THE CONCUBINE || TAEKOOK ||

TWENTY FOUR

For the next few days, Jungkook deliberately avoided any conversation with his mother. Instead, he spent most of his time with his father, sitting by his bedside, listening to his stories, and ensuring he was comfortable. It was a peaceful escape from the pressure his mother continued to impose on him. 

As for Taehyung, Jungkook kept his distance, respecting his need for space. Jimin had informed him that Taehyung was going through a lot and needed time alone. Though Jungkook wanted to be there for him, he decided to give Taehyung the privacy he needed. So, Jungkook buried himself in his royal paperwork and remained by his father’s side whenever possible. 

That night, after bidding his father goodnight, Jungkook made his way back to his chambers. As he turned a corner, he nearly bumped into a familiar figure. 

"Oh, Your Highness," Mr. Ming greeted with a polite bow, a smile stretched across his face. "I haven't seen you around much these past few days." 

Jungkook forced a small smile. "Well, I've been busy," he replied shortly. Then, with a hint of sarcasm, he added, "Though it seems you're the one handling all the work by yourself these days." 

Mr. Ming's smile faltered for the briefest second before he quickly composed himself. "Of course, Your Highness. As always, I am dedicated to serving the royal family," he said smoothly. 

Jungkook didn't bother responding and simply walked past him. As he did, he could feel Mr. Ming’s eyes on his back, a piercing gaze that made the hairs on his neck stand. 

Once out of sight, Mr. Ming's polite expression disappeared, replaced by a calculating glare. He stood in the dimly lit hallway, his hands clasped behind his back, watching Jungkook's retreating figure.

Jungkook’s suspicion of Mr. Min had been growing for some time. A few days ago, he had seen the elder speaking with an unknown outsider in the palace garden. Though the conversation was too hushed for him to hear, their body language had been tense—almost secretive. 

More concerning, however, were the discrepancies Jungkook had noticed in his father’s study. Papers detailing royal funds had been tampered with, and a map of the kingdom had strange markings in areas that didn’t make sense. Upon closer inspection, he realized that large amounts of money meant for schools, hospitals, orphans, and farmers had been discreetly redirected to Mr. Min’s custody. 

Jungkook’s jaw had tightened upon the discovery, but he chose not to tell his father. The King’s health was already fragile, and Jungkook refused to burden him with more stress. *I can handle this on my own,* he had told himself. 

But now, standing in his chamber doorway, his anger boiled over. His sharp eyes locked onto the table where he had left his documents earlier that day—only to find them gone. 

His breath hitched before he clenched his fists, his body stiff with rage. Someone had entered his chambers and taken the papers. 

"GUARDS!" Jungkook bellowed, his voice echoing through the halls. 

Within seconds, one of the guards stationed outside rushed in, his face pale with nervousness. He had never seen Jungkook this furious before. 

"Who came into my room?" Jungkook demanded, his glare burning into the guard’s soul. 

The man gulped. "Y-Your Highness, no one has entered your room except for you," he stammered, visibly shaken.