A Crowned Heart

{12}

The storm had finally passed, leaving the world outside drenched and silent. The first hints of dawn were beginning to break on the horizon, casting a soft, pale light over the garden. Y/N and Taehyung remained close, reluctant to let go of the warmth and comfort they had found in each other's arms.

But as the sky slowly lightened, the reality of their situation began to creep back in. They couldn't stay hidden in the pavilion forever—sooner or later, someone would come looking for them, and if they were found together, it would only make things worse.

Taehyung was the first to pull back, his expression serious but gentle. "We should head back before anyone notices we're gone."

Y/N nodded, though she felt a pang of reluctance at the thought of leaving their secluded spot. "You're right. But how are we going to get back without being seen?"

Taehyung thought for a moment, then gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll take the servants' passageways. They're less likely to be guarded at this hour, and they should lead us back inside the castle unnoticed."

Y/N nodded again, trusting Taehyung's plan. "Alright. Let's go before anyone wakes up."

With that, they quietly left the pavilion, moving swiftly through the damp garden. The air was cool and fresh after the rain, but Y/N barely noticed, her thoughts focused on the task ahead. They moved silently, their footsteps muffled by the wet ground.

As they reached the edge of the garden, Taehyung led Y/N to a hidden entrance tucked away behind a cluster of trees. The door was small and unassuming, easily overlooked by anyone who didn't know it was there. Taehyung pushed it open with ease, revealing a narrow, dimly lit corridor.

"This way," he whispered, taking her hand as they slipped inside.

The passage was cold and dark, the stone walls pressing in on them from both sides. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, and their footsteps echoed faintly as they made their way deeper into the castle. Despite the cramped quarters, Y/N felt a strange sense of safety, knowing that Taehyung was by her side.

After a few minutes of winding through the narrow corridors, they reached a small staircase leading up to the main levels of the castle. Taehyung paused at the base of the stairs, listening carefully for any signs of movement above.

"All clear," he whispered, motioning for Y/N to follow him up the stairs.

They ascended quietly, each step careful and deliberate. The castle was eerily silent, the usual hustle and bustle of the palace still hours away. As they reached the top of the stairs, they found themselves in a dimly lit hallway, the faint light of early dawn filtering through the small windows.

"This way," Taehyung said softly, leading Y/N down the corridor. "We're close to your chambers."

Y/N followed him, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and anticipation. She couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, half-expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows. But the castle remained quiet, and they encountered no one as they made their way through the hallways.

Finally, they reached the door to Y/N's chambers. Taehyung paused in front of it, turning to face her. His eyes were filled with concern, but also a hint of something else—reluctance, perhaps, at the thought of leaving her.

"This is it," he said quietly. "You'll be safe here until morning. No one will know you were gone."

Y/N nodded, though her heart ached at the thought of parting ways with him. "Thank you, Taehyung. For everything."

Taehyung gave her a soft smile, his hand lingering on hers for a moment longer. "You don't have to thank me, Y/N. I'm just glad you're safe."

There was a brief, heavy silence between them, filled with all the things left unsaid. Then, as if unable to help himself, Taehyung leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want this to be the last time we see each other like this."

Y/N's breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping a beat. "Neither do I."

Taehyung's gaze softened, and for a moment, it seemed as if he might close the distance between them. But then he pulled back slightly, his expression filled with both determination and regret. "We'll find a way to be together, Y/N. I promise."

Y/N nodded, her voice catching in her throat. "I believe you."

With a final, lingering look, Taehyung stepped back, allowing Y/N to slip inside her chambers. As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, her heart pounding in her chest. The brief moments they had shared felt like a lifeline, a connection she wasn't ready to let go of.

But for now, all they could do was wait, biding their time until they could be together again. And as Y/N lay down on her bed, her mind racing with thoughts of Taehyung