The Sacrifice of The Blood King: A Taekook Story

Chapter Twenty: The Desert Prince

Singularity started playing while I was writing this chapter and it literally gave me goosebumps. Enjoy!

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"Gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight," Jungkook says, raising a glass in a toast, and the Council all eagerly do the same thing. When word spread that the king was to share his conquest tonight, everyone agreed to come, greedy to experience the prince and all he has to offer. The dining hall has been done up beautifully as soft light glows from the lit chandeliers, the tables have floral arrangements every three feet or so, and a harpist plays music softly in the corner. After the toast, servants flit about, delivering the first course as some of the council members speak quietly amongst themselves. The Advisor, however, notices the absence of the guest of honor.

"My king, it looks like you didn't remember your lamb tonight," the Advisor says, and Jungkook pauses a conversation with Lord Namjoon. He turns and looks at the Advisor with his usual cold and spiteful gaze.

"He will come. Do not worry. He needed some extra time to get ready," Jungkook explains, taking a sip of his cider. He already checked it for poisons, and he made sure that Finn was the only one to handle his food. After one poisoning attempt, he is not going to let another succeed.

"You are too lenient on the boy. Punctuality is highly important, don't you think?" the Advisor snaps, and Jungkook scoffs.

"Please. You know I do not rely on punctuality,"

"That is true. I remember how often you were late for meetings, my king," Jimin playfully says, distracting the Advisor from fully losing his patience with the king. It is at that moment, the double doors at the back of the hall swing open, and behind two servants, the Desert Prince appears. His entrance had the effect that both Jungkook and Taehyung were hoping for. The light gleams brightly off his cream and bright blue clothes, the gold twinkling with every step forward. All conversation at the table halts and Taehyung bows low, showing respect for the Council that they may not deserve. Even the harpist stops playing, stunned by the desert prince in white and blue.

"I do apologize for being late," he says, his deep voice echoing around the stone dining hall in a way that keeps all lords riveted. With a smile, Jungkook sips at his drink, knowing tonight is going to go wonderfully.

"Prince Taehyung. Come," Jungkook curtly says, and Taehyung obeys, knowing the tone is all part of Jungkook's act. He stands by Jungkook's side, and the king wraps an arm around his waist, turning him to face the rest of the council, "Everyone, this is Prince Taehyung of the Desert."

"A pleasure to officially meet you all," Taehyung sweetly says, bowing his head once again as a servant brings a chair so Taehyung can sit between Namjoon and the king. He takes his place, ignoring the Advisor's greedy gaze on him.

"You look breathtaking, Prince Taehyung," Namjoon kindly compliments, flashing the prince a sweet smile that has Jungkook bristling slightly. He can't get jealous. He knows this, and he knows Lord Namjoon would never do anything since he's taken, but he can't help but not like it. Especially when the others start complimenting Taehyung as well. He just fights the bitter jealousy in his throat and focuses on the task at hand.

At the far end of the table sits Lord Herrix. He eats the food and drink without a care in the world. Jungkook remembers how shocked the lord looked when he sauntered into the dining hall. Healthy and alive despite his efforts. Yet Lord Herrix hides the resentment and pretends to enjoy the king's hospitality as one course after another is served. Taehyung hasn't seen this much food in his life, and after the servants bring out a soup, he can't eat much more. He picks at it a little, listening to the conversations at the table, especially from Lord Namjoon and Lord Hoseok next to him.