Claimed by the Crown | Taejin

4. Chapter Four

"Why do you look like that? Are you still upset?"

Jimin was caught off guard by his Alpha's question, not expecting him to be in the room. He instantly shifted his position on the chair he was sitting on. "I'm not upset."

"Are you sure?" Jeon Jungkook asked as he approached Jimin, looking into his eyes as he talked. "It's totally fine to feel upset."

"I'm not upset. It's been over a week. I'm not upset; I'm just worried." Jimin mumbled as he stared at his fingers.

"What's causing you to be worried? Did you hear something?"

Jimin let out a sigh and glanced up, meeting Jungkook's gaze. "No, I didn't, but I feel terrible. I understand you may not appreciate hearing this, but I do feel guilty. I was supposed to be the Omega that was sent there, but because of what happened, you claiming me-"

"You wanted me to claim you! You came here desperately wanting to be mine!" Jungkook approached his Omega with a firm tone, pulling him to his feet, "Do you have regrets about being my Omega? Is that what this is about? Would you rather be by his side instead of your brother?"

"No! Jungkook, you know more than anyone else how I felt about having my life arranged for me. Had it not been for you, my eyes would not have been open to all that exists in that kingdom. I am much happier being here with you."

With an intense expression, Jungkook clenched Jimin's forearms and said, "Let's make sure it stays that way. I will cut all ties with you the moment I doubt your feelings for me. I love you, and you are the Omega I've always dreamed of having, so don't make me regret not sending you off to Taehyung."

Jimin nodded and leaned his head forward, resting it against Jungkook's chest. "I'm sorry I upset you. I love you too," he whispered. "I'm just concerned about my brother. I told you that he is simple and conforming, which makes me nervous about whether he is facing difficulties while being there."

"Even if he is, there's nothing you can do. But I care about you and don't want to see you feeling sad, so I'll plan a visit for you to see him."

"You will?" Jimin glanced up, his eyes shining with excitement at Jungkook's words.

Jungkook smiled and replied, "Of course, my love, I'll do it. Let's hold off for another week or two before we go. I'm sure you recognize the importance of privacy for them as a newly mated couple."

Jimin gave a confirming nod. "Yes, and thank you! I'm really hoping he treats my brother well. This is all new to Seokjin, and it does make me anxious, but I imagine you are right. There's really nothing I can do about it. Seeing him regularly would make me happy, and I feel it would do the same for him too."

*****

While sanitizing the stair railings, one staff member whispered to another, "Has anyone seen the King's mate?"

"No, I don't believe anybody has seen him since the wedding. Although it makes sense, given that they are just married, I've heard that the King keeps his quarters secured. I have also heard that he was unable to have a customary honeymoon because of his workload and how unexpected things were with the passing of his father, our former King." While checking to make sure no one else was listening in, another staff member answered.

The other worker who had posed the question sighed and said, "At least he's mated to an Omega and not an Alpha or a Beta. I've heard there were a lot of issues with the previous King's choosing to mate with an Alpha."

"Yes, it did, and you are completely right. I believe our present King mate was chosen for him because of this."

"Hasn't that always been the case?"