Royal Puppy Love

CHAPTER 5

GREAT HALL - JIMIN POV

'Good evening ladies and gentlemen as you all may know tonight's main focus is to introduce Prince Jimin, our Prince Jungkook's lovely new husband, to our family and to our people. I know that everyone will welcome him and show him all the love and support you've always shown us. With this union come the union of the two kingdoms. He is the symbol of our hopes, for the growth and prosperity of all.'

I sighed. I was now a symbol. Not a human anymore, not that I ever was.

There was a sinking feeling inside and I could feel Jungkook's eyes burrowing into me as the sadness radiated from my body.

I took a deep breath and plastered the fake smile on my face, as it didn't take long for the people to start surrounding me. Pretty soon Jungkook disappeared yet again, something I was getting used to by now. What confused me was that no one else seemed to notice his behavior.

'It seems I need to make an appointment to meet my own brother-in-law a voice', a whisper caught my attention.

My eyes snapped up to a gorgeous blue-eyed man with a face strikingly similar to that of Jungkook's. 'I'm Jung Joon, Jungkook's brother', he introduced himself with a bright smile.

I returned his smile. 'Pleasure to meet you.'

'Did you want to take a stroll and get away from all this... pressure?'

'Please.' I almost sighed the word. I was so tired of faking the pleasantries.

He walked ahead of me, leading the way to the gardens form the room. Soon I would know my way, but for now I still needed everyone to show me the way around the palace. 'Sorry I missed your wedding today. I was handling all the state affairs so Father could attend.'

'That is understandable. It was just a small ceremony anyway.'

'Still... apologies. I hear that your wolf connected with Kookie's. That is amazing! We look all over for the mate and here you were just handed to him. You must be so excited!'

I didn't know what to say. This word mate had been thrown around so much that day I was thinking I needed a notebook to keep it straight. First the ghost told me it, not sure what it was referring to, Jungkook called that woman his mate which I could figure out the meaning there then he said he didn't want to be my mate. The last one I thought he had meant as a friend.

'Are you referring to the friendship mate?'

He stopped and looked at me. 'Huh?'

Jung Joon also mentioned wolf which Jungkook had said I had one. Maybe this guy could help me. I sat heavily on a bench in the gardens, breathing deeply the smells of the night. I could smell moss from the neighboring woods, it was damp and earthy.

'The moss smells delicious tonight.' I muttered.

'Yes.' He agreed 'We love these woods. Their scents are so rich.'

I nodded, not quite certain how I could smell moss at this distance. 'Can you explain a few things for me?'

'Sure thing! I would love to.'

I liked this guy and felt very comfortable with him. I was exhausted and in my relaxed state just started blurting things out. 'Is the palace haunted? That is, if you believe in ghosts.'

'No. Why?'

'Oh.' That answer disappointed me a little. 'I have been hearing things since I arrived, just a word here and there, but definitely hearing things.'

'What have they said. Maybe I can help.'

'Simple words, like – mate, lies, mine, etc. and basic exclamation sounds like sighs and excitement.'