Mirage ✔️

Chapter 25: The Day We Met

That night, Seokjin and Namjoon lie in bed together as they silently go through their painful memories. When Namjoon sees the pain in his husband's green eyes, he knows which painful memories his husband is thinking of.

"I know that she has the brightest smile in this life." Namjoon softly whispers to his husband.

"I hope that her family in this life loves her so much." Seokjin sniffles and snuggles in his husband's embrace.

"I will never forget the day we met." Namjoon hums and presses a tender kiss on his husband's forehead.

"Me neither," Seokjin whispers and closes his eyes.

Around Four Hundred Years Ago

"Jungho, must I visit her? I do not wish to marry at the moment." Namjoon huffed as the magician he grew up with prepared him to visit the Queen of a neighboring kingdom.

"She is powerful, so you need to play nice to appease her. You do not need to marry her." Jungho laughed when he saw his friend's pout. "Seeing you at this moment, no one would think you are the King."

"If you tell anyone that I pout, I will have your head severed from your shoulders." Namjoon huffed and glared at his childhood friend.

"Sure. Sure you would." Jungho hummed, not a bit fazed by his friend's threat.

Once Namjoon was ready to visit the neighboring kingdom, he and Jungho mounted their horses and led the royal procession. When Namjoon was not behind closed doors, he was very stoic and showed no emotions. He was a good and just elven king who governed his lands fairly and with kindness.

"How are your wife and children?" Namjoon asked his friend as they rode to the neighboring kingdom.

"They are doing well. She was a bit upset that I had to leave today, but she is doing well." Jungho smiled as he thought of his beautiful wife and children.

"I am glad that they are well. I should invite them to the castle for your youngest son's birthday." Namjoon smiled and looked at his friend.

"He would love that. You know that you are his favorite person in the entire world after his mother." Jungho chuckled and shook his head as he thought about his youngest son.

When they arrived at the border, the elven Queen of the neighboring kingdom greeted them. Namjoon instantly scowled when he saw the way she looked at him. He knew that she only wanted to marry him for power and wealth.

"Welcome, King Namjoon." She bowed her head as he rode up to her.

"Thank you." Namjoon coldly responded and rode past her without a second glance. He was only here to keep the political ties necessary for maintaining peace between their kingdoms.

As they rode to the castle, Namjoon noticed camps filled with starving people. His eyes widened in horror when he saw the starving people had chains around their necks.

"What is this?" Namjoon hissed in disgust when he saw the starving and broken people.

"Ah, they are from a small, elven forest kingdom I conquered recently. They will work in the gold mines." She explained with a proud smirk on her face.

"Are you seriously proud of yourself?" Namjoon scoffed as he looked at the woman whose proud face quickly faltered.

"Should I not be? Does this not show you my strength? Does this not prove to you that I will be a strong Queen for you?" She asked in surprise as she looked into Namjoon's eyes, that are filled with disgust and hatred.

"This shows me exactly why I will never marry you. We will return home." Namjoon hissed and spit on the ground before motioning for his people to turn around.