A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 14: MAKING US WORK.

In the three months following their heartfelt conversation, Jimin and Jungkook found a tentative peace, a fragile bond that grew stronger with each passing day. They were not best friends, but they had become more civil, sharing meals and light conversations. The palpable tension between them was often ignored, neither willing to address the biggest elephant in the room - their feelings towards each other.

Jimin, ever the composed prince, tried to suppress the beating heart that throbbed for Jungkook. He cherished the progress they had made, a significant leap from the hostility of months past. He was grateful for the budding relationship, careful not to push too fast or too hard. Jungkook had not only healed physically but was also taking the necessary steps to heal emotionally, and Jimin was determined not to jeopardize that.

Jungkook, on the other hand, was a maelstrom of emotions. Amidst his confusion, one thing was crystal clear: he had fallen madly in love with Jimin. The love was undeniable, glaring him in the face and daring him to reject it. He didn't want to, and even if he did, he couldn't. Emotions were never something he could control. A slight movement from Jimin set his heart racing, a gentle touch ignited a blazing desire, and jealousy, coupled with possessiveness, spiraled out of control.

He could no longer hide his disdain for Mirae or any of Jimin's other concubines. But Mirae particularly grated on his nerves. Her calculated visits and attempts to win over Jimin's heart were obvious, and Jungkook loathed that he lacked the means to counter her.

Despite his growing love for Jimin, Jungkook was held back by a plethora of emotions. He grappled with guilt towards his family for falling in love with their enemy, for daring to find happiness with him. These guilty feelings grew in tandem with his love, overwhelming him. Unable to handle the conflicting emotions, he began hurting himself in places he could cover with clothes. He couldn't bear to hurt Jimin anymore, so he chose to take the pain upon himself, hoping it would atone for the sin of his heart's betrayal.

---

In the central palace, Jimin's mother, Queen Mirae, watched with growing concern the unfolding scenes of Jimin and Jungkook's relationship through the eyes of her spies planted at the prince's palace. She knew that Jimin's closeness to Jungkook could spell disaster not just for their planned marriage but for the entire kingdom. Determined to act before it was too late, she devised one last attempt to rid them of Jungkook.

One evening, as Jimin and Jungkook were sharing a quiet meal in the garden, Mirae approached. Her presence immediately tensed the air, and both men looked up, surprised by her intrusion.

"Jimin," she began, her voice calm but authoritative, "May I have a word with you?"

Jimin glanced at Jungkook, who gave a subtle nod. "Of course, Mirae," he replied, standing up.

They walked a few paces away, out of earshot but within sight. Mirae's face was a mask of controlled worry. "Jimin, this closeness with Jungkook is worrying the queen. He is dangerous for you. He has tried to kill you not just once, but multiple times." Her tone was sharp, laden with concern.

Jimin sighed, meeting her gaze with firm resolve. "I understand your concern, Mirae, but as I have often told you, I know what I am doing. And I would appreciate it if you, as my friend, tried to understand my intentions. Jungkook is not somebody I can easily give up on."

"Why must you insist on putting that murderer of a slave before everybody else who loves you?" Mirae's tone was incredulous, tinged with desperation.

"Don't you ever refer to him as that." Jimin's eyes flashed with anger, his voice low and dangerous. "Jungkook is more noble and more deserving than anyone in this palace can ever be. You absolutely have no right to judge him based on what you have been allowed to see."

"Then make me understand, Jimin."

"All you have to know is that I have my reasons. And that I would die first before I let anything happen to him."

"What about everything else? What about the king, the queen, me? Don't we mean anything to you?" Mirae's voice wavered with emotion.

"It is because you all mean the world to me that I am doing this. It is because I love you all so much."

"Is he blackmailing you, Jimin? Does he have something on you that he is threatening you with?" Her tone was edged with suspicion.

"No," Jimin replied firmly, his expression hardening.

"Then if it's about only helping him, let me help you. Give Jungkook to me. I will ask my father to give him a job. We will find him a nice little house in the village. He can live there, make a decent living, and start a family of his own."

"NO, Jungkook stays right where I am." Jimin's voice was sharp, the emotion behind it clear.

Mirae recoiled slightly at the sudden outburst, her eyes wide with surprise and hurt.

"You love him, don't you? You are in love with that cursed slave, Jimin. You are the prince of this land. How could you let this happen?" Her tone was a mix of disbelief and accusation.

"I just... I can't. Jungkook is not yet at the place where he can take such a step."

"What do you mean?" Mirae pressed, her voice lowering. "His presence here, your attachment to him, it's a weakness that others will exploit. We must think of the kingdom."

Jimin shook his head. "Jungkook is part of this kingdom now, Mirae. He has as much right to heal and find peace as anyone else."

Mirae's eyes hardened. "You're making a mistake, Jimin. One that could cost us dearly."

Jimin's expression softened, yet remained resolute. "I know you're worried, Mirae. But this is my decision. Please trust me."

Mirae's shoulders sagged slightly in defeat, but a flicker of determination remained in her eyes. "I only hope you're right, Jimin. For all our sakes."

As they returned to the table, Jimin caught the questioning look in Jungkook's eyes. He offered a reassuring smile, though his thoughts were clouded with unease.

"I am sorry that took longer than necessary," Jimin said, sitting down.

Jungkook looked at him, concern etched on his face. "Is everything alright?"

Jimin nodded, his smile strained but sincere. "Yes, everything is fine. Mirae just had some concerns, but it's nothing we can't handle."

Jungkook searched Jimin's eyes, seeing the conflict there but choosing to trust his words. "Alright. If you say so."

They resumed their meal, the atmosphere lighter but tinged with unspoken worries. For now, they found solace in each other's presence, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.