A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 8: THE JOURNEY.

Prince Jimin returned to his duties as the Crown Prince and interim monarch of the Neju Kingdom, his mind constantly preoccupied with thoughts of the young man recovering in the West Wing. The incident had left its mark on both men; Jungkook remained bitter and unyielding, while Jimin was determined to mend what had been broken.

As the days passed, Jimin's responsibilities grew. There was unrest in a neighboring kingdom, Ailoria, and peace negotiations were required. Jimin had to leave to fulfill his duty to his people. Knowing that his absence could create an opportunity for distater to strike, he entrusted Taehyung and his men to protect Jungkook.

In Ailoria, Jimin arrived to a grand reception. The kingdom was known for its opulence, but underlying tensions were palpable. King Hadrian and his council were wary of outsiders, especially from Neju.

During the first meeting, King Hadrian eyed Jimin critically. "Prince Jimin, your reputation precedes you. But tell me, why should we trust you?"

Jimin met his gaze steadily. "Because peace benefits us all, Your Majesty. We can achieve more together than apart."

The discussions were intense, with both sides presenting their grievances and demands. Jimin's diplomatic skills were put to the test as he navigated the delicate balance between assertiveness and conciliation.
...

Back home in Neju, Jungkook's anger festered like a wound that refused to heal. He lay in his bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, the muscles in his jaw clenched tight as he ignored the kindness extended to him. Taehyung, ever vigilant, was a constant presence, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Jungkook's simmering rage.

"You don't have to keep watching over me," Jungkook grumbled one afternoon, his voice edged with irritation, eyes narrowing as he shot a glance at Taehyung.

"I don't, but I do because I owe it to Jimin," Taehyung replied simply, his tone steady, though his eyes softened with an emotion Jungkook couldn't quite place.

"Duty," Jungkook scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "What binds you so strongly to Jimin? His family hurt you too." His expression hardened, lines of resentment etched deeply into his face.

Taehyung pulled up a chair and sat beside Jungkook, his gaze unwavering. "You want to know why I'm loyal to him?"

Jungkook didn't respond, but his silence was an invitation enough. Despite his anger, he wasn't truly mad at Taehyung. Taehyung was the only living reminder of his happy days, of his parents. He only hated that Taehyung had chosen to side with the enemy.

Taehyung sighed, a sadness in his eyes. "My family was never wronged like yours, Jungkook. They were guilty. But Jimin... he saved me. He didn't have to. He didn't even know me like that, but he fought this entire battle to save me. And he continues to fight judgments and predictions of how I am a betrayal waiting to happen every day just to keep me by his side. He saw potential in me when everyone else saw a threat."

Jungkook's eyes narrowed further, skepticism evident. "And that makes up for everything?"

"No. But you see, there was nothing to make up for in the first place. My family was not innocent."

"But you were..." Jungkook's voice cracked, a flash of vulnerability breaking through his hardened exterior.

"The law says I am guilty by association, by kin."

"Fuck the law and fuck the Parks, who do they think they are?" Jungkook spat, his voice rising with anger, his fists clenching by his sides.

"The rulers of this kingdom, the custodians of the grand norm, and you will give them the respect they deserve."