"BLOODY PEARLS" ~TK

07

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As the prince grew closer to the throne room, the sound of hushed whispers and movement could be heard from within. Suddenly, the massive oak doors opened with a loud creak, revealing the opulent throne room.

Jungkook approached the throne, he bowed slightly to his father, the King.
The King smiled and said, "I'm glad to see that you've returned safely. Now, I would like to share the reason I called you here."
Jungkook nodded, his expression attentive and serious, as he waited for the King to continue.

The King leaned back in his throne and looked at his son, his gaze steady and unwavering. "There is a matter of great importance that I wish to discuss with you," he began.

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as he braced himself for
whatever news was coming. "What is it, Appa, is everything alright?" he inquired.

The King nodded and replied, "Yes, me and Edric had a discussion about you, and I have made a decision. You will be crowned king as soon as possible, and I will transfer the leadership of the Serene Sea Kingdom to you. I hope you will be a great king and safeguard everyone."

Jungkook stunned to speak, he didn't expect his father will give the throne to him so soon.
"Appa, what makes you to hurry?" Jungkook questioned.

The King smiled at his son's question, understanding that Jungkook was likely surprised by the suddenness of the decision. "I understand that it may seem sudden," he said, his voice steady. "But there are several reasons behind my decision. Are you ready to hear them?"

The prince nodded but before he could say something the King leaned forward, his gaze locked on the mark on Jungkook's neck. Concern etched across his face as he asked, "Son, what is that mark on your neck? Are you okay? Did something happen while you were out of the water?"

Jungkook's eyes widened in a mixture of surprise and slight panic. He hesitated for a moment before stuttering out a response, "Uhm, n...no, Appa. Nothing happened, don't worry."

The King's gaze remained fixed on the mark on Jungkook's neck, a sense of doubt lingering in his expression. He wasn't completely convinced by his son's reassurance, but he decided to press further.

"Are you sure, my son?" the King asked, his tone laced with concern. "That mark looks like a bite...I find it hard to believe that nothing happened."

Jungkook's heart raced as his father's words hung in the air. He could sense the King's skepticism, and he wasn't sure how to explain the mark on his neck without revealing the truth.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to maintain a calm demeanor as he replied, "Really, Appa, it's nothing. I...I~"

Before Jungkook could complete his sentence.. "Your majesty," a guard hurriedly interjected, "one of our people spotted vampire guards from King Taehyung's kingdom wandering outside a while ago. They appeared to be searching for someone or something."

The news hung heavy in the air as the King's expression darkened. "Vampire guards from King Taehyung's kingdom?" he echoed, his voice laced with skepticism. "What could they possibly be searching for in our territory?"

Hearing those words from their guard Jungkook's heart began to race, the news of the vampire guards sending a wave of shock and anxiety through him. He found himself at a loss for words, feeling uncertain and uneasy about the situation. The weight of the revelation settled heavily on his shoulders, leaving him to wonder what the arrival of these guards could mean for his kingdom.

The King, sensing Jungkook's unease, turned to him and asked, "Son, do you have any idea why vampire guards from King Taehyung's kingdom would be searching here?"