MOON || JIKOOK ✅

5.

JIMIN POV

The food was delicious or it would have been if Jimin had been able to do more than
nibble at it.

His stomach rebelled at even
the smallest bites and he did
his best to soothe it with sips
of water.

No one had told him what to expect of the evening but it was a relief when he realized there wasn't any dancing planned.

Instead, music was played
and a dance troupe
entertained them.

"It's customary to hold a ball a month after the wedding day."

"We'll dance then."

His husband explained as
they watched the dancers pirouette about the floor.

Jimin was relieved not to
have to hold himself together
enough to survive a waltz or whatever else was on the kingdom's dance list.

Now and then, he heard his
Uncle's laughter or the odd
ribald comment.

His uncle was restrained for
the most part but there were
a few hints about newlyweds
and wedding nights.

He ignored them as best he could, aware of the glances
being exchanged around him.

He wasn't sure whether it was
Jicheol's presence or the royal family's own unease since they presumably knew well what
kind of man they'd just
wedded him to.

Prince Joon didn't make
much effort at conversation
with Jimin, asking no questions, his comments sparse.

With the rest of the guests,
he was far more engaging, smiling, talking and laughing with ease.

The contrast was enough to cement Jimin's fears about
what was to come.

The few times Prince joon
did catch Jimin's eye, he
offered a strained smile.

Jimin suspected the alpha was impatient for the evening to come to an end.

Wedded and bedded, that
was the expectation.

No matter how Jimin felt
about it.

The night came to a
surprisingly early close as
the servants rounded the
hall and doused the candles, leaving only a handful to
light the room.

Most of the guests rose and departed and shortly after,
Prince Joon's hand
touched his.

"It is tradition for us to retire before the king." The alpha murmured, nodding to where
his father and King Jicheol
were speaking in undertones
and casting significant
glances their way.

"Of course." Jimin said.

He rose to his feet when the prince did, offering a quiet goodnight to the gathered
royals.

One or two more lewd
comments were made but quickly shushed by the older members of the family.

Without meaning to, Jimin caught Jicheol's eye.

The man's gaze dragged down his body and he licked his lips.

It was all Jimin could do not
to shudder.

Prince Joon's hand came to
rest on the small of his back
as the alpha guided him
from the banquet hall.

Jimin caught a brief glimpse
of Lord San by the door but
there was no time for conversation.

The corridor outside was
almost empty, a lone servant waiting there.

She curtsied and led them through the halls, a lantern
in her hand.