The Seven Wives of Jeon Jungkook

Yeux

Sunlight pours through the curtainless windows, splaying out against her bed, spreading its warmth through the blankets. Her eyes open slowly, squinting at the dazzling rays of light reflecting off of her mahogany vanity.

She sits up, running a hand through knotted, untamed hair as a yawn escapes her lips.

Sighing, she hugs her legs to her chest, resting a cheek against her knees. Tracing patterns into the bedsheets absentmindedly, she shakes her head, attempting to snap out of her morning daze. She would need to go into town today to gather some supplies.

The town is bustling with energy upon her arrival. People swarm about like butterflies in a garden. It's refreshing to be around people once in a while she thinks as she spots her usual stall, a familiar mop of brown hair peeking out of it.

"Good morning Taehyung" she smiles at the other, who returns it albeit hesitantly. His usual lively self is coated in anxiety, eyes glancing around the main square of town once in a while as if looking out for something.

"What's the matter?"

"Haven't you heard?" He meets her eyes worriedly,

"Heard what?"

"The King, he's visiting town today," Taehyung says, gnawing at his bottom lip anxiously.

"What's so wrong with that?" she laughs, but it's cut short at the seriousness in the other's eyes.

"Haven't you heard the rumors? He's going to take another woman as his bride this year. In my opinion, you should leave as soon as you can. You stand out like a sore thumb among this crowd".

She raises an eyebrow at him playfully. "Was that a compliment?"

"I'm serious Ji Eun, you're fairly new here and the only customer that doesn't try to coax me into marrying their creepy daughter. Tell me what you need and I'll personally deliver it to your home".

He was being serious. She shakes her head in disbelief.

"Honestly, I've never seen a town of people so fearful of their King. It's all a bunch of rumors he's probably just really introverted- "

The sound of horse hooves clobbering in the distance has the entire town falling into silence. Ji Eun looks around, bewildered at everyone whose focus is now on the approaching group of beings coming towards the main square.

She spots some older men in the crowd tugging their daughters behind them. Some women sneak away slowly, attempting to hide behind nearby stalls as they peer out, anticipating the group.

Taehyung has his eyes locked on the men, his grip on the box of fruits in his hands tightens, knuckles turning white.

The hooves grow louder as dirt is kicked about, carelessly, as the group enters the main square. They line up, four horsemen on each side, bodies covered in silver armor that gleams under the blazing sun, helmets pulled over their faces as a final figure emerges between them. The horse the being rides is black with silky, sheen hair. The familiar crest of the Narcisse Kingdom is imprinted upon the banners that hang off of each side of the horse.

The figure wears an almost chrome-like black armor. A deep, maroon mantle hangs loosely around his neck, drifting behind as he gracefully jumps down from the horse, patting its head ever so softly.

Beside her, she hears Taehyungs breath hitch in his throat.

In unison, everyone in town bows deeply to the chrome-colored knight. He lifts a hand, acknowledging them. His scabbard, engraved with golden laurels, peeks out from behind the mantle.

The horsemen around him remain still, like statues frozen in time.

That same chilling feeling from last night runs its way up her spine as she locks her gaze upon the helmeted being that is now facing her direction.

Taehyung gasps as the being begins to approach her. Armor clinks loudly with every step.

She remains frozen in place, whispers of the townspeople around her flitter about. She ignores them, opting to eye the being before her.

Upon closer inspection, he towers over her immensely. Intimidated, she stands her ground. The being suddenly kneels before her. She has to stop herself from jumping back in surprise. Bending his head, the being pulls his helmet off and ruffles his hair.

When their eyes meet, her breath catches in her throat.

He's beautiful, not in an ethereal kind of beauty but an almost celestial beauty, like he belonged among the stars residing next to the moon.

Black, jade-like eyes pierced into her own eyes, mesmerizing.

Small, pink soft-looking lips curved into a grin directed at her.

A sharp jawline outlined, by his perfectly structured face, as though sculpted by the Gods themselves.

She had to refrain from running a hand through his silky, golden brown locks of curly hair.

He holds a gauntlet-covered hand out to her expectantly. She breaks from her daze, glancing down at it. Hesitantly she slips her hand into it his. The cool metal is smooth against her fingers. His grin deepens into a breath-taking smile as he lifts her hand towards his lips, placing a soft kiss upon the skin. She shivers as he lets go, standing up to tower over her once again.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spots Taehyung gaping as the box of fruits once held in his hands drops, spilling apples and oranges to the floor carelessly.

The King, in all his beautiful glory, pulls from behind him a bouquet of vibrant pink begonias and hands them to her. A small waxed sealed envelope is tucked between the stems. He leans over to her, folding some of her hair behind her ear, and whispers something in a low, deep voice. His hot breath fans against her ear erupting butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

Then, just as quickly, he's gone. Pulling his helmet over his head and mounting his horse. Taking off towards the palace his horsemen follow suit.

She stands in a daze, unmoving watching his retreating figure.

"I'll be waiting"

She replays the words in her head, heart thrumming wildly in her chest.

Around her the townspeople begin to chatter in hushed tones, eyeing her wearily. Taehyung appears before her, grabbing her shoulders and shakes her gently.

"Ji Eun"

As if awakening from a dream she meets his eyes.

"Are you okay?"

Was she?

He was far from how Areum described him, not at all like a beast. More like a delicate, unattainable flower, she thinks as she eyes the bright pink begonias.