The Crown and the Sword

Giving In

Whether Jungkook was training his soldiers in the courtyard, issuing commands in the war room, or diligently working on paperwork in his chamber, Taehyung was never far behind. The King's fondness for the Commander was evident in the way he watched Jungkook with sparkling eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips.'

One day, as Jungkook was practicing his archery skills, Taehyung stood by, holding his breath with each arrow that hit the bullseye. Jungkook noticed the King's presence and couldn't help but feel his heart swell with affection for his King.

During another instance, as Jungkook efficiently directed a group of knights on a mission, Taehyung stood at a distance, admiring the Commander's authoritative aura. Despite his commanding presence, Jungkook always had a gentle smile reserved just for Taehyung.
Even during quiet moments when Jungkook was engrossed in his duties, Taehyung found joy in simply watching him work. The King found beauty in the way Jungkook's brow furrowed in concentration and the way his eyes lit up with passion for his responsibilities.

As he trailed behind Jungkook, lost in his thoughts, a sudden whooshing sound snapped Taehyung back to reality. Before he could react, a small object hurtled towards his head.
Out of instinct, Jungkook leaped forward and intercepted the object with precision, saving Taehyung from harm. 

Dusting himself off, Taehyung looked at Jungkook with a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Are you okay, My King?" Jungkook asked, his eyes reflecting concern.
Taehyung's eyes widened in astonishment. "You knew I was following you?" he exclaimed, impressed by Jungkook's keen perception.

Jungkook chuckled, a twinkle in his eyes. "Of course, my years of training have taught me to be aware of my surroundings."

Feeling a tinge of embarrassment creeping up his cheeks, Taehyung smiled sheepishly. Jungkook, noticing Taehyung's reaction, inquired, "But why, my King? Why were you following me?"
A shy smile played on Taehyung's lips as he confessed, "I like it when you call me My King."
Jungkook's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as he averted his gaze, a bashful smile forming on his lips. 

Jungkook's eyes widened in realization, and a mix of emotions flooded his heart. "The whole kingdom calls you 'My King'," he pointed out, a touch of hesitation in his voice.

Taehyung shook his head gently, his eyes locking with Jungkook's. "From now on, only you will address me as 'My King'," he declared with a warm smile, acknowledging the unspoken bond that had blossomed between them.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "but why were you following me?" he asked. "And what was it you wanted to see?"

Taehyung felt his cheeks flush crimson. "I don't know," he stammered. "Your strength, your skill... It's just so beautiful."

."Beautiful?" he repeated, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You make me sound like a swan on a lake, My King."

Taehyung could feel the heat rising in his chest. "No, that's not what I meant. It's the way you move, the way you command the sword. There's an intensity to you that I've never seen in anyone else."

Jungkook lowered his sword, considering the prince's words. "And you wished to see that?" he asked. The air between them seemed to crackle with an unspoken tension.

Taehyung swallowed hard, meeting Jungkook's gaze. "Yes," he whispered. "I wanted to see how someone like you could move through the world."

Jungkook studied Taehyung's face, his expression softening. "And what have you seen?" he asked, his voice gentle. "What have you learned about how I move through this world?"

Taehyung's gaze drifted back to the sword in Jungkook's hand. "I've seen... I've seen that you're not afraid," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're not afraid to be yourself, to show who you are. And that strength, that skill... it's not just about protecting me. It's about protecting yourself from your past"

The commander's eyes widened slightly at Taehyung's words, and for a moment, he looked away, lost in thought. 

"You know a lot about me for someone who just met me," Jungkook remarked, his curiosity piqued.

Taehyung chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with hidden knowledge. "Our souls are connected, Jeon, whether you believe it or not. There's a bond between us that transcends time and space."
Jungkook's brows furrowed in confusion, but a warmth spread through his chest at Taehyung's words. Perhaps there was some truth to what his King was saying.

"Let your emotions out," Taehyung continued, his voice gentle yet firm. "The day you do, everything will become clear. Trust in our connection, in the bond that ties us together. You Jeon Jungkook need to open the gates of your heart"

 I, Jeon Jungkook, will never show my emotions to anyone, and I will never open the gates of my heart for anyone. I will be a good commander like my father

Jungkook's head was throbbing. His heart raced. His breath came out in shallow gasps. The jungle around him was alive with the sounds of birds and insects, their cacophony drowning out the distant roar of the river. His vision blurred, and he felt as if he were floating outside his own body, watching everything happen to someone else.

But it wasn't someone else. It was him. And he knew exactly what was happening.

The pain, the racing heart, the shallow breath... it was his body's reaction to the shouting. His father's shouting. The same shouting that echoed through his mind, filling him with a rage and anguish that he couldn't begin to understand.

He tried to steady himself, to force down the rising tide of emotion. He took a deep breath, willing his heart to slow down. But it was no use. He felt as if he were about to explode, like a volcano about to erupt.

And then, out of nowhere, a hand on his shoulder. Jungkook turned to see Taehyung, his eyes wide with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle. Jungkook forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as forced as it felt.

"Y-Yeah," he managed to croak. "I'm fine. Just... give me a second." But he knew he wasn't fine. He knew he was far from it. And he knew that if he didn't get control of himself, if he didn't find a way to push down those feelings, they would consume him. They would make him weak. And he couldn't be weak. Not if he wanted to be the good commander his father expected him to be

"Jungkook?" Taehyung's voice sounded distant, as if it were coming from far away. "Are you okay?"

Jungkook forced another smile, even as his vision swam. "I'm fine," he croaked. "Just... need a moment."

He closed his eyes, trying to regain his composure, but the spinning only got worse. He felt like he was going to pass out. Suddenly, he heard Taehyung's voice again, distant and muffled. "Jungkook, I need you to open your eyes. Now."

He obeyed, reluctantly opening his eyes to see Taehyung's concerned face hovering above him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Taehyung glance at the mark on his hand, the one his father had burned into him. He knew what he was thinking, and he hated himself for it. But he couldn't show weakness. Not now. Not ever.

Jungkook cried out in pain, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clutched onto his burning hand. His eyes were filled with innocence and vulnerability, making Taehyung's heart ache. Taehyung's eyes widened as he saw the agony written all over Jungkook's face.

"Hyung, it hurts," Jungkook managed to say, his voice weak and trembling. Taehyung immediately pulled Jungkook into his arms, holding him close as he whispered soothing words of comfort. He gently stroked Jungkook's hair, trying to calm him down.

"It's okay, Kookie. I'm here, everything is going to be okay," Taehyung whispered softly, his voice filled with affection. Jungkook slowly began to relax in Taehyung's embrace, feeling safe and protected.

As Taehyung continued to whisper sweet and reassuring words into Jungkook's ear, the younger boy's eyelids grew heavy. Exhausted from the pain and emotions, Jungkook finally closed his eyes and fell asleep in Taehyung's arms.

Taehyung held Jungkook close, watching over him as he slept peacefully. In that moment, surrounded by warmth and love, Taehyung realized just how much Jungkook meant to him. And he vowed to always be there for Jungkook, to protect him and cherish him, no matter what challenges they may face.