see how I am limping because of the ache? What is there to enjoy?"
So-ra giggles, "Now you are just showing off."
It is only when he is resting in his chamber later and Jimin comes with a teasing smirk painted on his face and eyebrows wiggling as he comes to sit beside Taehyung, and says,
"The rumour is that you were begging the Emperor to go gentle on you yesterday", that Taehyung starts to connect the dots.
He swears he has not been this embarrassed since his first cry in this world. If Jimin's incessant teasing was not enough even after Taehyung explained everything to him, So-ra comes giggling with a small container in her hand.
"The Emperor is so thoughtful, Lord Kim. He sent you medicine for the pain", She says with a bashful expression.
And if all of this wasn't enough, he gets a letter from his mother in the afternoon asking him to see her. Taehyung knows she has heard about the rumours and is only calling him to prod more information from him. Basically, to ask him whether Jeongguk knotted him.
Taehyung cannot refuse to see her because she has shamelessly written in her letter how sick she is. He knows she isn't but the tradition demands that he as a filial son go see her.
When Jeongguk chooses the exact moment to grace him with his presence,the only thought running in Taehyung's mind is that if he goes down he will not go down alone.
"Are you better now?" Jeongguk asks, voice laced with concern as he enters inside Taehyung 's chamber.
Taehyung nods, folding the letter in his hand, placing it in the drawer of his desk as Jeongguk comes to sit beside him.
"You look exhausted", Taehyung observes as he turns towards Jeongguk. He places his finger between the Emperor's eyebrows, smoothing out the frown.
"I am", Jeongguk says, taking Taehyung's hand in his own, pressing his nose against the omega's cheek. "The court is suffocating", he breathes out, leaving soft kisses on Taehyung's cheek. Jeongguk is about to kiss on his lips when Taehyung places his palm against his mouth.
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, pulling away. "I thought we were past this stage?"He mumbles against Taehyung's palm.
Taehyung nods, removing his hand from Jeongguk's mouth, "We were but then you made me fall-"
Jeongguk grits his teeth, "You fell yourself ".
Taehyung continues as if he didn't hear him, "So your kissing rights were retracted. But-" , he leans closer to Jeongguk, staring into his eyes before his gaze slowly drags towards his lips, "You can have it back if you fulfil one wish of mine, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk chuckles, his hand grabbing Taehyung's jaw, forcing his lips in a pout. "Easy there, tiger", He whispers, "I know that look on your face."
Taehyung frowns, wondering what kind of face the man is talking about. Jeongguk pulls him closer, eyes narrowed, his breath fanning Taehyung's lips when he speaks again, "I know you like the back of my hand, Taehyung.-
And right now, I am certain that you are planning some mischief."
Taehyung scowls, jerking his face away from Jeongguk's hold. "I have no such plans", he grumbles.
"That expression", Jeongguk says, circling his finger in the direction of Taehyung's face, "it's the same expression you made before you were about to run from our wedding-"
"For the last time.I wasn't running away", Taehyung hisses. "You were standing near the window-"
"To get some air"
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, "With one leg on the windowsill and hands on the window frame?"
Taehyung opens his mouth but closes it, biting his cheek.
"As a matter of fact" Jeongguk drawls, "that is the same expression you made before you jumped from that plum tree days ago and when you pushed me in the lake more than a decade ago."
Taehyung purses his lips, rubbing his neck. "It's really not that big of a mischief. I promise ", He mumbles.
Jeongguk sighs," What do you want?"
Taehyung's eyes widen, hopeful, "I want you to come see my mother with me."
Jeongguk snorts, moving away from Taehyung, "Not that big of a mischief? You certainly are jesting. If your mother could, she would perform some witchcraft on me and the next thing I know I will be producing your babies instead of you producing mine."
Taehyung rolls his eyes at the drama, "You are literally the Emperor. Who will dare to do anything to Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk gives him a faux smile, "She is /your/ mother, I wouldn't take her so lightly."
Taehyung groans, "It's because of you that she wants to see me. And you wouldn't even take the responsibility?"
Jeongguk clicks his tongue, "Don't put this on me. Was I the one moaning and groaning so loud for everyone to hear?"
Taehyung shuts his mouth, his neck and cheeks instantly red in embarrassment.
"It's on you, Taehyung. You bear your mother alone", Jeongguk says, getting up to leave.
Wait", Taehyung shrieks, getting up himself. "Don't you want to kiss me?" He mumbles, tugging on Jeongguk's sleeves.
Jeongguk looks at him, a smile on his face as he keeps his hand over Taehyung's. " I love how desperate you are. The answer is no", he says, turning to leave but Taehyung tugs on his sleeves again.
"Your Majesty, " He pleads.
Jeongguk turns towards him again, leaning into his ears , "Maybe if you didn't play 'Go' on our consummation nights, your mother would be playing with our children instead of your mental peace."
Jeongguk doesn't wait for Taehyung's reaction, as he starts to walk towards the door. "Hyung" Taehyung shouts, following behind him, grabbing his elbows. Jeongguk freezes in his steps, going still.
Taehyung places his chin on Jeongguk's shoulder, "If you come with me, I will let you bruise my neck."
Jeongguk sputters, eyes bulging out in shock. Taehyung's words directly hit his groins. For the first time since he wore the crown, he finds himself speechless.
However, when Taehyung comes to stand in front of him , with his big, wide , innocent eyes, something primal claws against Jeongguk's chest.
The only thing that Jeongguk can think of are the ways in which he would ruin Taehyung, the surfaces on which he will take him.
"What did you say?" Jeongguk's voice comes out raspy, guttural.
Taehyung flinches, wondering if his words angered Jeongguk, "Nothing, I-" "Say it again"
Taehyung blinks, eyes big, "W-what?"
Jeongguk lifts one of his hands, cradling Taehyung's face, pulling him closer. "Say it again" He growls.
Taehyung swallows, chewing on his lower lips "H-hyung". Jeongguk's desire heightens, his dark eyes hooded as he stares at Taehyung. His gaze drops to the omega's lips.
He raises his other hand, thumb tugging the bottom of Taehyung's lips, freeing them from the grasp of Taehyung's teeth. He traces the redness of the flesh where the omega was chewing on it.
He wonders if Taehyung realises how his actions affect him, probably not.
"What will you let me do?" He breathes out.
Taehyung's tongue gets glued to his mouth, he had uttered the words without thinking much. The only thing going in his mind was how Jimin always kept saying, Yoongi liked to do that to him. Now repeating them would be too much of an embarrassment for him.
Jeongguk forces his head up, "I asked you something, Taehyung."
Taehyung lets out a shaky breath, "I will let you bruise my neck." Taehyung feels his cheek burn in embarrassment as soon as he speaks.
"You better remember your words, pup," Jeongguk whispers, leaning closer. His lips brush against Taehyung's when he speaks next. "When I get my hands on you, you are not going anywhere."
Taehyung's stomach churns at the words, his breathing erratic. He wonders if he put himself in a bigger trouble while trying to get out of the smaller one.
When So-ra tells him in the evening that the carriage is waiting for him. Taehyung jumps into his bed, pulling the blanket on himself, closing his eyes. "If someone asks, just tell them, I am sick", He tells her.
As soon as he says this, the servants outside his chamber announce Jeongguk's arrival. Taehyung pulls his blanket till his face, only a tuft of his hair visible outside.
It doesn't last long because he hears the door opening and some footsteps and the blanket is snatched for him. He opens one of his eyes, staring at Jeongguk. He is not dressed in his royal robe, instead he is wearing a plain hanbok.
"Why are you still in your bed?" Jeongguk asks him, unimpressed.
Taehyung pretends to be in pain, "My waist is suddenly aching too much, I don't think I will be able to go today."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "Should I behead the Royal Physician, since his medicines are of no use it seems?"
"Does Your Majesty think beheading is the answer to everything?" Taehyung snarls. "I
think I just need some rest."
"Then rest you shall do", Jeongguk says and Taehyung nods, proud that he was so convincing. This doesn't last long as Jeongguk bends down, hooking an arm behind Taehyung's knees and another behind his back, carrying him in his arms.
Taehyung gasps, eyes wide, his hands going around Jeongguk's neck in the spur of the moment.
"Your Majesty!" Taehyung, shrieks.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Jeongguk smiles, looking down at him.
Taehyung grinds his teeth, "What are you doing?"
"Making sure you get your rest?" Jeongguk says. Taehyung takes a sharp breath when Jeongguk adjusts his arms, pulling him closer.
Taehyung stares at the door, horrified as Jeongguk walks towards it. "People will see", He hisses.
"Let them see", Jeongguk says, a smile tugging his lips. "People will talk" Taehyung screeches.
"Let them talk," Jeongguk shrugs.
As soon as they come out of the room, Taehyung shuts his eyes, burrowing his head in Jeongguk's chest, knowing people would be watching. He doesn't open his till, they have reached the carriage.
As soon as they reach the carriage, Taehyung starts to struggle, smacking Jeongguk's chest, "Let me down."
Jeongguk gently puts him down, smirking "I thought you were in pain."
Taehyung glares at him, huffing as he enters the carriage, sitting in the corner, arms folded across his chest.
"You can lie down if you want", Jeongguk teases him. Taehyung just turns his face away, lips jutting out.
"Your Majesty", Namjoon kneels down to greet Jeongguk as soon as the Emperor gets out of the carriage.
"Please stand up" , Jeongguk says. Namjoon stands up, looks at his younger brother who has a pout on his face and frown on his forehead.
He then looks at the Emperor, clearing his throat, " My brother doesn't think before doing things, Your Majesty, but why would you agree to his whims and come here without your guards. It is not safe." Taehyung gives his elder brother a stink eye.
"It is fine fine. Although you cannot see him, Yoongi is here. And Yoongi is enough", Jeongguk says.
"Indeed, Your Majesty", Namjoon bows, gesturing in the direction of the door of the Kim Household. "It is our honour to host you."
Jeongguk nods, following him to the door. "Call the meeting at your house today, do it discreetly" He says, as they are walking.
Namjoon bobs his head, " You don't have to worry about anything, Your Majesty." Taehyung walks behind them, mimicking them.
"Your Majesty", Lady Kim bows, greeting them as soon as they enter the house. She lifts her head to stare at Taehyung, a huge smile on her face, "Taehyung -ah."
"Mother", Taehyung says, walking towards her, hugging her. She pats her back. "Let his Majesty, rest, come help me choose his favourite dishes."
Taehyung is figuring out what excuse to make when Jeongguk grabs his elbow, pulling him back towards himself.
He looks at Taehyung's mother, a small smile playing on his lips, "I am not a picky eater, Lady Kim. However I would be upset if you took away my Consort from me."
Lady Kim tries to control her happiness, but her expression betrays her. Her only prayer was for the Emperor to dote on her son and now it was happening. She couldn't wait to hold her grandkids in her arms now.
Taehyung shakes his head, looking at her, knowing what she is thinking. He leans closer to Jeongguk, lowering his voice, " Thank You for that."
Jeongguk stares at Taehyung. "Oh, you will thank me, don't worry", he whispers. Taehyung
flushes, looking away.
That's it! Thankyou. I was thinking of opening commissions for this AU, if anyone would want to commission scenes they would like to see in the story (Obviously I would only accept it if it fits my idea). However, I wanted to know how many of you would be interested.
Jeongguk sits on the raised platform in one of the larger rooms of the Kim Household. Ministers sit in front of him, in two lines parallel to each other.
"Everyone is here, Your Majesty", Namjoon says. He is sitting at the very front.
Jeongguk nods, eyes inspecting the faces of the Ministers. The Ministers who are loyal to Jeongguk, the Ministers who will comprise his new court. He looks at Namjoon, "Call Taehyung. I want him to be here."
Namjoon lifts his head in surprise but nods, immediately getting up. Soon, Taehyung enters through the door, following Namjoon. He looks at all the Ministers, eyes wide, wondering why Jeongguk called him here.
"You called for me, Your Majesty", Taehyung bows, walking towards the Emperor. Jeongguk gives a subtle nod, "Come sit beside me, Taehyung. I would like your opinion on our discussions."
Taehyung didn't know his eyes were capable of growing so big, he wonders if Jeongguk has lost his mind. He may have little idea about palace etiquettes but he does know that a Consort is not allowed to meddle in court politics. That is taboo.
His thoughts are in fact voiced by one of the Ministers. "Your Majesty", the old minister cries out,
"How can a Consort sit in political discussions? His place is in the hare-" Before he could even complete his sentence the whistle of a sword being unsheathed resonates in the air and in an instant Jeongguk's blade is against the Minister's throat.
The whole room falls silent, except the heavy gasps of the Minister at the end of the blade. "What did you say?" Jeongguk growls, the sharp edge of the blade digging into the Minister's throat.
The Minister sputters, eyes bulging out, unable to form coherent words. Everyone including Taehyung watches with awaited breath, too scared to say something. Taehyung knows Jeongguk enough to realise that the blade on the Minister's throat is not an empty threat.
"You-your Majesty" the Minister mewls, his face drenched in sweat. His body trembles when the sword digs deeper into his skin and a streak of warm blood oozes out. He goes still, doesn't dare to move an inch.
Jeongguk's expression on the other hand is grim, his features twitch in anger, jaws ticking.
."As much as I admire your loyalty and intelligence Minister Yoon, I will not hesitate to cut that tongue personally, if you dare insult Taehyung", His voice comes out gravelly, a deep rumble in his chest.
Taehyung swallows, his heart beating against his chest. An unconscious emotion swirls inside him, an uninvited feeling of glee and admiration lurking in his veins. The Minister, cries, stuttering, "I-I apologise, Your Majesty. Please f-forgive me."
Jeongguk's eyes meet Taehyung's and Taehyung shakes his head lightly, eyes wide in fear. Jeongguk looks at the Minister with disdain, contemplating a bit before he retracts his sword. Taehyung sighs in relief, he wouldn't want Jeongguk to lose the loyalty of these Ministers.
"Apologise to Taehyung ", the Emperor commands.
The Minister nods profusely. He turns towards Taehyung, his forehead touching the ground as he pleads, "Please forgive me, Consort Kim. This will not happen again."
For a moment, Taehyung just stands there, confounded. While he had strived all his life to not be shackled in the expectations society burdens their kind with, he was not out of touch with reality.
He knew his position in the Palace, he was an ordinary Consort with no command or power. He could do as he wished while Jeongguk let him and if one day Jeongguk
changed his mind, Taehyung would have no choice but to obey.
A Minister kowtowing to an ordinary Consort was not only unheard of, it was breaking the hierarchy set in stone for centuries. It was a clear implication of the power Taehyung would hold in Jeongguk's new court.
Taehyung shakes his head, clearing his mind from the unwanted thoughts. He looks down at the Minister. "It's fine", he says, his otherwise quiet tone resonates in the room that is shrouded in silence.
The Minister profusely thanks him, going back to his place. The Minister profusely thanks him, going back to his place. Jeongguk who was staring at Taehyung till now, turns his head towards the crowd.
"Does anyone else have a problem with Taehyung being present here?" His loud voice rings in the room. Everyone hangs their head, looking towards the floor. "Please begin", he says, turning towards Namjoon.
As Namjoon starts speaking, Taehyung goes to sit on an empty mat beside his brother. However, as soon as he starts to sit, he senses a soul piercing glare from his peripheral vision. He swallows, turning his face to see Jeongguk staring at him.
The Emperor gives a subtle nod to his left and Taehyung quickly walks towards the King, taking his place beside him.
"So, you are saying we can trust Prime Minister Park's younger brother ?", Jeongguk asks when Namjoon has finished speaking.
Namjoon nods, "Yes, Your Majesty. He has a lot more power over Prime Minister Park's men than we had imagined. If we have him by our side, we would be able to considerably weaken the Prime Minister's influence in court."
Jeongguk nods, turning towards another Minister, "Did you investigate the broken drainage system?"
The Minister bows, "As you had suspected, Your Majesty, the construction at the drainage place is suspicious. However, Minister Song has hidden it quite well, my men couldn't find
anything substantial."
Taehyung opens his mouth to speak but closes it. He did not want to attract any further attention than he already had, maybe he would talk to Jeongguk in private. However, his thoughts are interrupted by Jeongguk who turns towards him.
"I would like to seek your opinion on this matter, Taehyung '', Jeongguk says and it is clear from his tone that it's more of a command than a request.
"I-" Taehyung presses his lips together, glancing at the Ministers who are all now staring at him.
They don't dare to voice their thoughts but Taehyung can see from their expression that they are puzzled as to what a Consort would have to speak on this matter and why would Jeongguk allow it.
Taehyung tries to lean closer to Jeongguk to whisper in his ears but Jeongguk leans away, barely noticeable to anyone else but enough of an indication for Taehyung. He wants him to speak to everyone, not just him.
Taehyung sighs, his back straightening, head upfront. "If the Emperor would allow, I could ask a friend who would be able to gather the evidence that His Majesty needs", He says, trying to appear confident but his cheeks burn in embarrassment.
It was another thing that people close to him knew about his eccentric habits but to speak it out loud to a room full of old, orthodox Ministers, was unnerving even for him.
It was very clear what he had implied, if the friend was able to gather the evidence they needed it also meant that the friend was not an upright person. And he as a royal Consort mingled with such people outside the palace.
For a moment he wonders if Jeongguk is punishing him for something by outing him like this.
However, the Minister's words take him by surprise. He has no contempt in his tone, even if it is there it is concealed very well. He bows to Taehyung, "If Consort Kim has such a friend, in my opinion it would be of great help to us."
Taehyung at that moment realises the enormous power and fear that Jeongguk commands over everyone. And the inherent authority that comes with the seat beside the Emperor.
Jeongguk nods, "Very well. When can your friend appear before us, Taehyung?"
"I can ask him to come tomorrow, Your Majesty", Taehyung says, a little confused when Jeongguk agrees to it.
However, the confusion disappears, when the meeting gets over and Jeongguk dismisses the Minister. The Emperor turns to him, expression serious.
"People will be paying attention to you more than ever now. This was just to show them that they are not allowed to slander you so easily." Taehyung feels a blush creeping on his cheeks but it recedes as soon as it comes when Jeongguk eyes him, features frigid.
"However" The Emperor starts to say, tone commanding, "I have said it before and I am saying it now, I don't want to see you mingling with the bad crowd without any guards around you. Also,you will not go to talk to this friend without a guard. Do you understand?"
Taehyung nods his head, he doesn't think there is any other reaction that Jeongguk would accept at this point.
Jeongguk keeps his promise and Taehyung's mother is not able to talk to him privately. So, Taehyung can feel the dread creeping in when after dinner, he stands in front of the door of their bed chamber.
He swallows, tongue swiping the bottom of his lips as his fingers touch the side of his neck.
He shudders, imagining the red bruises on his neck, akin to Jimin's. His hand hovers over the door handle, but before he could have second thoughts, the door parts and a hand grabs Taehyung's wrist pulling him in.
Taehyung gasps, back hitting the door as Jeongguk cages him. One of Jeongguk's hands is planted against the door while the other grasps Taehyung's chin. "You are not allowed to have second thoughts", the Emperor whispers, voice raspy as he pinches Taehyung's chin.
Taehyung swallows eyes casted down, face burning red. "I wasn't having second thoughts", he says, although his voice shakes.
"Good", Jeongguk gently tips his head up.
Taehyung takes a stuttering breath when his eyes meet Jeongguk's dark gaze. "I wouldn't have it any other way", Jeongguk says, closing the distance between them.
Taehyung's eyes close as their lips meet. He breathes out a sigh as Jeongguk's lips move against his. He feels his stomach swoop and a buzz thrum in his veins. He might not admit it out loud, but he was getting used to the way the Emperor's lips made him feel.
Taehyung frowns in confusion when Jeongguk smiles against their lips, pulling away a little. "If you feel overwhelmed, don't kick me this time."
Taehyung lips jut out in a pout, eyebrows furrowing. He tries to remove Jeongguk's hand, turning to his side to leave. But Jeongguk presses himself close to Taehyung, stopping his movement.
His lips kiss Taehyung's ears. "I did not say you could leave", he whispers, his tongue sweeps in Taehyung's ear, his teeth catching the flesh of Taehyung's earlobe.
Taehyung feels himself stir, he involuntarily presses his ear against his shoulder, his neck flushing red. He slowly raises his head, eyes meeting Jeongguk. His lips tug downwards, "Then why are you teasing me."
Jeongguk holds Taehyung’s jaws, forcing his lips to part in an ‘o’. He leans down, brushing their lips together as he whispers, “I am not teasing you, pup. I just want you to know that if you feel overwhelmed you don’t need to kick me, you can simply tell me.”
Taehyung gives a jerky nod, a hum leaving his throat as Jeongguk captures his lips. “So” Jeongguk says in between the kisses, “Choose a word.” Taehyung frowns, pulling away a little, “What word?”
Jeongguk's gaze remains fixed on Taehyung’s lips, as he traces his thumb on the omega’s cheek. “Any word which you like. You say that word when you are overwhelmed and I will stop” He says.
Taehyung bites his lips, contemplating for a second before his eyebrows jump in excitement. “What about, plum?” He blurts out, clearly proud of his word.
Jeongguk snorts. “Plum it is then”, he breathes out and before Taehyung can react he is being pulled into a forceful kiss. The kiss is not as gentle as the previous ones, Jeongguk sucks on his lips aggressively.
Taehyung finds it difficult to breathe the way Jeongguk's lips presses into his. The Emperor cradles his face, tilting his head to the side, deepening the kiss. Taehyung feels the warmth of Jeongguk's tongue exploring the corners of his mouth, interlocking with his own tongue.
He whimpers when Jeongguk chews on his bottom lip, tugging it harshly. The sting makes Taehyung believe that his lips are swollen. However, he doesn't get the time to dwell as Jeongguk leaves his lips to latch on his neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses.
Jeongguk's hand slither behind Taehyung's head, gently locking into his hair and pulling it back so that the omega 's neck is bare to him.
Taehyung's breath turns erratic when Jeongguk sucks on his neck, his other hand tracing Taehyung's clothed chest. He places his hand on Jeongguk's chest , "Wa-wait."
Jeongguk lifts his head from Taehyung's neck, narrowing his eyes. Taehyung swallows at the sight of spit coating Jeongguk's lips. He points his finger behind him, "I-I think I heard something."
Jeongguk pokes his tongue against his cheek, " Do you want me to tie you down?"
Taehyung sputters, a red hue rising on his cheeks, "I am not jesting. It sounded like someone fell." Taehyung takes the moment of distraction to slip away from Jeongguk.
"I will be right back", he squeaks, opening the door and disappearing. Jeongguk closes his eyes in frustration, grinding his teeth.
"Heard someone falling my ass", Jeongguk mutters harshly through his gritted teeth. "He hears everything except what I have to say", he says, loudly this time.
Taehyung gasps for breath as soon as he is out, he rushes to the kitchen for a glass of
water. He fans his hand towards his face, to disperse the heat.
"The Emperor is a menace", he mutters, fixing his robe as he takes a glass from the shelf in the kitchen. He is quiet so that he doesn't attract the unwanted attention of servants.
He gulps down the water, cheeks flushing when he remembers Jeongguk's lips on his. There is a hint of smile on his face, eyes distant as he touches the side of his neck.
"Did he knot you?"
Taehyung screams in terror, hearing the sudden voice which comes from behind him. He drops the glass, turning back, his hand clutching his chest. "Mother" he shrieks, "You scared me."
His mother looks as scary as she sounds in the kitchen that is half lit and casting shadows on her face. She does not bother to reply, merely repeating her question, "Did he knot you, Taehyung?"
Taehyung wants to drown in a bucket of water in embarrassment. He grits his teeth, knowing his mother won't stop intruding until he answers. " He did", he mutters.
"You did not spill anything, did you?"
His eyes widen at the explicitly filthy question coming from none other than his mother. "Mother", he screeches.
His mother scowls, oblivious, "Don't tell me you did."
Taehyung combs his hand through his hair in frustration, "I did not , okay. Now can I leave?"
She doesn't let him leave though, stretching out her hand signalling him to stop.
"I can give you something to add in the Emperor's tea to increase his virility. Now that you are close to him it shouldn't be a problem", she suggests, voice barely above whisper.
Taehyung grinds his teeth, whispering back although harshly, "Adding something in the Emperor's tea? Have you lost your mind, mother? Whole kingdom will see our heads displayed on the wall of the palace."
Lady Kim frowns and has the audacity to look hurt and offended. "The Emperor has four
other consorts and none of them have borne a child. Everyone knows but nobody dares to question the Emperor's health. Am I wrong to suggest adding some herbs to boost his health, son?"
Taehyung rolls his eyes at the antics. He is about to retort but the colours drain his face when Jeongguk enters the kitchen. His mother sees his reaction and turns back, expression matching his son.
"Are you going to come back anytime soon?"Jeongguk frowns, staring between Taehyung and his mother. Taehyung heaves a sigh of relief when Jeongguk doesn't show any hint of hearing their conversation.
"I was about to come", Taehyung gives him a nervous smile, walking towards him. He briefly pauses to turn to his mother. "Thank the god, now that our heads are not going to be displayed anywhere, mother", he hisses.
Lady Kim glares at him but presses her lips in a thin line, still shaken up from Jeongguk's arrival.
"I promise I was just looking if someone fell and then I stopped to get a glass-" Taehyung stops mid sentence when he enters their bed chamber and hears a metal click.
He turns around to see Jeongguk latching the door lock. He takes a deep breath, hands clammy, "What are you doing, Your Majesty?"
Jeongguk leaves the door, prowling towards him, slowly, "Making sure you don't run again."
"I didn't-" Taehyung gulps, stepping back, even though Jeongguk is at a distance, " I didn't run."
Jeongguk gives a solemn nod, dark eyes fixed on Taehyung as he pulls the string of his robe, shrugging off the outer hanbok. He drops the piece of cloth on the floor as he continues to stalk towards Taehyung.
Taehyung's mouth parts, as he steps back with a matched pace. Jeongguk isn't wearing the royal hanbok so by the time Taehyung's leg hits the bed, the Emperor is standing in front of him in bare chest and trousers.
"Your Majesty", Taehyung whispers, shakily.
"Yes, Your Highness", Jeongguk says, placing his hand on Taehyung's shoulder, gently pushing him down on the bed.
Taehyung 's eyes widen as Jeongguk bends down, placing one hand on the bed, the other hovering over Taehyung's knot.
Taehyung audibly inhales, scampering backwards using his hands. "Your intentions don't seem pure", he gulps, when his back hits the headboard.
Jeongguk flicks his neck, an evil smirk tugging his lips. "Oh, you cannot imagine how filthy they are", he whispers, stretching his hand to grab Taehyung's ankle, pulling him in the middle of the bed.
Taehyung shrieks, eyes widening, a giggle escaping his lips when Jeongguk hovers over him. "You are so shameless", Taehyung's words are drowned in Jeongguk's kiss.
The giggle turns into a whine when Jeonnguk’s lips find his neck. Taehyung bites his lips, throwing his head back as Jeongguk sucks onto his skin. His mouth parts, his breath stuttering when he feels the warmth of Jeongguk’s lips followed by the wetness of his tongue.
‘That’s how it feels’, Taehyung thinks, closing his eyes, one hand tangling in Jeongguk’s hair, the other roaming on his naked back. Taehyung traces the smooth contour of the skin, rubbing on the scars tenderly.
He whimpers when Jeonngguk‘s hips roll against his, the friction shooting pleasure into his spine. Jeongguk’s hand pulls the string of his robe, parting it till the golden expanse of the omega’s skin is visible.
Taehyung bites back a moan when the Emperor’s calloused fingers pinch his nipple, rolling the nub. Jeongguk lifts his head momentarily, patting Taehyung's cheek, not harshly but also not too gentle. "Don't hold your moan", he says, voice gruff.
His hands slither towards Taehyung's ass, giving the supple skin a harsh squeeze. Taehyung moans, pressing his hips against Jeongguk's crotch, blushing when he feels the hard length poking him. "Good boy" Jeongguk murmurs.
He buries his face in the crook of Taehyung's neck again. His hand roams over Taehyung's body, sometimes playing with his nipples, sometimes kneading his soft skin. Taehyung lets the soft moan fall out of his mouth, goosebumps visible where Jeongguk touches him.
Taehyung whimpers, fingers gripping Jeongguk's hair tightly when the latter nibbles on skin. "T-too harsh", Taehyung whines, eyes watering a bit. Jeongguk hums, raising his head to nuzzle his jaw.
"Everyone should know who you belong to, shouldn't they?" He whispers, sucking on Taehyung's jaws.
"You don't have to be so rough", Taehyung breathes out, cheeks and neck flaming red.
He moans when Jeongguk's tongue trails from his jaw towards his chest, the Alpha's mouth closing around his nipple.
"Oh" Taehyung shuts his eyes, pressing himself against Jeongguk, seeking the friction desperately.
Jeongguk's hand reaches for the other nipple, pinching it between his thumb and index finger, rolling the bud. Taehyung loses himself in the sweet touch of Jeongguk's lips, followed by the wetness and the sharp sting that lingers on his skin.
He stays put as Jeongguk has his way with his body, bruising his neck, jaws, chest and wherever else he wishes.
When Jeongguk's mouth hovers over Taehyung's trouser, Taehyung stiffens. His arousal peaks as soon as Jeongguk's mouth is near his crotch.
However, as Jeongguk nuzzles into his clothes arousal, Taehyung pulls his leg towards himself. The sensation becomes too much for him.
"I only agreed for bruises on my neck", Taehyung swallows, staring at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, gaze fixed on Taehyung, from where he is kneeling near Taehyung's crotch. The sight of swollen and bitten lips and the red bruises scattered all over his body gives a sick satisfaction to Jeongguk.
He hovers over Taehyung, one of his elbows placed against the mattress to support himself. His other hand silently traces the bruises, pressing on the one at the juncture of
Taehyung's neck. Taehyung hisses, hand going over Jeongguk's, gripping his wrist, "Hyung."
Jeongguk's eyes snap towards him, he leans in, breathing in Taehyung's lips, "You have no idea how crazy you are driving me, Taehyung." Taehyung stays silent, his eyes widening when Jeongguk holds his hand, pressing the younger's palm against his hardened arousal.
Taehyung hiccups quickly retracting his hand. He pushes Jeongguk, rolling over him. He straddles the Emperor, pinning the latter's arms over his head. "You are shameless," Taehyung quips, narrowing his eyes. "I did not allow that."
Jeongguk bites his lips, rocking his hips against Taehyung's ass, "I cannot say I hate this position." Taehyung blushes, shifting away from Jeongguk's crotch, to straddle his stomach.
Jeongguk would have imagined Taehyung to say a lot of things in this position but he wouldn't have imagined in the wildest dream what Taehyung says next.
The omega bites his lips, contemplating before he blurts out, "Are you impotent?"
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "Seriously, Taehyung?" Taehyung nods, "Very."
Jeongguk bites the inside of his cheeks and in the next moment Taehyung is pinned under him, the omega's lips captured in Jeongguk's mouth.
"Only one way to know", Jeongguk breathes out, as he breaks the kiss. Taehyung shakes his head, pushing Jeongguk again, so that he is straddling him.
"You want kids so much but none of your Consorts have yet borne a child, why is that?" Taehyung frowns, gripping Jeongguk's hand tightly so that the Alpha does not try anything again.
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, "Am I being interrogated?" Taehyung shrugs, "Something like that."
"Can we do it after I am finished doing what I was doing?" "No"
Jeongguk sighs, shifting his hand in Taehyung's grip, interlocking their fingers, " You are smart Taehyung, do you really need me to spell it out for you."
Taehyung presses his lips in a thin line, letting Jeongguk trace his thumb over the back of his knuckles. "I know you-
wouldn't want Consort Song or Park to bear a crown prince.Afterall, that would only strengthen their families and make it impossible for you to uproot Minister Park or Minister Song from the court. -
You wouldn't want Consort Lee to birth the crown prince because she is from the rival kingdom and that can dilute your power. "
He hums, taking a long breath before he continues, "I don't know why you would not want Consort Choi to bear your child. And how did you even ensure that none of these Consorts got pregnant?"
Jeongguk snorts, "Weren't you reading the books on Herbs & medicines that day? Or do you just keep the books in your room for decoration?"
Taehyung's eyes grow big. "You give them herbs to ensure they don't bore a child. How has anyone not suspected yet?" He gasps.
Jeongguk shrugs, "Because it is not I who gives them anything. It's the incense stick and tea that Empress Dowager gives as a gift to the Consorts. Nobody would suspect Empress Dowager for obvious reasons. "
Taehyung blinks, still processing the information. "She also gives me those incense sticks", he frowns. He leaves Jeongguk's wrist, folding his arms across his chest. "Then she dares to ask me to bear you an heir?"
Jeongguk clears his throat, " Your incense stick is not the same as theirs."
Taehyung's mouth hangs, "What do you mean?" He gasps, his eyes widen when his mind processes the information. He points his finger at Jeongguk, "You want me to bear your child."
Jeongguk frowns at the absurdity, "Wasn't I very clear on this? What are you surprised
about?"
Taehyung hides his face in his palm, shaking his head. "Pervert", he says. Jeongguk's eyebrows jump at the accusation.
Taehyung ignores him, "Why do you even want a child so bad?" Jeongguk sighs, "Why does anyone want a child?"
Taehyung shrugs, "I don't know. I don't want one. That is why I am asking you."
Jeongguk's eyes grow distant, a sense of nostalgia in his tone when he speaks, " I think I just want to re-live with them the bond I shared with my father. I would like to teach them everything my father once taught me."
Taehyung sighs, longingly, and his head slowly falls on Jeongguk's chest. "I understand, " he says, his legs thrown on Jeongguk's legs and hand wrapped around the Emperor's torso.
Jeongguk frowns, pinching Taehyung's chin to make him look up, " What happened to you? Are you fine?"
Taehyung nods, although his bottom lips jut out, "I think I just miss my old man."
about we go see him tomorrow before we leave for the palace?"
Taehyung gasps, sitting up. "We should go see him", He exclaims, clapping his hand. Jeongguk nods his head only to stop when Taehyung looks towards him, his boxy smile on display, "Now."
No" Jeongguk says, firmly, sitting up too. "We are not going to the grave at midnight." Taehyung scowls, his puppy eyes staring at Jeongguk, "But my father was a night person. He would be the happiest if we went now."
Jeongguk closes his eyes, shakes his head, "No". His hands immediately shoot towards Taehyung, grabbing the omega who was totally planning to run. Jeongguk eyes him darkly, expression frigid, "Dare to run Taehyung and I will make sure you regret."
"I was not planning to run", Taehyung pouts, cupping Jeongguk's cheek. He leans in, pressing their lips together. "Why do you always suspect me that way?" He murmurs against their lips, sighing when Jeongguk's hands move towards his face, the alpha reciprocating the kiss.
Jeongguk should have known better because as soon as he melts into the kiss, Taehyung slips away.
"Taehyung," he shouts, running after the man. "I swear I will-" he stops, as soon as he reaches outside the door and sees Taehyung half dangling from the walls, trying to climb.
He rolls his eyes, shaking his head as he approaches the man, "What are you doing Taehyung?"
"You can punish me as much as you want, Your Majesty. But I need to visit the grave now", he says, struggling to climb the wall.
"Oh, rest assured you will be punished, " Jeongguk says, watching the futile struggle. "But why are you climbing the wall? You can take the door, this isn't the palace. It's the Kim Household."
Taehyung blinks, for a moment marvelling at his own stupidity. He clears his throat, jumping off the wall. He is about to make a beeline for the front gate when Jeongguk pulls his ear, stopping him.
"Ouch", Taehyung yelps in pain, "I am sorry. I won't run."
"You will definitely run", Jeongguk leaves his ear, grabbing his elbow pulling him closer. "I will accompany you to the grave."
Taehyung stares at him, eyes wide in disbelief, "You will not lock me up in the bedchamber but will follow me?"
Jeongguk sighs, "If I lock you, will you not try to sneak out after I have slept?" Taehyung smiles, rubbing the Emperor's arm, "Let's go."
Jeongguk glares at him but accompanies him out of the door. As soon as they are out, Jeongguk realises that Taehyung doesn't need Jeongguk's protection but Jeongguk might need protection from his own husband.
Because as soon as they are out, Taehyung pushes his fingers in his mouth and whistles. Jeongguk looks at him, eyes wide, where did he learn that from? But that is not all, because a moment later there is an old, downtrodden carriage stopping near them.
A man sitting on the horse, half his face and torso covered with a thin black shawl. When he turns towards them, Jeongguk notices a huge scar running from his left eyes to his
cheek.
" Long time seeing you Taehyung", The man stares at Taehyung, his voice as dull as his eyes, his words dragged out. Jeongguk is half shocked, half afraid of this interaction.
His husband on the hand, displays his carefree boxy smile, waving his hand at the carriage driver, "How are you Woo? I got so busy after marriage."
The man "Woo" nods solemnly, "I am good. You got married in the palace, no? Does the King keep you happy? If not , you can tell me" he says, lifting his shirt to give them a glance at the silver shine of the blade tucked in.
Taehyung's eyes widen as Jeongguk's head snaps towards him, a deadly glare in them. He shakes his head, explaining quickly, " The King is really good to me Woo."
Woo nods, his eyes then land on Jeongguk, "Is he your lover?"
Jeongguk shuts his eyes, rubbing his forehead while Taehyung again frantically denies. "He is just a friend. We were going to the graveyard to see my father, could you drop us?"
"He is not that bad" Taehyung whispers as soon as he convinces Jeongguk to board the carriage. Jeongguk has his jaws set, staring straight ahead as the carriage moves. "Not bad?" He hisses, "He implied he would kill the King."
Taehyung hooks his arms around Jeongguk's elbow, as he cajoles him. "He is a little soft towards me", he says, "Did you not see how happy he was to see me?"
Jeongguk turns towards him, eyes shot up "I didn't know that's how you express your happiness. I apologise."
Taehyung scrunches his nose at the sarcasm," He is just not good with humans." Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "Does not being good with humans imply that he cuts them up in his leisure time?"
Taehyung doesn't answer the question, instead making kissy faces towards Jeongguk. Jeongguk grabs his cheeks, turning his head away, "That won't work everytime."
Taehyung frowns, his bottom lips pulled down as he turns again to look at Jeongguk. Jeongguk sighs, circling his arm around Taehyung's shoulder, pulling him closer, "You are
a puppy."
Taehyung giggles, nodding.
"Why did the man think you would be going out with a lover at midnight?" Jeongguk asks, voice edging towards anger. Taehyung swallows, eyes shifty.
Jeongguk frowns, "Why are you silent?"
Taehyung pushes his head against Jeongguk's chest, arms embracing the Emperor's torso, "Woo is a little stupid. Don't listen to him."
Jeongguk's tongue pokes the insides of his cheek, "One of these days Taehyung, my patience would run out."
Taehyung shuts his, burying his chest further into Jeongguk's chest.
"I know Namjoon would tell you differently but I was his favourite '', Taehyung says, rubbing hands on his arms, as he stares at his father's grave. They both sit on the grass, side by side, in the deadly silence of the night.
"I know", Jeongguk says, shifting his position so he is behind Taehyung. "You do?" Taehyung frowns.
Jeongguk hums, pulling Taehyung's back towards his chest, his hand covering Taehyung's arms.
"He told me", he says, placing his chin on the omega's shoulder. "He did?" Taehyung's eyes light up. "What else did he say?"
Jeongguk smiles at the excitement, nuzzling Taehyung's cheek. "He said by agreeing to this alliance, he is giving me his most precious possession. And that if I hurt him, he wouldn't spare me, no matter if I am the Emperor."
Taehyung giggles, biting his lip, "He was always so protective of me." He sighs, a sad smile adorning his lips as he curls a little further into Jeongguk,
"He said that to you but he was so adamant on me marrying you. He loved you. He would have been the happiest if we were alive to see our marriage."
Jeongguk stays silent, holding Taehyung a little tighter. "Now that I think about it", Taehyung chuckles, but his vision gets a little blurry, "you are so much like him. -
He was so protective of me but would let me do anything and everything I wanted. He would pretend that he didn't know about what I did but he always knew."
Jeongguk smiles, pressing his lips against Taehyung's cheek. Suddenly, Taehyung's tongue feels bitter, his fist curls up in the soft grass beneath him.
"Or maybe you aren't like him", he says. "He wouldn't abandon me like you did", he knows his tone is harsh, but suddenly his emotions are all over the place.
Jeongguk freezes, his posture rigid, "Taehyung -"
Taehyung shakes his head, not wanting to hear the same thing Jeongguk tells him every time. "I don't care about your reasons. Maybe I shouldn't blame you, but I do. I blame you for not letting me even see your face for so many-
years. I blame you for not even coming once to visit me when I fell so sick from the epidemic. I was burning from fever and I would pathetically wish that maybe this would be enough of a reason for you to come see me",
Taehyung chuckles bitterly, doesn't care about the tears that roll on his cheeks, " I blame you for so many things, Jeongguk.I blame you for making me realise I was so replaceable to you."
Jeongguk closes his eyes, doesn't miss the way Taehyung calls his name, instead of hyung or Your Majesty. He doesn't let Taehyung go when the latter tries to free himself from the embrace. "I am sorry", he says. "I am sorry, Taehyung."
Taehyung jerks himself away from Jeongguk about to get up. "I was there, "Jeongguk says, however and Taehyung stills. "I was there when you fell sick", Jeongguk completes. Taehyung turns to look at him, shaking his head, "You are lying."
"The lilies beside your bed, that you thought your mother brought for you everyday. It was me", Jeongguk whispers, eyes focused on Taehyung.
"I was always there, Taehyung. I was there when you were so happy about opening your
little shop in the market and I was there when you cried because you lost your favourite sword."
Taehyung sighs. "I wondered how I found that sword the next day in my house itself. I wondered how my new shop was doing so well. I wondered how my mother knew about my love for lilies. It was you" Taehyung laughs, humorlessly,
"So kind of you to come and witness how tortured I was without you and still not showing your face."
"Taehyung" Jeongguk says, but Taehyung gets up, moving away from the Emperor. " You are so fickle, Your Majesty," Taehyung spits out, "today you are after me. Tomorrow I will see you sharing your bed with someone else.
You asked if you could have me at a snap of your finger. I assure you, that no one including me would dare to disobey your order."
Jeongguk's jaws twitch in anger, his eyebrows furrowing as he gets up, his hand curling around Taehyung's wrist, tugging him close. "I wasn't talking about your body, Taehyung ", he growls, "you know that."
"I wouldn't know", Taehyung says, flatly and he hasn't seen Jeongguk so livid in his entire life.
"You wouldn't know?" Jeongguk asks, voice low and raspy. " Do you not see how I am willing to bend every rule if you just as much as say so Taehyung? Or do you not see how you can have your ways with me and I wouldn't utter a word? -
Do you really not see how much I care about you Taehyung? Do you not see that the only person I have ever cared about is you?"
"I see it", Taehyung says, voice shaky, cheeks stained with tears, "I see how you care about me. I see how you let me have things that you would behead others for even asking. I know I could ask for anything and you would let me have it.-
I know I could point a sword at your throat and you wouldn't say anything. But tell me Jeongguk, tell me how do I not see you when you are with your other Consorts. Tell me
how do I forget that you are not just mine."
Taehyung takes a stuttered breath, gaze fixed on Jeongguk. "You are the people's Emperor before you are my husband. You are the one who wears the crown, you have responsibilities.-
But I am just Taehyung, I am just a selfish Taehyung who always dreamt of a husband and love they talk about in books. Nobody taught me that I would have to share that husband with so many others. Nobody told me I would be married to the Emperor."
Jeongguk lifts his hand, cradling Taehyung's face. He presses his forehead against Taehyung, wiping away the tears with his thumb. " The Emperor belongs to the people, Taehyung. Jeon Jeongguk belongs to you and he will belong to you till his last breath"
He pulls away a little, thumb still tracing Taehyung's cheeks. "I know I cannot give my all to you right now, Taehyung. But I promise someday I will."
Taehyung inhales sharply when the Emperor moves back, unsheathing his sword. He thrusts the sword on the ground, kneeling, his head bowed.
"Your Majesty", Taehyung's voice hangs between whisper and shouting, his eyes alarmingly wide, body shaking. An Emperor bows to no one. Jeongguk is not allowed to do this and Taehyung is not allowed to witness this.
"Your Majesty", Jeongguk says, lifting his head, his gaze fixed resolutely on Taehyung. Taehyung goes still, his face pale from shock. Jeongguk, however, continues,
"This subject, bent on his knees, swears his fealty to you. Let this night be the witness as I bow down to you. I swear to belong to you and no one else from this moment, until the moment of my death. Please allow me, Your Highness."
Taehyung's heart keeps pounding against his chest, his breath shallow. "Don't jest like this, Your Majesty", his voice comes out in whispers, too shocked to be anything more than that.
Jeongguk cocks an eyebrow, "Do you think I bow down to people as a joke? If someone sees me like this, I will have to behead them."
Taehyung's Adam's apple bobs against his throat, his brain unable to process what
Jeongguk just did. He wonders if Jeongguk realises what he did.
"Your Majesty, my knees hurt and I don't want to behead anyone. You will need to say something", Jeongguk says, a teasing smile ghosting his lips. The wind starts blowing and they find themselves in the shower of the petals of cherry blossom.
They were his father's favourite. He asked to be buried near a tree of cherry blossoms, Taehyung recalls.
That is why he can't help but giggle when Jeongguk wiggles his eyebrows, "Father in law is also giving his blessings. Now please let me stand."
Taehyung recovers from the shock
"Please stand up" he says, panic in his voice. "I can't believe you did that", he says, a breathlessness in his voice.
"And I cannot believe your reply is this", Jeongguk narrows his eyes but a playful smile remains on his lips.
"I-" Taehyung breathes. "I need a drink. Can we have a drink?"
Jeongguk blinks, "I don't know any place that remains open this late at night-" "I do"
"Of course you do"
Jeonnguk sits in the small, shady place, eyeing the crowd that is either passed out or on the verge of passing out. He has so many questions, how Taehyung knows this place or why Taehyung knows this place. But none of those questions seem important to Jeongguk right now.
He is more concerned about Taehyung’s utter silence after what happened in the graveyard. Taehyung has no regards to the torture Jeongguk is going through, he is instead gulping down alcohol straight from the vessel.
“Do you not have anything to say, Taehyung?” Jeongguk finally breaks the silence, teeth gritted.
Taehyung shakes his head. “No?” he says, oh so casually.
A tall man with broad shoulders interrupts their conversation, seemingly the owner of the
place. “Taehyung”, he says, rather boredly. His eyes shift from Taehyung to Jeongguk and then back at Taehyung, not missing the red marks on Taehyung’s neck.
He snorts, “Is the King not keeping you satisfied that you have to –" he shuts his mouth, flinching when Jeongguk plunges his blade in the wooden table.
Jeongguk’s soul piercing glare is directed at him. “ Sit down”, the Emperor commands. The owner swallows, “I-I am fine”, he eyes the handle of the blade and instantly recognizes the royal emblem.
“I said,” Jeongguk grits out, twisting the handle of the blade, plunging it further into the table, “sit down”.
“What is your name?” Jeongguk asks, getting comfortable in his own chair, legs spreading. “Kim Seokjin”, the man mutters, already hears the voice of death whispering in his ears. “Seokjin”, the Emperor drawls, "do you own this place?"
Seokjin nods, a little too fast.
Jeongguk hums, "Then shouldn't you ask your customers about what they will have? Instead," he pauses, his features icy, "you make distasteful remarks towards my husband, souring my already damper mood."
Seokjin shuts his eyes, he had guessed it was the Emperor, but the confirmation was like a stab. "Y-your-" he starts to say but Jeongguk raises his hand.
"You implied if Taehyung was not satisfied he would be having fun somewhere else", Jeongguk's eyes land on Taehyung and Taehyung inhales sharply, shaking his head. "Do you believe that Taehyung would do something like that?"
Taehyung's feline eyes narrow when Seokjin stutters. "Jin" he snarls at the man. Seokjin shakes his head instantly. "N-no, not at all, Your Majesty. Taheyungie could never, he is obsessed with you", he says, voice hushed.
"You could have stopped at 'no'," Taehyung hisses but Jin doesn't seem to care because all of a sudden Jeongguk looks satisfied. So he tries his luck further and asks if the Emperor needs any drink to flatter the Royalty.
"We have the best plum wine", he says, anticipating Jeongguk's reaction.
"I will definitely like to try", Jeongguk says and Seokjin hurries out of the chair like his life depended on it.
"Your Majesty, I think that's enough" Taehyung says as he watches Jeongguk down his upteenth drink.
Jeongguk slams his bottle on the table, gaze focused on Taehyung. "Enough is your indifference Taehyung", he says, words slurred together.
Taehyung sighs, snatching the next bottle Jeongguk tries to pick. "Let's talk", Taehyung says, holding Jeongguk's hand.
Jeongguk grips his hand tighter, straightening up, "I am listening".
Taehyung rolls his eyes, a smile on his lips at the childlike anticipation in Jeongguk's voice. "I need time to process this", he says,
heart melting when Jeongguk retracts his hand, folding it across his chest, lips tugged downwards
" Is it so hard to love me?"Jeongguk asks, voice merely above a whisper and Taehyung wants to tell him how easy it is to love him. It is so easy for Taehyung to give his heart to Jeongguk that he is afraid he will be hurt again.
"You love me", Taehyung chooses to say instead.
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "Do you think I bow down to everyone?" "You didn't say that", Taehyung says, "You didn't really say the words."
"I was afraid I wouldn't be able to take it if you didn't say it back", Jeongguk replies. "I-" Taehyung starts to say but Jeongguk interrupts him. "I love you", he says.
Taehyung's eyes widen, his heart pounding against his ribcage. There was a time when Taehyung would imagine Jeongguk saying those words to him and then wake up to reality laughing at his own silliness.
There was also a time when Taehyung thought he wasn't worthy of hearing those words from Jeongguk, chastising himself for even thinking about it.
Now, when Taehyung actually hears those words, his mind stops working. He wants to say it back, a thousand times over but his tongue remains glued.
Jeongguk laughs humorlessly, shaking his head. "Seokjin", he shouts. Seokjin immediately runs towards them, nodding profusely and running back when Jeongguk commands him to bring more drinks.
"Your Majesty" Taehyung pleads, "I think we should leave now."
"Brothers", Jeongguk shouts instead, eyeing the crowd. Suddenly, the drunk crowd is dragging their heads leisurely to turn towards the duo.
"I am miserable", Jeongguk announces, "My husband here doesn't love me. He doesn't share-"
"Enough " Taehyung grumbles, he is already up from his seat, his palm pressed against Jeongguk's lips, "Shut up."
Jeongguk's eyes crinkle, he grabs Taehyung's wrist, pulling him on his lap. Taehyung gasps, hands wrapping around Jeongguk's neck. His cheeks flushed.
"No,"Jeongguk says, stubbornly. "Kiss me if you want me to shut up."
Taehyung's eyes grow big at the request, "What a childish tantrum? Everyone is watching." Jeongguk's arms rest on Taehyung's waist, gripping it tightly, "Don't I bear all your tantrums, Taehyung?"
"Hyung" Taehyung mumbles, eyes big and lips pouty, "Let's go out of here?"
Jeongguk laughs, pulling him closer. "You little vixen" he whispers in his ear, tracing the skin with his tongue, "You know how to pull my strings no?"
He tugs on Taehyung's ear lobe. "Calling me hyung with those pouty lips and big eyes, thinking I would be wrapped around your little fingers in an instant", Jeongguk growls. "Shall we go then?" Taehyung asks, a small smile on his lips
Jeongguk pulls away a little, narrowing his eyes, "Alright."
While Jeongguk agrees to leave, they leave the place with Jeongguk sticking against Taehyung's back, littering him with fresh hickeys whenever he could.
"Yoongi", Taehyung hisses , once they are out on the road. He could no longer bear the Alpha who kept sucking and kissing his skin every chance he got. "Yoongi", he calls out again, knowing the knight was somewhere here but wasn't responding to his calls.
"Hyung", Taehyung tilts his head, nuzzling Jeongguk's cheek, "Call for Yoongi, please?" Jeongguk doesn't need to because suddenly Yoongi appears infront of them.
"Your Majesty", he greets with a bow.
Jeongguk tightens his arms around Taehyung, placing his chin on the omega's shoulder as he nods.
Taehyung glares at Yoongi, "I have been calling you."
Yoongi gives him a dull look, "I am only allowed to respond to the King or King Consort. Sadly, neither of those descriptions fit you."
Taehyung huffs, narrowing his eyes, "Just wait until I become the King Consort. I will-" he stops when Yoongi's eyes drag towards Taehyung's stomach then at Jeongguk and then finds itself on Taehyung's face, eyebrow raised in question.
"Hypothetically", Taehyung says, teeth gritted.
"Oh" Yoongi scrunches his nose, taking extra effort to sound pitiful, "It wouldn't be hypothetical if you tried Taehyung."
Taehyung rolls his eyes, still a red hue creeps on his face, "Why did you come now then? Jeongguk didn't call you."
Yoongi's lips presses in a thin line, "You were literally seducing him to call me. My ancestors know he wouldn't refuse that."
Taehyung bites the inside of his cheek, blushing. He tries to act nonchalant, "Now that you are here. Help me take him to the Kim Household."
Yoongi yawns, "Did you not listen to me Taehyung? I have no obligation towards you." Taehyung glares at him. "You have an obligation towards the king. And he needs help."
Yoongi shrugs, "I am to only intervene if he is in danger." He throws a glance towards Jeongguk who is nuzzling his face in Taehyung's nose, "he looks like he is in bliss."
"Listen", Taehyung starts to say but Yoongi has disappeared. His mouth hangs in shock, the knight seriously left him with the drunk King?
"Let's go" he sighs, pushing Jeongguk a little and grabbing his wrist. "Follow me, we cannot go to Kim Household but we need to find a place" he says.
Jeongguk has a big grin on his face as he lets Taehyung drag him, head swaying sideways as he tries to take in Taehyung's beauty.
Suddenly, they reach an alley and it's Jeongguk who is dragging them. Taehyung has to dig his heels in the ground, gripping the Emperor's wrist to stop him. "Why do you want to go into a dark alley? Do you wish to die?" He cries out.
Jeongguk looks at him over his shoulder, winking, "Don't worry, my husband knows all the thugs around the area."
"He actually doesn't " Taehyung shakes his head, only to be dragged into the alley.
"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" He whispers, as he is caged against the wall. Jeongguk places his palm against Taehyung's lips. "You", he whispers back, leaning towards Taehyung as he removes his palm.
Taehyung closes his eyes, leaning forward only to open his eyes in panic when he hears a blood curdling scream.
(Tag; Mildly graphic content )
It happens in a blink of an eye and Taehyung almost misses it. Jeongguk's arm stretches towards his right, his dagger cutting through someone's flesh, it is then that his head turns.
On the other hand, Yoongi stands behind Jeongguk, his back facing the Emperor, sword bloodied as a body falls on the ground.
"A second late and I would have been killed", Jeongguk has the audacity to joke as he glances towards Yoongi.
Taehyung can do nothing but shake at the turn of events. He wants to scream at Jeongguk, correct him, 'A second late and you would have died saving me instead of
yourself.'
"I cannot dare to be late, especially when Your Majesty is so willfully distracted", Yoongi says, neither of them moving from their positions. Now that the shock has worn off, Taehyung is as vigilant, eyes and ears out for the subtlest of movements.
Jeongguk pokes his tongue against his cheek, "Don't get too brave now."
"Apologies, Your Highness", Yoongi mutters, "I was just praising you for luring them in a closed space."
"Sure you were", Jeongguk mumbles, but his eyes are focused on Taehyung, inspecting his features. "Are you okay?" He asks softly.
Contrary to what Taehyung had in mind, his mouth instead blurts, "You were pretending to be drunk."
Jeongguk cocks an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his lips, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone how eagerly you were chasing my lips. So much so that you didn't realise that someone was-"
"Enough", Taehyung frowns, placing his finger against Jeongguk's lips, shutting him up.
"We need a place to stay till I call for additional help. We need to be vigilant , we cannot leave for Kim Household like this", Yoongi says.
Taehyung nods, "I know a place."
Jeongguk smiles, booping Taehyung's nose, "Of Course you do."
Jeongguk frowns when they enter the small but cosy inn and sees the man behind the desk. "Seokjin?"
Seokjin bows, "Your Majesty."
Jeongguk looks around the place, then at the man, "You own this too?"
"Every shady place on the street is owned by him", Taehyung says.
Jin gives him a tight lipped smile, "Only if all of us could marry into royalty."
"You actually could if you weren't so stubborn", Taehyung mirrors his expression.
"That's enough", Jeongguk interrupts them. "We don't need to attract more attention than
needed."
Taehyung looks at Jeongguk and sees the way he stares at Seokjin, with a reasonable suspicion in his eyes.
"I swear upon my brother, Seokjin isn't a threat", Taehyung says loud enough for Jin to hear who just suppresses a roll of his eyes.
By the time they reach the Kim Household, the sky has already turned bright. Namjoon is awake and waiting for them and Taehyung guesses he has heard of the attack. Taehyung leaves Jeongguk and Namjoon to talk about the affairs. He just wants to lie on the bed and get some sleep.
For a moment, he thinks he won't get the opportunity as he finds his mother on the way. However, it seems she doesn't know about anything because she is giggling weirdly while staring at Taehyung.
"I-I am going to go to sleep", Taehyung says, feeling the need to explain before he walks past her.
His mother grins, nodding "Ofcourse, you must be exhausted."
Taehyung doesn't understand her behaviour until he enters the bedroom and is staring at himself in the large mirror. His eyes pop out, when he sees the condition of his neck.
It appears as if an animal has attacked him. He cannot believe he looks worse than Jimin. A blush covers his neck and cheek when he remembers the last night.
Jeongguk frowns when he is waiting by the carriage for Taehyung to arrive and the omega arrives with a stole covering his neck. Taehyung is still hazy from sleep as he strolls towards Jeongguk.
"I am sorry for waking you up so early, we need to leave for the palace before sunrise", Jeongguk says, stepping closer to Taehyung.
Taehyung yawns , nodding, "Not a problem."
Jeongguk hums, gaze fixated on Taehyung, "Why are you wearing this?" He asks, nodding towards the stole.
Taehyung's hand reflexively goes towards his neck. He swallows, "It's cold today."
Jeongguk leans in, his lips brushing against Taehyung's cheek as he murmurs, "Then I will keep you warm" he says, hand reaching Taehyung's neck tugging off the stole. "You don't need this", he whispers, letting the stole slip from his hand.
Taehyung watches the stole fall on the ground with wide eyes, then at Jeongguk. Jeongguk's eyes are challenging, daring him to say something.
Taehyung's eyes turn into a glare, "Didn't you bow down to me yesterday?" Now you are ordering me around."
"Oh you remember that", Jeongguk teases him, "I thought you already erased the incident from your mind."
"Your Majesty", Taehyung growls, "I am not going around, parading in the palace with /this/ neck."
Jeongguk straightens up, his figure appearing like he is towering over Taehyung. "And Taehyung", he says, an eyebrow cocked up in a challenge, "I am not letting you cover that."
Taehyung grits his teeth at the belligerent attitude, "So do I assume, whatever you said yesterday was a farce?"
Taehyung knows the argument is juvenile at best, Jeongguk bowing down to him didn't mean he had agreed to be at the beck and call of Taehyung. Taehyung was just too ashamed of walking around with bruises on his neck.
A small smile adorns Jeongguk's smile, a mischievous glint in his eyes. " If you want me to obey you Taehyung, I would do so happily," He says, closing the distance between them as he adds, "outside our bedroom."
Taehyung is so surprised at the audacity of Jeongguk to kiss him, while his brother and mother stand at a distance that his argument gets stuck in throat.
It is only when they have sat in the carriage that Taehyung hisses, "Isn't this outside the bedroom?"
"Oh! I can go in depth about the instances where I refuse to obey you", Jeongguk says, turning his head towards Taehyung, " it includes not allowing you to bite back your moans when I am-"
"Enough", Taehyung grumbles, smacking Jeongguk's arm.
"I will feel so uncomfortable" He whispers after a while, sulking in his seat with lips jutting out.
"For God 's sake Taehyung", Jeongguk cries out, "You know I cannot take that. Do whatever you want to do."
Taehyung grins, opening his small satchel, taking out a new stole and wrapping it around his neck. He conveniently ignores the glare directed towards him.
"You knew", Jeongguk grits out.
"You aren't the only one who knows me like the back of your hand, Your Majesty", Taehyung says, eyes fluttering, "I can predict your every move."
"My hands are itching to rip that piece of cloth", Jeongguk threatens.
"Then I will cry", Taehyung says as a matter of fact, "Then you will feel like you killed a whole country."
Jeongguk hasn't felt this angry and exposed since he was born.
"My friend who you called for evidence regarding the drainage system is here, Your Majesty", Taehyung informs the Emperor.
Jeongguk frowns, , "When did you even get the chance to send him the message?" Nonetheless he says, "Please invite him in."
Jeongguk's eyebrows shoot up when Seokjin appears, "Do you want to give me a list of jobs you do?"
Seokjin gives a polite smile, bowing, "Your Majesty ", he says, "I used to be a smuggler in the past. I have long left that business, now I am an honest inn owner."
Taehyung snorts and Jin narrows his eyes towards him.
"Do you have any evidence that would link the smuggling racket going on at that place to Minister Song?" Jeongguk asks him, ignoring the funny expression Taehyung and Jin are making towards each other.
Seokjin turns towards the Emperor, with a little nod, "Yes, Your Majesty, I can ask my friends to hand over the letters exchanged with Minister Song. I would, however, plead Your Majesty not to implicate my friends."
Jeongguk nods, waving his hand, "I give you my words."
"Your Majesty ", Eunuch Cheo interrupts them, "Lord Namjoon is here to see you." He bows, going out to call Namjoon when Jeongguk gives the permission for the same.
"Your Majesty ", Namjoon greets as soon as he enters, freezing in his step when he sees Seokjin standing in front of the Emperor.
"Your Majesty", he cries out loudly, "Jin might be selling liquor without permission but he isn't a bad person", he says, kneeling, "Please forgive him, Your Highness."
Both Seokjin and Taehyung slap their palms over their faces.
Jeongguk on the other hand has an eyebrow raised, a finger tracing his lips as he wonders what is wrong with his childhood best friend and the most loyal man in his court.
"He is not here for selling illegal liquor, Namjoon", Jeongguk says, a smile on his lips, "Although that information is appreciated."
"Your Majesty", Namjoon kotows, wailing, "He used to be a smuggler but that is in his past. Please forgive him."
"Interesting", Jeongguk chuckles, looking between Namjoon who is kneeling on the floor and Seokjin who is red in embarrassment.
" I am assuming you had something to do with his change in profession, Lord Namjoon. Were you guilty of not performing your duty and handing him over to the royal officials when you found him?"
Taehyung is truly amazed at how accurately Jeongguk has guessed the story with just his
observation. Seokjin had found Namjoon when he had gone towards the South border and injured himself.
Namjoon was smitten by Seokjin and so for the first and probably the only time, Taehyung thinks he had not done what was required of him, that is handing over Jin to the officials.
In some way, Taehyung guesses, Seokjin must also have been affected because he had been persuaded by Namjoon to change his ways of earnings. Sadly for his brother, though, Seokjin was too proud to marry into nobility and Namjoon was still busy trying.
Taehyung's attention returns to the present situation when he hears Namjoon apologise profusely, "I am sorry, I panicked. I didn't know Your Majesty had already promised not to implicate him."
Taehyung shakes his head at his clumsy brother.
Jeongguk sighs when Namjoon and Seokjin take their leave. "Even Namjoon spends his nights with his lover, I on the other hand", he laments, looking at Taehyung who narrows his eyes.
"How do you even know about his nights?", Taehyung mutters.
"Oh", Jeongguk gives a mischievous grin, "I know a satisfied man when I see one." Taehyung rolls his eyes, biting back a laugh at the silliness.
That was the last time he had seen Jeongguk, the Emperor was so busy in the following days that Taehyung barely had a glimpse of him.
He knew Jeongguk was probably investigating the attacks but when Taehyung inquired about the same he would simply deny having obtained any information.
However, he had seen his best friend Jimin enter the King's Chamber and he knew if Jimin had met the Emperor, Jeongguk already had the information he needed.
His best friend was being annoying and choosing to be loyal to the Emperor so Taehyung
couldn't get any information even from him.
Taehyung knew Jeongguk was refusing to involve him because he suspected that Taehyung would become curious and start his private investigation.
"As if", Taehyung mutters, scribbling randomly in a scroll, "What am I, a child?" Consort Park chooses the moment to grace him with her annoying presence. "Consort
Kim", she smiles, "the rumour is that the Emperor is refusing to see you nowadays. Did you bore him so soon?"
Taehyung narrows his eyes at the taunt. Maybe he would have been provoked. But he was born petty and had already inquired whether Jeongguk was seeing other Consorts. He knew the Emperor was seeing no one these days. If that information had relieved him, he didn't acknowledge it
"Consort Park", Taehyung gives her a faux smile, unwrapping the stole around his neck, giving her a view of the bruises that still weren't show any signs of fading. "
"Actually I have been feeling tired nowadays", he says, with an exaggerated sigh, "I couldn't attend to His Majesty even when he personally called for me."
Everyone knows what being 'tired' implied, Taehyung was very cleverly suggesting that he might be carrying a child.
Taehyung cannot express the satisfaction he felt when Consort Park wished him recovery with a constipated expression, walking out of his doors in a blink of an eye.
"My Lord", So-ra cries, "You are putting yourself in danger by suggesting you are carrying the heir. "
Taehyung waves his hand, "I will snap her neck if she dares do anything." So-ra , however, doesn't feel relieved, her expression grim.
Taehyung had gone to see Jeongguk after the incident, intending to rant about his first wife. However, his mood soured when he saw Jeongguk laughing with Consort Choi in the garden, caressing her hair as tried her fish cakes.
Taehyung didn't hate Consort Choi, she had very courteously offered him her fishcakes too and Taehyung wouldn't lie, they were tasty.
However, was smiling and laughing like that while eating her fishcake necessary to show appreciation for food?
"I don't care", Taehyung muttered to no one.
However, the Royal head chef is shocked to see the Consort in the Kitchen that afternoon.
"Consort Kim", he greets nervously, not wanting this monster in his kitchen. Last time he was here, he had cooked an abomination of a food and burnt the dishes.
"Are you not happy to see me?" Taehyung asks him, a scolding tone in his voice.
"Ofcourse I am, Consort Kim", the Chef replies immediately. "Are you here to cook for His Majesty again?"
Taehyung nods, expression blank, " That is why if the food doesn't turn out to be absolutely delicious, His Majesty will personally ", he takes a knife from the table, pretending to chop vegetables aggressively, "Your head", he says.
The chef is suddenly drenched in cold sweat. Taehyung walks past him, giving him a pat on his shoulder, "You better start teaching me, Chef."
"Consort Kim" the Chef calls out, after standing for half an hour as Taehyung tries to cut the vegetables with his tongue caught between his teeth, an eye squinted and hands working with the pace of a snail, "if you chop vegetables like that, the Emperor won't get his lunch."
Taehyung gives him a stink eye but allows him to step forward and teach him. "You are good with blades, aren't you Consort Kim?"
"Ofcourse ", Taehyung says, chin jutting out, chest puffed up. "I may struggle to chop these vegetables but I can chop your head faster than you can blink."
The chef swallows, eyes wide and Taehyung has to rush to clarify that he was just giving a hypothetical example.
"Don't give such examples, Consort", the Chef gulps. "How about you think of these vegetables as someone you detest? Try imagining -"
He shuts up when Taehyung raises his hand, grinning. "I understood," he says, rolling his sleeves.
The chef hadn't really thought it would work but when Taehyung takes the blade this time, the vegetables are chopped in a blink of an eye, rather aggressively too. The chef only prays that it wasn't his head that Taehyung was imagining.
"Is the heat fine?"Taehyung asks as he fries the meat pieces. The chef gives him a nod, Taehyung was actually turning out to be a quick learner.
Taehyung had gone to the Emperor with the food he made with his blood, sweat and tears. The Emperor was obviously hesitant at first but Taehyung's heart was full when Jeongguk took the first bite and groaned, expression angry, slamming his fist on the floor.
'He likes the food', Taehyung said to himself, lips split in a grin, his face resting in his palms as he watched the Emperor eating. He was happy as they fed each other, until Jeongguk had to ruin his mood.
"Mm", Jeongguk moaned, "Consort Choi's kimchi would go so well with this", he said. "Are you trying to rile me up intentionally, Your Majesty?" Taehyung got up in anger, glaring at the Emperor.
Jeongguk had stopped chewing mid bite, staring at Taehyung, innocently. And Taehyung knew Jeongguk wasn't doing anything intentionally, Taehyung was just a fool. So he had just taken his leave.
That was hours ago and Jeongguk was yet to come see him. "Shouldn't he come and at least check on me?" He complains to Eunwoo. Jimin had left for his hometown with Yoongi and Taehyung was responsible for the child for a day.
"I actually don't care about him", Taehyung grumbles. "I only care about Woo Woo", he says, mimicking a child's tone, tickling Eunwoo who falls back on the carpet, laughing.
He says that but he looks expectantly at the door when there is some noise, only to make a face when it's So-ra.
"Lord Kim", she complains, "Since morning you are making that face when you see me. Do you rather have me stay outside the door?"
"I am not making any face", Taehyung shuts her.
She sighs, used to her Lord's tantrums, "His Majesty -" Taehyung interrupts her, "Don't talk about His Majesty."
"What did His Majesty do?" Comes Jeongguk's voice, as he appears behind So-ra.
So-ra bows, taking her leave, mumbling to herself, "I was saying His Majesty wants to see you."
Taehyung, who was so desperate to seek Jeongguk's presence until a few seconds ago, now sits with a proud and unbothered face.
"Nothing", he answers, ignoring Jeongguk as he plays with Eunwoo.
Your Majesty", Eunuch Cheo's voice comes before Jeongguk could say anything, "Minister Yoon wants to meet you."
"Minister Yoon can wait!"Taehyung snarls, glaring at the Eunuch who runs for his life.
Jeongguk cannot help but laugh at the adorable reaction. "Were you missing me so much, Taehyung?", He teases.
"I wasn't missing you", Taehyung says, rather petulantly, as he plays with Eunwoo. Jeongguk smiles, going to sit beside Taehyung. "It's okay, you can admit the truth", he says, kissing Taehyung's cheek.
Taehyung gasps, turning to glare at him, "Don't be shameless in front of a child."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, taking Eunwoo away from Taehyung, holding the baby in his arms, "Tell me Eunwoo, how is kissing on your uncle's cheek shameless?"
Taehyung smacks his arm but watches in adoration as Jeongguk plays with Eunwoo, so carefree unlike how stressed he usually is these days.
"Look" Jeongguk laughs at the way Eunwoo is chewing on his sleeve, "he is just like you. You used to chew on father's sleeve whenever he held you in his arms."
Taehyung looks at the small human, biting on the sleeve, chin smeared with saliva and he cannot help but defend himself from that image. "I surely did not", he says.
Jeongguk smiles playfully, "You surely did." He has a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looks at Taehyung. "Are you also going to deny how you used to bite my cheeks because your teeth hurt?"
Taehyung turns red, shaking his head, "You are lying. Don't make up things now."
Jeongguk snickers, squishing Eunwoo's cheek, "Your uncle tries to act so tough but he is so easily embarrassed." Taehyung sticks out his tongue, making a funny expression.
"Did I upset you earlier?" Jeongguk breaks the comfortable silence after a while. Taehyung swallows, he couldn't admit he was feeling jealous of Consort Choi for no reason. That would be silly. "No" he says, "It is nothing like that."
Before Jeongguk could question him further, Taehyung tries to change the topic, "You must really like children, to let him smear his spit on your clothes like that."
Jeongguk chuckles, watching Taehyung's robe that has patches of spit, milk and dirt. "And you must also like children a lot to spoil your robe like that."
Taehyung purses his lips. "You are good with kids", he says instead, "Before you came, he was very fidgety. This is the longest he has gone without bawling, since Jimin left."
Jeongguk smiles, wiggling his eyebrows, "Why do I sense that you are upset about it?" Taehyung frowns, pouting, "Why should I not be? I have been with him since the afternoon,
feeding him, cleaning his poop but he chooses to listen to you and you came just now."
Jeongguk laughs, " Are you going to be like this even with our children?"
Taehyung nods, "Ofcourse, if I am the one giving birth -", he stops when he realises what he was saying. He glares at Jeongguk, "Don't talk nonsense."
Jeongguk gives a dramatic gasp, "I am the Emperor."
Taehyung narrows his eyes, "Don't talk nonsense, Your Majesty."
He cannot help but crack a smile at that, shoulder shaking with laughter when he sees Jeongguk laughing.
"I have to go now, don't be a brat", Jeongguk says and Taehyung nods, eyes widening when he realises the comment is directed at him instead of Eunwoo.
"I am not a brat", Taehyung grouses, folding his hands defiantly across his chest.
Jeongguk smiles, holding Eunwoo in one hand while lifting the other to pinch Taehyung's cheek, caressing it soon afterwards. "I really enjoyed the food today. Thank you."
Taehyung blushes, melting into the touch. As Jeongguk tries to close the distance, Taehyung leans forward, his lips puckered.
He frowns when Jeongguk keeps a palm over his lips, smirking, "Control yourself, pup. Didn't you say you didn't want Eunwoo to see this?"
Colours rise on Taehyung's cheeks, as he slaps Jeongguk's hand away. "Ofcourse", he murmurs, cheeks painted red, "I wasn't - I wasn't trying to kiss you", he says, clearing his throat, eyes not meeting Jeongguk.
"Alright," Jeongguk says.
"Alright", Taehyung repeats, clearly still embarrassed as he rubs his hand on his nape.
He gasps when Jeongguk pulls his face closer, kissing him. "I was trying to kiss you though", Jeongguk whispers against their lips and Taehyung just shuts him up by kissing him deeper.
Taehyung is giddy, a constant grin on his face as he plays with Eunwoo, long after Jeongguk leaves.
Eunwoo sleeps soon after Jeongguk is gone, so Taehyung gets time for himself. He reads over the scrolls Jimin had left with him. These were the clear evidence of letters exchanged between the Consorts and their fathers.
When Minister Song and Minister Park go down for treason, their daughters will claim to have no connection with their fathers after their marriage.
However, these letters would help them prove the connection and once that is proved, they would go down with their families for treason.
Taehyung hides the letter cautiously. It is for Jeongguk to decide whether he wants to use them or how he wants to use them.
Eunwoo wakes up when it's already dark outside. Ideally Taehyung should feed him the milk Jimin had left by now but the kid refuses to take anything. He keeps crying and Taehyung doesn't know what to do.
"Baby", he coos, stepping out of his chambers, swaying Eunwoo on his hips to sush him. "Look at the pretty flowers, you like flowers, don't you?"
Nothing happens. To Taehyung it seems that the little human is on a mission today to bawl his eyes out.
"Do you want to go to the Emperor's garden? You can see fireflies there", he says, eyes big, voice animated.
The kid stops at that, staring at Taehyung with his wide, tearful eyes. Taehyung narrows his eyes, "Oh so you stop at that? "
Eunwoo sniffles before he is bawling again. "Don't cry! Don't cry", Taehyung pleads, bouncing him lightly, "We will go see the Emperor and ask him to take us to his garden."
Weirdly, the kid stops crying. Taehyung doesn't want to curse in front of a kid, but is this a joke?
Eunuch Cheo bows, smiling at the kid when Taehyung approaches the Emperor's chamber. "Is the Emperor busy?"
Eunuch Cheo nods, a little hesitant, "The Emperor is with Consort Choi. Do you want me to announce your presence, Consort Kim?"
Taehyung feels stupid at the way his stomach churns, something cold gripping his heart. He takes a deep breath, he is not stupid though, nor he is impulsive. He might not know a lot about palace rules, but he knows not to disturb an Emperor when he is with a Consort.
"No need, Eunuch Cheo", He tries to smile, "It wasn't anything important."
"I forgot to tell you Eunwoo", he says as they leave the Emperor's chamber, "we don't actually need the Emperor's permission to sneak in his garden."
Eunwoo just silently chews on his sleeves. "If you were a little bigger, we could have snuck out of the palace", Taehyung says, removing his hand from Eunwoo's mouth and instead giving him a wooden teether to suck on.
He almost contemplates the idea as he weighs Eunwoo, shaking his head the next minute , "Nevermind what if you fell."
"We can sneak into the garden though, it is not risky at all", He grins, wiggling his eyebrows at Eunwoo.
"Look", he points his hand towards the small pond surrounded by small bushes , with fireflies all around. "Isn't it pretty?"
Eunwoo's eyes sparkle, his mouth opening in a toothless grin as he watches the fireflies. He blabbers something incoherent nodding his head.
Eunwoo's admiration for the garden doesn't last long. As Taehyung sits against a tree,
holding the kid in his lap, Eunwoo starts crying again.
"Oh no", Taehyung sighs, "Don't cry Woo", he tries to placate him, showing him his toys. Although Eunwoo stops bawling, he keeps sniffling.
"May I?"
Taehyung turns his head to see Jeongguk standing. He just nods silently, as the Alpha sits beside him taking Eunwoo in his lap and of course the kid stops crying, snuggling in Jeongguk's chest.
Taehyung turns his head towards the pond, swallowing. "Why are you here?"
"I couldn't have possibly missed this view", Jeongguk says and Taehyung knows he is staring at him.
He might have blushed some other time but right now, he gives no reaction. When did you realise you had fallen in love with me Jeongguk?" He asks, instead.
Jeongguk goes still at the unexpected question. He relaxes after a while, humming, "It just happened", he says
"I have cared about you since I have known you. I don't think I have cared about anyone as much as I have cared about you, Taehyung. And for the longest time my love for you was platonic, for the longest time I just wanted to protect you.+
But, then I married you and I realised my intention to marry you was not purely platonic. That is why I was hurt when you refused to recognise our marriage." He sighs, pausing as he stares at the pond,
" I don't know when it happened but I realised the mere sight of you was enough to cure my tiredness. You argued with me but I felt nothing but adoration in my heart. +
And when you smiled, Taehyung" He turns to stare at the omega, "for that smile of yours I realised I would go through hell."
Taehyung smiles, despite himself, finally turning to look at Jeongguk. He glances at Jeongguk's lap where Eunwoo has fallen asleep, so comfortably.
"Ask me the same question", Taehyung says. Jeongguk's eyebrows rise, "What?" "I said", He repeats, "Ask me when I started falling for you?"
Jeongguk's breath visibly hitches, "You love me?"
"I have loved you before I knew what love was, hyung", Taehyung replies and Jeongguk releases a breath that he was holding, heart beating against his chest. "Taehyung" he whispers, not knowing how to react.
"I have had a crush on you before I knew what crush was", Taehyung says, placing his finger on Jeongguk's lips, shutting him.
"I was so silly, always following you everywhere. Always trying to imitate you. You blame me for being reckless, when you taught me how to be reckless in the first place."
His finger leaves Jeongguk's lips, palm now caressing his cheek as their eyes meet.
"For the longest time, I didn't know why my heart ached for just a glimpse of yours. I cried the whole night when you married Park Chae-won and I still didn't have the courage to call it love+
By the time I got the courage you had gone too far away", Taehyung releases a shaky breath, " I thought I had picked up the pieces of my broken heart and hid it away from you. But then you proposed the marriage and my silly heart was persuaded to marry you.
Just like that I gave myself to you , once again. I thought I wouldn't let my heart break this time, that I would protect it. But I don't think I can anymore. I think my heart isn't mine to protect anymore."
"Say it again", Jeongguk breathes out. "Hm?"
"Say that you love me, Taehyung ", Jeongguk says, his adam apple bobbing against his throat.
"I love you, hyung", Taehyung says, words rolling so casually on his tongue and falling so heavily on Jeongguk's heart. "I love you", he repeats.
They just stare at each other in a silence that stretches between them. It is Taehyung who closes his eyes leaning in, as he presses his lips against Jeongguk. Jeongguk sighs, cradling his face, kissing him back.
"I know you will tell me there is no reason to feel this way", Taehyung says, when they break the kiss. "But I envy Consort Choi."
Jeongguk frowns, "You do?"
Taehyung nods, turning to sit straight, "I do. But I am not stupid and I think you shouldn't leave a Consort alone in your chamber to go kiss another Consort. That is not very Emperor like."
Jeongguk chuckles, "I don't not think she will mind."
Taehyung frowns, confused. "She is your Consort. Why will she not mind?" He says, turning to look at Jeongguk.
Jeongguk sighs, brushing their noses together, "Because on the first night of our marriage she kneeled before me and told me to kill her because she couldn't be mine while she was alive. That she is not into men."
Taehyung gasps,eyes widening, "Oh".
Jeongguk nods, "We share a mutual respect towards each other. She has been a good friend and I admire her for that. There is nothing you need to worry about."
Taehyung breathes sharply, nodding. He whispers after a while, "Then would she mind, if I steal you tonight?"
"Hell she wouldn't ", Jeongguk growls, pulling him into a kiss again.
When Taehyung had invited Jeongguk to his bed chamber, he had not expected them to
spend their entire night, taking turns to soothe a crying Eunwoo.
As tiring as it was, at a point Taehyung just sat there, watching Jeongguk feed Eunwoo while rubbing his back soothingly and he realised it wasn't so bad. A crying child , a sleepless night and tired eyes weren't so bad because Jeongguk was with him.
"Did he bother you a lot?" Jimin asks, expression worried as he takes Eunwoo from Taehyung's hold.
Taehyung watches in awe as the kid burrows his head in his father's neck. He shakes his head , smiling, "Don't worry about it."
Jimin smiles, mischievously, "I mean, he just gave you a practice of what is about to come."
Taehyung laughs, smacking Jimin's arm lightly. He stops laughing, clearing his throat when he sees the weird expression on Jimin's face, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Nothing", Jimin chuckles, a smirk growing on his face, "It is just that you didn't cry about not having a child."
Taehyung turns red, avoiding Jimin's eyes and Jimin just laughs at his friend's silliness.
Taheyung clicks his tongue, shaking his head as he refuses to wear yet another hanbok that So-ra shows him.
"My Lord", So-ra cries, "Since when did you become so picky about your outfit? I have showed you 20 pieces and you don't like any of it "
Taehyung rolls his eyes, "I am Consort, it is my duty to look impressive, is it not?" 'Were you not a Consort yesterday?' So-ra wants to retort but keeps her mouth shut.
"My Lord, you never cared about these things, what happened?" She says instead, as she goes to pick another robe to show it to him.
"I like this one", Taehyung quips and So-ra looks at him, confused. She hasn't even opened the hanbok and he likes it?
"I haven't even shown it to you properly, My Lord", She voices. Taehyung waves his hand, "I like the colour".
She smiles widely, looking at the blue hanbok, it's the Emperor's favourite colour.
Taehyung scrunches his nose, when So-ra brings a fragrance for his hanbok. "This is too strong", he says.
"Is it, My Lord?" So-ra says, "I have heard Emperor's maids whisper about how the Emperor loves this fragrance. But if you don't like this I will bring you another one" she laments, going to put away the fragrance when Taehyung grabs her arm, stopping her.
He coughs, "I said it is strong , didn't say it is bad. No need to keep it away." So-ra smiles knowingly, "As you say, My Lord."
"Consort Kim", Eunuch Cheo greets him, bowing down when he sees Taehyung approach the Emperor's Chamber.
Taehyung smiles, and Eunuch Cheo knows his smile enough to recognise he is upto no good. "Eunuch Cheo", Taehyung drawls, "Are you going to refuse my entry?"
Eunuch Cheo swallows, shaking his head, "I don't have that authority, My Lord. It is the Emperor who has refused to see anyone because of his engagement with work."
Taehyung nods, leaning to whisper in the Eunuch's ear, a threatening gleam in his eyes, "I am wearing new clothes and a fragrance so strong that it suffocates me. If you don't get out of my way, I will be angry."
"Consort Kim", Eunuch Cheo's expression morphs into a crying one, "I am just a servant following the Emperor's orders. Spare me."
Taehyung clicks his tongue, "Spare you? Don't be dramatic, Eunuch Cheo. You just have to step aside."
"If I step aside", Eunuch Cheo cries, "the Emperor will have my head. If I don't, you will make sure, the Emperor has my head. Don't do this to me, Consort Kim."
Taehyung rolls his eyes, "Don't cry, don't cry. I am going."
Eunuch Cheo nods, breathing in relief only to gasp out loud when Taehyung sneaks past him, ducking the guards hands and entering the chamber.
Jeongguk raises his head from the desk, occupied by bundles of scrolls. He lifts his hand, stopping the guards or Eunuch Cheo from entering the chamber or opening their mouths.
"I didn't think you would let me in", Taehyung says, beaming as he enters the Emperor's chambers.
Jeongguk smiles, his eyes look tired but still crinkle when they land on Taehyung, " I wouldn't dare."
Taehyung blushes, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "You look like you haven't slept in days", he says, going to sit beside the Emperor.
The Emperor turns to him, leaning to press their foreheads together, sighing tiredly, "I am planning to uproot my whole court, I cannot afford to sleep, Your Highness."
Taehyung caresses his cheek, kissing him softly. "Take a break", he murmurs, "Let's go out and spend some time together."
"That reminds me", Jeongguk pulls away a little, narrowing his eyes, "Don't think I have not been hearing about your little adventures outside palace, Taehyung."
Taehyung purses his lips, eyebrows furrowing, "I wasn't doing anything mischievous. I promise."
Jeongguk chuckles, rubbing Taehyung's ear, "Liar."
Taehyung cups his cheeks pulling him into a kiss again. "Are you trying to keep me quiet?" Jeongguk murmurs between the kisses.
"Is it working?" Taehyung giggles. Jeongguk playfully nips his lips, pulling away, "You are distracting me."
Taehyung frowns, "I intend to", he says, pushing away Jeongguk's scrolls, "You need to take some time away from these scrolls."
Jeongguk sighs, "And what do you have in mind?"
Taehyung hums, grinning, "My favourite sweet shop has started selling this new sweet. We should go and try."
Jeongguk pinches his cheek, "I really can't, Tae. After all this is done I promise, we will go to all the places you desire. However, as of now it is dangerous to leave the palace."
Taehyung hums, crossing his arms across his chest, "So you won't even take a tiny break?"
Jeongguk smiles, "I cannot."
"And you won't let me help you?" Taehyung insists.
Jeongguk caresses his cheeks, "You aren't supposed to be here. I don't want any of the Ministers to get suspicious of what is to come."
Taehyung sighs, in exasperation. "I will be going then", he says about to get up when Jeongguk grabs his arm, pulling him into his lap.
"However", he whispers, lips pressed against Taehyung's ear, "now that you are here, let me admire your beauty and kiss you till my heart content."
Taehyung blushes, giggling as he throws his head back against Jeongguk's shoulder, letting the Alpha pepper his skin with kisses.
Taehyung should have known. Or rather Taehyung should have not been so reckless as he was when he taunted Park Chaewon.
He had sneaked out of the palace to get sweets for Jeongguk. When he came back to his
chamber he found the concubine he had taken as his handmaiden, with a strange man, presumably her lover, inside Taehyung 's bed chamber.
Taehyung couldn't remember the last time he was as scared, the bag of sweets had fallen from his hand, now lying on the floor, ruined. So-ra had entered inside, hearing the noise only to kneel on the floor, eyes wide and scared.
No Alpha other than the Emperor was allowed in the premises of harem. A strange man in a Consort's bed chamber implied only one thing. Adultery.
Taehyung could have screamed and alerted the guards of the strange man and implicated his handmaiden. And maybe in hindsight, that was the right thing to do, better than being caught sneaking a strange alpha out of his bedchamber during the night.
"Consort Kim", Park Chaewon's voice rings in his ear as he stands in between the harem crowd, witnessing his humiliation. "What explanation do you have? People saw you sneaking a strange alpha out of your chambers. Do you know what it entails?"
Taehyung stands there, mind devoid of any thoughts. He cannot think of any coherent sentence to say, let alone a way to get out of this mess. Maybe, because the only thought that runs in his mind is what would Jeongguk think of him.
Would he believe Taehyung and what would Taehyung do if the Emperor refused to believe him?
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow when Eunuch Cheo enters his chamber, panting, expression morphed into fear. "Y-your Majesty", he wheezes, "Consort Kim -'' he swallows, mouth opening and closing like a fish as he points towards the door.
Jeongguk rubs his forehead, eyes screwing shut as he sighs, "Did he finally kill someone?"
Eunuch Cheo cannot help but stutter meekly, "He-he- was seen sneaking a strange alpha out of his bedchamber." He trembles, almost falling back as Jeongguk instantly rises from his chair, grabbing his sword from the desk.
"I would rather he had killed someone", he grits out, walking past Eunuch, taking long strides towards the door. The Eunuch scrambles to follow behind.
Taehyung stands with awaited breath as Jeongguk's name is announced and everyone falls silent. He sees the crowd part and watches those royal shoes come in the vicinity as he proceeds to kneel with everyone else in the room.
"Stand up", Jeongguk announces and it is then that Taehyung raises his head to look at the Emperor. He can see the veins on his forehead popping with anger, his eyes equally disappointed and furious. Jeongguk's eyes turn away from him instantly, landing on Consort Park.
"If I have been disturbed in the middle of my work like this and forced to come here, you better have something important to say Consort Park" Jeongguk grits out, jaws twitching in anger. Consort Park falters at that, but only for a moment.
"Apologies, Your Majesty. Some concubines and maids saw Consort Kim escort a strange Alpha out of his bedchamber. As someone responsible for harem, I was merely questioning the presence of an unknown Alpha inside harem", she says, calmly.
"Is it true?" Jeongguk turns towards him, voice loud, unlike his usual calm composure. "Is it true, Consort Kim?" He repeats and Taehyung doesn't miss the 'Consort Kim', instead of 'Taehyung'.
"I-" Taehyung starts to say but the expression on Jeongguk's face makes his tongue freeze. His mind is just filled with the thoughts of Jeongguk hating him.
Jeongguk closes his eyes in frustration. Consort Park chooses this moment to open her mouth, "If Your Majesty allows, I would ask the concubines and handmaidens who witnessed the incident to come forward -"
Jeongguk raises his hand, silencing her , "I am too tired for all this. We will decide this tomorrow. Till then-", he swallows, opening his eyes to stare at Taehyung,
, "since Consort Kim has not denied the allegations. He will spend the night in the dungeons. His whole family will be put under house arrest, until I reach a decision tomorrow morning."
Consort Park's expression turns sour, mouth hanging in disbelief. Taehyung's own mouth parts in surprise. Eunuch Cheo is no better, running behind the Emperor as Jeongguk
turns on his heels, leaving the harem premises.
"Y-your Majesty, you refused to hear the witnesses. If something happens to them-" Eunuch Cheo cries, barely able to follow the Emperor's quick footsteps.
Jeongguk stops only when they have entered his Chambers. "Kill the concubines and handmaidens who saw the incident, along with that Alpha", he says, his back turned towards the Eunuch.
"Your Majesty -", Eunuch Cheo gasps, "after you refused to hear them tonight, if they are found dead while the Kims are locked up, people would point their fingers at you. This is-"
"Then what do you have me do?"Jeongguk shouts, his back bending as his hands grips a chair tightly, "Would you rather have me hang the Kims or spoil my whole plan and let Minister Park rule over the court?"
Eunuch Cheo gulps, cold sweat breaking on his forehead as he utters the next words, despite knowing the consequences. "D-do you believe Consort Kim is innocent -", he shuts his mouth as the Emperor's sword lands against his throat, digging into his skin,
"Your Majesty", he finishes, opening his eyes to see Jeongguk's furious eyes staring into his.
"Are you implying he isn't?"Jeongguk growls, teeth grinding in anger.
His breath is shallow, hands red from how hard he is gripping the sword, "Taehyung would never do that. He is reckless and stupid and many other things but he would never betray me like that."
Eunuch Cheo smiles, despite the sharp metal stinging his skin, "Then you will have to let him know that, Your Majesty. Consort Kim is a wise one, he wouldn't just sit without a plan."
Jeongguk grits his teeth, removing the sword from the Eunuch's throat, "Wise one? He is just-" Jeongguk swiftly moves back, his sword aimed at the intruder that just fell through his window.
"Taehyung?" He yells, upon seeing his face. He grits his teeth, veins popping in anger,
"You are supposed to be in the prison and not hiding from the guards. Especially not in my own chambers."
Taehyung pants, catching his breath as he stands up, "You refused to hear the witnesses. Are you going to kill them? You can't kill them"
Jeongguk just glares at him. He throws his sword towards his side, taking long angry strides towards the omega. "You", he growls, his hand harshly grabbing Taehyung's jaws, pushing the man against the wall,"first you are caught sneaking a strange alpha out of your chambers. Then you refuse to deny the allegations , then you dare to escape the guards to sneak into my chambers. And you have the audacity to order me around?"
Taehyung blinks at the Emperor, his eyes big and innocent. "I can explain", he manages to say with his jaws held in Jeongguk's hand.
"You better", Jeongguk says, removing his hand, instead placing it against the wall.
"I don't even know that Alpha", Taehyung swallows, " I assume he is the lover of one of the handmaidens I took."
Jeongguk grinds his teeth, "Why didn't you raise an alarm when you saw him in your chambers? Why were you sneaking him out?"
"I feared they would be killed if anyone knew about this", Taehyung confesses, guilty. Jeongguk's hand curls into a fist, "They would be punished nonetheless, Taehyung. It is just that you dug your own grave with them."
Jeongguk pulls himself away, running his hand through his hair in frustration, "Why would you not deny the allegation? Why were you silent?"
Taehyung bites his lips, hesitantly looking at Jeongguk, "I thought you didn't believe me. I thought you believed what Consort Park was saying."
Jeongguk stares at Taehyung, his features softening. "Taehyung ", he sighs, cupping his face gently. Taehyung leans into the warm touch.
"Why are you so stupid?"
Taehyung frowns at the insult, glaring at the Emperor. He tries to pull away but Jeongguk circles his waist, pulling him closer.
"I know you better than you know yourself", Jeongguk whispers, his breath fanning Taehyung's lips, "I know you rejected the proposal from the King of the Lee Kingdom because of me. You surely wouldn't betray me for a lousy Alpha?"
Taehyung glares at him, struggling to pull away but failing, "I didn't reject the proposal because of you."
Jeongguk chuckles, "You are wearing a fragrance so strong that I know it suffocates you. Now, you wouldn't be meeting strange men, wearing a fragrance I liked, would you?" Taehyung narrows his eyes, grumbling, "I didn't know you liked this fragrance."
Jeongguk smiles, "It is my second favourite." Taehyung frowns, "What is your first favourite?"
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, smirking, "Why? You will wear that tomorrow?"
Taehyung tries to pull away again, punching the Emperor's chest, "You are annoying. I am going back to the dungeons."
Jeongguk laughs, a hand holding Taehyung's wrists while another arm tightening around his waist. "I am sorry", he chuckles, leaning in, trying to kiss the omega.
Taehyung pulls his face back, nodding towards Eunuch Cheo who is moving towards the door, "Stop him".
Jeongguk frowns, "Would you rather have him watch us?"
Taehyung closes his eyes at the absurd question, the suggestion making his cheeks go red. He is frowning, when he opens his eyes again, "I meant, if you have ordered to kill anyone. Please stop him before it's too late."
Jeongguk pokes the insides of his cheeks with his tongue, "I wouldn't be killing innocent people if you had left me any other way. Do you want me to spare them tonight so that I would be forced to hang you and your whole family tomorrow?"
Taehyung sighs, eyes cast with guilt, "I have a way. So , please stop him." Jeongguk's eyebrows furrowed in confusion but he commands Eunuch Cheo to stop. "What way?"
"I have helped a lot of these concubines and handmaidens-" Jeongguk interrupts him, "Helped them? How exactly?"
Taehyung clears his throat, eyes shifty, "That you need not know, Your Majesty. But if you could help me send a few letters to them, I am certain nobody would be willing to stand as a witness tomorrow."
Jeongguk eyes him suspiciously but hums, "That wouldn't be a huge issue. You can hand over the letter to Eunuch Cheo. But are you certain about this?"
Taehyung nods, "They have debts they owe."
Jeongguk takes a long breath, nodding, "You wouldn't be able to save that handmaiden and her lover."
Taehyung sighs, "I understand."
Jeongguk sits on the edge of the bed as Taehyung sits behind the desk, finishing his last letter. He stacks them neatly, passing them to Eunuch Cheo with instructions.
"If you had just raised an alarm, we wouldn't have to go through all of this", Jeongguk says as he watches Eunuch Cheo take his leave.
Taehyung hums, a smile on his face, "On the other hand, I believe we have more to gain from this.
Jeongguk glares at him, "I don't want you strategizing when your life is on line, Taehyung. "
Taehyung pouts, "I am-" he stops, frowning when Jeongguk shushes him. "Go back to the dungeons, before anyone raises an alarm of you missing", the Emperor tells him.
Taehyung stands up, walking towards the Emperor. He stops when he is in front of the Alpha, "Would that be an issue?"
Jeongguk glares at him, "What do you think?"
Taehyung bites his lips, peering at the Emperor through his long eyelashes, "But it was I who was supposed to spend the night with you."
Jeongguk's tongue runs across his bottom lips, "And what would you do if you were to spend the night here?"
Taehyung blushes, "I would let you do whatever you wish to." He gasps when Jeongguk grabs his wrist pulling him on his lap.
"That is a daring proposition", Jeongguk growls, his lips pressed against Taehyung's ear. "You have no idea what all I wish for", his hands grips Taehyung's waist, certainly leaving marks.
Taehyung's cheeks turn red as he allows Jeongguk to capture his lips, moaning into the kiss as the Emperor manhandles him. He gasps when his back hits the soft mattress with Jeongguk hovering over him.
"Are you certain?" Jeongguk breathes out, pulling away a little to stare at Taehyung. Taehyung gulps when he meets the dark eyes, hooded with lust. He gives a subtle nod, his breath shallow when Jeongguk's fingers curl around the knot of his robe.
He throws his head back, his heart pounding against his chest when Jeongguk burrows his face in the crook of his neck. One of his hands unties the knot of Taehyung's robe while his lips leave wet kisses on the omega's neck.
Taehyung moans when Jeongguk's parts the last fabric that covers his chest, the cold air touching his nipples. His hand jerks up, fingers tangling in Jeongguk's hair when the Emperor bites a little too harshly on his neck.
"Do you have any idea how long I have waited for this?" Jeongguk breathes, his nose dragging along Taehyung's cheek, "How many nights have I spent imagining this?" He groans, patting on Taehyung's shoulder to indicate him to lift himself a bit.
Taehyung takes a stuttered breath as he lifts himself, his neck and cheeks turning red as he lets Jeongguk remove his robes, leaving his torso naked.
"You imagined this?" He whispers, his adam apple bobbing as Jeongguk's large hand splay against his naked chest, pushing him to lie on the mattress again. Jeongguk hums, his rough hand tracing the expanse of Taehyung's skin, sliding from his chest towards his midriff.
His mouth wraps around Taehyung's nipple, sucking on it. "Imagined taking you all night long, in every position known", Jeongguk growls, tugging the nipple. Taehyung whimpers, his fingers tightening in Jeongguk's hair.
Jeongguk pulls away, sitting on his heels, a hand on either side of Taehyung's waist as he bends down to pull the string of Taehyung's trousers with his mouth. He brings one of his hands, tugging down the trouser.
"Lift", he whispers, patting Taehyung's thighs and Taehyung obediently lifts his hips, allowing Jeongguk to pull his trousers down. He shudders when he meets Jeongguk's dark eyes.
Jeongguk takes his time to tug away his trousers, carelessly throwing them away. His gaze remains fixed on Taehyung as he lifts the omega's ankle, kissing the soft skin.
"Do you realise how beautiful you look?"
Jeongguk groans, kissing the back of Taehyung's legs. "I haven't even touched you properly and you are already so undone", he whispers, lips moving towards his thighs , gingerly kissing it.
"Aren't you going to undress?" Taehyung breathes out, voice meek.
"Do you want me to?" Jeongguk asks him, sucking on his thighs. Taehyung moans, toe curling as he nods. Jeongguk stares at him before, grabbing his wrist, pulling him forward.
Taehyung inhales sharply, sitting up. "Then undress me", Jeongguk whispers , kissing him. Taehyung kisses him back, blindly searching for the knot on the Alpha's robe as he pulls the string. He giggles as he tries to remove the robe
"I cannot do that if you don't stop kissing me."
"Too bad", Jeongguk cups his face, kissing him deeper, "I cannot stop kissing you." He gasps in surprise when Taehyung bites his lower lip, taking the chance to pull away.
He looks at Jeongguk with faux guilt, "Apologies, Your Majesty." Jeongguk narrows his eyes but allows Taehyung to remove his clothes, "You little vixen."
Taehyung shudders once he has removed the last of Jeongguk's clothing. The Emperor's cock stands tall and thick, angry veins throbbing red. "This", Taehyung gulps, unable to remove his eyes. "I-I don't think I can take this."
"Don't worry, pup", Jeongguk coos, splaying his hand on Taehyung's chest , pushing him gently against the mattress, "I will make sure you take it." Taehyung swallows, feels the slick running down his thighs.
"I can smell the arousal on you", Jeongguk grits out, biting the supple skin of his thighs, tightening the grip on Taehyung's leg when the latter tries to jerk away.
"I asked you, if you were certain", he says, voice gruff, his hand leaves Taehyung's ankle, now caressing his thighs.
"You said yes", He continues, his calloused hand now roaming on the insides of Taehyung's thighs.
His fingers hover over the last piece of fabric that covers Taehyung's crotch, and in an instant he rips it apart.
Taehyung gasps, reflexively trying to close his legs but Jeongguk hands grips his knees tightly, pulling it apart.
"You cannot run now", he says, voice throaty, as his hands slide around Taehyung's waist, gripping them tightly, pulling his hip against himself.
Taehyung burns red from embarrassment when he feels Jeongguk's hard length poking his ass, his head snapping to his side to avoid Jeongguk's eyes.
"I wasn't runnin-ah", Taehyung moans , eyes screwing shut, hand clutching the bedsheet when Jeongguk's thumb rolls over the head of his cock, nail slightly digging.
"Look at me then", Jeongguk commands, playing with the aroused cock. Taehyung shyly turns to look at him, "D-don't do that", he pleads, biting his lips.
"You don't like it?" Jeongguk breathes, his thumb digs deeper into the slit of Taehyung's
cock, while his other hand rubs the cervices of his ass.
"What is this then?", he says, coating his fingers with Taehyung's slick, lewdly bringing them to his tongue, sucking on them while he stares at Taehyung.
Taehyung just stares at him, mouth parted as Jeongguk slowly tugs on his cock. The slick keeps gushing out of him, his cock achingly hard. He doesn't know what he wants but he jerks his hips upwards into Jeongguk's hand, whining, "Please."
Jeongguk raises a devious eyebrow, "Please what?" He asks, pinning Taehyung's waist against the mattress with one hand while pumping his cock with another.
"T-this", Taehyung moans, back arching as he feels the pleasing sensation, "Hyung please." He whines when Jeongguk leaves his cock, his finger instead circling the rim of his anus.
Taehyung is about to complain when he feels an uncomfortable stretch. His eyebrows furrow, lips pouting.
Jeongguk looks at him, the tip of his index finger barely inside Taehyung, "Is it hurting?" Taehyung shakes his head, "N-uh, it's uncomfortable."
"Tell me if it hurts, alright?" Jeongguk says and Taehyung nods, immediately biting his lips when the finger moves deeper. Jeongguk looks over to see Taehyung's reaction, thrusting his finger when he finds the omega relaxed.
He pulls out the finger, coating his middle finger with the slick as he tries to push again. Taehyung whimpers, hand stretching out reflexively to grab Jeongguk's arm, "Tt-oo much"
Jeongguk bends over, kissing Taehyung's lips. Taehyung moans, tasting his slick on the Emperor's tongue. "If you cannot take this, how will you take me, kitten?" Jeongguk lets out a breathless chuckle, easing his fingers inside Taehyung.
Taehyung's reply gets stuck on his lips, mouth opening instead in small gasps. Jeongguk prods the insides of Taehyung's hole, curving his finger when he finds a bundle of nerves, pressing into the skin.
He smirks when Taehyung's back arches, his lips opening in a loud moan, "Ah-hyung."
Jeongguk harshly tugs on his lower lips when Taehyung's tries to bite back the moan, "Don't you dare."
"T-they will hear", Taehyung whines.
"Nobody is outside, Taehyung. Eunuch Cheo is wise enough", Jeongguk says. Taehyung nods, his hips moving towards Jeongguk, desperately sliding on his thick fingers.
He throws his head back, moans tumbling out as Jeongguk thrusts his fingers faster, stretching them inside him. Taehyung is snapping his hips, fucking himself on Jeongguk's finger by he time third finger is inside him.
He whines when Jeongguk suddenly pulls out his fingers.
"Enough", Jeongguk growls, rubbing his slicked fingers on Taehyung's stomach and thighs. Taehyung is about to noise a complain when the alpha grabs his legs, bending his knees.
He guides his large cock towards Taehyung's hole, rubbing the tip against his ass, spreading the precum.
Taehyung watches with awaited breath, arousal pooling in his stomach when the head of Jeongguk's cock rests against his hole.
"Tell me if you want me to stop, alright?" Jeongguk says, a hand on the side of Taehyung's head as he hovers over him. Taehyung nods, lifting his hand to trace the Alpha's back, nails digging with a hiss when the tip of the thick cock breaches his wall.
Jeongguk supports himself on one of his elbows, his other hand coming up to caress Taehyung's cheek, as he leans in to capture his lips."God, you are so tight", he mutters through his teeth.
"W-wait", Taehyung whispers against their lips when Jeongguk's cock pushes further. The stretch is much bigger than Jeongguk's fingers, although it is not painful, it leaves Taehyung with an aching sting. Jeongguk groans, nodding as he stills.
Taehyung wraps his hand tightly around Jeongguk, taking deep breaths as he nods, "Go on", he says, words ending in a long drawn moan as Jeongguk pushes inside, burying himself to the hilt.
His mouth parts, legs wrapping around Jeongguk's waist, nails dragging along his back when the Alpha starts moving, giving slow, experimental thrusts.
A primal instinct surges inside Jeongguk as soon as he is inside Taehyung. He supports himself on one hand while his other hand roams around Taehyung's body, caressing his nipples, pinching his waist, groping any and every part of the flesh he can get under him.
When he cannot control himself anymore, his hips starts snapping faster, his breath becoming shallow and aggressive as he roughly kisses Taehyung, shoving his tongue inside the omega, exploring his mouth as he likes.
Taehyung lets him do as he pleases, his mouth opening loose letting out constant moans and incoherent mumbles. His eyes roll back, fingers curling around Jeongguk's muscle as the overwhelming sensation of Jeongguk's cock dragging inside his walls hit him.
"I-I need to release-", he cries, his eyes filled with tears, his forehead drenched with sweat. "Not yet, love", Jeongguk breathes, punctuating each word with a sharp snap of his hips as he pounds inside Taehyung.
Taehyung only moans louder, legs spreading as Jeongguk thrusts into him, the bed creaking with the force.
Jeongguk pulls away, until only his tip is inside Taehyung. He ignores Taehyung's whines as he straightens up, grabbing Taehyung's ankles to throw his legs over his shoulder.
His fingers dip into the flesh of Taehyung's thighs as he snaps his hips, pushing himself inside Taehyung again. Taehyung cries out, tongue lolling out, the new angle makes Jeongguk's thrust deeper inside him.
"H-hyung please", Taehyung cries, his cock aching for release.
"Cum for me pup", Jeongguk says, grabbing Taehyung's hand which comes towards his cock.
"You are not allowed to touch yourself", he growls, snapping his hips faster, ruthlessly pounding into him.
Taehyung moans, retracting his hand, clutching the bedsheet as he allows the
overwhelming sensation to engulf him.
Soon, he is releasing spurts of white liquid all over his stomach and Jeongguk's abs. His hands fall to his side, his mouth parched as he takes long breaths.
Jeongguk's movement slows inside him, but doesn't stop.
"N-no more", Taehyung whimpers at the drag of Jeongguk's cock against his sensitive walls.
"Don't be so selfish, kitten", Jeongguk groans, giving him a sharp thrust, eliciting a cry of Taehyung.
"I need to fill you with my cum", he says, bending over, planting his elbows on either side of Taehyung's head. "Need to fill your stomach with my pups", he growls, giving slow but deep thrusts.
Taehyung moans, nodding, letting Jeongguk pound inside him. "You would like that wouldn't you?" The Alpha spits out, his thrusts sharp and hurried, now only chasing his own orgasm.
"Y-yes", Taehyung whispers, eyes swimming with tears from the yet again building sensation of pleasure. Jeongguk's breath turns shallow, his movement erratic as he continuously thrusts inside Taehyung.
He groans, thrusts languid when he feels the release near. He falls on Taehyung, panting when he cums, cock dragging slowly to release the last drop into Taehyung.
Taehyung's mouth parts open as he feels the warm liquid gush inside him, a trail of what he can't hold oozing out on his ass.
Taehyung blacks out soon after that. When he opens his eyes, he doesn't feel the slick sticking on his thighs or cum running on his ass. He figures Jeongguk must have cleaned it up, as he watches the Alpha sleeping beside him.
He moves closer, ignoring the sharp pain in his ass as he puts his head over Jeongguk's
chest, hugging him.
"Are you awake?" Jeongguk groans, himself stirring awake, his hand caressing Taehyung's waist. "Are you alright?"
Taehyung nods, "Except the soreness below?Yes."
Jeongguk chuckles, voice raspy, "Then you wouldn't mind going another round, would you? He says, groping Taehyung's ass.
Taehyung smacks his chest, pouting, "What kind of beast are you?"
He narrows his eyes, "You have to carry me to the prisons before everyone wakes up and finds me missing."
"Ofcourse, Your Majesty ", Jeongguk yawns, flipping Taehyung to roll over him. "You didn't tell me how you escaped the prison in the first place", he says, kissing him.
Taehyung giggles into the kiss, "Let's say, I have the keys and a friend who is willing to replace me for the night."
Jeongguk frowns, pulling away, "No doubt, you have a /friend/, but how do you have the keys?"
Taehyung purses his lips, eyes big and innocent, "I might have stolen it from you and went to the blacksmith."
Jeongguk's jaws twitch as he pinches Taehyung's waist, eliciting a cry, "Do you know the punishment for that?"
Taehyung rubs his stinging waist, pouting, "Are you gonna behead me on your
be-ahh..h-hyung", Taehyung stutters, whimpering when Jeongguk slides inside him. "No but I will fuck you on my bed", Jeongguk groans, lazily snapping his hips.
When Taehyung gets called to the court later that day, he is limping. He stands ashamed, in between the crowd that consists of the Ministers, the Consorts and his family.
He wonders if they can see through him, he feels like everyone in the room knows what he was doing yesterday.
However, contrary to his expectations his mother cries out, "W-why are you limping Taehyung? Did they torture you in prison?"
Taehyung's eyes grow big at the reaction. When he actually hurt himself, everyone thought he was sleeping with the Emperor and now when he actually was, they think he is hurt?
Taehyung's eyes grow big at the reaction. When he actually hurt himself, everyone thought he was sleeping with the Emperor and now when he actually was, they think he is hurt?
Namjoon turns towards Jeongguk, voice accusatory, "Allegations against my brother haven't been proved, Your Majesty. On what basis was he subject to such treatment?" Taehyung sniffles dramatically, "Just because I am a Consort."
Jeongguk glares at him, grinding his teeth, "Yes, because you are my Consort. I will decide when you shall be tortured." He turns to stare towards Namjoon, ignoring Taehyung's pout, "Your brother hasn't denied any allegations yet, shall we discuss that first?"
"Isn't it humiliating that such allegations have been made towards me in the first place?" Taehyung says, loudly. "Firstly, I am made target of such heinous accusations. Then I am asked to deny the same, isn't it humiliating enough for a Consort of the Emperor?"
Jeongguk is truly surprised at how dramatic his husband is. Taehyung is wiping tears at this point. "However, if this is what the Emperor wants, I deny the allegations", he says, staring at Jeongguk ,
"I have never thought of any man besides, His Majesty. I was always yours and will always remain yours, till my last breath." Jeongguk inhales sharply at the confession, his heart cannot help but beat faster.
He clears his throat before he speaks, "Very well", he turns towards Consort Park who is watching Taehyung with contempt, "Did you see Consort Kim sneaking out an Alpha from his bedchamber , Consort Park?"
"I did not, Your Majesty", Park Chaewon speaks quickly, "But some of my trusted concubines and handmaidens did. If you would allow, I would like them to come forward and speak."
"Go ahead ", Jeongguk says, although he watches in anxiety as those concubines and handmaidens come forward. "Did you all see Consort Kim sneak the Alpha out?" He asks, loudly. There is a pin drop silence for a while, all the eyes are on the witnesses who look visibly anxious.
"I did not, Your Majesty", one of them speaks and Jeongguk releases a breath of relief. Soon, each one of them is denying seeing anything like that. Consort Park is visibly enraged at the turn of events so is her father and quite a few Ministers.
"How can we believe them, Your Majesty? Somebody could have influenced them during the night", Prime Minister Park speaks up.
Consort Park nods, adding herself, "Also this does not erase the fact that a strange Alpha was present inside Consort Kim's bed chamber."
Taehyung eyes snap towards her, "Am I going to be punished for an intruder entering my chambers? I could have been harmed, does no one care about that? Is no one going to ask how an intruder can breach the harem walls without being caught?-
Is the safety of harem walls not a responsibility of Prime Minister Park?"
Jeongguk bites his lips to hide the smirk growing on his face. Taehyung is unstoppable as he kneels on the floor
, " If Your Majesty believes that assuming someone tampered with the witnesses is better than believing his own Consort's words, I am nobody to question it."
Jeongguk stares at Prime Minister Park, eyes predatory, "I assume you will be submitting a report on how a strange man entered harem without our notice, Minister Park?"
"Your Majesty, I apologise if I am assuming ", Minister Park says, "however, if a Consort helped the man sneak in-"
"Since when are the Consorts allowed to do whatever they want?" Jeongguk interrupts him loudly, "even their letters are reviewed by the officials. Or are you saying you have formed some new rules, without informing me?"
"Of Course not, Your Majesty ", Minister Park, apologises instantly, "I will look into the matter and send you the report."
"But why did you not raise the alarm, Consort Kim?" Consort Park speaks up, features twitching with unleashed anger.
"Why did you wait for people to come find you?"
'Then I wouldn't be able to drag you in front of the whole court', Taehyung thinks but he instead gives her a small smile, "A stranger was present in my chambers, Consort Park.-
How would I know he wouldn't harm me if I raised an alarm?"
Consort Park glares at him but doesn't say anything. Jeongguk hums, "Since there is no evidence against Consort Kim, it is only fair that Consort Park apologises for such grave accusations."
"Apologies, Your Majesty ", Taehyung says, "For the vile accusations levelled against me when I am bearing the heir to the throne, an apology doesn't suffice."
The words cause a series of murmurs and gasps in the room. Jeongguk stares at Taehyung, ears ringing, lying through his teeth like that, does he ever realise the consequences.
His hands curl into fists, if he could he would drag Taehyung out of the court right now and tie him to his bed so that the omega stops being so reckless. Maybe he would, once this is over.
"Is that true, Taehyung?" It is Empress Dowager who speaks, for the first time since the court started, rising from her chair, "Make him stand up, Your Majesty", she tells Jeongguk
"Please stand up, Taheyung ", Jeongguk says as much, closing his eyes as his mother walks towards Taehyung, kissing his forehead.
"Everyone is aware of the consequences of levelling unfounded allegations against the one who bears the heir to the throne",
Queen Dowager speaks, fiercely, " this incident not only compromised the safety of the King Consort but also humiliated him and his family. I do not think Consort Park is suitable enough to run the harem now and until Prime Minister Park investigates the matter,-
Taehyung cannot stay in the harem. I pray, Your Majesty decides wisely."
Although Queen Dowager holds no position of power in court, her status is influential enough to ignore her words.
Soon a lot of Ministers are agreeing with her, nobody wants to be seen as one opposing the safety of the crown prince. Even the Parks are silent, without any argument.
"Very well then", Jeongguk says, "Consort Park is removed from the duties of harem from this moment. Until Minister Park submits a report, Kim Namjoon shall look after the safety of harem premises. And for the time being for his safety, Consort Kim shall stay in my Chambers."
"Do you think before you open your mouth, Taehyung?" Jeongguk roars as soon as they have entered the Emperor's Chamber. Taehyung honestly didn't think it was a big deal, he also doesn't think Jeongguk needs to get as angry as he is right now.
"It helped us, didn't it? The lie made it easier for you to remove Prime Minister Park when the time comes."
Jeongguk glares at him, eyes red with anger, "Do you realise what danger you have put yourself into? A lot of people in the court want to harm you right now."
Taehyung frowns, confused, "Weren't you the one who wanted a child so bad?" Jeongguk pinches the bridge of his nose, eyes shutting close,
"Eventually. Not during this political turmoil", he sighs, staring at Taehyung, "and it was another thing if you were actually carrying a child. The truth is that you aren't."
Taehyung smiles, a blush creeping on his face, voice low when he speaks, "What if I am? It isn't a lie if we make it true."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, " I didn't knot you, Taehyung. You aren't pregnant."
Taehyung gasps, betrayal clear in his eyes, "You didn't?" Jeongguk sighs, "I think you would know if I did."
Taehyung's lips jut out, eyebrows furrowing, " Why? Do you not like me anymore?"
Jeongguk's eyes widen at the absurd conjecture, he cups Taehyung's face, "Of Course I like you, Taehyung. I love you."
"Then why?" Taehyung grumbles.
Jeongguk puffs out his cheeks, exhaling, "Two days ago you didn't want a child, today you do. If tomorrow you don't, what would we do with the child, throw them in the well?"
Taehyung gasps, smacking Jeongguk's hands away from his face, "I am not so fickle. I am certain I want a child."
Jeongguk nods, "If you still want it by the end of the week, I will give it to you."
Taehyung places his palms on Jeongguk's chest, standing closer, "You are here, I am here, there is a bed, why don't you knot me now?"
Jeongguk blinks at the unusual desperation, he holds Taehyung's wrists, " It's the middle of the day, Taehyung -"
"Does your knot not work in the middle of the day?" Taehyung frowns.
Jeongguk grinds his teeth, " I mean I have a Kingdom to look after, matters to attend to."
Taehyung nods, "Then would you do it at night?" Jeongguk sighs, "No, and I told you why."
Taehyung grumbles, turning on his heels to go towards the door, " You are being so belligerent, Your Majesty. I am just asking for a chi-" he frowns when he opens the door and Yoongi has his sword out, restricting him from leaving.
Jeongguk comes from behind, whispering in his ear, "Until I decide how to protect you without locking you in my room, you are to remain here."
Taehyung looks over at him, glaring. Jeongguk kisses his pout, "Now don't be angry, kitten. You brought this on yourself."
Taehyung screams once Jeongguk has left. The Emperor is testing his patience today.
"The food smells delicious today", Jeongguk comments when they sit for lunch. Taehyung sits beside him, hooking his arm in Jeongguk's elbow. "I told them to make all your favourite dishes", he grins, pointing at the dishes,
"I specifically told them to bring your favourite sweets from the market." "Oh" Jeongguk says, eyebrows raising up, "Are you not angry anymore?"
Taehyung shakes his head, leaning to give a wet, loud kiss on his cheek, "I could never be angry at you."
Jeongguk nods, albeit suspicious, "Let's eat then, shall we?" He is about to pick up the chopsticks but Taehyung beats him to it, placing the food in front of Jeongguk's lips, "Let me feed you."
Jeongguk swallows at the overly sweet behaviour, opening his mouth to eat the food. "Isn't it delicious?" Taehyung asks
Jeongguk nods, humming.
Taehyung smiles, "You should eat all of it. Mother says, it helps in increasing virility."
Jeongguk chokes on the morsel, coughing loudly as he grabs a glass of water from the table gulping it quickly. He turns to glare at Taehyung, "I am not knotting you, Taehyung."
Taehyung huffs, keeping the chopsticks on the table as he looks away from the Alpha.
Jeongguk shakes his head, "I guess you aren't feeding me anymore ", he says, about to pick the chopsticks when Taehyung interrupts.
"Eunuch Cheo, please bring His Majesty's lunch."
Jeongguk frowns, "Isn't this lunc-", he stops when he sees Eunuch Cheo replacing the delicacies with a tray of bland food.
"Since the Emperor is hell bent on becoming a monk", Taehyung says, getting up to leave.
"I am not-" Jeongguk starts to say but Taehyung has already gone behind the curtains. Jeongguk stares at the Eunuch, lips pursed, "I am the Emperor, am I not?"
Eunuch Cheo just gives him a helpless expression.
Jeongguk is done with his readings for the day and about to retire for the bed when Taehyung parts the curtain, stepping out.
Jeongguk inhales sharply, eyes wide.
Taehyung is dressed in the softest, pink silk robe. It is tied loosely around his waist, one side falling on his shoulder, exposing his chest.
"Taehyung", Jeongguk whispers, mesmerised as he approaches the omega.
"You look", he swallows, inhaling Taehyung scent as he drags his nose against his cheek. "You look absolutely breathtaking", he breathes out, lifting up his hand to hold Taehyung's cheek.
He forces him to look up, capturing his lips. Taehyung moans, kissing him back, letting Jeongguk push him towards the bed, without breaking the kiss. Taehyung locks his arms around Jeongguk's neck, deepening the kiss as they fall on the soft mattress.
"You drive me crazy", Jeongguk growls, sucking on Taehyung's neck, hands reaching for the knot, drawing the string.
Taehyung moans when Jeongguk rolls his hips against his crotch, "Are you going to knot me?"
Jeongguk freezes, going still, "I-" Taehyung narrows his eyes, "Are you?" Jeongguk swallows, "No"
Taehyung pushes him off, turning towards his side so that Jeongguk faces his back, "Then I am sleepy."
"Taehyung", Jeongguk calls out, desperation clear in his voice, " can we not enjoy the night without me knotting you?"
"I don't want to", Taehyung says flatly.
So, Jeongguk lays on the bed, staring at the ceiling, fully aroused.
"If you knotted me, I could suck you off", Taehyung says, after a while.
Jeongguk chokes on air, his cock which was accepting its fate, stirs once again at the comment, "Who even taught you this?"
"Does it matter?" Taehyung mutters, "With your present attitude, my mouth is not going anywhere near there, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk fists his hair in frustration, screaming silently. #taekookau
Jeongguk is focusing on the scroll in front of him, eyes furrowed in concentration when Taehyung comes to sit beside him.
"What are you doing?" He mumbles sweetly, peering over the scroll.
"Taehyung", Jeongguk says, warning in his voice, "If you are here to trick me into knotting you, don't."
Taehyung smirks, "I didn't know I could trick you into knotting me, but you are giving me ideas."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, turning his head towards Taehyung , "You are enjoying this, aren't you?"
Taehyung laughs, taking away the scroll from Jeongguk's desk, examining it, "Tell me, Your Majesty. What are you doing?"
Jeongguk sighs, placing his chin on Taehyung's shoulder, burying his nose into the omega's neck, " A contingent of traders from the Lee Kingdom has been visiting the town frequently. -
We have suspicion that one of our Ministers is involved in secret communications with them. However, we haven't been able to gather much evidence."
Taehyung hums, nodding, "Why don't you ask Jimin? He wouldn't have any difficulty procuring the information for you?"
Jeongguk nuzzles Taehyung's cheek, inhaling his scent, "I have already talked to him. He wasn't able to gather much information."
Taehyung's eyebrows jump in surprise, "That is strange. Ouch-" he whines when Jeongguk tugs his ear. He glares at the Emperor, "Why would you do that?"
Jeongguk smiles, rubbing his ear, "Don't think too much about it. I don't want you putting yourself in any danger."
"Let me go or I will tell Jimin that you aren't very fond of his mother's recipe that he cooks three times a week", Taehyung says, folding his hand across his chest as he watches the Kingsguard defiantly.
Jeongguk had left for court duties an hour ago and if Taehyung wanted to do something this was his only chance.
Yoongi narrows his eyes, muscles ticking on his jaws but he doesn't move an inch from the door. "You wouldn't ", he says, voice low.
Taehyung shrugs, a mischievous grin on his face, "Wouldn't I?" "What do you want, Taehyung?"
"Let me go"
"That cannot happen ", Yoongi says, flatly.
Taehyung hums, "So you would rather upset your husband than defy the Emperor?" Yoongi looks like he is inches away from stepping inside the door and throttling Taehyung, "/You/ plan to upset my husband."
Taehyung sighs, "I am just politely asking you to step aside. I would come as quickly as I go, His Majesty would never know."
Yoongi gives him a tight smile as he leans forward to close the door, "His Majesty would know as soon as you step out of these doors."
Taehyung groans as the door shuts on his face.
"Did you really think it would work?" Eunuch Cheo's voice comes nervously behind him. Taehyung turns towards him,a grin on his face that reminds the Eunuch of the satan his mother had told his childhood self to stay away from.
"No", Taehyung says, pausing as if contemplating something before he speaks, "I just wanted to rile him up. Now he won't bother to look inside the Chamber for a long time."
Eunuch Cheo looks at him confused. Taehyung just smiles at the Eunuch who had decided he would rather spend his time in the Emperor's Chamber today bugging Taehyung rather than attending the court duties with the Emperor.
"I-I don't understand-" he starts to say, however, the confusion leaves the Eunuch's face, sentence ending in a gasp when Taehyung moves across the room, lifting a large portrait from the wall.
"How?" Eunuch Cheo gasps, face blanching with terror, "You shouldn't know of this."
Taehyung stares at the hidden passage carved out in the wall, the entrance is grilled and locked. Taehyung looks at the Eunuch , sickly sweet smile on his lips, "Long time ago, I decided I would make Jeongguk's life hell and sneaked into the late Emperor's Chamber-
Before he could drag me out, they announced that the Emperor was arriving. If I was caught I would have been flogged at least a dozen times so Jeongguk shoved me inside this hidden passage and told me to run."
Taehyung walks towards the Eunuch, his smile wolfish, "So, where is the key?"
Eunuch Cheo swallows, sweat beads forming on his forehead, "I-I can't Cons-" he cries out as Taehyung places a dagger against his throat.
Taehyung places a finger on his lips, silencing the Eunuch, "I won't hurt you, Eunuch Cheo. I like you. I just need the keys."
Eunuch Cheo whimpers but shakes his head.
Taehyung clicks his tongue, grinning "Good thing I know His Majesty like the back of my hand."
A minute later, Eunuch Cheo is sitting on the bed with his hands and legs tied and a gag on his mouth as he watches Taehyung disappear into the passage.
"Taehyung", Jimin exclaims in surprise when he sees his best friend in the Kisaeng house, "What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here."
Taehyung sighs, moving past his friend, comfortably sitting inside one of the rooms, "Jeongguk tells me you cannot procure any information from the contingent that came from the Lee Kingdom."
Taehyung sighs, moving past his friend, comfortably sitting inside one of the rooms, "Jeongguk tells me you cannot procure any information from the contingent that came from the Lee Kingdom."
Jimin follows his friend, sitting across from him. He eyes him suspiciously, "Surely, his Majesty did not tell you to come here and enquire about it?
Taehyung raises an eyebrow, picks up a grape from the bowl of fruit in front of him, leisurely chewing on it, "What are you implying?"
Jimin grits his teeth at the imbecile of his friend who he thinks has lost his mind, "You are the Emperor's Consort Taehyung. It is not proper for you to be here. People talk."
Taehyung rolls his eyes, sitting up, "Calm down, I am just here to talk." He sighs, sulking, "Jeongguk has been worried sick. I want this mess to be sorted as soon as possible but that won't happen unless he has enough evidence about every corrupt minister in his court.+
And this matter with the Lee Kingdom is proving to be an obstacle." Taehyung sighs, looking at Jimin, "I just want to know if there is something that can be done."
Jimin scoots closer to his friend, ruffling his hair, "Don't sulk. You know I hate it." He smiles affectionately when Taehyung chuckles. "Some men from the contingent visits Kisaeng house often, one of them being their head",+
Jimin tells him, before sighing, "but they seem to be more tightlipped than we expected. We have sent him our most coveted Kisaengs and he still hasn't slipped a word."
"Will he come here today?" Taehyung asks, turning towards Jimin.
"He is supposed to", Jimin says, eyeing the glimmer that sparks in Taehyung, "What are you thinking?"
"Nothing", Taehyung shakes his head, a smile cracking on his lips, "I want you to show him your best Kisaengs and I want to be present in the room when he chooses."
Jimin wants to refuse but Taehyung 's big eyes and "please" makes him nod his head.
"I still don't know what you will achieve by doing this", Jimin whispers as they stand in the room with other Kisaengs as the head of the contingent regards each of them, taking his time.
Taehyung shrugs, "He is a man, Jimin. Sooner or later he will give in, I just want to observe him so that I can make that happen sooner than later."
Jimin lets out an exasperated sigh, "My people have been trained to do this since forever. I don't think your advice after observation would be anything they don't already know."
Taehyung looks at Jimin, cocking an eyebrow "I seduced the Emperor, I bet none of your people have /that/ skillset."
Jimim's eyes widen before he slaps his hand over his mouth to stop bursting in laughter. Taehyung grins and is about to comment further when the man stops a few feets in front of them.
"I want him", he declares.
Taehyung inhales sharply as he stares at the man. He turns his head back to see if there is someone standing behind him, when he finds none he stares at the man again, pointing a finger towards himself, "Me?"
"Yes, you" the man says, desperation in his eyes as he gazes at Taehyung. "If I had known a face like yours resided here, I wouldn't have looked for anyone else", the man says and Taehyung wants to punch the man in the face for daring to check him out.
However, as Jimin takes a step forward about to refuse the man, Taehyung places a hand on his back, stopping him.
"It would be my honour to serve you", He says, smiling coyly. Jimin whirls towards Taehyung, eyes wide, "Taehyung-"
Taehyung smiles at him, placing his hands on his shoulders as he turns him back, "Please show the guest his room, Jimin."
Jeongguk enters his Chamber to see his Eunuch lying on his bed, tied and gagged. He stares at the portrait sitting on the floor and the hidden passage that is not so hidden. He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, as he moves towards his bed.
Eunuch Cheo cries silently as the Emperor cuts the rope with one swift move, "Speak". Eunuch Cheo removes the cloth from his mouth, sitting up straight as he cries, "Consort Kim-"
"How long?" Jeongguk interrupts him and for a moment Eunuch Cheo stares at him dumbly before the Emperor snaps, "How long has he been gone for?"
"O-over an hour", Eunuch Cheo replies quickly.
"Your Majesty ", the door opens and Yoongi comes inside, eyes wide and face pale. Jeongguk grits his teeth, turning towards the male. The angry eyes send a shiver down the Kingsguard's spine.
Over an hour," Jeongguk says, voice low and threatening, "and you did not bother to check even once?"
Yoongi swallows, kneeling, "I deserve your wrath, Your Majesty."
However, Jeongguk just sighs, waving his hand, "It's Taehyung. I would be more shocked if he didn't find a way to get out."
"I will immediately go myself to bring him back, Your Majesty ", Yoongi says.
"No need", Jeongguk starts walking further inside his chambers, "Taehyung is not a prisoner on the run. Let him come back when he wishes to. He is wise enough to not put himself in danger."
The utter silence makes Jeongguk pause in his steps. He turns back, narrowing his eyes, "What is it?"
Yoongi clears his throat before murmuring, "He is at the Kisaeng House." "He is where?" Jeongguk asks loudly, eyes widening.
Yoongi swallows, wondering whether he should tell Jeongguk about what Taehyung was actually doing or keep his head. He decides on the latter as he says, "He went there to meet Jimin."
Jeongguk's eyes snap towards him,jaws clenched, "Sure, he did." He prowls towards Yoongi, face calm, fury dripping in his voice when he speaks,
" I know him better than he knows himself. I know why he went there and what he is upto." His fists curl at his sides, "Get the horse ready. I will go myself."
Taehyung smiles coyly at the man, lowering his eyelashes as he pours drink. "Such a beauty", the man croons, fingers deliberately brushing Taehyung's when he takes the cup
from his hand, "What is your name, sweetheart?".
Taehyung retracts his hand, jaws clenched as he tries to smile, "You can call me Taemin." "Taemin", the man repeats, lifting his hand to caress Taehyung's face but Taehyung moves back.
He smiles at the man, "You are not allowed to touch me. I don't think you can afford to touch me."
He can see the way the man's muscles twitch as he leans forward, pulling a satchel from his robe and pushing it towards Taehyung. "It is all yours sweetheart, this and as much as you want", he says, lifting his finger in an attempt to caress Taehyung's face.
Taehyung snorts, moving away the hand as he gives a saccharine smile to the man when he looks shocked. "My Lord", he purrs, "What would I do with your coins? One can only buy so much for themselves in a place like this."
The man's eyes light up as if Taehyung gave him the way to win his affections. "Do you want to leave this place sweetheart?" He asks excitedly,"Do you want to come with me?"
Taehyung nods his head with equal enthusiasm, "I would love to, My Lord."
The man grins, his wickedness shining in his eyes, "I will leave for my land tomorrow, I can come pick you up before that."
Taehyung pouts, shoulders slumping, "Tomorrow? Forgive me, My lord, how do I know that you would come back for me after I give you myself tonight."
The man wets his lips, " You can come with me tonight to the inn I am residing at." Taehyung looks at him, innocent eyes wide and vulnerable, "How do I know you wouldn't harm me, My Lord?
Forgive me, you are but a stranger to me and going with you alone to a strange inn", he trails off, biting his lips.
The man grows equally impatient but eager to coax Taehyung, "I would never. If you are hesitant I can take you to Minister Dam's residence near the lake. You surely recognise the esteemed Lord at your Emperor's Court?"
Taehyung's eyes narrow at the Minister's name. So, it was Minister Dam, Jeongguk hadn't given him any name. He cracks a smile at the man, fluttering his eyelashes, "Ofcourse I know him, My Lord.
Forgive me, if I am being bold but how do you, a merchant from a strange land, knows such an important Minister in the Emperor's court."
"That is none of your business ", the man snaps, tone angry all of a sudden. But he looks at the faux wariness in Taehyung's eyes and he schools his expression,
"He is interested in some of the valuables I have to sell. He has been a good friend and I don't think he would refuse if I invited a guest to the extravagant abode he has provided me."
Taehyung cocks an eyebrow wondering if that is where the Minister has been indulging in his unscrupulous activities. The lake house was a gift to the Minister's ailing mother by the late Emperor.
The Minister's mother was one of the greatest seers in Joseon, both feared and revered. Nobody dared to go near her residence neither when she was alive nor long after she passed away. That would indeed make it a perfect place for hiding.
Taehyung was so engrossed in his thought that he did not realise when the man leaned forward, taking his hand in his own.
But before Taehyung could snatch his hand away, the man let out a blood curdling scream, a dagger embedded in the back of his hand.
Taehyung inhales sharply, finally retracting his hand to himself as he snaps his head towards the door.
"Y-your Majesty", he breathes out, swallowing. He looks at Jimin with betrayal written in his eyes. Jimin just narrows his eyes, mouthing 'I prefer my head intact.'
"Seize him", Jeongguk roars, eyes boring into Taehyung. Taehyung doesn't dare move his eyes away from Jeongguk's piercing gaze as the guards enter the room, seizing the man as he cries and struggles.
From the peripheral vision he sees the guards dragging away the man and the door shuts
behind them. His tongue swipes his bottom lips, nervousness wracking his body as Jeongguk prowls towards him, muscles twitching in anger.
Taehyung has half a mind to crawl backward from where he is sitting. And he even attempts to do that before Jeongguk's fierce voice stops him still.
"Do. Not. Move", the Emperor barks, words punctuated with each step he takes.
Taehyung watches as Jeongguk comes to stand infront of him, offering him a hand. Taehyung takes the hand and is lifted up with a forceful tug. He clutches the fabric on Jeongguk's chest to steady himself, his face a hair's breadth.
"Hyung I can explain-" Taehyung starts to say but it ends up in a gasp when Jeongguk grabs his jaws, forcing his lips to pout "What will you explain? Are you going to tell me how you enjoyed seducing the man?"
Taehyung jerks his head away from Jeongguk's grasp, narrowing his eyes, "I wasn't
/seducing/ him."
"Oh", Jeongguk growls, taking a step forward and Taehyung steps back despite the defiance on his face. "You have the nerve to look offended. Pray, tell me what were you doing with that man alone in a room?"
Taehyung realises by the time Jeongguk finishes his sentence, he has been caged between the Alpha's body and wall. Taehyung searches his brain to come up with an answer but there is no way he was getting away with this.
He was acting bashful and flirty with the man to get the information out of him. He couldn't think of anyway to put that into words that wouldn't make Jeongguk angrier.
Before Taehyung could think of anything to say Jeongguk bends down and grabs the back of Taehyung's knees hauling him on his shoulder.
Taehyung shrieks, kicking his legs as Jeongguk walks towards the door, "Let me down." "Quiet"
"Let me down! Let me-" Taehyung inhales audibly, eyes going wide as Jeongguk smacks his ass.
"You-"
There is another slap on his ass. Taehyung goes still, cheeks painted red in embarrassment as Jeongguk walks towards the carriage without any qualms about the people staring at them.
Taehyung glares at the alpha as soon as he sits in the carriage. Jeongguk only gives him a hard stare before looking straight ahead.
As soon as the carriage stops inside the palace, Taehyung is the first to jump out and run towards the Emperor's Chamber fearing Jeongguk might just repeat the act. He gives an apologetic smile to the Eunuch who is standing in the Chamber, expression worried.
Jeongguk barges in the room soon enough, his shoulder brushing against Taehyung's as he walks past him. Taehyung suddenly feels ashamed and guilty, the alpha doesn't even look at him as he goes to sit on the settee.
He swallows, lowering his head "I crossed a line. I would accept any punishment, His Majesty deems appropriate. I wouldn't run away from my responsibility."
Jeongguk chuckles wryly, "Is that your way of getting out of this mess? To act innocent and obedient?"
Taehyung's lips tug down, his eyebrows furrow, "No. I told you I won't run from the consequences of my actions."
"Oh you should run", Jeongguk says, voice gruff and low, his dark eyes piercing into Taehyung's. "Because none of the punishments I imagine for you are appropriate. They all end up with you tied to my bed and not able to walk for days."
Taehyung inhales sharply, heat pooling in his stomach. "Is that supposed to scare me? Because it is doing the opposite ", Taehyung says, breathless.
Jeongguk glances at Eunuch Cheo."Get out", his loud voice resonates in the room and Eunuch Cheo scrambles out like a mouth. Taehyung suddenly feels like a mouse trapped himself.
"Close the door behind yourself. No need to dismiss anyone from their duty outside", Jeongguk orders as the Eunuch walks towards the door. Taehyung's eyes grow wide at the implication as he swivels to face Jeongguk.
Jeongguk cocks an eyebrow, "Why do you look so alarmed, Taehyung?" He says, leaning back in his settee "You can run if you want."
"I don't intend to", Taehyung breathes out, opening and curling his fingers. "Very well", Jeongguk lips curl up in a smirk, "Strip."
Taehyung's eyes widen at the command, his adam apple bobs as he stares at Jeongguk. Jeongguk only raises an eyebrow in challenge. Red hue colours Taehyung's cheeks and neck as he clears his throat, hands going towards the knot on his robe.
"Eyes on me", Jeongguk's command resonates again and Taehyung does not dare disobey as he meets the alpha's eyes. He tugs on the string, undoing the knot. Jeongguk's gaze burns into him, and Taehyung feels naked already.
The robe falls on the floor as Taehyung pulls on the string of his trousers.
He pauses, looking at Jeongguk when only a thin white innerwear covers him. "Are you waiting for something, Taehyung?" Jeongguk only asks, his voice raspy.
The Emperor curls his index finger, indicating Taheyung to come towards him Taehyung walks towards him, both anxious and aroused.
"Kneel"
Taehyung inhales sharply at the command, eyes widening. He nonetheless kneels in front of the Emperor.
Jeongguk raises an eyebrow, "You know what to do. You were boasting about it the other day, weren't you?"
Taehyung burns red again as he fumbles to draw the string of Jeongguk's trousers. His gaze fixed on the obvious bulge that tents in the Alpha 's pants.
"Take it out" Jeongguk says when Taehyung contemplates for a while. Taehyung nods, lowering the waistband as he takes out Jeongguk's cock. The hardened length sits heavy and aroused in his hand.
Jeongguk's hand slides behind his head, fingers curling gently in Taehyung's hair as he pushes his head against his cock.
Taehyung opens his mouth taking the thick cock in his mouth and starts bobbing his head.
"Use your tongue", Jeongguk says, voice rough and stifled. Taehyung flattens his tongue on the underside of the cock and starts sucking. Jeongguk groans, fingers tightening in Taehyung's hair. The sound goes straight to Taehyung's pants.
He tries to go deeper but gags on the length, tears swimming in his eyes. Jeongguk's thumb caresses his cheek, sliding down to mess with the spit that coats Taehyung's chin. Taehyung curls his fingers around the base of the cock, tugging on it while he sucks on the head.
"Is this cock enough for you or should I ask one of the guards to come?"Jeongguk growls, his grip tightens on Taehyung's jaws, making the omega's mouth part further. Taehyung groans as the cock hits the back of his throat, Jeongguk pre-cum slicking his tongue.
Taehyung frowns attempting to pull away but Jeongguk's hand keeps him in place, "You would like that wouldn't you?"
Taehyung manages to pull away this time, frowning at the Alpha, "No. I don't want anyone else."
Jeongguk's eyebrow tugs up, "You don't want anyone else's cock? Don't want to get fucked my nameless strangers?"
Taehyung shakes his head, still frowning.
"Say it", Jeongguk says, his hands coming once again to curl around Taehyung's locks.
Taehyung shudders when Jeongguk pulls his hair, " I-I don't want anyone else to fuck me. Only you."
Jeongguk leans closer, his lips brushing against Taehyung's, "Then what were you doing at the Kisaeng house, alone with a stranger in a room?"
Taehyung gulps, eyes widening,"I am sorry."
"You don't look sorry", Jeongguk says, retracting his hand away from Taehyung, leaning away. Taehyung almost complains at the loss of sensation, lips pushed in a pout when Jeongguk juts his chin towards the bed.
"Go lie down and wait for me."
Taehyung inhales audibly, anticipation thrumming in him as he nods, getting up to walk towards the bed.
"H-hyung", Taehyung whimpers, tears shining in his eyes at each drag of Jeongguk's cock inside him. Jeongguk's thrusts are forceful, brutal, each snap of his hips sending Taehyung sliding towards the headboard.
"I. Asked. You. A. Question", Jeongguk growls, his grip bruising as he holds Taehyung's thighs, parting them further as he pounds into the omega. Taehyung's toes curl from where his legs are resting on Jeongguk's shoulder.
"I-" Taehyung moans, tugging on the silk string that binds his hands to the headboard, eyes rolling back. "I belong to you", He cries out, as Jeongguk leans forward, mouthing on Taehyung's nipples, teeth scraping the nubs as hips snaps faster.
Jeongguk growls, palm sliding on Taehyung's stomach, tracing the outline of his cock in the way the omega's stomach bulges. "Maybe I should knot you. Fill you with my pups so that you know who you belong to."
Taehyung moans at the idea.
"You would like that wouldn't you?" Jeongguk asks, voice hoarse as his cock moves in long, deliberate thrusts inside Taehyung. Taehyung nods enthusiastically only to whine, "No", when Jeongguk removes himself completely.
"Please", Taehyung cries out as the binds on his wrists are freed.
"Please what, pup?" Jeongguk asks, manhandling Taehyung so that the omega is on his stomach. Taehyung wiggles his ass, bracing himself on his knees and elbows as he whimpers, "Don't stop."
Jeongguk teases his hole with the head of his cock, thrusting his cock in between Taehyung's asscheeks but not putting it inside. Taehyung makes a noise of complaint only to bite his lips when Jeongguk smacks his ass.
"Do you feel that? Feel how hard you make me", Jeongguk grunts, coating his cock with
Taehyung slick as he rubs the hardened length on Taehyung's ass,
"Everytime you disobey me", another slap lands on Taehyung's ass, "everytime you tease me", another slap, "everytime you are reckless", Taehyung whimpers at the sting.
Taehyung moans as Jeongguk's hands grab his hair, yanking his head back. "Everytime I see you Taehyung", Jeongguk groans, guiding his cock to Taehyung's hole " I only want you to bend over and take you in every way possible."
Taehyung bites his lips, almost draws blood as Jeongguk's cock slides inside in one brutal thrust. Jeongguk tugs on the omega's hair harshly. "Don't you dare bite your lips" he warns, pulling out his cock only to bury it to the hilt once again.
"Let everyone know how desperate you are for your Alpha's cock", he growls and Taehyung's moans as Jeongguk's fingers part his lips, sliding inside his mouth.
Taehyung gives up on trying to keep his voice down as Jeongguk increases his pace. The Alpha's front embraces Taehyung's back and Taehyung throws his head back on the Alpha's shoulder. The bed creaks violently and the only sound permeating the room is the slapping of their skin.
Taehyung is barely conscious, as Jeongguk manhandles him once again on his back. He just parts his legs, hand coming to hand loosely around the Alpha's neck as he lets Jeongguk have his way.
Taehyung's toe curls as pleasure washes over him, he loses count of how many times he has already come as he comes racking yet again, tears staining his cheeks.
"Too much", he hisses as Jeongguk's keep dragging against his sensitive walls, "I can't -" he cries, hands curling against Jeongguk's chest.
"Should I stop then?" Jeongguk grunts, but doesn't show any intention of slowing down. His thrusts grow desperate and shallow. Taehyung shakes his head, nails dragging against the Alpha's back.
"D-don't" he whimpers, clenching his walls against Jeongguk's cock. "Fuck", Jeongguk groans, his damp forehead resting against Taehyung's.
"You will kill me", words are growled into Taehyung's mouth as Jeongguk shoves his tongue, claiming Taehyung's lips. "Knot me, Alpha", Taehyung moans against the mouth and Jeongguk comes undone.
Taehyung groans in pain, trying to move away as Jeongguk's knot swells inside, dragging his walls in an uncomfortable stretch. "You will hurt yourself", Jeongguk grunts, pinning Taehyung's hips while white spurts of cum paint Taehyung's insides.
"I did get the information out of him though", Taehyung says as they lay on the bed. Taehyung's head on Jeongguk's arm as the Alpha spoons him, his other arm embracing Taehyung's waist.
Jeongguk's cock is still buried inside him and Taehyung likes the feeling more than he will admit.
Jeongguk growls in anger, teeth clamping on Taehyung's neck, arm around his waist tightening "You dare mention another man while my knot is still inside you."
Taehyung whimpers, placing his hand on Jeongguk's arm, "I am just saying. Minister Dam's lake house might actually end up getting haunted without human intervention."
"Sleep or I will give you reasons not to", Jeongguk warns and Taehyung shuts up, closing his eyes.
True to his words, Taehyung is not able to walk the rest of the day. But he lies on the bed, behind the curtains, smiling as Jeongguk orders Yoongi to visit Minister Dam's residence near the lake.
3 months later~
"What crime have you committed?" Jeongguk asks the man who is brought next, kneeling in front of his throne.
The man cries, "I don't know, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk's eyes the guard standing behind him, "What crime has he committed?" The guard shakes his head, "I don't know, Your Majesty."
Jeongguk frowns at the absurdity, about to respond when Taehyung's voice comes from beside him.
"You"
Jeongguk looks over to see the omega, sitting on the throne, wearing the crown as he points his finger towards the man.
Jeongguk's lips curl up in a smile as he watches his husband, who has one hand on his stomach that has started showing another pointed towards the man, a pout on his face and a frown between his eyebrows that Jeongguk itches to smooth.
"You stopped selling my favourite pastry at your sweet shop. Now, I cannot satisfy my cravings, I have to eat whatever rubbish Eunuch Cheo brings me."
Jeongguk watches Eunuch Cheo wince in the corner as he rubs his forehead with his index finger. If Taehyung was reckless and wilful before, he was just beyond Jeongguk's control now.
"Your Highness", the kneeling shopkeeper cries, "I have committed grave sin. I will immediately stock your favourite sweets in my shop."
Taehyung grins, giving him a satisfactory nod, "I shall personally come and see that."
"No you won't", Jeongguk whispers to him, sending a glare towards the omega.
Taehyung pouts, leaning towards Jeongguk, " Don't worry I will use the gates not the walls, husband."
Needless to say Taehyung does not use the gates. As soon as he lands inside the palace walls, Jeongguk is standing in front of him, hands crossed across his chest, jaws clenched.
"You are three months pregnant," his husband hisses, "and you think jumping walls and running on streets is the way to go?"
Taehyung frowns, "Ofcourse " before he cracks a mischievous grin, "Empress Dowager says that children learn things while they are in the womb."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes, "And what are you teaching our child, Your Highness?" "That" Taehyung smiles, walking towards Jeongguk. "their father sometimes takes so much work upon himself that he can't distinguish between day and night"
he says, brushing his nose against Jeongguk as he locks his arms around the Alpha's neck. Jeongguk laughs, his hand coming to rest on Taehyung's waist, "So?"
"So they should be ready to run to the streets and buy him his favourite sweet because", Taehyung says and Jeongguk eyes widen as the omega slides a piece of sweet inside his mouth.
Jeongguk groans, eyebrows furrowing as he tastes the sweet. Taehyung giggles, "because his favourite food takes away his stress." Jeongguk smiles, cradling Taehyung's cheek, pulling him into a kiss.
"Come I have to show you something", Jeongguk says, grabbing his hand as he leads them away. Taehyung grins, following him enthusiastically.
They cross the boundaries of harem and as Taehyung watches his old chamber across him, he wonders how far they have come. Once Taehyung wanted nothing but to hide in his chambers, wanted nothing to do with the politics of the palace.
Today, he sits beside Jeongguk in court and wouldn't want anything differently. One day he was one of Jeongguk's consorts and the next morning he was being crowned as the King Consort.
Jeongguk had laid all the evidence they had collected in front of the whole court, had trapped all the treacherous Ministers in their own game without any way out.
Taehyung had given him the letters exchanged by Consort Park and Consort Song and Jeongguk hadn't shown any mercy. The Consorts were found guilty along with their fathers.
After Minister Dam's secret communications with the Lee Kingdom were exposed, the ties with the Kingdom fell. Consort Lee had found herself cornered and lost the status of Consort although she was allowed to remain within the Palace walls.
And if Consort Choi found more solace with a certain handmaiden than the Emperor, neither Taehyung nor Jeongguk were going to speak about it.
Taehyung drags himself away from his thoughts as they reach Jeongguk's chamber. "This", he gasps, looking at the plain clothes lying on the bed, he stares at Jeongguk, " what does this mean?"
Jeongguk shrugs, gaze fixed on Taehyung "I thought my child should learn no matter the burden of work, his father always knows his priorities."
Taehyung grins, stepping closer to Jeongguk, "Are you saying you will accept my wish of spending a day outside the palace?"
Jeongguk's arm encircle his waist tugging him closer, "I am saying I will roam around the streets with you, eating at your friend's place even if I am certain he would be yet another convict, sleeping at an inn that I am certain would be shady-
and catching you in my arms when you will jump from the highest trees even after promising you won't."
Taehyung laughs, revelling as Jeongguk presses their lips together. "If words get around, Empress Dowager and my mother would berate you for spoiling me."
"Let them", Jeongguk breathes against his mouth, "they don't know I have vowed to forever serve you, Your Highness. Your wishes are my command", he captures Taehyung's lips again, "and your smile is my damnation."
"You remember Woo", Taehyung grins, as Jeongguk once again faces the scarred savage who looks as scary as he looked that night, " I couldn't introduce you properly last time but Woo is a part time assassin. And Woo this is my husband."
Jeongguk grits his teeth, closing his eyes, this is why his father had time and again taught him not to give into emotions.
"Let's go inside", Taehyung says when Jeongguk doesn't budge. 'Woo' nods, pulling away from the door to give them space.
Jeongguk leans towards Taehyung, whispering, " Yes love, let's go inside. Let's give /Woo/ his next target on a platter."
Taehyung frowns, smacking his arm "Don't be rude."
1.5 years later~
"Yes baby, climb the tree", Taehyung coos as the child giggles, trying to stand up using the tree as support.
"He can barely walk, Taehyung", Jeongguk groans behind him. Taehyung grumbles, "He will be climbing walls in no time."
"Yeah, no, you are not teaching him that," Jeongguk glares at the omega.
Taehyung huffs, before stretching his arm towards the kid "Haesoo", he calls, "Your father is stingy",
he says, in child like voice, mouth hanging in betrayal as the little human instead walk towards Jeongguk, curling his tiny arms around Jeongguk's legs. "Singy" Haesoo looks up at Jeongguk, giggling. Jeongguk laughs, bending down to pick the child in his arms.
Taehyung grumbles, crossing his hand across his chest as he strides away to sit in front of the lake.
Jeongguk comes to sit beside him with Haesoo on his lap.
His mouth brushes against Taehyung's earlobe, his breath tingling Taehyun's skin, as he leans to whisper, "Look who is being stingy now."
Taehyung grins, grabbing the Alpha's hand to put a handful of pebbles in his hand, "One wish to whoever wins."
Jeongguk narrows his eyes. "Yoongi", he shouts at the Kingsguard who looks as bored as the rocks in their hands.
"Keep your eyes on who throws the pebble farther", Jeongguk commands, ignoring the reluctant expression on Yoongi's face.
"All the training and hardship to become the Kingsguard only to witness rock throwing competition", Yoongi grumbles, swallowing when Jeongguk turns to glare at him.
Taehyung snickers, booping the child's nose with his finger, "Your father is a petty man."
A moment later Taehyung is standing infront of the tall plum tree, eyes wide and expression frantic as he stares up at Jeongguk who is standing on one of the highest branches
"This wasn't what I had in mind when I told you to make a wish", Taehyung shouts at the alpha who is recklessly swaying on the branch. Their son stands near Taehyung, giggling up at his father, clapping his hand.
"This is my wish", Jeongguk shouts from above, "Catch me, Your Highness."
"I will break my bone-Aaaa", Taehyung screams, stretching out his arms and closing his eyes when Jeongguk jumps.
He peels open one of his eyes cautiously when Jeongguk doesn't fall, he cautiously looks up. He grinds his teeth when he sees the Alpha has landed on one of the lower branches, a teasing expression on his face as he stares at Taehyung.
"You!" Taehyung shouts, "I hate you."
Jeongguk laughs, jumping on the ground as he walks towards Taehyung. "No you don't ", he coos, circling Taehyung's waist tugging him closer.
Taehyung smiles, lifting his hand to cup Jeongguk's face and Jeongguk leans into the warmth only to meet the cold, grainy texture of soil as Taehyung smears it on his cheek. Jeongguk's mouth hangs open.
"You deserve that for making me so worried", Taehyung giggles about to smear some more soil when Jeongguk grabs his wrist, eyes narrowing, "Do I?"
Taehyung gasps, eyes widening when Jeongguk slides his palm against Taehyung's dirty one, smearing his hand with the soil.
"No, you can't", Taehyung shrieks, snatching his hand away from Jeongguk as he backs away before he is running. Haesoo giggles, "Run run", before following his father.
Yoongi looks alarmed for the first time, about to follow them. However, Jeongguk raises his
hand, winking at him."They are mine to catch", he says before running behind the omega.
Taehyung doesn't run very far before a hand encirles his waist from behind, lifting him up. Taehyung laughs, trying to get away as he kick his legs in the air, "Let me go."
"Never", Jeongguk whispers in his ear and slides his dirty palm across Taehyung's face.