Second Chance

Chapter 72

Flashback:

Taehyung stood before Nefa and Bam, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and sorrow. "After I take my revenge for Jungkook," he began, his voice firm, "I want to put an end to the traditions of this king and queen."

Nefa, sensing the depth of Taehyung's emotions, tried to protest, opening his mouth to speak. However, the intensity in Taehyung's eyes and the pain underlying his words made Nefa pause. He closed his mouth and remained silent, understanding that this was not the time to argue.

Taehyung continued, his gaze shifting to Nefa. "I don't have a queen," he said softly but resolutely. "So, it's better to end this tradition." His words hung heavy in the air, and Nefa could see the weight Taehyung was carrying.

A moment later, Taehyung added, "I don't think I have much time left, Nefa." His voice cracked slightly, betraying a hint of the fear and uncertainty that lurked beneath his calm exterior.

Nefa, unable to bear the thought of losing another person he cared about, quickly interrupted, "Don't say that, Taehyung. What will we do without you?" His voice was desperate, almost pleading.

Taehyung gave a small, sad chuckle in response. "If something happens to me, or if I die," he said, trying to maintain a light tone despite the gravity of his words, "Nefa, I'm entrusting you with this responsibility. Everything in this palace should remain as it is today. You must end the tradition of the king and queen and establish a new system of government. And the palace should be closed forever, to serve as a memory of Jungkook and me."

He paused, his voice becoming even softer, almost as if he was speaking more to himself than to Nefa. "When I return in my next life, and if fate is kind and Jungkook is with me, I promise I will bring him back here."

Nefa stared at Taehyung, the weight of his words sinking in. He knew that what Taehyung was asking of him was immense, a burden that he had never expected to bear. He could see the determination in Taehyung's eyes, the resolve of someone who had made peace with his decision but also the sadness of someone who was preparing for a farewell.

Taehyung looked at Nefa intently. "Tell me, Nefa," he asked quietly, "will you fulfill my wish?"

Nefa felt a lump in his throat, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. He knew he didn't have much choice. Taehyung's wish was his final request, and he couldn't deny him. After a moment of silence, Nefa nodded, agreeing to take on the responsibility, even though his heart ached at the thought of what it meant.

End of flashback--

The once-grand palace, filled with life and laughter, now stood empty and silent, its echoes of the past fading into the vast emptiness. Each step that the workers took away from their rooms felt like a step away from a life they had known and cherished. The closing of the massive room doors was not just a physical act but a symbolic end to an era, a final farewell to a place that had seen so much joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

The queen, once a symbol of grace and strength, now sat silently in a daze. Her eyes, once sharp and commanding, were vacant, lost in a fog of grief and confusion. Her frail body trembled as if every breath she took was a struggle against the crushing weight of her losses. Her son, her last remaining joy after her husband's death, was gone, and with him, any semblance of her former self. The pain had been too much, it had shattered her mind, leaving her trapped in a world of shadows and echoes.

As the last of the palace staff prepared to leave, there was a palpable sense of finality. The guards, who had once stood tall and proud, protecting the royal family, now looked downcast and defeated. The maids, who had tended to the queen and her family with utmost devotion, wiped away tears as they packed their belongings. For them, the palace was more than just a place of work, it was a part of their identity, a testament to their loyalty and service. Now, as they left, they left behind a piece of themselves, a piece that would forever remain within the palace walls.