The Sacrifice of The Blood King: A Taekook Story

Chapter Sixteen: The Villages

By the time the two reach a village, the clouds have parted from the skies and bright, beautiful, rays of sunlight strike the brick buildings at sharp angles. Taehyung looks around curiously, watching as villagers gather along with a few guards, each bowing their heads respectively as Jungkook steers his horse and cargo to the center of the village. As soon as he stops, he jumps off the horse while reaching back to assist Taehyung. He does it without thought. Without realizing that the kind gesture causes a bit of a stir amongst the villagers watching them. Whispers and pointed looks wisp around the crowd until they part for a man in a deep blue tunic with gold embroidery weaving through it. Jungkook smiles, approaching the man as Taehyung follows, staying close to Jungkook until told otherwise.

"Jimin, good to see you again," Jungkook says, bowing his head in respect as the noble bows deeply.

"Always good to see you, Jungkook...is this the Desert Lamb?" Jimin asks, quickly turning his attention to the smaller boy beside Jungkook. The Desert Lamb is enthralling with his dark locks speckled in snow, his large golden eyes piercing into him silently, and the lush pink lips that contrast his caramel skin. Even wrapped in layers and layers of clothing, the Desert Lamb is a sight to see.

"I prefer Taehyung...but yes, I am from the Desert," Taehyung says, his deep soothing voice stirring another wave of whispers. Jimin gapes at Taehyung, shocked that such a deep voice can come from such a pretty man.

"I see why Jungkook chose you over a battle, dear gods, you are gorgeous," Jimin mumbles, and Taehyung fidgets slightly, embarrassed by such a comment. Jungkook laughs softly at the awestruck Jimin.

"You should have seen him in the Desert. That truly was a sight..." Jungkook states, thinking back to how Taehyung appeared before him dressed all in white with a ferocity and determination in his eyes. If Jungkook was honest with himself it was the determination and the fight in the prince's gaze more than his appearance that attracted him, but how can he relay that to someone who only sees the quiet, cold, boy in front of him.

"I can only imagine...I am Park Jimin, the Viscount governing this part of the mountain kingdom. It is a pleasure to meet you," Jimin introduces and Taehyung's brows furrow slightly with confusion.

"Viscount...I've never heard that word..." Taehyung replies. As this is going on, Jungkook gestures for the three guards to come over, instructing them on what supplies need to be taken from the cart and what supplies stay on. The guards salute in understanding before getting to work, Jimin watching them with keen eyes.

"All of the Royal Council members are viscounts. They govern and assist in judicial control under the watchful eye of the king of course," Jimin explains, noticing an error being made by one of the guards, and quickly he goes over to correct him, words of the Mountain language flying about Taehyung's head. He makes the mental note to ask Jungkook more about the Royal Council and how the governmental system is set up now that he is in control. It seemed the Blood King before was just as mad as Taehyung's father, leaving the kingdom in the hands of people who do not deserve it. People like The Advisor. Taehyung shivers slightly remembering The Advisor's greedy stare and lusting eyes. That gaze did not comfort him like Jungkook's stares do. It is completely different, and though Taehyung hasn't spent much time around people, he can tell that The Advisor is truly a corrupt individual.

Swiftly, Taehyung shakes himself from his thoughts, scurrying over to Jungkook's side and assisting with sorting the resources that are being dished out to the village. Jungkook looks at the dark-haired boy, watching as he smiles while helping guards haul boxes from cart to the town square before walking back again. Jungkook rests a hand on Taehyung's shoulder, and quickly the prince looks up at him.

"You don't have to help, kitten," Jungkook quietly says and Taehyung lightly blushes.

"I know I don't have to, but I figured I would make myself useful..." Taehyung softly says, and Jungkook can't help the emotions that rush through him at Taehyung's kindness.