A HEART FOR AN EYE.

EPILOGUE : FOR THE LOVE OF A KING.

The grand hall of the central palace was silent, save for the soft rustle of silks and the murmur of anticipation. King Jimin sat on his throne, resplendent in robes of deep crimson and gold, a crown of precious jewels adorning his head. Beside him, Consort Jungkook, his unwavering support and partner, wore matching regalia that emphasized their unity. Together, they prepared to decide the fate of the former king and queen, a moment neither had ever imagined.

The journey to this moment had been fraught with revelations. Jungkook's life, once a tangled web of anger and confusion, had been unraveled to reveal the truth. The parents he had known were not his own but Jimin's. The pain and suffering he had endured had originally belonged to Jimin. Knowing this, Jungkook's heart ached for the love of his life, who had endured such hardships.

Their bond was forged through shared struggles and ultimate redemption. Jungkook recalled the first time he met Zehu—Jimin's alias during his time as a slave boy. Jungkook had witnessed the cruel treatment Zehu faced and could not bear it. He had bought the boy's freedom and taken him to his palace, defending him fiercely against his own mother’s disdain. That act of kindness had set the stage for their eventual union.

Now, standing before the former king and queen, Jungkook understood the power of cursed fate. His eyes, filled with understanding and compassion, met theirs.

"You have been at the mercy of forces beyond your control," Jungkook began, his voice steady. "Though your actions brought pain, I recognize the roles you were forced to play. Hence, you shall be banished to the White Palace in the North. There, you will live out your days quietly. You may see Jimin only if he wishes to see you."

The former king and queen, dressed in simple robes befitting their new status, bowed deeply, their faces etched with relief and gratitude.

"Thank you, Your Majesties," the former king said, his voice trembling. "We are eternally grateful for your mercy and understanding."

The former queen, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, added, "We will spend the rest of our days atoning for our actions. We are honored to have received such leniency." Insert mofe dialogue.

King Jimin, feeling the weight of the moment, took a deep breath and spoke. "There is no honor in what transpired, only consequences and lessons learned. Let your time in the White Palace be a period of reflection and growth. Perhaps, in understanding your past misdeeds, you will find a path to redemption."

Jimin's gaze softened slightly as he looked at his biological parents. "It is not forgiveness you must seek from us, but from yourselves. Live honorably, and perhaps one day, the scars of the past may heal."

The former queen, her voice choked with emotion, said, "We will honor your wisdom and strive to become better. Thank you, Jimin. Thank you, Jungkook."

With a final nod, Jimin signaled for the guards to escort the former monarchs to their new home. As they were led away, the grand hall fell silent once more.

Turning to Jungkook, Jimin whispered, "We have come so far, my love. Despite everything, we are here, together."

Jungkook smiled, his eyes shining with unspoken promises. "Together, we will build a future free from the shadows of the past. Our reign will be one of compassion and justice."

King Jimin looked out over the gathered court, his heart swelling with hope. "Let this be the beginning of a new era, where love and understanding guide our every action."

The murmurs of anticipation turned into a chorus of agreement, and the grand hall, once steeped in tension, now buzzed with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

---
In their opulent chamber, the soft glow of candlelight danced across the walls, casting a warm and intimate atmosphere. Jimin, now free from the burdens of the day, looked at Jungkook with a mixture of love and mischief.

"I never thought we'd end up here, together so soon, after everything," Jimin murmured, tracing a finger along Jungkook's jawline.

Jungkook smiled, capturing Jimin's hand and pressing a kiss to his palm. "Neither did I. But I wouldn't change a thing. Not if it means I get to be with you."

Jimin laughed softly, a sound that sent shivers down Jungkook's spine. "Always so sweet. But I remember a time when you were quite the troublemaker."

"Oh?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his hands slipping around Jimin's waist. "And what trouble did I cause?"

Jimin leaned in, their lips brushing. "You stole my heart, for one."

Jungkook chuckled, pulling Jimin closer. "Well, I couldn't help myself. You were irresistible then, and you are irresistible now."

Jimin playfully nudged Jungkook. "Irresistible, huh? Is that why you always  hide my favorite chocolates to see me get riled up?"

Jungkook laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. "Guilty as charged. Your reactions are priceless."

"Priceless?" Jimin's eyes sparkled with mock indignation. "I spend hours looking for those snacks! You owe me for all that time wasted."

"Do I?" Jungkook tilted his head, a mischievous grin forming. "How about I make it up to you now?"

Jimin pretended to think it over, tapping his chin theatrically. "Hmm, I suppose you could start by making me a naked midnight snack."

"Done," Jungkook agreed instantly. "Anything for you. How would you like it, my irresistible Romp?"

Jimin's laughter was bright and infectious. "Surprise me. But no more hiding my food, got it?"

"Scout's honor," Jungkook said, lifting his hand in a solemn pledge. "But I can't promise I won't find other ways to tease you."

Jimin shook his head with a smile. "As long as you're by my side, I think I can handle it."

Their playful banter dissolved into passionate kisses, each touch igniting a fire within them. Jungkook’s hands roamed over Jimin’s body, exploring the familiar terrain with renewed fervor. He paused to look into Jimin’s eyes, seeing the depths of love and trust reflected there.

“You’re mine,” Jungkook whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Always and forever.”

Jimin’s response was a soft moan, his fingers tangling in Jungkook’s hair. “And you’re mine. Forever.”

They moved together, a seamless dance of love and desire. Every touch, every kiss, was a promise of their unbreakable bond. Jimin’s laughter filled the room as Jungkook’s hands found sensitive spots, teasing him until he was breathless.

“Stop teasing,” Jimin gasped, his body arching into Jungkook’s touch.

“Never,” Jungkook replied with a wicked grin. “I love seeing you like this.”

Their lovemaking was slow and unhurried, a celebration of their journey and the love that had brought them here. Jimin’s hands explored Jungkook’s muscular form, marveling at the strength and tenderness that coexisted within him.

“You’re incredible,” Jimin breathed, his lips trailing kisses down Jungkook’s neck.

Jungkook’s response was a low groan, his body responding to Jimin’s touch. “And you’re perfect.”

Hours passed in a blur of passion and intimacy, their connection deepening with every moment. When they finally lay spent and entwined in each other’s arms, the world outside their chamber seemed distant and unimportant. All that mattered was the love they shared.

“Promise me we’ll always be like this,” Jimin whispered, his voice drowsy but content.

Jungkook pressed a gentle kiss to Jimin’s forehead. “I will find you under the folds of a million lifetimes, my Zehu, my Romp. I promise. As long as we’re together, nothing can break us.”

"Oh, Luha, my forever Giggle."

With that, they drifted into a peaceful sleep, secure in the knowledge that their love was eternal. The trials of the past were behind them, and their future was bright and filled with endless possibilities. Together, they would face whatever came their way, their hearts forever intertwined.