Crowns Of Fate (on Hold)

Chapter 29

G E N E R A L   P O V

In the heart of the Zenith Arcanum palace, the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of various ingredients mingling in the air.

Taehyung, dressed in comfortable sweatpants and a warm hoodie, was engrossed in cooking, his skilled hands maneuvering effortlessly across pots and pans.

Just as he was focused on the simmering concoction, the kitchen door swung open, revealing Jeongguk's figure. Without a word, Jeongguk approached Taehyung from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist in a tender back hug.

Taehyung, startled for a moment, turned to find Jeongguk's warm gaze.

"Good Morning, my arcane petal," Jeongguk murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung's cheek.

Taehyung couldn't suppress the blush that crept onto his cheeks, and he playfully swatted at Jeongguk. "You startled me, Guk."

Jeongguk chuckled, his hold on Taehyung still firm. "What are you cooking?"

Taehyung tilted his head toward the simmering pot. "Just a little something for us. I thought it would be nice to have a quiet meal together."

Jeongguk's eyes softened, appreciating the domestic scene. "I love the sound of that."

As Taehyung continued to cook, Jeongguk leaned against the counter, watching him with a fond smile.

"How was court?" Lilibet inquired as he moved around the huge kitchen.

The royal family of Zenith Arcanum was scattered around. The king and queen were out of the Kingdom, visiting another kingdom in the western realm. While the second youngest prince was visiting a duchy south of Zenith Arcanum.

Namjoon was visiting Seokjin's duchy. He initially went to meet Seokjin's family informally but they figured they would stay there for a while and explore the place.

"It went really well," He responded, looking at his beloved moving around the kitchen with practiced ease.

"We dived deep into foreign and cultural affairs. It was hinted that Avaloria, Zenith and a few other kingdoms might collaborate in cultural events to explore and strengthen forged bonds."

Lilibet turned quickly to the crown prince, eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That sounds amazing. Imagine the cultural exchange between Zenith Arcanum and Elysian Avaloria. It could bring our kingdoms even closer."

The corner of Jeongguk's lips lifted slightly at his lover's enthusiasm, and nodded. "That is what we hope to aim. Your kingdom should be contacting you soon to inform you of the logistics. Probably."

The youngest Avalorian prince shook in excitement, causing his boyfriend to reach his hand out to the former. Taehyung blushed and walked towards the outstretched hand.

Jeongguk pulled the younger into his arms and rested them on the latters waist.

"You're absolutely adorable when you are excited about something," The crown prince muttered lovingly. "I should have the kingdoms host more cultural events to see you this excited. Or even just events that benefit the Kingdoms."

Lilibet blushed deeply, hiding his face in the former's neck. "Stop that!" He whined. "We s-should e-eat." The younger stuttered out, causing the older to chuckle slightly.

That's another thing, Jeongguk has become more expressive. Smiling here and there. Chuckling. Laughing. Just... Happy. And The Zenith royal family couldn't be more happy.

Jeongguk nodded and they moved to the kitchen island. Their shared glances painted the kitchen with an air of warmth and intimacy.

Taehyung, in his element, occasionally stealing glances at Jeongguk, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment.