Arranged | Jinkook ✓

Chapter 18.0

Time moved slowly.

Differently.

Like something was coming that he couldn't see.

...

"Ah, there you are." The voice was new, one that he didn't instantly recognize but pulled him out of his own thoughts so violently he almost got whiplash.

"Hello, your majesty." This place was far removed from the main parts of the larger palace, just outside the wing that was meant to be his princes. That was meant to be theirs, he supposed, since the date was rapidly approaching with ever increasing speed.

That the queen should appear so suddenly before him, as though she were nothing more than an apparition forming out of the surrounding air was -

Shocking. An unexpected turn of events that had him grappling for what he was supposed to do.

Bow. He was supposed to bow. And yet he found himself sitting there dumbly, unable to actually get his body to move how he wished.

"My apologies for -" Everything. He was honestly sorry for everything at the moment. "- the mess. I am afraid I was not expecting you."

"Do not concern yourself with it." There was an elegant hand being waved in his general direction, and he watched as she turned and whispered something to the pair of guards who stood at her back, waiting in silence until they had retreated back into the outer hallway. "I wish not to visit as a queen, but as your future mother in law, dear."

"Of course, your majesty." Something inside of him tightened, curled up tight until he practically couldn't breathe. It was awkward. So painfully awkward, because there was truly nothing maternal about the woman who stood before him. No, he got the distinct feeling that Jungkook had been form out of obligation instead of any desire to be a mother to a child. "What can I do for you?"

"Oh, there are many things that you will do for me." It was said casually, as though it were a statement that was completely expected. That made sense. That could be placed into some context that he just didn't see yet and everything would become clear. "But that will come later. For now, I simply wanted to make sure that you were prepared for tomorrow night."

"Yes." He wasn't. But then again, he didn't think he ever truly would be. "Taehyung has been working with me these past days."

"I am certain that he has done well. But tomorrow night is very important to us. We have extended an invitation to the northern kingdom. For too long have our border remained weak. Now is the time for peace."

"I understand, your majesty." Of course they would naturally use such an event as a chance to gain politically. To enhance their own kingdoms strength and numbers. He couldn't even say no. Couldn't blame them. Such a treaty would benefit the people in ways no one could deny.

"We have spoken very highly of you, Seokjin." Had they? He could only imagine it now. How they would have twisted it all to suit them. "That you are an old and gentle soul. That you will help guide our future king down the right and proper path."

An old soul. Gentle. And kind. Had Jimin been like that? Soft. A steady hand that they thought they could easily manipulate.

How disappointing it must have been when he turned out to be a liar.

"Far too soon it will be Jungkook who will have to lead us towards the peace we seek. And you will be the queen who will have to stand at his side. We need to show that you are strong. That you will be up for the task. That you will not crumble at the first sign of things not going the way you wish for them too."