A Kingdom Reforged (JOONGDUNK)

Chapter 11: The King's Jealousy

The Grand Hall

The grand hall of the royal palace, a vast, opulently decorated room with towering columns, glittering chandeliers, and richly adorned tapestries hanging from the walls. The hall is filled with nobles, diplomats, and courtiers, all dressed in their finest attire, gathered to welcome a visiting nobleman from a neighboring kingdom. The atmosphere is formal, with an underlying tension that hints at the complex political alliances at play.

The doors to the grand hall swing open, and the visiting nobleman, Lord Callum, makes his entrance. He is tall, with striking features and an air of confidence that immediately commands attention. As he approaches, his eyes scan the room until they land on Dunk, who stands beside Joong near the head of the room. A flicker of interest crosses Lord Callum's face as he takes in Dunk's appearance.

Dunk, still adjusting to his role as Joong's intended queen, feels a wave of discomfort under the nobleman's gaze. He shifts slightly, glancing at Joong, who remains stoic, though there's a subtle tightening of his jaw.

Lord Callum approaches, offering a deep bow to Joong. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to be in your presence," he says smoothly. Then, turning to Dunk, he adds, "And I see that the rumors are true—your intended is as captivating as they say."

Dunk feels his cheeks flush slightly at the compliment, but he quickly composes himself, offering a polite nod in return. Joong, however, remains silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watches the interaction.

A lavish feast held in honor of Lord Callum's visit. The long dining table is laden with an array of sumptuous dishes, and the air is filled with the scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced wine. Dunk is seated beside Joong at the head of the table, with Lord Callum directly across from him.

Throughout the meal, Lord Callum's attention remains fixed on Dunk. He engages him in conversation, asking about his life in the palace, his interests, and his thoughts on the kingdom. Dunk responds politely, though he can't help but notice the way Joong's demeanor grows increasingly tense with each passing minute.

Joong's possessiveness becomes more apparent as the evening progresses. He interrupts Lord Callum's questions, steering the conversation toward more neutral topics, and his hand occasionally rests on Dunk's shoulder, a clear signal of his claim.

But Lord Callum seems unfazed, his gaze lingering on Dunk longer than is appropriate. "Your Majesty," he says, turning to Joong with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes, "you are indeed fortunate to have such a remarkable partner. I imagine many in your court must be envious."

Joong's eyes flash with something dark and dangerous. "Indeed," he replies, his voice cool. "But Dunk is more than just a partner. He is the future of this kingdom, and I will not tolerate anyone who undermines that."

The tension at the table is palpable, and Dunk feels a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. He glances at Joong, sensing the storm brewing beneath the surface, and knows that this night is far from over.

Later that evening, after the guests have retired to their chambers, Dunk and Joong return to Joong's private quarters. The room is dimly lit by the soft glow of candlelight, casting long shadows on the walls. The atmosphere is heavy with the unspoken words between them.

Joong paces near the window, his expression dark and brooding. Dunk stands near the door, feeling the weight of the silence between them.

Finally, Joong speaks, his voice low and controlled. "Do you have feelings for him, Dunk?"

The question catches Dunk off guard, and he stares at Joong in disbelief. "What? No, of course not. I barely know him."

Joong's eyes flash with anger as he turns to face Dunk fully. "Then why did you entertain his advances? Why did you let him look at you like that?"

Dunk takes a step forward, frustration bubbling up inside him. "What was I supposed to do, Joong? Ignore him? Cause a scene? I was just trying to be polite."

Joong's hands clench into fists at his sides, his jealousy getting the better of him. "You belong to me, Dunk. I won't let anyone else have you."

Dunk feels a surge of anger in response to Joong's possessiveness. "I'm not a piece of property, Joong. You can't just control me like that."

Joong's eyes soften for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through his anger. "I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice laced with pain. "I just... I can't stand the thought of losing you."

Dunk's heart aches at the raw emotion in Joong's voice. Despite his anger, he steps closer, placing a hand on Joong's arm. "You're not going to lose me, Joong. But you have to trust me."

Joong looks into Dunk's eyes, searching for reassurance. "I do trust you, Dunk. But it's hard for me... I've lost so much already. I can't lose you too."

Dunk sighs, his anger dissipating as he sees the fear behind Joong's jealousy. "I'm not going anywhere, Joong. But you have to let me make my own choices. You have to let me be myself."

Joong nods slowly, his expression softening further. "I'll try," he promises, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's hard... because I care about you so much."

Dunk's heart skips a beat at Joong's words, and he feels a wave of warmth and affection wash over him. He reaches up, cupping Joong's face in his hands. "I care about you too, Joong. But we have to work together if this is going to work."

Joong closes his eyes, leaning into Dunk's touch. "I know," he whispers, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and regret. "I'll do better, Dunk. I promise."

The tension between them slowly begins to fade as they stand there, holding each other in the quiet of the night. Dunk feels the weight of the evening's events lift from his shoulders, replaced by a sense of understanding and connection with Joong that wasn't there before.

Without a word, Joong leans down, capturing Dunk's lips in a soft, tender kiss. It's a kiss that speaks of apology, of forgiveness, and of a desire to move forward together. Dunk melts into the kiss, feeling the warmth of Joong's embrace surrounding him, grounding him.

The kiss deepens, becoming more passionate as they pour their emotions into each other. Joong's hands slide down Dunk's back, pulling him closer, as if he can't bear to let go. Dunk responds in kind, his fingers tangling in Joong's hair as he presses himself against the king.

They move to the bed, their movements slow and deliberate, savoring the intimacy of the moment. Joong's touch is gentle, reverent, as he undresses Dunk, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and adoration. Dunk feels a shiver run down his spine as Joong's lips trail kisses along his neck, his collarbone, his chest.

As they come together, their bodies moving in sync, Dunk feels a sense of completeness that he's never felt before. It's more than just physical—it's an emotional connection that runs deep, a bond that has been forged through their shared experiences, their struggles, and their growing love for each other.

The night is filled with whispered promises, soft moans, and the sound of their hearts beating in unison. When they finally collapse onto the bed, spent and sated, Dunk curls up against Joong, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath him.

Joong wraps his arms around Dunk, holding him close as they drift off to sleep, their bodies entwined. For the first time in a long time, Dunk feels safe, secure, and loved.