Ember Burning

Part 8

The first time you'd felt the bond had been at the cliffs, although you had not realized what it was at the time.

It had only been later, in the middle of Duret Ghal's gardens, you understood the gravity of what you felt for Jungkook. Or rather, what you one day might feel.

After the day you spent riding, you'd began to notice Jungkook's presence more and more. He could usually be found in one of two places – in the palace library or out on his dragon, Nemrys. You had found yourself watching for him, somehow attuned to his presence.

Even with all this, the magnitude had not stricken you until the night of the ball. On the last night of your trip, Duret Ghal decided to celebrate both your betrothal and the anticipated treaty. No expense had been spared for the evening. Even now, you remembered the sounds of the orchestra playing, chandeliers bright above as the people laughed and danced.

At some point, you'd searched for the Prince and found him no longer inside. Curious, your search had led you out the northern doors, onto a patio which overlooked the gardens below.

Duret Ghal had been colder than Ashya, but during the summer the evening air had been pleasantly cool. Wandering away from the castle, you'd drifted amongst the flowers until you came upon him.

Jungkook had faced away from you, his hands clasped behind his back while he watched the tree above with its delicate, orange blossoms. His eyes had been closed; wayward, dark strands of hair blown over his face.

Realizing you'd intruded upon a personal moment, you turned to take your leave, and stepped on a twig.

Jungkook's eyes had flown open and when he saw you, he smiled.

The sight sent such simmering warmth through your chest, you'd nearly stopped breathing. White-hot energy blazed across your skin, brightening the world while you basked in his gaze.

That had been the moment you realized. Jungkook was your mate.

"I – I am sorry," you'd stammered, turning to leave. "I am intruding–"

"Not at all." Jungkook's gaze sought yours in darkness. "Please. Stay."

After a moment of consideration, you had acquiesced. The closer you moved, the more aware you'd become of his energy. Suddenly, all the wives' tales and legends about mating made sense. The bond had been real, and you felt it for Jungkook.

Jungkook had smiled at you, then returned to the flowers. "Were you also tired of the people gathered inside?"

"Yes," you'd murmured.

None of the people inside had been him.

Forcing yourself to look up, you had focused on the tree. It was not a species native to Ashya; its delicate, floral scent was unfamiliar. Between its boughs, the night stars had peered down. Legends said stars were where Natal's veil was thinnest and otherworldly magic seeped through the cracks. You liked to imagine stars held some kinship to dragons.

Jungkook had cleared his throat. "I must admit," he'd said. "You are not at all what I imagined you to be."

"No?"

You had turned sideways to face him in the moonlight.

"Not that it is a bad thing, mind you."

Heart racing, you you'd smiled. Jungkook had looked your way, his expression gentle in the light from above.

"It is not?" you had whispered.

Turning fully to face you, Jungkook had stepped closer. His right hand flexed at his side, as though he had yearned to reach out and touch you.

"No," he'd admitted.

His gaze had dropped to your lips.

Your throat had gone dry. "What were you expecting?"

"I do not know," he'd said. "I thought I might resent you. For taking away my choice to marry. For forcing me to become King before I was ready. For reminding me duty will always be greater than our happiness."

Each word he said had sunk your heart like a stone. It had been how you'd felt at the start of your journey, but perhaps not then.

"Now though," he'd said, and you lifted your gaze.

"Now?"

Without quite meaning to, you'd drifted closer. The space between you had lessened to several inches, the heat from his body near-tangible.

"Now," Jungkook had said, barely audible. "I find myself intrigued by what the future will hold."

Before you could respond to this, before you could say you felt the same, a shout had echoed throughout the gardens.

"Prince Jungkook!" someone had called.

Springing apart, your heart had protested the movement. You had known then exactly who Jungkook was. He was your mate, your betrothed and for a fleeting moment, the world seemed a magical place.

One month following, his Uncle had staged his rebellion.

Soon after, you'd learned what the mating bond truly meant.

The world had not seemed quite so wondrous after that.